The Derrick, Tuesday, October 12, 2004: Ronald Assalone, 195 Deer Lane, Franklin Jerry D. Ayotte, 245 Masterson Road, Oil City Jeanne Madeline Schleimer Bestgen, Rockland, formerly of Kirtland, Ohio Sandra L. Crawford, Stahlman Drive, Clarion Phillip Keith Jackson, 54 Horne Lane, Oil City LaVerne A. McCauley, Parker Everett W. McLaughlin, Strattanville Genevieve Miller, formerly of 122 Center St., Franklin Laura Mae Hook, getting it right Ronald Assalone Ronald Assalone, 57, of 195 Deer Lane, Franklin, died Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. Born Jan. 11, 1947, in Fombell, he was the son of Carlo and Mary Bateman Assalone. Mr. Assalone was a residential program worker with the mentally handicapped for UCIP. He was married Aug. 22, 1998, to Lorraine Rusiewicz, who survives. Mr. Assalone was preceded in death by his parents. There will be no visitation and no service. The Robert W. Gardinier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Jerry D. Ayotte Jerry D. Ayotte, 61, of 245 Masterson Road, Oil City, was found dead at his residence Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. Born Jan. 21, 1943, in Richmond, Va., he was the son of Frank William and Mary Ann Fornal Ayotte. Mr. Ayotte was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the United States Marine Corps. He was employed for 26 years as a printer for Venango Newspapers, retiring in 1995. Mr. Ayotte was a member of the Oil City VFW, Oil City Moose and the Pulaski Club. He enjoyed NASCAR, working on cars and U.S. Marine reunions. Mr. Ayotte previously was married to Karen M. Koziara, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Christopher Ayotte and wife, Christina, of Nashville, Tenn; three daughters, Jennifer Buchholz and husband, Eugene P. Buchholz Jr. of Oil City, Jamie E. Ayotte with the U.S. Air Force in Troy, Ill., and Stephanie M. Ayotte of Oil City; and a granddaughter, Andrea Ayotte of Nashville, Tenn. He also is survived by a brother, James A. Ayotte and wife, Joy, of California. Mr. Ayotte was preceded in death by his parents. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. Jeffery Noble, pastor of St Stephen Church, officiating. Interment with full military honors will be in Calvary Cemetery. The family suggests memorial be made to the Venango County Humane Society. Jeanne Madeline Schleimer Bestgen Jeanne Madeline Schleimer Bestgen, 86, of Rockland, formerly of Kirtland, Ohio, died Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, in Stratford Commons in Glenwillow, Ohio, where she had resided since 2002. Born Sept. 6, 1918, in East Cleveland, Ohio, she was the daughter of Joseph and Elsie Doerk Schleimer. She was a 1936 graduate of Shaw High School in East Cleveland where she played in the marching band. Upon graduation, Mrs. Bestgen was employed as a clerical worker by the Union Paper & Twine Co. of Cleveland. Mrs. Bestgen was a member of the Celebration Lutheran Church in Chardon, Ohio, and was a former charter member of Holy Nativity Lutheran Church in Highland Heights, Ohio, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. She was married Sept. 17, 1949, to Robert L. Bestgen, who died in 2001. They moved to Kirtland in 1951 and resided there for 35 years before moving in 1986 to Rockland Township. Surviving are two sons, Paul R. Bestgen of Willoughby and Bradley W. Bestgen and wife, Janice, of Kirtland; and four grandsons, Andrew, Brett, Matthew and Christopher Bestgen. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Bestgen was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Arthur Schleimer; a daughter-in-law, Margaret VanDemark; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Bestgen. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Davis Funeral Home, 4154 Clark Ave., Willoughby, Ohio. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road, Chardon, Ohio, with Pastor Laura Barbins officiating. Interment will be in Knollwood Cemetery in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Celebration Lutheran Church or to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 5786 Heisley Road, Mentor, Ohio, 44060. Sandra L. Crawford Sandra L. Crawford, 64, of Stahlman Drive, Clarion, Limestone Township, died early Monday morning, Oct. 11, 2004, at her residence following a brief illness. Born Jan. 20, 1940, in New Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Claude B. and Mary O. English. Mrs. Crawford worked at J.C. Penney's and Johnny Garneau's before retiring. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Bethlehem and was in charge of the church kitchen for many years. Mrs. Crawford was a member of the Limestone Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary for 40 years. In her younger years she was a member of the Women's Bowling League and the Civil Air Patrol. Mrs. Crawford was a homemaker. She was married June 8, 1957, to Myron G. Crawford, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Randy Crawford and wife, Denise, of Grove City and Duane Crawford of Alvin, Texas; and one grandson, Benjamin McNutt of Mildon Hall, Air Force Base, England. She also is survived by one sister, Mrs. Fred (Jean) Goodman of New Bethlehem; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Crawford was preceded in death by a sister, Claudia Beth Woodall. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Rupert Funeral Home in New Bethlehem. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. Sue Bonner, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in New Bethlehem, officiating. Interment will follow in the Oakland Cemetery in Distant, Armstrong County. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church, 234 Penn St., New Bethlehem, 16242, or to the Limestone Fire Co., 9790 Route 66, Clarion, 16214. Phillip Keith Jackson Phillip Keith Jackson, 58, of 54 Horne Lane, Oil City, died unexpectedly Monday, Oct. 11, 2004, at his residence. Born Jan. 4, 1946, in Emlenton, he was the son of Arnold and Glenna Levy Jackson. Mr. Jackson was a 1964 graduate of Union High School in Rimersburg and was a 1971 graduate of Robert Morris College. He served during Vietnam with the U.S. Army stationed in Korea. Mr. Jackson was the head purchasing agent for Baker Auto Parts, retiring in December 2000 after 28 years of service. He was of the Protestant faith. Mr. Jackson was a past member of the Adelphoi Club. He loved to read and do crossword puzzles. He enjoyed the internet and music and was a very loving father to his two sons. On Aug. 17, 1974, he married the former Kathy L Williams, who survives. Also surviving are his parents, Arnold and Glenna Jackson of Oil City; two sons, Gary Jackson and Ricky Jackson, both at home; his father-in-law, Clair Williams of Oil City; a sister-in-law, Bev Sager and husband, Art, of Russell; a nephew, Brian Sager of Russell; and an aunt and uncle, Eleanor and Robert Anderson of Eau Claire. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Jean A. Williams. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Easter Seal Society of Venango County. LaVerne A. McCauley LaVerne A. McCauley, 74, of Allegheny Township, Parker, died Monday afternoon in Clarion Hospital after an illness. Born Feb. 16, 1930, in Duke Center, he was the son of Daniel Webster and Cleo Winkler McCauley. Mr. McCauley had worked most of his adult life as a driller in the oil and gas fields of Pennsylvania as well as neighboring states. He was a life member of the Allegheny-Clarion Valley Sportsmen Association of Perryville. He was a former member of the Parker City Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. McCauley was a member of the Parker Rotary Club for more than 35 years and had maintained 100 percent attendance. He had held the position of treasurer in early years of membership and had served numerous times as president. He was a frequent representative of Parker at the District 7280 Annual Conferences. He was a well-known collector of antique canning jars as well as other glassware. Mr. McCauley had studied through various courses, the art of mixing various herbs and spices for the purposes of healing ailments and maintaining better health. He had become an avid self-taught user of the personal computer. Mr. McCauley was a Protestant. He was married Sept. 2, 1948, to Freda I. Butcher, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Rockne (Naomi) Barber of Hendersonville near Stoneboro; three sons, LaVerne A. McCauley Jr. of Townville, Daniel McCauley of Plano, Texas, and Henry McCauley of Franklin; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He also is survived by two sisters, Eunice Haynes of Seneca and Lois Baldwin of California; three brothers, Daniel McCauley of Baltimore, Md., Paul McCauley of Venus and Jim McCauley of New Jersey; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. McCauley was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Jane McCauley. