The Derrick, February 2, 2009: Lawrence N. "Larry" Bennett, formerly of Titusville and Seneca Linda F. DeWoody, Fort Worth, Texas, formerly of Dempseytown Augustine "Gus" Ditz, Shippenville Lillian B. English, 10 Reed St., Oil City Rose R. Kroh, Ridge Road, New Bethlehem, Marvel A. "Marv" McCauley, Tionesta Sheri Arner Reynolds, formerly of Rimersburg Shirley L. Sloat, Ron McHenry Road, Knox Melvin H. Ward, Oil City Terrance L. Whitling, 209 Woodland Drive, Oil City Ruth I. Wolfgang, New Bethlehem Getting it right - Nancy J. OBrien Lawrence N. "Larry" Bennett, 95, formerly of Titusville and Seneca, died Sunday morning, Feb. 1, 2009, at his daughter Kay's residence at 7 Meadow Lane in Titusville following an extended illness. Born Dec. 18, 1913, in Titusville, he was a son of the the late Ralph and Elizabeth Smith Bennett. He was a 1931 graduate of the Titusville High School. Mr. Bennett had been employed as a refinery worker for 42 years. He had worked for the PA Refining Company, later Pennzoil, until his retirement in 1976. He was with one of the first groups activated with the Civilian Conservation Corps from May of 1932 until December of 1933. Mr. Bennett was a member of the Seneca United Methodist Church and the Titusville B.P.O. Elks No. 264. He was an avid golfer and member of the Elder Statesmen Golf League, where he had four holes-in-one, the last one at age 90. Mr. Bennett especially enjoyed spending time with his wife, family and special friends at Green Acres Golf League. He was first married to Catherine E. "Sis" Tuck on March 5, 1938, in Titusville. She preceded him in death Feb. 20, 1986. He was later married on Nov. 28, 1987, at St. James Episcopal Church to Ethel Mae Porter, who survives in Russell. Survivors also include a daughter, Kay O'Neil and Albert Lowros of Titusville; six sons, Larry and Christine Bennett of Raymond, Maine, Bruce and Brenda Bennett of Morgantown, W. Va., Ronald and Diane Bennett of Norfolk, Va., John and Lisa Bennett of Centerville, Paul Bennett of Virginia Beach, Va., and Dan Bennett and Darcy of Waterford; and two stepsons, Richard and Audrey Zimmerman of Russell and Robert Zimmerman of San Diego, Calif. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; two step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Harold Bennett and his wife, Irene, of Pontiac, Ill.; a sister-in-law, Patricia Wakefield of Titusville; a brother-in-law, David Bruner of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Joseph R. Bennett, killed in Vietnam in 1968; a son-in-law, Kenneth O'Neil; a sister, Kathryn Voss; a brother, Carl Bennett; a grandson, Mark Alan Bennett; and a great-granddaughter, Lauren Daye. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home, 303 N. Washington St., Titusville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with Pastor Robert Wilson of the Seneca United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Titusville. Linda F. DeWoody, 68, of Fort Worth, Texas, formerly of Dempseytown, died Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, in Fort Worth, Texas. The Hile-Best Funeral Home of Seneca is in charge of arrangements. A complete obituary will appear in a later edition of The Derrick. Condolences to the family may be sent online by visiting www.hilebest.com Augustine "Gus" Ditz, 84, of Shippenville, passed away Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, at UPMC Northwest, Seneca. Born July 10, 1924, in Clarion, he was a son of the late George and Emma Hartle Ditz. Mr. Ditz graduated in 1942 from Shippenville High School. He served in the U.S. Navy as a radio man and was stationed in the South Pacific. After serving in the Navy, he went to work at Venus Motor. He left Venus Motor to become the superintendent of the machine shop of Glass Containers, where he worked until his retirement. He was a member of St. Michael Church in Fryburg. He was married on Aug. 20, 1955, to Elizabeth Fergusson, who survives. In addition to his wife he is survived by two daughters, Catherine Fredrick and husband, Rick, of Tylersburg, and Marianne Halford of Savannah, Ga.; and two siblings, Carl A. Ditz of Bethel Park and Emmylou Summerville and husband, Ray, of Fryburg. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Benjamin Fredrick, Johnathan Fredrick, Michael Fredrick, Heather Fredrick, Sarah Fredrick, and Faith Halford; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, George A. Ditz and Frank E. Ditz. There will be no viewing or visitation in accordance with his request. His wish was to be cremated. A funeral Mass will be held at a later date and interment will follow the Mass at St. Michael Cemetery. Faller Funeral Home of Fryburg is in charge of the arrangements. The family suggests memorial be made to St. Michael Church in Fryburg. Lillian B. English, 85, of 10 Reed St., Oil City, passed away at 4:17 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. Born Feb. 10, 1923, in Oil City, she was the daughter of the late Ruth Bickel Beightol and Earl E. Beightol. Lillian graduated from Oil City Area High School in 1940. She worked for Venango Newspapers for many years as a proofreader and switchboard operator. She later worked at Mellon Bank and retired in 1988 after 10 years of service. Lillian was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church of Oil City. She also was an active member of the Belles Lettres Club of Oil City. Lillian will be best remembered for her outstanding cooking and baking. She always welcomed anyone to sit down and enjoy a meal at her home. Most important to her was time spent with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time at "Ferncliff," her cottage located in Henry's Bend. She was an avid reader and Scrabble player and especially enjoyed working crossword puzzles. Her kids will fondly remember her incessant whistling. On April 22, 1946, Lillian married her high school sweetheart, T. Joseph (Joe) English, at St. Stephen Rectory in Oil City. They lived at Henry's Bend during the early years of their marriage and in 1960, moved to 208 West Third St. in Oil City, where they raised their five children. Lillian remained there until 2006, when she sold her home and moved to 10 Reed Street. She is survived by one son, T. Michael (Mike) English and his wife, Linda, of Henry's Bend; and four daughters, Carol Wilkinson and husband, Bill, of Oil City, Janie Dudzic and husband, Mike, of Seneca, Jo Anne Engles and husband, Tim, of Franklin, and Alicia Etzel and husband, Tom, of Newark, N.Y. She was lovingly known as "Grammy" to her surviving grandchildren: William J. (Billy) Wilkinson III of Oil City, Christine Wilkinson-Tumilowicz and David of Kaneohe, Hawaii, Michelle English and Scott of Oil City, Joe English and Jenn of Venus, Scott Dudzic and Mary Kay of Cochranton, Brian Dudzic and Jessica of Oil City, Patrick "PJ" Servey and Tamara of Winston-Salem, N.C., Megan Foister and Tyler of Meadville, and Amy Etzel of Pittsburgh, and step-grandchildren, Heather Daigle and Leo and Jason Engles and Shelley, all of Franklin. She is also survived by the following great-grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as "G.G.": Ryan Wilkinson; Jimmy Vogus; Jacob Pittser-Dudzic; Fisher and Indie Dudzic; Kawika and Kanoa Wilkinson-Tumilowicz; Brandon and Aaron English; and step great-grandchildren, Justin Foister and Madison Daigle. Survivors also include two sisters and their husbands, Ruth and Harold (Red) Rogers of Henry's Bend, and Shirlie and Robert (Andy) Anderson of Oil City; several nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law; and special friends, Libby Culbertson and Dorothy Goldberg. In addition to her husband and parents, Lillian was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Robert Beightol. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Belles Lettres Club or the Oil City Library. Rose R. Kroh, 93, of Ridge Road, New Bethlehem, died Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, at her home. Born Oct. 16, 1915, in Sigel, she was a daughter of the late Guy C. Raught and Adda C. Fiscus Raught. Mrs. Kroh was a homemaker and a teacher for a short time at the Templeton School District. She was a member of the St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Crates and the rosary alter society. She loved to crochet and was an avid reader. She was married to Leroy W. Kroh, who preceded her in death Feb. 2, 1995. Surviving are a son, Edward Kroh and his wife, Nadine, of Tappahannock, Va.; three daughters, Kathryn Pasquarette and husband, Carl R., of Grove City, Cynetta Bessetti and her husband, Richard C., of New Bethlehem, and Cheryl Wiles and her husband, Frank J., of New Bethlehem. Survivors also include 14 grandchildren, Clayton, Scott, Stephen and Bryan Kroh, Amy Caniglia, John and Tony Pasquarette, Joe, Dan, Brad and Gina Bessetti, Melissa Matenkosky, Mindy Traister and Melanie Longo; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Marie Stephens of Clarion. