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Elaine Cray

May 19, 2024 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Elaine Cray, age 72, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Forbes Hospital. Elaine was a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania and a recently retired teacher from the Elizabeth Forward School District, spending most of her time in the third grade classroom at William Penn Elementary School. In addition to Elizabeth Forward, she created the pre-school program at Port Vue United Methodist Church, where she was a former pre-school teacher. Elaine was a woman of deep faith which she modeled and shared with those who met her. She was currently attending Park Baptist Church in Versailles and was also previously an active member of Central Highlands United Methodist Church in Elizabeth Twp., serving as their Christian Education director for several years. Elaine was a passionate fan of the Beatles, attending their 1964 show at the Civic Arena at the age of 13. She also loved Barry Manilow. She enjoyed Hallmark movies, reading biographies, and completing puzzles in her cozy little “she shack” off the side of the kitchen. Elaine was a great friend and mother. She was the first many called to share news. She loved shopping with her best friend Kathy and her grandkids. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She looked forward to meeting friends for lunch now that she was retired. She and her husband John loved to go out and hear live music or grab the grandkids for dinner. She was active in restarting the Sunday School program at Park Baptist, a volunteer at Meals on Wheels in Elizabeth Forward, and the coordinator of the Bryan Hoover Scholarship Fund. Born November 12, 1951 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Arthur G. and Anna Margaret (Kovaly) Street. She is survived by her husband, John Cray; daughters, Kelly (Edward) Makay of North Huntingdon and Erin (Stephen) Pizzo of Fairview; son, Patrick (Loan) Cray of Fairbanks, AK; grandchildren, Kylie, Michael, Samuel, Ella, Patrick and Callum; brother, Ray (Kathy) Street of North Huntingdon; sister, Sherri (Paul) Harrington of Plymouth, NC; stepbrothers, Kevin Kirkman of Daytona, FL and Vaughn (Peggy) Kirkman of Lower Burrell; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brother, Jeff Street and stepmother, Jan Street. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 4-8 PM and Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 2-6 PM. A funeral service will be Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11 AM at Park Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Rudy Mayak officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Memorial contributions may be made to Park Baptist Church, 749 Center Street, McKeesport, PA 15132 or Elizabeth Forward Meals on Wheels, 100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

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Wayne Ludwick

May 18, 2024 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary

Wayne Ludwick, a resident of North Myrtle Beach, SC since 2014 and former longtime resident of Elizabeth Twp., PA, passed away peacefully at McLeod Seacoast Medical Center in Little River on Sunday morning, March 24, 2024. He was 86 years old.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Patricia Ann (Kushner), and his devoted sons, Eric (Nancy) Ludwick of Elizabeth Twp. and Brian Ludwick of Miami, FL. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter through his grandchildren, Steven Springer, Jason (Ale) Springer, Justin Springer, Jenna Ludwick, and Ethan “EJ" Ludwick,  nieces, nephews, and many friends who were touched by his kindness and generosity.

Born in Buena Vista, PA on November 11, 1937, Wayne was the son of the late Clyde R. and Evelyn (Brown) Ludwick. In addition to his parents and siblings Russell, Carol and Robert, he was preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law, the late Lynda (Gary) Springer of Elizabeth Twp. PA.

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Joyce A. Gergley

May 18, 2024 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Joyce A. Hicks Gergley, 78 of Glassport, formerly of West Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday May 18^th, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in West Elizabeth on July 10^th, 1945 to the late Merle and Virginia Ryan Hicks. She was the loving wife of 61 years to Michael Gergley. In addition to her beloved husband, Joyce is further survived by her children Corinda (Brian) Smith of Liberty Boro, Michael A. (Traci) Gergley of Versailles Boro, Ronald (Lori) Gergley of Glassport, grandchildren Michael A. Gergley, Blaine (Avonlea) Gergley, Samantha Gergley, Sara Gergley, Chase Gergley, Brianna (Michael) Sokolowski, Brandon Smith, and great grandchild Jacob Gergley, as well as nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her brothers Harold States, Arthur Hicks, daughter in law Melissa Megela Gergley. Joyce was very artistic, enjoyed gambling and traveling, bowling and decorating her house, but her favorite way to spend time was with her family and loved ones. Family and friends will be received on Tuesday May 21^st 2024 from 2 P.M. – 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. – 8 P.M. at E.C. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 235 Monongahela Ave, Glassport, PA 15045. A service will take place 8 P.M. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com.

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Rhonda Jean Russell

May 18, 2024 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Rhonda Jean Russell, age 62, of McKeesport, PA, passed away after a lengthy illness on May 2, 2024. She was born January 17, 1962, in Sewickley, PA, and is the daughter of the late John “Jack” Howard and Theresa Frances Barnhart Russell.

