Category: Obituaries

Donald Alfred Zaffaroni (1943-2026)

Donald Alfred Zaffaroni, 83, of Chippewa Township, passed peacefully on April 27th, 2026, at Beaver Valley Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls.

A chapel service with military honors will be held on Thursday, April 30th at 1 P.M. at Williamsburg Chapel of Beaver Falls Cemetery & Mausoleum with entombment to follow.

The GABAUER-LITTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, is honored to provide care and guidance to the Zaffaroni family and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Patricia Ann (Fraser) Winkle (Passed on April 27th, 2026)

Patricia Ann (Fraser) Winkle, 82, of Industry, passed away on April 26th, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Rochester and was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a daughter of the late William and Mary Fraser and was also preceded in death by her son, William Winkle, her daughter, Mary Kay Winkle, her sister, Kay Yeager, and her brother, George Fraser. She is survived by her four children, Richard A. Winkle and his wife Cheryl, Tim Winkle and his wife, Valerie, Tom Winkle and his wife, Debbie, and Nikki Johnson and her husband, Phillip. She also leaves behind four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who will carry forward her memory with love and gratitude.

Patricia was raised in Baden and attended Freedom Area Schools. She built her life with a strong sense of loyalty, resilience, and pride in her heritage. She was proud of her Scottish background, a part of her identity that she held close throughout her life. She worked in various places over the years, and in her later working years, she was employed as a cashier at the Monaca Walmart. Above all, she treasured her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She found joy in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she embraced every opportunity to be part of their world. Her family brought her great happiness, and her love for them was evident in the care, encouragement, and affection she shared so freely.  She loved watching afternoon soap operas and NCIS, and she found enjoyment in the steady company of the characters and stories she followed.

Friends will be received on Saturday, May 2nd 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 services will be held on Sunday, May 3rd at 2 p.m. with Pastor Randy Owens, officiating. Interment will take place on Monday, May 4th at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

In lieu of flower, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired in her memory to the Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association, 3582 Brodhead Road, Suite #201, Monaca, PA. 15061 or Children’s Hospital, Pittsburgh or St Jude Children’s Hospital.

Debra Jean Speerhas (1957-2026)

Debra Jean Speerhas, 69, of Midland, passed away surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous battle with cancer on April 27th, 2026. She was born in Rochester on January 10th, 1957, a daughter of the late Nathan and Jo Emma Elkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Ricky Elkins, Dale Elkins, and Darius Elkins and her sister, Brenda Elkins. She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 40 years, Terry Speerhas, her loving children: Debbie Banfield, Ted Tesimillies Jr. (Whitney), Nathan Ours (Jeannie), Misty Cujas (Adam) and Heather Genung (Sean), her stepchildren, Terry Lee Speerhas; Sharon Speerhas and Annette Gooch (Ron), numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were the light of her life, and her sisters, Jannette Dishler, Judy Coe and Ranell Bambery (mark)

Debra was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a true friend to many. She was a dedicated member of the Midland American Legion Auxiliary, where she found joy in serving her community and those around her. She had a deep love for music-one of the earliest memories her children carry is of her singing to them, filling their home with warmth and comfort. She especially loved karaoke and had a voice that could light up any room. Music wasn’t just something she enjoyed: it was something she shared, something that brought people together. Family meant everything to her. She shared an unbreakable bond with those she loved and cherished every moment spent making memories together. She was always there when someone needed her-offering strength, compassion, and unwavering support. She was also an animal lover, often rescuing those in need and giving them the same care and kindness she gave so freely to others. She was a woman of deep faith who believed in the power of prayer and in a love strong enough to move mountains. She fought her illness with incredible strength and courage, holding on for as long as she could. She was the best mom in the world to her children and her love will continue to live on in each of them, in every song, every memory, and every quiet moment where she is still felt.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 1st, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Debra’s name to the Midland American Legion, 800 Midland Avenue, Midland PA 15059.

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

Robert Allen Lockhart (1954-2026)

Robert Allen Lockhart, 71, of Industry, passed away unexpectedly on April 26th, 2026.  He was born in Rochester on October 31st, 1954, a son of the late William Earl Lockhart Sr. and Virginia “Virgie” (Grim) Lockhart. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William “Butch” Lockhart Jr. and a sister, Kathy Ann Hlista. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Karen Lockhart, his three children, Jason & Betty Lockhart of Weirton, West Virginia, Jenn & Brandon Checketts of Center Township and Jennifer Renae & Bill Nestor of Bridgeport, West Virginia, six grandchildren: Devon & Jacob Lockhart, Brandon & Jaxson Checketts and Madison & Morgan Walls; as well as two special nieces, Kelly Godshall and LuAnn Anthony and his dog, Mary Jane.

