Obituaries from Gazette.net, March 2000: Montgomery Co., MD Permission has generously been granted by Gazette.net to include these obituaries in the MDGenWeb Archives. This publication is available on-line at http://www.gazette.net. *********************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** *****Mar. 10, 2000***** Harry W. F. Appleby Jr. Appleby's Antiques owner Harry William F. Appleby Jr., 45, of Damascus, died Jan. 30 at his home. He was the owner of Appleby's Antiques in Damascus, and had multiple talents, including carpentry and handcrafting jewelry. Mr. Appleby was a graduate of Damascus High School and a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, Damascus. He was born in Damascus, the son of the late Harry William F. Appleby, Sr. and Marguerite Riley Appleby. Mr. Appleby is survived by sisters Rose Mary Appleby Burroughs of Germantown, Florence Appleby Rich of Gaithersburg, Marguerite Agnes Appleby Jr. of Damascus and Ruby Barnes of Ohio; brothers George W. Appleby of Olney, Charles Albert Appleby of Damascus, Thomas W. Appleby of Gaithersburg, and John Riley Appleby of Virginia, and many nieces and nephews. Friends visited from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 4 at The Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home, Laytonsville. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Damascus. Interment followed in the Montgomery Methodist Cemetery, Claggettsville. Arrangements were provided by Barber Funeral Home, Laytonsville. Dewane Franklin Bryant Auto mechanic Dewane Franklin Bryant, 53, of Germantown died March 2 at his home. He served in the U.S. Marines and had worked as an auto mechanic. He also worked as a scrap hauler. Born in Alderson, W. Va., he was the son of Mae Kirby White of Germantown and the late Winifred C. Bryant. Mr. Bryant was a graduate of Richard Montgomery High School in 1964. Besides his mother, he is survived by a son, Dewane Franklin Bryant II, of Mount Airy; and two sisters, Bonnie L. Pruitt of Monrovia and Donna Sue Thurston of Gaithersburg. Services were held Tuesday at the Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home, Laytonsville. Interment followed at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Frederick. Memorial contributions may be made to Germantown Baptist Church, 17640 Riffleford Road, Germantown, Md. 20874. Walter L. Collier Carpenter Walter L. Collier, 88, of Brookeville died Feb. 29 at Montgomery Village Care and Rehabilitation Center in Montgomery Village. Born in Virginia, he was the son of the late Letcher and Lillie Anderson Collier. He was the husband of the late Gettie F. Collier. Mr. Collier was a self-employed carpenter and was of the Baptist Faith. He is survived by three children, Lonnie V. Collier of Brookeville, and Jimmy A. Collier and Jerry L. Collier, both of Florida; three sisters, Kettie Carter of Tennessee, and Virggie Peterson and Ethel Stone, both of Virginia; and seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held March 2 at Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home in Laytonsville. Interment was at McKendree Cemetery in Cooksville. Elizabeth J. Cordel County resident Elizabeth J. Cordel, 72, of Germantown died March 3 at Montgomery Village Care and Rehabilitation. She is survived by her husband, Raymond C. Cordel; children, Joyce and Ronald Cordel; and grandchildren Kandi and Mandy Cordel. Services were held Monday at DeVol Funeral Home, Gaithersburg. Burial was private. Richard A. Demuth Heating and air conditioning subcontractor Richard Alan Demuth, 43, of Brookeville died Feb. 25 at Montgomery General Hospital in Olney. Born in Wheeling, W.Va., he was the son of Mercedes J. Hoffman Demuth of Kensington and the late Robert William Demuth. He was the husband of Barbara Jean Schmidt Demuth, to whom he was married for 19 years. Mr. Demuth came to Montgomery County at age 4. He was a graduate of Albert Einstein High School in Kensington and was of the Catholic faith. He was a heating and air conditioning subcontractor for 20 years. His hobbies were hunting, woodworking and rebuilding cars. Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by two sons, William Scott Demuth and Matthew Todd Demuth, both of Brookeville. Funeral services were held Feb. 29 at Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home in Laytonsville. Interment was at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Aspen Hill. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, Montgomery County Unit, 11331 Amherst Ave., Silver Spring, Md. 20902. Frances "Carol" Evans Former elections chief Frances "Carol" Evans, 56, who served for 12 years as the administrator of elections for Montgomery County, died of respiratory failure Feb. 23 at her family's home in Arnold, Md. The daughter of the late Frank C. and Mary Bernice (Pfaff) Serio, she was born in Baltimore and moved with her family to Arnold in 1950. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in Annapolis, she began her long career in government in the Secretary of State's office when J. Millard Tawes was governor. She left state employment in 1988 after serving for many years as deputy administrator of elections. For the last 12 years, she served as administrator of elections for Montgomery County. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Feb. 28 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Severna Park. Burial was private. Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home handled the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Home School Association of Ruth Parker Eason School, 648 Old Mill Road in Millersville. Evans' granddaughter attends this school. Edgar M. Fraley County Government, Facitilite and Services employee Edgar M. Fraley, 49, of Gaithersburg died of a brain tumor on March 1 at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital. Mr. Fraley, "Ed" to friends and relatives, was an avid sportsman, excelling in basketball and baseball, as well as golf and tennis. He coached the Damascus Area Baseball League (DABL) from 1990-1999; the 1999 Summer AAU Basketball League; and the I-270 Basketball League from 1993-2000. Born in Montgomery County, he attended Gaithersburg High School and Radford University in Radford, Va. He served with the United States Army Military Police in Germany, and for the past 12 years worked for the Montgomery County Government, Facilities and Services Department. Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Lynne Davidow Fraley; two sons, Adam and Kyle Fraley; and a sister, Doris Case of Gaithersburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plaines, Ill. 60018. Irving J. Henningsen County resident Irving J. Henningsen, 86, of Montgomery Village, died on Feb. 25 at Shady Grove Hospital. Born in Hayward, Calif., Mr. Henningsen is survived by his wife, Louise, of Montgomery Village, a daughter, Elizabeth Winnor, and two grandchildren, all of Montgomery Village. He is also survived by a brother, Dr. Melvin Henningsen, of Fairbanks, Alaska. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 11, at 1:30 p.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, in Gaithersburg. The family requests that any donations be made in Mr. Henningsen's name to the Allied Arts Guild at Children's Hospital, Arbor Drive and Cambridge Street, Menlo Park, Ca. 94025 Alton L. Lingerell Retired federal meat inspector Alton Leroy Lingerell, 93, of Asbury Methodist Home in Gaithersburg, died Feb. 6 at the Wilson Health Care Center, Gaithersburg. Mr. Lingrell worked as a federal meat inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, retiring after 41 years of federal service. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church at Beltsville. Mr. Lingrell was born April 19, 1906, in Dauphin Township, Pa., the son of the late Judson B. and Lizzie F. Willier Lingrell. He was the husband of the late Grace Newell Lingrell. Surviving him are children David A. Lingrell, and his wife Janet of Clarksburg, Roberta J. Green and her husband Wheeler of Owings, Donald J. Lingrell, and his wife Wanda of Columbia, Va., and Elizabeth L. Woerner of Portland, Ore.; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and brother John T. Lingrell of Oxon Hill. Mr. Lingrell was preceded in death by sisters Marguerite Herriott, and Dorothy Schorr. Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdayat Olin L. Molesworth Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus. Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at Asbury Home Guild Memorial Chapel, 211 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg. Interment will follow at Bethesda Methodist Cemetery, Browningsville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Asbury Foundation (Benevolence Care Fund) 201 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877. Stella Marshall Retired nursing assistant Stella Marshall, 93, of Clarksburg, died on Saturday, March 4 at Montgomery General Rehabilitation Center in Olney. She was born in Newark, N.J., the daughter of the late Jacob and Johanna Koller Ihrig. Mrs. Marshall worked as a nursing assistant at Asbury Methodist Home in Gaithersburg, retiring in 1975. Her hobbies included flower gardening, cooking and baby sitting for her family and attending Broadway musicals and ice skating shows. Surviving her are four children: Elvin Frank Botsy Marshall of Artamus, Pa., George J. Marshall of Frederick, Marion M. Kerr of Damascus, and Dorothy M. Boo Federline of Ijamsville. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Mrs. Marshall was the last of her immediate family. Friends called on Tuesday, March 7 at Olin L. Molesworth P.A. Funeral Home in Damascus. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 8 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Clarksburg Methodist Cemetery, Clarksburg. Rean James Miller Miller Excavating Company owner Rean James "Sonny" Miller, 53, of Boyds died March 2 at his home. Mr. Miller was the owner and operator of Miller Excavating Company of Boyds for 15 years. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. Born in Alexandria, Va., he was the son of Hannah Marjorie Roberts of Walkersville and the late Rean Statler Miller. He was the husband of Guelda McDaniel Miller. In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by seven children: Edward Downs of Rockville, Jean Schricker of Frederick, Carl Downs of Union Bridge, Patty Martindale of Dickerson, Christopher Miller of Poolesville, Marilyn Miller of Burkittsville and Rean Miller Jr. of Boyds; 13 grandchildren; four sisters, Lucille Henry of Somerset, Pa.; Janet Parks of Walkersville; Ellen Smythe of Hedgesville, W.Va. and Carol Marshall of Rockville; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Montgomery Hospice, 1450 Research Blvd., Suite 310, Rockville, Md. 20850. Services were held Monday at Stauffer Funeral Home, Frederick. The Rev. H. Carlton Talley officiated. Interment followed at Boyds Presbyterian Church Cemetery. *****Mar. 17, 2000***** Corinne E. Anderson Brooks Department of the Army employee Corinne E. Anderson Brooks, 84, a Bethesda resident since the early 1950s, died March 8 of a viral infection at ManorCare nursing home. Mrs. Brooks was born in Pocatello, Idaho, where she graduated with honors from high school before attending the University of Idaho and Oregon State University. In 1945, she came to work as a civilian employee for the Department of the Army, medical branch in Washington, D.C., where she met and married James T. Brooks of Maine. He died in 1977. She retired in 1975. She was an active member and Past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, and belonged to Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. A memorial service for Mrs. Brooks will take place in Eliot, Maine. She leaves behind no immediate survivors. Margaret Maleta Case Retired electronics technician Margaret Maleta Case, 81, of Stafford, Va., and formerly of Damascus, died March 12 at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Va. Mrs. Case was a retired electronics technician with the 3M company. She was the wife of the late Hobert M. Case Sr. Born at Beaver