All Obituaries

Vickie Jean (Merkel) Kelly, 71 of Yorkville, formerly of Dillonvale, passed unexpectedly at UPMC Mercy Pittsburgh surrounded by her family. She was born August 10, 1948 in Massillon, a daughter of the late Myron “Dig” and Doris Jean (Hayes) Merkel.   She was a private caregiver, a homemaker, and also an avid Pittsburgh Pirate and Steeler fan.   In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Barry Merkel.   Vickie is survived by a son,...

James W. “Jim” Purtiman Sr., 76 of Bridgeport, died peacefully at his home on Friday August 23, 2019. He was born on February 8, 1943 in Glen Dale, WV, to James B. and Mary Marie Minor Purtiman. Jim was a US Army Veteran, he retired from Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Beech Bottom Plant after 27 years. He was a life member of the American Legion, a member of the Lansing Methodist Church. He enjoyed spending time at the Lansing Senior Center.   In addition to his parents he was...

Richard S. Barath, 69, of Smithfield, formerly of Barton, OH died Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Wheeling Medical Park following a brief illness.  He was born September 26, 1949 in Martins Ferry, OH, a son of the late Steven Barath and Irene Vargas Barath. Rich formerly worked at Shadyside Stamping and was retired from Buckeye Local Maintenance Department.  He was a proud Veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during the Vietnam Era.  He was also a member of the Indian Club in...

Myra Joan (Sommer) Herink, 72, of Brookside, OH passed away peacefully August 21, 2019 at Allegheny General Hospital.   She was born January 24, 1947 in Martins Ferry, Ohio to the late William and Sarah (Hall) Sommer.    In addition to her parents, Myra was preceded in death by her sister, Erma (Sommer) Kasper of St. Clairsville, OH.   She married her high school sweetheart Donald Herink in October of 1966.   Myra is survived by her husband Donald Herink; a...

Jerry Lynn Kernik 71 of Powhatan, died Tuesday August 20, 2019 at Sienna Hills Nursing Center. She was born April 8, 1948 in Wheeling a daughter of the late Frank and Mary Lou (Hartman) Kernik.   She was a retired Medical Office Secretary, and a Methodist by faith.   Jerry is survived by a sister Connie (Skip) Teasdale of Powhatan, a niece, a nephew, and a great nephew.   According to Jerry’s wish her body was donated to WVU Medical Center to help other future Doctors...

Jean Ann Gacek, 81, of Shadyside, OH passed away August 16th, 2019 at her home.  She was born April 1, 1938, in Wheeling, WV, a daughter of the late Fonnie and Bess DeCoy.  She was a member of the Bellaire Bunco Club,  the Delta Chapter of the Alpha Pi Sigma Sorority, the Bellaire Child Guidance Club, was an animal lover and a Christian by faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Elizabeth Ann Gacek. Jean is survived by her loving...

Michael J. Hughes, 72, of Bridgeport, OH died August 15, 2019 at Wheeling Hospital.  He was born May 31, 1947, in Wheeling, WV, a son of the late James J. and Freda (Plecha) Hughes.  Mike was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, was in the Army Reserves, and loved to play the accordion in his younger days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Adam Hughes. Mike is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Hughes; son, Joseph (Beth) Hughes of...

Connie S. Kenney, 63, of Steubenville, OH, died August 14, 2019 at Cleveland Clinic.  She was born August 25, 1955, in Steubenville, OH, a daughter of the late Robert E. and Verna J. (Buffosky) Reed. She was in customer service at Sunnest Services, was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Steubenville and was a member of the former Moose Lodge #619 in Steubenville.  In addition to her parents, Connie was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Reed, and grandson,...

HAVLICEK, John Joseph, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully with family by his side on April 25th, 2019 at the age of 79 in Jupiter, FL from complications of Parkinson's Disease. On April 8, 1940, John was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio to Frank and Mandy (Turkal) Havlicek. John and his sisters Rose and Marilyn, and brother Fred, grew up helping their parents operate the Havlicek General Store. He was a three-sport athlete at Bridgeport High School playing...

Marjorie Louise Villies passed away at Bethany Point Health Campus in Anderson, IN on August 9, 2019. Born January 23, 1929 in Toronto, OH, she was the daughter of Harry K.Peters and Rose L. Hunter. Marjorie married the late hereJohn N Villies in 1952. She was predeceased by sisters Patricia R. Peters, Doris J. Price, and brother William Mulrooney. She is survived by her two daughters Linda Rose (John) Caspole of Carlsbad, CA and Joanna Elizabeth (Paul) Wood of...