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Betty Torboli

On April 18,2026, Betty Torboli entered into the gates of heaven. Her journey began September 30, 1937, Opal and Leo Barnhart welcomed a daughter Betty Jane. She was the older sister of Midge (passed 2025) and Leo. At age nine Betty and Midge were adopted by Eleanor and Albert Kolesar.She attended Clark School and Washington High School.On December 5,1955, Betty married and devoted her love and life to Arthur “Archie” Torboli (who passed in 2008); during their marriage they were blessed with six children. They camped all around the United States and enjoyed time at their little orange camp in Tionesta, PA.Betty was very active in the lives of her children and later her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a Girl Scout Leader and Den Mom, she baked special decorated birthday cakes and was a hard worker, taking care of her family and all the different pets they acquired.As a young child, her Grandma Davis took her to church and taught her about God’s love. Her faith continued throughout her life. Betty was a longtime member of Avella Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder, deacon, and Sunday school teacher.She spent a few years as a teacher’s aide at Avella Elementary School and also worked over 30 years at Meadowcroft Historic Village; she loved interpreting the one room schoolhouse.She is survived by her children Patience (Ted) Steubenbordt, Frances (Skip) Skariot, Cris (Jim) Fidazzo, Danny (Carol) Torboli, Betty Lou (Walt) Palmer; grandchildren, Anthony (Deana) Skariot, Nicholas (Brenna) Skariot, Courtney Torboli, Joshua (Becky) Kubacka, Danny (Brittany) Torboli , Megan (Nicholas) Alexander, Lisa (Doug) Hillenbrand, Alayne(Jeff) Munoz; great-grandchildren, Morgan & Connor Skariot, Noah & Charlie Munoz, Cole & Kieran Hillenbrand and another little one due to arrive this year.Waiting for her in heaven in addition to her husband is her beloved son, Arthur Jr. “Boo Boo” and great grandson Hayden Skariot.The Torboli family would like to thank the caring staff of Ann’s Country Retreat.Friends and family will be received from 2pm-7pm on Sunday, April 26, in the Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., 18 Campbell Street, Avella, PA 15312, where funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday, April 27, with Pastor Frances Skariot officiating.Burial will be in West Point Cemetery, Avella.Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.

Rita Andrews Craig, 95

Rita Andrews Craig, 95, of Washington, formerly of West Middletown, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Southmont Presbyterian Senior Care.She was born on August 6, 1930, in Patterson Mills (Cross Creek Township), PA, daughter of the late Delbert Leroy and Nellie Belle Kuhns Andrews.Rita was a 1948 graduate of Avella High School and was a member of Grove U.P. Church of West Middletown.She had lived in West Middletown from 1952 until she and her husband moved to Washington in 2004. While living in Washington she was a member of the Retired Persons Washington County Chapter 1354 and the Washington Senior Citizens.Rita’s family was very important to her, and she was very involved in raising her nieces and nephews; babysitting all of them through the years. She loved to make quilts, cook, garden and tend to her flowers.On November 23, 1949 she married John Stanley Craig, who passed away on February 1, 2011.Rita was the last of her immediate family. Surviving are, her sister-in-law, Ann Andrews; and several nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her great great niece Liliana.Deceased in addition to her husband of 61 years and parents are, three brothers, Leroy L., Lester S. and Harold “Pete” Andrews; and a sister, Geraldine Gally.At the request of the deceased there will be no visitations. A private graveside service will be held in West Middletown Cemetery.The family would like to thank Presbyterian Senior Care Network and Gateway Hospice.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Shriners Children'sProcessing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394. All arrangements are being handled by Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., Avella.

