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Nathan M. Ragan "Nate"
Nathan M. Ragan died December 25, 2008 at home surrounded by his family.
Born in Port Deposit, MD on May 7, 1924 to R. Leslie and Marjorie Ragan, he grew up in Claymont, DE and graduated from Claymont High School in 1942. At 18, Nate enlisted in the Army Air Corp during WWII and served in the European Theatre of Operations as a radio operator and top-turret gunner aboard the B-24 Liberator. He went on to serve a second tour of duty in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations. After WWII, he joined the Delaware Air National Guard, and continued to serve his country, including active duty during the Korean War. He retired from the Air Force in 1984. During his service he received 16 medals including four distinguished Air Force Air Medals and three Presidential Citations during WWII. Nate documented his WWII experience in a beloved book, cherished by his family. Following the war he joined Bell System-Diamond State Telephone Company and worked for 38 years in the Philadelphia, Georgetown and Wilmington offices.
Nate was an active member of the Rehoboth Beach Kiwanis, serving as president in 1963. He was an active member and supported numerous veterans' organizations including the VFW, the 98th Bomb Group "Pyramiders" Association and the Hump Pilots Association. He also was an active member of the Telephone Pioneers of America for 45 years. Nate enjoyed his extensive service to the Library of Congress Talking Books program. During his service, he invented and donated the design of a nickel-cadmium battery recycler. This invention, called the "Ragan-izer," is now utilized nationwide by the Talking Books repair program. He was a member of the Historical Society of Wilmington, the Genealogical Society of Cecil County, and the Historical Society of Maryland, serving these associations in various board positions. Over the years he documented his own family's history to the 1700s, and authored various historical publications about Cecil County, including the recreation of numerous historical land patent maps, and studies of prominent figures in Maryland history, including his family ancestor Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat. He has been recognized by many organizations and families for his contributions and research.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Pettoruto Ragan; his children, Linda Appleby and her husband David of Sayreville, NJ, Sue Garrett and her husband Doug of Wilmington, Judi MacBride and her husband Bill of Newark, David and his wife Julie of Wilmington, Amy Wilson and her husband Gary of Middletown, Neil of North Carolina, Keith and his wife Kristin of Middletown; grandchildren Scott (Sandra), Benjamin (Debora), Ryan, and Kate Appleby, Peter (Christie) Garrett, Alison (Travis) Bliss, Patrick (Karen), Evan, and Brynn MacBride, Emily, Rachel, Sarah, and Nathan Ragan and Hayley Wilson; great-grandchildren Elyse, Ragan, Logan, Ethan and Rowan.
He is also survived by his sister Shirley Webb and brother Paul Ragan. He was predeceased by his sister, Evelyn Stewart.
Friends and family are invited to visitation, Tuesday, December 30, 6-8 pm at Mealey Funeral Home, Limestone & Milltown Roads and again at St. Helena's Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Bellefonte 10:30-11:30 am on Wednesday where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am. Interment private.
Rosalee H. Raker
Formerly of Wilmington, DE, age 91, died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in Inova Fairfax Hospital, Fairfax, VA.
She was born in Shiloh Township, North Carolina in 1917. She married the late Allen Raker of Wilmington, DE who she met while she was working for Martin Marietta in Baltimore, MD during WWII. During Allen's 20 years in the Army, they lived in Wilmington, DE in the early 1960's. They retired to Statesville, NC in the late 1960's. Rosalee moved to Virginia in 2002 to be near her family. She loved gardening, cooking, and sewing; and was devoted to her church and church activities.
Rosalee was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Raker in 1981, and 2 children, Charles and Debbra. She is survived by her daughter, Lynne Briggs; her son, Richard Raker and his wife Joan; her 2 grandsons, Michael Briggs and Charles A. Raker; and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the service at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood Hwy, Elsmere, on Tuesday, December 30, at 1 pm. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home after 12 noon on Tuesday. Interment in Silverbrook Cemetery, Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, DE.
KRIENEN-GRIFFITH FUNERAL HOME
Elizabeth J. Reese
Age 86, of Hockessin, DE, passed away peacefully at Christiana Hospital on Tuesday, December 23, 2008, surrounded by her family.
