09/11/09

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Walter T. Bendon, port authority retiree
Walter T. Bendon, 85, of Lewes, passed away peacefully Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. He was born April 16, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Harry and Edith Hauseman Bendon.
Mr. Bendon worked for the Delaware River Port Authority prior to retiring to Lewes in 1986. He previously lived in Yeadon and Drexel Hill, Pa. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II as an aviation ordnanceman second class. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Violet M. Gail Bendon; four children, Robert W. Bendon, MD and his wife Jean, John E. Bendon, William M. Bendon Esq., and Gail P. Rizzo; 10 grandchildren, Laura Kozikowski and husband Todd, Hilary Lobb and husband Tom, Meryl Bendon, Ariel Bendon, Julia Bendon, Melinda Bendon, Kathryn Bendon, Joseph Hotchkiss and wife Niina, Lisa Hotchkiss and Jerry Rizzo; and five great-grandchildren, Anna Kozikowski, Robert Bendon-Lobb, Eerica Hotchkiss, Annika Hotchkiss, and Elliot Hotchkiss.
All services are private with entombment at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Henry A. Berliner Jr., fishing champion
Henry A. “Hank” Berliner Jr., of Annapolis, Md., formerly of Washington, D.C., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Rouse Berliner, of Annapolis, Md.; children, Meghan Berliner and Michael Berliner, both of Annapolis; former wife Bodil Berliner and children Marie “Tina” Berliner of Austin, Texas, John Berliner of San Francisco, Calif., and George Berliner of Aliso Viejo, Calif.; sister, Joie Vargas Gorrell of Reno, Nev.; and four grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14, at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Church Circle, Annapolis, with reception to follow. Parking available in garages on Calvert and Main Streets. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Pancreatic Association, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, or Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation. Arrangements by Hardesty Funeral Home, Annapolis.

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Ruth E. Ebberts, enjoyed the beach
Ruth E. Butler Ebberts, 73, of Milford, passed away Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at Heritage Assisted Living in Milford. She was born June 28, 1936, in Baltimore, Md., daughter of the late Andrew and Louise Brohmeyer Butler.
Mrs. Ebberts relocated to the beach area from Annapolis, Md., nine years ago; before moving to Milford she lived in Lewes and Pot-Nets. Mrs. Ebberts was a loving wife who for many years cared for her ailing husband, Charles E. Ebberts, who passed away in 2007. She enjoyed going to the beach and playing golf, tennis, Mahjong and Wii bowling. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior. Her children and grandchildren will sorely miss her as will her dog, Patti. She is survived by her daughter, Linda G. Bosse and her husband Michael of Denton, Md.; two sons, Douglas E. Ebberts and his wife Lynette of Alexandria, Va., and Jeffrey D. Ebberts and his wife Lyna of Temple, Texas; four grandchildren, Heather Lin Tobien and husband Matthew of Twentynine Palms, Calif., Kevin Ebberts, Lauren Ebberts and John Henry Williams, all of Alexandria; and a brother, Edward A. Butler and wife Janet of Florida.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes; Pastor Donald Schafer will be officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1 to 3 p.m. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested for Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Warren E. Truitt, Civil Service retiree
Warren E. Truitt, 81, of Milford, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, at Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. Mr. Truitt was born Oct. 29, 1927, in Cannon, son of the late Paul H. and Helen Dickerson Truitt. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps serving his country during World War II. Mr. Truitt was employed in the Survival Equipment Department with the Civil Service at the Dover Air Force Base for 30 years, retiring in 1986. Warren helped organize the Camden-Wyoming Little League where he served separate terms as vice president and president during the 1960s. He was a member of the Union Lodge 7 in Dover and a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church in Milford. In addition to his parents, Mr. Truitt was preceded in death by three brothers, Lester I. Truitt, Bruce B. Truitt and John E. Truitt; and two sisters, Pauline Timmons and Florence Timmons. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Susanne C. Truitt; two sons; Paul W. Truitt and his wife Yoshiko Shiroma of Japan, and Dale A. Truitt and his wife Ann of Lewes; two daughters, Sandra L. Truitt and her special friend William Badillo of Rising Sun, and JoAnn Burnett and her husband Bryan of Sugar Land, Texas; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Services will be 11 a.m. with a Masonic service starting at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, at Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave., Milford, where friends may call one hour prior. Burial will be held in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Seaford. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to the Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 SE Front St., Milford, DE 19963.

