Shirley Stewart McMillan (1925-2024)

Shirley Stewart McMillan, 99, formerly of Beaver Falls, passed away on May 2, 2024.

She was born in Providence, Rhode Island on December 1, 1925 to T. Gordon and Ada (West) Stewart. She was preceded in death by her husband Willard McMillan and granddaughter Anna Wright. She is survived by daughters Katharine Dennis (Doug) and Marty Wright (Jonathan), and sons Scott McMillan (Jennifer) and Stewart McMillan as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Shirley was only 4 years old when her mother was confined for many years to a tuberculosis sanatorium in New Brunswick, Canada. Shirley then lived with her paternal grandparents on their farm not far away.

Later on, Shirley’s stepmother, Katharine Stewart, suggested that Shirley consider attending Geneva College in Beaver Falls, which she did, graduating with a BA in Economics in 1947. She appreciated her college years very much, making lifelong friends, including one named Willard McMillan. They married in 1948, beginning a 55 year life of love and friendship together.

In their early marriage, they lived briefly in Edinburgh, Scotland where Katharine was born, then they moved to western Pennsylvania where Martha, Scott and Stewart were born. Shirley devoted herself to caring for her family, but was also active in the life of Geneva College and the Geneva RP church. She served in other settings including the board of the RP Home in Pittsburgh and several charities in the area. Shirley’s mother Ada, came to live with their family in the last years of her life.

Their home on College Hill was a lively place and countless Geneva alumni and others, young and old, will remember her home cooked meals, great conversation and advice. She helped many in need with her generosity and love. Despite many significant challenges, Shirley enjoyed life, and she was quick to laugh and could see the humor in just about everything. Her faith in Jesus and her prayer life were central to her strength throughout. When asked one time about how she handled all the difficulties, she said God had told her he would be with her around every corner.

Funeral service will be at Hill and Kunselman Funeral Home of Beaver Falls on Thursday May 9th, 2024 and visitation will be at 10 a.m. with the service starting at 11 a.m.

Burial will follow at the Reformed Presbyterian Church Cemetery of New Galilee, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Willard and Shirley Stewart McMillan Scholarship Fund at Geneva College or the Reformed Presbyterian Home in Pittsburgh.

Karen Rainey (1954-2024)

Karen Rainey, 69, of Daugherty Township and McGuire Memorial, passed away on May 2, 2024 at Heritage Valley, Beaver.

Karen was born on May 31, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio. She is survived by her guardians, Doris and Drew Grivna and her McGuire Memorial family.

Friends will be received Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.  A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m. in McGuire Memorial, 2119 Mercer Road, New Brighton.

She will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia Cemetery.

Bradley J. Focer (1956-2024)

Bradley J. Focer, 67, of Harmony Township, passed away on May 1, 2024 at Wexford Health Care Center. He was born on June 24, 1956 in Pittsburgh to the late Albert and Dorothy (Taylor) Focer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gina (DeMailo) Focer, in-laws, Samuel and Anita (Mazzetti) DeMailo, sister-in-law, Cheryl Focer, brother-in-laws, Willard Schauer and Norvel Bollingmo. He is survived by two children, Jessica (Greg) Holloway of New Sewickey, Sam Focer of Las Vegas, Nevada, two grandchildren, Salvatore and Anna Maria Holloway, brother, Robert C. Focer of Cookeville, Tennessee, sister, Pamela Schauer of Whitehall, sister-in-law, Judith (DeMailo) Bollingmo of Freedom, nephew, Dennis Schauer, three nieces, Tracy (Jason) LaGamba, Melissa (Nate) Mainord, Rebecca (Josh) Brown and several great nieces and great nephews. Bradley was a Level Three Weld Inspector having worked at various nuclear sites retiring from United Research Services. He had a passion for baseball and softball playing well into his fifties and enjoyed playing poker. Brad was an avid Pittsburgh sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching old westerns and ghost stories. Friends are being received on Wednesday from 1-7 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a blessing service will be held on Thursday at 11 A.M. Interment will follow in Economy Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

John T. Holiday (1936-2024)

John T. Holiday, 97, of North Sewickley Township, passed away in his home on April 27th, 2024. Born on August 23, 1936, in Mckees Rocks, John was the son of the late John T. and Mary Delach Holiday. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his beloved wife JoAnn S. Zajac Holiday in 2006, his sisters and brothers-in-law, Eleanor Holiday Coleman and her husband Robert, and Marie Holiday Joyce and her husband Lee, as well as a brother, Steve Holliday. John is survived by his niece Michele Coleman Colandene and her husband Thomas, grandniece Elizabeth Colandene and grandnephew Coleman Colandene. A sister-in-law Karen (Zajac) Giles and her husband Arthur with her children Matthew Zajac and Megan (Zajac) Maier, and JoAnn’s nephew Joseph Zajac. For 37 years, John served as a powerhouse repair and pump man for J&L Steel, later known as LTV Steel of Aliquippa. Upon retirement John became caretaker for St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, where he would spend two decades proudly maintaining upkeep of the grounds. He was also a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Rochester. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Rochester Township. Entombment will follow in Sylvania Hills Mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Jaynce C. Coe (1937-2024)

