Obituaries

Steven A. Townsend, 18, of Dagsboro, Del., passed away Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012.

He is survived by his father and stepmother, Bryan and Melissa Townsend; his mother and stepfather, Maryann Johnson and Virgil Chandler; a brother, Justin Townsend; grandparents, Betty Lou Townsend and Pete and Sharon Johnson, all of Dagsboro; aunts and uncles, Clayton and Angie Townsend of Georgetown, Del., Elizabeth and Wayne Mueller of Millsboro, Del., and Christine and Jake Stansel of San Diego, Calif., and many cousins.

He will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life was scheduled for Jan. 28, 2012, at Bethel Tabernacle Church in Clarksville, Del., with arrangements by Melson Funeral Services.

Marjorie Ann Short, 80, of Fruitland, Md., passed away Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md.

Born Nov. 8, 1931, in Frankford, Del., Short attended George Washington Carver School in Frankford. She worked for Eagles Poultry and Showell Poultry for a number of years.

Short was preceded in death by her parents, George and Stella Short. She is survived by one son, David A. Short and his wife, Valarie, of Fruitland, Md.; two sisters, Amanda Drake of Philadelphia, Pa., and Maude Daniels and her husband, John, of Frankford; a niece, Portia Drake, and two nephews, Ronald and Jimmy Drake, of Philadelphia, Pa.; and many cousins, friends and extended family members.

Funeral services were scheduled for Jan. 27, 2012, at Watson Funeral Home, officiated by the Rev. Claudia Waters, with interment at Harmony Cemetery, in Millsboro, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested contributions to the American Heart Association; P.O. Box 163549; Columbus, OH 43216.

Noble Satchell Jr., 75, of Millsboro, Del., passed away Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012.

Born April 20, 1936, in Exmore, Va., Noble worked at Mountaire of Delmarva for 34 years as a line worker and picking operator.

Satchell was preceded in death by his parents, Noble Satchell Sr. and Maggie Giddings Satchell. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Betty Satchell; eight children, James Purnell and his wife, Sadie, of Millsboro, Lesia Purnell of Dagsboro, Del., Gernie Purnell and his wife, Mary, of Seaford, Del., Linda Davis and her husband, Larry, of Millsboro, Floretta Singleton and her husband, Glen, of Ellendale, Del., Noble Marshall of Colorado, Freeman Marshall and Valarie Marshall, both of New Jersey; two sisters, Roseanne and Elizabeth; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many cousins, friends, and other extended family members.

A funeral service was scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at noon at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower Street in Berlin, Md., where friends may call one hour prior. The Rev. Larry Johnson was to officiate. Interment was to follow at St. Paul United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Violet M. Rickards, 91, of Frankford, Del., passed away Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del., surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Selbyville, Del., Rickards was an active member of Roxana Methodist Church.

Rickards was preceded in death by her parents, Ollie and Mattie (Bishop) Hickman, and her husband, Avery M. Rickards. She is survived by a son, Bruce; daughters, Kay and Lorraine; a brother, Delmus Hickman; sister, Janis Burbage; three grandchildren, Kevin, Doug and Donna Kay; two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Adam; and great-great-grandson, Jacob.

Services and burial were to be private, with arrangements by Melson Funeral Services.

Mary Lou Ellen Littleton, 83, of Laurel, Del. passed away on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012.

Born June 11, 1928, in Clarksburg, W.Va., Littleton worked as an aide at the Laurel Senior Center for more than 23 years. She was a member of the Community Action Committee and enjoyed puzzle books and country music. She was remembered as being fun, funny and devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren.

Littleton was preceded in death by her parents, Harrison and Bessie Peters Day; husband, Hiram Littleton; a daughter, Cordelia Littleton, in 1975; and three brothers and a sister. She is survived by her two sons, Harrison Littleton and his wife, Donna, and Hiram Littleton and his wife, Charlotte; a daughter, Mary Louise Wilkerson and her husband, Steve; a special friend, Jack Snyder of Laurel; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.

A graveside service was scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4, at 11 a.m. at Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Ocean View, Del. The Rev. Barry Dukes was to officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requested contributions to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963.

Harry James Kintz, 49, of Seaford, Del., passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, after a short battle with cancer.

