Obituaries

Derek Sturges, 39, formerly of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, April 9th, 2022 at his residence in Meadville. Derek was born in Ellwood City on July 25th, 1982 to Charles Sturges of Ellwood City and the late Mary (Collier) Sturges. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 2000. Over the years Derek worked as a cook for various nursing homes. He is survived by his father, Charles, sisters, Stacy (Mike) Harper, Brandi (Jim) Collier Beachem, brother, Eric (Earline) Sturges, many nieces and nephews, and his girlfriend, Amanda Raible. There will not be a public service….

Ross S. Paswell, 30, of Ellwood City, passed away unexpectedly on April 9th, 2022 at his residence. Ross was born on February 24th, 1992 in Ellwood City to Frank R. “Lucky” and Janine (Farkas) Paswell. Ross graduated from the Lincoln High School with the class of 2010. While still in school, Ross was the lead anchor for the ECTV telecast which broadcasted to the class rooms at the beginning of each school day. He was currently working at the Second Ward Sanctuary as a cook and enjoyed spending time at the Stiefel Park Hockey Rink. Ross will be remembered as…

Mr. John Herbert Stephens, 83, of Ellwood City passed away on Friday, April 8th, 2022 at the UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless Twp.. Mr. Stephens was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 27th, 1938 to the late Rose Stephens. John served with the Army National Guard from February 11th, 1957 until his discharge on January 14th, 1958 with the Battery A, 107th Field Artillery Battalion earning the rank of Private E-2. He then enlisted with the United States Army on January 15th, 1958 and served until his honorable discharge on April 30th, 1963 with the rank of Private First Class….

Paul R. Rader, 80, of Harmony, passed away on Friday, April 8, 2022 at UPMC Passavant Hospital. Born in New Brighton on August 5, 1941, Paul was the son of the late John Russell and Mary Elizabeth (Aiken) Rader.  Paul is survived by his wife, the former Karen Downing whom he married on October 22, 1960.  He was a member of St. Peter’s Reformed Church.  Along with his sons, Paul owned and operated JJ Kennedy, Inc. in Zelienople.  Paul and his wife spent their winters in Melbourne Beach, Florida.  He enjoyed collecting classic cars and tractors but mostly Paul enjoyed…

Mr. James M. “Jim” Norton, Sr., 88, of Fombell passed away on Friday, April 8th, 2022 at his residence. Mr. Norton was born in Beaver Falls on December 15th, 1933 to the late Hubert and Minnie (Spence) Norton. Jim is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1952 and the Holy Redeemer Parish family. He enlisted with the U.S. Army on March 2nd, 1955 and served with the rank of SP 3 until his discharge on March 1st, 1957. Jim had worked at J.C. Penny in Ellwood City, and then at the Ellwood City Forge for 42 years…

You knew Ellie. If you ever took sheer joy in observing something beautiful in nature, such as a whitetail deer grazing in a field or feeling the warmth of the sun while sitting on the beach, you knew her. You knew Ellie if you ever witnessed someone getting a momentous thrill from winning something as simple as the 50/50 raffle at a family reunion. You knew Ellie if your most elevated happiness stemmed from watching your children or grandchildren succeed. If you are able to fully appreciate the beauty and wonder of God’s Earth, then you knew Ellie. As the…