(August 5, 1933 – February 7, 2013)

Billie Gruber Bayer, 79, of McMurray, died February 7, 2013, in Manor Care.

She was born August 5, 1933, in Washington, a daughter of William John Gruber and Thelma Rose Patterson Gruber.

Outgoing with a quick smile, she was a friend to everyone she met. Mrs. Bayer was a devout and prayerful mother of seven, Registered Nurse and a life-long member of Immaculate Conception Parish. With her late husband of 53 years, Dr. Joseph F. Bayer, they established a pediatric medical practice in Washington in 1961.

Her life was her family, nursing, and Catholic Christian devotion. As a very active member of Immaculate Conception Church, she conducted and participated in several prayer, charity and Christian education activities. Mrs. Bayer, the daughter of a nurse, had a family full of nurses and other health care related professionals including several of her own children. She especially loved to host the family gatherings, which usually exceeded thirty-five people.

She is survived by sons, Michael “Doc” (Selma) Bayer of West Bethlehem Twp., Patrick (Wanda) Bayer of Tallahassee, FL, and William Bayer of Washington; daughter-in-law; Victoria Bayer of Coraopolis; daughters, Mary Beth (John) Barnes of McMurray, Becky Bayer of Houston, Gretchen (Robert) Wise of Eighty-Four; fourteen grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in passing by her husband, Dr. Joseph F. Bayer and by her son, Thomas Bayer.

Friends will be received Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Monday, February 11th, in Immaculate Conception Church. Entombment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

(December 27, 1941 – February 7, 2013)

Lifetime member and past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge

William George Fischer, 71, of Washington, died on Thursday, February 7, 2013, in his residence.

He was born on December 27, 1941, in Washington, a son of Myrtle C. Scholten Fischer, of Washington, and the late Kerwin E. Fischer.

A graduate of Washington High School, he was a member of First Lutheran Church.

Mr. Fischer worked as an auto body mechanic at Peters Auto Body Garage, then Budd Baer Body Shop, and finally, he was owner/operator of Fischer Auto Body, until his retirement.

A lifetime member of the Elks, Mr. Fischer joined the Elks on May 23, 1967, where he was a Past Exalted Ruler, having served from 1987 until 1988.

He was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed camping at Lake Erie.

On July 2, 1999, he married June Marie Reis, who died on April 18, 2009.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are 3 sons, William G. (Kimberly) Fischer, of Norton, OH; Kirk (Kathy) Fischer, of Kileen, TX; and James (Helena) Fischer, of Washington; 2 stepsons, Larry S. and Lance R. Moore, both of Washington; a stepdaughter, Corrina (Kevin) Kelley, of Washington; a sister, Susan (Bill) Milligan, of Fredericksburg, VA; 11 grandchildren, Jerod Plovic, Erik, Kerri, Kirk, Kaylaa, April, Jamie and James Fischer, Dirk and Nicole Barfield, and Shanye Moore; 5 great grandchildren, 2 nieces, Jennifer Ross and Missy Kyer and a nephew, Bill Milligan.

Friends will be received on Monday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, where services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, with Rev. Dr. Kenneth Schott officiating.

Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church, 92 W. Walnut St., Washington, PA 15301, or Washington Elks Lodge #776, 138 E. Maiden St., Washington, PA 15301.

(April 24, 1930 – February 7, 2013)

Dora M. Molinaro, 82, of Washington, died February 7, 2013, in her residence. She had been in declining health for several years.

Mrs. Molinaro was born April 24, 1930, in Washington, a daughter of Donald and Myrl Hillberry.

She was a homemaker.

Surviving are her husband, Pete Molinaro; two sons, Fred Evans Jr. and Bruce (Kathy) Evans; two daughters, Sandy (Terry) Wright and Linda (Ed) Sonson; a stepson, John (Liz) Molinaro; a brother, Donald (Mary Gladys) Iams, all of Washington; two sisters, Myrl Jusko of Washington and Carol (Mark) Dunn of Canonsburg; 12 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a stepdaughter- Janis Yasek; and a sister, Juanita Nesbit.

Friends will be received Monday from 2to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd. 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where a Blessing Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 12th, with Father Thomas O’Neil officiating. Entombment will follow in Washington Cemetery.

(July 15, 1922 – February 7, 2013)

Theodore S. Spara, 90, of Canonsburg, died Thursday, February 7, 2013, in Golden Living Center, Canonsburg.

He was born July 15, 1922, in Washington, a son of Jacob and Josephine Olszaniczka Spara.

Mr. Spara was a 1942 graduate of Trinity High School, where he excelled in football and track. After high school he attended Findlay College in Ohio for one year.

