Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Ramona J. Fusco, age 90 and a resident of Davidsonville for 50 years, died at her residence on March 20, 2021 of end stage dementia.  Born July 19, 1930 in Waynesboro, PA, she was a homemaker who loved gardening and animals.  Ramona is survived by her daughter, Toni Stroud, of Davidsonville and her grandson, Aaron Stroud.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Joyce Lenharr, and her husband, Donald Fusco.

Relatives and friends are invited celebrate Ramona's life on Thursday, March 25 from 10-11 AM at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomon's Island Road, Edgewater, with a funeral service to follow at 11.  Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, MD


Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the link on the left of this page.

Donald "Don" Ray Colbert, 92, a 35-year resident of Annapolis, MD and previously of New Carrollton, MD, died at Anne Arundel Medical Center on March 19, 2021.

Born October 7, 1928 in North Carolina to the late Wilson and Gertrude Colbert, he served his country as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.  Don worked as a communications engineer for most of his career at Booz Allen, General Dynamics Mission Systems, and Computer Sciences Corporation.  He was a longtime member of Riva Trace Baptist Church and enjoyed golf and traveling.

Don is survived by a son, Donald Colbert, Jr. of Bowie, MD.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Nancy Colbert; and a daughter, Lee Ann Colbert.

A service will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at 2:30 pm at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville. 

 Please take a moment and leave a condolence for his family by using the tab on this page.

Charles E. Hendrick, 98, a resident of Annapolis, MD and previously Gaithersburg, MD, died on March 19, 2021.  Born in Germantown, PA  to the late John and Helen Hendrick, he was a 1941 graduate of St. John the Baptist Boys Catholic High School in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia, PA, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball.

Charles, also known affectionately as “Chal” by family, enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in November 1942.  He flew 35 combat missions over Europe as a flight engineer in a B17 as part of the “Flying Fortress” during 1944 and 1945.

He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1949 with a B.A. in business and public administration.  He was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity.

His business career spanned 42 years in the retail furniture business in the Washington metro area.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Birch Hendrick; five children, Christine (Thomas) Reese, Carol Lindsey, Teresa (Thomas) Coffman, Martin Hendrick, and Daniel (Elizabeth) Hendrick; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.  Funeral arrangements are private. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Online guestbook available at:
KalasFuneralHomes.com

Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the link on the left side of this page.

Vincent “Vince” DePaul Elko, 91, went Home to be with our Lord on Thursday, March 18, 2021, in Annapolis, MD.

Vince was born on May 20, 1929, in Chesterfield County, VA to the late John and Tonie Elko. He was lovingly referred to as “Penny” as a child. Vince served his country during the Korean War as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army.  Following his service, he returned to Virginia Tech and earned his degree in mechanical engineering. Vince became licensed as a Professional Engineer and worked for the U.S. Department of Defense testing aircraft launch and recovery systems.  Following his retirement from DOD, he continued his career in private industry.  After living in Silver Spring, MD for many years, he retired to Nags Head, NC then moved to Sutter Creek, CA with his last move to Annapolis, MD.  Vince loved surf fishing along the North Carolina coastline.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Lu Elko; three children, Gail Brownlee and her husband, Bob of Deale, MD, Lucille McGuirk and husband, Mike of Jackson, CA, and Vince Elko, Jr., and wife, Sally of Brunswick, GA; a granddaughter, Gaylen and husband, Steve of Deale, MD; two great-grandsons, Jeremiah and Warren; three sisters, Anna Lee Von Richter, Kathleen Forlenza,  and Louise Fisher; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by four siblings, Joseph, John, and George Elko, and Mary Goodwin.

Vince was very close with his siblings, their spouses, and all his nieces and nephews.  Even after marrying and having a family, he still spent time visiting with all of them.  His memories are filled with these times and his extended family.  Especially in his later years, he asked and talked about all of you often.  He missed you, remembered you, and asked when he would see you again.  He thought of and remembered you with much love and laughter.  

His granddaughter, Gaylen, grew especially close to her Pop-Pop, and she has precious memories of making Dollar Store runs, getting donuts from “Teeter Totter” (Harris Teeter), and Vince putting her in the bicycle seat behind him while he pedaled all over the neighborhood.  He was her “horsey,” and they played for hours every day.  She misses him and loved him deeply.
His children, Gail, Lucille, and Vincent, remember his antics.  Of course, there are many but a few we wanted to mention to give you a glimpse of his dry humor.  As mentioned above, Dad loved to surf fish at the Outer Banks.  One time, while at Cape Hatteras, we were all out fishing as there was a run, aka The Bluefish Blitz.  Vincent ran inside yelling, “Dad’s killed 27 lives.” Dad had just pulled in 27 fish straight in a row.  We all remember that!  

