12/15/09

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Maryann Dera, Milton homemaker
Maryann Dera, 66, of Milton, formerly of Medford, N.J., went home to be with the Lord Friday, Dec. 11, 2009. Born Nov. 11, 1943, in Collingswood, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Joesph and Anna (Klemowicz) Dera.
She was the beloved sister of Bernard (deceased) and wife Barbara, Robert (deceased) and wife Emilia, Francis (deceased) and wife Sue; beloved aunt of Bernard, CarolAnn, Kathy, Anna Rae, Michael, Theresa, Kenneth, Daniel, Andrew, Patty, Frank, Eddie, Doris and Carrie; and loving family member of Roseann, Annette, Bethann and Gabrielle.
Family and friends may call from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 16, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Creamtorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. A funeral procession will depart the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Jude The Apostle Church, Route 1, north of Five Points. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Dagesboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the nonprofit Gerson Institute at gerson.org or to Safe Haven Sanctuary at safehavensanctuary.com.

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Kenzel Jester, dedicated to church
Kenzel Jester, 87, of Milford, passed away Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at Brandywine Assisted Living in Rehoboth Beach.
Kenzel was born in Milford, daughter of the late Earl P. and Elsie (Holleger) Maloney.
Mrs. Jester was an active member of Milford Church of the Nazarene for over 50 years. She was awarded a distinguished service honor for her dedicated service to the church, where she held numerous offices and positions within the church. She was a homemaker and had assisted her husband with bookkeeping and office duties for their business, George S. Jester Trash Removal. Many years ago, her family was involved with miniature harness racing at Cedar Creek Raceway, where she also served in numerous positions within the raceway organization. Kenzel especially enjoyed attending church, spending time with her grandchildren and spending winters with her husband George S. Jester and her dog Buffy, at their home in Summerfield, Fla. In addition to her parents, Kenzel’s husband and her brother, Herbert Maloney, preceded her in death. She is survived by a daughter, Arlene Moore of Seaford; numerous grandchildren, four of whom she raised: Ricky Moore, Brenda Hudson, Tim Moore and Cindy Hrupsa; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Vanzandt of Wilmington; a brother: Cecil Maloney; and two stepsons, Allen and George G. Jester, all of Milford. A funeral service will be held at noon, Wednesday, Dec. 16, in Milford Church of the Nazarene, 11 N. Salevan Place, Milford, where friends may call after 11 a.m. Burial will be in Milford Community Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to the church or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements handled by Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford.

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Doris M. Rouke, homemaker
Doris M. Rouke, 94, of Franktown, Va., formerly of Rehoboth Beach, died Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, in Nassawadox, Va. She was born in Wilmington, daughter of the late Walter L. Peters and Edna Stemler Peters. She was a homemaker and former member of a Rehoboth women’s club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard W. Rouke. She is survived by her son, K. Michael Rouke of Franktown; her brother, Arnold G. Peters of Roanoke, Va.; two grandchildren, Courtney K. Karres of Killeen, Texas and Kelly M. Rouke of Wilmington; and three great-grandchildren, Gusu M. Karres, Garrett Matthew Karres and James Broder Karres. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 18, at Silverbrook Cemetery, Wilmington, with the Rev. Dr. David Farmer officiating. Memorial contributions are suggested to The Delaware SPCA, 455 Stanton Christiana Rd., Newark DE 19713, or Faithful Friends, 12a Germay Dr., Wilmington DE 19804. Arrangements by Fox & James Funeral Home, Eastville, Va.

