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Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of August 22

08/22/2022 03:34PM ● By Steven Hoffman

Bonnie Jones

Bonnie “Jean” Jones, of Nottingham, passed away on Aug. 15, 2022 at the Union Hospital in Elkton, Md. She was 77. 

She was the wife of James C. Jones, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage.

Born in Wilmington, Del., she was the daughter of the late Emmanuel D. Hamby and the late Ora Phipps Hamby.

Jean was a homemaker and a dedicated mother.

She was a member of the New London Baptist Church in Kelton, Pa., where she was involved in many church activities.

Jean enjoyed sewing and she loved mending clothes for people. She also liked crocheting, helping others, and being with her family and friends. She enjoyed being a grandmother and was very good with her grandchildren. 

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, James E. Jones (and his wife Marianne) of Bear, Del. and Donny W. Jones (and his wife Jennifer) of Fond-Du-Lac, WI and one daughter, Tammy J. Hauser (and her husband Daniel) of Haines, AK.  She is also survived by two granddaughters, Renee Jones and Talia D. Hauser.

You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 at the New London Baptist Church, 226 Pennocks Bridge Road in West Grove. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.


Malone Bennett

Malone Bennett, 90, of West Grove, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home on Aug. 14.

Born in Green Mountain, NC on June 8, 1932, he was the son of the late Luther Bennett and Hester (Peterson) Bennett.

Malone retired from Chrysler Corporation after 35 years.

He is survived by his daughter, Debra Elaine Jordan, wife of Robert of West Grove,  and his son, Malone Allen (Chip) Bennett, husband of Sally of Toughkenamon,  Pa. 

He is also survived by five grandchildren, Brooke (Bennett) Norbert, wife of Cameron of John's Creek,  GA., Fallon (Jordan) Manchin wife of John of West Chester, Devon Jordan, fiancée of Colby Graffunder of Oxford, Alexis Bennett of Wayne, Pa.., and Aaron Bennett of Kennett Square, PA. 

Also surviving are three great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Jordan and Jemma Manchin, and one brother, Herbert, husband of Lois, of Green Mountain, NC.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Mildred Jane (Pennington) Bennett, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage; his second wife, Dolores (Ullery) Bennett, with whom he shared 10 years of marriage; his stepdaughter,  Kathy Carpenter; his first-born grandson, Lewis Malone Jordan; his brothers, Albert and James; and four sisters, Pauline Bennett, Mary Thomas, Ruth Bennett and Patsy Barnett.

The family would like to thank Willow Tree Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

His service and interment is private. 

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.


Leah Jessie Gain

Leah Jessie Gain, 15, of Cochranville, passed away peacefully at her home on Aug. 17, 2022.

Leah was born on Aug. 1, 2007 in West Grove.  She was the beloved daughter of Matthew Allen Gain and Luann Margaret Gain.

Leah graduated from the The Arc of Chester County in 2013.  She attended the Child and Career Development Center in Coatesville.

Leah loved listening to music, watching colorful lights, going swimming and traveling with her family to Knoebels. In addition to her parents, Leah is survived by her younger brother Ryan and many loving family members.

Services were held on Aug. 22 at the Edward L. Collins Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to Leah's school, the Child and Career Development Center, 1525 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

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


Catherine Spross

Catherine Spross (nee McDevitt), a resident of Oxford who formerly lived in Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on Aug. 17, 2022, at Christiana Hospital Hospice in Newark, Del. She was surrounded by her loving family during her final days. 

She was 90.

Born in Philadelphia on Oct. 31, 1931, Catherine was a 1949 graduate of Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia and went on to work for Bell Telephone Co., Eaton Corporation and Angelo Brothers. She was a longtime former member of Maternity B.V.M. Church and then St. Christopher Church in Philadelphia.

Catherine is survived by three children, Richard Spross, Carol Daly (Francis), and Joseph Spross; her brother, Edward McDevitt (Sheila); her grandchildren, Sireen, Janine, Danielle, Richard, Kyle (Alexis), and Emma; and her great-grandchildren, Fiona, Gia, Mason and Logan. 

Catherine is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Spross; her daughter, Susan Joseph; grandson, Timothy; her brother, James McDevitt; and her parents, Edward and Sheila McDevitt. She will be greatly missed and forever loved. 

A mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Aug. 22 at Sacred Heart Church in Oxford.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are being handled by Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

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


James Harrison Armes

James Harrison Armes, age 77, of West Grove, passed away on Aug. 8, 2022, at Chester County Hospital. 

He was the husband of Barbara E. Armes (née Conard), with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.

Born in Madisonville, KY he was a son of the late Benjamin Armes and the late Inda Armes (née Stacey).

James graduated from Madisonville High School in 1963.

He served our country as a sergeant in the Air Force during Vietnam and received the Airman of the Month award as well as commendations for marksmanship during his time in service.

James was a CNC machinist for ACR Machine Inc., in Coatesville for many years until his retirement in 2020.

