Doris Elaine (Johnson) Harner, 88, of Boyds, MD, passed away on January 9, 2023.

She was born on January 21, 1934 in Kensington, MD.

She was the daughter of the late Luther Stewart and Grace Lillian Johnson. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry L. Harner in 2011, infant son; Harry L. Jr., son; Ronald J. Harner, sister; Nancy, brother; Martin and both parents.

Surviving are her two children; Patricia Taylor and husband Paul, Janet Lawless and husband James, 5 grandchildren and 5 great- grandchildren, one brother; Thomas, one sister; Linda and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Doris grew up in Montgomery County. She lived in Boyds from 1945 to 2021 and in New Market from October 2021 until passing. She attended Gaithersburg High School and later received an associate degree from Montgomery College. Doris also attended many classes and seminars related to her nursing assistant career.

Doris was a devoted housewife, mother and grandmother. Her nursing assistant career of 48 years was spent working in psychiatry and geriatrics.

Doris enjoyed spending time with the family and family vacations at Deep Creek Lake. Her hobby was working in crafts for many years.

She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

The family will be receiving friends on Friday, January 13th from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD, where a funeral service will be held following at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Boyds Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 19901 White Ground Road, Boyds, MD, where she will be laid to rest with her late husband.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Hospice of Frederick County, 516 Trail Ave, Frederick, MD 21701.

Mary Jane Poole, 73, of Frederick, MD, passed away on January 9, 2023.

She was the loving wife to James Poole.

Born on April 29, 1949 in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Anna (Root) Dickerson.

Along with her husband, Mary Jane is survived by her three grandchildren; Shannon Marie Edwards, Billy Edwards II, Cheyenne Lynn Bare and seven great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter Kelli Jean Bare and her late husband; Dallas William Bare.

Mary Jane was a founding member of the Surratt Society and held a passion for collecting dolls and learning about the Civil War.

The family will be receiving friends on Monday, January 16th from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Monocacy Cemetery, 19801 West Hunter Road, Beallsville, MD.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to a charity of your choice.      

Samuel (Sam the Man) J. Hardwick, 32, of Poolesville, MD, passed away on January 26, 2023.

Born on November 20, 1990 in MD, he was the youngest son to Joseph G. and Patricia A. Hardwick.

Along with his parents, Sam was survived by his siblings; Vicki Hardwick, spouse Curtis Holmes, Kevin Hardwick, spouse Melissa, Eric Hardwick, spouse Stacy Spelman, Clair Ketchum, spouse Stephen, Alice Carpenter, spouse Wade, Steve Hardwick, spouse Vicky ,David Hardwick, spouse Jennifer, Jennifer Gaulrapp, spouse Chad, Aunts: Ellen Farrell, Mary Doyle, Clare Kanofsky, Mary Margaret Lager as well as numerous uncles, nieces and nephews.

Sam was preceded in death by several Aunts and Uncles.

Sam loved spending time with family and chatting with friends at his favorite spots around Poolesville.  He enjoyed watching all sports and was a huge Maryland and Washington football fan as well as being Poolesville High School's #1 sports fan. He was an avid bowler and won multiple trophies and medals through Special Olympics bowling. He loved playing baseball with his Challenger's baseball team. He liked volunteering and helping anywhere he could. His big heart, compassion and concern for others made him one of a kind. He was a bright light in everyone's lives with an infectious laugh and a smile always on his face. He was a blessing to everyone that had the chance to be in his presence and made us all better people for knowing him. He is an amazing example of how one person can touch so many lives despite their circumstances. Sam was one of those people who had such a positive outlook on life. He was a true inspiration and the kind of person we should all try to strive and be. To know Sam is to love Sam. 

The family will be receiving friends at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD, on Monday, January 30th from 5:00-7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Maryland Special Olympics

A private family service will be held on Tuesday, January 31st at 11am. On the day of the service, for all friends that would like to watch the live stream you can go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88340155464

Forest Lee Hough, 91, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 3, 2023.  
Born December 12, 1931 in Maryland, he was the son of the late Jasper Fox Hough and Myrtle Lee Burdette.
Forest was a Montgomery County school bus driver. He also helped run the family business, Hough Orchards, in Dickerson, MD. He was a long time member of the Poolesville Odd Fellows Lodge #97.

