Obituaries

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Edna Mae Epperly, 86

Edna Mae Epperly, 86, of Zelienople, formerly of Ellwood City, passed into the arms of her Savior on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at UPMC Passavant. Born in New Eagle, PA on February 27, 1938, Edna was the daughter of the late Leroy A. and Leah L. Crawford Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband, O. B. Epperly on February 22, 1982. They were married on April 5, 1963. Edna grew up in the Scenery Hill area and worked as a housekeeper until her retirement in 1999. She was a member of Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church and attended Seaman Lutheran…


James Edward Jones, 72

James Edward Jones, 72, of Chippewa Twp. Pennsylvania, formerly of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, went to the Lord on November 3, 2024, at AHN Wexford Hospital in Wexford, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born in 1952 in Glassport, Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late Rodger and Olivia (Welsh) Jones of McKeesport. A graduate of McKeesport Area Senior High School, Jim received an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Penn State – McKeesport in 1989. He was a veteran of the Air Force and Navy, serving as an avionics technician, working on various electronic systems for the…


Shawn M. Smith, 49

Shawn M. Smith, 49, of Beaver Falls passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Heritage Valley Beaver due to complications from a lengthy heart condition. Born December 14, 1974 in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Gerald Smith Sr. and Donna Yaria Smith of New Castle. Shawn graduated from Beaver Falls High School. Over the years, Shawn has worked at Wendys, and for the last 18 he has served as manager of the Aliquippa location. He was an avid lifelong Pittsburgh Penguins fan and enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews. Shawn was a…


Chauncey P. Swogger, 88

Chauncey P. Swogger, 88, of North Beaver Township passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born September 9, 1936 in Wampum, he was the son of the late Hubert and Goldie May Snyder Swogger. Chauncey graduated from Wampum High School in 1956. He worked as a crane man at B&W until his retirement. After his retirement, Chauncey drove truck for McClymonds and was a crane man for Koppel Steel. He enjoyed hunting, watching NASCAR, and was an avid Pirates and Penguins fan. His most cherished times were spent with his family. Survivors include…


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Douglas R. Johnston, 77

Douglas R. Johnston, 77, of Ellwood City, formerly of Cranberry Township, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Born in Pittsburgh on August 2, 1947, Douglas was the son of the late Ralph W. and Jean Kurtley Johnston, Sr.  Douglas is survived by his wife, the former Elaine Meta, whom he married on February 8, 1969.  Douglas retired from the Finance Department at UPMC Passavant in 2014 after 23 years of service.  He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Cranberry Township.  Douglas was a Veteran of the Army serving from 1966 through 1968.  An avid…


Steven B. Keener, 73

Steven B. Keener, 73, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 28, 2024 at UPMC Jameson in New Castle, PA. Born June 3, 1951 in Fairmont, WV, he was the son of the late Karol K. Keener and Shirley Nuzum Gates. He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law Bruce Matthews and his brother Michael Keener. Steven retired as a truck driver, working for SSD, where he delivered McKesson pharmaceuticals. In his younger years he was employed by Union Carbide in Clarksburg, WV. He was a jack of all trades, a talented welder, and enjoyed working with his…


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Debra A. Tomei, 69

Debra A. Tomei, 69, of Ellwood City, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at Heritage Valley Beaver following a brief illness. Born on July 5, 1955 in Ellwood City, Debra was the daughter of the late Martin and Stella Prestopine Tomei.  Debra worked for many years at the Ellwood City Hospital as an admissions clerk, retiring when the hospital closed.  She was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and she enjoyed cooking and doing crossword puzzles.  Debra especially cherished the twenty-three years she spent together with her longtime companion, Bob Ruby.  They both loved to fish.  Debra and Bob lived…


Douglas Sleath McAnlis, 64

Douglas Sleath McAnlis, 64, of New Kensington (formerly of New Galilee) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Born July 14, 1960 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late John Dodds and Lois Dene Winter McAnlis. Doug graduated from Mohawk High School in 1978 and graduated with High Honors from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts. He served as the Food Service Director of IntegraCare Senior Living. He was known for his warmth, generosity, charming personality, impressive work ethic, sharp wit, contagious belly laugh, and love of home renovation projects….


Mary C. (Urgitus) Schaffer, 59

Mrs. Mary C. (Urgitus) Schaffer, 59, of Ellwood City passed away Sunday, October 27th, 2024 at her home. She was surrounded by her loving family. Born December 17th, 1964 in Beaver Falls, PA she was the daughter of the late Kenneth E. and Anna M. (Lindsay) Urgitus. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Mark J. Urgitus and Robert T “Bobby U.” Urgitus and her stepsons Robert Schaffer and Frank A. Schaffer Jr.. She is survived by her husband Frank A. Schaffer, devoted son Tyler A. Schaffer of Ellwood City, daughter Jaclyn Urgitus of…


Ashley A. McKim, 38

Ashley A. McKim, 38, of New Castle passed away Friday, October 25, 2024 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following an extended illness. Born November 16, 1985 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Clair “Beany” McKim and Lori Smith Schoettker of New Castle. Ashley graduated from New Castle Beauty School and owned a housekeeping business. She had a lifelong passion for tattoos and was a gifted tattoo artist. Survivors include her mother Lori; five children, Nevaeh, Mikell, Remiah, Brelle, and Serenity, and sister, Tanya Stunkard of Indiana. She was preceded in death by her father, Clair and…