He was a member of New London United Methodist Church for over 40 years. 

James enjoyed playing pinochle, watching sports, completing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, square dancing, and mini golf. He also liked to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, take family vacations to Rehoboth Beach, Del. and visit family in Kentucky.

In addition to his wife, James is survived by two daughters, Denise Williamson of Kirkwood, Pa., and Rebecca Fitzgerald and her husband Scott of Coatesville; two sons, Matthew Armes and his wife Dorothy of West Grove and James Armes of Camp Hill, Pa.; five grandchildren, Karra Williamson, Dylan Fitzgerald, Seth Fitzgerald, Sydney Armes, and Austin Armes; and one great-granddaughter, Adrianna. 

He was predeceased by his siblings, four brothers and one sister.

You are invited to visit with James’s family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at New London United Methodist Church, 1010 State Rd, Lincoln University, PA 19352.  

A memorial service in celebration of his life will follow at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow.  Interment will be held privately at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to New London United Methodist Church PO Box 8050, West Grove, PA 19390 or to Wounded Warrior project at P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or online at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements are provided by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.


Delores Ann Mattson

Delores Ann (Pierce) Mattson, 64, of Landenberg, passed away on July 28, 2022 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

She was the wife of the late William Mattson, who died in 2014, and with whom she shared 27 years of marriage.

Born in Johnson City, Tenn., she was a daughter of the late R.J. Pierce and the late Georgia Ann (Gent) Pierce.

She worked for many years at Alpha Spawn and Happy Harry’s/Walgreens in Avondale.

She is survived by her sons, Larry A. Eller, Jr. (Theresa) and Matthew Mattson of Landenberg; her grandchildren, Larry Eller III, Tyler Eller, and Dustin Kendrick Jr.; her great-grandchildren, Lilah and River Eller and Rylee Eller; her siblings Norman C. Pierce, Mary A. Osborne (Thomas), and Sandra D. Carpenter (Bobby); her uncle Clyde Gent and her aunts, Evelyn Miller, Bonnie Clawson, and Barbara Caldwell; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Terry L. Pierce and a daughter, Sabrina A. Barclay.

Services were held on Aug. 19.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made online at https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/delores-ann-mattson-pierce-funeral-expense-fundraiser/6917/ .  Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) Condolences may be made shared at www.griecofunerals.com.


Timothy Wayne Hunnell, Sr.

Timothy Wayne Hunnell, Sr., of Nottingham, passed away on Aug. 10, 2022 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was 57.

He was the husband of Colleen Harbaugh Hunnell, with whom he shared 36 years of marriage.  Born in Lancaster, Pa., he was a son of the late Robert Hunnell and Minnie Jennings Hunnell, who lives in New Providence, Pa.

Timothy was a truck driver and worked for Ironlynx and Harley-Davidson.

He loved fishing, hunting, working on cars, and tinkering around his home.  More than anything, Timothy loved visiting with his mom and siblings and he loved to spoil his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Timothy Jr. (Denise) of Ohio and William (Mikalea) of Nottingham; one daughter, Tristian Quinlan (Brian) of Nottingham; three sisters, Maggie Sprout (Ernie) of Rising Sun Md., Clara Wiley, and Frances Swift (John) of Holtwood, Pa.; two brothers, Billy (Jennifer) of West Grove and Danver (Tammy) of Rising Sun, Md.; and 14 grandchildren, Devyn, Kelsey, Noah, Timothy Hunnell III, William Jr, Dean, Toby, Sarah, Ryan, Chloe, Kaylee, Logan, Leeya, and Koltyn.

Services celebrating his life were held on Aug. 19.

Interment will be held privately. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to his memorial fund at https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/timothy-wayne-hunnell-sr-/6962/.  

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square.  To view his online tribute, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.


Anne Elise duPont

Anne Elise duPont, 91, of Cokesbury Village in Hockessin, Del., passed away peacefully on July 30, 2022. She was the widow of Alexis I duPont. 

Born in Poughkeepsie, NY in 1930, she was the daughter of Anna Nardin Smith and Everitt Burns Smith. She is survived by her sons Alexis duPont Jr and his wife Laurance duPont of Los Angeles, CA, Everitt duPont and his wife Alison duPont of Tallahassee, FL, Thomas duPont of West Grove, her daughters Joanna Lewis and husband Houghton Lewis of Waxhaw, NC, Stephanie duPont and her husband Mike Hannigan of White Fish, MT, and 12 grandchildren. Anne was the perfect partner and compliment to Alexis “Lex” her husband of over 60 years. They went scuba diving on their honeymoon and throughout their life, traveled across the United States, Canada and Caribbean in Lex’s Cessna 185. 

