Obituaries

Reverend Roger G. Rulong, Sr., 90, of Mt. Lebanon, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 8, 2021. Roger was born on October 13, 1930, in Morristown, OH and was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane K. Rulong, who passed away in 2018 shortly after they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Glen L. Rulong and Ruth T. Rulong of Moundsville, WV. Roger met and married his college sweetheart Jane at Asbury College in Wilmore, ... read more

Averyl Faye Smock Parker (“Faye”) passed away April 3, 2021 at age 88 in Jacksonville FL. She was a lifelong Methodist and the widow of the Rev. Lee W. Parker. Born June 14, 1932 to Arthur Lee Smock and Cleora Muriel Joy Wheeling of Sharon, PA, from her baptism, Faye lived her faith through active, life-long participation in the Methodist Church. As a young adult, she contributed her considerable musical talents as a choir member, director, and organist. She was a Sunday School teacher, MYF ... read more

Rev. William Douglas Shaw, 80, of Mt. Lebanon, passed away on March 24, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Dianne Shaw for 56 years. The son of the late William and Leota Shaw, he was the loving father of Scott (Kathleen) Shaw, Laurie (David) Maietta, and Kristin (Michael) Henry, and cherished grandfather of Will, Logan, Tanner, Jacob, Waylon, and Sawyer. A Methodist minister for over 35 years, Bill loved spending time with his family and grandsons. He went out of his way to help anyone in ... read more

Geraldine Bush Rodkey of Uniontown passed away the morning of Saturday, March 13, 2021, with family and loved ones at her bedside. Born in 1932 in Bullskin Township, the daughter of William J. Bush and Anna M. (Freiberg) Bush, she was the surviving spouse of Wilbur W. Rodkey, Jr., who served as a Local Pastor in the Connellsville District from 1989-1993. They had been married 48 years when he passed away in 1999. Geraldine was a past matron of Order of Eastern Star #263 and past watchman of ... read more

Rev. William Joseph Maher Sr., 79, of Franklin, passed away Tuesday March 9, 2021 at UPMC Hamot in Erie from complications due to COVID-19. Born in Oil City on July 5, 1941, he was the son of the late Michael Sheridan and Mary Kathryn Kugler Maher. He was a graduate of Oil City High School, and served proudly for a short time in the United States Air Force after graduation. Years later, he went on to graduate from Westminster College and earned his Master’s Degree in Divinity from Methodist ... read more

Martha Estella Livermore, 81, of Brookville, PA, died Friday, March 5, 2021, at home of pulmonary fibrosis after an extended illness. She was the wife of Rev. Dale Livermore and mother of Rev. D. Christopher Livermore. Martha was born in Cambridge Springs on November 24, 1939, daughter of the late Paul and Hazel Salen Smith. She died sharing scripture with her loving, devoted husband Dale U. Livermore by her side. She and Dale were childhood sweethearts and were married for nearly sixty-three ... read more

The Rev. Herman L. Ridley, 88, of Indiana, passed away Thursday, March 4, 2021, at Indiana Regional Medical Center.  A son of the late William Valentine and Annie (Rickel) Ridley, he was born March 30, 1932, in Sherrett, Armstrong County.  Herman was a 1950 graduate of Kittanning High School. After high school he attended Transylvania Bible School, where he graduated in 1954. Herman graduated from Grove City College in 1971, with a Bachelor of Arts. He attended Wesley Seminary in Washington, ... read more

Betty Jean Clark, 86, of Oil City died at home, surrounded by her children, on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021. She was the surviving spouse of the Rev. Edward Clark who passed away in August, 2019. Born on July 29, 1934, Betty was the daughter of Robert and Gladys Burchett of New Castle. She married Edward D. Clark on Nov. 23, 1955.  She is survived by two sisters, two brothers and her three children, Donna Tarleton and husband, Joe, of Oil City; Judy Millar and husband, Tom, of Plumer, and Edward D. ... read more

