EVELYN GLORIA HUK

Evelyn Gloria Huk, 92, of Oxford, passed away on Feb. 17 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of the late Frank Huk, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage. Born in the Bronx, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late John and Elsie Genzler Fetzer. Evelyn was an active member of St. Paul Episcopal Church in Chester. She was employed with Widener University and Swarthmore College in the Registrar’s office, helping to inspire honor students. Evelyn enjoyed sewing, knitting, crafts, playing bingo, going to the beach and spending time with her family.

She is survived by two daughters, Lorraine Bucurel (Craig) of Lincoln University, and Linda Peirish (Bud) of Wexford; one son, Frank Huk (Marian) of Cape May Courthouse, N.J.; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Florence Vidstrand.

A funeral was held Feb. 22. Interment was in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 E. Cypress St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. Online condolences may be made at ww.elcollinsfuneralhome.com. 

 

JAYNE I. FERNSLER

Jayne I Fernsler, RN, BSN, MSN, DSN, died peacefully after a lengthy illness in her home in Oxford. She formerly lived in Delaware for 42 years after moving there from Reading.

Jayne was raised on a farm in South Annville, Pa. She attended a one-room schoolhouse for six years before graduating from Annville Cleona High School. After graduation from Reading Hospital School of Nursing, she received her BSN from the University of Pennsylvania, her MSN from University of Delaware and her DSN from the University of Alabama.

In addition to her parents, Samuel K. and Elizabeth Soliday Fernsler, she was predeceased by her sisters, Amy Greenawalt and Mary Sutherly. She is survived by her brother, Richard Fernsler (Ruth); sisters Patricia Rentchler, Dorothy Light (Jay), and Lynda Bowman (Charles), all of Lebanon County; and many loved nieces and nephews and their children. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her dear cousins, as well as longterm and recent friends who will dearly miss her.

Jayne was employed by the Reading Hospital, the American Cancer Society and the University of Delaware. She was a past volunteer for the American Cancer Society, Delaware Hospice, the Oncology Nursing Society, and the White Clay Creek Preserve. She loved to read and travel, especially taking trips centered around nature. She had many other interests, but most of all she enjoyed learning and had a mind that thirsted for knowledge. She was a member of Christ Church United Church of Christ, Annville, and in Oxford attended the Oxford United Methodist and Presbyterian churches.

A visitation for family and friends will be held March 30 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Church United Church of Christ, 200 S. White Oak St., Annville, Pa., where a memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Christ Church, or to Ware Presbyterian Village, Attn: The Village Care Fund, 7 E. Locust St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

 

LINDA A. SIMON

Linda A. Simon, 57, passed away peacefully and comfortably at her home in West Chester on Feb. 21 after her courageous, four-year battle against inflammatory breast cancer.

Linda was born in 1961 in McKeesport, Pa., to Robert E. Simon and Phyllis J. Pace. She was raised in Chadds Ford, where she graduated from Unionville High School. Much of Linda’s work throughout her life was spent selflessly serving her local community. For over 25 years she worked as a Dining Services Manager at Kendal-Crosslands, preparing meals for hundreds.

Though Linda’s real life’s work was done in the time she wasn’t working. She devoted all her attention to her family and friends. Linda treasured every moment with those close to her.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Robert Simon; and her mother, Phyllis Pace. She is survived by partner Cindy Meers; older brother and wife Ken and Dawn Simon; younger sister and husband Lisa and Jim Hicks; her four nephews, Robert Hicks, Kyle Hicks, Matt Murray and Jody Murray; and so many more she loved and cherished dearly.