Robert was a former Security Supervisor for the Nuclear Power Plant in Shippingport. He was an active member of Planet Fitness and he loved a good cigar. He also loved to tell stories and whether they were true or not was the fun of it all.

In accordance with Robert’s wishes, all services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Memorials may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Joseph Taylor “Joey” Sims (1961-2026)

Joseph Taylor “Joey” Sims, 64, passed away unexpectedly on April 25th, 2026.  He was born in Philadelphia on August 26th, 1961, a son of the late Rita (Namath) and Thomas Sims. He is survived by his siblings, Tom Sims, Kelli (Mike) Pingley, Dana (Larry) Simpson, Janet (Jeff) DeDominicis, and Greg (Chris) Sims; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joseph enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved fishing, camping, building puzzles, and being outdoors making memories with family. He had a unique way with puzzles in which he would start to build them from the middle and work his way out, completing hundreds of them. He was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous, which meant so much to him, recently reaching 37 years of sobriety.  He spent time counseling others suffering from addiction and alcoholism at Gateway Rehabilation Center in Aliquippa. He was previously employed at Phoenix Glass in Monaca.

Friends will be received on Thursday, April 30th from 4-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 1st at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.  Fr. Kim J. Schreck will serve as celebrant.

Inurnment will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joey’s name may be directed to Mount Carmel Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2720 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Therman W. Wallace, Jr. (2016-2026)

Therman W. Wallace, Jr., 9, of Rochester, formerly of Arkansas, passed away on April 24th, 2026. He was born in Magnolia, Arkansas on June 15th, 2016, a son of Therman W., Sr., and Alicia M. Belanger Wallace. In addition to his parents, he is survived by three brothers, Cody, Alex and Austin, four sisters: Mia, Savannah, Alyssa and Ali; as well as his maternal grandparents, Lisa and Charles Hartman, paternal grandmother, Jammie Johnson and paternal grandfather’s, Thomas Johnson and Ricky Wallace, maternal great grandparents, Glenn and Cindy Young, and his buddy, his turtle, Mr. McTurtle, six aunts: Veronica, Krista, Kalynne, Jennifer, Debra and Niki; along with nine uncles: Chris S., Justin, Chris W., Tony, Keith, James, Chris G., Rich and John; as well as numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by a great uncle, George “Tony” Byrnside.

Therman was a student at Rochester Elementary School. He loved Minecraft, Roblox, playing UNO, fishing and riding 4-wheelers and bikes with his brothers and friends. He was very outgoing and made friends everywhere he went. He never knew a stranger as he thought of everyone as a “friend”, leading off by saying , “ Hey Bruh !”.

A Visitation will be on Saturday, May 2nd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 393 Adams Street, Rochester, where a service will take place at 2:30 p.m. with pastor Greg Clagg officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Therman, please visit our floral store.

The family is asking memorial contributions be made to M.A.D.D. Pennsylvania or The Tanner Dietrich Foundation.

Therman would like everyone to remember, ” Hey Bruh!! ”

On Saturday May 2nd, access to parking for visitation and services for Therman will be at the bottom of Adams Street. See officer(s) nearby posted for any further directions.

Janice Eileen Ross (1946-2026)

Janice Eileen Ross, also known as Meemaw, 79, of Vanport Township, passed away peacefully on April 23rd, 2026, in the comfort of her home. She was born in Beaver Falls on November 18th, 1946, a daughter of the late Senator James E. Ross and Dorothy J. (Moravec) Ross. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Ross Jr. and his wife, Kathy; an infant brother, Kevin Ross; and her brother-in-law, Frederick Zmitrovich. She is survived by her three loving daughters, Megan Farrelly, Brooke (Michael) Farrelly, and Trisha (Sean) Van Winkle, her grandchildren, Madelyn Cataldo, Skylar Van Winkle, Saxon Van Winkle, and Ella D’Alessandris; as well as her great-grandchildren, Zaiden, Valarie, and Frank Jr., her sisters: Judith (Michael) Deelo, Deborah (Adrian) Cisneros, Rebecca (Mark) Fischer, Helen (Randy) Estep, Bernadette Zmitrovich, Dorothy Ross, and Barbara (Frank) Bovalino; along with her numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Janice retired from working at NOVA Chemical Corporation after more than 20 years of service. She was a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Beaver and Our Lady of the Valley Parish. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who adored spending precious moments with her family. Jan was known as a proud Democrat and Union supporter. She found solace in her quiet home, watching British television shows, Jeopardy, and snacking on chipped chopped ham.

