All Obituaries

Robert L. Wolverton, 83, of Ford City, died Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at ACMH. Born March 30, 1937, in Kittanning, he was the son of the late Blair and Marie (Mottillo) Wolverton. Mr. Wolverton was a member of Christ, Prince of Peace Parish in Ford City. He is a retired truck driver of 38 years with Preston Trucking and member of Teamsters Local 249. He enjoyed taking rides, listening to sport games, and spending time with family. He is survived by his son, Bruce Larimer of Newport,...

Thomas E. Lias, 77, of Ford City, died Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at his residence. Born August 6, 1943, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, he was a son of the late Robert L. and Martha R. (Reefer) Lias. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served as a corpsman at Chelsea Naval Base in Boston, during the Vietnam War.  He was employed as a welder by Allegheny Ludlum in Brackenridge.  After his retirement, he opened his own business, Nitro Welding. Creating iron sculptures was a passion of his,...

Rosie J. Brink, 83, of Ford City, died Thursday, January 21, 2021, at ACMH Hospital. She was born on August 7, 1937.   Rosie had a huge heart, and loved taking care of people.  She enjoyed reading newspapers and magazines, shopping, working with her hands, and spending time in the community.  She liked polka music was known to love a good party.  She was also known to love her Pringles and Big Macs.  More than anything, she loved her "Evergreen"...

Darlyn A. Barnett, 76, of Kittanning, died Thursday, January 21, 2021, in UPMC Altoona. Born September 2, 1944, in Virginia, she was a daughter of the late James L. Barnett II and Gladys (Bellas) Barnett. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kittanning. Darlyn graduated from Kittanning High School, and then earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Grace College in Winona Lake, IN.  She was a second grade teacher in the Griffith, Indiana City...

James Marshal Leisure, 85, of Ford City, died Thursday, January 14, 2021, in Premier Armstrong Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Kittanning. Born January 4, 1936, in Unity, PA he was a son of the late James M. Leisure Sr. and Blanche Audrey (Brown) Leisure. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served for four years during the Vietnam War. He then joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving for four years. Following that, he reinlisted in the Army. Mr. Leisure enjoyed genealogy, reading, and studying...

Rodney Spence, 72, of Ford City, PA, died Thursday, January 14, 2021, at ACMH Hospital in Kittanning, PA.  His death was due to COVID-19 and related complications from underlying health issues. He was born on August 18, 1948, in Kittanning, PA.  He was the son of J. Gilbert Spence and Helen (Arner) Spence.  Rod was a 1966 graduate of Ford City High School.  He also graduated from IUP with a B.S. degree in business.  After college, Rod worked as a men’s...

Helen Catherine "Cathy" (Zablocki) Gould, 77, of Shelocta, died Saturday, January 9, 2021, in UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh. Born May 28, 1943, in Ford City, she was a daughter of the late Walter S. and Bedelia (Albert) Zablocki. Cathy was a 1961 graduate of Ford City High School.  She also graduated from Penn State New Kensington and Citizens General Hospital School of Nursing.  Her love of taking care of people led to her career at Citizens General Hospital, working...

Azure Dee (Matthews) Brissel, 42, of Ford City, died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 3, 2021, in her residence. She was born May 16, 1978, in Virginia. Azure was a member of Homewood Baptist Church.  She enjoyed playing with her dog, Nav, and hanging out with her son, Dylan. She is survived by her mother Sally (Yount) Matthews, and her son, Dylan Shaw, both of Ford City. Azure was preceded in death by her father, George Karl Matthews, and her sister, Wendy Matthews. Friends will be...

Cynthia "Cyndy" Larue (Fleming) Craig, 87, of Kittanning (formerly of Tidal) died Sunday, January 3, 2021, in Melody Manor Personal Care Home. Born November 12, 1933, in Madison Township, she was a daughter of the late Harold and May Alice (Polm) Fleming. She was a member of Tidal Presbyterian Church.  Mrs. Craig was primary school teacher in the Kiski Area School District, retiring after 31 years of service.  She was a resident of Hendersonville, NC, for 19 years. She...

Ronald L. Smock, 73, of Bethel Township, died Thursday, December 31, 2020, at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. Born August 15, 1947, in Kittanning, he was a son of the late Donald and Goldie (Fennell) Smock. He was employed by Klingensmith's Drug Stores for many years. Ron loved to travel, and his biggest joy in life came from his family: his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and his dog, whose name is simply "Dog".   Ron was...