It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lynn Essek on February 5, 2024 Born July 6, 1928, in Logstown, Pennsylvania to Milovan (Michael) and Sava (Sophie) Opsanic, Lynn was raised in a proud Serbian household as the youngest of five daughters. Lynn’s early years were marked by a feisty spirit. She took advantage of her statuesque height and her older sister’s misprinted birth certificate to gain employment at age fifteen as a crane operator for J & L Steel in Aliquippa. Soon after, she met the love of her life, Frank Essek, while dancing at Jack’s Bar in Ambridge. The couple embarked on a lifelong adventure, marrying in June of 1946, sharing a beautiful partnership for 45 years until Frank’s passing in 1991.  Lynn Essek was a force of nature, a woman of strong opinions, and unwavering convictions.  Her insatiable curiosity led her to become an avid reader, spending countless hours at the Aliquippa library during her childhood. During the 70s and 80s, Lynn was one of the most published contributors to the Beaver County Times letters to the editor. She fearlessly engaged in debates and defended her views with a determination that was as admirable as it was formidable. Her mental and physical strength was unparalleled, conquering challenges with sheer willpower and, at times, the help of her trusty skateboard. She exuded endless energy fueled by gallons of coffee and found solace in sleeping outside on her covered patio, especially during thunderstorms. Lynn cherished the home Frank built for her and lived there independently until her final days. Following Frank’s passing, Lynn’s resilient spirit manifested in a successful entrepreneurial career. Renowned as the “Simply Strudel” lady, she sold her beloved apple strudel at craft shows and local shops, tirelessly producing the delicious treat for over two decades. Though she made efforts to pass on her secret recipe to her family, no one has successfully duplicated the original.  A woman of faith, Lynn was a devoted member of both SS.Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ambridge and St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa. Her enduring affection for her family resonated deeply, and she embraced life wholeheartedly and without reservation. Motherhood and being a Baba brought her unparalleled joy and fulfillment. The legacy of her boundless love and unwavering support endures in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Lynn is survived by her children, Frank (Sue) Essek, Cranberry Township, Marilyn Fausti, Waynesville, North Carolina, Jim(Laura) Essek, Harmony Township, Lynda (Ed) Zimmerman, Hopewell, Karen (Devin) Reffitt, Scottsdale, Arizona, Paul (Lisa) Essek, Dunedin, Florida, Sarah (Michael) Grafton, Franklin Park and son in-law, Paul (Kim) Kamzleski, Harmony Township.   She was the most loving Baba to her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jennifer (Brian, Lauren, Grace, Kevin) Callahan, Ronnie (Jennifer, Christian, Chloe) Kamzelski, Kristen (Robert, Kylie, Olivia, Emmy) Zambianchi, Brian Essek, Adam (Justine) Zimmerman, Aaron (Frida) Zimmerman, Samantha (Ben, Tristin, Benjamin, Juniper) Essek, Eric (Krista, Damon, Ella, Finn) Hyer, Amber Hyer, Madelyn Hyer, Kara Reffitt,Christiana (Zak) Kennedy, Dylan (Pawan) Reffitt, Jake Essek, Zack Essek, Benjamin Grafton, Cole Essek, and Sophie Grafton. In addition to her husband, Lynn was preceded in death by her daughter Joan Kamzelski and grandson Devin Reffitt. Lynn ‘s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate or Good Samaritan Hospice https://concordialm.org/donate/  . The family would also like to thank the nurses, doctors and staff at Good Samaritan Hospice, Beaver for their compassion and care for our mother in her final days.

Friends will be received on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549, followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM, at Saint Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church, 2200 Irwin Street, Aliquippa , PA. Burial will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Economy.

Edward Dorin Brutout, 97, of Bell Acres, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Concordia of Cranberry. He was born on June 3, 1926 in Beaverdale, (Cambria County) PA to the late Emil and Agnes (Jones) Brutout. He was a retired steelworker in the tin mill department of the former Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation, Aliquippa Works and LTV Steel Corporation. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing at his mountain camp. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II as part of “America’s Greatest Generation.” Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were his wife, Dorothy (Besong) Brutout, two sisters, Betty Korb and Gerry Hall, a brother, Emil Brutout, Jr. and son-in- law, Bob Bellisario. He is survived by two children, Dan (Susan) Brutout of Bell Acres, Linda Bellisario of Bridgeville, grandchildren, Samantha Brutout and husband, Jamie Vollm of Economy, Kathie Bellisario and her companion Tom Wilson of Eighty-Four, PA, Tara Bellisario and her husband Mark Nath of Peter’s Twp., Matthew (Christina) Bellisario of Jackson, MS, great grandchildren, Zoe, Alex, and Bodhi Nath, and Bryce Wilson, siblings, Arthur Brutout, Joan Pander and Dave Brutout, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Friends will be received on Wednesday from 3-7 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge where the family will have a Celebration of Life Service on Thursday at 10:00 AM. Interment with full military honors provided by the Beaver County Special Unit will follow at 11:15 AM at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

Rebecca Jean Alford, 74, of Harrisburg, PA formerly of Beaver, PA passed away February 3, 2024.

