The Derrick, November 4, 2008: Esther A. Burkhardt, of Vernon, Vt., formerly of Franklin Donald Couch, Oil City Doris Fair, Sligo, formerly of Bruin Jami Gahr, Gateway Drive, Oil City Jean Jarzenski, formerly of 9 Wabash Ave., Oil City Bertha Kiser, formerly of Knox and Clintonville Terry Lee Marlowe, Rimersburg William H. McDaid, Tionesta Georgia McMichael, Naples, Fla., formerly of Franklin Mary Frances Schwabenbauer, 516 North St., Oil City Marguerite Yashinski, formerly of Jared Lane, Kennerdell Esther A. Burkhardt, 94, of Vernon, Vt., formerly of Franklin, died Oct. 30, 2008, at the Vernon Green Nursing Home in Vernon, Vt. Born Jan. 10, 1914, in Franklin, she was the daughter for the late Frank and Laura Burns Haggerty. She was first married to James Creasman and later married Arthur M. Burkhardt. Together they started Burkhardt Paving Business, which they ran from 1941 to 1962 in Franklin. They then moved to Florida and operated several swap shops and later a gift shop on Pone Lane in Franklin. For many years, they spent winters in Florida and summers in Franklin. After Arthur's death in 1985, Esther moved to Asheville, N.C., and began an alteration business in her home. She continued sewing until the age of 91 when she moved to Vernon, Vt., to live with her daughter, Carol. She loved being a homemaker and taking care of her family. She was happiest when she was cooking or sewing. Mrs. Burkardt is survived by a son, James Creasman and his wife, Sandy, of Hendersonville, N.C.; a stepson, Leonard Burkhardt and his wife, Gloria, of Port Charlotte, Fla.; a daughter, Carol Richardson and her husband, Larry, of Vernon, Vt.; a brother, Leroy Haggerty of Oil City; four sisters, Ruth McCauley of Franklin, Joanne Leskoske of Lexington, S.C., Jean Owens of Oil City and Mary Jane Andrews of Littleton, Colo.; 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur M. Burkhardt; a stepson Richard Burkhardt, a brother and two sisters. Mrs. Burkhardt will be cremated in Vermont and her cremated remains will be laid to rest next to her husband, Arthur, in Franklin. There will be no calling hours at this time. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the First Baptist Church in Franklin. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so may make memorial contributions in her memory to the Vernon Green Nursing Home in Vernon, Vt. Arrangements are under the care of the Ker Westerlund Funeral Home, 57 High St. Brattleboro, Vt., 05301 (www.kerwesterlund.com). Donald E. Couch, 89, of Oil City, a veteran of World War II, died Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008, at the Golden Living Center in Oil City. Born Sept. 16, 1919, in Oil City, he was the son of the late May S. and Joseph Couch. Mr. Couch was married April 19, 1942, to the former Roberta K. Elliston, who survives. Mr. Couch was the owner and operator of Snyder Brothers from 1946, upon his return from service during World War II, until his retirement from the business in 1991. He was in the Navy during the war. He served as chief petty officer with the Navy Seabees and was at Normandy on D-Day plus one. He graduated from Oil City High School in 1937 and the New York City School of Trades in 1940. While in New York, he was an accomplished volleyball player, winning the city championship for the YMCA in 1939. After his enlistment during the war, Mr. Couch attended Penn State University until returning to run the family business. Mr. Couch was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the former Oil City Club, VFW Post 464, the Bucktails and numerous professional and business associations. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed all kinds of sports. In his later years he drew special enjoyment from his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Christine Rea and her husband, David, of Oil City and David Couch; a grandson, Dr. Brian Rea and his wife , Elena, of Oil City; and his great-grandchildren Nicholas, Arianna, Bryn, Brian Jr., and Selya Rea. He is also survived by his nephew, Jack Weiser and his wife, Susan, and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Weiser, and his brother, Richard Couch. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, the Oil City Library the Venango County Humane Society or a charity of one's choice. The Goble Funeral Home of Clarion is handling arrangements. Doris Louella Guntrum Fair, 72, of Sligo, formerly of Bruin, passed away at 2:30 a.m. Nov. 3, 2008, at the Clarview Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, Sligo, following an illness. Born May 30, 1939, in Conneration, Madison Township, Clarion County, Ms. Fair was the daughter of the late Perrie A. and Della L. Peters Guntrum. She was first employed at the Riverside Market in East Brady and then Clarview Nursing Home for 28 years in the dietary department when she retired in 2000. She was a member of the Sligo Church of the Nazarene where she served on the church board as a steward. She enjoyed collecting teddy bears and china baskets. Her favorite pastime was shopping. Ms. Fair is survived by a sister, Twila Barger and her husband, Clair, of Parker; a brother, Russell King and his wife, Ruth, of Knox; a very special nephew, James Barger and his wife, Barbara, of Sligo; two special nieces, Kathryn Barger of Parker; and Carol Ann Craig and her friend, Don E. Wirt, of Rimersburg; two special great nieces, Jenny Lynn Barger of Sligo and Ashley Dawn Craig of Parker. She is also survived by a friend, who was like a daughter, Pam Deal and her husband, Allen, of Fairview, Butler County; a sister-in-law, Zelma King of Huey; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents Ms. Fair was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter King and Joseph King. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Richard D. Hillis Funeral Home in Rimersburg. Friends will also be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. John Panneton, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene of Sligo, officiating. Interment will follow in Bear Creek Cemetery in Petrolia. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sligo Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 72, Sligo, 16255. Jami L. Slye Gahr, 31, of Gateway Drive, Oil City, died unexpectedly Sunday, Nov.2, 2008, of natural causes shortly after her arrival at UPMC Northwest, Seneca. Born on May 31, 1977, in Oil City, she was the daughter of James W. and Marcia K. Smith Slye of Oil City. She was a 1995 graduate of Cranberry High School. She graduated from Clarion University with a master's degree in early childhood/ elementary education in 1999. For the past several years, Mrs. Gahr had been employed by the Franklin Area School District as a kindergarten teacher in the Utica Elementary School. She was an active member of the Atlantic Avenue United Brethren Church, and was member of various church committees. She was actively involved in Venango Youth for Christ and especially enjoyed spending time with her family. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Joshua G. Gahr, whom she married in Franklin on Oct. 7, 2006, and a 5-day-old daughter Jenna Leann Gahr. She is also survived by a sister, Michelle Hoovler and her husband, Jayson, of Oil City; her mother and father-in-law, Fran and Jeneen Gahr of Utica; two brothers-in-law, Jeremy R. Gahr and his wife, Kerrianne; and Jake L. Gahr; and two nieces, Elizabeth Hoovler and Alexa Gahr. Mrs. Gahr is also survived by both her maternal and paternal grandparents and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2751 Route 257, Seneca. Friends will also be received at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home up until the time of service. Funeral services will be at noon Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Gary Small, pastor of the Atlantic Avenue United Brethren Church, and the Rev. T. Christopher Hill, pastor of Oil City Free Methodist Church, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Venango Youth for Christ, 107 Bredinsburg Road, Seneca. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hilebest.com. Jean C. Jarzenski, 87, formerly of 9 Wabash Ave., Oil City, a former employee of Continental Can Co., died at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, at the Oil City Presbyterian Home. Born April 25, 1921 in Tionesta, she was the daughter of the late Ivan Zuck and Margaret Nicol Zuck. Mrs. Jarzenski was married Dec. 31, 1948, to Henry J. Jarzenski, who preceded her in death in July 1990. She worked on the assembly line at Continental Can until her retirement in October 1978. Mrs. Jarzenski is survived by a daughter, Donna J. Dolak of Austintown, Ohio; a son, Charles R. Jarzenski of Seneca; a sister, Violet Bickel of Florida; numerous grandchildren including Christine Russell, Debra Hollis, Kim Hovanac, Chrissy Hovanac, Charles Jarzenski Jr. and Sara Jarzenski; numerous great-grandchildren including Joshua Keibler, Meghan Russell and Tommy Rodgers; two great-great-grandchildren, Logan Rossey and Aidan J. Keibler; and a special friend, Marie Samol of Oil City. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Jarzenski was preceded in death by two sons, Robert Young and James Jarzenski; two daughters, Donna J. Young and Barbara A. Wert; three brothers; five sisters; a grandson, Randy Lawrence; and a great-grandson, Jeremy Hollis. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Hutchinson Funeral Home, 201 Bissell Ave., Oil City. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens at Cranberry. Bertha L. "Puss" Kiser, 81, formerly of the Knox and Clintonville areas, died Nov. 3, 2008, at the Clarion/Forest VNA Hospice House in Shippenville. A complete obituary will appear in Wednesday's Derrick. The William N. Rupert Mortuary, of Knox is in charge of arrangements. Terry Lee Marlowe, 56, of Acme St., Rimersburg, passed away at 12:20 a.m. Nov. 3, 2008, at the Clarion Hospital. He had been ill since July 3. He was born June 10, 1952, in Butler, the son of William T. and Edith Mae Walker Marlowe of Butler. He was a member of the Sligo Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder of the church and was a member of the worship committee. He graduated from the Slippery Rock High School in 1970 and then served with the U. S. Navy, receiving basic training at San Diego, Calif. He was serving the Presbyterian Churches in the Kiskementatis Presbytery as a lay pastor at the time of his death and was highly regarded by area church congregations. Until his health failed, he was the manager of the Trader Horn store in Clarion, holding that position since 1999. He had been a 27-year employee with Trader Horn. Mr. Marlowe was married June 6, 1987, at the Concord Presbyterian Church in Hooker to the former Robin K. Bowser of Bruin, who survives. Mr. Marlowe is also survived by two sons, Corey Roy Marlowe of Ft. Collins, Colo., and Scott Matthew Marlowe of Curllsville, formerly of Loveland, Colo.; two daughters, Heather Nicole Marlowe of Rimersburg and Melissa Brianne Marlowe of Rimersburg; six grandchildren; his parents, William T. and Edith M. Marlowe, of Butler; a brother, William Thomas Marlowe Jr. and his wife, Margaret, of Zelienople; three sisters, Kathy S. Buerkle of Butler; Diane L. Kemper and her husband, Regis, of Prospect; Wendy J. Hazlet and her husband, Dave, of West Sunbury; and 16 nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Richard D. Hillis Funeral Home in Rimersburg. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Stephanie J. Weaver, pastor of Sligo Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will follow in the Greenlawn Burial Estates, Mt. Chesnut. Memorial donations may be made to the Marlowe Children College Fund, c/o Robin Marlowe at S & T Bank, 410 Main Street, Clarion; the Kiskimenetas Presbytery Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 339, Yatesboro, Pa 16263; and the American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, 15205. William H. "Bill" McDaid, 66, of Tionesta, died Nov. 2, 2008, at his home. Born July 13, 1942, in Upper Darby, he was the son of the late Harry S. and Dolores L. Lewis McDaid. Mr. McDaid graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in February 1964 in Hershey and served for 31 years as a trooper for Troop C of Punxsutawney. He retired from the sate police in January 1995 and was serving as secretary of the Retired State Police Association of Pennsylvania at the time of his death. He earned a two-year associate degree in criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He served as a Boy Scout leader for Troop 82 in Tionesta for many years, and enjoyed fishing, hunting and time spent traveling. He also enjoyed his grandchildren. Survivors include his loving wife, Judith Rapisardi McDaid; two sons, William Russell McDaid of Lebanon, and Robert William McDaid of Bradner, Ohio; three grandchildren, Rose Marie McDaid and Grace Anne McDaid of Lebanon, and Mitchell Robert McDaid of Bradner, Ohio; a brother, Harry Russell McDaid of Norwood; and a niece and two nephews. Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Norman J. Wimer Funeral Home in Tionesta. A blessing service will be at noon, following the viewing hours, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Forest County Community Foundation Unrestricted Fund, P.O. Box 384, Tionesta, which was started by Mr. McDaid and his wife in December 2007. Condolences may be sent to condolences@wimerfuneralhome.com Georgia Cioppa McMichael, 60, of Naples, Fla., formerly of Franklin, died Friday, Oct. 31, 2008. Born May 4, 1948, in Oil City, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Agnes Dunlap Cioppa. She was a graduate of Rocky Grove High School and worked for 15 years at Quaker State in Oil City. In 1987 she moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she worked for Universal Oil until December 2005 when she moved to Florida. Ms. McMichael was a thoughtful and caring person who had and enjoyed many friends. She kept in touch with many of them, from her high school days up to and including her friends from Cleveland. She loved family gatherings, especially at Christmastime, and she could always be counted on to bring something different and delicious. Flower gardening with her special friend, John, was a passion the two of them shared. They spent many weekends planting and caring for their large variety of both perennials and annuals. They also loved and enjoyed their beautiful