Obituaries

Mr. William A. Sturgis, 64, of Franklin Twp. passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 23, 2017 in his residence. Bill was born on March 26, 1952 in Allegheny County to the late James A. Sturgis and Agnes Miller Sturgis Fischer. He had graduated from Shaler High School with the class of 1969. Bill then served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was the owner and operator of Bill’s Garage in Franklin Twp. for many years. He is also a member of the Lillyville Church of God. He enjoyed working on cars, reading, and most of all spending…

Ms. Mary E. DeCaria, 85, of Ellwood City, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017 in the Ellwood City Hospital. Ms. DeCaria was born on June 3, 1931 in Ellwood City to the late James V. and Ruth Perry DeCaria. Mary graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1949, and from the Garfield Business College. She had worked at Glover Insurance Agency in Beaver Falls, and Airway Industries as a secretary. Most recently, Mary has been working for the Holy Redeemer Social Services. She is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish and the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers….

William Joseph  “Joe”  Ray, 60, of  North Sewickley Township, (Beaver Falls),  passed away peacefully and unexpectedly  in his sleep at his home on Thursday morning, March 23 2017. He was born in Ellwood City on June 6 1956 to Ethel Mullenax Ray of North Sewickley Township, and the late Delbert W. Ray. Joe was a heavy equipment mechanic   for over 30 years, at Murphy Tractor Co.,  formerly known as Doyle Equipment Co in Cranberry Twp. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, his  friends, and coaching girls softball  with the Riverside R.G.A.A. He is survived by his  loving wife of…

Michael Parks, 49, of Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at the Golden Hill Nursing Center following a courageous two year battle with cancer. Born June 20, 1967 in Ellwood City, he was the son of Eugene Parks of Harmony and Ruth Lumley of Deltonia, Florida. Mike worked for Aiken Refuse for 20 years. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed archery and riding ATV’s. In addition to his parents, survivors include a daughter, Chrystal Parks of Ellwood City; grandmother, Anne Lumley of Deltonia; two brothers, Todd Parks of West Pittsburg, Kris “Critter” Parks…

Charles B. Baker, 92, of North Sewickley Township, (Ellwood City) , passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Creek Meadows Nursing Home in Zelienople. He was born on September 13, 1924 in Ellwood City, PA, to the late Charles W. and Suzanne Welsh Baker. He attended Lincoln High School in Ellwood City . He was a member of the First Christian Church, VFW Post #252, where he helped form the Honor Squad, and also a member of the American Legion. He was a lifetime member of both the Castlewood Rod & Gun Club and the Ellwood Wampum Rod…

Mr. Lawrence Lance, 88, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away on Monday, March 21, 2017 in the Rochester Manor. Mr. Lance was born on January 10, 1929 in Ellwood City to the late Joseph and Ida Cagni Lance. He had graduated from Lincoln High School and watch makers school in Pittsburgh. Larry enlisted with the U.S. Army on September 11, 1946 and served with the Company 1 34th Infantry until his discharge on December 18, 1947 with the rank of Private First Class. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal Japan. Larry…

Mr. Robert Clark Nesbit, 72, of Ellwood City passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 in the Butler VA Medical Center from health issues that occurred due to his exposure to agent orange during the Vietnam War. Mr. Nesbit was born on May 6, 1944 in New Castle to the late Clark James and Margaret Bell Shaffer Nesbit. Bob graduated from Shenango High School and Florida Technical College. He proudly served two tours of duty with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. He had served with the Army from April 9, 1965 until his discharge on January 28, 1968 and was…

Dolores Mae Houk, 84, formerly of Ellwood City passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at the Silverado Memory Care in Austin Texas. Born April 11, 1932 in Keyser, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Ruby Creasy Helmick. She was married for 64 years to Clarence Houk who passed away February 10, 2016. Dolores graduated from Lincoln High School. She enjoyed gardening and traveling. Her most precious times were spent with family especially her grandchildren. Survivors include a son, Thomas (Cindy) Houk of Waverly, Ohio; daughter, Annette (Carlos) Espinoza of Austin; step sister, Phyllis Lombardo of…