Dam, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Lilie Davidson Stevenson. Surviving are children William Guy Case of Hagerstown, Robert M. Case Jr. and his wife Linda Key of Rockville, Nancy Anne Keating and Patricia Marie Weddle, both of Stafford, Va. She is also survived by brothers Guy Stevenson of Weaverville, N.C. and Howard Stevenson of Chandler, N.C.; and seven grandchildren. Mrs. Case was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Lee Stevenson. Friends may call noon Thursday and services will begin 1 p.m. at Olin L. Molesworth Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus. Rev. Charles Ryan will officiate. Interment will follow at Salem Cemetery, Cedar Grove. Katie Close County resident Katie Close, 13, of Damascus died March 10 at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, Rockville. Born in Silver Spring, she was the daughter of Edward G. and Mary B. Saltarelli Close. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her maternal grandmother Jean Marie Saltarelli of Gaithersburg; sisters Elizabeth Mary and Karen Jean Close; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She will be remembered by her many classmates, teachers, neighbors and friends. Katie was preceded in death by a brother, Andrew Edward Close. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday at St. Paulís Catholic Church, Damascus. Interment followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frederick. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lissencephaly Network, 716 Autumn Ridge Lane, Fort Wayne, Ind. 46804. Mariette F.F. De Melo Homemaker Mariette F.F. De Melo, 48, of Silver Spring, died March 11 at Montgomery General Hospital in Olney. Born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, De Melo had a bachelorís degree in commerce. She was a registered parishioner of St. Maryís Catholic Church in Rockville. She is survived by husband, Romel De Melo, of Silver Spring, and sons, Ryan De Melo and Myron De Melo, also of Silver Spring. A funeral was held March 14 at St. Maryís Church in Rockville. Interment was at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. DeVol Funeral Home of Gaithersburg handled the arrangements. Richard A. Demuth Heating and air conditioning subcontractor Richard Alan Demuth, 43, of Brookeville died Feb. 25 at Montgomery General Hospital in Olney. Born in Wheeling, W.Va., he was the son of Mercedes J. Hoffman Demuth of Kensington and the late Robert William Demuth. He was the husband of Barbara Jean Schmidt Demuth, to whom he was married for 19 years. Mr. Demuth came to Montgomery County at age 4. He was a graduate of Albert Einstein High School in Kensington and was of the Catholic faith. He was a heating and air conditioning subcontractor for 20 years. His hobbies were hunting, wood working and rebuilding cars. Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by two sons, William Scott Demuth and Matthew Todd Demuth, both of Brookeville. Funeral services were held Feb. 29 at Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home in Laytonsville. Interment was at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Aspen Hill. Frances ìCarolî Evans Former elections chief Frances ìCarolî Evans, 56, who served for 12 years as the administrator of elections for Montgomery County, died of respiratory failure Feb. 23 at her familyís home in Arnold, Md. The daughter of the late Frank C. and Mary Bernice (Pfaff) Serio, she was born in Baltimore and moved with her family to Arnold in 1950. After graduating from St. Maryís High School in Annapolis, she began her long career in government in the Secretary of Stateís office when J. Millard Tawes was governor. She left state employment in 1988 after serving for many years as deputy administrator of elections. For the last 12 years, she served as administrator of elections for Montgomery County. In addition to her work, Ms. Evans enjoyed collecting and selling antiques. She shared this hobby with her longtime friend and partner, Chas Berry of Baltimore. She had been married to John W. Evans of Severna Park and is survived by two daughters, Tracy Capel of Severna Park and Christine Marks of Centreville; two sisters, Sharon Serio of Annapolis and Mary Lu Towey of Denton; one brother, Michael Serio of Severna Park; one granddaughter; and two nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Feb. 28 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 607 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park. Burial was private. Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home handled the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorial contributions to be made to the Home School Association of Ruth Parker Eason School, 648 Old Mill Road in Millersville. Evansí granddaughter attends this school, and the Home School Association is raising funds for a playground. Edgar M. Fraley Avid sportsman Edgar M. Fraley, 49, a Gaithersburg resident, died March 1 of a brain tumor at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, Rockville. Mr. Fraley, ìEdî to friends and relatives, was an avid sportsman, excelling in basketball and baseball, as well as golf and tennis. He coached the Damascus Area Baseball League (DABL) from 1990-1999; the 1999 Summer AAU Basketball League; and the I-270 Basketball League from 1993-2000. Born in Montgomery County, he attended Gaithersburg High School and Radford University in Radford, Va. He served with the United States Army Military Police in Germany, and for the past 12 years worked for the Montgomery County Government, Facilities and Services Department. Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Lynne Davidow Fraley; two sons, Adam and Kyle Fraley; and a sister, Doris Case of Gaithersburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plaines, Ill. 60018. James Husted Park Service employee James Husted, 87, of Silver Spring, died March 7 at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring. Born in Schenectady, N.Y., Mr. Husted attended high school there. In 1935, he graduated from the New York State College of Forestry, specializing in park and recreation planning. He attended the University of California where he received a master of science degree in forestry in 1940. He married Dorothy Rhyne in 1941. Mr . Husted began his service career with the Department of Agriculture as a junior recreation engineer, and transferred to the National Park Service in 1936. In 1937, he left the Park Service to join the faculty of Michigan State University, first as an instructor and later as an assistant professor, teaching park management courses and developing the universityís curricula in this field. In 1942, Mr. Husted joined the U.S. Army, where he was a member of the 87th Mountain Infantry and received the Bronze Star. He returned to the Park Service in 1946, assigned to the Branch of State Cooperation in Chicago. He remained there until 1953. In 1954, he was transferred to Washington, D.C., and served in the Office of Cooperative Activities, devoting his time to park planning activities related to new area studies and boundary revisions of existing areas. He retired in 1972. Mr. Husted was active in camping activities and civic organizations, as well as his church, Woodside United Methodist in Silver Spring. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; children, Ann Husted Taylor of Montclair, Va., and David James Husted of Denver, Colo.; granddaughters, Carrie Allison Taylor and Melissa Ann Taylor of Montclair; nephews, Kenneth W. Cornick of Canandaigua, N.Y., and Thomas Cornick of Scotia, N.Y.; and nieces, Pamela Husted Hanke of Alliance, Ohio, and Priscilla Husted Tasha of Provincetown, Mass. A graveside service was held March 9 at Parkview Cemetery in Schenectady. A memorial service was held at Woodside UM Church Saturday. Memorial contributions in Mr. Hustedís name may be made to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, 102 Irving St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20010-2949 or the Woodside United Methodist Church, 8900 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. 20910. Katherine K. Kirkland Savings and loan officer Katherine K. Kirkland, 87, of Sandy Spring died March 12 at Friends Nursing Home. Born in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Stephen E. and Sarah Gardner Kramer. She was the wife of the late James Robert Kirkland. Mrs. Kirkland moved to Leisure World and later to Friends House in 1980. She was a graduate of Central High School in Washington, D.C., and a graduate of Strayer Business School, also in the District. She also attended George Washington University for two years. After he husbandís death she graduated from Lewis Hotel and Motel Training School and worked with the food service at American University for several years. Later she worked for a savings and loan office until retirement. Mrs. Kirkland was a member of the Eastern Star. Her greatest hobby was camping in her mini-motor home with two camping groups, The Good Sam Group and Loners on Wheels. She also loved to cook. She is survived by three children, Margaret K. Welch of California, William E. Kirkland and wife Harley of Richmond, Va., and Carol-Jean Popham and her husband Douglas of Rockville; a sister, Constance Pearson of Florida; and six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home, 21525 Laytonsville Road in Laytonsville. Interment will be at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Merlin S. Kuhlman Self-employed realtor Merlin S. Kuhlman, 57, formerly of Damascus, died Feb. 28 at his home in Elizabethtown, Ky. Mr. Kuhlman was retired from the U.S. Army (1966-1986) where he attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 and was special agent in charge/senior supervisor special agent of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) offices in the Far East, Europe and the United States. In addition, he was a Federal Liaison Officer for a worldwide Federal level criminal investigative organization. His military awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit. Most recently, Mr. Kuhlman was a self-employed Realtor who was awarded lifetime membership in the Montgomery County Board of Realtors. Mr. Kuhlman is survived by his wife, Donna Jean Shay Kuhlman of Elizabethtown, Ky.; one daughter, Michelle Janette Kuhlman of Germantown; his mother, Edna Kuhlman, of St. Francis, Kan.; stepdaughters, Kimberly Dawn Worsey of Gaithersburg and Kristi-lyn Shay Kelley of Damascus; a stepson, Bryan Ross Morrison of West Chester, Ohio; two grandchildren, and a brother, Royce D. Kuhlman of Pueblo, Colo. Services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Chapel at Ft. Myer, with burial at Arlington National Cemetery to include full military honors. The Rev. Daniel Oravec will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 9212 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, Ky., 40299-1762 Rean James Miller Miller Excavating Company owner Rean James ìSonnyî Miller, 53, of Boyds died March 2 at his home. Mr. Miller was the owner and operator of Miller Excavating Company of Boyds for 15 years. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. Born in Alexandria, Va., he was the son of Hannah Marjorie Roberts of Walkersville and the late Rean Statler Miller. He was the husband of Guelda McDaniel Miller. In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by seven children: Edward Downs of Rockville, Jean Schricker of Frederick, Carl Downs of Union Bridge, Patty Martindale of Dickerson, Christopher Miller of Poolesville, Marilyn Miller of Burkittsville and Rean Miller Jr. of Boyds; 13 grandchildren; four sisters, Lucille Henry of Somerset, Pa.; Janet Parks of Walkersville; Ellen Smythe of Hedgesville, W.Va. and Carol Marshall of Rockville; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Montgomery Hospice, 1450 Research Blvd., Suite 310, Rockville, Md. 20850. Services were held Monday at Stauffer Funeral Home, Frederick. The Rev. H. Carlton Talley officiated. Interment followed at Boyds Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Chief George David Pitts Jr. Volunteer fire fighter Chief