We loved to eat at McDonald’s when we were small.  One April Fool’s Day, Dad planned an elaborate ruse.  He made an audio recording, placed it in our stereo console, and proceeded to play it when we came downstairs.  By the time we finished listening to that recording, there was mass hysteria and crying….alas, our favorite McDonald’s had burned to the ground…or so the “newscaster” pronounced!  Dad especially loved dogs, birds, and racoons.  We could regale you with many stories of Dad’s maneuvering to stave off the racoons raiding the bird feeders!!  He was deeply loved by his children and will be greatly missed.

In his elder years, Dad grew to have a wicked sweet tooth and loved all things chocolate and especially ice cream.  He was definitely a family man with a very sweet and gentle nature.  

Most of all, Dad was the love of Mom’s life.  They spent 61½ years together.  His mother-in-law always referred to him as her “diamond in the rough.”  He was the real Southern gentleman.  

Most of all we want to share our hope, the hope we have in Jesus.  For you see, we know we will see Dad again in Heaven because he believed in Jesus (as do we!).  It is this faith and hope that enables us to thank Him for the man we were blessed with, the time we had to share with him, and the knowledge that we will see him again.  Before a major surgery Dad had in August of 2010, he was asked, Do you believe in Jesus?  He said yes.  Do you believe He gave His life for you and that you have Him in your heart?  He again said yes.  Because of this, we have no doubt of where Dad is.  You too can have this faith and hope simply by believing in Jesus.

Dad, you are greatly missed but we know you are safe and sound at Home!  ‘Til we see you again…

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at a later date.  Please take a moment to sign the family’s online guestbook by visiting the Memory Wall tab above.








Elizabeth Begley Miller, "Betty,” 99, died peacefully on March 18, at Ginger Cove Continuing Care Retirement Community, Annapolis, MD.  She was born in Philadelphia, PA on February 2, 1922, to Russell and Elizabeth Begley.  At age six, the family moved to Washington, DC where Betty graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1942.  She attended the University of Maryland and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.  She remained active in the Panhellenic Society of Annapolis.

Betty married the late Commander Charles Lockett Miller USN ret. (USNA '44) at the Base Chapel in Jacksonville, FL in 1945. They were married for seventy-two years before his death in 2017.  They lived at duty stations in Pensacola, Virginia Beach, San Juan, Patuxent, Annapolis, Newport, and Arlington, ultimately moving to Ginger Cove upon Charlie's retirement.

Betty and Charlie enjoyed playing golf at the Naval Academy Golf Course and on many of their vacations.  They were longstanding members of the Annapolis Yacht Club and also enjoyed many summers at their home in Rehoboth Beach.  They also shared a passion for Bridge.  Betty was the consummate hostess, and was always busy bowling, painting, baking, sewing, knitting, and serving as a docent in Annapolis.  She had the ability to recall and retell numerous jokes and loved nothing more than a Jack Daniels and some good "cocktail chatter."  She died knowing that her first great grandson is due in July.

She was predeceased by her husband Charlie; her parents; her sister Barbara Holbrook, and brother Donald.  Surviving are her two sons, Charles Lockett Miller, Jr. and his wife Kristen Kidwell Miller of Highlands, NJ, their sons, Andrew Lockett Miller of Los Angeles, CA and his wife Andrea Najarian Miller; and Nicholas Kidwell Miller of Raleigh, NC; and James Russell Miller (USNA '75), his wife Patricia Matthews Miller and their son James Russell Miller, Jr., all of Annapolis.

A Committal Service for Elizabeth will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 9:00am at the USNA Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ginger Cove Foundation, Ginger Cove Retirement Community, 4000 River Crescent Drive, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401.

Warren Lee Ireland, 84, of Edgewater, MD, died on Thursday, March 18 at his home. Born on October 24, 1936 to the late Plummer and Elizabeth Rogers Ireland, Warren was a heavy equipment operator with the Anne Arundel County Public Works Department. He was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Lothian, MD and enjoyed watching the Baltimore Orioles. He also enjoyed watching the Baltimore Ravens with his niece, Betty Dove, on Sundays. Warren also liked to hunt rabbits and squirrels with his beagles, play horseshoes and shoot pool. He also enjoyed spending time with his beloved fur baby Sadie. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Delores Lawson Ireland, whom he married in 2004; his former wife, Nancy Asquith Ireland and his siblings, James “Tink”, Steve, Francis and Ruby Ireland, Evelyn “Darlene” Armiger and Hilda Dove. He is survived by his children, Chris Ireland, Sr. and Kim Ireland (Brandon) Dove; his sister, G. Irene Dove; his grandchildren, Christopher Ireland, Jr., Jennifer Peterson, Ashlee and Zachary Dove, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to celebrate Warren’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, March 24 from 10 am until his funeral service begins at 11 am. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery in Annapolis, MD. Condolences may be made online at: KalasFuneralHomes.com 

