Obituaries

Mrs. Shirley M. Smith, 96, of Shenango Township passed away on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 at her residence.

Mrs. Smith was born in Wayne Township on April 15th, 1928 to the late Ralph E. and Edith P. (Moore) McMunn. A homemaker, she enjoyed playing cards and games, bowling, needlework, working on puzzles and camping, and most of all spending time with family and friends. She was an active member of the Corner Stone Community Church in New Castle, and belonged to a camping club and a travel club.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law; Judie and Don Minteer of Shenango Township and Cindie and Ray Wheale of New Castle, sons and daughters-in-law; Thomas E. Kimberly Smith, Dean E. and Jennifer Smith of Monaca, and Mark A. and Alicia Smith of New Castle. She is also survived by her thirteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one on the way, and her sister Donna Moyer of New Castle.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; Elwin E. Smith whom she married on June 15th, 1945 and passed away on May 6th, 1994, and her brothers; Jerry McMunn, Robert McMunn, and Ralph McMunn in infancy.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm and again on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of the service 11:00 am at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Rev. Joseph Lahr officiating. Interment will be at the Wurtemburg Cemetery.

Mrs. Shirley Jean (King) Larry, 89, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 at her residence.

Shirley was born on December 31st, 1935 to Richard and Frances (Holler) King in New Galilee (Wampum, PA).

Some of her favorite activities were painting and crafting, which she enjoyed with her dear friend Betty Phillippi. She also enjoyed playing cards and spending time with her family. Shirley enjoyed her flower gardens, listening to Tom Jones, and reading James Patterson novels.

She is survived by her children: Sharon McCullough, Toni (Dan) Lutz, Sam (Renee) Larry, Jeffrey (Janice) Larry, and Jeffrey McCullough. Her grandchildren: Christina (Jason) McCullough, Garrett (Taylor) McCullough, Ashley (Tony) McCullough, Joshua Larry, Wesley Larry, Colton Larry, Kurtis Larry, Amber Larry, and Trenton Larry, great-grandchildren: Apollo DeCaria and Raya McCullough, whom she loved very much.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Tony Larry, whom she married on July 23rd, 1954 and passed away on April 16th, 2006, her parents, sisters: Esther Holler and Ruth (King) Thomas and her brothers, Earl and Roger King.

A private service will be held for Shirley’s family at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. Interment will follow at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Jessie Virginia Berkebile, 82, of Koppel passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family following a brief illness.

Born September 28, 1942 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret McCloskey Swogger. She was married to Robert Russell Berkebile when he passed away on January 17, 2023.

Jessie graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1960. After graduation she enlisted in the United States Air Force where she worked in the Medical Career Field until her discharge in 1966 after six years of honorable service.

She returned home to Ellwood City and worked at the Knitting Mill for several years. Jessie was going to Jameson Nursing School in the late 1970’s when she was hired by Ellwood City Borough Council on August 22, 1979 making history as the “first full-time policewoman”!! She graduated 3rd in her class of 12 officers from eleven departments. Jessie resigned on December 6, 1980 after 14 months of service. She accepted a new job at the US Post Office. She started working December 8, 1980 as a clerk. After three years she was promoted to Postmaster in Koppel PA, where she worked until her retirement on October 1, 2002 with over 22 years of service.

After retirement, she and Robert were “snowbirds” for over 20 years in Seminole FL. She loved anything Amish, especially going to Sugarcreek OH and reading her Amish Books.

Survivors include two sons, Kevin (Fiancee Michelle Archuleta) Swogger of Ellwood City and Randy Hollenbeck of Koppel; four grandchildren, Megan and Ashley Swogger and Benjamin and Abby Hollenbeck, and her sister Mollie Prestopine.

In addition to her parents and husband Robert, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Shirley Shank and Sally Crespo.

Friends will be received on Wednesday March 26, 2025 from 6 to 8 pm and on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 2 until the Funeral Service at 4 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. Pastor Dave Keppen will officiate.

Interment will be at Oak Park Cemetery in the Berkebile Mausoleum.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Robert J. O’Brien, 93, of Ellwood City passed away March 19, 2025 at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center.

Born May 16, 1931 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late George O’Brien and Grace (Stiefel) O’Brien. He was married to Jane Karen (Merritt) O’Brien until her death on February 1,1973.

