Saturday, November 13, 2010

Snavely Plots in Rosedale Cemetary, Altoona, PA


Last weekend Michelle and I drove out to Duncansville, PA to visit my mother while she was staying at Aunt Frances' house. While there, we helped Aunt Frances and Mom do a little cleanup at Aunt Izzie's and Uncle Ray's gravesite at Rosedale Cemetary, in Logan Township, just east of Altoona.






Here is a picture of Aunt Babe's grave. It looks like the Staceys are visiting regularly.








Alberta and Joe Wambaugh's headstone is near Babe's grave. The graves of Great Grandfather Albert and Great Grandmother Emily Snavely can be seen in the background, to the left of Babe's stone.




One interesting historical footnote: The once-famous Hollywood actress and gossip columnist Hedda Hopper (nee Elda Furry), known for her poison pen and wild hats, is also interred at Rosedale. She was born in Hollidaysburg, PA.


After we finished at the cemetary, Mom took us out to lunch at a nice restaurant. Then we took a little side trip to the Horseshoe Curve. Because the funicular ride was broken, Aunt Frances and I climbed the 194 stairs to the top of the curve. Here is a picture I took of Aunt Frances in front the the GP-9 diesel freight locomotive parked there.


Both Michelle and I had a very nice visit. Thank you, Aunt Frances, for being such a gracious host, and for helping me make it all the way up those stairs!

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

81st Reunion Minutes by Secretary Elizabeth Kidston Davic

Betty Kidston Davic writes:

"Next year's reunion will again be held the first Sunday of August, 8/7/2011, at Morrison Cove Memorial Park in Martinsburg PA. As required by contract, we will have a catered luncheon. Cost will be $6/person payable at the door, with the reunion treasury picking up an additional $6/person. One representative from each family of the 10 sisters will need to contact George Snavely with a count by 7/15/2011.
As of yesterday, the Snavely Family now has a Facebook page with a link to the Snavely Blog Spot. We are hoping this will provide another opportunity for family members to keep in touch. Any facebook user who "likes" the page will receive postings from the Snavely page in their newsfeed. Please direct as many family members as you can. Note too that you can post to the wall as well as add photos.
Take care,

Betty Kidston Davic"

Following are the minutes of this year's family meeting, as recorded by Betty:

The 81st Snavely Reunion
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Morrison’s Cove Memorial Park
Martinsburg, PA
Attendance: 75

George E. Snavely called the gathering to lunch at 12:25 p.m. in the banquet hall and Rod Templon led the invocation. We are saddened by the loss of so many family members this past year and offer our condolences in the passing of:
Florence “Babe” Snavely Stacey, age 82, on October 19, 2009
George Washington Snavely, age 96, on December 7, 2009
Delores Demaree, age 82, on March 10, 2010
Isabelle “Izzy” Snavely Stiffler, age 93, on April 21, 2010

Business Meeting

George Snavely called the business meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.

Betty Davic, Secretary, read the 2009 minutes that were previously distributed by email and posted to the Snavely Blog maintained by Rod Templon. The minutes were accepted as read.

Carol Snavely Zangrilli, Treasurer, reported income of $320 from 2009 auction for beginning
total of $999.62. To be deducted are expenses of $225 for hall rental, $53.50 for gifts and $27.80 for games leaving a total of $692.29 in the treasury plus what is raised in the auction today. Note: 2010 auction income was $420.

Updated report received from Carol 8/3/10
Balance forward from August 2009 $ 999.62
Expenses:
Hall rental 225.00
Gifts 53.50
Kids games 27.83 (306.33)
Income from auction 420.00
Balance after August 1, 2010 reunion $1,113.29

Carol also reports that in order to contract the hall again next year we must accept a catered arrangement. She has negotiated with them the past few years to let us continue providing our own food but they will no longer agree to it. A new caterer is in charge and the food is reported to be very good. The cost will be about $11 per person plus tax and gratuity. This includes 3 hour hall rental and a nice meal such as chicken dinner, baked ziti, salad, rolls, dessert, coffee and iced tea. Discussion followed with support for Carol to follow through as she determines best. Linda Stacey knows the caterer and will help. Consensus was for treasury to support half the cost, individual families to pay half. Gloria Bader moved to accept recommendations. Bonnie Snyder seconded. Leroy Demaree contributed a third. All in agreement.

George Snavely presented the 2010 Recognitions:
Most Senior Woman: Ada Snavely Munchak at 87, to be 88 in October.
Cousin Kitty Chesney was closest at 87 in June.
Most Senior Man: Leroy Demaree, 81 years young.
Youngest Child: Nicholas James Brown, 2 years old
Born April 9, 2008 to Lana Lolos Brown, husband James, and big sister Angelina.
Largest Family: Joyce Anderson and Donna Higginbotham families had 15 in attendance.
Traveled Longest Distance: Ada Snavely Munchak and Sonia, Vero Beach FL
Candy Jar Guess: Tie: Tina Lytle guessed 95, Cindy Thurston 97.
Actual count is 96.
The number and choice of candy this year signified 74 Hershey Kisses in memory of Betty Snavely with additional 22 miniature Hershey bars for total of 96 Hershey chocolates in memory of George Snavely.

