Gerald “Jerry” R. Armstrong (1948-2026)

Gerald “Jerry” R. Armstrong, 78, of Clinton, passed away unexpectedly in his home on September 28th, 2026.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 7th, 1948, the son of the late Reverend Robert C. Armstrong and Maudie (Hargis) Armstrong.

As a young man, Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1973.

He was a man of many talents and a tireless worker. He was a skilled carpenter and an amateur mechanic who took great pride in maintaining his own cars and trucks. Later in life, he obtained his CDL and worked as a commercial truck driver, traveling across the country delivering loads of drywall, steel, and motor oil.

In his spare time, he loved to garden, growing a wide variety of vegetables every year as well as landscaping his property. He was also an avid student of history, possessing an extensive and deep knowledge of both United States and world history.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Anna P. (Pozdniakow) Armstrong, his four children: Richard Armstrong (Amy) of Lewisburg, Lucas Armstrong of Clinton, Jesse Armstrong (Julie) of Moon Township and Christopher Armstrong of Pittsburgh; as well as his four cherished grandchildren, Katie, Evan, Jacob, and Colton; as well as his sister, Diane Brosius (Larry).

All services at this time for Gerald are private.

The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township is in charge of his arrangements.

Interment with military honors will take place at a later date at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

Memorial contributions can be made to Little Sisters of the Poor.

Ada Anne Ohnezeit (1925-2026)

Ada Anne Ohnezeit, 101, of Chippewa Township, passed away surrounded by her family on September 28th, 2026, at AHN Beaver.

She was born in Beaver Falls on January 18th, 1925, the daughter of the late George “Bud” and Elva (Cromby) Steele.

Ada retired from Beaver Falls High School as an administrative assistant following many years of faithful service and was a faithful attendee of First Christian Church for most of her life. In her free time, she enjoyed writing poetry and painting. Above all, she cherished the precious moments she spent with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Ohnezeit.

She is survived by her loving children, Kenneth Ohnezeit, Richard (Karen Ruff) Ohnezeit, and Sue (Robert) Houk, her grandchildren: Max (Kelsey), Jon (Candace), Bridgett (Steve), Cameron (Molly), Alexandra, and Claire; as well as her great-grandchildren, London, Mia, Cash, Lorelei, Grace, and George: along with numerous extended family and friends.

Friends will be received on Sunday, October 4th from 1 P.M. until the time of services at 3 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Burial will be private at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Providence Health & Rehab Center Activities Department, 900 3rd Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Ona Annette McAdoo (1932-2026)

Ona Annette McAdoo, 94, of Beaver Falls, passed away on September 27th, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford. She was born in North East, Pennsylvania on April 25th, 1932, the daughter of the late Haskell E. and Ruth M. (Farver) Miller. Annette was a graduate of North East High School, where she met her high school sweetheart and lifelong partner, Edwin R. McAdoo. The next year after graduating, they were married on September 1st, 1951 and spent the next few years in North East before moving to Beaver Falls for Edwin’s job. This is where they established their roots, started their family, and Annette took on the very important role of homemaker. Once retired, Edwin and Annette became snowbirds by establishing additional roots in Dade City, Florida where they spent many enjoyable winters with new friends away from the cold Pennsylvania weather. Annette touched so many lives with her kindness, generosity, and willingness to help anyone. She enjoyed the many family vacations spent traveling and camping around the country, participating in her bowling leagues, the shopping trips that included lunch with friends, and most of all spending time with her family. She will be greatly missed and forever loved and remembered. Annette was a member at the New Brighton Church of the Nazarene. She is survived by four children, John R. McAdoo and his late wife, Joyce of Beaver Falls, Ronald C. McAdoo and his wife, Nancy of Poinciana, Florida, Cheryl L. Bedilion and her husband, Rick of Beaver Falls, and Brian J. McAdoo and his wife, Michele of Cranberry Township, ten grandchildren: Jonelle Zinsmaster, Janna McAdoo, David McAdoo, Scott McAdoo, Kristen McAdoo, Alexa Mercure, Melissa Mercure, Ryan Mercure, Emily McAdoo, and Katie McAdoo; as well as seven great grandchildren, Taylor Thomas, Keira Mercure, Brian Zinsmaster, Landon Zinsmaster, Malia Mercure, Garrett McAdoo, Scotland McAdoo; along with one great-great grandchild, Cameron Akins. She was the last member of her generation having been preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Edwin R. McAdoo, two children, James E. McAdoo and Larry A. McAdoo, two brothers, Elwood Miller and Robert Miller and two sisters, Ruth Mary Lutz and Barbara Sweet. Family and friends will be received at Corless-Kunsleman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, on Monday, October 5th from 5-8 p.m., and that was the funeral home that was in charge of her arrangements. A funeral service with Reverand Randy Owens officiating will be held at the New Brighton Church of the Nazarene on Tuesday, October 6th at 11 a.m. Interment will be at North East Cemetery in North East, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, October 7th at 11 a.m.