Russell Melvin Woodburn, 76

“Hop” Russell Melvin Woodburn 76, of Avella, was born October 23, 1949, and passed away on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at home with his family by his side and was reunited with his parents, William A. and Dorothy L. Mull Woodburn and his brothers, Jiggs, Itsy, Woody, and Fred.He married Estelle Marie Joseph on July 29, 1981, who survives, and together they had three children, Philip “Tino” of Bozeman, MT; Joseph (Jamie) of Avella; and Elizabeth of Avella; Hop was Pap to three grandkids, Ethan, Layla, and Melvin, and had one furry little friend, Blu, whom he insisted on calling “Duke.” His grandson Melvin was his shadow; his best buddy, his fishing partner, and his favorite person in the world. He is also survived by his sister, Doris J. Peterson (Wayne); and several nieces and nephews.He lived his life with a full heart, a restless spirit, and a story always worth telling. Known to nearly everyone simply as Hop, he was wild, wonderful, and unforgettable to the people lucky enough to know him.Hop spent 40 years working as a longwall coal miner at the Windsor Power Mine, where he earned the respect of the men beside him through hard work, grit, and humor. Mining was demanding work, but when that hole was dug, he wouldn’t sit down because it was time to dig another one and Hop carried himself with the same fearless energy underground that he brought to every part of life.A true hippie at heart, Hop loved good times, loud concerts, motorcycles, and the freedom of the open road. With his big beard, rebellious streak, and gift for making friends anywhere he landed, he could turn an ordinary night into a legendary one. Friends knew that Hop could roll a joint faster than anyone could smoke one and could even roll one while riding his motorcycle at 69 mph. His black lung never seemed to slow his appetite for living life wide open. He would try anything once and the things he liked he try twice.Hop loved traveling across the country, choosing back roads over highways and adventure over routine. He hunted deer and elk, fished lakes for walleye and rivers for salmon, and found peace in the outdoors. Whether gathered around a campfire, parked at a concert, or swapping stories late into the night, he lived fully, loudly, and on his own terms.Hop enjoyed the simple pleasures in life; hanging out with his buddies, bullshitting, watching sports, and fishing down at Raccoon Valley Sportsmen’s Club — where he happily spent most of his free time. He enjoyed laughing and joking with one of his best friends, Cole Heckman, cracking open an I.C. Light, and buying beer for anyone who needed one.More than anything, Hop will be remembered for his free spirit, his humor, his toughness, and the joy he brought into the lives of others. He leaves behind countless stories, deep friendships, and memories that will live on wherever people gather to laugh, ride, hunt, fish, travel, or raise a cold beer in his honor.He will be deeply missed and as long as we remember him, he’ll never be gone, he’ll just fishing somewhere we can’t see yet.A celebration of life will be held at a later date.All funeral arrangements are being handled by Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., Avella, PA. Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.

Gary E. Vizyak Sr., 79

Gary E. Vizyak Sr., 79, of Avella, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 14, 2026 in his home.He was born on June 4, 1946 in Steubenville, OH, son of the late Bernard J. and Patricia Semenick Vizyak.Gary attended Union High School of Burgettstown and was a specialized glassworker for Brooke Glass in Wellsburg, WV, for 43 years.He enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his grandchildren, cutting grass and gardening.On June 1, 1968 he married Vera Darlene Wilkins, who survives.Surviving in addition to his loving wife of 57 years are his children, Gary E. Vizyak Jr. and his wife Leslie Cunningham-Vizyak, Mark Vizyak and his wife Jessica Vizyak and Steve Vizyak and his wife Amy Vizyak; seven grandchildren, Gary E. Vizyak III, Zachary Vizyak (Dianne Bugaile), Jocelyn (Jason) Cunningham-Atkinson, Brennan, Cadence, Gavin and Kolton Vizyak; three great grandchildren, Jade, Wyatt and Le’von; a brother, Bernard G. (Nancy) Vizyak.All funeral arrangements are private and being handled by Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., Avella, PA.Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.

