Obituaries

Evelyn Duncan, 90, Shenango Twp, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024, at her home. She was the daughter of the late Wade and Anna Belle (Kildoo) Mills and was born January 31, 1934, in Steubenville,OH
She is survived by her son; F. Donald Duncan of New Castle and her daughter; Linda Beilby and her husband John of Austintown, OH, her grandchildren; J.D. Duncan and his wife Rachel of Chewton, Frank Duncan and his wife Lior of Pittsburgh, John Beilby, III and his wife Rosaleena of Austintown, OH, Ross Beilby of Poland, OH, and her great-grandchildren; Eliora, Ella, and Ian.
Evelyn was a 1952 graduate of Lincoln High School. She met and married her husband Frank Duncan in 1956, and they were married 36 years, until his passing in 1992. She enjoyed fishing with her family, and she found this love from her father who grew up on the Ohio River. She was a gospel singer and traveled with many different gospel groups for many years traveling and singing all over the eastern part of the US. She was a longtime member of Park Gate Baptist and a long-time member of Calvary Independent. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank Duncan and her boyfriend; Bill Bessell.
Friends may call on the family on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 10:00AM-12:00PM with a Funeral Service following at 12:00PM at Turner-Hyde Funeral Home in Ellwood City, with Reverend Chuck Fombelle, Officiating.
Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery in Beaver Falls.

Arrangements entrusted to the TUNRER-HYDE FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City

James Edward Jones, 72, of Chippewa Twp. Pennsylvania, formerly of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, went to the Lord on November 3, 2024, at AHN Wexford Hospital in Wexford, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Born in 1952 in Glassport, Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late Rodger and Olivia (Welsh) Jones of McKeesport. A graduate of McKeesport Area Senior High School, Jim received an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Penn State – McKeesport in 1989.

He was a veteran of the Air Force and Navy, serving as an avionics technician, working on various electronic systems for the Navy. After 14 years of active duty, he also had 11 years of reserve service, primarily with the Navy Reserves. He was very proud of his military service.

He retired from First Energy Corporation in 2019, having worked at the Beaver Valley Power Station as an advanced nuclear engineering specialist for 31 years.

Jim has been a board member of Best Friends, Inc.: The Children’s Friendship Network since 2006, serving as Vice President for the last sixteen years. He cared deeply about young people with disabilities and enjoyed supporting their social events.

Jim was an inveterate animal lover and enjoyed the companionship of many dogs and cats over the years. He liked to wear shirts with dog sayings and loved to tell stories about his previous pets and his encounters with giraffes, alpacas, and “doggie friends” that he met along the way.

Jim loved music and liked to play the guitar, especially with his friend Guy Cekala. He also enjoyed church music. Jim was a member of St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Church in Beaver Falls. He loved God with all his heart and loved his family and his special church friends: Fr. John (of blessed memory) and Irene Sidor, his fellow veteran Fr. Steven Shaheen, Fr. Andrew Clarke, and Mat. Martha Nakajima. He was very loving and always had a smile and a kind word for everyone.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Lawrence, Robert, William, and sister Ann Neugebauer. Surviving are his sisters Joyce (Michael) Walker of Williamsport, PA, Diane (Lee) Graft of Port Vue, PA, Carol Trust of North Versailles Twp., PA, Ruth (Daniel) Hodges, Wendy (David) Taylor, both of McKeesport, PA, his brother Rodger (Nancy) Jones of East Palestine, OH, dear nephew Donovan, and countless nieces and nephews.

In addition, he is survived by his long-time companion Jan Clarke and her son Victor Clarke and their Boston Terrier Diamond. Jim’s love of guitar inspired Victor to become a musician himself, and the two bonded over countless concert road trips.

The Orthodox Christian funeral service for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6 at St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Church (1501 Eighth Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010; 724-847-1111). Friends will be received at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. before the service. The funeral will be conducted by Fr. Seraphim Moslener and Fr. Steven Shaheen.

Interment with military honors will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies (1158 Morgan Rd., Bridgeville, PA 15017; phone 724-746-4363) on Wednesday at 1:30 pm. The Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Jim’s favorite charities: Best Friends Inc., The Children’s Friendship Network (P.O. Box 1604, Beaver Falls, PA 15010), the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration (321 Monastery Ln., Ellwood City, PA 16117), or St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Church (1501 Eighth Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010).

Jan Clarke wishes to remember and thank Dr. Scott Vargo, Dr. Raghukumar Thirumala, Dr. David Buchanan, Jim’s other physicians at Allegheny Health Network, and the intensivists and nurses at AHN Wexford Hospital for the phenomenal and compassionate care that Jim received.

Jim’s arrangements are entrusted to the care of Samuel Teolis Funeral Home (309 Spring Ave., Ellwood City, PA 16117; phone 724-758-3222; teolisfuneralhome.com).

Jim will be greatly missed by his family and friends. May his memory be eternal in the kingdom of Heaven!

Shawn M. Smith, 49, of Beaver Falls passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Heritage Valley Beaver due to complications from a lengthy heart condition.

Born December 14, 1974 in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Gerald Smith Sr. and Donna Yaria Smith of New Castle.

Shawn graduated from Beaver Falls High School. Over the years, Shawn has worked at Wendys, and for the last 18 he has served as manager of the Aliquippa location. He was an avid lifelong Pittsburgh Penguins fan and enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews. Shawn was a friend to all and loved by many.

