January 03, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Elizabeth M. "Betty" Oeler, age 97 of Palo Alto, CA and formerly of Elizabeth Twp. and Towson, MD, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Ivy Park Assisted Living in Palo Alto. Born May 6, 1928 in Versailles, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Amelia (Skobar) Frketic. A dedicated parishioner of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Michael's Church in Elizabeth Twp. and a lifelong member of the Croatian Fraternal Union, Lodge #146 in Versailles, Betty was a secretary for the A.B. Murray Co. and then worked, until her retirement, for Children and Youth Services (now CYF) in Allegheny County. She lived in McKeesport into her ninth decade, before moving to Towson in 2020 and then California in 2021. Besides her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, the late Karl Oeler, who passed away in 1965, her sisters Helen Ferketic and Kathryn Fagan, and her nephew Robert Fagan. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Karla Oeler (and her husband Dr. Alex Woloch) of Palo Alto and her niece Kathleen Fagan of Baltimore.
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January 03, 2026 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Frederick W. Mehlmauer, Jr., age 77, of McKeesport, died December 29, 2025, at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center. Born November 15, 1948, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Frederick Sr. and Margaret (Caldwell) Mehlmauer and the beloved partner of Joan DeMarino for 33 years.
Fred honorably served in the Army during the Vietnam War, an experience that shaped his values and spirit. He held his military service dearly, embodying the principles of courage and commitment. Upon returning home, he channeled his exuberance into his enduring love for classic cars, passionately maintaining two 1961 Chevy Impalas-a convertible and a hardtop-for over 50 years. His enthusiasm and deep understanding of these vehicles made him a well-respected figure among fellow car enthusiasts, and he cherished the many memories made while attending car shows alongside Joan.
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January 02, 2026 |
By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home
Carolyn L. Fetch, 83, of Glassport passed peacefully Wednesday, January 31, 2025. She is the daughter of the late Elmer and Anna (Chalfant) Kohl and wife of the late Emiel H. Fetch. She is the mother of Harold (Joanne) Fetch of McKeesport, Jeffrey Fetch of Glassport, Scott Fetch of Elizabeth, and Pamela Fetch of Liberty Boro; grandmother of Trevor and Dylan Fetch; great-grandmother of Gianna, Olivia, and Tyson; and sister of David (Carol) Kohl of Bethal Park. She is also survived by many neices, nephews, cousins, and great neices. Carolyn took great pleasure in sewing, making grapevine seasonal wreaths and loved working on her craft creations. She also looked forward to her yearly beach trips to Ocean City, Maryland and most of all spending time and talking with her family and friends. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 on Tuesday at the Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport. A service will be held 11am on Wednesday in the funeral home. Interment to follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family.
January 02, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Edward Gordon Schaffer, age 94, of White Oak, PA, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026. He was born in McKeesport, PA on May 26, 1931 and was the son of the late Donald Gordon and Margaret Dandar Schaffer. He was the husband of the late Eleanore V. Mitro Schaffer, who died on June 22, 2016. Edward was employed as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. He was a former member of the White Oak Lions Club, Service Order of Serra Catholic, and Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Angela Merici Church.
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January 02, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

M. Raymond Hill, age 79 of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026 at his home on the farm while surrounded by his family. He was born on September 19, 1946 in McKeesport, a son of the late Merrell Hill and Mary Hochard Hill. Ray was a devoted member of Christian Life Church in Trafford. He was a graduate of Norwin High School in the Class of 1964, and earned his Master's Degree in Engineering after attending both the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University. Ray fulfilled a lifetime career as an engineer at Elliott Company. He was one of the founders of FS-Elliott, where he also served as the vice president. His work ethic was renowned and he was well respected among his fellow engineers and coworkers. In his free time, Ray was often found working around his house and farm. He had a passion for airplanes and was an all-around animal lover, especially his dogs. He travelled the world for work and made many friends along the way. Most of all, Ray lived a life centered around his family and faith. He always maintained a foundation in Christ and was eager to spread the message of Jesus. He cherished the time spent with his loved ones and will be dearly missed and remembered by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Hill. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly A. Hill, son, Tim Hill (wife Cathey), Kimberly's son, Joshua Silvis (wife Jessica), sister, Carol Jane Mills (husband Robert), six grandchildren, Ryan Hill (wife Jillian), Lauren Pozzuto (husband Chris), Emma Hill, Gabi Cassa, Brooks Silvis, and Chase Silvis, three great-grandchildren, Leo, Austin, and Carson, two nephews, Rick Mills (wife Robin) and Rob Mills, and one niece, Kelly Gray (husband Peter). Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Tuesday from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday at 11 AM with interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Ray's name to Christian Life Church in Trafford. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 02, 2026 |
By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home
Kevin C. McHugh, age 68, of North Versailles, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Born in Braddock on September 27, 1957, he was the son of the late John and Dawna (Carney) McHugh.
