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.

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.