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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of Jan. 9

01/10/2017 09:06AM ● By J. Chambless

DAVID DOUGLAS MOOBERRY

David Douglas Mooberry, 88, died on Jan. 1 at his home in Kendal at Longwood in Kennett Square.

He was born in 1928 in Denver, but moved to Chicago in 1932. He was unfortunate in growing up almost in the shadow of Wrigley field and thus becoming a Cubs fan, and suffered decades of disappointment. But now!

Dave graduated from Grinnell College in 1950 and from Purdue University, with a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, in 1954. In 1953, he married FM Gilpin and they enjoyed 62 years of life together before she died in 2015. FM and Dave moved east in 1954, where Dave joined the DuPont Company. A 34-year career at DuPont provided unlimited opportunities leading away from the laboratory to such activities as running the “Prettiest Legs at the 1964 Worlds Fair” contest, and exploring for oil and gas in a joint venture with Conoco. His career provided the chance to share life with a host of wonderful companions.

After retirement, Dave from DuPont and FM from The Brandywine Conservancy, they traveled the world. FM also continued her commitment to native plants and Dave expanded his sailing adventures, amassing some 25,000 offshore miles spanning from Nova Scotia to Bermuda, and south to the Caribbean and Honduras. A mostly constant crew of dedicated, fun and capable friends often included his son, Doug. They did win their share of races.

FM and Dave were among the founders of Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research in 1976, and Dave was on the Board of Directors and President for many years. There was also fun with sailplanes. The arts were not to be missed, and he enjoyed and served on the boards of The Kennett Symphony and People’s Light & Theatre Company. Somewhere in there was time for trips to Alaska fly-fishing for rainbows and silver salmon.

A daughter, Susan (now a respected cancer researcher), and son, Douglas (you may have some Kinloch furniture), made for a fun and loving family that was joined by daughter-in-law Pat Pusey and son-in-law Greg Paterson, and soon two handsome granddaughters and two brilliant grandsons -- or is it the other way around?

A memorial service will be held in the spring at Kendal at Longwood. Memorial contributions in his memory may be sent to Kendal at Longwood for The Natural Areas Fund or the Reserve Fund, PO Box 100 Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


MARY GOUGE MILLER DAVIDSON

Mary Gouge Miller Davidson, 97, of Oxford, went to her rest on Dec. 30 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of the late Lester William Miller, who died in 1959, with whom she shared 13 years of marriage, and the late Charles Davidson, who died in 1999, with whom she shared 35 years of marriage.

Born in Jonesboro, Tenn., she was a daughter of the late West Grove dairy farmer David Gouge and the late Abbie (Tipton) Gouge. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Leota Miller of Tennessee, and Elsie Mae Kilby of Kelton, Pa.; four brothers, Hoy Gouge, Nelson Gouge and Geter Gouge, all of West Grove; and Lonza Gouge of Delaware. She is survived by her son, Howard Lee Miller, and his wife Barbara Lea of West Grove; one granddaughter, Trisha Lea Coe of Wakefield, Pa.; and three great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Michael Coe, Luther Charles Coe and Samantha Lea Coe, all of West Grove; as well as many nieces and nephews.

During Mary’s early years, her brothers would frequently bring home fish and game for the girls of the house to prepare for dinner. This resulted in Mary and Elsie becoming excellent cooks. Their holiday feasts will be missed by all who were lucky enough to enjoy them. The family was never able to determine who made the best pies. Mary began her working career with the West Grove Knitting Mills and retired many years later from NVF Company in Kennett Square. She never strayed from her farming background and enjoyed her huge vegetable garden and flower beds until her age and health required her to move to Ware Presbyterian Village. She was a longtime, dedicated member of the Kelton Church of Christ.

A funeral was held Jan. 5. Interment was in Union Hill Cemetery, Kennett Square. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


KIM LOUISE RINGLER

Kim Louise Ringler, age 60, of West Grove, died on Dec. 22 at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was the wife of Tom Wurm, with whom she shared 38 years of marriage. Born in Abington, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Warren E. Ringler Jr. and Delores (Mattern) Ringler of Elizabethtown, Pa. Kim earned her bachelor’s degree in library science and English from Shippensburg State College, and her master’s degree in library information systems from the University of Pittsburgh. She was the director of the Avon Grove Library for over 22 years. She helped lead the move from the older downtown location to the new facility. She was also a talented artist, exercised regularly and loved doing genealogy.

