Morrison Funeral Home Obituaries

Introduction to Morrison Funeral Home

Morrison Funeral Home, located at 700 Oak Street, Graham, TX, 76450, has been a pillar of the community for many years, providing compassionate and professional funeral services to families in their time of need. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, Morrison Funeral Home has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted funeral homes in the area.

A History of Compassionate Care

Morrison Funeral Home has a long history of serving the Graham community, dating back to [insert year]. Over the years, the funeral home has remained family-owned and operated, with a focus on providing personalized and compassionate care to each and every family they serve. The funeral home's commitment to excellence has earned them a reputation as one of the most respected and trusted funeral homes in the area.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Fay J. Fink - March 19, 1928 - May 13, 2024

Departed: 05/13/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Fay J. Fink, 96, formerly of Oil City, died peacefully, Monday, May 13, 2024 at Elmwood Gardens in Erie.

Born March 19, 1928, in Franklin, she was a daughter of the late Wesley and Lucy McKean Brown.

Fay worked for many years as a nurse at Garmong Nursing Home.

Mrs. Fink had been a member of Hasson Heights Community Church.

She loved square dancing and decorating for Christmas, even winning awards for her decorations.

On June 25, 1947, she was married to Lewis C. Fink, who preceded her in death on April 3, 2017.

Surviving are a son, Dennis Fink and his wife Judy of Waterford; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Fink of Oil City; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Also surviving are three sisters, Ruby Devericks, Peggy Sterling, and Carol Schenburg.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three sons, Lewis Jr., Ron, and Mark Fink; a sister, Valley Lee; and six brothers, Donnie, Bob, Sam, Teddy, James, and Dick Brown.

Visitation will be Friday from 10 to noon in the Morrison Funeral Home where a funeral service will follow at noon.

Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery. To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Francis P. Beary - October 08, 1935 - May 11, 2024

Departed: 05/11/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Francis P. “Pete” Beary, 88, of Titusville, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, Saturday, May 11, 2024.

Born October 8, 1935, in Oil City, he was the son of the late Frank and Appolonia Hoehnlein Beary.

A 1954 graduate of Oil City High School, he went on to serve in the US Air Force before returning home where he worked as a machinist for many years, eventually retiring in 1998 from Continental Plastic Containers.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating, but most loved working and taking long walks on his beloved farm.

Mr. Beary had been a member of St. Stephen Church.

On June 22, 1968, he was married to the former Loretta F. Lape who survives.

Surviving in addition to his wife are a daughter, Beth Beary of Economy; a sister, Abbie Porterfield and her husband Jim of Oil City; two sisters-in-law, Louanne Lape and Judith Malatino; and many loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary McElroy as well as an infant sister; four brothers-in-law, Robert Lape, Don Young, Gerald Malatino, and Tom Dickerson; and two sisters-in-law, Joan Young and Frances Dickerson.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 3 to 5 pm in the Morrison Funeral Home where a funeral service will follow at 5 pm.

Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens with a committal service in the chapel at 10:30 am Thursday. The family requests memorials in Mr. Beary’s name be made to the Venango County Humane Society, 286 South Main Street, Seneca, PA 16346 To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Janet L. Higley - May 15, 1945 - May 10, 2024

Departed: 05/10/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Janet L. Higley, 78, formerly of Tippery, died peacefully, Friday, May 10, 2024 at Shippenville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Born May 15, 1945 in Oil City, she was a daughter of the late Guy and Hazel Heath Perry.

A 1964 graduate of Cranberry High School, she worked for many years as the manager of Tobey’s Pizza in Oil City.

An outdoor lover, she enjoyed gardening, camping, and bird watching. She liked going on car rides, especially for ice cream at Polly’s.

On October 20, 2004, she was married to Larry B. Higley, who preceded her in death on February 22, 2009.

Surviving is her son, Justin Perry and his fiancée Lisa Simmers of Oil City.

Also surviving is a sister, June Priest of Oil City.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Perry.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 to 5 pm in the Morrison Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 5 pm.

Interment will be in Heckathorn Cemetery. To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Beth Ann Sterner - December 17, 1952 - April 28, 2024

Departed: 04/28/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Beth Ann Sterner, 71, of Oil City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Born December 17, 1952, in Corry, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Marjorie Miller Smith.

Beth was a graduate of Titusville High School.

Always an outdoor lover, she enjoyed growing and cultivating all kinds of flowers and plants. She was a prolific and talented quilter and sewer. However, her biggest passion was investing in her family and creating a home that honored the Lord.

On September 7, 1974, she was married to Robert W. Sterner, who loved and supported her throughout her life.

Surviving in addition to her husband are her seven children, whom she valued until the end: Shonda Yost and her husband Ben, of Canton, OH, Sherri Myers and her husband Jonathan, of Elizabethtown, KY, Robert Sterner and his wife Jenn, of Winder, GA, Cindy Bell and her husband Aaron, of Fertigs, Amy Moore and her husband Chris, of Berkley Springs, WV, Christina Sterner of Oil City, and Ricky Sterner and his wife Trinni, of Oil City. There are also 15 grandchildren: Evan and Justin Yost, Ethan and Berea Myers, Hannah, Chaya, and Zachary Sterner, Miriam, Ruth, Sarah, Tirzah, Zipporah, and Malachi Bell, and Adaira and Madelyn Moore.

Also surviving are five sisters: Gladys, Jeannette, Jacque, Dana, and Freda.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Cheryl and Delores.

Visitation and funeral services are private.

Interment will be in Cherrytree Cemetery. To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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David G. Deets - November 11, 1939 - April 24, 2024

Departed: 04/24/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: David G. Deets, 84, of Cooperstown, passed away, surrounded by family, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie.