Bruce Alan Foster, 61, of Osterburg in Bedford County, went home to be with the Lord, on Tuesday February 23, 2021 at home. He was born January 19, 1960 in Fall City, Nebraska, son of the late Jerry and Lori (Anderson) Foster. He married Rebecca Kaizer on June 8, 1981 in Tarkil, Missouri.   Surviving are his wife; four children -- Dominic Foster and wife Deanna of Bedford, Ashley Socks and husband Richard of Hancock, MD, Dillon Foster and wife Brandi of Mercersburg and Alison Wilson and husband ... read more

Rev. Linda Louise Tunnell, 76, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away Wednesday February 17, 2021. She retired as an Elder in the Western PA Conference in 2008 after serving Johnstown: Centennial; Miller  Miller and East McKeesport: First; and Geneva: Faith/Mumford Chapel.   A member of St. Marks United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, she served in retirement for a time as pastor of Blanton's Chapel UMC in Manchester, TN.   As a faithful Christian, she was a mentor to many in her life. She also was ... read more

Rev. Richard D. "Rich" Updegraff, 71, of Margate, FL joined the Lord on February 14, 2021. Born in North Braddock, PA to Robert and Ethel Updegraff, he was one of two sons.  Rich graduated with a Masters degree in Physical Education for the Handicapped before earning a Master of Divinity degree. A member of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, he retired in 2012 after 40 years of service. In his younger years, Rich was a very athletic man and loved many sports, ... read more

Phyllis C. Cassidy of Doylestown passed away on Friday, February 12 at Pine Run Health Care. She was 94 and the wife of the late Rev. William A. Cassidy, who served churches in Western PA from 1952-1972 and passed away in 1982. Born in Three Springs, Huntingdon County, PA, she was the daughter of the late John and Grace G. Whann. Phyllis had been an accredited medical librarian early in her career, having worked in various hospitals in western Pennsylvania, including Greenville Hospital until ... read more

Erwin Woodrow "Woody" Wilson, 84, of Greensboro, Pa., went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Waynesburg Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Waynesburg, Pa. He was born July 19, 1936 in Keisterville, Fayette County, Pa., a son of the late James W. and Blanche A. (Lambert) Wilson. Woody attended Point Marion High School and later received an associate degree in Business Administration. He attended radio and television repair school before enlisting in the U. S. Air Force in ... read more

Reverend Daniel "Papa" Gordon Richter, 65, pastor of the Marienville UM Charge, went to be with the Lord on January 30, 2021. Born November 6, 1955 in Zelienople/Harmony, he was the son of the late William Richter and Daphne (Wren) Richter. On October 10, 1986, he married the love of his life, Pamela J. Reitz, who survives. They were married for 35 beautiful years. A graduate of Seneca Valley High School in Harmony, PA, Daniel continued his education at Edinboro where he received his degree ... read more

James C. Lynn, Jr., age 86, of Gibsonia, beloved husband of the late Rev. Carol E. Sayenga Lynn, passed away on January 22, 2021. Jim was a longtime accountant for the Hillman Company, a seventh degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate, and lived to care for and make happy his beloved wife Carol, who was his high school sweetheart. Surviving are their sons J. Curtis Lynn III and Scott G. (Emily Morrison) Lynn, his sister Lois Jean Wright and three granddaughters, Courtney, Eleanor, and Abigail ... read more

Mary Ann (Clark) Grau, 72, of Flinton, PA went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, PA. She was the loving wife of the Rev. Gary L. Grau for 51 years. Mary Ann was born in Harrisburg, PA to the late Richard Clark and the late Mary Elizabeth (Weikert) Clark. A graduate of Upper Arlington High School class of 1966, Mary Ann received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from The Ohio State University in 1970.  She was employed as a Social Worker ... read more

Ruth Ellen Diehl Feagin Gordon, 95, died in Greensburg, PA on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021 of COVID-19 side effects.  Born at her parents’ farm in New Stanton, PA on Feb. 4, 1925, she was the third of six children born to Clarence Diehl and Amelia (Weston) Diehl. Ruth graduated from Greensburg High School in 1942 and attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky the following year.  There she fell in love with a fellow student, Olin B. Feagin, Jr.  Both delayed further college after the freshman year,... read more