Mary Barcus Smith, of Annapolis MD, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2021 with her husband, Tracy and daughter, Lisa by her side. Mary battled cancer for 5 years; and fought it with the strength of a warrior and the faith of a Saint. Born in Cheverly, MD to the late Walsh and Evelyn Barcus, Mary grew up and lived in Greenbelt, MD for many years before moving to Anne Arundel County. She loved to teach children to read and she absolutely loved to bake. Mary especially cherished the precious time with her grandchildren. Mary’s Faith in God and strength were immeasurable. She will always be remembered for the care she took of others. She was the ultimate Mother, caring for everyone she knew. Mary is survived by her husband of 49 years, Tracy Smith; her daughter, Lisa Koennel; her grandchildren, Christopher and Caitlin Koennel; her siblings, Anne (James) Curran, Walsh and Michael (Mimi) Barcus; her sisters-in-law, Chris Smith and Rita Barcus and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Carroll Barcus and sister-in-law, Sally Barcus. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary’s life on Thursday, March 25, from 3 to 5:30 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, March 26, at 9 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD. Interment St. Peter’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Queenstown, MD. Condolences may be made by visiting the link on this page.

Julia Ann Kidwell, 78, a twenty year resident of Lothian and previously of Bowie, MD, died March 17, 2021. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching golf and spending time with her grandchildren.

Ann is survived by her children, Eva (Brian) Sipe of Ridgely, MD and Kirk (Megan Sparshott) Kidwell of Lothian;  her grandchildren, Chris Reio, Kevin Reio, Jr., Cody Kidwell and Crystal Holmes; her great-grandchildren, Jon and Annabelle Reio, Hailey Holmes, Peyton Reio, Theresa Fulton, Jack Booz, IV and Hope Freels, and her great-great-grandchildren, Kobe Reio and Kaydence Fulton.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert F. Kidwell, who died in 2008; her daughter, Cathy Reio, and her granddaughter, Lisa Reio.

Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the link on the left side of this page.

Sheila Ann Robey “Lola”, age 62, a resident of Shady Side for 28 years, died at her home on March 16, 2021.  Born November 21, 1958, she graduated from Annapolis High School and worked for 23 years at the Anne Arundel County Health Department. 

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve. She was an animal lover who also loved gardening, arts and crafts, vacations and gatherings with family and her friends, and spending time with her granddaughter, Kennedy.

Sheila is survived by her husband of 36 years, Charles Robey; her children, Rachel West of Severna Park and Kyle Robey of Shady Side; her sister, Mercedes Prewett of Annapolis; and her granddaughter, Kennedy West “Noozie”.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Mercer and Victoria (Eucare) Prewett.

Family and friends are invited to Sheila’s Life Celebration on Sunday, March 21 from 1-5 PM at the Selby Community Center, 3715 1st Avenue, Edgewater, MD 21037.

Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the link on the left of this page.

On Sunday March 14, 2021 Cynthia Louise Stubbs was called to be with our Lord.  We have a pretty good idea her first question was “What can I help you with?” Born Cynthia Louise Albright on April 14, 1964 in Fairfax, Virginia.  Cindy moved to Annapolis, Maryland in her teens and worked as an Office Manager for the majority of her adult life.

On March 25, 1988, she married Allen (Tony) Stubbs and they spent the following 33 years making a home for their two sons, Tyler Anthony and Tanner Allen who were Cindy’s pride and joy of her life.  

Cindy was predeceased by her father, Brent Albright and her mother, Barbara Albright.  She is survived by her husband Tony Stubbs, her sons Tyler Stubbs and Tanner Stubbs, and her sister Lisa Chandler.  Cindy also leaves behind her niece and care giver Rayette Stubbs, along with numerous nephews that she cared deeply for.  

Services to be held privately.  In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Cindy’s memory to your local hospice or ASPCA.

Please take a moment and leave a condolence for her family by using the tab on this page.

Craig A. Moffatt, Jr., “Butch Jr.”, “Bubba”, a lifelong resident of Edgewater passed away on March 14, 2021 at his home. He was born on July 18, 1983 in Annapolis, MD to Craig A. and Donna Moffatt, Sr.

