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Paul "Joe" Edward Knott
1943-2024

Paul “Joe” Edward Knott, 80, of Boyds, MD, passed away on February 3, 2024.

Joe was the loving husband to Nancy Knott.

Born on December 9, 1943 in Maryland, he was the son to the late John G. Knott and Beulah Margaret Knott Austin.

Paul enjoyed being with his family. When he wasn’t with then he was hunting or fishing. He also jumped out of perfectly good airplanes for the 101st Airborne US Army for 3 years. Then Paul ran into burning buildings with his brothers of Company 53 for 35 years.

Along with his wife Nancy, Joe was survived by his two children; Missy Martin, Paul “Joey” Knott, one sister; Mary Kephart and three grandchildren; Troy, Travis and Trever “Autumn” Martin.

He was preceded in death by three brothers; John “Skip” Knott, George “Frank” Knott and William “Punk Knott.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Boyds Presbyterian Church, PO Box 320 Boyds, MD 20841. 

Betty J. (Warren) Rayburn
1928-2024

Betty J. (Warren) Rayburn entered her eternal rest on 2/11/2024. She was 95.

Betty was born on 12/23/1928 in Urbana Ohio to Alvin and Hazel Smith. She lived her entire life in Urbana until 2013 when she moved to Maryland to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She was the first thirty year employee to retire from Siemens Manufacturing Company.

Betty was preceded in death by first husband Ellis Warren in 1975 and their son Kim Alan in 1974.

Betty's second husband, William Rayburn passed away in 2002. Left to cherish their memories is daughter Lisa Warren McCoy of Poolesville Maryland. She is also survived by two grandchildren and four great grandchildren, all nearby in Maryland.

Betty resided for 60 years in the yellow house at the corners of Boyce and Jefferson Streets. She was known for her beautiful manicured landscaped yard. She often was stopped by admirers giving compliments and asking names of her plantings.

She also received some awards by the town for her beautiful streetscapes. She loved gardening and did it strictly for her own enjoyment.

At her request there will be no funeral as all near and dear have passed before her. There will be a private graveside service held beside her first husband and son at a later undetermined date.

Rodger "Buddy" Walter Williams, IV
1962-2024

Rodger “Buddy” Walter Williams, IV, 61, of Hedgesville, WV, passed away on February 10, 2024 from injuries sustained in an accident.

Rodger was the husband to Jeanne Baker.

Born on July 19, 1962 in Frederick, MD, he was the son to the late Rodger W. Williams, III and Mary Darlene Phillips.

Rodger was a welder for Pipeliners Union 798 out of Tulsa, OK for 26 years. Welding took him throughout the country where he enjoyed the job and meeting people. No one was more proud and loyal to the brotherhood of 798. After retirement he loved spending time at home with his long time traveling partner Huck “the” dog. Rodger had many fond memories of the family farm in Poolesville.

Along with his wife Jeanne, Rodger was survived by his three children; Shane Williams (Heather), Holly Williams, Steele Williams, brother; David Williams (Teri), sister; Patti Jacobs (Terry), step-mother; Gwendolyn Williams, eight grandchildren; McKensi, Logan, Haylee, Tanner, Mason, Alisya, Destyn, Brayden and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will be receiving friends on Friday, February 23rd from 5:00-7:00 PM at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 24th at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Monocacy Cemetery, 19801 West Hunter Road, Beallsville, MD.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Pipeliners Voluntary Fund, P.O. Box 470798, Tulsa, OK 74147.

Emma Jean Mettam
1931-2024

Emma Jean Mettam (Jean Mettam), 92, of Potomac, MD, passed away on February 16, 2024.

          Loving wife to Peter John Mettam, Jean was born on September 19, 1931 in Glen Alice, TN, the daughter of the late Allen and Bonnie Kirk. Raised in the small town of Rockwood, Tennessee, the oldest of four children to the owner of the local General Store during the Great Depression, Jean was more privileged than many in her relatively poor rural community. In her public high school she was lucky to have been mentored by some young women teachers to have high hopes for college and who inspired her to share her privilege with those less fortunate. 

          Jean went on to study Home Economics at the University of Tennessee (UT) and continued through a Master’s Program, unusual for a woman at that time. Throughout her Master’s studies she worked through the Agricultural Extension program, with families and communities in rural and urban areas of western Tennessee. Many of these communities were unaccustomed to being helped by a white woman. She had an affinity for helping women and underprivileged communities to improve their quality of life through education.  Jean was a member of Omicron Nu, an honor society that was based on the recognition that women did not have the same advantages and opportunities as men and aspired to set new and higher standards for emerging programs in Home Economics.

          Jean was excited about a long-anticipated trip to explore Europe after which she was slated to return to UT and take on a teaching position in the Home Economics Department. While in Europe, she met Peter through a meeting arranged by a mutual friend and had their first date, a steak dinner, high up in the Atomium – a giant replica of a molecule and centerpiece of the 1958 Brussels World Fair in Belgium. As they say, the rest is history. 

          Jean returned to the U.S. and reconnected with Peter, who had recently moved to Atlanta, Georgia, from his home in England as part of the ‘brain drain’ of British scientists and engineers, to work as an Aeronautical Engineer. Shortly after they married, they moved to Washington DC for Peter’s new job at Booz Allen Applied Research (they would joke that Peter ‘works for Booz’). They moved into a small Tudor-style home in the Battery Park neighborhood of Bethesda, just a short walk from Peter’s office.

          A couple of kids followed and the family started to grow, but Jean’s interest in her own career could not be curtailed. After volunteering her skills in SE Washington neighborhood schools, Jean was introduced to an opportunity to teach at Howard University, the top Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the country. Jean worked in the new School of Human Ecology, which grew out of the traditional Home Economics program and offered a new interdisciplinary academic program. Jean offered courses under the Microenvironmental Studies and Design program in fashion fundamentals, textiles, and interior design. Jean was also part of a team that collected and preserved traditional African textiles and fashion. 

          Outside of her professional endeavors, Jean was active with the Washington Gourmet Club and regularly hosted visitors and dignitaries from other countries through the State Department. 

          After their third son was born (side-note… Jean was longing to share her passions with a daughter), they decided to move out to ‘the country’ to Potomac, Maryland. There, a brand new ‘open school’ had just started up and was rated as one of the top ten schools in the country by Ladies Home Journal magazine. Education philosophy was very important to both Jean and Peter.

          The family grew as the three boys grew up and moved on with their lives. Jean retired from teaching at Howard in 1988 and started working in Real Estate where she applied her love of architecture and working with people. She also found great joy in working with and mentoring younger agents as they grew their careers.

