Skip to main content

Chester County Press

Obituaries

07/09/2014 09:04PM ● By Acl

JEFFREY P. ANDRESS 

Image title

Jeffrey P. Andress, 56, of Oxford, passed away on June 28 2014 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

He was the husband of the late Patsy Johnson Andress. Born in West Grove, he was the son of Jean Holton Andress and the late Spencer L. Andress. In 1976, he graduated from Oxford Area High School. Following graduation, he was employed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, in Aberdeen, Md., as a surveyor, and most recently he was a groundskeeper at a golf course. He  enjoyed playing tennis, snorkeling, scuba diving, listening to reggae music and traveling to Jamaica. In recent years, he was a devoted caregiver to his mother and aunt.

He is survived by his mother; two brothers, Spencer J. Andress and his wife Jan, and Jay L. Andress and his wife Karen, all of Oxford; one stepson, Ali McKenzie of Jamaica; and one stepdaughter, Sandrena Trowers of North Carolina; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis L. Walters; and a sister, Janet Walters.

Services were private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the First Baptist Church, 522 Market Street, Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com

MARY ALICE ADAMS 

Image title

Mary Adams, 91, of Oxford, went home to be with the Lord on June 30 after a five-month battle with breast cancer.

Directly after graduating from Oxford High School with the Class of 1941, Mary worked as a secretary in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., during World War II. She married the love of her life, Robert A. Adams III, in 1945. She worked at the Bainbridge Naval Base, then at Perry Point Veteran's Hospital as a secretary after the war.  After raising their three daughters, she resumed her secretarial career at Lincoln University for 22 years. 

Mary is survived by Bob Adams, her husband of 68 years, a lifelong resident of Oxford; her three daughters, Terri Adams Jones (wife of Robert Larry Jones), of Rising Sun, Md., Regina Adams Chandler (wife of the late Kenneth L. Chandler), of Quarryville, and Gail Adams Miller (wife of Alan R. Miller), of Havertown; as well as six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren (including a third due to arrive in July); and three step-great-grandchildren. Her surviving sisters are Betty Trout of Oxford, Vera Kensinger of Schulykill Haven, Pa., and Joanne Almond of Lancaster; as well as three sisters-in-law, Elsie Parcell of Oxford, Louise Adams of Oxford, and Edna Bryan (wife of John Bryan) of Montgomery, Ohio.

A service in celebration of her life was held July 5. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

MICHAELENE PATRICIA LLEWELLYN 

Image title

Michaelene Patricia Llewellyn, 65, of West Grove, died on July 2 in West Grove.

Born in Angola, Ind., she was a daughter of the late Thomas E. and the late Regina (Socoloski) Llewellyn. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, many types of music, travel, was an avid reader, and was an expert at needlepoint and crochet.  Among the greatest joys in her life were her nieces and nephews, with whom she spent much time. She had a varied and rigorous career as a nurse, working in cardiac and intensive care, as well as in clinical research as a professional in both academia and industry. She was known to family, friends, and colleagues for her kind heart and endless generosity. Her cheerful, positive spirit impacted and inspired many. 

Survivors include one brother, William and his wife Karen of San Jose Calif.; two sisters, Kathleen and her husband Jeffrey of St. Louis Mo., and Laura of West Grove; and six nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Steven, in 1971.

A funeral was held July 8. Interment will be held in Lockport, N.Y. Contributions in her memory may be made to American Liver Foundation, 39 Broadway, Suite 2700, New York, NY 10006. To share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

DONNIE O. RUFFATT 

Image title

Donnie O. Ruffatt, 76, of Nottingham, passed away on June 26 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

He was the husband of Mertie L. Shaw Ruffatt, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Paris, Ark., he was the son of the late Doan and Velma Claiborn Ruffatt. He was retired from the DuPont Company as the superintendent of DuPont Country Club, now known as Deerfield Country Club, in Newark, Del. He attended Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, especially trout fishing, and hunting. He could fix anything and always helped his family, friends and strangers.

He is survived by his wife; two sons, Ronnie L. Ruffatt and his wife Darlene of Nottingham, and Christopher O’Neal Ruffatt and his fiancé AbbySue Cannon of Phoenixville; two brothers, Gerald Tripp of Arkansas, and Andrew Ruffatt of Bethany, Del.; and one sister, Sybil Shrock of Arkansas.
Funeral services were held June 30. Interment was in Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com

MARY ELIZABETH DAVENPORT

Margaret Elizabeth Davenport, 99, of Kennett Square, passed peacefully on July 4, which is the date of birth of her adored father, William.  