Born November 11, 1939, in Titusville, he was the son of the late Glenn and Dorothy Ames Deets.

After serving in the United States Navy, Dave worked as a truck driver for Pennzoil and USF Holland, from which he retired.

He enjoyed hunting, riding snow mobile, and gardening and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

A man of many talents, Dave would do whatever he could to help others.

On September 5, 1959, he was married to the former Margretta L. Clugston who survives.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons, Daniel Deets and his wife Kitty of Oil City, Randy Deets and his wife Lisa of Titusville, and Kristopher Deets and his wife Cinnamon of Cooperstown; seven grandchildren, Shelby Stevenson and her husband Mike, Devin Deets and his wife Hannah, Kristen Deets, Justin Deets, Brandon Hockman and his wife Taylor, Austin Hockman, and Lukas Deets; and five great grandchildren, Mason Deets, Eli Deets, Easton Deets, Crue Hockman, and Andrew Deets.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lou Stahlman.

Visitation and funeral services are private.

Interment will be in Dempseytown Lutheran Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to the VETS Honor Guard, PO Box 137, Franklin, PA 16323. To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Linda K. Anthony - December 26, 1944 - April 10, 2024

Departed: 04/10/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Linda K. Anthony, 79, of Oil City, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Born December 26, 1944 in Oil City, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Gladys Messerole Dempsey.

A graduate of Oil City High School, she was a homemaker who enjoyed singing in the local “watering holes,” and loved animals and crafting.

Surviving are two daughters, Joyce Beach and her husband Ernie of Oil City, and Julie Breck and her significant other, Keith Miller of Oil City; nine grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren; and her companion, Jerry Hetrick of Oil City.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Anthony; her companion, Robert Clark; a daughter, Jennifer Horn; and a grandchild.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 Saturday in the Morrison Funeral Home.

Interment will be in Cherrytree Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Venango County Humane Society at 286 S. Main Street, Seneca, PA 16346. To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Thomas G. Bickel - January 23, 1941 - March 28, 2024

Departed: 03/28/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Thomas Gorton Bickel, 83, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024, at UPMC Northwest in Seneca after an extended illness.

Born January 23, 1941, in the village of Dempseytown, Oakland Township, Venango County, he was the third son of the late Carl H. Bickel and Mildred Beers Bickel.

As an early teenager, Tom and his brother Will delivered the Derrick in the Dempseytown area. They also worked for Bill and Roscoe Speer’s grocery store in Dempseytown. They both played baseball in the Oil City Little League and Pony League.

Tom was a 1958 graduate of Oil City High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society and received the American Legion Award. His favorite subjects were math and science.

Starting in 1958, Tom, Will, and Harold Prichard built race cars to run at Tri-City – from an initial flathead Ford stocker to a super modified/sprint powered by a modified 1959 Buick V-8 engine (#7) which he co-drove with Harold through the summer of 1963.

In January of 1959 (on his 18th birthday), Tom began work in the office of South Penn Oil Company at the Drake building in Oil City as an interoffice mail clerk. In the spring of 1960, Tom left South Penn and began work at Bucholz Auto Salvage in Dempseytown as an auto mechanic and then a PA state inspection mechanic.

In October of 1963, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he attended basic training in San Diego Electronics School at Treasure Island in San Francisco during most of 1964, and then computer systems schools at Vallejo, CA and Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. during 1965. In September of 1965, he received an honorable medical discharge from the Navy.

In October of 1965, Tom joined IBM Field Engineering Division in Arlington, VA as a customer service engineer. He attended several IBM schools in Endicott, NY and other locations on basic IBM machines servicing, early IBM telecommunications equipment, and IBM programming support for System/360.

In July of 1968, Tom returned to the Dempseytown area and went to work in the data processing department of Joy Mining Machinery in Franklin. During Tom’s 35 years at Joy, he worked as a systems programmer, applications programmer, database administrator, and group leader. His working career at Joy spanned the transition from a simple, strictly batch environment to a complex online environment and then to the SAP system environment.

Tom’s other interests included working at Tri-City Speedway for several summers as a scorer and as a pit steward. He was an avid hunter for over 50 years.

Tom was a longtime member of the Oakland Township V.F.D. where he served as president and treasurer, and also worked bingo for many years. Tom was the Oakland Township Emergency Management Coordinator during the 1985 tornado disaster.

Tom moved to Oil City in 1987.

Tom’s hobbies included working on cars, home remodeling, watching NASCAR, baseball, football and golf on TV. He also enjoyed reading about Civil War History and using his PC.

Tom was currently a member of Good Hope Lutheran Church in Oil City. Previously, he had been a longtime member of the Oakland United Methodist Church in Dempseytown.

Tom was married August 26, 1993, to Lois M. (Summers) Hicks Bickel who survives.

Surviving in addition to his wife are one daughter, Gina M. Metzenbacher and one granddaughter, Megan Metzenbacher of Girard.

Also surviving are a brother, Willis Bickel of Ranger, GA; a sister-in-law, Mazie Bickel of Titusville; several nieces and nephews; three stepsons and their wives, Robert and Beth Hicks of Greensburg, Mark and Donna Hicks of Oil City, and Michael and Jennifer Hicks of Clarion; step grandchildren, Katie (Tony) Borsuk, Christopher Hicks, Kylie Hicks, Trevor (Clare) Hicks, Kirsten Hicks, Estella Hicks, and Addison Hicks; and step great grandchildren, Mya Hicks, Maddy McNerney, Conner Borsuk, and Luke Borsuk.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Donald C. Bickel; two sister-in-laws, Nancy Boyd Bickel and Sandy Bickel, and a niece, Lois Bickel White.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Saturday in the Morrison Funeral Home where a funeral service will follow at 8 pm with the Rev. J. Michael Parsh officiating.