George David Pitts Jr., 47, a member of Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad and Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Department, died in his sleep at his home March 11. Chief Pitts was a life member and weekday supervisor at B-CC Rescue Squad and served as the volunteer fire chief at Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Department. He is credited with supervising the weekday operations of the rescue squad for the past 14 years, during which time the number of weekday emergency responses for the rescue squad doubled. He joined the rescue squad as a volunteer in 1977 at the age of 24. During his volunteer tenure, Pitts was not only recognized for responding to the most emergency calls in a calendar year, but also for collecting the most money in the rescue squad's annual door-to-door fund-raising campaign. Before accepting the full-time paid position as the weekday supervisor, Pitts rose to the rank of volunteer assistant chief at B-CC. Chief Pitts started his volunteer service at Glen Echo in 1992, when he was recruited by the Conduit Road Fire Board, which oversees the Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Department. For the last three years as the volunteer fire chief, he ensured that a community resident directed the operations of the department. Pitts was born Feb. 14, 1953. He was a lifelong resident of the Sumner neighborhood and graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 1971. He met Diane DeLawter, a fellow B-CC Rescue Squad volunteer, in 1986 and the couple wed in 1991. His true joy in life came from his 23-month-old son David and wife Diane, who is expecting their second child next month. In addition to Diane and David, Chief Pitts is survived by his sister, Barbara Long of Bethesda. A trisagion prayer service and fire/rescue memorial will be held at St. George's Creek Orthodox Church, 7701 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, at 10 a.m. today with internment following at Parklawn Memorial Park and Gardens, 12800 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville. Immediately thereafter, a reception will be held in the Rose Room of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the George David Pitts Jr. Family Memorial Fund in care of Sequoia National Bank of Maryland, 4801-A Montgomery Lane, Bethesda, Md. 20814. Ella W. Smith Meat cutter Ella W. Smith, 82, of Woodbine died March 12 at Great Baltimore Medical Center, Towson. Mrs. Smith worked as a meat cutter, and was retired from the DGS and Whiteís Hardware in Olney. She had been active in the Damascus High School Future Farmers of America. She was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church at Browningsville. She was the wife of the late William J. Smith. Born in Lewisdale, she was the daughter of the late Rezin Thomas and Julia E. Cutsail Mullinix. Surviving her are children Evelyn King and her husband Reginald, and Patricia Cooper and her husband Dan, all of Sevierville, Tenn.; Ray Smith and friend Ginny Clark and Kenneth W. Smith and his wife Rebecca, all of Damascus. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Molesworth Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus. Interment will follow at Bethesda Methodist Cemetery, Browningsville. John L. Vander Sys World War II veteran John L. Vander Sys, 89, of Gaithersburg died March 12 at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, Rockville. Born in Illinois, he was the son of the late Jacob and Linchia Statt Vander Sys. He was the husband of the late Frances L. Vander Sys. Mr. Vander Sys served in the Army in World War II. He moved to Maryland in 1950. He was a carpenter and bricklayer. He retired as a millwright. He is survived by a son, John C. Vander Sys of Monrovia; two sisters, Betty Dixon of Montgomery Village and Irene Wallicker of Orlando, Fla.; a brother, Leonard Vander Sys of Oregon, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, James A. Vander Sys. Memorial services and interment will be held at a later date. Charlotte A. Thomas Ex-federal worker Charlotte A. Thomas, 96, formerly of Silver Spring, died March 7 in Miami, Fla., where she was living with a niece and her family. Born in September 1903, Ms. Thomas was a native Washingtonian. She worked for the Maritime Commission during her entire career with the federal government. Ms. Thomas was predeceased by sisters, Lillian M. and Katherine Thomas, both of Silver Spring. A graveside service was held March 9 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Washington, D.C. *****Mar. 24, 2000***** Margaret F. Fennington Retired bookkeeper Margaret F. Fennington, 82, of Olney died March 19 at Friends Nursing Home. She was born Dec. 13, 1917, in Baltimore. She was the wife of the late Walter C. Fennington who died in 1986. Mrs. Fennington was a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Brookeville. She has worked as a bookkeeper until retirement. Her hobbies were knitting and sewing. She is survived by a son, Gary N. Fennington of Brookeville; a step-son, Arthur M. Fennington of Williamsburg, Va.; four step-grandchildren and six step- great-grandchildren; a sister, Bertha Taylor of Pennsylvania; and a brother, Frederick Christian of Baltimore. Funeral services will be held today at Salem United Methodist Church, 8 High St. in Brookeville. The Rev. Gary Sheffield-James will officiate. Interment will be in Brookeville Salem Cemetery. Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home in Laytonsville handled the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Salem United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 159, Brookeville, Md. 20833. Ethel D. Herrmann County resident Ethel D. Herrmann, 85, died March 20 at the Wilson Health Care Center. A resident of Gaithersburg, Mrs. Herrmann was born in Poolesville to the late Joseph Darby and Mary Chiswell Darby. She is survived by her son, Bill Herrmann of Gaithersburg, and his wife, Nancy; a stepdaughter, Joy Fisher; and a sister, Lutie Culp. Mrs. Herrmann was preceded in death by her husband, Ferdinand K. Herrmann, and a son, Joseph F. Herrmann. Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the Interfaith Chapel at Leisure World, 3680 S. Leisure World Blvd., Silver Spring. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Ave. Alma N. Hudgel Ex-county employee Alma Norkoli Hudgel, 83, of Silver Spring, died Feb. 9 at Sligo Creek Nursing Center in Takoma Park. Born in Wyandot, Mich., she moved to Washington, D.C., in 1934 where she was employed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. She met and married David R. Hudgel Sr. After her retirement from the Montgomery County government in 1976, the Hudgels moved to Zephyrhills, Fla., where they worked with Meals on Wheels. Mrs. Hudgel was a volunteer at the local hospital, as well as an active bowler. She moved back to Maryland in August 1999. She was predeceased by her husband. Survivors include children, David R. Hudgel Jr. and Nancy H. Gurganus, both of Silver Spring; grandchild, Andrew D. Gurganus; stepdaughter, Barbara Hooks of Zephyrhills; and sisters, Ida Bieber of Harpers Ferry, W.Va., and Martha Kapusta of Iron River, Mich. Services were held at Saint Luke Lutheran Church in Silver Spring. Burial was at the Elmwood Cemetery in Shepherdstown, W.Va. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Luke Lutheran Church, 9100 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Md. 20910. Alexa Nichele Isaac County resident Alexa Nichele Isaac, 2, of Germantown died March 19 at Childrenís Hospital, Washington, D.C. after an illness. Born in Frederick, she was the daughter of Jeffrey Alan Isaac Jr. of Baltimore and Toni Michele Adkins of Germantown. In addition to her parents, she is survived by maternal grandfather Carroll Wayne Adkins of Frederick, maternal great-grandfather Russell Adkins of Taneytown, paternal grandparents Jeffrey A. Isaac Sr. and Carolyn Isaac of Baltimore, paternal great-grandmother Virginia H. Gibson of Baltimore, aunts Kaci Adams, Shanette and Cherise Isaac and uncles Wayne and Derrek Adkins. She is also survived by a special friend, Ann Mitchell. The family will receive friends 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Hartzler Funeral Home, 404 S. Main St., Woodsboro. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Frederick. Gene Augustine Pack Alert Delivery Service founder Gene Augustine Pack, 63, of Gaithersburg died March 18 at his home. Mr. Pack was founder and co-owner of Alert Delivery Service. He, his father, the late J. C. Pack, his brother J. Mikel Pack and brother-in-law, the late Elmer Slack, founded the business in 1977. He served in the military in the 82nd Air borne Special Forces and graduated from the University of Maryland on thee G. I. Bill. He then worked in security and sales. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth A. Pack; brother John Mikel Pack of Frederick; sister Judith Slack of Damascus; sons Patrick McDermott of Silver Spring; and Michael A. Pack of Rockville; daughters Kelly Durham of Damascus and Erin Kidd-Andrews of Durham, N.C.; and eight grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday at DeVol Funeral Home,10 E. Deer Park Rd., Gaithersburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice. Walter R. Souder Sounder Construction Company operator Walter R. Souder, 79, of Damascus died March 9 in Roswell, Ga. Mr. Souder had operated Souder Construction Company in Damascus for many years. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II and he was a member of American Legion Post 171, Damascus. He was the husband of the late Esther Virginia Souder. Born in Damascus, he was the son of the late Philip Raymond and Violet Beall Souder. Surviving are children Philip Wayne Souder of Marietta, Ga., Walter Richard Souder Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla., Vickie Jeanne Shortt of Dumfries, Va., and Paula Ann Moxley of Damascus. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. Mr. Souder was preceded in death by a sister, Louise S. Pope. Friends may call 10 a.m. Saturday until services begin at 11 a.m. at the Olin L. Molesworth Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus. The Rev. Robert Braden will officiate. Interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Frederick. Memorial contributions may be made to the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department, 26334 Ridge Road, Damascus, Md. 20872. James Robert Tapscott Construction general contractor James Robert Tapscott, 81, of Derwood died March 20 at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville. Born in Charlottesville, Va., he was the son of the late Douglas Robert and Cora Martin Tapscott. He was the husband of Ruth M. Tapscott Mr. Tapscott was a general contractor in construction. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He was a member of Derwood Central Lions Club and Giddeons International. He loved bowling, gardening and children, and was a Redskins fan. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Martha Lee Skogebo of Crownsville, Robert Allen Tapscott of Beltsville, Rosemary Smith of Derwood and Jake Tapscott of Monrovia; and 12 grandchildren and three great- grandchildren. He was predeceased by two infant grandsons. Friends may visit from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home, 21525 Laytonsville Road in Laytonsville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Laytonsville Baptist Church, 6855 Olney-Laytonsville Road. Interment will be at Norbeck Memorial Park in Olney. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Derwood Central Lions Club or Giddeons International. Byron Walling Thompson Retired judge Retired Maryland District Court Judge Byron Walling Thompson died March 8 in Tucson, Ariz., following a stroke. Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of Sidney and Katherine Walling Thompson. He spent his boyhood in Poolesville, which was founded by ancestors on his motherís side of the family. After graduating from Poolesville High School in 1933, where he was president of his senior class, he entered George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and graduated from the School of Law in 1938. After working briefly for the Social Security Administration, he volunteered for duty in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He served as an intelligence officer based in the south of Italy, near Naples. In 1945, he left the Army Air Force to attend University of Arizona School of Business. There he earned a masterís degree in business administration. While there, he married Marne Stewart of Lawrenceville, Kan. He and his wife then moved to Frederick and he entered into law practice with the late Parsons E. Newman and the late Richard Zimmerman. He practiced law until his appointment to the old Magistrateís Court, in 1958, by Gov. Millard Tawes. He was subsequently appointed to the District Court of Maryland by Gov. Marvin Mandel. He served in that capacity until 1978. In addition to his legal career, Judge Thompsonís other lifelong associations included a 50-year membership in the Maryland Bar Association and the Frederick Lions Club. He was active in the 781st Bomber Association, and retired as a lieutenant colonel. Widowed, in 1953, he married Kathryn Sasse in 1955. They lived in Frederick until 1978. After his retirement from the bench, they divided their time between Frederick and Tucson. Surviving in addition to his second wife are one daughter, Kitty; one brother, Sidney P. Thompson of Wytheville, Va.; and two nieces, Anne Thompson Heard of Jacksonville, Fla., and Katherine Thompson Diggins of Gaithersburg. Services were held Saturday at All Saints Episcopal Church, 106 W. Church St., Frederick. The Rev. James R. Seale and the Rev. Dr. Joseph R. Foster officiated. Interment followed at Monocacy Cemetery in Beallsville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lions Club Eye Bank, Frederick Lions Club, c/o Charles V. Main, 15 W. 13th St., Frederick, MD 21701. *****Mar. 31, 2000***** Katherine H. Beardsley Medical secretary Katherine H. Beardsley, 62, of Derwood died March 21 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Born in New York, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Ella Jones Hartman. She was the wife of Dennis H. Beardsley. Mrs. Beardsley was a graduate of Marathon High School in New York and of the Cortland Business School, also in New York. She had worked as a medical secretary at Good Shepherd Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y. She was a member of Damascus United Methodist Church and the Damascus ìYî Women. She also was a volunteer at Damascus United Methodist Churchís Harwood House. She enjoyed singing in the choir. Her hobbies included flower arranging, needlepoint and crocheting. She crocheted hats for newborn infants and blankets for children with leukemia. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two children, Allison and Lauren OíBoyle, both of Middletown; a sister, Grace Ellis of New York; and two brothers, Gary Hartman of New York and Reginald Hartman of Indiana. A memorial service was held March 27 at Damascus United Methodist Church. Interment was private. The Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home handled the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, National Capital Area Chapter, 5845 Richmond Highway, Suite 630, Alexandria, Va. 22303. William French Bond Volunteer fire fighter William French Bond, 84, of Rockville died March 21 at Montgomery Village Care and Rehabilitation in Montgomery Village. Born in Ashton, he was the son of the late Joseph and Jessie Johnson Bond. He was the husband of Martha Pauline Bond. Mr. Bond attended Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring. He had been a member of Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department and Rockville Volunteer Fire Department for nearly 65 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Rockville. He had owned and operated a plumbing company in Rockville before retiring because of ill health. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Martha Bond Bohrer of Rockville; one grandchild and three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Willard ìBillyî Bond of Silver Spring. Funeral services were held March 25 at Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home in Laytonsville. Interment was at Parklawn Cemetery in Rockville. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Elvin Lester Burdette Sr. Volunteer Elvin Lester Burdette Sr., 61, of Myersville, formerly of Gaithersburg, died March 25 at his home. Mr. Burdette volunteered for a short time with Laytonsville Fire Department and in 1967 started his career with the Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Fire Department of Montgomery County. He was promoted to sergeant in 1974, until his retirement in 1988 with 21 years of service. He received the Bronze Medal of Honor in 1987 for his dedication to the welfare of his fellow firefighters and his distinguished achievements. He was a school bus driver and trainer with Montgomery County schools until his retirement in 1998. He was a member of Local 1664, International Association of Fire Fighters, and Local 500, Service Employees International Union. Born in Goshen, Md., he was the son of Margaret A. Redmon Burdette of Gaithersburg and the late Orin Foster Burdette Sr. He was engaged to Marion L. Haupt. He is survived by a son, Elvin L. Burdette Jr. and his fianceeí Caron Enloe of Walkersville; daughters, Patricia A. Phelps and husband Del of Mount Airy, Tracy Lynn Lenhart and husband Tom of Smithburg, Amanda J. Burdette of Wilmington, N. C.; and stepdaughter Amy German and husband John of Mount Airy; brothers Orin F. Burdette Jr. of Delaware, Robert L. Burdette of Gaithersburg, Upton Darby Burdette of Bakerton, W.Va. and Donald Burdette of Union Bridge; sisters Bertha Poole of Gaithersburg and Linda Roberts of Mount Airy; one foster brother, Billy Bradshaw of Gaithersburg; six grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Burdette was preceded in death by his youngest son, Ryan F. Burdette and one brother, John D. Burdette. Mr. Burdette