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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of July 8

07/09/2019 11:43AM ● By J. Chambless

FRANKLIN J. INGALLS

Franklyn J. Ingalls, 85, of Oxford, formerly of Piscataway, N.J., and Edgewater, Fla., passed away on July 1 at home.

He was the husband of Rita Carroll Ingalls, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late Franklin and Eleanor Kelly Ingalls. Frank was employed as a supervisor with the U.S. Post Office in Plainfield, N.J. He retired in 1991 after 30 years of service. He enjoyed his computer.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Theresa Ingalls of Dalton and Susan Kanis (Kim) of Oxford. He is also survived by five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Tom Ingalls of Fairport, N.Y.; and two sisters, Loretta Mercurio of Magnolia, Texas, and Jean Uliano Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

 

MARGERINE V. PRICE

Margerine V. Price, 98, of West Grove, passed away on July 2 at her daughters’ home while surrounded by her children.

She was the widow of the late Feary V. Price, who died in 1993.  Born in Ash County, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Vernor and Ersel Knight Roark. A loving mother and homemaker, she was also the oldest living member of the Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed time spent tending her flower and vegetable gardens.

She is survived by her children, Bonnie Allen (husband Claude) of West Grove, Elaine Maule (husband Ed) of Manheim, Nancy Thompson of West Grove, Robert Price (wife Bonnie) of West Grove, Minnie Krassenstein of Quarryville, and Francis Price (wife Debbie) of West Grove; as well as 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and brother, Ray Roark of Las Vegas.  She was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward and Jimmy Roark; and two sons-in-law, Alan "Bill" Thompson and Ronald Krassenstein. 

A funeral was held July 8 at the Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church.  Interment was at the London Grove Friends Burial Grounds. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church or Penn Medicine Hospice, 400 East Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19382.

 

LORETTA F. BATTAGLIA

Loretta F. Battaglia, 84, of Landenberg, passed away on July 1.

She was the wife of Frank A. Battaglia, who passed away in 2004, and with whom she shared 30 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Pietro Ferranto and the late Anna Rita Macellaro Ferranto. Loretta grew up in Kennett Square and was a lifelong parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church. She and her husband were successful accountants in Kennett Square for over 40 years. Through the success of their business, they were able to support many local groups and charities that are so strong in the community today. Loretta enjoyed spending time with her friends, playing cards, gardening and going to their beach house in Lewes, Del. One of her favorite activities was watching the Philadelphia Phillies.

She is survived by one brother, Robert Ferranto of Avondale. Loretta was predeceased by one brother, Louis Ferranto; two sisters, Frances Ferranto and Anna Marie “Dolly” Brooks, and by one nephew, Robert Ferranto Jr. She is survived by her beloved nieces and nephews, LouAnne Basciani Toto, Linda Brooks Wanex, Leslie Brooks Bernens, Peter Ferranto, Gale Ferranto, Jennifer Ferranto and their children and grandchildren.

Her funeral was held at the St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Avondale. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

 

RUTH STEWART CLARK

Ruth Stewart Clark, 54, of Gettysburg, passed away peacefully on July 2 at her home.

Born in 1964 in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Charles W. and Goldie J. (Osborn) Stewart. Ruth was a graduate of Avon Grove High School and worked for the Columbia Gas Company for more than 20 years. She was very active with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, serving as a motivational speaker and mentor. Ruth enjoyed her trips to Ocean City, Md., with her family.

She is survived by her husband, John R. Clark; three stepdaughters, Heather Smullen of Florida, and Laura Miller and Melissa Mohler, both of Gettysburg; two stepsons, Aaron Clark of Richmond, Va., and Anthony Clark of Fayetteville, Pa.; four step-grandchildren; three brothers, Perry Stewart of Blue Ball, Pa., Rodney Stewart of Elkton, Md., and Scott Stewart of New Castle, Pa.; and a sister, Debbie Santucci of West Grove.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on July 14 at the home of Ruth’s niece, Charlene Santucci-Hall (302 South Guernsey Road, West Grove). Interment will be private. Online tributes and condolences can be made at monahanfuneralhome.com. The family suggests memorials to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, New York 10163.

JOHN FRANKLIN CRAMPTON

John Franklin Crampton, 52, of North East, Md., passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on June 29. He was born in 1966 in Jennersville.

John loved being on the water, and he could often be found boating, fishing, and crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay. John was a turf technician for the University of Delaware. His family considered him to be “Mr. fix-it” and he was a Jack-of-all-trades.  He enjoyed being with his family, children, granddaughter, and beloved Yorkie, Lily. Family was the most important aspect of his life. John worked hard in life to always make sure his family was well-supported.

John is survived by his wife of 25 years, Tina Crampton of North East, Md.; mother, Ruth Crampton of Jennersville; daughters, Kristina Crampton of North East, Md., and Kirsten Crampton (Tyler Heath) of Elkton, Md.; granddaughter, Kendall Heath; aunt, Alice Hamilton (Pat) of Rising Sun, Md.; brother, Tom Crampton (Gina) of Nottingham; sister, Jennifer Crampton of Avondale; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Grace Crampton; maternal grandfather, Albert Crampton; and daughter, Destiny Crampton.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. July 13 at R.T. Foard Funeral Home (259 East Main Street, Elkton, Md.). Family and friends can visit one hour prior to the celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to “Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation,” and sent in care of the funeral home. To send online condolences, visit www.rtfoard.com.

