Obituaries

Paula Eileen Skoczylas, 80, of Chewton, went to be with her Lord and personal Saviour Jesus Christ October 4, 2023 surrounded by family in her home. Born June 21, 1943, in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Virginia Stevens. Paula graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961 and went on to work as a baker at a local store. She married her beloved husband Jim Skoczylas on August 12, 1967 and they celebrated 56 beautiful years of marriage together. Paula was an active member at Park Gate Baptist Church, where she was a part of…

Kathleen F. Ehret, 78, of Ellwood City  passed away on Monday, October 2nd, 2023 at the Butler Memorial Hospital. Kathy was born on April 8th, 1945 in Ellwood City to the late Edgar and Harriet (Nye) Waterfield. She graduated from Riverside High School with the class of 1963. Kathy worked at Halstead-Mitchel in Zelienople and then moved to North Carolina where she worked as a waitress at various places down there. She is a member 0f the Living Water Church in Center Township. Kathy will be remembered for cherishing and spending time with her family. She is survived by her…

Debra K. Bieselt, 72, formerly of Ellwood City passed away on October 2nd, 2023 at the Heritage Valley Medical Center in Beaver. Debra was born on August 7th, 1951 in Ellwood City to the late Henry “Hank” and Anne (Stabryla) Krupa Sr.. She graduated from Riverside High School. Debra worked as a waitress at McDowell’s Hotel and later became the owner and operator of Ellwood City’s First Street Dinner. She is survived by her daughter, Ali (Joe Brady) Bieselt and son, Zachary Bieselt both of Ellwood City, sisters, Carol (Denny) Lonnett of Ellwood City, Claudeen (Keith) Clingensmith of Hubbard, OH,…

Virginia “Ginny” Kathleen McQuiston, 93, of Franklin Township went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, September 29th, 2023 following an extended illness. Virginia was born February 4th, 1930 to the late Willard and Delores Crowl. She was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years Clare McQuiston on July 10th, 1980, and three daughters: Sandra, who died shortly after birth on December 11th, 1948, Kathleen McQuiston on July 18th, 1997 Judy Benedict on July 26th, 2002. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond and Billy Crowl and two sisters Melva Nagel and Lorena…

Mrs. Barbara I. Zona, 96, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, September 23rd 2023 at the Butler Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Zona was born on October 29th, 1926 in Clevedon, England to the late Charles and Violet M. (Lapham) Read. She served in the Woman’s Land Army in England during World War II and traveled to the United States in 1946 at the age of 19. She was a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Mrs. Zona enjoyed golfing, bowling, going on cruises, and most of all, spending time with her family. She will be deeply missed. She…

Randy Lee “Spider” “Happy” Swogger, 65, of South Beaver Township passed away peacefully on Friday, September 22, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his loving family following a lengthy illness. Born January 25, 1958 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late LaVerne D. “Weasel” Swogger who passed away on February 26, 2008 and Evelyn Hackett Swogger of Wampum. Randy had graduated from Mohawk High School. For most of his working life, he worked at the Darlington Brick Yard as a Production Foreman. After the Brick Yard ceased operations, he worked as a Supervisor until his retirement from…