All Obituaries

Marlene R. Hankey, 85, of Ford City, died Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at ACMH Hospital. She was born May 26, 1935, in West Leechburg. She worked for George's Trailer Sales, and was a caregiver for elderly people, taking care of them in their homes.  Mrs. Hankey was a member of the "Over the Hill Gang", and she enjoyed gardening, cooking, crocheting, and reading. She is survived by two sons, Mark Hankey and Bruce Hankey of Ford City; a daughter, Brenda (Ed) Cooper of...

Mary Beth Hutchison, 54, of Black Lick (formerly of Ford City), died Monday, November 9, 2020, at Indiana Regional Medical Center. Born October 25, 1966, in Kittanning, she was a daughter of the late Edward L. and Beverly (McKain) Hutchison. She was a graduate of Ford City High School.  Mary Beth then attended Clarion University, from which she graduated in 1984 with a degree in elementary education.  She then taught elementary school in Maryland. Mary Beth was a devoted member...

Gilbert Dean Spencer, 88, of McGrann, died Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at his home, while surrounded by the love of his family. Born October 13, 1932, in McGrann, he was a son of the late Irvin Lee and Vernie Etta (Crissman) Spencer. A veteran of the United States Army, he served during the Korean War.  He was based at Camp Pickett, VA, and played second base on the baseball team there. He was then based in Germany for one year.   He retired from Allegheny Ludlum in 1997,...

Mary Suran, 94, of Kittanning, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 2, 2020, at Heritage Meadows Personal Care Home. Born December 17, 1925, in South Fork, PA,  she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Pavlison) Russick. Mrs. Suran worked at PPG Industries in Ford City, from which she retired in 1980.  She attended Christian Missionary Alliance Church, and enjoyed cooking, baking, and gardening. She is survived by two daughters, Renee Morelli of Kittanning, with...

Joan M. Morda, 85, of Ford City, died Friday, October 23, 2020, in ACMH Hospital, following a brief illness. Born January 12, 1935, in Ford City, she was a daughter of the late Casimir and Victoria (Mazurek) Morda. Joan retired from PPG Industries in 1984, after many years of service as a clerk.  She was a member of Christ, Prince of Peace Parish in Ford City. Joan is survived by a brother, Casimir "Jerry" Morda and his wife, Joyce, of Germantown, MD, and many close friends. In...

Albert W. Dawson, Jr., 97, of Ford City, died Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at Grey's Colonial Acres. February 17, 1923 in Ford City, PA, son of Albert W. Dawson Sr. and Lossie (Moore) Dawson. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served during World War II.  Mr. Dawson worked at P.P.G. Industries for 20 years, then retired from IUP after 17 years of service there.  He was a member of the First Church of Ford City, and loved golfing, fishing, and listening to bluegrass music. He is...

Betty J. "B.J." Riggle, 78, of Ford City, died Saturday, October 17, 2020, at home, surrounded by the love of her family. Born December 9, 1941, in Kittanning, she was a daughter of the late Clyde W. McClymonds, Sr. and Nina (Boarts) McClymonds. Betty had worked at G.C. Murphy and Andy's Market, and was then employed by Armstrong School District as a teacher's aide.  She was a member of Appleby Manor Presbyterian Church and Order of the Eastern Star.  She...

James Roland Gurnsey, Jr., 50, of Templeton, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 3, 2020, of natural causes. Born April 11, 1970, in Bath, NY, he was a son of James Roland Gurnsey, Sr., and Carol (Hodge) Gurnsey, of Campbell, NY. Jim was a veteran of the United States Army, and was employed as a truck driver for Hunter Trucking International. Jim was an Eagle Scout, and a member of the Order of the Arrow.  He was also a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism.  Jim and...

William C. Smith, 74, of Ford City, died Saturday, September 26, 2020, in Allegheny Valley Hospital. Born March 31, 1946, in Kittanning, he was a son of the late Clayton and Myrna (Walthour) Smith. He was a 1964 graduate of Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, where he played basketball and soccer.  After graduation, he was employed as an auto body technician.  He enjoyed anything involving the outdoors, especially gardening, fishing, and archery and rifle hunting. ...

Violet (Presko) Boguslawski, 97, formerly of Cadogan, died Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at Quality Life Services at Sugarcreek Rest, Worthington, following a lengthy illness. She was born December 22, 1922, in Cadogan, a daughter of the late Ignatz and Dorothy (Shesman) Presko. A longtime resident of the area, she was a parishioner of St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, where she was a former member of the Altar Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Cadogan Senior Citizens. ...