Mildred Johnson Loughhead

Mildred Johnson Loughhead, a resident of Oxford who formerly lived in Kennett Square, passed away on April 28, 2023 at Ware Presbyterian Village. She was 98.

She was the wife of the late Harold O. Loughhead, who died in 2008 and with whom she shared nearly 57 years of marriage. 

Born in Galax, VA she was the daughter of the late Claude S. Johnson and the late Mary Matthews Johnson.

Mildred graduated from Mary Washington College with a degree in chemistry. She worked for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals for several years before taking a hiatus to raise her children. She finished her career at Greenwood Laboratories. 

“Millie,” also known as “Mimi,” enjoyed music. She sang, played the piano and hand bells and hand chimes. She and her husband were in the choirs of both Kennett and Oxford Presbyterian Churches. Together they also enjoyed square dancing, camping, playing bridge, and bowling as well as traveling in the states and abroad. They also volunteered at Longwood Gardens. She volunteered at Chester County Hospital and, after moving to Ware Presbyterian Village, she volunteered in the New to You Shop and delivered mail. At Ware she was a member of the Red Hat Society, the Grovely Grannies singing group, as well as a member of the Hand Chimes Choir. She spent years as secretary of the Ware Presbyterian Village Auxiliary. Her greatest joy was her family. She always looked on the brighter side of life with her southern wit and sayings.

Survivors include two sons, Jack Loughhead (and his wife Ann) of St. Peters, Pa. and Bob Loughhead (and his wife Laurie) of Denver, CO; one daughter, Marilee Calabrese (and her husband Phil) of Kennett Square; seven grandchildren, Melinda Ganz (Andrew), Tigh Loughhead (Caitlyn), Carissa Loughhead, Guenevere Finley (Josh), Becca Calabrese (Rick Limburg), Kaelin Mast (Justin), Chel Loughhead.

She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, West, Zula, Jackson, Charlie, Mira, Silvan, Maxwell, and Macsen; three step-grandchildren, Laura Duff (Tim), Paul Frank (Kristen), and Rachel Geiger (Alex); and eight step-great-grandchildren, Keira, Aaron, Brock, Miles, Crew, Sam, and Fletcher. She was predeceased by her brother, Eugene Johnson.

You are invited to Mildred's Memorial Service at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Kennett Friends Meeting House at 125 W. Sickle Street in Kennett Square. There will be a short time to meet with the family in the library of the meeting house before the service. The family invites all to a reception following the service downstairs.  Interment will be held privately.  

Memorials may be made to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation https://www.brpfoundation.org/donate or the charity of your choice. 

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100).  To view Millie's online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

Richard M. Chambers

Richard M. “Dick” Chambers, age 90,  passed away on Friday May 12, 2023 at his home in West Grove while surrounded by his loving family.  He was the husband of Mildred Speakman Chambers, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage. 

Born in West Grove, he was a son of the late Evan Chambers and the late Ethyl McCue Chambers.

Richard graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1950. He then served our country in the U.S. Army.

He was a longtime dedicated member of the West Grove-Avondale Rotary Club, where he held many roles including president of the club for two years and had perfect attendance for 60 years.  He was a life member of the West Grove Fire Company for over 70 years, and life member of the Avondale Fire Company.  For one year he was president of the Avon Grove Little League. 

He was a general contractor and foreman of ET Chambers Construction Company for many years until the company was dissolved. He continued to work for many years as a contractor.  For many years, Dick and his son John handled the cemetery grave openings with their Kabota tractor for over six cemeteries in the southern Chester County area.  He took great pride in helping local families inter their loved ones with dignity and respect. 

In addition to his wife Mildred, he is survived by his son, John Chambers (and his wife Cindy) of West Grove, and grandchildren, John (and his wife Jamie) and Kaite Moran (and her husband Ben) who are expecting Dick’s great-grandchild in September, and great-grandchildren, Noah and Olivia and his best friend Calvin Pickel. 

He was predeceased by a brother, Lawrence Chambers.