Pastor Kathryn A. Reitz, 71, of Sligo, who was serving the Sligo and East Brady United Methodist churches, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021 at the Butler Memorial Hospital. Born on June 19, 1949 in Sligo, the daughter of the late Paul and Elsie Pago, she graduated from Union High School, received her beautician license from the Kittanning Beauty Academy and later completed the Course of Study at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio to become a pastor. Kate began serving as a student ... read more

Doris Jean Harriger, 85, of Belsano, passed away on her birthday, Jan. 6, 2021. Born Jan. 6, 1936 in Sligo, daughter of the late Arthur, Sr. and Iona (Dixon) Botzer, she is survived by her husband of 67 years, Pastor Clayton D. Harriger, a retired elder; children Richard (Lynn) Harriger, Vicki (Don) Stophel, Eric (Vicki) Harriger, Linda (Jim) Lindrose, and Stephen (Alberta) Harriger; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother Arthur Botzer, Jr.; sister Fern ... read more

The Rev. Robert Hinrichsen, 95, of Laurel View Village, Davidsville, PA died January 1, 2021 at Conemaugh Hospital in Johnstown PA. Born July 6, 1925 in East Orange, New Jersey the son of the late Herbert J. and Marion (Smith) Hinrichsen. Bob graduated from High School in Orange, NJ in 1943 and Columbia and Tufts through the Navy V-12 program. He served as a Lieutenant on a destroyer escort in the Pacific in WWII. Bob was employed for over 35 years as an electrical/chemical engineer for ... read more

Rev. Audrey Dayen Baldwin, 87, a retired elder died peacefully on December 28, 2020, at Longwood at Oakmont after a long battle with Lewy body dementia. Audrey is survived by Clarence, her adoring and dedicated husband of 63 years, her children Beth (Chris) Tigges of Albuquerque, NM, Ted (Diane) Baldwin of Cocoa Beach, FL, Laura Baldwin of Anchorage, AK, Barbara (Robert) Rubinstein of Pittsburgh, PA; and her grandchildren, Austen (Allie Joseph) Tigges, Jarett Tigges, Gabrielle Rubinstein; her ... read more

Bessie Belle (Callander) Maihle, 89, a retired local pastor, passed away Dec. 28, 2020, at Brookside Senior Living, Pinecreek Township, Jefferson County. Born Sept. 20, 1931, in Dutch Hill, Perry Township, Clarion County, she is the daughter of the late Merle Clyde and Nina Leach (Fair) Callander. She married Allen Franklin Maihle Jr. on March 4, 1950 at her parents' home in West Freedom, Perry Township at a service officiated by the Rev. Merle C. Wonderling, retired United Methodist minister ... read more

Nicola Grenci, 91, of Washington, died Thursday, December 24, 2020, in Southminster Place of Presbyterian Senior Care, Washington. He was born July 13, 1929, in Baltimore, Md., a son of the late Frank and Carmella Sorrentino Grenci. A graduate of Dundalk High School in Maryland, he went on to graduate from Clarion State Teachers College, now Clarion University, and Wesley United Methodist Seminary. On August 12, 1949, in Dundalk, Md., he married the love of his life, Wenda, who preceded him in... read more

Rev. Thomas Snyder Lynn, 92, of Bridgeville, formerly of Liberty, passed away at 6:30 AM Thursday, December 24, 2020 in UPMC Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh. Thomas was born August 3, 1928 in Liberty, Fayette County, a son of the late Thomas Snyder and Freda (Arison) Lynn. He married Verna Dean (Lint) Lynn on June 1, 1946 and she passed away on July 12, 2001. Thomas was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather. He graduated from Dunbar High School, ... read more

Rev. Joseph J. Yurko, Jr., pastor of South Greensburg and Youngwood Christ United Methodist churches, died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at age 49. The son of Rebecca “Becky” (Dawson) Yurko and the late Joseph J. Yurko, Sr., he is survived by his sister, Dr. Jill Yurko Porter and her fiance’ Dr Jose Rocha, an aunt Patricia (John) Walsh, and several cousins. He was the stepfather of Tyler and Zakery.  Formerly of North Braddock, Joe was a 1989 graduate of Woodland Hills High ... read more

