Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Linda Most Schneider, 92, a resident of the Washington, DC area since 1958, passed away at Anne Arundel Medical Center on Monday, December 5, 2022.

Born August 2, 1930, in New York, she graduated with her bachelor's degree from Green Mountain College in Poultney, VT, and American University with a master's degree to further her teaching career. Linda worked for more than 20 years for the Washington DC school system at Roosevelt and other DC high schools as a Special Education Counselor. Before and during her career teaching, she worked with the Metropolitan Police Department to help found the Police Explorer Program for youth. Linda was an active volunteer at the DC Youth Orchestra for more than 20 years and was an avid gardener and family matriarch. She especially loved to cook and spend time with her pets. Linda will be missed by everyone that knew her.

She was preceded in death by her former husband, Douglas N Schneider Jr.

Linda is survived by her children, Mark Schneider and Jessica Racine-White, Jeffrey and Denise Schneider, Eric Schneider and Shannon Harte, Jennifer Purcell, and Mark Pearce; two siblings, Karla Champion and Gene Most; eight grandchildren, Angelina Schneider, Alexander Schneider, Whitney Schneider-White, Samantha and Brady Scifres, Will and Tiffany Schneider-White and Easton, Christian and Aaron Pearce; and four great-grandchildren: Cooper, Blair, and Greer Scifres and Ethan Schneider-White.

Online condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Relatives and friends are invited to Erie's Life Celebration on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 from 10 a.m. until the start of the service at 11 a.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment private at a later date.



Laura Anne Ruitberg, 77, of Davidsonville, MD, died Sunday, December 4, 2022, at her home.  Her life ended peacefully with her husband, Edward, at her bedside.  Laura was born November 18, 1945 at Providence Hospital in Washington, DC, the daughter of the late John Hilbert and Anne Donovan Hilbert.  Laura can be remembered for her loving kindness, her business organization skills, her devout Catholic faith, and her love for kitty cats.  She graduated from High Point High School in Beltsville, MD, and got her first job at Citizens Bank of Maryland.  Over her long career, Laura worked for several businesses as a bookkeeper and office manager.  Laura loved quilting, sewing, and most of all caring for her family.  She married Edward Ruitberg on March 2, 1974.  

In addition to her husband, Laura is survived by her son, Edward Ruitberg, Jr., of Davidsonville; two grandchildren, Sasha and Luka Ruitberg; a brother, John Hilbert, Jr. (Linda); brother-in-law, Arthur Ruitberg (Erin); sister-in-law, Anne Ruitberg Taylor; four nephews, Jay and Joseph Hilbert, Ian Thomas, and Christian Ruitberg; three nieces, Lisa Hilbert, Kim Thomas, and Schuyler Maedjaja; and former daughter-in-law, Rachel Ruitberg

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Laura’s life on Tuesday, December 13 from 5 to 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD.  Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, December 14 at 11 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD.  A live stream of the Mass can be viewed by clicking <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064429102382">HERE</a> Interment will be private.  Memorial contributions may be made to the <a href="https://mdfoodbank.org/donate/?type=One-Time">Maryland Food Bank</a>, 2200 Halethorpe Farms Road, Baltimore, MD  21227-4551.

Please take a moment to leave a condolence for the family by visiting the <a href="https://kalasfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Laura-Ruitberg-9217/memories">Memories link</a> on this page.