He was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church.

Mr. Spara was a self-employed homebuilder and contractor. He was active in midget football, which he co-founded, and was a former member and past president of the Optimist Club.

On September 5, 1943, he married Jacqueline M. Arcure, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Theodore J. Spara (Catherine) of Freehold, New Jersey, and Kevin R. Spara (Kim) of Washington; two daughters, Mary Louise Grove (Robert) of Washington and Katie Jo Spara of Canonsburg; seven grandchildren, Kimberly Hoffman, Theodore Spara Jr., Taylor, Paige, and Jesse Spara, Allen “A.J.” Williams, and Lovell Johnson; five great-grandchildren; and four nephews and seven nieces.

Deceased are a brother, Edward Spara; and four sisters, Jennie Johns, Charlotte Dugan, Betty Nicolella and Mary Czmiel.

Friends will be received Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Noon, Monday, February 11th, in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Canonsburg, with Father Jack Batykefer as celebrant. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 1100 Liberty Ave, Ste E-201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

(September 26, 1923 – February 6, 2013)

Helen Mae Armstrong, 89, of Washington, died February 6, 2013, in Consulate Health Care, North Strabane Township.

She was born September 26, 1923, in Maryland, a daughter of Roy and Thresa Westfall Kirkland.

Mrs. Armstrong was a homemaker and waitress.

She was Presbyterian.

Surviving are a son, Paul Dean Merryman; a daughter, Sharon Kay Merryman Armstrong (Charles); a stepson, Charles Armstrong (Sharon); three stepdaughters, Patricia Armstrong, Linda Shuman (Renee’) and Joan Sakerka (John); eight grandchildren, William C. Armstrong, Shannon Armstrong West, Sean Armstrong, Doug Merryman, Heather Merryman Miller, Nick Shuman, Samantha Sakerka and Lauren Sakerka; and five great-grandchildren, Zachary Armstrong, Payton Armstrong, Kaitlyn Merryman, Kamryn Merryman and Regan Miller.

Deceased are her first husband, Harry William Merryman; her second husband, Charles H. Armstrong; and a brother, Floyd Kirkland.

Friends will be received Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, February 11th.

(February 5, 1930 – February 6, 2013)

James Wells Patterson, 83, of Washington, died February 6, 2013, in Donnell House.

He was born February 5, 1930, in Nineveh, a son of Jacob and Margaret Wells Patterson.

Mr. Patterson was a graduate of Trinity High School and worked as a truck driver for Coen Oil Company for 38 years.

He was a Korean War veteran, serving in the Marines from December 20, 1951, until his honorable discharge on December 3, 1953, as a corporal. He was awarded A National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 1 star, and United Nations Service Medal.

Mr. Patterson was a member of First Christian Church.

On June 26, 1955, he married Barbara Danley, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, James W. Patterson, Jr. (Denise) of Washington; a daughter, Susan Kania of Canonsburg; one sister, Beverly Moninger of Cecil; two grandchildren, Shannon Tokar and Adam Tokar; and three step-grandchildren, Samantha Simile, Zachary Simile (Kelly) and Max Mastrean.

Deceased is a brother, Carl Patterson.

All Services which had been previously announced are delayed until further notice, please check back for an update.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Donnell House, Hospice Care of the Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.

(February 27, 1926 – February 5, 2013)

Bertha Jean Hallam Taylor, 86, of Washington, died Tuesday, February 5, 2013, in Southmont of Presbyterian Senior Care.

She was born February 27, 1926, a daughter of Wilbur and Lena Hatfield Hallam.

A homemaker, Mrs. Taylor worked at Brockway Glass for a time and sold Avon for 25 years.

On April 30. 1948, she married John Henry Taylor Jr., who died February 21, 1988.

Surviving are a son, Timothy J. Taylor and wife Denise; three daughters, Linda Armstrong, companion of Richard Shriver, Candie Dolan, and Connie Chase and husband Terry; two sisters, Esther Gamble and Leona Livi; grandchildren, Jason (Toyia) Taylor, Amy (Kevin) Montgomery, Adam Taylor, Katy (Travis) Richmond, Jamie Dolan, Tyler Smith, and Heather (Michael) Johnston; and three great-grandchildren, Shane, Ava and Chase Montgomery; and a sister-in-law, Wilma Hallam.

Deceased are a grandchild, Stacy Lynn Ward; and three brothers, Warren, Jim and Walt Hallam.

Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, February 8th. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Presbyterian Senior Care, 835 South Main Street, Washington PA 15301.

(January 24, 1919 – February 4, 2013)

Theodore Ankrom, 94, of Eighty Four, passed into the presence of the Lord, Monday, February 4, 2013.

