Obituaries

Donald Merle Spiker, 86, of Franklin Twp. passed away Monday, September 3, 2018 at the Ellwood City Medical Center following a brief illness. Born July 4, 1932 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Harvey and Mary McConnell Spiker. He was married to Mary Hutchison Spiker for 64 years when she passed away January 14, 2018. Don retired in 1989 from AT&T where he had been a Communications Tech for 20 years. He was a member and former Sunday School teacher at the Free Methodist Church. A Veteran of the Army, Don served from 1953-1955. He enjoyed…

William H. Tillia Jr., 85, of Martin Rd., New Castle (Princeton) passed away Monday, September 3, 2018 at the Southwest General Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio following a brief illness. Born June 22, 1933 in Portersville, he was the son of the late William H. and Mary Elva Cornelius Tillia Sr. He was married to Betty Croco Tillia for 65 years who survives. Bill retired in 1986 from Babcock and Wilcox, Koppel Works where he was a mechanic for 30 years. He was a member of the Portersville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. He and Betty enjoyed spending their winters in…

Susie D. Downey, 62, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, September 2, 2018 at her residence. Born January 21, 1956 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late James E. and Louise Welsh Davis. Susie loved to read and cherished time spent with family. Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Ernie E. Downey, son, James E. Downey of Wampum; sister, Laurie Davis of Florida; brother, George Davis of Michigan; two grandchildren, Hazen and Harlee Anderson; her mother in law, Marion Downey of New Beaver Boro and many loving in-laws, nieces…

Donna J Gallaugher, 78, of Zelienople passed away Friday, August 31, 2018 following a brief illness. Born April 17, 1940 in Ernest, PA, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Erma Bennett Clark . She was married to Edward Gallaugher Sr. who passed away May 8, 1995. Donna graduated from Zelienople High School. She worked at the former Ames in Ellwood City. She was a former member of the Park Gate Baptist Church. Donna was a member and past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star. She was an avid Bingo player. Survivors include three sons, Brian…

Kathy Jo “KJ” Frelin, 69, of Wampum, formerly of Ellwood City passed away Monday, August 27, 2018 at the Butler Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. Born May 8, 1949 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Harry R. and Marion K. Pisani Frelin. KJ graduated from Lincoln High School in 1967. In her heyday, she was an accomplished softball player who won many state championships. She retired as an Executive Chef having worked in Georgia and Texas. She loved all animals, especially horses. KJ was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Survivors include two sisters, Anita Bauer…

Virginia Montozzi, 95, of Villa Maria, formerly of Wampum passed away the morning of Monday, August 27, 2018 at her residence with family at her side. She had been in good health until suffering a stroke on August 2. Born September 6, 1922 in Wampum, she was the daughter of the late Guido and Anna Leopardo Montozzi. Virginia graduated from Wampum High School and then received an Associate Degree from Garfield Business Institute of Beaver Falls. She was a Sales Correspondent for Babcock & Wilcox Co in Beaver Falls. She also worked as an accountant for the McGuire Memorial Home…

Mrs. Erna C Nussbaum passed away peacefully in her home on Monday August 27, 2018. She was 91 years old. She was a long-time resident of Ellwood City. She leaves behind two daughters, Karin M. Nussbaum and Lydia C. (Edward) Mansur. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hans J. Nussbaum. She was the daughter of Jakob and Cacelie Belka (born Moll). Erna still has some family members living in Germany who shall miss her. She lived in a small community called Lagerdorf much like Ellwood City where everyone knew each other. She worked as a dental technician before…

Mr. Frederick W. “Fritz” Schuster, 77 , formerly of Ellwood City, passed away on Friday, August 24, 2018 at the UPMC Mercy Hospital. Mr. Schuster was born on October 23, 1940 in Ellwood City to the late John and Christine “Tillie” (Losch) Schuster. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1959. He enlisted with the U.S. Air Force on March 20, 1961 and served with the 11th Organizational Maintenance Squadron until his discharge on December 17, 1965. as an aircraft mechanic. Fred worked at Matthews Conveyor for 8 years and  then at Inmetco for 22 years….

Randy P. Kirchel, 59, of Wampum Rd., Ellwood City (Wayne Twp.) died Friday, August 24, 2018. Born June 21, 1959 in Beaver Falls, he was the son of Edward P. and Marilyn Safreed Kirchel of Wayne Twp. Randy attended Ellwood City Schools and graduated from Lawrence County Vo Tech in 1977. He worked for the past 45 years with his father at Kirchel’s Auto. Randy was an active member of the Moose Lodge in Ellwood. He enjoyed camping and boating. Randy was a friend to many and will be sorely missed. In addition to his parents, survivors include a son,…