The Derrick, August 21, 2007: Nicholas P. Caccavo, Erie Mary Rose Ditz, formerly of Reed Street, Clarion Ralph L. "Skip" Haupt, Spruce Pine, N.C., formerly of Rockland Roseanna Texter Karenbauer, Butler, formerly of Eau Claire Frank M. Ross Jr., Eau Claire Marcella R. Simpson, Wood Street, Clarion H. Lyle Skinner, New Bethlehem Agnes Marie "Sis" Sturgeon, Mayport Nicholas P. 'Nick' Caccavo Nicholas P. "Nick" Caccavo, 19, of Erie, died Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, as a result of an auto accident on I-80. Born Jan. 28, 1988, in Erie, he was the son of Joe Caccavo, a former Franklin resident, and Sandee Greig Cassavo. He was a graduate of Our Lady Elementary Christian School in Erie and graduated with highest honors in 2006 from Collegiate Academy, Erie. During his four years at the academy, he played varsity basketball and golf at Central High School, Erie, and also played lacrosse for the Erie Spears his junior and senior years. He currently was training to run a marathon in Florida. Nick would have entered his second year at Penn State's main campus where he was studying engineering. He attended St. Jude Catholic Church in Erie and was an Eagle Scout. Surviving, in addition to his parents, are three sisters, Kate Caccavo and Tiffany D'Onofrio and husband, Alex, all of Erie, and Nicole Caccavo of Charlottesville, Va.; his maternal grandmother, Helen Greig of Erie; and paternal grandfather, Carmen Caccavo and wife, Marlene, of Franklin. He also is survived by the following aunts and uncles, Mary Beth Fleming and husband, Michael, of Indianapolis, Ind., Richard S. Greig, Barbara Nichols and husband, Sumner, and Marjorie Carey and husband, James, all of Erie, Linda Caccavo of Rock Hill, S.C., and Anne Blair of Franklin; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Richard A. Greig; and paternal grandmother, Helen C. Caccavo. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the John J. Quinn Funeral Home, 728 West Ninth St., Erie. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Jude Church, Erie. Interment will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Erie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 2022 West 38th St., Erie, 16508, or to The Caring Place, 510 Cranberry St., Erie, 16507. Mary Rose Ditz, 92, formerly of Reed Street, Clarion, died Monday, Aug. 20, 2007, in the Clarview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center near Sligo where she had been a resident since February 2007. Born June 23, 1915, in Fryburg, the oldest of eight children, she was the daughter of Aloysius A. "Losh" Ditz and Emma Schmader Ditz. She attended St. Michael Church and grade school and went on to graduate in 1933 from Shippenville High School. After her graduation, she remained on the home farm in Fryburg to aid her widowed father in rearing her younger siblings. She remained there until her father's death in July 1948. In the fall of 1948 at age 33, Miss Ditz entered Clarion State Teachers College, now Clarion University, and graduated in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in education. She taught first grade at Farmington, now North Clarion, from 1952 to 1956. From there she went to the Oil City Area School District where she taught special education classes from 1956 to 1960. Through the summers of 1953 to 1955 she attended Penn State University where she earned her master's in education degree and went on to do graduate work on her doctorate which she decided not to complete. >From 1961 to 1977, Miss Ditz taught special education as an associate professor at Edinboro University and retired in 1977 to her home in Clarion. During her busy life, she found time to travel to France to view the grave of an uncle who died in World War II, accompanied by his widow. Later she took a trip around the world and in recent years went to Germany. She gleamed information and pictures from relatives there, which aided her in compiling her family tree history. Miss Ditz touched many lives in her teaching career and since her retirement. She was active in the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion, giving much of her time and talents to her church and school. She was active as a lector on week days and Sundays, served as a greeter at weekend Masses, served on the Funeral Committee and was a member of the Campus Ministry Board, along with visiting Clarview Nursing Home monthly to assist with church services. Her greatest pleasures were her family and friends and children of all ages who lined up wherever she happened to be, to enjoy her hugs. Surviving are six brothers and sisters, Frances Ochs, Gerald Ditz and Robert Ditz and his wife, Julia, all of Fryburg, Ruth Jeannerat of Clarion, Agnes McCloskey of Crown and Joan Donahue and her husband, Robert, of Clarion; and many nieces and nephews. Miss Ditz was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother, Paul