Donna Baker Hirt, 91, of Brighton Township, passed away on January 4th, 2025, at Villa St. Joseph.

She was born in Monaca on March 30th, 1933, the daughter of the late Edythe Marion (Bell) and Lester Edwin Hage. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband James W. Baker Jr. and her second husband Dr. John B., Hirt USMC. She is survived by her five children: Stephen Baker of Brighton Township, Philip (Michelle) Baker of Palm Harbor, Florida, Susan (Bob) Kaestner of Charlotte, North Carolina, James T. (Kim) Baker, of Canfield, Ohio and Amy (Jeff) Fencik, of Flower Mound, Texas; sixteen grandchildren: Jeremy T. Baker, Alyna Baker, Tashah Baker, Zenah Baker, Jorden Baker, Robby Kaestner, Zack Baker-Stowe, Grace Baker-Stowe, Brendan Fencik, Matthew Fencik, Evan Fencik, Joshua Fencik, Sean Fencik, Aaron Fencik, Robert Baker, and Olivia (Chase) Barron; and former daughter-in-law, Becky Snow-Baker of Brighton Township.

A graduate of Beaver Area High School, Donna earned a Bachelor of Art Degree in Art Education from Edinboro University and a Master’s Degree from University of Pittsburgh. She taught art classes at all grade levels for twenty-six years, mostly at College Square and Dutch Ridge Elementary (BASH). She also previously taught in Western Beaver and Potter Township schools. She enjoyed classic TMC movies, beach vacations, and overseas travel to different countries.

Friends will be received on Sunday, January 12th in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. A Funeral Service will be conducted on Monday, January 13th at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Avenue, Beaver,. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Private Interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery.

Donna’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Heritage Valley Beaver, Villa St. Joseph, Baden, and Good Samaritan Hospice, Wexford, for their love and compassionate care given to Donna during her time with them.

Debra Kaye Woodward, 60, of Chippewa Township, passed away on January 6th, 2025, in the comfort of her home.

She was born in Hopewell on March 24th, 1964, the daughter of Daniel and Carol (Maine) Bucan. She is survived by her loving husband of thirty-three years, Peter T. Woodward, her siblings, Danny Bucan and Dawn (Tom) Shane, along with numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors and special friends.

Debra worked for Giant Eagle in the produce department for twenty years.  She was a sports enthusiast and loved her dogs.

In accordance with her wishes, Debra will be cremated and no services are being planned at this time.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to provide care and guidance to Debra’s family.

Pamela C. Kendrew, 74, formerly of Venetia, Pennsylvania passed away on New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2025, at the Jefferson Hospital in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania. She was born on February 20th, 1950, in New Brighton, the daughter of the late U.S. Army Staff Sergeant John Benjamin Kendrew of New Brighton and the late Phyllis Jane Bagshaw of Hopewell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ben Kendrew II. She is survived by her nephews: Ben and Melanie Kendrew (Luke and Emma) of Pittsburgh, Jamie and Michelle Kendrew (Brandon and Rebecca) of Harmony, Joseph “Smitty” Kendrew of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Kevin and Chelsea Kendrew (Norah and Max), of Valencia, Pennsylvania, cousin and life-long friend, Cheryl Gropp & Family of Rochester. Pamela had a successful career in business and sales. Her heart belonged to a lifetime of love for her many cats, for whom she compassionately provided care. She was a fantastic cook and loved hosting Christmas parties for friends and family. She also had deep and meaningful friendships with Donna Lewis, Erin Massella, and Jill Griffin. In accordance with Pamela’s wishes, there will be no viewing. A private service will be held for the family and close friends at Sylvania Hills Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are being entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to any Humane Society, ASPCA or any animal rescue organization.

 

Esther L. (Dotson) Stout, 82, formerly of Midland, passed away on January 5th, 2025, at East Liverpool Hospital.

She was born on April 18th, 1942, in Morgantown, West Virginia, a daughter of the late C.L. and Stella (Edwards) Dotson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, John “Jack” Stout, her sisters, Ruth Engleman, Lenora Allison and Eva Burnside and a brother, James Dotson. She is survived by her children, John Stout, Darla (Les) May, Tammy (Dave) Dorn and Sandra Miller, former sons-in-law, Joey Conforti and Bart Trautvetter, grandchildren: Christopher Trautvetter and Jennifer, Chadd Trautvetter and Ariel, Charlee Williams and LeRoy, Rhonda Leslie and Troy Coleman, Tiffany Faessel and Corey, Kayla Ward and Eric, Kelly Keefer and Shaun, Darrellyn Stout, Alexis Stout, Allan-Michael Conforti and Savannah, Todd Leslie and Tracey, CJ May and Katie, Amanda Charleton and Josh, and Jessica Alexander; great grandchildren: Taylor, Sal, Antonio, Allie, Rayne, Amorie, Kahlani, Tyree, Trae, Jayce, Kera, Sylas, Everett, Knox, Payton, Lillian, Aubreona, Maddox, Charley, and Case; a great-great granddaughter, Mila, a brother, Harlan (Joy) Dotson, and numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends too many to name.