          Jean and Peter continued to live in their house in Potomac since Peter retired in 1986, and have enjoyed the house that has (as Jean wrote in 1968): “ . . . large  stands of trees on either side of the house and (the boys) could almost go out anytime and pick up a turtle, frog, lizard, mole, etc. There is also a creek about 250 feet away which has crayfish. Fun!”

          As the boys moved away and started their own families, Jean finally got what she always wanted…. Girls! Jean’s three granddaughters were spoiled by their mentor-grandmother who shared with them her love of cooking fine food, interior design and fashion. 

          Jean leaves many fond memories but, more importantly, her love of people and her ability to help others strive to improve their own quality of life through education and design lives on. In many ways, Jean was an unintentional trailblazer setting an example through her actions rather than words.

          Along with her husband, Peter John Mettam, Jean is survived by her sons: Kirk Ian Mettam (Lisa Couturier), Terry Donevan Mettam, and John Kieth Mettam (Laura Cromwell). Jean’s love of education and design carries on through her three granddaughters (her ‘girls’): Cara Mettam-Shideler, Madeleine (Fossey) Mettam and Lucienne Mettam. 

          Jean was a sister to three deceased siblings James (Buddy) Kirk, Wilma (Sis) Smith, and Lucile Herndon.

          In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Howard University School of Art/ Fashion, Textiles and Interior Design. 

Hesheng Tang
1931-2024

爸爸出生于1931年7月11号,无锡人。他非常聪明,为人善良,有着坚强的意志体魄,曾经获得江苏省100米短跑第三名,一大盒体育比赛的奖章充分展示了他的运动才能。他热爱生活,非常爱护妈妈和两个儿子。总是对我们说什么也比不上一个平实祥和而又幸福美满的小家庭。爸爸为了能让我们从小生活在这样一个无拘无束的环境下,生活非常严谨,不给家人添麻烦,勤劳付出却不思回报,从来不提要求,总是教导我们要努力学习勤奋工作,出门在外要注意安全,小心使得万年船。只要儿子们生活的幸福,他就很高兴满足了。爸爸在江南大学教物理,同时动手能力也很强,记得小时候他花了很长时间,动手焊接几百个电子元件装了一台九英寸的黑白电视机。一到晚上很多的街边邻居同学们都会聚集在一起看,给了大家一个美好的童年时光。

爸爸热爱生活,喜欢下下象棋,不时出去走走,欣赏美好河山,拍照片视频是他的一大业余爱好。留下的大量的照片和视频会仔细收集剪辑好,然后慢慢地欣赏并分享给我们。

 

爸爸独立生活能力很强,成长经历丰富,年轻的时候独自一人被派到遥远的西安大学工作,那里生活艰苦营养也不好,但他乐观向上克服了一个又一个的难关,最后平安的回到无锡全家团聚。爸爸用他的经历教导我们,不管生活有多少困难,都是暂时的,只要坚持努力,最后都能苦尽甜来.

 

今天爸爸去了天堂,我们家人祝福你,一路走好,为你祈祷。我们会永远缅怀你对我们的教导和悉心照顾。请你放心,两个儿子会照顾好妈妈的。

Forest Lee Hough
1931-2023

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
1931-2023

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
1962-2023

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 Bernard Morton
1943-2023

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
2023

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
1941-2023

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.

William Richard Young
1943-2023

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
1935-2023

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.

Barbara Jean Wooden
1927-2023

Barbara Jean Wooden nee Goepper, 95, of Dickerson, Maryland passed away peacefully at her daughter, Cynthia’s home on February 18, 2023. 

Barbara Jean Goepper was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on September 30, 1927. She graduated from Boston University-Sargent College with a B.S. in Physical Education in 1950. Following college, Barbara worked as a P.E. Teacher at both Cambridge and Newton Public Schools in MA, until 1957. While working as a public-school teacher in Newton, MA, Barbara met her future husband Bruce John Wooden (who preceded her in death in 2019), a Naval Lieutenant Jr. Grade, who was attending graduate school at MIT. Barbara and Bruce were married in 1958. Following Bruce’s graduation from MIT, the couple was transferred to Portsmouth, New Hampshire where Bruce was tasked with the production of nuclear submarines at the Naval Shipyard. Barbara had two children while in Portsmouth, a daughter Cynthia in 1960 and a son Howard in 1961. The couple was then transferred to the Quincy Shipyard in Quincy, MA, where their youngest daughter Carole was born in 1963. Bruce was now a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy.

In 1964, Barbara and Bruce were transferred to Chevy Chase, Maryland where Bruce was stationed at the David Taylor Model Basin. While in Chevy Chase, Barbara served as a substitute teacher and the Civic Development Chairman for the local garden club. In 1966, the family moved to Montgomery Square, Potomac, MD.

In 1972, the Wooden family moved to a 125-acre farm in upper Montgomery County on Peach Tree Road, Dickerson, MD. Relocation to a farm was a drastic change for the family. The farm produced corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa hay. The family also acquired four heifers and four steers along with three dogs. Barbara and Bruce had the kids involved in numerous activities such as Future Farmers of America, Pony Club, and the local swim team. Eventually, the family acquired four Arabian horses and the kids started showing them at local horse shows. In 1976, the family purchased a piece of land at Deep Creek Lake, MD and built a chalet. Many vacations were spent at Deep Creek Lake snow skiing in the winter and water skiing in the summer. Barbara enjoyed all of these activities!

Over the years, Barbara was active in numerous community and civic activities including: President of the Sargent College Alumni Association at Boston University, President of the Monocacy Garden Club, Fund Raising Chairwoman of Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation (ARCS is a national organization that raises funds for college science students), Founder of the Poolesville Chapter of the American Field Service (AFS), Member of the Board of Directors of The Barnesville School, and Secretary of the Sugarloaf Riding Club to name a few.

Barbara Jean Wooden is survived by her three children, Cynthia Rucker of Philippi, West Virginia, Howard Wooden, of Lithia, Florida and Carole Andres of Dickerson, Maryland. Grandchildren include Elise Wendland, Devin Wooden, Hunter Wooden, Bradley Andres, Catherine Andres and Great Grandchild Aiden Wooden as well as many of the spouses, cousins, nieces and nephews. Barbara will be missed and remembered by her many friends for her enthusiasm for life and the willingness to help others.

Douglas David Whalen, Jr.
1950-2023

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
1952-2023

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.       

Louis Paulson
2023

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.

Rita M. Buell
1926-2022

Rita Muir Buell, 95, of Boonsboro, MD, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2022.

Born on April 24, 1926 in Callao, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Archie Tyler and Mary Douglas Muir.

She was the loving wife of the late Joseph Whitman Buell, III.