Funeral services were held on May 19 at West Grove United Methodist Church. Interment will be in New Garden Friends Cemetery.  Contributions in his memory may be made to West Grove Fire Company, PO Box 201, West Grove, PA 19390 or online at https://www.wgfc.org/content/donations.

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-459-6217).  To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

 Alan E. Coates

Alan E. Coates, of Oxford, passed away on May 15, 2023 at Ware Presbyterian Village, Oxford. He was 75.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Francis and Gladys Algard Coates.

He is survived by one brother, Charles Coates of Buena Park, Calif.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 26 at Oxford Cemetery, 220 N. Third St., Oxford. 

In his memory, donations may be made to Pennsylvania SPCA, 350 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134.

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

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

Sara Jane Kramer

Sara Jane Kramer (nee McKeehen), of Oxford, passed peacefully on May 8, 2023, at her home in Ware Presbyterian Village. She was 85.

She was born on Aug. 10, 1937, at the family farm near Berwinsdale, Pa., to Don and Olive McKeehen.

After graduating high school, she moved to Philadelphia and took a job as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone. She met her husband, Larry P. Kramer, in Philadelphia in 1955 and was married in 1957. Mr. and Mrs. Kramer resided in New Castle County, Del. from 1957 until 2000. After raising three sons, she returned to work and went on to work for various companies, retiring from DuPont in 2000. After retirement, she and her husband enjoyed many quality years living near Bethany Beach, Del.

Sara Jane was a dedicated wife of 65 years and mother to three sons. She had diverse talents, including intelligence, organizational skills, enthusiasm, compassion, and a terrific sense of humor. She enjoyed reading, history, bird watching, music, sports, travel, cooking, and physical fitness. She was a prolific walker, an organizer of the “Station Strutters” at the Dupont Experimental Station, and participated in many Susan Komen Walks for the Cure, along with the March of Dimes walks. She frequently participated in water aerobics at the community pool in Bethany Forrest. She played the piano. She encouraged a positive approach, dedication, self-reliance, respect, family, and charity. In retirement, she often volunteered at the South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach, Del., along with the Senior Center in Oceanview, Del. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. 

Sara Jane and her husband were ardent supporters of their son’s activities and were enthusiastic supporters of their grandchildren’s activities, as well. Sara Jane and Larry often sacrificed so that their sons would have a better start to life. David, Alan, and Mark acknowledge and honor the sacrifices their mother and father made.

She is survived by her sons, David (and his wife Mimi) of Landrum SC, Alan of Coatesville, Pa., Mark (and his wife Amy) of Landenberg; her sisters, Lois (and her husband Ed) of Woodbury, Pa., Norma, of Dagsboro, Del., and her brother John (and his wife Peg) of Carlisle, Pa. She is also survived by five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Larry, her parents, Don and Olive McKeehen, and her siblings Mike, Pete, Jerry, and Janet McKeehen.

Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 8:30 to 9 a.m.

Interment will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, Del.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association: https:// www.alz.org.

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 Simpers

Barbara Ann Simpers, age 78, transitioned peacefully on May 13, 2023 while surrounded by her friends and loved ones after a long battle with cancer.  She was 78.

Born in Boardman, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late William Goddard and the late Betty (Brown) Goddard. 

Barbara was a beloved member of the Chester County community and was known for being a wonderful hostess, talented singer, and incredible friend to all. She never knew a stranger, and opened her beautiful home with her husband, Tom, as a bed and breakfast many years ago.  It was aptly named "Fox Quarry" for the limestone quarry on the property that was a refuge for fox, deer, geese, and many other types of wildlife. She partnered with her husband, Tom, to build the Simpers Insurance Agency that has been serving the community since 1937.

She was a talented soprano in the Westminster Presbyterian Church choir for years, an avid gardener as a past president of the Spade and Trowel Garden Club, doll maker, jewelry designer, and interior decorator. Those who knew and loved Barb knew about her love for Christmas and the magical home she created one month out of the year as a true winter wonderland.

Fox Quarry, while no longer a bed and breakfast, always opened its doors to the community for fundraisers, home tours, wedding celebrations, concerts, and parties that people talk about decades later. She even hosted weekly luncheons for her friends called "Wild Women Wednesdays" and was a member of the BBK jewelry collective.

