Butler Eagle

Michael "Rickets" David Thomas, 67, of Center Point, passed away on April 10, 2022, at his residence. Michael was born on April 20, 1954, in Alliance, OH, the son of the late Joseph Lee Thomas and Alice Jean Henry. Michael was a retired skilled carpenter. He loved hunting, fishing and working on his car. He loved his cats, Mum Mum, Remy, Coca, Gizmo and Dunkin. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. Michael is survived by two daughters: Sarrah Thomas and husband Mark Brunner of Center Point and Alicia Jean and husband Dakar Huntley of Westminster, MD; two grandchildren, Karter and Zachary Huntley; three siblings, Lynn and husband Jody Slaven of Polk, PA, Cyndi and husband Wayne...

Judith Faye Parker, 77, of Boiling Springs, PA, passed away on Saturday, April 9th, 2022, at her residence. She was born April 26, 1944, in Pittsburgh, PA, to the late James and Hilda (Thielmann) Tackett. Judith was very devoted to God and a devoted member of several churches in her lifetime including being a member of the St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was also a member of Mothers of Twins Club. She was a Stephens Minister of 2nd Presbyterian Church, Carlisle. Judith was a very giving person and enjoyed spending time with her family, crocheting, making Christmas cookies with the kids, and playing cards. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, William T. Parker of...

Dr. John Edwards Griffith, Jr., 74, of Greenville, North Carolina, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 8, 2022 due to complications from congestive heart failure. He was born September 19, 1947 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late John Edwards and Adelaide Tipping Griffith, Sr. John's kind, gentle and loving nature will forever be remembered. John grew up in Mt. Lebanon, PA, graduating from Mt. Lebanon High School in 1965. Following high school, he attended the University of Pittsburgh where he majored in psychology and was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. John received a DMD from the University of Pittsburgh School of...

Virginia "Ginny" (McChesney) Bowser, 90, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Butler, died Monday, April 4, 2022. She was born on February 26, 1932 to the late Aloysius McChesney and Virginia (Walker) Van Horn. Virginia's survivors include her five children: Ted, Mike, Kassie, Jeff, and Corinne; her seven grandchildren; and her four great-grandchildren. In 2019, Virginia relocated to Mechanicsburg to be near her daughter, Kassie Gall and husband, Tim. You may remember her from Montgomery Ward's Tire Department. Virginia's family will be remembering her life privately. Care is entrusted to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Virginia's full obituary,...

John Shettel, 93, of Glenwood Springs, died on March 30, 2022 at Renew Assisted Living with loving family by his side of complications from Parkinson's Disease. John rejoins his wife, Doris, who preceded him in death six months ago after almost 75 years of marriage. Born Aug. 16, 1928 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, John was the son of the late Paul and Viola Shettel. Surviving John are his children, Bruce Shettel, Bob Shettel, Laurie Barber, and Chris Moser; grandchildren, Ben, Andy, Angie, Emily, and Cari; great-grandchildren, Daisy, Gemma, and Calvin; also his dear children-in-law, Joe, Judy, Lennie, and Becky, and former exchange student, Urs, and Kati and Hilary. John graduated...

Nancy E. Cosner November 26, 1941 - March 19, 2022 Nancy was born and raised in Pittsburgh's North Side. She moved to St. Petersburg FL, in the late 70's to get away from the cold winters but Pittsburgh was always her home! Nancy is survived by her husband C. William (Bill) Cosner, her children Frank (and wife Brenda) Mueller of CA and Ramona Cain of Wexford PA; her grandchildren Jason Fennell (and wife Erin), Lauren Arnold (and husband Jack), Brent Mueller, Connor and Colin Cain; great- grandchildren Aidan and Rocky Fennell; brothers Stephen (and wife Susie) Frisco and Dennis Frisco both of Pittsburgh. Nancy quit high school to get married and start a family, she worked as a waitress...

Mr. Arnold Rettig, 93 of Jonesboro, GA, passed away Friday March 18, 2022. Mr. Rettig was a dedicated husband and father, and a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in McDonough, GA. Arnold was born on November 11, 1928, in Butler, PA to Adolph and Helen (Protzman) Rettig. He served with the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He began his work career as a stock clerk with the SS Kresge Company and worked his way through the various levels of retail store management and retired as a store manager after a 40-year career with the Kmart Corporation in 1984. He married his wife of 54 years, Barbara (Baglin) in 1956, who preceded him in death in 2010. He loved traveling, woodworking, and...