Interment will be in Brandon Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to the American Heart Association or the Oakland Twp Volunteer Fire Department. To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Michele B. Keil - March 09, 1943 - March 15, 2024

Departed: 03/15/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Michele B. Keil, 81, of Mentor, OH, passed away peacefully Friday, March 15, 2024, at Symphony at Mentor.

Born March 9, 1943, in Philadelphia, PA, she was a daughter of the late Dr. John Candas and Gloria Rogerson Nuzum.

Michele was a graduate of Wheeling College in Wheeling, WV.

A homemaker, family was her focus, and she devoted her life to her family. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Surviving are two children, Holland Heller and her husband Christopher of Akron, OH, and John Greene and his wife Laurie of Mentor, OH; a stepson, John Keil, Jr. and his wife Kim of Columbiana, OH; four grandchildren, Christopher and Katherine Heller, and Emerson and Parker Greene; and three step grandchildren, Devan, Logan, and Avery Willis.

Also surviving are a sister, Kimberly Lawrence of Longboat Key, FL; a brother, William B. Nuzum of Bradenton, FL; and Karen Clark of Boardman, OH, who was like a daughter to Michele.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Keil; a sister, Melissa Forte; and her grandmother, Rhea Rogerson.

Friends will be received from 10:30 to 11 am Wednesday in the Morrison Funeral Home, 110 Petroleum St., Oil City, PA where a funeral service will follow at 11 am with the Rev. Bill Hopkins officiating.

Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery.

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Carole L. Yeager - February 23, 1936 - March 12, 2024

Departed: 03/12/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Carole L. (Anderson) Rhodes Yeager, 88, of Oil City, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at UPMC Northwest in Seneca.

Born February 23, 1936 in Oil City, she was a daughter of the late Kenneth R. and Mabel W. Buck Anderson.

After graduating from Oil City High School in the class of 1954, she worked at J.C. Penny and Citizens Bank before getting married. After raising her eight children, she worked for Family Services and Children and Youth Services until she retired.

She enjoyed spending time with her growing family the most. In her younger years, she also enjoyed hunting and fishing with her husband, making and painting ceramics, gardening, and canning the fruits from her garden. Lately, she loved reading and sitting around campfires having hot dogs and marshmallows.

Surviving are five sons, Terry Rhodes of California, Thomas Rhodes of Seneca, Randall Rhodes and his wife Jacki of Reno, Kevin Rhodes and his wife Joyce of Oil City, Gregory Rhodes and his wife Edie of Oil City; two daughters, Cinda Walentoski and her husband Randy of Plumer, and Beth Blum and her husband Mike of Rockland; eight grandchildren, David, Debra, Crystal, Rebecca, Lacey, Luke, Abby, and Tim; and many step children and step grandchildren.

Also surviving are special friends, Frank and Stella Kee, and Ron and Sue Chapin.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harold Yeager, Sr.; and a son, Jeffery Rhodes.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 pm Sunday in the Morrison Funeral Home.

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Barbara M. Cisek McGarvey - May 22, 1939 - March 09, 2024

Departed: 03/09/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Barbara M. Cisek McGarvey, 84, of Van, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at UPMC Northwest in Seneca after a brief illness.

Barbara was born in Buffalo, New York on May 22, 1939, the only child of William W. Hezel and Kathryn M. (Towlson) Hezel. Both of her parents preceded her passing.

Barbara attended Cleveland Hill Elementary and graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in 1956. She spent much of her early working life in public service in various positions in her hometown of Cheektowaga, New York.

Barbara was married to Richard J. Cisek who preceded her in death on October 3, 1984 and then to C. Neal McGarvey who preceded her in death on November 28, 1995.

In August of 1977, Barbara moved with her husband and two young boys from Buffalo, to a 110-acre farm in Van, Pennsylvania. Barbara acclimated well to her new life in rural western Pennsylvania. She raised award-winning Black and Yellow American Labrador Retrievers for forty-five years and lovingly placed puppies with families all over the country. Over the years, Barbara also dabbled in raising Simmental Cattle, horses, pigs, goats, geese and ducks.

Barbara loved living on her farm where she maintained her independence until her passing. Her family credits her love of her animals for her long well-lived life. Caring for her dogs became her passion and during her two serious encounters with cancer, they provided her with the will to persevere.

Despite her move to black and gold country, Barbara remained a lifelong ardent supporter of the Buffalo Bills.

Barbara is survived by her son, Richard J. Cisek and his wife, Paisley Schade, of San Francisco and Attorney William J. Cisek and his wife, Jennifer, of Franklin. She is also survived by her grandson, Will, of Franklin and granddaughter, Eden, of Seattle. In addition, she is survived by her three Labrador Retrievers, Bo, Kitty, and Leia, her Maine Coon cat, Tory and her second cat Purrcilla.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 11 am in St. Joseph Church in Oil City.

Interment will be in Georgeville Cemetery. In Barbara’s memory, please consider supporting Precious Paws Animal Rescue, PO Box 784, Franklin, PA 16323 www.pparfranklin.com or The Kirkland Cancer Foundation, PO Box 108, Franklin, PA 16323 www.kirklandcancerfoundation.org To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Frank L. Leta - January 10, 1927 - March 04, 2024

Departed: 03/04/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Frank L. Leta, 97, of Oil City, died peacefully, Monday, March 4, 2024 at Sugar Creek Station in Franklin.

Born January 10, 1927 in Oil City, he was a son of the late Salvatore and Josephine Spalla Leta.

Frank served in the Army during WWII, was a graduate of Duquesne University, and worked for Leta Beverage.

At Frank's request, there will be no visitation and services will be private.

Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Franklin.