A. Ditz. There will be no public visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion with the Rev. Monty Sayers, pastor, presiding. Interment will take place in St. Michael Cemetery, Fryburg. Memorials may be made to the Immaculate Conception Church and School in Clarion, the Clarion-Forest VNA Hospice in Knox or to the Clarion Campus Catholic Ministry, Greenville Avenue, Clarion. The Goble Funeral Home and Crematory of Clarion is in charge of arrangements. Ralph L. "Skip" Haupt, 57, of Spruce Pine, N.C., formerly of Rockland, died Friday, Aug. 17, 2007, of injuries as the result of a tractor accident at his home. Born Sept. 8, 1949, in Franklin, he was the son of the late Richard A. Haupt and the late Lenora M. Sprowls Haupt McCarren. He graduated in 1967 from Cranberry High School and joined the Marine Corps where he served in Vietnam. Mr. Haupt worked as an inspector at Joy Mining Machinery Co., Franklin, prior to moving to North Carolina. His hobbies were fishing and hunting. Surviving are two children, Tracy Thomas and Shawn Haupt; and a stepdaughter, Vicky Stanley of Spruce Pine, N.C. He also is survived by two brothers, Richard H. Haupt and wife, Ruby, of Rockland and their children, Mandy, Rick, Tim and Neil; and Renard Haupt of Marion, N.C.; and several other nieces and nephews, along with cousins. In addition to his parents, Mr. Haupt was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; two brothers, Robert B. Haupt and an infant, Roger; and a sister, Virginia. Mr. Haupt was cremated. A memorial service will be held Friday in Spruce Pine, N.C. Roseanna Texter Karenbauer Roseanna Texter Karenbauer, 58, of Butler, formerly of Eau Claire, died Thursday evening, Aug. 16, 2007, in Butler Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was the daughter of the late Harvey Franklin and Zethina Rose Texter. Frank M. Ross Jr., 84, of Eau Claire, died at 11:23 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, in Grove City Medical Center following a brief illness. Born Dec. 28, 1922, in Grove City, he was the son of Frank M. Ross Sr., and Elma V. Smith Ross. Mr. Ross graduated from the former Eau Claire Academy (high school). He served in World War II with the U. S. Navy as a signalman on LST No. 1084 in the South Pacific Theater of Operations. While in the South Pacific, he learned that his late brother, Clement "Clem," was on Iwo Jima He was able to meet his brother and spend time together before going back into their areas of operation. For many years, Mr. Ross was a partner with his father and brothers in the operation known as Ross Lumber Co. of Eau Claire, of which he later became owner. In the 1950s he founded Frank Ross Excavating which he operated until retirement in 2000. As part of this company, word spread through the area among sextons of cemeteries of Frank's willingness to be available to open graves on short notice. Funeral directors came to depend upon the integrity of the Ross name to meet schedules for burials in all kinds of weather. Mr. Ross and his wife were generous to many folks in need, whether it be food, clothing or money. He was a lifelong and faithful member of the East Unity Presbyterian Church in Cherry Valley Borough. He served many years as an active trustee of the church, as well as a director and sexton of the East Unity Church Cemetery. In earlier years, Mr. Ross served as Boy Scout scoutmaster in the area and looked forward to taking the troop to his camp in Marienville. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and especially both sports practiced in Quebec, Canada. He made more than 50 hunting expeditions to Canada in his lifetime. In later years and during retirement, Mr. Ross became skilled in the hobby of woodworking. He created many pieces of woodwork which were given to folks to enjoy in their homes. Surviving are his wife, Margaret Emeline Sloan Ross, who would soon be married 65 years; one brother, Richard Ross of Titusville, Fla.; one sister, Barbara Seaton of Lake Jackson, Texas; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Ross was preceded in death by his only child, Michael Ross in 1956; and a brother, Clement Ross. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home Inc., Main Street, Route 38, in Eau Claire. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the East Unity Presbyterian Church in Cherry Valley Borough, Butler County. Interment will follow in the East Unity Church Cemetery. Marcella R. Simpson, 81, of Wood Street, Clarion, died Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, in her home. Born Nov. 11, 1925, in Home, Pa., Indiana County, she was the daughter of Harry W. and Jemima S. Brandon Burkett. Mrs. Simpson was employed for 11 years in the kitchen at Clarion Hospital and worked 121/2 years as co-manager at Montgomery Ward Catalog Store. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Clarion where she sang in the choir and was a member of the Women's Church Circle No. 3. Mrs. Simpson also was a member of the Clarion City Bowling League and Card Club. Surviving are one son, Roger Simpson of Clarion; two daughters, Linda Woods of Albuquerque, N.M., and Cindy Simpson of Clarion; six grandchildren, Carrie Thomson, Jeff , Katie, Matthew, Ryan and Brandy Simpson; and three great-grandchildren, Rebecca and Emily Snyder and Marcy Simpson. She also is survived by three sisters, Margaret Botsford of New Mexico, Mary Dick of Marion Center and Marian Mumford of Brookville; and a sister-in-law, Naomi Burkett of Shelocta. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Simpson was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Burkett and an infant, Hugh Burkett; and two sisters, Martha Wissinger and Marjorie Manner.. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory, 330 Wood St., Clarion. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. Kate Filer officiating. Interment will follow in Clarion Cemetery. H. Lyle Skinner, 75, of New Bethlehem, died early Monday morning, Aug. 20, 2007, in his residence surrounded by his family. Born Feb. 10, 1932, in New Bethlehem, he was the son of Harold and Malvene Bleakney Skinner. Mr. Skinner was a 1951 graduate of New Bethlehem High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Skinner was employed at Barber Trucking until his illness. He was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church where he served as eucharistic minister. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, William D. Smith Council No. 8538, serving as financial secretary for many years. Mr. Skinner loved traveling and spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed volunteering his time at the LL Raceway and watching the four-wheeler and motorcycle races. He was married in St. Nicolas Catholic Church in Crates May 16, 1953, to the former Georgiean Aaron, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Thomas W. Skinner and wife, Bonnie, of New Bethlehem and Jeffery L. Skinner of New Bethlehem; a daughter, Molly A. Smith and husband, Eric, of Seaford, Del.; and four grandchildren, Zachery and Zane Skinner of New Bethlehem, and Michelle and Mary Smith of Seaford, Del. He also is survived by three brothers, David Skinner of Virginia, Jim Skinner and wife, Louise, of Florida and Haley Skinner and wife, Lois, of New Bethlehem; and two sisters, Joy Meredith of DuBois and Amy Sargeant and husband, Gordon, of Ohio. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters-in-law, Mildred Skinner and Cheryl Aaron; and three brothers-in-law, Ambrose Aaron, Dean Meredith and James Mong. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Bish Memorial Funeral Home, 206 South St., New Bethlehem. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Charles Catholic Church with the Rev. William M. Laska officiating. Interment will follow in St. Charles Catholic Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Clarion-Forest VNA Hospice, P.O. Box 668, Knox, 16232. Agnes Marie 'Sis' Sturgeon Agnes Marie "Sis" Sturgeon, 74, of 215 Sturgeon Lane, Mayport, died Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, in Brookville Hospital. Born May 8, 1933, in North Freedom, she was the daughter of Albert Guy "Beanie' Snyder and Cozy Louise Dinger Snyder. Mrs. Sturgeon was a homemaker and secretary for Newbie Wheel Alignment of New Bethlehem. She was a member of the New Salem United Methodist Church and was treasurer for many years until her failing health. Mrs. Sturgeon enjoyed reading, baking, canning and especially spending time with her family. Surviving are four sons, David Sturgeon and Terry Sturgeon and wife, Kathy, all of Mayport, Tony Sturgeon and wife, Karen, of Distant, and Brad Sturgeon and wife, Sally, of New Bethlehem; three daughters and their spouses, Lou Ann and Bob Markle of Oak Ridge, Lisa and Mike Reiner of Mayport and Robin and Mark Spence of Brookville; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She also is survived by three brothers and their spouses, Blair and Grace Snyder of Wayne, Mich., Earl and Doreen Snyder of Mayport and Richard and Dottie Snyder of Coolspring; along with Lew and Sue Sturgeon. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Sturgeon was preceded in death by a sister, Mona Kunselman; and a special friend, Jack Johnson. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Alcorn Funeral Home, Hawthorn. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Grace Baptist Church in New Bethlehem with her pastor, Justin Judy, and former pastor, Robert Zilhaver, of the New Salem United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Worthville Cemetery, Oliver Township, Jefferson County. Memorial contributions may be made to Orphans of the Storm, Armstrong County Humane Society.