Sep 25, 2009

Eleanor Ridgway Gallatin, 92, of Greensboro, died at 1:45 a.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2009, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg. She was born July 7, 1917, in Connellsville, a daughter of Charles Felger and Mary Yowler Ridgway.

Gallatin was a 1936 graduate of the former Point Marion High School and lived in the Greensboro area most of her life.

She was a member of Mapletown United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Gallatin enjoyed crocheting, reading and cooking.

On August 14, 1937, she married Calvin G. Gallatin, who died August 26, 1986.

Surviving are a son, Charles J. Gallatin and wife Christine of Carmichaels; a daughter, Nancy Gallatin Lint Haines of Greensboro; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a cousin.

Deceased, in addition to her husband and parents, are two granddaughters, Laura Marie Gallatin, who died September 5, 1972, and Nancy Lynn Lint Patterson, who died November 21, 2006; and two brothers, Meredith Ridgway and Duane Ridgeway.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Mapletown United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 502, Greensboro, Pa. 15338-0502.

Ray Evan Hopton

Ray Evan Hopton, 86, died at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 16, 2009, in Southwestern Regional Medical Center, Waynesburg.

He was born in his home on Turkey Knob, Cumberland Township, Greene County, June 12, 1923, a son of Charles Alva Hopton and Edith Mable Hopton.

Mr. Hopton lived on Turkey Knob until he was 9 years old and moved with his family to Ceylon Road in 1932. At this time, horse and buggies were common, and it was rare to see more than two cars each day.

He attended Conner School and then Cumberland Township Schools.

It was at Cumberland Township High School that he first set eyes on the love of his life, Mary Sorgiovanni, who stood on the balcony of the auditorium. He immediately fell in love with her pageboy hairstyle and beautiful Italian looks. They dated and then were married on October 24, 1941. Three months later, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in the Airborne Division and landed in Le Havre, France, soon after the Normandy invasion. Months later, he entered Wurm, Germany and was part of the Allied liberation of Germany.

After the war, he was the manager of the VFW in Carmichaels. In the euphoria of the World War II victory, the Carmichaels VFW was a central location for celebration. He also was employed by Grumann Allied Industries and ended his career at Emerald Mine in Waynesburg, where he retired from in 1986.

He took great pride in planting and growing a beautiful vegetable garden. He loved cutting grass on his Wheelhorse tractor and cut the entire yard Friday before he was admitted to the hospital. He also had a special fondness for cats. He loved their independence and intelligence.

Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Mary; three sons, Ronald Hopton (Patty) of Carmichaels, James Hopton of Pittsburgh and Dennis Hopton (Kathy) of Carmichaels; and five grandchildren.

Deceased are four brothers, William and Robert Dusenberry, Earl and Harold Hopton; and two sisters, Mary Birch and Garnet Swestyn.

Bertha T. Foley

Bertha T. Foley, 90, of Waynesburg, formerly of Clarksville, died Wednesday, September 16, 2009.

She was born July 28, 1919, in Clarksville, a daughter of Daniel J. and Nellie Beglin Turner.

Mrs. Foley was a 1938 graduate of Jefferson Township High School.

On July 3, 1941, she married Earl B. Foley, who died April 22, 2009.

She was a homemaker who enjoyed crafting, crocheting and doing needle point.

Mrs. Foley was a member of Clarksville Christian Church and served as its financial secretary for many years. She was a past member of Rebecca Lodge in Clarksville and the Eastern Star in Waynesburg.

Surviving are a sister-in-law, Luella Turner of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are five sisters, Evelyn Wilkinson, Annabelle Hackney, Catherine Post, Betty Martin and June Dawlin; and five brothers, Daniel, Darrel, Leroy, Warren and John Turner.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made to Clarksville Christian Church, Clarksville, PA 15322.

Lillian L. Scott

Lillian L. Scott, 85, of Stevens, formerly of Waynesburg, died Tuesday, September 15, 2009, in Southwest Regional Medical Center, Waynesburg.

