The Obituary Section

Catherine F. "Cathy" Roithner

, Pennsylvania

July 31, 2021

Catherine F. Cathy Roithner 84 of Emlenton formerly of Library went to be with the Lord while in the company of her loving family Tuesday morning February 3 2026 at Quality Life Services in Grove City. Catherine was born on February 17 1941 in Coraopolis where she grew up. She was the daughter of the late James and Cecilia Connelly Shoop. She was a graduate of Coraopolis High School. Cathy enjoyed reading jigsaw puzzles and taking walks. She was a loyal Elvis Presley fan and visited his home at Graceland. Catherine was a devoted homemaker wife mother and grandmother. She was a long time member of the Fellowship Baptist Church in Emlenton. Catherine was married in Coraopolis on September 14 1962 to Robert Allen Bob Roithner. Mr. Roithner passed away on August 1 2021. Surviving are three daughters Sue E. Johnson and her husband Gary of Chicora Lisa A. Fonner…

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Sara Ann Schnell

, Pennsylvania

Sara Ann Schnell 91 of Karns City went to be with the Lord Friday morning February 6 2026 at Quality Life Services in Sugarcreek. Sara was born in Kaylor on November 26 1934. She was the daughter of the late Alfred Ross and Bertha Lanterman Vensel. She was a 1953 graduate of Fairview Township Karns City High School. In her earlier years she was employed by James and Smith Insurance in East Brady and Penn Oil. She was a devoted homemaker and enjoyed bowling gardening and walking 45 miles daily with her sisterinlaw Roberta. She was an avid doll teapot and thimble collector. Sara was a longtime member of the Karns City United Methodist Church where she served as the custodian for many years. She was a member of the churchs Who Dos committee and the Red Hat Society. In her later years she enjoyed spending winters in Florida with…

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Richard A. "Rick" File

, Pennsylvania

Richard A. Rick File 73 of Bruin a long time Bruin Area business owner passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home early Monday afternoon February 9 2026. Richard was born in Butler on April 14 1952. He was the son of the late William Bill File and the late Margaret Rankin File Matijak. Rick was a 1970 graduate of Karns City area High School and attended Butler County Community College. He attended the Martinsburg Church of Bruin. He was a skilled mechanic and owned and operated Files Garage in Bruin for more than 30 years. Rick was trusted and respected among his many customers. He and his wife enjoyed antiquing fishing and camping. In his earlier years Rick coached Bruin Little League and Karns City Midget and Mites Football. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Mitzi Miller File three sons Bryan P. File and his…

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Lawrence D. "Larry" Ezzolo

, Pennsylvania

Lawrence D. Larry Ezzolo 66 of Emlenton formerly of Duke Center passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Tuesday afternoon February 17 2026 in the emergency department at UPMC Northwest in Seneca. Lawrence was born in Olean NY on August 21 1959. He was the son of Beverly Meserole Ezzolo Seeker of Emlenton and the late Joseph D. Ezzolo. He was 1977 graduate of OttoEldred High School in Duke Center. Larry was a loyal life long Buffalo Bills fan. He enjoyed hunting TV crime dramas and the company of his cats. He was a skilled mechanic and was employed in retail auto service. Larry is survived by three children Chasity Matthews and her husband Aaron Heather Ezzolo and Barbra Parchment and her husband Marlon all of Florida. Five grand children Anthony James Alazandra Mason and Matthew and a sister Rev. Paula Grucza and her husband Mark of Emlenton as well as…

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James W. H. "Jim" Barnes

, Pennsylvania

James W. H. Jim Barnes 94 of Petrolia a lifelong wellknown Petroleum Valley resident passed away peacefully Thursday morning February 19 2026 in the comfort of his home while surrounded by his loving wife and family. James was born in Fairview Township Butler County on June 28 1931. He was the son of the late Charles G. and Gladys A. Claypoole Barnes. He was a 1950 graduate of Fairview Township Karns City High School. Jim attended California State University and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal in 1954. In his early years Jim was employed as a draftsman at Pullman Standard in Butler. He was later employed at Witco Chemical in Petrolia and as the plant manager at Allegheny Plastics. In 1983 Jim was employed as the site manager for the new Karns City Area…