Genevieve "Jenny" Winters age 92 of Lawrenceville, GA., passed away on Sunday, January 30, 2022. She was preceded in death by parents, Jacob Bronder and MaryJane Jaap Bronder; daughter, Joyce Shoemaker (Cort); and grandson-in-law, Joshua Smolen. She is survived by children, Wayne Winters (Carol), Bob Winters (Marybeth), Debbie Craig (Scott), and Donna Sisley (Terry); grandchildren, Stephanie Winters, Katie Campbell (Paul), Kim Winters, Laura Smolen, Amanda Dukes (Jake), Robin Winters, Holly Tubbs (Ryan), Bobby Winters (Casey), Jackie Sisley, Stephen Shoemaker, and Elizabeth Sisley; great-grandchildren, Dominic Smolen, Warren Smolen, and Ella Campbell; as well as numerous nieces, nephews,...

Lonnie Glen Watson, 86, of Somerset, formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 20, 2022. Son of the late Lonnie Glen and Madeline V. (Rush) Watson, Lonnie was born August 10, 1935 in Morgantown, WV. After attending Morgantown, WV High School, Lonnie served as Sergeant of the 2nd Marine Air Wing of the U.S. Marine Corp. from 1953-1955. He was owner of several news agencies in the Pittsburgh area and was also a business owner in Somerset County. He attended Somerset Alliance Church. First and foremost, Lonnie greatly enjoyed and loved his family! Not only was he a member of many local clubs, he was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and...

Robert Louis "Bob" Rothen passed peacefully from this life January 9th, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his daughter Mary Grace Rothen, brother James Frank Rothen, niece Cerise Rothen, and parents Louis Ignatz Rothen and Mary Ellen (Snodgrass) Rothen. He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years Patsy Ann (Rembusch) Rothen, his two daughters Roberta Louise Rothen (Kristy Pottol) and Victoria Ellen Defreitas (Leslie), his Aussie daughter Anita Thomas, and grandchildren Zachary Miller and Misty Miller. He is also survived by his brother John Rothen Sr (Joy, deceased), niece Jill Beck (Ken), and nephews John Rothen, JR (Michelle) and Brent Rothen. He will...

John Christian Demmy passed away Wednesday, January 5, 2022 in Charlotte, NC. Born February 6th, 1948 to John and Pauline Demmy in Butler, PA. John grew up in Lyndora, PA with a close-knit family community where his father was owner and operator of Demmy's Evergreen Pharmacy. He devoted years as an altar server at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Lyndora, PA. Surviving John are his wife Ann of 49 years, sons Dave (Colleen), Paul (Brittany), his sister Ruth Nester of Columbus, Ohio, and grandchildren Kendal, Colin and Louisa Demmy. See full obituary at Obituary for John Christian Demmy The Palmetto Funeral Group (palmettofh.com)

Margaret Elaine Cook, 89, of Safety Harbor, Florida passed away November 24, 2021. She was born on February 3, 1932 in Butler , Pennsylvania. Margaret is survived by her son Keith Cook and his family, and her daughter Saundra Billig and her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Keith L. Cook. She will be sadly missed by her family, friends, and the congregation of Safety Harbor First Baptist.

On the second of September, 2021, after struggling with medical conditions, Wayne is assured a place in heaven. He passed away peacefully with family by his side in Huntersville, NC. Raised in Butler PA, he worked most of his life in the beer distribution business as well as steelwork at Pullman Standard. He cherished spending time with his family, especially his wife of 52 years. He was an avid golfer, bowler, hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Wilson of Stanley, NC; his son, Eric Wilson (Wife Nikki) of Bristow VA; daughter, Chrissy Sauer (Husband Eric) of Denver, NC; and three grandchildren, Ryan, Seth and Ellyse. In addition a brother, Brian...

Daniel J. Stelbotsky, 87, of Aiken, SC passed away on August 21st, 2021. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Joan S. (Paganelli) Stelbotsky. Born April 22, 1934 in Butler, PA, he was the son of the late Stephen and Carolyn (Quashnock) Stelbotsky. Dan served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959 where he was stationed in Germany and Tacoma, Washington. Upon his discharge, he then went to work for Armco Steel Corporation in Butler until his retirement. He was also a radio disk jockey for WBUT in Butler for several years. He was a faithful communicant of St Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Aiken where he served as a lector. He was also a member...