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, Wayne Street, Parker. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Interment will be in St. Petersburg Cemetery. Everett W. McLaughlin Everett W. McLaughlin, 86, of Route 322, Strattanville, died Sunday morning, Oct. 10, 2004, at his home. Born April 22, 1918, in Coolspring, he was the son of Atlee A. and Minnie Smith McLaughlin. He was a 1939 graduate of Summerville School. Mr. McLaughlin was a sergeant with the 376th Infantry Unit, 94th Division of the U.S. Army, serving from 1942 to 1945. During World War II he was in Germany when they surrendered and had served on the Siegfred Line. He was honorably discharged from the CCC. He was employed for 25 years by Railway Express in Florida during the winter months. He was a self-employed painter and roofer in Pennsylvania for 50 years. Mr. McLaughlin attended Pisgah Presbyterian Church and was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the VFW. He enjoyed his work, hunting and fishing. Mr. McLaughlin was married in Tidioute June 3, 1950, to the former J. Mary Ferry, who survives. Also surviving are a grandson, Richard W. Hurrelbrink II of Strattanville; a brother, Lee McLaughlin of Pittsburgh; a sister, Mrs. Paul (Dorothy) Thrush of Catlett, Va.; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Geri McLaughlin Hurrelbrink, May 19, 2001; and two sisters, Vada Shaffer and Luella Deloe. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Furlong Funeral Home, Summerville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. James Dietrich officiating. Interment will be in Carrier Cemetery, Clover Township, Jefferson County. Genevieve Miller Genevieve Miller, 89, formerly of 122 Center St., Franklin, died at 4:25 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11, 2004, in Sugar Creek Station, Franklin. Born July 31, 1915, in DuBois, she was the daughter of James and Lydia Lupton McDonald. Mrs. Miller had been employed for 10 years as a cook in the dietary department of Polk Center, retiring in 1977. After retirement and her family raised, she became involved in her community, joining the Franklin Civic League and serving on the election board. For a time Mrs. Miller volunteered with the Franklin Elementary School, helping children in the reading program. Mrs. Miller often held a position while she was involved with St. John Parish Guild, the Jolly Club, 55-Up Club and the homemakers at Calvary Baptist Church, all in Franklin. She lived a full life, enjoying her friends in a card club and traveling. Her travels took her to California each year to visit her children and grandchildren. Mrs. Miller was a member of St. Patrick Church, Franklin, and the Rosary-Altar Society of the church. She was married Nov. 27, 1937, to Lawrence R. Miller, who died Oct. 1, 1976. Surviving are seven children, Thomas Miller and wife, Kim, of Atwater, Calif., Mrs. Jack (Marilyn Sue) Snyder of Whittier, Calif., Mrs. Steve (Judith) Buer of Canyon Country, Calif., Mrs. John (Mary) Koleda of Granada Hills, Calif., Mrs. James (Jean) Stephens and Robert Miller and wife, Roberta, all of Franklin, and James Miller and wife Cathy, of Little Rock, Calif.; 22 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. She also is survived by two brothers, Jack McDonald of Jacksonville, Fla., and William McDonald of Oil City; and a sister, Florence White of Oil City. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Miller was preceded in death by four brothers, Richard McDonald, James McDonald, Edward McDonald and Barry McDonald; and two sisters, Mildred Tripodi and Ruth Johnson. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Huff Chapel, 312 W. Park St., Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with Msgr. John J. Herbein, pastor of St. Patrick Church, presiding. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Franklin. Memorial donations may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of Venango County, 176 E. Bissell Ave., Oil City, 16301, or to Sugar Creek Station, 351 Causeway Drive, Franklin, 16323. Getting it right - Laura Mae Hook Laura Mae "Dude" Hook - Laura Mae "Dude" Hook, 79, of Rimersburg, died at 6 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, in Clarion Hospital. Among her survivors is a daughter, Susan D. Smith of Rimersburg.