Forest is survived by his life partner of 61 years Alice Jean Stine. He is also survived by a nephew Michael Hough of Adamstown, a niece Susan Helmick of Jefferson, and several great nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

A special thank you to the Hospice and Frederick Health Hospital staff for the care you gave to Forest while he was there.
He was predeceased by his brother Jasper “Jack” Hough, and nephew Mark Hough.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 8th from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Hilton Funeral Home in Beallsville, where funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Monocacy Cemetery, Beallsville, MD. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Forest L. Hough Endowment Fund c/o The Community Foundation of Frederick County, 312 E. Church St. Frederick, MD 21701, or at FrederickCountyGives.org/foresthough.

John Ray Wikoff, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, passed away on February 4, 2023.

He was the loving husband to Joy Ann (Richards) Wikoff.

Born on August 3, 1931 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he was the son to Roy Oren and Emily Minnie (Hogan) Wikoff.

Along with his wife, John is survived by his children: John Ray Wikoff, Jr. (Tanya), Thomas Oren Wikoff, Jill Richards Worley (Jim), his brother: Art Wikoff (Ann), nine grandchildren: Julia, Dave, Katherine, Rachel, John, Alexi, Laura, Rebecca, Ben, and two great-grandchildren: Addison and Kaitlyn. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother: Roy Wikoff Jr., and his sister: Delores Strabala. 

John served in the U.S. Navy from June 1952 to August 1954, during which time he met his wife, Joy. Always the gentleman, he walked her home after their first date at the movies and even managed to sneak in a kiss. They were married August 20, 1955. 

He was a proud graduate of the College of William and Mary and started his career at Shell Oil Company before serving at the U.S. Census Bureau for more than 20 years. 

John was an avid gardener, world traveler, and history buff. He was also particularly fond of his mother’s poppyseed cake. 

He loved spending time with his family and instilled in them an appreciation for the world and tolerance for impromptu history lectures. He had a voice for radio, an amazing memory, and a love for learning.  

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 11 at 11:00 AM at Darnestown Presbyterian Church, 15120 Turkey Foot Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Darnestown Presbyterian Church or to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, https://www.bcrf.org/.

Tina Louise Haga, 60, of Poolesville, MD, passed away peacefully February 4, 2023, with her loving and devoted husband of 43 years Larry Haga Jr. by her side. Born on February 5, 1962, to Robert Bernard and Janet Louise (Watkins) Marsh.

Along with her husband, Tina is survived by her three sons; Larry C. Haga, III (Lynda), Alan S. Haga (Kelly), Matthew B. Haga (Kirsten), nine grandchildren; Alan “Shane”, Kyla, Olivia, Charlotte, Madelyn, Henry, Sophia, Aiden, Oliver, two sisters; Sandra White and Denise Bobo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother; Robert Marsh and one sister; Wanda Burress.

Many people in the community know her for the 25+ years she worked for Woodhaven Kennels, Peachtree Vet Clinic, and My Family Vet.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be forever missed but will never leave our hearts!

A private family service will be held on Saturday, February 11th at 1:00 PM. On the day of the service, for all friends that would like to watch the live stream, please click the link above.

A Celebration of Life will be held following on Saturday, February, 11th at 3:00 PM at Memorial United Methodist Church, 17821 Elgin Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837.

John Ray Wikoff, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, passed away on February 4, 2023.

He was the loving husband to Joy Ann (Richards) Wikoff.

Born on August 3, 1931 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he was the son to Roy Oren and Emily Minnie (Hogan) Wikoff.

Along with his wife, John is survived by his children: John Ray Wikoff, Jr. (Tanya), Thomas Oren Wikoff, Jill Richards Worley (Jim), his brother: Art Wikoff (Ann), nine grandchildren: Julia, Dave, Katherine, Rachel, John, Alexi, Laura, Rebecca, Ben, and two great-grandchildren: Addison and Kaitlyn. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother: Roy Wikoff Jr., and his sister: Delores Strabala. 

John served in the U.S. Navy from June 1952 to August 1954, during which time he met his wife, Joy. Always the gentleman, he walked her home after their first date at the movies and even managed to sneak in a kiss. They were married August 20, 1955. 

He was a proud graduate of the College of William and Mary and started his career at Shell Oil Company before serving at the U.S. Census Bureau for more than 20 years. 