Kevin was retired from Westinghouse Waltz Mills, where he worked for 33 years as a technician/project manager in the steam generator secondary services. He was a member of Mary Mother of God Parish, St. Angela Merici Church. An avid hockey fan, he was a Pittsburgh Penguins season ticket holder. He was a member of the Irwin Moose and Teutonia Mannerchor Club, Pittsburgh
Kevin is the husband of Suzanne “Sue” (Denne) McHugh for 44 years; father of Meghan (Alex) Caterson of Greensburg; and grandfather of William and Benjamin Caterson.
Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 12-4 p.m., at the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, 15110, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER AND ALLAN J. WEBER, FUNERAL DIRECTORS. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 12, 2006, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Angela Merici Church, White Oak, with Rev. Terry O’Connor, officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH.
January 02, 2026 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Yvonne C. (Reedy) Berta, age 87, of Brookline, formerly of of Liberty Borough, died January 1, 2026, at home. Born February 2, 1938, in Greensburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late Howard Reedy and Eleanor (Mansfield) Johnson and the wife of the late Ronald W. Berta and life partner of the late David Hillman.
Yvonne worked with children providing in home care for many families throughout her life.
She enjoyed hunting treasures at local flea markets, crocheting, and playing cards. Yvonne had a deep passion for helping others and will be best remembered as the person that would give you the shirt off of her back. She also leaves behind her beloved pet dog, "Murphy."
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January 02, 2026 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Lucillia Renee Yancey, 56, of White Oak, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025. She was born August 9, 1969 in Baltimore, MD and was the daughter of Betty Lucinda Yancey. Lucillia loved to crochet, go shopping, get her hair done, and garden. She had a special calling in her life to take care of everyone, she took great care of her family and friends and that passion reflected her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, most recently working at Kane Community Living Center in McKeesport, where she worked alongside her twin sister. She will be greatly missed by her family.
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January 02, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Dorothea C. VanKirk, age 66, of McKeesport, PA, died on Saturday, December 27, 2025. She was born in McKeesport, PA on May 24, 1959 and was the daughter of the late Ronald Stricklin, Sr. and the late Patricia Kucsmas Stricklin Coulter and Harry Coulter, Jr.
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January 01, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
William Henry Kersten Jr., 85, of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on December 31, 2025. He was born on April 14, 1940, the son of the late William H. Kersten Sr. and Esther Emma Martz Kersten in Delmont, Pennsylvania. William, known to many as Bill/ Willie, retired from Westinghouse in East Pittsburgh after many years of service. Following his retirement, he continued working for Siemens in Charlotte, North Carolina, and later for GMS in East Pittsburgh. He was a member of Word of Life Church in Greensburg. Bill had a quiet appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed two cookies and a coffee to start his day, visits to the library, reading books on his porch while awaiting Meals on Wheels, a daily trip to visit friends at the post office, working on challenging 3-D puzzles, and spending time tinkering with his tractor. He had a special fondness for his cat, Henry, and treasured most the laughter and company of his family when they stopped by to see him. He is survived by his sisters, Royetta Shick (Donald) and Margaret “Peg” Kovalchuck (Fred); his five children, Anita Massimini (Joseph), Emmalee Tusco (Alex), Cherie O’Neal (Robert), Ray Kersten, and Royetta Rowe (Doug); 20 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Lucille Taylor Kersten; his second wife, Beatrice Haines Kersten; his son, Edward Sisson; his grandson, Michael O’Sullivan; and his nephew, Dale Waugaman. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A service will be held Monday in the funeral home chapel at 11 AM with Pastor Harvey Thurston officiating. Interment will follow at Brush Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to Norwin Meals on Wheels, an organization that Bill appreciated.