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Evelyn S. Hopkins, lodgings owner
Evelyn S. Hopkins, 83, of Kennedyville, Md., died Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, in Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin, Md. Mrs. Hopkins was born in Crumpton, Md., the daughter of the late George and Maude Squares. Mrs. Hopkins was the owner-operator of the Mayflower Hotel on the boardwalk in Ocean City, Md., from 1955 thru 1984. Mrs. Hopkins continued to own and operate the King Charles Apartments in Ocean City with her family. Mrs. Hopkins loved her work, and enjoyed meeting and greeting all of her guests and friends. Mrs. Hopkins also enjoyed her ladies card group whom she played with for many years. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hopkins was predeceased by three brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, John “Jack” Hopkins; one son, George B. Hopkins and his wife Patti of Kennedyville, Md.; one granddaughter, Leslie H. Mitchell and her husband Wayne of Milton; two grandsons, Brad Hopkins of Chestertown, Md., and Barton Hopkins of Kennedyville; and great-grandchildren, Madison and Tyler Mitchell of Milton. Funeral services will be held at noon, Monday, Sept. 14, in the Fellows Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 370 W. Cypress St., Millington, Md., where friends and family may call after 11 a.m. Interment will follow the services in the Crumpton Cemetery. The family suggests contributions in her memory to the Ocean City Vol. Fire Co., PO Box 27, 1409 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City MD 21842; or the Kennedyville Vol Fire Co., PO Box 98, Kennedyville, MD 21645.

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Holman celebration set Sept. 18
William B. Holman passed away Saturday, May 30, 2009. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 18, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. A memorial luncheon will follow. Interment will be private in Mobridge, S.D.

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Violet Marie Simpler, Lewes native
Violet Marie Simpler, 91, of Cordova, Alaska, died of complications from a fall at Alaska Regional Hospital Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska.
Violet was born Sept. 19, 1917, in Lewes. She became a resident of Alaska in January, 1941 as a young bride. She was affiliated with Cordova Baptist Church, Pioneers of Alaska and Eastern Star. Violet loved gardening, reading, crocheting, cooking and berry picking.
She was married to her husband Charles for 59-and-a-half years. She was a loving, caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was very devoted to her family. She was also known in Cordova as the Best Dressed Woman and the Best Cook. She sold many of her baked goods. She was known for her bread, cinnamon rolls and East Coast chicken and slippery dumplings.
She is survived by her sons, Charles T. Simpler and wife Arlene of Kodiak, Alaska, Robert B. Simpler and wife Sharon of Whidby Island, Wash.; daughters, Charlette J. Carroll and husband Virgil of Cordova and Cathie M. Nicolet and husband Harry of Anchorage; granddaughters, Katie Anderson and husband Pete of Valdez, Alaska, Bronwyn Simpler of Kodiak, Megan Simpler of Minneapolis, Minn., Dorene and husband Royce O’Brien of Anchorage, and Amy and Kara Nicolet of Anchorage; grandsons, Brett Simpler and wife Kathy of Kodiak, Ben Simpler and wife Kimmi of Whidby Island, Doug Carroll and wife Lisa of Cordova, Virgil Wayne Carroll of Coon Rapids, Minn., Robert Carroll and wife Kyli of Anchorage, and Pierre Nicolet and wife Megan of Anchorage; great-grandchildren, Emma and Erika Anderson, Krista and Tosha Simpler, Garrett and Rowan O’Brien, Ryan and Violet Simpler, Olivia and Charlie Carroll, Kassidi and Luke Carroll, and Fischer Nicolet. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles; sister Dorothy Frank; and parents George Thomas and Elsie B. Hudson.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, at Conley’s Chapel Methodist Cemetery, 22150 Robinsonville Road, Lewes. Many family members from Alaska will be present and are looking forward to catching up with old friends. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cordova Community Baptist Church, P.O. Box 728, Cordova, AK 99574 or Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Agency of Alaska, 1750 Abbott Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.