Patricia Dawn Schlosser Queen (1949-2026)

Patricia Dawn Schlosser Queen, 76, of Beaver Falls, passed away at home with her family by her side on Thursday, September 17, 2026. She was born on September 28th, 1949, a daughter of the late Donald and Patricia King Schlosser. She devoted 40 years to a career as an operating room nurse, a profession so very well-suited to her skill, decisiveness, and compassion. Her family has taken particular comfort in hearing from former patients and colleagues who remember times when Patricia appeared in pre-op to soothe nerves, performed with characteristic no-nonsense competence in the operating room, and stood bedside afterward, when a ready joke helped a patient know it was time to breathe easy. Humor was one of her great gifts. Her wit was quick, irreverent, and often unexpected. No setting was too serious for her to find something funny — not even her own last days. She met Ray Queen when they were teenagers, and they married on June 26th, 1971. Their honeymoon in Niagara Falls inspired five decades of travel. She and Ray raised their children, Matt and Megan, in a home filled with laughter, traditions, and the comfort of knowing that family shows up for one another unconditionally. Since her death, friends from so many different corners of her life have been sharing their own “every year” and “we always” rituals — trips, lunches, visits, and celebrations — the breadth of which her family is still learning. She possessed an understated elegance that was distinctly her own. No one matched her appreciation of a popped collar, a good watch, or pristine shoes. She always smelled faintly of soap and Chanel No. 5. She also lived by a number of tenets, especially these: The hardest thing to do is usually the right one. We’re not always quite as nice, or quite as funny, as we think we are.. What matters most is not only what we intend but also, especially, how we make people feel. During the final years of her life, illness shrunk her world to a room. Her life, however, remained remarkably full. Ray was her constant companion and caregiver. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandson, and the great-granddaughter she was eagerly awaiting, along with extended family and friends, filled the days with conversation, ballgames and cooking shows, movies, favorite foods, manicures and pedicures, photographs, stories, and laughter. She is survived by her beloved husband Ray Queen, her son, Matt McQueen, with Laila Salguero, of Alexandria, Virginia, and daughter, Megan Queen Cantwell, with Chris Cantwell of Patterson Heights, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Aidan and Olivia McQueen, and their mother, Laura McQueen; Avery, Sullivan, Flannery, and Macklin Cantwell; Liam Cantwell, with Lindsay Hill, and their children Easton and Arabella Cantwell. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Kim and Frank Morelli, her nephews and their families, Ben and Dawn Morelli and their children, Aubrey, Kellan, and Sidney, Mike and Chrissy Morelli and their children, Marlo and Luca, Nick and Emily Morelli and their children Frankie, Marshall, and Owen and Zach and Alexis Morelli and their children, Zoey and Lola, Ray’s brother and sister-in-law Tom and Vicki Queen and her nephew, John Maruska and wife, Vanessa, along with extended family and many dear friends, including, since-15, there-for-it-all friend Nancy Shebish, and Carol Pronesti, Alice Linta, Betty and Wayne Evans, her cherished confidante and downstairs neighbor Toni Hall, and the friends inadvertently unnamed here for whom she cared. With her blessing, a Requiem High Mass requested by her grandsons will be offered at Most Precious Blood of Jesus Church, 3250 California Avenue, Pittsburgh on Friday, October 9th, at 9:30 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. Her family is deeply grateful to Three Oaks Hospice and to the many people who cared for her during her illness, with special gratitude to her nurse Alisa Powell and aide, Rachel Kadilak, whose daily companionship and laughter made them part of our family, along with Maria Keiper and Lindsay Jackson. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the National Ataxia Foundation in Patricia’s memory. Professional services and arrangements were entrusted to CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Thelma Smart (1928-2026)

Thelma Smart, 98, of Ambridge, passed away on September 27th, 2026, at Franciscan Manor.  She was born in Allison Park on August 13th, 1928, a daughter of the late Charles and Rose (Morrison) Musser.