Survivors include his mother, Donna; his children whom he loved very much; Kayla Smith and son, Aaron Smith both of Tennessee; two brothers, John (Caitlin) of Etters PA and Gerald Smith, Jr. of Lansford PA; two sisters, Vicki (Caleb) Duda of New Castle and Jennifer (David III) Barber of Beaver Falls; grandmother, JoAnn Smith of Koppel, and his seven nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father Gerald Sr, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gary Smith, and John (Victoria) Yaria.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday November 6, 2024 from 2 until the Funeral Service at 5 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main Street Wampum. Pastor Cliff Reynolds of the Word Alive Church will officiate.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Chauncey P. Swogger, 88, of North Beaver Township passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Born September 9, 1936 in Wampum, he was the son of the late Hubert and Goldie May Snyder Swogger.

Chauncey graduated from Wampum High School in 1956. He worked as a crane man at B&W until his retirement. After his retirement, Chauncey drove truck for McClymonds and was a crane man for Koppel Steel. He enjoyed hunting, watching NASCAR, and was an avid Pirates and Penguins fan. His most cherished times were spent with his family.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 64 years Rose Mary Braid Swogger; two daughters, Karen (Gerald) Neely of New Castle and Lisa Niglio of Edinburg; four granddaughters, Courtney and Allison Niglio, Ashleigh (Billy) Peluso, and Jessica Neely; one great-granddaughter, Anna Niglio and one great-grandson, Eugene Peluso.

The last of his family, Chauncey was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and five brothers.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday November 4, 2024 from 1 until the blessing service at 4 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main Street Wampum. Father Aaron Kriss of Holy Spirit Parish will officiate. Interment will be in Clinton Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to “A Kid Again” National Office at 777-G Dearborn Park Lane Columbus OH, 43085

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Steven B. Keener, 73, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 28, 2024 at UPMC Jameson in New Castle, PA.

Born June 3, 1951 in Fairmont, WV, he was the son of the late Karol K. Keener and Shirley Nuzum Gates. He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law Bruce Matthews and his brother Michael Keener.

Steven retired as a truck driver, working for SSD, where he delivered McKesson pharmaceuticals. In his younger years he was employed by Union Carbide in Clarksburg, WV. He was a jack of all trades, a talented welder, and enjoyed working with his hands. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, camping, and loved all animals. Some of his other interests were bowling, golf, NASCAR, motorcycles, and he was a lifelong WVU Mountaineer sports fan. He also enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football. Steven had a wicked sense of humor and loved to make people laugh.

Survivors include his wife of four years, Kyle Young Keener; daughter, Kelly (Brian Westerman) Keener of Palmetto, FL; son, Steven (Renee) Keener of Grafton, WV; step-daughter, Brittany (Brad) Teter of Hookstown; step-son, Tyler Workman of Ellwood City; two sisters, Melissa (Gerard) Pindroh of Cranberry and Melinda Matthews of Harmony and his four grandchildren, Tavia, Justice, and Zadok Keener and Anthony Billotti.

A Celebration of Steven’s life will be held at the First Church of God, 1862 Mercer Rd., Ellwood City, PA 16117, on Sunday November 3, 2024 at 2pm. Friends will be received during this time and a Memorial Service officiated by Pastor Phil Conklin and Steven’s brother-in-law Chaplain Rich Young will begin at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, monetary memorial donations may be directed to the Humane Society of Beaver County would be appreciated to honor Steve’s love of animals.

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

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Douglas Sleath McAnlis, 64, of New Kensington (formerly of New Galilee) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

Born July 14, 1960 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late John Dodds and Lois Dene Winter McAnlis.

Doug graduated from Mohawk High School in 1978 and graduated with High Honors from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts. He served as the Food Service Director of IntegraCare Senior Living. He was known for his warmth, generosity, charming personality, impressive work ethic, sharp wit, contagious belly laugh, and love of home renovation projects.

Survivors include his sister, Patricia Ann McAnlis; two brothers, Charles Dale “Chuck” (Jan) and John Boyd “Jay” (Mary Jane) McAnlis all of New Galilee; brother-in-law Daniel Mark Kotuby of New Castle, and many loving nieces, nephews, and their families.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his dear sister Beverly Dene Kotuby and brother Richard Sterrett “Dick” McAnlis.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 3 to 7 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main Street Wampum.

Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11 am with Rev. Tim Casey officiating. Interment will follow in Reformed Presbyterian Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Mrs. Mary C. (Urgitus) Schaffer, 59, of Ellwood City passed away Sunday, October 27th, 2024 at her home. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Born December 17th, 1964 in Beaver Falls, PA she was the daughter of the late Kenneth E. and Anna M. (Lindsay) Urgitus. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Mark J. Urgitus and Robert T “Bobby U.” Urgitus and her stepsons Robert Schaffer and Frank A. Schaffer Jr..

She is survived by her husband Frank A. Schaffer, devoted son Tyler A. Schaffer of Ellwood City, daughter Jaclyn Urgitus of Pittsburgh, special granddaughter Arayah Williams, and grandsons Aiden, Jace, Julian, A.J., and Amari, sister and brother-in-law Patricia L. (Bob) Roush, brothers and sister-in-law Kenneth E. (Pam) Urgitus and John A. Urgitus, and stepchildren Fawnia James, Carrie Petrides, and Daniel Schaffer. She is also survived by her nephews Robert (Amber) Roush, Reese Roush, James (Nicole) Urgitus, and Matthew (Megan) Urgitus, nieces Laura (Viktor) Sinhur, Bella Roush, Amanda (Tom) Urgitus, Meadow Baker and Gianna Urgitus, and her brother and sister-in-law Dave and Susan Schaffer of Ellport.

Mary was a 1983 graduate of Blackhawk High School. Mary was a loving mother and grandmother. She was a homemaker and had a passion for home decorating. She was Catholic by faith and attended Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Mary courageously battled breast cancer for four years.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday from 1:00 pm until the time of the Blessing Service at 4:00 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. Father Joseph Freedy will officiate the service. Interment will be at the Lillyville Church of God Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Susan G. Komen and Club Hope Ellwood City.