Articles by Marshall Funeral Home

Ruth E. Kuntz, 98

Ruth E. Kuntz, 98, of Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at her residence. Born October 7, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Martha (Barkley) McClymonds . She was married to the late George Kuntz. They were married in November of 1950 in the middle of the snow of 1950 by a snow plow driver at the Dixie Inn in Portersville. Ruth graduated in 1939 from Portersville High School. She was the last surviving graduate from her class. Following high school, she helped a family raise ten kids and worked at Humphrey’s Store (Cals’)….


Betty Rafacz, 89

Bessie Elizabeth “Betty” Rafacz, 89, of Wampum passed away peacefully Monday, August 31, 2020 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital in New Castle following an extended illness. Born April 1, 1931 in Coalport, PA, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Vanda (Gmerek) Stiles Sr. She was married to Henry J. Rafacz for 66 years, he survives. Betty was a member of the former St. Monica’s Parish in Wampum, and more recently Holy Redeemer in Ellwood City. She formerly worked at Airway Luggage and Shenango Pottery. She also cleaned St. Monica’s for several years. Betty’s truest love was being…


James R. Marshall, 62

James R. Marshall, 62, of Fombell went home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, August 30, 2020 following a brief illness. Born September 28, 1957 in Ellwood City, he was the son of William R. Marshall and the late Eva (Harriet) Marshall who passed away in 2016. He was married for 39 years to Becky (Pelloni) Marshall as they were married January 3, 1981. She survives. Jim graduated from Vo-Tech High School in 1976. He was a talented florist, owner and designer of the former Bittersweet Shop in Ellwood City and Amaryllis in Cranberry. He was a member…


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Edward R. Gasper, 75

Edward Raymond Gasper, 75, of West Pittsburg PA, passed away August 11, 2020 at Cadia Healthcare in Hagerstown, MD following a lengthy illness. Born November 26, 1944 in Ellwood City, PA, he was the son of the late Vincent T. Sr. and Margaret (Eckler) Gasper. Edward was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He enjoyed attending NASCAR races. He was a truck driver and was proud of being a teamster. He also liked going to the casino. Survivors include two sons, Justin (Amber) Gasper of Martinsburg, WV, Jason Gasper of Pittsburgh, PA; two daughters, Arvada (Jeff) Morrissey of…


Tom Barberio, 82

Tom Barberio, 82, of Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital in New Castle. Born February 14, 1938 in Ellwood City, PA, he was the son of the late George T. and Abigail Margaret (Hughes) Barberio . He was married to Lois Jean McDowell Barberio for 43 years, she passed on October 6, 2003. Tom was a graduate of Lincoln High School class of 1956. He owned and operated McDowell’s in Koppel until his retirement. He was a member of the IMBS in Koppel and the SOI and Hungarian Home in Ellwood City. Tom…


Patrick R. Somerville Sr., 62

Patrick Somerville Sr., 62, of North Sewickley Township passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital following a short illness. Born March 15, 1958 in Bellevue, PA, he was the son of the late James S. and Winfield Joanne Schwemm Somerville. He was married to Diana M. Tibolet Somerville for 38 years. Patrick was a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors. He retired as an escalator repair mechanic. Along with his wife Diana, survivors include a daughter, Amanda (Ryan) Benedict; two sons, Patrick Somerville, Jr., Scott (Janine) Somerville; Stepmother Barb Somerville; four sisters, Paula (Shelly) Somerville,…


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Virginia R. Dice, 101

Virginia R. Dice, 101, of North Beaver Township passed away Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the Jameson Care Center. Born April 11, 1919 in Enon Valley, PA, she was the daughter of the late Balcer and Lulu Mae Baird Wright . She was married to William R. Dice Sr. for 66 years when he passed away on November 28, 2006. She was formerly employed at Craig’s Eggs as a grader. She was a member of the Moravia Presbyterian Church. Survivors include two sons, Charles W. Dice of New Mexico, William R. Dice, Jr. of North Beaver; a daughter, Becky (Larry)…


Rosalee J. Blatchford, 101

Rosalee J. Blatchford, 101, of Ellwood City passed away at the residence of her daughter on August 17, 2020. Born February 12, 1919 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late John and Cora (White) Snare. She was married for 63 years to Alfred L Blatchford who passed away September 3, 2004. Rosalee was a member of Bell Memorial Presbyterian Church. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1937. She was an associate member of the Ellwood City Hospital Auxiliary. Rosalee’s most cherished time was spent with family. Survivors include a daughter, Donna (Alan) Weyand…


Thomas M. Chappell, 59

Thomas M. Chappell, 59, of Chewton passed away Thursday, August 13, 2020 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital following complications of a heart attack. Born October 28, 1960 in Ellwood City, PA, he was the son of Donald M. and Barbara J. Davis Chappell. Tom was a life long resident of Chewton. He was an active member of the Chewton Christian Church where he served as a deacon. He was also a member of the Chewton Polish White Eagles Club. Tom loved country life and sharing it with his dog Lilly.  He was formerly employed at Medusa Cement and TMK Koppel Steel….


Keith D. Edwards, 74

Keith D. Edwards, 74, of New Galilee, PA passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. Born December 2, 1945, he was the son of the late Roy D. and Helen R. Edwards. Keith Edwards worked for Sheetz for 17 years and loved his farm. He is survived by three children; Sandra Curry of New Castle; Benjamin (Theresa) Edwards of New Galilee; William (Amber) Edwards of Washington; 5 grandchildren, Zack Edwards, Timothy Edwards, Alexia Edwards, Khloe Edwards, Makayla Edwards; three siblings, H. Arlene (Jim) Hiskey; John B. Edwards; Karen R. Worrell; and extended family. He…