Friday, March 19, 2010

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Yvonne Lynch Ryan, retired teacher
Yvonne V. Lynch Ryan, 74, of Georgetown, passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.

She was born in Frankford, daughter of the late Glen and Virginia (Carey) Lynch. Yvonne graduated from Goldey Beacon College and was a retired teacher of handicapped children. She was the organist at Christ Lutheran Church for many years, and she was a member of Midway Assembly of God.

In addition to her parents, Yvonne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leroy, Sept. 3, 2009; and her brother, John Howard. She is survived by her four children, Raymond “Randy” Hearn and his wife Zona, Patrice Morris and her husband Rick, Donna Donovan, Sharon Thomas and her husband Victor; four grandchildren, Tina Larimore, Kerri Winston, Angela Thomas and Aaron Morris; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 27, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Rd, Ocean View. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Yvonne’s name to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Doris D. Tolbert, Conley’s member
Doris D. Tolbert, 86, of Lewes, died Monday, March 8, 2010, at her late residence.

She was born Wednesday, Aug. 15, 1923, in Princeton, N. J., daughter of the late Wilbur Demas Dibeler and Edith McCall Dibeler. Mrs. Tolbert was a devoted and very active member of the Conley’s Chapel United Methodist Church; past noble grand lady mystic of the Rebekah Lodge, Philadelphia IOOF, and member of the Unity Chapter Order of the Eastern Star 16. Mrs. Tolbert enjoyed crossword puzzles. She was a veteran of World War II, serving as a SPAR in the Coast Guard from 1943 until 1946.

She was predeceased by her husband Wallace Paul Tolbert in 2001. Surviving are her son, Stephen Tolbert and wife Susan C. of Lewes; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 11, at Conley’s Chapel United Methodist Church near Angola. Burial will be private in Philadelphia at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to Conley’s Methodist Church Building Fund, 22150 Robinsonville Road, Lewes, DE 19958 or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Ray G. Trout, aeronautical engineer
Ray G. Trout Sr., 91, of Smyrna, died Friday, March 12, 2010, at his daughter’s home.

He was born in Hunkers, Pa., May 20, 1918, son of the late Earl and Edna Trout. He was a graduate of Youngwood (PA) High School and Indiana Technical University where he earned degrees in aeronautical and mechanical engineering. Ray served his country during World War II at Taylorcraft Aviation Co. as an aeronautical engineer designing airplanes and gliders and worked on the “GLOMB” project. He later worked for Aeronca Aircraft Co. and Piasecki Helicopter Co. (now Vertol). After moving to Delaware, he worked for Continental Diamond and Fiber Co. in Newark. Ray retired from New Castle County Engineering in 1983. Some of the highlights of his career included redesigning Steve Whitman’s “Lil Buster” airplane that now hangs in the Smithsonian and a letter of commendation from the government for his work on the Saturn Project at Cape Canaveral. His name was inscribed on the National Aviation and Space Exploration Wall of Honor June 2, 2000. Ray was a 50-year member of Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church and Newport Lodge No. 32, AF & AM.

Ray is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eleanor Riblett Trout; his children, Diann Chethik and her husband, Frank of El Granda, Calif., Polly Sage and her husband, Fred of Wilmington, Amy Trout and fiancee, Ken Kershaw of Smyrna and Ray Trout Jr. and his wife, Tina of Lewes; his grandchildren, Wendy Sage, Katie Norris, Tim Sage, Maia Pitts, Emily Trout and Joshua Trout; his great-grandchildren, Addison Baker, Cassidy and Jeffrey Pitts, and the newest arrival, William Weedon IV. His fifth great-grandchild is expected in July. Ray’s surviving siblings are Dora Stefl of Greensburg, Pa., and Emma Kate Sinovich of Ruffdale, Pa. In addition to his parents, Ray is predeceased by his granddaughter, Alison Trout; his brother, Stanley Trout; his sisters, Dolly Croushane and Anna Jane Christner; and son-in-law, Ken Norris.

A funeral service was held Thursday, March 18, at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, 500 McKennan’s Church Road, Wilmington, Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Ray’s memory to Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church Building Fund.