A memorial will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 27 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Saint Patrick Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square). Interment will follow at Edgewood Memorial Park (325 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills). In lieu of flowers, Linda asked that donations be made, in memory of her, to the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation, P.O. Box 2805, West Lafayette, IN 47996. Visit www.ibcresearch.org/donations-fund-raising. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

 

STEVEN R. KILPATRICK

Steven “Randy” R. Kilpatrick, 66, of Oxford, passed away on Feb. 20 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

He was the husband of Patricia Martelli Kilpatrick, with whom she shared 48 years of marriage.  Born in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of the late Paul and Joan Tyler Kilpatrick. Randy was a co-owner and retired from McGeary Grain, Inc., Lancaster, as a grain merchant. He enjoyed collecting antiques and was a car enthusiast.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Shawn M. Kilpatrick (Rebekah) of Mt. Wolf; one daughter, Christine Powers (Kevin) of Holtwood; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Kilpatrick Pace.

A memorial service was held Feb. 26. Interment will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

 

HARRY W. MILLIMAN

 Harry W. Milliman, formerly of Newtown, Conn., passed away two weeks shy of his 94th birthday at his residence in Kendal Crosslands in Kennett Square, with family and caregivers at his side.

Born 1925 in Boston to Mary J Connors and Harry R Milliman, he was the eldest of their three children. Sisters Beatrice McDonald and Merion O’Sullivan predeceased Harry.

Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Harry joined the Navy at age 17 and served as a signalman on escort destroyers in World War II. He sailed the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and saw much of the world. Following discharge, Harry was a draftsman for Factory Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Harry graduated with a degree in accounting from Bentley College and gained employment in the credit department of Remington Firearms in Bridgeport, Conn. During his career with Remington/DuPont, Harry traveled throughout the country, eventually rising to head of the department. Harry enjoyed his field trial champion Gordon Setter dogs, driving country roads in his Corvette convertible, gardening, travel to Maine, beaches, and dreaming up ingenious ways to keep the squirrels out of his bird feeders. An avid football and baseball fan, despite moving to Eagles/Phillies country and everyone’s best efforts, Harry remained a loyal Patriots and Red Sox fan. We loved him anyway.

Harry is survived by his sister-in-law, Delores (Dee) Nelson; nephews Jack O’Sullivan and William McDonald; and nieces Greta Nelson, Sara Leff and husband Richard Leff, and Susan McDonald. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kendal Crosslands Employee Appreciation Fund, PO Box 100, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Visit www.griecocares.com.

 

JOHN M. CRAIG

John M. Craig, 91, of Lincoln University, passed away peacefully on Feb. 19 at Jenner’s Pond in West Grove, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late Morton L. Craig and Ester Dabler Craig. He was the husband of the late Marie Mitchell Craig, with whom he shared 14 years of marriage; and the late Ruth Ellen Laws Craig, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Courtney Taylor of Lincoln University; and his sister, Jean Clark of Springfield, Pa.

Jack was an Army/Air Force veteran stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He was employed with the DuPont Company for 30 years. He lived in West Grove for 72 years, and during that time he served on the West Grove Borough Council, the West Grove Recreation Association (which also ran the swim program at Bicknell’s Pool in Oxford and the annual Turtle Derby in West Grove).  Jack enjoyed gardening, carpentry, reading, bird watching, travel, puzzles and spending time with his family, and with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed Donut Day, family reunions at Nottingham Park, horseshoe tournaments and trips to Shady Maple. He has left behind the tradition of making donuts for his family to enjoy for years to come.

Jack is survived by his nine children, Jacques Craig (Jill), Jonathan Craig, Ann Marie Spencer (Larry), Michele Swan (the late Kenneth Swan), Beth Tanzilli (John), Wallace Craig (Janet), Thomas Craig, Stephen Craig (Lisa), and Edward Taylor (Cindi); 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; and his sister, Ruth Trimble of Kennett Square.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. March 2 at the Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene (240 State Rd., West Grove), where friends and family may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Kemblesville United Methodist Church Cemetery in Kemblesville. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 E. Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA  19348. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com. 

 

RALPH M. WILLIAMS, SR.

Ralph M. Williams, Sr., 79, of Oxford, passed away on Feb. 20 at Jennersville Hospital in West Grove.

He was the husband of Diana Toy Williams, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Shamokin, he was the son of the late Russell, Sr., and Eleanor Kramer Williams. Ralph retired from the United States Post Office in Aston, Pa., after 40 years of service. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and Air Force. His favorite thing to do was spend time with his grandchildren, and he attended every sporting event and school function they were involved in.