Rita is survived by her son, Joseph Whitman Buell, IV, husband of Macie Hopkins Buell of Poolesville, MD, her daughter, JoAnne Rita Buell of Boonsboro, MD, one granddaughter, Samantha Hopkins of Prescott, Arizona, and six nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Douglas Muir and two sisters, Iris Chambers and Mae Taylor.

Rita worked for Project Hope as a young mother and then began a career in commercial property management in Bethesda, Maryland until she retired. Rita was an avid gardener and took great pride in the eye candy that was her lawn, people driving in the neighborhood would stop and express their admiration. No matter what Rita's initial destination was she could not pass up a yard sale, a hobby she shared with her late husband. Rita was known by family members, friends and neighbors as a wonderful cook and baker. In her later years, Rita traveled to many interesting destinations on the East Coast and Europe with her sister Iris.  While enjoying all her other activities, Rita loved reading and you could always find her tucked away with a book in her hand, sometimes awake but sometimes napping.

The family will be receiving friends on Monday, February 14th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD  20832.

Interment will follow on Tuesday, February 15th at 11:00 a.m., Norbeck Memorial Park, 16225 Batchellors Forest Road, Olney, MD  20832.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements were made by Hilton Funeral Home. 

Howard Nicholas Eugene Cole
1992-2022

Howard Nicholas Eugene Cole, 29, of Damascus, MD, passed away February 14, 2022.

Born May 24, 1992, he was the loving son of Matthew Leon Cole Sr and Janice May (Christian) Cole. Howard was a wonderful, fun, supportive brother who is survived by his sisters, Jacqueline (Jackie) May Cole, Ashlinn Regina Cole, and Kaitlyn Catherine Cole, as well as his parents, Matthew and Janice Cole of Damascus, Maryland.  Howard was preceded in death by his brother, Matthew Leon Cole Jr, uncle, Robert Eugene Cole, aunt, Debra Lynn(Cole)Baxter, Grandparents, Howard and May King, MacArthur Cole and most recently his beloved “MawMaw” Mary Cole, whose unconditional love of Howard was a light in his life.
Howard’s family and friends meant the world to him. He would go out of his way for anyone he met, and he fiercely loved the Lord. Howard was a fun-loving, high-spirited guy who loved the outdoors, had a passion for cooking and really enjoyed gardening. He was a hardworking man, but always stopped to laugh, smell the flowers and give a helping hand whenever needed. Howard found beauty in nature, and a friend in many. He was always thinking of others and looking on the bright side of life. He’ll be forever remembered for his loving, genuine heart, bear hugs and wide smile.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, March 11th at 11:00 am, at Barnesville Baptist Church 17917 Barnesville Rd, Barnesville, MD 20838, with graveside service immediately following at Neelsville Presbyterian Church, Germantown, MD and a following lunch at St Mary’s Catholic Pavilion 18230 Barnesville Rd, Barnesville, MD to celebrate and remember Howard Nicholas, who is missed beyond words and will be forever in our hearts.

Mildred E. Piasecki
1943-2022

Mildred (Biddie) E. Piasecki, 78, of Damascus, MD, passed away on February 17, 2022.She was the loving wife to the late Daniel S. Piasecki.Born on July 31, 1943 in Frederick, MD, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Joseph and Mildred Cordelia (Stottlemyer) Hayes.Mildred is survived by her son; Dan Piasecki, wife, Veronica, sister; Jennifer Haeberle, one granddaughter; Alexis Piasecki and numerous beloved cousins and friends.The family will be receiving friends on Monday, February 21st 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 Mount Olivet Cemetery, 515 S Market St, Frederick, MD 2170.In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL.

Dr. R. Christopher Goodwin
1949-2022

Dr. R. Christopher “Chris” Goodwin passed away on February 18th at the age of 73. He was the son of the late Harold Leland Goodwin and Elizabeth Ingëborg Svensk Goodwin of suburban Maryland. 

 

Dr. Goodwin was a dedicated scholar and practitioner of anthropology and archaeology, having graduated from Tulane University (B.A. Honors 1971), Florida State University (M.S. 1973), and Arizona State University (Ph.D. 1979). One of the nation’s leading experts in cultural resources management, he was passionate about preserving the past, making it relevant for today, and shaping a better future.

 

After serving as a Research Associate at the Yale Peabody Museum and a Research Fellow at the United States National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Dr. Goodwin established  R. Christopher Goodwin & Associates, Inc. As its President and Chief Executive Officer for more than 40 years, he led hundreds of major cultural resource and archaeological investigations, including underwater projects along the Atlantic Coast, the Chesapeake Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and in rivers ranging from the Connecticut to the Mississippi, as well as land-based projects across regions including the Gulf Coast, the Mid Atlantic, the Great Plains, and the Northeast.

 

Over his distinguished career, Dr. Goodwin received numerous awards, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Preservation Honor Award, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrators Award of Excellence “in recognition of outstanding service to the nation,” Louisiana’s Professional Archaeologist of the Year Award, and Preservation Connecticut’s 2020 Award of Merit for his work on Hurricane Sandy resiliency planning studies on land and offshore. He was a respected author of more than 500 monographs and technical reports, including his first monograph Villa Taino de Borqueron: The Excavation of an Early Taino Site in Puerto Rico, published in 1975. His scholarly articles were featured in American Anthropologist, American Scientist, American Antiquity, Florida Anthropologist, and Revista Interamericana.

 

Chris was a longtime resident of the D.C. metropolitan area and a lifetime lover of New Orleans, Louisiana, the city where he launched his career and that he considered his second home, for its cuisine and music as well as its people and culture. Chris leaves behinds his wife of 43 years Cyd, his son Scott, his daughter Kristina and grandson Merlin. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was a consummate storyteller, mentor, and friend. He will be sorely missed.

Peter Damian Mulcahy
1957-2022

Loving husband, father and grandfather, Peter Damian Mulcahy, 64, of Dickerson, MD passed away on Saturday, February 19, 2022.

 

Peter was born on October 17, 1957, in Traverse City, MI, he was the son of the late David Edward and Jean Mary (Sculley) Mulcahy.

 

Peter is survived by his loving wife, Margherite Mulcahy, six children; Clare Thom (Jason), Joseph Mulcahy (Margaret), Michael Mulcahy (Sarah), David Mulcahy, Jean Herrera (Edwin), Frances Fortune, nine siblings; Christopher Mulcahy, Michael Mulcahy, Joseph Mulcahy, Mary Muzzarelli, Lucy Repovz, Theresa Mulcahy, David Mulcahy, Martha Ahluwalia, Ann Mawby and five grandchildren.

 

Along with his parents, Peter was preceded in death by one daughter; Mary Catherine Mulcahy and three siblings, David James Mulcahy, Thomas Mulcahy, and his twin brother, Paul Mulcahy.

