Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home, 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA (2025)

09/09/2025

Having recently enjoyed visits from family and friends, Dolores (Dee) Jean Rychtarsky Enoff peacefully went home, on September 7, 2025, to join her Savior and reunite with family and friends who have passed before her.

She was born December 3, 1937, the daughter of the late Adolph Frank and Margaret Stickles Rychtarsky, in Carmichaels, PA, where she grew up and attended schools.

Dolores married Emil R Enoff, Sr. on June 18, 1955, and they resided in Greensboro, PA. For 36 years (prior to his early passing) they built a life of love, faith, and strong work ethics around family, farming, and a small business. Well known for her culinary skills with canning, baking, as well as cooking, Dolores excelled in using homegrown items from the family farm and gardens to create recipes for meals that delighted friends and her large family. Along with her many household management roles, it was common for family to come home to weekday dinners where she had prepared over 100 of either halupkis, or spaghetti meatballs, or a dozen homemade pizzas. Her children’s grade school teachers often requested home-baked goods such as breads, 3-leaf clover rolls, cakes, and most especially her nut rolls and cinnamon pinwheels. Many family traditions and values, school lessons, as well as life lessons, came to life and flourished in her kitchen. Her children still recall her words of wisdom in phrases such as “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?”

Once her cherished family was grown, she continued to enjoy hobbies and traditions such as collecting recipes, holiday baking, cake decorating and she began to enjoy a wide variety of travel with family to many beaches, as well as Cape Cod, Tennessee, Vegas, Cancun, and other destinations.

Dolores’s strength and resilience in the face of many hardships, losses, and her later declining health, continually astonished family and friends as well as acquaintances.

She was a member of the former Holy Family Catholic Church in Greensboro which merged with St. Ignatius of Antioch Roman Catholic Church in Bobtown, Pa. (now part of St. Matthias Parish).

Dolores will be deeply missed by sons; Emil R Enoff Jr. of Greensboro, Richard A. Enoff of Greensboro, and Ronald R Enoff (Robin) of Morgantown WV; daughters, Joyce L Enoff (Debbie) of Charleston WV, and Patricia Enoff Stewart (Michael) of Meadville PA; sons-in-law, Michael Ansell of Waynesburg, and Reuben Grim of Greensboro; a brother Frank E Rychtarsky (Charlotte) of Carmichaels; sister Kathryn Gould of Fredericktown; brother-in-law Louis Enoff (Diane) of Westminster, MD; nine grandchildren, Emil Enoff lll, Tiffany Harm (Robert), Ryan Grim (Nicole), Reuben Grim (Michelle), Christa Grim, Amy Filipcic (Joe), Ashley Sellers (Jonathon), Spencer Enoff, Bryan Enoff and step grandchildren Michael, Jennifer, Robert, and Nicole. She is also survived by several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to husband Emil, and both of their parents, she was preceded in death by daughters; Dolly Enoff-Ansell, Cynthia Enoff Grim, and Linda Enoff; daughter-in-law Beverly Enoff; sisters, Mary Louise Taylor and Helen Hindman; brothers-in-law, Clyde Hindman and Charles Gould.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Michelle, Jim & Joan, Jolene, Kim, Donna, Susan, Carol, and Denise for their friendship and care.

Family and friends are invited to honor Dolores’s life from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025, and from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m., on Friday, September 12, when a blessing service will be held in the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home, 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels PA, 15320. 724-966-5100. Paul M. Lesako Owner/Funeral Director and Aaron S. Walker, Funeral Director. A Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St Hugh Roman Catholic Church, Carmichaels with Rev. J. Francis Frazer as celebrant. Interment will be Monongahela Hill Cemetery, Greensboro.

Those wishing to honor Dolores may consider a memorial donation to a disabled veteran’s charity of your choice as Dolores had high regard for those who served the USA, or to support the Monongahela Hill Cemetery, 953 Mapletown Rd., Greensboro, Pa.

To send condolences or sign the online guestbook please visit www.lesakofh.com

08/27/2025

Ronald Allen Cox (Superman), age 37, of Garards Fort, Pa., passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025 in his home. Bubs, as he was known to his family, had been severely disabled from an auto accident when he was only 21 years old. He fought like a true super hero for the past 16 years, full of life and love.