cat, Newman. Her family members noted they will miss her quick wit and beautiful smile and laugh so very, very much. Surviving are her special friend of 15 years, who lovingly cared for her until the end, John Dobrovic; her son, Rob McMichael of Naples and his family Danielle and her only grandchild, Charly, whom she adored. She is also survived by a brother, Joseph Cioppa; a sister, Peggy Lang and her husband Tom; two nephews, Randy Bell and his wife Lori and Rick Bell and his wife Karen; two nieces, Robin Bell and Roxanne Foster and her husband Don; two great-nieces, Courtney Bell and Nichole Bell; and one great-nephew, Corey Bell, all of Franklin. Her remains were cremated and her ashes will be spread over the ocean that gave her so much pleasure. Services will be held at the convenience of her family. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. Mary Frances 'Frannie' Weaver Schwabenbauer, 81, formerly of 516 North St., Oil City, died Nov. 2, 2008, at the home of her daughter, Kathleen Heckathorne, 740 Horn Road, Oil City, with whom she has resided since 2003. Born Nov. 18, 1926, in Blasdell, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Charles Mapes and Edna Nuhfer Mapes. She was later adopted by Edna's second husband, Walter Weaver. She was a 1944 graduate of Oil City High School. Mrs. Schwabenbauer was a homemaker, although at one time had been employed by Continental Can Company and Venango Newspapers. Her hobbies included watching Lifetime television; bingo, where she was a regular Saturday night player at St. Stephen School for dozens of years; and card playing. She was an active member of a 500 Card Club since 1940 until her recent ill health forced her to abandon this passion. She was married Aug. 11, 1945, in St. Stephen Church in Oil City by the Rev. Fr. Louis J. Kelly to Harry E. "Sheik" Schwabenbauer Jr., who preceded her in death on Aug. 10, 2002. Mrs. Schwabenbauer was a member of St. Stephen Church and regularly attended the 7:30 a.m. Sunday Mass with her husband. She was also a member of the Altar Rosery Society. Surviving are two children, Kathleen Heckathorne and her husband, David, of Oil City; and David C. Schwabenbauer and his wife, Jean, of Oil City. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Stephen and Michael Schwabenbauer, and Kylie Heckathorne and Kelcie Heckathorne, who was a loving caregiver to her grandmother since her declining health made it impossible for her to do her daily activities. She is also survived by three sisters, Sally Dale and her husband, Arthur, of Oil City; Helen Oxenham and her husband, Stuart, of Oil City; and Beverly Strain of Franklin. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Schwabenbauer was preceded in death by a son, Larry D. Schwabenbauer, on Jan. 26, 2004, and a very special aunt, Anne Faller Lerch in November 2004. There will be no public viewing or visitation. She will be buried beside her beloved husband at Calvary Cemetery. The Morrison Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family asks that memorials be made to St Stephen Church or Venango Catholic High School. Marguerite W. "Peggy" Yashinski, 85, formerly of Jared Lane in Kennerdell, died at 12:55 p.m. Nov. 3, 2008, at the home of her sister at 4345 SR 417, Dempseytown. Born Aug. 26, 1923, in Titusville, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Katherine Kelley Kirkwood. She grew up in Kaneville area and was a 1940 graduate of Oil City Senior High School. Mrs. Yashinski was of the Catholic faith and had attended St. Venantius Church in Rouseville in earlier years. She was a homemaker and during World War II, she was employed by the Continental Can Co. She was married on Sept. 13, 1947 in St. Venantius Church to Anthony R. Yashinski who preceded her in death on Aug. 14, 2007. They met each other while working at the can company. Mrs. Yashinski is survived by a sister, Carol Smalley and her husband, James, of Depmseytown; two sisters-in-law, Delores Struss and Mary Lou Gutowski of Oil City; several nieces and nephews including, Cindy and Eric Finnefrock; Jami and David Smail; Greg and Audrey Smalley; Mark and Debi Smalley; Debi Masters; and Lee and Teresa Belfiore. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Yashinski was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Kirkwood and his wife, Betty; and in-laws, Dorothy and Honey Belfiore, Jim Struss, Ray Gutowski and Cecelia Miller. Private visitation and funeral services will take place at the convenience of the family with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, pastor of St. Stephen Church, presiding. Interment will follow in Rynd Farm Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VNA Hospice of Venango County, 491 Allegheny Blvd. Franklin. The Reinsel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com.