Patricia A. Funkhouser, 73, of Zelienople, formerly of North Sewickley, passed away on December 6th, 2024, at Passavant Community of Zelienople. She was born in New Brighton on May 14th, 1951, the daughter of the late James S. and Ruth A. (Walser) Dripps. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, James L. Dripps and her father-in-law, Frederick C. Funkhouser.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Danny C. Funkhouser, her mother-in-law, Margaret L. (Peggy) Funkhouser of Passavant Community, her two children, a daughter and son-in-law, Heidi L. and Thomas L. Beeler of North Sewickley, a son and daughter-in-law, Heath L. And Catherine R. Funkhouser, of North Sewickley, five grandchildren: Joshua J. Davis (Alyssa), Taylor M. Wilkerson (Joshua), Amanda J. Funkhouser (Randy), Stephanie A. Funkhouser (Dustin), Ian J. Funkhouser; as well as ten great-grandchildren, her two sister-in -laws and their spouses, and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.

Patricia loved her family with all her heart. She was a kind and gentle soul, always willing to lend a helping hand and always had a smile and a hug for anyone who wanted one. She loved baking and cooking, playing board games and doing crafts with her grandchildren, writing stories and drawing. No matter how she was feeling, her joy for life always shined through and kept pushing her. She will be missed by all who loved her.

Friends will be welcomed on Wednesday, December 11th, from 4 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, with Pastor Tony Cortez officiating.

Johnetta L. Francona, 67, of New Brighton, passed away unexpectedly on December 7th, 2024, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Beaver Falls on April 27th, 1957, a daughter of the late Evalina Michelangelo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son JJ Kaszer and her brother Wesley R. Gordon, Jr. She is survived by her loving husband, John J. Francona, son, John J. Francona Jr., and his wife Susan, daughter, Denise Corzano and her husband Ramafrancesco, grandchildren: Justyn Francona, Jacob Francona, Hunter Macek and Jocelyn Macek; sister, Tina Pasteur Wooley and her husband Terry, brother-in-law, Louis Francona and his wife Jeanette, and very special friend, Jan Wolfe.

Johnetta enjoyed going to car cruises, taking car rides, and tending to her plants and flowers. She cherished spending time with her family more than anything, especially her beloved dog, Bailey.

Friends will be welcomed on Thursday, December 12th, from 4 p.m. until the time of the Blessing Service at 7 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton.

Gary Alan Fye, 76, of Baden, passed away at home on December 6th, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born on October 30th, 1948, a son of the late Gerald and Grace “Lucy” Fye. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Gordy, Jerry, and Glen Fye.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Diane (Rhodes) Fye, his children, Gary (Lauren) Fye II, Brandy (Richard) Bufalini, and Jason (Nancy) Fye, his siblings, Grace Fye, Gayle (Bill) Price, and George (Pat) Fye, his cherished grandchildren, “Little” Richie and Rocco Bufalini and Alyssa and Tanner Fye, as well as his special niece, Brenda Pucci, special nephew, Paul (Kim) Fye, and numerous other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved furry companion, Thumper.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Gary served as an infantryman during the Vietnam War. He worked for the United States Postal Service for over 30 years. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan who had a deep appreciation for music and enjoyed vacations in the Caribbean. He also had a passion for sports cars.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, December 10th, from 3-6 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge. Gary will receive full military honors from the Beaver County Special Unit at 4 P.M. at the funeral home.

Margaret L. “Marge” Staub, 90, of Beaver, passed away on December 6th, 2024, in the comfort of her home.

She was born in Bridgewater on June 23rd, 1934, a daughter of the late Francis X. and Barbara C. (Pavlinich) Moravec. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Greek” Staub, a son-in-law, Thomas Anzio, and her siblings: Vincent (Janice) Moravec, Edward Moravec, Francis “Bunzo” Moravec, Frederick Moravec, Dorothy (James) Ross, and Mary (Carl) Lenhult.

She is survived by her seven loving daughters: Vicki Staub, Cindi Anzio, Patricia (Regis) McLaughlin, Shari Pfender, Teresa Owoc, Laura Staub, and Amelia (Michael) Schlack; fifteen grandchildren: Anna (Matthew) McGonigal, Evan (Megan) Anzio, Robert, Melissa, Patrick, and Meghan McLaughlin, Tyler, Brett, and Jesse Pfender, Matthew and Elizabeth Owoc, Ashley (Joseph) Patzuk, Justin and Allison Schlack, and Katelyn (Josh) Peabody-Young; six great-grandchildren: Brayden, Luke, Waylen, Molly, Joey, and Jack; siblings, Sister John “Tupy” Moravec and Eugene “Iggy” (Joyce) Moravec, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Margaret was a homemaker for her life and was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She was a wonderful cook and loved to garden. She also enjoyed taking the scenic routes south to the beach and visiting her sister in Savannah.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, December 11^th from 5-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver.

