Skip to main content

Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of October 30th

Gary Monroe Farrar

Gary Monroe Farrar, of Cochranville, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 4, 2024 while at his home. He was 79.

He was the husband of Karen Cochran Farrar, with whom he shared 30 years of marriage.

Born in Madill, OK, he was the son of the late Lowell and Opal Monroe Farrar. 

He graduated from Oklahoma State University and relocated to the East Coast while working for Texaco. He left Texaco and founded Reston Corporation, where he developed real estate in Delaware. Most recently he was a consultant for other developers. 

He loved the farm he shared with his wife Karen. He assisted with her breeding program. He especially loved traveling to the thoroughbred sales in Keenland. 

Gary was an avid golfer. He was a member of Hartefeld National in Avondale and was a former president of the Delaware State Golf Association and a tournament official. He also had a lifelong love of the water and spent many years boating and fishing along the East Coast. 

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Adrian Farrar of Elkton and Amy Finnegan (Doug) of Enid, OK; and three grandchildren, Zachary, Luke and Madelynn Finnegan.

He was preceded in death by a son, Michael David Farrar.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

June B. Arrowood

June B. Arrowood, of Oxford, passed away on Oct. 16, 2024 at Twin Pines Health Care Center in West Grove. She was 89.

She was the wife of the late Marshall D. Arrowood, Sr., with whom she shared 58 years of marriage.

Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Alice Brown Buffington.

June was a member of Media Mennonite Church in Oxford. She was also a member of 

the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and of Ocklokonee Council #212 Degree of Pocahontas.

She worked alongside her husband, Marshall, farming and growing mushrooms.

June is survived by two sons, Marshall D. Arrowood, Jr., and Barry M. Arrowood and his wife, JoAnne, all of Oxford, two daughters, Barbara Maitre and her husband, Chuck of Nottingham and Brenda Hagy and her husband, Gary, of Oxford, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two great-great granddaughters, and one sister, Beulah Benner of Chatham.

She was preceded in death by William Buffington and Beverly Buffington and one sister, Jean Arrowood. 

Services are private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. 

Marcellus Edward Barnett

Marcellus Edward Barnett, a caring father, grandfather, brother, and a kind-hearted friend, departed this world on October 6, 2024. 

He was born in Lancaster, Pa. on November 1, 1964.

Marcellus's work life was a testament to his skills as a laborer, showcasing his expertise as a skilled machinist and welder. He carried with him a deep love for art, which he exhibited from a young age, demonstrating a creative spirit that touched the lives of those around him.

Above all, Marcellus was known for his warm and giving nature. He was a kind soul who would go above and beyond for anyone in need. His mischievous smile and willingness to help others will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Marcellus is preceded in death by his mother, Genevia Barnett, and his siblings, Beverly Jackson, Wanda Lawson, Elizabeth Draper, and Stewart Barnett. 

He leaves behind a legacy of dedication and cherished memories in his daughters, Stacey and Tasha Barnett, and his grandchildren, Amber and Marcellus.

He is also survived by his loving sisters, Philena Nelson, Velma Carey, Stephanie Barnett, and Marina Barnett (Bill King). Marcellus will be deeply missed by his 21 nieces and nephews, 26 great-nieces and nephews, and 7 great-great-nieces and nephews, who adored him.

As his family and friends mourn the loss of Marcellus, they will celebrate his life and the joy he brought to those around him. He will be remembered for his kindness, artistry, and the love he shared with his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Juvenal Pedroza Sanchez

Juvenal “Juve” Pedroza Sanchez, of West Grove, passed away on October 18, 2024 while surrounded by his loving family. He was 31.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of Juvenal Pedroza Mondragon and Hortencia Sanchez Gomez. 

In his life, Juve worked as a painter for On-Point Painting and Wallcovering. He enjoyed his work. Juve was an avid sports fan, and he especially loved the Philadelphia Eagles.

He was known for being very friendly to all. He was strong-willed and determined. He was a warrior until the end.

He will be missed for his vibrant personality and his ability to make anyone smile. 

He will be remembered for his contagious smile. Juve was the life of a party, and no matter where he went, he lit up a room with his presence. 

In addition to his parents, Juve is survived by his sisters, Gabriela Pedroza Sanchez and Ariadna Pedroza Sanchez (Rodrigo); his nieces, Daniela Ruby Pedroza, Natalia Sanchez Pedroza; one nephew, Rodrigo Sanchez Pedroza; and his girlfriend of 8 years, Alejandra Marquez Beltran. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Stevie. 

His funeral was held at the St. Rocco’s Church on October 24.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. 