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Lois E. Speake, Westminster member
Lois E. Speake, 73, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Saturday, March 13, 2010, at her residence with her family by her side.

Born Tuesday, March 24, 1936, in Baltimore City, Md., she was the daughter of the late Robert Gustav and Elizabeth (Stroh) Glindemann. Lois graduated from Eastern High School and worked for the Federal Reserve, both in Baltimore. As a young girl of 13, she worked at the Gem Restaurant in Rehoboth, where she met Edwin “Ned” R. Speake, beginning a 60-year friendship. They were married in 1957, celebrating 53 years of marriage. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, a dedicated homemaker and a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She especially enjoyed birthdays, Christmas and giving presents. She loved a good movie and her love of daisies as her favorite flower speaks much about her character and philosophy of life.

Surviving is her husband of 53 years, Edwin “Ned” R. Speake; son, Mark Speake and his wife Liz of Lewisburg, Pa.; daughter, Jill Horn and her husband David of Westminster, Md.; two sisters, Marlene Glindemann and Ron Donnelly of Baltimore, and Linda Waggoner and her husband Jerry of Laurel, Md.; sister-in-law Margaret Jane Haering of Advance, N.C.; brother-in-law Tim and Diane Speake of Carey, N.C.; six grandchildren, Sarah, Gregory and Bryan Speake and Katie and Emily Horn, niece Kelly Doyle and her daughter Avery of Annapolis, Md.; nephew, Ryan Wagonner and Melissa and Molly of Baltimore; and other cousins, nieces, nephews and special family members and close friends.

A memorial service will be held at noon, Saturday, March 20, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 301 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, with her pastor, the Rev. Dr. Frank Deming Jr. officiating. In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial contributions to Westminster Presbyterian Church or Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Martha ‘Marty’ Peiffer, retired server
Martha “Marty” S. Peiffer, 80, of Georgetown, passed away Sunday, March 14, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Peiffer worked in the restaurant service for 40 years, retiring in 1989.

She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Crouch; her daughter, Sandra Walls; and her grandson, David Walls. She is survived by her beloved husband James; two sons, William E. Reiter II (Reenie) and Robert Malvezzi (Chrissy); a stepson, James G. Peiffer Jr. (Susan); 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind to cherish her memory, Mom #2 (Mrs. Yoder) and her other two sons, Eddy and Gibson Yoder and their families.
Mom would like everyone to remember her when you hear her song, “Over the Rainbow.” We would like to thank “Mom” and all of our family and friends for the love and memories we have shared in life’s short journey.

Burial will be at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Bear at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Marty’s memory to Humane Society, Sussex Chapter of S.P.C.A., 22918 DuPont Hwy., Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Mildred C. Stevens, loved the piano
Mildred C. Stevens, 101, of Camden passed away Monday, March 15, 2010, at the Capital Nursing Home, Dover.

She was a member of the Lebanon Wesleyan Church, and loved to play the piano and ride horses.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Stevens, and several siblings. Her son, Vernon M. Stevens and wife Janet of Hurlock, Md., one granddaughter, Dana Jewell of Camden and three great-grandchildren, Shane, Heather, and Shelby, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins survive her.

A graveside service was held Thursday, March 18, at Dagsboro Redmen’s Cemetery. Pastor Jim Couzens officiated. 

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Regina Heath Husfelt, auxiliary member
Regina Amelia Heath Husfelt, 83, of Millsboro, passed away Monday, March 15, 2010.

She was born in Elkton, Md., to the late Charles and Amelia Heath. She was a graduate of Elkton High School and a member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 28. She volunteered many hours of service to assist injured war veterans at Perry Point Hospital in Maryland and Veterans Hospital in Elsmere. Regina enjoyed cooking and animals; she took great pride in being a homemaker.

