New Castle County, DE - Obits: The News Journal ******************************************************************************** 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 ******************************************************************************** * Elizabeth "June" Adkins Age 69 passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, April 9, 2003 at her son's home, surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Adkins was born in Wilmington, DE. She lived in New Castle for 33 years before moving in with her son and daughter-in-law 3 years ago when she became ill. She spent her life taking care of her children and grandchildren. June was the kindest person on this earth and would do anything for anyone. She enjoyed going to yard sales, watching television, taking care of her animals and playing practical jokes on her family. Her favorite pastime was doing puzzle books and crocheting. June was also a collector of angels. She will be dearly missed by her family and loved ones as she is now with the angels. June was predeceased by her husband, Robert Adkins, who passed away in 1997; and her first husband, Jesse Wooleyhan, the father of her 2 children, in 2002. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, James and Cristen Wooleyhan of New Castle; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Mark Walton of Bear; 5 grandchildren, Tina and her fianc‚, Mark Vass, Markie, Jacqueline, Jesse and Jamie; 3 great grandchildren, Taylor, Marcus and Arianna; 1 sister, Mary Carolyn Hughes of Wilmington; and 1 brother, Leonard Gardner of Wilmington. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2003 at 1 pm at the MCCRERY MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy. & Duncan Rd., where family and friends may call after 12 noon. Interment will be in Lombardy Cemetery. To send condolences, visit www.mccreryfuneralhome.com (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Leroy G. Boss Age 82 of Dover, DE died Monday, April 7, 2003 at Capital Nursing Center, Dover. Service 1 pm, Friday, April 11 at TORBERT FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1145 E. Lebanon Rd, Dover. Visitation 12-1 pm. Interment Delaware Vet. Mem. Cemetery. (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * John W. Bradford Age 62 of Carneys Point, NJ died April 8, 2003 at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE. Born in DE, he was the son of the late James C. and Irene Bradford. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1960-1964 and worked for Magic Maintenance as an HVAC technician. He enjoyed fishing, yard work and woodworking, and he was a history buff. He is survived by his wife, Jeri (Pelura) Bradford; and his sons, Fred and Scott Mollenkopf, both of Lindenwold, NJ; 3 daughters, Nicole Mamo of Manayunk, PA, Lori Ann Jacobson of NH and Vici Bradford of FL; a brother, Charles Hopkins of Smyrna, DE; a sister, Lillian B. Tickle of Kenton, DE; 9 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A son, John Jr.; and a brother, James predeceased him. Family and friends may call on Saturday, April 12, 2003 after 9 am at the ADAMS FUNERAL HOME, 18 E. Maple Ave., Penns Grove, NJ, where a service will begin at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in John's name to the Carneys Point Recreation Commission, 303 Harding Hwy., Carneys Point, NJ 08069. (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Ella Louise Burris After a brief illness, Ella Louise Burris of Wilmington, DE departed this life on Sunday, April 6, 2003 at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington. She was born June 20, 1919 in Felton, DE. She was the daughter of Clarence C. Burris, Sr. and Mabel Connor Burris. Louise received her education at the Star Hill public school and high school, and at Delaware State College. Louise was a devoted sister and a very loving aunt and cousin. Her family was the love of her life. Louise accepted Christ at an early age at the Scott AME Zion Church, where she served for more than 50 years. She was a member of the senior choir, the Missionary Society and a regular Sunday School member. She worked wherever needed in the church. Louise lived and enjoyed life to the fullest. Her father, Clarence C. Burris, Sr.; mother, Mabel Burris; 3 brothers, Ellis, Norman and George C. Burris; and 3 sisters, Thelma Demby, Helen Baynard and Doris Burris preceded Louise in death. She leaves to cherish her memory 1 brother, Clarence C. Burris, Jr. and his wife, Creola of Milford; 2 sisters, Delema Carter of Felton, Frances Mosley and her husband, Herman Sr. of Felton; 2 devoted nieces, Brenda Demby of Wilmington and Melissa Revens of Claymont; 2 sisters-in-law, Mar-lene Griffith of Milford, Verdie Burris of Felton; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; her