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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of July 20

07/20/2015 01:09PM ● By J. Chambless

MINERVA Z. HOSTETLER

Minerva Z. Hostetler, 91, of Lincoln University, went home to be with the Lord and Savior she loved and served all her life on July 5.

She was the wife of the late N. Merle Hostetler, with whom she shared 44 years of marriage. Born in Chester, Pa., she was a daughter of the late George and the late Rebecca (Pyle) Zell. She was a registered nurse for doctors Hoobler and McKinstry in Kennett Square for many years. Her last employment was at Dr. Uzma Quraishi in Kennett Square. She also worked as a private duty nurse. She was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church of Kennett Square. Most important in her life was her family, and her love for the Lord.

Survivors include two sons, Merle Hostetler Jr. (Evie) of West Liberty, Ohio, and George Hostetler (Cathy) of Lincoln University; one daughter, Becky Thompson of Coatesville; eight grandchildren, Erin, Denise, Ryan, Brice, Kevin, Heather, Samantha and George; and 15 great- grandchildren. She was predeceased by a sister, Ethel (Linda) John, in 2014.

A service was held July 11. Contributions in her memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, C/O Deacon’s Fund, 415 W. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

TERRANCE C. PURCELL

Terrance C. Purcell, 87, of Oxford, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Oxford on July 11.

He was the husband of the late Betty Wood Purcell, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II. Born in East Nottingham Township, he was the son of the late John and Rose Aberts Purcell. Terry was an avid fisherman and bow hunter, and loved the game of golf. He retired after 42 years as a meat cutter with Acme Markets. Terry enjoyed his family and friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Teresa Carrigan of Oxford; two grandsons, Jeffrey A. (Tara) of Quarryville, and David A. of Oxford; three great-grandchildren, Jekelle, Hector and Idalis; sister, Jean Brown; and his much appreciated caregiver, Ada Prigg.

A graveside service with full military honors was held July 15 at Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Union fire Co. No. 1 Ambulance Division, 315 Market St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

PEDRO LOPEZ ROJAS

Pedro Lopez Rojas, 80, of Landenberg, passed away at his residence on July 10.

He was the husband of June Milam. Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Vincente Lopez and Luisa Rojas. He was a truck driver at Gourmet Delight for 35 years, retiring in 2013. He enjoyed dancing, and being with people, especially his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by seven children -- Carmen Colon and her husband Fernando of West Grove, Pedro Lopez, Jr., and his wife Stephanie (“Cookie”) of Avondale, Bryan Milam and Eddie Milam of Maryland, Terry Velasquez and her husband Isabelino of Kennett Square, Donna Milam of Kennett Square, and Dannette Rentas Nottingham; one brother, Cruz Lopez Rojas of Puerto Rico; one sister, Francisca Lopez Rojas of Puerto Rico; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A funeral was held July 16. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Pedro’s memory may be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 E. Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

DAVID G. MEYERS

David George Meyers, of Oxford, died on July 10 at age 78.

Born in Hackensack, N.J, he was the son of the late William and Hulda [Becker] Meyers, the beloved husband of Mary-Louise; devoted father of David [Gayle Jo Carter] Meyers, Peter [Erica] Meyers, and Susan Meyers; and the adored grandfather of Elena, Benjamin, Adelyn and Hildy Meyers. He is also survived by his sisters, Ruth Celantano and Alice Orsi.

David George, who retired as technical manager from the Amoco Research Center, began his engineering career at the Hercules Research Center in Wilmington, Del. He was a graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology with a BS in mechanical engineering, and served his country as an Army service member in Korea.

He was a lifelong steward of the land and its many bounties, and he was a pioneer in organic gardening. Memorial donations can be made to the Land Conservancy of Southern Chester County (www.tlcforscc.org); or the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (www.pasafarming.org). A memorial service was private.

DORIS G. SHOTWELL

Doris “Skip” G. Shotwell, 92, of Wilmington, died on July 13 at home.

Doris was the daughter of Harmon R. and Elizabeth M. Glover, and sister to Hewlett Glover, Carlyn G. Skrivanos, and Jackson “Jack” Glover. She lived in Galveston, Texas, where she met and married William G. Shoemaker. Upon his return from World War II, she moved to Kennett Square. She is survived by daughters Susan S. Norton, Janice S. Engle (Warren), Mary Beth Shoemaker (Conrad Prigger), and Anne Shoemaker. She is also survived by her grandchildren Caroline, Don, Alyson, Brad, and Elizabeth; and great-grandchildren Max, Kate, Sam, Kayelin and Brooks.

