09/18/09

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Helen V. Plummer, Eastern Star member
Helen V. Plummer, 91, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully at her residence Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009. Mrs. Plummer was born June 23, 1918 in Millington, Md., daughter of the late John and Mamie (Newnam) Lockwood.
For many years, Mrs. Plummer worked beside her husband in the family business, George Plummer Welding. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Unity Chapter 16. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband George W. Plummer Jr. in 1999. She is survived by her son George W. Plummer III and his wife Barbara of Rehoboth Beach; two grandsons, Gregory Edward Plummer and his wife Anita, and Jeffrey Mark Plummer and his wife Dana, all of Rehoboth Beach; four great-grandchildren: Jeff Plummer, Greg Plummer, George W. Plummer IV and Whitney Marie Plummer; her sister, Margaret Schauber and a half-sister, Barbara Ann Wallace, both of Chestertown, Md.
All services are private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes. Interment will be at Henlopen Memorial Park, Milton.
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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Gilbert M. Sansbury, government retiree
Gilbert M. Sansbury, 82, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. He was born May 24, 1927, in Washington, D.C., son of the late Raymond W. and Lillian E. (Morton) Sansbury.
Mr. Sansbury proudly served in the Navy during World War II. He spent 38 years working for the military and federal government in the Navy Yard and the Naval Research Laboratory, both in Washington, D.C. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 218 in Seat Pleasant, Md. and the Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge No. 2540. He enjoyed bowling, crabbing, fishing, woodworking and golfing. He was a devoted and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nora Lee Sansbury in 2007; and a brother, William R. Sansbury Jr. He is survived by his daughter, Belinda L. Morton and her husband Bob of Frederick, Md.; a son, Dan Sansbury and his wife Claudia of La Plata, Md.; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Sansosti and husband Michael, Tammy Nation and husband Justin, Connie Frere and husband Richard, Stephanie Kiesel and husband Robert, Pam Hackett and husband Ryan, Scott Sansbury and wife Megan, and Colleen Hudimac and husband Mark; 12 great-grandchildren, Lauren, Alianna, Emily, Michael, Sophia, Cadence, Shelby, Megan, Ryan, Cole, Hunter and Samantha; four sisters, Jean Rye of North Carolina, Lorraine Apperson and husband James of Brandywine, Md., Donna Bryden of Centerville, Md. and Lois Kidwell of Alexandria, Va.; and Shelly Peton of Brandywine, Md., who was like a member of the family.
Elks services followed by Masonic services followed by christian services with the Rev. Patricia Loughlin officiating will begin at 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Ruth Steele, avid needlewoman
Ruth Steele, 91, of Millsboro, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at Lewes. She is the daughter of the late Henry and Florence Wilson Hastings. She is also preceded in death by her husband, W. Arnold Steele in 2003; two brothers, Harry and Herman Hastings; and one sister, Helen Maull. She was a charter member of the Delmarva Quilters and the Embroidering Guild of America. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children, Darrell Steele and wife Sunell of Lewes, Donna Campbell of Millsboro, and Brenda Burbage of Berlin, Md.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous friends all over Sussex County. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, at Millsboro Cemetery, Millsboro. The Rev. Arthur Backus will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Zoar United Methodist Church, 24463 Gravel Hill Road, Millsboro, DE 19966; Grace United Methodist Church, PO Box 566, Millsboro, DE 19966; or a charity of choice.

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Marie D. Haldas, UD graduate
Marie DiSabatino Haldas, 82, of Rehoboth Beach, formerly of Wilmington, died Tuesday Sept. 15, 2009, at the Beebe Medical Center. Mrs. Haldas was the youngest child of the late Clarence and Angeline DiSabatino. She was a graduate of Ursuline Academy and the University of Delaware, graduating proudly with her bachelor’s degree in education. Mrs. Haldas was predeceased by her husband, Spiros D. Haldas; and her son-in-law, Mark S. Fortin. She is survived by four daughters, Angela (Daniel) McConnell, Denise (David) Brueggemann, Debra (Richard) Young and Jamie Haldas Fortin; nine grandchildren, Lindsay Marie and Andrew Robert McConnell, Eric David and Daniel Allan Brueggemann, R. Zachary, Marie Elizabeth and Alexis Louise Young, Whitney Marie and Conrad Haldas Fortin; great-granddaughter Sophia Ann Brueggemann and many loving nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Haldas’ life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Ninth and DuPont streets, Wilmington. Family and friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18, at Chandler Funeral Home, Concord Pike and Sharpley Road, Wilmington. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to St. Anthony of Padua Church, 901 N. DuPont St., Wilmington, DE 19805; or Beebe Medical Foundation - Tunnell Cancer Center, 18947 John J. Williams Highway, Rehoboth, DE 19971.