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Raught; five sisters, Wilda Raught, Anna Stahlman, Nellie Lohr, Madge Kahle and Ruth Slike; and two great-grandsons, Isaiah Benton and Beau Joseph Traister. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory, 330 Wood St, Clarion. Christian wake services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Nicholas Church in Crates with the Rev. William M. Laska as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Clarion Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Clarion/Forest VNA Hospice. Online condolences may be made on line at www.goblefh.net. Marvel A. "Marv" McCauley, 79, of Tionesta, died Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, at the Brookville Hospital, Brookville. Born Oct. 23, 1929, in Oil City, she was a daughter of the late Russell and Buelahbelle (Wagner) Anthony. She enjoyed crocheting, puzzle books and birds. She enjoyed watching soap operas, and especially enjoyed watching the Lawrence Welk Show throughout her life. She was married March 23, 1948, in Oil City to James W. McCauley, who survives. Survivors also include two sons, Eugene E. McCauley and his wife, Sue, of Utica, and Timothy J. McCauley and his wife, Sue, of Cherrytree Township, Venango County; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Peg Hazlet and Sheila Amsler, both of Oil City; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, William Anthony; and a daughter in infancy. Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m. today at the Norman J. Wimer Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Randy L. Evans, Clarion/Forest VNA Hospice Chaplain, officiating. Interment will be at Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens, Cranberry Township., Venango County. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be sent to condolences@wimerfuneralhome.com Sheri Arner Reynolds, 59, formerly of Rimersburg, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in Nashville, Tenn. Surviving are her mother, Nellie Ruth Arner of Rimersburg; a son and his wife, Ian and Megumi Reynolds; a daughter, Whitney Reynolds; two brothers and their wives, Jim and Linda Arner Jr. and Bill and Sheila Arner; a sister , Georgia Kay (Larry Underwood) Arner; and a grandson, Owen Reynolds. Visitation will be from 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral services will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Mrs. Reynold's residence, 1617 Fatherland St., Nashville, Tenn. The West Harpeth Funeral Home and Crematory of Nashville, Tenn., is in charge of arrangements. Shirley L. Sloat, 61, of Ron McHenry Road, Knox, passed from this life to life everlasting at 10:32 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. Born March 6, 1947, at Knox RD, she was the daughter of the late Warren C. and Emma Reed Shaffer. Shirley was employed at Sears Roebuck in Cranberry Township. She belonged to the Grace Evangelical Congregational Church at Ninevah, where she was an active member over the years. She enjoyed crosswords, crafting, puzzles and spending time with her grandchildren. She was married Oct. 8, 1966, to James L. Sloat, who survives. Also surviving are three children, James C. Sloat and his wife, Sherri, of Maryland, Michael W. Sloat and his wife, Dana, of Knox, and Shelly A. Sloat of Pittsburgh; four grandchildren, Jennifer Sloat of Maryland, Kyrsten Abdulaziz and husband, Tarik, of Maryland, and Emma Sloat and Levi Sloat of Knox; and a great-granddaughter, Ariana Abdulaziz of Maryland. Survivors also include three sisters, Irene Karns and her husband, Jim, Helen Dinger and her husband, Jim, all of Harrisville, and Rose Chambers of Longwood, Fla.; two brothers, Chester Shaffer and his wife, Lynda, of Knox, and Sam Shaffer of Polk; a brother-in-law, Edward Morrison of Emlenton; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Louise Morrison and Dorothy Kraft; and a brother-in-law, Dean Kraft. There will be no visitation in accordance with her wishes. Funeral services will be open to the public and will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Grace Evangelical Congregational Church in Ninevah with the Rev. Rick Osberg, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Starr Cemetery, Knox RD. The family suggests memorials be made to the Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, 2561 Grace Church Road, Knox, 16232. The David E. McEntire Funeral Home, 504 E. Penn St., Knox, is in charge of arrangements. Melvin H. Ward, 86, of Oil City, died at 1:35 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home in Erie after a brief illness. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and are under the direction of the Hile-Best Funeral Home of Seneca. A complete obituary will be published Tuesday in The Derrick. Additional information and directions are available and online condolences can be made at www.hilebest.com. Terrance L. Whitling, 61, of 209 Woodland Drive, Oil City, died at 12:21 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, at UPMC Northwest in Seneca. Born Jan. 20, 1948, in Oil City, he was a son of Merrill and Roselyn Gdanitz Whitling. Mr. Whitling was a graduate of Clarion University and the University of Toledo Law School and was a member of both alumni associations. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Mr. Whitling practiced law in Venango County for 34 years and was a support court hearing officer. Mr. Whitling was a member of the Venango County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He had been a member of the Florida Bar Association since 1995. He was a member of Masonic Petrolia Lodge No. 363 F&AM, Venango Lodge of Perfection, Coudersport Consistory and the Kiwanis Club. He was a lifetime member of VFW and a member of Izaac Walton. Mr. Whitling was a member of the Republican Party. He served on the board of directors for the Salvation Army and was solicitor for the zoning board of the City of Oil City and for Cornplanter, President and Pine Grove townships, Northwest Saving Bank, Franklin Credit Union and Brandon Cemetery. He was also a U.S. Postal Service mediator and previously served on Oil City Council. He was an Eagle Scout, a certified scuba diver, and a Minor League and Little League baseball coach. Mr. Whitling was a former member of the Christ Episcopal Church & Vestry and had been a past junior warden. He was also a former member of the DuBois Business College faculty. He was married on Oct. 23, 1976, to married to Rhesha Whitling, who survives. Also surviving are his parents, Merrill and Rose Whitling; a son, Nicholas Whitling and his wife, Chelsee, of New Orleans; a daughter, Tracy Whitling and her husband, Trapper Little, of Columbus, Ohio; and a granddaughter, Norah Little. Also surviving are a brother, Thomas Whitling and his wife, Anna Marie, of Laurel, Md.; a sister, Rose Potts and her husband, Jack, of Seneca; seven nieces and nephews, Ed "Mike," Chrissy, Melanie, Jack Ernest, Jenny, Abigail and Diana and their families. Mr. Whitling was preceded in death by a brother, Edward M. Whitling. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday the Christ Episcopal Church. Interment will be in Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to a charity of one's choice. Ruth I. Wolfgang, 83, of New Bethlehem, died Saturday evening, Jan. 31, 2009, at her residence. Born Feb. 13, 1925, in New Salem, she was a daughter of the late George Barthlow Himes and Nora Larue (Crissman) Himes. Mrs. Wolfgang was a homemaker. She was married March 14, 1942, to Howard R. Wolfgang, who preceded her in death Dec. 28, 1997. Surviving are a daughter, Diane Shaffer (Terry) of New Bethlehem; two granddaughters, Angela Burrows (John) of Ovieda, Fla., and Laura Aaron (David) of South Bethlehem; a great-granddaughter, Madeline Burrows; and two sisters, Dorothy Miller (Laverne) of Rimersburg and Jane Hinderliter (Harry) of Trenton, Mich. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, William H. Wolfgang on March 7, 2005; a sister, Twila Smith; and five brothers, Floyd Himes, Ervin Himes, Carl "Bill" Himes, James Himes and Paul Himes. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Alcorn Funeral Home in Hawthorn. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with pastor Eugene Barrett officiating. Interment will be in Westview Cemetery in Clover Township, Jefferson County. Getting it right - Nancy J. OBrien Memorials for Nancy J. O'Brien, 72, of Henrys Bend who died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, may be sent to Tiny Stitches Inc., P.O. Box 254, Suwanee, Ga., 30024-0254.