godson, Brian Bratten; spiritual sister, Connie Cabble; spiritual daughter, Edith Lee; and many devoted friends. There will be a funeral service at 10 am on Saturday, April 12 at Scott AME Zion Church, 7th & Spruce St., Wilmington, where family and friends may call from 9-10 am. Interment will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by BELL MEMORIAL CHAPEL (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Cynthia Cephas Age 43 of Newark, DE died Sunday, April 6, 2003 at Christiana Hospital in Newark. Cynthia was a registered nurse who loved her work. She was a loving mother and an avid shopper. She held her family together and her everlasting love will continue to bond everyone together. Rejoicing with memories of her life will be her son, Garrett L. Thomas; and longtime companion and friend, Edgar E. Levingston. She was the daughter of the late Robert L. and Lillian M. Cephas; and sister of Maryanne Griffin and Deborah A. Henry of New Castle, Naomi B. Jackson of Clayton, Marvin Cephas of Middletown, Michael A. Cephas of Newark and Sheila A. Newell of Detroit, MI. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be a funeral service at 10 am on Saturday, April 12 at the Bethel AME Church, 604 N. Walnut St., Wilmington, DE, where family and friends may call from 8-10 am. Interment will be in Silverbrook Cemetery. Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to THE HOUSE OF WRIGHT MORTUARY (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Katherine Loy Johnson Cline Age 89 passed away March 28, 2003 in Atlanta, GA. Katherine was born in Williamsport, TN, grew up in Columbia, TN and worked for the State of Tennessee in Nashville prior to marrying and moving with her husband, the late H. Stewart Cline, to Wilmington, DE in 1940. She was active in the Chesapeake Council of the Girl Scouts of America, the Ann Judson Society of Second Baptist Church (now Silverside Church) and the Arden Chapter of the YWCA. She continued to live in Wilmington after the death of her husband in 1971 until moving to Atlanta in 1997 to be closer to 2 of her children. Mrs. Cline is survived by her children, Gail C. Davitt of Dallas, TX, Stewart M. Cline and Kathy A. Cline-Doten, both of Atlanta, GA; 5 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggests donations in Katherine's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, (800-272-3900) or www.alzga.org. NATIONAL CREMATION SOCIETY, Lilburn, GA (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Anna E. Costley Age 63 of Bear, DE died Monday, April 7, 2003 in DE. Born May 27, 1939 in Westminster, MD, she was the daughter of the late Elmer Thomas Myers and Jane Brightful Costley. She had been an art teacher. Survivors include brothers, Ike Costley of Westminster, MD, Tommy Costley of Pendleton, NJ, Wayne Costley of Petersburg, VA, Larry Costley of Randallstown, MD, Mike Costley of Sykesville, MD, Galen Costley of Randallstown, MD, Patrick Costley of Randallstown, MD, Mark Costley of Sykesville, MD, Timmy Costley of Columbia, MD; and sisters, Robyn Coleman of Clinton, MD and Dora Ellis of Lindenwood, NJ. There will be a funeral service at 11 am on Saturday, April 12 at the White Rock United Methodist Church, White Rock Rd., Sykesville, MD, with Rev. Doris Ridgely officiating. Interment will be in the White Rock Church Cemetery. A wake will be held from 6-8 pm on Friday, April 11 at the HAIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 6416 Sykesville Rd., Sykesville, MD. (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Billy Davis, Jr. Age 82 of Rising Sun, MD died Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE. Mr. Davis was born on May 2, 1920 in Van Lear, KY. He and his wife just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary March 28, 2003. He was a Navy veteran, serving during World War II and a survivor of the Battle of Coral Sea, where he served as an electrician on the USS Lexington, which sank during that battle. He retired from the Chrysler auto assembly plant in Newark, DE in 1980 after 30 years and was a member of the UAW Local #1183. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #194 in Rising Sun, where he was an active member of the Honor Guard and a member of the 40/8. He was a member of the VFW Post #465 in Port Deposit, MD. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Emma Lee Davis of Rising Sun, MD; 2 sons, Billy J. Davis of North East, MD and Don L. Davis of Newark, DE; a daughter, Pam Davis of Bear, DE; a sister, Illa V. Scott of Hardy, KY; 10 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren. The funeral service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, April 12, 2003 at the R. T. FOARD FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 111 S. Queen Street, Rising Sun, MD 21911, where friends may call 7-9 pm on Friday, April 11, 2003. Burial will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park, Wilmington, DE, with full military honors provided by the Mason Dixon Post #194 Honor Guard. www.rtfoard.com (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Giovanni DiSanti Age 76 of Bear, DE, passed away on April 8, 2003 in the care of his loving family. Mr. DiSanti is survived by his wife of 47 years, Francesca DiSanti; 1 son, Vincent DiSanti and his wife Ana; 1 daughter, Maria M. DiSanti -Sacco and her husband Richard all of Bear, DE; 1 brother Luigi DiSanti; 2 sisters, Francesca DiSanti and Michelina Langone all of Italy; 3 grandchildren; Maria M. DiSanti, Michael V. DiSanti & Veronica Sacco. Relatives & friends are invited to the funeral service for Mr. DiSanti on Friday afternoon April 11, 2003 at 2 pm in the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702 where a visitation will be held beginning at 1 pm. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to Compassionate Care Hospice, 5610 Kirkwood High, Wilm. DE 19808. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.strano-feeley.com STRANO & FEELEY FAMILY FUNERAL HOME 731-5459 (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Christine M. Donkin Age 52 of Cypress Branch Rd., Magnolia, DE died from complications following a bone marrow trans-plant on Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Chris was born in Milford, DE on December 22, 1950 to Herman N. and Margaret Lowman Trice. She graduated from Queen Anne's County High School in Centerville, MD and received her training at Vincent and Julian School of Cosmetology in Dover, DE. Chris also attended bi-annual hairstyling seminars, where the latest techniques in cutting, styling and perming hair are demonstrated. She was a senior hair stylist for the J.C. Penney Beauty Salon in Dover for the last 7 years, and had previously owned and operated Chris' Classinique Hair Salon in Dover for 8 years. She was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Dover. She served on the advisory board of United Ways Gardening for the Handicapped. She was active in the Kent County Republican politics and had served as chairman of the 34th Republican District, as campaign manager for Representative Gerald Buckworth for many years, and as 2nd vice chair person for the Kent County Republican Executive Committee. Her interests were in both local and national politics, and she was a dedicated worker for the Republican Party. She was a member of the National and Federation of Independent Business and Business Women's Association of Kent County. Chris had served as chairman of the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering as well as the Board of Social Examiners. Chris is survived by her husband of 20 years, Fred; her son, James "Jim" Martin of Carlstadt, NJ; her mother, Margaret Trice of Templeville, MD; 2 stepchildren, Frederick and Alexander Donkin, both of Wilmington; 1 brother, Martin L. "Marty" Trice and his wife, Beverly of Quincy, MA; 1 sister, Connie M. McDougall and her husband, Paul of Dover; and 3 loving grandchildren, Chase, Taylor and Autumn. There will be a funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2003 at 2 pm at the First Southern Baptist Church, 761 South Little Creek Rd., Dover. Friends may call on Friday evening, April 11, 2003 from 6-9 pm at the TORBERT FUNERAL CHAPEL SOUTH, 1145 East Lebanon Road, Dover. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden. Condolences may be sent to delmarvaobits.com/torbert (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Audrey C. Faries Age 73 of Dover, DE died on Wednesday, April 9, 2003 at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover, DE. Service 1 pm, April 12, 2003 at FARIES FUNERAL HOME, 1250 S. Governors Ave., Dover, DE. Visitation 11-1 pm Saturday. (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Thomas J. Flinn Of New Castle, DE, and Rehoboth Beach, DE, died on Monday, April 7, 2003 at Christiana Hospital in Newark. Mr. Flinn retired in 1976 as a toll supervisor at the Delaware Memorial Bridge, where he had worked since 1951. He was a World War II veteran of the US Army. His wife, Margaret E. "Maggie" Trent Flinn, died in 1996. He is survived by 2 children, Patricia F. Flinn, with whom he lived; and Thomas J. Flinn of Lewes. A service will be held at 11 am, Monday, April 14, 2003 in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Kelly L. Short Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o William Penn High School, 701 E. Basin Road, New Castle, DE, 19720. To send condolences, visit www.spicer-mullikinfuneralhomes.com (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Dorothy Marie (Jacobs) Gordon Ford Age 80, of Wilmington, DE, died on Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at Manor Care, Pike Creek, DE. Dorothy was born August 27, 1922 in Forestville, MI, daughter of the late Arthur and Martha (Soell) Jacobs. She married Carl Gordon in January 1944 in Port Huron, MI. He died in August 1966. She married Bill Ford in June 1970 in Newark, DE. He died May 29, 2000. A 1938 graduate of Port Hope (MI) High School and a 1940 graduate of Port Huron Junior College, Dorothy worked as a computer programmer at Chrysler Corporation and the DuPont company until her retirement. She enjoyed dancing and was a former member of the Crystal Ballroom Dance Club. Dorothy is survived by a sister, Audrey Harnisch and her husband, Richard, of Harbor Beach, MI; a sister-in-law, Janet Metais of Washington Court House, OH; a step granddaughter, Sharon Rogers and her husband, Mark; a step grandson, Jack Gordon; and 4 step great grandchildren, Jonathon, Joshua, and Kimberly Rogers, and Jack Gordon, all of Wilmington, DE. She was preceded in death by a stepson, Jack Gordon. A memorial service will be held at 11 am, on Saturday, April 12, 2003, at the SPICER-MULLIKIN FUNERAL HOME, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. Burial will be East Delaware Township Cemetery, Forestville, MI. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Aetna Ambulance, P.O. Box 148, Newark, DE, 19715. To send condolences, visit www.spicer-mullikinfuneralhomes.com (302) 328-2213 (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Sally Austin Garris Age 71 of Seaford, DE died Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford, DE. Born in Seaford, DE, the daughter of the late Clarence and Addie E. Chaffinch Austin, she was a certified nurses aide at Life Care at Lofland Park in Seaford, and prior to that she worked at the Methodist Manor House in Seaford. Sally was a member of the Church of God, Stein Hwy., Seaford, DE. She is survived by 4 sons, Kelly T. Hastings, Jr. of Laurel, DE, Keith L. Hastings of Seaford, DE, Kenneth Hastings of Greenwood, DE and Westley Hastings of Laurel, DE; 1 daughter, Sharon Davis of Delmar, DE; 1 brother, Wayne Chaffinch of Blades, DE; 1 sister, Virginia Smith of Seaford, DE; 6 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild. The service will be at 2 pm Sunday, April 13, 2003 at WATSON-YATES FUNERAL HOME, Front & King Streets, Seaford, DE. Friends may call Sunday, April 13 from 1-2 pm. The Rev. Robert Clagg will officiate. Burial will be in Blades Cemetery, Blades, DE. (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Sara J. Godwin Age 73 of Dagsboro, DE died Mon., April 12, 2003. Service 1 pm Sat., Apr. 12 at The Pilgrims Ministry of Deliverance Church, Georgetown. Visitation 12 noon. Burial in Old Field Cemetery, Millsboro. Arr. by WATSON FUNERAL HOME. (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Angela Goodson Age 36 died April 4, 2003 in Wilmington Hospital. Daughter of the late Wallen and Pris-cilla Goodson. Sister of Armando, Marvin, Warren, David & Priscilla Goodson, Iris Cobb, Shelly Nelson and Olivia Clark. Also survived by her beloved friend, Thomas Waterman and a host of other family and friends. Memorial Service 11 am, Saturday, April 12 at Congo Funeral Home, 24th & Market Sts. There will be no viewing, Burial private. Arrangements by CONGO FUNERAL HOME (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Ruth Marie Hall Age 49 of Dover, DE died Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at home. Service at 2 pm on Saturday, April 12 at the PIPPIN FUNERAL HOME, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, where friends may call 12-2 pm. (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Ruth A. Ivory Age 88 of Townsend, DE passed away on Wed., April 9, 2003 at the Silver Lake Center in Dover. Mrs. Ivory was an avid Alan Jackson fan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Ivory, in 1984 and her son-in-law, Reese Johnson and a grandson, Jim Johnson. She is survived by a daughter, Lorraine Johnson of Townsend; 1 grandson, Randy Johnson and his wife, Vickie of Smyrna; 1 granddaughter, Terri Smith and her husband, Gene of Earleville, MD; a special great granddaughter, Stacey Shahan of Clayton; 3 great grandsons, Bobby Smith, Robbie and Brian Johnson; and 1 great-great granddaughter, Megan Johnson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Helen Austin; and several nieces and nephews. The service will be held on Saturday, April 12 at 11 am in the DANIELS & HUTCHISON FUNERAL HOME, 212 N. Broad Street, Middletown. Friends may call Friday evening from 7-9 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Townsend Cemetery. (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis, USMC Age 23 of California, formerly of St. George's and Pitman, NJ, died on March 30, 2003 serving his country