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Yvonne J. Guthrie, congressional secretary
Yvonne J. Guthrie, 80, of Lewes, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at her residence. She was born Feb. 2, 1929, in Monessen, Pa., daughter of the late Michael and Mary Bonini Kurtak. Mrs. Guthrie graduated from Monessen High School, class of 1947. She maintained a residence in Delaware for the last 28 years and started coming to the beach in 1952. She was employed by the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., as a congressional secretary for 25 years. She worked for the State Department for two years during the Kennedy administration.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Guthrie was predeceased by her husband, Robert F. Guthrie. She is survived by a stepson, Andrew Guthrie of Arlington, Va.; two stepdaughters, Priscilla Guthrie of Falls Church, Va., and Margaret Guthrie of Berryville, Va.; twin step-granddaughters; and her favorite cat, Jasmin.
All services are private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested for the Delaware SPCA, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.

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Betty Mae Rust, retired letter carrier
Betty Mae McDowell Rust, “Miss Betty,” 69, passed away after a brief illness Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at Bayhealth Center - Milford. She was born Feb. 17, 1940, daughter of the late Floyd and Elizabeth Schiff McDowell. She was predeceased by a son, Leon “Rusty” Rust III and his wife Joanne; and brother, William McDowell.
Mrs. Rust had retired in 2000 as a rural letter carrier based out of Greenwood after 27 years with the postal service. She loved to read, do all types of needlework and travel, and was devoted to her family. Currently she was serving her 27th year as treasurer for the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary where she was a 30-year life member. She is survived by her husband of 51 years this past June, Leon F. Rust Jr.; daughter, the Rev. Maleia Rust of Trappe, Md.; son, Dale Rust and wife Jill of Midlothian, Va.; sisters, Catherine Marvil and husband Everett, and Virgina Thomson and husband Willard Jr., both of Greenwood; grandchildren Jeremy and Mandy Rust of Midlothian, Va.; several nieces and nephews; and her grandpuppy “Scamp.” Services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 21, at the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company, 12611 Sussex Highway, Greenwood, where friends may call one hour prior at the firehouse. Friends may also call from 6 to 9 p.m., Sunday at the firehouse. Burial will follow the services at St. Johnstown Cemetery, Greenwood.
In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the Greenwood Vol. Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, PO Box 1, Greenwood, DE 19950.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes, Hardesty Chapel, Bridgeville.

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Eileen Jean Huey, retired secretary
Eileen Jean Huey, 71 of Milford, died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at home.
She was the daughter of the late Hugh Gorman and Eileen Flannigan Gorman. She was preceded in death by her husband Stanley Paul Huey Sr. and son Steven Patrick Huey.
Mrs. Huey was employed by Bayhealth Medical Center in Milford for 30 years as a unit secretary for the Ob/Gyn Department.
She is survived by her eight children, William Huey and his partner Dawn of Newark, Sharon Palmer and her partner Ed Stauffer of Lewes, Karen Begley and her husband Dr. Martin Begley of Dover, Dorothy and Alan Virdin of Mt. Holly, N.C., Thomas Huey of Harrington, Edward Huey and his wife Kim of Milford, and Edna Perrone and her husband Thomas of Dover; three stepchildren, Brig. Gen. Frank A. Huey and his wife Lee of Inman, S.C., Jean and Hope Huey of Bridgeville, and Lt. Col. Stanley Huey Jr. and wife Mona of Carey, N.C.; one sister, Mary Vasquez and her husband Ruben; 28 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday Sept. 23, at the Reformation Lutheran Church, 613 Lakeview Ave., Milford. Friends may call and visit from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday Sept. 22, in the chapel of Berry Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St., Milford. Interment will be Milford Community Cemetery, Milford. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the March of Dimes 210 Kiley Drive Suite 2, Salisbury, MD 21801.

