Melva C. Krupa (Passed on May 4th, 2026)

Melva C. Krupa, 83, passed away on May 4th, 2026, at her residence in Potter Township, leaving behind a life that was as warm, witty, and wonderfully mischievous as anyone who ever knew her could remember.

She was born and raised in Ellwood City. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin L. and Ladydot Butler, as well as two sisters and a brother. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Stanley C. Krupa, her daughter, Suzanne Stillwagon, her son, Keith Krupa and his wife, Remilie, her grandson, Khristensen Krupa and his wife, Selena and numerous nieces and nephews who were fortunate enough to know her presence and her unforgettable personality.

After her husband Stanley’s discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966, the couple moved to Beaver County, where she started a family and a reputation for being the kind of woman who could make an ordinary day feel like a punchline with excellent timing. Melva lived with a heart that seemed to believe in kindness, laughter, and the occasional harmless prank. She was a homemaker who enjoyed crocheting and gardening, both of which suited her perfectly, because she had the patience to create something beautiful and the stubbornness to keep it alive. She also loved vacationing at the beach in Nags Head, North Carolina, a place that clearly held a special place in her heart. One of the memorable quotes associated with her was, “She will see everyone in Nags Head, N.C.,” which sounds less like a statement and more like a cheerful warning from someone who knew she had plans to keep an eye on everybody. She was also a devoted daily shopper, making regular stops at either Giant Eagle or Walmart, which is the sort of dependable routine that says a great deal about a person. Some people collect stamps. Some people collect antiques. Melva collected practical errands and turned them into a social event. She welcomed any stray animal, and she welcomed any animal her daughter Suzanne brought home, which means her household was likely one part home and one part open-door policy for creatures with no better plan. That kind of generosity was simply who she was. She gave freely, loved deeply, and never seemed to out of room for one more person, one more pet, or one more joke. Her sense of humor was tremendous. She loved to play tricks on family members. If laughter is a form of love, then she loved her people loudly.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, May 12th for a service at 1 P.M. at the Locust Grove Cemetery Chapel in Ellwood City. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Alice May Vogler (1938-2026)

Alice May Vogler, 87, of North Sewickley Township, passed away on May 9th, 2026, at Concordia Villa St. Joseph of Baden. She was born in North Sewickley Township on July 21st, 1938, a daughter of the late Charles Clifford Vogler and Vesta Anna Miller Vogler. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Leroy Vogler and Ronald Vogler, four sisters: Ellen Teets, Minnie Riddle, Nancy Vogler, and Mary Vogler; as well as one niece, Kathy Vogler Madigan. She is survived by one sister-in-law, Carol Vogler, three nieces, Janice Teets, Michelle Landsbaugh, and Lisa Tritt, and five nephews: James Riddle, Randal Vogler, Dennis Teets, Scott Teets, and Kevin Teets. She is also survived by one aunt, Dolores McDanel, and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Alice was a member of the Brush Run Global Methodist Church in Beaver Falls and worked at the McGuire Memorial Home in New Brighton. Friends will be received on Friday, May 15th from 3 P.M. until the time of service at 7 P.M. in the CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements, with her pastor, Dr. Gary Bailey officiating. Private burial will take place in Concord Church Cemetery. The family would like to thank all the staff at Villa St. Joseph for the care that was given to Alice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brush Run Methodist Church, 1216 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, or to the Activities Dept. of Villa St. Joseph in Baden, 1030 State Street Baden, PA 15005.

Christopher Eakles (1979-2026)

Christopher Eakles, 46, of Aliquippa, passed away unexpectedly on May 9th, 2026 at his home. He was born in Rochester on June 30th, 1979, a son of Lila Ann (Welsh) and Ray Eakles Jr. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his three children, Harley (Derek Scott) Eakles, Skylar Eakles, and Logan Eakles, his brother, Ray Newton (Maria Brown) Eakles III, his grandchildren, Analeia Smith and Windham Scott, his step-siblings, Cassandra Green, Kimberly Dawn Baxter, and Brandon Green, his nieces: Madison Rae Eakles, Lila Eileen Eakles, Lacey Brown, and Trinity Gourley, his uncle, Anthony Wayne Welsh, a friend whom he looked at as a brother, Tim Bradley, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Christopher proudly served his country in the United States Army and carried that same strength, dedication, and resilience throughout his life. He was also a hardworking grinder at Shasta Inc.