in Jaliban, Iraq. Brian was a 1997 graduate of William Penn High School where he was a member of the wrestling team. He formerly attended Caravel Academy. He joined the US Marine Corps in 1998. He is survived by his wife of 4 years, Megan (Mahoney) McGinnis; his father and stepmother, William and Theresa McGinnis of Woodbury, NJ; his mother and stepfather, Mildred and Byron Williams of Port Charlotte, FL; a brother, William McGinnis, Jr., serving with the Air Force in Pensacola, FL; and a sister, Dana Williams, of FL. Also surviving are 3 stepbrothers and a stepsister. The funeral service will be held on Saturday afternoon, April 12 at 4 pm at the Glasgow Reformed Presbyterian Church on Route 896, one-half mile south of Route 40 in Bear, where friends are invited to call after 1:30 pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Brian's name to a charity of your choice. www.mealeyfuneralhomes.com (302) 652-5913 (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Sandra L. Panagos Age 60 of Wilmington, DE died April 8, 2003 at Wilmington Hospital. Sandra was born and raised in Chester, PA and lived in Wilmington for over 35 years. She owned and operated the Marcus Hook Diner for over 20 years, retiring 2 years ago due to illness. She was an avid bingo player and she traveled annually to CT for bingo tournaments. She also enjoyed traveling, baking and candy making. She was a collector of bells and porcelain dolls. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, William and Evelyn Kerber Poole; and her husband, Athan "Tom" Panagos, who died in 1985. Survivors include 1 son and daughter-in-law, Dino A. Panagos and Melyssa Elmore of New Castle; her dear companion, Courtney C. Smith of Wilmington; Brother, William Poole, Jr. of Villas, NJ; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews; a great nephew; and 2 grandchildren, Nikolas and Madyson Panagos. There will be a funeral service at 10 am on Saturday, April 12 at the PAGANO FUNERAL HOME, 3711 Foulk Rd., Bethel Twp., PA. Interment will be in Lawn Croft Cemetery, Linwood, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Nikolas and Madyson Panagos Trust, c/o WSFS, 1812 Marsh Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810. (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Robert H. Payne, Sr. Age 72 of Newark, DE died Tuesday, April 8, 2003 in the Christiana Hospital. Mr. Payne was a retired mechanical engineer for the DuPont Company. He was also a born again Christian and active in his church. Mr. Payne was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia E. Payne. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy C. Payne; 2 sons, Robert H. Payne, Jr. and Richard K. Payne; 1 daughter, Sherry Payne Neal; 3 stepsons, Gregory, Christopher and Bradley Nyce; 1 brother, G. Walton Payne; 2 grandchildren, Joseph and Julia Payne; and 3 step-grandchildren, Phillip, Matthew and Kevin Nyce. The service will be Friday, April 11 at 1 pm in the New Hope Wesleyan Church, 3813 Newport Gap Pike where friends may call after 12 noon. Burial will be in Silverbrook Memorial Park. Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to New Hope Wesleyan Church. Arrangements by the MCCRERY FUNERAL HOME (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Emily M. Pitt Age 83 of Delmar, DE died Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at her home in Delmar. Service 11 am Friday, April 11, 2003 at SHORT FUNERAL HOME, 13 E. Grove St., Delmar, DE. Friends may call Friday 1 hour prior to the funeral. (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Mary Matassino Poppitt Died on Wednesday, April 9, 2003. A lifelong resident of Wilmington, DE, she was an avid reader and enjoyed attending the theater, traveling and gardening. Her true loves were her grandchildren and her home. She will always be remembered for her beautiful hand knit sweaters and delicious baking. She was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church. Mrs. Poppitt is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Robert E.; her devoted daughters, Vita Hendry and her husband, Morgan of Wilmington and Tina Miller and her husband, Robert of Hockessin; 4 grandchildren, Morgan and Robert Hendry and Ryan and Casey Miller. Mary is also survived by a sister, Virginia DiPietrantonio; and a brother, Joseph Matassino, both of Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial and interment services will be held privately at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary Magdalen School, 9 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Arrangements by CHANDLER FUNERAL HOMES www.chandlerfuneralhome.com 302-478-7100 (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Peggy Lynn Rust Age 46 of Holt, MI died April 7, 2003 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. Service 