DAVID R. HAMILTON

David R. Hamilton, 81, of Oxford, passed away on April 6.

He was born in 1936 in West Grove to the late Fred P. Hamilton and Evelyn (Keim) Hamilton. David was a talented carpenter and enjoyed woodworking. He built his family’s summer home in the mountains of Sullivan County, Pa. He was an avid hunter. David loved sports and played baseball for the majority of his life. He was a lifelong New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys fan. David was a devoted grandfather and made multiple trips to New Jersey with his wife, Barbara, to watch their grandchildren play softball, lacrosse, and soccer. He was also a member of Janes United Methodist Church for 22 years.

David is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara J. Hamilton of Oxford; daughter, Robin Zabel and her partner Wes Baum of Bridgewater, N.J.; son, Michael Hamilton and his wife Lori of Kendall Park, N.J.; five grandchildren; and sisters Marilyn Hibbard, Hope Kepler, and Carol Warfel. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Hamilton.

A funeral was held April 13. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to “Alzheimer’s Association” and sent in care of R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911. To send an online condolence, visit www.rtfoard.com.

LUCIE MCGLINN

Lucie McGlinn died on Feb. 19 in Lancaster, Calif.

She was born Lucia Cecilia DiNorscia in 1920 to Sopino DiNorscia and Frances Gale DiNorscia in Madison, Maine. She was one of six children. Her father and other family members moved from Maine to Kennett Square, where they eventually entered the mushroom business. Lucie grew up helping at the DiNorscia roadside stand, attended high school and entered the U.S. Army as a WACC.

While in the Army at the Pentagon, she met and married John James (Jimmy) McGlinn. Together they enjoyed life in the Army, which later provided the opportunity to see the world. Together, they had five children, John, Francis, Stephen, Mary and Cecilia.

Ten years after Jimmy’s death, Lucie moved to California, where she lived near her daughter, Mary Dennis, and close to son Steve (Nancy) McGlinn, for 12 years. Lucie lived her life with much gratitude for all she was given. Her passions included family, travel, German and Italian languages, opera, theater, dancing, skiing, the Catholic faith, cooking, organizing everything, using correct grammar, hosting others, and a genuine interest in people. She always drew upon her faith and family to experience life and all it had to offer. Until her death, Lucie remained the adorable, feisty, exuberant soul she had been her whole life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters and brother; her son Francis and beloved daughter-in-law, Nancy Park McGlinn (wife of Stephen). She is survived by John (Nadja) McGlinn of Iowa City, Iowa, daughter-in-law Rhonda McGlinn of Reno, Nev., Stephen McGlinn of Laguna Niguel, Calif.; Mary Dennis of Lancaster, Calif.; and Cecilia (Nick) Darrow of Smithtown, N.Y. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren.

There will be a rite of Christian burial on May 12 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kennett Square. A light luncheon will be held at the Hilton (Longwood) Garden Inn (815 E. Baltimore Pike) from 1 to 4 p.m. for family and friends. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JAMES R. PHIPPS

James R. Phipps, 73, of Avondale, passed away on April 9 at the Chester County Hospital.

Born in West Grove, he was the son of Blanche Hopper Phipps of West Grove, and the late Roscoe B. Phipps. Jim was a security guard at Jenner’s Pond, and prior to that, he worked as a paver for Brandywine Paving. He enjoyed watching all the Philadelphia sports teams on TV, bluegrass Gospel music, going out to eat, and being with his family and friends.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his companion of 40 years, Judith A. Maxwell of Avondale; one sister, Jenny Hoover of Kelton; Judy’s daughter, Beverly Reccuiti of Honey Brook and her two children; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Claude Phipps.

A funeral was held April 12. In memory of Jim, a contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

MARY FISHER ROSS

Mary Fisher Ross, 99, of Cochranville, passed away on April 8 at home.

