The Derrick, October 9, 2008: Marilyn Audine Hill Boyer, formerly of Oil City Samuel F. Cherico, Liberty Towers, Clarion Yvonne F. Gates, 351 Causeway Drive, Franklin John M. Guyton Sr., Millcreek, formerly of Oil City Robert Ray Heckathorn, 43 Rich St., Oil City Vance W. Lerch, 27 Lamberton St., Rocky Grove Dorothy J. Lindsey, 69 Venango St., Franklin John E. McDonald, 305½ E. Third St., Oil City Gerald A. Peth, Cropps Corners Road, Knox Rebecca Jane Pope, Liberty Street, Clarion E. Mae Rothen, Emlenton Betty Wilt, formerly of Franklin Getting it right - Mary Louisa Walker Marilyn A. (Hill) Boyer, 83, formerly of Oil City, passed away peacefully at 8:40 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, with her daughter at her side, in the Lake Anna Elder Care Home in Bumpass, Va., near Richmond. The Hile-Best Funeral Home Inc., in Seneca, Cranberry Township is in charge of funeral arrangements. A complete obituary will be published Friday in The Derrick. Samuel F. Cherico, 84, of Liberty Towers, Clarion died Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008, after a short illness in UPMC Northwest in Seneca. Born in Clarion, on April 20, 1924, he was the son of Tony F. Cherico and Sadie Sunseri Cherico, both preceded him in death. He was married on April 11, 1958, to Florence Louise Reynolds, and she preceded him in death on Oct. 8, 2005. Mr. Cherico enjoyed painting, drawing, ball games, working in the greenhouse, selling fruit and being with friends and family. He was the last survivor of his immediate family. He is survived by two sons, Samuel F. (Marybeth) Cherico Jr. of Philippines and Anthony C. (Debra) Cherico of Sligo; four daughters, Mary L. (Clifton) Rizer of Marienville, Elizabeth A. (Mark) Servey of Reidsburg, Patrice A. (William) McSwain of Reidsburg and Sadie F. Cherico of Ft. Collins, Col.; 15 grandchildren, Cliff, Robin and Christina Rizer, Jennifer and Angela Servey, Andrea, Tonya and Scott Cherico, Chris, Maribeth, David and John McSwain and Cassey and Matthew Deherrera; three great- grandchildren, Morgan Little and Monica and Kaylee McSwain; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one son, Michael Cherico; one grandson, William Servey; two brothers, Frank and Nick Cherico; and two sisters, Anna and Mary Ann Cherico. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory, 330 Wood St., Clarion. A Christian wake service will be held at 8:30 p.m. today from the funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday from the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion with Fr. Monty Sayers as Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Clarion. Online condolences can be sent to www.goblefh.net. Yvonne F. Gates, 86, of 351 Causeway Drive, Franklin, formerly of Taylor Street, Franklin, died at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 2008, at Sugarcreek Station. Born Sept. 21, 1922, in Altoona, she was the daughter of Raymond and Frances A. Rohrl Price. She was a graduate of Galitzin High School. She was a supervisor at Polk Center. Mrs. Gates was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church. She enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed music (piano and organ) and cooking. Mrs. Gates first married Cloyde Shope April 6, 1946, and he preceded her in death. She later married Leo B. Gates on Jan. 12, 1973, and he preceded her in death. She is survived by one daughter, Diane Ziegler of Franklin; four grandchildren, Michele Bennett and husband, Dennis, of Plano, Texas, Danialle Latshaw of Franklin, Jeffrey Ziegler of Oil City and Jennifer Reed and husband, Paul, of Danville, Ky.; eight great-grandchildren, Kelly Beers, Jason Beers, Keegan Reed, Dugan Reed and Zoe Reed, all of Danville, Ky., Cole Cassano of Franklin, Brandon Burger of Plano, Texas and Gina Burger of Plano, Texas; and a daughter-in-law, Sandy Shope of Franklin. She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Cloyde E. Shope on May 15, 1969, and Leo B. Gates on Jan. 8, 1979; an infant daughter; a son, Edward C. Shope; and a brother, Louis Rice. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Robert W. Gardinier Funeral Home Inc., in Franklin. A Christian Wake service will be held at 7:15 p.m. today at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick Church with Msgr. Herbein, pastor, officiating. Interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences can be sent online at www.gardinierfuneralhome.com. John M. Guyton Sr., 87, of Millcreek, formerly of Oil City, passed away peacefully at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, at his home, surrounded by family. Born July 4, 1921, in Oil City, he was the son of the late James and Madeline Karg Guyton. He was a 1939 graduate of Oil City Senior High School. Mr. Guyton entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1939. During World War II, he served as an airplane maintenance tech, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He