Born June 22, 1962, in Milford, Del., Kintz joined the Navy after graduating from Cape Henlopen High School in 1980. He then worked for various construction companies before joining the Delaware Solid Waste Management for the past 15 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and outdoor activities.

Kintz was preceded in death by his father, James Kintz, paternal grandparents, maternal grandfather and a sister, Susan Kintz. He is survived by his mother, Faye Kintz of Lewes, Del.; wife, Sheila Shannon Kintz of Seaford; two sons, Tanner Kintz of Seaford and Brandon Kintz of Millsboro, Del.; one daughter, Megan Bedo of Millsboro; sister, Alice Kintz of St. Thomas, V.I.; three grandsons, Jayden, Camren and Jorden Figueroa of Millsboro; and his grandmother, Lillian Doughty of Dover, Del.

A memorial service was scheduled for Jan. 29 at Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro, Del. Interment with military honors was scheduled for Jan. 30 at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. In lieu of flowers, the family requested contributions to benefit the family of Mr. Harry James Kintz, sent to M & T Bank, Attn: Nancy West; 509 W. Stein Hwy.; Seaford, DE 19973.

William Felton Gibbs, 93, of Millsboro, Del., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.

Born Nov. 14, 1918, in Sneads Ferry, N.C., Gibbs was a retired poultry worker, farmer and mechanic. He also worked for many years at the Watson Vault Company and assisted funeral director Pashur Watson in Selbyville. Gibbs was known as a Baltimore Orioles fan who coached the Clarksville All Stars and enjoyed hunting and baseball. He was remembered and missed for his devotion to his family.

Gibbs was preceded in death by his parents, James Gibbs and Isura Burnett Gibbs, and a daughter, Gloria Mae Manuel, in 1987. He is survived by his darling wife of 69 years, Lillian Gibbs; 10 children, George William Feddiman and his wife, Geraldine, of Selbyville, James Howard Gibbs Sr. and his wife, Sherry, of Dagsboro, Betty Ann Toppin and her husband, James, of Wilmington, Larry Edward Gibbs Sr. and his wife, Kathleen, of Frankford, Donald Lee Gibbs and his wife, Marie, of Selbyville, Ronald Felton Gibbs and his wife, Marilyn, of Laurel, Emma Lee Bagwell and her husband, Rillie, of Millsboro, Lorina Sellers and her husband, Andrew Jr., of Milford, Annetta Gibbs of Millsboro and Gary Gibbs of Dagsboro; one brother, Jessie Gibbs; 41 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren, a host of great-great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and dear friends.

A funeral service was scheduled for Jan. 31, 2012, at Calvary Pentecostal Church in Bishopville, Md., with interment to follow.

Nancy H. Cline, 78, of Bethany Beach, Del., formerly of New Market, Md., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Del.

She was co-owner of The Browsery furniture store for 40 years.

Cline was preceded in death by a son, William. She is survived by her husband, William E. Cline, and daughter, Cindy.

Services were to be private, with arrangements by Melson Funeral Services.

Harold D. Adkins, 85, of Selbyville, Del., passed away Friday, Jan 20, 2012, at Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation Center in Millsboro, Del.

Born in Taylorville, Md., Adkins served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a fire controlman on the destroyer C.K. Bronson. His ship was anchored in the Tokyo Bay, 20 miles away, when Gen. MacArthur signed the peace treaty that ended the war. After being discharged from the Navy, he worked for Diamond State Telephone Co., where he retired as a switchman after 36 years. Adkins was a life member of the Verizon Pioneers and the Tin Can Sailors. He was also a lifetime endowment member of the NRA and an avid supporter of the Second Amendment.

Adkins was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Laura Wyatt Adkins; granddaughter, Lauren E. Johnson; and sister, Mary Anne Worthington. Remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anita E. Adkins of Selbyville; two daughters, Denise Adkins Hearn and her husband, Robert, of Georgetown, Del., and Donna A. Blackburn and her husband, Kirk, of Lewes, Del.; and two grandsons, Matthew and Timothy Blackburn.

A funeral service was scheduled for Jan. 24, 2012, at Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, Del., with interment at Roxana Cemetery in Roxana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Worcester County Humane Society; P.O. Box 48; Berlin, MD 21811.

