The Derrick, December 30, 2008: Rita I. Gray, Maumee, Ohio, Clarion County native Amy E. Keppel, 1163 Foster Road, Franklin Everett E. Kifer, South Street, Clarion Ceora M. Martin, 3626 Mt. Hope Road, Titusville Robert L. Owen, Chamberlin Road, Brookville Charles D. Ruess, 133 Laurelbrooke Road, Brookville Raymond A. Sasso, Toms River, Va. June R. Shreckengost, Mayport Getting it Right - James F. Ausel Getting it Right - Clair O. Rankin Sr. Rita Irene Gray, 77, of Maumee, Ohio, formerly of Lady Lake, Fla., and a Clarion County native, died Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. Born May 13, 1931, in Shippenville, she was the daughter of Arthur and Frances Kurtzhals Wagner. She was married Oct. 12, 1954, in Fryburg to Charles David Gray, who survives. Mrs. Gray was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Maumee and the American Legion Auxiliary in Florida, and she taught CCD classes at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lady Lake. She volunteered for the Girl Scouts of America and Habitat for Humanity. In 1992 she participated in a pilgrimage from Rome to St. Petersburg. Mrs. Gray was an airplane pilot and a member of 99s Lady Aviators. In 1989 she went skydiving. She loved being in the skies. In addition to her husband, she is survived by eight children, Charles David Jr. of Gas City, Ind., Brenda Glover and her husband, Thomas, of Lancaster, Calif., Tom Gray and his wife, Wendy, of Waterville, Ohio, James Gray and his wife, Lisa, of Shanghai, China, Yvonne Tiller and her husband, Ron, of Maumee, Ohio, Joseph Gray and his wife, Wendy, of Lambertville, Mich,; Beverly Hertzfeld and her husband, Todd, of Whitehouse, Ohio, and Barb Aranyosi and her husband, Rex, of Monclova, Ohio; 19 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and five sisters, Vera Porter, Monica Callahan, Mary Murray, Alma Howe and Frances Greathouse. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gray was preceded in death by a brother, Jacob Wagner, and a sister, Lena Love. Friends and family may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the Peinert Funeral Home, 7220 Dutch Road., Waterville, Ohio. There will be a Scripture service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maumee, Ohio, with the Rev. Keith Stripe officiating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. The family suggests memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity or American Cancer Society. Amy E. Keppel, 42, of 1163 Foster Road, Franklin, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, at Sugar Creek Station, following a lengthy illness. Born Feb. 20, 1966, in Meadville, she was the daughter of Ralph and Nancy Legnosky Haun. Ms. Keppel was a 1984 graduate of Franklin High School. She had worked at various jobs in the Erie area, one of which was at Kaufman's, where she she was a window-dresser. Ms. Keppel was very artistic, enjoyed photography and collected old cameras. She is survived by her son, Matthew S. Keppel of Shippensburg; her father, Ralph Haun, and her step-mother, Helen, of Utica; three sisters, Michelle Rice and her husband, Bill, of Utica, Cindy Bennett and her husband, Mike, of Franklin and Jess VanSise and her husband, Josh, of Cochranton; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy Haun, who died Dec. 23, 1974. Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Dickson Family Funeral Home, Inc., 123 S. Franklin St., Cochranton. There are no funeral service. Interment will be in Sugar Lake Cemetery. The family asks that memorials be made to the donor's charity of choice. Everett E. Kifer, 94, of South Street, Clarion, died Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, at the Hospice House in Shippenville. Goble Funeral Home and Crematory are in charge of the arrangements. A complete obituary will be publushed in Wednesday's Derrick. Ceora M. Martin, 50, of 3626 Mt. Hope Road, Titusville, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, at her residence, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born Oct. 8, 1958, in Titusville, she was the daughter of the late Hubert B. and Mary Nelson Martin. Ms. Martin was a graduate of Titusville High School with the Class of 1977. She had been employed at Weyerhauser Choice Woods in Titusville since Feb. 12, 1986, and until her recent illness. Ms. Martin was an avid member of the Grand Valley Volunteer Fire Department. and Ladies Auxiliary. She was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Bruce Shorts Post 5958 of the VFW in Titusville as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Cleo J. Ross Post 368 of the American Legion in Titusville. She was a member of St. Titus Church. Ms. Martin was an avid baker and enjoyed volunteering her time to numerous organizations. She is survived by two brothers, Nelson H. Martin of Pleasantville and Curtis P. Martin of Titusville; three nieces; a nephew; two great-nieces; and one great-nephew. She is also survived by her companion of 22 years, Arthur "Skeeter" Barr of Titusville. In addition to her parents, Ms. Martin was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph O. Martin, and a sister-in-law, Caroline Martin. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home, 303 N. Washington St., Titusville. A vigil service will be conducted at 1:45 p.m. today, and members of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary will conduct a memorial service at 6:45 p.m. today. