The Derrick, August 27, 2007: Crystal Cie Schall Fortney, 24, of 144 Meade St., Oil City, died at 1:37 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007, in UPMC Northwest, Seneca, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born Feb. 15, 1983, in Odessa, Texas, she was the daughter of Phillip and Victoria Kaness Schall of Oil City. Mrs. Fortney attended Oil City schools. She enjoyed being with her nieces and nephew, fishing, word puzzle books and researching on the computer. On May 3, 2004, she married Jesse Fortney, who survives. Surviving, in addition to her parents and husband, are a sister, Misty Hawthorne and her children, Alexis Nicole Hawthorne, Blake Taylor Hawthorne and MaKenzie Jade Unangst, all of Oil City; a brother, Phillip Schall II and wife, Heather, of Oil City; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Also surviving are her father-in-law, Darwin Fortney; her mother-in-law, Diann Fortney; a sister-in-law, Josie Fortney; and four brothers-in-law, Justin Fortney and his daughter, Deana Fortney, Jordan Fortney, Josiah Fortney and Joe Hawthorne. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Kaness, Clair Schall and Mrs. Glenadine Reaser; two uncles, Jym Slater and Larry Slater; and two cousins, Jerrod Shreffler/McVay and William Puglese. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today in the Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. today in the funeral home with the Rev. Richard Roberts, pastor of the Oakland United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Tylersburg Cemetery . In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with expenses. Delbert Charles "Frosty" Frost, 87, of Clarion, died Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007, in The Hospice House, Shippenville. Born Aug. 6, 1920, in Topsham, Vt., he was the son of Charles and Rose Boyce Frost. He was a graduate of Hanover, N.H., High School. Mr. Frost was employed as a machinist by the Portsmouth Navy Shipyard before enlisting in the United States Army Air Force, American theater. He was one of the cadets stationed at Clarion College during the war and that is where he met his future wife who worked in the office of the detachment. Following his discharge from the service, Mr. Frost was married Sept. 28, 1946, to Frances Louise Smith, who survives. Mr. Frost worked in various stores in Clarion before moving with his family to Pittsburgh. He worked for six years as manager of the floor covering department at the Faller Furniture Co. in Wilkinsburg. He then was factory representative for five years for Winnebago Industries. In 1972, he formed his own wholesale recreational vehicle supply company and retired in 1977 to Clarion. He enjoyed boating and fishing during his retirement winters in Florida in addition to restoring wood boats. He made numerous voyages up and down the intercoastal waterway to and from Florida. After giving up his Florida home, Mr. Frost became involved in redoing old cars including two Model T's and one Model A. Mr. Frost was a member of the American Legion Post of Clarion and also was a Pennsylvania tree farmer as authenticated by the Bureau of Forestry. Surviving, in addition to his wife, Frances, are three sons, James Frost and wife, Patty of Pittsburgh, Stephen Frost and wife, Marilyn, of Ellwood City and Richard Frost and fiancée, Diane Kasko, of Clarion; a son-in-law, Michael Wagner of New Philadelphia, Ohio; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Frost was preceded in death by two brothers, Cadis and Roland; a daughter, Susan Marie Wagner; and one grandchild, Anne Marie Frost. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory in Clarion. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Immaculate Conception Church, Clarion, with the Rev. Monty Sayers, pastor, presiding. Interment will take place in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Clarion. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Clarion-Forest VNA Hospice, Knox, 16232, or to the Clarion Free Library. Ernest G. "Gus" Gahagan Jr., 79, of 49 Franklin St., Stoneboro, died at 4:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, 2007, in UPMC Horizon, Greenville, after an extended illness. Born July 16, 1928, in Grove City, he was the son of Ernest Guy and Mary B. Wimer Gahagan. He was a 1946 graduate of Grove City High School. Mr. Gahagan retired in 1989 as a machinist from Cooper Cameron, formerly Cooper Bessemer of Grove City. In his early years, he worked for the Grove City Bus Lines and the McCandless Sterling Station of Grove City. He was of the Protestant faith. Mr. Gahagan enjoyed woodworking and helping others. He was married Nov. 27, 1948, to Marian P. Lengauer, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Diane) Shawgo of Franklin and Mrs. Dan (Barb) Beahan of Livonia, N.Y.; one son, Edward F. Gahagan and wife, Lindy, of Stoneboro; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He also is survived by one sister, Mrs. Robert (Joan) Baker of Hollidaysburg. In addition to his parents, Mr. Gahagan was preceded in death by one grandson, Eric R. Doyle; three sisters, Dot Shawgo, Jane Uber and Helen Dickson; and one brother, James Gahagan. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today in the Scott A. Black Funeral Home, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro. The Rev. Galen Joe MacDonald, pastor of the Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Interment and committal services will be held in Crestview Memorial Park, Grove City. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Mercer Unit, 1965 Shenango Valley Freeway, Suite 1, Hermitage, 16148. William Everett Neely, 85, of Ninevah, died Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007, in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born June 22, 1922, at the family homestead in Oakland Township, Clarion County, he was the son of Clyde and Allie Best Neely. Mr. Neely retired in 1984 from Knox Glass. He was a 50-year member of the Edenburg Lodge No. 550, F. & A.M. Mr. Neely was a former school board member of Keystone School District, a member for more than 50 years of the Edenburg Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and was a member of the DeHart-Rossman-Wenner American Legion Post of Lamartine. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, tending to his orchard and being mechanically minded. He could build or repair almost anything. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family. Mr. Neely was a highly decorated World War II Army Air Force pilot, holding the rank of first lieutenant. He was a B-17 bomber pilot and a member of Allyn's Irish Orphans 775th Bomb Squad of the 463rd Bomb Group, generally known as the "Swoose Goose,' the finest of the 10-man Flying Fortress teams. He flew 32 missions in the European Theatre during the war, based out of Celone Field, Foggio, Italy. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Victory Medal, the African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the American Campaign Medal. On Sept. 25, 1943, he married Maxine Berlin, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Patricia Herman and husband, Ken, of Knox; two sons and their wives, Bud and Penny Neely of Ninevah and Jerry and Geralyn Neely of Franklin; 13 grandchildren, Ken Herman Jr., Kimberly Jill Bunch, Amy Lynn Goodwin, Leigh Ann Weaver, Trevor Kaber, Kerry Lyn Kriebel, Jamie Merritt, Abby Merkulov, Will Neely, Rose Neely, Olivia Neely, Dane William Neely and Evan Bernard Neely; and nine great-grandchildren. He also is survived by a sister, Betty Stumpner of Knox; two sisters-in-law, Violet Neely of Pine City and Jane Stewart of Knox; a brother-in-law, Skip Alden of Knox; and a son-in-law, Dale Kaber of Lucinda. In addition to his parents, Mr. Neely was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Elaine Kaber; three brothers, Harvey Best, Robert G. Neely and Duane Neely; and a sister, Martha Jean Alden. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday in the David C. McEntire Funeral Hom e Inc., 504 E. Penn St., Knox. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the funereal home with the Rev. Jay Montgomery, pastor of the Edenburg Presbyterian Church, Knox, and the Rev. Thomas Prosser, former pastor of the church, officiating. Interment will follow in the Starr Cemetery near Ninevah, Clarion County, with full military honors accorded by the DeHart-Wenner-Rossman American Legion Post of Lamartine. The family suggests memorials be made to the Edenburg Presbyterian Church, in care of the Knox Post Office, Knox, 16232. Mary Prudence "Prue" Chipman Petre of Warren, formerly of Oil City, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007, at her winter home in Sarasota, Fla. Born Oct. 15, 1920, in Olean, N.Y., she grew up in Bolivar, N.Y., graduating in 1938 from Bolivar Central School. She earned her economics degree in 1942 from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, N.Y., and did post graduate work in accounting at Alfred University. Mrs. Petre was a volunteer and church member in every community in which she resided including Bolivar, Oil City, Warren, Cuba Lake and Sarasota. She was a member of the Warren Women's Club, the American Association of University Women, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Mayflower Society, as well as president of the Oil City Garden Club. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Warren. Mrs. Petre was married Oct. 19, 1943, to William McVay Petre of Erie and he survives. An avid gardener, swimmer, tennis and bridge player, she was active and healthy throughout her life. After her husband retired, they traveled extensively, including spending the winter of 1986 touring countries around the world. They have wintered in Sarasota since 1982. Until recently, Mrs. Petre spent every summer at her family's cottage on Cuba Lake. Surviving, in addition to her husband of 63 years, are her daughters, Donna Petre Hampton of Lakewood, N.Y., and Pamela Petre Reis of Rolling Hills, Calif.; her daughter-in-law, Eileen Toner Petre of Chau tauqua, N.Y.; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Mrs. Petre was preceded in death by her son, Charles John. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the First United Methodist Church of Warren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the youth programs of the First United Methodist Church, Market Street, Warren, 16365, or to a charity of one's choice. The Peterson-Blick Funeral Home, 1003 Pennsylvania Ave. East, Warren, Pa., is in charge of arrangements. Helen Irene Shields, 77, a resident of Sugar Creek Station, 351 Causeway Drive, Franklin, died there at 1:20 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007. Born Jan. 31, 1930, in Hadley, she was the daughter of Carl C. and Loretta G. Beers Harvey. Mrs. Shields was a homemaker and was married May 7, 1966, to James A. Shields, who survives. Also surviving are two children, Robert Shields Sr. and Pamela Shields Graham, both of Polk; six grandchildren, Suzanna Spencer and Christina Spencer, both of Franklin, Ashley Spencer of Polk, Robert Shields Jr. of Titusville and Eric Shields and Joyceanne Shields; and one great-grandson, Gage Beers of Franklin. She also is survived by a brother, George Harvey of Florida. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Shields was preceded in death by one brother and three sisters. Friends will be received from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Robert W. Gardinier Funeral Home, 1315 Chestnut St., Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Ronald C. Bole, VNA Hospice minister, officiating. Interment will be in Graham Cemetery. Condolences may be sent on line at www.gardinierfuneralhome.com Samuel J. Spence, 77, of 213½ Hoffman Ave., Oil City, died at 9:57 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, 2007, at home following an extended illness. Born Feb. 10, 1930, in Oil City, he was the son of the late Russell and Viola L. Berlin Spence. He attended Oil City schools. Mr. Spence was employed for 39 years as a craneman and machinist at Oil Well Supply in Siverly and also helped at the Reinsel Funeral Home for more than 40 years. He enjoyed spending time with family, antiquing, selling chocolate during the holiday season and being outdoors. He loved driving around Oil City in his black pickup truck with his personalized license plate, KID KNDL. Mr. Spence first was married in St. Stephen Church July 4, 1950, to Stephanie A. Bruno, who preceded him in death July 25, 1974. On Dec. 10, 1975, he married Betty J. Marshall McCauley, who survives. Also surviving are six daughters, Mrs. Daniel (Joy) Porter of Flower Mound, Texas, Mrs. Michael (Anna) Loll of Titusville, Ms. Sally Read of North Richland Hills, Texas, Ms. Roberta Spence Keller of Texas, Mrs. Danny (Jamie) Laster of Keller, Texas, and Mrs. Paul (Patricia) Cooper of Haltom City, Texas; one son, David Spence of Pompey Pillars, Mont.; one stepdaughter, Ms. Kathleen Vincent of East Liverpool, Ohio; two stepsons and their spouses, Stephen and Crystal McCauley of Oil City and Kevin and Holly McCauley of Friant, Calif.; one daughter-in-law, Debi McCauley of Oil City; 22 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He also is survived by three brothers, John Spence of Oil City, William Spence of Fertigs and Robert Spence of Stoneboro; four sisters, Mrs. Bobby (Patricia) Johnson of Titusville, Mrs. James (Helen) Paup of Venus, Ms. Jane Spence of Leetonia, Ohio, and Mrs. Herbert (Judith) Stevens of Flower Mound, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Spence was preceded in death by two daughters, Rosemary and Paula Spence; one son, Stephen Spence; three stepsons, Samuel, Michael and Daniel McCauley; three brothers, Richard, Duane and Dean Spence; and one sister, Louise Spence. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Reinsel Funeral Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday in the gathering space of St. Joseph Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the church with Msgr. John W. Swoger, pastor, presiding. Internment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the VNA Hospice of Venango County, 176 E. Bissell Ave., Oil City, 16301; the Kirkland Foundation, P.O. Box 108, Franklin, 16323; or to St. Joseph Church Development Fund, 35 Pearl Ave., Oil City, 16301. Condolences may be sent online at www.reinselfuneralhome.com Susanna 'Susie' Jernovics Ware Susanna "Susie" Jernovics Ware, a long time resident of Franklin, a former employee of Miller Equipment Co. and a draftsman for Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co. and Joy Mining Machinery, all of Franklin, died Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007, in Durham. N,C., Regional Medical Center.