He was born April 23, 1988, in Waynesburg, Pa., a son of Christy Ann Varner Cox and the late Ronald Edward Cox

Bubs was a 2006 graduate of Mapletown High School. Before his accident he enjoyed playing video games, bongos, the guitar, and hanging out with his friends. Bubs loved music all throughout his life.

He is survived by two sisters, Kristin and Paisley Cox, both of Garards Fort; a brother, Jeffrey Cox, of Masontown, Pa.; a niece, Ariella; a nephew Levias; paternal grandparents, Calvin Cox Jr. and Lavonne Gump; maternal grandmother, Mary Varner; five aunts, Mary Headlee (Ed), and Debbie Sierzega (Carl), Melody Lemley (Ron), Ronda Archbold (Ken) and Charlotte Sabol (Scott); three uncles, Scott Varner (April), Chuck Varner and Kevin Varner (Lisa). Also surviving are several cousins and friends.

He was so loved and will be missed.

Family and friends are welcome on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday August 30, 2025 from noon to 1:00 p.m., the hour of services, in the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, Pa. 15320. 724-966-5100. Paul M. Lesako, Owner/Funeral Director and Aaron S. Walker, Funeral Director.

Inurnment will be at a later date at Garards Fort Cemetery.

To send condolences or sign the online guestbook please visit www.lesakofh.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home.

08/20/2025

****UPDATED CELEBRATION OF LIFE INFO BELOW****

Jon Eric Kerr, age 59, of Crucible, died August 17, 2025, in his home.

Jon was born July 18, 1966, in Waynesburg, Pa. a son of the late John Eric and Carol Brown Kerr.

He is survived by 3 sons; Christian Lohr, of Waynesburg, Zachariah Kerr, of Morgantown, W. Va. and Alex Kerr, of Nemacolin, Pa.; 7 grandchildren, Anakin Lohr, Violet Lohr, Theodore Lohr, Gwen Kerr, Levi Kerr, Elijah Kerr, and Asher Kerr; a brother, Corrie Kerr; a sister Crystal Kerr; and Jons companion, Cynthia Cooley.

Jon earned a Masters Degree from Waynesburg University. He worked as a mental health therapist at Vision Quest in Erie, and SCI Greene in Waynesburg until his health began to decline.

He enjoyed playing the guitar, reading, and playing Dungeons and Dragons.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1pm on August 30, 2025, at the American Legion Post 400 in Carmichaels, Pa. All family and friends are invited.

To send condolences or sign the online guest book please visit www.lesakofh.com

Funeral Services are entrusted to the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320. 724-966-5100. Paul M Lesako, Owner/Funeral Director and Aaron S. Walker, Funeral Director.

08/20/2025

Robert Forsythe, age 70, of Uniontown, Pa., died August 15, 2025, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.

He was born June 28, 1955, in Uniontown, a son of the late Samuel Leroy Shields and Edna Mae Forsythe.

He is survived by a daughter, Robin R. Forsythe, of Uniontown; a granddaughter Journey Forsythe; a niece that he was very close to, Angel McMahon (Charles), of Carmichaels, Pa.; a sister Irene Newman (Charles), of Greensboro, Pa.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Robert in death are siblings, Oliver Forsythe, Rose Grow, Clara Jordan, Edith Stebok, and Emmanuel Perkins.

Robert was a car enthusiast and enjoyed working on both cars and trucks.

To send condolences or sign the online guest book please visit www.lesakofh.com

Funeral Services are private (no viewing) and entrusted to the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, Pa. 15320. 724-966-5100. Paul M Lesako, Owner/Funeral Director and Aaron S. Walker, Funeral Director.

08/18/2025

Russell Hill K***z Jr., age 93, of Waynesburg, Pa., died August 15, 2025, in Waynesburg.

Mr. K***z was born May 31, 1932, in Grays Landing, Fayette County, Pa. a son of the late Russell Hill K***z and Agnes Beattie K***z.

In July of 1951 Russell married his wife Nancy, who died in 2022.