He was the kind of person who filled ever room with energy, laughter, and love. He had a larger-than-life personality and a heart that matched. Family meant everything to him, and he made sure the people he loved felt it whether through his booming laugh, his unforgettable bear hugs, or simply being there when needed.

Chris truly lived life out loud. He loved loud music, horror movies, and spending time outdoors. Some of his happiest moments were spent fishing, sitting around bonfires, and enjoying the simple peace of nature. He also loved food and took great pride in making his chili, which became a favorite comfort meal for everyone.

Deeply creative and artistic, Chris had a natural talent for art. He appreciated beauty in all forms and used his creativity to bring joy to himself and those around him. Whether he was making people laugh, sharing stories around a fire, or creating something meaningful through art, Chris left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, May 13th, from 5 P.M. until the time of a service at 7 P.M., at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Chris will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Christopher Eakles, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Anna Lego Gnan (1933-2026)

Anna Lego Gnan, 93, of Aliquippa, (Hopewell Township) passed away on May 8th, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania on March 26th, 1933, a daughter of the late Michael and Anna Trokan Lego. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard J. Gnan, as well as thirteen siblings, and two sons-in-law, Jerry P. Sutton and Tim J. Ciccozzi, one grandson in law, Michael Buchanan and her canine companion, Fluffy. She is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Judith A. Sutton, of Hopewell, and Linda M. and Daniel J. Campbell, of Beaver, three sons and two daughters-in-law: Ronald J. and Deb Gnan,of Emlenton, Pennsylvania, Gary J. Gnan of Hopewell, and Timothy W. and Marian Gnan of West Aliquippa, her grandchildren: Renee (Joe) Paxton, Brian Sutton, Jennifer Buchanan, Rhonda (Rick) Douds, Michelle (Chris) Galzarano, Tiffany (Mike) Milne, Tonya Doran, Michael Doran, Danielle Baron, Danny (Stacy) Baron, Matthew (Sarah) Campbell, Katie Dougherty, Josh Campbell; as well as her great-grandchildren: Allyson, Lala, R.J., Michael(Ashley), Rick, Hayden, Emma, Geno, Maria, Tommy, Trevor, Sierra, Christopher, Greyson, Julia, Ari, Hollis, and Ella, and Matti; along with several great great grandchildren, one brother and a sister, Nick Lego and Susan Miller.

Anna was a retired employee with Anchor Hocking – Phoenix Glass, Maintenance Department. She was also a member of the St. Titus Roman Catholic Church in Aliquippa and Mary Queen of Saints Parish. She was also an avid bingo player. She especially loved doing word searches.

Friends will be received on Monday, May 11th, from 3-7 p.m. in The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a service will take place at 7:30 p.m. conducted by Father Howard Campbell. Private Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Suncrest Hospice Nurses, Hope, Nani, Shar and Danasia for the care given to Anna.

Carol Smith (Passed on April 28th, 2026)

Carol Lee Smith, 72, passed away on April 28th, 2026 at Heritage Valley Beaver Hospital in Brighton Township surrounded by her family after an extended illness. She was the loving daughter of the late Georgine Cook Watts. In addition to her mother, Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Smith, as well as her mother-in-law and father-in-law Ruth and Berch Smith. She is survived by her brothers and sisters–in-laws, David and Belinda Watts and Michael and Mary Ellen Watts, her sister-in-law, Melody Smith, her nieces: Lindsey (Dan), Alexandra, Maura, and Laila; as well as many loving cousins, and a host of great friends.