Regina is survived by her husband of 63 years, Howard Oldham Husfelt. She was the beloved mother of Barbara Husfelt, Manley Husfelt and wife Kathy, Rodney Husfelt and wife Joanne, grandsons, Ryan, Casey and Tyler Husfelt, and a pet cat, Tigress; brother-in-law Robert Davidson, sisters-in-law Nell Husfelt and Ester Husfelt, nieces Miriam Weight and husband Jack, Marilyn McMillan and husband Bob, Margaret Ellen Husfelt, Pam Husfelt, Sharon Husfelt and Evelyn Husfelt. She was also predeceased by a sister, Margaret Spence; twin sister Virginia Davidson; brothers-in-law, Billy Husfelt, George Husfelt and Rodney Husfelt.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Delaware SPCA or Forgotten Cats. The family would like to thank the staff of Beebe Medical Center and Compassionate Care Hospice for the excellent care given.

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Leslie Finer, journalist, author
Leslie Finer, 88, of Lewes passed away at his home Wednesday, March 10, 2010.

Finer was born in London, England, Dec. 10, 1921, son of the late Charles and Rachel Topper Finer. Finer was a Middlesex County French-language scholar in 1939 and received his degree in history from the London School of Economics during wartime exile at Cambridge University, 1940-42. Initially, Finer served as an assistant principal with the Ministry of War Transport. From 1942-45, he worked as liaison with U.S. Forces. Later, as private secretary of the minister, Mr. Philip Noel-Baker, Finer assisted with the passage of transport legislation through Parliament.

During his career as a reporter and journalist, Finer contributed to numerous publications including the London Evening Standard, the London Observer, the Financial Times, the New Statesman, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC), the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) and the Athens daily newspaper, Kathimerini. As an author, Finer published “Passport to Greece” (1964) and “I Was Born Greek” with Melina Mecouri (1971). Finer also translated many texts from Greek to English, including “The Third Wedding” by Costas Tachtsis (1967; 1969) and the memoirs of the Greek shadow theater master, Sotiris Spatharis, “Behind the White Screen” (1975).

Finer was expelled from Greece in February 1968, as “persona non grata” to the ruling military junta which considered his reports for the BBC as inimical to their interests. Returning to the Greek public via the BBC’s external broadcast service, Finer continued with his reports from London until the collapse of the junta in 1974. Finer often lectured on Greek affairs, including an extensive tour of Canada sponsored by the Canadian Foreign Affairs Institute, 1969 and at the University of Bergen, Norway, 1970. His contributions to The Hellenic Review and the Index on Censorship may well have assisted in efforts to restore democratic government to Greece. Since he moved to the United States in 1975 until just weeks before his death, Finer served as consultant and newsletter editor at the Greek Embassy, Washington, D.C.

Finer’s first marriage to the Greek actress Elsa Verghi ended in divorce, and his second wife, Jean Rubin of New York and Washington, D.C., died in 1988 after a long illness. He married Jacqueline Tippett Sunderland of Washington, D.C. and Lewes in 1991. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his niece, Elizabeth Dobell Weiner of New York; two nephews, Alex Finer of London and Nick Finer, M.D. of Cambridge, England; and four grandnieces. He is also survived by two stepsons, Trey Sunderland, M.D. of Washington, D.C., and William Tippett Sunderland of Baltimore, and five grandchildren.

There will be no services held at this time. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

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James A. Dorris III, Millsboro resident
James A. Dorris III, 76, of Millsboro, formerly of New Castle, passed away Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.

He leaves a sister, Jeanette McCollolugh; two sons, Michael and Dennis; three grandsons; a nephew, niece and many friends.

Services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Jim’s name to, Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Christine Marie Sheddy, kind, caring soul
Christine Marie Sheddy was born in Dover Dec. 22, 1980. Christine was taken home to be with the Lord Nov. 13, 2007.

Christine was a stay-at-home mother to her three children, Haylie, Isaac and Zeke. She helped with the family business doing office work and anything else that needed to be done. Christine loved music, talking to her friends and the computer. Christine was a free spirit, who gave of herself to anyone that needed her. She was a kind and caring soul. Family and friends meant everything to her and she loved them fiercely.