James David Stockard (David), 57, of St. Petersburg, FL passed suddenly on Monday, Aug 9, 2021. He was born on July 31, 1964, in Kittery, Maine and is survived by his wife of 26 years, Natalie Grayson Stockard. David was the son of Mary Ann Turner and the late James W. Stockard. David attended Butler Area Schools and Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he met his beloved wife, Natalie. David was an Information Technology auditor for the Department of Defense and then the Federal Judiciary in Washington, DC. He retired to spend his time taking care of and enjoying the boat he and Natalie lived on in St. Petersburg, FL. David was preceded in death by his uncle Paul (Nancy) Holbein and...

Walter Harrison Freehling, 95, of Littleton, Colorado, passed away Thursday, August 5, 2021, at the Tendercare Pinehurst facility in Denver, CO. He is survived by daughter Trina Bibbero of Littleton, CO; granddaughter Nikki Bibbero of Denver, CO; sister Leona Barnes of Cabot, Pennsylvania; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Val Jean Freehling; his parents August and Nora Watson Freehling; his brothers Clarence, Kenneth, and Arthur; and his sisters Lida and Emma. Born September 8, 1925, in Cabot, PA, he attended Winfield area schools. He served in the US Army during World War II at Ft. Belvoir, VA, as a truck driver. Before...

Robert H. Snodgrass, 76, of Summerville, SC entered into eternal rest on July 23, 2021. Robert was born on May 11, 1945 in Butler, PA, son of the late C. LeRoy and Genevieve Grossman Snodgrass. Robert served in the United States Navy. He was a former employee of Charleston Naval Shipyard and General Electric Plant. He was a member of Miles Road Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Snodgrass, three daughters, Patty Marchant (Tommy) of Goose Creek, SC, Helen Williams (Jeff) of Goose Creek, SC, Justine Moses (Bernie) of Round Hill, VA, and one son, William Varner (Donna) of Moncks Corner, SC. He had 7 grandchildren, 15 great grands and 4 great great grands; and one sister,...

Patricia Ann Molsky, age 90, of Frederick, Md., passed away Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Citizens Care and Rehab Center. She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas J. Molsky. Born March 17, 1931 in Butler, Pennsylvania, Patricia was the daughter of the late Clifford. A. and Alice Allen Manny. She was of the Catholic Faith. Pat was a graduate of Butler H.S. and Clarion University. From age 12-18 she was a proud member of the Catholic Daughters of America as Lead Bugler in their Drum and Bugle Corp. The biggest thrill was sharing the elation that comes with winning the State Championship in 1948 with so many girls who became lifelong friends. She was a music lover and friend of animals....

Patricia Ann Molsky, age 90, of Frederick, Md., passed away Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Citizens Care and Rehab Center. She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas J. Molsky. Born March 17, 1931 in Butler, Pennsylvania, Patricia was the daughter of the late Clifford. A. and Alice Allen Manny. Pat was a graduate of Butler H.S. and Clarion University. From age 12-18 she was a proud member of the Catholic Daughters of America as Lead Bugler in their Drum and Bugle Corp. The biggest thrill was sharing the elation that comes with winning the State Championship in 1948 with so many girls who became lifelong friends. She was a music lover and friend of animals. Pat's gift of playing the piano...

John E. Parker, 64 of Tega Cay, SC, died at 9:00 PM, Thursday, July 15, 2021 at home, surrounded by his family. Born in Butler, PA, October 10, 1956, he was the son of Harry (Hap) and Janet (Jan) Davis Parker. John was a graduate of Karns City High School class of 1975. In March of 1998 John and his family moved to League City, TX to further employment opportunities. A second relocation to Fort Mill, SC in July of 2004 offered the next chapters in his book of life. John was proficient in many trades and over the years he was employed at a variety of companies including; the family's Parker Plumbing business in Chicora, PA; Witco Chemical in Petrolia, PA; Culligan Water Conditioning in...

Ms. Linda Hornung Risch, 72, of Lake Wylie, SC, passed away Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Atrium Health, Pineville, NC. Linda was born May 22, 1949, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late Victor Woodrow Hornung and Eileen Kottmyer Hornung. She is survived by her sons, Christopher (and Neyal) Risch, Jeffrey Risch, and Stephen (and Jerri) Risch, and grandchildren, Cody, Logan, Rayden, Alexis, Ian, and Eliana Risch. Linda was a kind, loving, handy, strong-willed woman, mother, sister, and wife. She enjoyed the simple things in life and found happiness in her routines. You could count on her to have her Life cereal and bananas (which she would bring with her when visiting), peanut butter and jelly...