JOSEPH M. DICKENS, JR.

Joseph M. Dickens, Jr., 46, of West Grove, passed away on March 2 at the Christiana Hospital.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of Joseph M. Dickens, Sr., and Ruth Seese Dickens of West Grove. Joe was a general contractor who worked with his dad for 30 years, and last worked at New Bolton Center in Kennett Square. He was a member of New London Baptist Church. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his daughters. Joe had a gift for helping others and sharing God's word. He enjoyed coaching Avon Grove Girls Softball, golfing, music, cars and frequent visits to Avondale Wawa. He enjoyed listening to Rev. Adrian Rogers and Mike Rowe.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two daughters, Kylie Laine Dickens and Abigale Mackenzie Dickens, both of West Grove; his lifetime companion, Tabitha McKinney of West Grove; two sisters, Deedree Erlichman and her husband Paul of Cochranville, and Dana Duncan and her husband Perry of Oxford; and two nieces, Haleigh Duncan and Heidi Duncan.

A funeral was held March 10. Burial was in the New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made in his memory to the Kylie & Abigale Dickens Fund. Details to follow on www.griecocares.com. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

RONALD E. POST

Ronald Ellsworth Post, 81, of Landenberg, died on March 2 at Heartland Hospice House in Wilmington, Del.

He was the husband of Marjorie Drake Post, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. Born in North East, Pa., he was the son of the late Fred Ray and the late Mildred (Smith) Post. Ronald earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master'sdegree in social studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1965. He was facilities manager for Children, Youth and Family Services of Delaware, retiring in 2001. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed woodworking and gardening, loved traveling to points near and far, and was a collector of all types of knives.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, one son, David R. Christifer of Cumberland Md.; one daughter, Bonnie Keating of Newark, Del.; two sisters, Luanna Harris of Ocala, Fla., and Cathy McCorkle of New Milport, Pal; and three grandchildren.

A funeral was held March 9. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103; or the Delaware Humane Association, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. To view Ronald’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

BARRY G. SIPES

Barry Gene Sipes, 80, died in Paoli Hospital on March 2.

Barry is survived by his three sons, Paul Sipes (Simsbury, Conn.), Tim Sipes (Downingtown), and Brad Sipes (Stockholm, Sweden) and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Ann Sipes (Kennett Square).

Barry was born in 1937 in Altoona, Pa., to Eugene and Mary Sipes. He graduated from Richland High School in Johnstown, P., and then Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., where he met his wife. Within a few years, Barry and Sue relocated to Chester County, and Barry spent the next several decades working in the local public school systems as an administrator and guidance counselor. He retired from the Downingtown High School guidance counseling department in 1998. Barry was an avid sports fan and a proud supporter of his boys’ and grandchildren’s many interests and activities. He will always be remembered for his passion for local high school and college sports, his love for Syracuse, Temple, the NY Yankees, and the Washington Redskins. He was often seen jogging through all parts of Chester County. Upon his retirement, Barry enjoyed reading, and his worldwide travels with Sue and friends.

A funeral was held March 10. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

GEORGE F. CHIDESTER

George F. Chidester, 95, of Wilmington, Del., previously of Chadds Ford, died on March 3 at his home.

He was the husband of Dorothea (née Snyder) Chidester, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage. Born in Frostburg, Md., he was the son of late Stanley and Maude (Michaels) Chidester. George served in the 100th infantry division during World War II in France. He graduated from the University of Denver with a BS in industrial engineering in 1949 and an MBA in 1950. George joined Hercules in 1951, working for 35 years in quality control in Hercules aerospace company, where he worked until his retirement. A member of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, George was active in leadership and worked on many projects for the church and the community at large.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Jeffrey Chidester; a daughter, Jennifer Beard and her husband John; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many faithful friends. He was pre-deceased by his son, G. Christian Chidester.

A memorial service was held March 8. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Lutheran World Relief (700 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230). To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JOSE ORTIZ FLORES

Jose Ortiz Flores, 74, of Oxford, passed away on March 5 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

He was the husband of Teresa Ayllon Jacome. Born in Pachuquilla, Almoloya de Alquisiras, Mexico, he was the son of the late Manuel Ortiz and the late Angelina Flores. He was a mushroom picker at Phillips Mushroom in Oxford. Jose enjoyed working and being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Horacio Ortiz Ayllon of Oxford, Mario Ortiz Ayllon of Oxford, and Juan Alberto Ortiz Ayllon of Oxford; four daughters, Adela Ortiz Ayllon of Mexico, Araceli Ortiz Ayllon of Mexico, Leticia Ortiz Ayllon of Oxford, and Rosa Ortiz Ayllon of Oxford; one brother, Salomon Ortiz Flores of Nottingham; four sisters, Elvia Ortiz Florez, Adelina Ortiz Flores, Juana Luisa Flores and Maria Graciela Ortiz Flores; and ten grandchildren.