John was an avid gardener, world traveler, and history buff. He was also particularly fond of his mother’s poppyseed cake. 

He loved spending time with his family and instilled in them an appreciation for the world and tolerance for impromptu history lectures. He had a voice for radio, an amazing memory, and a love for learning.  

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 11 at 11:00 AM at Darnestown Presbyterian Church, 15120 Turkey Foot Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Darnestown Presbyterian Church or to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, https://www.bcrf.org/.

John Bernard Morton, 79, of North Port, FL went home to be with the Lord February 4, 2023.

John was born on May 21, 1943 to Lola and Frank Morton in Frederick, MD. After John graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 1961, he went on to marry his High School sweetheart, Carol A Fraley Morton on June 18, 1962.

John worked for the US Postal Service in Rockville, MD. He went on to become a fireman for Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Glen Hills, MD. Later, John started his own business, Morton Painting and Papering Company of Clarksburg, MD.

John and Carol went on to have 4 children, John Michael Morton, Steven Bernard Morton, Eric William Morton and Susan Renee Paschal.

John was an avid golfer and loved to fish. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his grandchildren. In 2005, John retired and moved to the Eastern Shore of MD and continued his favorite pastimes until moving to North Port, FL in 2022.

John was predeceased by his son, John M. Morton, sister, Juanita M. Howell, brothers, Carl R. McGrady, James R. Morton, William C. McGrady, Eugene J. Morton, Frank E. Morton Jr., Claud D. Morton, Daniel F. Morton, Jerry B. Morton. He is survived by brother, Richard L. Morton and wife Debbie Morton of Frederick, MD. Children; Steven B. Morton and wife, Dawn C. Hudgins Morton of Port Charlotte, FL, Eric W. Morton of Smithsburg, MD, Susan R. Paschal of Williamsport, MD. Grandchildren; William A. Morton and wife Stephanie Tepper Morton of North Port, Fl, Lorna V. Morton of Lake Worth, FL, Austin B. Morton, Bryce D. Morton and Sydney O. Morton of Smithsburg, MD. Summer R. Paschal Porter and husband Brandon Porter of Tarawa Terrace, NC and Susanna G. Paschall of Germantown, MD.

A graveside Memorial service will be held on February 25, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at the Monocacy Cemetery 19801 W Hunter Rd. Beallsville, MD 20839, followed by a Celebration of Life from 12-3 PM at the Clarksburg Activity Center 22501 Weems Rd. Clarksburg, MD 20871.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or to the ASPCA https://www.aspca.org

Ethel Shannon of Frederick, MD and formerly of Arlington, VA and Poolesville, MD, died at Homewood at Frederick on Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

Survived by daughter, Linda Roof (Phil) and three step grandsons—Kevin, Steve and Danny as well as six great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

Survived by son, Dan and wife, Nancy, Granddaughter Cassie and her daughters Brenna and Emerson.

Predeceased by husband Adam (Pete) Shannon, 1985, parents Harry and Betty Grubb and three brothers and two sisters.

Mom was a true people person and always on the go. Bowling and Bridge with her friends continued in to her early 80’s. She went to Beautician School at age 40 and practiced her skills until age 75.

She volunteered at Arlington Hospital and belonged to the Arlington Forest UMC. She also volunteered at Homewood.  She loved going to the beach and was a lifetime Redskins football fan.

Memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

Services by the Hilton Funeral Home in Barnesville, MD.

Lorraine Loy, 81, longtime resident of Clarksburg, MD, died on Sunday February 12, 2023 from COVID Pneumonia with her family by her side at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage TN.

Born Maggie Lorraine Quesenberry, on May 22, 1941, in Lucketts, VA, she was the youngest of nine children to parents Scott and Rosa Quesenberry.

Lorraine married James W. Loy on August 5, 1958. Together they had two children, Debra and James, Jr.. Lorraine worked for twenty years as a cashier for the Safeway grocery store in Quince Orchard, MD.She was a Godly woman with enormous faith, who loved the Lord and her family above all else. An outstanding seamstress and gifted country cook, she took enormous pride in her home and yard. Along the way, Lorraine touched a lot of lives with her smile and personality and left an indelible imprint of faith, moralistic values and character on her husband, children and grandchildren whom she loved and cherished so deeply.

