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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of Aug. 31

09/01/2015 08:47AM ● By J. Chambless

STEVEN L. TINGLEY

Steven L. Tingley, 50, of Chatham, passed away on Aug. 17 at home.

He was the son of Edward W. and Thelma W. Tingley of Chatham. Steve was born in 1965 in Chester County. He grew up in West Grove and Chatham, and graduated from Avon Grove High School, class of 1983. Steve spent many years working in the mushroom business, and more recently in construction.

Surviving him, in addition to his parents, are his three sisters, Stephanie Swan of Huntingdon and her children Nadine R. and Michael C. Swan, Joy Tingley of Landenberg, and April Kellett or Nottingham and her husband Randolph W. Kellett Sr. and their two sons, Chase A. and Austin L. Kellett. He was proceeded in death by his maternal grandparents, Chester and Alma Weidner; and his paternal grandparents, Worrell and Verna Tingley.

Steve’s casket was hand-crafted by his lifelong friend Rick Bartholomew from the ash and cherry trees growing on his Vermont family farm, a place Steve loved to visit. Steve was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and explore, especially in upstate and central Pennsylvania and Vermont. The joy of his life was spending time with his niece and nephews. Steven had a lifelong love of dogs, and for several years Steve, and his beloved sidekick Pete, were inseparable, and a common sight in the area. Steve was outgoing and made friends everywhere he went. He was charismatic and entertaining, and could find humor in any situation. He was a foodie in the truest sense of the word, always eager to try new things. Friends will remember his many memorable dinners and parties. The world is a little less bright without him in it.

A funeral was held Aug. 26. Interment was at the Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In his memory, contributions may be made to the Chatham United Methodist Church, or the Huntingdon County Humane Society, 11371 School House Hollow Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652 (814-643-7387).­ Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

RAY D. STIKE, SR.

Ray D. Stike, Sr., 95, of Rising Sun, Md., passed away at his residence on Aug. 20.

He was the husband of Helen Talley Stike, with whom he shared 73 years of marriage. Born in Nella, N.C., he was the son of the late James Bartlett Stike  and Margaret  Roselle Stuart Stike. Ray was a mushroom grower for 25 years, retiring in 1984. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was in the Medical Corps, and helped transport wounded soldiers and prisoners of war from the South Pacific  to California. He crossed the equator 10 times. He was a member of the Porters Grove Baptist Church and the American Legion Post No. 194 in Rising Sun, Md.  He enjoyed gardening, activities at the church, and being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Ray D. Stike, Jr., of Elkton, Md.; one sister, Gladys Porter of Wauchula, Fla.;  one grandson, Joe Stike; and two great-grandsons, Tyler Stike and Dylan Stike. He was predeceased by two sisters, Virgie Lee Hamm and Helen Mae Stike; four brothers, Stuart Stike, G. Howard Stike, Ernest Stike and his twin brother, Paul Stike.

A funeral was held Aug. 26. Burial was in the Nottingham  Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Nottingham. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Porters Grove Baptist Church, 478 Connelly Road, Rising Sun, MD 21911. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

WAVE MILLER

Wave Miller, 80, went home to be with her Lord on Aug. 23 at the Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of Vance Miller, with whom she shared  61 years of marriage. Born in Troutdale, Va., she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Fay Duvall Miles. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed reading her Bible, gardening, walking, and being with her family and friends. She attended the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons, Rodger Miller and his wife Terry of Oxford, Paul Miller and his wife Patsy of North East, Md., and Walter Miller of Oxford; four sisters, Ethel Weaver of Quarryville, Edna Paisley of Gennessee, Reba McLimans of Oxford, and Blanche Newhauser of Onley, Va.; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers, Dale Miles and Glen Miles.

A funeral was held Aug. 27. Burial was in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the WMU of the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church, 303 W. Christine Road, Nottingham, PA 19362. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

CATHERINE CAREY RUOSS

Catherine Carey Ruoss, 85, of Kennett Square, died on Aug. 23 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

She was the wife of the late Vernon C. Ruoss, who died in 1988, and with whom she shared 40 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Richard C. and the late Rebecca (Gibson) Carey. Catherine was a longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square. She and her husband were once members of the Kennett Optimist Club. She loved traveling in their RV and going to Sea Isle City, N.J.  She worked at Tommy’s Sub Shop for several years while her girls were attending high school. 