Russell is survived by children; Harry J. K***z (Wilma), Helen Phillips (Lesley), Russell Hill K***z III, William E. K***z, Bonnie S. Schmitt, Betty J. Lannan, John R. K***z (Corbie), and Susan A. Evosirch Tom); two sisters, Dolores Webb and Myrtle K***z; 14 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, deceased are 2 grandsons, Jonathan Phillips and Anthony W. K***z.

Russell held various jobs throughout his life, including, coal miner, construction worker, welder, and he worked at the former Rich’s Mobile Homes. He was an avid and skilled golfer.

Mr. K***z has requested cremation and there will be no funeral services.

To send condolences or sign the online guest book please visit www.lesakofh.com

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320. 724-966-5100. Paul M. Lesako Owner/Funeral Director, Aaron S. Walker, Funeral Director.

08/15/2025

Kenneth J. (Kenny) Williams, age 85, of Nemacolin, Pa., died August 13, 2025, in Carmichaels, Pa. Kenny was born on November 7,1939 in West Virginia, the son of the late William and Anne Skidmore.

He is survived by his children; Delores Butcher, of Nemacolin, Debra McClure, of New Freeport, Pa., Patricia Black, of Carmichaels, Elizabeth Sine (Mike) of Carmichaels, Kenneth Williams JR, of Clarksville, Pa. and Rebecca Rodriguez (Joe) of Mishawaka Ind; His grandson Justin Williams who lived with him and several grandchildren and great grandchildren including a few that were really close to him; Anthony Butcher, Daniel Lingenfield, Faith Rodriguez, Grace Rodriguez, Krislynn Jake, and Landon Williams.

In addition to his parents, deceased is his loving wife, Martha Williams; and family members, Shelda Vandevender, Charlene Kirk, Anita Butcher, Alva Butcher, and Trenia Williams.

Kenny enjoyed hunting, fishing, and scrapping throughout his life until declining health made these activities challenging. He was previously employed as a coal miner and log truck driver, and, together with his wife, managed multiple arcades across the state.

He will be greatly missed by his family and is now reunited with mommy.

Family and friends will be welcomed from 11am – 1pm, on Saturday August 16, 2025, in the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320. 724-966-5100. Paul M. Lesako, Owner/Funeral Director and Aaron S. Walker, Funeral Director. The funeral service will begin at 1pm and interment will follow at a later date in Rosemont Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Lesako Funeral Home.

To send condolences or sign the online guest book please visit www.lesakofh.com

08/11/2025

On Sunday, August 10th, 2025, Heaven gained a faithful servant when Gladys Arlene Wheeler Ross, age 90, peacefully passed into eternity in the Uniontown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was a former resident of Carmichaels, Greensboro, and Masontown.

Gladys was born October 1st, 1934, the daughter of the late William and Ruby Waylon Wheeler.

She was a graduate of German Township High School, class of 1952, where she performed as a majorette.

On November 28, 1953, she married John Delbert Ross, who preceded her in death on June 13, 2001.

She began her seamstress career at the Masontown Shirt Factory, which continued for several years, transferring to shirt factories located in Ronco, Jefferson, and Waynesburg.

Her working career continued through Home Health Service and then the Foster Care program.

Gladys was Methodist by faith, having attended the Masontown, Mapletown, and Carmichael Methodist Churches until her failing health kept her from attending. She participated as a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir and the Christmas Cantata performed by the Mapletown Methodist Church.

She enjoyed completing search word puzzles and reading mystery series on her Kindle, but her family brought her the most joy.

She was an online shopper and took pride in decorating her home, inside and out. Food was one of her greatest passions, especially if shared with family and friends. She was a compassionate donor, donating to service several good causes.