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. D.G. Davis III, pastor of the Catholic community of Titusville, officiating. Interment will be in Gorman Cemetery, Triumph Township, Warren County. The family asks that memorials be made to the Hospice of Crawford County, 310 N. Monroe St., Titusville, 16354, the American Cancer Society or to a charity of one's choice. Robert L. "Bob" Owen, 73, of Chamberlin Road, Brookville, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, in his residence. Born Sept. 16, 1935, in Asheville, N.C., he was the son of Allan Kaywood Owen and Mabel Dalton Owen. Mr. Owen was married Dec. 23, 1953, in Asheville, N.C., to Yvonne Wills, who survives. He retired in 1998 after 35 years as a construction supervisor with Alltel Telephone Co. Mr. Owen was a member of the Roseville Independent Chapel in Brookville. He was also a member of the Hobah Lodge 276 of the F&AM in Brookville, the 32nd Degree Masons and the Coudersport Consistory. Mr. Owen enjoyed motorcycle riding and belonged to Chapter I Gold Wing Road Riders Association in Reynoldsville. He also was a member of the Tri-County Chapter Harley Owner's Group of DuBois. In addition to his wife, Mr. Owen is survived by two daughters, Tibby Conrad and her husband, Gary, of Punxsutawney and Barb McKinney and her husband, Russ, of Brookville; a sister, Barbara Jo Parris and her husband, Everette, of Fairfax, Va.; a brother, Bill Owen of Asheville, N.C.; five grandchildren, Jada Davie, Jodi McKinney, Derek Conrad, Troy Conrad and Matt Conrad, who is deployed in Iraq; two great-grandchildren, Garrett and Meleah Davie; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Owen was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the McKinney Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Brookville. A Masonic service will be held at 7:30 p.m. today in the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Pastor Jim Fillhart officiating. Interment will be in Butler Cemetery, Pinecreek Township, Jefferson County. The family suggests memorials be made to the Roseville Independent Chapel Building Fund, 3381 Route 322 Brookville, 15825. Charles D. Ruess, 91, of 133 Laurelbrooke Drive, Brookville, formerly of Mayport, died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, at McKinley Health Center in Brookville. Born July 27, 1917, in New Jersey, he was the son of the late Charles E. and Grace Booth Ruess. Raymond A. Sasso, 82, of Toms River, Va., a World War II veteran, passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, in his home. Born in Belleville, Mr. Sasso moved to Lakewood, Va,. in 1987 and then Toms River in 1990. Mr. Sasso worked for Craters Manufacturing Co. in Tionesta and retired from there in 1984. He also worked for Bartley Manor in Jackson for many years. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He enjoyed horse racing , golf and his family life. Mr. Sasso is survived by his wife, Roberta (nee Cessna); two sons, Louis Sasso and his wife, Dana, of Whiting, Va., and Joseph Sasso and his wife, Virginia, of Brick, Va.; a brother, Armond Sasso Forked River, Va.; two sisters, Viola Grecco of Nutley, Va., and Edith Krier of Beachwood, Va.; and five grandchildren, Emily, Hannah, Alex, Amanda and Alyssa. In addition to his parents, Mr. Sasso was preceded in death by two brothers, Morris Sasso and William Sasso, and two sisters, Faye Gatto and Genevieve Longo. There will be a private cremation. The Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, 2482 Church Road, Toms River, Va., is in charge of arrangements. June R. Shreckengost, 80, of Mayport, passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, at the Clarion Hospital. Born July 9, 1928, in Redbank Township, she was the daughter of Maben R. Minich and Anna Elizabeth Stover Minich. She was married March 15, 1946, to Luther M. Shreckengost who preceded her in death on June 9, 2008. Mrs. Shreckengost graduated from high school at the Porter School. She was a member of the Oakwood Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Shreckengost was a housewife and mother. She is survived by two sons, Larry M. Shreckengost and his wife, Linda, of DuBois; and Lyle E. Shreckengost and his wife, Patty, of Mayport; and two daughters, Janice Martz and her husband, Gene, of Mayport; and Joy McMillen and her husband, Bill, of Franklin. Mrs. Shreckengost is also survived by seven grandchildren and their families, Kindra and Marc Passmore of Edinburg, Ind. and their children, Benjamin, Michael and Haylee; Nicole Goin of Franklin, Ind. and her daughters, Ashley, Amber and Abagail; Brenton and Patricia Henry of New Bethlehem and their children, Belle, Dillon and Zoe; Erik and Stacy McMillen of Ravenna, Ohio; Sergeant Cory McMillen of Fort Bragg, N.C.; Justin Shreckengost of Mayport; and Jessica Shreckengost of Mayport. She is also survived by a sister, Gay Eustice and her husband, Bill, of Fryburg; and two brothers, Kermit Minich and his wife, Edna, of Rimersburg and Max M. Minich of New Bethlehem. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Shreckengost was preceded in death by a grandson, Bryan Henry, and a son-in-law, Royd Henry. Viewing will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Alcorn Funeral Home in Hawthorn. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Pastor John McCall of the Oakwood Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment will be in the Leatherwood Cemetery, Porter Township, Clarion County. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oakwood Women's Association, 9296 Curllsville Road, New Bethlehem, 16242. Getting it Right - James F. Ausel James F. Ausel, 78, of 449 Coal City Road, Kennerdell, died at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, at Golden Living Center in Shippenville. Among his survivors are two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Ausel and Betty Ausel. Mr. Ausel was preceded in death by a sister, Mercene Holmes. Getting it Right - Clair O. Rankin Sr. Clair O. Rankin Sr., 82, of 1149 Liberty St., Franklin, died at 12:10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, at The Caring Place in Franklin. Mr. Rankin was the son of Edna A. Hartzell. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1947. Military honors will be accorded by the VETS Honor Guard at 1 p.m. today at Sunset Hills Memorial Gardens.