When Thelma was in high school, one of her teachers had the class do an assignment where they were to write a letter to a soldier in combat. At the time, little did she know that the letter she wrote to a gentleman by the name of Hoyt Smart, was the man she would be married to for almost 67 years.

She worked as a school bus driver for 60 years. Through those years, she especially enjoyed her time carting around the kindergarten crew. She exercised her domestic skills quite well. She could sew and make her own clothes and was an exceptional cook. She was a genuinely caring person, and she graciously opened her home to others. She absolutely loved spending time with her family; especially at their camp in Tionesta. She will be loved and missed, always.

She is survived by her 3 children, Glenda (Jerry) Riley, Joseph (Diana) Smart and David (Sherri) Smart, 8 grandchildren: Eugene (Amy) Majetic, Brian Majetic, William Giska, Laura (Christopher) Lore, Amy (John) Brennan, Beth Anne (William) Green, Ryan (Roxanne) Smart and Brandon (Morgan) Smart; as well as 10 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild and three siblings, Nancy Runyan, Evelyn Weber and Alma Atkinson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hoyt Smart and her siblings, Edwin Musser, Charles “Butch” Musser, Bonnie Majetic and Ruthann Smart.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Thursday, October 1st, from 4-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Funeral Service will be held on Friday, at 10 A.M. Interment will follow at Hamton Cemetery in Allison Park.

Kenneth “Ken” Yonkee (1932-2026)

Kenneth “Ken” Yonkee, 94, a devoted educator, community builder, and loving family man, passed away peacefully on September 16th, 2026. He was born on May 12th, 1932, and was the husband of M. Irene Yonkee, with whom he shared 68 years of beautiful marriage. Kenneth was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania and he graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1949. He was a passionate athlete, earning varsity letters in baseball under Coach Bill Ross. He began his higher education at Geneva College, playing baseball for two years before answering the call to serve his country during the Korean War. From 1953 to 1955, he served in a Military Police Unit with the U.S. Fourth Army and played baseball at Camp Leroy Johnson. It was during his time at Geneva College that he met the love of his life, Irene Bickerton. They were married on January 21, 1954, while he was home on military leave. Following his honorable discharge, he and Irene returned to Beaver Falls, where Ken finished his B.S. in Education in 1956. He went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Education, certifications in Guidance and Secondary Principalship, and his State Commission to serve as a Superintendent of Schools. Ken dedicated his life to shaping the minds and environments of thousands of students across multiple school districts. Serving as a coach, teacher, principal, and superintendent he impacted the lives of countless students and transformed school districts across Western Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 1956, he began his teaching career in General Science at Highland Junior High School. His natural leadership path eventually led him to serve as a school superintendent for three decades: first at the Riverside School District from 1968 to 1981, where he proudly started the varsity football program and built the middle school; then at Blackhawk from 1981 to 1986, where he brought cutting-edge computer science labs to the students; and finally in Yellow Springs, Ohio, from 1987 to 1997. After his formal retirement as an administrator, he returned to his roots in Western Pennsylvania and continued his service to the community as a member and eventual President of the Blackhawk School Board. Even after his formal retirement, Ken continued his devotion to public education by working with the Northeastern Ohio Learning Associates (NEOLA) as an administrative consultant until his second retirement in 2018. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to local sports, education, and community leadership, he was deeply honored to be inducted into the Larry Bruno Foundation Hall of Achievement in Western Pennsylvania. This prestigious recognition celebrated his lifelong commitment to excellence, teamwork, and the mentorship of young people: values he championed both on the athletic field and throughout his distinguished career in school administration. While his professional legacy left a permanent mark on public education, his family was his ultimate pride and joy. He and Irene raised their three children in Chippewa Township. In 2019, they celebrated their milestone 65th anniversary surrounded by their expanding family during a glorious three-day weekend in Station Square. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his loving parents, Florence (Stengel) and Emil Yonkee and his brother, Harold. He is survived by three wonderful children, his son, Eric, and his wife, Dawn, of Tampa, Florida, his son, Dirk, and his wife, Amy of Culpeper, Virginia and his daughter, Megan, and her husband, Robert Beck of Port Matilda, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Erin (Richard) Mona, Brett (Jason) Smith, and Cole (Lexi) Yonkee, all of Tampa, Florida, Justin Beck of Austin, Texas and Trevor (Tamar) Beck of State College, Pennsylvania. He leaves behind three precious great-grandchildren who brought boundless joy to his later years, Elodie and Charles Mona, and Adeline Yonkee, all of Tampa, Florida. He was also filled with joy and anticipation to welcome his fourth great-grandchild, Kieran Yonkee, who is expected to be born on December 29th. There are no services at this time for Kenneth. Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Ruth M. Harris (1931-2026)

