Obituaries

James N. Porter, 78, formerly of Ellwood City passed away Sunday, December 9, 2018 at the Passavant Retirement Center in Zelienople following an extended battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born December 8, 1940 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Harry N. and Martha Balkan Porter. He was married to Evelyn Mehard Porter for 54 years. She survives. Jim worked as a mechanical engineer at the former Aetna Standard in Ellwood City and at ARMCO in Butler. He graduated from Lincoln High School and received his degree in Engineering jointly from Geneva and the University of Pittsburgh. Jim…

Mr. Edward S. Fray, 97, of Ellwood City passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle following a brief illness. Mr. Fray was born on August 14, 1921 in Ellwood City to the late Martin and Mary (Krystynski) Fray. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1940 and is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish. He enlisted with the U.S. Army on June 10, 1943 and served with the Headquarters Company 75th Infantry Division until his discharge on February 15, 1946 with the rank of Private First Class….

Patty Welsh, 86, formerly of Big Beaver Boro, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the Swedish Memorial Hospital in Englewood, Colorado. Born October 4, 1932 in Big Beaver Boro, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Pearl Baker Crees. She was married to William D. Welsh for 64 years when he passed away June 2, 2016. Patty will be remembered as a woman with a sweet smile, a gently spirit and a fierce love for her family and friends. She generously gave her time, attention and a listening ear to many who relied on…

Mrs. Marion V. Gruber, 77, of Fombell passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at her residence. Mrs. Gruber was born on April 16, 1941, in Pittsburgh to the late Clarence and Josephine (Kasterik) Kaylor. She had graduated from the Mount Gallitzin Academy in Baden. Marion had worked for the Riverside School District in the cafeteria, and later at Acutran in Fombell as a custodian. She is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, CCD Teacher, and was very active with the RCIA program. Mrs. Gruber is survived by her daughters, Julie Houk…

Brea Autumn Street, 39, of Butler passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Friday, November 30, 2018 at her residence. Born November 14, 1979 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of William L. Street and Denise C. Vandevort Street. Even though Brea had a short time on Earth, she lived life to the fullest. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1998 and from Butler County Community College with an Associate Degree in Physical Therapy. Brea was a Physical Therapy Assistant working in facilities in Montana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. She touched many peoples lives and made them feel so…

Brant E. “Bud” Buchanan, Jr. 48, of Wayne Township, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at his residence. Bud was born on June 19, 1970 in Ellwood City to Brant E. and Dollie (McQuiston) Buchanan. He is a member of the Riverside High School class of 1988. After high school, Bud worked for the Laborers Local Union #964 and most recently was the owner and operator of Buchanan Excavating and Concrete. As an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, turkey shoots, and spending time with his dog Piper and his ponies. Bud lived life to the fullest and always had…

Harold Lee “Dutch” Householder, 71, of New Beaver Boro passed away Monday, November 26, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown from injuries sustained in a tree stand accident on Sunday. Born October 29, 1947 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Harold W. and Norma Jane Wilson Householder. He was married to Carol Nulph Householder for 51 years. They shared many amazing adventures together. Dutch retired with 40 years of service from Cemex (Medusa Cement Co). He served in the US Army, serving a tour of duty in Vietnam as an air traffic controller. An avid…