Gladys is survived by children, Carol Ross, of Dilliner, Bonnie Bezjak (Nick), of Greensboro, Terry Ross, of Greensboro, and Scott Ross (Nanette), of Enterprise, AL; grandchildren, Billie Jo Ross, Edward Avery III (Michelle), Stephen Hegedis III, Tyler Hegedis, John (Jack) Yakubec, Nicholas Bezjak (Haley), Terry Ross Jr., K**a Ross (Justin), Scott (Drew) Ross Jr., and Lauryn Ross (Daniel); great-grandchildren, Jon Anthony Ross (Jessica), Danielle Davidson, Stephen (Charlie) Hegedis, Ivy Hegedis, Leo Aaron Hegedis, Madison Yakubec, and Denver (Denny) Ross; great-great-grandchildren, Adalyne Ross, River Ross, and Layne Ross; 2 sisters, Marilyn Gibbs, of Masontown, and Linda Hanley (Mark), of Carmichaels, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Along with her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by a son, John Jr., a daughter-in-law, Debra Ross, a son-in-law, James Yakubec Sr, a grandson, James Yakubec Jr., 2 brothers, William Jr. and Kenneth Wheeler, a sister Gearldine Capiot, and 7 infant siblings.

Arlene, as she was called, was a spunky, fun-loving, and a quirky lady. She was also very opinionated and would give you a good argument if you disagreed with her.

She will be missed by all. God has gained an Angel.

Special thanks to the Senior Life of Greene County for many years of service. Also, We Care Nursing home of Waynesburg, Uniontown Nursing and Rehab, and Amedisys of Uniontown for all of the loving care.

Family and friends will be welcomed from 2-4 and 6-8pm, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, and from 10-11am, the time of service, on Thursday August 14, 2025, in the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320. 724-966-5100. Paul M. Lesako, Owner/Funeral Director, Aaron S. Walker, Funeral Director.

08/09/2025

Timothy “Tim” Fine Passed away August 5, 2025, at age 82

Timothy “Tim” Fine passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82, after an extended illness. He was surrounded by love and comfort in his final moments.

Born in Richeyville, a small southwestern Pennsylvania town, Tim attended Cumberland Township High School in Carmichaels, PA, where he was a standout athlete. His talent on the baseball field earned him a tryout with the Pittsburgh Pirates, a testament to his skill, determination, and love for the game.

In the early 1960s, Tim and his wife Linda moved from southwestern Pennsylvania to Beltsville, Maryland, where they raised their family and became active members of the community. Tim was deeply involved in coaching Little League Baseball and was honored as the Beltsville Boys Club Little League “Man of the Year”, a recognition of his dedication to mentoring young athletes and fostering sportsmanship.

Tim was a good man who loved his family and friends. He could come across as a tough guy, but those who knew him knew differently. From his humble beginnings, he knew what it was like to have nothing—and he busted his tail to provide for his family. His grit, loyalty, and quiet generosity left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Tim began his professional career driving semi-trucks, mastering the open road with skill and dedication. He later transitioned to delivering bread in Washington, D.C., where his route was no ordinary one—he served the U.S. Congress, the Senate, and the White House from the Kennedy administration through the George W. Bush administrations. His quiet reliability made him a trusted figure in the halls of American leadership for over four decades.

A fierce and loyal union member, Tim was active in Teamsters Union Local 246, where he held several leadership roles. He was a passionate advocate for workers’ rights and played a key role in negotiating contracts that improved the lives of his Teamster brothers. His commitment to fairness, dignity, and solidarity earned him deep respect among his peers.

Tim was also an avid outdoorsman. He found joy and peace in nature, and his skill as a fisherman and hunter was legendary among family and friends. Over the years, he slayed thousands of trout, including several citation-size catches, and bagged many impressive multi-point deer. His stories from the woods and streams were as vivid as they were cherished.

In the kitchen, Tim was an expert chili maker, known far and wide for his signature dish: “Smoke Hole” chili. Bold, flavorful, and unforgettable, his recipe was proudly published in the Cramer Family Cookbook, a lasting tribute to his culinary creativity and the joy he brought to every gathering.

Tim was also an outstanding horseshoe player, winning the prestigious Myrtle Beach Invitational Horseshoe Tournament multiple times. His competitive spirit, precision, and sportsmanship made him a local legend and a favorite among fellow players.