Ann Jackson Blackburn, 75, of Dagsboro, Del., formerly of Cambridge, Md., passed away Monday, Jan. 16, 2012.

Born Aug. 25, 1936, in Cambridge, Md., Blackburn was employed by Treasure Beach campground as a manager for 25 years before she retired in 1996. She was known as an avid reader who loved birds and cats.

Blackburn was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Mabel Jackson, and her husband, William Blackburn Sr. She is survived by two sons, William Blackburn Jr. and his wife, Janet, of Millsboro, Del., and Scott Blackburn of West Grove, Pa.; three grandchildren, Chris, Heather and Matthew Blackburn; one great-grandchild, Dylan Stewart; two sisters, Lula Mae Phillips and her husband, Tommy, and Doris Thomas; and a brother, Ralph Jackson Sr. She is also survived by caretakers Diane, Annie and Inez, along with her granddaughter, Heather, who also took care of her.

A funeral service was scheduled for Jan. 21, 2012, at Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro, Del., with interment at Prince Georges Cemetery in Dagsboro. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested donations to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963.

Rodger S. Brady passed away Tuesday, Jan 17, 2012. He was the beloved husband of Beverly A. (Moffett) Brady; loving stepfather of Laura L. Campanella and Brian E. Marshall and his wife, Karen; and loving grandfather of Blaine and Tayler Marshall.

A celebration of life was scheduled for Jan. 24, 2012, at Melson Funeral Services in Ocean View, Del., with private interment. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation; 6 Herndon Ave.; Annapolis, MD 21403.

Mary Green Joseph, 88, of Lewes, Del., passed away Friday, Jan. 13, 2012.

Joseph was a member of Conley’s United Methodist Church and active in the UM Women, Golden Chicks and Girls’ Night Out. She had also enjoyed being a Sunday-school teacher and choir member for many years. She cherished living on her family’s Delaware Century Farm. She was remembered and missed as a devoted mother and grandmother.

Joseph was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Marie (Veasey) Green; her husband of 55 years, Richard B. Joseph; and a daughter, Sandra. She is survived by her son, Clifford Joseph and his wife, Sharon, of Harbeson, Del.; her dedicated daughter and part-time caregiver, Diane Koch and her husband, Barry, of Dagsboro, Del.; granddaughter, Dawn Evick and husband, Michael, of Millsboro, Del.; grandson, Shawn Joseph and wife, Jennifer, of Baltimore, Md.; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Zachary, Katelyn and Addison; nephew, John Henry Phillips of South Carolina; a very special cousin and part-time caregiver, Shirley Pettit of Millsboro, very special caregiver Phyllis Sperattora of Millsboro; her best friend, Betty Hatfield of Lewes; and numerous extended church family members, special friends and neighbors.

A memorial service was scheduled for Jan. 16, 2012, at Melson Funeral Home in Long Neck, Del., with interment at Conley’s Chapel Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to Conley’s United Methodist Church, Cemetery Fund; 33106 Jolyns Way; Lewes, DE 19958.

Gail Stuart Kersey, 55, of Ocean View, Del., passed away at home on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012.

Born Aug. 7, 1956, in Milford, Del., Kersey graduated from Indian River High School in 1974, as member of the National Honor Society and IRHS band. Working as a self-employed writer and freelance reporter, she was an accomplished writer of old-fashioned hand-written letters. She volunteered in a bereavement group and was a speaker for the hospice movement. Kersey enjoyed being an aunt and was a great caretaker in recent years.

Kersey was preceded in death by her mother, Annetta Jane Adkins. She is survived by her father, Charles Ronald Stuart Sr.; daughter, Jill Randolph Bathon and her husband, William, of Newark, Del.; stepfather, Charles Thorns; two brothers, Charles Ronald Stuart Jr. and his wife, Carol, of Elizabeth City, N.C., and Robert A. Stuart and his wife, Celine, of Millsboro, Del.; special friends, including Barbara and Ted Elser, Pam Savage and Marjorie Lane; and extended family members and friends. She was recently preceded in death by her beloved canine friend, Lucy the beagle.