A loving wife, mother, sister and friend, Janyce C. Genevie Coe, 87, of Vanport, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024, surrounded by her beloved family and friends. She was born on April 21, 1937 in Rochester, to the late James G. Genevie and Elizabeth Blobner Genevie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Teddy along with many brothers and sisters in law. Janyce is survived by her wonderful children, Bruce and Terri (Levato) Coe , Susan Coe and Melissa (Missy) Watkins; 5 grandchildren Natalie, Maya, Nathan, Michaela, and Melina; one great-grandchild, Emery; sisters Betty Lee Forrester, Emogene and Dave Buckenheimer; along with many brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who she adored. She was a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Rochester. Janyce was a graduate of Rochester High School. She was retired from the former Beaver Trust Bank (currently Huntington Bank). Janyce loved playing cards and still played with women from a card club that she joined in the 1960’s. She was extremely active throughout her life and committed many hours devoting her time to things sports related to include officiating high school volleyball, playing tennis and swimming. She loved her children and grandchildren and supported their interests by attending countless sporting events, recitals and concerts. Janyce was a social butterfly. She was blessed to have many amazing friends, both old and new.
Janyce was blessed to have had the good fortune of being surrounded by so many loved ones each and every day over the past few months. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the remarkable rotation of visitors. A thank you goes out to Judy, Sandi, Beverly, Rose, Mimi, Shirley, Marie, and our amazing Auntie Betty along with many others. We have eternal gratitude for your love and support.
Janyces’ wishes were to be cremated with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held Monday, May 6, 2024, in St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Rochester at 10 a.m.
Arrangements were entrusted to The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Kathy D. Ash (1946-2024)

Kathy D. Ash, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 3rd, 2024 in Life Beaver County. Kathy was born October 8th, 1946, in Rochester. Kathy was the daughter of the late Robert and Eva Cain Herman. In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by a grandson, Nathaniel Ash, a brother, Ralph Herman and former husband, Donald A. Ash, Sr. Kathy is survived by one son and daughter in law, Donald A. Jr. and Tiffany Ash of Rochester, two grandchildren, Amber J. Ash of New Castle, and Deven C. Ash and his fiance Katy Hoenig of Chippewa, two great grandchildren, Milah and Zoey Russell of New Castle, two sisters and one brother in law, Beverly and Robert Messick, Sue Ellen Covalt, all of New Brighton, numerous nieces and nephews and three beloved friends, Donna, Mae and Judy. Kathy was a graduate of Rochester High School, a former waitress at the former Isaly’s Restaurant, The Hilltop Restaurant and also Dorothy’s Lunch in Rochester. Kathy had also been a caregiver for various families throughout Beaver County. She was an avid baker who also loved to play bingo and watch game shows. Most of all, Kathy loved her family and going to My Hero’s Sub Shop of Rochester.
Kathy’s wishes were to be cremated with a Celebration of Life Service on Sunday, May, 5, 2024 at 2 P.M, at the Rochester Free Methodist Church, with Robert Messick officiating.
Kathy’s family is extremely grateful for the nurses who stood by her side during her time with Life Beaver County, Kyona, Frannie, Icis, Sweetie and Mark for all the comfort and care they provided Kathy.
Arrangements are entrusted to The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

James C. Rombold, Sr. (1930-2024)

James C. Rombold, Sr., 93, of North Sewickley Township, passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2024.

Born on August 21, 1930, in New Brighton, he was a son of the late Clarence Elmer and Martha (Pickard) Rombold. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Martha, son, Michael Rombold, granddaughter, Michelle Bezak, sister, Jean Rambo, and brother, Eddie Rombold.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda (Frank) Bezak, sons, Jim (Darlene) Rombold Jr, David (Sharon) Rombold, Richard (Debbie) Rombold, sister, Shirley Bradshaw, his grandchildren, David, Brittany (Alex) Kwiat, and his great-grandchildren, Ana, Nate, and Zoey.

He was a proud veteran of the Navy.  James retired as a machinist from B&W, and a life-long member of the North Sewickley Volunteer Fire Department.

The family would like to thank Jen, Ashley, and Jess at Good Samaritan Hospice for all their kindness and care.

A special thank you also goes out to Nina Ragozinno for all her help and compassion in caring for Jim.

As per his wishes, there will be no viewing or service.

Burial will be at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester, alongside his wife, Martha.

Dale C. Stuby (1946-2024)

Dale C. Stuby, 77, of Chippewa Township, passed away on May 1, 2024, in Heritage Valley-Beaver ED.

Born on November 21, 1946, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late James L. and Eleanor (Tate) Stuby.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Young Proakis; and a brother, Richard Stuby.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Nancy Jean (Gruber) Stuby; his son, Rich (Kara Shaw-Dearth) Young; four grandchildren, Alyssa (Adam) Vargo, Ashley (Max) Hamilton, Josh Young and Matthew (Arya) Young;  two great-grandchildren, Adrian and Aris; a son-in-law, Nick Proakis; a sister, Carolyn (Mark) Fugate; two brothers, Lyle (Shirley) Stuby and Gordon (Mary) Stuby; two sisters-in-law, Deborah (Paul) Hudspath and Phyllis Stuby; and several nieces and nephews.