Tim was predeceased by his first wife of 42 years, Linda Jaynes Fine; his beloved stepdaughter, Courtney Geiser; his mother, Ida Mary Tuel; his stepfather, Guy Tuel; and his brother-in-law, Rudolph Tarlosky Sr. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Dodie Fine; his sons Mark Fine (Kathleen) and Barry Fine (Susan); his stepdaughter Ashley Bennett (Adam); his cherished grandchildren Logan Fine (Jessica), Steven Fine, Parker Fine (Hayleigh), Amanda Fine, Brody Bennett; and his great-grandson Desmond Fine, who brought him immense joy. Tim also leaves behind his sister-in-law Juanita Tarlosky, brother-in-law Butch Weaver, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins across Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, and South Carolina—including special cousins Gary and Diane Giles, whose lifelong friendship and support meant the world to him.

Tim will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and the deep impact he had on those fortunate enough to know him. His life was marked by compassion, integrity, and a gentle spirit that touched family, friends, and community alike.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 2:00 – 6:00pm at the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home, 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Greene County Humane Society, 183 Jefferson Road, Waynesburg, PA 15370 (https://greenepet.org) or a charity of your choice.

07/30/2025

Thomas R. Eddy Sr., age 77, of Waynesburg, died July 28, 2025, in Waynesburg Heath and Rehabilitation.

He was born March 3, 1948, in Waynesburg, the son of the late Jesse James and Dorothy Marie Morris Eddy.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Sallie Lowery Eddy, of Waynesburg; 6 children, Tom Eddy Jr. (Addie Jones), of Waynesburg, John Jessie Eddy, of Washington, Hank Eddy (Lori Vernon), of Carmichaels, Debbie Ann Avery (Jessie), of Helena, AL, Agnes Amanda Marie Thomas (Joe), of New Freeport, and William Eddy (Sarah), of Waynesburg; 17 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; a brother, Arthur Eddy, of Waynesburg; and a sister, Lucy Crawford, of Brave.

Preceding Thomas in death is a son, Roy Erwin Eddy; 3 grandchildren, Brandon J. Tharp, Troy Nathan Tharp, and Steven Eddy; a great granddaughter, Addison Mae Black; 7 brothers; and 2 sisters.

Thomas served in the U.S. National Guard and worked as a lifelong truck driver, most recently at Benamati Trucking Company in Carmichaels. He enjoyed hunting, using his C.B. radio, and spending time with family.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date to be announced.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320. 724-966-5100. Paul M. Lesako Owner/Supervisor, Aaron S. Walker, Funeral Director.

07/28/2025

Robert W. Gibson, age 56, of Nemacolin, died July 26, 2025, in UPMC Washington Hospital.

Bob was born March 16, 1969, in Waynesburg, the son of the late Charles and Judith Ann Gibson.

He is survived by his companion of 34 years, Billie Jean Walker. Also surviving are 2 sons, Cody Wayne Gibson and wife Tiffany, and Cory Allan Gibson and companion Essence Bowser; 3 grandchildren, Megan, Malachi and Madelyn Gibson; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was a graduate of Carmichaels Area High School and formerly worked for Commercial Builders of Morgantown. He loved riding dirt bikes and spending time with his family.

Family and friends will be welcomed from 2-4 and 6-8pm, on Wednesday July 30, 2025, and from 10-11am on Thursday July 31, 2025, in the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320. 724-966-5100. Paul M. Lesako Owner/Supervisor, Aaron S. Walker, Funeral Director.
Burial will follow in Laurel Point Cemetery.

07/20/2025

Athalia (Lou) Welsh Ladisic Chyben, age 88, of Millsboro, passed away on July 18, 2025, after a brief illness, in the Donnell House, Washington.

She was born January 28, 1937, the daughter of the late John and Ruth Wilson Welsh, of Millsboro.

Lou was a graduate of East Bethlehem High School, and received her Associates Degree from Penn Commercial. She worked for the Bethlehem Center School District for 32 years as a secretary before retiring in 1999.

She will always be remembered for her spaghetti sauce and various sweets, which she both shared and ate. Her hobbies included painting ceramics, doing embroidery and cross stitch, and in her spare time making quilts for family and friends.