Eveleth Wilson Bridgman, III, "Evy", of Springfield, VA and formerly of West River, MD, died on December 3, 2022 from COVID. Evy was born on October 15, 1956 to the late Marjorie Murray Bridgman and Eveleth W. Bridgman, Jr. He grew up on the family farm, Cedar Park, with his four oldest siblings and his loving extended family. As a child, Evy was the navigator on trips and the family meteorologist. He was considered to be the dependable child. As he grew older, he was the one who organized trips to teach younger family members how to ski, sail, white water raft, drive and explore adventures beyond the farm. Evy graduated from The Gow School in Buffalo, NY and worked as a computer operations manager for ManTech. While working there, he met Karen Lea Stach and they married on August 10, 1991. They enjoyed years of traveling together before, to their greatest delight, their children, Michelle and Ryan, were born on April 22, 2004. Evy's new career was as a stay-at-home father, his dream job. He brought his children his love of family and adventure and shared their love of music and sports as they grew into young adults. Karen, Evy, Michelle, Ryan and their dog Oakly were an inseparable family. Their last great adventure was a five-week road trip across the country. 
Evy is survived by his wife of 31 years, Karen Stach Bridgman; his children, Michelle Bridgman and Ryan Bridgman; his step-mother, Elaine Bridgman; his siblings, Elizabeth Grimm, Anne Franke, Churchill Bridgman, Sally Cheston, Peter Bridgman and Ray Scott; and a gaggle of nieces and nephews. Evy is remembered most by those who love him for his loyalty, generosity of spirit, genuine kindness and unconditional love. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his honor to the Lupus Foundation of America or the American Heart Association.   Visitation is on Friday, December 9 from 3-5 pm at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, Edgewater, MD. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, December 10 at Christ Church, 220 Owensville Road, West River, MD.  Interment will follow in Bridgman Family Cemetery, Harwood.


Elmer “Pop” Foster, age 90, a longtime resident of Davidsonville, MD died peacefully at his home after a 2 year struggle with cancer. Born on May 2, 1932 in McCreary, KY, to the late Roy and Fannie Foster, Elmer spent the first seventeen years of his life in Kentucky and Tennessee before moving to Maryland. He worked as a tree trimmer with Asplundh Tree Experts, retiring after more than 44 years on the job. He was a former member of Foster Cross Road Baptist Church and he enjoyed tree trimming, auctions, gardening, hunting and spending time with his family. Elmer was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Shirley A. Foster and his siblings, Arvil and Voward Foster, Katherine Dolan and Elsie San Nicolas. He is survived by his children, Gail (Art) Dittmar of Pasadena, MD, Nancy (Brett) Ochiltree of Severna Park, MD, Glenn (Rhonda) Foster of Edgewater, MD, R. Dale (Sally) Foster of Centreville, MD and Ronnie Foster of Davidsonville, MD; his sisters, Cornelia Largent of Florence, SC and Dottie Britton of Annapolis, MD; his grandchildren, Glenn “Duke” Foster, Jr., Justin Foster, Tyler Ladd, Paxton and Griffen Ochiltree, Michael Hirschbock, Jeremy Gunther, Tyler Zarcone, Heather (Matt) Cook, Taylor and Coral Dittmar and his great-grandchildren, Landon and Abby Cook, Jaylynn Foster, Emily, Madelyn and Gavin Hirschbock, Everett and Elliott Gunther. Friends are invited to celebrate Elmer’s life on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where his funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 8 at 10 am. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. 

In lieu of flowers Elmer's family asks for memorial contributions to be made to a charity of your choice or <a href="https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/">Hospice of the Chesapeake</a>.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Donald Robert Johnson, Jr. was born on July 25, 1951 to the late Edith Kiley and Donald Johnson Sr.   Don passed away peacefully at his home on December 1, 2022. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Margaret. Together Margaret and Don had 4 children; David, Suzi, Terry and Tera. Through those children they were blessed to become parents to John, Kendra, Ricky, Marya and Cheree. Don was also preceded in death by his grandson CJ. He is survived by his grandchildren; Jay, Tammy, Desiree, Richard, Lily, Sage, Gavin, AJ, Katie, Ramey, Jessica, Colby, Melanie, Malachi, Gabrielle, Anthony and Kazlyn; as well as 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Cathy Bowles, Tammy Brazerol, Myra Schwahn, Patty Johnson, Randy Johnson, Billy Johnson and Edward Kiley. Don leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and other loved ones.

Donald was a member of the US Navy prior to his career as an engineer for the National Geographic Society. He enjoyed watching sports, routing for the Ravens, Cubs and Nationals. Don loved fishing, trivia, and most of all spending time with his family and friends. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Don’s life on Wednesday, December 21, from 10 am until his funeral service begins at 11 am at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment will be held on Thursday, December 22 at 11:15 am at The Maryland Veteran Cemetery - Cheltenham, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD, 20623.

