Obituaries

Joseph E. Yost, 87, of Wayne Twp. passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at Quality Life Services in New Castle. Born July 8, 1938, in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Earl J. and Viola Mae Houk Yost. Joseph graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956 and then from Slippery Rock University. He taught Driver’s Education and Geometry for both Union and Riverside High Schools before eventually retiring from Riverside. A skilled photographer, he captured weddings, sporting events, and forensic scenes, as well as photos of his friends and animals. He also enjoyed telling jokes and driving…

Carol Lee Hairhoger, 82, of Grove City (formerly of Shenango Twp., New Castle) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital. God gained a remarkable woman whose life was filled with love, devotion, and joy. Carol was a deeply loving person, and that love showed in everything she did and everyone she cared for. Carol was born on June 11, 1943, in Ellwood City to the late Matthew and Elizabeth Stevenish Kalac-Bowman, and she lived a full and meaningful life until December 27, 2025. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961. Following high school, she…

Karla Stelter, 73, of New Beaver Boro passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at her son’s residence during home hospice care. Born December 6, 1952, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Lina Hartman. Karla was a veteran of the Army serving until her honorable discharge. She worked as a bus driver for both the Mohawk School District and Lenzner Tours in Pittsburgh. Always independent and caring, she took pride in her home, her Pillsbury Doughboy collection, and the care of her son. She is survived by her beloved son, Christopher (Charlotte April) Stelter of Shaler…

Dr. Denis Patrick Herman Rudd, 81, passed away on Monday, December 29th, 2025 at his residence. Dr. Rudd was born on June 30, 1944 in New York, NY to the late John and Eileen (McMahon) Rudd. He fought his first battle with the neighbors down the street. They pulled so many snowball flowers off the bushes they were in trouble for months! Flowers graduated to snowballs every year in winter. He loved New York and the neighborhood. His family moved when he was in high school. First to Vermont where he attended Arlington Memorial High and then to Palm Beach,…

Kenneth R. Newton, 71, of Butler, passed away on Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 at his residence. Ken was born on August 30th, 1954 in Ellwood City to the late Charles and Helen (Lutz) Newton Sr.. He graduated from Riverside High School with the class of 1973, and then joined the United States Air Force on February 14th, 1973 until his honorable discharge on February 11th, 1977. Ken worked for the Ellwood City Forge for many years as a laborer. He enjoyed playing the drums and riding his motorcycle. He is survived by his daughter, Carrie (Lance) DePaoli of Ellwood City,…

Abraham Gary West, III, 80, of Fombell, passed away and into the arms of his Loving Savior on Friday, December 26, 2025, at his home. He was the son of the late Abraham G. West, Jr and Dorothy (Daufen) West and was born June 16, 1945, in Evans City, PA. He is survived by his children; Timothy West and his wife Monica, Traci Kingston and her husband Todd, both of Fombell, his grandchildren; Amelia Kingston and her husband David Luevano, Abigail Kingston and Kenneth Burr, Jonah Kingston, Lydia Kingston and her fiancé Bryan Peterson, and Thomas West, two step-granddaughters; Heather…

Bonnie L. Stabryla, 77, of Ellwood City passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Creek Meadows in Zelienople following a short illness. Born January 10, 1948, in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Wallace and Betty Boots Carroll. Bonnie worked as a bank teller locally for 52 years. She enjoyed cooking and baking, especially for her family and friends. Fishing and camping trips with her husband, Aaron, were some of her happiest times. She loved her dogs and cherished moments with her close friends and family. Survivors include her beloved husband of 29 years, Aaron Stabryla; daughter,…