On July 2, 1982, she married her husband James Chyben, who survives. Also surviving are 3 children, Jo Phylis Popielarcheck (Ed), of Millsboro, Joseph (Sonny) Ladisic (Margie), of Clarksville, and Marie Gillispie (Harry), of Rogersville; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Debbie Chyben, of Berea, OH; a stepdaughter, Kim Chyben, of Houston, PA; her grandchildren, James Popielarcheck (Rachel), of Centerville, Ed Popielarcheck, of Millsboro, Cassandra Lyon, of Holbrook, and Paige Hamzik (Tommy), of Durhan, NC; great grandchildren, Morgan and Lucas Popielarcheck, Hayden and Brynna Patterson, Conner & Courtney Popielarcheck, and Lucas Spencer, as well as her very special friends, Jim and Barb Riggi, of Carmichaels.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grand daughter, Maria Danielle.

The family would like to thank the Doctors and nurses (4 South), of Washington Hospital, and the staff at Donnell House for their kindness and care that was shown to their mother during her time in their facilities, as well Dr. Allison and the staff at Cornerstone Care, Rogersville.

Family and friends will be welcomed from 1-3pm on Tuesday July 22, 2025, in the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320. Paul M. Lesako Owner/Supervisor, Aaron Walker, Funeral Director.

The service will begin at 3pm with the Reverand Keith Larson officiating.

Burial will follow in Laurel Point Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Greene County Humane Society in Lou's name

07/17/2025

Florence Charlene Rapchak, 83, beloved matriarch, world traveler, lifelong leader in mining community service, of Lexington, KY., formerly of Carmichaels, PA, passed away peacefully in the care of her daughter surrounded by her family after a long illness with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Born December 10, 1941, Charlene was the daughter of the late Charles Plues and Florence (Crago) Plues of Carmichaels, PA.

Born and raised in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, Charlene—known affectionately as "Char"—was the high school sweetheart of Stephen Charles Rapchak, whom she would marry and walk beside through 57 years of global adventure, shared life, and labor. Early in their journey after her graduation from Carmichaels Senior High School, she supported Steve’s leadership roles with Carbon Industries, Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, and Bledsoe Coal helping to anchor their young family during periods of mobility and growth.

She was the devoted mother, grand and great-grandmother, wife and professional partner of the late Stephen Charles Rapchak, a renowned mining engineer. Together, they forged a remarkable life that spanned the coal towns of Appalachia, the goldfields of West Africa, and the consulting offices they established in Lexington and Phelps, Kentucky.

In 1984, Charlene and Steve co-founded Mining Consulting Services, Inc. (MCSI) in Lexington, Kentucky. The firm quickly earned a national reputation for its integrity, technical excellence, and human-centered approach to mine operations and planning. Charlene was instrumental in MCSI’s daily life—managing operations, coordinating travel, maintaining client relationships, and embodying the ethical compass that came to define the company culture.

Parallel to Steve’s involvement with the Society for Mining Engineers, Charlene served decades actively as a Board Member in WAAIME (Women’s Auxiliary to the American Institute of Mining Engineers), through its WAAIME branch. Her commitment to WAAIME’s philanthropic mission reflected a lifetime of service to mining communities. She championed educational scholarships, supported local initiatives in mining towns, and provided a network of care for women and families navigating the demands of industrial life. She spent over a decade passionately serving and advocating for medically and economically disadvantaged children during her years living in Huntington, West Virginia and Bethel Park, PA.

In 1989, Charlene and Steve took a leave from MCSI for Steve to become the General Manager for Teberebie Goldfields Ltd. in Ghana, West Africa. During a decade of transformative work in the Ghanaian rainforest, Charlene became a vital presence in the expatriate camp, helping shape a warm, resilient, and ethical community at the edge of industrial development. Her kindness and fortitude helped uplift not only fellow expatriates but the surrounding Ghanaian community. She was most gratified by her volunteer work with the students at Fiaseman Senior High School, Bogoso, Ghana located near the mine. The Ghanaian and expatriate traditions and lifestyle was always a topic of friendly banter with family and friends (even with the Brits) and ultimately passed down and adopted for everyone to enjoy. The Rapchak clan will never miss the opportunity to raise a glass of Port with family and friends to celebrate a holiday or special occasion. These traditions her family will continue to celebrate for generations to come.