Survivors include, in addition to her mother and husband, two sons, Tim A. Wurm of West Grove, and Tom A. Wurm of Murphy, N.C.; one daughter, Erica L. Wurm of Bainbridge, Pa.; one brother, Warren Ringler III and his wife Marilyn of Springfield, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). A service celebrating her life will follow at 11 a.m. Inurnment will be in Union Hill Cemetery, Kennett Square. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Avon Grove Library. Make checks payable to Avon Grove Library and mail to117 Rosehill Avenue, West Grove, PA 19390. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


LAURIE ANNE SICKO-SZOKE

Laurie Anne Sicko-Szoke, 59, of Kennett Square, died on Dec. 24 at Pembrooke Health & Rehabilitation Center in West Chester, after a battle with renal failure and multiple myeloma.

Born in Hoosick Falls, N.Y., and raised in Niskayuna, N.Y., she was the beloved daughter of the late John and the late Laura (Eycleshimer) Sicko, and stepdaughter of the late Suzanne (Randals) Sicko.

She graduated from the State University of New York Oneonta and went on to work at the Wolfeboro School System in New Hampshire as a teacher. She then worked as the Director of Outreach Programs for the Silver Bay YMCA, located in the Adirondack Mountains, for many years and never lost her love for the area. She served as an extension educator with Penn State Extension Chester County since 1985 and made a difference in many lives throughout Chester County. During her career, Laurie worked with volunteers, leaders in business and industry and interagency networks to secure a funding base that has raised significant financial resources to expand 4-H programs for under-served and under-represented youth in Chester County. Laurie was a recipient of many awards and recognitions. Her kindness and positive energy touched many lives. She was an advocate for holistic healing, and taught yoga and fitness classes. 

She was predeceased by her life partner, Juan Avila, in 2007. She is survived by Juan’s son, Anawim and Allegra Avila and their children, Ava, Ora, Camellia and Vera; her spirit daughters, Maria Navarrete-Olvera and Elizabeth Garduno; her sister, Stephanie O’Neil and her husband Brian; their children Liam, Madeleine, Maeve and Genevieve; one brother, John Sicko; a stepbrother, Will Randals and his wife Mercedes; a stepsister, Margaret Kotes and her husband John, and their children, Emma, Julia, and Molly; and her cousin Joy Plumme.

A celebration of life was held Jan. 5. Contributions in her memory may be made to Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family visit www.griecocares.com.


KATHRYN L. MARTINEZ

Kathryn L. "Kitten" Martinez, 54, of West Grove, passed away peacefully on Dec. 29 at Suburban Community Hospital, surrounded by her family.

She was the wife of Hector Martinez, with whom she shared 40 wonderful years. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Bessie Walker. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, she loved doing her crafts, listening to music, and cuddling her cat, but most of all her she had a special love for her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband; daughter Carmen Martinez (Eddie Padillia) of West Grove; son, Hector Martinez Jr. (Beckie Martinez) of Wilmington, Del.; and ten grandchildren, Izac, Arianna, Cazi, Kirin, Romeo, Xavier, Malaysia, Robbie, Madalyn, and Analeasea.

Funeral services were held Jan. 4. Interment was in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


RICHARD L. VAN NORMAN, SR.

Richard L. Van Norman, Sr., 86, of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 30 at home.

He was the husband of Alice (Becky) Van Norman. Born in Bethlehem, Pa., he was the son of the late Ralph and Mary E. Geary Van Norman. Richard lived most of his life in Oxford. He was a member of the Union Operator Engineers of Baltimore. He was also employed as a carpenter, mushroom grower and farmer. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, and going to sales and auctions.

He is survived by his wife; three sons, Richard L. Van Norman, Jr. of Lancaster, Jason Droz (Rachel) and Robert Droz, all of Oxford; two daughters, Lois Miller of West Chester and Mary Ibrahim (Rey) of Oxford; 13 grandchildren, Lizzy Carns, Lexy, Jessica, Tristan, Braiden Droz, Alex Powell, Megan Ibrahim, Gabby Ibrahim, Sarah Sivels, Matt Wilson, Rob Pryor, Chris Wilson and Kathy Fischer; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Eugene Van Norman; and daughter, Wanda Wilson.

Funeral services were held Jan. 5. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


ROSE MARTELLI ANDERSON

Rose Martelli Anderson, 87, of Kennett Square, passed away on Jan. 1 at the Jennersville Regional Hospital.