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Richard E. White - June 27, 1936 - February 17, 2024

Departed: 02/17/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Richard Eugene White, age 87, of Franklin, died peacefully on February 17, 2024, at Oil City Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Oil City.

Born in Franklin, on June 27, 1936, he was a son of the late William John White and Irma Irene Stevenson White.

He was a graduate of Franklin High School. Richard served in the U.S. Army for 4 years, stationed in Germany as Military Police.

Dick retired after working for 33 years at Conair as an assembler. He enjoyed landscaping and working in his yard. He also enjoyed model trains.

He married the former Helen Marie Karns on October 10, 1959, at Heckathorn Church. She preceded him in death in October of 1999. They shared 40 years of marriage together.

Surviving is a son, Matthew A. White, a daughter, Melissa J. White, and Melissa’s two children, Sage Richard and Gillian Helen who he adored and spent many hours playing with them outside and giving them tractor rides.

In addition to Richard’s parents, preceding him in death were his wife, Helen, and three brothers, Paul, Jim, and Donald White.

Funeral services will be private.

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Diana S. Lauer - January 10, 1954 - February 08, 2024

Departed: 02/08/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Diana S. Lauer, 70, of Marseilles, IL, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, IL.

She was born January 10, 1954, in Oil City to Charles and Mary (Henry) Firster. In 1975, she married Brett Lauer of Oil City who survives.

Diana attended St. Stephen School and graduated in 1971 from Cranberry High School. She was employed by CPT in Franklin. Diana and Brett lived in San Diego and New Mexico while Brett was in the Navy. In 1992, their family relocated to Marseilles, IL, and she was employed as a dispatcher for the Marseilles Police and Emergency Services. She enjoyed reading and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Brett; two sons, Timothy and Andrew Lauer; two granddaughters, Chloe and Quinn Lauer; her mother, Mary Firster; her mother-in-law, Kathleen Dittman; her sisters-in-law, Susan Birocco and Teresa Eury; a brother-in-law, Mark Lauer; and two aunts, Loretta and P. Candice Henry.

She was preceded in death by her father, Chuck; her brother, Joseph Rossiter; a brother-in-law, Gary Lauer; an aunt, Patricia Hoff; and two uncles, Richard and Joseph Henry.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, February 17 at Morrison Funeral Home in Oil City. Funeral services will follow at 12 p.m. in the funeral home. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Oil City. To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Robert B. Seth - August 28, 1936 - February 02, 2024

Departed: 02/02/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Robert B. Seth, 87, of Oil City, passed away peacefully, with his loving wife by his side, February 2, 2024, at Oakwood Heights Village in Oil City.

Born August 28, 1936, in Oil City, he was a son of the late Perry and Ruth Ament Seth.

After graduating from Cranberry High School, Bob served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Hawaii for four years between the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

When he returned home, he began a 42-year career in the auto parts business, working for Pennsy Auto, King of Parts, and Baker’s Auto.

Mr. Seth was a long-time member of the First Church of God in Oil City.

Bob loved his church, music, and reading the Bible. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, poetry, and yard work, and especially his loyal dog, Elfie.

On June 26, 1981, he was married in the First Church of God in Oil City to the former Nanci V. Morrison, and she survives. They had been married for 42 years.

Surviving are his wife Nanci of Oil City; three children, Ted Seth of Florida, Rob Seth and his wife Jayne of North Carolina; and Sean Madden of California; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Douglas Seth; a brother, William Seth; and two sisters, Mary Catherine Smith and Isabel Cornmesser.

Friends will be received from 10:30 to 11 am on Monday, February 12th at the First Church of God in Oil City where a memorial service will follow at 11 am with the Rev. Brenda Snedden officiating.

Private interment will be in Zion Union Cemetery in Emlenton.

The family suggests memorials be made to the First Church of God in Oil City at 11 E. 8th Street, Oil City, PA 16301. To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Grace E. Carson - April 17, 1928 - February 02, 2024

Departed: 02/02/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Grace E. Carson, 95, of Kennerdell, died peacefully, February 2, 2024 at Oakwood Heights Village in Oil City.

Born April 17, 1928 in Oil City, she was a daughter of the late George and Hannah Clark Wise.

On March 23, 1948, she was married to the late Ronald D. Carson who preceded her in death on July 16, 2005. They had been married for 57 years.

She was a housewife for many years who will be remembered well as being a good neighbor and a babysitter for a lot of nieces and nephews and grandchildren.

Grace enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and sewing.

Mrs. Carson was a long-time member of the Oil City Nazarene Church.

Surviving are five children, Bonnie Tighe of Homer City, Carol Luton and her husband Curt of Oil City, David Carson and his wife Kim of Newport News, VA, Kenneth Carson and his wife Julie of Cranberry, and Terry Carson and his wife Kris of Oil City; eight grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Also surviving are two sisters, Mary Brumbaugh of Seneca, and Alice Knight of Salem, OH.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Ronald Tarr; an infant granddaughter, Jennifer Luton; three brothers, Albert, George, and Richard Wise; and a sister, Joan Dickey.

There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Private interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens. To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Janet L. Shields - February 16, 1967 - January 28, 2024

Departed: 01/28/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Janet L. Shields, 56, of Oil City, passed away peacefully, Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Shippenville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Born February 16, 1967 in Oil City, she was a daughter of the late Hilton and June Williams Whitmer.

Janet worked for many years as a CNA before taking her current role as a home health aide. She loved her cats and dogs and especially loved spending time with her granddaughter.

She was married June 30, 1983 to William C. Shields, and he survives.

Surviving are her husband William of Oil City; two daughters, Mary Shields of Oil City and Sheila Smathers and her husband Tyler of Oil City; and a granddaughter, Elliott Smathers.