To view Juve’s online obituary and leave condolences, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

Leda Priscilla Widdoes

Leda Priscilla Widdoes, 83, of Oxford, passed away at home on October 19, 2024.

She was born in Chester, Pa. She was the daughter of the late Leslie Warren and Dorothy Ebert Glenn.

Leda owned and operated Oxford Sunoco for 24 years and Numzees Tavern, both in Oxford.

She was the first woman to serve as president of the Oxford Little League and she was a charter member of the organization. Leda served as secretary and board member for the Oxford Area Senior Center and the Oxford Area Historical Society. She was an Oxford Borough Council member and a Lower Oxford Republican Committeeperson.  

Leda was a hospice volunteer, and she enjoyed hosting the veteran’s breakfast and was awarded Oxford Citizen of the Year in 1992. 

She is survived by four children, Lisa Johnson, Michelle Hartley (Thomas), James Margist, Jr. (April), and Michael Widdoes (Kathleen), 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and one brother, Mitchell K. Glenn.

She was preceded in death by one son, Daniel Margist, a son-in-law, Kerry Johnson, a brother, Leslie Glenn, Jr., a sister, Jacqueline Odorizzi, brother-in-law, David DeFries and two sisters-in- law, Carol Ann Glenn and Dorothy Glenn.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1 at Redmans Hall at 114 Brick Road in Oxford. Friends and family may visit from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Oxford Little League, PO Box 401, Oxford, PA 19363.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.  (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford.

Dorothy E. Elliott

Dorothy E. Elliott, of Lincoln University, passed away at home on October 19, 2024.. She was 88.

She was the wife of the late Roland M. Elliott and her first husband, the late Richard A. Johns.

Born in Roanoke, VA she was the daughter of the late George and Dorothy Kate Mullen.

She was a member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Landenberg. She was also a member of the Red Hats Society.

She enjoyed crafts, gardening and homemaking. 

She is survived by one son, Robert L. Johns (Mona) of Lincoln University; two step-children, John Elliott (Debbie) and Linda (Dave) Strommer; nine grandchildren, Bryan Elliott (Trisha), John Elliott (Samantha), Lauren Elliott, Jessie Strommer, Daniel Robski, Andrew Johns, Dillon Johns, Nicholas Johns and Iysis Johns; and 15 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Norma Zimmerman of Roanoke, VA. 

She was preceded in death by two sons, Rick Johns and William Johns; one grandson, Anthony A. Johns; and a sister, Janice Mullen. 

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 109 Gypsy Hill Road, Route 896, in Landenberg, where family and friends may visit from 1 p.m. to  2 p.m. 

Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, https://cornerstonepca.com/giving.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Marilyn M. Kline

Marilyn M. “Sis” Kline, 90, went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 10, 2024. She died peacefully at home with family by her side. 

Marilyn was born on July 2, 1934 in Romansville, Chester County, the daughter of the late Maurice R. “Fuzzy” Miller and Evelyn F. Lammey Miller.

Marilyn graduated from Honey Brook High School, class of 1951. As a young adult, Marilyn held multiple administrative and clerical positions. She was co-owner of the Conestoga Wagon Motel in Morgantown, along with her first husband, the late Robert P. Wert, with whom she shared 25 years of marriage. Marilyn continued her career in hospitality at The Riveredge Restaurant and Motor Inn, as well as The Reading Motor Inn. She then went on to waitress for several years, until her retirement from Zinn’s Diner when she was in her 70s. 

Marilyn enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, trapping, fishing, gardening, and playing golf. One of her favorite pastimes was watching the Philadelphia Phillies. She was a talented pianist and crafter. Many people cherish the memories of her Christmas parties, which she enjoyed hosting. Most of all, Marilyn loved her family and friends. She was very special to a lot of people, and influential to her niece, Heidi Beth, who she raised like a daughter. Her family and friends were all very blessed to have her in their lives and will treasure the memories and stories of the incredible adventures she lived.  

Marilyn is survived by her daughter-in-law, Penny Wert of Lititz, a granddaughter, Melanie Aiken (Erick) of Mount Joy, a grandson, Robert “Zac” Wert (Kendra Waltower) of Everett, six great-granddaughters, and three great-grandsons. 

She is preceded in death by her son, Leonard P. “Lennie” Wert, and a brother, Maurice R. “Rip” Miller Jr. 

A memorial service honoring Marilyn’s life will be held at the Sheetz Funeral Home, Inc., 16 East Main Street, Mount Joy, Pa., on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 3 p.m. Family and friends will be received at the funeral home before the service from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital  (https://www.stjude.org) or The Sarcoma Foundation (https://www.curesarcoma.org).

To send an online condolence, please visit https://www.sheetzfuneralhome.com.