Christine leaves behind a daughter, Haylie Lynch; two sons, Isaac and Ezekiel Hall; her father, Clair Sheddy; her mother and stepfather, Lynn and Steven Dodenhoff;  her sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Paul Knapp; her brother, Jeremy Hunt; her maternal grandparents, Richard and Margaret Keesser; and her paternal grandmother, Ingeborg A. Sheddy. Christine also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews both in England and the United States. Christine is preceded in death by her brother, Michael Keesser; also her paternal grandfather, James R. Sheddy .

Services for Christine will be held at the Milford First Baptist Church on Old Shawnee Road, Milford, at 2 p.m., Saturday March 20, with visitation from noon until 2 p.m.    Burial will be at Barratt’s Chapel in Frederica. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Christine Sheddy Memorial Fund at The First National Bank of Wyoming, 7 Commerce St., Harrington, DE 19952. Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro. 

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Ronald J. Shepler, interior designer
Ronald J. Shepler, 64, of Lebanon, Pa., passed away Monday, March 8, 2010, at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Ronald was born in Lebanon July 27, 1945, the son of the late Leroy and Anna Bahm Shepler. He attended the York Academy of Arts and was a self-employed interior designer. He enjoyed gardening, interior designing and cooking and was a winner of House Beautiful’s 10 Best Show House Rooms & Designers in America. He also had a house in Rehoboth Beach.

He is survived by his son, Jeff of Lebanon; a daughter, Sheryl of Harrisburg; lifelong friend Floyd “Don” Neill of Lebanon; several cousins, aunts, uncle and his dog Borris.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family; arrangements by Thompson Funeral Home, Lebanon.

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Nettie V. Darkow, kennel club member
Nettie V. Darkow, 84, of Dagsboro, passed away Monday, March 15, 2010, at Atlantic Nursing and Rehabilitation in Millsboro.

Nettie was a member of the Boston Terrier Club of Maryland and the AKC Kennel Club. She attended Blackwater Fellowship Church in Roxana.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Laura Rust Rogers, and her husband Walter Darkow, who passed away in 1999. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Betty Chandler of Laurel, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 18, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Millsboro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Blackwater Fellowship Church, 34492 Roxana Road, Frankford, DE 19945.

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Myrtle E. Hitchens, retired upholsterer
Myrtle E. Hitchens, 90, of Ocean View, died Monday, March 15, 2010, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.

She was born in Williamsville, daughter of the late Archie Frank Savage and Gretchen Wainwright Savage. She worked for “Jake” Hocker before it was G&E. She co-owned and operated Myrtle’s Upholstery with her daughter-in-law Ellen for 26 years. She attended the Millville United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Norman J. Hitchens, in 1981; a son, Charlie “Buck” Hitchens and daughter-in-law June W. Hitchens. She was also preceded in death by four brothers, James F. Savage, A. Frank Savage, Ormil “Doc” Savage and Edward Savage; and three sisters, Viola Clark, Hilda Marvel and Virginia Lockmiller. She is survived by two sons, Ralph J. Hitchens and his wife Ellen, and Rick A. Hitchens and his wife Laura; a daughter, Brenda A. Taylor; two brothers-in-law, Harry Timmons and Elwood Marvel; a sister-in-law, Mary Savage; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, March 19, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher St., where friends and family may call after noon.
Interment will follow at St. George’s Cemetery in Clarksville. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Myrtle’s name to the Millville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1179, Millville, DE 19967 or the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Audrey T. LaFountain, homemaker
Audrey Tweed LaFountain, 74, a native of Newark, most recently residing in Millsboro, died Thursday, March 11, 2010.

Audrey was a graduate of Newark High School, class of 1953, and of Goldy Beacom College.

Audrey was the daughter of Florence and John “Jack” Tweed, who predeceased her, as did her sister Elizabeth Ann Tweed. Audrey is survived by her three children: Matthew LaFountain of Middlebury, Vt., Ann Rogers of Hebron, Conn., and Sue Ellen LaFountain of Columbia, Md.; and by her five grandchildren.

Services will be private. Those wishing to remember Audrey with a memorial contribution may contribute to the Special Olympics organization of their choice.