Obituary - Joan L. Parks







Joan L. Parks, 55, of Parker, died at10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008, in her residence following a two and a half year battle with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).

Born in Oil City Sept. 4, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Leonard "Bud" and Frances Joan Latschaw Confer.

She was Protestant by faith.

She was a 1970 graduate of Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School at Foxburg.

Mrs. Parks was employed many years at the Parker branch of Citizens National Bank (now NexTier) as custodian, as well as working for many area families doing housekeeping. She also served as caregiver for several Parker residents confined to their homes due to illness.

In 2006, the Parker Recreation Committee embarked upon a 13-year plan of selling Christmas tree decorations. Mrs. Parks' work of design appears on the 2006-07 issues, and will appear on the remaining 11 decorations in the future years. Knowing her working time of artistry was limited, she worked diligently so the committee would have these treasures to earn money for local projects.

In addition to caring for her husband and children, Mrs. Parks was known as a dedicated worker, artist, and writer of both prose and poetry. She was able to have two books of her poetry published, and countless families treasure notes written to them by her when ill health or ill fortune beset them.

In 2005 she was presented recognition by Parker Rotary for selfless time and effort given to Parker City and residents. That same year, she was presented recognition by Parker City Volunteer Department for Outstanding Community Service. In 2006, she was recognized by Parker Fire Department as Citizen of the Year, as well as receiving recognition from the state House of Representatives as Citizen of the Year through the efforts of Rep. Fred McIlhatten.

She enjoyed bird watching as well as working crossword puzzles.

Surviving are her husband: D. Scott Parks whom she married July 11, 1971; two sons: Mike Parks and wife Kristie of Parker and Kris Parks at home; one granddaughter: Mackenzie Parks of Parker; one sister, Terry Taylor of Smethport; and one brother, Alan Confer of Emlenton, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, Wayne Street, Parker.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Dan Myers, United Methodist Minister, officiating.

Interment will be in Parker Presbyterian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Parker Recreation Committee, in care of Mrs. Carol Bowser, P.O. Box 350, Parker, 16049.

RICHARD LAWRENCE "LARRY" SCHLEICHER III, 57, of the West Keansburg section of HAZLET
April 15, 2008

RICHARD LAWRENCE "LARRY" SCHLEICHER III, 57, of the West Keansburg section of HAZLET, entered into eternal rest Friday, April 11, at home, surrounded by loved ones. Larry passed away from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Mr. Schleicher was born in Middletown, N.Y. and moved to Hazlet in 1958. He worshiped at St. John's United Methodist Church, graduated with the class of 1968 at Raritan High School, and earned a bachelor's of science degree in elementary education at Trenton State College, and a master's degree in administration from Kean College. He had the distinct pleasure of working with many wonderful colleagues and teaching the students of Keansburg for over 30 years, often saying he learned as much from them as teaching them. Mr. Schleicher served for many years as the secretary of the Keansburg Teachers' Association, the treasurer for the Raritan High School Band Parents' Association and chairperson of St. John's Church Council. He most loved to sing in the Chancel Choir and the Men's Ensemble and enjoyed Bible study with the Friday Night Men's Group. He was a mission participant in Appalachia and Hurricane Andrew Relief in Florida repairing homes. Larry was an avid bicyclist, clocking many miles each day in the Bayshore area and in recent years could be seen on the Henry Hudson bike trail in his motorized chair traveling over 400 miles.

Predeceased by his father, Richard L. Schleicher Jr., he is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Linda Monington Schleicher; his beloved daughters and their husbands, Patricia and Timothy Regan of Keyport, and Penny and Mark Bryant of Palm Bay, Fla.; his cherished granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Regan; his mother, Constance Coleman Schleicher Cappozella and stepfather Anthony Cappozella; a brother, Steven Schleigher and his wife Heather; a sister, Kathleen Burt and her husband Marc; his mother-in-law, Greta Vanderburgh; a brother-in-law, Roy Monington and his wife Kathy; a sister-in-law, Karen Barzano and her husband Thomas; and his dear nieces and nephews, Kimberly, Tony, Jillian, Eric, Joshua, Matthew, Andrew, Dee Dee, Hope, Kara, David, Adam, Micah, and Jaylen.