Announcements/Good of the Order:

• Donna Higginbotham asked that all join in a moment of silence for the loved ones we have lost this year.
• Donna Higginbotham announced granddaughter Natalie (Kevin’s oldest) graduated from Dubois Central Catholic HS this year and will attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania this fall.
• Bonnie Snyder announced grandson Kyle Baer graduated H.S. and will be attending Slippery Rock University this fall.
• Shirley Lytle announced her granddaughter (son Jim) graduated H.S. and will attend Radford University this fall.
• Sonia announced son Joshua graduated University of Central Florida this year.
• Sonia sends love from her family that could not attend, Christa stayed home with Steve so that Sonia and Ada could attend. Joshua thanks everyone for their support.
• Judy Pellegrino sends greetings and best wishes to all as she recuperates from knee replacement surgery 2 weeks ago. She expects to attend next year.
• Dick Stacey announced grandson Mitchell graduated from H.S. this year.
• Gary Stacey announced his daughter finished Master’s degree in counseling.
• Gary Stacey announced his newest grandson turned 1 this August.
• It is noted Dick Stacey will celebrate his 62nd birthday tomorrow, August 2 and is also celebrating his retirement.

THE 82ND SNAVELY REUNION WILL BE HELD SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2011 AT MORRISON COVE MEMORIAL PARK, MARTINSBURG PA.
• The meal will be catered. Families may bring anything special they wish.
• A representative for each of the 10 families are to contact George in July with a count for the caterer.
• The reunion treasury will support half the cost, families will pay $6/per person at the door.

Megan Templon led the family in singing 4 verses of the family hymn BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS.

George Snavely called the meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.
Games for Children to follow immediately.
Dick and Gary Stacey will conduct the auction assisted by Frances Woomer following the children’s games.

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth Kidston Davic, Secretary
Granddaughter of Edith Snavely Thomas

Friday, April 23, 2010

Obituary of Isabelle Louise (Snavely) Stiffler


Our beloved Aunt Izzy passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2010. Here is her obituary, as it appeared in The Altoona Mirror on April 23:

"Isabelle Louise (Snavely) Stiffler, 93, formerly of Albion, Pa., and Willoughby, Ohio, and originally from Altoona, died Wednesday at St. Mary's Home of Erie-East.

She was born in Altoona to the late Albert Ellis and Emily Mae (Osterman) Snavely, the eighth of 11 children. She married Raymond M. Stiffler on Aug. 16, 1941, and he preceded her in death in 1982 after 41 years of marriage.

Surviving are two children: Bonnie L. Snyder (Tom) of Cranesville and the Rev. Martin J. Stiffler (Joann) of Crestline, Ohio; five grandchildren: Debbie Baer (Jim) of Erie, Kim Popella (Mike) of Grove City, Jonathan Stiffler (Jessica) of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Kristin Rickel (Scott) of Crestline, Ohio and Jefferey Stiffler of Mansfield, Ohio; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters: Ada Munchak (Steve) of Sebastion, Fla., and Frances Woomer of Altoona; as well as many nieces and nephews who called her "Aunt Izzy."

She was preceded in death by a brother, George; and seven sisters: Alberta Wambaugh, Edith Thomas, Violet Demeree, Eleanor Smith Seibert, Emily Lytle, Helen Boore and Florence "Babe" Stacey.

Isabelle was a 1934 graduate of Altoona High School. She worked in the sewing factory and the A&P Bakery in Altoona, where she met her husband. She was a member of the Albion Grace United Methodist Church, the church sewing circle (RSVP) and the Altoona Area High School Alumni Association.

Izzy lived a very simple life that included the love of her life, Ray, her children and their spouses, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her church and the Snavely clan. She enjoyed sewing and was an avid reader of the Altoona Mirror.

Friends will be received from 10 to the 11 a.m. funeral service Saturday, April 24, 2010, at Liebegott-Brown Funeral Home Inc., 1218 Fourth Ave., Duncansville (http://www.liebegottbrown.com/). Isabelle's son, the Rev. Martin Stiffler, will conduct the service. Burial at Rose Hill Cemetery, Altoona.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Home of Erie-East, 607 E. 26th St., Erie, PA 16404."

Monday, March 22, 2010

The Obituary of Dolores Demaree

DEMAREE DOLORES DOWNEY DEMAREE (Age 81) On Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at home in Alexandria, VA. Beloved wife of Leroy; devoted mother of David and Donald; cherished grandmother of Diana, Dennis, Derek, Kristen and her husband, David; loving sister of Patricia McArtor and Carol Ann Dienes. Also survived by daughters-in-law, Kathy and Eileen, as well as many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received on Sunday, March 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the EVERLY-WHEATLEY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1427 W. BraddockRd., Alexandria, on Monday, March 15 at 11 a.m. Interment Mount Comfort Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Capital Hospice, 5568 Gen. Washington Dr., Alexandria, VA 22312.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Dolores Demaree, 1928 - 2010

It is with great sadness that I note the death of another family member.

Dolores Downey Demaree, wife of Leroy Demaree and mother of David and Donald Demaree, born October 7, 1928, passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2010.

I will miss this gracious lady, who was the Soul of Southern warmth, charm and hospitality.

Visitation hours will be Sunday March 14, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Everly Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W. Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22302.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 15, at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 1427 Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22302.

Interment will be on Monday, March 15, at the Mount Comfort Cemetery, 6600 S. Kings Hwy Alexandria, VA 22306.