Also surviving are three siblings, Ron Whitmer and his wife Pat of South Carolina, Cindy Asel and her husband Robin of Oil City, and Mary Spencer and her husband Robert of Franklin; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Shayla Shields; a grandson, Triton Smathers; and two brothers, Keith and William Whitmer.

There will be no visitation. Funeral services are private.

The family suggests memorials be made on the funeral home website to offset funeral expenses. To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Dr. Robert M. Pilewski - February 28, 1937 - January 22, 2024

Departed: 01/22/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: **** Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Mass of Christian Burial for Dr. Robert Martin Pilewski, 86, of Allison Park, formerly of Oil City, who passed away on January 22, 2024, will now be held at St. Joseph Church, 35 Pearl Ave., Oil City, on Saturday, January 27, 2024, instead of at St. Stephen Church. We will allow a few extra minutes for attendees to arrive; the mass time will now be 11:15 am.***

Dr. Robert Martin Pilewski, 86, of Allison Park, formerly of Oil City, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024, with his dear wife, Angie, by his side.

Robert was a member of St. Stephen Church in Oil City for 50 years. There he started a bereavement group. The faith he learned from his parents, family and Polish hill community was foundational to the man he was and the life that he lived.

Robert was born on February 28, 1937 in Oil City. He graduated in 1954 from St Joseph High School and served as a Hospital Corpsman in the US Navy from 1955 to 1958. He participated in final surface nuclear tests at Bikini-Eniwetok Atoll in the South Pacific in 1958. His naval experience inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. He then attended Gannon college until 1961, and graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, magma cum laude as an inductee to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Society in 1965.

After completing his training at the University Hospitals in Pittsburgh under the legendary Jack Myers, he returned to Oil City in 1969 to start his internal medicine practice. He served the Venango County region as a beloved internist for 32 years and served in several leadership roles for the Oil City Hospital and Venango County Medical Society and was an active contributor to the American College of Physicians, achieving Fellowship status.

After suffering a stroke in 1986, he faced the physical challenges of his rehabilitation with dignity, grace, and tenacity, and often used an abbreviated phrase from a Winston Churchill speech – ‘never, never, never, give up’ - and returned to work part time. He established a stroke group in 2003 to share his experiences and support to other individuals and families, both in Oil City and in Fort Myers, FL. Late in his career, he dedicated time to teaching, one of his many passions, as an instructor for the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Pittsburgh- Titusville, and as a volunteer instructor for Venango Catholic High School. His commitment to helping, educating, and serving people in need was a lifelong pursuit. Dr. Bob had a way of delivering complex medical knowledge in a way that everyone could understand. He was an ardent supporter of public television where he hosted a show called “Stethoscope” for many years. Robert gave talks to residents of Highpointe at Rebecca, an independent senior living center, where they resided over the past four years.

Dr. Pilewski was awarded Physician of the Year by Harmarville Rehabilitation Center in 1989 and was also awarded the ‘Citizen of the Year Award’ in 2008 by the Venango County Chamber of Commerce for his decades of contributions to the community.

In addition to his work and altruism, Robert was a lifelong golfer and sports enthusiast. He was a member of the Wanango Country Club for 40 plus years and his love of golf inspired every golfer he ever played with, especially his sons. He demonstrated that golf can be played and enjoyed with one hand.

Robert is survived by his wife and beloved caregiver, Angeline, whom he married on August 27, 1960, and four children, Dr. Joseph (Anne) of Pittsburgh; Robert, Jr. (Laura) of Yosemite National Park, CA; Thomas (Lisa) of Manlius, NY; and Julie (Jeffrey) Kastelic of Mars. He cherished time with his children and 11 grandchildren: Katherine (Michael) Jacus, Chris Pilewski, Matthew Pilewski, Claire Pilewski; Kelsey Pilewski, Daniel Pilewski, Olivia Pilewski, Brendan Pilewski; Julien Kastelic, Lauren Kastelic, and Ethan Kastelic. Robert is also survived by one sister, Carol (David) Bowser of Glendale, AZ, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Clara Pilewski, one brother, Raymond Pilewski, and two sisters, Irene Andres and Joan Still.

Friends are welcome to visit on Friday, January 26, at the Morrison Funeral Home, 110 Petroleum St, Oil City from 5 to 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day, Saturday, January 27, at 11:15 AM at St. Joseph Church in Oil City.

Interment will be private.

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Mary G. Goodrum - April 19, 1936 - January 06, 2024

Departed: 01/06/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Mary G. Goodrum, 87, of Oil City, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024, surrounded by family, at UPMC Northwest in Seneca.

Born April 19, 1936, in Oil City, she was a daughter of the late Glen and June Lytle McClellan.

Mary was an ordained minister who travelled with her husband spreading the Gospel. She was a member of Calvary Temple in Oil City.

She loved the Game Show Network, always had a cup of coffee in her hand, enjoyed word search puzzles, but most enjoyed spending time with her family, Bible, and the Lord. Over the last seven months, Mary found great happiness in spending time with her newest great grandchild, Mila Joy.

Mary was married to Calvin L. Goodrum, and he preceded her in death on March 4, 2007.

Surviving are five children, Keith Goodrum and his wife Alice of Washington, Kenneth Goodrum of Oil City, Delores Goodrum of Oil City, Daniel Goodrum of Oil City, and Lori Hutchinson and her husband Mike of Oil City; nine grandchildren, Josh and Matt Goodrum, Rachel Schuerle, David Goodrum, Megan, Leah, and Mikey Hutchinson, and Ken and Ben Goodrum; and 10 great grandchildren.

Also surviving are two siblings, Betty Faye and Benny Ray McClellan.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three children, an infant son, Steven, a daughter, Angela Goodrum, and a son, Benny Goodrum; a daughter-in-law, Susan L. Goodrum; and a son-in-law, Clint Mengel.