She was the wife of Edward R. Anderson, who passed away in 1976, and with whom she shared 21 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Luca and Josephine Galante Martelli. She was a secretary at Lau Electronics in Kennett Square for 20 years, retiring in the late 1990s. Prior to working at Lau Electronics, she had worked for Bell Telephone Company, Pocopson Home, the Unionville Inn and Connor’s Pharmacy. Rose enjoyed cooking, helping others, making others laugh, and being with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by two sons, Roy Anderson and his wife Pamela of Kennett Square, and Edward R. Anderson, Jr. of Collegeville; two daughters, Josephine Clay and her husband Don of Elkton, Md., and Genevieve Byrne and her husband Gary of Springfield, Pa.; one brother, James Martelli of Downingtown; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Rose was predeceased by two brothers, Anthony Martelli and Daniel Martelli; and two sisters, Gilda Raffaele and Louise Falcone.

A funeral was held Jan. 7. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


EDITH WISE KEGG

Edith Wise Kegg, 91, of Kennett Square, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 2 at home, surrounded by many of her family.

Born and raised near Delta, Pa., Edie was the daughter of the late Walter A. and Clara (Wiley) Wise. She graduated from Delta High School in 1940 at the age of 15 and enrolled at Shippensburg State Teacher’s College. She majored in business education and taught business subjects for 26 years, four at Kennett High School and 22 at Unionville High School. Edie and her husband, Ray, were founding members of Willowdale Chapel, where she was an active member all her adult life. After retiring in 1981, Edie and Ray enjoyed spending many winters in their motor home in Florida. Edie also delighted in gardening, reading, serving her Lord Jesus and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Edie is survived by her loving husband, Raymond E. Kegg, with whom she celebrated 70 years of marriage on Aug. 17, 2016. She is also survived by one brother, Wilmer E. Wise and his wife Isabel; her children, Alan L. Kegg and his wife Jean of Hatfield, Pa., Joyce E. Pinkham and her husband John of Middletown, N.J., Larry R. Kegg and his wife Carolof Chesapeake, Va., Linda R. Vavro and her husband Jeffery of Strongsville, Ohio, and Karen A. Hess and her husband Ray of Kennett Square; 15 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers, Paul W. Wise and W. Ross Wise; and her sister, Ruth King.

A celebration of Edie’s life was held Jan. 6 at Willowdale Chapel. Memorial gifts may be made to Willowdale Chapel, 111 Marshall Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


CHARLES A. BLAKEY

Charles A. Blakey, 75, of Oxford, passed away on Jan. 4 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

He was the husband of Janet Pollock Blakey, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. Born in Darby, Pa., he was the son of the late Charles A., Sr. and Florence Schank Blakey. Charles was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was employed for 25 years as a welder for Sun Ship in Chester. Charles retired in 2008 after 14 years of service with Goodhart Sons, Inc., in Lancaster. He was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Oxford. Charles enjoyed gardening.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Eric C. Blakey (Kathy) of Wilmington, Del.; two daughters, Eileen E. Blakey of Smyrna, Del., and Carrie N. Meyer (Steve) of Pittsburgh; three grandchildren, Antoinette Vass (Micah) of Bear, Del., Kevin Blakey and William Blakey, both of Oxford; two great-grandchildren, Jeremy Vass and Austin Vass; and two sisters, Mary Corbi of Clifton Heights and Bonnie Razzi of Upper Darby. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ellen M. Blakey.

Funeral services were held Jan. 7. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Bethany Christian School, 1137 Shadyside Rd., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


KAREN L. SLOAN

Karen L. Sloan, 68, of Millsboro, Del., formerly of West Grove, passed away on Jan. 3 at the Suburban Community Hospital.

She was the wife of William M. Sloan, with whom she shared 18 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late George and Lorraine Bell Lindecamp. Karen was a waitress at Kendal at Longwood for 20 year, retiring in 1999. She was member of the West Grove United Methodist Church. Karen enjoyed doing word search puzzles, watching the ponies at Assateague Island, sitting on the beach with her feet in the ocean, cookouts for the neighbors, and being with her family and friends. She was known for making cinnamon buns at Christmas and giving them to her family and friends.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Michael P. Ford of Atlanta, Ga.; one daughter, Jennifer L. Rodriguez of Atlanta, Ga.; one brother, Robert Lindecamp (Gary Webb) of Fenwick Island, Del.; and seven grandchildren. She was predeceased by one brother, George Lindecamp.

