Obituaries

Judith Ellen Brooks (née Serene), of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of August 15, 2025, surrounded by her extensive and ever-growing family. She was born on January 14, 1939, in Cadogan, PA, to the late James and Alda Serene. Raised in Kittanning, PA, Judy attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. On August 17, 1957, she married the love of her life, Dr. Jack C.W. Brooks. For more than 30 years, Judy was Jack’s “Girl Friday” at their medical practice on 26 Pittsburgh Circle in Ellwood City, where they worked side-by-side as a…

Mikel A. Benson, 64, of New Castle passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at his residence. Born January 12, 1961 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Paul and Olive Hall Freed and grew up in Wampum. Mikel worked at Graceland Cemetery. He loved his motorcycle and enjoyed fishing and cooking on the grill. Survivors include fiance, Kathleen Stuck of New Castle; two daughters, Melissa Johnson and Amanda Benson; son, Mikel A. Benson, Jr. all of New Castle; two grandchildren, and two sisters, Hilda (Lee) Mitchell of New Galilee and Pauline (Larry) Hollencamp of Ellwood City. Per…

Dawn MacKay, 89, passed away peacefully on August 2nd, in her apartment with her lifelong friend Sandy Easton by her side. Dawn is survived by her son David and his wife Rachel LaRitz. She was a cherished grandmother to their two daughters, Rebecca and Tina LaRitz. Dawn married Gene LaRitz in Ellwood and after their divorce moved to South Florida where Dawn worked as a secretary in an investment firm for many years. A proud home owner, Dawn enjoyed hosting visiting family and friends in the winter and was known for the best Grasshopper at her many parties. Always just…

Charles A. “Chuck” Colundrello, 72, of North Beaver Twp. passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at his residence following a one-year illness. Born February 1, 1953, in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Viola Seaburn Colundrello. Chuck graduated from Lincoln in 1971 and then joined the Army. Following his honorable discharge, he spent 26 years working at Essroc Cement as a maintenance foreman. He was a member of the Bessemer Croatian Club, the Johnson Club in Hillsville, and the SNPJ. An avid Pittsburgh sports fan, he enjoyed golfing and bocce. He cherished moments spent with…

Mrs. Barbara R. Kozma, 72, of Fombell passed away on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 at AHN Wexford Hospital. Mrs. Kozma was born in Ellwood City on February 1st, 1953 to the late Norman C. and Julia G. (Pazsint) Blatch. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1971 and attended the Community College of Beaver County. Barb had worked at Highway Equipment in Cranberry Township for over 20 years as a clerk in the parts department, and later at Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople as a secretary in the maintenance department for 15 years. She is a…

Regina Marlene Caughey Stiffler, 79, of New Castle passed away Monday, August 4, 2025, at Quality Life Services Grove City following a four-month illness. Born August 4, 1946, in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Roy J. “Tim” and Katherine “Cassie” (Ritter) Caughey. Regina graduated from Mohawk High School. She was Catholic by faith and previously worked as an assembler at Lark Enterprise. She enjoyed journaling, coloring, word searches, and loved visiting her family. Survivors include son, Terry Arlen McDonald; daughter, Donabell McDonald; two sisters, Rebecca (Bob) Suski of Upper St. Clair and Christine (Dan) Gorenz of…

Ronald C. Burry, 67, of Franklin Township, a prominent Beaver County Dairy Farmer, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025, at UPMC McCandless following a courageous battle with cancer. Born December 10, 1957, in Beaver Falls, he was the son of the late William “Cy” E. and Adelaide I. (Sternquist) Burry. He married Diane L. (McConahy) Burry on October 22, 1976. Ron, a 1976 Riverside graduate, was very passionate about farming and loved working on his dairy farm with his family. Along with farming, Ron worked at Robinson Fans and was an affiliate of Lillyville Church of God. He enjoyed working…

Debra Ann Dempsey Christley, 52, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly Monday, July 28, 2025 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital. Born April 22, 1973 in Orlando, FL, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Ann Belanger Dempsey. She married Edward Christley on June 20, 2009. Debra previously attended the Vero Beach Primitive Baptist Church. She loved dogs and was a motherly figure to all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Edward; three children, CJ Taylor, Mitchell Taylor, and Payton Taylor Lewis all of Ellwood City, and sister, Virginia Dempsey Dones of Vero Beach, FL. Per…

Lois Ann Scott, 87, of Harmony passed away and into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, July 27, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late Ralph and Margaret (Beerman) Price and was born October 7, 1937, in South Heights, PA. Lois is survived by her children; Lynn Scott of Harmony, Eugene Scott and his wife Dawn of Ellwood City, Dennis Scott and his wife Michelle of Aliquippa, Jackie King and her husband Chris of Reynoldsville, Brandon Scott and his fiancé Sandra of Mercer, 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, one…