Charlene and Steve’s travels together were legendary—African safaris through the Serengeti, standing in awe before the Pyramids of Giza, gazing out from the Great Wall of China, and exploring the ancient ruins of South America and the cultural capitals of Europe. Whether walking beneath Victoria Falls or venturing across Australia, Charlene moved through the world with wide-eyed grace and a grounded spirit. You can’t imagine the whimsical bedtime stories that were told to the grandchildren and if you were lucky enough you might even be invited to travel on an adventure with them.

Affectionately known as “Mimi” her children and grandchildren undoubtedly revolved as the center of her life. As her children grew older, life was filled mingling with friends of friends, and most days she could be found at a high school booster club meeting, football or basketball game, track meet, or equestrian event if she wasn’t at church or making multiple trips to the grocery store. For everyone in the family, travelling to Mimi and Pappy’s house in Lexington, KY (known as Woodlawn) was always filled with anticipation, excitement, adventure, board games, and lots of laughter.

Always the ultimate hostess, everyone – complete strangers included - always had an overloaded dinner plate and never an empty glass. Grace and sophistication surrounded every holiday and special occasion ranging from magical Christmas decorations and lights to elaborate birthday cakes to include her ever famous “pineapple upside down” or “Black Russian” cake and the famous Christmas sour cream cookies. Adorning shelves of cookbooks displayed like little league trophies, she was known in Lexington as the Saint Andrew’s “Cabbage Queen” for her Slavic cooking. Her delicious cabbage rolls and desserts attracted crowds from miles around to the yearly church festival.

In her spare time, which was little, she enjoyed storytelling, playing cards and doing puzzles, enjoying a glass of wine, reading espionage and crime novels but most importantly doing anything that revolved around Penn State University football, the Pittsburgh Steelers or the University of Kentucky Wildcats. After all, as a mid-mannered sports fanatic her morning routine consisted of coffee and watching the ESPN morning show.

Charlene was devout in her faith and her love for Jesus Christ was reflected in her sweet, kind and gentle spirit. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the gift of knowing her. Char’s life was a testament to her faith, her love for her family, and her strength through life's challenges. Charlene and Stephen were faithful parishioners of Saint Andrew Antiochian Orthodox Church in Lexington, KY.

Surviving is a son Joel Stephen Rapchak of Lexington, KY; a daughter Larisa Rapchak Erwin (John) of Ponte Verda Beach, FL; eight grandchildren, Kyle Rapchak of AZ, Conner Rapchak of AZ, Justin Rapchak of AZ, Brittany Rapchak Sieczkiewicz, (Matt) of Warwick, RI, John Erwin III of Ashburn, VA, Preston Stephen Charles Erwin of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Taylor Rapchak, (Marsha) of Pittsburgh, PA and Alek Rapchak, (Jennifer) of Mount Pleasant, SC; three great grandchildren, Sage Florence Sieczkiewicz of Warwick, RI, Amelia and Logan Rapchak of Mount Pleasant, SC; a sister, Vicki (Rendine) Plues (Dan) of FL; a brother-in-law Bruce Rapchak of Dunedin, FL; two sisters-in-law Bonnie Rapchak of Dunedin, FL and Mary Lou Rapchak of Payson, AZ and a niece Natalie Rapchak Garnett, niece (Pat).

Deceased in addition to her husband and parents are a son Eric John Rapchak; three siblings, Carolyn Jane Plues, Sephora (Lucas) Plues and Shirley (Taylor) Plues and nephew Nicholas Rapchak.

Family and friends are welcomed for visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, in the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320. Paul M. Lesako Owner/Supervisor and Aaron S. Walker, Funeral Director.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Saint George Serbian Orthodox Church, Carmichaels, PA. Interment will follow in Greene County Memorial Park, Waynesburg, PA.

The family suggests donations may be made to Saint Andrew Antiochian Orthodox Church, Attn: Saint Andrew Antiochian Women, 1136 Higbee Mill Road, Lexington, KY, 40503 or the Lewy Body Dementia Association at

Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home

09/09/2025

08/27/2025

08/20/2025

08/20/2025

08/18/2025

08/15/2025

08/11/2025

08/09/2025

07/30/2025

07/28/2025

07/20/2025

07/17/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category