In 1969, she married Alfred H. Shotwell Jr. (“Shotty”) and shared 32 years together until his death in 2001. His son, Alfred H. Shotwell III, and his family provided love and support for Skip since that time. During her years in Kennett Square, she was an active member of the Spade and Trowel garden club. She enjoyed the talented and dedicated women who shared her love of flowers. In 1953, she won first place in the Philadelphia Flower Show for her orchid and driftwood entry. She admired simple, natural beauty and had a discerning eye for color. She successfully created a line of men’s and ladies belts. She loved listening to music, going to the beach, traveling, and spending time with her family in Florida.

The family wishes to extend gratitude for the exceptional care received from Home Instead and Delaware Hospice, as well as the Devon staff for all of their kindness. A celebration of life was held July 18. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Center, Newark, DE 19711; or The Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market St. Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. To view her online tribute or to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ALLAN F. FERVER, JR.

Allan F. Ferver, Jr., 80, of West Grove, died on July 12 at Jenner's Pond Retirement community in West Grove.

He was the husband of the late Margaret Truitt Ferver, who died in 2013, and with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in East Orange, N.J., he was a son of the late Allan F. and the late Mabel (Stiles) Ferver, Sr. Allan served our country in the Navy during peace time. He worked as a landscape architect and was the founder/owner of Beaver Valley Nurseries in Delaware from 1958 to 1979. He designed horticultural displays for Longwood Gardens, historical sites and nature centers. He earned a masters degree in plant pathology from the University of Delaware, where his thesis was used in groundbreaking cancer research. During his retirement in Punta Gorda, Fla., he enjoyed photography, painting, poetry and environmental activism.

Survivors include five sons, Allan III (Sandra) of Worcester, Vt., Michael (Virginia) of Hacks Point, Md., James of Cochranville, Johnny of San Francisco, Calif., and Lincoln of San Rafael, Calif.; one daughter, Amy MacDonald of Chadds Ford and Carmel, Calif.; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. July 22 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A remembrance and sharing celebration of his life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Delaware Humane Association, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 Attn: Layne Ross. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

MAURA GALLIGAN CARROLL

Maura Galligan Carroll, 51, of New London, passed away on July 14 at her residence after a three-year courageous fight with cancer.

She was the wife of Duane P. Carroll, with whom she shared 26 years of marriage. Born in Lansdowne, she was the daughter of the late William Joseph Galligan, Jr., and Judith Anne Scanlon Galligan. She was a self-employed medical transcriptionist. She was a member of the Christian Life Center in New London, where she was active in the music ministry and the prayer team. She enjoyed gardening, the beach, playing the piano reading, quilting, was an avid learner, and especially enjoyed being with her family and friends.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Shannon Carroll of Lincoln University; four sons, Jon Carroll, Ethan Carroll, Connor Carroll and Christian Carroll, all of Lincoln University; two sisters, Bonnie Papp of York, Mane, and Linda Martinez of Allentown; and three brothers, Gerald Galligan of Tacoma, Wash., Chris Galligan of Springfield, Pa., and Lee Galligan of Stafford, Va.

Maura was a cherished wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend, and will be missed by all.

A funeral was held July 18. Burial was in the New London Presbyterian Cemetery. In memory of Maura, a contribution may be made to Set Free to Set Free, P.O. Box 116, Kelton, PA 19346; or to Grace House, 401 East Fulton Street, Ephrata, PA 17522. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

JOHN Q. GREER, SR.

John Q. Greer, Sr., 91, of Nottingham, died on July 5.

He served in the 102nd Signal Company in World War II in northern France, and in the Korean War. He was a painter by trade.

He is survived by two sons, John Greer, Jr., and wife Pam of Nottingham, and Tom Greer and wife Susan of Raleigh, N.C.; and two daughters, Susann Brown and husband, Mike of Oxford, and Cheryl Greer of Rising Sun, Mass.; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was married to the late Gladys Pyle Greer for 56 years. She preceded him in death in 2006. Services were private.

HENRY B. ANDERSON

Henry B. "Sonny" Anderson, 82, of Bloomer, Wis., passed away on June 27.

He was born in 1932 in Oxford, Pa., to Henry and Emily (Rother) Anderson. He graduated from Oxford High School, class of 1950. He belonged to the Oxford Fire Department, worked on the family farm, and served in the Delaware National Guard for 13 years. In March of 1959, Sonny moved to Wisconsin, where he married Joanne Dresel in 1961. He was a dairy farmer and bus driver in the Bloomer area. Sonny enjoyed reading, visiting with people, telling stories, and spending time with his many friends and family, especially his grandson.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne; two daughters, Tricia (Albert) Metts of Johnson City, Tenn., and Tessa Anderson of Siren, Wis.; two brothers: Clarence (Sue) Anderson of Sheldon, Wis., and Joel (Lee) Anderson of La Crosse, Wis.; one grandson, Trenton Anderson; numerous neices, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Emily Anderson.