A memorial service was scheduled for Jan. 21, 2012, at Dagsboro Church of Christ, with arrangements by Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963, or to Dagsboro Church of Christ; 28001 Dagsboro Rd.; Dagsboro, DE 19939.

Donna L. Willey, 68, of Bishopville, Md., passed away Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md.

Born in Milford, Del., Willey had been a branch manager at BB&T and had been in banking for more than 30 years. She graduated from the former Selbyville High School in 1961 and was a life member and former longtime treasurer of the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

Willey was preceded in death by her parents, William and Iris (Mahoney) Thomas. She is survived by a son, J. Douglas Willey and his wife, Tina, of Bishopville; a grandson, Jimmy Willey Jr.; a brother, William Thomas; her best friend, Trenie Abbott; and her constant companion, her golden retriever Annie.

A funeral service was scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at 2 p.m. in Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, Del., where friends could call an hour before the service. Interment was to be in Bishopville Cemetery in Bishopville, Md. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Women Supporting Women, Berlin Chapter; 10026 Old Ocean City Blvd., Suite 4; Berlin, MD 21811.

Aldon Sharett Hall passed away Jan. 21, 2012.

Born Feb. 16, 1941, in Clarksville, Del. Hall received his early education at Blackwater School in Clarksville, at Millsboro #204 and at William C. Jason Comprehensive School in Georgetown. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1959, retiring as a senior master sergeant. During his time in the service, he completed a four-year degree and attended the University of Delaware. He returned home to become an entrepreneur, owning and operating Hall’in Landscaping. He was very active in Union Wesley United Methodist Church, singing in the choir and serving as a trustee. He loved antique cars and was active in the antique car hobby.

Hall was joined in holy matrimony to Catherine B. Taylor Hall Jan. 1, 2008.

Hall was preceded in death by his parents, Aldon D. and Louise V. Hall; two brothers, Norman Hall and Monroe Pettyjohn; and a sister, Gwendolyn Bratton. He is survived by his loving wife; two sons, Anthony Hall and his wife, Desiree, and Aaron Hall; and one daughter, Felecia Lake and her husband, Stephen; three sisters, Patricia Moore, Kathleen Gibbs and her husband, Larry, and Sharon Hoover and her husband, Roger; two brothers, Lafayette Ferebee and his wife, Victoria, and Kenneth Ferebee; sister-in-law Doris Hall; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.

Viewing and calling hours were scheduled for Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington Street in Millsboro, Del. On Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, services will be held at the Union Wesley United Methodist Church at 1 p.m., where friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment with military honors will be Monday, Jan. 30, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. The Rev. Rory Russell will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to the Parkinson’s Foundation; 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509; New York, NY 10018.

Mary M. Rayfield, 76, of Rehoboth Beach, Del., and formerly of Selbyville, Del., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, at Brandywine Assisted Living Center in Rehoboth Beach, surrounded by her loving family.

Born Oct. 1, 1935, Rayfield received her education at Jason High School and worked for 15 years at the H&H Poultry. She was known as a loving and caring mother who loved to be with family and friends. She was remembered for a great personality and enjoying playing cards, cooking and the soaps.

Rayfield was preceded by her mother, Catherine Rayne; her loving husband, Norman Rayfield, in 2009; and five sisters and three brothers. She is survived by one daughter, Madeline Pitts of Salisbury, Md.; six grandchildren, more than 17 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and many friends.

A funeral service was scheduled for Jan. 23, 2012, at Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro, Del., with private interment.

Virginia Ruth West, 77, of Dagsboro, Del., passed away Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, after a battle with lung cancer.

West was a pedicurist and manicurist for many years in her home, and she did outpatient services, as well. She was known for loving birthdays, enjoying hers and remembering others’. West accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior before her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Mary Carey, and her first husband, Norman Evans. Although West had no immediate survivors, she considered her clients to be her family and friends.
A funeral service was scheduled for Jan. 26, 2012, at Melson Funeral Services in Frankford, Del., with interment at St. George’s Cemetery in Clarksville, Del.

Clayton Ervin Bender, 87, of Dagsboro, Del., formerly of Marydel and Phillipsburg, N.J., passed away Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md.