Born on September 13, 1949, in New Brighton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Richard Needham and Frances Jean Patterson Alford. Rebecca was a 1967 graduate of Beaver Area High School, and went on to attend and graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s Degree, and then continued her education at Duquesne Law School in Pittsburgh, PA, where she obtained her Juris Doctor (JD) Law Degree. She worked for 20 years for the state of Pennsylvania Securities Commission, in the department of corporate finance.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her infant sister, Beverly.
Rebecca will be sadly missed by her siblings, Richard Alford, Harrisburg, PA, Yvonne Alford, Harrisburg, PA, David Alford, Blue Bell, PA, Barbara (John) Revay, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and John Alford, Greer, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

As per Rebecca’s wishes, all services were private. Interment took place at the Beaver Cemetery.

Professional Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA, 15009. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Rebecca’s name to Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute Development Department Forbes Tower, Suite 8084 3600 Forbes Avenue at Meyran Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Martha “Jane” (Berkey) Blackburn Ceratti, 93, of West Mayfield and formerly of Koppel, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at the home of her dear friend Diane Kent, whom she considered family.
Jane was born on December 7, 1930, in Windber, PA, (Somerset County) She was the last surviving child of 11 born to the late Milton Ross Berkey and Nellie Pearle (Wilson) Berkey. She is retired from The Medical Center, Beaver as a patient escort. Jane had a deep faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord. She was a long time devoted member of Chippewa Alliance Church where she served as a deaconess for many years. She also was active in Bible studies and loved to eat out    with family and friends, especially with her Church friends on a weekly basis. Jane was well loved by all who knew her. She had a kind and loving heart toward everyone she met.
She was preceded in death by her late husbands, Cecil Ansley Blackburn, 1996 and Michael Lee Ceratti, 1998.
Jane had five children, Rev. David Leroy (Nancy) Blackburn, Aubrey, TX; the late Cecil Dean Blackburn, died 2013; the late Craig Ansley Blackburn, died 1995; Mark Lewis (Tammy) Blackburn, East Liverpool, OH; Timothy Allen (Jeannie) Blackburn, West Mayfield. Jane also had 29 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren and four stepchildren, and many cherished friends…..
Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 6th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, www.hillandkunselman.com , 3801 Fourth Ave., Beaver Falls.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 7th at 11:00 a.m. in the Chippewa Alliance Church, 3629 37th Street Ext., Beaver Falls, PA 15010 with her Pastor, Rev. Dan Muir. She will be buried in Clinton Cemetery in Wampum, PA.
Jane would prefer donations to be made to the church, in lieu of flowers.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha “Jane” Ceratti, please visit our floral store.

Paul J. Schraf, 94, formerly of Columbiana, OH and Beaver Falls, passed away on January 31, 2024 at The Inn at Glenellen in North Lima, OH where he and his wife resided.
One of four children, Paul was born on November 5, 1929 in Altoona, PA to the late Robert and Margaret (Hoelzle) Schraf. Paul was a member of St. Jude Catholic Parish in Columbiana, OH.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, M. LaVerne (Criste) Schraf; together they raised eight children, Karen (Bob) Botte, Lawrenceville, GA, Anita Miller, Gulfport, FL, Dave (Karin) Schraf, Webster, NY, Linda (Greg) Hildebrand, Fredericksburg, VA, Betsy (Jim) Pence, Harrisburg, NC, Paula (Jim) Brown, Canfield, OH, Mike (Susan) Schraf, Harrisburg, PA, Rick (Jody) Schraf, State College, PA; 24 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Paul served his country in the United States Army for two years during the Korean War. He and his young bride moved to Beaver Falls in 1953 where he worked for over 40 years as a flooring installer. Paul and LaVerne retired to Calabash, NC in 1994 where they lived for over 12 years. During these years in North Carolina, all 8 children, their spouses, and children would travel to Ocean Isle Beach for a week. So many wonderful memories were made during those beach trips, and Paul was happy to tell anyone that walked by that they were all his!
Although he would never tell you, Paul was an extremely talented man, who was also generous to a fault. He was known throughout Beaver County as a master carpet installer whose work was always of exceptional quality. He was also a skilled carpenter as illustrated by numerous home improvement projects he completed at the family home in Beaver Falls, and the countless projects he worked on improving his children’s homes over the years. Upon retirement, he learned a new woodworking skill called Intarsia (the creation of intricate inlays and designs from different pieces of wood). Over the course of 30 years, he made roughly 120 beautiful pieces, which are proudly displayed in the homes of his children, grandchildren, and various friends.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, February 4th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, 3801 Fourth Avenue, Beaver Falls. www.hillandkunselman.com/obituaries
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 5th at 10:00 am in St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Road, Beaver Falls. Interment to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Patriot Cares, Inc., 986 Tibbetts Wick Road, Girard, OH 44420 https://www.patriotathome.org/patriot-cares