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Carol Ann Mitchell

May 17, 2024 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Carol Ann Howard Mitchell, 75, of Pittsburgh, passed away on Thursday, May 16th, 2024 at Southwestern Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburgh. She was born in Pittsburgh on September 28, 1948, to the late George E. and Elizabeth J. Kelly Howard. She is survived by son Michael (Jodi) Mitchell, of Jefferson Hills, and grandson Michael Mitchell, Jr., of Jefferson Hills. Carol was preceded in death by brother George W. “Butchie” Howard and beloved dog Shadow. She enjoyed reading, knitting, and needlepoint, as well as cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. Arrangements have been entrusted to S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th St, Clairton, PA 15025. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com

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Linda M. Ruhl

May 17, 2024 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Linda M. (Yeager) Ruhl, age 64, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. She enjoyed reading. Born March 18, 1960 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Lois Yeager. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Gary P. Ruhl of Elizabeth; son, David G. (Diana) Ruhl of Castle Rock, CO; and two grandchildren. No visitation or services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to help with funeral costs. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Jane Stevanus

May 16, 2024 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Jane (White) Stevanus, 88, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2024.  She was born June 19, 1935 in McKeesport and was the daughter of  the late Frank and Edith White. She was the wife of the late George E. Stevanus, who passed away October 15, 2004. Jane was a member of the Boston United Methodist Church, Versailles AARP and the McKeesport Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. She was a graduate of McKeesport High School and the Douglas Business School. She was retired from Mobilecom Paging Co., and had previously worked for Digital Paging, PCB Federal Credit Union, and the Westinghouse Atomic Plant. She is survived by her daughter, Linda M. (Christopher) Rusnak of Plum, grandsons, Tyler G. Rusnak and Trent L. Rusnak, sister, Helen Weiskircher of North Huntingdon, and nephews, Ken (Dee) Reese, Dale (Sylvia) Reese, Craig (Terri) Reese, and Jay (Ann) Weiskircher. She was predeceased by her son, Roy V. Stevanus, and a niece, Debra (Charles) Costello. Friends are welcome Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.  6028 Smithfield Street, Boston. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 10 am at the Boston United Methodist Church with The Rev. Dale Reese and the Rev. Jack Piper, officiating. Entombment will follow at the Mount Vernon Cemetery Garden Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boston United Methodist Church, 6103 Smithfield Street, Boston PA 15135. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

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Maureen N. Wilding

May 16, 2024 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Maureen N. Wilding, age 75 of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in Jefferson Hills Rehabilitation and Wellness Center.  Born February 8, 1949 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Cyril D. and Christine (Donahue) Brain.  A former medical assistant for Allied Home Health, Maureen will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother "GG".  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Roger L. Wilding, who passed away November 26, 2001; her sons Andrew and Eddie Wilding; and her sister Mary Elaine Hardinger.  Maureen is survived by her children Christina "Chris" (John) Malone and Michael Wilding, both of Clairton; grandchildren Kirstin (Kellen McLemore) and Leigha (Jay Luketic) Hohl; great-grandchildren Kellen Jr., Aryanna, and Anastasia McLemore; and also nieces and nephews. 

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Joyce E. Milliron

May 16, 2024 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Joyce E. (Rosche) Milliron, age 62, of Jefferson Hills, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 16, 2024. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Greenock and retired as a home health care registered nurse. Born May 19, 1961 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of Jack E. Rosche of Blaine Hill and the late Elaine (Parsons) Rosche. In addition to her father, she is survived by her husband, William H. Milliron; sons, William Jack Milliron of Ellwood City and Jonathan (Tiffany) Milliron of Port Vue; 10 grandchildren; sister, Rhonda (David) Trimpey of Pittsfield; also, a niece and nephew. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 9:30 AM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Scott Bryte officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Isabella Yanez

May 16, 2024 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Isabella E. Yanez, 91 of North Huntingdon, died peacefully on May 16, 2024 at her home. She was born February 15, 1933 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late John T. and Katherine Schneider. Prior to her retirement, Isabella was employed as a teacher's aide for special needs children in Mon Valley School Special Education. In her free time, she loved to knit and quilt. Isabella was great at baking, and she enjoyed her time spent babysitting at her home. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers William Schneider and John Schneider, and sisters Laura Whitehead and Agnes Coberly. She is survived by her beloved husband, Ralph A. Yanez, five children, Ralph Yanez (Karen), Angelina Yanez, William Yanez (Deborah), Joseph Yanez (Karen), and Samuel Yanez (Carrie), grandchildren Danielle Kukic (Chris), Angelina Yanez (Andrew), Sean Yanez (Claire), Raymond Yanez (Casey), Katie Yanez, Andrew Yanez, Addison Yanez, and Hayden Yanez, and great-grandchildren Emma, Luke, Riley, Avery, Wyatt, and Levi. Friends will be received on Sunday from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Monday at 9:15 AM, with interment to follow in St. Mary's German Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Officer K-9 Eli Novacek

