Articles by Tomon Funeral Home

William “Bill” Smith, 61, of New Beaver, passed away unexpectedly at Heritage Valley Beaver on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Born in Ellwood City, Bill was the son of Betty Moon Smith of New Beaver and the late Billie Smith. Bill owned and operated a produce stand in Darlington. He was also a chainsaw carver who enjoyed sharing his talent, setting up at events all around Lawrence and Beaver Counties. Bill would give anyone the shirt off of his back and he had a soft spot for kids, who wouldn’t leave the produce stand empty-handed. In addition to his mother, Bill…

Samuel W. Burton, 91, of Wayne Township, passed away at his residence on Monday, November 25, 2024. Born in Louisa, Kentucky on March 30, 1933, Samuel was the son of the late George G. and Elva Chaffin Burton.  He is survived by his wife, the former Thelma Fogg whom he married on February 15, 1953.  Samuel retired as a foreman at B&W.  He later drove buses for Zona Tours.  Samuel was a veteran of the Army, serving from 1953 to 1955.  Samuel enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing and flying model planes.  In his earlier days he had a Great Lakes Captains…

Edna Mae Epperly, 86, of Zelienople, formerly of Ellwood City, passed into the arms of her Savior on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at UPMC Passavant. Born in New Eagle, PA on February 27, 1938, Edna was the daughter of the late Leroy A. and Leah L. Crawford Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband, O. B. Epperly on February 22, 1982. They were married on April 5, 1963. Edna grew up in the Scenery Hill area and worked as a housekeeper until her retirement in 1999. She was a member of Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church and attended Seaman Lutheran…

Douglas R. Johnston, 77, of Ellwood City, formerly of Cranberry Township, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Born in Pittsburgh on August 2, 1947, Douglas was the son of the late Ralph W. and Jean Kurtley Johnston, Sr.  Douglas is survived by his wife, the former Elaine Meta, whom he married on February 8, 1969.  Douglas retired from the Finance Department at UPMC Passavant in 2014 after 23 years of service.  He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Cranberry Township.  Douglas was a Veteran of the Army serving from 1966 through 1968.  An avid…

Debra A. Tomei, 69, of Ellwood City, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at Heritage Valley Beaver following a brief illness. Born on July 5, 1955 in Ellwood City, Debra was the daughter of the late Martin and Stella Prestopine Tomei.  Debra worked for many years at the Ellwood City Hospital as an admissions clerk, retiring when the hospital closed.  She was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and she enjoyed cooking and doing crossword puzzles.  Debra especially cherished the twenty-three years she spent together with her longtime companion, Bob Ruby.  They both loved to fish.  Debra and Bob lived…

Mary Ann Elchison, 84, of Ellport, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at Edison Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in New Castle. Born in Ellwood City on February 10, 1940, Mary Ann was the daughter of the late John and Irene Erdos Elchison.  Mary Ann had worked at the Ellwood Knitting Mill, Alsy Lighting and retired from the Ellport Junction.  She was a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Mary Ann is survived by her sister, Joyce Boots and her brother, Sonny Elchison, both of Ellwood City, a niece, Renee Dean Anderson and three nephews, John Elchison,…

Timothy J. Bollman, 36, of Fombell, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024. Born in Pittsburgh on June 12, 1988, Tim was the son of Michael and Mariann Fester Bollman of Fombell.  Tim is also survived by his wife, Hayley Walker Bollman.  They were married on October 1, 2011, and have been together since March 24, 2007.  Tim worked in maintenance at the Ellwood City Forge and was a member of the Grace Community Church in Cranberry Township.  Tim was an avid motorcycle rider and enjoyed riding his Yamaha R6.  A car enthusiast also, Tim had a ’99 Eagle Talon…

Cheryl Vogler Franus passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family on September 13, 2024, at the age of 77 at Celebration Villa of Chippewa. Born on January 1, 1947 in Ellwood City to the late Wilbur “Bill” and Ethel “Delores” Jessop Vogler, Cheryl had the designation of being the Ledger’s First Baby of the New Year, 1947. She graduated from Riverside High School in 1964 and Clarion University. She married Gerald “Jerry” Franus on June 16, 1973. A beloved retired school librarian and cherished community member, Cheryl spent over thirty-seven years in the Ellwood City Area School District, first…

Ronald W. Curtis, 69, of Ellwood City passed away in the ER of UPMC Jameson Hospital on Friday, September 6, 2024. Born in Ellwood City on November 14, 1954, Ron was the son of the late Harold and Dorothy Swogger Curtis.  Ron was a machinist and had worked at the Ellwood Forge and retired from Ellwood Crankshaft and Machine Co in Hermitage.  A 1973 graduate of Riverside High School, Ron was a Steeler, Wrestling and Harley Davidson fan.  Ron enjoyed traveling with friends and family on his Harley Davidson. Ron is survived by his daughters, Billie Jo and Joe McQuistion…