 

Peter was a devout Catholic and spent many hours in prayer and weekly adoration and was well known for sharing the message of God’s Divine Mercy by highlighting and handing out books by St. Faustina Kowalska. Peter was the proud business owner of Mulcahy Brothers Painting Company which he and his wife, Margherite built over many years of hard work and dedication. Peter passed his vast knowledge of the painting industry on to his son, Michael Mulcahy, who took over the day to day estimating in 2018 while Peter recovered from surgery. Peter happily transitioned to a more supporting role in the business so that he could spend as much time as possible with his children and grandchildren.

 

A visitation will be held on Friday February 25, 2022, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Hilton Funeral Home 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD 20838.

 

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday February 26, 2022 at 11 AM at Mother Seton Parish 19951 Father Hurley Boulevard, Germantown, MD 20874 and burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery 18230 Barnesville Road, Barnesville, MD 20838. 

 

The Family of Peter Mulcahy requests that masks be worn when indoors at the viewing, funeral Mass and reception.

 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Central Union Mission, 65 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20001.

Sharon A. Wright
1965-2022

Sharon A. Wright, (Shari) of Martinsburg, WV. passed on to Heaven Wednesday, Feb. 17th, 2022. Shari was the loving and devoted wife of Aaron Wright. They shared a life of love and devotion to each other and a special love for and service to the Lord for over 27 years.

Born on Feb. 3rd, 1965 to her loving and caring parents, Gerry (Deceased) and Peggy Morningstar in Poolesville, MD., Shari was also a loving sister and lifelong friend to her brother Steven E. Morningstar and his wife RaNae of Poolesville, MD. She was also “Aunt Shari” to her precious and loving nieces and nephews, Jamie Jamison and husband Frank and Steven and Tyler Morningstar and the Great Aunt of Addison and Ashlynn Jamison all of Poolesville, MD.

Shari was also the loving granddaughter of Edward and Madeline Hall and Murrel and Emma Morningstar (All Deceased), all of Poolesville, MD. Shari loved her grandparents with all her heart and was a devoted, loving and caring granddaughter her whole life.

Shari grew up and lived in Poolesville most of her life. She shared a special bond of love and togetherness with her Dad, Mom and Brother her entire life. Shari loved traveling the country and vacationing with her family, especially their yearly vacations to the beaches up and down the East Coast and especially Ocean City, MD. and their numerous trips to Williamsburg, VA.  She loved spending time with her family outdoors in nature and she adored all animals especially her family’s pet cats and dogs. She loved the large family gatherings and dinners they would share on a regular basis with all of their family members on holidays, picnics, going to Church and so many other special occasions , where there was always so much, joy, laughter and love shared every time they would be together.

Shari had a very special relationship with her Dad and Mom and she was a devoted and loving daughter to both her parents. Shari’s Beloved Dad and Mom cared for and devoted their entire life and all their love to their very special and amazing daughter. The care, the love and the commitment Shari’s parents gave her was nothing short of amazing. Shari’s parents loved her with all their hearts and always did anything for Shari she ever asked or needed. Their undying devotion to Shari had no end. Shari and her Mom spoke numerous times daily right up to the day Shari passed and Shari and her parents shared a lifetime of love that will last forever.

Shari also shared a very special love and friendship with her brother. They grew up spending every day together in Poolesville. Even as adults they shared a very special bond with each other and spent much time together, went on family vacations together and were extremely close and devoted to each other. They communicated with each other daily right up to the day Shari passed. They shared a lifetime of special memories and love that will truly live on forever.

Shari and Aaron were married on Sept. 23rd, 1995. Shari loved Aaron with all her heart and Aaron was a loving and devoted husband. They shared a very special bond of love for each other and a love and devotion to the Lord that was the guiding light of both their lives. They loved spending time with each other and with all of their family and friends. They loved traveling and seeing new places, they loved all of their pet cats and dogs and spending time in nature together. Above all else they loved going to Church and spending time learning about and growing in their knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ and sharing God’s love with all of their brothers and sisters in the Lord. Shari and Aaron were committed to growing closer to the Lord every day and sharing their faith and love of Jesus with everyone they ever knew or met. They were committed together with all their hearts to spreading the Good News of the one true Gospel and were extremely influential in the lives of so many people in learning about and committing to a sincere and Biblically sound relationship with Jesus Christ. They were both a very positive influence in so many people giving their lives to Jesus Christ including Shari’s Dad, Mom and Brother, as well as so many other family members and friends and even strangers they have met along their life’s journey together. Shari and Aaron lived a wonderful life together but they also lived a life committed to the Lord and sharing the true Gospel of Jesus Christ that will sincerely have a lasting impact for Eternity on so many wonderful people they knew and loved.

Shari had a sincere, loving and devoted care for her precious nieces and nephews, Jamie, Steven, Tyler, Addie and Ashlynn. She loved them with all her heart, was extremely generous and kind to them and literally prayed for and spoke of them daily. They all truly meant the world to “Aunt Shari” and she sincerely loved them as much as life itself.

Shari was also surrounded by a large, loving and caring family and shared a special bond with so many of her extended family members throughout her entire life. Shari was blessed with numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins who she adored and spent time with and shared a lifetime of love and memories with. Shari loved her family members with a sincere and genuine love and her entire family shared their lives and their love with Shari as well. Family meant so much to Shari and she always felt so blessed and loved to be able to live an entire lifetime with so many wonderful and caring relatives who loved her with all their hearts.

Shari graduated from the Univ. of Maryland with Honors in 1987. She was a Social Worker and Counselor for Disabled Individuals for many years. She was an extremely talented and creative Artist and an avid reader and she loved writing. She really enjoyed traveling, visiting zoo’s, aquariums and museums, she loved flowers and being outdoors in nature and witnessing all of the wonders of God’s creations here on earth. She also loved animals of all kinds and especially all her pet cat’s and dog’s throughout her life. They were a huge part of Shari’s life. Her most recent pet, Neelix, was a blessing to Shari and Aaron, they truly cherished their, “3 leg super cat Neelix”, as Shari would always call him.

Shari also sincerely enjoyed meeting new people and was committed to trying to help and be a friend to anyone she ever met. She was a generous, selfless, faithful and loving friend her entire life. Aaron would often say, “Shari always knew what it meant to truly love people with an unconditional and sincere love that was very, very unique”. Shari was also a Prayer warrior who would pray for anyone or with anyone at any time, and above all Shari loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with all her heart and soul.