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Dorothy Cross Gordon, community volunteer
Dorothy Cross Gordon of Millsboro, 87, died Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center after a battle with Alzheimer’s. Ms. Gordon was born July 17, 1922, in Parsons, W.Va., to Gordon Cross and Lydia Phillips. After high school during World War II, she moved to Washington, D.C., living in a boardinghouse. Dottie was truly ahead of her time, moving from a small town to the big city to live and work on her own during the war.
She worked for 35 years with the Naval Air Systems Command as a technical editor and was a recipient of the Meritorious Civilian Service Award. She later lived in Rockville, Md., and then moved to the Delaware shore 20 years ago after her retirement, where she continued to serve her community in various volunteer positions. Dottie was a loving mother and doting grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Navy veteran Peter F. Gordon Jr.; her only son, Michael S. Gordon, formerly of Millsboro; her sister and best friend, Bette Woodland, formerly of Milton; and her brother Harold Cross, formerly of Salisbury, Md. She is survived by her sisters Phyllis Want of Ontario, Canada, and “Dolly” Phillips of Concord, N.C.; daughter-in-law, Tina Gordon of Rehoboth Beach; and her only granddaughter, Holly Gordon of Richmond, Va. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. A private memorial service was held Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

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William E. Matczak, retired engineer
William E. Matczak, 68, of Milton, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, at home.
He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of the late Edward C. and Emma (Szepanaka) Matczak.
He was a veteran of the Army Air Corps. He was a research design engineer for the U.S. Postal Service headquarters for 15 years. He was a member of the American Legion in Millsboro and the Potomac River Power Squadron.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth J. Kerr Matczak in 2006.
He is survived by his son, Donald Matczak and his wife Cheryl of Gaithersburg, Md.; two grandchildren, Jennifer and Meredith; and his black lab, Kingston.
A memorial service was held Monday, Dec. 14, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton. Burial was private.
Contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Arnold Lee Brown, business owner
Arnold Lee “Brownie” Brown, 66, of Ocean View died Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, surrounded by family and friends at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
Brownie was born June 29, 1943, in Wilmington. He graduated from Fort Union Military Academy and attended Louisiana State University.
He was the former owner of the Holiday House Restaurant on the boardwalk in Bethany Beach until 1996. He was currently operating New World Tours Bus Company out of Bethany Beach and Bristow, Va.
Brownie loved spending time with family and friends talking about everything.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Anna Rose and Henry Bradshaw; and his daughter, Sherri Brown.
Brownie is survived by his wife, Marie Bolen Brown of Ocean View; son, David Bolen and his wife Stacey of Stafford, Va.; daughters, Donna Vernon and her husband Tommy of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Dena Ennis of Dagsboro; his brother, William Torbert and his wife Doris of Dover; grandchildren, Jamie Ennis, Brandon and Connor Bolen, John Ennis and his wife Dianna; he especially loved his great-granddaughter, Jacquelyn Ennis; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, at Mariners Bethel United Methodist Church, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to Bethany Beach Vol. Fire Department, 215 Hollywood St., PO Box 950, Bethany Beach, DE 19930; or Millville Vol. Fire Dept., PO Box 64, Millville, DE 19970.
Arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover.

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Kenneth A. Ewald, market supervisor
Kenneth A. Ewald, 54, of Millsboro, formerly of Newark, died Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
Born June 22, 1955, in Chester, Pa., Mr. Ewald was a son of the late Nancy Kumpf Ewald and Donald Ewald Sr. He had been employed with Acme Markets for 37 years and, for the last 20 years, held the position of night supervisor.
A devoted ice hockey fan throughout his life, Mr. Ewald greatly enjoyed cheering for his favorite team, the Philadelphia Flyers. He also enjoyed the sport of fishing and particularly looked forward to head boat fishing trips from Bowers Beach. He had a fondness for horses as well.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Joan H. Benjamin Ewald; children, Kenneth Myers (Amber), Joseph Myers, Jennifer Ewald, Stephanie Krewina (Will), and Sandie Ewald; brothers, Edward Ewald and Jeff Ewald (Teresa); sister, Linda Ewald Griswold (Scott); and grandchildren, Shauna, Alexis and Ethan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Donald Ewald Jr. and Gary Ewald.
A funeral service will be held at noon, Tuesday, Dec. 15, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, where visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions in memory of Mr. Ewald be made to the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, Finance and Development Manager, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215-952-4196-esyhf.org).