Survivors include three daughters, Kathleen Borrell (Thomas) of Cochranville, Karen Ruoss of West Chester, and Frances Scholl (William) of Kennett Square; two sons, Richard V. Ruoss (Linda) of Kennett Square, and Michael Ruoss (Cheryl) of Kennett Square; 15 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by a son, Glen; and her brother Richard.

A funeral was held Aug. 27. Interment was in Longwood Cemetery.  Contributions in her memory may be made to Church of the Advent, 201 Crestline Drive, Kennett Square, PA 19348; or to Neighborhood Hospice, 795 E. Marshall St. Suite 204, West Chester PA 19380.  To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ALMA M. YOUNG

Alma Mink Young, 99, of Oxford, passed away on Aug. 23 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford, where she resided the last years of her life.

She was the wife of the late James C. Young. Upon their marriage in 1938, they moved to Pennsylvania and lived there the rest of their lives. Born in Grayson County, Va., Alma was one of 11 children, and the daughter of the late Stephen and Cynthia Pugh Mink.

She is survived by two daughters, Marjory Moran (Frank) and Sandra Paisley (Arnold); two grandsons, Michael Moran (Cathy) and Joel Paisley (Kristin); four great-grandchildren, Chastity Moran, Michael Moran, Madison Paisley and Cameron Paisley; and one sister, Edith Cavell Young. She was preceded in death by nine siblings.

Funeral services and interment were private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

KAREN M. BLACKBURN DUGGER

Karen M. Blackburn Dugger passed away on Aug. 15.

She was the beloved wife of James "Eddie" Dugger. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of James and Edith Hampton Blackburn. Karen enjoyed babysitting, and helping with children and other people. Donations in Karen's memory can be made to The Family of Karen Dugger, c/o Ruffenach Family Funeral Home, 224 Penn Ave., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.ruffenachfuneralhome.com.

DANIEL L. MELRATH, SR.

Daniel LeRoy Melrath, Sr., 66, of Colora, Md., formerly of Oxford, passed away on Aug. 24 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md.

He was the husband of Bernadette Ignatowski Melrath. Born in West Grove, he was the son of Harry Melrath of Oxford and the late Melba Bise Melrath. Daniel was a member of the American Legion Mason Dixon Post No.194 in Rising Sun, Md., Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2666 in Oxford, and the Terrace Athletic Club in New Castle, Del. He enjoyed gardening, going crabbing, working on cars and taking care of his beloved Babee.

He is survived by his wife; father; two sons, Daniel L. Melrath, Jr., of Oxford, and Travis Melrath (Missy) of Colora, Md.; four daughters, Erin Melrath of Colora, Md., Kristie Ganley (Ted) of Bryn Mawr, Lisa Sanchez (Miguel) of Atglen, and Tara Carrigan (Jeff) of Quarryville; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis Melrath (Dana) of Nottingham; and two sisters, Dawn Zunino (Joe) of Toughkenamon, and Dena Bedolla (Robbie) of Oxford.

A funeral was held Aug. 28. Interment was in West Nottingham Presbyterian Cemetery. He was preceded in death by his mother; and daughter, Kathleen Gehron Melrath. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Heart and Vascular Institute, 600 N. Wolfe St., Suite 524, Blalock No. 536, Baltimore, MD 21287. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JOHN G. TAYLOR

John G. Taylor, 56, of Conowingo, Md., passed away on Aug. 26 at Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Md.

Born in Elkton, Md., he was the son of Lois J. MacInnes of Rising Sun, Md., and the late Everett C. Taylor.

He is survived by his mother; niece, Amber MacKeprang (James) of North East, Md.; nephew, Josh Taylor (Tiffany) of Perryville, Md.; and half-brother, Scott MacInnes of Florida. He was preceded in death by his father, stepfather James MacInnes and brother Walter Clayton (Jack) Taylor. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ROBERT A. THOMAS

Rev. Robert Allen Thomas was born Jan. 31, 1934 in Norridgewock Maine. He was a loving father and husband and a devoted man of God. He committed his life early on to serving God and his fellow man. His ministry began in 1955 in his beloved state of Maine, where he was a pastor for 10 years. Reverend Thomas attended Bob Jones University, where he met his wife, Carolyn. He later attended Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He then moved on to pastor in other states, finally settling in southern Chester County. During these years he also made time to coach little league and basketball and start a prison ministry, praying with countless prisoners and helping them after their release. In 1980, his 11-year-old son died suddenly, redefining the course of his ministry.

