The News Journal from Wilmington, Delaware • Page 14

NEWS JOURNAL Monday, December 17, 2007 www.delawareonline.com OBITUARIES Richard Lee Criss cradled in the love of his devoted family. Richard was 74 years old. Born in Newburg, WV on October 27, 1933 to the late Henry and, Lillian Criss, the eldest of 6 children, Richard served in the US Coast Guard during the Korean War. Soon after his discharge, he married Jeannine Rose Rogers, whom he had determinedly pursued with his rakish good looks, flirtatious nature and self deprecating humor. In 1959, moved his young family to Delaware where he worked first for the Chrysler Corporation before finding his career calling in restaurant management.

For 28 years he was an area supervisor for McDonald's, he loved. He enjoyed working with young people and challenging them with both his work ethic and his sense of fun. Richard loved and was deeply loved by his family, including 5 children and 8 grandchildren. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, competing with his son and sons-in-law to grow the tallest tomato plants, and testing the gullibility of his children and grandchildren with pranks and wild stories-his eyes lit in glee as they fell for them time and time again. After his retirement Richard traveled extensively with his wife and children throughout the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Florida Keys, including a celebratory 50th wedding anniversary cruise with his entire family.

Richard will 1 be sadly missed by his wife of 53 years, Jeannine Rose Criss; his children, Stephanie Criss, Terri Lineback, Toni Wilkers, Kathy Legg and Richard L. Criss If; their spouses, Don Lehman, Gary Simpkins, Robert and Arlene Criss; his grandmiah Charles, Bernadette and children, Billy Joe and JereMichael Kerr, Aaron and Amber Bass; Samantha and Ryan Legg, Amanda Criss and his namesake, Richard Lee Criss He will be met in heaven by his son-in-law, Michael John Lineback, who preceded him in death. A funeral service will be held at 1. pm, on Wednesday, December at the SpicerMullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where friends may call after 11 am. Interment will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Heart Association, 1501 Casho Mill Ste. 1, Newark, DE 19711 (www.americanheart.org). To sign guest register, visit SPICER-MULLIKIN FUNERAL HOMES CREMATORY 302-328-2213 Mr. Richard Criss of Newark, DE, passed away on Saturday, December 15, 2007, Ronald L. Irwin, Sr.

"Butch" Age 61, of Newark, DE passed away on December 1 14, 2007. Butch was a retired Ironworker with Local 451 for 30 years. He served his country in Viet Nam with the U.S. Army. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and his trips to Delaware Park.

Butch loved most of all, his time he spent with his family and his beloved grandchildren. Mr. Irwin was preceded in death by his son, Steven, his parents, George and Florence Irwin and his brother Robert. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Anna; his son, Ronald L. "Butchie" Irwin, Jr.

and his wife, Michelle and his daughter, Cindy A. Irwin; 3 grandchildren, Amber, Adam Irwin; and his siblings, George Irwin, Anne Haley, Donald Irwin, Richard Irwin and Kevin Irwin. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday December 18, at 11 am in the MCCRERY MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 3710 Kirkwood Highway at Duncan Rd. call at Family 10 m. and Burial friends may will follow in Christiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Velma M. Kimball Mrs. Velma M. Kimball, age 79, of Bear, DE, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 14, 2007, surrounded by her beloved family. A funeral service will be held at 11 am, on Wednesday, December 19, Alpha Center, 721 East Chestnut Hill Road, Newark, DE, where friends may call after 10 am.

Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. To sign guest register, visit spicer SPICER MULLIKIN FUNERAL HOMES CREMATORY 302-328-2213 Harriet Amis Guth Age 81, of Hockessin, DE, Arrangements by CHANDLER FUNERAL HOMES passed away Thursday, December 13, 2007 at Christiana Hospital. She was born on August 25, 1926 in Norfolk, VA to the late Nannie and E. Tinsley Amis.

After graduation from Flora MacDonald College in North Carolina, Harriet started her career teaching math at Granby School in Norfolk, VA. During that time she met and married Forrest Guth, also a teacher and cabinet maker. The couple moved to Wilmington, DE. Harriet an active Westminster Presbyterian Church member for 56 years. She sang in the Westminster choir, Association served in and was named Woman of the Year in 1991.