She was the wife of the late Eugene Joseph Davenport, who died in 1983, and with whom she shared 40 years of marriage. Born in Kennett Square, she was a daughter of the late William L. and the late Anna (Hickey) Diviney. She was a lifetime member of St. Patrick Church and a graduate of St. Patrick School.  In addition, she was a member of the Kennett Senior Center. She was a faithful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a retired LPN and enjoyed spending time with family in Kennett Square and Ocean City, N.J.  She liked horse racing, playing pinochle with friends and road trips with Miriam. She excelled at piano, playing by ear, and had a wondrous sense of joy. The family wishes to thank the staff of Pocopson Home for their kindness and outstanding care, and a special thank you to her guardian angel, Patty Jacks.  

Survivors include three daughters, Eugenia “Jeanie” Scarlett Allenby (Mark) of Kennett Square, Darlene “Teddi” Abbondi (Donnie) of Lincoln University, and Loretta Taylor of Kennett Square; one brother, Edward Diviney of Honey Brook; four grandchildren, Tiffany (Vince), Tracy (Ken), Robyn (Dan) and Danny; and six great-grandchildren, Hunter, Zoe, Jacob, Cassidy, Zachary and Chase. She was predeceased by four siblings, Helen, Paul, Francis and Marie; and a great-granddaughter, Chelsea, earlier this year. 

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on July 9 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her mass of Christian burial will follow at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square). Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Kennett Area Senior Center, 427 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square, PA 19348; or Kennett Area Community Service KACS (food cupboard), PO Box 1025, Kennett Square PA 19348. To share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

EMMA V. REID

Emma V. Reid, 91, of Lincoln University, died on June 29 at the Twin Pines Health Care Center in West Grove.

Born in West Chester, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and the late Susie (Jones) Reid, Sr. She was a nurse, working privately for many years for Dr. Elbert, and retiring from WHA in 2002. She loved caring for her indoor plants, animals, and traveling to points near and far, especially Jamaica. She was also an excellent cook and was known for many special dishes. 

Survivors include one daughter, Marla W. Turner and her husband Earl of Indianapolis, Ind.; one brother, Alfred C. Reid and his wife Frances of Avondale; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a godson, Jose Burgos. She was predeceased by three brothers, Stanley Reid, Samuel Reid Jr., and Richard Reid; one sister, Esther Reid; two children, Marsha M. Wells and James E. Miller; and a great-great-grandson, Joseph “Joey” Dorsey.   

A private visitation will be held at a later date and interment will be held privately. To share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com

JEAN C. RONEY 

Image title

Jean C. Roney, 89, of Nottingham, passed away on July 3 at the Quarryville Presbyterian Home.

She was the wife of the late Herles H. Roney, Jr. Born in Landenberg, she was the daughter of the late Luther and Dorothy Brandenberger Reyburn. She and her husband farmed in West Nottingham Township. She attended Oxford Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed reading and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by one son, Mark H. Roney and his wife Debra E. of Kirkwood; one daughter, Connie R. Wallace and her husband John H. of Oxford; five grandchildren, Jodi Howell, Laura Halvorsen, Allison Till, Rebecca Roney and Jacob Roney; seven great-grandchildren, Ben Howell, Claire Howell, Samuel Howell, Grace Howell, Lillie Howell, Andrew Halvorsen and James Till; and one brother, Luther Reyburn of Cochranville. She was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Thompson.

Funeral services were held July 7. Interment was in Nottingham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

RICHARD FREEMAN DESJARDIEN

Richard Freeman DesJardien, 68, has died.

He was an engineer and West Point graduate, class of 1968. He settled in Coatesville after 12 years in the military, serving as a staff officer, a ranger, and a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He retired from the Virginia Hospital after leaving Lukens Steel, working as an engineer for both places.

He and his wife cooked and entertained often. They were known for their theme parties and bonfires. Their last party, celebrating 45 years of marriage, was a terrific goodbye for Richard, who was valiantly battling cancer. He enjoyed golf, attending his children’s sporting events, football and wine making. He will be sorely missed.