After this tragedy, he felt called to the people of Haiti, and doors opened for him to build a ministry there. In 1983, Reve. Thomas founded a school for pastors, where he was tenderly known as Poppa Abraham. Over the course of 35 years, his ministry has expanded to include an orphanage and elementary school that continue to operate today. He shared his love for Haiti with his children and grandchildren who have visited and will carry on his legacy there. Even into his retirement, he continued to be a pastor of pastors and was involved in the ministry by serving as deacon at his local Baptist Church.

Reverend Robert Thomas was called home to Jesus on Aug. 27. He died at home, surrounded by his devoted family. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Carolyn; his brothers, Edward Thomas and Kenneth Thomas; and his sister, Marcia (Thomas) Curtis; as well as his children Rebecca A. Conolly, Robert A. Thomas, and Raymond A. Thomas. He was predeceased by his son, Steven C. Thomas, who passed away in 1980. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, who affectionately called him G-Pop, and 10 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held with family and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square), and from 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 5 at First Baptist Church of Kennett Square (415 W. State St., Kennett Square). A funeral ceremony celebrating his life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in London Grove Friends Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to First Baptist Church at the aforementioned address to support the Haiti Mission Fund. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

THEODORE J. HAZLETT

Theodore Jay Hazlett, Sr., 92, of Wilmington, Del., formerly of Kennett Square, died on Aug. 29.

He was the husband of the late Catherine Lynch Hazlett, who died in 1980; and the late Sallie Burke Hazlett, who died in 1996.

Born in Kennett Square, he was a son of the late C. Gilbert and the late Sylvia (Moore) Hazlett. He was a graduate of Kennett High School, attended Washington College and Goldey-Beacom College, and was a graduate of the Pennsylvania Maritime Academy. Ted served during World War II in the Navy/U.S. Merchant Marines. In earlier years, he operated and was part owner of Hamorton Fuel Oil Company. He was director of the Chester County Juvenile Detention Center, retiring in 1987. He was a life member of the Project Liberty Ship in Baltimore, Md., the American Legion post 491 in Kennett Square, and the Christian Sanderson Museum in Chadds Ford. He was a 50-year member of the Pennsylvania School Ship Association in Philadelphia.

Survivors include two daughters, Nancy J. Doyle of Landenberg, and Cindi Strengari of Kennett Square; one son, Theodore Jay Hazlett, Jr., of Wilmington, Del.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one sister, Mary Bob Macrum; and one brother, Gilbert “Bud” Hazlett.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 3 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A funeral celebrating his life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to Project Liberty Ship, PO Box 25846, Highland Station, Baltimore, MD 21224-0546. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

HELEN K. SHELTON

Helen K. Shelton, 71, of Oxford, passed away on Aug. 30 at Jenners Pond in West Grove.

She was the wife of the late Charles David Shelton, who passed away in 2010. Born in Sylmar, Md., she was the daughter of the late John P. and Zillah P. Grace Kennedy. Helen was a graduate of Oxford Area High School, class of 1962. She owned and operated Shelton’s Pallet Company with her son and late husband. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Charles David Shelton, Jr. (“Chuck”) and his wife, Lisa M. of Oxford; two grandchildren, Charles Aaron Shelton and Chloe Alissa Shelton; and sister, Linda K. Weaver of Oxford. She was preceded in death by a brother, Gerald Kennedy.

Visitation will be held at Edward L. Collins Funeral Home (86 Pine St., Oxford) on Sept. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Sept. 4, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Service to follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Lighthouse Youth Center, 245 Commerce St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

CARL D. PARRETT

Carl D. Parrett, 74, of Chadds Ford, passed away on Aug. 30 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester. 

He was the husband of Judy Gill Parrett, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Born in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of Margaret Bell Parrett of Chadds Ford, and the late Carl A. Parrett. Carl was a street light technician for Delmarva Power & Light in Newark, Del., retiring in 1998 after 28 years of service. He was an avid animal watcher, loved the great outdoors, enjoyed going to the beach, life in general, and being with his family and friends, especially his two granddaughters, Brooklyn and Hallie. 

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by two daughters, Darlene Parrett-Harris and her husband Jonathan of Kennett Square, and Denise Parrett of Kennett Square; two brothers, Joe Parrett of Chadds Ford, and Donnie Parrett and his wife Andrea of West Grove; one sister, Susan Plumley and her husband George of Kennett Square, and two granddaughters. He was predeceased by one son, C.J. Parrett. 

A visitation with the family will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the  Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250  W. State St., Kennett Square). His funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to The Chester County SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.