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Margaret M. Greenhill, devout Catholic
Margaret M. Greenhill, 83, of Greenville, passed away at her home Monday, Sept. 14, 2009.
Margaret was born June 11, 1926, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late James and Clara Kenna. Margaret was a homemaker for 30 years and in her later years became a bookkeeper in the auto industry. She was a devout Catholic, in which she was a Eucharistic Minister at St. John the Beloved Church and then at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church. She enjoyed traveling abroad, sitting in her sand chair on the beach, and enjoying dinner out with her friends and family.
Margaret was predeceased by a stillborn son; her daughter, Margaret Greenhill and her son, Christopher Greenhill.
She is survived by her sons, Charles Greenhill and his wife Judith of Columbia, S.C., James Greenhill and his wife Becky of Roswell, Ga., Thomas Greenhill and his fiancée Amy of Lewes, and John Greenhill and his partner Scott of Wilmington; her grandchildren, Brian and Theresa, Jennifer and Kevin, and Cory and Christian; her great-grandson, Darien; her sister, Jeanne Balcom of Glenmont, N.Y.; and her daughter-in-law, Pam.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 18, at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Greenville. Burial and visitation will be held privately with the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Margaret may be sent to Heartland Hospice, 261 Chapman Road, Newark, DE 19702.

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Shelton L. Daniels, Lincoln resident
Shelton L. Daniels, 64, of Lincoln, departed this life Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, in Milford. He was born Jan. 19, 1945.
Viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18, at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Lincoln. Services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Lincoln, where friends may view two hours prior. Burial will be private.

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Jacqueline Ignacio, community volunteer
Jacqueline Ignacio, 75, of Rehoboth Beach, died Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in her home.
Jackie was born in New York, N.Y., and was a resident of the Washington, D.C. metro area for most of her life.
She and Mac were married Jan. 20, 1966. She served the U.S. federal government on Capitol Hill for over 30 years as a longtime aide in support of numerous congressman and senators. After her retirement in 1990, Jackie relocated to Rehoboth Beach and supported various community volunteer efforts, including acting as the most recent president of the Sussex County AIDS Council. She also spent many hours volunteering with All Saints’ Episcopal Church and the Delaware Food Bank. Jackie was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Village Improvement Association. She was a pillar of strength to her family and friends.
Jackie is survived by her husband of 43 years, Macario Ignacio Jr.; daughter and son-in-law Donna and Vaughn McCabe; son and daughter-in-law Robert and Diana Johnston; daughter and son-in-law Jacqueline and Charles Theologus; daughter and son-in-law Andrea and Lamar Hall; many grandchildren including Jeremy and Jamie Locklear, Julie Skotta, Alec and Alyse Hall and Kyle Johnston; numerous great-grandchildren; other family members, close friends and other loved ones.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Interment will be private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958 where Jackie received the best care in her final days; or to the Delaware Burn Camp, P.O. Box 682, Dover, DE 19903 which Jackie so passionately supported.

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Mary Cagle, government retiree
Mary B. Cagle, 89, of Lewes, formerly of Wilmington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, after a short illness.
Mary was in great health and had traveled to St. Mary’s, Ga., to attend her grandson’s graduation from the Federal Law Enforcement Academy and then go on an Alaskan cruise. She enjoyed the graduation and the family dinner that followed. Later that week, she suffered a massive stroke.
Mary was born April 23, 1920, in Manous, Brazil. She was the daughter of Virgilina Emilia and Roy Briggs. Mary’s younger years were spent living on the Amazon River and traveling between Brazil and the United States.
In the 1940s, Mary worked for the U.S. State Department and was assigned to work in Cuba and Nicaragua. While working in Nicaragua, she traveled to Buenos Aires to visit her brother Bill, and there she was introduced to Nathan Eugene Cagle, a World War II veteran. Gene Cagle quickly recognized Mary as a beautiful woman and they were united in matrimony in Elsmere, Dec. 4, 1948.
Mary and Gene soon began their family and were very proud of their three sons, Nathan Jr. of Anchorage, Alaska, Karl of Fairfax, Va., and Kenneth of St. Mary’s, Ga. Mary’s extended family includes Nate’s wife Linda, Karl’s wife Kathy and Ken’s wife Linda. She was deeply loved by her three sons and daughters-in-law together with her granddaughters Kristin, Ashley and Caroline, her grandsons Brian, Scott and Kristopher, Brian’s wife Sara, and her great-granddaughters Chloe and Ellie. She is survived by her brother Bill of Port Charlotte, Fla., and a host of nieces and nephews.
Mary worked as a homemaker while raising her three boys and then took a job as a bookkeeper for Delaware Mortgage. Mary retired in 1981 and moved to Lewes where she and Gene enjoyed 26 years of retirement before Gene passed away in 2007.
Mary loved traveling, gardening, playing cards with her wonderful friends and spending time with her family. Mary’s greatest joy was preparing wonderful meals for her family. Nothing thrilled her more than the impending visits by her children who had put in requests for their favorite foods. Grandma never disappointed them and each meal was carefully prepared, delicious and ideally completed with homemade cherry pie.
Mary gave her grandson Kristopher a keepsake recipe that included many family favorites. The book contained the following quote from Sandy Lyham Clough:
“I am standing in my kitchen but my heart’s in different places. The aroma from my cooking helps me remember special faces. Food is a special connection to good times in the past - to the people who shared good times and warm memories that will last.”
Mary was a treasured and trusted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was a woman of great faith and rests peacefully in the Kingdom of Heaven. She will be eternally missed by all those who loved her. The aromas from her kitchen will remain vivid in our minds.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, at Groome Methodist Church, Savannah Road and Dewey Avenue, Lewes. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947; or Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525.

