Obituaries from Gazette.net, June 2004: 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. Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/md/mdfiles.htm ********************************************************* *****June 1, 2004***** Myron Armiger Tracy Myron Armiger Tracy, 89, of Silver Spring died May 15, 2004, in Asheville, N.C. He was a former executive with the Garrett Corporation Air Research of Los Angeles and Phoenix. Mr. Tracy lived in the Washington, D.C. area all of his life in Arlington, Va., Washington, D.C., Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Colesville and Leisure World, and for 15 years on the South River at Thomas Point. He was born May 29, 1914, to the late Elsie Mae Armiger Tracy and the late Zealand Garfield Tracy in Clarendon, Va. He was a 1932 graduate of McKinley Tech High School in Washington and a graduate with a degree in accounting from Ben Franklin University, now merged with George Washington University. Mr. Tracy was a Mason and a member of several Methodist churches, including Colesville, Glenmont and Oakdale-Emory United Methodist churches. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Virginia Lee Gessford Tracy of Leisure World; children Coral Lee Fennington of Williamsburg, Va., Joyce Virginia Saunderson of Highland, Md., Ronald Myron Tracy of Franklin, N.C., and Kenneth Stuart Tracy of Clarksville, Md.; nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. A service was held Saturday at Oakdale-Emory United Methodist Church, Olney. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewis Rathbun Center, 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville, N.C. 28803. Estella E. Cunningham Estella Stubbs Easley Cunningham, 78, of Port Angeles, Wash., and formerly of Takoma Park, died of cancer April 27, 2004, at Port Angeles Care Center. Born Nov. 15, 1925, in Takoma Park, she was the daughter of Sidney and Anna (Martini) Stubbs. Her marriage to Eric Easley Sr. ended in divorce. Ms. Cunningham worked as a secretary for the National Institutes of Health after she graduated from high school. She moved to Port Angeles in 1978. Survivors include three sons, Eric E. Easley Jr. of Scottsdale, Ariz., Steven M. Easley of Germantown and Gary R. Easley of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; one daughter, Brenda M. Pehrson of Poulsbo, Wash.; three sisters, Joyce Edmonston of Chesapeake Bay, Phyllis Nichols of Louisville, Ky. and Katheryn Mullinix of Germantown; and nine grandchildren. There will be a graveside inurnment service 11 a.m. Friday at Parklawn Memorial Park, 12800 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville. Arrangements were handled by Drennan-Ford Funeral Home. Sarah F. O'Boyle Carl Mrs. Sarah Fealy O'Boyle Carl, 86, of Gaithersburg, former vice president of O'Boyle Tank Lines and former president of the Washington, D.C., Area Trucking Association, died of cancer on May 11, 2004, at her home. Born Nov. 16, 1917, in Washington, D.C., she was the wife of the late Richard M. O'Boyle and the late William F. Carl. Mrs. Carl was a native Washingtonian. She graduated from The Notre Dame Academy and the Notre Dame Business School, then worked for the Farm Credit Union. She moved to the Goshen area of Gaithersburg in 1954. Mrs. Carl was an active member of St. John Neumann Parish, Holy Cross Parish and St. Martin's Parish of Gaithersburg. She volunteered with Mother Teresa's Missionary Helpers in Southeast Washington and was a member of the American Trucking Association and Congressional Country Club. Survivors include eight children, Mary Deaver of Norman, Okla., Kathleen Bohrer and Eileen McDermott of Gaithersburg, Richard M. O'Boyle of Carpentersville, Ill., Dee Metz and Betsy Thompson of Rockville, William Carl of Berryville and Joanne Couste of Cabin John; 28 grandchildren; 21 great- grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Martha Campbell, who died in 2000. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. John Neumann Church, Gaithersburg on May 15. Burial followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring. Arrangements were handled by DeVol Funeral Home, Gaithersburg. Quinn E. Becker Quinn Edwinn Becker, 51, of Gainesville, Fla., formerly of Germantown, died May 12, 2004, at North Florida Regional Medical Center. Born Dec. 7, 1952, in Monroe, La., he was the son of Quinn and Marie Becker of Dillon, Colo. Mr. Becker was the manager of building engineering at Computer Data Systems Inc., later Affiliated Computer Services, for 14 years. He moved to Florida in 2001 and worked at Santa Fe Community College Andrews Center in Starke, Fla. He was a member of AMVETS. In addition to his parents, survivors include two daughters, Ann M. Kehrli of Fort White, Fla., and London E. Becker of Atlanta; one son, Daniel Q. Kerr of Duluth, Ga.; one sister, Terri. K. Eubanks of San Antonio; one brother, Paul E. Becker of Seattle; and two grandsons. A funeral was held May 15 at the First United Methodist Church of Starke, Fla. Burial took place May 18 at Mulhearn Memorial Park in Monroe, La. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements were made by the Archie Tanner Funeral Home, Starke, Fla. Roland L. Gregg Roland Lee Gregg, 52, of Rockville died May 19, 2004, at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital. Born Aug. 9, 1951, he was the son of George E. and Joycelene Haga Gregg of Rockville. He was the husband of Josephine (Nalls) Gregg. Mr. Gregg was a plant supervisor for Montgomery Concrete. His hobbies included gospel music and the outdoors. Survivors in addition to his wife and parents include a sister, Sharan D. Gregg of Laytonsville; and a brother, Steven C. Gregg of Kentucky. Funeral services were held Saturday at Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home in Laytonsville. Burial was in Laytonsville Cemetery. Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home in Laytonsville handled the arrangements. *****June 8, 2004***** William E. Watkins William E. Watkins, 73, of Monrovia, formerly of Cedar Grove, died May 23, 2004, at Northampton Manor Health Care Center in Frederick, Born May 10, 1931, in Cedar Grove, he was a son of the late Granville W. and Dorothy Louise Hawkins Watkins. He was the husband of Ardean Mullinix Watkins. They would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary June 26. Mr. Watkins was a 1950 graduate of Damascus High School. He was a dairy farmer and since retirement he had become a part-time real estate agent. He was a member of the Maryland Virginia Milk Producers Association and a member of Providence United Methodist Church in Kemptown. He enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, jigsaw puzzles and eating out. He also received much pleasure from Bible classes, senior citizens activities, family and church dinners. Survivors besides his wife include two sisters, Agnes Moxley and her husband Robert R. Moxley of Damascus and Linda Andrews and her husband Edward Andrews of Rockville; sisters-in-law Linda Beale, Shirley Hartman and Vada Mullinix of Mount Airy and Jeannie Mullinix of Damascus; and brothers-in-law, Bruce Beale and Ellis Mullinix of Mount Airy and Harold Mullinix of Damascus. Funeral services were held May 28. Burial was at Salem Methodist Cemetery, Cedar Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Frederick County, P.O. Box 17991 Frederick, MD 21702. Arrangements were handled by the Olin L. Molesworth Funeral Home, Damascus. Maxine H. Beall Maxine H. Beall, 80, of Germantown died May 30, 2004, at the Glade Valley Nursing Home in Walkersville. She was the wife of the late Edward W. Beall. Born April 22, 1924, in Ankeny, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Loren Taylor and Goldie Beatrice Moeckley Hildreth. While growing up in Iowa Mrs. Beall enjoyed playing basketball and showing sheep and cattle. She was a leader of the campfire girls while in high school and was an active member of the local 4-H Club. After meeting her husband and moving to the Washington, D.C. area, she worked as an administrative assistant at the National Naval Medical Center. She was also a substitute teacher for more than 20 years in Montgomery County Public Schools. Mrs. Beall and her husband spent more than 30 years raising and showing Shropshire sheep and raising Holland lop Netherland dwarf rabbits. She was a member of the National Capital Rabbit Breeders Association, the American Rabbit Breeders Association, and the Montgomery County Agriculture Center. Mrs. Beall was a member of the Future Farmers of America and was active as a 4-H leader. She was a member of various garden and homemaker clubs. She was a life member of the Upper Seneca Baptist Church in Cedar Grove. Surviving are one daughter, Robin Keyser of Germantown and her husband Robert W. Keyser of York, Pa.; one son, Timothy W. Beall and his wife Carol L. of Myersville; one sister, Myrna Nichols and her husband P.L. Nichols of Grand Junction, Colo.