Bob was a graduate of Lincoln High School. He worked as paper boy for the Ledger for several years. He was a veteran, serving four years in the Navy, May of 1951 through April 1955. He worked briefly at Ellwood City Forge and then attended Kentucky Christian College where he graduated in 1960. Bob was ordained to Christian ministry in that year and served ministries in six states over a forty-year period. A sports fan, he played football for Lincoln High School and beyond as a half-back for the Bolt Busters semi-pro team. Bob enjoyed raising and racing homing pigeons from the time he was 10 years of age. Over the years he kept a variety of small stock including but not limited to songbirds, rabbits and sheep.

Survivors include his two sons, Tom O’Brien and his wife Sharon of Ellwood City, James O’Brien and his wife Suzanne of Cincinnati, Ohio, a daughter, Karen Brandenburg, who survives her husband Kelly of Winchester, Kentucky, 4 grandchildren, Emily, Andrew, Chelsea and her husband George Smith and their son Jacob, and Stephanie Brandenburg and her son Toby.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Harry and William, and four sisters; Blanche Young, Rosie Walker, Etta Hockenberry, and Clara Watson.

The Memorial Service will be held at the First Christian Church of Ellwood City, 317 State Route 288, on Monday, March 24 with visitation at 10:00 A.M. and the service following at 11:00 A.M.. Tom O’Brien, minister at First Christian Church will officiate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Janice Lee Boone, 79, of Ellwood City died peacefully in Palmetto, FL on Friday, March 14, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Edward K. and Ida Mae (Reese) Boone and was born July 11, 1945, in Ellwood City.

She is survived by her brother; Thomas Boone and his wife Susan of Palmetto, FL, her nieces; Kylie Boone Freed and her husband Dan of Elwood City, Rhiannon Boone of Shenango Twp, Marissa Boone of Ocala, Fla, her cousins; Sarah Kruger and her husband Zach, Andrew Calve, Carli Gilchrist and her husband Tanner, and Samantha Young.

She was a 1963 graduate of Lincoln High School. After she graduated, she worked at St. Francis Hospital in New Castle where she was a medical transcriptionist, retiring in the early 1990’s. She also enjoyed going to the gym at Air Fitness, where she had many friends. She always stayed in touch with all her friends from the hospital, going to dinner and also playing women’s softball. Janice also loved shopping at Goodwill looking for “Treasures”. She was a longtime and active member of Christ Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deacon. Janice was also a “Red Hat” Lady. She was also very active with the ALS Association, walking every year in Pittsburgh’s Walk to Defeat ALS. During her illness, she enjoyed connecting with her friends and family via texting and Facebook. She always appreciated the visits and prayers from her friends.

She is preceded in death by her nephew; Jared Boone and her cousins; David Joseph Calve, and Barbara Calve Young.

Friends may call on the family on Sunday, March 23, 2025, from 2:00PM-4:00pm and 6:00PM-8:00pm at Turner-Hyde Funeral & Cremation Services in Ellwood City. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 12:00PM at Christ Presbyterian Church located at 325 Spring Ave in Ellwood City.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations made in Janice’s name to the ALS Association at ALS.Org.

Interment will be in Locust Grove Cemetery in Ellwood City, PA

Arrangements entrusted to the TURNER-HYDE FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES located at 500 6th Street in Ellwood City, PA 16117

Mr. S. Dale Benedum, 69, of  Zelienople passed away on Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at UPMC Passavant-McCandless Hospital in McCandless Township.

Dale was born on July 22nd, 1955 in Ellwood City. He was the son of the late Glenn and Marium (Floss) Benedum. He had graduated from Riverside High School and later from the University of Pittsburgh earning a Doctorate Degree in Business. Dale was affiliated with the Ellwood City Children’s Center and Rochester Alloy. He also is a member of Divine Grace Parish. Dale enjoyed motorcycles in his younger days, and presently going to car shows and was an avid Nascar fan.

Dale leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife Sylvia, his brother, Bruce Benedum, and his cousin Bill (Karen) Benedum. He also leaves behind his two Boston Terriers, Grace and Junior who he affectionately called his two mooches.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 2-6 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. A mass of Christian burial will held on Friday at 10:00am at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park in Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dale’s name may be made to: Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Rd., Renfrew, PA 16053.

Mrs. Irmtraud “Judy” Reidy, 86, of New Brighton passed away on Sunday, March 16th, 2025 at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden.

