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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of Oct. 3

10/04/2016 10:34AM ● By J. Chambless

IRENE J. MEREDITH

Irene J. Meredith, 71, of West Grove, formerly of Kennett Square, passed away on Sept. 23 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

Born in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late William and Jane Allaband Meredith. Irene was employed with Kennett High School as a French teacher and retired after a lifetime of service. She received her master’s degree in French from Millersville University. She was highly involved in high-school theatre productions and Barley Sheaf Players. She enjoyed taking her class on trips to France. Irene loved anything French, teaching, children, her cats and all animals.

She is survived by one nephew, William Skibinski; and one niece, Samantha Meredith Bhujel. She was predeceased by a brother, William Meredith; and sister, Elizabeth Meredith.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


ARMENTA R. CARTER

Armenta R. Carter, 80, of West Grove, formerly of Darby, passed away on Sept. 22 at the Jennersville Regional Hospital.

Born in Darby, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Ruth Mayo Carter. She was a tax preparer, and a former councilwoman for the Borough of Darby. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Darby, where he had served as a past secretary. She enjoyed reading, she was a lover of butterflies, and an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan.

She is survived by one son, Duane A. Carter and his wife Cecelia of Virginia Beach, Va.; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral was held Sept. 30. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


KENNETH E. BARBER

Kenneth E. Barber, 80, of New Holland, formerly of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully on Sept. 27 at his home, with his wife, Janice, by his side and surrounded by his loving family.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Ruth and Roland Barber. He assumed ownership of Barber’s Florist of Kennett Square when his father retired. Ken continued to grow the business and create beautiful floral designs for more than 40 years until retiring in 2004. Ken and Roland’s legacy is carried on today by their family. He graduated from Kennett High School in 1954 and entered the United States Army. After serving three years, he was honorably discharged. He was a member of Hamorton Methodist Church, Kennett Fire Company, No. 1, and the Masonic Lodge of Kennett Square.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Janice; children, Michael Barber and wife Dawn of Mt. City, Tenn., Cindy and husband Tom of Wilmington, Del., and Brian Barber of Kennett Square; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers, Wayne Barber and Ralph Barber; and two sisters, Grace Groves and Fern Mackey.

Ken enjoyed visiting the flower shop, gardening, morning coffee with his buddies, driving neighbors and friends to appointments and the airport, and simply spending time with his family and friends. Ken was known for his outgoing personality, sense of humor and, most of all, his kindness and generosity. He touched so many and is loved by so many more.

A funeral was held Oct. 3. Burial was at Longwood Cemetery. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


MARIE ELIZABETH FUNK COULTER

Marie Elizabeth Funk Coulter, 92, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 27.

Marie was born in Embreeville in 1923, the daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin Funk and Elsie Lydia Cox. In her early years, she lived in Goldens Bridge, N.Y., and lived her adult life in Forestville, Kelton, and Oxford, Pa. A graduate of Avon Grove High School and Goldey Beacom College, she was employed by the West Grove Bank, the Chrysler Parts Plant, Bainbridge Naval Training Center, and DuPont Engineering at Louviers. Following retirement in 1985, she was employed by the Oxford Borough office as Assistant to the Manager. She enjoyed many years of volunteering for various organizations, was a member of the former Oxford Research Club, the Green Thumb Garden Club, and the Oxford Presbyterian Church. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William “Reds” Coulter; and sister, Margaret “Peg” Shortlidge. She is survived by son, Joseph Rutherford Baily III and his wife Linda of Pensacola, Fla.; grandchildren Kirk Lauren Baily and his wife Michelle of Kansas City, Kan., Lisa Marie Calligan and her husband Cameron of The Woodlands, Texas; nieces Hope Shortlidge of West Grove, Carol Shortlidge of West Grove, Joy Dolan and her husband Brian of Westport, Conn., Heather Shortlidge of Annapolis, Md.; and Margaret “Meg” Shortlidge and her husband Patrick of New Jersey.

Marie’s quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and extraordinary heart will be greatly missed. We will always love her more! A graveside service was held Oct. 3 in the Oxford Cemetery. Contributions in Marie’s memory may be made to the Oxford Presbyterian Church, 6 Pine Street, Oxford, PA 19363.


