The Derrick, Thursday, September 23, 2004: Raymond Eugene Benson, Seneca Paula Sue Whitling Bunner, Clarksburg, W.Va., formerly of Oil City Gloria F. Buzard, 977 Main St., Rimersburg Paul L. Hovis, Grove City, formerly of Kennerdell RD 2 Naomi J. Jones, Knox Mildred A. McElree, formerly of 136 Liberty St., Clarion Bernice M. Mooney, formerly of 115 Skyview Drive, Titusville Alice Juliene Parker, Transfer, formerly of Polk and Oil City Luella M. Lowers, Franklin Raymond Eugene Benson Raymond Eugene Benson, 74, of Seneca, died Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004, in The Caring Place, Franklin. Born July 19, 1930, in Oil City, he was the son of Charles B. and Eva McCurdy Benson. Mr. Benson was a 1949 graduate of Oil City High School. He served in the U.S. Army as a corporal in the Korean War from March 13, 1952, to Dec. 12, 1953, in Company D, 223rd D Infantry. Mr. Benson worked for 27 years as a mold maker for Anchor Glass in Reno. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Oil City and the Barbertones. Mr. Benson enjoyed singing, doing crossword puzzles, crypto quotes, taking pictures and spending time with his family and friends. He was married in the First United Presbyterian Church in Oil City Sept. 17, 1955, to Carolyn G. Mitchell, who survives. They just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons and their wives, Jeffrey and Shari Benson of Jacksonville, N.C., and Kevin and Sally Benson of Newman, Ga.; two daughters, Phyllis Slye and husband, Kim, of Cranberry and Brenda Benson of Seneca; 10 grandchildren, Kasey Slye and Kory Slye of Cranberry, Jeffrey Benson, Brandon Benson, Kara Benson and Sarah Benson of Jacksonville, N.C., Amanda Smith and Samuel Smith of Newman, Ga., Kenneth "KJ" Whitton Jr. and Keila Whitton of Franklin; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Quimby Benson; and a sister, Virginia Scott. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Osenider Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. Joseph Filer, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Oil City, officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens, Cranberry. The family suggests memorial donations be made to The Caring Place, 103 N. 13th St., Franklin, or to a charity of one's choice. Paula Sue Whitling Bunner Paula Sue Whitling Bunner, 51, of 1639 Fairmont Ave., Clarksburg, W.Va., died at 12:20 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, in United Hospital Center in Clarksburg. She had been in declining health for the past three years and death was attributed to cancer. Born May 25, 1953, in Oil City, she was the daughter of the late James and Isabel Graham Whitling. She was a 1971 graduate of Oil City High School and was a former employee of the Sears Roebuck Inc. in Oil City. Mrs. Bunner was a member of the Old Time Baptist Church in Clarksburg, W.Va. She was active in the American Cancer Society. Mrs. Bunner formerly had taught Sunday school at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Oil City and was a past member of the board of the Evangelical Conference in the United Methodist Church. She was a member of the board of the Cherry Run Methodist Church Camp in Pennsylvania. She was married Jan. 17, 2004, to Thomas H. Bunner, who survives at their home in Clarksburg. Also surviving are two brothers, Howard Whitling of Oil City and James Whitling and wife, Sue, of Terre Haute, Ind.; and her mother-in-law, Mrs. Jean Bunner of Belington, W.Va. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and up until the time of services Saturday in the Talbott Funeral Home, 210 Bradenburg St., Belington, W.Va. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Leonard Ludwig officiating. Interment will follow in the Concord Cemetery near Belington. Gloria F. Buzard Gloria F. Buzard, 76, of 977 Main St, Rimersburg, died at 1:35 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, in Clarview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center near Sligo following a brief illness. Born Oct. 6, 1927, in the Village of Monarch, she was the daughter of Grant and Fry Hepler Reddinger. She was a 1944 graduate of Union Joint High School in Rimersburg. Before her marriage, Mrs. Buzard worked as a secretary for A.I. James Insurance Agency, formerly of Rimersburg. After many years as a homemaker, she worked part-time for H.F. Scott Engineering & Surveying, formerly of Rimersburg. She later worked for Clarion County in the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Army Office and Department of Tourism, retiring after 15 years of service with the county. Mrs. Buzard was a longtime devoted member of the Rimersburg United Methodist Church where she served as treasurer of the Fidelis Class for 45 years and was a member of the church choir for more than 40 years. She also was involved in various other church activities including Life Supporters and various committees. She was an avid bowler for more than 30 years with her best score of 254. Mrs. Buzard's greatest joy was her grandchildren. She delighted in following their activities and accomplishments and was a regular spectator at many of their sporting and school events. She was a charter member of the Friends of Eccles-Lesher Memorial Library in Rimersburg and the Ruby Rascals Red Hat Society of Rimersburg. As a member of the Office of Aging Advisory Council, she was a Clarion County delegate of the White House Conference on Aging. At the 1993 dedication of the Rimersburg Veterans Memorial Park, Mrs. Buzard received merit awards from both the American Legion and the Office of Veterans Affairs for her many years of dedicated and meritorious service to the veterans of Clarion County. Mrs. Buzard was married in Rimersburg United Methodist Church June 16, 1951, to Homer E. Buzard Jr., who survives. Also surviving are three daughters and their husbands, Susan and Ray Scott of Rimersburg, Marji and Dan Montana of DuBois and Brenda and Greg Smathers of Clarion; a son and his wife, David A. Buzard and Be-Hung Chang Buzard of Boston, Mass.; seven grandchildren, Molly and Neil Scott, Tim and Mark Montana, Andrew Busard and Steven and Jimmy Smathers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Katie Beth Montana; a sister, Karen Lank; and a brother, Ronald Reddinger. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Varner Funeral Home of Rimersburg. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Rimersburg United Methodist Church with the Rev. James Eaton, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Rimersburg Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Rimersburg United Methodist Church, Rimersburg, 16248, or to the John and Jane Doe Fund, in care of Clarview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Route 68, Sligo, 16255. Paul L. Hovis Paul L. Hovis, 91, formerly of Kennerdell RD 2, a resident of Grove Manor Nursing Home, Grove City, died at 6:34 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, in United Community Hospital, Grove City. Born Nov. 20, 1912, in Irwin Township, Venango County, he was the son of Fred and Lottie M. Baker Hovis. He was a 1930 graduate of Grove City High School. Mr. Hovis retired in 1976 from the former Cooper Energy Services, Grove City, where he was a machine operator for 32 years. He was a member of the Irwin Presbyterian Church and a former elder and trustee of the church. Mr. Hovis also was a member of the Mercer County Pomona Grange and the Pennsylvania State Grange. He loved gardening, his family and his grandchildren. Mr. Hovis was married June 27, 1941, to Marian Grace Sopher, who died Aug. 24, 1996. Surviving are three children, Janet M. O'Patchen and husband, John B., of Grove City, Paula L. Watkins and husband, Daniel E., of Grayslake, Ill., and Roland R. Hovis and wife, Donna, of Sterling, Va.; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, Mr. Hovis was preceded in death by four brothers, Leroy Hovis, Ernest Hovis, Dean Hovis and Claude Hovis; and three sisters, Almeda McFadden, Fern Gadsby and Blanche Freeman. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Cunningham Funeral Home Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with the Rev. Harold E. Greenway, pastor of the Irwin Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will be in Mount Irwin Cemetery, Irwin Township, Venango County. Naomi J. Jones Naomi J. Jones, 86, of Knox, died at 8:50 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004, at her residence. Born April 22, 1918, in Foxburg, she was the daughter of Charles F. and Bertha Naomi Brenneman Stubble. Mrs. Jones was married to Robert E. Jones, who preceded her in death. Surviving are a daughter, Jean Swaney, with whom she made her home; a granddaughter, Michelle Swaney, of Pittsburgh; and a grandson, Josh Swaney of Knox. She also is survived by two sisters, Isabelle Peterson of Foxburg and Anna Stull of Washington, D.C. Funeral services are private with the Rev. Randy Evans, hospice minister for Clarion-Forest VNA, officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Memorial Park in Lower Burrell. The family suggests memorials be made to the Clarion-Forest VNA Hospice Program, P.O. Box 668, Knox, 16232. The David C. McEntire Funeral Home in Knox is in charge of arrangements. Mildred A. McElree Mildred A. McElree, 95, formerly of 136 Liberty St., Clarion, died Tuesday evening, Sept. 21, 2004, in McKinley Health Center, Brookville. Born April 10, 1909, in Limestone Township, Clarion County, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Gertrude White Taylor. Mrs. McElree attended schools in the Clarion area and graduated from Clarion Teachers College, now Clarion University. She taught in schools in Monroe Township, Paint Township and Keystone School District and retired from Clarion Area Elementary School after 34 years of service. She also did several years of substitute teaching in Clarion County. After retirement, Mrs. McElree did volunteer work for the Clarion Hospital, Historical Society, Community Action and the American Red Cross. Mrs. McElree was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Clarion since 1925 and was a charter member of the United Methodist Women. She was very active in many phases of the United Methodist Church activities. She also was a member of the Women's Club of Clarion, Order of Eastern Star and the Clarion County Historical Association. She also was a life member of the Clarion University Alumni, the State PASR and the local PASR Retired Teachers Association. Mrs. McElree was married Oct. 23, 1941, to Donald McElree, who died Oct. 25, 1977. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas N. and Karen Sue McElree of Shippenville; a daughter and son-in-law, Susan D. and Blaine M. Taylor of Shippenville; four grandchildren, Mike Buzard of Fryburg, Douglas McElree of Pittsburgh, Tami Taylor Winters of Clarion and Thaddeus Taylor of Beaver Falls; and five great-grandchildren, Shane Buzard, Jacob Taylor, Delaney Taylor, Ava Grace Taylor and Lauren Rose Winters. She also is survived by one sister-in-law, Willa Dee Taylor of Stuart, Fla. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. McElree was preceded in death by three sisters, Effie Taylor Donaldson, Helen Taylor Guiher and Ruth Taylor Brosius; and two brothers, Kenneth Taylor and Harry Taylor. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Goble Funeral Home of Clarion. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with the Rev. Richard Harry, assistant pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Clarion, officiating. Interment will follow in Clarion Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the United Methodist Church of Clarion, McKinley Health Center of Brookville, VNA Hospice or to the Clarion County Area Agency on Aging. Bernice M. Mooney Bernice M. Mooney, 87, a resident of Country Acres Personal Care Home, formerly of 115 Skyview Drive, Titusville, died at 7:03 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, in Titusville Area Hospital. Born April 2, 1917, in Mount Hope, she was the daughter of Arthur and Margaret Pierce Barker. She attended the Enterprise School and was a 1935 graduate of Pleasantville High School. Mrs. Mooney had been employed in many capacities during her lifetime and was last employed as a domestic worker in home health care. She was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Titusville where she was active in many groups including the All Women 's Group. Mrs. Mooney was a former member of the Order of Eastern Star in Toledo, Ohio, and was a member of the Oil City Blind Association. She enjoyed gardening and the outdoors. Mrs. Mooney first was married to Bruce McIver, who preceded her in death, along with her second husband, John J. Mooney. Surviving are the following nieces and nephews, Barbara E. Barker, Vernon L. Barker and Chester M. Barker, all of Titusville, Ronald L. Barker of Homosassa, Fla., and Perthella McMunn of Spring Hill, Fla.; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews and great-great-nieces and great-great nephews; and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Lillian Kerr of Port Ritchey, Fla. In addition to her parents and husbands, Mrs. Mooney was preceded in death by a brother, Harold M. Barker; a sister, Mrs. Evelyn B. Ellis; two nieces, Donna Rae Johnson and Evelyn Ellen Ellis; and a nephew, Paul M. Barker. Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday in the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home, 303 N. Washington St., Titusville. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the funeral home with the Rev. Wayne Muckel, pastor of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Central Avenue and Second Street, Titusville, 16354. Alice Juliene Parker Alice Juliene Parker, 80, of 3752 N. Hermitage Road, Transfer, formerly of Polk, died at 7:27 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004, in UPMC Hospital, Greenville, after complications from an automobile accident. Born Dec. 23, 1923, in Polk, she was the daughter of James Braden and Juliette Sophia McKane McKinley. She attended Polk Area Schools. Ms. Parker was a member of Calvary Temple in Oil City. In recent years, she was a private duty caregiver to the elderly and had previously been a chef and restaurant manager at Polk State School and at the Venango County Home in Franklin. Ms. Parker enjoyed cooking for her children and surprising them with new creations. Surviving are two daughters, Ruby White of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Frances Ehrhard of Atlanta, Ga.; three sons, Donald Woods of Howland, Ohio, Gerald Woods of Reno and Richard Woods of Oil City; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She also is survived by a sister, Florence Castor of Greenville. She was preceded in death by her parents and nine brothers. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Calvary Temple, 14 Harriott Ave., Oil City, with the Rev. Rudy Rimer, pastor, officiating. Entombment will take place in Crestview Memorial Park, Grove City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Memorial Fund of Calvary Temple, 14 Harriott Ave., Oil City, 16301. Condolences and sign-ups may be sent to On-line Memorial Guest Register Book at www.sampledonnell.com. The Sample-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 555 E. State St., Sharon, is in charge of arrangements. Luella M. Lowers Luella M. Lowers, 83, of 508 Atlantic Ave., Franklin, died at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004, in Sugar Creek Station, Franklin. Born Oct. 15, 1920, in Franklin, she was the daughter of Daniel Wayne and Sara Ella Gealy Myers. Mrs. Lowers was born and raised in Franklin and was a 1938 graduate of Franklin High School. She retired in 1984 as a bank teller for First National Bank of Pennsylvania after 18 years of service. Mrs. Lowers was a member of the Congress Hill Church of God and attended the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Franklin. She was married May 21, 1984, to Scott T. Lowers, who preceded her in death. Surviving are two children, Mrs. Steven (Bonnie) Caldwell and Beverly J. Wood, both of Franklin; five grandchildren, Tracy Peterson and husband, Richard, Penny Dickinson and husband, Michael, Robin Vincent and husband, Scott, and Dennis Hawke and friend, Teresa Bridge, all of Franklin, and Craig Caldwell and wife, Jodi, of Toledo, Ohio; nine great-grandchildren, Megan and Matt Peterson of Franklin, Kayla and Cody Hawke of Franklin, Morgan, Mariah and Magnum Vincent of Franklin and Charlee and Zacharia Caldwell of Toledo, Ohio; and two step-great-grandchildren, Baine and Marissa Vincent of East Liverpool, Ohio. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Lowers was preceded in death by a brother, Victor E. Myers. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Robert W. Gardinier Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. Ronald Bole, VNA Hospice pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the VNA Foundation.