The Reverend Darell "Bud" D. Harris, 92, native of Oswayo, PA passed away peacefully from natural causes at his daughter's home in Cooperstown, PA on December 16, 2020. He was born to Carl R. Harris and M. Lucille (Brizzee) Harris on May 4, 1928. At age 15, Darell found Christ and eventually went into full-time Christian ministry. As a young adult he worked as a driller in the oil and gas fields, and later as a welder at the Air Preheater in Wellsville, NY. He served in the US Army from ... read more

Rev. Donald Bruce Beam, 87, of Johnstown, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. He began his ministry serving as a full-time local pastor in the Evangelical United Brethren Church, serving the Lickingsville Charge in 1960. He then served at Celina; Coalport/ Beaver Valley;  Cooperstown/Bethel/Bradleytown November; Unionville; and Johnstown: Centennial/Faith. He retired from active ministry in 1983, but was called to serve Northern Cambria: Barnesboro: Saint Johns UMCs from ... read more

Elizabeth V. “Betty” Walker, 99, of Williamsport, died on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020 at the Williamsport Home. She was born June 30, 1921 in Hagerstown, MD. On Nov. 26, 1944 she married the Rev. Fred Walker, who preceded her in death Dec. 11, 2005. Together they celebrated 61 years of marriage. Early in life, Betty worked for the former Gable’s Department Store, Altoona. She was also the consummate minister’s wife; accompanying Fred during his missionary service in Sierra Leone from 1946 - 1957. ... read more

Betty Marie Pizer, 84, of Somerset formerly of Stoystown, went to be with her Lord Dec. 6, 2020 at Siemon’s Heritage. A member of Mostoller UMC, she was the surviving spouse of the Rev. Dean Pizer, who passed away in 2009.  Born May 26, 1936 in Hooversville, daughter of Alton and Flossie (Kinsinger) Sheets., she was preceded in death by parents, husband, infant daughter Brenda, two sisters, and four brothers. She is survived by children: Dean Jr. married to the former Mary Ann Reed of ... read more

Nancy P. Zimmerman, 89, of Meadville, PA, widow of the Rev. Hank Zimmerman, passed away November 28, 2020 at Wesbury Grace Center.  Born February 27, 1931 in Boonville, IN, the second daughter of Gilbert & Mary “Elizabeth” (Schenk) Perigo, Nancy attended Purdue University where she met the love of her life Henry “Hank” Zimmerman.  They married in 1950 and formed a partnership in ministry and in life.  They served various United Methodist churches over the next 46 years.  Nancy held several ... read more

Rev. James B. Patterson, 79, of Entriken, PA passed away November 17, 2020 at Conemaugh Memorial Hospital in Johnstown from Covid 19 complications.  Born on May 12, 1941 in Wilkinsburg,  to the late James and Freda Elizabeth (Freise) Patterson of Monroeville, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Gaye (Lockhart) July 8, 1967. Jim graduated from Turtle Creek High School in 1959, Catawba College in North Carolina in 1964 then Wesley Theological Seminary in 1968. As a clergy member of the Western Pa.... read more

Paul O. Mitchell, passed away Thursday afternoon, November 11, 2020 in the comfort of his home in Fredonia surrounded by his family following a long courageous battle with cancer.  He was 80. Paul was born in Fredonia on Feb. 6, 1940, a son of the late Walter O. and Eva Mae (Lanning) Mitchell. After attending Lakeview School, he graduated from Fredonia Delaware High School in 1959. Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army as a data procession unit specialist and was stationed in Italy. After leaving the ... read more

Phylle M. Hastings, 89, of Meadville, died of pneumonia on November 3, 2020. Born December 27, 1930 in Meadville, a daughter of Nicholas and Susan Petrenchik Boyle, she married Rev. Lewis S. Hastings on September 1, 1949. He preceded her in death on January 27, 2010. Phylle graduated from Meadville High School and Boston University with a Bachelor's degree. She subsequently earned a Master's degree in education. She taught 2nd grade in the Pittsburgh and Baldwin Whitehall School Districts. ... read more

