Obituaries

Michael Steven Martin was born on May 27, 1949 in the small town of Wampum, PA. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family in the early hours of September 15, 2024. He is predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Melda Martin, and his sister Lana Hudson. His living siblings include sisters Terrie Parish, Judy McDermott, and Janis Lybarger (Ed) and one brother Roger Martin. He is survived by his beloved wife Trina of 29 years, his children Kelly Pinkowski (Jeff) and grandson Ian Kelley, and Tara and Taylor Martin. Michael graduated from Ellwood City HS in 1967…

Ronald Lee Little Jr., 57, of Wampum passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at his residence. Born June 25, 1967 in New Brighton, he was the son of Ronald Lee Sr. and Patricia Ann Juidice Little. Ronald was the owner and operator of Prestige Masonry Restoration. During his youth, he enjoyed karate. Ron was a veteran of the Navy, an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and loved riding motorcycles. Survivors include his parents Ronald and Patricia of Butler; daughter, Brittany (James Hall) Bates of Ambridge; son, Cameron Little of North Sewickley Township; sister, Patricia (Daniel) Hageman of Butler; half-brother,…

Darlene L. Wisbith, 77, of Dennis Lane, Beaver Falls passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024 surrounded by loved ones at her residence following a brief illness. Born October 6, 1946 in Fairmont, WV, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Betty Markley Sapp. She was married to her sweetheart Jerry Wisbith with whom they raised their 3 children in Chewton “on the Beach.” Darlene was a member of the Ellwood City Saxon Club, where she spent years shooting darts and playing pool. She enjoyed helping people, leading her to her former employment driving van for special needs children…

Violet Mae “Gigi” Kelly, 80, of Neshannock Township passed away Saturday, September 14, 2024. Born March 10, 1944 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Leroy W. Blashak and Elsie McClain Blashak Goodland. She was married to James F. Kelly when he passed away on July 21, 1993. Violet worked as a private duty nurse’s aide at the Golden Hill Nursing Home and St. Francis Hospital. She loved to bake, sew, craft, and listen to music. Her most cherished moments were with her family. Survivors include daughter, Roxane (Fiance William Ferguson) Kelly with whom she resided; son,…

Renee Burnworth, 45, of Perry Township passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Born March 1, 1979 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late James K. “Hoopy” Burnworth and Ann Gillespie Nelson of Ellwood City. Renee worked as a secretary and in sales for Precision Cabinets. She enjoyed fishing and trips to the casino. Above all else, Renee cherished being a mother and loved her family deeply. Survivors include her mother, Ann; fiancé, Tim Stiles of Perry Township; sons, Joshua and Colten Stiles both of Perry Township; sister, Jaime (John) Meyer of Ellwood City;…

Ryan D. Russo, 43, formerly of Ellwood City passed away in St. Petersburgh, Florida, in a heroic effort he made to save his girlfriend’s life in 2018, after pushing her out of the way of an erratic driver, Ryan was left in a coma which later claimed his life on September 5th, 2024 . Ryan was born on October 8th, 1980 to Peter and Lorraine (Izzo) Russo-Fresca. He attended both Lincoln High School and the Lawrence County Vo-Technical School. In Florida Ryan worked as a handyman for various construction companies. He loved writing and listening to music. Ryan also enjoyed…

Josephine Shubert, 103, of Glendale California (formerly of Wampum) passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024. Born February 28, 1921 in Renton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Jordano Mento. She was married to Frank Shubert when he passed away on July 27, 2000. Josephine worked at the Ellwood Knitting Mill for 24 years as a seamstress and was a member of the former Queen of Heaven St. Monica Church in Wampum. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. The last of her family, she was preceded in death by her parents, husband, six…

Crystal Wawrzynski, 37, of Ellwood City tragically passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Born October 11, 1986 in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of Randal Cunningham and Jean Diegdio and the stepdaughter of Diane Himes Cunningham. She married Jonathan Wawrzynski on September 19, 2009. Some of Crystal’s interests were reading, watching dramas, playing pool, and throwing darts. She loved cats and riding motorcycles. Above all, she cherished the moments shared and the memories made with her children, grandson, and her husband Jon. Survivors include her parents and stepmother, her beloved husband Jon who she spent 21 years of her…