In the 1960s they created an airport, the New Garden Flying Field, in Toughkenamon. Anne was the general manager and was instrumental in growing the airport from a single grass strip runway to a fully functioning regional general aviation airport with flight training, maintenance, hangars and fuel. They also created the Colonial Flying Corps Museum to restore and display antique aircraft. Anne was the business woman who managed Lex’s dreams. Anne was an avid reader and had many interests. She enjoyed attending the Philadelphia Orchestra, hosted artists, and was on the Board of Trustees of The Tatnall School. She was a gracious host, always delighted to add one more to the dinner table or have someone arrive last minute and spend the night. She was funny, kind and loved her family intensely. She also loved sharing her Block Island house with family and friends. 

On Saturday, Sept. 17 there will be a private family graveside service followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at 11:30 a.m. at the Christ Church Christiana Hundred Parrish Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in honor of Anne Elise duPont be made to the Hagley Museum and Library of Wilmington, Del. For online condolences, please visit Chandlerfuneralhome.com.


Michael E. Eller

Michael E. Eller passed away at home in Wilmington Del. on Aug. 19, 2022. He was 68.

Michael was born in Wilmington on March 1, 1954 to his loving parents Carl “Bud” Eller and Eleanor (Farmer) Eller.  He lived all of his young life in Oxford and graduated from Oxford Area High School in 1972.

Michael was a precocious boy.  While he enjoyed many regular little boy activities such as Boy Scouts and being a cub scout leader, he also was in many ways an adult in a boy’s body.  He started and ran a neighborhood newspaper, The Barnsley News.  Printing the paper on his own printing press, he found himself in trouble with mom on more than one occasion for hand delivering local gossip to every front porch in the neighborhood.  In many ways Michael had more jobs during his childhood than most people have their entire lives.  He sold Fuller Brush (becoming area manager while still in high school) and TV Guides door to door. He operated his own neighborhood library, with actual library cards, out of his bedroom. He ran for three years a Ronald McDonald’s Carnival to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and operated Eller’s Market selling groceries, deli items, gasoline and other general store items.

The fourth year of the carnival was changed to a fundraiser for a little girl from Oxford.  Michael went all out with large carnival rides and games that rivaled the local fireman’s Carnival.  The proceeds helped purchase an at-home dialysis machine for the little girl.  

Michael received awards for his fundraising efforts from the Oxford Rotary Club (Outstanding Boy - Oxford Area), PA Medical Society’s Benjamin Rush Award (only the third youth recipient of the award in the society’s 120-year history).  Michael did this before he even began high school.

As an adult, Michael continued to explore different jobs. He worked for Sunny Slope Dairy, Herr’s Potato Chips, Delaware Candy & Tobacco Co. He drove a school bus and eventually began driving bus for Delaware’s transit company, DART.  Michael loved driving bus and interacting with the riders every day.  Despite his love of driving bus, he was too self-motivated to stay in one position for long.  Michael moved up the ladder at DART until he eventually became the Chief of Schedule Development. Michael was tasked with planning every bus route and stop in Delaware, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  If there was a major event happening in Delaware Michael would move the many pieces of DART like a chess master. In 2007, he oversaw the visit of President George W. Bush.  He was also very proud to work with then U.S. Senator Joseph Biden to address Homeland Security issues.  Surprising his sister Teresa when, during a visit to Dart, Joe Biden walked up and began speaking to Michael and addressing him as “Mike” as if they were old friends.  Michael retired from DART in 2015 after 30-plus years of service.

In addition to his many jobs, Michael continued to be an entrepreneur. He began preparing taxes in his home for friends and family around 1990.  Realizing that there was a need for this service, he started Michael Eller Income Tax Service in 1995.  Michael owned and operated the tax office for 20 years, first on Union Street in Wilmington before eventually moving to a larger location on Maryland Ave.  Michael Eller Tax Service continues to operate today under the ownership of Michael’s close friend and former office manager, Jorge Bravo.

Beyond his many professional accomplishments Michael will best be remembered for the many friendships he built.  Michael was a kind man.  He was never quick to judge, preferred trust over doubt, and would help anyone in need.  If you ask any of his friends, they will tell you that Michael always gave without expectation.  As his tax business grew many of his friends and family came to work with him and many others came to work for him and became a friend.  His friends in Delaware were his family and when he became sick and needed help, they rallied around him.

Michael is survived by his sisters, Teresa Ogino (Mike) of Oxford and Phyllis Barlow (Tim) of Cochranville; six nieces and nephews, Brian Simmons (Niccki), David Ogino (Stephanie), Angela Barlow, Krystal Stouffer (Brad), Steven Barlow (Audrey), and Wesley Ogino.

In addition to family Michael is survived by his close friends, Jorge Bravo, Marilyn Ortiz, and Mary Roop.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Frank McCoury; and one nephew, Mark Simmons.

The family would like to give a very special thank you to Michael’s caretakers Oriana and Xavier.  Oriana and Xavier provided Michael with great care for 7 years and treated him as their own family.

There were many friends who helped with Michael’s care—too many to list here, but the family did not want to recognize Rodney Banks for all his help.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24, at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St. in Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

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