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Sylvia Harvey

, Pennsylvania

Sylvia E. Harvey 82 of Chicora went to be with the Lord Saturday evening April 4 2026 in the comfort of her home while in the company of her loving husband and family. Sylvia was born in Tarentum Allegheny County on June 3 1943. She was the daughter of the late Rudolph and Bertha Lepish Misejka. She was a 1961 graduate of Tarentum High School and the MasonFelix Beauty School. In her earlier years Sylvia worked as a beautician. Sylvia was a devoted and loving homemaker to her family. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed sewing and making baskets and hats. She looked forward to her daily visits with family and friends on the telephone and taking relaxing drives in the car especially to the ice cream stand. Mrs. Harvey was a longtime member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in the village of North Oakland where she was…

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William Cotherman

, Pennsylvania

William E. Bill Cotherman 73 of Parker went to be with the Lord Monday morning May 4 2026 at Clarion Care Center. William was born in Beaver Twp. Clarion County on December 7 1952. He was the son of the late Charley W. and Sarah L. Whitling Cotherman. He was a graduate of AlleghenyClarion Valley High School in Foxburg and had worked various jobs in the Clarion County area throughout his life. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed photography playing the harmonica and the company of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his son Michael C. Mike Cotherman and his wife Katie a grandson William Will Cotherman and his wife Brittany and their five children Bills great grandchildren all of Shippenville. His wife survives Margaret Margie Callender Cotherman of Parker and Bills stepdaughters Michelle Campbell and her husband Roy of Springfield GA and Marcia…

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Douglas K. "Dougie" Henery

, Pennsylvania

Douglas K. Dougie Henery 61 formerly of Emlenton and Polk Center passed away early Wednesday morning May 6 2026 after a decline in health. Unknown at first his parents soon realized that Dougie was born a very special baby boy. Despite many health problems and a life expectancy of five years Dougie started his journey of life with a much bigger plan and strong determination. Dougie truly enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved swimming the chatter and company of his caregivers and listening to music. He was known to be a bit of a flirt. No one could resist his big blue eyes and his big loving smile. Most of all he loved and enjoyed his family especially his Sissy with whom he shared a deep loving bond. During his lifetime he had a way of melting the hearts of many and did so across two states. Many…

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Anne Frances Irons

, Pennsylvania

Anne Frances Irons age 83 passed away peacefully early Friday morning May 8 2026 leaving behind a lifetime of stories laughter and welltraveled memories. Born March 12 1943 Anne was the daughter of the late Mary Margaret Boyle and Francis J. Planker of Emlenton PA. Anne lived a remarkable life defined by curiosity and adventure. As a longtime flight attendant with Pan American World Airways she spent four decades exploring the globe embracing new cultures and collecting experiences that she would later recount with warmth and wit. Of all the places she visited Paris held a special place in her heart inspiring her love of the French language and culture. Beyond her travels Anne found joy in the simple and meaningful. She was an avid letter writer who cherished staying connected with those she loved through thoughtful correspondence. She delighted in crafting clever limericks often bringing smiles and laughter to…

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Joseph D. Odonnell Jr.

, Pennsylvania

Joseph D. ODonnell Jr. 82 a lifelong Chicora resident and a retired District and Senior Magisterial Judge serving Butler County went peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday morning May 16 2026 at Butler Memorial Hospital while in the company of his loving family. Joseph was born in Butler on January 31 1944. He was the son of the late Joseph D. ODonnell Sr. and Mary E. Callihan ODonnell. Joe was a 1962 graduate of Karns City Area High School where he was a talented athlete playing basketball and baseball. In his earlier years he was employed at Pullman Standard in Butler. He was a longtime board member officer and treasurer of the United Steelworkers Local 1415 in Butler. Joe served the local union in many capacities working diligently to improve the livelihoods of his union brothers. Later Joe was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an auditor.…

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Nelson B. Barger Jr.