A funeral was held March 13. Burial will be in Mexico. To visit his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JOHN P. COOK

John P. Cook, 98, passed away on March 1 in West Grove, while in the care of his daughters.

He was a faithful husband and father, and a loyal servant to his country. He loved his family and his country. John was born in 1919 in Rochester, N.Y. He was raised by his beloved grandmother Sharpe. He had said, “Grandmother brought me up and the military finished the job.” He was a man of honor and sacrifice. John joined the Navy in October 1936. He served in both the Navy and through World War II in the Air Force. He married Margaret Oveda Simpkins in 1947 in Wilmington, Ohio. They together raised a loving family. John was a humble man that served others without looking or wanting to get any credit for his quiet unwavering love and dedication. He loved trees, bowling, bridge and chess, the simplicity of hard work and the satisfaction of making his family giggle at every turn.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Oveda; and his daughters Carolyn and husband Jim Ryan, Rebecca Dripps, as well as Sandra and her husband Martin Brophy; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

His memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. April 3 at the West Grove Presbyterian Church (139 W. Evergreen St., West Grove). To view his online tribute or to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

LOIS B. PORTER

Lois B. Porter, 73, of New Providence, formerly of Oxford, passed away on March 8 at Mt. Joy Hospice in Lancaster.

She was the wife of William H. Porter, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Leonard G. and Jennie Phillips Brown. Lois was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Rising Sun, Md. She graduated from Oxford Area High School and West Chester School of Nursing. Lois retired from Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove and also was employed as a nurse for the late Dr. Guy Holcombe in Oxford. Lois was the life of the party and enjoyed visiting with friends, going out to eat, reading and Gospel music.

Surviving are her husband; two daughters, Kelli M. Teel (H. Nelson) and Karen E. Kinsman (Kristopher); three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Leonard G. Brown, Jr. (Mary Jane) of Quarryville; and one sister, Doris Poole (Ted) of Quarryville. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Jennifer Lynn Porter.

A funeral was held March 12. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Rising Sun, PO Box 251, Rising Sun, MD 21911.

MARGARET B. HOOPES

Margaret B. Hoopes, 91, of West Grove, died on March 6, surrounded by her loving children and the ER staff at Jennersville Regional Hospital, where she volunteered for 12 years, retiring in November, 2017.

Peg was the daughter of the late J. Joseph and Kathryn Brophy. She was the wife to the late Francis A. Hoopes, who died March 2, 1979. Peg will be remembered for her strong faith, compassion for others, and for being the best mom, mom-mom, and G mom-mom in the world.

Surviving are her children, Joe Hoopes (Susan) of Oxford, Mary Kreider of Lancaster, Ed Hoopes (Polly) of Newark, Del., and Kay Morris (Scot) of Highland, Md.; 11 grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Anne McMahon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. March 17 at Assumption BVM Church (300 State Rd., West Grove), where friends and family may visit from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services, PO Box 8012, West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JAMES R. SLAUCH

James Ray Slauch, 81, of Oxford passed away on March 9 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

Born in Lincoln University, he was the son of the late Samuel Spencer and Margaret Sims Slauch. A lifetime resident of Oxford, he retired from Asplundh and the Nottingham Park. He was a member of the Ocklokonee Tribe No. 212 Improved Order of Redmen for over 60 years, and a former member of the Union Fire Co. No. 1, both of Oxford.

He is survived by a brother, Robert Slauch of Oxford; two sisters, Doris E. Slauch of Rising Sun, Md., and Anna S. Ross of Oxford; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Slauch and Edward Slauch.

Friends and family may visit from 6 to 8 p.m. March 16 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford). A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. March 17 at the Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 1500 Walnut St., Suite 301, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

BETTY JANE DREISBACH CROSSON

Betty Jane Dreisbach Crosson, 87, of Chadds Ford, died on March 9 at the Pocopson Home in West Chester.

She was the wife of the late Robert Crosson, who died in 1992, and with whom she shared 42 years of marriage. Born in Lancaster, she was a daughter of the late William H. and the late Erma A. (Gaul) Dreisbach, Sr. Betty worked for Hilendale Elementary school for many years in the cafeteria. She loved the outdoors, working in her garden, cutting her own lawn until the age of 75, and was a longtime member of the Garden Club of Kennett Square. She enjoyed sewing, and for many years made her own clothing and curtains. Betty was a hard worker, careful with her money, and never smoked or drank alcohol. She was proud to be driving until the age of 81 when she realized on her own it was time to give up the keys.

Survivors include her grandson, Kevin Buckingham (Sarah Young) of Chadds Ford. A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. March 16 at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Longwood Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.