will also be remembered by his extended family: David M. Haupt, Amy F. Ridenour, Julia A. Marshall and friend Danielle M. Marshall of Myersville. Friends may visit 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home, 21525 Laytonsville Road, where funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday. Interment will follow at Laytonsville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Frederick, P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, Md., 21702. Stephen Douglas Dodge Professional loss consultant Mr. Stephen Douglas Dodge, age 40, died March 13 in Gaithersburg. Born in Fort Worth, Tex. he was the son of Adele and the late H.F. (Rip) Dodge. Mr. Dodge was a professional loss consultant with the Goodman-Gable-Gould Company of Rockville. He attended the Church of the Redeemer in Gaithersburg. He was a graduate of Seneca Valley High School ñ where he was active in sports and excelled in wrestling ñ and attended the University of West Virginia and the University of Maryland. Mr. Dodge graduated from the University of Maryland in 1983. While there, he ranked 14th in the National Wrestling Competition. Most recently, he ranked 10th in the National Body-Building Competition. He is survived by his mother, Adele B. Dodge of Gaithersburg; his wife, Leslielyn Hardesty Dodge; a daughter, Corrissa; his uncle, Curt von Bieberstein of Austin, Tex.; and four cousins: Robert and Alice von Bieberstein of Austin, Tex., Mary Kay Douglas of Dallas, Tex. and Patricia Cofield of Arlington, Wash. Memorial services were held March 17 at Grace United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Church of the Redeemer, 610 E. Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg, Md., 20877 or to Grace United Methodist Church, 119 N. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877 or to charity. Ethel D. Herrmann County resident Ethel D. Herrmann, 85, died March 20 at Wilson Health Care Center. A resident of Gaithersburg, Mrs. Herrmann was born in Poolesville to the late Joseph Darby and Mary Chiswell Darby. She is survived by her son, Bill Herrmann and wife Nancy of Gaithersburg; a stepdaughter, Joy Fisher; and a sister, Lutie Culp. Mrs. Herrmann was predeceased by her husband, Ferdinand K. Herrmann, and one son, Joseph F. Herrmann. Funeral services were held March 23 at Interfaith Chapel at Leisure World in Aspen Hill. Burial followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association of Greater Washington, D.C., 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 1100, Bethesda, Md. 20814. Edith H. "Sue" Miller County resident Edith H. "Sue" Miller of Sandy Spring died March 17, less than one week before her 87th birthday. She was the daughter of the late John and Lena Mussehl Hellings, and the wife of the late Rodney R. Miller. She is survived by a son, John Allen Miller and wife Donna of Laytonsville; and six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. April 1 at St. Lukeís United Church of Christ in Timberville, Va., with memorial services following at the church at 2 p.m. The Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home in Laytonsville handled the arrangements. Donations in Mrs. Millerís memory may be made to the church or to Montgomery Hospice, 1450 Research Blvd., Rockville, Md. 20850. Jean S. Seubert County resident Jean S. Seubert, 85, died on March 23 at Wilson Health CareCenter, Asbury Methodist Village, in Gaithersburg. Born in South Fork, Pa., she was a former resident of District Heights and Coconut Creek, Fla. Mrs. Seubert was past president of St. Pius X Council # 4076 Queen of the Knights Auxiliary; Sodality of Our Lady (Prefect). She is survived by a brother, Frank Sherlock, a sister, Mary Robinson, and sons Robert F. Seubert and William J. Seubert, as well as a daughter, Patricia A. Schillo, and five grandchildren. Mrs. Seubert was predeceased by a daughter, Mary Jean Seubert. The family received visitors at Devol Funeral Home on Sunday, March 26. Funeral services were held on Monday, March 27, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Derwood. Burial will be on Wednesday, March 29, at 2:30 p.m. at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in N. Lauderdale, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be made to charity. James Robert Tapscott General contractor James Robert Taspcott, 81, of Derwood died March 20 at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville. Born in Charlottesville, Va., he was the son of the late Douglas Robert and Cora Martin Tapscott. He was the husband of Ruth M. Tapscott. Mr. Tapscott was a general contractor in construction. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He was a member of Derwood Central Lions Club and Giddeons International. He loved bowling, gardening and children, and was a Redskins fan. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Martha Lee Skogebo of Crownsville, Robert Allen Tapscott of Beltsville, Rosemary Smith of Derwood and Jake Tapscott of Monrovia; and 12 grandchildren and three great- grandchildren. He was predeceased by two infant grandsons. Friends may visit from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home, 21525 Laytonsville Road in Laytonsville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Laytonsville Baptist Church, 6855 Olney-Laytonsville Road. Interment will be at Norbeck Memorial Park in Olney. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Derwood Central Lions Club or Giddeons International. Jeanne Louise Poston Viqueira Jeanne Louise Poston Viqueira, 71, inducted into the Greater Washington Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame, died Tuesday, March 21 of respiratory failure. Ms. Viqueira, a resident of Sarasota, Fla., was born in Washington, D.C. and was a resident of Washington, D.C., and Montgomery County. Ms. Viqueira, known as the Queen of the Diamond, started playing softball at the age of 10. She launched her softball career with the Merrick Girls Club of Washington, D.C. in 1946 and was coached by Jack ìCannonballî Smith. She played alongside her sisters, Doris,