She was born August 12, 1924, in Rush Run, W.Va., a daughter of James Santford Price and Eva Lee Byard Price.

On December 6, 1946, she married Charles C. Scott, who died October 26, 1992.

Mrs. Scott resided most of her life in Waynesburg, where she worked for many years at Greenway Manufacturing.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Surviving are three sons, Gary L. Scott and Terry L. Scott, both of Waynesburg, and Thomas A. Scott of Lancaster; a daughter, Sharon Matthews (David) of Stevens; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Mildred McNett of Waynesburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, are five brothers, Armin (Bill) Price, Juniour Price, Curtis Price Sr., Burl W. Price and Kenneth Efaw; and three sisters, DeEtta Price, Neva Price and Martha Price.

Edith Hawk Billetz

Edith Hawk Billetz, 77, of Greensboro, died at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 16, 2009, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va., with her family at her side.

She was born June 13, 1932, in Waynesburg, a daughter of James Edward and Helen E. Namish Hawk.

Mrs. Billetz was a 1950 graduate of Mapletown High School and resided in the Greensboro area all her life.

She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Greensboro, where she served as Rosarian for the Rosary Altar Society, and also maintained and decorated the church altar for many years.

In addition, Mrs. Billetz served on the board of directors and in the office of treasurer for Cornerstone Care in Greensboro and worked on the Monongahela Township election board.

Mrs. Billetz was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Penguins fan and enjoyed traveling with the seniors on various trips to casinos.

On March 17, 1950, she married Steven F. Billetz, who died March 24, 2007.

Surviving are a son, Stephen E. Billetz Jr. and wife, Donna Lee of Dilliner; a daughter, Stephanie A. Mallory and husband Charles Ray of Greensboro; two grandchildren; a brother, Charles E. Hawk and wife Wanda of Greensboro; and several nieces and nephews.

Jess Roscoe Kronk Jr.

Jess Roscoe Kronk Jr., 71, of South Daytona, Fla., formerly of Crucible, died Thursday, September 10, 2009, in Halifax Medical Center, Daytona Beach, Fla.

He was born in Crucible.

Mr. Kronk served in the U.S. National Guard and Navy from 1955 to 1962, then becoming a lifeguard soon after.

He graduated from West Side Institute of Technology in 1970.

Mr. Kronk was a member of the Eagles since 1962, as well as a member of American Legion.

He was Presbyterian.

Mr. Kronk was an avid Pittsburgh fan and enjoyed fishing, traveling and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are a brother, John Kronk and wife Evelyn; a sister, Katherine and husband John Price; six children, Orlando Gonzalez and wife Leann, Shawn Castro, Gloria Kronk, Debbie and husband Bill Wingate, Jess R. Kronk III and Terri and husband Tom Yost; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Deceased are his father, Jess Roscoe Kronk; his mother, Hazel Kronk; and two sisters, Marlene Hixon and Maude Trefny.

Donations may be made in his memory to American Heart Association, Florida/Puerto Rico Affiliate, P.O. Box 21475, St. Petersburg, FL 33742.

Thomas L. Miller

Thomas L. Miller, 66, of Mt. Morris, died Wednesday, September 16, 2009, in Monongalia General Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.

He was born December 12, 1942, in Brownsville, a son of James M. and Emily F. Collins Miller.

Mr. Miller served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.

He was a retired coal miner from Cumberland Mine, Waynesburg.

Mr. Miller was associated with Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing.

Mr. Miller leaves behind his faithful companion, Coca Jo.

On November 25, 1967, he married Ada E. King, who survives.

Also surviving are three sisters, Melva J. Gideon (Robert) and Valletta Bizub, both of Carmichaels, and Lorraine Sweitzer (Jerry) of Cleveland, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Agnes and Irene Miller, both of Carmichaels; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a daughter, Jennifer L. Miller; and two brothers, James and J.B. Miller.