Dale was a 1964 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School and was a three-year letterman for the Chucks football team. In 1963, he helped lead the Chucks to a perfect 10-0 record.

Dale graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1968 on a full football scholarship. There he was a three-year starter as an offensive tackle with the Rams. After he graduated from CSU, he signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.

Following his playing days, Dale returned home teaching at Punxsutawney where he helped coach the Chucks football team for a few seasons.

In 1973, Dale began coaching at Midland High School, where he was the head varsity football coach and dedicated science teacher until the high school closed in 1985.

In 1988, Dale continued his career as a science teacher at Beaver Local High School in Ohio. There he was the head coach of the varsity football team for many years, retiring in 2015.

In 2001, he was inducted into the Punxsutawney Sports Hall of Fame.

Friends will be received on Monday, May 6th, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SVCS, INC.- 117 Blackhawk Road, Chippewa Township. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 at 11 a.m.  Pastor Tai Courtemanche will officiate.

Contributions may be made in Dale’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project- P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Katharine Leah Womer Phillips (1953-2024)

Katharine Leah Womer Phillips, 71, of Pittsburgh, passed away while celebrating Holy Week at church, on May 1, 2024. Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Helen Womer. She is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Nazmy Phillips, children Maryisis and Mark (Melanie), beloved grand-dog Zaytoon, and her siblings Sarah (Jim) Bradford, Barbara (Wayne) Moore, Zoe (Billy) Norris, Helen (Eddie Leya and Chad) Shaffer, and Joseph (Cindi) Womer, as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, both in America and in Egypt.

Katharine was born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania and graduated from Deer Lakes High School in 1970 and later Point Park College. She grew up in a large, loving family and would enjoy spending hours rehashing with them the crazy stories of their childhood. Kathy (dubbed ‘Kathy Sunshine’ by coworkers) was a medical technologist in a 48-year long career she was passionate about, working at Central Medical Hospital, St. Francis, Allegheny General, and finally Childrens Hospital where she retired on Dec 1, 2023. Ever the avid traveler, she met the love of her life, Nazmy, at King Fahad Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and they were married on November 25, 1987. They proceeded to have Maryisis and Mark who were the lights of her life. She went above and beyond as a mother, taking a very active role in their education and particularly their spiritual lives. When her husband was working abroad, she made sure to bring them both to church every Sunday and instill in them Christian values. She cheered them on with pride as Maryisis obtained a graduate degree, and Mark enlisted in the Air Force to serve his country. She loved cooking and was outstanding at it, traveling, gardening, good music (particularly The Beatles), playing board games with her family, enjoying television, movies, and was a voracious reader. She loved being surrounded by family, cheering on her Steelers, doting on her grand-dog Zaytoon, and being an active member of her church of more than 36 years, St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church. She was kind, generous, strong, passionate, ebullient, always ready with the brightest smile, and had a heart of gold. She loved fiercely and she will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. As a dear friend said, “Kathy went to celebrate Easter with Jesus because He is the God of resurrection. We wish to be with Jesus like her because she was an angel living on Earth.” “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” John 11:25-26

Friends and family will be received on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 6-8 P.M. in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., 547 8th Street, Ambridge. Funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, 995 Melrose Ave, Ambridge, on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. with burial following at Resurrection Cemetery of Moon Township.

Sterling “Dean” Fleming, Jr. (1938-2024)

Sterling “Dean” Fleming Jr., 85, of Baden, passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2024 with his 3 favorite girls at his bedside.

He was born on September 5, 1938, in Morgantown, West Virginia, to the late Sterling and Erma (Hansel) Fleming. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Margaret Fleming and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Robert and Mary Lou McBurney. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Kay (McBurney) Fleming, his 2 daughters and sons-in-law Joy and Joe Stewart of Central, South Carolina and Jill and Ron Miller of Baden; his cherished grandsons: JD (McKenzie) Cade (Lexi), Aren Stewart and Zachary Miller; and his precious great granddaughters Lucy, Alley and Mia, his brother and sister-in-law George and Nancy Fleming and his 2 nephews, Kevin and Kenny, his son Garrett and close, special friends.

A graduate of Ambridge High School, Dean worked at J&L Steel and retired from Pittsburgh International Airport. Dean was an amazing softball coach. He coached many teams in Economy from locally up to a national level. He was also the head coach for Ambridge High School softball for many years. He enjoyed refereeing high school girls’ volleyball. His passions were also golfing, hunting, playing cards with his friends on a weekly basis and of course watching all his grandsons play football, soccer, and baseball. He was a member of the Ambridge Masonic Lodge 701 F&AM.

Friends will be received on Friday May 3, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a funeral service will be held Saturday May 4, 2024 at 11:00 am. The Reverend James Young, pastor of Baden Methodist Church officiating. Private interment will take place in Bowman Flatwood Cemetery of Smock, Pennsylvania.

The family would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan hospice who helped take care of him so he could stay at home for the past 4 months.