Departing prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Thursday, December 12^th at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at Saints Peter & Paul Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 200 Third Street, Beaver. Fr. Howard Campbell will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department, 165 Market Street, Beaver, PA 15009.

Kenneth D. “Murph” Murphy, 78, of Beaver, passed away on December 5th, 2024, with his loving family by his side.
He was born on August 2nd, 1946 in New Brighton, the son of the late Chester D. and Ursula M. Murphy. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen (Kathy) Aeschbacher Murphy, daughter, Michelle Murphy Gawley of South Beaver; step-son William “Bill” Shields of Beaver, sisters, Beverly (Jon) McCarter of South Beaver and Marilyn (Walt) Watrobsky of Port St. Lucie, Florida, grandchildren, Savannah and Araina Shields of Clinton, Maryland, Charlie Gawley of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Kenneth (Chloe) Gawley of Beaver and Emily Gawley of South Beaver.

Kenneth was an associate member of the Vanport Presbyterian Church, retired from J&L and B&W Steel Mills as well as Rolling Acres Golf Course. He belonged to Beaver Valley Golf Association, Beaver Falls Sportsmen’s Club, Koppel Golf Leagues, and PA Hunter’s Association as an instructor. He recorded five hole in ones. One of his greatest accomplishments was hiking the Appalacian Trail from North Carolina to Tennessee. He will be remembered for his culinary skills, especially his famous ribs.
A Memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 10th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA, 15009 where a funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, December 11th 2024 at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Interment will take place at a later date at Grandview Cemetery of Beaver Falls.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Mortgage Fund of the Vanport Presbyterian Church in Kenneth’s name or a charity of your choice.

James Gabriel Pantoni, 69, of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, formerly of East Liverpool, Ohio, passed away on December 3rd, 2024, after a brief illness.
He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on July 18, 1955, the son of the late Patsy and Marcella Pantoni. James will be sadly missed by his daughter, Caterina L. (Tony Campos) Pantoni, Dino (Xyomara) Pantoni, sister, Patricia Niewinski, grandson, Dylan Seagraves, former wife, Lucinda Pantoni-Shields, cousin, Joanna Lastoria and family, as well as good-friends, Troy Seagraves, Mark Goddard and Gino Martin. James was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan who loved golf, riding his motorcycle, shooting guns, playing pool and swimming. He will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Professional Services have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Margaret S. Doyle, 73, a beloved member of her community of Beaver, passed away on December 1st, 2024. She was born on March 26th, 1951, the daughter of the late Robert and Margaret Doyle. In addition to her prents, she was also preceded in death by her siblings, James and Ellen. Margaret is survived by numerous cousins who will miss her dearly.
Margaret was known for her gentle and sensitive nature, qualities that endeared her to all who knew her. Her intelligence and love of poetry were hallmarks of her character, and she often found solace and inspiration in the written word.
A devoted animal lover, Margaret had a special bond with her pet Dachshund, Susie. She also possessed a profound love of nature and especially enjoyed long walks with her father at Brady’s Run Park.
Her extended family and friends remember her as a kind and thoughtful soul who often thought of others before herself. Margaret’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Friends and family will be received on Saturday, December 7th, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Blessing Service at 11 a.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Beaver County Mental Health, 1050 8th Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Irene M. Mlinarich, 93, of Bridgewater, passed away on December 2nd, 2024 at Caring Heights Community Care and Rehabilitation Center of Coraopolis.

She was born in Homer City, Pennsylvania on July 3rd, 1931, a daughter of the late Joseph and Kathryn (Yancy) Mlinarich. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Joe, Steve, Frank, Mary, Ann, Katherine, Helen, and Gertrude. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Ronald) Sabol, her grandchildren, David Sabol, Brandi Sabol, and Ronald (Anastasia) Sabol, Jr., five great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” (John) Nymick, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Irene had worked for Keystone Bakery as a wrapper for many years and had attended Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Beaver. She loved handiwork, gardening, and being outdoors. Irene also had a passion for sewing and loving her grandchildren.