He was the beloved husband of Lorraine (nee Bauer) DesJardien; son of the late Mildred (nee Richards) and Donald DesJardien; devoted father to Peter Freeman DesJardien and his wife Tara (nee O’Donnell), and Elizabeth Anne (nee DesJardien) Baldwin and her husband Josh; much-loved grandfather of Hannah Faith, Charles Michael, and Abigail Grace DesJardien and Gabriella Raine and Benjamin Richard Baldwin. He is survived by one of his two brothers, John Wilson DesJardien and his wife Teresa; and Ann DesJardien, wife of his late older brother, Donald DesJardien.

A graveside service is planned at St. Malachi’s Cemetery in Cochranville on July 12 at 1 p.m., with a celebration of his life to follow at the DesJardien home. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in Rich’s name to the Brandywine Conservancy, committed to open space preservation (610-388-8346). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

COURTNEY TAYLOR 

Image title

Courtney ("Court," "Mids") Taylor, 23, of Lincoln University, passed away suddenly on July 4 from injuries received in an automobile accident.

Born in Newark, Del., she was the daughter of Edward J. and Cynthia Snyder Taylor. She was an administrative assistant for Connolly Flooring in Newport, Del. She was a 2009 graduate of Avon Grove High School. She was a member of the Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene. She was an extremely positive and outgoing young woman. She had a zest for life that was evident to all who knew her. Her deep love for all of God’s creatures resulted in always holding her arms open wide for anyone in need of a home, whether they were two-legged or four-legged! 

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, “Gals nights” with her best girlfriends, hangin’  at the Barn in Cochranville, going to the beach,  cruise weekend in Ocean City, Md., her time spent living in Hawaii, going on long car rides just to get lost, four-wheeling, the Cecil County Dragway, Disney World, skydiving, and “Donut Day” with the Craig family.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her brother, Tristan J. Taylor of New London; paternal grandparents, Ruth and Jack Craig of New London; paternal grandfather, Bobby Snyder of West Grove; her longtime friend, Donald W. Kumpf; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Melvin J. Taylor; paternal grandmother, Olga Santa Barbara; and maternal grandmother, Joann Snyder.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on July 10, and again from 9 to 11 a.m. on July 11, at the Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene (240 E. State Rd., West Grove). Her funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the New London Presbyterian Cemetery. In memory of Courtney, a contribution may be made to LaMancha Animal Rescue. Details can be found at www.lamanchaanimalrescue.20megsfree.com. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com

JANETH ANN MARTIN

Janeth Ann Martin, 89, of Kennett Square, passed away on June 29.

Known to her friends as Nancy, she was born in Greenwich, Conn., in 1924 to Florence (Smith) Hyland and Matthew P. Hyland. She was the youngest of three girls. Harriet Laroque and Elizabeth ("Lib") Maloney, her older sisters, predeceased her. Nancy graduated from Greenwich Academy and attended Bennington College. She married Benson Bennett Martin in 1945. She had six children: Benson Jr., Bruce, Robert, Anne (deceased in December 2014), Eve, and Laurie. 

She was a prolific writer, avid tennis player, and staunch defender of animals. She helped launch Greenwich Racquet Club, and worked there for many years. A few years after her husband passed away, she moved to Kennett Square. There, she was active in Bible study and tennis, and enjoyed an active life. For many years, she worked part-time at the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center Library. She lived in her home until two weeks before her death. She is survived by five of her children and four grandchildren, Allyson and Mark Miserocchi and Robert and Glenn Martin.
A private memorial will be held in Kauai, Hawaii, and in Greenwich, Conn. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be sent to The Friends of New Bolton Center (http://www.vet.upenn.edu/giving/how-to-give), a fund that supports major breakthroughs in large animal medicine.  Condolences may be made at www.griecocares.com.

MARGARET P. MYERS

 Margaret P. Myers, 94, of Quarryville, formerly of Kennett Square, passed away on  July 6 at the Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community. 

She was the wife of Lester R. Myers, who passed away in 2008, and with whom she shared 67 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Carl J. and Charlotte Butler Pannell. She was a factory worker at FMC Corporation in Kennett Square for over 20 years, retiring in 1984. She was a member of St. Patrick Church in Kennett Square. She enjoyed cooking, baking, bowling, going to the beach and taking care of her family.

She is survived by one son, Robert L. Myers and his wife Brenda of Avondale; one daughter, Janet H. Brunette and her husband John of Williamsport, Pa.; one stepbrother, John Pannell of Kennett Square; one stepsister, Virginia Wolfe of Allentown; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. She was predeceased by one brother and two sisters.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on July 10 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In her memory, a contribution may be made to the Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community, c/o The Kinsman Fund, 625 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville, PA 17566-1400. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.