Obituaries

Shawnaann Renee Kaufman, 32, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015 in the Ellwood City Hospital Emergency Room. Shawnaann was born on June 22, 1983 in Ellwood City to DeAnn Kaufman Reese. She had attended both Lincoln and Riverside High School. A home maker, she enjoyed cooking and the outdoors. She is survived by her mother and step-father DeAnn and Donald Reese of Jacksonville, Fla., her two daughters, Hazen and Harlee Anderson of Beaver Falls, her son, Kamoren Kaufman of Jacksonville, Fla., her sister, Dezra Kaufman of Ellwood City, her brother, Brent Hill of Ellwood City,…

Ruth I. Steckman, 96, formerly of Brighton Road, Ellwood City passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015 surrounded by her loving family following a short illness. Born March 11, 1919 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Richard T. and Edna Sloan Stratton. She was married for 39 years to John C. “Jack” Steckman who passed away in 1975. Ruth and Jack owned and operated Steckman’s Memorial Studio in Ellwood City for many years. She was an avid and accomplished bowler having been inducted in the Ellwood City and the Lawrence…

David L. Servick, 63, of Squaw Run Road, Wayne Township, Ellwood City, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015 at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born in Ellwood City on June 20, 1952 to the late Stanley Servick and the late Bernice Janis Servick. Dave attended Lincoln High School and worked for Penn State Special Metals in Koppel.  He married his wife of 38 years, Doris Mae VanGorder Servick, on Aug. 12, 1977. She survives. He enjoyed hunting in the mountains, was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed spending time with his…

Kelly D. Alters, 42, of Franklin Township passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015 at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Born in Ellwood City on Sept. 2, 1973, Kelly is the daughter of Gary Nicklas of Evans City and Glenda Brown Nicklas of Ellwood City. She married David Alters on Dec. 16, 1995. Kelly graduated from Riverside High School in 1991, attended Edinboro University and earned her nursing degree from CCBC in 2000. A dedicated oncology nurse, Kelly worked at the Allegheny Health and Wellness Pavilion in Wexford where she really enjoyed taking care of her patients. She was a…

James O. Yhelka, 50, a lifelong resident of Ellwood City passed away Friday, Oct. 30, 2015 at UPMC Montefiore Hospital following a short illness. Born July 1, 1965 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late James Yhelka and Peg Duncan Casuccio of Ellwood City. Jim retired from VEKA in Zelienople. He was Catholic by faith. Jim enjoyed cooking, baking, reading and fishing. He loved his border collies. His most cherished time was spent with family, especially his brother, Joe. Survivors include his wife, Kathy Leindecker Yhelka who he was with for 17 years, his mother and step…