Online condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.


A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 11:30 am at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cemetery in Annapolis, MD. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Lee Connelly, 70, a longtime resident of Annapolis, MD, passed away on November 30, 2022, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend, Lee will be greatly missed by many.   
  
Lee was born in Baltimore, MD to Catherine Connelly and the late Kenneth Connelly Sr. He is the eldest of 8 children. He graduated from Severna Park High School in 1970 and immediately joined the data systems management workforce.  
  
An avid boater, Lee could often be found exploring the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay, with the Magothy River being his favorite place to drop anchor. He enjoyed ALL aspects of the boating lifestyle. Boating was only second to his first love of spending time with family. He could also regularly be found working on engines, beautifully restoring woodwork, watching old black & white movies, playing conductor with his Lionel trains, visiting his favorite restaurants, or enjoying sweet treats. In his younger days he also loved water skiing and snow skiing. 
  
Lee is survived by his wife, Trixie; his children, Jennifer (Chris), Beth (Greg), Angela (Danny), Christy (Donnie), and BJ (Cathy); his mother, Catherine; six grandchildren; two brothers; and three sisters. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Connelly Sr., and two brothers, Edward Connelly and Timothy Connelly.  
  
Friends are invited to celebrate Lee’s life on Tuesday, December 6th from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, December 7 at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Rd, Annapolis, MD. Interment to immediately follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville. Reception to follow.   

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society at <a href="https://donate3.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialbutton&giftType=hon">www.cancer.org</a>.   

Please take a moment to leave a message for the family by visiting the Memories tab on this page.  

John Simmons Houck, 69, of Riva, Maryland, passed away on November 27 surrounded by family after a lengthy struggle with gastrointestinal cancer.  Beloved husband, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and friend, John will be greatly missed by many.
John was born May 20, 1953 to Sylvia Simmons Houck and Fletcher LeRoy Houck, Jr. in Cheverly, Maryland.  He graduated from Severn School in 1971, and went on to study History at the University of Maryland, where he participated in volunteer work for youth programs.  After graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, John became a settlement officer, and worked for 25 years at Houck and McCarron, the law firm founded by his father F. LeRoy Houck.  

In 1982, John met the love of his life, Oza Dee Owens through mutual friends, and they fell in love during their first dance.  They were married in 1986 and celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary in May, 2022.  As spouses and best friends, theirs was a story-book romance, a true partnership and a decades-long love story in which the bonds of love last forever.  John was dedicated to his wife Oza and family.  His love, support and joy was a source of strength for all.  John was known for his generosity and down-to-earth manner.  A consummate storyteller who made every gathering brighter, John’s good sense of humor and sense of fun was cherished by family, friends and all who met him.  He enjoyed golf, played guitar, water skied on the South River, loved the beach, and sailed, completing trips as far away as Florida and New York.  John was also an avid Washington Commanders fan and was a season ticket holder for 58 years, having attended several Super Bowls.

John was predeceased by his parents Sylvia and F. LeRoy, sister Fran Houck, grand-niece Avery Constance Houck and nephew Fletcher LeRoy Houck, III.  He is survived by his wife Oza Dee, sister Jeanne Houck, brother Rob Roy Houck and all their families, including 11 nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held at Harbor Hills Yacht Club Clubhouse on December 11 from 1-3 PM.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake at www.hospicechesapeake.org, an organization that was of immense support.  



Eileen Marie Harte (nee Clahane),89, a 26 year resident of Heritage Harbour in Annapolis and previously of Lanham, died November 26th at Brightview Senior Living in Edgewater, Md.

Born May 1, 1933, in Hempstead, NY, Eileen received a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry from Seton Hill College in Greensboro, PA, and a Master of Arts in Physiology from Mt Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA.  She worked for USDA as a biochemist for over 20 years.

Eileen was a devout Catholic and a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Crofton.  She enjoyed French language classes, flower arranging, shopping, and conversing with everyone she met.