Born June 25, 1924, in Wilson Boro, Pa., Bender retired from the military as a tech sergeant with 20 years of service. He served three years in the Navy and 17 years in the United States Air Force, in which he served during World War II, the Korean War and the beginning of the Vietnam War. He was stationed at various U.S. airbases, as well as bases in the Aleutian Islands, Morocco, Greenland, Germany and Misawa, Japan, before retiring in 1965 and settling in Marydel.

Bender was the former co-owner of Kent County Business Machines and C&M Office Equipment in Dover and of Accurate Office Machines in Elsmere. He also owned the Hobby Inn in Smyrna. Bender was a lifetime member of the Air Force Sergeants Association and an avid football fan.

Bender was preceded in death by his parents, John and Pearl (Ketchledge) Bender. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Lis (Petersen) Bender; three children, Melody Pearl Bender and her companion, John Forbes Jr., of Dover, John Thor Bender and his wife, Liberty, of Westminster, Md., and Russel Morris Bender and his companion, Cindy Martin, of Marydel; four grandchildren, Stacy, Bryan, Jonathan and Tanner Bender; and a sister, Pearl Jones, of Palmetto, Fla.

Services and burial were to be held privately at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, Del., with arrangements by Melson Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions in Bender’s name to the charity of the giver’s choice.

Hazel F. Bowen, 91, of Lewes, Del., passed away peacefully at home Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Bowen raised her children in Reedville, Va. During World War II, while her husband served in the Pacific with the U.S. Army, she worked for the U.S. Naval Proving Grounds in Dahlgren, Va., manufacturing ammunition, explosives and armaments for the war effort.

After moving to Salisbury, Md., in the 1960s, Bowen enjoyed working with young brides at Royal Formal and Bridal Shop for more than 20 years. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Elks Lodge member, a participant of the After Lunch Bunch and active member of Zion United Methodist Church Women’s Auxiliary, all in Salisbury. After retiring to Lewes, she became a member of the Henlopen Grange.

Bowen was often found on her new home’s porch, enjoying the sounds of summer and the shade of the trees. Bowen was known to enjoy camping and traveling with her children, grandchildren and extended family, Roxie Rogers and Alyson Triglia. She also enjoyed friends, family and neighbors in the Lewes community.

Bowen was preceded in death by her parents, Edward A. and Hazel L. (Miller) Fleet, and her loving husband, Capt. William E. Bowen Jr., in 1987. She is survived by her son, William E. Bowen III and his wife, Margaret, of Griswold, Conn.; two daughters, Judith Richardson and her husband, Lee, of Ocean City, Md., and Mary Lou Elrod and her husband, Michael, of Lewes; six grandchildren, Edward A. Bowen and his wife, Anne, of Salem, Conn., Christopher M. Bowen and his wife, Traci, of Mystic, Conn., Matthew J. Gladding of Seaford, Todd Richardson and his wife, Cheryl, of Salisbury, Md., Kelley Nance and her husband, Michael, of Salisbury, Md., and Katie Elrod of Lewes; 11 grandchildren, Kate, Nicki, Mark, Jack, Phoebe and Luke Bowen and Kate, Miller, Murphy, David and Jameson Gladding.

Private services were scheduled for Jan. 14, 2012, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, with a public service at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, both in Lewes, Del. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels; 32409 Lewes-Georgetown Hwy.; Lewes, DE 19958, or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963.

Donald R. Burkhardt, 83, of Selbyville, Del., formerly of Baltimore, Md., passed away Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.

Born in Baltimore, Burkhardt retired after 37 years as an assistant vice-president of the former Finance Company of America. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware in Lewes and a former member of the American Legion and VFW. He was also a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

Burkhardt was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elsie (Edwards) Burkhardt. He is survived by his wife, Mary Pastore Burkhardt; five daughters, Denise Burkhardt of Baltimore, Laura Burkhardt of Philadelphia, Pa., Lisa Chenoweth of Bel Air, Md., Amy Taylor of Baltimore and Jenny Mosca of Baltimore; two step-daughters, Michele Gleason of Baltimore and Melissa Dinan of Bel Air; a sister, Mildred Zoll of Severna Park, Md.; 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was scheduled for Jan. 14, 2012, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Harford County, Maryland, in Churchville, Md. Arrangements were being handled by Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, Del. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963.