Shari was and always will be a blessing to everyone she ever met. She was a very talented, smart, humorous person with a wonderful and welcoming personality ever since she was a little girl. She was an amazing wife, devoted daughter and granddaughter, caring sister, loving aunt, cherished niece and cousin and such an encouragement and inspiration to everyone she ever knew. However, above all she was and always will be proudest of being a humble, devoted and loving servant of God.

SHARI ALWAYS SAID HER LIFE GOAL WAS TO ONE DAY MAKE IT TO HEAVEN AND SEE JESUS!

MISSION ACCOMPLISED!!!

May Shari Forever Rest in the Loving Arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…

Family will receive Friends on Tuesday March 1st from 6-8 pm at Hiltons Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Rd, Barnesville, MD 20838. – All are Welcome and Encouraged to attend.

“Celebration of Life” Funeral Services will be held on Thursday March 3rd at 11 am at the Rockville Church of Christ, 1450 W. Montgomery Avenue, Rockville MD 20850 – All are Welcome and Encouraged to attend.

Interment/Graveside Service will follow immediately after the Funeral at the Monocacy Cemetery, 19801 W. Hunter Rd. Beallsville, MD 20839 – All are Welcome and Encouraged to attend.

There will also be a gathering of Family and Friends to honor Shari’s Life and Memory later this Spring, Date and Time TBD – All will be Welcomed and Encouraged to attend.

For Health Reasons – All who attend are kindly encouraged to wear a Mask/Face Covering please.

In lieu of Flowers: Donations can be made in Shari’s Memory to the Rockville Church of Christ, to further the work of the Lord’s Kingdom. Attn: Rosanna Phelan

Thomas W. Smith
1958-2022

Thomas W. Smith, 63, of Mt. Airy, MD, passed away on February 26, 2022, in his home surrounded by love. Born on July 14, 1958 in MD, he was the son to the late Roy Lee and Ruth Marie (Stokes) Smith.

Tom is survived by his wife, Beth Smith of 26 years, two sisters; Jeanette Broadwater and Linda Jenkins (Mike), four nieces, five great nieces, one great-great nephew and one daughter in heart. He was also survived by his two dogs and 14 myotonic goats.

Tom’s love of agriculture started in the 8th grade with the Gaithersburg FFA. Though he held many jobs he enjoyed the last 17 years he spent at Gladhill Brothers, Damascus and especially, his final three months at Tractor Supply in Mt. Airy.

Over the years, he had many hobbies to include, 75/80 Racetrack, MD two-Cylinder Club, Team Tuna Can Racing, Mason Dixon Myotonic Goat Club, many positions at the Damascus Community Fair and his greatest love of all the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair.  He was a lifetime member with over 1,000 volunteer hours in Old MacDonald’s Barn and the last 14 years as Superintendent.  

Celebration of life will be held Thursday, March 3rd at 6:00 pm in the Heritage Room at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Tom Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

Virginia A. Gibson
1932-2021

Virginia A. Gibson (88) of Boyds, Maryland, died on February 6, 2021.  Born in Lewiston, Idaho on June 13, 1932, she was the daughter of the late William and Rachel Jones.

Virginia is survived by her brother, Ricker Jones, children Wendy (Brian) Sutch-Kiser, Amy (Bobby) Sutch Gupta, Mark Sutch and step children, Steven (Deneen) Gibson, Michelle Duchowny, 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her late husbands, Edmund Leon Sutch and Steven Curtis Gibson.

After graduating from the University of Idaho with a degree in Journalism, she attended Union Theological Seminary and received a Master’s in Christian Education.  She served several churches as Director of Christian Education, and published articles for church magazine’s and local newspapers.  She also edited, Dory Howell’s book, “Stand Straight and Grow Tall,” and assisted with Arthur Virts’ book, “Boyds: A Character Study by Arthur Virts and Friends.”

Virginia was very active in the community. She served on various organizations such as Boyds Historical Society, Boyds Federal Credit Union and the Boyds Presbyterian Church.  She loved flying, writing, bird watching, reading mysteries, travelling in her RV to bluegrass festivals and to Albuquerque, NM on a family caravan/reunion to the hot air balloon festival.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Boyds Presbyterian Church, PO Box 320, 19901 White Ground Rd, Boyds, MD 20841.

A Memorial Service will be at Boyds Presbyterian Church with interment to follow at a later date.

Nancy T. Lynch
1919-2021

Nancy Troiano Lynch, of Ft Myers, FL formerly of Gaithersburg, MD passed away peacefully on Monday, February 8, 2021.

Nancy was born on July 24, 1919 in Washington, D.C.,  the daughter of Antonio and Antonina Troiano.

She is survived by her sons William T. Lynch (Diane) of Gaithersburg, MD and John H. (Betsy) of Edgewater, MD. She was predeceased by her son Anthony T. Lynch.

During her lifetime she was a member of the Travel Club of Damascus, The Lioness Club, Shady Grove Hospital Volunteers Club and the 101st Airborne Associate Member.

A Celebration of Life for family members will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made Kindred Hospice 4886 New Broad St Ste 200, Orlando FL  32814.

Jean Louise Walker
1933-2021

Jean Louise Walker, 88, of Ijamsville, MD, was born in Bay City, MI, on January 17, 1933. Surrounded by all of her children at her home, she peacefully went to her heavenly home on February 13, 2021.

The daughter of Edward Albert Whitbrodt and Lena Catherine Fischer, Jean married the love of her life, David Walker, Jr., on October 18, 1952. David preceded her in death in 1997. Jean and David are the beloved parents of Debra (Harold Green, deceased), Linda (Mike Kroeger), Paul (Penny Navarro, deceased), and Glenn (Robin Young). Their grandchildren are Stephanie and Sabrina Green; Tess (Jesse Carter), Nell (Tanner Wilson), and Kitt Kroeger; Kris Navarro; and Lacey (Phil Westcott) and Garrett Walker. Great-grandchildren are Philippa, Rex, Casper, & Romy (Carter) and Shea & Wren (Wilson). Jean is also survived by her late brother Jerry’s widow MaryAnn Whitbrodt; their children Tony, Sheryl (Randy Jensen) and Mike; and their grandsons David and Peter (Jensen); as well as her cherished cousins Nan Brandt (George Krohn), Susie Parker, and Paulette Levasseur.  

Jean was a much loved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She and Dave enjoyed golf, bowling, traveling, and square dancing, but they delighted most in their family. They created a close-knit family that included the Christian faith, annual trips to see family in Michigan, road trips on the weekends, a healthy work ethic, and a memorable Scottish steak pie. Jean’s impeccable, German-heritage cleanliness was matched only by her listening ear, her tender heart for both people and animals, and her humble spirit.