She was the wife of the late William R. Ross. Born in Lodi, Va., she was the daughter of the late Rush and Lucy McThenia Fisher. Mary enjoyed traveling with her daughters.

She is survived by three daughters, Wanda R. Horne of Aberdeen, Md., Peggy Corbin of Kennewick, Wash., and Mary Jane Thompson of Cochranville: six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Allen Leech of Carbondale, Ill., and Kathryn Steele (Frank) of West Grove. She was preceded in death by her son, William S. Ross, Sr.; grandson, John E. Ross; and eight brothers and sisters.

A funeral was held April 13. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2117. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ROBERT S. SLAUCH

Robert S. Slauch, 87, of Oxford, formerly of Huntington Valley, Pa., passed away on April 7  in Jennersville Regional Hospital.

Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late S. Spencer and Margaret Sims Slauch. Robert graduated from Oxford High School in 1948 and Temple University in 1956 with a BS degree in business administration. He was employed with Lower Moreland School District as the Superintendent of Business and later as the Treasurer and Tax Collector of Lower Moreland Township, Montgomery County. Robert was Past President of the Rotary Club No. 7707 of Huntingdon Valley-Southampton. He was a member and past superintendent of Sunday School of Oxford United Methodist Church. Robert enjoyed tours, conventions and riding trains.

He is survived by two sisters, Doris E. Slauch of Rising Sun, Md., and Anna S. Ross of Oxford; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Edward, Paul and Ray Slauch.

A graveside service was held April 14 at Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made Oxford United Methodist Church, 18 Addison St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

SALLY RAMSAY FINE

Sally Ramsay Fine, 82, of Charleston, S.C., wife of the late Paul Robert Fine, died on April 4.

Sally was born in 1935 in Oxford, daughter of John Henderson Ramsay and Martha Thelma Kreiser Ramsay. She was a researcher, writer, culinary teacher and aficionado, as well as an expert in antiques. Before moving to Charleston, she lived and worked in Sarasota, Fla., and New York City.

She is survived by her brother, Walter "Peck" Ramsay of North Cape May, N.J.; and many close friends who enjoyed her bon vivant approach to life. She is predeceased by her beloved Paul Fine; her parents; and brother, John Ramsay.

Her memorial service was held April 13 in Charleston. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Philip's Church, 142 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401; or Hospice of Charleston, 4975 Lacross Rd. Suite 200, N. Charleston, SC 29406. Visit www.legacy.com/obituaries/charleston.

KENNETH F. STEELE

Kenneth F. Steele, 67, of Little Britain, entered into rest on April 9 at home, surrounded by his family.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Francis Oliver and Lucille (Shoemaker) Steele. Ken and his wife, Maryjo (Gallagher) Steele, had celebrated 37 years of marriage in June. Ken graduated from Solanco High School in 1968 and Millersville University in 1975. He was a teacher, farmer, salesman, financial planner and developer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and was an avid car enthusiast. Most of all, Ken enjoyed the time he spent with his family.

Surviving besides his wife is a son, Scott Francis and his wife Sarah (Ibach) Steele and their children, Landon Vaughn and Grady Thomas Steele. Along with his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his uncle Chester and aunt Hazel Virtue.

A service was held April 13. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ken’s memory to Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, c/o Lancaster General Health Foundation, 600 N. Cherry St., PO Box 3555, Lancaster, PA 17604. Visit the online guestbook at www.dewalds.com.

 

JOHN W. BRIGGS

John William Briggs, 44, of Oxford, formerly of Newark, Del., passed away on April 11 at home.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of Roger Dale and Ruthann Phillips Briggs of Oxford. John was employed as an investment banker with BNY Mellon in Wilmington for ten years, and formerly employed with MBNA America in Newark. He was a member of Disney Vacation Club and enjoyed vacationing at Disney World.

He is survived by his parents; one sister, Erika Slicer of Lincoln University; one niece, Paige Elizabeth Slicer; and one nephew, Brendan Slicer.