Born in Wilmington, Mrs. Reese was the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Suetter) McLaughlin. She was a former diner owner and retired from Gore in 1985. She previously worked for JC Penney's for 14 years.
She was predeceased by her husband, John, in 1972. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Constance and John Harrington of California; her granddaughter and husband, Elizabeth and Thomas Mullen of Garnet Valley, PA; her grandson, John Harrington of California; her great-grandchildren, Megan, Stephanie, Patrick and Carmen; her sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Kenneth Murson of Elkton, Maryland; and her niece and husband, Suellen and Clinton Lappe of Elkton, MD; and many grand nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to visitation on Tuesday, December 30, between 9-10 am, at MEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 703 North Broom Street, Wilmington. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 9th and DuPont Streets, Wilmington. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington.
Elsie M. Reynolds
Age 80,of Ellendale, DE, died Thursday, December 25, 2008. Services, 12 noon, Friday, January 2, 2009, at Old Paths Church of Christ, 18295 Redden Rd., Georgetown. Visitation after 11 am. Lofland Funeral Home, Milford.
Irwin R. Rowe
Age 75, died at his home Thursday, December 25, 2008.
Born to the late Mary and Irwin S. Rowe, Irwin served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked as a self-employed barber for over 45 years, and retired from Astra Zeneca. In his spare time Irwin enjoyed hunting and crabbing. He was a member of the American Legion as well as Ebenezer United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Juanita Rowe; 2 sons, Robert Rowe, and Brent Rowe and his wife Michelle; 2 sisters, Jeanne Shultz and Linda Oliver and her husband Robert; grandson, Jack Rowe; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, at 12 noon, at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 525 Polly Drummond Hill Rd., Newark, DE 19711. Friends are invited to call after 11 am. Interment will follow in the church's cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Irwin's name to Ebenezer Church.
Arrangements by MCCRERY FUNERAL HOME
Mary M. Ryan
Mrs. Mary McDonnell Ryan, 90 of Stuart, FL, formerly of Heritage Park, Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2008.
Mary was born in Dubuque, IA on December 9, 1918, daughter of the late John and Lillie (Herl) McDonnell. She was a graduate of Clarke College, earning a degree in English. Mary married her husband, Chuck, during a blinding snowstorm while he was on a brief leave during World War II, and together raised six children. She enjoyed playing with her grandchildren, attending Mass, hanging out with her girlfriends and swimming at Skyline Swim Club.
Mary was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Charles C. Ryan, in 2003; and her son, Jeffrey J. Ryan, in 2007. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Charles "Chips" Jr. and his wife, DeeDee of Sebring, FL, Mark and his wife, Nancy of Woodstock, GA, Michael and his wife, Barb of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Susan Clemons of Charlotte, NC and Barbara Tessari and her husband, Joe of Richmond, VA; her sister, Lillian Freund of Dubuque, Iowa; 15 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Rd., Wilmington on Tuesday, December 30 at 11am. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Family and friends may visit at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 - 10:45am.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Mary to St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808.
DOHERTY FUNERAL HOMES
Jennie M. Sala
Of Wilmington, died Wed., Dec. 24, 2008. Predeceased by the late Anthony & survived by Anthony, Jr. and Bernadette Lewandowski, 4 grandchildren & 4 great grandchildren. Services are private. Arr: Mealey Funeral Homes.
Charles Scharp
Age 65, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on December 25, 2008, after a long battle of cancer.
Born in Wilmington, he was the son of the late Charles and Marie (Dow) Scharp. He served his country in the United States Marine Corp as a reservist. He was an electrician for the local I.B.E.W. 313 for 35 years. An avid fisherman, he enjoyed being the captain of his boat "the Toby" and sitting on the dock waiting for his sons to come home to see what they caught. He spent the last of his years at Pine St in the house that he built. His greatest joy was being a grandfather to his 7 grandchildren.
