Clyde E. Shoop, Jr.

Clyde E. Shoop, Jr., of Oxford, passed away at home on July 3, 2023. He was 62.

Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late Clyde E. Shoop Sr. and Catherine M. Podmenick Shoop of Oxford.

Clyde enjoyed NASCAR, fishing, and hunting in Potter County and Huntington County, Pa.

He is survived by his mother, two sisters, Iris Megill of New Holland and Barbara Roark of Lewisville, and one brother, Allen Shoop of Oxford.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the funeral home to offset costs.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made to www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Ann Vanderhoef

Barbara Ann Vanderhoef, of Kirkwood, Pa., passed away on July 11, 2023. She was 66.

She was born in Elkton, Md. on Dec. 3, 1956.

Her legacy and greatest achievement continues on through her family. Nothing gave her more joy than spending time with those that called her Nana.  

Bruce and Barb’s remarkable journey started at the ages of 19 and 15 and blossomed into a beautiful marriage of 51 years.  They went on to raise five children of their own in addition to nurturing many others in their time of need as the doors were always open to their home. 

Barbara enjoyed coaching and spectating all of her children’s sports but her all-time favorite was when she had the chance to sit in the end of the bleachers to keep scores of the baseball and softball games.

With a life dedicated to her loved ones, Barb is survived by Bruce Charles Vanderhoef, her husband of 51 years, and her children, Theresa Vanderhoef (and husband Kevin), Julia Vanderhoef Oatman (and husband Russell), Jeremy Vanderhoef (and wife Angelina), Yvonne Vanderhoef DiCicco (and husband Sergio), and Travis Vanderhoef.

She is also survived by those people who were raised as her own, Chris Cosenzo and wife Teena, a sister-in-law, Ivana Vanderhoef Miller and her husband Jerome, and a mother-in-law, Maurine Beverage, as well as three sisters, Shirley, Brenda, and Patty. 

Barb’s legacy also lives on through her grandchildren, Devin, Ethan (and his wife Dana), Mikayla (and fiancé Conner), Race, Isabella, Natalie, Jeremy Cash, Olivia (and husband Josh), Ashton (and wife Anna), Gianna, Gabriella (and husband Jared), Thor, Bryar, Brynna, Ayla, Aiden, and Angelee as well as two great grandchildren, Conner and Eleanor. 

Barb was proceeded in death by her aunt Mary and uncle Henry Ray, aunt Betty DiVadio, grandmother Ida Wiggins DiVadio, and her parents Charles Harris and Virginia Walker.

Funeral services were held on July 15 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment followed at Union Cemetery in Kirkwood.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oxford Little League. 

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com).

Suzanne Sheryl Shatley-Porter

Suzanne Sheryl Shatley-Porter, of Lincoln University, Pa., passed away on July 9, 2023 at home. She was 74.

Suzanne was a homemaker and a mother of five children with 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Born in Lancaster, Pa., she was the daughter of the late David E. I. Eckman and the late Ruth I Eckman. 

She enjoyed watching Hallmark TV, “Murder She Wrote,” “Matlock,” and wrestling.  

She also enjoyed traveling to see her family in Virginia, spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Suzanne is survived by five children, Mont Shatley, Jr. of Lincoln University, Donna P. Shatley of Lincoln University, Edward Shatley of Rural Retreat, VA, Heather Shatley of Rural Retreat, VA, and Allen Shatley of Rural Retreat, VA. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren, Luis Jr., Maritza, Tiffiny, Lance (Samantha), Ira, Ryan, David, Kelly, Ed, Angel, and Michelle, seven great-grandchildren, Vanessa, Eva, Carlos Jr, Christian, Savanna, Julian, and Lance, Jr. who is due in August of 2023, as well as three sisters, Janice Wann and Vickie (Jeff) Maser of Orlando, Fla. and Cindy (Peter) Montejo of Lititz, Pa. 

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Patricia Speakman, Claire G Porter, and Janie Eckman.

Funeral services were held on July 17, 2023 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in Christ Community Fellowship Cemetery on Chatham Road in West Grove.

In lieu of flowers, donation to help with the funeral expenses would be greatly appreciated at Venmo-@donnashatley or Cashapp-$donnashatley.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.  

Jane Mendenhall Davis

Jane Mendenhall Davis, of West Grove, died on July 9, 2023 while at her home at Ware Presbyterian Village.  She was the wife of Robert L. Davis who preceded her in death in 2005.  Born on a farm in Bart Township, Pa., she was the daughter of the late William Mendenhall and Mary McMillan Mendenhall.   

Jane worked for 31 years for Chemical Leaman Tank Lines. She also worked for Barry’s shoe store in Kennett Square. Then she worked for Electro Systems of West Grove for 25 years.  Throughout that time, she helped with her husband’s floor covering business. Jane was a member of New London Presbyterian Church.   

She will be remembered for quilting and sewing, cooking and entertaining, camping and traveling. She and her family did much camping with the National Campers & Hikers Association. 