She was also elected and served as a church elder for 7 years. Harriet served on the leisure club for the elderly, traveled to work camps in the Appalachia area of Tennessee with the church youth group, and served as youth club leader along with participating in many other church activities. After moving with her husband from Wilmington to Hockessin in 1997, Harriet continued to volunteer her time and energies, serving numerous committees at Cokesbury Village in addition to her church responsibilities. She loved gardening alwayswers growing for friends and arrang; as the church. She enjoyed summers in the Poconos with her husband and children.

She also loved traveling, painting, sewing, bridge most of' all her family and friends. She was always quick to laugh and gather others together. She and and her husband were married for 60 years and had 2 children, Nancy Serfas, from Golden, CO and John Guth, who resides in Virginia Beach, VA with his wife, Cynthia. Harriet also had 2 granddaughters, Stacy Guth, a naval flight officer currently stationed in Afghanistan and Jamie Guth, a graphic designer living in Satellite Beach, FL. She is also survived by a sister, Jean Amis Hill and her husband, Clyde F.

Hill of Martinsville, VA. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 20, at 11 am at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th Wilmington, DE 19806. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Harriet's name may be made to either Westminster Presbyterian Church or Cokesbury Village Retirement Home, 726 Loveville Hockessin, DE 19707. Ruth O'Dell Jones Ruth, of Millsboro, DE passed away on December 14, 2007, in Regal Heights Health Care Center in Hockessin, DE after a courageous battle with cancer.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, J. Walter and Molly C. Galloway; her first husband, Thomas B. O'Dell and her second husband, Hugh Jones; her son, James O'Dell, and sister, Marjorie V. Gaines.

She is survived by her son, Robert C. O'Dell of Newark, DE. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 20, at 11 am, in Silverbrook Cemetery, on Lancaster Pike, Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ruth's memory to Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Rd. Wilming ton, DE 19810.

Arrangements by MCCRERY FUNERAL HOME Our little Angel, son of Sabrina Brown and Curtis Mat- Cyion M. J. Matthews thews, was born on October 22, 2007 in Newark, DE. He departed this life on December 9, 2007. Cyi ion leaves to cherish 2 sisters, Dar'Inna Matthews and Jai'dah Matthews; 3 brothers, Sabri Miller, Curtis Matthews, Jr.

Sincere Matthews. Service, 12 noon, Tuesday, December 18, at THE HOUSE OF WRIGHT MORTUARY, 208 East 35th Wilmington, DE. Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to Robert O. Wright Justen A. Wright send Condolences to www.houseofwrightmortuary.com (302)762-8448 Kori Lynn Minner Age 17, of Harrington, DE, died Saturday, December 15, 2007.

Services, Wednesday, December 19, at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Harrington, at 1 pm. Visitation, 7-9 pm, Tuesday. Arr by Melvin Funeral Home. Marjorie Owens Lynch Long time Wilmington resident, Marge Lynch, died December 11,, 2007, in Bennington, VT.

She was born in 1920 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Marge was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd and Jesse Yaple Owens. She attended Erie Academy High School from 1934 to 1938, where she was Class Secretary (1937-1938) and a member of the Academy Singers Choral Group.

After graduation, she worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Hammermill Paper Company and was a prominent vocalist with numerous bands in Erie form 1938 to 1945, including Roger Carle and his OrchesthestJohme Johnny Himebaugh's Pic Trio, Orand the Four Swingsters. She recorded several hits from the era, including Over the Rainbow, 'Til Reville, and Johnny Doughboy. She married Navy Lieutenant John Curtis Lynch of Youngstown, OH on May 4, 1946, at St Peters Cathedral in PA. She moved to Wilmington, DE in January, 1951 with her husband, began his 28-year career with the DuPont company in the Engineering Design Group. Marge lived in Wilmington for 54 years.

She worked as a bank teller and assistant branch manager for Wilmington Savings Fund Society for many years and was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi and a member and Past President of Blue Rock Club in Wilmington. Marge was a member of Hillcrest United Methodist Church in Wilmington, where she was an accomplished pianist and choir soprano and, from 1988, of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Wilmington, where she was a member of the bell choir. Marge traveled extensively, touring most of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii and visited England, Western Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. She was a lover of nature, taking great interest and pleasure in wooded landscapes, wildlife, and bird watching. Marge was predeceased by her husband, who died on September 21, 1986, and is survived by her 3 children, Joan, of Pittsford, VT, Mark, of Alpharetta, GA, and Barry, of San Francisco, CA; and 1 grandchild, Alexandra, daughter of Mark and his wife, Terry (DeJong), formerly of Wilmington.