2 pm Fri., April 11 at the FRAMPTOM HAWKINS ES-KOW FUNERAL HOME, 216 N. Main St., Federalsburg, MD. Vis-itation 7-9 pm Thurs., April 10. (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Catherine Laura Croes Ruston Age 94, of Laurel, DE died Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford. Born in New Castle, DE, she was a daughter of John and Georgianna Wardell Davis. She retired as an elementary school teacher in the Laurel School District, where she taught school for over 50 years. She was a long time member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Laurel. She was a proud member of Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 18 in Laurel, and was Past Worthy Grand Matron of the Laurel Chapter as well as on the state level. She held many other various positions on the local and state level with Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a member of the Mason Gavel Club, National Parliamentarian Association, Laurel New Century Club, where she held many positions, Laurel Lioness and the National Education Association. Traveling was her passion; she had visited all 50 states and many other countries. She loved travel for the adventures it brought her. She was an avid reader and owned many books. She was very dedicated to visiting her daughter for over 50 years regularly at the Stockley Center and other locations where she lived. She is survived by a son, Wilbert V. Croes of Laurel, 3 daughters, Bonnie C. Ruston of Georgetown, Sylvia Ruston Bevan of Long Neck, DE, and Joyce K. Ruston of Wilmington; 2 grandchildren, Thomas R. Croes of Georgetown and James C. Wootten of Bear, DE; and 2 great grandchildren, Luke A. Wootten and Connor J. Wootten. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Wilbert Croes in 1928, and her second husband, T. Robert Ruston in 1961, a grandson, Gary A. Croes and 2 brothers and 5 sisters. The funeral service will be held at the Short Funeral Home in Laurel on Saturday, April 12, 2003. The Order of Eastern Star Service will begin at 11:00 am followed by the funeral service. Friends may call from 10-11. A graveside committal service will be held at 3:30 pm at Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in Dover. (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Edna M. Simpkins Age 77, of Elkton, MD, and a former resident of Wilmington, DE and Norwood, PA, died on April 8, 2003 at Sunbridge Nursing Home in Elkton, MD. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Barrington and Margaret Grace Green. Mrs. Simpkins was a resident of Elkton for the last few years; before that, she was a resident of Norwood, PA for 50 years before moving to DE. Mrs. Simpkins was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post #7213 in Norwood where she was a past president. Mrs. Simpkins loved her family and was especially devoted to her grandchildren. She was the wife of the late Charles C. Simpkins, who died in 1998. She is survived by her daughter, Lynne Sekscinski of Newark, DE; her son, Charles F. Simpkins of Spring City, PA; and her 4 grandchildren. The funeral service will be on Monday, April 14 at 9:30 am at the GRIFFITH FUNERAL CHAPEL, 520 Chester Pike, Norwood, PA. Visitation will be Monday, after 8:30 am and on Sunday evening, April 13 from 7-9 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE. Contributions may be made to Northern Chesapeake Hospice Foundation, PO Box 2332, Elkton, MD 21922-2332. (04/10/2003) --------------------------------------------------------------- * Janice "Jan" Wilhide Williams-McCollum Age 50 of Smyrna, DE, formerly of the Wilmington/Newark area, died suddenly at her home on April 8, 2003. Jan was a graduate of Conrad High School, and had attended the University of Delaware. Jan loved camping and was an amazing cook. She will be fondly remembered as very out going and cheerful. Jan was loved by all that knew her, including her three cats. Dedicated to her family, Jan is survived by her husband, James B. McCollum; 1 daughter, Lauren Waddell of Seattle, WA; 2 sons, Andrew Waddell of Newark & Thomas Williams of Wilmington; her mother & father, Gladys "Hap" & Carl Jones of Newark; 1 sister, Leslie Crismond of Bozeman, Montana; her step-sister, Christina DuBois of Wilmington; & her half-sister, Beth Wilhide Olson of Hermosa Beach, CA. The funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm, Saturday, April 12 at the MCCRERY FUNERAL CHAPEL, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy. (Rt. 2 East @ Duncan Rd.), where friends may call after 1:30. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Delaware Humane Assoc., 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.mccreryfuneralhome.com (302) 478-2204 (04/10/2003) ---------------------------------------------------------------