Marie J Woods, 86, formerly of Brighton Township and more recently of Zelienople, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was the wife of the late Reverend Charles H.A. Woods, Jr.   Marie leaves three children: Linda (David) Rogers in Florida, Deborah (Larry) Beeman of Economy and David (Chris) Woods of Lawrence, PA. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Daniel, Melissa, Amie, Ben and Abby; five great-grandchildren, and a sister, Helen Porter of ... read more

Dorothy L. “Dottie” Crooks, of Gibsonia, formerly West View, beloved wife of the late Rev. George S. Crooks, passed away on Oct. 19, 2020. She was the loving mother of Mark (Lydia) Crooks, David (Peggy) Crooks, and Jane (Chris) Davis; sister of the late George Cook Jr.; dear grandmother of Matthew, John, Alexandra (Stephen) Eren, Aaron (Heather) Crooks , Brianne (Chris) Angelopoulos, Dan, Spencer, and Samantha; and great-grandmother of Luca, Tyler, Maia and Charlie. Born July 1, 1928, the ... read more

Rev. William R. Wilson, 91, formerly of Beaver, passed away Wednesday October 7 in his home in Monroeville surrounded by his loving family. Born January 6, 1929 in West Reading, PA, he was the son of the late William and Mildred Bailey Wilson. Rev. Wilson served as a pastor for more than 40 years at United Methodist churches in McKeesport, California and Washington PA, Ingomar, Oakmont and Beaver, where he retired and lived for more than 30 years. He was a lifelong Rotarian serving as Rotary ... read more

Rev. Jay R. Polowsky, 63, of Bobtown, Pa., passed into glory on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at his home, following a lengthy illness. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Oct. 25, 1956, he was a son of the late Samuel and Lois (Newell) Polowsky. A minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, Rev. Polowsky served in the Western Pennsylvania United Methodist Conference for 35 years until his retirement in 2019. He pastored a number of churches in various charges throughout the conference, including Oil City, Ford... read more

Richard Bankert, 65, of Brighton Township, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. Richard was born on September 22, 1955, he served as an associate pastor at Grace UMC in Grove City from 1985-88 and as pastor at Noblestown/Federal Charge from 1988-1993.   A memorial service will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Corless-Matter Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Ambridge, PA 15003.     read more

The Reverend Emilia "Pastor Em"  Burdick passed away on Sept. 21, 2020 at home. She loves Jesus, was excited to meet him and passed peacefully with that ever caring smile that just brightened up everyone’s day. Pastor Em was born on June 5, 1953 in Elizabeth, N.J. the daughter of Alassandra and John G. Rivierio. She is survived by her loving husband F. Alan Burdick and two daughters, Maria Shoop and Loni Hawn; as well as two brothers, John Rivierio and Vincent Rivierio, and numerous ... read more

Rev. John R. “Jack” Friggle, 87, retired pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Oil City, died at 3:41 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2020, at the Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community in Meadville.  Born February 17, 1933, in Franklin, he was the son of the late John E. and Alberta (Grinder) Friggle. He married Sandra Lee Baugher on December 17, 1955, and she survives. Jack served a tour of duty in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean Conflict.  He worked for Thrift Plan... read more

On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Sandra Jean Dran, of Washington, passed from this world and into the arms of her God at the age of 73. She was born May 27, 1947, in Washington, a daughter of the late James and Helen Sumney. Sandy is survived by her husband, the Reverend George Dran; her two children, James Dran of Monaca and Charity (Bryan) Isaac of Annapolis, Md.; her three grandsons, Garion Dran (Haylie Flanery), and Matt and Jacob Isaac; and her sisters, Nancy Crafton and H. Ruth ... read more

