Obituaries

William James Mehard, Jr., 92, of Daniel Island, SC, died Friday, September 19, 2025, after a month-long illness at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC. Known to all as Bill, he was born on January 27, 1933, in New Castle, PA to Mr. and Mrs. William James Mehard, Sr. (Ruby Morris Mehard). Bill met his beloved wife, Emma Jane (née Westlund), at Lincoln High School in Ellwood City, PA; they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 11, 2025. They have three children: David James Mehard (Jenifer Sparks Mehard), William Brian Mehard (Alyson Lehtman), and Leslie Mehard…

Mrs. Judy Mae Vogler, age 78, of Acworth, Georgia, passed away on Monday, September 22nd, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Vogler was born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, on September 28th, 1946, to the late Chester Earl (Rocco) Fox and the late Virginia LaVerna Luke Vogler. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Glenn Jacob Vogler; two brothers, Clyde Robert “Buzz” Fox (Linda) and William Leitz; one sister, Shirley Ann Campbell. Mrs. Vogler was known for her expert skill with a needle and thread. She was a master at her…

Sandra Mae “Sandy” Irvine, 87 of Palm Coast FL (formerly of Portersville, PA) passed away December 14, 2024. Sandy was born in Ellwood City, PA on November 20, 1937, to Geraldine and Melvin Wahl. Sandy was married to her loving husband William (Bill) Irvine and they happily resided in Palm Coast FL. Sandy loved life and enjoyed helping others. She loved her cat “Callie”. She also loved tending to her plants and flowers (especially the purple ones). She enjoyed restaurants, playing cards and was looking forward to going on her 20th cruise. Our loss is heaven’s gain. Words cannot describe…

Timothy Charles Sukits, age 41, of Ellwood City, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, and went to be with Jesus. Born on May 13, 1984, he was the son of Kevin and Mary Ann (Mazza) Sukits. If there were more people like Tim, the world would be a better place. He touched everyone who he came into contact, with a smile that lit up the room. He was a member of Grace Community Church, where he was also a member of its Golf League. He loved camping and sitting around the campfire. Even though being a father was…

Eric M. Landfried, 63, of Conneaut Lake passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Meadville Medical Center. Born June 28, 1962, in Greenville, PA, he was the son of the late Theodore and Lillian Forlich Landfried. Eric was a proud veteran and patriot, serving in both the Navy and Army. He first served in the Navy as an MP and following the events of 9-11, he enlisted in the Army, serving until his honorable discharge. An avid outdoorsman, Eric enjoyed hiking and fishing. He loved all animals and was especially proud of his fish tank. Above all, he…

Judith A. Ketterer, 74, of Ellport passed away on Monday, September 15th, 2025 at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh after a long battle with cancer. Judy was born in Ellwood City on October 29th, 1950 the daughter of the late George M. and Jean M. (Frazier) Ketterer Sr.. She is a member of the Riverside High School class of 1968 and graduated from United Hospital School of Radiology in Beaver Falls. On August 5th, 1974 Judy enlisted with the United States Air Force and served as a radiologic specialist at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota until…

Chelsea Marie Bennett, 33, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at her residence following a heart attack. Born June 24, 1992, in New Castle, she was the daughter of Michael J. and Judy A. (Kosto) Bennett of Ellwood City. Chelsea graduated from Lincoln High School in 2011 and earned her Medical Assistant degree from Bradford School of Business. For many years, she worked as a waitress at Nico’s in Ellwood City. She was an active member of the SOI and loved all Pittsburgh sports. She enjoyed reading, watching movies and listening to music – particularly…

Paula Jean Allen Hilliard, 75, of Wampum passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, following a short illness. Born on August 23, 1950, she was the daughter of the late James J. and Jean Aley Allen. Paula grew up and attended elementary school in Wampum until the merger with Ellwood City and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1968. Paula married Ed Hilliard and enjoyed 34 years of marriage until his untimely passing on January 13, 2010. Together they nurtured four children; Charlie Hilliard of New Castle, Katie Hilliard of Gates NC, Andy (Jess) Hilliard of Rutledge TN, and Jan…

David Paul Haniwalt, 64, of New Castle passed away Thursday, September 11, 2025, at UPMC Jameson Hospital following a brief illness. Born January 12, 1961, in Oil City, he was the son of the late Robert W. and Janet L. Mays Haniwalt. David graduated from Oil City High School in 1979 and then earned a B.S. from Edinboro University. He worked for 422 Auto Sales Online Auction’s where he sold buses and cars. He was affiliated with the Risen Savior Christian Church in Ellwood City and volunteered with Joshua’s Haven in Sharon and Prince of Peace in Farrell. He was…