A funeral service will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2313 Concord Pike, Wilmington on Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 11 am where friends may call from 10-11 am. Memory gifts can be made to the Delaware Audubon Society, Box 1713, Wilmington, DE 19899. Cards can be sent to the care of Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. www.chandlerfuneralhome.com 302-478-7100 Helen Frances Naumann Mrs. Helen Frances Naumann, age 88, of Elkton, MD, formerly of Wilmington, DE, died on Friday, December 14, 2007, surrounded by her beloved family who cared for her.

Mrs. Naumann was born in Wilmington on May 5, 1919, daughter of the late Irvin John Boone and Emma F. Stapes Boone. A talented homemaker throughout her life, Mrs. Naumann had also owned and operated her own electronics Farmer's store, County Market TV, in New Castle for 20 years until her retirement in 1980.

In her leisure hours, she had greatly enjoyed decorating her home, watching old movies and collecting rare currency. Her husband, Harman G. Naumann, in 1985. She was also preceded in death by a son, Harman C. Naumann, a daughter, Gloria J.

Rowan, and two brothers, Irvin H. Boone and Theodore D. Boone. She is survived by her beloved granddaughter, Kelly A. Bailey and her husband, E.

David, and their children, Allison a and Aidan, with whom she lived and who cared for her; 2 children, Leonard I. Naumann and Penny E. Naumann, both of Newark, DE; her longtime friend, Bonnie Sokira; 2 stepbrothers, Roger Boone and Ronald Boone; 9 other grandchildren; 5 other great grandchildren; and a niece, Betty Schlebo of Wilmington, DE. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, December 18, 2007, in the chapel of Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where friends may call after 10 am.

Interment will follow in the adjoining memorial park. To sign guest register, visit SPICER-MULLIKIN FUNERAL HOMES CREMATORY 302-328-2213 Garrett Browne Lyons, D.D.S. Garrett Browne Lyons, 74, Acres, of Rockland DE, and beloved Henlopens wife, Mary Jane and generations of children, their families and the staff of A. I. DuPont Hospital for Children, died at home, December 14, 2007.

Dr. Lyons, son of Garrett E. Lyons and Nina Browne Lyons was born in Wilmington on November 10, 1933, grew up on Thirteenth Street and graduated from Archmere Academy. Garry was a gifted athlete in his teens, completing in football, basketball and baseball. Sports remained a passion throughout his life and he was a fixture at University of Delaware football games hosting lively tailgates and front row boxseats full of guests.

Garry attended the University of Delaware where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity and graduated from Mount Saint Mary's College. He continued his education at Georgetown University Dental School, graduating in 1959. Dr. Lyons served his country as Captain in the U.S. Air Force Dental Corps during the Korean War.

Dr. Lyons entered private practice in 1961, a career that lasted over 40 years. At the same time, he became Dental Director at Alfred I. DuPont Institute where he served for 47 years. Dr.

Lyons was instrumental in establishing dental services for the elderly at Nemours Health Center where he was director from 1981 until the end of his life. Throughout his career Dr. Lyons was a member of the Delaware State Dental Society, serving as President (1972), Vice President (1971), Treasurer (1970), Secretary (1969), and Executive Council (1973). He was a member of the American College of Dentists, Delaware State Board of Dental Examiners, Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity and the Ionizing Radiation Commission. Like his father, Dr.

Lyons was an active member of the Democratic Party and served as Delaware State Chairman in 1971. He was a commissioner of the Delaware River and Bay Authority from 1974-2001, serving several terms as Chairman. He was a member of Senator William Roth's Academy Review Board. He was elected Commissioner to the Town of Henlopen Acres in 1995 until he retired in 2001. Dr.

Lyons served on the boards of Farmers Bank, Mellon Bank, Blood Bank of Delaware, Beebe Hospital and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware. Dr. Lyons was an outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was a member of the State of Delaware and New Castle County Departments of Parks and Recreation and Dticks Brandywine Chapter of Unlimited. Garry is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Mary Jane Horty Lyons; sons, David and Gary, their wives Kate and Patricia; 7 grandchildren and his sister, Gay Lyons Walker.

A Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of life will be offered at 10 am, Wednesday, December 19, at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Parish, 100 Old Church road, Greenville Burial will be private. It was Dr. Lyons wish that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Attention: Partnership for Children's Health, PO Box 269, Wilmington DE 19899.

Peggy McMahon Age 59 of Piermont, NY, died Friday, December 14, 2007, from complications of chemotherapy for cancer. Raised in New Castle, DE, graduated from Ursuline Academy, Wilmington; University of Delaware, and earned a masters from University of Maryland. Management Consultant, advised Pfizer.ITT, JetBlue, New York Stock Exchange, Columbia University, other organizations. Founded and operated Peggy McMahon Associates; specialized in team building, coaching top executives. She formerly worked for several Fortune 500 companies including She served on executive council of Business Council for Peace, which helped women Afghanistan build their own' businesses, worked on behalf of SHARE, which cares for and educated Kenya's AIDS orphans and was active in yoga, meditation, and gardening.

She is survived by husband, Richard Benfield of Piermont, NY, who is Times editorial writer; mother, Marguerite of New Castle, DE; 2 brothers, Richard McMahon of Media. PA, John McMahon of Warrenton, VA; sister-in-law, Cheryl McMahon; and 2 nieces, Cara and Nora McMahon, all of Media, PA. Memorial service, 2 pm, January 13, Grace Episcopal Church, 130 1st Ave, Nyack, NY 10960. Contributions may be made to, Women for Women International, 4455 Connecticut Ave NW. Suite 200, Washington, DC 20008.

HANNEMANN FUNERAL HOME 88 South Broadway Nyack, NY (845) 358-0573 Christopher Phillip TODAY'S OBITUARIES Cheeseman, Ethel Criss, de Valinger, Donovan, Sarah Guth, Hickman, Horan, Irwin, Ronald Jones, Kimball, Lynch, Lyons, Masters, Christopher Matthews, McMahon, Minner, Naumann, Helen Powell, Saster, Skinner, Stansbury, Thorpe, Torbert, Vierling, Wilkins, obituaries running for the first time land, the daughter of the late Thomas D. and Sarah E. Sanders. She was a customer serv-1 ice representative with WSFS bank for about 25 years, retiring in 1991. In addition to her parents, Mrs.

Donovan was preceded in death by her daughter, Candy Jean Smawley in June of this year. She is survived by her son, Robert O. Clower III of Fenwick Island; sister, Jeanette LaFashia and her husband Arthur of Dover with whom she lived; niece, Krista LaFashia of Dover; nephew, Thomas D. LaFashia of Fort Lauderdale, FL; and grandson, Matthew Tucker Smawley of Fenwick Island. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, Dec.

18, at TORBERT FUNERAL CHAPEL, 61 S. Bradford Dover. Friends may call one hour prior. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook Ethel E. Cheeseman Age 89 of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully at Gilpin Hall on Thursday, December 13, 2007 surrounded by her loving family.

Ethel liked the outdoors, rocking in a rocking chair while crocheting, camping, the beach, and dancing. She loved spending time, with her children, grand children, greatgrand children, and great-great grand children. She was preceded in death by beloved husband Albert Cheeseman in 1973, and daughters, du Shirley Ward and Delores Saunders. She is survived by her daughter, Bessie Saunders and her husband William Clough; sons, Albert and his wife Barbara, Tommy and his wife Becky, Roy his wife Karen, and Chris and his wife Cher Cheeseman; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the service at Krienen-Griffith, Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood Elsmere on Wednesday, December 19, at 10 am.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday evening December 18th from 6-8 pm. Interment in the Lombardy Cemetery, Wilmington. Krienen-Griffith www.Delawarefuneral.com 994-9614 Sarah Jean Donovan Of Dover, DE, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, in BayhealthKent General Hospital. She was 69.

Mrs. Donovan was born July 11, 1938, in Rock- signed at www.torbertfuneral.com 302-734-3341 Margaret Scotton de Valinger Of Dover, DE, age 101, died December 14, 2007. Services will be held at 11 am, on Wednesday, December 19, at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce Smyrna, DE. Ronald L.

