Obituaries

Larry “Hoss” Crable, 71, of Slippery Rock Twp. passed away Saturday, February 2, 2019 at UPMC Passavant Hospital. Born February 17, 1947 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Edgar and Leona Stewart Crable. He was married to Kathy Ritchey Crable for 46 years. She survives. Larry played football and graduated from Shenango High School in 1965. He attended Clarion University. Larry worked for 30 years as a machinist at Billco in Zelienople and retired from ALCOA in Cranberry Twp. He was an accomplished ornamental blacksmith demonstrating at the Ellwood City Festival and the Portersville Steam Show…

Wilma  Johns  Brandt,  70, of Portersville,  went to be with the Lord  on Thursday afternoon,  January 31 2019, at UPMC Passavant McCandless. She was born in  Worthington  PA , on December 19 1948, to the late  Clayton Johns and  Doris Smith. She worked as a nurse’s aide  for many years. Wilma enjoyed camping and sewing. Wilma was preceded in death by her husband of  27 years,  William E. Brandt, whom she married  March 8 1974.    He died on August 22 2001. She is survived by  one  son  and one  daughter:  James E. Brandt of Portersville;  ;  and Tricia  (and Richard)…

Ann Craig Ludwig, 82, of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, died January 28, 2019, in her Ellwood City home, following a brief period of failing health, surrounded by family who loved her. Her father, Harold Eugene Craig (who died in 1972), and her mother, Charlotte Ann (Holt) Craig (who died in 2006), hailed from families with a deep history in Beaver County, PA. Ann graduated from Aliquippa High School and received a BA from Penn State University. Ann met her future husband, Joseph Manion Ludwig, while attending Penn State University. Joe had a big white Buick convertible with red bench seats. He…

Mr. Frank W. Seman, Jr, 76, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at his residence. Mr. Seman was born on November 20, 1946 in Beaver Falls to the late Frank W. Seman, Sr. and Jenny (Shumack) Seman. He had graduated from the Beaver Falls High School with the class of 1964. Frank was drafted by the U.S. Marines on February 2, 1966 and served until he was discharged on February 22, 1968 with the rank of Corporal. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, and the Vietnamese Campaign Medal. Frank then worked…

Lena D. Pacella Demeter, 89, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away unexpectedly at the UPMCJameson Health Care Center in New Castle on Saturday, January 26, 2019. Born on October 28,1929, to the late John and Rose Pacella, Lena married Stephen “Pete” Demeter, Jr. on January 5, 1958. He passed away on January 16, 1988. Lena worked for many years at the former Folino Pharmacy in Ellwood City, she was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish and the Holy Redeemer Christian Mother’s Guild. She enjoyed designing intricate embroidery work and creating various arts and crafts. She was also an avid reader….

Bob Stahl formerly of Latrobe and Ellwood City passed away peacefully at his residence in Zelienople on Saturday, January 26, 2019. He always counted his blessings and birthdays in advance so he was officially in his 96th year. His faith was the cornerstone of his life and he tried to live his life by following the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. He was an active member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City where he served as an Elder, Sunday School Superintendent, member of the church choir and as one of the…

Mark  N. “Marko”  Fontana, 63, of Ellwood City,  passed away peacefully on  Wednesday evening, January 23 2019 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born  in Ellwood City on April 26, 1955  to  Betty J. Weingartner   Fontana, and the late Amey  N. Fontana, who died  September 25 1992. Mark attended Lincoln High School, and graduated from the Lawrence County Vo-Tech in 1973. He was a self-employed artist, and  a former  truck driver. He was a member of Bell Memorial Presbyterian Church. Mark also belonged to the Ellwood City Hungarian Home.    He enjoyed NASCAR and cooking. He is survived by…

John W. “Bill” Crees, 74, of Big Beaver Boro, went home suddenly to be with his precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ with his loving wife of 42 years, Donna by his side. Born December 27, 1944 in Beaver Falls, he was the son of the late John O. and Ruth V. Murphy Crees. Bill retired from Armstrong World Industries. He also enjoyed working on his family farm. He was an active member of the Christian Assembly Church in Ohioville where he taught the Victorious Living Class and was a Prayer Partner. Bill had also formerly taught Sunday School at the…