Ruth M. Harris, 95, of Rochester Township, passed away on September 26th, 2026, at St. Barnabas – Beaver Meadows. She was born in North Wilksboro, North Carolina on February 22nd, 1931, a daughter of the late Charles and Jessie Parks Whittington. Ruth was a retired employee with Westinghouse Corporation, a member of the Second Baptist Church in Rochester, and was the longest serving member of the church. She was a former choir member, usher, and Sunday school teacher within the Second Baptist Church and also served on the funeral dinner committee and was in charge of most church dinners. She volunteered with many community projects, including the Thanksgiving dinners at the St. Cecilia social hall, that originated at the Second Baptist Church in Rochester. She was also the former owner, charter member, and secretary of the Harris Cleaning Service in Rochester. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, William H. Harris Sr., as well as two sons, Dana A. Harris and William H. Harris Jr., a grandson, Carter Harris, one sister, Betty Ford, and one brother, Garfield Raymond Whittington. She is survived by one son, Timothy C. Harris of Rochester, a daughter-in-law, Lorene Harris of Rochester, two grandchildren, Dana W. and his wife, Sherry L. Harris of Ohioville, Alana R. McKeel and her husband, Jim Gryck of Moon Township, five great-grandchildren: Jared, Makenna, Zachery, Jacob, and Isabella; as well as two great-great-grandchildren, Ellis and Vivianna, a sister, Elease Clark, of Wilksboro, North Carolina, an aunt, Grace Ellicot, a good friend, Racquel Cook, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, cousins, and beloved friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 3rd, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon, at the Second Baptist Church, 200 Clay Street, Rochester, where a service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Officiating will be Ruth’s pastor, Reverend Bryan Crawl. Private interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. The family wishes in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Second Baptist Church, 200 Clay Street, Rochester, PA 15074.

Shirley Ann Whippo (Passed on September 26th, 2026)

Shirley Ann Whippo, 84, a longtime Center Township resident, passed away on September 26th 2026, at AHN Beaver.

Shirley was born in Rochester and throughout her life she carried the values of family, faith, and kindness. She was a daughter of the late Andrew Stewart and Helen Mae Biskup.

Most of Shirley’s life was devoted to her home and family. She was a homemaker for the majority of her years and took great pride in caring for the people she loved. For a few years, she also worked outside of the home, but her greatest calling was always the life she built for her family.

Shirley was a faithful member of Bunker Hill Community Church in Aliquippa, where her faith was an important part of her life. She also belonged to the Eastern Star, O.E.S. Woodlawn Chapter No. 164, and valued the friendships and fellowship she found there.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Stewart and Helen Mae Biskup, her son, Douglas Adams, her grandson, Randy Adams, her great-granddaughter, Juliana Gailey and her brother, David Biskup. Their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life.

She is survived by her husband, Robert A. Whippo, who shared many years of love and companionship with her. She is also survived by her children: Bob and Brenda Adams, Judy and Vince DiMaggio, Karen and Jerry Henry, Jeff and Alena Whippo, and Melissa and Keith McElhaney. She leaves behind 25 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren, with one additional great-grandchild expected in March, each of whom brought her great joy and pride. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy and the late Rodger Mineard, as well as her sisters-in-law, Patty Biskup and Linda Whippo.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 30th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 1st at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ross Fichter, officiating. Interment will follow Union Cemetery, 1346 Chapel Road, Monaca.

An Eastern Star service will be held on Wednesday, September 30th at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Out of respect for family members with severe fragrance allergies, everyone is requested to please refrain from wearing heavy perfumes or scented lotions.