Jane is survived by her son, Victor Troutman and her daughter-in-law, Donna of West Grove, one sister, Julian “Toots” Beltz of Cochranville, Pa., two grandsons, Bruce Troutman (Rachel) and Gary Troutman (Michele), and seven great-grandchildren (Rachel Sammartino, Rebecca Sammartino, Matthew Sammartino, Luke Sammartino, Leah Troutman, William Troutman, & Robert Troutman); nineteen nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband and her parents, she was predeceased by three sisters, Kathryn Rice, Karlene Kurtz, Nelda Hastings Ford and two brothers, Robert Mendenhall and Vernon “Pete” Mendenhall.

Services were held on July 18 at the New London Presbyterian Church.

Interment was at Longwood Cemetery.

Contributions in Jane’s memory can be made to New London Presbyterian Church. Please mail checks to the following address, 125 Saginaw Road, Lincoln University, PA 19352 and put “In Memory of Jane Davis” in the memo line. Contributions can also be made to the Avon Grove Lions Club. Mail checks to 600 North Baker Station Road, West Grove, PA 19390 and put “In Memory of Jane Davis” in the memo line.  

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100). 

To view her online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

William Ralph Holcomb

William Ralph Holcomb passed away peacefully on July 12, 2023 while surrounded by his loving family who cared for him during his short illness. He was 96.

He was the husband of the late Nellie Jeanette Holcomb, who died in March 2011—one day before their 57th wedding anniversary. 

Ralph was the son of the late Willie Neal and Lelia Cox Holcomb.  He was also preceded in death by his son Jeffrey Ralph Holcomb, brothers Grover Holcomb, Luther Holcomb, and a sister, Ruth Richards.

He loved his family, which included a son, Larry R. Holcomb (Roxanne) and a daughter, Rebecca H. Steele (William), as well as grandchildren, Lesley Spence (Nate), Jessica Steele (Adam Biedekapp), Benjamin Holcomb (Raquel), Abbey Holcomb and Analys Holcomb.  Also surviving are his precious great-grandchildren, Shaine and Grady Spence, along with Arthur and Violet Holcomb.  He is also survived by sisters-in-law Mary Ann Holcomb and Peggy Holcomb, along with many nieces and nephews.  

Ralph joined the Merchant Marines when he was 17 years old and turned 18 while at sea.  His service in the Merchant Marines allowed him to travel the world.  He also served as a Corporal in the 3rd Battalion, 112th Regiment – Company 1, of the U.S. Army.  He was extremely proud of his service and loved sharing stories of this time in his life.  

He was a skilled auto body mechanic and was well known in that trade.  His son Larry worked alongside him and eventually took over the business.  His sense of adventure did not stop with military travel.  He was a motorcycle enthusiast and was the last surviving member of the Silver Band Motorcycle Club that he helped start in the 1940s. He and a new group of riders reactivated the club in 2001. His final motorcycle ride was when he was 90.  He also enjoyed growing a garden and mowing his lawn. 

He was well-loved by his family, many friends, and neighbors.  He was a kind and giving man who will truly be missed. 

At his request, the burial will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.  

Daniel Steven Freas

Daniel Steven Freas, 37, of West Chester, passed away on July 4, 2023.  

He was born in Phoenixville on May 18, 1986, the son of Bill and Nancy Freas.    

Dan was kindhearted and hardworking, always putting people ahead of himself.  Whether he entered a room or the pool deck, everyone wanted to be in his company. He was easy to talk to and always made everyone feel loved, appreciated, and included. 

Life wasn’t always easy for him, and his demons sometimes got the best of him.  However, in true Daniel style, he left this world fighting until the very end. Sadly, this was just one race that he could not win. 

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Freas of Kennett Square and his nieces and nephew, Reiley, Aidan, Kinley, and Hadley, whom he loved and adored.  Uncle Dan was always up for a new adventure and making memories with them.  

Daniel was deeply loved as a son, brother, uncle, and friend. His presence on this Earth was a gift to everyone that knew him.  While life without Dan is going to be difficult, the memories and time with him will never be forgotten.  

You are invited to visit with Daniel’s family and friends from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Willowdale Chapel, 675 Unionville Road in Kennett Square. The service will follow at 3 p.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to Angels Against Addiction (angelsagainstaddiction.org). 

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100).  

To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com. 

Anita Alessi 

Anita (Ann) Alessi passed away on July 10, 2023. 

A beautiful, resourceful and intelligent woman, Ann also had a thriving career starting as a professional telephone operator for Bell Telephone. She worked for the State of Michigan, just as her mother did before her. Additionally, Ann worked as a facility manager for Siemens, ending her career in marketing for Anthem Health. Ann was an accomplished interior decorator and she could often be found assisting various family members by creating room designs, picking patterns and finding the right colors for walls. 

As a homemaker Ann was known for her family holidays and endless preparations for company visits. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, stepmother, aunt, grandmother, and friend.

Ann is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph Alessi; four children, Amy Hunter (Thomas), Debra (Debbie) Wolf, Dale Hull and Sarah Hull; three step-children, Dominique Alessi Storms (David), Samantha Alessi Jones (Richie), JT Alessi (Mollie); and four loving grandchildren. 

She was fortunate to have had a large extended family with many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and in-laws. We honor her greatest achievement of committing herself to taking care of her family and providing unconditional love.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 15 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.