Family and friends will gather for a memorial service at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2000 Florence Ave., Hazlet. Donations in Larry's name may be made to the Joan Dancy Foundation & PALS (People with ALS) Support Group, Riverview Medical Center, 1 Riverview Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701. John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown, is in charge of arrangements.

Jayne Gest photo
Dr. Harold “Harry” Roberts lost his battle with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease April 10 when he died at 59. Roberts, former superintendent of the Caesar Rodney School District, was a teacher and administrator in the CR district for 35 years.



Great leader, great person Harry Roberts dies at 59


By Jayne Gest
Staff writer
jayne.gest@doverpost.com

Dr. Harold “Harry” Roberts, 59, former superintendent of the Caesar Rodney School District, died April 10 of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Those in the education community and elsewhere quickly lauded Roberts for making a significant impact on the community and the state of Delaware.

As a tribute to Roberts’ memory, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner ordered the Delaware state flag be lowered to half-staff until after the funeral, Tuesday.

Diagnosed with ALS in May 2006, Roberts was forced to retire from his job as the district superintendent a year later after 35 years of being a teacher and administrator in the district.

“We’re all pretty devastated and can’t believe how quickly this happened,” said his wife Tricia Roberts on Friday. She reports her husband was his old self, right to the very end – very stubborn and making jokes all the time.

“He loved this community. He loved Caesar Rodney. But mostly he loved his family,” she said. Roberts was proudest of being a grandfather to Elle, even with all the accolades he received throughout his career.

He received the state’s highest honor, The Order of the First State, from Minner at his retirement as well as being selected as Superintendent of the Year. Roberts also was selected by Dover Post readers as the Great Person for the year 2007.

“It’s certainly a loss to the school district and the entire state of Delaware,” said CR’s Superintendent Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, who personally felt Roberts was a good friend and great mentor.

“He made a large contribution to education throughout the state, but his loss will certainly be felt the most here in his home district,” Fitzgerald said.

Roberts wrote in an email soon after he announced his retirement that he was proudest of being approachable throughout his career in education.

“It was always my goal to be able to put my arm around the shoulders of any student in my school, no matter how surly, upset, macho or just downright difficult they were,” he wrote. “The fact that I was able to do that over 22 years as a building administrator is, to me, my greatest accomplishment. I think students allowed that, no matter how upset they were, because they understood that I cared about them, respected them and would treat them fairly.”

Known for his athletic ability, compassion, hard work ethic and knack for cracking the right joke in tension-filled moments, Roberts spoke through a voice machine nicknamed “Frank” at last year’s CR graduation. He was an accomplished speaker who could bring a crowd to its feet, as he did last June. In addition, despite the heat and the effects of his illness he stood and shook every graduate’s hand as they crossed the stage.

A close friend, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lou Ann Carlson, wrote in an email how Roberts emulated the values and work ethic of a great leader.

“Abraham Lincoln once wrote, ‘When you make it to the top, turn and reach down for the person behind you,’” she wrote. “Harry always ‘brought people up’ and helped them achieve a potential that was thought unreachable. He was our leader, our mentor, our teacher and our friend.”

For Roberts’ obituary, click here.
http://www.doverpost.com/pages/newsRoberts.html

Norrie Loses Fight For Life
Apr 17 2008

FORMER Highland League footballer Norrie McArthur has lost his battle against motor neurone disease. He was 60.

Norrie played at both senior and junior level, including spells in the Highland League with Inverness Clachnacuddin, Ross County and Elgin City, and with Berwick Rangers in the Scottish League.

He was formerly principal teacher of PE at Waid Academy in Anstruther, Fife.

Norrie was first diagnosed with the incurable disease in 1996. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, son, Scott, and daughter, Suzie.


http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk:80/news...6908-20385286/