Carol was a 1971 graduate of New Brighton High School and received her degree in physical educationfrom Penn State University in 1975. Carol was an annual staff member at YMCA Camp (Y-Camp “Kon-O-Kwee”) and greatly looked forward to the event each year. She was gifted musically, playing her clarinet & bass clarinet in numerous area concerts. She was a remarkable athlete, participating in tennis, softball, and swimming (serving as a lifeguard). Family trips together to Peace Valley orchards will always be priceless along with so many other wonderful memorable events spent together. She met the love of her life, Jay Smith, at a dance and that led to a beautiful marriage and the start of tranquil life on a farm in Ohio. They spent many happy years together along with Justin, her stepson. Some of her favorite activities would include hosting raucous Steeler vs Browns parties, having family fun-filled nerf battles, visiting fairs, and watching Jay race motorcycles. She spent her career at Duquesne Light Company/First Energy working in various departments until her retirement. During her years of working, she was fortunate to make lifelong friends, and greatly looked forward to catching up on scheduled lunch dates. She will always be remembered for her infectious smile, her quirky sense of humor, her love of a good time, and for her compassion for others. Her family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the countless caregivers, physicians, nurses, staff, and therapists who have lovingly cared for Carol with their humor, encouragement, compassion, and dedication.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late June to honor Carol and to share the impact she made.

Carol’s final gift was a gift of life made to CORE, Center for Organ Recovery & Education, in hopes of giving life to others.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol, please visit the floral store of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Elsie Joanne Colwell (1938-2026)

Elsie Joanne Colwell, 88, of New Brighton, passed away on May 6th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Ellwood City on April 9th, 1938, the daughter of the late Emma (Hall) and Roy Colwell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Robert and Darrell. She is survived by her brother, James (Janice) Collwell and her great niece, Kayla, whom Elsie looked upon as a child of her own and several other adored nieces and nephews.

Elsie lived a life marked by loyalty, kindness, and a deep love for others. She devoted 38 years of her career as an electrician with the IUOE within Westinghouse, where her strong work ethic earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. She was a faithful member of the Marion Hill Christian Missionary Alliance Church of New Brighton who found strength and community in her faith. She had an unending passion for travel and embraced every opportunity to explore the world. She was known for her warm and inviting heart with a natural ability to make even strangers feel welcomed as family. Her love extended especially to her own family and to animals, both of which brought her immense joy throughout her life. She will be remembered for her generous love, her unwavering kindness, and the lasting impression she left on everyone fortunate enough to know her. An End of Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 11 a.m. within the Marion Hill Christian Missionary Alliance Church, 4607 Rochester Road, New Brighton. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elsie Joanne Colwell, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Joyce Anne (Prokopovich) Cahill (1956-2026)

Joyce Anne (Prokopovich) Cahill, 70, of Dublin, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her home early on April 10th, 2026. She was born in Baden on February 22nd, 1956, a daughter of the late Andrew and Thelma (Barry) Prokopovich. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Tom McKernan and her sister-in-law, Cheryl Prokopovich.

She is survived by her two children, Eva Cahill (Greg) Stockmaster of Powell, Ohio and Charlotte Cahill (Tim) Shields of Chicago, Illinois, their father, Kenneth Cahill, of Columbus, Ohio, her two grandchildren, Fiona Stockmaster and Henry Shields, and five siblings: Deacon Mark (Tracy) Prokopovich of Baden, Gayle McKernan of Beaver, Karen Rudolph of Baden, Robert Prokopovich of Ambridge and Paul (Carol) Prokopovich of Virginia.

Joyce attended school at SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic School and Ambridge Area High School. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, and from The Ohio State University with a Masters in Nursing (NP). She was a member of the cheerleading squad at Pitt and in 1978, was awarded “Miss Cheerleader USA.” As such, Joyce was a cheerleader to her family and friends, always showing her support through encouragement, mentorship, and unconditional love. She lit up every room she entered and brought us all joy with her big smile, sense of humor and infectious laugh. She knew no stranger and cared for those with illness or who were less fortunate through her nursing vocation with The Ohio State University Hospital and in her membership at Saint Joan of Arc Church in Powell, Ohio in their choir, and at SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ambridge.

She was unfortunately diagnosed with melanoma in 2016 and faced this challenge head on to fight the disease for almost the next decade. She was determined to fight against the diagnosis. Joyce leaned on the support of her family, friends, caretakers, her strong faith in God and an ongoing quest for new treatments and trials with her dedicated care team at The James Cancer Hospital (OSU), no matter how challenging for her to endure. After all, this meant more time with the family and friends so dear to her heart. Despite the ups and downs of her journey, and its progression to Stage 4 in the last few years, Joyce was persistent in her fight up until the end, with a smile on her face even in the toughest of moments.