A funeral was held April 14. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Brandywine River Valley Hospice, 121 Bell Tower Lane, Oxford, PA 19363.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

DALE F. BYERS

Dale Frederick Byers (Fred), 74, of West Grove, died on April 9 at the Christiana Care Hospital in Newark, Del.

He was the husband of Nancy Enck Byers, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Born in Mechanicsburg, he was a son of the late Dale Frederick Byers, Sr., and the late Gladys Eleanor (Rupp) Byers. Dale graduated from Cumberland Valley High School in 1961, where he was also a standout basketball player. Most of Fred’s career was with PPG in Mount Holly Springs, Pa., where he was a plate glass production operator. When living in Cape May, N.J., he worked in security for Show Boat Casino in Atlantic City. Fred lovedgolf and enjoyed playing with the Church of the Advent golf league. He also enjoyed playing golf with his grandsons and other friends. He enjoyed watching all high school and college sports. He loved animals, especially feral cats, and adopted and cared for several of them.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, two daughters, Wendy Byers Colagreco and her husband Joe of West Grove, and Jill Byers Ridgaway and her husband Charlie of East Fallowfield; one brother, Michael R. Byers and his wife Mary of Carlisle; and four grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Judith Root; and a brother, James E. Byers.

Services and interment are private. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Chester County SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

MILDRED W. HERR

Mildred W. Herr, 92, of Avondale, passed away on April 14 at the Christiana Hospital.

She was the wife of John H. Herr, who passed away in 2014, and with whom she shared 67 years of marriage. Born in Newark, Del., she was the daughter of the late Philip Wilson and the late Ethel Lovett Wilson. She was a homemaker. In her early years, she worked as a bookkeeper for the Delaware trust Company in Wilmington. She was a member of the New London Presbyterian Church and the Easter Star-Octorara Chapter. She enjoyed going to church, traveling, dancing, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Robert L. Herr and his wife Susan of Landenberg; one daughter, Judy H. Small and her husband Melvyn of West Chester; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Her funeral was private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Christian Life Center, 125 Saginaw Road, Lincoln University, PA 19352. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JOHN D. RHOADS

John (Jack) Dale Rhoads, 64, of West Grove, passed away on April 7 at the Temple University Hospital.

He was the husband of Katharine “Katie” Krick Rhoads, with whom he shared 26 years of marriage. Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late George Robert Rhoads and the late Marjorie Deatrich Rhoads. Jack was an industrial electrician at Dow Chemical in Newark, Del. Prior to that, he was employed at Lukens Steel Company.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Ian M. Rhoads of Apollo, Pa., and his fiancee Sarah; one daughter, Rebecca D. Rhoads of Lebanon and her fiance Pete; one sister, Darlene Rhoads of West Grove; and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by one brother, George Robert “Bobby” Rhoads; and one sister, Dorothy Lambert.

A life celetration will be held at noon on April 21 at the Christian Life Center (125 Saginaw Rd., New London Township). A luncheon will follow his service. Burial will be private. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

WALTER P. DILLON

Walter P. Dillon (Buddy), 68, of Kennett Square, died on April 11 at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

He was the husband of Linda Adams Dillon, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. Born in Pence Springs, W.Va., he was the son of the late Benny Dillon and Marinda Jeanette (Ratliff) Dillon, who lives in Oxford. Walter served in the Army. He worked for many years at Curtis Paper Company, and for the last 18 years as a plant manager for Tri-M Company in Kennett Square. He loved hunting, fishing, bowling and golf, and was a member of the Strasburg Sportsman Association and the Hockessin and Kennett VFW.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife and mother, one daughter, Jeanette DiStefano of Kennett Square; and his twin granddaughters, both of Kennett Square.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. April 18 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Baldricks Foundation www.stbaldricks.org, which supports childhood cancer research.

LYDIA JONES PEOPLES

Lydia Jones Peoples, 90 of Oxford, passed away on March 30 at Christiana Hospital.