Mrs. Reidy was born in Weisbaden, Germany on May 12th, 1938 to the late Elizabeth Teutsch. She had graduated from high school in Germany and later from Nursing School as a Registered Nurse. She had worked at the New Brighton Hospital and at various other hospitals while she was living in Virginia. Judy loved everything about Christmas, ceramics, and watching detective shows.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Susanna and Donald DiFrischia of Scott Township and Jane and Ken Erickson of Lynchburg, Virginia, son, Joseph Cowan of Virginia Beach, Virginia, grandchildren, Melissa D’Amico, Kevin (Lauren) Mazzanti, Amanda (George) Chieffo, Jennifer (Ryan) O’Neil, Madison (Grace) Cowan, Jessica Barron, and Lori (Kris) Hayes, eleven great-grandchildren, and her son-in-law Alfred Mazzanti of Ellwood City.

She was preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth, Husband, Phillip E. Reidy whom she married on November 15th, 1974 and passed away on October 2nd, 2002, step-father, Herbert Teutsch, daughter, Kathryn Mazzanti, sisters, Lotta Horger and Elfriede Brenner, and her brother, Adolph Pfeil.

Family and friends will be received on Friday from 5:00 pm until the time of the Memorial Service at 6:00 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Rev. Dennis Arndt officiating. Inurnment will be at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Ella Mae Forbush, 101, formerly of New Castle PA, went to be with her Lord on Friday morning, March 14, 2025, after a brief illness.

She was born in Shenango township near Duck Run, Castlewood, PA, on October 6, 1923, to the late Harry Edward Ort and Lyda Pearl Ewing Ort. Ella Mae graduated from Shenango High School in 1941. She married Chauncey J Forbush on February 18, 1944.

Before her marriage, Ella Mae worked in the office of the former National Tube Company Ellwood Works. In 1950 she became one of the founders and the co-owner of Forbush Frozen Custard, with her husband and Forbush in-laws, and worked there until retiring in 1984. In retirement, Ella Mae and Chauncey enjoyed spending time at the family camp near Marienville, PA, traveling, and attending auctions. After Chauncey’s death in 2016, Ella Mae enjoyed spending time with her family.

Ella Mae was a faithful and longtime member of the Castlewood Alliance Church, joining it in 1936. She was loving, kind, and generous to all, and especially to her family. She was an expert seamstress, making many outfits for her daughters, their dolls, and she made both daughter’s wedding dresses. An excellent cook and baker, Ella Mae was well known for baking delicious ham balls, banana nut cake, huge raisin-filled sugar cookies, and all kinds of pies.

Ella Mae was preceded in death by, her parents, her husband and one sister, Mary Elizabeth Byers.

She is survived by her two daughters: Janet L (and the Rev Jerry W) Zuvers of Portage, PA, and Patricia R. (and Dr. Steven P.) Wilson, of New Castle, PA. Also surviving are two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, her sister, Annabel Fombelle, of New Castle, PA, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Avalon Springs Care Center, Mercer, PA, for their sensitive, loving care and friendship with Ella Mae the past two years.

Friends will be received from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at 12 noon on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at

Turner-Hyde Funeral Home of Ellwood City, with the Rev. Jerry W. Zuvers, the Rev. Charles L. Fombelle, and the Rev. James R. O’Hara officiating. Interment will follow in North Sewickley Cemetery, North Sewickley Township.

Interment will follow in North Sewickley Cemetery, North Sewickley Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in Mrs. Forbush’s name, to the Castlewood Alliance Church, 660 Harmony Baptist Road, New Castle, PA 16101.

Arrangements entrusted to the TURNER FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.

Mr. Robert E. Neal, 68, of Wayne Township, passed away on Friday, March 14th, 2025 at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

Robert was born on November 9th, 1956 in Bellvue to Robert Anderson and Jacqueline (McConnell) Neal. He attended Freedom High School and worked for Armstrong World Industries in Beaver Falls as a Fork Truck Operator. An outdoorsman, Robert liked to hunt and fish, but most of all, it was time with his grandchildren that he really cherished. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Caitlin (Colton) Gardner, grandchildren, Madeline, Parker and Nova Gardner, life-long friend, Kathy Neal, brother, Randy (Debbie) Neal of SC, and nephews, Josh and Nick Neal, and his doggy, Skylar who he absolutely adored.

He was preceded in death by his step-father, Earl “Bud” Neal.

As per Robert’s wishes there will be no service. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..