, Pennsylvania

Nelson B. Barger Jr. 83 of East Brady passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home while in the company of his loving wife and family early Thursday morning June 25 2026. Nelson was born in Karns City on August 6 1942. He was the son of the late Nelson B. Sr. and Sophia Rottman Barger. He was a 1960 graduate of Fairview Township Karns City High School. Nelson was a United States Navy Veteran serving as an Aviation Electronic Technician Petty Officer 3rd Class during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He received a special letter of commendation from U.S. Navy Rear Admiral E.E. Christensen for extraordinary achievement in Aeriel flight while serving as an aircrew member in Air Anti Submarine Squadron Thirtynine onboard the USS Essex. He was a member of the American Legion Post 642 in Chicora and the Sons of Italy in Bradys Bend where he and…

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Linda Faye Downing

, Pennsylvania

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Linda Faye Downing 73 of Emlenton Richland Twp. Clarion County. Linda passed away peacefully at 525 p.m. on Sunday June 28 2026 at UPMC Hamot in Erie while surrounded by her loving family. Linda was born in Knox on April 27 1953. She was the daughter of the late Harry and Virginia Buck Sayers. Linda was a loving wife mother Grammy sister aunt and friend whose kindness strength and unwavering love for God touched everyone who knew her. She dedicated her life to her family and ran Downings gas station storage for over 26yrs. Her warmth kindness gentle spirit and faith in God will be remembered forever. She was a 1972 graduate of Keystone High School and later that year married and is survived by her husband Gary L. Downing of Emlenton for the last 53 and a half…

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Marsha Burns

, Pennsylvania

With love and gratitude we remember Marsha Burns who entered into the presence of ourLord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 31 2026 at the age of 78. Marsha was a loving mother grandmother sister motherinlaw family member and friend. She enjoyed serving others in quiet ways. She loved baking for her church family and often arrived before the pastor with homemade treats to share. She also enjoyed visiting Amish country with her sister Paulette and niece Anna Marie where she found peace in the simple beauty of the countryside. Her beloved dog Louie was a faithful companion who brought her comfort and joy. While receiving physical therapy at the skilled nursing facility Marsha struggled as she walked the hallways. She told me she felt a hurt in her heart to see so many people struggling. We agreed to pray for them asking that they would come to know the…

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Kristopher R. "Kris" Corah

, Pennsylvania

Kristopher R. Kris Corah 59 of Emlenton formerly of Bradford passed away unexpectedly of natural causes while in the company of his family early Friday morning January 2 2026 at UPMC Northwest in Seneca. Kristopher was born on October 24 1966 in Port Allegany. He was the son of Robert Corah of Roulette and Dixie Emmett Gordon of Emlenton. Kris was a 1984 graduate of Bradford High School and attended Penn State DuBois. In his earlier years he was employed at Temple Particle Board Plant in Mt. Jewett and most recently he had been employed in Emlenton at Amazing Stitches and The Parlor ice cream and coffee shop. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting. He was an avid animal lover most especially cats. Kris always looked forward to spending time with his family most especially his son Kristopher. He served on the executive board of the Boys and Girls…

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Roland J. Mellish

, Pennsylvania

Roland J. Mellish 71 of Chicora a long time Sugarcreek Twp. Armstrong Co. farmer passed away in the company of his family late Sunday evening March 29 2026 at AlleghenyGeneral Hospital in Pittsburgh. Roland was born in Butler on February 3 1955. He was the son of the late William J. and Hildegarde Smittman Mellish. He was a 1973 graduate of East Brady High School. Roland was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chicora. Mr. Mellish owned and operated the Mellish Farm and Roland J. Mellish Trucking in Sugarcreek Twp. for many years he also worked as a lab technician at MM Lime Co. He was most recently employed working for his son Clinton at Mellish Construction. Roland had a strong work ethic and enjoyed cutting firewood working outdoors and in the woods fixing and repairing in his garage and hunting deer and groundhogs. He most especially enjoyed…

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Donald Knox

, Pennsylvania

Donald L. Don Knox 91 of Bruin went to be with the Lord Friday afternoon June 19 2026 in the comfort of his home while surrounded by his loving wife and family. Donald was born in Bruin on September 4 1934. He was the son of the late Elbert J. and Sara Katherine Kitch Knox. Donald was a 1951 graduate of Bruin High School and a longtime member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chicora. He was a 32degree mason and a member and Past Master of Argyle Masonic Lodge 540 F.A.M in Chicora and the Consistory Valley of New Castle. Don was employed at Penreco in Karns City for more than 46 years and retired as a welltrusted instrument technician in 1999. In his younger years he played softball enjoyed fishing and was an avid golfer. He enjoyed watching movies evenings out with his wife at the Butler Little…

