Obituaries for the Week of Oct. 23

Emilie Kalocai, 65

Emilie D. (Croasdale) Kalocai, 65, of Pottstown, PA, wife of the late Andrew J. Kalocai, died on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011 in Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Bryn Mawr, PA, she was the daughter of the late Olney R. and Emilie (Adams) Croasdale.

Emilie was a personal home care caregiver.

She is survived by son, Andrew, husband of Michelle Kalocai of Ellicott City, MD and two grandchildren, Brianna and Logan.

She was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Kalocai, and her brother, Art Croasdale.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service in the Devlin-Rosmos-Kepp Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 517 S. Main St. at Fourth Avenue, Phoenixville, PA, on Nov. 1, 2011 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Frank L. Lamson officiating.

Burial will follow in Limerick Garden of Memories, Limerick, PA.

A viewing will be held in the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Creative Health Services, Attn: Randy Reber, 11 Robinson Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.DevlinRosmosKepp.com.

Helen Latshaw, 89

Helen M. Latshaw, Chester Springs, 89, widow of Russell T. Latshaw, passed away on Oct. 23, 2011 at home.

A daughter of Clarence and Grace (Bright) Missimer, she graduated from Royersford High School and Norristown Business School. She was an accomplished typist (still using her IBM Selectric) and Gregg Shorthand master, skills little used today.

During World War II she was a Red Cross volunteer at Valley Forge Military Hospital and received a commendation from then U.S. President, Harry S. Truman.

In 1948 she married Russell T. Latshaw, President of Sunny Slope Dairies, Spring City and raised two children. Over the years they enjoyed playing cards with friends, entertaining on their boat and travelling. One of their most memorable trips was when they went overseas to Brussels and Paris, a prize Mr. Latshaw had won as a contestant on the original “The Price is Right” with Bill Cullen. She continued to go on various adventures with her daughter and son.

After Mr. Latshaw’s death in 1981 she became involved with West End Fire Company in Phoenixville, serving as Financial Secretary for the last 25 years. She retired from that position in March of this year and treasured the watch the members gave her.

Up until this summer Mrs. Latshaw was active as a member of the Senior Bowling League at Phoenix Lanes and a regular at Thursday pinochle games with the Senior Center. To keep her intellectual acuity and for pure enjoyment, she read two newspapers a day, priding herself in doing all the puzzles in each, as well as numerous magazines.

As a child during the Great Depression, she learned the importance of saving and being thrifty. She continued that lesson throughout her life, always looking for Senior discounts, restaurant coupons and grocery sale items.

For many years she was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Royersford, and also a member of AARP.

She is survived by her daughter Kyle L. Latshaw, of Saugatuck, MI, and her son Russell T. Latshaw Jr., of Spring City, along with her sister Margaret Ludolph, of Pottstown, nieces, nephews and many friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Marion Himes of Phoenixville.

At Mrs. Latshaw’s request, she was cremated. A funeral reception will be held at the Covered Bridge Room of the Kimberton Fire Company, 752 Pike Springs Rd., Phoenixville, PA 19460 on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011 at noon.  

A private burial will be in St. Matthew’s UCC Cemetery, Chester Springs, PA.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial  contributions may be made to West End Fire Company (earmarked AMBULANCE) 801 West Bridge St., Phoenixville, PA 19460-4214.  

Online condolences may be offered at www.royersfordfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home.

Lawrence Hand, 85

Lawrence J. Hand, 85, husband of Patricia M. (O'Neill) Hand, of Phoenixville, PA, died on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 in Coventry Manor Nursing Home.

Born in Philadelphia, PA he was the son of the late Kathryn (Dettra) Cook.

Lawrence served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS Vesuvius in the Pacific Theatre.

He retired from Leighton Industries in Phoenixville, and for many years worked part time at the Wetherill Christmas Tree Farm.

He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Phoenixville, and the Knights of Columbus Phoenixville Council 1374. 

He coached baseball for Phoenixville Little League and football for PMYC. 