To leave on online condolence, view Shirley’s video tribute or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Inez Jane Forsberg (1927-2026)

Inez Jane Forsberg, 99, passed away on September 24th, 2026. She was born in Zelienople on April 1st, 1927, a daughter of the late Evelyn Sarah (Stuck) Bailey and Harry W. Bailey. Inez lived a very happy childhood in Zelienople and then in Beaver Falls. Upon graduation from Beaver Falls Senior High School in 1945, she worked for a few years at Sahli Motors in Beaver Falls. In 1948, standing with a friend on a street corner in Beaver Falls, she met returning WWIl hero, Delmer V Forsberg, one of the local “twins” who had both been bomber pilots in the war. Inez and Del were married on April 1st, 1949 and settled briefly in Ambridge and then for the rest of their lives in Chippewa Township, where they raised 3 children. Delmer was building the family business and involved himself in many local activities. Inez was a “stay-at-home Mom” but found many creative outlets to pursue, including a monthly bridge club, the Eastern Star, which led her to become a Worthy Matron, and using her beautiful singing voice as a soloist in wedding and church events. In 1970, Delmar and Inez attended the Pittsburgh Billy Graham Crusade, where they found personal relationships with Jesus and then devoted their lives to many spiritual pursuits. Over the years, they supported multiple foreign missionaries, founded a local church, now Pathway Church in Beaver Falls, with Bob and Ruth Brandt, and mentored very many individuals and couples. Inez was always an extremely supportive wife and mother. When her husband began to relive his traumatic war experiences, she encouraged him to write those stories down, which then became his book, written with his twin brother Delbert, “Twin Destinies”. She always supported any activity her 3 kids were involved with. In addition, she pursued many endeavors, creative and otherwise: flower arranging for Delmer’s business; keeping the books for his mobile home sales business and for the mobile home parks that they designed and built and then rented; quilting; sewing; and keeping a beautiful and organized home. She had a great love of gardening, birds, dogs, cats (all animals.) In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sibling, Evelyn Phillis, her husband, Delmer and one great grandson Rylan in 2011. She is survived by her three children: Cheryl (Rob) Christenson of Hillsboro, New Hampshire, Bruce (Linda) Forsberg of Meridianville, Alabama, and Craig (Sherry) Forsberg of Beaver Falls, seven grandchildren: Ben (E’a) Christenson (Indian Trail, North Carolina), Aaron Christenson (New London, New Hampshire), Anna Christenson (Manchester, New Hampshire), Alan (Shaina) Forsberg (Manchester, Connecticut), Alex Forsberg (Beaver Falls), Ryan (Laura) Forsberg (Poland, Ohio), and Brent (Becky) Forsberg (Meridianville, Alabama); 3 great-grandsons: Reece Christenson (Indian Trail, North Carolina), Rett Christenson (Indian Trail, North Carolina), and Blayn Christenson (Peterborough, New Hampshire). If so desired, contributions in her memory may be given to City Rescue mission, PO Box 965 New Castle, PA 16103, or Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607. Friends will be received on Thursday, October 1st from 1 P.M. until the time of a service at 3 P.M. at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.corlessfuneralhomes.com.

Rita (Dvorchak) Tornow (1939-2026)

Rita (Dvorchak) Tornow, 87, passed away on September 23rd, 2026, surrounded by love, and held in the arms of her devoted sons, Ron Tornow (Pittsburgh, PA/The Villages, FL), and Tom Tornow of New Kensington, and a very special loving family friend, Carole Belhumeur of Monaca.

She was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania on April 5th, 1939, a cherished daughter of the late Stephen and Margaret Dvorchak. She was defined by her boundless energy, infectious positivity, and an unconditional love for her family that knew no limits. After graduating from St. John’s High School in Uniontown, Rita’s tireless drive and passion for learning led her to achieve remarkable milestones: she graduated with honors from CCBC and went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Geneva College. Remarkably, she accomplished all of this while working full-time at Westinghouse/Cutler-Hammer, taking on multiple part-time jobs, and single-handedly raising her two beloved sons, Ron and Tom—a testament to her unwavering devotion to her family, her extraordinary strength, and her selflessness.

Rita’s heart for taking care of others was evident throughout every chapter of her life. She was a deeply loving caretaker for her own mother, Margaret, who shared her home for 21 wonderful years. Following Rita’s early retirement in 2001, she continued to share her warmth and work ethic within her community. She worked part-time for the Cogas family at the EZ Mini-Mart in Industry and spent time brightening the lives of residents as an Activity Aide at Beaver Meadows, where her cheerful disposition and high energy brought continuous joy. She later spent eight fulfillment-filled years as a switchboard operator and receptionist at Brighton Rehabilitation Center (formerly Friendship Ridge) before retiring in February 2017. Rita truly cherished every day at work, always looking forward to connecting with her co-workers, residents, and friends.

