Obituaries

Richard H. Gardner, 91, of Wayne Township passed away Thursday, August 4, 2022 at his residence. Born July 12, 1931 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Harry and Frances Stevenson Gardner. He was married to Ruth Gables Gardner when she passed in 2002. Richard was retired from W.R. Grace Zonlite, where he worked as a truck driver. He was formerly active with the Slippery Rock and Berean Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed farming and loved to mow grass. Survivors include three daughters; Diana Gardner of Ellwood City, Donna (Charles) Behm of Evans City and Patty (Troy) Chapman…

Ronald N. Scala Sr., 84, of Espyville (formerly of Wampum) passed away Monday, August 1, 2022 at The Grove at New Castle. Born February 10, 1938 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Nick and Amanda “Mundy” (Fontana) Scala. He was married to Patti Postlewait when she passed in 1985. Ron was a veteran of the Navy. He was a member of the former St. Monica’s Church in Wampum. Ron owned and operated Ron’s Barber Shop in Wampum for 63 years until his retirement on March 21, 2015. He knew everyone in town and was always ready…

Robert E. “Bob” McMichael Jr., 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 31, 2022 at Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry, Mars, PA. Born September 23, 1940 in New Castle, PA, he was raised in Wampum, PA, graduating from Wampum High School in 1958. He received a Congressional appointment as a Midshipman to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY, where he served as Battalion Commander. At the Academy, he gained experience in the operation and navigation of ships through voyages to Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, and South America. Upon his 1962 graduation, he was commissioned an Ensign…

James G. Houk, 74, of Slippery Rock Township passed away Sunday, July 31, 2022 at Butler Memorial Hospital. Born March 24, 1948 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Blaine N. and Nancy Markle Houk. He was married to Nancy Williams Houk. James was retired from Medusa Cement in Wampum, where he worked as a Quarry Superintendent. He served during Vietnam with the Navy. He was Christian by faith and enjoyed woodworking. Above all else, he loved his family. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Nancy; four daughters, Jane (Ted) Gausman of Illinois, Kristen (Kevin) Houk…

Lana Jo Guthrie, 77, of Ellwood City passed away Thursday, July 28, 2022 at her residence following an 18 month courageous battle with cancer. Born November 11, 1944 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Clarence C. and Mary Kauffman Hepler. She was married to Wayne L. Guthrie. Lana was employed by the Ellwood City Ledger, Freeman Buick, Legend Buick, and ultimately was retired from AutoSoft where she was an assistant office manager. She was Protestant by faith. She was a member of the Night Owls Card Club, enjoyed reading, and was an avid traveler who had…

Marsha J. McDowell, 72, of Boardman, (formerly of Mt. Jackson) passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at David Simpson Hospice House in Cuyahoga County following a short illness surrounded by her loving family. Born February 11, 1950 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Clarence C. and Mary Kauffman Hepler. She was married to Robert C. “Charlie” McDowell on May 11, 1979. He passed on August 16, 2017. Marsha worked for the USPS as a postal clerk and deputy postmaster, primarily in Enon Valley and also other local locations until her retirement. She was a member and…

Mason Lee Blake, 29, of Chippewa Township passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022. Born October 15, 1992 at the Beaver Valley Medical Center, he was the son of Steven and Terri Blake. Mason graduated from Blackhawk High School in 2011. He worked for Sebastian Lawn Care where he was known as a hard worker. Mason loved his family and all that life had to offer, he enjoyed having a perfect appearance and smelling great, tattoos, music, art, golfing, and of course the Pittsburgh Steelers! Mason would do anything for anyone, no one was a stranger to him, and his…

Nancy J. Cooper, 83, of Portersville passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022, at UPMC Jameson Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Ellwood and Marien (St. Clair) Vandiver and was born November 3, 1938, in Pittsburgh. She is survived by her husband, of 64 years and the love of her life; James H. Cooper, her sons; James B. Cooper and his wife Monica, Kenneth H. Cooper and his wife Karen, grandchildren; Bryan Cooper and his wife Kathi, Jason Cooper and his wife Emily, Meagan Aiken and her husband Jeff, Justin Cooper and his wife Kristin, 9 great grandchildren,…