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Robert W. LeCates, machinist
Robert W. LeCates, 64, of Frankford, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. Mr. LeCates was born Dec. 28, 1944, in Frankford, son of the late Rodney and Kathryn Adkins LeCates. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the United States Air Force.
Robert was employed as a machinist and press operator for Dresser Industries in Salisbury, Md., retiring in 1999 after 37 years of service.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Gwendolyn Daisey LeCates; a son, David LeCates and his wife Vickie; a brother, Rodney H. LeCates and his wife Susan; a sister, Alma Young; three grandchildren, Ashley LeCates, Bill and Chris Evans; and a great-granddaughter, Charlotte Evans.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher St., Frankford, where friends and family may call after noon. Interment will follow at Redmens Cemetery in Dagsboro. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Robert’s name to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Robert S. Wasson, trucking co. owner
Robert S. Wasson, 69, of Lincoln, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. He was born May 6, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Samuel M. and Alice Rainey Wasson.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Wasson; a son, Robert Daniel Wasson; three daughters, Barbara L. Johnston and husband David, Wendy A. Wasson, and Kimberly G. Wasson; three grandchildren, Heather Wasson, Kristen Johnston and Zackary Quinones; a great-grandson, Skyler Wasson; a sister, Margaret A. Baker; and several nieces and nephews.
Wasson worked for Allen Foods of Harbeson for many years while also owning a trucking company, Robert Wasson Trucking of Lewes. He was a member of Eagle’s Nest Fellowship Church in Milton.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 12, at Eagle’s Nest Fellowship Church, 26633 Zion Church Road, Milton, with Pastor Mike Hargraves officiating and interment private.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Eagle’s Nest Fellowship Church Mission Fund at the above noted address.

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Donald Baines, elevator engineer
Donald Baines, 69, of Frederica died Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, in Bayhealth Medical Center, Dover.
Born in Luzerne Co., Pa., he was the son of the late Richard and Dorothy Baines. For most of his life, Mr. Baines worked as an elevator engineer with the Elevator Union. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, had a special fondness for his pets, and in his quieter moments he enjoyed the time spent with his family. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Baines.
He is survived by two children, Carolyn Baines Farren of Brookhaven, Pa., and Christopher Baines of Marcus Hook, Pa.; one brother, Richard Baines of Lewes; one grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be private.
Donations in his memory may be forwarded to the Kent County SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934-2293.
Arrangements by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director Inc., Dover.

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Bruce L. Doherty Sr., retired Navy recruiter
Bruce L. Doherty Sr., 67, of Newark and Millsboro, formerly of Beverly, Mass., passed away Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Bruce was born Jan. 11, 1942, and came to Delaware in 1969. He was a Navy recruiter and retired after 28 years of service. After retiring he drove a school bus for 14 years. He enjoyed fishing, crabbing and boating.
He is survived by his wife, Jacki Doherty; his daughter, Kelley Smith and her husband Jim; his son, Bruce L. Doherty Jr., and his wife Marlene; his mother, Phyllis Doherty; and six grandchildren; one sister and one brother. He was predeceased by one sister.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Doherty Funeral Home, Pike Creek. Burial will be private at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Ronald McDonald House, 1901 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.

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James F. Troutman, retired welder
James F. “Jim” Troutman, 78, of Millsboro, formerly of Reading, Pa., passed away suddenly at his home Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009.
Jim was born in Reading, son of the late Harry and Katharine Troutman.
He was a welder for the Dana Corporation in Reading, retiring after 35 years of service. He then moved to Millsboro, where he enjoyed crabbing, boating, clamming and fishing.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn J. Troutman in 1991.
He is survived by his son, Michael A. Troutman and his wife Lynn of Reading; his daughter, Karen Fasig and her husband Jim of Reading; four brothers, Harry of Lincoln, Ronald of Florida, Barry of Reading, and George of Reading; a sister, Patricia Delaney of Florida; and four grandchildren, William Fasig, Heather Kohl, Tammy Miller and Michael Troutman Jr., all of Reading. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends may call after 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Jim’s memory to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21805.