In addition to her parents, Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband James of sixty years, four brothers and three sisters.

She is survived by her children, Debra Stubbs and husband Edward, of Mount Juliet, TN and James, Jr. and wife Audrey of Clarksburg; three grandchildren, Melanie Mikus, Erika and Elizabeth Loy; a sister, Edna Frye, seven nieces, eight nephews and countless extended family members and friends.

The family will be receiving friends on Thursday March, 2 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Rd., Barnesville, MD.A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 AM, on Friday March 3, at the Gaithersburg Church of the Nazarene, 8921 Warfield Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20882. A fellowship meal will follow in the church hall.Interment will follow the meal and take place in the Clarksburg United Methodist Church Cemetery, 23425 Spire Street, Clarksburg, MD.

The family is accepting flowers or you can make a donation in lieu of flowers to the Gaithersburg Church of the Nazarene or Difference Makers Church, 11210 Bethesda Church Rd, Damascus, MD 20872.

Mr. William “Willy” Richard Young, 79, of Dickerson, MD, passed away on February 15, 2023.

Willy was the loving husband to Margaret Joyce Young.

Born on June 3, 1943 in MD, he was the son to the late Richard Thomas and Zora Alta (Dove) Young.

Willy’s hobbies were farming, flower gardening, fishing and a collector of treasures (junk).

Along with his wife, Willy is survived by his three children Robin Leigh Walker (Glenn), Sandra Lynne Savage (Bruce), Frankie Knott, 5 grandchildren; Lacey and Garrett Walker, Cody, Cory (Cameron), and Colin Savage and one great-granddaughter; Carter Savage. He will also be greatly missed by his dog, Lulu,  2 sisters; Doris Barker, Betty Crown (Dennis), 1 brother; Robert Young (Mary), 3 sister-in-laws; Carol Ann Young, Betty Davis (Bob), Patti Mack (John); numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Willy was preceded in death by 3 brothers; John, Charles and Roy Young and 3 sisters; Myrtle Jimmerson, Bertha Smith and Stella Young.

The family will be receiving friends at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD on Monday, February 20th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, with a funeral service to begin at 7:00 pm.

Graveside service is private. Willy’s final resting place will be at Monocacy Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Frederick County Hospice, 516 Trail Ave, Frederick, MD 21701. 

Sal Domenic Cianella, 87, of Erie, PA, passed away on February 17, 2023.

Sal was a loving husband to Dayle Cianella.

Born on April 15, 1935, he was son to the late Peter and Mary (Fioretti) Cianella.

Sal was raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was a fantastic basketball player before entering the Army after high school. He attended Allegheny College on the G.I. Bill and completed his MA at Loyola College of Chicago. 

He married Dayle in 1957 and in 1958 they had Kathy Jo. In 1961 Brian came along and in 1965 they added Tracy to the family.

Sal worked for NASA for over 15 years and then transferred to the Department of Energy where he was head of Human Resources for European facilities.

During this time he also coached sports teams and instilled a love of reading, knowledge and education in his children. He enjoyed bowling, golf and touring European countries with his wife.

Along with his wife, Sal is survived by his three children; Kathy Jo Horan of Poolesville, MD, Brian Cianella (Julia) of Jupiter, FL, and Tracy Young (Rob) of Erie.

He was a beloved Buhdee to his 6 grandchildren, PJ Horan (Katie), favorite and only granddaughter Courtney Low (Scott), Ryan Horan (Stephanie), Jake Cianella, Landon and Sam Oddono and his 6 great grandchildren, Johnny, Chris and Hallie Horan, Mikey and Huxley Low and Owen Horan. They all loved spending time with their Buhdee and will truly miss him.

He courageously fought a four year battle against alzheimer’s disease, keeping his sense of humor until the very end.

He will be greatly missed.

Sal was preceded in death by one brother, Edward Cianella, and two sisters, Theresa Biletnikoff and Vera Cianella.

The family will be receiving friends on Tuesday, February 21st from 4:00-6:00 PM at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Alzheimers Assoication, www.alz.org.

Douglas “Dougie” David Whalen, Jr., 72, of Rockville, MD, passed away on February 22, 2023.

Dougie was the loving husband to Barbara Whalen for 44 years.

