The Derrick, December 31, 2007: Victor R. Appleman, Clarion Charles E. "Ed" Best, Sligo Carol J. Deets, Titusville David F. "Dutch" Eshbaugh, Brookville Hazel LaVerne Hagstrom, Katy, Texas Haven Aaron Horn, Titusville Robert Glenn Riddle, West Second Street, Oil City Shirley Jean Riddle, West Second Street, Oil City Bethany Marie Smith, Bouch Lane, Clarion John A. Wagner, Venus Barbara Wallace, Cooperstown Nancy Lousie "Cook" Williams, Fort Washington, Md., formerly of New Bethlehem Victor R. Appleman Victor R. Appleman, 48, of Clarion, and formerly of Williamsburg, died unexpectedly Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, in Clarion, of an apparent heart attack. Born Feb. 22, 1959, he was a son of the late Clarence L. and Helena J. (Gates) Appleman. He was a 1977 graduate of Williamsburg High School. Mr. Appleman later served in the U.S. Navy from 1977 to 1980 on the USS Saratoga as an electrician. He was previously employed at Camp Lutherlyn, G.A. Industries, and Greco Welding. He was affiliated with the First English Lutheran Church in Butler. Mr. Appleman enjoyed music, camping, and other outdoor activities, as well as the culinary arts. He married DeRonda Snow on Sept. 8, 1990 in Prospect. Surviving are his wife; a son, Jeremy J. of Kittanning; a daughter, Ashley R., also of Kittanning; three grandchildren, Trinity I., Cameron I., and Joshua R.; a sister, Gwendolyn Patiemo of Lake Katrine, N.Y.; and a brother, Vincent "Pepper" Appleman of Lower Burrell. There will be no viewing. A public graveside memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Presbyterian Cemetery, Williamsburg, with the Rev. Myron R. Jones, officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home, Clarion. Charles E. "Ed" Best, 87, of Sligo, died at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, in Clarion Hospital, following a short illness. Born Feb. 8, 1920, in Turkey City, he was a son of Clemens E. and Cora Klingler Best. He was married Aug. 16, 1941 to the former Leona E. Taylor, who preceded him in death Dec. 16, 1997. Mr. Best was a veteran of World War II, having served with the Army Air Corps in the African Theater. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 149 of Sligo. Mr. Best was a member of the Sligo United Methodist Church, where he participated in the choir. He was also involved with the Sligo Sportsman's Club, Sligo Lion's Club, and the Iron Chapter of Trout Unlimited. He was a 20-year member of the New Bethlehem Barbershop Chorus and was named Barbershopper of the Year in 1987. He enjoyed hunting and fly fishing. Surviving are a daughter, Judy Freeberg and her husband John of Houtzdale; two sons, Dennis Best, and Randy Best and his wife Karen, both of Emlenton; six grandchildren, Roxie Shreffler of Stoneborough, Jasen Best of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Jonathan Freeberg of Philipsburg, Travis Best of Hudson, Ohio, and Alexis and Taylor Best of Emlenton. He is also survived by a sister, Jane Poland of South Bend, Ind. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Best was preceded in death by a brother, Ivan Best. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Varner Funeral Home in Sligo. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. Bessie Maihle, retired Methodist pastor, officiating. Full military honors will be accorded at the funeral home by the Military Honors Squad of Rimersburg VFW Post 7132 and the Shearer-Shick American Legion Post. Interment will follow in the Sligo Cemetery. The family suggests donations be made to the Clarion-Forest VNA, Knox, 16232. Carol J. Deets, 54, of Tarr Road, Titusville, died at 9:17 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, at St. Vincent Health Center, Erie, following an extended illness. Born Dec. 7, 1953, in Titusville, she was a daughter of the late Charles D. and Florance Carter Reynolds. She graduated from Cranberry High School in 1972. Mrs. Deets was formerly employed at Agway of Titusville for more than 10 years. She and her husband started Deets Sugar House in 1973, producing maple syrup. In 1997 they opened the ice cream and pizza shop in Dempseytown. She was a member of Oakland United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school. She was also a member of Northwest Maple Association and a lifetime member of Reindeer Owners and Breeders Association and American Simmental Association. In 2005 Mrs. Deets was awarded the Presidential Business Women of the Year Award. She enjoyed spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as planting seeds, flower gardening, reading, farming, animals and visiting with friends at the ice cream and pizza shop. She married John C. Deets Aug. 26, 1972, at Calvary United Methodist Church. He survives. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, James "Mike" Deets of Titusville; a daughter, Jessica Snyder and her husband David of Titusville; six sisters, Doris Proctor of Corry, Frances Chavis of Sebring, Florida, Cora Burrows and her husband Kenneth of Titusville, Beverly Dailey and her husband Bill of Oil City, Bonnie Burrows and her husband Gerry of Oil City, and Marty Shaffer and her husband Steven of Titusville; four brothers, Kenneth Reynolds of Centerville, Charles Reynolds of Meadville, Harold Reynolds and his wife Mary of Cochranton, and Virgil Reynolds and his wife Sue of Knox; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, foster parents Bernard and Mary Karg of Oil City; five sisters, Leona Nichols, Florance Cherico, Janice Proctor, Saundra Tadlock and Sherry Pfaus; and a brother Glenn Reynolds. No calling hours will be observed. A memorial service will be held at1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at Oakland United Methodist Church with the Rev. Richard Roberts, pastor, and the Rev. Ed Clark, retired pastor, officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Oakland United Methodist Church, 1431 State Route 428, Oil City, 16301. Arrangements are under the direction of Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home, Inc., Titusville. David F. 'Dutch' Eshbaugh David F. "Dutch" Eshbaugh, 92, of Jenks Street, Brookville, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the McKinney Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Brookville. A complete obituary will be published Wednesday in The Derrick. Hazel LaVerne Hagstrom Hazel LaVerne Hagstrom, 84, of Katy, Texas, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007. Among her survivors are her husband, Walter Gus Hagstrom, and two sons, Garry Lee Hagstrom of Texas and Steven Erik Hagstrom of Washington. Robert G. Riddle, 75, of Oil City, died Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, at UPMC Northwest, Seneca. Born July 9, 1932, in Oil City, he was the son of Frank M. and Laura Maloney Riddle. A 1951 graduate of Oil City High School, he went in the U. S. Navy in 1951 where he was a member of the Hurricane Hunters, and became an aircraft turret operator with an honorable discharge in June 1955. He married the former Shirley Ripley on July 3, 1955. Mr. Riddle retired after 39 years from Pennzoil. He was an avid skeet and trap shooter, hunter and gun smith. He was a member of the Isaac Waltons where he was an instructor for the Junior Rifle Club, working each year for Youth Day. He also served as an officer for the Oil City Skeet Club. Surviving are two daughters, Sherry Erickson and her husband Gary of Crowley, Texas, and Sandra Barnes of Utica; five grandchildren, Greg, Leslie and Emily Erickson of Crowley, Texas, and Richie and Laura Barnes of Utica; two brothers, Frank Riddle of Oil City and Richard Riddle of Boalsburg; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Grace United Methodist Church, Central Avenue, Oil City. The Morrison Funeral Home, 110 Petroleum St., Oil City, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be mailed to the Oil City Skeet Club, 110 West Sixth St., Oil City, 16301. Shirley Jean Riddle, 74, of Oil City, died Friday, Dec., 28, 2007, at UPMC Northwest, Seneca. Born March 24, 1933, in South Paris, Maine, she was the daughter of Charles and Ethel Fletcher Ripley. A 1951 graduate of South Paris High School, she went on to nursing school in Lewistown, Maine, graduating in 1955. She was married to Robert Glenn Riddle July 3, 1955. Mrs. Riddle retired after 37 years from Oil City Hospital where she was a registered nurse on the pediatric floor. She enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint, and bird watching. She was a champion bowler with several 600-plus series. She was a member of Grace Methodist Church for more than 50 years. Surviving are two daughters, Sherry Erickson and her husband Gary of Crowley, Texas, and Sandra Barnes of Utica; five grandchildren, Greg, Leslie and Emily Erickson of Crowley and Richie and Laura Barnes of Utica; two sisters, Irene Krabisch of Ghent, N.Y. and Frances Rolfe of South Paris, Maine; a brother, Richard Ripley of South Paris; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Janice Durrell of Farmington, Maine. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Grace United Methodist Church, Central Avenue, Oil City. The Morrison Funeral Home, 110 Petroleum St., Oil City, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to Alzheimer's Association or the Oil City Skeet Club, 110 West Sixth Street, Oil City, 16301. Bethany Marie Smith, 18, of Bouch Lane, Clarion, died at 6:06 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007 at the Clarion Hospital as a result of a home fire at her house. Born July 29, 1989, in Clarion, she was a daughter of David W. Smith and Amy Girts Shay. Ms. Smith was a 2007 graduate of Clarion Area High School and a student of Clarion University, majoring in accounting and finance. She was an active member of the Clarion First United Methodist Church and its youth program, Yearly Habitat and Humanity youth work camp volunteer. She is survived by her parents, Amy and William Shay of Clarion and David Smith of Shippenville. Also surviving are a brother, Michael W. Smith of Clarion; two step-brothers, William J. (BJ) Shay and his wife Pamela of Emlenton, and Joshua W. Shay and his fiance, Jade Ginkle of Leeper; a grandmother, Helen M. Smith of Shippenville; two uncles, Phillip L. Girts and Bruce W. Smith, both of Atlanta; three aunts, Cathy L. Vossburg of Shippenville, Kelly A. Minich and husband David of New Bethlehem, and Kimberly S. Girts of Atlanta. She enjoyed spending time with her boyfriend, Daniel C. Allmendinger of Knox, her nieces, nephews, cousins and her pets, Benny and Mittens. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Wayne H. Smith, maternal grandparents, Samuel H. Girts Sr. and Rhoda H. Girts and her uncle Samuel H. Girts Jr. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday from the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory, 330 Wood St., Clarion. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Deryl Larsen officiating. Interment will follow in the Clarion Cemetery. John A. Wagner, 91, of Venus died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born June 28, 1916, in Paint Township, near Shippenville, he was a son of Jacob Martin and Mary Louisa Hale Wagner. He was a resident of the Venus area most of his life. He graduated from Shippenville High School and then studied theology at Columbus University of Ohio. Later, he graduated from Oil City Business School. After graduation, he was an instructor there for approximately 10 years. Mr. Wagner also worked on family oil leases in Paint Township with his dad before working oil leases in the Bradford area. He began his grocery store career at the Elmo General store with his father-in-law, John Deitz, for two years before opening Wagner's Grocery near Venus, which he operated for 26 years until 1977. Never retiring, he continued to provide income tax and accounting services until recently. Throughout his active life, he participated in several horseshoe pitching tournaments wherein he won many trophies. He was an avid Pirates and Steelers fan. Mr. Wagner was also a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Venus. He was married Jan. 15, 1942, to Betty J. Deitz who survives. He is also survived by three sons, John Wagner, Jr. and wife Mary of Texas, Slugger Wagner and wife Sara of Venus, and Bruce Wagner and wife Marty of Franklin; five daughters, Mary Anna Wagner and partner Jack Whitling of Knox, Betty Jean Wagner at home, Ruthie Niederriter and husband Don of Shippenville, Joanne Bauer of Marble, and Darlene Acklin of Seneca; 21 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family being preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters: Ethel Motter, Clara Rowan, Arthur Wagner, Mildred Motter, Wilfred Wagner, Annie Etzel, Ruth Barber, and Evelyn Hannold. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Faller Funeral Home Inc. in Fryburg. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Faith Lutheran Church, Venus with the Rev. John Wood officiating, assisted by Mr. Wagner's nephew the Rev. Alton L. Wagner, pastor of United Church of Christ in Grinnell, Iowa. Burial will be in the Shippenville Lutheran Cemetery following the service. The family suggests memorials be made to Clarion Forest VNA Hospice, P.O. Box 668 Knox, 16232 or Faith Lutheran Church, Venus. Barbara Elizabeth Wallace, 90, 693 Bradleytown Road, Cooperstown, died at 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at Golden Living Center, Oil City. Born April 18, 1917, in James City, McKean County, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Barbara Simon Trulick. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Wallace was a member of St. Patrick Church, Franklin. She enjoyed Polka dancing and gardening. She also enjoyed her flowers and her special grandchildren. She was married Aug. 30, 1940, to John Joseph Wallace Sr., who preceded her in death. Mrs. Wallace is survived by a son, John Joseph Wallace Jr., and his wife Joyce of Cooperstown; two grandchildren, John Joseph Wallace III and Courtney Wallace, both of Cooperstown; two sisters, Pauline Vertz of Kane and Betty Rossman of Erie; and a brother, Frank Trulick of Kane. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Steve, Martin, John, Joe and Paul Trulick; and two sisters, Annie Reams and Mary Painter. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Robert W. Gardinier Funeral Home, 1315 Chestnut St., Franklin. A Christian Wake service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick Church, Franklin, with the Rev. Robert Manning officiating. Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.gardinierfuneralhome.com. Nancy Louise 'Cook' Williams Nancy Louise "Cook" Williams, 66, of Fort Washington, Md., formerly of New Bethlehem, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, following a lengthy illness. Arrangements are under the direction of the Rupert Funeral Home in New Bethlehem. A complete obituary will be in the Wednesday edition of The Derrick