HAZEL F. WALTMAN

Hazel Flanary Waltman, 94, of Jennersville, was born in 1920 to Elkanah Flanary and Tura Vesta Glass on a small farm outside Pennington Gap, Va. She was the youngest of 19 children. She graduated from Pennington Gap High School, where she was a star basketball player and centerfielder for the boys baseball team. Hazel moved to Delaware in 1939. She worked as an inspector in a defense plant in Wilmington during the day and as a musician at night. She played mandolin and sang with a well-known band, Shorty Woods and The North Carolina Ridge Runners. The band performed at Sunset Park, where she met and married Lawrence Waltman.

In later years, she also played mandolin and sang with Ola Belle Reed and Alec Campbell and the New River Gang. Hazel and Lawrence were co-owners of Sunset Park from 1957 to 1995, when it closed, and owners of a dairy farm for 50 years. She passed quietly on June 30, 2015, the day of their 72nd wedding anniversary, at home with Lawrence by her side. She was a member of the International Country Music Buyers Association, Country Music Association, and the Academy of Country Music.

Hazel is survived by her husband Lawrence; three children, Anita Hoopes Carr, Larry Waltman (Phyllis), and Donald Waltman (Donna); eight grandchildren, Brenda Durnan (Steve), Connie Race (Bill), Craig Waltman (Wendy), Trisha Costello (Ray), Courtney Wooters (Chris), Taryn Waltman, Casey Waltman, and Jennifer Waltman; and four great-grandchildren. Her service and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lawrence and Hazel Waltman Scholarship Fund, C/O Avon Grove Scholarship Fund, PO BOX 266, West Grove PA 19390. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

BURTON MCCOURY

Burton “Buddy” McCoury, 77, of West Grove, formerly of Oxford, passed away on July 15 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

He was the husband of Eileen Wood McCoury, with whom he shared 25 years of marriage. Born in Oxford, he was the son of the late Lee and Frances Purcell McCoury. He graduated from Oxford Area High School. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford, and past member of the Ocklokonee Tribe No. 212 I.O.R.M. He was awarded Oxford Citizen of the year in 2010. He was the First Lieutenant of the Oxford Fire Police, volunteered for Union Fire Company No. 1 for 60 years, served on Oxford’s 250th Birthday Committee, served as president of Oxford Area Community Enhancement, and hosted the Annual Veterans’ Breakfast in Oxford.

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Tammy McIvor (Donald); three stepchildren, Christopher Betz, Dr. Kimberly Leahy and Jennifer Conde; granddaughter Ashley McIvor; and one sister, Janet Kent.

A funeral was held July 20. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Union Fire Co. No. 1, 315 Market St., Oxford, PA 19363; SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380; or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758518, Topeka, KS 66675. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

GEORGE K. CLAUSIUS

George Kenneth Clausius, 76, of West Grove, died on July 17 at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was the husband of the late Sandra Newlin Clausius, with whom he shared 30 years of marriage, and Ruth Detterline Clausius, with whom he shared 14 years of marriage. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., he was a son of the late Daniel Oliver and the late Louise (Kramer) Clausius. George served in the USMC from 1956 to 1962. He was a pipe fitter for Scott Paper until 1998. He then worked as a court officer at the Media Court House before moving to Southern Chester County to the Villages at Penn Ridge, where he served on the board of directors. He enjoyed traveling and camping in his travel trailer with his family in Lewistown, Pa. He played his favorite game of golf with his friends, and also enjoyed fishing. In recent years, he volunteered at Jennersville Regional Hospital and attended Avondale Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife Ruth, three daughters, Marsha June (Jim), Debra Eichler (Mike McLaughlin) Carol Clausius (Rene); two stepdaughters, Karen Knorr, and Nancy Addison; four sisters, Diane Bowden, Darlene Orlando (Tom), Nancy Chadwick (Roy) and Sandra Higgins (Bill); one brother, Wayne Clausius (Joanne); his sister in-law Donna McCann (John); five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. July 23 at the West Grove Presbyterian Church (139 W Evergreen St., West Grove). A funeral service will follow at 11a.m., with a reception in the church hall immediately following the service. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Avondale Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 446, Avondale, PA 19311. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecocares.com.