Visitation will be held in the Morrison Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 3 to 6 pm. To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Helen L. Guth - May 17, 1928 - January 01, 2024

Departed: 01/01/2024 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Cherished mother, Helen Louise (Hinds) Guth died on Jan. 1, 2024, at Wesbury in Meadville. Born in Oil City on May 17, 1928, she was a daughter of the late Frederick Taylor Hinds and Helen (McDonald) Hinds. She attended Oil City public schools, graduated from Oil City High School in 1946, and was a life-long member of St. Stephen Church. She married Ralph Joseph Guth of Venus in 1950, a union that lasted 63 years, until his death in 2013.

Helen’s first love was her family, including nine children, R. Thomas Guth of Newport, NC. Michael J. Guth of Seneca, Mary A. Guth of Ellington, CT, Patricia J. Layne of Pleasantville, Margaret (Peg) Jones of Oil City, John F. Guth of Meadville, Christopher J. Guth of Clarion, Phillip G. Guth of Annandale, VA and Karen M. Guth of Avalon, PA.

She was a devoted mother with cheerful patience for the endless rounds of cooking, cleaning, and laundry, often done while humming a favorite hymn.

Helen’s circle of love extended to her sons and daughters-in-law, including Charlotte Guth, Barbara Guth, Thomas Fulton, Al Layne, Sandy Guth (deceased 2022), David Jones, Sharon Guth, and Shawn Guth. She was delighted to be grandmother of sixteen: Mark Guth, Becky Nagel, Emily Schlemmer, Steven Guth, Anne and David Fulton, Holly and Mac Layne, Jason Fox, Angela Kutchravy, Toby Lang, Eric, Ben and Allison Guth, and Sarah and Miles Guth. She also embraced fifteen great-grandchildren: Lily, Juniper and Laurel Nagel, Grayson and Aiden Gay, Justin and Kayla Fagley, Arik and Zachary Krutchravy, Macie and Zoey Fox, Eli and Noah Guth, River Schlemmer and Caleb Hirsch.

Helen was known for her kindness and service to the community. At St. Stephen Church, she did everything from clearing tables after Rosary Society dinners to chairing the rummage sale committee. At St. Stephen School and Venango Catholic High School, she helped with CCD, fundraisers, PTO and countless other activities. She was a founding member of the local chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life, and participated for many years in the group’s bus trips to Washington, D.C. She volunteered at St. Elizabeth’s Center. She served meals at the Salvation Army Meal Center for over 20 years. She was generous to many charities that fed, housed, and educated people in need.

She was a loyal friend, member of a monthly card club made up of new and old friends who supported each other in joy and sorrow for over 60 years.

Helen grew up with four brothers, Robert, Francis, James and Frederick Hinds and a sister, Mary (Hinds) Allen, all of whom predeceased her. She will be dearly missed by many nieces and nephews and their children.

The family would like to thank Helen’s fellow residents at Wesbury’s Cribbs Center, who befriended her and made her welcome, as well as Wesbury’s staff, who went the extra mile to make her final years safe and comfortable.

Visitation will be at Morrison Funeral Home on Monday, January 8, 2024, from 3 to 6 pm.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 10 am in St. Stephen Church with Rev. John Miller, pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens.

The family suggests memorials be made to St. Stephen School, 214 Reed St., Oil City, PA 16301, St. Elizabeth Center, 311 Emerald St., Oil City, PA 16301, Wesbury Foundation Benevolent Fund, 31 N. Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335, or to the charity of one’s choice. To leave the family a special message please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Lawrence W. Schill - March 31, 1942 - December 27, 2023

Departed: 12/27/2023 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Lawrence W. Schill, age 81, of Venus, died on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at UPMC St. Margaret Hospital in Pittsburgh.There will be no visitation or services.

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Barbara A. Platt - April 15, 1934 - December 25, 2023

Departed: 12/25/2023 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Barbara A. Platt, 89, of Oil City, passed away after years of declining health on December 25, 2023, at Oakwood Heights. Per her request, there will be no visitation or services.

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Patricia K. Bates - December 14, 1946 - December 25, 2023

Departed: 12/25/2023 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Patricia K. “Pinky” Bates, 77, of Meadville, formerly of Oil City, passed away peacefully, at Wesbury Retirement Community in Meadville at 7:00 pm on Christmas Evening.

Born December 14, 1946, in Oil City, she was a daughter of the late Bernard and Genevieve Karg Kleck.

Patti attended both St. Joseph High School and Venango Christian High School, graduating from Venango Christian. She also received an Associate’s Degree at the University of Pittsburgh in business receiving all A’s.

She worked over 40 years at Penelec both in Oil City and Meadville ending her career at Penelec as Regional Manager in Meadville. After retiring, she later worked at Seco Warwick in Meadville.

Patricia loved spending time outdoors, hiking and walking at Petroleum Center, Oil Creek State Park, and Woodcock Dam in Meadville. She also loved spending time at Presque Isle and being in the sun. She had worked tirelessly for the March of Dimes and its annual walk-a-thon while she was with Penelec. Patti also was an animal-lover, having many dogs during her lifetime (Beasley, Maddie and Emma in her later years). She also enjoyed antiquing, crafting, and reading. Her faith was strong and unwavering, and she was an active member of St. Agatha’s in Meadville and St. Stephen’s in Oil City. Most importantly, she loved her sons and grandchildren very much.

Surviving her are her sons Jeffrey Brian Bates and his wife Sheila, and Jason Gerard Bates; two grandchildren, Brittany Noel Bates and Benjamin James Bates; and five great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are her sister Judith A. Huefner of Boiling Springs, South Carolina, her brother David A. Kleck of Beaver Falls, and twenty-seven nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, John Kleck, Michael Kleck and William Kleck, and sisters, Mary “Sis” Pilewski and Catherine Gates.