Darlene (Link) Onder, 74, passed away Thursday, Sept. 5, 2020 at home surrounded by family. She was the surviving spouse of the late Rev. Joseph A. Onder, A resident of North Texas for the last 12 years, Darlene was born November 11, 1945 in Portage, PA. She was the daughter of Bernard and Vivian (Dunmire) Link. She graduated from Triangle Area High School in 1963 and attended Cambria Rowe Business School and Toccoa Falls College. She married Rev. Joseph A. Onder on May 8, 1971. Darlene worked... read more

Catherine H. Hallman of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 after a courageous three-year battle with abdominal cancer.    Catherine was born April 11,1932, in Beaver Falls, PA to the late Alex and Amelia Schinke.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, the Reverend Dr. Franklin D. (Bud) Hallman, brothers Andrew Schinke and Alex Schinke, and sister Lillian Lindner.   Catherine is survived by daughter Barbara (Mark) Parr ... read more

Rev. Raymond Dale "Pete" Graham, 88, of Bradford, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2020, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.   Born on November 5, 1931 in Butler, he was a son of the late Victor Vade and Frances (Brandon) Graham. He was a graduate of Butler Senior High School, attended Mount Union College for his undergraduate degree and earned his Master's degree at Boston University School of Theology. On December 30, 1953 in Butler, he married Lynnette (Wilson) Graham, who survives. An ... read more

Ronald George Naugle Sr., 91, of Darlington, who served more than 50 years as a pastor, passed away August 13, 2020 at Providence Care Center. Ronald worked for Bethlehem Steel and was called into the ministry in 1958 with his wife, Emma. Until three weeks ago, he taught bible study at Providence Care Center, where he resided. He touched many lives for Jesus Christ and lived what he preached. He was faithful to his wife, children, and his Lord. His family was blessed to have him as a father. ... read more

Kathryn “Kathy” Ann Koah (Brickner), 81, went to her new home in heaven on August 11, 2020 after a short illness. A longtime resident of New Port Richey, Florida, and formerly of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, she was the surviving spouse of Rev. Clyde Koah. Born in Beaver Falls Pennsylvania in 1939, she was the older of two children of the late George and Frances Brickner (McNear). Kathy was married to her devoted husband Clyde for 55 years until his death in 2015. They enjoyed traveling, ... read more

With more fish to catch (more fish stories to tell) and more sermons to preach, W. John Hickman, 63, of Johnstown hung up his fishing pole, stepped out of the pulpit and went home on August 6, 2020, ending a two- year battle with glioblastoma. John was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania on November 15, 1956 to Wilbur Charles and Betty (Eakin) Hickman. He grew up in Lisbon, Venango County, graduating from Allegheny Clarion Valley High School and Clarion University. He served in the US Air Force. ... read more

Dorothy Weaver, 88, the wife of the Rev. John Weaver, passed away July 28, 2020, at home in Summerhill.  Born August 30, 1931, in Hastings, the daughter of Herbert and Elizabeth Mae (Canis) Lee, she was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, William Jewett; siblings Doris Evelyn Fowler, Robena Mae Stewart, Carrie Jean Hicks, Bert Lee, Harold Lee and Elizabeth June Wenzel.  She is survived by her loving husband, Rev. John Weaver; children Dorothy Lynn “Dottie” (Dan) Snyder, Gary ... read more

Lois Marie Jones, 78, of Fort Wayne passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home. She was the surviving spouse of the Rev. Raymond A. Jones.  Lois was born in Washington, PA on January 2, 1942, a daughter of the late Frances Marie (Bradford) and Charles William VanGilder. She was a sweet and faith filled woman who loved her family. Along with being a meticulous homemaker and amazing cook, Lois enjoyed playing the piano and organ at her church. She also had been employed ... read more

The Rev. Donald E. Struchen’s life of service to Christ took him around the U.S. and around the world. Along the way, the United Methodist pastor made time for the occasional adventure and a bit of magic. Struchen, 97, died June 28 at his home in New York City, with his wife Shirley by his side. A year earlier, the United Methodist Western Pennsylvania Conference had recognized his status as the conference’s oldest member with the most years of service by presenting him with the “Thoburn Cane.... read more