Planning Ahead

Mrs. Joanne Yvonne Harford-Grapes, 88 of Uniontown, passed away Wednesday evening, March 27th, in the comfort of her home.   She is survived by her two children Jamie Grapes of Buffington, and Ricky Grapes of Uniontown. Joanne had 3 grandchildren who thought the world of her. Ricky Grapes Jr. of Uniontown, James McClelland of Uniontown, and Jason McClelland of Buffington. She is also remembered dearly by her great grandchildren Jonathan Grapes of Uniontown, and Savannah Grapes of Uniontown. Joanne was over the moon to learn that she had a great-great granddaughter, Abigail Grace. Todd & Brian Leasure of Cumberland MD had become Joanne’s adopted grandchildren through family friendship. She loved them dearly.   Although Joanne has left this earth, her memory lives on in everyone that loved her. She often spoke of times that were near and dear to her heart. Those included the friendships made during 50 years of cleaning homes and businesses, raising her children, and nurturing her grandchildren. As those that love her are mourning a loss, she would have wanted everyone to carry on with many great memories of her. To respect Joanne’s wishes, her family will have a private ceremony to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Grapes.   Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in her name.   Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIES, INC., 80 Morgantown St., Uniontown, PA.   Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at adferguson.com and on the funeral home Facebook page.

Benton E. Rodeheaver, Jr., age 66, of Cardale, PA passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2024.  He was born in Uniontown, PA son of the late Benton E. Rodeheaver, Sr. and Bertha Andrews Rodeheaver.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Judy Shaw.   Benton was a 1976 graduate of Uniontown High School.  He was a former member of Keisterville Union Church and he served in the United States Army.  Benton enjoyed working on vehicles.  He was a currier and delivered to various businesses and nursing homes.   Left to cherish Benton’s memory is his sister, Kerry Pratt.   Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIES, INC. 80 Morgantown St., Uniontown, PA.  In accordance with the families wishes there will be no public viewing.   Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at adferguson.com and on the funeral home Facebook page.

Robin C. Childs, age 67, of Smithfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 30, 2024. She was born on November 21, 1956 in Richmond, VA. The daughter of the late Robert Pulaski, and Florence Varndell Pulaski.   Left to cherish Robin’s memory are her children, Jennifer Dirda and husband Shawn of McClellandtown, David Childs, Jr., and wife Kerri of Fairmont, WV, and Timothy Childs of Uniontown; one sister, Jeannie Maust of Farmington; five Grandchildren, Shawn Dirda, Jr., Joshua Dirda, Donovan Childs, Grayson Childs and Kabella Childs, and many nieces and nephews.   Robin was a member of Central Christian Church. She also loved baking, sewing, motorcycles, and loved traveling. Most of all she loved to go to renaissance festivals. Robin loved her children and grandchildren and will be missed.   Arrangements have been entrusted to FERGUSON-BROWNFIELD FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, INC. 78 Main St., Smithfield, where friends and family will be gathered on Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 2 PM until 4 PM, followed by a memorial service at 4 PM at the funeral home to celebrate the life of Robin, officiated by Dr. Rev. Heather Simpson. Interment will be private per her request.   Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at adferguson.com and on the Facebook page.  

Joseph (Joe) Zeppo, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family at the age of 95 on April 2, 2024. His legacy is etched in the hearts of those who knew him, and his impact will resonate for generations to come. Born on March 29, 1929, Joe, a life-long resident of Uniontown, graduated from the Uniontown Area High School. His entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic, and unwavering values attributed to his successful start-up and operation of several business endeavors in downtown Uniontown for more than 60 years. His first business was a gas service station on Morgantown Street that eventually expanded to three. Interested in a new business opportunity, Joe divested his interest in the gas service stations and started a new family-owned business with his wife, Joan, by opening the city’s first Western Auto store in downtown Uniontown. Later, he transitioned the store to Zep’s Furniture, which remains in downtown Uniontown today under the ownership of his youngest son David. Joe made a special effort to know every customer by name and took great care to meet their needs and accommodate their requests. He truly appreciated and valued their patronage. Joe’s greatest joy was his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan Oleskiewicz, in 1949. Their enduring love story spanned over seventy-four years, something only a lucky few are fortunate to experience. Virtually inseparable, Joan stood by his side, a pillar of strength and grace, as they lived, worked, played, and raised their three children: Philip, Sandi, and David. As a father, Joe was both firm and tender. He taught his children the value of integrity, kindness, and resilience. He also instilled in them his sense of fun and love of laughter. His grandchildren and great grandchildren adored their “Pap-Pap” and cherished the stories he shared about his life experiences. Although operating a small family-owned business left little time for hobbies, Joe loved playing and watching golf, duck-pin bowling in his early years, was an avid Steelers fan, and spent many a Saturday on the dance floor with the love of his life. They were members of and attended church services at Abundant Life Church, and were long-time members of the Elks Club. Joe’s legacy extends beyond his accomplishments and hobbies. He leaves behind a blueprint for living a life of purpose, love, kindness, and resilience. His unwavering commitment to family and friends serves as an inspiration to all who knew him. Preceding him in death are his parents; Philomena (D’Andria) and Albert Zeppo; two brothers, Philip and John Zeppo; and one sister Dorothy (Zeppo) Marriotti. Left to cherish his memories are his devoted wife of 74+ years, Joan (Oleskiewicz) Zeppo; son, Philip (Sharyn) Zeppo of Ohio; daughter Sandra (George) Yezbak of North Carolina; son David (Tina) Zeppo of Uniontown; Grandchildren, Nicole Zeppo and Tania (Michael) Bertolone of Ohio, and Tania Wargo of Uniontown; Great Grandchildren, Zach Zeppo, Giada Bertolone, Ty Rice, and EJ Barbosa. The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate team at WVU Hospice, with special thanks to Melissa, Brandy, Bethany, and Laura for their compassionate care and support. Their kindness and dedication eased our hearts as we navigated this difficult journey. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Andrew D. Ferguson Funeral Home in Uniontown where family and friends will be received on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Visitation will continue in the funeral home Saturday, April 6th, from 10-11 am followed by a service celebrating Joe’s life at 11 am with Pastor Ed Lakota officiating. Interment will follow in LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the WVU Hospice Program or charity of choice.