Margaret C. Burkhart, 95

Margaret C. Burkhart, 95, of Avella, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the Donnell House, Washington, with her family by her side.She was born on August 11, 1930, in Pittsburgh, PA, daughter of the late Joseph Frazer Capes and Sophie Virginia Boyle Capes.Margaret was a 1948 graduate of Crafton High School and was a member of St. Philip Catholic church in Crafton, where she married Gilbert Blair Burkhart Jr. on September 27, 1952.Margaret and Gilbert welcomed seven children and as their family grew, they relocated to Avella in 1969. She was a strong and hardworking woman; while raising the children, she also milked cows on the family farm and was affectionately known to many as “Granny”.Margaret was a devout Catholic and dedicated her life to raising her family in the church. She was a member of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish (St. Michael Church of Avella) and taught faith formation classes.She loved to garden, sew, quilt and bake. Over the years, she had made many hand-stitched quilts for her children, grandchildren and several charities. She was known for her delicious pie crust and cinnamon rolls. There was never a dull moment with Margaret; her quick wit, kindness and compassion was always on full display.Surviving Mrs. Burkhart are her children, Blair (Melinda) Burkart, Karen (Tom) Birdsall, Patty (Bob) Lucas, Sandy (Albert “Buzz”) Haught and Gil (Somo “O”) Burkhart; son-in-law, John Eskay; 14 grandchildren, Michael (Chelsey), Krista (Matt), Blair Jr., Joshua (Brittany), Nick (Kayla), Edith, Patrick (Becca), Brian (Samantha), Marsha (Cyril), Robert (Paula), Rick (Maria), Caitlin, Erica and Natchaya; and 22 great grandchildren, Gavin, Ella, Cora, Sawyer, Reagan, Kayla, Wyatt, Tatiana, Isabella, Adelyn, Tucker, Conner, Madelyn, Alayna, Cyril, Austin, Tyler, Lane, Rowan, Bhodie, Nicole and Logan.Preceding her in death in addition to her parents and her husband Gilbert, who passed away on August 6, 1997, are two daughters, Janet Burkhart and Barb Eskay; two grandsons, Danny (Kayleigh) Lucas and Christopher (Tiffany) Haught; two brothers, Joe and Frank Capes; and three sisters, Evie Reiner, Emma Reiner and Virginia Harshman.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in St. Michael Church, 97 Highland Avenue, Avella, with Rev. Harry Bielewicz officiating. Everyone is kindly asked to meet at the church.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Isidore the Farmer Parish (specify to be used in St. Michael Church) and the Avella Volunteer Fire Department.Burial will be in Independence Cemetery, Avella.All funeral arrangements are being handled by Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., Avella.Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.

Independence Township Meeting Cancelled

THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVERY-3rd-TUESDAY-MEETING has been cancelled for April.

Planning Commission Meeting

City of Washington: Regular Council Meeting

Independence Township Newsletter

Council Person and Mayor Compensation Fixed

9/9/2025

Ordinance Regarding Secretary/Treasurer Roles Repealed

12/9/2025

Police Pension Plan Amendment Announced

12/9/2025

Township of Smith: Discover Your Potential

There's more power in your self than you imagined. Be ready to explore.  The only thing stopping you from achieving your goals and dreams are your own fears. 

Township of Smith: Inspiration for Residents

It's time to stop listening and start living! Get ready to leave your comfort zone and discover the exciting opportunities that are open to you. You'll be amazed.

No Upcoming Events Announced in Dunlevy Borough

Events There are no events at this time. Please check back.

Chapman University Director Honored as Dedicated Disciple

The OGMP is pleased to recognize and honor Rev. Nancy Brink as a Dedicated Disciple. Rev. Nancy Brink serves as Executive Director of the Fish Interfaith Center at Chapman University, where she has been a member of the university community since January 2009. She initially joined as Director of Church Relations before stepping into the Executive Director role in 2023. During her time at Chapman, she has been a colleague, friend, teacher, pastor, counselor, and mentor to students, faculty, and staff across the university. Nancy provides pastoral care and spiritual guidance through some of the most formative years of students’ lives, supporting families through grief, celebrating milestones, and walking alongside the Chapman community through life’s many seasons. She also cemented Chapman’s relationship with the United Church of Christ in 2010. Her contributions to campus include adding a canvas labyrinth to the Wallace All Faiths Chapel, acquiring the Heritage Edition of the Saint John’s Bible, supporting the LGBTQIA+ Staff and Faculty Forum, and shepherding a $2 million gift for student housing scholarships. She has taught a Freshman Foundation Course on Progressive Christianity, co-taught a world religions course in India, and brought distinguished speakers such as Anne Lamott, Barbara Brown Taylor, and Rev. Dr. William Barber to campus for Founders Day. Nancy holds a BA (Magna Cum Laude) in Religious Studies from Texas Christian University and a graduate degree from Vanderbilt University’s Divinity School with a concentration in Pastoral Care. Ordained in 1979, she served four Disciples congregations before coming to Chapman, and has held numerous leadership roles within the Disciples of Christ and broader ecumenical organizations throughout her career.

City of Washington: Upcoming Meeting Agenda

Announcement: Week of Ministry

Honoring and celebrating the call to ministry since 1933. Week of Ministry was created by Pension Fund to provide resources for congregations and ministry workers to: Show appreciation for those in ministry. Encourage congregations to celebrate their pastor. Foster relationships among ministry peers. Support and encourage those who might be interested in a ministry career in the future Find resources to celebrate Week of Ministry at: https://pensionfund.org/learn/resources/week-of-ministryThe post Week of Ministry appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Announcement: Disciples Chaplains Annual Reporting Period

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