Friends will be received on Saturday, December 7^th from 1 P.M. until 4 P.M. in the Gabauer-Todd Funeral Home & Cremation Services (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver.  Father Joe Carr will offer a Blessing Service at 1 P.M. in the funeral home.

Private interment will be in St. Bernard Cemetery of Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Betty Jayne Kirkland, 82, of Beaver Falls, passed away on December 1st, 2024. She was born in Beaver Falls on June 9th, 1942, to the late James A. Morlan Sr. and Jennie A. (Gatewood) Morlan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Sherman L. Kirkland Sr., son, Sherman L. Kirkland Jr., and brothers James A. Morlan Jr. and Robert F. Morlan. She is survived by their three children, Teena L. Robinson of Columbia, South Carolina, Gerald L. Kirkland (Leanna) of Beaver Falls, and Lonette D. Allen (Todd) of Dover, Pennsylvania, their five grandchildren: Lonette D. Robinson, Cierra S. Kirkland, Bryce J. Allen, Aliyah N. Robinson, and Kayden M. Kirkland; her seven siblings, Sandra Atkins (Robert), Karen Collier, Deborah Morlan, Ruth E. Rouse (Bobby), and David Morlan (Del), along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends whom she also loved dearly, including special friends Katherine Tyson and Nita Underwood.

Betty married Sherman L. Kirkland Sr. on August 8th, 1960. Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She graduated from Beaver Falls Senior High School, class of 1960, and attended the Art Institute in Pittsburgh. Betty held many job positions throughout the city of Beaver Falls. What she was most known for and felt the most accomplished in her position as a Gold Liner at Mayer China downtown Beaver Falls on 2nd Avenue. She was a member of the Second Baptist Church of Beaver Falls, where she accepted Christ in 1975. She became an active member by becoming a Sunday school teacher, attended Hardy Bible school, and participated in the following committees: Permanent Records Committee and Decorating Committee.

Everyone that knew Betty, knew how much she loved to create art. She was a master craftsman and was known for impacting the lives of many children through her work. She volunteered her time assisting children with creating beautiful artwork throughout the community for many years. She was a proficient seamstress, artist, painter, baker, quilter, knitter, and also was good with ceramics. The patience, love, and passion that she had for creating art touched many people and was passed on to all of her own children in various ways.

Betty’s sweet, loving, and caring presence will truly be missed. She has touched so many people with her big, contagious smile that we miss already. The simplest of pleasures in life brought great joy to Betty’s heart. Betty was truly a special gift from God to all whom she encountered. Her favorite color was yellow and she was a direct representation of joy, creativity, and happiness just like the color, especially when doing anything crafty. When you think of Betty, celebrate all of the wonderful, timeless memories God allowed those to share with her over the years.

Betty’s Favorite Scripture was Psalm 91:1: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.”

Friends will be received Saturday, December 7th from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the service at 11 A.M. at the Second Baptist Church, 2322 10th Avenue, Beaver Falls. Rev. Bernard E. Tench will officiate.

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

Don Mihalinac, 84, of Economy Borough, passed away on November 30th, 2024 in Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born on July 1st, 1940, in Conway, the son of the late Stephen and Mary (Maydak) Mihalinac. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Aggie Mihalinac, brother, Stephen “Junior” Mihalinac, in-laws, Ken & Kay (Salopek) Morgan, and four of his pets from his fur baby family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy (Morgan) Mihalinac, son, Troy (Traci) Mihalinac, daughter, Debbie (Rick) Queer, 3 grandchildren, Lindsay (Ryland) Hughes, Eric (Bella) LeQuire, Talon (Gabby) Mihalinac, sister-in-law, Mary (Jim) Sprott, fur baby companion, Tippy, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends he considered family.

Don was a hairdresser in Squirrel Hill for over 50 years. He was known to all who loved him, and his extended family, as “Pap” or “PapPap.” He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who was so proud to attend all of the grandchildrens’ sporting and dancing activities over the years. He loved the Steelers and Pirates. His happy place, since childhood, was at the family property on Lake Berlin, where he enjoyed swimming, water skiing, horse back riding (in his younger years), and the serenity of the lake. He also enjoyed bingo, solitaire and playing card games into the early morning hours with his family.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, December 4th from 2-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, from where all are welcome to gather again on Thursday, December 5th at 11 A.M., immediately followed by a funeral service at 12 P.M.