In accordance with Janice’s wishes, there will be no visitation. However, family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, April 30th at 10:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver.

Inurnment will be in Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Janice’s name to the American Red Cross by donated platelets, or the Beaver County Democratic Committee, 426 Adams St., Rochester, PA 15074.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, which is the funeral home that is honored to be serving the Ross family during this time.

Michael K. Kleber, Sr. (1961-2026)

Michael K. Kleber, Sr., 64, of Aliquippa, passed away on April 23rd, 2026. He was born on August 21st, 1961, a son of the late Frank and Ruby Kleber. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his fiancée, Deb Murin and his brothers, Douglas and Thomas Kleber. He is survived by his children, Tanisha (Richard) Jenkins, Malissa (Waylon) McNutt, and Michael (girlfriend, Alaura) Kleber Jr., his sisters, Cheryl Kleber and Janet (John) Kleber, his brothers, Frank (Wanda) Kleber and Jeffrey (Lennit) Kleber, his grandchildren, Obie and Kyla McNutt, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Michael was a dedicated and hardworking man who spent many years as a bartender at Shadow Lakes Country Club in Aliquippa. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and cherished the many friendships he formed over the years, especially at Back 2 Barney’s in Aliquippa.

Services are private for Michael. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in care of Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003, which was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Kenneth Joseph Dishler (Passed on April 23rd, 2026)

Kenneth Joseph Dishler, 84, passed away on April 23rd, 2026, at his residence in Pulaski Township. He was born in Rochester, a son of the late Joseph and Freida (Kendrew) Dishler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark Dishler, and four brothers: Jack, Jerry, Tommy, and Alan “Bud” Dishler. Their memories remained an important part of his life.

Kenneth married Marie (Garman) Dishler in New Castle on March 23rd, 2002, in New Castle. His wife survives him. Their marriage was a source of companionship and comfort. He is also survived by his daughter, Karen Hayostek, his stepdaughters, Shari Hoag and Kathy Howieson, his stepson, Cliff Bryant, six grandchildren, four great- grandchildren and his sister, Joanne Blinn. He spent much of his working life as a welder for Damascus Steel in New Brighton, which is where he retired after 43 years of service. Outside of work, he enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought people together. As a youngster, he liked playing softball. He was also a regular at the Beaver Falls McDonald’s, where he met with his buddies each morning for coffee and conversation. Those daily gatherings were an important part of his routine and a reflection of the friendships he valued over the years. He also enjoyed playing cards. He looked forward to the annual bus trips to Atlantic City, New Jersey, which added excitement and enjoyment to his later years. He will be remembered as a hardworking man with a kind presence and a steady nature.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 1st from 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested monetary gifts be given to the funeral home, SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, PA 15061 to defray funeral expenses.

Betty Lee (Morris) Dusenberry (1934-2026)

Betty Lee (Morris) Dusenberry, 91, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully on April 23rd, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa. She was born in Dilliner, Pennsylvania on September 22nd, 1934, a daughter of the late Orville S. and Myrtle M. (McMannes) Morris. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Joseph J. Dusenberry and eleven siblings: Donald, Harold, Walter, Clarence, Carl, Stella Morris, Mazella King, Ruth Dawson, Martha Headlee, Esther Christy, and Shirley Kefover. She is survived by her daughters, Sarah Dusenberry, M.D. and Deborah Lapinski, her grandchildren, Heather Chisholm, Leanne Santavicca, and Joseph Santavicca, her great-grandchildren, Lily, Molly, and William, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Betty Lee spent her life as a homemaker, where she cared for and nurtured her family.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was also a member of the Chippewa United Methodist Church and the Fraternal Order of the Eastern Star. In her free time, she enjoyed spending precious moments with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, gardening, and visiting with people in nursing homes to offer them encouragement for whatever they were facing. Her voice was a gift to many and could often be heard singing hymns and country music.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, April 29th from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday, April 30th from 10 a.m. until the time of a service at 11 a.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. The service will take place in the funeral home chapel and Pastor Allan Brooks will officiate.

Interment will follow in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association at donorservices.alz.org, Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001, or a no-kill animal shelter of one’s choice.