He is survived by his wife, Diana; one son, Ralph M. Williams, Jr. (Victoria) of Oxford; one daughter, Maureen Williams-Hughes (Jeffrey) of Quarryville; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Barbara Houghton and Rita Williams, both of Aston. He was preceded in death by a brother, Russell Williams, Jr.; and three sisters, Kay Diehl, Betty Zernell and Marilyn Gopell.

Services will be private. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

 

ROBERT M. KELLETT, SR.

Robert Myron Kellett, Sr., 80, of Cochranville, passed away peacefully at his home on Feb. 15.

He was the beloved husband of Mattie Arlene Kellett, with whom he shared over 59 years of marriage. Born in Riverside, N.J., he was the son of the late Wilbur Kellett and Lena Brandenberger. Robert was a 1956 graduate of Oxford Area High School and went on to honorably serve as part of both the United States Army and the National Guard. Following his military career, Robert went to work at Gawthrop- Delchester Oil Company as a transporter and driver for over 40 years. He was a lifetime member of the Eastern PA Piston Poppers, the AMA, HOG, and the Retreads Motorcycle Club.

Robert is survived, in addition to his wife, by four children, Robert Kellett Jr. and wife MaryAnn of Oxford, Deborah A. Yarnall and husband Tim of West Grove, Ronald W. Kellett and wife Lisa of North East, and Randolph W. Kellett Sr., and wife April of Nottingham. Additionally he is survived by 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Rev. Richard Kellett of Northumberland, Pa. He was preceded in death by one grandson, Steven Kellett, Sr.

A funeral was held Feb. 21. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com.

 

FLORENCE MAE HARRIS

Florence Mae Harris, 90, of Lincoln University, passed away on Feb. 24 at Citizens Nursing Care in Havre de Grace, Md.

She was the wife of the late William G. Harris, Sr. She was the daughter of the late Melvin and Minnie Handy Anderson. She retired from RMR Corporation in Elkton, Md., after 20 years of service. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening and tending to her flower bed. She also enjoyed putting puzzles together. During her younger years, she also enjoyed going out with friends on Saturday nights to relax and have a good time. To them she was affectionately known as “Peanut.”

She is survived by her son, William G. Harris, Jr., of Lincoln University; a daughter, Lenore L. Williams (Robert) of Aberdeen, Md.; six granddaughters; 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Constance Anderson of West Grove and Freda Anderson of Kennett Square; nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Catherine Brenda Brown; four brothers, Charles, Leonard, Richmond and Melvin Anderson; and six sisters, Idella, Virginia, Rachel, Mildred, Catherine and Courtney.

A visitation will be held at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., on Feb. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. March 1 at Oxford Cemetery (220 N. Third St., Oxford). Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com. 

 

SANDRA J. MURTHA

Sandra J. Murtha of Avondale, formerly of Norwood, passed away at home, surrounded by her loved ones, on Feb. 22, after a long illness.

Sandy was born in Philadelphia, where she worked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and later Sun Ship in Chester as a coppersmith before retiring in 1986 to be a homemaker. Sandy enjoyed reading, gardening and especially cooking. Just about every holiday would be spent in Sandy’s kitchen, with Sandy cooking for a big family gathering.

Sandy was the daughter of the late Frank Ralph, Sr., and Helen Elizabeth McGay Ralph. She is survived by her husband, Michael P. Murtha of Avondale; four sons, Chester A. Skeba of Boothwyn, Heinz J. Beck (Amy) of Temple, Conan Beck (Carrie) Essington, Christian Beck of Coatesville; and three daughters, Sandra Skeba (Keith) of Nashville, Tenn., Lydia Beck of Kennett Square, and Diana Delaney (Kevin) of Glenolden. She had nine grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral was held Feb. 26. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Brandywine River Valley Home Health and Hospice, 121 Bell Tower Lane, Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.