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Friends may call today from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Olin L. Molesworth Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus. Funeral services will be held Thursday at the Upper Seneca Baptist Church, 23401 Davis Mill Road, Cedar Grove. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Maryland Senior Rabbit Judging Scholarship. Make checks payable to Baltimore & Howard (memo should read Maxine Beall Rabbit Judging Scholarship), c/o Dr. Wendy Feaga, P.O. Box 16, Glenelg, MD 21737. Regis Robert Gibb Regis Robert Gibb, 73, of Blairsville, Pa., formerly of Laytonsville, died May 25, 2004, of cardiac arrest in Latrobe, Pa. Born Aug. 6, 1930, in Harrison Township, Pa., he was a son of the late Hugh and Beatrice (Kortze) Gibb. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence Gibb. Survivors include three sons, Robert Gibb and his wife, Terry, of Laytonsville, Michael Gibb and his wife, Wanda, of Laytonsville, and James Gibb of Arlington, Va.; three daughters, Kathleen Byram and her husband, Stephen, of Spottsylvania, Va., Melissa Berkoben and her husband, Jack, of North Huntingdon, Pa., Gloria Kozura and her husband, Bob, of Charlottesville, N.C.; his children's mother, Mildred "Mitzi" (Mrdjenovich) Gibb; two sisters, Patty Sopcak and Rita Jackson; 12 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Gibb was a former employee of AirFlow Co. in Gaithersburg and a former civilian dispatcher for the Montgomery County Police Funeral services were held May 29 in Wilmerding, Pa. Interment was private. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44727 Arrangements were handled by Alfieri Funeral Home Inc., Wilmerding, Pa. Barry N. Irwin Mr. Barry Neil Irwin, 57, of Gaithersburg died of pancreatic cancer on May 29, 2004, at Casey House Montgomery Hospice. Born Oct. 2, 1946 in Pottstown, Pa., he was the son of Elsie (Mabry) Irwin and the late Robert E. Irwin. He was the husband of Jane (Pritchard) Irwin. Mr. Irwin was a graduate of Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pa., and held a master's degree from Temple University. He was a systems programmer at Lockheed Martin. He was a member of Mill Creek Parish United Methodist Church and was active with Marylanders for a 2nd Crossing (M2X) and in promoting the Intercounty Connector. He developed the Web site www.Mcvoter.org to promote informed voting. His hobbies included tandem bicycling. In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by two children, Lydia Menio of Hellertown, Pa., and Benjamin Irwin of Pottstown; three stepchildren, Jack Pritchard of New Egypt, N.J., Jennifer Aro of Rising Sun and Gregg Pritchard of Bel Air; and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mill Creek Parish United Methodist Church, 7101 Horizon Terrace, Derwood. Memorial contributions may be made to PANCan, 2221 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 131, El Segundo, CA 90245, or Montgomery Hospice or Montgomery Hospice Casey House, 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. Arrangements were handled by Simple Tributes. Robert B. Suddith Robert Brown Suddith, 72, owner of Hoffman Automotive in Hagerstown, died of cancer May 26, 2004, at his home in Gaithersburg. Mr. Suddith was a native Washingtonian. He married Shelly L. Davis in 1952 and served his country in the U.S. Army (1953-56) during the Korean War. Mr. Suddith was a former president of the Maryland New Car and Truck Dealers' Association and Maryland's State Director for the National Automobile Dealers' Association. He was also honored with the Time Magazine 1997 Quality Dealer Award for the state of Maryland. Mr. Suddith established and was president of several charitable foundations that supported Christian and humanitarian endeavors throughout the world, most recently "Uncle Sam's Workshop" to support both victims of the 911 tragedy and many U.S. military organizations. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Shelly L. Suddith of Gaithersburg, and his five children: Eric Suddith and Michael Suddith of Gaithersburg and Debora Zayas, James Suddith and Jennifer Stahl of Hagerstown; as well as 17 grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Charlotte West of Arrington, Va. and Patricia Wagner of Orange, Va. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Church of the Nazarene at 8921 Warfield Road, Gaithersburg (the corner of Goshen and Warfield roads). Donation can be made to the Suddith Charitable Foundation (#EIN 52-2064252) at 20920 Goshen Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20882, to continue the work Mr. Suddith began. Anna S. Schaeffer Anna S. Schaeffer, 73, of Silver Spring died May 25, 2004, at her home. She was a homemaker. She is survived by her husband, Eugene Schaeffer; children Gloria Friedgen of Silver Spring, Ernest Spina of New York, Fred Spina of South Carolina and Salvatore Spina of California; sisters Amelia Schiavone and Theresa Conrad, both of New York; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A service was held Saturday at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Olney. Interment was private. Arrangements were provided by Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home, Laytonsville. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church Building Fund, 2900 Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832. Kathleen Ruth McGuire Kathleen Ruth McGuire, 22, of Rockville died May 21, 2004, at her home after a long battle with cancer. Born Oct. 9, 1981, in Washington, D.C., she was a daughter of Elizabeth and Robert McGuire. She was a graduate of Richard Montgomery High School. At the time of her death she was a junior majoring in mathematics and minoring in studio art at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Ms. McGuire was a life-long Girl Scout who attended Camp Potomac Woods in Leesburg, Va., for many years as a camper, counselor and unit leader. She received the Girl Scout's highest award, the Gold Award, for writing and compiling a booklet for hearing impaired teens, "The Real World in the Eyes of Hard of Hearing Teenagers." She was also a volunteer for Maryland Special Olympics and for Best Buddies, a residence for mentally challenged adults in Waterville. Survivors, in addition to her parents, include two brothers, Matthew R. and Christopher J.H. of Rockville; one sister, Corrie E. McGuire of Beltsville; a maternal grandmother, Ruth E. Hughes of Mount Kisco, N.Y., and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A celebration of her life will be held Friday at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville, 100 Welsh Park Drive. Memorial contributions may be made to the Art Therapy Program, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road, Washington, D.C. 20017, or to Camp Potomac Woods-GSCNC, 4301 Connecticut Ave., Washington, D.C. 20008. Helene M. Fulton Helene M. (Simmons) Fulton, 93, of Red Lion, Pa., formerly of Rockville, died May 27, 2004, at Manor Care Health Services-South in York, Pa. Born Dec. 17, 1910, in Attleboro, Mass., she was a daughter of the late David and Ellen (O'Brien) Simmons. She was the wife of the late Joseph C. Fulton. Mrs. Fulton attended the Rhode Island School of Design. She worked in the finance department of Montgomery County government in Rockville and retired in 1973. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Ellen Meneely of Red Lion; and two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services and burial will be private. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory Inc. in York handled the arrangements. *****June 15, 2004***** Martin Timothy Durkin Martin Timothy Durkin, 54, of Silver Spring died June 4, 2004. He was a real estate investment professional, most recently as a senior equity investment officer for the National Electrical Benefit Fund. He was very active in various community projects including Habitat for Humanity and Christmas in April. He was a member of the board at Glenwood Pool in Silver Spring and was instrumental in the recent rebuilding of the pool. He was a coach for children's teams. Mr. Durkin was born Nov. 21, 1949, to Mary Dorothy Ryan Durkin of Bethesda and the late Martin Durkin. Mr. Durkin was a graduate of Cathedral Latin High School in Washington, D.C., in 1967 and the University of Maryland, College Park in 1972 with a major in history. In addition to his mother, Mr. Durkin is also survived by his wife, Clare Dell'Olio, children Fontana, Brenna and McCaull; siblings Terri Nelson of Bethesda, Ed Durkin of Gaithersburg, Marianne Rothert of Gaithersburg, Patti O'Leary of Bowie, Bernie Durkin of Bethesda, Maggie Gray of Long Island, N.Y., and Joan Mountain of Arlington; and other relatives and friends. Joyce