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Carmen Paul Leto, teacher, coach
Carmen Paul Leto, 74, of Lewes, passed away Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
Mr. Leto was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 28, 1934. He grew up in "Little Italy" living above the family poultry store. He was the son of the late Carmen and Frances Leto. The family moved to Glenolden, Pa., where he excelled in sports at Glen-Nor High School, graduating in 1954. He earned his bachelor of science in education at Lock Haven University with a major in social studies and a minor in safety and driver's education. In his senior year of college he received four significant awards for his football playing: honorable mention, Little All-American; first team, All-Pennsylvania State Teacher's Colleges; third team, All-Pennsylvania Colleges and Universities; and first team All-National Association of Interscholastic Athletics.
He took his first teaching job at Dover High School in 1958, serving as an assistant in football for five years and in baseball for three years. He was also head wrestling coach for two years. In 1961, he coached the Gold Team for the 1961 Delaware High School All-Star Football Game. In 1963, he was the coordinator of safety and driver education for the former Newark School District and he has been president of the Delaware Driver Education Association.
He has served the Blue Hen Conference as vice president and twice as president. He has spoken to teacher training classes on "The Role of Advisor Involving Discipline in Schools" and "Drug Use and Discipline in the High School."
He served seven years in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant E-6. He earned a master's degree in instruction at the University of Delaware and with additional graduate study he qualified for the secondary school principal certificate from the state of Delaware. He also served as student advisor for seven years and acting assistant principal for one. He was also coordinator of Christiana's early withdrawal program for three years. He was at Glasgow High School for seven years with duties as student advisor and counselor, discipline specialist, athletic director and advisor to the human relations council. He then became assistant principal at Gauger Middle School in 1986 until he retired in July 1989. Missing the interaction with the students and the teaching staff, he joined the Junior Achievement program where he continued his teaching and counseling, and then moved on to Caravel Academy as the athletic director. In 1992 he and his wife Barbara relocated to "slower" lower Delaware to enjoy the fishing and beach environment.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Barbara A. Leto; daughter Patricia and William Land of Viola; son Bradley Leto and wife Lauren of Hartly; six grandchildren: Michael L. McGrady and wife Kristina, Jeremy R. McGrady, Brittany L. Leto, Justin D. Land, Mathew J. Land and Samantha L. Land; and one great-grandchild, Lexi E. McGrady.
His wishes were to be cremated with a memorial service to be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Manor House Community Center, Sussex East Community, 30769 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Lewes. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

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John W. Morgan, university retiree
John W. Morgan, 78, of Dagsboro passed away Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at home.
He was the son of the late Frank and Bessie Banks Morgan. His brothers, Ernest and Oliver Morgan, and sisters, Emma Robbin, Naomi Abey and Mable Harley, predeceased him.
John was retired from the University of Delaware in Georgetown after 25 years of service. He was an Army veteran.
He is survived by his son, John W. Morgan Jr. of Florida; daughter, Anna Lisa Morgan of Salisbury, Md.; sisters Mary Ann Moxey of Dagsboro and Janet Tingle of Georgetown; and one brother, Russell Morgan Sr. of Dover.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro. Interment will be in Dagsboro Redmen’s Cemetery, Dagsboro.