MARIE HANSON

Marie Hanson, 89, of Huntington Valley, Pa., formerly of Bensalem, passed away on Sept. 27 at Luther Woods Rehab Center in Hatboro.

She was the wife of the late Robert E. Hanson. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late John A. and Helen N. Kuser Haag. She was a member of St. Albert the Great Church, Huntington Valley. Marie enjoyed tap dancing, collecting teddy bears and traveling.

She is survived by one son, Glen Hanson of Feasterville; two daughters, Jean Gottel of West Grove and Donna Houlne of Philadelphia; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Terry Hanson; two grandchildren; one brother, John Haag; and two sisters, Helen Voegele and Dorothy Hansen.

A mass of Christian burial was celebrated Oct. 3 at Sacred Heart Church in Oxford. Interment will be in Florida National Veterans Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


EDITH W. MORAN PARSONS

Edith W. Moran Parsons, 92, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 27 at Oak Leaf Manor in Millersville.

She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, Albert O. Moran, Sr.; and by husband, Loy Parsons. Born in Sword Creek, Va., she was the daughter of the late Reese and Osa Reedy Webb. She worked many years in her mushroom business, and in her later years became a hairdresser. She was a faithful member of the Oxford Church of the Nazarene for many years. She loved cooking, baking, reading, and entertaining friends and family.

She is survived by two sons, Albert O. Moran, Jr., and his wife Louise, and Richard Moran and his wife Shirley, all of Oxford; one daughter, Patricia Todd of Hockessin, Del.; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Victor Webb of Elkton, Md.; and one sister, Thelma Howell of Oxford. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Hubert Webb, Clyde Webb, Homer Webb, Dennis Webb; and one sister, Zeola Shupe.

Services and interment were private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Hospice for all Seasons, 2741 Paxton St., Suite 200, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


MARGARET MARIE ORRIS TEEL

Margaret Marie “Peg” Orris Teel, 87, of Oxford passed away on Sept. 29 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of the late Harry N. Teel. Born in Skelp Level, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Lemon and Verna Bell Clevenger Orris. She was a member of Mt. Vernon Christian Church in Kirkwood.

She is survived by two sons, H. Nelson Teel, Jr. (Kelly) of Oxford, and David A. Teel (Sandy) of Dover, Del.; two daughters, Joanne Cheek (Skip) of Oxford, and Evelyn T. Alexander (Louis) of Oxford; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and one sister, Thelma Pearl Teel of Oxford.

Funeral services were held Oct. 4 at the Mt. Vernon Christian Church (One Lighthouse Dr., Kirkwood, PA 17536). Interment was in Little Elk Creek Friends Cemetery in Oxford. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Mt. Vernon Christian Church. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


KATHRYN MARY CARROLL HIPKINS

Kathryn (Katiey) Mary Carroll Hipkins, 38, of West Grove, died on Oct. 1 after a brave battle with cancer.

She was the wife of Douglas A. Hipkins, Jr., with whom she shared 11 years of marriage. Born in Drexel Hill, she was the daughter of Raymond Carroll of Casselberry, Fla., and the late Mary (Hackett) Carroll. Katiey was a 1996 graduate of Penn Wood High School, and also attended Penn State. She was a dedicated mother, friend to all, and a coupon queen. She enjoyed reading, scrapbooking and serving as a Girl Scout troop leader. Katiey was a member and Sunday School teacher at the Community of Love Church in Oxford.

In addition to her husband, and her father and his wife Lilian Casselberry Carroll of Casselberry Fla.,, she is survived by three daughters, Kiersten Hutchinson, Maryn Hipkins, and Rachel Hipkins; one brother, Ray Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Pleasant Gap, Pa.; two sisters, Lori Carroll of Woodlyn, Pa., and Jennifer Roth and her husband Steven of North Bellmore, N.Y.; and her maternal grandmother, Jean Hackett.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 6 at Community of Love Lutheran Church (117 N. 4th St., Oxford). Interment will be held privately. Contributions in her memory may be made to The Kate Hipkins Memorial Fund, PO Box 2, Cassadaga, FL 32706. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


JAY ROSS HENDRY

Jay Ross Hendry, 34, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 30 at his home.

