James F. Savilisky, III, 68, of Patterson Township, passed away on July 31, 2024, in his residence.

Born on June 12, 1956, in Beaver Falls, he was the son of the late James Jr. and Sylvia (Minarik) Savilisky. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Julie Come and Linda Savilisky. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Daniel and Michele Savilisky; his brother-in-law, Mike Come; his 5 nieces and nephews, Megan Crusciel, Anthony (Morgan) Crusciel, Daniel Jr. (Bella) Savilisky, Michael Savilisky and Allison (Michael) Graw; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Chloe, Logan Haisley, Isla and another one on the way.

A member of St. Monica’s Church of St. Augustine Parish, James loved the outdoors. He especially loved fishing and camping.  He cherished taking trips to the casino with his mother prior to her passing 7 months ago. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Friends will be received on Monday, August 5th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. at the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. Prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Tuesday, August 6th at 9:30AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.

Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery and the Beaver County Special Unit will provide full military honors at the cemetery.

Gretchen M. Whipple, 63, of Beaver, formerly of Freedom, passed away on July 29, 2024. She was born in Rochester on April 17, 1961, a daughter of the late Owen Alexander and Angela M. (Catalano) Whipple.

Gretchen died in the good graces and with all the sacraments of Holy Mother Church. Even in her late stage of confusion, she was pleased to repeat, “I have my faith”.

Gretchen had her Masters Degree in Art Therapy. She spent most of her career working with troubled children at the Mars Home for Youth, Pressley Ridge and later with deaf children and most recently with Cambridge Village.

Gretchen left colorful mementos of her art, crafts and ceramics with family and friends throughout her life. We all look forward to the Resurrection and reunion of all who unashamedly love God.

She is survived by her siblings, Brooks and his wife, Christine Whipple, Curtis Whipple, Douglas J. and his wife, Gabriella Whipple, and Eric F. Whipple; her nephews, Matthew and his wife, Jessica Whipple, Zachary Whipple, Patrick Whipple, and her niece, Lily Whipple; her grand-nieces, Beatrice and Mary-Eloise Whipple.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday August 6, 2024 at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Sts. Peter and Paul. (200 3^rd St. Beaver PA 15009) Inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Freedom, immediately following the mass. Everyone please meet at the Church.

Karen Vodenichar Trautman, 81, of Brighton Twp, passed away on July 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Born November 8, 1942 in Langeloth, PA she was a daughter of the late William H. and Kathryn (Giglotti) Young. Karen worked as a manager in shortage control for over 35 years at the former Kaufmans, and Macys. She loved family gatherings, playing cards, and gossiping.

Along with her parents Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph R. Trautman (2021); as well as her brother, Howard Young (2004)

Karen will be greatly missed by her son, David (Karen)Vodenichar; daughter, Dayna (Ed) Dierdorf; sister and brother-in-law, Pamela (Robert) Rogers; sister-in-law, Barbara Deane Young; grand-children, Chelsey (Ryan) Holt, Roni Vodenichar, Daniel (Morgan) Dierdorf, Kurt (Brooke Nicol) Dierdorf; great grandchildren, Alexis, Isabella and Noah Holt; and her faithful four-legged companion, Muffi.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc. As per Karen’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A private Celebration of life will be held at a later date. Inurnment will take place at the Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions may be made in Karen’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

The family would like to thank the staff at Providence Health and Rehab Center for their love and compassionate care given to Karen during her time with them.

Charles D. “Chuck” Shreve, 74, of Raccoon Township, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Heritage Valley Sewickley.

Born on March 13, 1950, in Elkins, WV, he was the son of the late Laco and Edith Georgia Shreve.

Chuck was a graduate of Western Beaver High School and had retired from NOVA Chemical as a Foreman.  He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and NASCAR fan and was excited for the 2024 season.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Gloria (Wilds) Shreve; his children, Charles “Chuck” (Toni) Shreve, Aimee (Rich Buenrostro) Shreve, and Brad Shreve; grandchildren, Gabby, Alec, Gavin, Macy, Lainey, and Emma; a brother, Gary Shreve; a brother-in-law, Fred (Jamie) Wilds; niece and nephews, Krystal Wilds, Gary Shreve, Jason Wilds, and Justin Wilds; and numerous friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Jan Shreve.

Chuck’s wishes for cremation will be honored and a private memorial service will be held at a later date.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third St., Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to Chuck’s family during this time.

Carole A. Zemkosky, 80 of Center Twp., passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024 in Heritage Valley Beaver.  She was born in Sewickley, the daughter of the late Ann & Steve Zvonar.  She worked as a nurse’s aid for many years at the Beaver Valley Geriatric Center.  She loved to watch the Steelers, often watching with her son on the phone. She also loved to gamble and take trips to Vegas.  She was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish, Our Lady of Fatima Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael J. Zemkosky on July 26, 2021.

She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law: Marcia and Dan Carney, Crescent Twp., and a brother and sister-in-law:  Steven Jeffrey & Patricia Zvonar, TX.

Shirley Ann Grundza, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully in the early hours on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the age of 92.

Born on April 17, 1932, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to the late Edward and Marie (Willenbacher) Eckroate, Shirley married her husband Edward “Ed” Grundza in 1951 and settled in Baden, PA, where they raised their five children.  A devoted wife and mother, Shirley also balanced and accomplished a career with the Sears & Roebuck and Co., where she served in Human Resources for over 25 years.

An avid gardener, Shirley truly appreciated the beauty of nature and loved spending time outside tending to her flowers.  She also loved to travel, and shared countless adventures with her husband Ed, and made many lasting memories with her children and grandchildren during summer beach trips.  Finding home each winter in Homosassa Springs, Florida, Shirley would escape the cold, soak in the Florida sunshine, and play several rounds of golf.  Shirley was also a faithful member of the Good Samaritan Catholic parish in Ambridge.

Shirley was predeceased in death by her husband, Edward Grundza, her sister and brother-in-law, Phylis and John Majcher, brother-in-law, Joseph “Joe” Zagorski, sister-in-law, Yvonne Eckroate, and son-in-law, Jonathan Baacke.

Shirley is survived by her sister, Dorthy Zagorski, of Beaver, PA; and brother, Edward Eckroate of Montgomery, AL.  She is also survived by her children: Cheryl (Kevin) Ostrowski, of Beaver, PA; Christine (Robert) Mease, of Myerstown, PA; Richard (Lisa) Grundza, of Monaca, PA; William (Kathy) Grundza, of Baden, PA; Linda Baacke, of Wexford, PA. Shirley also leaves behind her 11 grandchildren: John, Sarah, Laurie, Michael, Jeremy, Ryan, Jennifer, Christopher, Jesse, Adam, and Rachel; 16 great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, August 4, 2024, from 1-5 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, from where a prayer service will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 10 AM.  A mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 10:30 A.M. in the Good Samaritan Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Economy Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Franciscan Manor and Celebration Villa for the wonderful care they provided Shirley.