Rita Rivers Ratcliffe
Rita Rivers Ratcliffe, born April 19, 1946, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, died March 28, 2008 at Brandon Regional Hospital in Brandon, Florida. Rita was a 1964 graduate of Lord Botetourt High School. She was the loving daughter of Lucy Rivers, Nee Hill, and the late Edward Rivers. Beloved wife of 39 years to Jack Ratcliffe and dearly loved mother of Eric Ratcliffe (Michelle Neill) and Grant Ratcliffe (Catherine Scheer). Rita's greatest joy and greatest comfort were her three granddaughters, Erica, Hannah and Bridget Ratcliffe; beloved sister of Michael (Kathleen), Jimmy (Dee), Danny (Sue), Patty, and Scott (Tammy). Rita was the loving daughter-in-law of the late Thelma and James Ratcliffe, loving sister-in-law of the late Linda Burnette, Nee Ratcliffe and David Burnette. Rita was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all her friends and family. Special thanks to her caregiver, Carolyn Washington, for her love and compassion throughout Rita's struggle with her illness. Long-suffering patient of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Rita was cared for at home until the day before she died. She had many difficult moments throughout her illness, but was comforted by the care and affection shown to her by her husband Jack as well as her sons and their families. Rita's funeral was held on Monday, March 31, 2008 at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home in Riverview, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to The ALS Association Florida Chapter, 3242 Parkside Center Circle, Tampa, Fla., 33619-0907.
Published in the Roanoke Times on 4/6/2008.

pril 24, 2008
Farewell to a Dear Friend


I've just learned that Wayne Davis passed away at about 2:15 this afternoon. Wayne has been battling with Lou Gehrig's disease for the better part of probably 5 years, though he's only known about it for the last couple of years. He went into a coma last night, and died peacefully this afternoon. This picture is from our going away banquet at the Rose Bud Church of Christ in May of 2007 (there was a Hawaiian theme, if you couldn't tell).

Around March of last year, Wayne and I had a talk, and he let me know that he wanted me to perform his funeral. He was very open about the fact that his condition was terminal, and I've never seen someone face a horrible disease with any more courage than Wayne has.

The last time I spoke to him was about 3 weeks ago. As always, he was cheerful and encouraging. He never passed up an opportunity to let Carolina and me know that he loves us and is proud of us.

He was the quintessential cowboy. He loved horses and the outdoors. He was very indepenent, and I know he was so frustrated as his body had declined and he was no longer able to do most things for himself. For Carolina and I, he and his wife Ruby became our grandparents while we were in Arkansas with no family around. We love them like family. I've had a long time to get used to the idea that Wayne was going to leave us, and even now that I'm living so far away from them, this is still a tough loss. It won't be the same without him around.

He wanted very much for the other people at church to see what it means to face a terminal disease while standing firm on the hope and peace that can only come from God. I'll miss his good nature, his encouragement, and his constant chuckling...he managed to find something joyful in every situation.

For the rest of my life, part of my motivation to stay faithful to God is that I want to see my dear friend and brother Wayne again.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. We'll miss you so much.



Labels: farewell, gene davis, Rose Bud Church of Christ, wayne davis

http://marksadams.blogspot.com/2008/...ar-friend.html

In Memory of my friend Terry Hague




Terry and Janice and their dog Josie -
at the Walk to D'feet ALS in Oct. '03
in Waco, Texas - my home town.


Terry and myself
in Lubbock, Tx
at the Walk to D'feet ALS
in Oct. '01



My friend Terry died Saturday night, April 19, 2008 from ALS. I was called 5 minutes after Terry passed away.
I had talked to Janice that morning and she told me not to come - she would need me more later so I did as I wished and stayed home - not going to the hospital.
I met Terry and Janice about 10 years ago - soon after Terry was diagnosed withe ALS - Lou Gehrig's disease. We met at an ALS support group meeting in Arlington and quickly became friend. Both Terry and Janice had a great out look on life, always joking.
Janice tried to raffle Terry off at several fund raiser for ALS but no one would take him. Although she would never really give him away!
One weekend she gave Terry to me for a day - Janice and Terry picked my up and she took Terry and I to DFW airport and we flew to Lubbock for the Walk to D'feet ALS which we were on the committee for - being on the newly formed board of the ALS Association North Texas Chapter. I had friends who met us at the airport and took us to the walk site and at the end of a vary long and tiring but fun day my son, Brad, picked us up at DFW airport on our return trip. On our return trip Terry pointed out the land below -- describing the different things we could see from the air and why they were that way.
For two years Janice and Terry went to Waco with me, monthly, as we organized the Walk to D'feet ALS in Waco. If Janice could not go Terry would go with me. Such great friends. Always there when I needed them.
Terry was my computer buddy - coming over to help me with my computer when needed. Making DVD's to be used at our Kick Off events for the Walks and helping me with all sorts of computer problems.
Terry was the only person with ALS Marcie ever wanted to meet - which she did - several time as he helped me with my computer at my house.
I will miss his great smile and his laugh. Last time I saw them they were eating ice cream at Costco - when I bent down to give him a hug I hit the controls of his power chair and moved his chair - he said that happens all the time and we had a good laugh from that.
My dear friend will be missed by many people but especially his sweet wife Janice and myself. But he is smiling now and walking and his fingers are straight and always will be.
Written Monday April 20, 2008
---------------------------------------------------------
Terry's service was today - Wed. April 23.
It was said at his service that ALS is not only Lou Gehrig's disease - it is Terry's disease , Marcie's disease, Janice's disease and Linda's disease (myself) etc... meaning ALS not only effects the person whose body ALS takes over but every member of the family - and this is so true.
ALS is a monster disease with no cause, no cure and not even a treatment!