He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, enjoyed fishing, gardening, watching wildlife and visiting the Outer Banks, and especially spending time with his family.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three daughters, Donna, wife of Jack Kraynak of Phoenixville; Denise, wife of Ed "Wings" Wisneski of Phoenixville; Deb, wife of Tom Thorpe of State College, PA; one son, Larry, husband of Pamela Hand of New Hanover, PA; seven grandchildren, Christa Lee, Lauren, John, Jessica, David, Casey James, Derek; and brother, William, husband of Ethel Hand of Mays Landing, NJ.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass in St. Ann Catholic Church, Third Avenue at Main Street, Phoenixville, PA on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011 at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Michael J. Rzonca officiating.

Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Phoenixville, PA.

A viewing will be held in church on Wednesday from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Phoenixville Area Community Services, 257 Church St., Phoenixville, PA 19460.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.DevlinRosmosKepp.com.

Theodore Morgan, 95

Theodore J. "Tado" Morgan, 95, husband of the late Mary Grace (Tammaro) Morgan, of Phoenixville, PA, died on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 in Phoenixville Hospital.

Born in Phoenixville, PA, he was the son of the late Gustav and Pasqualina (Cappella) Morgan.

He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II.

He retired from PENCO in Oaks, PA.

He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Phoenixville and the Knights of Columbus Phoenixville Council 1374.

He is survived by his daughter, Peggy, wife of Joseph Niemczuk Jr. of Royersford, PA; grandchildren T. J. and Robin; and sister Laura Bilyk.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Joseph Morgan, Anthony Morgan, Edward Morgan, and sister Helen Kraft.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service in St. Ann Chapel, 604 S. Main St., Phoenixville, PA on Oct. 31, 2011 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Joseph Heim officiating.

Burial will be private in St. Ann Cemetery, Phoenixville, PA.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.DevlinRosmosKepp.com.

Robert Evans, 87

Robert L. Evans, age 87, husband of the late Shirley G. (Batts) Evans, of East Pikeland Township, died Tuesday afternoon in the Manor Care of King of Prussia.  

Born in Crutchfield, KY, he was a son of the late Roy L. and Nannie (Jones) Evans.  

Mr. Evans worked for over 30 years at the Phoenix Steel plant before retiring in 1983. He was a member of the Baptist Church of Phoenixville. A man of few words, Mr. Evans was a true "Southern Gentlemen."

Mr. Evans is survived by three daughters, Phillis A., wife of Dominic A. Natale Jr. of East Pikeland; Brenda G., wife of the late Paul K. Moore of East Pikeland;  Robin S. Moore, of Fulton, KY; four grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at the Campbell–Ennis–Klotzbach Funeral Home Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville, PA on Friday morning, Oct. 28, 2011 at 10 a.m. The Rev. Brent Miller will officiate.

Burial will be in the Philadelphia Memorial Park, Frazer, PA.  Friends will be received from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday evening or from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.  Friday morning at the funeral home.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in his name to the Baptist Church of Phoenixville, P.O. Box 226, Phoenixville, PA 19460.    

Condolences may be made by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

Stephen Casner, 52

Stephen Charles Casner, age 52, of Macungie, PA died suddenly, early Monday evening, Oct. 24, 2011 in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA.  

Born in King of Prussia, PA, Stephen was a graduate of Upper Merion High School.  

He owned and operated his own construction company for over 25 years. Stephen loved being with his family, and most of all, he loved the Lord.

Stephen is survived by five children, Leanne (Anthony) Bath of Limerick, Kristin Casner of Norristown, Michael Casner of Bethlehem, Daniel Casner of Macungie, Jessica Casner of Macungie; four grandchildren, Gabriella Bath, Derek Casner, Mason Bath and Giavanna Gulotta.  

Stephen is also survived by his best friend and fiancée, Julie Christman of King Of Prussia. Stephen loved the whole Christman family, Kim, Christina, Kyle, Ricky, Madison, Frankie, and Joshua, as if they were his own children.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the graveside service at the Limerick Garden of Memories, 44 Swamp Pike, Limerick, PA 19468 on Friday afternoon, Oct. 28, 2011 at 1 p.m.  

The Cattermole–Klotzbach Funeral Home, 600 Washington St., Royersford, PA is in charge of the arrangements.  

Condolences may be made by visiting www.RoyersfordFuneralHome.com. 

Kenneth Smiley, 94

Kenneth W. Smiley, 94, husband of the late Florence (Marsteller) Smiley, of Kimberton, died Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 at Phoenixville Hospital.