Hickman Age 70, of Dagsboro, DE, died Saturday, December 15, 2007. service will be held at 1 pm, Tuesday, December 18, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Thatcher Frankford. Visitation after 12 noon. Ann P. Horan Of Smyrna, DE, age 76, died Friday, December 14, 2007.

Matt at 11 am, on Thursday, December 20, at St. Polycarp Catholic Church, Ransom Lane South Smyrna. Arrangelnents by Matthews-8 Bryson Funeral Home. Masters Chris Master's life was cut short tragically on Friday, December 14, 2007. Chris was 22 years old.

He was born and raised in rents, Cindy and MasDelaware by his loving, paters of Middletown, whom can not imagine life without him. Chris was currently employed by Citi Bank. He will always be remembered as a very spontaneous fun loving person. As a young boy he was always very adventurous, which at times got him into trouble. Everyone who knows Chris has a (Chris) story to relate to because he did not hold back from saying or acting on what he thought.

He enjoyed riding the four-wheeler at the family farm in the Pocono's. He enjoyed listening to music. We could always lure Chris to a family gathering if there was good food served because we all knew Chris loved to eat. He will always be remembered by his family and those who knew him as a genuine person who wanted the world a loving, better place. In Chris' own words written in his journal; for his Dream for the Future he wrote "I would hope that in my lifetime the world would become a more peaceful place in which to live.

Free from crime, pollution, greed and poverty. I will strive to do my part to make it a better As he rests in sleep, we look forward to that resurrection day when we can welcome him back to life in a peaceful earth. Chris has 2 loving brothers, Joshua and Matthew Masters of Newark. Chris is survived by his grandparents Nora and William Masters as well as Doris Maxwell-Budd. He is also survived by 4 aunts, Beverly Miller, Diane Tori, Nancy Spisak and Stacey Masters and four uncles, Steve Maxwell, Donald Masters, Brian Miller and Rick Spisak.

Chris also has 7 cousins, Jordan, Jessica and Jenny Miller, Jill and Sean Tori, Julie all Davis Calvin Masters, of which are devastated by this loss. Friends and family are invited to visitation on Thursday, December 20, between 5-7 pm at MEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Limestone and Milltown Roads, Wilmington, where funeral services will begin at 7 pm. Interment will be private. www.mealeyfuneralhomes.com 302-652-5913 Sergia Vega Saster Sergia Vega Saster, age 51, a died December 13, 2007 at Crozer-Chester Medical Center. Born in Puerto Rico, he was an auto mechanic.

Sergia lived in Chester for the last 37 years. Surviving are his wife, Margaret Siebert; children, Jessica Vega, Raymond Vega, Anthony Vega, and Teresa all of Chester, PA, Juan Vega, and Sergio Vega of Puerto Rico, Sergia Vega, Jacquiline Vega, Myra Vega and Evelyn Huertas, all of Wilmington, DE and Miriam Huertas of Philadelphia, PA; and 14 grandchildren. Services, Tuesday, December 18, at 10 am at James M. Brower Funeral Home, 908 S. Providence Wallingford, Rt.

320 252. Calling Hour, Tuesday from 9-10 am at the funeral home. Carlton James Skinner III "Jimmy" Age 54, of Newark, DE, passed away on December 13, 2007. He is survived by his mother, Claire R. Skinner of Newark, DE; 2 children, Tracy Lynn and Michael James; 3 brothers, William Donald of Covington, LA, Paul David of Raleigh, NC, and Richard Thomas of West Grove, PA.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 19, at 11 am. in Silverbrook Cemetery, Lancaster Ave. and Dupont Road, Wilm. Arrangements by MCCRERY FUNERAL HOMES INC William E. Stansbury Age 80, of Newark, DE, died Dec.

12, 2007 at Heartland Hospice House. Service, 11 am, Dec. 19, at Mother AUFCMP Church, 9th Franklin DE. Visitation, 9- 11 am. Interment, Gracelawn Mem.

Park. Arr. by Bell F.H." Marvin "Sugarboy" Thorpe Of Felton, DE, died, on December 15, 2007. Services will be held Wednesday, December 19, at 11 am, in the chapel of Berry Short Funeral Home, Main St. where visitation will be from 7-9 pm, Tuesday..