Her memorial service was held Jan. 10. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the West Grove United Methodist Church, 300 N. Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


ALBERT E. FRANK, JR.

Albert E. Frank, Jr., 79, of Cochranville, passed away on Jan. 5 at his residence.

He was the husband of Elizabeth “Jane “ Miller Frank, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Born in Darby, Pa., he was the son of the late Albert E. Frank, Sr., and the late Elizabeth Mills Frank. He was a self-employed mechanic, operating Al Frank Truck Repair. He had, in earlier years, worked for Airborne Air Freight and Charlie Frank Excavating. In the past five years, he operated a van service, working for the Amish community, which he greatly enjoyed and where he made a lot of new friends. He was a 25-year member of the Avon Grove Lions Club, where he had served as a past president. Al enjoyed volunteering at the Avon Grove Lions Club, refurbishing tractors, tinkering in his shop and the outdoors.

In addition to his wife, Al is survived by two daughters, Debora J. Young and her husband Steve of London Grove, and Linda Frank-Funk and her husband Rick of Valley Lee, Md.; two sisters, Marie Miller and Carol Walker, both of Virginia; two brothers, George Frank of New Providence, Pa., and Fred Frank of Chestertown, Md.; three grandchildren, Samantha Wood, Daniel Hilferty and John Hilferty; one great-grandson, Steven Miller; and two special friends, Doug Miller of Estes Park, Colo., and Mark Wilson of Christiana, Pa. He was predeceased by one son, Albert E. Frank, III, who passed away in March, 2016; two brothers, Charles Frank and Edward Frank; and one son-in-law, John Hilferty.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 14 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His funeral service will follow at 4:30 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Avon Grove Lions Club, 600 North Baker Station Road, West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.


ROBERT STUART SWANSON, SR.

Robert Stuart Swanson, Sr., 94, of Kennett Square passed away on Jan. 4 at Jennersville Regional Hospital.

He was the husband of Marian Jones Swanson, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage. Born in Stratford, N.J., he was the son of the late John and Joan Murray Swanson. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. Robert was a self-made man. He owned and operated, with his son, Robert, Jr., the Robert S. Swanson Company in Kennett Square, established in 1947. He was a past member of the Kennett Square Lions Club, and member of Kennett Square Golf and Country Club. When Robert was only 6 years old, his parents passed away, and he was raised by the late Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Whittle, Esq., of Kennett Square.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Robert Stuart Swanson, Jr. (Isabel) of Kennett Square; one daughter, Joan Swanson Johnson and the late Daniel Johnson of Palm Bay, Fla.; four stepchildren, James Lees of Waterville, Marianne Rogers (Charles) of Waterville, Pattianne Root (Bob) of Newark, Del., and Catherine Lees of Lancaster; three grandchildren, Kathy, Michael and Tara; four great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and one sister, Nancy Grubb of Cape May, N.J. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Esther Brackin Swanson.

Services will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made Boys Town, PO Box 6000, Boys Town, NE 68010; or Jenner’s Pond Benevolent Fund, 2000 Greenbriar Ln., West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.  


WILLIAM K. ROSS, JR.

William K. Ross, Jr., 89, of Landenberg, passed away on Jan. 7 at Ware Presbyterian Village.

He was the husband of Ann Nilan Ross, who passed away in 2007, and with whom he shared 12 years of marriage. His first wife of 46 years, Doris Norris Ross, passed away in 1994. Born in Chatham, he was the son of the late William K. Ross, Sr., and the late Estella Buckalew Ross. He was a truck driver for Anchor Motor Freight in Wilmington, Del., for 41 years, retiring in 1991. He was a member of Teamsters Local No. 107, and the Silver Band Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed driving, going out to eat, and being with his family and friends.

He is survived by one son, William L. Ross and his wife Joyce of Landenberg; two grandchildren, Matthew Ross and his wife Lisa of Issaquah, Wash., and Jordan Ho and her husband Ben of Jersey City, N.J.; and two great-grandchildren, Dylan Ross and Oscar Ho. He was predeceased by two sisters, Lois Hammond and Margaret Rice; and one brother, Robert Ross.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Jan. 13 at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). His funeral service will follow at noon. Burial will be in the Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Neighborhood Hospice, 795 E. Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.