May 15, 2024 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Officer K-9 Eli Novacek, 9 years old, dedicated police canine and family dog of Elizabeth Township Police Department passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Eli was sworn into duty May 26, 2016 and was trained in patrol & narcotics. During his time on duty, he was responsible for numerous drug raids, and arrests. Outside of patrol, Eli was an amazing family dog with an outgoing personality. You would often see Eli with his handler Officer Dan Novacek at every event the township and school district held. From attending new business' opening days, to all holiday parades, and even the PR events and take your child to work days - Eli was right there. He was fantastic with kids. Always playful and energetic, and if you ever threw his red Kong ball, even just once, your friendship was instant. The family would like to extend their gratitude to all of the businesses and sponsors over the years who have donated and supported Eli through his entire career.

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Frances Papp

May 15, 2024 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

 Frances Papp, age 89 of North Huntingdon, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at her home. She was born on January 16, 1935 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Adam and Mary Fisher Spalla. Frances cherished her role as a homemaker. She was a member of the Hungarian Reformed Church in McKeesport, and always looked forward to attending bingo nights with her friends. In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Papp, son Arthur Papp Jr., brothers John Spalla and Frank Spalla, and sister Faye Burgess. She is survived by her sons, David Papp and Vincent Papp (Joan), her daughter Denise (William) Prontiker, grandchildren Joseph, Molly, Daniel, Samuel, Chad (Nikki), Michael, and Billy, and great-grandchildren Lila and Luke. Visitation and services will be private, with a private interment to follow in Long Run Cemetery. Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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K'Vaughn Kareem Cash

May 15, 2024 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Baby K'Vaughn Kareem Cash, 1 month and 17 days old passed on May 3, 2024.  He was born March 16, 2024, in Pittsburgh and was the son of Da'Vaughn Robinson and Shakeia Cash.  He is also survived by siblings, Jayvon Drake, Jr., JayVeon Drake, Ja'Niyah Cash, and Jaionna Cash; paternal grandparents, Sharone Henderson and Charles Robinson, Jr.; maternal grandparents, Dennis Cash and the late Francine Jones.  K'Vaughn is also survived by many uncles, aunts, cousins, and many family friends.  Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory for a memorial gathering on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.
Charles Danforth, Supervisor

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Robert Stecak

May 14, 2024 |

By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home

  Robert (Bob) Stecak, 79, formerly of Glassport, PA, went to be with the Lord on May 12, 2024. In Wilmington NC, with his daughters at his side, he passed peacefully. He was the faithful and loving husband of his "soul mate" Catherine DiLuca whom he served as her caregiver prior to her death in 2005. He was the son of the late Paul Stacek Dolores (Megahan) Stecak. He is survived by his daughters Nicole (Kevin) Carlson, and Robi (Corey) Quinlan of North Carolina. Grandchildren Seth and Cristian Carlson and Cathryn, Harper, Tate and Bowie Quinlan;  siblings Paul Stecak (PA), Paula Knapp (NC), Paulette Gall (CA), stepmother Maureen Stacek, and close cousin Diana Carr (PA). Bob was a Navy Veteran, retired from Steelmet Inc, muscle car enthusiast, weightlifter, artist, self-taught mechanic and jack of all trades (aka MacGyver). He had many lifetime friends, loving neices nephews, inlaws and "buddies" from town. He made new buddies everywhere he went. Bob's signature "Stacy79" is imprinted on many a wall or unapproved item around the country and he lived up to his name in years. As a family member said upon hearing of his passing... "Stacy79 forever". Friends will be received at the Wojciechowski Funeral home on Thursday from 4-8. An additional visitation will be held in the funeral home Friday morning from 10-11am. Interment following Penn Lincoln Cemetery.

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Thelma M. Patterson

May 14, 2024 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Thelma M. (Sammartin) Patterson, 77, of Pleasant Hills formerly of Clairton passed away on May 12, 2024 in Jefferson Hospital.  She was born on July 12, 1946 in McKeesport Hospital, the daughter of the late John A. and Margaret L. (Cummins) Sammartin. 

She was a 1964 graduate of Clairton High School, then worked for many years as a waitress at the Blue Flame and Puck Jones restaurants.  She was a hard working, fun loving lady who always had a smile on her face and a quick remark.  She loved her family and always looked forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and picnics on her deck.  She never met a card game, a poker machine or a slot machine that she didn't like.

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