Tributes
With nearly 100 years of rich history, Girl Scouting has been made possible by a phenomenal list of volunteers, staff, donors, and of course, girls.
We honor the recently passed members of our Girl Scout family listed below, who truly made a difference to our organization.
Marie P. DeMoss
Marie P. DeMoss, a resident of Florida since 1982, formerly of Waynesburg and Rices Landing, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2011.
A gravesite memorial and inurnment will be held at a later date in Venice Memorial Gardens, as she donated her body for medical research. Toale Brothers Funeral Home of Sarasota, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Surviving are her husband, Finley, and her children and grandchildren, including a son, John W. Powell (wife Kathleen and children Erika and John W. Powell Jr.) of Pittsburgh; a daughter, M. Elaine Powell (husband Jeff Bohm) of Austin, Texas; and a son, Dr. James R. Powell (wife Debra and children Emily, Susan, Elizabeth, Kimberly and Jennifer) of Ashland, Ohio.
Also surviving is a stepson, Randy DeMoss of Portland, Ore.
Deceased are her mother, Margaret Saladna Clarchick; her father, John W. Clarchick; her stepmother, Sophie Bagdon Clarchick of Rices Landing; a sister, Dolores Kurnot; a half sister, Janice Maruca; and her first husband, Dr. Grover C. Powell.
Her life was active. In addition to being a mother and wife, she held offices in all positions in the Greene County medical auxiliary. She served as a deacon in First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg; taught and supervised preschool nursery; led a Girl Scout troop for 11 years and also served on the Girl Scout Board in Pittsburgh, where she was presented with the Thank You Badge; served four years on Central Greene School Board; received the Junior Chamber of Commerce Jaycees Woman of the Year award in 1967; and served as a Red Cross nurse, a home nursing instructor and a water safety instructor. After retiring to Florida in 1982, fellow residents elected her to serve five years as secretary of the Island Reef Condominium Association in Siesta Key.
Donations may be made to American Heart Association or American Lung Association.
TRACEY L. STRANGES
Tracey L. Stranges, 47, of Canonsburg, Cecil Township, died Sunday, August 21, 2011, in her home.
She was born May 19, 1953, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of John Miller of Washington and Karen Wood Reinhardt of Chartiers Township.
Mrs. Stranges was a member of Venice Presbyterian Church and NOCC.
She was employed as an office manager at Waine Motors.
Mrs. Stranges was a Girl Scout leader for Troop 3630. She enjoyed spending time with her daughter, Mandy, and her many friends and sitting by her pool. She will be sorely missed and loved by all who knew her.
Surviving, in addition to her parents, are her husband of 14 years, Frank Stranges Jr.; a daughter, Mandy, at home; brothers Michael and Steven Miller, both of Washington; mother-in-law and father-in-law Dorothy and Frank Stranges Sr.; brothers-in-law Adam (Deana) Stranges and Marty Stranges; and a nephew, A.J. Stranges.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road, Cecil, 724-745-9510. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 26, in Venice Presbyterian Church, 3694 Millers Run Road, McDonald. Everyone please meet at the church. Interment will follow in Venice Cemetery, Cecil Township.
KIMBERLY, BRENNA AND MIKAELA GRIFFITH
Kimberly (Mateyak), age 45, formerly of Tamaqua, PA, Brenna, age 12, and Mikaela, age 8, all of Plum Boro, tragically passed away on August 19, 2011. They are survived by Kim's loving husband and Brenna and Mikaela's devoted father Chris Griffith. They are also survived by Chris and Kim's daughter, Emily, and their son, Christian. Kim is the beloved daughter of Charles and Sallie Mateyak, Brenna and Mikaela's grandparents. Brenna and Mikaela's other surviving grandparents are Wayne and Cornelia Griffith. Kim is the beloved sister of Christine, Paul, Megan, Matt, and the late Chad. Kim, Brenna, and Mikaela will be sadly missed and treasured in the hearts of their numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and other family and friends. Kim was a school nurse for the Penn Hills School District and was actively involved in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. She was a loving and devoted mother, who was always willing to volunteer and lend a helping hand. Brenna and Mikaela attended the Center Elementary School. They were both very active, enjoyed playing soccer and being part of the Girl Scouts. As a family, they enjoyed vacationing at the beach, camping, and doing activities together. Family and Friends will be received on Monday from 5-9 p.m. and Tuesday from 1-4 and 6-9 p.m. at the JOBE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC., corner of Shaw and Triboro Avenues, Turtle Creek (412-823-1950). A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Murrysville Community Church. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Interment at Plum Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a memorial fund at any S&T Bank, c/o Christopher Griffith.
For more, please see the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
BETTY HUDSPETH, passed away on August 7, 2011 at 91 years old. She worked as registrar-bookkeeper and field director for the Shenango Valley Girl Scout Council in Mercer County and was also a dedicated co-leader of Girl Scout Troop 6. The main building at Trefoil Trails Camp was named Hudspeth House in her honor.
PATRICIA ANN DAVIS, a Girl Scout leader in Oil City for years, passed away on April 30, 2011 at 72 years old. She was not only a dedicated Girl Scout volunteer, but also a long-time member of the organization. Ann R. Robinson, one of her former Girl Scouts, says of Davis, “She was the one of the kindest and most selfless women I have ever known. Pat embodied every value that Girl Scouts stands for.”
For more, please see the Erie Times-News Obituary