Above all else, family was Rita’s heart and soul, and her selflessness was rewarded through the immense love, pride, and devotion of her two sons, Ron and Tom. Rita lived a remarkably rich and full life surrounded by their success, joy, and shared adventures. She was her son Ron’s biggest motorcycle drag-racing fan, traveling to NHRA races in a family RV to cheer on his RAT Racing Team—sponsored by Tom—and proudly watching them on television while keeping Ron continuously in her prayers. Her life was equally blessed with extraordinary travel made possible by Tom, who took her on 26 incredible trips through his achievements with MetLife and Prudential. Together, they explored the world on President’s and Chairman’s Council Conferences, taking in everything from European tours and Hawaiian zip-lining to Alaskan dog-sledding and Mexican parasailing. Among her favorite memories were quiet family trips to Las Vegas, visits to Ron’s home in The Villages, Florida, and an unforgettable journey to South Africa where she and Tom went on four safaris, took a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, and even each rode their own elephant! Rita’s greatest pride was simply being a mother to her boys, and the life they built together was a testament to the endless love they shared.

Beyond her deep love for her family, he was blessed to share a very special bond with her cherished, lifelong friend, Kathy Toy. Together, they experienced countless adventures, taking bus trips, cruises, and memorable vacations that filled Rita’s life with laughter and joyful memories. Kathy’s unwavering kindness, generosity, and loving support were a constant gift—whether treating him to wonderful lunches and dinners, accompanying her on errands, appointments, and visits to Tom’s, or simply helping her wherever she needed to go. He was deeply grateful for Kathy’s endless generosity, faithful companionship, and all the thoughtful things she did for her over the years.

She was a remarkably loyal, loving, and generous soul whose spirit attracted a deep circle of lifelong friends, devoted neighbors, and companions who enriched her life immeasurably. She was profoundly blessed by the care and devotion of Carole Belhumeur and family, who were always there to lend a hand through every milestone and home project. She held a special place in her heart for her dear friends: Tony & Dana Granito, Annette Truax, Sherry Cogas, Kathy Toy, Renee Zuk, Robin Heberling, Trudy Britz, and Carolyn Tornow, as well as her late, cherished friends, Bonnie and Tom McGeehan.

For over 30 years, Rita drew great joy from her bond with her tight-knit group of “Cherished Friends”—Leslie Pazur, Becky Parks, Laurie Gabos, Emily Lapping, and the late Donna Farley—a sisterhood defined by laughter and unwavering mutual support. Her neighborhood was equally filled with love and assistance: Lillian Roach served as a true “Angel,” bringing daily newspapers, helpful care, and sweet fellowship; Lee Reed generously assisted with appointments and yard work; and Bobbie Morris offered endless warmth and reliable transportation. Rita also treasured the wonderful companionship of Nick Cutich, with whom she shared years of happy memories, casino outings, and lively dinners.

She was a woman of vibrant spirit and endless enthusiasm who brought joy and warmth to everyone she met. She had a lifelong passion for sports, serving as a devout, enthusiastic fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and she deeply enjoyed watching golf and spending time on the greens with her family and friends. Rita’s selfless capacity to love extended to her cherished pets, Gizmo and Princess, whose devoted companionship brought immense comfort and happiness to Rita and her mother for 16 and 17½ wonderful years, respectively.

Rita’s life was deeply rooted in her faith. She was a faithful and devoted parishioner of St. Augustine Parish (formerly St. Blaise) in Midland, Pennsylvania, where she served her community through the Christian Mothers Guild and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Dvorchak, her sister, Marlene Lipnicky, her brother-in-law, Tom, her sister-in-law, Alla Dvorchak and her nephew, Robert Lipnicky. She is survived by her two devoted sons, Ron and Tom, as well as several loving nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, September 29th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on the following morning on Wednesday, September 30th, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Blaise Church in Midland. Private interment will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

Rita’s family extends their deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the many friends, family, and loved ones who brought so much joy, extraordinary friendship, and love to Rita’s life. A very special thank you is warranted for Dr. Marcela Purtell, Dr. Stephen D’Auria, Dr. Haq, and Dr. Carolyn Engle for their compassionate and exceptional medical care over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rita’s memory to the Franciscan Mission Associates (St. Anthony), P.O. Box 598, Mt. Vernon, NY 10551-9988, or to the Beaver County Humane Society.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.