http://linda-gibson.blogspot.com/200...end-terry.html

RICHARD LAWRENCE "LARRY" SCHLEICHER III, 57, of the West Keansburg section of HAZLET
April 27, 2008

RICHARD LAWRENCE "LARRY" SCHLEICHER III, 57, of the West Keansburg section of HAZLET, entered into eternal rest Friday, April 11, at home surrounded by loved ones. Larry passed away from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis "Lou Gehrig's disease."

Mr. Schleicher was born in Middletown, N.Y., and moved to Hazlet, in 1958. He worshipped at St. John's United Methodist Church, graduated with the Class of 1968 at Raritan High School, earned a bachelor of science in elementary education at Trenton State College and a master's degree in administration from Kean College. He had the distinct pleasure of working with many wonderful colleagues and teaching the students of Keansburg for more than 30 years, often saying he learned as much from them as teaching them. Mr. Schleicher served for many years as the secretary of the Keansburg Teachers' Association, the treasurer for the Raritan High School Band Parents' Association and chairperson of St. John's Church Council. He most loved to sing in the chancel choir and the men's ensemble and enjoyed Bible study with the Friday Night Men's Group. He was a mission participant in Appalachia and Hurricane Andrew Relief in Florida, repairing homes. Larry was an avid bicyclist, clocking many miles each day in the Bayshore area and in recent years could be seen on the Henry Hudson bike trail in his motorized chair traveling more than 400 miles.

He was predeceased by his father, Richard L. Schleicher Jr. He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Linda Monington Schleicher; beloved daughters and husbands Patricia and Timothy Regan of Keyport, and Penny and Mark Bryant of Palm Bay, Fla., cherished granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Regan; mother, Constance Coleman Schleicher Capozella and stepfather Anthony Capozella; brother, Steven Schleicher and his wife Heather; sister, Kathleen Burt and her husband Marc; mother-in-law, Greta Vanderburgh; brother-in-law, Roy Monington and his wife Kathy; sister-in-law Karen Barzano and her husband Thomas; and his dear nieces and nephews, Kimberly, Tony, Jillian, Eric, Joshua, Matthew, Andrew, Dee Dee, Hope, Kara, David, Adam, Micah and Jaylen.

Family and friends will gather for a memorial service at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2000 Florence Ave., Hazlet, (732) 264-1236. Donations in Larry's name may be made to the Joan Dancy Foundation & PALS People with ALS Support Group, Riverview Medical Center, 1 Riverview Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Please contact Pfleger Funeral Home (732) 671-1326 for more information.

Frank R. Riddle







Frank R. Riddle, 59, of 3 Little Pine Place, Franklin, died at 9:39 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2008, after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Born June 20, 1948, in Franklin, he was a son of the late Frank Day Riddle and Barbara Sibley Riddle Daniels.

He was a 1966 graduate of Franklin High School. He received his bachelor’s degree and his LL.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Riddle began his professional career with Gent, Daniels and Thompson in 1973. In 1980 he opened his own practice. For several years he was privileged to practice law with his stepfather, Robert Y. Daniels. Riddle was a member and past president of the Venango County Bar Association.

He has been an active member of the Grace Lutheran Church since 1974. He served the church as assistant minister, catechist, Sunday school teacher, past president of church council and Eucharistic minister. He was also a lay minister and preached in many area churches. Before his illness he entered the TEEM program in preparation for becoming a minister.

Active in the community, Mr. Riddle was a member of the Franklin Elks Lodge, the Franklin Rotary Club, was a past president of the Franklin Club and past member of the Franklin Civic Operetta Board, and he delighted audiences with various roles in FCO productions.