A private family graveside service will take place at Parklawn Cemetery in Rockville, MD at a later date.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Julia (RN) and Patricia (HHA) of Frederick Health Hospice for their compassionate care of Jean.

Jarrod Stephen Sharp
1977-2021

On Thursday February the 11th 2021, Jarrod Stephen Sharp, 43, loving father of three daughters, passed away. Jarrod was born August 23, 1977 in York, PA and was a veteran who served in the US Air Force. He was a Computer Science graduate from the University of Maryland, an MBA graduate from Penn State University, and held a Juris Doctor Degree from the Baltimore School of Law, University of Maryland. He was exceptionally bright and an overachiever in all his academic and professional pursuits.  

 

He was employed as a Privacy Attorney with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland.  His career spanned both Law, Information Technology and Cyber Security fields and he held various prestigious positions in both areas over the last two decades.

 

Jarrod was constantly learning new things and was relentless in his pursuit to improve his education and professional accomplishments. He loved all types of sports and was a loyal Terps fan. Jarrod was most passionate about being a father to his three beautiful daughters. He was always trying to foster new interests and expose them to new things. Jarrod was a fun and caring father who wanted the absolute best for his daughters. The girls have many memories of fun times spent with him at the beach, the lake, the mountains and at home. He loved them dearly and no one could make them laugh as much as him. 

 

Jarrod was a charismatic, passionate and loyal friend to many. His sense of humor was perhaps his most endearing quality, one which his friends and family relished. Jarrod never missed an opportunity to make people laugh. His personality and charm lit up every room he walked into, and made every get together with friends a time to always remember. 

 

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Virginia Margolis. He is survived by his three daughters, Avery (7), Ellison (5), Isla (3), his paternal grandmother, Dorothy, mother Lorri Rhiner, father, Stephen, stepmother, Janet, sister, Courtney, brother-in-law, Ahmad, nephew, Isaak, brother, Chad, and the mother of his three daughters, Laura.

 

In lieu of gifts or cards please donate to the charity of your choice to make this world a better place for his three daughters and all of us. Jarrod was well loved and respected by his friends, family and colleagues and will be very dearly missed. 

Romeo L. Domingo
1977-2021

Romeo Liwanag Domingo, 85, of Gaithersburg, MD, passed away on February 16, 2021.

He was the loving husband to Conchita Domingo.

Born on February 24, 1935 in Manila, Philippines, he was the son to the late Mariano and Trinidad (Liwanag) Domingo.

Romeo was a loving husband, great father and best grandfather. He was the foundation of a wonderful family, and his devotion to raising his children made possible their successes in their education and careers. He was well respected and everybody who knew him loved him dearly. 

Along with his wife, Romeo is survived by his four daughters; Daisy Hernandez of Virginia, Chona Rose Quinto of Maryland, Grace Teves of Maryland, Anna Liza Domingo of Maryland, sons-in-law; Wilfredo Hernandez, Joey Quinto, Dennis Teves, grandchildren; Giancarlo, Phillip, Darleen, Romeo Josef, Gabby, Joshua, one great-grandchild; Logan, one brother; Rudy Carlos of Manila, Philippines.

The family will be having a private catholic service officiated by Fr. Stephan  Yap on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 10:00 AM . Relatives and friends can view the service via Facebook live: https://www.facebook.com/HiltonFuneralHome/

Michael A. Matthews
1956-2021

Michael A. Matthews, 64, of Gaithersburg, MD went peacefully home to be with his Lord on Sunday, February 28, 2021. His wife and his two younger children were by his side.

Mike was born on May 23, 1956 in Washington, DC. He was the soulmate and best friend of his wife, Diane. He was a cheerleader and great role-model for his kids, Jonathan (Eubanks), Jenna and Nolan. When his future daughter-in-law, Kathryn (Eubanks), and her sister, Natalie (Marston), joined our family, he welcomed them with open arms. Now he has two granddaughters, Peyton (Eubanks) and Kaylee (Marston) who love his as Pop Pop.

Mike was the firstborn of this parents Joseph Matthews and Estherlin Cooper Matthews (deceased). He had two sisters, Estherlin Matthews-Thomas of Gaithersburg, MD, and Cynde Murphy of Hyattsvillle, MD. He is survived by his father, sisters, brother-in-law, Keith Murphy, nieces Kelsey Murphy, Candace Thomas, and Kerri Murphy, and nephews Kory (Kristin) Murphy and Christian Thomas.

A pivotal point in Mike’s teen years was his time spent as a camp counselor at Summit Lake Camp. His connections there led him to friendships at Montrose Baptist Church and his choice to attend Baylor University.

The family will be receiving friends on Friday March 5th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Seneca Creek Community Church, 13 Firstfield Rd., Suite 100, Gaithersburg, MD  20878.  Funeral services will be held at the church on Saturday March 6th at 1:00 PM.  The family will be receiving friends 1 hour prior to the funeral service.

COVID protocol will be followed.

In lieu of flowers visit alivingtribute.org to plant a tree in memory of Mike.

Virginia Mae Gravely
1932-2020

Virginia Mae Gravely, 87, of Kensington, MD, passed away on February 9, 2020.

Virginia was the loving wife to the late Hosely J. Gravely, Jr.

Born on April 29, 1932, in Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Charles G. Sr., and Jennie M. Fowler.

She is survived by her three sons; Hosely J. Gravely III (Layla) of Harrisonburg, VA, Ronald L. Gravely (Kim) of Kensington, MD, Rodney K. Gravely (Traci) of Dickerson, MD; two daughters, Linda S. Quesenberry (Richard) of Hagerstown, MD, Mabel A. Gravely of Kensington, MD; five brothers, William Fowler of Frederick, MD, Robert Fowler of Urbana, MD, James E. Fowler of Hagerstown, MD, Howard Fowler of Dickerson, MD, Harry Fowler of Knoxville, MD; one sister, Martha Reed of Emmitsburg, MD; 4 half-siblings, Rosa Bolinger, Ruth Stambaugh, Carl C. Fowler, Wilmer Joseph Fowler; one step-brother, Kenneth Shumaker; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles G. Fowler, Jr., Franklin F. Fowler and one half-sister, Dorothy E. Davidson.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 12th from 6-8 PM at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD 20838, where funeral services will be celebrated at 11 AM on Thursday, February 13th. Interment to follow at Monocacy Cemetery, 19801 W Hunter Rd, Beallsville, MD 20839.     

Iona Rosella McGrew
1922-2020

Iona Rosella McGrew, 97, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away on February 10, 2020. Iona was the loving wife to the late Harry Ellis McGrew. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Joyce Snyder of Frederick, Maryland, son, Dennis John McGrew of Clarksburg, Maryland and one sister, Audrey Kleckner of St. Clairsville, Ohio.