CLARENCE G. SHEETS

Clarrence “Jerry” G. Sheets, 69, of Cape May Court House, N.J., formerly of Kemblesville, passed away peacefully on July 2.

He was the husband of Carol Mollica Sheets, with whom he shared 45 happy years of marriage. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Clarence J. Sheets and the late Thelma "June" Poe Reeves. He was a graduate of Kennett High School. Jerry was employed at Herr Foods in Nottingham as a route salesman. He retired in 2018 after 35 years of service. He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and granddogs, gardening, going to the casino with Carol, playing horseshoes, hanging out with his friends at Wesley’s, and his 1979 Corvette. 

 In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Erica Richardson and her husband T.J. of Wilmington, Del., and Kelley Matreale and her husband Mark of Stone Harbor, N.J.; three brothers, Danny Sheets of Kennett Square, Ric Sheets of Chilhowie, Va., and Steve Sheets of Ormond Beach, Fla.; three granddaughters; and several nieces.

A service will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. July 25 at the Kuzo Funeral Home (250 W. State S., Kennett Square). A celebration of his life will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the charity of your choice. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

 

 FRANK W. MATCHNER, JR.

Frank William Matchner, Jr., of Fort Myers, Fla. (formerly of West Chester and Oxford, Pa., and Elkton, Md.) was called home by his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on July 1.

Born in 1919 in West Chester, he was the son of the late Frank Wiseman Matchner, Sr., and the late Martha Betts (Rickards) Matchner. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 45 years, Grace Emma (Leike) Matchner; his second wife of nine years, Elizabeth (Betty) Amanda (Tarr) Herrington-Matchner; a son, William Frank Matchner; a daughter, Janice Elaine (Matchner) Herr; and a brother, Ivan Thomas Matchner. He is survived by a brother, Marvin Sypherd Matchner of Lewisville, Texas; two daughters, Ruth Ann (Matchner) Vincent of Headland, Ala., and Martha Mae (Matchner) Livingston of Citrus Springs, Fla.; a son, Frank Walter Matchner III of Monrovia, Md. (Jean); 10 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

He was raised in West Chester and graduated from West Chester State Teachers’ College. He served in the U.S. Army and fought in Germany during World War II.  After the war, he became a mathematics teacher at Oxford High School and Oxford Middle School, and he held second (part-time) jobs for several years on the Oxford Police force and as the proprietor of Matchner’s Used Cars in Oxford. He was a life member and former Post Adjutant of the Roy W. Gibson Post No. 535 American Legion (Oxford), a member of the Gray-Nichols Post No. 1779 VFW (Oxford), and a member and former Captain of the Oxford Fire Company. He also volunteered as a Sunday school teacher and served on several committees of the Oxford United Methodist Church. After moving to Maryland, he became a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Elkton, and after moving to Florida, he became a member of Grace Church in Fort Myers.

A funeral service was held July 9. Burial with military honors took place at Upper Octorara Cemetery in Parkesburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Grace Church (www.egracechurch.com/shores).

 

LYNDA JONES BOND

Lynda Jones Bond, 73, of Newark, Del., 73 passed away on July 3 at Christiana Hospital in Newark.

Lynda was born in 1945 in Coatesville, to the late William C. and Marguerite Michelfelder Jones, Sr.  She graduated in 1962 from Downingtown High School and received her nursing degree from the Chester County Hospital in 1964. Lynda’s nursing career was with Wilmington Hospital, and she retired from Jefferson Hospital as a hospice nurse. 

She married James (Jim) A. Bond in 1966, and from that union they were blessed with three children, James, William and Heather.  Lynda’s favorite pastime was spending time with her beloved grandchildren, traveling to Ocean City, Md., with family and friends, and giving her time to charitable causes. Lynda was an active member of Shiloh Presbyterian Church in Oxford, where she worked in the various ministries of the church.  She was a member of the Helping Hands Ministry, where she served as past president; Board of Deacons, where she served as treasurer; SPC Outreach Committee member; and the Shiloh Lunch Bunch group. 

Lynda and Jim helped numerous times The Sunday Breakfast Mission in Wilmington.  Her giving spirit will be missed by all that knew and loved her. 

Lynda leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 53 years, James (Jim) A. Bond; sons James (Karen) and William (Lisa); daughter Heather (Demetrius); six grandchildren; one sister, Suzanne (Alvin) Groff; one sister-in-law, Jacqueline (Robert) Almes; the Shiloh family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Lynda was preceded in death by her parents, William C. and Marguerite Jones; and one brother, William C. Jones.

A service will be held at Shiloh Presbyterian Church on July 12, with visitation from 9 to 10 a.m., and the service at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donation to The Sunday Breakfast Mission, Wilmington, Del. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com