Frank was well known for always having a joke to tell. He particularly enjoyed the times spent with his children, grandchildren and his study for the ministry.

On April 26, 1969, he married the former Judy Schilling, who survives along with a son, Brian T. Riddle and his wife, Kristine, of Greenville; a daughter, Rebecca Kristen and her husband, Greg, of McKeesport; and three grandchildren, Elias Mohr of Boston, Mass., and Liam and Virginia Riddle, both of Greenville.

Survivors also include his mother, Barbara Daniels of Sun City West, Ariz.; a brother, Robert Daniels and his wife, Pam, of Glendale, Ariz.; a sister, Leslie Ginter and her husband, Bryan, of Sacramento, Calif.; and four nieces, Cassandra and Chelsey Daniels of Glendale, Ariz., and Ashley and Rochelle Ginter of Sacramento, Calif.

Also surviving are special friends, Rodger and Peggy Lore of Franklin, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, stepfather and twin brother, Douglas Sibley Riddle.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the Huff Chapel, 312 W. Park St.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Grace Lutheran Church, 737 Elk Street, Franklin, with the Rev. Timothy L. Alleman, pastor of the church, officiating.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to ALS Association, W. Pa-WV Chapter, 416 Lincoln Ave., Pittsburgh, 15209; MDA ALS Division, 3300 E. Sunrise Dr., Tucson, Ariz. 85718; or the Grace Lutheran Church, 737 Elk Street, Franklin, 16323.

Blackmun was 'ahead of her time'
5/3/2008 7:22:35 AM
(0) Comments
By Dawn Schuett

Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN

Lifelong friends of Susan Blackmun admired the intelligence, courage and compassion of the woman they considered "ahead of her time."

Blackmun, the youngest daughter of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackmun and his wife, Dorothy, was 58 when she died April 15 at her Orlando, Fla., home. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease.

Dagny Bilkadi met Susan "Susie" Blackmun when the two were just in nursery school in Rochester. During their childhood years, they formed strong bonds with each other's families.

"She was the kind of person who once she knew you and loved you, she would get to know your whole family and love them," said Bilkadi, who was known as Beth Svien when she graduated with Blackmun from Mayo High School in 1967.

Even as a girl, Blackmun's daring spirit was obvious, along with her love for animals and nature. Blackmun played with the pet mice that Bilkadi got as a birthday gift one year, crawled over a barbed wire fence into a pasture to sing to cows and convinced Bilkadi and two other friends to sign up for a wilderness program in Ely, Minn., the summer after their junior year.

"I think she was the most adventurous, rebellious one in her family," said Bilkadi who now lives in Mahtomedi, Minn. "Even so, she was well loved."

Blackmun graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., in 1971, two years before her father wrote the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.

"I always thought that she and her sisters were the reason that we have Roe v. Wade because they were very strong women at a time before women really spoke out, but they did," said friend Michael Pappas of Rochester. "I thought they were great for the women's movement -- the whole family."

After working as a research psychologist at the Naval Medical Research Institute in Maryland and learning to dive despite encountering discrimination, Susan Blackmun left the country to sail the Mediterranean, Caribbean and South China seas.

Once she returned to the United States, she moved to Orlando, where she worked as a freelance medical writer and nature photographer, according to the Orlando Sentinel newspaper. She also got involved with an animal rescue organization, helping squirrels, opossums and other animals in the aftermath of hurricanes.

No matter where her journeys took her, she stayed in touch with friends, many of whom live in Rochester.

"Rochester was always home to her," said her sister Sally Blackmun of Winter Park, Fla. "We loved coming back and visiting our friends still around."

When Pappas saw Susan Blackmun, they talked about old times, relationships and the challenges of parenthood.

"I don't know that she was so much rebellious as ahead of her time and intelligent, and just a friend everybody would want to have that would not judge you but would just be pretty black and white about things and then you'd be laughing about it," Pappas said.

Through her battle with ALS, Blackmun remained upbeat and even organized "living wakes" to spend quality time with friends, Bilkadi said.

"I was just in awe of her and her courage," she said.

Blackmun is survived by her husband, William Hay Brown of Orlando; daughter, Kaia Blackmun Brown of Minneapolis; and two sisters. Sally A. Blackmun of Winter Park and Nancy C. Blackmun of Framingham, Mass.