Stoy F. Clutter

Stoy F. Clutter, 74, of Waynesburg, died unexpectedly at 5:45 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2009, in his home.

He was born May 30, 1935, in East Finley Township, a son of Frank Raymond and Della Margaret Clutter.

Mr. Clutter had resided in Sycamore for several years prior to moving to Waynesburg in 1983.

He was a member of Waynesburg Moose Lodge.

Mr. Clutter was a peacetime veteran of the U.S. Army, having served as a specialist 4th class with Company A, 143rd Signal Battalion.

He was an avid automobile enthusiast and enjoyed keeping his vehicles and tractors detailed.

He also enjoyed attending flea markets and paid special attention to his yard work and spending time with his pet Lab mix, Paws.

Mr. Clutter was employed by the former Hazel Atlas Glass factory in Washington and the former Waynesburg Block Co. He was last employed for several years as a truck driver/equipment greaser for the state Department of Transportation, prior to his retirement in 1995.

On December 5, 1960, he married Shelva Jean Scott, who survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Carol, wife of Jeff Kerr of Waynesburg, and two grandchildren.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, is a sister, Lois Margaret Moore, who died July 17, 2009.

Mr. Clutter was the last of his immediate family.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Humane Society of Greene County, 183 Jefferson Road, Waynesburg, PA 15370.

Ellen Celli Bell

Ellen Celli Bell, 84, of Dilliner, died at 12:20 a.m. Sunday, September 20, 2009, in Golden Living Center, Waynesburg.

She was born November 18, 1924, in Cumberland Township, Greene County, a daughter of Attillio and Marie Carmela Ondrejko Celli.

Mrs. Bell resided in Dilliner all her life.

She was Roman Catholic.

Mrs. Bell retired as a nurse’s aide in 1987 from the former Curry Memorial Home in Waynesburg.

She enjoyed music and dancing.

On November 9, 1946, she married William John “Woody” Bell, who died August 4, 2006.

Surviving are four daughters, Marie C. Babb and husband Ronald of Dilliner, Mary E. Morgan and husband Marshall of Morgantown, W.Va., Rose A. Brown and husband Harry Marvin of Dilliner and Candy B. Barnhart and husband Duncan of Carmichaels; five grandchildren, Eric Brown, Ronald Babb Jr., Lori Guesman, Bobbie Jo Brown and Paige Barnhart; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are three brothers, Baldo Celli, Tony Celli and Londo Celli; and five sisters, Mary Zuberlin, Rose Tenney, Stella Bell, Rachel Lowther and Margaret Kasinec.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Albert Gallatin Hospice Inc., 20 Highland Park Drive, Suite 203, Uniontown, PA 15401.

June R. Caltuna

June R. Caltuna, 82, of Mather, formerly of Marianna, died Saturday, September 19, 2009, in Presbyterian SeniorCare Southmont, Washington.

She was born July 21, 1927, in San Jose, Calif., a daughter of Walter C. and Lula M. Ruddle Doolin.

Mrs. Caltuna was a graduate of Richmond Union High School in Richmond, Calif.

She spent many years in the Marianna area with her husband Carl and their four children.

Mrs. Caltuna was an active member of Zollarsville Methodist Church, preparing and serving many luncheons and peach festivals.

She was always very active and worked as a manager and supervisor at Bobbie Brooks Retail Outlet in Washington and had worked as an assistant manager for K-Mart in Washington.

Mrs. Caltuna was actively involved in Calico Stars Quilters, Red Hat Society and Pittsburgh American Indian Center.

Surviving are four children, Carla (Gary) Zec of Rices Landing, Michael (Cathy) Caltuna of Amity, Richard (Sandy) Caltuna of Brownsville and Lisa (Dennis) Stehley of Mather; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, is her husband, Carl N. Caltuna, who died June 19, 1998.