Charles J. "Chuck" Ward, Jr., 56, of Elkton, Md., formerly of Nottingham, passed away on Dec. 31 at his home.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of Theresa "Terri" Lancaster Ward of Nottingham and the late Charles J. "Bud" Ward, Sr. Chuck was a farmer and mushroom grower. He was employed with W.C. Logan and Son in Elkton, Md., as a heavy equipment operator for 17 years. He was a member of Ramblers Rest Hunting Camp in Potter County, Pa.
He is survived by his mother; one brother, Todd A. Ward of Nottingham; three sisters, Sharon W. Hall of Wilmington, Del., Jill W. Schroeder and Tracy W. Hickey, both of Jacksonville, Fla.; and nieces and nephews, Colton Ward, Cole Ward, Caleb Gilley, Morgan Kessler, Brandon Schroeder, Brittany Schroeder, Rebecca Germano and Jason Hickey.
Funeral services were held Jan. 6. Interment was in Nottingham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Andrews Bridge Christian Fellowship, 1873 Georgetown Rd., Christiana PA 17509. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Jane "Muzz" (Schrandt) Malone, longtime resident of Drexel Hill, and more recently of West Grove, passed away on Jan. 4 at the age of 94.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The (Carmelite) Monastery of Saint Therese of Lisieux (www.lorettocarmel.org/donate). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

James "Jim" Scherer Pritchard passed away at Park Lane at Bellingham in West Chester on Jan. 5 at age 81.

Born in South Weymouth, Mass., to Helen Scherer Pritchard and George Pritchard, he was proud of the fact his father was born in Scotland, arriving in America at a very young age. He instilled in Jim and his brother, Pete, a deeply rooted patriotic spirit and love of this country. Jim was a submariner on the Redfin during the Korean conflict. Upon separation from the Navy, he returned to the University of New Hampshire, where he earned a BS degree in agriculture with a major in agronomy, and met Shirley Fielding, who he married in l957. In 1959, Jim moved his young family to Wilmington, Del., to work for the DuPont Company in the advertising department, assigned to biochemicals, and traveled extensively promoting agricultural products, all the while building friendships. After many years with DuPont, he left to become vice president of marketing for Richardson, Myers, and Donofrio. After leaving RM&D, Jim was involved in numerous projects under the aegis of Pritchard Consulting Group, most notably a vintage tractor calendar business that attracted devotees near and far.

Upon retiring, Jim worked at Longwood Gardens. Throughout his life, Jim humbly faced many challenges and used his hard-won lessons to help others.

Jim and Shirley Pritchard raised their family in Kennett Square. For the last 25 years, they lived in West Chester, where Jim chaired several community committees at the Radley Run Mews.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley F, Pritchard, and their two children, daughter Jennifer Lynn Pritchard and her husband Charles E. Frye of Laguna Beach, Calif., and son Jeffrey Scott Pritchard and his wife Debra Groch Pritchard and their two children, Joseph Scott and Alexandra Lynn Pritchard of Millstone Township, N.J. He is also survived by his brother, Peter C. Pritchard and his family of Houston, Texas; and his brother-in-law, William Ashton Fielding and his family of Quechee, Vt.

A memorial service was held Jan. 10. In Jim's honor, contributions may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project at PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or The American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. To view an online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

Leroy Griffiths Piper, 74, of Cochranville, passed away on Jan. 5 at his home.

He was the husband of Lois Jean Reece Piper, with whom he shared 36 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Frederick Wilson and Bernice Helen Brown Piper. He was employed with NVF in Kennett Square, and retired after 25 years of service. He was a member of the Skerrett Lodge No. 343 F.&A.M. in Cochranville. He enjoyed vacationing in the mountains, going to auctions and flea markets, and camping. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He collected Hess trucks and antique oil lamps.

He is survived by his wife; five children, Debra B. Piper of East Fallowfield, Karen Souden and her husband Michael of Morgantown, Wayne L. Reece and his wife Noelle of Parkesburg, Barbara J. Piper of Parkesburg, and Joseph L. Piper of Cochranville; nine grandchildren, Amy L. Sherman, Arron Souden, Ryan C. Piper, Damian Reece, Brianna Reece, Gabriel Reece, Faith R. Piper, Michaela J. Piper, and Paige E. Piper; and three siblings; Wilson Piper, Sam Piper, and Frank Piper. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Donald Piper, Shirley Knotts, Harlan "Pete" Piper, and Winifred Phillips.

Betty Grace Harper, 70, of Avondale, passed away on Jan. 4 at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby.

She was the wife of the late James W. Harper. Born in Johnson County, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Zollie and Mary Edna Brewer Johnson. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Avondale. She enjoyed reading the Bible, spending time with her family, gardening, going to church and singing in the choir.

She is survived by three sons, Michael Harper and his wife Lynn of Kennett Square, Jeffery Harper and his fiancee Fanny of West Grove, Joseph Harper and his fiancee Carmen of Oxford; one daughter, Jeannie Potter and her husband Don of Oxford; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Monroe Johnson, Junior Johnson, and Orville Johnson; four sisters, Mary Harper, Judy Roark, Darleen Vanover, and Jeanette Lunceford; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister; Donna Lynn Johnson; and five brothers, Harold Johnson, Bobby Johnson, Harry Johnson, Dean Johnson and Paul A. Johnson.

George R. Gregg, Jr., 56, of Oxford, passed away on Jan. 5 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

He was the husband of Anita Callaghan. Born in Oxford, he was the son of George R. Gregg, Sr., of Oxford and the late Constance Ann Cunningham Stoddard. He was employed with General Motors at the Boxwood Plant in Wilmington, Del., retiring in 2000. He attended St. John’s United Methodist Church in Elkton, Md. George loved to spend time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife; father; one stepson, Matthew Callaghan of Oxford; two stepdaughters, Sherry Dicrecchio of Springfield and Amy Callaghan of Newark, Del.; three step-grandchildren, Emma Luszcz, Patrick and Carley Dicrecchio; aunt, Millie Gregg of Oxford; and two cousins, Sandy and Janie.