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Bradford J. Donovan, maintenance man
Bradford James Donovan, 53, of Bridgeville, passed from this life Monday, Aug. 31, 2009, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital after a long illness.
He worked for Mundy of Seaford in the maintenance department. He was a Navy veteran. He was born Aug. 3, 1956, son of Alfred and Edna Jewell Donovan. He is preceded in death by his mother and younger brother Robert.
He is survived by his father and longtime companion Dyanna Waldridge; two aunts, Virginia Breeding of Federalsburg, Md., and Ann Taylor of Millsboro; and a cousin, Betty Smith of Greenwood.
A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Dagsboro Redmen’s Cemetery, Dagsboro. Friends may call at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington, St., Millsboro, from 10 to 11 a.m.

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Ernest C. Long Jr., law enforcement officer
Ernest C. “Butch” Long Jr., 59, of Laurel, died after a long illness Monday, Sept 7, 2009, in Milford Memorial Hospital
Born in Bayard, he was the son of the late Ernest C. Long Sr. and Jeanette Donaway Long.
He was a career police officer with a distinguished record, having received a citation for bravery in the capture of an armed robber. He served as an officer during his career in South Bethany, Ocean View, Dagsboro, Frankford and Millsboro. Often he worked two jobs in two different departments simultaneously. He served as a chief during the ‘70s and early ‘80s in Ocean View, Frankford and Dagsboro. His last assignment was in Millsboro, retiring at the rank of sergeant. He was always about fairness and meticulous in his work. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and being in the great outdoors. He was living with his daughter, Angel, who was his primary caregiver in recent months with his illness until his passing.
He is survived by his wife, Debora V. Long; and two children, Wayne Burton Long and his wife Jill, of Frankford, and Angel Lynn Melson and her husband Ernie, of Georgetown. He is also survived by two brothers, Dale William Long, and his companion Donald Vaughn, of Salisbury, Md. and David Wayne Long, and his wife Rosemary, of Millsboro; two sisters, Virginia Lee Shockley of Millsboro and Amy Louise Swift and her husband C.W. of Georgetown; two grandchildren, Ernie “Andy” Melson III and L.J.; and six stepgrandchildren. He is also survived by extra special friends John and Shirley Baker and Chelsea; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends; also his two canine friends, Barney and Fred.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard in 1999; and a sister, Mary Elizabeth Stevens in 1996.
Services will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11, with police honors, at Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro. Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. for visitation. Pastor Barry Townsend will officiate.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

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Joseph Y. Miller, retired civil engineer
Joseph Yearsley Miller, 84, of Lewes died suddenly Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, at his residence at Cadbury, Lewes.
For many years Mr. Miller worked as a civil engineer for the Hercules Company of Wilmington. He was a member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Rehoboth Beach. He had served in the U.S. Marine Corps, was an avid golfer and member of Rehoboth Beach Country Club, and had done volunteer work for Lyman House of Wilmington. He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy McMullen Miller. He is survived by one son, Randolph Richard Miller of Wilmington; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Olive Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, with the Rev. Max Wolf officiating.
Memorials can be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21803-0163.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Enterprises, Lewes.

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Virginia G. Scott, former Lewes resident
Virginia Greenwood Scott of Park Place ll, Wormans Mill, Md., and formerly of Lewes, passed away Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, at Glade Valley Nursing Home in Walkersville, Md.
Virginia was born Dec. 15, 1917, in Alexandria, Va., to Jones Point Lighthouse Keeper Benjamin Harrison Greenwood and his wife Anna Marie English.
Virginia was married to Paul Fordham Scott Sr. for 43 wonderful years, from November 1945 until his death in 1988.
Virginia worked for the C&P Telephone Company in Washington, D.C., in the executive department prior to her marriage to Mr. Scott.
Virginia is survived by her three children and their families, Bonnie and Raymond Duhamel of Rhode Island, Leila and John Fahrner of Germantown, Md., and Paul F. Scott Jr. and Brenda Stevens Scott of New Market, Md.
Also surviving are grandchildren Phillip Duhamel, Nicole (Thomas) Remington, Shannon Scott (Mike) Stream, Paul F. Scott III, Kelly and Julie Fahrner, Cheryl Lee (Nicholas) Hill, Tina Lee (Brian) Fleece and Leo F. Hollar III; seven great-grandchildren; stepbrothers Everett and Carl Greenwood; and stepsister Rebecca Howdershelt.
Virginia was a longtime Episcopalian and was a member of both All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Frederick, Md., and St. Peter’s in Lewes. Virginia’s activities included teaching Sunday school, serving on the Altar Guild, volunteering at Beebe Hospital in Lewes, attending Red Hat Society socials, traveling, gardening and of course visiting with family and friends. Memorial donations in Virginia’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, VA 23060. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Glade Valley for their loving care of Virginia during her stay there.
A small memorial service will be held at a later date at St. Peter’s cemetery, Pilottown Road, Lewes.
Arrangements by Stauffer Funeral Homes P.A., Frederick.

