The Derrick, September 10, 2007: Mabel M. Craft, Franklin Betty Lou Edmonds, Tylersburg Gilbert Emert, formerly of Stonehouse Road, Clarion Lt. Col. George W. Harris, Ozark, Ala., formerly of Franklin Paul E. Hawthorne, Parker Robert Lee Kerchinski, Brookville David L. Little Sr., New Bethlehem Dorothy K. Proper, Meadville, formerly of Chapmanville The Rev. Herman F. Roney, Meadville M. Lorraine Rossey, 812 Elk St., Franklin Bernice Rita Smith, 296 Warner Road, Kennerdell Edward L. Walsh, Oil City Mabel M. Craft Mabel M. Craft, 82, died at 7:04 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in Sugar Creek Station, Franklin. Born Feb. 14, 1925, in Clarion, she was the daughter of Wilbur and Irene McKissick Young. Mrs. Craft worked in the operating room at the Franklin Hospital for 22 years, retiring in 1987. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and also listening to gospel music. Mrs. Craft was married in Clarion July 23, 1942, to Everett C. Craft, who died Nov. 8, 1986. Surviving are six children, Larry Craft and wife, Mary, of Oil City, Linda Thompson and husband, William, Donna Cornelius and husband, John, Diane Eckel and husband, Richard, Joyce Hughes and husband, Michael, all of Franklin, and Joseph Craft of Cochranton; eight grandchildren, Raegon Fair and husband, Michael,of Kossuth, Renae Grill and husband, James, of Atlanta, Ga., Chad Teribery and wife, Claudia of Carey, N.C., Jessica Confer Proper and husband, Ernest, of Glendale, Ariz., Jayne Cooper and husband, Joel, of Raleigh, N.C., Michael J. Hughes of Franklin and Jacquelyne Knight and husband, Josh, of Franklin. She also is survived by a sister, Irene Rinker of Knox. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Jack Craft; and a son-in-law, Donald Confer. At the request of Mrs., Craft, there will be no visitation. A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in the Venus Cemetery. The family suggests donations be made to the Venango County Humane Society, Deep Hollow Road, Franklin, 16323. The Huff Chapel, 312 W. Park St., Franklin, is in charge of arrangements. Betty Lou Edmonds Betty Lou Edmonds, 74, of Tylersburg, died Friday evening, Sept. 7, 2007, in Clarion Hospital. Born July 22, 1933, in New Kensington, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Mary Jane Flynn Ruffner. She enjoyed camping, fishing and gardening and collected angels. Surviving is her companion of 20 years, Frank Frazier of Tylersburg. She also is survived by the following children: Linda Burkett of Tionesta RD, Mary Jane Long and husband, Ernest, of Leechburg, Richard Keibler and wife, Elizabeth Norton, of Connecticut, James Edmonds and wife, Darlene, of Brookville, Dora Jean Riggle and husband, Larry, of Vandergrift and Brian Ruffner of Ohio; 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She also is survived by a sister, Blanche Beighly of Apollo; a brother, Herbert Ruffner of Oil City; and a numbers of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Brenda Hutchinson. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Shamburg Church of God, Pleasantville, with the Rev. Tom Cangelo, pastor, officiating. Interment followed in the Washington Cemetery. The Borland Funeral Home Inc. in Leeper was in charge of arrangements. Gilbert Emert Gilbert Emert, 92, formerly of Stonehouse Road, Clarion, died Saturday, Sept. 8. 2007, in the Butler Hospital. Born Feb. 20, 1915, in Tylersburg, he was the son of George W. and Margie Wagner Emert. Mr. Emert was retired from the U.S. Army where he worked in communications and served under General Patton for two and a half years. He was a POW for 23 months in the European Theatre and was liberated from Stylag 7A. Surviving are his adoptive family, Linda Culbertson of Clarion, Mike Renninger of Virginia, Mary Daubenspeck of Oil City, Bill Renninger of Strattanville, Robert Renninger of Guys Mills and Edward Renninger of Pittsburgh, along with many nieces and nephews. Mr. Emert was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ethel Frazier and Mary Alice Bauer; and four brothers, Willard G, Alfred L, Robert and Melvin Emert. There will be no visitation. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory, 330 Wood St., Clarion. Interment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Clarion. Lt. Col. George W. Harris Lt. Col. (retired) George W. Harris, 78, of Ozark, Ala., a former Franklin resident, died Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, in his home following a brief illness. Born April 19, 1929, in Franklin, he was the son of the late Wladzia Sitkoski Harris and Michael George Harris. He graduated from Franklin High School, St. Vincent Community College in Latrobe and the University of Mississippi where he played football. Mr. Harris joined the United States Army in 1955 and served until his retirement in 1975. In 1976 he began his career as a ROTC senior Army instructor at Holt High School in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and at Carroll High School from 1977 until 1992. He was an avid Ole' Miss fan and enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Willie Mitchem Harris; five daughters and four sons-in-law, Rachel and Darrell Gibbs of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Leah and Tony Brogden of Peachtree City, Ga., Lisa and Oscar C. Dunn Jr. of Ozark, Georgia Harris of Ozark and Melissa and Mark Cincotta of Alpharetta, Ga.; one son and daughter-in-law, Michael G. and Angie Harris of Ozark; eight grandchildren, Oscar C. Dunn III, Kris-Ann Dismukes, Elise Williams, Benjamin Gibbs, Christina Gibbs, Taylor Brogden, Sydney Brogden and Callie Cincotta; and three great-grandchildren, Oscar C. Dunn IV, Sara Dunn and Brodie Dismukes. He also is survived by three sisters and one brother-in-law, Sally Marshall of Franklin, Helen Sharp and husband, Bill, of Franklin and Diana Boal of Polk; a sister-in-law, Tootie Harris of Franklin; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, John and Sonnie Harris of Rimersburg, Michael Harris of Clementon, N.J., and William and Tina Harris of Orlando, Fla. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Ann Buck; one brother, Carl Harris; and one granddaughter, Natalie Cincotta. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Holman Funeral Home, 995 South Union Ave., Ozark, Ala. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ozark with the Rev. Paul Egbe and the Rev. John Ross presiding. Interment, with full military honors, will follow in Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Ala. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1008, Ozark, Ala., 36361. For a guest register, visit holmanfuneralhome.com. Paul E. Hawthorne Paul E. Hawthorne, 81, of Perry Township, Parker, died late Friday morning, Sept. 7, 2007, in Clarview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Sligo, following a lengthy illness. Born Nov. 16, 1925, in Proctorville, Ohio, he was the son of James and Myrtle Hawthorne. An honorably discharged veteran of the United States Navy, he entered the service March 24, 1944, at Camp Peary, Va. He served in World War II as a coxswain mate in the areas of New Guinea, Bougainville, the Phillipines and Borneo. Mr. Hawthorne retired in 1988 as a heavy equipment operator from the C&K Coal Co. of Clarion County. He worked as a butcher for many years in Huntingdon, W.Va., and later worked with Al Tronzo at the J&M Market in Parker. He was well-known for making and selling home prepared sausage as long as his health permitted. He was a member of VFW Post 7073 and American Legion Post 598, both of Parker. Mr. Hawthorne was a member of the Park Hill Church of God. He was married May 5, 1969, to Betty J. Kriebel Emery, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Tammy Graham and husband, Billy, and one son, Paul E. Hawthorne Jr. and wife, Sheila, all of Proctorville, Ohio; one stepdaughter, Cindy Papke of Emlenton; one stepson, Denny Emery and wife, Carol, of Washington Township, Parker; one grandchild; and two stepgrandchildren. He also is survived by one sister, Phyllis Burcham of Columbus, Ohio; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. today in the Park Hill Church of God, Lime Plant Road, West Freedom. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today in the church with the Rev. Lonny Wolford and the church staff officiating. Interment will be in the Perryville Cemetery. VFW Post 7073 and American Legion Post 598 will participate following the funeral service.. The H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, Wayne Street, Parker, is in charge of arrangements. Robert Lee Kerchinski Robert Lee Kerchinski, 79, of 1349 Richardsville Road, Brookville, died Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born July 16, 1928, in Heathville, he was the son of Ida Plyler Kerchinski. Mr. Kerchinski served 23 years in the U.S. Army, including the Korean War, holding the rank of sergeant. He retired from the 458th Engineer Battalion of Brookville. He was employed as a bricklayer and retired from the Bricklayers Union Local 9 of Pittsburgh and was past president of the Bricklayers Union Local 10 of Clarion. Mr. Kerchinski was a member for 36 years of the Strattanville American Legion Post 249 and held membership for 25 years in the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Brookville. He enjoyed time with his family and grandchildren, reading and watching baseball, football and boxing. He had played baseball for Heathville and Brookville Grays teams. He was married in Emerickville Aug. 12, 1950, to Marie Kirkman, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Dave Kerchinski of Richardsville and Vicki Raybuck of Franklin and Edwin Kerchinski and wife, Janet, of Brookville; five grandsons, Derek Berkey, Kris, Sean, Paul and Bill Kerchinski; and one great-grandson Gavin Cole Kerchinski. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Betty. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the McKinney Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Brookville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with Steven McPherson officiating. Interment will be in the Butler Cemetery, Pinecreek Township, Jefferson County. Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice. David F. Little Sr. David F. Little Sr., 55, of New Bethlehem, died Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, in his home. Born Sept. 28, 1951, in Butler, he was the son of the late Harold and Mary Claypool Little. Mr. Little had been employed by the St. Charles Refractories. He was married to Sandra Davis, who preceded him in death June 11, 2007. Surviving are two sons, David Little and wife, Dana, of Prospect and Jason Little and Heather Davis of Hawthorn; two daughters, Wendy Little and Kelly Shick of Mayport and Amy Bowser and husband, Charles, of New Bethlehem; five grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. He also is survived by five brothers, Joseph Little and wife, Diane, of New Bethlehem, Thomas Little and wife, Marge, of Valencia, William Little and wife, Charlene, of Kittanning, Gary Little and wife, Diana, of Hawthorn and Harold Little and Amy of Butler. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Little was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Montgomery and Joyce Ann Little; and one brother, Larry Little. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the Rupert Funeral Home in New Bethlehem. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Randy Evans, Clarion/Forest VNA Hospice chaplain, officiating. Interment will follow in the Mount Zion Cemetery, Mahoning Township, Armstrong County. Dorothy K. Proper Dorothy K. Proper, 82, formerly of Chapmanville, died at 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, in Wesbury United Methodist Community, Meadville, where she had been a resident for the past seven years. Born Oct. 6, 1924, in Salamanca, N.Y., she was the daughter of Harry and Mary Kibbe Kennison. She was a graduate of Titusville High School. Mrs. Proper formerly was employed in the accounting department at Skat Oil, Trans Penn Oil and United Refinery. After her retirement she went back to work for Cytemp Credit Union in Titusville for 15 years, retiring in 1990. She was a member of Cooperstown Church of God where she also taught Sunday school. Prior to living at Wesbury she was a volunteer for several years. Mrs. Proper enjoyed reading and singing. She was married April 19, 1952, in the former Christian Tabernacle, Titusville, to Freeman L. Proper Jr., who died March 9, 1993. Surviving are one son, Timothy Proper and wife, Wanda, of Townville RD 1; and two grandchildren, Jearetta M. Proper, a student at Edinboro University, and Timothy J. "TJ" Proper of Townville RD 1. She also is survived by two sisters, Mary Ellen Gorley and husband, Gene, of Meadville and Beverly DeNardo of Erie; one brother, David Sterling of Erie; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Proper was preceded in death by one brother, Edward Sterling; and two sisters, Ethel Whitman and Lois Sterling. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home, 303 N. Washington St., Titusville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Little Cooley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Cornor officiating. Interment will be in Chapmanville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wesbury Foundation, 31 Park Ave., Meadville, 16335. The Rev. Herman F. Roney, 92, of Mercer Pike, Meadville, died Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007, in his home. Born Oct. 11, 1914, in Beaver Falls, he was the son of Fred C. and Malinda Irene Roney. From age 5, he was raised by his grandparents in College Hill where he attended the public schools. He graduated in 1932 from Beaver Falls High School where he was president of the Student Council and member of the National Honor Society. During the depression years, he worked his way through college and graduated in 1937 from Geneva College with a bachelor of arts degree. While in college he served on the varsity debating team and was supply pastor at Homewood Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Roney spent the next three years in Madison, N.J., where graduated in 1940 from Drew Theological Seminary with a bachelor of divinity degree. Later he received a master of education degree from the University of Pittsburgh. On Oct. 24, 1940, he married Pearl Evelyn Dice of Bridgeville, who was his faithful companion and co-worker until her death Feb. 22, 2001. In 1939, he was ordained deacon in the Pittsburgh Annual Conference of the Methodist Church and was ordained and elder in 1941. Rev. Roney served pastorates in Bridgeville; California Avenue, Pittsburgh; West Side, Port Vue, McKeesport; Belle Vernon; Fairhaven, Pittsburgh; Baden; Crafton; Murrysville; and Trinity United Methodist Church in Oil City. From 1973 to 1979, he served as superintendent of the Erie-Meadville District. Bishop Roy Nichols appointed him as Dean of the Bishop's Cabinet in 1978-1979. He retired in 1979 after 41 years in the ministry. For at least 25 years, he was assistant secretary of the Annual Conference and for five years, secretary of the Conference. For numerous years he served as Dean of Youth Institutes at the Jumonville United Methodist Summer Camp. He wrote the Jumonville song, "Thanks for Jumonville." He is the author of "The Purpose of Living" a book of poems and numerous unpublished poems. Rev. Roney was a veteran of World War II serving as chaplain in the U.S. Navy. For the past 25 years, he was interested in wood crafts and participated in hundreds of craft shows in western Pennsylvania, New York , Ohio and West Virginia. He was a member of the Erie Guild of Craftsmen and the Forest Area Craft Association where he served as president for five years. Surviving are two sons, Herman Fred Roney Jr. of Cranberry Township and Jeffrey Alan Roney of Columbus, Ohio; a daughter, Judith Kay Kelly of Escondido, Calif.; five grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home Inc., 581 Chestnut St., Meadville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S. Main St., Meadville, with the Rev. John Spahr, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery, Meadville. The family suggests memorials be made to Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S. Main St., Meadville, 16335. M. Lorraine Rossey M. Lorraine Rossey, 74, of 812 Elk St., Franklin, died Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, in her residence. Bernice Rita Smith Bernice Rita Smith, 88, of 296 Warner Road, Kennerdell, died at 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, in UPMC Northwest, Seneca. Born Jan. 8, 1919, in Franklin, she was the daughter of Thomas and Catherine Urbala. Mrs. Smith worked at Talon in Meadville during World War II. She was a member of Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Church of Oil City. On June 27, 1953, she married Steadman Arthur Smith, who survives. Also surviving are a sister, Nellie Jones of Albuquerque, N.M.; three nieces, Nancy Dollahan of Norristown, Barbara Hays of Victory Heights and Beverly Holquist of Cranberry; and two nephews, Carl T. Smith of Allegheny, N.Y., and Donald C. Smith of Ada. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Gladys Smith. There will be no visitation. A service will be held at the convenience of the family. The Morrison Funeral Home of Oil City is in charge of arrangements. Edward L. Walsh Edward L. Walsh, 83, of Oil City, died unexpectedly Saturday Sept. 8, 2007, in his apartment at Luther Place in Oil City. The Reinsel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A complete obituary will be published Tuesday in The Derrick.