Obituaries

On Saturday, February 19, 2022, JoAnn Lynn (Leonberg) Minett, loving wife, mother of two, and Wahlker’s “Mimi”, passed away peacefully at age 67, surrounded in song and prayer by her loving children and sisters. JoAnn was born on August 16, 1954 in Rochester, PA to Genevieve (Wahl) and the late Charles Leonberg. She was a graduate of Freedom High School. On, November 26, 1977, JoAnn married David Minett. Together, they raised two children, David Jr. and Jennifer. JoAnn had been a resident of the Ellwood City area and was retired from Preferred Auto Credit Exchange, having worked and been in…

Lloyd E. Weisz, 90, of Edinburg passed away Sunday, February 20, 2022 at his residence. Born April 16, 1931 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Daniel I. Sr. and Louise Murphy Weisz. He was married to Georgia Ullom Weisz in 1957. Lloyd graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951. He was a United States Army Veteran, serving as a Military Policeman in the Panama Canal Zone. Lloyd worked as a scaffolding salesman and manager until his retirement. After his retirement, he worked as a handyman in the Ellwood City and New Castle areas, and also installed…

Nancy Lee Graham, 75, of Portersville passed away Saturday, February 19, 2022 at her residence. Although in ill health, death was unexpected. Born February 23, 1946 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Esther Brown Magee. She was married to James Graham. Nancy was a graduate of Lincoln High School. She then attended Robert Morris and YSU. Nancy was the dental receptionist for Dr. Geoge Watters for more than 30 years. Nancy was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Portersville where she was the Sunday School Teacher and sang in the choir. She had…

Patti “Putsy” Orock, 81, of Ellwood City (formerly of Fombell) passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 18, 2022 at UPMC Jameson Hospital. Born March 1, 1940 in the West End of Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late John and Frances Kwolek Kirkham. She was married to Gerald “PeeWee” Orock. Patti was retired from Leeds and Northrup, where she worked as a machine operator for 36 years. She was a member of the former Free Methodist Church in Fombell. Patti loved to shop, croquet, and entertain friends and family on holidays. She always kept a spotless home. Survivors…

Mary Catherine Czar Goehring, 68, of New Brighton, Marion Twp and Goehring Brothers Farm, passed away at Heritage Valley Beaver Medical Center and into the arms of her Loving Savior on Saturday February 19, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary (Carrigan) Czar and was born December 20, 1953, in New Castle. She is survived by her husband, of forty-seven years, Jim Goehring, her daughters; Sharon Kingston her husband Doug of Ellwood City, Kathy Tillia and her husband Robin of Ellwood City, grandchildren; Cara Elizabeth Kingston of Ellwood City, Emily Rose Kingston…

Ernest E. Downey Jr., 69, of Wampum passed away Friday, February 18, 2022 at his residence. Born November 17, 1952 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Ernest Sr. and Marion Martin Downey. He was married to Susan Davis Downey. Ernie was a graduate of Mohawk High School. He was the Captain of the Paramount Pool Team for many years. In his younger days, he was an avid hunter. Survivors include his son, Jamie E. Downey of Wampum; three sisters, Charlene, Cheryl (Bob Walker), and Cheri Downey all of Wampum; brother, Mark (Amy) Downey of Ligonier; two…

Gerald W. Blinn Jr., 71, of Ellwood City passed away Thursday, February 17, 2022 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following a brief illness. Born July 21, 1950 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Gerald W. Sr. and Eileen Hackett Blinn. He was married to Ruth Davis Overland, formerly of Chewton. Gerald was a US Army Veteran, serving in Vietnam. He worked at the B&W and then at Airway Luggage until his retirement. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Gerald was an avid Steelers fan. Survivors include two daughters, Jennifer (Justin) Blinn of Georgia and Sarah…

Gary Lynn “Poke” Ashton, 77 of Edison Manor, New Castle, PA passed away Tuesday, February 8th, 2022, with his sons and their family by his side. He was born in New Castle PA to the late Clarence A. & Kathleen M. (Wood) Ashton, on August 18th, 1944. He was survived by his two sons; Kirk and Kevin Ashton, seven grandchildren; along with five nieces and nephews. “Poke”, as everyone knew him, lived most of his life in Ellwood City, Pa, where he attended Riverside High School. He served in the United States Army from December 1961 to December 1964, when…