Obituaries

Steven B. Keener, 73, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 28, 2024 at UPMC Jameson in New Castle, PA. Born June 3, 1951 in Fairmont, WV, he was the son of the late Karol K. Keener and Shirley Nuzum Gates. He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law Bruce Matthews and his brother Michael Keener. Steven retired as a truck driver, working for SSD, where he delivered McKesson pharmaceuticals. In his younger years he was employed by Union Carbide in Clarksburg, WV. He was a jack of all trades, a talented welder, and enjoyed working with his…

Douglas Sleath McAnlis, 64, of New Kensington (formerly of New Galilee) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Born July 14, 1960 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late John Dodds and Lois Dene Winter McAnlis. Doug graduated from Mohawk High School in 1978 and graduated with High Honors from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts. He served as the Food Service Director of IntegraCare Senior Living. He was known for his warmth, generosity, charming personality, impressive work ethic, sharp wit, contagious belly laugh, and love of home renovation projects….

Mrs. Mary C. (Urgitus) Schaffer, 59, of Ellwood City passed away Sunday, October 27th, 2024 at her home. She was surrounded by her loving family. Born December 17th, 1964 in Beaver Falls, PA she was the daughter of the late Kenneth E. and Anna M. (Lindsay) Urgitus. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Mark J. Urgitus and Robert T “Bobby U.” Urgitus and her stepsons Robert Schaffer and Frank A. Schaffer Jr.. She is survived by her husband Frank A. Schaffer, devoted son Tyler A. Schaffer of Ellwood City, daughter Jaclyn Urgitus of…

Ashley A. McKim, 38, of New Castle passed away Friday, October 25, 2024 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following an extended illness. Born November 16, 1985 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Clair “Beany” McKim and Lori Smith Schoettker of New Castle. Ashley graduated from New Castle Beauty School and owned a housekeeping business. She had a lifelong passion for tattoos and was a gifted tattoo artist. Survivors include her mother Lori; five children, Nevaeh, Mikell, Remiah, Brelle, and Serenity, and sister, Tanya Stunkard of Indiana. She was preceded in death by her father, Clair and…

Thomas F. Cooper Sr., 89, of New Beaver Borough passed away Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Quality Life Services in New Castle. Born November 14, 1934 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Earl D. and Beatrice E. Derrow Cooper. Thomas was a welder by trade and worked for PA Engineering, Aetna Standard, Morgan Brothers, and Hall Industries. After his retirement he worked as a cook at the Wolverine in Ellwood City. He was a former active member of the Free Methodist Church in Ellwood City where he served in many capacities and a current active member…

Harry “Whitey” Perkowitch, 75, of Ellwood City passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at his home. He was the son of the late Edward and Sarah (Payne) Perkowitch and was born in Ellwood City on November 29, 1948 He is survived by his daughters; Sherry Baker and her husband Thomas of New Castle, Kimberly Davis and Sam Eaton Ellwood City; his grandchildren; Tommy Baker, III and Mackenzie of Salem, OH, Nikki Baker of New Castle, Jacob and Ronnie Parks of Ohio, Sarah Parks and Sean Shaffer of South Carolina, Amanda Brandt and Frank Rizzo of…

Wanda J. Lechner, 82, of Shenango Twp. passed away peacefully, Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family, following a decades-long battle with breast cancer. Born April 2, 1942, in Butler County, she was the daughter of the late Walter E. and Mildred Marshall Dean. Wanda lived in Eastbrook and graduated from Laurel High School, class of 1960. Wanda was an active member of the Center Presbyterian Church. Through the years, Wanda worked at Citizen’s Bank in New Castle and at Affordable Car Rental in Ellwood City; but her most important job was being a homemaker…

Alexander C. Wisbith, 80, of Chippewa Township passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at VA Hospital-Aspinwall following a lengthy illness. Born October 29, 1943 in Wampum, he was the son of the late Raymond and Veronica Jaskolka Wisbith. Alexander or as everyone who knew him, Alex, was known as the strongest man they have ever met, both inside and out. Along with his strength, he was matched with his giving heart, willing to help anyone in need. These two traits carried him through as he served in the Army during the Vietnam era. He then worked at B&W as a…