Born in Kimberton, PA he was the son of the late A. Morris and Mabel (Friday) Smiley. 

Mr. Smiley was a lifelong resident of the Phoenixville/Kimberton area.

Mr. Smiley graduated from Phoenixville High School. He then attended Banks Business School and Penn State University.

He served in the United States Army during World War II in the 58th Infantry Division. He landed on the beaches of Normandy and fought in the fields of France, Belgium and Germany.

He was an accountant for C. Raymond Davis of Kimberton, Superior Tube Company of Collegeville. Mr. Smiley then went into banking at Phoenixville Building and Loan until he retired. He was a successful business man serving as an executive officer of the bank and he also served on the board of directors of two banks. He had been a very active member of the community, church, civic and charitable organizations.

He was a member of Centennial Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kimberton, St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Phoenixville; was an active member of the Kimberton Fire Company where he served as president, vice president, secretary-treasurer, and also chairman of the Kimberton Fair; Secretary-Treasurer of East Pikeland Township, Board of Supervisors; was active in Republican Party activities, Phoenixville Seniors Center, Phoenixville Chapter of the AARP, and a board member of the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce. 

He was an avid baseball player, coach and manager, and President of the French Creek Hardball Men's League. 

Surviving are two daughters, Judith S., wife of Dr. Richard Wolstenholme, Phoenixville and Linda J., wife of Ronald Cantler, Aberdeen, MD; five grandchildren: Todd B. Wolstenholme; Elisha Wolstenholme; Heather, wife of Max Skelley; Holly, wife of Terry Bickel; Jill, wife of Patrick Des Marais; seven great-grandchildren: Tjart, Carson, Dylan, Ben, Evan, Ryan and Reese; and one sister Eleanor Heinzelman, Newtown Square.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Florence Dougherty.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011 at Centennial Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1330 Hares Hill Road, Kimberton, PA.

A visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Burial will be private in Valley Forge Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Centennial Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 840, 1330 Hares Hill Road, Kimberton, PA 19442 and/or St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 355 St. John's Circle, Phoenixville, PA 19460.

Arrangements are by the Devlin-Rosmos-Kepp Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 517 S. Main St., Phoenixville, PA. 

Condolences may be given to the family at www.devlinrosmoskepp.com.

Rose Ann Bailey, 72

Rose Ann (Switzer)  Bailey, adoringly known as "Ramblin Rosie", beloved wife of Denis M. Bailey, of Valley Forge, passed peacefully in the arms of her loving family on Oct. 21, 2011.  

Rose Ann truly touched the lives of everyone she met through her warm, loving, compassionate ways and her joyful sense of humor that always made us smile.

Born in St. Louis, MO, she was the daughter of the late Ferd F. Switzer Jr., and Cecilia (Tegethoff) Switzer.  

She attended St. Louis University. Rose Ann was a loving kindergarten teacher at the Doane Stuart School in Albany, NY. Rose Ann was an emeritus member of the Newcomer’s Club of the Upper Main Line, and she was a member of the St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church in Phoenixville.

In addition to her husband of 50 years, Rose Ann is survived by her cherished four children; T.J., husband of Jennifer (Broncato) Bailey of Dix Hills, NY; Jane, wife of Bryan Goewey, of Loudonville, NY; Michael, husband of Kristin (Bruni) Bailey, of York, ME; Jim, husband of Kathy Lopez, of Manhattan, NY; eight grandchildren; her brother; Ferd F. Switzer, III, husband of Julie Switzer, of New Orleans; and two nieces. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at the St. Ann's Chapel, 604 S. Main St., Phoenixville, on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011 at 11 a.m.  The Rev. John J. Newns will officiate.  

Burial will be in the St. Ann's cemetery. Friends will be received from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday or from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the Campbell–Ennis–Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Rose Ann’s name to the ALS Hope Foundation, 1333 Race St., Suite 202, P.O. Box 40777, Philadelphia, PA 19107.   

Condolences may be made and the video tribute may be viewed by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

Martha Stirk, 90

Martha H. Stirk, 90, of Royersford, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 at Parkhouse Providence Pointe. 

She was the wife of the late Stewart Stirk Sr. 

Services are private. 

Online condolences may be offered at www.phoenixvillefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by .