He will be forever missed by his family, sons, Charles Scharp and his wife Erin of Millsboro DE, James Scharp and his wife Laura of Wilmington DE, John Scharp and his wife Anne of Hockessin DE and his daughter, Jennifer (Scharp) Shute and husband Jason of Wilmington, DE; also his 7 grandchildren, Ethan, Isabella, Ava, Andrew, Chloe, Charlie and Noah. He will also be missed his sister, Mary Anne (Scharp) and her husband Richard Pierce and their son Sean Pierce of Wilmington DE. Dad left this ending quote for all that knew him: "In Lieu of flowers, please send prayers because god knows I'm going to need them."
Funeral services will be private.
Memorial contributions may be sent in Charlie's memory to the Salvation Army, 400 N. Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.
H. Dean Smith
Age 94, died December 23, 2008, at Crozer Chester Medical Center.
Born in Landis, NC he lived in Chester, PA before moving to Wilmington, DE. Dean worked for Scott Paper Company (Kimberly Clark) for 40 years as an Instrument Technician. He was member of St. Pauls Episcopal Church of Chester, past member of NRA, past Master of Chester Lodge #236 FAM, St. Alban #47 Chapter of Comandery, Director Shield & Square Club of Delaware, Lulu Temple Shriners of Philadelphia, Delaware County Shrine Club, Grand Lodge of Delaware and also a member of Scottish Rite Chapter of Consistory Valley of Philadelphia, Chester of Commandery #66, Tall Cedars #21 of Lebananon Chester Royal Arch Chapter 258.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lisettal (Peg) in 2004.
Funeral services, Tuesday, December 30, 11 am, James M. Brower Funeral Home, 908 S. Providenced Rd., Route 320 & 252, Wallingford, PA. Interment, Mt. Hope Cemetery. Calling hours, 9-11 am, and Masonic Services, 10:50 am, at the funeral home.
Ilona L. Steele
Age 78, of Felton, DE, died December 21, 2008, in Kent General Hospital. Viewing will be 7-8 pm, Tuesday, December 30th.
Bobby Wayne Stewart
Mr. Bobby Wayne Stewart, age 57, of New Castle, DE, died on Wednesday, December 24, 2008, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Wilmington, DE.
Born in Elkton, MD on April 25, 1951, son of the late Gilbert Stewart and Sara Saxton Stewart, Mr. Stewart proudly served his country for 2 years in the US Army during the Vietnam War. In civilian life, he was an HVAC technician by profession and had been employed as a supervisor with Robert Mullin, Inc., in New Castle. Mr. Stewart was a longtime member of the TAC Club in New Castle. In his leisure hours, he greatly enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the company of his dog, Gizmo. He also looked forward to camping trips with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Irene C. Quill Stewart; 3 children, David W. Quill, Michael R. Quill, and Melissa M. Stewart, all of New Castle, DE; 3 sisters, Jerri Hayton, Laura Buchanan, and Kitty Stewart; 3 grandchildren, Michael R. Quill, Skyla A. Quill, and Daniel A. Becker; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Warren Stewart.
A funeral service will be held at 5 pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2008, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where friends may call after 3 pm. A committal service will be held at 1 pm on Monday, January 5, 2009 at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172 (703/640-9433- toysfortots.org).
SPICER-MULLIKIN FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY
Dorothy Louise Fisher Sullivan
Dorothy Louise Fisher Sullivan departed this life on Sun., December 21, 2008 at Christiana Hospital.
The daughter of the late Harvey L. Fisher and Louise Hatcher Fisher. An active church and civic member, Dorothy was a devoted member of Central Baptist Church and former president of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club of Wilmington, DE.
She is survived by her sister, Brenda (Johnny) Hemingway; sister-in-law, Sallie Fisher; her daughters, Paulette Sullivan Moore, Deborah (Alexander) Sullivan Land, Rhonda Sullivan and Tawana Sullivan; her dear friend Joseph Logan; 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and a host of loving cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. Dorothy was preceded to heaven by her dear brother, Elmer Fisher and her late husband, James E. Sullivan.
Services 11am on Mon. December 29, at Central Baptist Church 9th & Pine Street Wilmington, DE, viewing Mon. 9-11am. Interment in Gracelawn Memorial Park, NewCastle, DE.
Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to Robert O. Wright, I and Justen A. Wright