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Dinah P. Broadbent, nature lover
Dinah Pardee Broadbent, 71, of West Grove, Pa., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at her home surrounded by her family.
Dinah was born in Wilmington, the daughter of Clarke M. and Edith Baughman Pardee. She was raised on the grounds of Delaware Park Race Track and graduated from Conrad High School in 1955. She took business college courses at the University of Delaware. Dinah was a true nature lover, enjoying her mountain home, watching the wildlife, walking the paths she and her husband made, riding their four-wheelers and tending to her gardens. She was also an avid reader, loved to travel and most of all, she loved to spend time with her family. Dinah, who had a wonderful sense of humor, deep love of nature and a true sense of integrity, will be deeply missed by her husband, family and all who knew her.
Dinah is predeceased by her parents and her sister, Patricia A. Pardee. She is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Edward R. Broadbent; daughters, Karen Clupper and her husband Tom of Landenberg, Pa., Barbara Doremus Johnson of Boca Raton, Fla.; son, Robert B. Doremus and his wife Marie of Houston, Texas; stepdaughter, Deborah Kronenbitter and her husband Robert of Poway, Calif.; stepsons, Edward Randal Broadbent and his wife Debbie of West Grove; Richard Broadbent and his wife Barbara of Lewes; and Jon Thomas Broadbent and his wife Beth of Lincoln University, Pa.; 19 grandchildren: Jennifer, Adam, Erin, Katherine, Sara, Eric, Kristen, Beau, Richard, Grace, Nicholas, Jaclyn, Ellie, Michael, Ryan, Hugh, Emily, Mollie and Kyle; and seven great-grandchildren: Olivia, Julian, Annika, Ava, Savannah, Delaney and Winston. Dinah is also survived by her brothers, Clarke Adrian Pardee and wife Marian of Concord, Calif., Michael Pardee of St. Louis, Mo., and Pete Pardee and his wife Fran of Port Orange, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to call on the family from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 11, followed by memorial services at 11 a.m. at the McCrery Memorial Chapel, 3710 Kirkwood Highway at Duncan Road, Wilmington.