Born on September 4, 1950 in Olney, MD, he was the son to the late Douglas David, Sr. and Dorothy Mae (Sterling) Whalen.

Along with his wife, Dougie was survived by his siblings; Helen Kaelin (Norbie), Dorothy Snyder (John), Joyce McElfish (Jack), father-in-law; Edward Gregg, two brother-in-laws; Franklin Gregg (Tammy), Wayne Gregg (Carol) and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews along with great greats as well. He is also survived by one sister-in-law Denise Whalen and one brother-in-law Gary Clark.

Dougie was preceded in death by his brother; Johnny Whalen, one sister; Peggy Clark, his mother-in-law; Frieda Gregg and one nephew; Little Frankie Gregg.

Dougie was a certified welder for Montgomery County Public Schools for over 37 years. He was a lifetime member of the Montgomery County Fair as well as a member of the Montgomery County Agriculture History Farm Park, and a member of the American Welding Society for 34 years.  A member of the Izaak Walton League for 28 years.  Dougie loved to hunt, go to auctions, flea markets and yard sales.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 6th at 11:00 AM at Union Cemetery, 3001 Spencerville Road (198) Burtonsville, MD 20866.

Jean Evans Tetlow, 70, of Poolesville, MD, passed away on February 22, 2023.

She was the loving wife to the late Arthur Roland Tetlow, III.

Born on July 27, 1952 in Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Marion Wilson and Helen (Rutter) Beall.

Jean is survived by her children; Kristi Cox, Justin Tetlow, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one daughter; Kirsten Tetlow, two brothers; John William Beall, Sr., Wilson Beall and one sister; Doris Beall Glass.

The family will be receiving friends from 11:00 AM to 12 Noon at Memorial United Methodist Church, 17821 Elgin Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837, where a service will begin at 12 Noon.

A graveside service will follow at Monocacy Cemetery, 19801 W. Hunter Road, Beallsville, MD 20839.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Memorial United Methodist Church.        

Christine was born January 2, 1940 in Bathavon, Keynsham, County of Somerset, Clovelly Nursing Home, West View Road, England (United Kingdom). She lived in England until 1959 when she accompanied her new husband Michelangelo Morabito to Sicily, Italy where she lived for 27 years, leaving in 1986 to accompany Gregory Rabida to the United States. In the U.S. she lived in Virginia Beach, VA for 9 years and finally Germantown, MD for over 25 years. She became a U.S. citizen on September 14, 1994.

 

In her time in Sicily, Christine had three children: Vincenzo, Riccardo, and Stefano. Christine traveled extensively throughout Europe including: Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, Malta, Austria, Germany, Monte Carlo, Liechtenstein, and San Marino. Christine worked for Lloyds Bank in England; the US Navy in Italy at the Naval Air Facility/Station Sigonella as an Italian local national; and for a short time for a dentist in Virginia Beach, VA.

 

Chris’ father was born on February 13, 1908 in Steeple Ashton, England, he passed away in 1965. Chris’ Mum was born on May 21, 1910 in Bristol, England, she passed away in 2012. Chris last saw her mother for her 100th birthday in 2010.

 

Chris’ brother Peter lives in Areias Sao Joao, Portugal with his lady friend Ann. Her brother Julian lives in Andover, England with his wife Lucy. Her sister Hilary lives in Didcot, England. Christine has three boys. Vincenzo, the eldest, has an apartment in Frankfort, Germany but he spends a lot of time in Catania, Sicily, Italy. Riccardo lives in Norfolk, England with his wife Angie. Their daughter Elena has her own apartment in Norfolk England. Emilio, their son, recently moved from Tongham (Surrey) to Norfolk, England with his friend Kayleigh. Stefano, the youngest, lives with his wife Donatella and their son Elia in Acicastello, Catania, Sicily, Italy.

 

Chris’ divorced her first husband, Michelangelo Morabito in December 22, 1988. He died in January 1989. His brothers and sister were Giovanni, Franca, and Marco, all deceased.

 

In her younger years Christine was a member of the Church of England and for several years Christine was an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Poolesville, MD along with being an active member of the Ladies of St. Peter’s.

 

Prior to her illnesses Christine enjoyed cooking, crocheting, quilting, gardening, traveling, entertaining, reading, and taking care of her home, husband, and cats.

