Kent County, Delaware - Obits: from newszap.com ************************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information is included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Melinda Jarvis Devereaux ************************************************************************** * Cassondra D. Matthews Cottingham, 16 SELBYVILLE - Cassondra D. Matthews Cottingham of Selbyville died in an accident Saturday, June 21, 2003. She was 16. Cassondra attended Indian River High School. She is survived by her parents, Machelle Conquest of Selbyville and Clarence Cottingham of Georgetown; two sisters, Shontay M. Cottingham of Selbyville and Devosha Cottingham of Seaford; and her paternal grandfather and grandmother, Leroy Matthews Sr. of Frankford and Elizabeth Parsons of Millsboro. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in the Calvary Pentecostal Church, Bishopville, Md., where friends may call one hour earlier. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Milford. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Richard Bayard Emory, 74 SEAFORD - Richard Bayard Emory of Seaford died Tuesday, June 24, 2003, in Life Care at Lofland Park. He was 74. Mr. Emory graduated from Milford High School in 1947. While there, he was a standout varsity football, basketball and baseball letterman. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he was a radioman stationed at the Great Lakes. During his advanced training, he was diagnosed with a ruptured eardrum and received a medical discharge. After the service, he returned to Milford and began a long career with E.I. DuPont in Seaford in 1949. Though he held many operating positions, he will most be remembered for his work as president of the Seaford Nylon Employees' Council, a position he held for the last 17 years of his career before he retired in July of 1979. Mr. Emory was an avid bowler and horseshoe player. He had a love of horses and owned racehorses named Wood Chip and Widow May Win, pacers at different racetracks. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Virginia Emory; his first wife, Ida Ann Hollis Emory; and three brothers. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy H. Emory; four daughters, Donna Rayne of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Carole Downs of Acworth, Ga., and Susan Miller and Jo Ann Lord both of Seaford; a step-daughter, Fay Ent of Salisbury, Md.; a stepson, Drew Wroten of Seaford; two brothers, Cecil Emory and Donald Emory both of Milford; a sister, Helen Rumley of Milford; 10 grandchildren; two great- grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Cranston Funeral Home, 300 N. Shipley St., Seaford. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home, where friends may call one hour earlier. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milford. Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Wicomico Stroke Club, c/o Dede Bachtler, 1109 Cathelle Court, Salisbury, MD 21804. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Margaret Catherine Harvey, 97 MILFORD - Margaret Catherine Harvey of Milford, formerly of Framingham, Mass., died, after a long illness. Wednesday, June 25, 2003, in Milford Center. She was 97. Mrs. Harvey was employed for more than 50 years as a manager and hostess for several hotel restaurants in Massachusetts, retiring in 1980. She moved to Milford in 1984 to be closer to her family. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, John Andrew Curtin II and Carol Curtin of Milford; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Services and burial will be private. Arrangements by Rogers Funeral Home, Milford. --------------------------------------------------------------- * John R. Hughes, 82 DOVER - John R. Hughes of Dover died, after a long illness, Tuesday, June 24, 2003, in his home. He was 82. Mr. Hughes was born in Long Island City, N.Y., son of the late Benjamin and Catherine Martin Hughes. After attending Manhattan College for three years, he took leave of his education to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a first lieutenant during World War II. Mr. Hughes, upon his discharge from military service, continued his education and received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Rochester. He had worked for Marchant Calculators in New York and later with Stromberg Carlson and General Dynamics, both of Rochester, N.Y., prior to moving to Dover in 1964, where he served as a vice president of ILC Industries as main negotiator for their spacesuit contracts. In 1974, he joined Holy Cross High School, where he served as an economics and religion teacher until 1985. Mr. Hughes later served as a classification consultant for the Delaware Personnel Office, retiring in 1995. A dedicated husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed golf and was especially fond of the Philadelphia Eagles football team. Mr. Hughes was an active member of the Holy Cross Church in Dover and had served on the parish council and The Samaritans, and was a Eucharistic minister. He also had volunteered with Kent County, serving as a court-appointed special advocate. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathleen, in 1959; and a son, Robert, in 1970. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Janet Duffy Hughes of Dover; three children and their respective spouses, John Jr. and Debbie of Peshastin, Wash., Patricia and Larry Bonniwell of Seaford and Kevin and Laurie of Charlotte, N.C.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Catherine Hughes of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the Funeral Home of Michael J. Ambruso, 1175 S. State St., Dover. Mass of Christian Burial will be 8 a.m. Saturday in Holy Cross Church, South State Street, Dover. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover. The family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. Du Pont Highway, Dover, DE 19901; or to The Shepherd Place, 1362 S. Governors Ave., Dover, DE 19904. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Sandra Gail 'Sandi' Fields Ruffin Jarvis, 59 DOVER - Sandra Gail "Sandi" Fields Ruffin Jarvis of Dover died Friday, June 20, 2003, in the University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore. She was 59. Mrs. Jarvis was born Dec. 9, 1943, in Long Branch, N.J., daughter of Lawrence "Mickey" Fields and the late Helen "Betty" Cobbs. She graduated from Asbury High in 1961. In 1963, she married James Ruffin, and from that union a daughter was born, Kecia Marie Ruffin. After separation of that union in 1965, she and her daughter moved to East Orange, N.J., where she started her career at the telephone company. In 1971, she married Abdul Jarvis and moved to Albany, N.Y., until 1977. After the dissolution of this union, she moved back to Asbury and then to Bloomfield, N.J., where she met and enjoyed companionship with Samir Iddeen. She stayed in that area until she retired from the telephone company in 1993, at which time, she relocated to Morrow, Ga., and then to Dover in 2002. She enjoyed entertaining guests both in her home and outside of it. Singing was her passion, and she always sang at home and in front of private guests. She would always offer to sing at weddings and funerals, but her real dream was to sing in front of a live audience. That dream came true when she was asked to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. From there, she began vocal training with renowned jazz musician Barry Harris, which launched her career, enabling her to perform in clubs and small venues. She also performed overseas in China and Japan. Mrs. Jarvis' spirit and motivation enabled her to touch so many lives here in America and abroad. Not only was she gifted with voice, but she had the talent to inspire and motivate all the people she touched. She was both loved and admired. Through her lengthy illness with lupus, she remained encouraging not only to herself, but to others. She never stopped saying, "the show must go on." Her passion for living life despite her illness made others not see her disability, but her ability. For all of this, she will be greatly missed. In addition to her father and her beloved daughter, she is survived by a brother, Mark Bailey; her "bestest" girlfriend and "sista," Gloria Jones; her beloved dog, Passion of December; and a host of family and friends. Memorial services will be noon Saturday in the Mount Zion AME Church, Queen and Fulton streets, Dover. The Rev. Troy Thomas, pastor, will officiate. Arrangements by Westly Chavis Funeral Home, Baltimore. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Helen Marie Johnston, 86 MILLINGTON, Md. - Helen Marie Johnston of Millington died Tuesday, June 24, 2003, in Kent and Queen Anne's Hospital in Chestertown. She was 86. Ms. Johnston was born Jan. 19, 1917 in Queen Anne's County, daughter of the late Hyland and Lottie (Wyatt) Seamans. She worked as a hot sealer operator for Leeds Travelware in Clayton, Del. She was a very family-oriented individual and her family was her life. Her hobbies included cooking, reading romance novels, canning and processing everything from her late husband, Earl Everett Johnston's garden. She also enjoyed watching NASCAR and her favorite driver Dale Earnhart. Ms. Johnston was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church for 69 years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Everett Johnston in 1998; and a daughter, Margaret Ann Johnston in 1945. She is survived by a son, Earl Everett "Duke" Johnston Jr. of Millington; two daughters, Helen Patricia Durham of Millington and Cheryl Lynn Newnam of Galena; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren and one on the way. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, 370 W. Cypress St. Millington. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. Burial will follow services in Asbury Cemetery in Millington. Instead of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Asbury United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 187 Millington, MD 21651. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Tyler Mark Martin, 18 months MILFORD - Tyler Mark Martin of Milford died Wednesday, June 25, 2003, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. He was 18 months old. Tyler was born Dec. 13, 2001 in Milford, son of James L. Jr. and Lori Gleockler Martin. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, James L. Martin III, at home; maternal grandparents, Robert and Mary Lou Gleockler of Denton, Md.; maternal great-grandmother, Mary Draper of Greensboro, Md.; paternal grandparents, James and Dolores Martin of Henderson, Md.; paternal great- grandmother, Ann Gerber of South Carolina; two aunts, Tracy Martin of Henderson and Robin Gleockler of Denton; and an uncle, David Gleockler of Denton. Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in Greensboro Baptist Church, Greensboro. Burial will be in Greensboro Cemetery, Greensboro. Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to Bayhealth Foundation, Milford Pediatric Unit, in honor of Tyler Martin, 640 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901. Arrangements by Fleegle '&;' Helfenbein Funeral Home P.A., Greensboro. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Ella Sally Longfellow Rash, 92 DENTON, Md. - Ella Sally Longfellow Rash of Homestead Manor, Denton, died of complications of injuries sustained in a fall, Tuesday, June 24, 2003, in Memorial Hospital at Easton. She was 92. Mrs. Rash was born Dec. 15, 1910, near Goldsboro, daughter of the late John Kemp Longfellow and Ella Oleava Downes Longfellow. She was a cafeteria worker for the Caesar Rodney School District in and around Camden, Del., for 20 years, and also worked at Stevenson House in Milford, Del., in the cafeteria and food service department. She enjoyed helping and doing things for people. Mrs. Rash was a member of the Aldersgate Wesleyan Church in Milford and was an ordained minister of the Gospel in the Christian Welfare Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, George Beers Rash, Jan. 8, 1996; a son, Donald Irvin Rash, in May 1992; six sisters, Ada Longfellow Reid, Mary Longfellow Slawter, Priscilla Longfellow Spencer, Nita Longfellow Warren, Elsie Longfellow Mayfield and Mattie "Madge" Longfellow Holland; a brother, John William Longfellow; and a foster brother, William Crossbury. She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Muriel E. Minner- Pigza of Denton, Peggy A. and Earl Phillips of Milford and Jane and Russell Magruder of Bothell, Wash.; two sons and two daughters-in-law, George Ray and Grace Rash of Harrington, Del., and David A. and Maxine Rash of Crozet, Va.; a sister, Bessie Longfellow Dill; 20 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday in Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 N.W. Front St., Milford. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday in Aldersgate Wesleyan Church, Marshall St., Milford. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milford. The family suggests memorial contributions to Child Advocate, 21 W. Clark St., Milford, DE 19963; or to New Life Wesleyan Church, 13699 Greensboro Road, Greensboro, MD 21639; or to Aldersgate Wesleyan Church, 405 Marshall St., Milford, DE 19963. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Margaret Sheck, 72 MILLSBORO - Margaret Sheck of Millsboro died, after a lengthy illness, Wednesday, June 25, 2003, in her home. She was 72. Mrs. Sheck was born in Baltimore, daughter of the late Albert M. and Mary L. Rudigier. She had been a registered nurse for St. Joseph's Hospital in Towson, Md., from which she had retired. Mrs. Sheck was a member of Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church in Oak Orchard and a member of the church's Columbiettes, the Rehoboth Art League and the Society of Gastrointestinal Associates. She is survived by her husband, William A. Sheck; a son, William A. Sheck Jr.; a daughter, Mary Jo Atwood; a sister, Louise Shanneybrook; and five grandchildren, Matthew, Nicholas, Christian, Noelle and Gabriel. Friends may call from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Monday in the Chapel of Melson Funeral Services in Long Neck. Mass of Christina Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday in Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, Del. 24, Millsboro. Burial will be private. Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, Southern Division, 600 N. Du Pont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947. --------------------------------------------------------------- * Micheal Paul Shindle, stillborn DOVER - Micheal Paul Shindle died Wednesday, June 25, 2003, in Bayhealth- Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was stillborn. Micheal was the son of Tosha Yates and Martin Shindle Jr. He was preceded in death by a brother, Matthew Yates Jr.; an uncle, Phillip Evans; his paternal step-grandfather, Charles Crockett; and maternal great- grandparents, Curtis Evans and Eva Mae Evans. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a sister, Christina Callaway- Evans; a brother, Phillip Yates; maternal grandparents, Charles Evans Jr. and Karen Evans; paternal grandmother, Evelyn Crockett; paternal stepgrandfather, James Gray Jr.; paternal grandfather, Martin Shindle Sr.; three aunts, Crystal Evans, Katrina Gray and Jennifer Gray; an uncle, Terrance Gray; maternal great- grandparents, Audrey Evans and Charles Evans Sr.; four cousins, Casey Dishroon, Joseph Dishroon, Andrew Vanosdol and Alyssa Gray; and a host of other cousins, great-aunts and great-uncles. Graveside services will be noon Saturday in the Mount Olive Cemetery, Sandtown. Arrangements by Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming. ---------------------------------------------------------------