Obituaries

Ms. Rita K. Kennard, 67, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, August 31st, 2025 at her residence. Rita was born in Ellwood City on February 6th, 1958 to the late Katheryn (Santillo) Kennard and Charles Kennard. She is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1976 and the Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Rita had worked at the Beaver Valley Power Station in Shippingport as an armed security guard. She led a quiet simple humble life who loved animals, enjoyed listening to Christian music, thirsted for reading material that gave her insight to God especially the…

Richard R. Baker, 83, of Shenango Twp. passed away Saturday, August 30, 2025, at his residence. Born November 3, 1941, in Akron, he was the son of the late William and Nellouise Frymyer Baker. He married Nancy Vaneman Baker on July 7, 1962. Richard graduated from Howland High School in 1959 and spent his career as a machine operator, working 20 years at Casings. He was affiliated with the Savannah United Methodist Church and faithfully listened to In Touch Ministries by Charles Stanley. He loved bird watching, listening to country music, and dogs. He was a car enthusiast, enjoyed riding…

Jessica Anne Leonberg Williams, 42, of Ellwood City, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Born July 25, 1983, in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of David and Patricia (Lutz) Leonberg. Jessica was always the life of the party, a jokester, who loved to make people smile. She was very caring, with a heart of gold, and always put others before herself. Sports were a huge part of life for Jessica she played slow pitch softball since she was seven years old into adulthood. She played on many women’s and co-ed teams throughout Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Counties. Jessica…

Donald A. Lutz, 88, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Heritage Valley – Beaver following a brief illness. Born March 17, 1937, in Hoytdale, he was the son of the late Daniel and Hilda Deal Lutz. He was married to Karen Abraham Lutz. Donald worked as a maintenance supervisor for B&W and Koppel Steel in Ambridge until his retirement. He was a member of Concord United Methodist Church and attended the First Christian Church in Ellwood City. An avid outdoorsman, Donald was a skilled fisherman and hunter. He particularly enjoyed fishing at Pymatuning and hunting…

Denise Marie Hill, 68, of Wayne Twp. passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at her residence. Born June 24, 1957, in Canton, OH, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Gibson and Ruby MacDonald Craine. She was married to the late Leonard Hill. Denise graduated from Lincoln High School and was a devoted member of the Chewton Baptist Church.  For many years, she worked in the kitchen at the Ellwood City Hospital. She enjoyed watching her favorite shows on T.V. and loved going fishing. She is survived by her mom, Ruby Craine of Ellwood City. In addition…