He was born January 24, 1919, in Lafferty Hill, Pittsburgh, a son of the late James and Rachel Grable Ankrom.

Mr. Ankrom served in the Navy during World War II as a gunner aboard the USS Mariposa. His commanding officer and long-time friend was Judge Barron McCune.

Mr. Ankrom was a steelworker at Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation, as well as a dairy farmer. He also worked as a custodian at Citizens’ Library, from where he retired.

Mr. Ankrom enjoyed the outdoors, farming, and especially his fancy pigeons. He also loved Gospel music, reading his Bible and the Spring House’s fresh apple pie! He attended the Christian Assembly of God Church in Bentleyville.

Mr. Ankrom was the last of his immediate family.

On September 6, 1939, he married his wife of 68 years, Mae Elizabeth Beckwith, who died July 26, 2008. His enduring faithfulness to his loving wife will not be forgotten.

Surviving are three daughters, Janet Mae Whitaker and husband, Ronald, of Conroe, Texas, Diane Marlane Tush and husband, James Jr., of Eighty Four, and Caryn Lynn Verno and husband, Carmine, of Bentleyville; one son, Theodore Albert Ankrom and wife, Roxanne, of Fredericktown; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his wife, are one son, Larry Duane Ankrom; a son-in-law, Gerry Beaumariage; four grandchildren, Troy Ankrom, Tony Schlenker, Clinton Whitaker and Trista Ann Ankrom; five sisters, Slinda Bise, Virginia Yoders, Hazel Tubio, Rachel Varner and Clara Fisher; and 10 brothers, Hallie, Vernon, Paul, Leo, Ralph, Raymond, Milford, Ernest, Daniel, and an infant, Pierre Ankrom.

Friends will be received Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 10th, with Pastor Bill Lusk officiating. Burial will follow in Claysville Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Hunt-Kennedy Post 639.

(November 2, 1925 – February 4, 2013)

Elsie Margaret Smiley Newman Johnson, 87, of Washington, died February 4, 2013, in the Washington Hospital.

She was born November 2, 1925, in Washington, a daughter of William Addison Smiley and Mary Imhoff Smiley.

A graduate of Trinity High School, Mrs. Johnson was a homemaker and farmer, and had once worked at Bobbi Brooks, Presbyterian Home and the PX Supermarket.

She was a member of North Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

On December 31, 1952, she married Albert Cyril Johnson, who died October 29, 2004.

Surviving are two sons, Addison Newman of Washington and Robert Johnson of Avella; two daughters, Lois (John) Miller of Avella and Karen (Tom) Blackhurst of Washington; 13 grandchildren, Brian (Margo) Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Merranda Miller, Georgia Miller, Robert (Sarah) Clifford, Cassandra Clifford, Natalie (James) Ryland, Bethany Blackhurst, Vanessa Blackhurst, Joseph Doxtator, Lori Walker, William (Kim) Newman and John (Crystal) Newman; and eight great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a son, David Newman; a daughter, Barbara Newman Doxtator; four brothers, William, James, Robert and Addison Smiley; and two sisters, Mary Jane Smiley Johnson and Mary Lou Smiley Clutter.

Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Additional visitation will be held in North Buffalo Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 8th, from 2 to 3 p.m., the time of service, with Pastor Gary Gibson officiating. Burial will follow in North Buffalo Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to North Buffalo Presbyterian Church, 711 Rural Valley Road, Washington, PA 15301.

(April 21, 1921 – February 4, 2013)

Thomas Earl Kelley, Sr., 91, of Washington, died February 4, 2013, in his residence.

He was born April 21, 1921, in Buffalo Township, a son of James and Mabel Roupe Kelley.

A World War II veteran, Mr. Kelley served in the Army Air Forces from August 12, 1942, until his honorable discharge on December 18, 1945, as a Private First Class. He served in Europe and was involved in the Rhineland Campaign. He was awarded the American Theater Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Medal with one bronze battle star, a Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

Mr. Kelley worked as a construction laborer at Chapman Corporation for 30 years, retiring in 1986.

He enjoyed working outdoors at his home and was a member of VFW 927 and American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.

On Sept 28, 1963, he married Eva M. Bell, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Thomas E. Kelley, Jr., (Kathy) of Washington; two brothers, James E. and Dave H. Kelley, both of Washington; two grandchildren, Marcy Conklin and Christopher Morris; and two great-grandchildren, Robert L. Mullen, Jr. and Essence Conklin.

Deceased are five brothers, George, Walter, Samuel, Edward and John.

Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. The funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 9th, and proceed to North Buffalo Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.