Born in East Nottingham, she was the daughter of the late Everett and Jennie Kirk Jones. She was married to the late John A. Peoples, Sr., for 62 years.

Lydia is survived by her four children, John A. Peoples, Jr., of Rising Sun, Md., Margaret Mattern of North East, Md., Charles E. Peoples, and Nancy Zook of Oxford; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Jane Peoples Graham; a grandson, John Arthur Peoples; two sisters, Ruth Eckman and Dorothy Jones; and a brother, Paul Jones.

Lydia was devoted to her family, faith and farm. Her funeral was held April 5. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Oxford United Methodist Church, Market and Addison Streets, Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences can be made at www.ruffenachfuneralhome.com.

HELEN B. GALLAGHER

Helen Baker Gallagher, 97, of Oxford, passed away on April 3 at Calvert Manor Nursing Home in Rising Sun, Md.

Born at home in 1920 at White Rock, Lancaster County, she was the daughter of the late Harry M. and Alice (Wicks) Baker. She is survived by sons Walter M. Gallagher, Jr. (Mary), and Charles L. Gallagher (Darlene); four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

She attended Solanco schools for 11 years and graduated from Oxford High School in 1939. During World War II, Helen worked at the munitions factory in Elkton, Md., later at Bainbridge Naval Base in Port Deposit, and retired from the Army Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, Md. She was proud to be a long-serving member of the ladies Auxiliary to the Union Fire Company in Oxford, and the Order of the Eastern Star in Oxford. An animal caretaker, Helen would always rescue a stray. She especially loved her dog, Star. She enjoyed painting, creating and firing ceramics, and was an avid dollmaker. Many of her creations are enjoyed by family and friends in the area.

At the discretion of the family, services were private.

RUTH  ANN  CRAMPTON 

Ruth Ann Crampton, 75, of Kennett Square, passed away on April 15 at her residence. 

She was the wife of Clifford B. Crampton, who passed away in 2000, and with whom she shared over 30 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late John N. Jackson and the late Margaret Snowden. She was a program technician at Agilent Technology (Hewlett-Packard), retiring in 2007 after 33 years of service. Ruth Ann was a competitive bowler and bowled in many tournaments. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, barbecues and family functions, was an Philadelphia sports fan, and especially enjoyed tennis, and being with her family and friends. 

She is survived by one son, Michael A. Crampton; four brothers, John H. Jackson of Toughkenamon, Wilson Jackson of Kennett Square, Robert A. Jackson  of Colorado, and James R. Jackson and his wife Melissa of Bear, Del.; three sisters, Joyce J. Anderson and her husband William of Avondale, Betty J. Jackson of Kennett Square, and Rosalind Jackson of Michigan; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one daughter, Linda Crampton; one brother, William E. Jackson; and one sister, Mary Louise Jackson.

 A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. April 23 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 the Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

 

JONAS PETERSON
Jonas Peterson, 85 of West Grove, passed away on April 13 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois F Peterson, with whom he was married to for 61 years. He was born in 1932 in Poplar, N.C. He was the son of the late Samuel and Tex Peterson and was the youngest of 13 children. Jonas worked for NVF Paper Company in Yorklyn, Del., for over 30 years. He loved to play the guitar and sing gospel songs. He was a member of Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church. He was a loyal Phillies fan. He enjoyed whittling, listening to bluegrass, and was the best horseshoe player in Chester County.

He is survived by four daughters, Sheila Jo Peterson of Avondale, Joyce Peterson of Hesperia, Calif., Ima Jean Peterson of Avondale, Mary Lou Visser of North East, Md.; one son, Jonas Peterson, Jr., of West Grove; special friend of the family Ken Barker of Avondale; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one brother, Charles Peterson of West Grove. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, April Burnett.

Funeral services will be held April 20 at the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church (303 W. Christine Rd., Nottingham). Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.