The Derrick, April 21, 2009: Wilda L. Amsler Beary, Marble Donald James Emberg Sr., formerly of Marienville Lois K. "Kate" Kost, Effingham, N.H., formerly of the Knox area Helen L. Oxenham, 108 E. Sixth St., Oil City James Leo Seely, Venus Irene Joyce Shreffler, Jal, N.M. John J. Woodall, 510 Oak Hill Road, Fairmount City Mass slated for Heinrich Lacina Wilda L. Amsler Beary, 94, of Marble, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2009, at Golden Living in Clarion. Born Jan. 28, 1915, in Marble, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin T. and Pearl Mercer Amsler. She was married June 26, 1942, to Vaughn L. Beary, who preceded her in death Oct. 3, 2000. Mrs. Beary was a homemaker and a lifelong resident of the Marble area. She graduated from Farmington High School. She was a 500 Card Club member for 50 years. Mrs. Beary was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Venus where she was a member of the Faith Ruth Circle. She also served on the Washington Township Board of Elections for many years as a clerk. She was an avid gardener and reader. Mrs. Beary is survived by three daughters, Bonnie Strandburg and her husband, Charles, of North Warren, Velma Zock and her husband, James, of Warren and Yvonne Klapec and her husband, Joseph, of Oil City; a son, LeRoy A. Beary and his wife, Janice, of Venus; a daughter-in-law, Joanne Beary of Venus; 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces of nephews. In addition to her parent and husband, Mrs. Beary was preceded in death by a son, Ora Beary; a sister, Ethyl Amsler Hoffman; and two brothers, Clair Amsler and Carm Amsler. Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Faller Funeral Home Inc. in Fryburg. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Faith Lutheran Church, in Venus, with the Rev. John Wood, pastor, presiding. Burial will follow in the Venus Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Faith Lutheran Church in Venus. Donald James Emberg Sr., 86, formerly of East McKeesport, Washington Township, Marienville, Monoreville and Allison Park, died Sunday April 19, 2009, at Family Hospice Center for Compassionate Care in Pittsburgh. Born July 4, 1922, in East McKeesport, he was the son of the late Edwin C. and Irene Flynn Emberg. He was married Aug. 19, 1944, in St. John Lutheran Church, East McKeesport, to Ruth Harriet Emberg, who survives in Allison Park. Mr. Emberg was employed as a band director and music teacher in New Kensington School District, Washington Township School District and East Pittsburgh School District. He retired from the New Kensington School District. Prior to teaching school, he was a professional musician, playing trombone with the Pittsburgh Symphony, McKeesport Symphony, Nixon Theatre Orchestra, Nixon Cafe Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera Society, Pittsburgh Symphony Pops, radio shows with the Bernie Armstrong KDKA Orchestra and with many dance bands in the Pittsburgh area. Mr. Emberg directed choirs at St. John Lutheran Church in McKeesport, First Presbyterian Church in New Kensington and Faith Lutheran Church in Oklahoma, Pa. For two summers, he was the music director at Camp Lutherlyn in Butler. >From 1966-99, he has owned and operated a band instrument repair shop, Emberg Music. Mr. Emberg belonged to NAPBIRT, National Association of Band Instrument Repairmen. He helped found and was the director of the AI-O-MON Tall Cedars of Lebanon Brass Band in McKeesport. Mr. Emberg was the music chairman and director of combined choirs for the Greater Pittsburgh Area Lutheran Evangelical Mission. He directed the choir for the 50th anniversary service of the Lutheran Service Society. Mr. Emberg was a school board director for four years at Kiski Area schools. While living in the Marienville area, he volunteered for four years with the Clarion-Forest Hospice. When he moved back to Washington Township in 1999, he played trombone in the Monroeville Senior Citizens Chorus "A Touch of Class." Mr. Emberg attended Carnegie Institute of Technology, Duquesne University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has a bachelor's of science degree and a master's degree in music. In college, he belonged to Phi Mu Alpha, Sigma Alpha Episilon and Delta Scull fraternities; glee club, Kilty Band; and was president of his junior class (1943) College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Tech. Mr. Emberg composed a number of church anthems, two of which were presented this past Easter season at First Lutheran Church in New Kensington. He was an avid gardener since 1966, sometimes with up to two acres of vegetables and flowers. Mr. Emberg was a member of The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Monroeville, fraternal member of the Olive Temple 633 AF & AM in Tionesta, Valley Royal Arch Chapter 289 in Export, and Tanored Commandery Knights Templar in Pittsburgh, Syria Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. of Pittsburgh. He was a lifetime member of the Pittsburgh Musicians' Union Local 60-471 and Pennsylvania Music Educators' Association. In addition to his wife, Mr. Emberg is survived by three children, D. James Emberg Jr. and his wife, Teddy, of Washington Township, Eric V. Emberg and his wife, Brenda, of Shephersville, Ky. and Lynn K. Purse and her husband, William, of Allison Park; and nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Emberg was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the majority of whom have musical talent. There a private visitation. Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Curran-Shaffer Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 100 Owens View Ave., Apollo, 15613, with the Rev. Dr. Eric D. Ash Sr. officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 1654 West 8th St., Erie, 16505 or the Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 50 Moffett St., Pittsburgh, 15243. Online condolences may be sent to www.curranfuneralhome.com. Lois K. "Kate" Kost, 64, of Effingham, N.H., formerly of the Knox area, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 16, 2009, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. She chose to make this journey from her home, which was her heaven on earth, with her husband and daughter at her side. Born Sept. 27, 1944, she was a daughter of the late Norman and Olive Hepler. She worked at Parker Glass until its closing, then at Knox Glass until moving to New Hampshire where she was employed as a property manager of Grenich Village Apartments in Dover, N.H. During her years in Clarion County she taught Sunday school at the Callensburg United Methodist Church and was an active den mother for the Salem Cub Scout Pack and the Boy Scout Troop. Over the last decade she had become a stained glass artist and her home is enhanced by many of these designs. In addition to her beloved husband, Kenneth G. Kost, she is survived by a daughter, Renee A. Thompson and her fiancé, Chris Kovacs, of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; a son, Samuel J. Best and his wife, Mary, of Taftville, Conn.; three grandchildren, Shannon Walters of Dover, N.H., and Bradon Walters and Justin Thompson of Knox; one brother, Loni W. Hepler and his wife, Linda, of Knox; and three sisters, Edna Heeter Riley and her husband, Glenn, of Callensburg, Freda M. Chilson of Emlenton and Lori A. Hepler of Knox. She is also survived by her former mother-in-law, Katherine Best of Callensburg; three sisters-in-law, Ruth Hepler of Knox, Patricia Stover and her husband, Owen, of Callensburg and Jeanne Montgomery and her husband, John, of Parker; four brothers-in-law, Floyd C. Chilson of Rimersburg, Ron Best and his wife, Linda, of Parker, and David and Paul Kost of Pittsburgh; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey O. Best, and a brother, Karl E. Hepler. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, in the Callensburg United Methodist Church with Pastor Rob Hernan officiating. Memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice of South Carroll County, PO Box 1620, Wolfeboro, N.H., 03894; Center Effingham Baptist Church, PO Box 146, South Effingham, N.H., 03882; or to a charity of one's choice. Helen L. Oxenham, 74, of 108 E Sixth St., Oil City, died peacefully at home on Sunday, April 19, 2009, after a two-year bout with cancer. She will be sadly missed by her family. Born Nov. 12, 1934 , in Oil City, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Edna Nuhfer Weaver. She graduated in 1953 from Oil City High School and was a member of St. Stephen Church in Oil City. Mrs Oxenham was married Aug. 30, 1958, in St. Stephen Church by Monsignor Kelly to Stuart J. Oxenham, who survives. They celebrated their 50-year wedding anniversary last August. She first worked at General Telephone Co. and later for Oil City Area School District, where she retired in 1997 as an administrative secretary. In 1954, she was awarded the Carnegie Medal for helping rescue a boy from drowning in the icy Allegheny River. In 1955, General Telephone Co. awarded her the Morris Felton LaCroix Award for Meritorious Service and Signal Achievement for her part in the rescue. A talented artist, Helen was well known in local art circles and exhibited and won numerous awards for her painting at the Transit Art Gallery, where she also volunteered and served on the Arts Council. In addition to her art and painting, she enjoyed reading, swimming, gardening, family gatherings, gallivanting with her sister, Sally, and traveling with her husband. In addition to her husband, she is survived by four children, Mark Oxenham and his wife, Colleen, of Montpelier, Ohio, James Oxenham and his wife, Gayle, of Oil City, Mary Gallagher and her husband, Bill, of Rockaway, N.J., and Michele Wice and her husband, Tim, of Seneca. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Brianne Oxenham, Alex Matzinger, Jordan McKown and Jessica McKown, all of Ohio, Renee Oxenham and Ryan Oxenham of Oil City, Ben Gallagher, Sarah Gallagher and James Gallagher, all of New Jersey, and Shane Wice and Carly Wice of Seneca; and one great-grandson, Zachery Stokes of Ohio. She is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Sally (Arthur) Dale of Ahrensville and Mrs. Beverly Strain of Franklin; several nieces and nephews; a special sister-in-law, Shirley Oxenham of Oil City; and a brother-in-law, Dick Oxenham and his wife, Sue, of Winter Springs, Fla. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Frances Schwabenbauer; and a beloved aunt, Mrs. Annie (Harold) Lerch. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Morrison Funeral Home in Oil City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Stephen Church with Monsignor William Karg presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen Church Second Century Fund, Friends of the Oil City Library, the VNA Foundation or the Transit Art Gallery. James Leo Seely, 70, of Venus, died at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2009, at Clarion Hospital. A private service was conducted at East Troy Cemetery, Hydetown. Irene Joyce Shreffler, 79, of Jal, N.M., entered into restful sleep Sunday, April 19, 2009, at Good Samaritan Village in Hobbs, N.M. Born June 9, 1929, in Zimmerman Hill, she was the daugher of the late John and Florence Asel. She was married June 15, 1951, in Rocky Grove to S.E. "Gene" Shreffler, who survives. They moved from Pennsylvania to Kermit, Texas, in 1952, and one year later moved to their new home in Jal, N.M., where they lived ever since. Irene was a devoted housewife and mother. She was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in June 1983, and continued loyal to Jehovah God the remainder of her life. In addition to her husband, she is survivied by one sister, Pat Cook of Erie; one brother, Lee Asel of Phoenix, Ariz.; and five children, Steven Shreffler and his wife, Linnie, of Richardson, Texas, Dale Shreffler and his wife, Chris, of Hobbs, N.M., Rick Shreffler and his wife, Kim, of Shamrock, Texas, Pam Shreffler Cole and her husband, Barry, of Las Cruces, N.M., and Kathy Shreffler of Las Cruces, N.M. She is also survived by five grandsons, three granddaughters, two great-granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Asel; and a sister, Ilene Asel Reid. Cremation has already taken place. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Woolworth Library auditorium in Jal, N.M. Arrangements are being handled by the Calvary Funeral Home of Eunice, N.M. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to an Alzheimer's charity of one's choice. John J. Woodall, 85, of 510 Oak Hill Road, Fairmount City, died Sunday, April 19, 2009, at Clarion Hospital. Born Jan. 24, 1924, in Conifer, he was the son of the late John Woodall Sr. and Nellie Catherine Plyler Woodall. He was married Oct. 14, 1960, to the former Phyllis C. Crawford, who survives. Mr. Woodall had been employed as a manager for Eaton Corp. in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a Protestant. Mr. Woodall was a member of the NBC chorus in New Bethlehem and the Walter W. Craig American Legion Post 354. He was a staff sergeant in the Army Air Force during World War II. John was a loving husband and a wonderful father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family. In addition to his wife, Mr. Woodall is survived by two children, John Woodall Jr. and his wife, Jean, of Tennessee, and Bill Woodall and his wife, Tina, of Fairmount City; five grandchildren, Laura, Shelley, Billie, Hannah and John; and a special friend, Macie. He is also survived by two brothers, Kenneth Woodall and his wife, Polly, of New Bethlehem, and Herbert Woodall and his wife, Ellen, of Richmond, Va. In addition to his parents, Mr. Woodall was preceded in death by his first wife, Ella Louise McGinty Woodall; a sister, Kathleen Wohlbaugh; and a brother, Edward Woodall. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Alcorn Funeral Home in Hawthorn. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joe Short, the church pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Hawthorn Cemetery. Mass slated for Heinrich Lacina A Mass of Christian Burial for Heinrich Lacina, a former Franklin resident, will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick Church in Franklin. Mr. Lacina, 92, died Nov. 22, 2008, at Lake West Hospital in Willoughby, Ohio. He had been living in Mentor, Ohio. Msgr. John J. Herbein, pastor at St. Patrick, will be the celebrant at Friday's Mass. The Huff Chapel, 312 W. Park St., Franklin, is in charge of arrangements.