Samuel John Yurick Jr., 80, of Industry, passed away unexpectedly in his home on February 2, 2023.
Born on December 4, 1943, in Midland, PA, he was the son of the late Samuel Sr. and Frances Batcha Yurick. Sam spent his early years working in the vending machine industry for ARA Services, and later as a security officer for Securitas. He was Catholic by faith, and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Sam was a car and sports enthusiast, and enjoyed fishing, gardening, and
attending all his children’s and grandchildren’s events.
Along with his parents, Sam is preceded in death by his wife, Judith Patterson Yurick; and sister, Margaret Cindrich.
Sam will be sadly missed by his daughter, Janet (Daniel) Cunningham, Midland; his son, Steven (Suzanne) Yurick, South Park; his grandchildren, Sarah Yurick, Andrew Yurick, Erika Fussenegger, and Amber Cunningham.
Friends will be received on Thursday February 8, 2024, from noon until the time of Blessing Service at 2 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sam’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Emma Lou Oxley McIsaac, 93, formerly of Beaver, passed away on January 31, 2024.
Born on January 21, 1931, in Donora, PA, she was the daughter of the late Guy and Sarah Weston Oxley. Emma was a 1948 graduate of Donora Senior High, and continued on to attend and graduate in 1952 from Geneva College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She had been employed at numerous places: US Steel, Commercial Resource in Pittsburgh, Drs Marion & Davis, First Presbyterian Church, and Synod of the Trinity. Emma was a faithful and longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Beaver, she joined in 1955 and had been a Deacon and an Elder. She was a member of Naomi Sisters and Century Club, as well as a past member of Gertrude Barrett Service Group, Crimson Line Friendship Ridge Volunteer, and Presbyterian Women.
Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, David Wylie McIsaac (1999); and her sister, Jane Cameron.
Emma will be sadly missed by her daughter, Jill (Patrick) Kelly, Wexford, PA; sons David McIsaac, Bradford Woods, PA, and Timothy (Kim) McIsaac Rapid City, SD; 8 grandchildren: Alison Lizzi, Pittsburgh; Caitlin Kelly, Wexford; Shannon Kelly, Wexford; Michael McIsaac, Pittsburgh; Claire McIsaac, Columbus, OH; Lauren McIsaac, Columbus, OH; Robert McIsaac, Bradford Woods, PA; & Brynne McIsaac, France; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received on Monday, February 5, 2024 in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009, from 2PM-4PM and 6PM-8PM. A Funeral Service will take place at the Funeral Home on Tuesday February 6, 2024 at 11AM, officiated by Pastor Jeff Arnold. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Private Interment to take place at Beaver Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Emma’s name to First Presbyterian Church.

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Catherine A. Rowe, 78, of Rochester Twp., passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Beaver Meadows. Catherine was born August 21, 1945, in Rochester. She was the daughter of the late Jack and Norma (White) Clinton.
Cathie was a retired high school teacher with business education studies in the Blackhawk School District. She was a member of Faith Community United Methodist Church of Rochester. Cathie received her B.S. Degree in education from Geneva College and also a masters in education from the University of Pittsburgh. She attended Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, working on her doctorate. Cathie belonged to the Blackhawk Teachers Book Club and was an avid golfer, loved going to the beaches, traveling in the U.S. and Europe. She enjoyed her lunches with her high school girlfriends and hostessing Christmas Eve parties with family and friends.
Cathie is survived by her husband of 52 years, Timothy L. Rowe, two sons and daughters in law, Douglass C. and Natalie Rowe, Center Twp., Michael C. and Kristen Rowe, Brighton Twp., five grandchildren, Maryn, Madelyn, Samuel, Blake and Colt, a brother and sister in law, Michael and Marjorie Clinton, Evergreen, Colorado, a brother in law, Craig Cropsey, Albuquerque, New Mexico, beloved friends, Kathryn and Jerry Bliton, Chippewa, and Howard and Darlene Graff.
She was preceded in death by a grandson, Charles Douglass Rowe, a sister, Cindie Cropsey, and mother and father in law Mazie and Charles Rowe, Sr.
Friends will be received Monday, February 5, 2024, form 3-7 in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., Rochester, where services will be held Tuesday, February 6, at 11 am. Officiating will be Reverend Emmett Anderson. Family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Parkinson’s Association of Western Pennsylvania or to Faith Community United Methodist Church, Rochester, Pa.
The family would like to thank St. Barnabas Hospice and Beaver Meadow Staff for care given to Cathy.

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