She was blessed with eight grandchildren: Deborah Coates, Kimberly Lewis, Daniel McGrew and his wife Tara, Ashleigh Coe and her husband Jordan, Shawn McGrew and his wife Ashley, Timothy McGrew, Kevin McGrew and his wife Lacey. Followed by fifteen wonderful great grandchildren: Andrew Coates, Alexandra Rempe and her husband John, Juliana Coates, Madison, Mason, Mackena and Maddox McGrew, Nicholas, Chase and Aubrey Coe, Levi, Blake and Lucas McGrew, Shawn Jr. and Brooke McGrew.  She also had one great-great granddaughter, Raylynn Rempe.

She was preceded in death by her son Ronald Ellis McGrew and grandson Jeffrey William Gartner, two brothers, Leslie Morris and Pat Morris.

Iona (Grammie) lived a long happy life, on her own, and enjoyed entertaining her loving family and friends.

A graveside service will be held February 17, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frederick Maryland. A celebration of her life will follow at the Urbana Volunteer Fire Rescue in Urbana, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to either Hospice of Frederick County, Maryland, or, a blood donation to the American Red Cross.

The family is incredibly grateful for the many kindnesses during her life and for the gift of caring, attentive medical staff at Frederick Regional Hospital during her final days. To remember Iona please extend kindness and care to others.

Joan M. Bennett
1936-2020

Joan M. Bennett, 83, of Damascus, MD, passed away on February 15, 2020.

She was the wife of the late Richard Bennett.

Born on May 20, 1936 in England, she was the daughter of the late Leonard Neilson and Eileen Mary King.

Surviving are her children; Cheri Bennett, Natalie Bennett, Christine Howard, Linda Smale, Richard Bennett; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Family will be receiving friends from 10:00 AM to Noon on Sunday, February 23rd at the Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road (Rt. 109), Barnesville, MD (hiltonfh.com). Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org.

Gladys “Dolly” M. Larman
1946-2020

Gladys “Dolly” M. Larman, 73, of Boyds, MD, passed away suddenly on February 27, 2020.She was the wife of the late Harry S. Larman, Sr.Born on July 24, 1946, in Bermuda, she was the daughter of the late William E. and Gladys M. (Hodson) Giles.Surviving is one son, Harry “Skip” Larman and wife Amy of Mt. Airy, MD; one sister, Betty Richards; two brothers, Billy and Lenny Giles and 4 grandchildren.Dolly was preceded in death by two sons, William and John Larman; one daughter, Kathleen Larman; two brothers, Gerald Hodson, John Giles and one grandchild, James R. Larman.Graveside services will be held at 11 AM, on Monday March 2, at the Boyds Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 19901 White Ground Road, Boyds, MD.In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dolly’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate).

Robert Campbell Rossi
1943-2019

Robert Campbell Rossi died on February 2, 2019.  He was 76 years old.  He is survived by his wife, children and grand children who are achieving good things.  Foremost Bob Rossi was a man who enjoyed cooking family dinners.  Grace was always said.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 8th at St. Mary’s Parish and Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima located at 18230 Barnesville Road, Barnesville, Maryland 20838.  Burial will be in the church cemetery, followed by a reception in the St. Mary’s Pavilion.

A practicing Catholic, Bob Rossi was a Eucharistic Minister, Holy Name Society Secretary, Lector, Arimethean, and Cook at St. Mary’s Church.  He organized the dedication of the Veterans Memorial at St. Mary’s and seven Veterans Day observances.  He was President of the St. Martin’s Parish Council in Gaithersburg where he led fund raising for construction of its parochial school.  He was a member of the St. Paul’s Prayer Group in Damascus and a New Hope Job Search Counselor at St. Rose of Lima Church in Gaithersburg - all in Maryland.  Over the years he wrote hundreds of resumes helping unemployed people get jobs.

Bob Rossi organized the Mount Airy 9/11 Patriot Day ceremonies for five years.  During his four year leadership of the Toys for Tots campaigns in Mount Airy, 7,000 needy children received toys at Christmas.  He understood the motivating power of positive reinforcement so he created the Promising Young American and American Achiever Awards presented approximately 400 young people over several years.  He was the Historian and Chaplain of the American Legion Gold Star Post 191.  In 2012,  his three volume history of the post won the PDC Kenneth R. Hammer Memorial Trophy for best history out of 144 Maryland posts.  In 2013 he was made the first Honorary Citizen of Mount Airy, Maryland.

After the 9/11 attacks he joined the Marine Corps League and actively contributed his time, creativity and financial support for over 18 years.  He became a life member and officer in the Military Order of the Devil Dogs and author of its Valkery News.  In 2010 and 2015 he was named Pound and then Pack Devil Dog of the Year.  Bob Rossi was a life member of the Marine Corps League and served on the Honor Guard.  He was Commandant of the Robert W. Deane Detachment 770 during 2008 - 2010 and Historian of the Sgt. John F. Hettchen, Jr. Detachment 1428 from 2015.  In 2008 he was named the Deane Detachment Marine of the Year.  In 2017 he was awarded the Marine Corps League’s Distinguished Citizen Medal.  In 2018 he was appointed a national historian of the Marine Corps League.

Bob Rossi visited infirmed servicemen, the elderly, and scout units with his Honorary Lance Corporal Collies.  They welcomed home Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  He was a Montgomery County Election Judge and an Eagle Scout Mentor.   He was Chairman of the Marine Corps League’s Eagle Scouts Good Citizenship Awards Program in Maryland for 3 years in which 365 awards were conferred.  In 2018 he was inducted into the Royal Marines Association USA Branch.      

His business career was 63 years involving managerial and officer positions in nuclear energy (NUS Corporation), telecommunications (World Cell) and commercial real estate (Transwestern).   He held several highly classified national security clearances.  He was author of articles published by the:  Atomic Energy Commission, Edison Electric Institute, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Nuclear Information and Records Management Association and the Atomic Industrial Forum.  He began as a butcher’s apprentice.

Bob Rossi served on the Board of Directors of the Harvard Business School Club of Washington.  There he established the Elizabeth Plack Lecture Series.    He was a co-founder, charter member and board member of both the Project Management Institute and the Nuclear Information and Records Management Association.  He was an independent scholar of the American Historical Association and President of the Society for Advancement of Management in Washington.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve.  After graduating from the 3rd Battalion Recruit Training Regiment at Parris Island in 1965, he served with the 4th Marine Air Wing, Marine Air Group 41 in jet attack squadrons VMA-132 and

VMF-321.  Sgt. Rossi was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1971 cited for “Honest and Faithful Service” and recommended for re-enlistment.  

