Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

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Nannie Loretta Grasty, age 78, of Oxon Hill, MD, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 21, 1946, in Chatham, Virginia, Nannie was the beloved daughter of the late Rebecca Johnson-Price and Clarence Price.

Nannie attended Northside High School in Gretna, Virginia, where she laid the foundation for a life filled with love and dedication to her family. After her marriage to Harvey Fitzgerald, three children were born: Legathia Fitzgerald-Pitt, Ricky Fitzgerald, and Harvey Fitzgerald Jr. Later, she moved to Washington, DC, where she married Douglas Grasty. From that union, she welcomed her daughter, Lekeisha Grasty.

Nannie was known for her warm heart, friendliness, and unwavering kindness. Her home was a gathering place for family and friends, filled with love, laughter, and the delicious aromas of her famous cooking. She enjoyed family gatherings and attending her meetings at the Kingdom Hall when she was well, which brought her immense joy and allowed her to connect with others.

Nannie is survived by her husband, Douglas Grasty of Oxon Hill, MD; her son, Ricky Fitzgerald (Veronica) of Crofton, MD; her daughter, Lekeisha Grasty of Oxon Hill, MD; and her son-in-law, Frank Pitt of Baltimore, MD. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Latoya Fitzgerald of Hartford, CT; Franklyn Pitt of Baltimore, MD; Shunta Fitzgerald-Greenfield (Derrick) of Brandywine, MD; Shamia Fitzgerald of Glen Burnie, MD; Xavier Pitt of Baltimore, MD; Taylor Pitt of Baltimore, MD; and Kyla Grasty of Oxon Hill, MD. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Priscilla Wizzard (Rodney) of Knightdale, NC; her brother, Larry Price (Adream); her sister-in-law, Florence Price of Knightdale, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Nannie is preceded in death by her parents, Rebecca Johnson-Price and Clarence Price, as well as her daughter Legathia Fitzgerald-Pitt, her sons Harvey Fitzgerald Jr. and Stephen Bowman, her siblings: four brothers, Ezra Price, Clarence Price Jr., Richard Price, and Herman Robinson; one sister, Rhada Campbell; and brother-in-law Herbert Campbell.

The family wishes to extend many thanks to her husband, Douglas Grasty, for the excellent care he provided during her many illnesses.

Nannie Loretta Grasty will be deeply missed but will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Friends are invited to celebrate Ginger’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, January 28 from 3 to 5 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD on Wednesday, January 29 at 11 am. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Davidsonville, MD. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Socorro's life on Sunday, February 2 from 2-8 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory: 6160 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, February 3 at 11 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church: 4590 St Josephs Way Pomfret, MD 20675. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

Lynne Pollock Axtell, 81, a resident of Charles County, MD for over 53 years and previously of Silver Spring, MD passed away on January 15, 2025 due to natural causes. Born on August 12, 1943 in Washington, DC to the late Gerald Lawrence Pollock and Coral Elizabeth Bristol, Lynne graduated from Montgomery Blair High School before attending Montgomery College. She went on to have a career as an administrative specialist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In her spare time, she enjoyed crafts, shopping, and collecting teapots and vintage cup plates. She was a lifelong Redskins/Commanders fan, and loved drinking Diet Pepsi. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and loved ones. In addition to her parents, Lynne was preceded in death by her grandson, Christian Andrew Axtell. She is survived by her children, Gerald Duayne Axtell of Columbia, MD and Andrea Axtell Stark of Hughesville, MD; her sister, Jacqueline Pollock Sapper of Silver Spring, MD; and her niece, Tiffany Ann Kildale. Services for Lynne will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hospice of the Chesapeake (90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 or online <a href="https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/">here</a>), the Humane Society of Charles County (71 Industrial Park Drive, Waldorf, MD 20602 or online <a href="https://humanesocietycc.org/donate/memorial-donations.html">here</a>), or the Alzheimer’s Association (P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or online <a href="https://donorservices.alz.org/page/FUNXAHXKQNE?clientId=17371362781799883842">here</a>).

William “Bill” Colby, 79, a resident of Annapolis, MD, died at his home on Tuesday, January 14. Born on September 7, 1945 in San Diego, CA, Bill served his country in the United States Marine Corps from March of 1963 until retiring as a Master Gunnery Sergeant in August of 1989. He was active in AA for fifty-one years. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed fishing, scuba diving, photography, reading and playing games with his family and friends. Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary Elizabeth Colby; his children, Brian (Holly) Colby of Centreville, MD, Lisa Imler of Stevensville, MD and Kara Leddy of Annapolis, MD; his siblings, Major Michael Colby, US Army (Ret.), Mary O’Neill of Phenix City, AL and Rhea Digby of Wilmington, NC and his granddaughters, Autumn Colby and Mariah Dove. Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph Colby. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Bill's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Friday, January 17 from 3 pm until his memorial service begins at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 N. Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203 (or online <a href="https://support.nmcrs.org/a/homepage">here</a>).

Relatives and friends are invited to Sally's Life Celebration on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, February 1 at 11 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 630 E St., SW, Washington, DC. Interment to follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, MD. 

Please check back with us for complete obituary.

A funeral service for Stella will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 11 am at Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401. The interment will be private. 


Please take a moment and leave the family a message by using the Memories tab on this page.

John Eisel, a well-respected Edgewater resident of over 30 years, passed away with his family by his side on January 11, 2025, due to complications from a fall.

John was born in Washington, DC, to Robert and Mary Jane Eisel on January 27, 1945. He was the firstborn of six children and was raised in Kensington, MD. By all accounts, John was a rebellious, rambunctious teenager and young adult. His search for purpose landed him in the US Army, where he served for 3 years. Following discharge, John partnered with his brother Bruce in a fiberglass repair and manufacturing business. With both brothers starting families at this time, they sought more stable careers.

John applied to the Washington Metropolitan Police Department and was soon hired. He had found his calling. Officer Eisel became Detective Eisel and received commendations and awards along the way. The Washington Post published an article in which the writer labeled him “Supercop.”

John retired from the MPD after 26 years of exemplary service and moved to the Edgewater area. Ever restless, John embarked on another 13 years with the Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Department, retiring as a Sergeant.

John Eisel was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved living on the water, being on the water, crabbing and fishing, or relaxing with a cold beer and his dog Tiki. His well-earned retirement was spent generously with his wife Paula, friends, family, brother Dan, the American Legion, and the Mayo community.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Jane Eisel, his sister, Suzanne Cardillo, and his beloved son, Judson Eisel Sr.

John is survived by his devoted wife Paula, his daughter Jenifer(Ronnie), sister Mary Beth Jackman, and brothers Bruce(Linda), Steve(April), and Dan(Frances). He is also survived and will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Dalton and Hannah Stewart, Haley Nicol(Ryan), Judson Eisel Jr.(Kara), Hunter Eisel(Alexis), Nick Eisel, daughter-in-law Robin Eisel, ex-wife and mother to his children, Candice Salter, five great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his many friends, colleagues, and admirers he has touched along the way.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am, January 22, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion Post 226, 830 Mayo Rd. Edgewater, MD 21037.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to <a href="https://gratitude.lifebridgehealth.org/page/28430/donate/1">Bridging Life at Dove House</a>, 292 Stoner Ave, Westminster, MD 21157, or American Legion Post 226, Mayo, MD.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting the Memories link on this page.

Relatives and friends are invited to Barbara's Life Celebration on Monday, January 27, 2025 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, January 28 at 10 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD 20735.

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