He was the husband of Megan E. Curran Hendry, with whom he shared 12 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of Jay Edward Hendry and his wife Mary Lou Hendry of Philadelphia, and the late Kim M. Arnold Marsden.

He was known for his contagious belly laugh and as a true survivor, first overcoming stage 4 colon cancer at 24 years old. At 31 years old, he survived a severe traumatic brain injury. Being the superman that he was, at 34 years old, while recovering from his brain injury, he was diagnosed with a rare cancer again that he fought as hard as he could to overcome. He lived on borrowed time for a long time, beating the odds, and enjoyed every minute of it.

Jay enjoyed porch nights with his wife, singing to his wife and dancing in the kitchen while washing dishes, stereo audio equipment and loud music, bonfires, children (especially infants), driving, video games with the kids, go-karts, mini bikes and anything else with wheels, cold weather, being ridiculously goofy and making people laugh, tickling people endlessly, listening to comedy shows, animals, but most importantly, spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife, Megan Hendry; father, Jay E. Hendry (Mary Lou); three children, Gabe Curran, Kim Hendry and Brandon Hendry; four brothers, Josh Taylor, Matthew Marsden (Christina), Ryan Hendry and Nicholas Hendry; sister, Brittany Marsden; maternal grandmother, Virginia Traverse; father and mother-in-law, Patrick and Susan Curran; two brothers-in-law, Nicholas Curran and Ryan Curran; two nephews; one niece; and many aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his mother, Kim M. Arnold Marsden; paternal grandparents, James and Dorothy Hendry; maternal grandfathers, Herbert Arnold and Robert Traverse; and a niece, Miranda Curran.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Oct. 6 at the Sacred Heart Church (203 Church Rd., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be private. There is a reception at 1 p.m. on Oct. 6 at the Red Man’s Pavilion (114 Brick Rd., Oxford).

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Jay R. Hendry Children Education Fund, in care of Megan Hendry, 1786 Twinhouse Rd., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


CARSON L. TRIVETT

Carson Lee Trivett, 81, of Oxford, passed away on Oct. 2 at his Oxford residence.

He was the husband of Ruby Jewel Frye Trivett, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Born in Smyth County, Va., he was the son of the late Clarence and Katherine Hayes Trivett. Carson was employed with NVF for 20 years before retirement. He was a tree surgeon by trade. He was an avid hunting and fisherman, and loved to shoot in gun range tournaments and the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Donna Kay Trivet of Oxford, Lola Jean Boyd of Little Britain, and Julia Lynn Trivett of Oxford; two sisters; two brothers; son-in-law, Donnie Ray Mitchem of Oxford; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one grandchild, two brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 7 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


JOHN C. MERGES, JR.

John C. Merges, Jr., devoted husband of Fay Merges of Oxford, passed away on Oct. 2.

He is survived by his wife; two sisters, Florence of Arizona and Helen of Florida; three children, Valarie of Layton, Utah, Tracy and wife Barb of Avondale, and Kirk and wife Michelle, and their two children, Aiden and Seth, of Oxford.

John served two years in the U.S. Army on the island of Okinawa towards the end of the Korean War. He received a BA in chemistry from Penn State University and a masters degree in science from the University of Delaware. He worked on the Surveyor spacecraft solid rocket propellant while working as a chemist for Morton Thiokol. He changed jobs and worked as a research and development chemist and lube oil salesman for Sun Oil. He later worked as a plastics engineer for Brandywine Compounding and Smurfit Packaging.

John enjoyed cooking, orchids, flowers, gardening, antique farm machinery, and serving as the Ware Presbyterian Village Independent Living Residents treasurer and employee appreciation fund administrator. He was a devoted father and grandfather who was very proud to see his daughter travel the world, and to see his sons, daughter-in-law and grandsons volunteering at the Rough and Tumble Historical Association.

A memorial service with light refreshments will be held on Oct. 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Huntsworth room at the Presbyterian Village Oxford Health Center (7 East Locust St., Oxford). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ware Presbyterian Village employee fund. Please make the check payable to: WPV-PRESBYTERIAN RESIDENCE COUNCIL-EAF and mail to Ware Presbyterian Village, 7 E. Locust St., Oxford, PA 19363.