He was in the first graduating classes of St. Bernadette Parochial and Xaverian High Schools.  He earned a BBA from

St.  John’s University of New York.  His graduate work was at MIT, Georgetown, the Harvard School of Design and the Harvard Graduate School of Business.

Ruth I. Flohr
1936-2019

Ruth I. Flohr, 82, of Poolesville, MD, passed peacefully on February 2, 2019.

She was the wife of the late Carroll R. Flohr.

Born on April 5, 1936, in Frederick, MD, she was the daughter of the late Muncie and Merle (Ernest) Flohr.

Surviving are four daughters, Holly Rippeon and husband Billy, Karen Benson and husband Chris, Vickie Haskins and husband Bobby, Carol Flohr; 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by two daughters, Patti DiCarlantonio, Nina Gilmore; two sisters, Peggy Naill, Ruby Wolfe and one brother, Raymond Flora.

The family will be receiving friends on Tuesday February 5, from 5-8 PM, at the Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Rd. (Rt. 109), Barnesville, MD, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 6, at 11AM.

Interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Frederick.

John Ramsey Hunter
1942-2019

John Ramsey Hunter, Jr, 76, of Beallsville, MD passed away on February 4, 2019, at home from a courageous 6 year battle with complications from metastatic colorectal cancer.

John was the loving husband to Jane S. Hunter of nearly 55 years.

Born on October 14, 1942, in Frederick, MD, he was the only child of the late John R. Hunter, Sr. (1999) and Sadie Dye (2007). He is also survived by his daughter; Anne L Hunter, Son; Jim R. Hunter of Barnesville, MD and a grandchild; Greer Hunter.

He was a life long resident of Beallsville, Montgomery County MD. and a grain farmer. In addition to his love of farming, he loved road trips and his motorcycle.

Family will receive friends on Friday, February 8 from 5-8 PM at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD 20838, where a Memorial Service will be celebrated at 11 AM on Saturday, February 9.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to Monocacy Cemetery, 19801 W Hunter Rd, Beallsville, MD 20839.

Barbara J. Ward
1934-2019

Barbara J. Ward, 84, of Barnesville, MD, died on February 9, 2019.

She was the wife of the late E. Charles Ward, Jr. who passed in 1989.

Born on August 27, 1934 in Dawsonsville, MD, Barbara was the daughter of the late Clarence L. and Laura Mae (Howard) Allnutt.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the St. Mary’s Ladies Sodality.

Surviving are two sons, C. Douglas Ward, Sr. and wife Debbie, David A. Ward and wife Robin; two sisters, Anna Corrales and Pat Williams; two brothers, Upton and James Allnutt; two grandchildren, Carrie A. Ward and C. Douglas Ward, Jr. and two great grandchildren, Gaven D. and Jaxon W. Williams.

Barbara was preceded in death by four sisters, Alice R. Burkett, Ruth Stup, Thelma V. Gartner and Edna M. Burdett and four brothers, Clarence “Buddy”, Jr., Robert E., John B. and Marshall W. Allnutt.

The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, February 13, from 6-8 PM, at the Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Rd. (Rt. 109), Barnesville (hiltonfh.com).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM, on Thursday, February 14, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 18230 Barnesville Rd., Barnesville.

Interment will follow in Monocacy Cemetery, Beallsville, MD.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 67, Barnesville, MD  20838 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).

Katherine Michelle Zajdel
1934-2019

Katherine Michelle Zajdel, 39, passed away on February 11, 2019.  Born on April 1, 1979, she was the daughter of the Mary Sue Zajdel and the late Thomas James Zajdel of Poolesville, Maryland.  Katie was the loving mother to Mya Randolph.  She was the sister of Ann Marie Matlock, James Richard Zajdel, John Michael Zajdel, Joseph Thomas Zajdel and the late Michael Robert Zajdel. She was the aunt to eight nieces and nephews and had numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and other family members.   ​

Family will receive friends on Friday February 15, 2019 from 4-7 pm at Our Lady of the Presentation, Poolesville, Maryland, 20837.  A funeral mass will be held on Saturday February 16, 2019 at 11 am at Our Lady of the Presentation, Poolesville, Maryland 20837. 

Carolyn Fitzwater Freed
1942-2019

Carolyn Fitzwater Freed, formerly of Frederick, MD, passed quietly on February 19,2019, at Potomac Valley Rehabilitation Health Center, Rockville, MD. She was the wife of the late Pastor Clyde H. Freed, Jr.Born May 9, 1942, in Boyds, MD, she was the daughter of the late Russell and Beulah Fitzwater. She graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 1961. After 23 years of government service, she resigned and joined her husband in full-time ministry. She served as a Lay Counselor for the Southern Baptist Convention for many years. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ and served as an organist for over 14 years.She is survived by her sister, Curry Harding of Indiana, and brothers David of Virginia;and Dennis and wife Joanie of Frederick, MD, step-sons Clyde H. Freed, III of Tennessee, Brian J. Freed and wife Trish of Germantown, MD. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and their children, and friends.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brothers, Willard, Kenneth,Upton, sisters Dessie Fitzwater, Velma (Betsy) Fraley, Geraldine Stark,Wilma Whitworth, and Una Harner.The family will be receiving friends on Friday, February 22, 2019, from 6-8 pm at the Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Rd. (Rt. 109), Barnesville, MD (hiltonfh.com),where funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at 11 am.Interment will follow at Boyds Presbyterian Church, Boyds, MD. A reception will be held at the St. Mary’s Pavilion, 18230 Barnesville Road, Barnesville, MD.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to VFW Post 3285, 5901 Old National Pike, Frederick, MD 21702.

Sharkey Edward Poole
1932-2019

Sharkey Edward Poole, Sr., 86, of Gaithersburg, MD, died on February 28, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Born June 21, 1932, in Gaithersburg, he was the son of the late John and Mildred (Fox) Poole.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the American Legion in Damascus, MD for 50 years.  Eddie served in the Korean War where he received the Occupation Medal (Japan), Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.

Eddie was retired from Montgomery County Road Department after 26 years of service.  After retirement he went back to work with the road department for another 24 years.  In 2013, Eddie went to work for O'Connell & Lawrence, Inc. as a construction inspector until 2 years ago. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Bertha V. Poole; two daughters, Patty Kusmiskis and husband Richard of Gaithersburg, Pamela Oskandy and husband Bob of Florida; a daughter- in-law, Denise Poole of Mt. Airy, MD.; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; one sister, Patsy Burdette of Florida and one brother, Ronald Poole of Damascus.  Eddie is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Sharkey Edward Poole Jr.

Graveside services will be held at 11 AM, on Monday March 4, at the Boyds Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 19901 White Ground Road, Boyds, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disable Veterans (dav.org).

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