She is predeceased by her husband of 55 years, William Harte.  She is survived by two daughters, Deborah (Scott) Schmidt of Laurel, and Virginia (Dave)Titus of Mount Airy; two sons, William (Lauren) Harte, Jr. of California and Thomas (Debbi) Harte of Virginia; and ten grandchildren, Elizabeth and Julia Harte, Joseph, Nicole, and Tyler Harte, Alexander and Yelena Schmidt; and Matthew, William, and Nicholas Titus.

Friends are invited to Eileens's Life Celebration from 6-8 pm Friday, December 16 at Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 17 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road, Annapolis.  Interment immediately following at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville.  


Shirley Mae Hebb, 86, a 46-year resident of Annapolis, MD passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022, at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis.

Shirley was born on July 25, 1936, in Washington, DC to the late Charles and Elizabeth Scott.

Shirley was a homemaker and a member of the American Legion Post 7 in Crownsville, the Moose and Elks Clubs of Annapolis, and the Fleet Reserve Club of Annapolis. Shirley’s interests included playing shuffleboard, reading, and doing 50/50 raffles for special events at the American Legion. She also loved playing slot machines and shopping with her daughters.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years Henry S, Hebb, Jr.

She is survived by her children Lawrence R. Hebb of Ocean City, MD, Joyce R. Bryant of Hyattsville, MD, Michael A. Hebb, Sr. of Edgewater, MD, Thomas L. Hebb of Accokeek, MD, Karen L. Hebb-Pilipauskis of Riva,  MD and Jeffrey A. Hebb of Annapolis. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren; John Bryant, Jr., Nicki Pilipauskis, Lauren Clough, Heather Hebb, Christopher M. Bryant, Steven M. Pilipauskis, Jr., Michael Hebb, Jr., Allison Hebb, Tyler Hebb, and Daniel Hebb, also survived by 13 great-grandchildren.

All arrangements for Shirley are private.  Online tributes and condolences may be made by using the memories tab on the left. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 7 Auxiliary, 1905 Crownsville Road. Annapolis, MD 21401















Elizabeth “Betty” Evans Phipps, 97, a longtime resident of Annapolis, passed away peacefully at Baywoods of Annapolis on Friday, November 25.  The wife of the late Louis “Buster” N. Phipps, Jr., Betty was born on December 24, 1924 in Washington, DC to the late Judd and LaVaun Evans. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and later the Strayer Business College. After graduation, she had a career in the hotel and hospitality industry, first at Pocono Manor Inn, PA, as Director of Sales for 11 years followed by 10 years as Office Manager of Robert F. Warner, Inc., International Hotel Representatives in Washington, DC. 
     In 1970, Betty married the love of her life, Louis, and moved to Annapolis to join him and his 6 children. During the next stage of her life in Annapolis, when not busy raising the family, she enjoyed being a member of the Brooke Manor and US Naval Academy golf clubs. She especially loved golfing with the Navy Ladies’ 9-hole group.  She was also involved with the Severn School PTA, Zonta International and was a member of Heritage Baptist Church.  Betty relished the time she was able to spend at her condo in Ocean City, MD, attending Navy football games and the many hours spent boating on the Chesapeake Bay with her family.
    In addition to her husband and parents, Betty was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Evans and her niece, Carol Evans.  She is survived by her six children, Sherri Murphy, Louis N. Phipps III, Wilson (Betty) Phipps, Annie Lee (Raymond) Mobley, Luke (Kelly) Phipps and David Phipps (fiancé Sandy Fraley) along with her 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.  Also important in her life were her nephews, Dean and Jim (Barbara) Evans.
     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association <a href="https://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate">alzdonate</a> or a charity of one’s choice. The funeral service and burial will be private.  Condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.

Celebrating Life's Journey

Planning Ahead

Your Grief Journey

Our Story

Celebrating the Life of...

Linda Schneider

Erie Pullen, III

Laura Ruitberg

Eveleth Bridgman, III

Elmer Foster

Donald Johnson, Jr.

Vasilios Siombouras

Kenneth "Lee" Connelly, Jr.

John Houck

Eileen Harte

Shirley Hebb

Betty Phipps

Follow Us on Facebook

Dear Kalas