Visitation will be at Morrison Funeral Home on Friday, December 29, 2023, from 4 to 8 pm.

A funeral Mass will be held at on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 10 am in St. Stephen Church with Rev. John Miller, pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens. To leave the family a special message please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Janet B. Benjamin - July 20, 1944 - December 07, 2023

Departed: 12/07/2023 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Janet B. Benjamin, 79, of Oil City, passed away peacefully, Thursday, December 7, 2023 at UPMC Northwest in Seneca.

Born July 20, 1944, in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late James and Charlotte Cassell Boyd.

Janet earned a BA from Vassar College, and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago.

She worked as a high school English teacher in Dayton, Ohio before working as a paralegal in Philadelphia and New York City and returning to college for computer science classes. She went on to work for Navteq as a computer data specialist in Chicago but would travel the world for her work.

From a young age, she was a skilled visual artist, painting and sculpting, and won several awards for her work. She wrote several works of fiction though never had them published, was interested in politics, and was an ardent supporter of both women’s and civil rights, both in the 1960’s and throughout her life.

She was married in 1984 to Rahsaan Benjamin and he preceded her in death in 2000.

Surviving are two granddaughters, Selena and Simone Benjamin of Chicago; and three siblings, Roberta Kahler, MD and her husband Gerald of Oil City, Jeffrey Boyd and his partner Gale Anderson of Franklin, and Elizabeth Giuseffi of Oil City.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, John Grandstaff and Emmett Benjamin.

A memorial service will be private. The family suggests memorials be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163 To leave the family a special message please visit www.morrisonhome.com

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Charlotte E. Donley - January 12, 1930 - December 03, 2023

Departed: 12/03/2023 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Charlotte E. Donley, 93, a former resident of Neville Island, Pa. died on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, at Southwoods Assisted Living in Titusville, PA.

Born January 12, 1930, Charlotte was the daughter of the late Charles and Laura (Westinghouse) Donley of Oil City. She graduated from Oil City High School in 1947. She was confirmed by Rev. Kuhlman at Good Hope Lutheran Church and was a member there in her later years.

Charlotte began her career working for McFate, McFate, and McFate as a secretary after high school, as well as Quaker State and Oilwell Supply in Oil City. She went on to work in Washington D.C. and Riverside, CA, before returning to the Pittsburgh area. There, she retired from the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers (AISE).

Charlotte had a great interest in travel, including thirteen cruises both domestic and foreign. Her interest in music lasted throughout her life, including playing flute in high school, and playing in the Good Hope Lutheran Orchestra. She also sang in many musical ensembles, including the Mendelssohn Choir and the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale. She was active in the Eastern Star, the Sewickley YMCA, Dravo Seniors, the Computer Club of Coraopolis, the Older Young Adults of Grace Lutheran in Washington DC, and the Sewickley Women’s Club.

She is survived by her sister-in-law Pat Donley of Apple Valley, CA. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews and their families: Beth Orris of Seneca PA, John (Amy) Krumich of Cook Forest PA, Charlene Canali of Village of Palmetto Bay FL, Eric (Aimee) Krumich of Norfolk, VA., Becky (Mahlon) Donley Best of Grants Pass, OR, Mike (Robin) Donley of Apple Valley, CA and Melissa (Jim) Donley Hennegan of Portland, OR. She is also survived by a special friend, Barb (Juergen) Lohnert of Moon Township PA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Marian Donley Krumich, her brother-in-law Walter Krumich, her brother John Donley, her nephew Mark Krumich and her niece’s husband, John Orris.

A memorial service will be held at Good Hope Lutheran Church, 800 Moran St. in Oil City on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be at Grove Hill Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the kind workers at Southwoods for their care of Charlotte. Memorials may be made to Good Hope Lutheran Church or to a charity of one’s choice.

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Stephen L. Winger - December 03, 1949 - November 29, 2023

Departed: 11/29/2023 (Oil City)

Obituary Preview: Stephen L. Winger, age 73, of Oil City, passed away unexpectedly at home, on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

Born on December 3, 1949, in Oil City, he was a son to the late Kenneth E. Winger Sr. and Georgetta Marie Nellis Winger.

He was a 1967 graduate of Rocky Grove High School.

Stephen joined the US Army Reserves after high school and served six years as a reservist.

On November 6, 1970, he married the former Helen Mae Osten, who survives. They shared 53 years of marriage together.

Mr. Winger worked at Pennzoil for over 30 years, as a supervisor, until retirement.

He had a passion for golf, playing and teaching. He also loved hunting with friends and family members. He enjoyed his trips to Florida in the winter and made many friends there. He was a kind and loving man, known for his big heart.

He and his wife Helen were long time members of the Oakland United Methodist Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Helen Winger, is a son, Stephen Chad Winger and his wife Shelly of Mooresville, NC and their son, Colby. Also surviving is Stephen’s brother, Kenneth E. Winger Jr. and his wife Kathleen of Oil City, and nieces and nephews:

Brock Winger and his wife Gail and their children, Kate and her husband Eli, Jack, and Sam.

Adam Winger and his wife Cindy, and their children Kelsey and Jake.

Chris Winger and his wife Lynn, and their children Christopher, Anna, and Joseph.

In addition to his parents, preceding Stephen in death are a brother, Ralph Winger, and a grandson Tyler Stephen Winger.

A memorial service will be held this Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Oakland United Methodist Church at noon with the Rev. Bob Klingler officiating. A time of visiting with family and friends will be the hour before the service. Lunch will follow at the church after the service.

Interment will be at a later date in Lamey Cemetery, next to his parents.

