Obituaries

Norma Jean Nye, 86, of  New Castle, (Shenango Twp.) passed away peacefully on  Monday morning, January 16 2017 at her residence. She was born in Sharpsville, PA (Mercer Co.) on October 26, 1930, to the late Samuel Miller Reed Felton and the late Rachel Julia Shaffer Felton. Norma graduated from Sharpsville High School in 1948  and Westminster College in 1952.  She began her career as a teacher for one  year in Hermitage,  then in the Ellwood City Area School District where she taught  elementary music education at Hartman, North Side, Perry, Ewing Park and West End Schools for 32 years….

Mr. Fred M. Smith, 74, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2017 in his residence. Mr. Smith was born on September 7, 1942 in New Castle to the late Elizabeth Feinstein Slater. He is a member of the Neshannock High School class of 1961. Fred enlisted with the U.S. Navy on March 28, 1962 and served on the USS Page County as a diesel mechanic until his discharge on June 27, 1966. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Fred had worked at Rockwell in New Castle from 1973 until the plant closed in 1991. He…

Eunice T. Watt Boyles, 88, formerly of Wampum went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 14, 2017. Born March 19, 1928 in Enon Valley, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Shirley Fraser Williams. In 1946 she married Robert Watt of New Castle who preceded her in death in 1980. She subsequently married William Boyles who also preceded her in death. Eunice was a devoted wife and mother, who faithfully served God and her community throughout her life. Her singing blessed the residents of local nursing homes for many years. She also…

Betty J. Crawford, 93, formerly of North Sewickley Twp. passed away Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Blair Personal Care Home following a lengthy illness. Born January 17, 1923 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late James E. and Dorothy Forbush Houk. She was married to Eugene E. “Curly” Crawford for 27 years when he passed away in 1969. Betty, along with her son, “Crete” owned and operated the Shelby Bar for 14 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. An avid bowler, Betty bowled at Park Lanes for many years. Survivors include a…

Santiago E. “Jimmy” Martinez, 53, of Dushane St., New Castle passed away Thursday, January 12, 2017 at his residence. Although in ill health, death was unexpected. Born November 10, 1963 in Cotulla, Texas, he was the son of the late Santiago Martinez and Adela Elizondo Perez with whom he resided. Santiago was a self employed sign fabricator. He was affiliated with the Wampum United Methodist Church. In addition to his mother, Adela and step father, Ernest Reyna, survivors include his significant other, Dora Lee Bove; seven children, Paul Michael Martinez of Cotulla, TX, Christina, Herlinda, and Patricia Martinez all of…

Bruce M. Hockenberry, 64, of Harper’s Ferry Road,   Ellwood City (North Sewickley Twp.) , passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 12 2017 at his residence. He was born in  Ellwood City  on  June 27 1952 to the late Donald L. Hockenberry, who died Sept. 29 2016, and the late Donna J. Majors Hockenberry, who died March 19 2015. Bruce graduated from Riverside High School, class of 1970, and later Geneva College, and also graduate work at the University of South Carolina at Columbia SC. He was employed as a metallurgy  chemist, working at Koppers Co. in Pittsburgh, and Inmetco in…

Mrs. Martha Mancini, 94, of Ellwood City passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 in the Ellwood City Hospital. Mrs. Mancini was born on April 25, 1922 in Ellwood City to the late Nick and Virginia Filoia Perazzoni. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1940. She was employed at Ellwood Oldsmobile Agency (McElwains) and worked in the accounting department of the United Tube Corporation. She was a devoted member of the Holy Redeemer Church and the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and gardening. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family and…