Friends will be received on Thursday, May 14th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Panachyda service will be held on Friday, May 15th, at 10:30 A.M., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 A.M., in SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 6th Street, Ambridge, with Father Michael Polosky and her brother, Deacon Mark Prokopovich, officiating. Immediately following the service, Interment will take place in SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, 404 6th St, Ambridge.

Donations in her honor can be made to SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 6th St, Ambridge, PA 15003 Saint Joan of Arc Church, 10700 Liberty Rd, Powell, OH 43065 or James Care for Life Garden of Hope at OSU.

Patricia Merle Shaw (1944-2026)

Patricia Merle Shaw, 81, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully on May 3rd, 2026, after a long and brave battle with cancer.

She was born in Burbank, California on December 23rd, 1944, a daughter of the late Homer Puckett and Marie Aline (Strong) Puckett. She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Walters and her husband, Joseph Stahl of Freedom, her sons, David (Jillian) Hof of Salem, Virginia and Joseph Hof. While an only child, her world became so full with 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and another little miracle great-granddaughter on the way. Although she couldn’t see all of you as she would have liked, she loved each and every one deeply. She loved the ocean, butterflies, and the sound of birds waking up first thing in the morning. In fact, she loved all the beauty of what God laid out before her. No matter how simple. Be glad in the day you are given. Her final years were made so special by Catherine Walters, David Hof, Laura Findley, Kristie Yee, Hailey Findley, Brooklyn Gale, Michael Diaddigo and Steven Gale. Whether by phone or in person, you all brightened her day.

Professional services have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A private service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Patricia’s name to St. Jude.

A special thanks to Three Oaks Hospice (Elisa, Marie, Jenn, Nikki) for your amazing care for our mother. Also, to the Nurse (Jenn) and the aids and housekeeping for all your care when our mom was moved to hospice. Our family can never thank you enough!

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Patricia Merle Shaw, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Samuel J. Orr, III (1940-2026)

Samuel J. Orr, III, 86, of Brighton Township, passed away on May 5th, 2026. He was born on January 3rd, 1940, a son of the late Robert L. Orr and Blanche D. Orr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Eva Orr, who made his life a joy way beyond what any person could ever expect. He is survived by his siblings Julie Barr, Robert L. Orr, Jr., John D. Orr, Rebecca Orend and a very good friend, Jennifer Stephenson. He was also preceded in death by his beloved dogs, Heidi, Bridget, Penny, Henri, Mandy and his cat, Toby.

Samuel was a graduate of Beaver High School, Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and the University of Wisconsin Law School at Madison, Wisconsin. He practiced law from 1966 until the present time. He served in the District Attorney’s Office in Beaver County in 1968-1969 and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania from 1969 through 1977 including service as First Assistant. He was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver where he had the opportunity to serve as an elder.

Family and friends will be received for a visitation between 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12th at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A funeral Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Avenue, Beaver, led by his Pastor, Rev. Jeffrey Arnold, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday May 13th.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Samuel J. Orr III, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Brett Stephen Parker (1983-2026)

Brett Stephen Parker, 42, of Industry, passed away unexpectedly on May 2nd, 2026. He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on November 2nd, 1983, the son of Robin (Nichol) Parker and the late Gary Stephen Parker. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his son, Cayden Stephen Parker, his sister, Nina Kristine (Steve) Hronas, his niece and nephew, Emma and Nathan Hronas, his grandmother, Iona Parker, his aunts and uncles: Bonnie Watkins, Connie (Milt) James, Tom Parker, and Phil (Daria) Parker; as well as numerous cousins. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by the mother of his child, Brittany Smith.

Brett was a 2002 graduate of Western Beaver High School. He was a car enthuasist who enjoyed hiking, amusement parks and swimming. He also enjoyed traveling and embraced opportunities to experience new places. He will be remembered for the love and loyalty he felt for his family.

Family and friends will be received for a memorial visitation on Saturday, May 9th, from 11 A.M. until the time of memorial service at 1 P.M. with Pastor Gary Hilton officiating, at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Brett will later be laid to rest at the Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a trust fund for his son, Cayden, which will be set up in the near future.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Brett Stephen Parker, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.