Esther was the proud co-owner of Stout’s Towing and had worked for the Allegheny National Forest for many years. She was strong in her Christian faith.  She adored her family and loved spending time with them.  When she was able, Esther was fond of canning, baking, and immaculately caring for her lawn and flowers.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, January 8^th from 2-4PM & 6-8PM in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver.

A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, January 9^th at 2 P.M.

Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery.

Esther’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff of The Orchards of East Liverpool as well as the 4^th Floor North East nursing staff at East Liverpool Hospital.

Ronald Triska, 73, of Rochester Township, passed away on January 4th, 2025. He was deeply loved by many. His sense of humor, his ability to make people laugh at inappropriate times, driving his wife crazy with his antics, his heart to serve, his care and concern for others, opening his home during the holidays to many international students with families abroad over the years, how proud he was of his children and grandchildren are all memories that will be cherished of him.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Gay, who loved him dearly, his daughters Morgan and Whitney, his two son-in-laws, Solo and Brian and his four grandchildren Gianna, Francesca, Malik and Aliyah. Ronald loved his cats, his family, fishing, his lunch dates with his best friend, Dr. James Logan, buying his grandchildren way too many treats (and claiming it wasn’t his fault when they got a sugar rush), playing his bass and his many mechanical pencils. Ronald asked that in his passing that this be a time of celebration of the life he lived and all the amazing memories that everyone has shared. He asked that all services would be withheld. His family is very grateful for all of the love that has been shown to them during this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

John “Skip” Norman Cline, 73, a lifelong resident of College Hill, Beaver Falls, passed away on January 2nd, 2025, with loved ones at his side.

He was born on March 7th, 1951, a son of the late Sara Corrigan Cline and John Boyd Cline. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Jean Cline, his father-in-law Richard Lucas, his sister-in-law Dawn Sunny and many dear aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Debbie Sunny Cline, his mother-in-law Joni Sunny and many cousins.

John was a 1969 Beaver Falls graduate and attended Berkeley and Marshall Universities. He worked as a crane operator at the B&W and in later years as a cook.

He was known by many as Skip, Skipper, Norman, Stormin and Cliney, no one called him John. He was an avid golfer who loved The Penn State Nittany Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent many days several times a year at Cook Forest and was most happy when sitting around a campfire with friends.

Nothing stopped his daily jaunts to Giles Town n Country to play his daily numbers every single day.

John loved the sunshine, being outdoors, growing vegetables and his favorite song was Green Grass and High Tides by the Outlaws. He loved his Chihuahuas, Winky, Chloe and Sassy.

He loved his very best friend Mike Howe, who was always at his side throughout the last 2 1/2 years of tests, treatments and surgeries, his friend Bob Huston was also very supportive and there for John anytime needed. His golf and lunch buddies, Mike, Ed, Ronny and Jimmy. His dear close camping and Uno buddies, Debbie and Roger. His cousin Beverly, who kept him supplied with homemade lady locks, Penn State Ice Cream, meatloaf and mashed potatoes. A thank you goes out to all that made his last days brighter.

Professional services were entrusted to CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Robert I. Powell, Jr., 81, of Rawlings, Maryland, formerly of Industry and Homosassa, Florida passed away on January 2nd, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family during a brief and unexpected battle with cancer.

He was born in Rochester on April 23rd, 1943, a son of the late Robert Sr., and Dorothy Powell (McCauley). He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Judith E. Powell (McKeever), a daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Christopher Wade, a son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Carla DeSimone-Powell, five grandchildren: Daniel (wife Hailey), Nicholas, and Sean Wade, Valentina Powell and Carlina DeSimone-Powell, great-grandchildren, Teagan and Walker Wade, as well as siblings and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

“Death is nothing else but going home to God, the bond of love will be unbroken for all eternity.”- Mother Teresa. Robert will be loved and remembered for his quick wit and helping hands.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, January 8th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a service following at 12 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester.

Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery Freedom.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of UPMC Western Maryland Hospice, and ask, that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to them via the WMHS Foundation – Attn: Hospice, 12500 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD 21502