Barb is survived by her husband of 55 years, Tom; her son, Tommy; her daughter, Liz and her wife, Julie; and her grandchildren, Trey and Tessa.

Family and friends are invited to Barb’s Life Celebration Memorial Service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 3 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Road in West Chester.

Ladies are encouraged to wear their best costume jewelry and statement necklaces.  

Contributions in Barb's memory can be made to Penn Medicine Hospice online at https://giving.apps.upenn.edu.

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

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

Aida D Stainback

Aida D Stainback went home to be with her family on May 16, 2023.

She lived at Ware Presbyterian Village where she had made her home since 2018.  

She was born on March 20, 1926, recently celebrating 97 years. Her husband, Thomas Stainback preceded her in death in 1998.  

She is survived by many nieces, nephews as well as great and great-great relatives.  

After her husband’s passing, she chose to return to Kennett Square  to continue the remainder of her life living with her brother in her childhood home until her move to Steward Place at Ware Presbyterian Village.

Aida attended Kennett High School and graduated from Gaucher College. After her college graduation, she worked for the Delaware Social Security Administration until her marriage at age 31. She enjoyed living in many places throughout her life and she and her husband enjoyed traveling extensively  with the opportunity to live in Kenya, Africa.

Her hobbies included knitting, playing tennis, going to the YMCA, volunteering at the Encore shop as well as the Kennett Garden Club where she made many acquaintances and friends along her journey. She supported many charitable organizations  throughout her lifetime. She also loved all animals and nature, and was never without a pet to dote upon and love.  

Aunt Edee, as she was lovingly called, enjoyed all her extended family. She especially found joy when she was around the younger generations.  She was witty, always stylishly dressed and viewed her age as just a number.

She will be missed by all who knew her.

Per her wishes, services and burial are private.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ware Presbyterian Village , Willow Tree Hospice or a local SPCA.

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

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

 

Doris Jean Holbrook

Doris Jean Holbrook, 71, of West Grove, passed away on May 16, 2023 at Chester County Hospital, West Chester.

Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Nora Stout Jones.

Doris was born on February 2, 1952. She graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1970. She worked various jobs in the area including Jennersville Hospital, Calvert Manor Nursing Home, Penn Vet New Bolton Center and Unionville Equine.

Doris was very dedicated to her family and grandkids. She loved taking her grandkids to Rehoboth Beach and also loved watching them play sports. Doris also enjoyed going out to eat with friends and family, and loved a good hoagie.

She is survived by four children, Vanessa Stoops (Todd), Michael Holbrook (Jen), Elise Frey (Brad) and David Holbrook (Amanda); step-daughter, Natalie Barroso (Tony); eight grandchildren, Daulton Risser, Carlee Risser, Hannah Holbrook, David Holbrook, George Frey, Zach Frey, Ryan Holbrook and Grace Frey; three step-grandchildren, Dylan Stoops, Chloe Barroso and Brady Stoops; and one brother, Carl Jones (Sharon). 

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

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Grove Fire Company, P.O. Box 201, West Grove, PA 19390, www.wgfc.org.

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

Helen Alice White

Helen Alice White passed away at the age of 91 on May 8, 2023.

Alice was born on Nov. 7, 1931, to Annabelle and Walter Motley in Berwyn, Pa.

After graduating from high school, she received her undergraduate degree from Wheaton

College, Illinois and later received a master of arts degree in journalism from the University of

Alabama. She was active in the League of Women Voters and the church while living in Auburn.

Alice spent the majority of her life living in California (1969-2017) returning to Auburn,

Alabama in 2017 to spend time with her beloved children and grandchildren.

Alice was a very intelligent and compassionate woman with a strong biblical faith and a deep

connection to all things natural. 

Alice is survived by her sisters, Dorothy Walter and Judith Clemer, her children, Randall Melius, Paul Melius, Alan Melius, and Lisa Strong, and her grandchildren, Patience Melius, Carrie Melius, Charles Beckett, and Isabella Melius. She is loved and missed by those that survive her.

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

Psalm 23:1-6