 

The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, March 1st from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD 20838. Christine’s final resting place will be at Parklawn Memorial Park, 12800 Veirs Mill Rd, Rockville, MD 20853.

Louis Paulson passed on February 26, 2023, at 93.  Louis married Shirley Mae Davis in 1948, and they were married for 64 years.  Louis told the story that when Shirley walked into his Clearwater, FL, High School classroom, he knew he would marry her!  They lived in Cleveland, Ohio (where their son David was born in 1959); South Carolina, Huntington, West Virginia, Towson, Maryland, Media, Pennsylvania; Leawood, Kansas; Vienna, Virginia, and Palm Harbor, Florida; ending in Gaithersburg in 2005. 

 

 Louis was fortunate to retire at 62 from the Federal General Accounting Office (GAO) after a successful career as a management consultant for accounting firms.  In his first retirement, he learned upholstery, refinished wood furniture, crafted mission-style furniture, traced his ancestry, studied the impressionist painters, and painted many works in that style (Rockville Unitarian Church hosted a showing of his artwork).  Proud of his Scottish heritage, Louis learned to play the bagpipes and performed with Kena Highlanders Pipes and Drums in Vienna, Va. He also volunteered as a docent at Tampa's Florida International Art Museum and volunteered in many neighborhood and building associations. 

 

In his mid-seventies, Louis, daughter-in-law Gail Paulson, and core staff member Rochelle Margasak founded Vocational Support Systems, Inc. (VSSI), a company created to support and help individuals with psychiatric disabilities find and keep competitive employment. Over the past 15 years, VSSI has employed six staff and served over 250 clients living in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Louis was thankful to be a part of this team, who (along with VSSI's clients) provided him the opportunity to understand and support individuals living with mental illness.  Until this past summer, he worked full-time until electing to enter his second retirement. 

Louis Paulson encouraged his son David's love of theater and tennis and, by example, the importance of family.  He loved his granddaughter Melanie Douglass, her husband James Douglass, and his great-granddaughters Helena Elizabeth and Cora Mae. 

 

He was proud of Melanie's career as a theatre professional and of how she later pursued her education to help young children grow and learn in her other career as an educator, education executive, and professor. Louis and James enjoyed a special relationship delighting in their love of Scottish heritage and Isely scotch. 

Lovingly known as "Grandpa-One-pet (patting)" to many dogs and cats, he tolerated the friendly animals that loved him. 

​

The family will be receiving friends from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Friday, March 3rd at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD, where a service will begin at 11:00 AM.

Interment to follow at Monocacy Cemetery, 19801 W. Hunter Road, Beallsville, MD.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Housing Unlimited, Inc.

Connie Lynn Hedgecock, 58, of Germantown, MD, passed away on March 4, 2023.

She was the loving companion to Arthur Schrayer for 30 years.

Born on June 13, 1964 in Maryland, she was the daughter of the late James C. and Elizabeth C. (Reed) Hedgecock.

Along with Arthur, Connie is survived by her three sons; James Ray Hauser, John Wayne Hauser, Billy Joe Hauser, 4 grandchildren; Jeremiah, Javy, Sophia, Melody and two sisters; Mary and Bonnie.

She was preceded in death by two sisters; Nancy, Cathy and one brother; Earl.

 The family will be receiving friends on Thursday, March 9th from 10:00 AM – 12 Noon at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD. A graveside service will follow at Monocacy Cemetery, 19801 W. Hunter Road, Beallsville, MD.

Bertha A. Malone, 67, of Sharpsburg, MD, passed away on March 7, 2023.

She was the loving wife to Kenneth Malone.

Born on July 15, 1955 in Maryland, she was the daughter of the late  Arthur Henry, Sr. and Audrey Schrayer.

Along with her husband, Bertha is survived by her children; Kevin Ricketts, wife, Emily, Kyle Ricketts, step-son; Kenny Malone, one sister; Pat Shaffer, two brothers; Michael Schrayer, Arthur Henry Schrayer Jr., 6 grandchildren; Sean, Joshua, Spencer, Samuel, Audrianna and Olivia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter; Cynthia Ricketts and one sister; Linda Beamer.

The family will be receiving friends on Friday, March 10th from 10:00 AM – 12 Noon at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD. A graveside service will follow at Monocacy Cemetery, 19801 W. Hunter Road, Beallsville, MD.