January 01, 2026 |
By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home
Eric Michael Raynes Sr., 63, of White Oak died Sunday December 28, 2025. He is the son of Patricia Poirrier Capaz. He is survived by his loving fiance Carrie Ruffing; children Eric Raynes Jr., Anthony Raynes, Elizabeth Raynes, and Isabella Raynes; sister Cheri Sponsler; and various relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Elmer and Cecilia Ceglinski; sister Laura Lingo; and his uncle and aunt James and Pam Poirrier. Eric had a love for Harley Davidson motorcycles and Lincoln Cadillacs. He was also an avid Coca-Cola and Harley Davidson collector. As quoted by Eric himself "I am Eric M. Raynes. One of a kind and not easily forgotten." A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by the Wojciechowski Funeral Home.
December 31, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Ian Lee Mills, age 24, of White Oak, PA, died on Monday, December 29, 2025. He was born in Johnstown, PA, on June 17, 2001, and is the son of Mark (Tammy Fox) Mills of White Oak, PA; and the late Emily Marie Maris Mills.
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December 30, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Kimberlee L. Henry, 55, of McKeesport passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025. She was born in Pittsburgh, April 6, 1970 to the late William and Louise (Dailey) Ward. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in McKeesport, as well as a few other churches. She is survived by her husband, Vincent A. Henry; children, Robert J. (Samantha Johnson) Henry of Greenock, Shane (Jamie) Henry of Huntington Beach, CA., Jessie Henry of McKeesport, and William (Robin Reynolds) Henry of Mt. Pleasant; a daughter-in-law, Sarah Henry of White Oak; and her grandchildren, Vincent, Alexis, Isabella, and baby Shirley due in March. In addition to her parents, Kim is preceded in death by her brother, William Lawson. Friends are welcome Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 5-7pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Funeral service will follow at 7pm in the funeral home chapel. Green Inurnment will take place at a later time. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
December 29, 2025 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Sarah Rybarczyk, age 96, of McKeesport, died December 28, 2025, at LGAR Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born May 11, 1929, in Monongahela, she was the daughter of the late Stven and Sophie (Davis) Plopi and wife of the late John Rybarczyk. Sarah lived a full and vibrant life, filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. She had a zest for life that took her on many enjoyable trips to the casino, where she delighted in the thrill of the game and the joy of the buffet, her favorite indulgence. But nothing brought her greater joy than the time spent with her family and friends. She loved them, and they loved her. Known for her culinary skills, Sarah will always be remembered for her delicious potato pancakes and hearty beef stew. These dishes, made with love, brought people together and exemplified her nurturing spirit. Her family and friends gathered around her table, creating memories that they will treasure forever.
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December 29, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Russel E. "Skip" Gill, 82, of West Mifflin, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025. He was born July 15, 1943 in West Mifflin and was the son of the late Ernest and Mildred (Sayre) Gill. He was the husband of 40 years to the late Mary Lou (Pietzak) Gill, who passed away November 13, 2011. A proud U.S. Navy Veteran, Skip served during the Vietnam War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal in recognition of his service. Skip attended Saints Joachim and Ann Parish and was a member of the former Holy Spirit Church in West Mifflin. He retired after 30 years of service as an assistant roller at U.S. Steel Irvin Works. Following retirement, he continued working alongside his family at his son’s business, Steel City TV and Appliance Repair, where he served as both a technician and in administration. He was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Skip was deeply involved in his sons’ lives, coaching them in wrestling, baseball, and football. He was wild and tough, with a great sense of humor, and was known for being very funny. Though he had a tough exterior, Skip was a loving and compassionate man who cherished his family dearly-especially his grandchildren. He lived by his favorite expression: “I work hard, so I can play hard.” He will be greatly missed.
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