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Joseph William "Joe" Futcher

, Pennsylvania

Joseph William Joe Futcher 61 of Bear Lake Warren County formerly of Bruin passed away Saturday June 20 2026 at UPMC Hamot in Erie surrounded by his loving family. Born November 5 1964 in Butler he was the son of the late Harry Ralph and Willivene Helen McCall Futcher. Joe was raised in Bruin alongside his brother and best friend Tracy Ralph Futcher the two of them inseparable from the start. Joe graduated from Karns City Area High School in 1983 where he was a talented athlete in both football and basketball and earned the nickname Clutch among his teammates because he was the guy you wanted with the ball in his hands. He went on to Clarion University as an HR major yet Joe chose to follow his heart and his work ethic instead of a career of rules and regulations. He spent his career climbing the ranks of…

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Scott A. Bickel

, Pennsylvania

Scott A. Bickel 65 of Parker formerly of Knox passed away Thursday afternoon July 16 2026 at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh following a brief illness. Scott was born in Olean NY on June 29 1961. He was the son of the late Gail DeLoe Sr and Joan H. Bickel. He enjoyed bowling hunting fishing and being outdoors. He is survived by his wife Penny A. Snyder Bickel whom he married in Knox on August 30 1980. Also surviving is a stepson Floyd Simmons of Rimersburg and a stepdaughter Bernadette Seyler of Ripley NY a brother Gail DeLoe Jr a sister Mary Jane DeLoe two aunts Jane Strausser of Pine City and Carol Haimes of Texas as well as a number of nieces nephews cousins brothers in law and sisters in law. Private funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hile Funeral Home of Emlenton. Donations to help defray funeral…

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Billie Graham

, Pennsylvania

Billie Renee ONeil Graham 54 of Seneca the wonderful caring loving wife of Donald L. Graham Jr went to be with her Lord and Savior early Wednesday morning July 22 2026 in the comfort of her home while in the company of her loving husband following a two year horrendous battle with small cell carcinoma. Billie was born in Oil City on January 7 1972. She was the daughter of the late William and Carol Kosiorek ONeil. Billie was a graduate of Cranberry High School and in her earlier years had been employed at several area restaurants. Billie was extremely talented in many things and had a love for horses from an early age. She was a talented equestrian artist having painted sculptures and resin model horses. Her artwork earned her recognition as a world wide champion. In addition to her husband Don whom she married in Rockland also surviving…

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Mark Francis

, Pennsylvania

Mark William Francis 67 of Chicora passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Thursday afternoon July 23 2026 at his home. Mark was born in Butler on August 3 1958. He was the son of the late Lawrence Bud and Carol Rodgers Francis. He was a 1977 graduate of Karns City Area High School and US Army Veteran. Mark had been employed as a mail handler by the US Bulk Postal Mail Center in Warrendale. He enjoyed riding his Harley the company of his Jack Russell Terriers and most especially the company of his grandkids to whom he was affectionately Paw Paw. He is survived by his wife Chantel M. Rodgers Francis whom he married in Chicora on December 31 1991 five children Mark W. Francis and his wife Danielle of Butler Allene Francis of Hudson OH Billie Jean Dawson of Tulsa OK Tashawa L. Francis of Chicora and Elizabeth D.…

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Bishop C. Jay Croyle

, Pennsylvania

Bishop C. Jay Croyle Jr. 72 of Foxburg a long time well known Church of God of Prophecy Bishop and highly respected pastor went to be with the Lord early Sunday morning July 26 2026 at his home. Jay was born in Butler on January 18 1954. He was the son of the late C. Jay Sr. and Isabelle Corbett Croyle. He was a 1971 graduate of Karns City Area High School and was employed for 14 years in the boiler house and later worked as the ISO Coordinator at Penreco in Karns City. Bishop Croyles ministry began in 1978. He pastored numerous churches in Pennsylvania and Ohio and served as presiding Bishop and State Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy of Pennsylvania for 14 years. Bishop Croyle held the role of National and International Sharepoint Administrator for numerous years and served on numerous committees at the local…

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