Memorial contributions made be made in Stephen’s name to Oakland United Methodist Church or to the Oakland Township Volunteer Fire Department.

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Services Offered

Morrison Funeral Home offers a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of each family they serve. From traditional funeral services to cremation options, memorial services, and pre-planning, the funeral home's experienced staff is dedicated to helping families create a meaningful and memorable celebration of life. Some of the specific services offered by Morrison Funeral Home include:

- Traditional funeral services with visitation and burial

- Cremation services with memorialization options

- Memorial services to honor a loved one

- Pre-planning and pre-funding options for peace of mind

- Grief support and counseling services

The Facility

Morrison Funeral Home's facility is designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for families and friends to gather and celebrate the life of their loved one. The funeral home features a spacious chapel, comfortable visitation rooms, and ample parking. The facility is also equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, allowing families to personalize their service with music, video tributes, and other multimedia elements.

The Staff

The staff at Morrison Funeral Home is comprised of experienced and compassionate professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional care to each family they serve. From the funeral directors and embalmers to the administrative staff and support team, every member of the Morrison Funeral Home team is committed to helping families navigate the difficult process of planning a funeral or memorial service.

Community Involvement

Morrison Funeral Home is deeply involved in the Graham community, participating in local events and sponsoring organizations that benefit the community. The funeral home's staff is also active in various professional organizations, staying up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the funeral industry.

Pre-Planning and Pre-Funding Options

Morrison Funeral Home understands that planning for the future can be difficult, but it's an important step in ensuring that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected from unnecessary burden. The funeral home offers pre-planning and pre-funding options, allowing individuals to make their own arrangements and pay for them in advance. This can provide peace of mind for both the individual and their loved ones.

Grief Support and Counseling Services

Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult experiences we face in life. Morrison Funeral Home recognizes that grief is a journey that takes time, patience, and support. The funeral home offers grief support and counseling services to help individuals cope with their loss and find a way to heal. From support groups to individual counseling sessions, Morrison Funeral Home is committed to helping families navigate the grieving process.

Contact Information

If you're looking for more information about Morrison Funeral Home or would like to speak with one of their experienced staff members, please don't hesitate to contact them. You can reach Morrison Funeral Home at (insert phone number) or visit their website at (insert website URL). The funeral home is located at 700 Oak Street, Graham, TX, 76450.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and other biographical information. It may also include details about their life, achievements, and surviving family members.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to notify friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a sense of closure and help to celebrate the person's life.

Who typically writes an obituary?

In most cases, the family of the deceased or a close friend will write the obituary. Funeral homes or mortuaries may also offer assistance in writing and publishing obituaries.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include details about their life, achievements, and accomplishments.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication and the individual's life story. Typically, it ranges from a few sentences to several paragraphs.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a nice way to personalize the tribute and help people remember the person.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online publication?

Contact the publication directly to find out their submission guidelines and deadlines. Some publications may have online forms or email addresses for submitting obituaries.

Is there a cost associated with publishing an obituary?

Yes, most publications charge a fee for publishing an obituary. The cost varies depending on the publication, length of the obituary, and any additional features such as photos or special formatting.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance as a way to ensure their life story is told accurately and with dignity. This can also be a therapeutic exercise in reflecting on one's life.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, typically including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a more detailed tribute that celebrates the person's life.

Can I include humor or personal anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! Obituaries are meant to be a celebration of the person's life, so including humorous stories or personal anecdotes can help capture their personality and spirit.

How do I handle sensitive or difficult information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive or difficult aspects of the person's life, it's best to approach these topics with tact and discretion. You may want to consult with family members or close friends to determine what information is appropriate to share.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial information in an obituary?

Yes, many people choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial funds in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to honor the person's memory and continue their legacy.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe for publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication and their deadlines. Online publications may publish immediately, while print newspapers may take several days or weeks.

Can I make changes to an obituary after it's been published?

In most cases, changes cannot be made once an obituary has been published. It's essential to proofread carefully before submission to ensure accuracy and avoid errors.

What if I need to correct an error in an already-published obituary?

Contact the publication directly to report the error. They may be able to issue a correction or reprint the corrected obituary.

Can I republish an obituary at a later date?

Sometimes families may want to republish an obituary on significant dates such as birthdays or anniversaries of the person's passing. Check with the publication for their policies on republication.

Are there any specific guidelines for writing an obituary for a veteran?

Yes, when writing an obituary for a veteran, it's common to include details about their military service, awards, and honors. You may also want to consider including information about any military funeral honors or burial arrangements.

How do I handle multiple marriages or complex family relationships in an obituary?

In cases where there are multiple marriages or complex family relationships, it's essential to approach these situations with sensitivity and tact. You may want to consult with family members or close friends to determine how best to acknowledge these relationships.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Absolutely! Quotes or lyrics that were meaningful to the person can add depth and personality to the obituary.

What if I'm struggling to write an obituary due to grief or emotional distress?

If you're finding it difficult to write an obituary due to grief or emotional distress, consider reaching out to a trusted friend or family member for support. Funeral homes or mortuaries may also offer assistance with writing and publishing obituaries.

Can I use social media platforms to share an obituary?

Yes, social media platforms can be a convenient way to share an obituary with a wider audience. Many funeral homes and online publications also offer digital memorial pages where you can share memories and condolences.

How do I preserve an online obituary over time?

Sometimes online publications may remove archived content after a certain period. Consider saving a copy of the obituary as a PDF or printing it out for safekeeping.

What if I need additional support or guidance with writing an obituary?

If you need additional support or guidance with writing an obituary, consider consulting with a funeral home, mortuary, or professional writer who specializes in crafting tributes. They can offer valuable insights and assistance during this difficult time.