N. Hershey Joyce N. Hershey, 60, of Chevy Chase, died May 21, 2004, at the Hospice of Washington. She had lung cancer. Born Nov. 6, 1943, in Vallejo, Calif., she was the wife of Robert D. Hershey Jr. She was a researcher at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and an active amateur musician. Mrs. Hershey graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and moved to New York City, where she worked first at the national headquarters of the Lutheran Church in America and subsequently as a research assistant at the New York University School of Medicine. After a stint in the kidney function clinic at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt, (West) Germany, she married Robert D. Hershey Jr., a reporter for The New York Times, moving to Chevy Chase in 1976. Mrs. Hershey served as secretary for the North Chevy Chase Christian Church before beginning work in 1989 as a research technician in allergy and immunology at Walter Reed, where she won several civilian awards for outstanding performance. She played the cello, piano and violin in various chamber music and other groups, including the orchestra of the Washington Conservatory of Music. Mrs. Hershey was also active with St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Washington, D.C., serving as council president, Sunday school superintendent and founder- director of the church's bell choir. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Hershey is survived by four children, Robert of Lanham, Mary Jane of Takoma Park, Kendra of Folsom, Calif., and Jeannine of Oakland, Calif.; and a sister, Janet Bange of Woodbridge, Calif. Memorial contributions may be made to The Washington Conservatory of Music in Bethesda 5144 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda, MD 20816 or the Hospice of Washington, 3720 Upton Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Arrangements were handled by Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Home, Bethesda. Margaret J. Stream Margaret Jenkins Stream, 90, of Ocean City, Md., formerly of Cabin John, died June 2, 2004. Born June 11, 1913, in Great Falls, Md., she was the daughter of the late Ralph E. and Nora Hardy Jenkins. She was the wife of the late Hubert M. Stream. Mrs. Stream worked for 20 years for the Army Map Service and retired in 1970. She was a member and officer of Cabin John United Methodist Church and joined St. Matthews By The Sea United Methodist Church in Fenwick Island, Del., after moving to the Eastern Shore. Mrs. Stream is survived by a daughter, Mary S. Gilbert of Frederick; two sons, James R. Stream of Lovettsville, Va., and Michael W. Stream Sr. of Ocean City, Md.; a sister, Katherine V. Husselbaugh of Baltimore; 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert L. Stream and a sister, Elsie J. Penn. Prayers were conducted on June 5 at Brown Funeral Home, Lovettsville, Va. A Christian burial followed at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Taylorstown, Va. Madlyn Kidd Hyatt Madlyn Kidd "Kitty" Hyatt, 98, of Damascus, died May 31, 2004, at her home. Born March 27, 1906, in Mount Airy, she was the only child of Harry and Byrd Butler Kidd. Mrs. Hyatt graduated from Mount Airy High School in 1924 and began working for C&P Telephone Company in Mount Airy. She married the late J. Cleveland Hyatt in 1933. They built their home in Damascus in 1945. Several years later she began working as a substitute teacher for Montgomery County schools, retiring in 1975. She was a member of Damascus United Methodist Church. Graveside services and burial were held Thursday at Damascus United Methodist Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Damascus Lions Club or the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department. Arrangements were handled by Olin L. Molesworth Funeral Home, Damascus. George Coleman Smith George Coleman Smith, 75, of Damascus, died June 4, 2004, at his home. Born Oct. 29, 1928, in Branford, Fla., he was the son of the late Marvin Loami and Ruby Coleman Smith. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dolores Naehr Smith. He served as an Army officer in the Korean War with the 187th Airborne Division. He was a member of the Korean Veterans Association Chapter 142 in Frederick, the VFW Post 10076, and the American Legion Post 171 in Damascus. He worked with the Atomic Energy Commission as an accountant from 1956 until 1968 and for NASA until he retired in 1978. He owned Damascus Tax and Accounting Services for many years. Mr. Smith was an active member of the Damascus Lions Club District 22C. He was awarded the "Lions of the Years" trophy for 1998-1999. He was involved with the organizing of Damascus Ecumenical Laymen's Association and Damascus Help. He was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Damascus and was a choir member for many years. He enjoyed acting in musicals with the Damascus Theatre Company. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, golfing, genealogy and card games. Survivors in addition to his wife include five daughters, Joan Smith and husband Al of Damascus, Diane Monk and husband David of Stafford, Va., Cynthia Hitchcock and husband Joseph of Frederick, Beverly Lambert and husband Timothy of Mount Airy and Anita Cheadle of Damascus; two sons, G. Michael Smith and wife Suzanne of Mount Airy and Lawrence "Rick" Smith and wife Angie of Shelbyville, Ky.; one sister, Mary Elizabeth Jenks of Augusta, Ga.; 22 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Hugh Smith and Marvin Leon Smith, and sister Alice Rae Smith. Mass was celebrated Tuesday. Burial was at All Soul's Cemetery in Germantown. Memorial contributions may be made to the Damascus Lions Club, P.O. Box 267, Damascus, MD 20872. Arrangements were handled by Olin L. Molesworth Funeral Home, Damascus. Kathryn Elizabeth Dennison Kathryn Elizabeth Dennison, 62, died June 3, 2004, at her home in Lewisdale. Born Sept. 11, 1941, in Frederick, she was a daughter of the late Perry C. and Sarah M. Snyder Lewis. Ms. Dennison had been employed as a program specialist at the U.S. Department of Energy. She was a government worker for 43 years. She was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church in Damascus. She was a volunteer at the Damascus Senior Center. Survivors include two children, Loretta K. Wade of Westminster and Michael L. Dennison and his wife Shauna of St. Simons Island, Ga.; four grandchildren; one great granddaughter; two brothers, Ronnie Lewis of Middleburg, Fla., and Mickey Lewis of Middletown; and two sisters, Bonnie Frederick of Germantown and Terry Seabolt of Boonsboro. Memorial services will be held today at 11 a.m. at the Olin L. Molesworth Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus. Burial will be at Bethesda United Methodist Cemetery. Elvin Shifflett Sr. Elvin "Gene" Shifflett Sr., 71, of Frederick, died June 5, 2004, at his home. Born Sept. 1, 1932, in Virginia, he was a son of the late Simmie and Mammie Shifflett. He was the former husband of Charlotte Shifflett Britt. He had worked as a service station attendant. Survivors in addition to his former wife include seven children, Ronald Shifflett and wife Patsy, Kimberly Rogers and husband Bruce, Elvin Shifflett Jr. and wife Claresa, Julie Shifflett and Pamela Shifflett, all of Florida, Sherry Ridgley and husband Albert of Myersville, Jesse Shifflett and wife Tammy of Pennsylvania; three stepsons, Terry Britt and wife Pat, Mark Britt and wife Carol of Frederick, Tommy Britt and wife Geana of Germantown; one brother, Edward Shifflett of Virginia; 18 grandchildren; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Frank Shifflett, Alvin Shifflett and Ellis Shifflett. Friends may call Thursday at 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. at Clarksburg Church of God, 23900 Clarksburg Road, Clarksburg. Burial will be private. Arrangements were handled by Olin L. Molesworth Funeral Home, Damascus. John S. Thomas Mr. John Seidel Thomas, 73, of Gaithersburg died of lung cancer on May 30, 2004, at his home. Born July 4, 1930 in Barnesville, he was the son of the late Irvin C. and Margaret R. Thomas. He was the husband of Sonja C.L. Thomas for 44 years. Mr. Thomas served in the U.S. Army for four years during the Korean War and was awarded a Purple Heart. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in business from Western Maryland College in 1954, and partnered with William Chiswell to start Gaithersburg Rental Center in 1966. He was a member of the Lions Club and served on the Gaithersburg City Council in the early 1960s. Survivors in addition to his wife include two sons, John W. Thomas and George A. Thomas, both of Gaithersburg; a sister, Barbara T. Lima of Gaithersburg; and two grandsons. Funeral services were held on June 3 at DeVol Funeral Home, Gaithersburg. Burial was in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick. Isidore "Ira" Pomerance Mr. Isidore "Ira" Pomerance, 100, of Gaithersburg died June 2, 2004, at the Golden Age Retirement Home in Gaithersburg. Born in Russia in 1903, he grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., and graduated from City College of New York. Mr. Pomerance served as a captain in the Army Air Corps in India during World War II. He earned a doctorate degree in philosophy from Columbia University and taught philosophy for many years at Brooklyn College. After retirement he lived in Florida for several years and moved to Sunrise Village House in Montgomery Village after the death of his wife. Survivors include two daughters, Carol Stern of Montgomery Village and Victoria Bellinger of State Island, N.Y., four grandchildren and one great- granddaughter. A family memorial service will be held at a future date. Arrangements were made by Resthaven Funeral Services, Frederick. *****June 21, 2004***** Joseph F. Banks Mr. Joseph Franklin Banks, 66, of Montgomery Village died June 9, 2004, at his home. Born Jan. 16, 1938, in Leavenworth, Kan., he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Pauline Banks. He was married to Shirley Banks for 40 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Ann Thomas and her husband, David, of Hendersonville, N.C., Philip Banks of Costa Rica and Paul Banks and his wife, Gaetan, of Beacon, N.Y., one sister, Frances Kane of Atchison, Kan., and four grandchildren. A funeral service was held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Gaithersburg last Saturday. Burial was in All Souls Catholic Cemetery, Germantown. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements were handled by DeVol Funeral Home, Gaithersburg. Allen W. Scheib Allen W. Scheib, 76, of Germantown, died June 8, 2004, at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville. He was the husband of Anna L. Scheib, his wife of 45 years. Born March 1, 1928, in Gratz, Pa., he was a son of the late Moses Allen and Edna Mae Stutzman Scheib. Mr. Scheib worked as a laboratory technician at the National Cancer Institute -- National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, retiring after 34 years of service. He enjoyed reading and duckpin bowling. Scheib was an avid baseball and sports fan. Surviving besides his wife are three children, Terry and Nancy Wilson of Middletown, Randy and Lorraine Scheib of Frederick, and Kathy and Matthew Church of Chester, Va.; seven grandchildren; and one brother, Harper Scheib of Beltsville. Two sisters preceded Mr. Scheib in death, Margaret Cole and Norma Layton. Funeral services were held Saturday. Burial was in Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Frederick. Memorial contributions may be made to the Upper County Seventh Day Adventist Church, 14210 Comus Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871. Arrangements were handled by the Olin L. Molesworth Funeral Home, Damascus. *****June 29, 2004***** Shirley H. Gillespie Shirley H. Gillespie, 76, of Kensington died June 13, 2004, at her son's residence in Mt. Airy. Born July 4, 1927, in Buffalo, N. Y., she was the daughter of the late William and Ailleen Hone Wait. She was the wife of Jack A. Gillespie for 53 years. Mrs. Gillespie was a homemaker and a volunteer with the American Red Cross, the American Lung Association, TRIO and she was a member of the Kensington Lions Club. Mrs. Gillespie started the first Breathing Club in Montgomery County in Kensington. She and her husband were on the Kensington Centennial Committee and were in charge of the Kensington Labor Day Parade for a number of years. In addition to her husband and her mother, Mrs. Gillespie is survived by two sons, Jay L. Gillespie and his wife Janet of Gaithersburg and Jack A. Gillespie II and his wife Jan of Mt. Airy; an adopted son, Nesar Nusraty and his wife Soryla of Potomac; 10 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; 2 brothers-in-law, Ronald Gillespie and his wife Rose of Texas and Richard Gillespie and his wife Kathy of Fallon, Nev.; a sister-in-law, Edith Ann Harrison and her husband Lloyd of Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services and burial will be held at 2 p.m. on July 13 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the Administration Building at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Carroll Hospice Inc., 94 Carroll St., Westminster, MD 21157. Arrangements were made by Stauffer Funeral Home, Frederick. Dario R. Monti Dario R. Monti, 74, of Seattle and formerly of Rockville and Gaithersburg, died June 19, 2004, in Kirkland, Wash. He had prostate cancer. Born Dec. 25, 1929, in Hibbing, Minn., he was a son of the late Joseph and Nina Monti. He was the husband of Mary Jeanne Monti. Survivors in addition to his wife include two daughters, Marian Bonin of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Jane Mathis of Germantown; a son, David Monti of Middleport, N.Y.; two sisters, Angela Monti of San Diego and Marilyn Monti of Chandler, Ariz.; one brother, Athos Monti of Minneapolis; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Fanchon Foss Monti. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Devol Funeral Home, 10 East Deer Park, Gaithersburg. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 9000 Warfield Road, Gaithersburg. Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring. Memorial contributions may be made to Evergreen Hospice Services, 12832 124th Lane N.E., Kirkland, WA 98036. Dr. William B. Jones Jr. Dr. William Burnett Jones Jr., 86, of Montgomery Village, formerly of Scotia, N.Y., died June 12, 2004, at Montgomery Village Health Care Center after a long illness. Born Nov. 21, 1917 in Salem, Va., he was the son of William Burnett Sr. and Mary Yates Jones. He was the husband of Ruth Ridgway Jones for 61 years prior to her passing on Nov. 2, 2003. Jones earned a bachelor of science degree with distinction from Roanoke College in 1939, and a doctorate with highest honors in experimental nuclear physics from Cornell University in 1947. While attending Cornell, he did a sabbatical at the MIT Radiation Laboratory from 1943 to 1945 as part of the war effort during World War II. After graduating from Cornell, he moved to Schenectady, N.Y., to begin a 37-year career with General Electric, from 1948 to 1985. He became a noted expert in solid-state lasers. He authored more than 20 scientific publications, and had 10 patents to his credit. He received certificates of recognition from the War Manpower Commission in 1943 and the U.S. Office of Scientific Research and Development in 1946. He was a member of two honor societies, Sigma Xi and Phi Kappa Phi. Throughout his career with General Electric, he received numerous awards for meritorious service. His professional memberships included American Physical Society, Optical Society of America, and Association for the Advancement of Science. Jones was an avid golfer and a member of the Edison Club in Schenectady for decades. He is survived by two children, Walter Jones and his wife, Perlita, of Gaithersburg, and Richard Jones and his wife, Lesley Kantor, of Westford, Mass.; and five grandchildren. Prayers for his repose were held at Simple Tribute Funeral Home in Silver Spring Thursday. In accordance with his wishes, he was cremated, and his ashes will be scattered in Salem, Va. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dr. William B. Jones to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. Charles L. McCleaf Mr. Charles "Charlie" Leroy McCleaf, 76, of Gaithersburg died June 19, 2004, at his home. Born Dec. 18, 1927, in Fairfield, Pa., he was the son of the late Donald and Sylvia Rentsel McCleaf. Mr. McCleaf served in the U.S. Air Force from February 1946 until August 1947 and was a member of Moose Lodge 453, Elks Lodge 637, the Civil Air Patrol and the American Legion. Survivors include four children, four grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on June 25 at the Bowie United Methodist Church, 13006 6th St., Bowie. Arrangements were made by Hilton Funeral Home, Barnesville. Luis Antonio Sanchez Luis Antonio Sanchez, 88, of Takoma Park died June 20, 2004, at Mariner Health Care, Kensington. He was a paralegal technician. Mr. Sanchez was born in Ecuador March 24, 1916, to the late Sergio Antonio Sanchez and Maria Esther Junco. He completed two years of college. He is survived by his wife, Rosalia F. Sanchez; children: Luis J.G. Sanchez, Sergio E. Sanchez, Anita S. Doll, Luisa Esther Maldonado, Luisa Evanglina Benalja, Mariana S. Phifer and Patricia S. Ford; 26 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren all survive him. A daughter, Rosalia S. Buitrago, preceded him in death. Friends may call between 3 and 5 p.m. and 7 and 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd. W., Silver Spring, A service will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Aspen Hill.