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Betty Ann Merrill, world traveler
Betty Ann Merrill (Young-Ramone) of Old New Castle and Long Neck passed away Friday, Sept. 4, 2009.
Betty Ann was born Aug. 20, 1943, graduated from St. Peter’s School, New Castle, in 1961, and attended the University of Delaware. Betty Ann worked for the News Journal Co. as personnel manager in the Human Resources Department for over 20 years. She previously worked for Corporation Trust Company, Hercules Inc., and Delaware Park Racing Association. She was particularly proud of being the second beauty consultant in the state of Delaware for Mary Kay Cosmetics in 1971, where she successfully operated her own business for over a decade and won many awards and accolades. She was so pleased she could help other women to look and feel beautiful.
Betty Ann had a unique love of life and people. She was blessed to have so many close friends and loved ones and she touched so many lives. She enjoyed reading, spending time with her family and her daughter in California, following politics, news and trivia. Her unstoppable energy and enthusiasm inspired her to travel around the world to exotic locations including England, Ireland, Vienna, Hawaii, Mexico, and most recently Costa Rica and Australia with her daughter. She spent her time between her homes in Old New Castle and the beach with her boat on the Rehoboth Bay and was teasingly referred to as “Captain Nightmare” for her unique mariner skills. She was a member of New Castle Historical Society and was proud to open her home for A Day in Old New Castle. She was also a member of the Society of Human Resources and Management; The Delaware Sports Museum Hall of Fame, where her deceased sister, Rosemary Young Miller was inducted as one of the only female shooters in Delaware; American Legion Post 28; and AMVETS #2; and she volunteered for St. Peter’s Church’s Good Samaritans. Many will remember her for her quick wit, extraordinary sense of humor and ability to tell a story and make people laugh. She was always the life of the party and would want everyone to celebrate her life and remember all the good times. She is now at peace and will be with us always.
She is survived by her daughter, Monica Ramone of Venice Beach, Calif.; brother, Daniel Young of New Castle; sister, Catherine Piazza of Milton; and soul mate, John Parks of Millsboro. She was preceded in death by her son, Joseph P. Ramone; sisters, Rosemary Miller and Miriam Freebery; and brother, Joseph Young.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter’s Church, 5th and Harmony Streets, New Castle, at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 12. Friends may call at the church from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday morning. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery beside her sisters Miriam and Rosemary.
Contributions can be to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10065; or St. Peter’s Church & School, 521 Harmony Ave., New Castle, DE 19720.
Arrangements by Krienen Funeral Home.

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Norma Lee Joseph, Georgetown native
Norma Lee Joseph, 84, of Lincoln, passed away Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, at her home. Mrs. Joseph was born May 8, 1925, in Georgetown, daughter of the late George W. Jr. and Florence M. Greet Gillespie. She was employed as an attendant at the Stockley Center in Millsboro, retiring after 28 years of service. Mrs. Joseph was a member of the Georgetown VFW and a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Georgetown. She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey R. and Bonnie Carmine of Milford, H. Joshua and Crystal Carmine of Harrington, and Herman L. Jr. and Darleen Rust of Milford; three daughters, Ann L. Emro of Danville, N.J., Norleen Pearson and Carla R. Rust, both of Lincoln; a brother and sister-in-law, Reginald and Thelma Gillespie of Seaford; a sister and brother-in-law, Olga and Bill Stayton of Dover; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Services and burial will be held privately. Contributions in Norma Lee Joseph’s memory may be made to the Milford Community Pantry, c/o Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St., Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements handled by Rogers Funeral Home, Milford.

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K. Jeanne Shinn, business manager
K. Jeanne Shinn, 47, of Bear, died of cancer Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, at Heartland Hospice House, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born March 31, 1962, in Baltimore, Md., grew up in Annapolis, Md., and had been a Delaware resident since 1979.
In 1991 she graduated from Wilmington College with a bachelor of science degree in business management. She worked for the Sherwin-Williams Co. for almost 20 years, starting as a part-time bookkeeper and rising through local retail and managerial positions to regional responsibilities as a loss-prevention specialist and auditor.
In 2005 she went into business for herself as a Guardsman Furniture Pro franchisee, combining independence with her love of working with wood and with her hands. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, working with stained glass and her camping getaways.
A lifelong animal lover, her home was seldom without at least three pets romping around.
She was a member of the Delaware Woodworkers Guild, looking forward to attending the group’s meetings with her son, Jeremy, and learning new woodworking techniques as well as sharing with other members their latest projects.
She also was a member of the Delaware City Lions Club, taking special delight in service projects that combined the efforts of the Delaware City club with other area Lions Clubs.
She also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in the group’s Wilmington ReStore, enjoying both working in a retail environment again and helping others realize home ownership.
She was preceded in death by her father, Scott Shinn of New Mexico.
She is survived by her mother, Kathy Holstrom of Lewes; her sister, Wendy (Ernie) Duckett of Annapolis; her daughter, Karen (Rupert) Turell and granddaughters Sierra Noblitt and Bianca Turell, all of New Castle; and her son, Jeremy Noblitt and his companion, Amy Bolen of New Castle. A memorial service will be held at noon, Saturday, Sept. 12, at Beeson Funeral Home, 2053 Pulasky Highway, Route 40 Newark.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice House or The American Cancer Society.