was married June 28, 1952, in St. Stephen Church in Oil City to the former Teresa Schnepp. The celebrant of the nuptial was Mr. Guyton's brother, the Rev. James Guyton, C.S.S.R. While in Oil City, Mr. Guyton was employed by Oilwell Supply and Worthington Corp. At that time, he was a member of St. Stephen Church and sang in the male choir for many years. Mr. Guyton and his family moved to Erie in 1970, where he was employed by National Forge, Skinner Engine and Defense Contract Administration Services (DCAS), where he was supervisor of quality control operations. He retired from DCAS in 1987. He was a member of St. Julia's Church in Erie, and he was a life member of the Knights of Columbus in Oil City along with the American Legion, Sportsmen's and Siebenberger clubs in Erie. In his earlier years, John enjoyed traveling, hunting and playing golf. In later life, he enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles and socializing with his friends at the Sportsmen's Club, where he was an avid pool player. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Teresa; and his children, John Guyton Jr. of Tustin, Calif., Gail G. Feerar of Exton and Michael E. Guyton of Kalamazoo, Mich. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Kelli Feerar and Amy Feerar; his sister in-law, Virginia Dabrowski of Oil City; along with many dear nieces and nephews. Mr. Guyton was preceded in death by three brothers, the Rev. James C. Guyton of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Joseph A. Guyton and Richard J. Guyton, who both lived in Oil City; and two sisters, Mary G. Fritz and Esther G. Cotter, all of Oil City. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Brugger Home for Funerals, West 38th & Greengarden Blvd., Erie, and again from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at St. Stephen Church in Oil City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Stephen Church with Msgr. William C. Karg presiding. Interment with full military honors provided by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard will follow in Calvary Cemetery. The Reinsel Funeral Home of Oil City is in charge of arrangements in Oil City and Erie. Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Regional Cancer Center, 2500 West 12th St., Erie, 16505; or Great Lakes Hospice, 1700 Peach St., Suite 244, Erie, 16501. Robert Ray Heckathorn, 55, of 43 Rich St., Oil City, died at 4:50 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, at UPMC Montifiore in Pittsburgh. Born Jan. 5, 1953, in New York, he was a son of Frederick Ray and Elidrith E. Plyler Heckathorn. Mr. Heckathorn was a 1971 graduate of Oil City High School. He worked as an electrician and was a member of the IBEW. Mr. Heckathorn enjoyed playing tennis and using his computer. On June 16, 1973, he married the former Rebecca Lynn McIntire, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Christine Harbison and husband, Michael, of Tippery; two sisters, Sherry Cohler and husband, Lynn and Pam Daly and husband, Ken, all of Oil City; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Melissa Sue Heckathorn; and a sister, Linda O'Neil. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with the Rev. Larry Williams officiating. Interment will be in Rynd Farm Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association. Vance W. Lerch, 86, of 27 Lamberton St., Rocky Grove, died at 4:20 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, in his home. He was born in Franklin, on March 7, 1922, a son of Roy L. and Margaret M. Saunders Lerch. He graduated from Rocky Grove High School in 1939. Mr. Lerch was employed as a toll designer for the Joy Mining Company at the Reno Plant, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Rocky Grove and was a former member of the Rocky Grove fireman's band. He enjoyed photography, especially when using his stereo camera and also enjoyed working around his house and gardening. He was a "do it yourself" type of person with the ability to build, fix or repair anything. He is survived by his wife, the former Dorothy Ann Brown, whom he married on June 16, 1945. They were married for 63 years. Also surviving are three children, R. Stephen Lerch and his wife, Debbie, of Franklin, Sue Lerch of Rocky Grove and Duane R. Lerch and his wife, Linda, of Loveland, Ohio; one granddaughter, Maggie Lerch Donoghue and her husband, Dr. Patrick Donoghue, of Bloomington, Ind.; a step-granddaughter, Raeann Williams of Oil City; a brother, Harold E. Lerch of Oil City; two nephews, Edwin R. Lerch of Oil City and Roger Lerch of Rocky Grove; two nieces, Sheryl Lerch Smith Golubski of Fort Worth, Texas and Kathy Lerch Jennings and her husband, Ralph, of Burleson, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James W. Lerch. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Huff Chapel Inc., 312 W. Park St., Franklin. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. Ed Gresick, pastor of the Grace United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be made in the Franklin Cemetery. The family suggests that donations be made to the Grace United Methodist Church, 350 Front St., Franklin or The Visiting Nurses of Venango County, 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin, 16323. Dorothy J. Lindsey, 82, of 69 Venango St., Franklin, died at 4:13 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008, at UPMC Northwest. Born March 12, 1926, in Galloway, she was the daughter of George A. and Edna I. Rice Carson. She worked as a nurse's aide at Polk Center. Mrs. Lindsey was a faithful member of Fox Street Church of God. She was also a member of the Women's Society. She was an avid bowler and was a member of Wednesday Women's League. She enjoyed spending time with her family, crocheting, doing community service and attending church. Mrs. Lindsey married Chester Lindsey on Jan. 10, 1942, and he preceded her in death. She is survived by two children, Chester M. Lindsey, Jr. of Franklin and Patricia I. Thomas of Oil City; six grandchildren, David C. Thomas, Jr. of Oil City, Diana Fuller of Ithaca, N.Y., Melissa Ann Smith of Oil City, Kristi Vann of Bridge City, Texas, Marie Speicher of Lufkin, Texas and Rachel Brassine of Cary, N.C.; six great-grandchildren, Joshua Sjoden of Oil City, Maranda and Ryan Speicher of Lufkin, Texas, DJ Vann of Bridge City, Texas, David C. Thomas, III of Oil City and Gwyneth Brassine of Cary, N.C.; and one sister, Mrs. Flora Chutchall of Warren Robins, Ga. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brothers, Clarence Carson, Albert LeRoy Carson, George Carson and Earl Carson; and sisters, Marie Patterson and Velma Reagle. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be at Franklin Cemetery. The Robert W. Gardinier Funeral Home Inc., of Franklin is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences can be sent online at www.gardinierfuneralhome.com. John E. McDonald, 65, of 305 ½ E. Third St., Rear Apartment, Oil City, died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. Born Jan. 2, 1943, in Shippenville, he was the son of the late Alfred and Josephine Lenhart McDonald. Mr. McDonald attended the Cranberry Schools. He worked at the Seneca Lawn and Garden for 26 years. Mr. McDonald enjoyed going hunting with his family, also family get-togethers, watching television, and in his younger years, playing baseball and basketball with his family. He is survived by his loving finance, Helen E. Mott, of Oil City. Surviving are four brothers, Alfred (Al) McDonald and wife, Becki, Joseph (Bob) McDonald and wife, Sue, Arnold McDonald and wife, Kathy and George McDonald and wife, Vicky, all of Oil City; six sisters, Mary Lou Sharpe of Oil City, Dorothy Fross and husband, George, of Polk, Carolyn Richey and husband, Don, of Reno, Helen Chapel of Tionesta, Joann Chapel and husband, James C., Jr. of Orange, Calif. and Betty Jane Beddard of Washington, N.C.; one sister-in-law, Judy McDonald of Nashville, Tenn.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Edward McDonald; four brothers-in-law, Walter K. Sharpe, James C. Chapel, Sr., William J. Proper and Henry Beddard. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home with the Rev. Cassandra Wessel officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. The family requested that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Clarion Visiting Nurses/Hospice or to a charity of one's choice. Gerald A. Peth, 80, of Cropps Corners Road, Knox, Salem Township, Clarion County, died at 11:56 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, at UPMC Northwest following a brief illness. Mr. Peth was born in Slippery Rock, Butler County, on Aug. 17, 1928. He was the son of Thomas and Leona Kellerman Peth. He was of the Protestant faith. He enjoyed woodworking, working in his yard and the company of his grandchildren. He was a truck driver for many years, having worked for various trucking companies. He retired from Gardenscape in Emlenton. He was a United States Navy veteran. He is survived by his wife, Esther L. Eckel Peth, whom he married in Slippery Rock Township on Aug. 11, 1962. Also surviving is a son, Richard A. Peth, at home; a daughter, Tammy L. McGarvey and her husband, Arthur "Buddy", McGarvey of Emlenton; two grandchildren, Dani McGarvey and James "Jimmy" McGarvey of Emlenton. Also surviving are a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Thomas "Junior", Robert, Donald, Raymond, and Kenneth. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at Hile Funeral Home, 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday from the funeral home with the Rev. Karen D. Parsh, pastor of the Salem Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment will be in the Saxonburg Memorial Church Cemetery, Saxonburg, Butler County. Condolences may be sent to locallfamilies@hilefuneralhome.com. Rebecca Joan Pope, 80, of Liberty Street, Clarion, died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, in the Clarion Hospital. Born May 1, 1928, in Fryburg, she was the daughter of Matilda (Peach) Baker-Dennis. Rebecca attended grade school in Fryburg, followed by an all-girls school in Atlanta. She was married to Louis Pope of Pittsburgh, former owner of the Mayport clay mines and an accomplished jazz musician who preceded her in death. Sons Louis Pope Jr. and Sean Pope also preceded her in death. Rebecca traveled around Europe and lived in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Atlanta, as well as cities in Florida. As a young woman, she worked as a model. Later in life, she worked at the Cape Kennedy Space Center for CBS News and was curator for the Mel Fisher Gallery for recovered sea treasures. She was the owner of several bar/restaurant businesses in Florida. Mrs. Pope was a talented artist who painted wildlife and specialized in hunting dog portraiture. She was an animal lover who rescued and adopted many abused dogs. She is survived by a daughter, Sheila Kay Pope of Clarion. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory, 330 Wood St., Clarion, where funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, with the Rev. Monty Sayers presiding. Interment will follow in the Clarion Cemetery. E. Mae Rothen, 69, of Emlenton, died at 12:56 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008, at the Butler Memorial Hospital. The Hile Funeral Home in Emlenton is in charge of arrangements. A complete obituary will be published Friday in The Derrick. Betty Long Wilt, 80, formerly of Franklin, died Monday, Oct. 6, 2008 at Chester Regional Medical Center in South Carolina. She was the wife of Ralph Burton Wilt. They made their home at Palmetto Village of Chester, S.C. She was a native of Franklin, where she was a former member of United Brethren. She was a member of the Chester Church of the Nazarene. She is also survived by son, Bruce A. Wilt of Lancaster, S.C.; three daughters, Roberta Guntrum of Concord, N.C., Shelly Shaffer of Richburg, S.C. and Lori Wilt of Oil City; sister, Wanda Long of Franklin; eight grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Park in Rock Hill, S.C. later this week. Wright-Pollard Funeral Home is assisting the Wilt family. Getting it right - Mary Louisa Walker Mary Louisa Walker, 91, formerly of Oil City, died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008. She worked for the H.H. Robertson Company in New York City, until retirement.

Thank you, Ellis, for posting this obituary and for all the others you always do. If anyone has Vance LERCH's ancestry, I would like to know about it. I have some LERCH family information that I'd be happy to share. ~Blessings, Bev in Calif. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ellis Weller" <eweller@csonline.net> To: <PACLARIO-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2008 9:03 PM Subject: [PACLARIO] Obituaries, The Derrick, October 9, 2008 The Derrick, October 9, 2008: Vance W. Lerch, 27 Lamberton St., Rocky Grove Vance W. Lerch, 86, of 27 Lamberton St., Rocky Grove, died at 4:20 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, in his home. He was born in Franklin, on March 7, 1922, a son of Roy L. and Margaret M. Saunders Lerch. He graduated from Rocky Grove High School in 1939. Mr. Lerch was employed as a toll designer for the Joy Mining Company at the Reno Plant, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Rocky Grove and was a former member of the Rocky Grove fireman's band. He enjoyed photography, especially when using his stereo camera and also enjoyed working around his house and gardening. He was a "do it yourself" type of person with the ability to build, fix or repair anything. He is survived by his wife, the former Dorothy Ann Brown, whom he married on June 16, 1945. They were married for 63 years. Also surviving are three children, R. Stephen Lerch and his wife, Debbie, of Franklin, Sue Lerch of Rocky Grove and Duane R. Lerch and his wife, Linda, of Loveland, Ohio; one granddaughter, Maggie Lerch Donoghue and her husband, Dr. Patrick Donoghue, of Bloomington, Ind.; a step-granddaughter, Raeann Williams of Oil City; a brother, Harold E. Lerch of Oil City; two nephews, Edwin R. Lerch of Oil City and Roger Lerch of Rocky Grove; two nieces, Sheryl Lerch Smith Golubski of Fort Worth, Texas and Kathy Lerch Jennings and her husband, Ralph, of Burleson, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James W. Lerch. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Huff Chapel Inc., 312 W. Park St., Franklin. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. Ed Gresick, pastor of the Grace United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be made in the Franklin Cemetery. The family suggests that donations be made to the Grace United Methodist Church, 350 Front St., Franklin or The Visiting Nurses of Venango County, 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin, 16323. .