Butch Jr., was a graduate of South River High School, and was a self employed auto mechanic. He enjoyed working on cars, Drag racing and computers.

He is survived by his parents, Craig A. Sr., and Donna Moffatt, his sister Lyndsey Lawrence and her husband Nick, and his aunt Patricia Maus.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Butch Jr.’s life on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 3 to 5 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105  or to SPCA of Anne Arundel County, 1815 Bay Ridge Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403


Autumn was born on February 27, 2019 to Megan and Bryan St. John. She was born of an emergency c-section due to an unexpected placental abruption that led to Autumn’s diagnosis as being terminally ill. 

Her feisty and beautiful spirit touched everyone around her on every adventure she took part in. Her adventures had no limits for as long as she could endure. 

"Autumn’s life was short, but it was so full of love and joy that it will carry on forever in the hearts of her friends and family.”

Friends and family are invited to celebrate the life of the strong and courageous Autumn on Saturday, March 20, 2021 from 4 to 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons island Rd., Edgewater, MD.

Condolences may be left by using the tab on the left side of this page.

Edith R. Smith Humler, “Edie”, of Riva, MD passed away on March 12, 2021 at her home, with family by her side, after being diagnosed less than two months ago with a very aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme. Born on August 14, 1941 in Curwensville, PA to the late Mearle W. and Kathryn Kephart Smith, Edie was the only daughter and middle child of three.
 She enjoyed growing up in a small town with a close-knit family and spending summers at Smith Park playing in the woods and in the Susquehanna River. Edie graduated from Curwensville High School in 1958 and went on to earn a BA in Secondary Education from Penn State in 1963 with vague plans to teach English and French. She was a member of Phi Mu sorority and an editor of the Collegian college newspaper. Upon graduating, she got a job with NSA after responding to an ad and scoring high on a test having no idea what NSA was. She moved to Washington, D.C. in 1964 and decided to get into computer programming because she knew it was one of the few careers where women got paid the same as men and begged her supervisor to let her take all the programming courses offered. She met her husband, Paul, a Senior Chief in the Navy, and what started out as just a work friendship and he ended up, to her surprise, being the love of her life. They married in 1966, and being a dedicated Navy wife and adventurer, she followed Paul to multiple station assignments including Cyprus, Italy, and Turkey before finally settling in Maryland in 1975, where they lived and raised their family. In 1977 she decided to return to work and took a job with the Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute (IITRI), supporting a DOD center in Annapolis, MD, programming in Assembly, FORTRAN, COBOL, and then finding her true love, working with database management systems. She was the first woman to break through the technical ranks to become a Science Advisor. She went on to become VP for Program Development and in 1995 received the YWCA Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN) award. 

Upon retiring, she and Paul traveled the world and enjoyed many long cruises together, including two world cruises. Cruising was a great compromise for them. Paul, who was very disabled in later years, was never happier than sitting on the deck staring out at the water with a cigar while Edie would join all the shore excursions, even taking a helicopter tour through the glaciers of Antarctica. In addition to traveling, Edie’s favorite activities revolved around her grandchildren. She attended all of their school events and soccer games and spent as much time as possible with them at her condo in Ocean City and on their annual trips to Deep Creek or Florida for New Year’s. She also enjoyed writing her memoirs, activities at the Senior Center, and spending time with her many friends and neighbors. She was a proud member of the HDC (Hard Drinking Club), a self-named supportive group of women who remained close friends for over 40 years and got together often for happy hours. They even got together during COVID for driveway parties and zoom sessions.

She will be remembered as being a career woman ahead of her time, a devoted companion and caregiver to her husband, a loyal friend, and most of all a wonderful mom and grandmother, known as “Nana” or “Nena”. 

Edie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Paul; her beloved son, Michael “Mike”; her brother, Mearle “Skip” Smith; her sister-in-law, Trudie Smith, and daughter-in-law, Patricia “Patty” Greenwald Humler. She is survived by her children, Paul Humler, Jr. and Kathryn “Kathy” (Phil) Carino; her five grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Nathan Carino, Seth, Mason and Julia Humler; her brother, Terry (Jacquie) Smith and several nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Edie's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Saturday, March 20 from 10 am until her funeral service begins at 11 am. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Cemetery in West River, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation (glioblastomafoundation.org). Condolences may be made online by visiting the link on this page.

To view a recording of Mrs. Humler's service, please click <a href=https://youtu.be/IkjCjPFRCWs>HERE</a>

George Ceroy, 96, formerly of York, PA, passed away on March 11, 2021.  He was the husband of Leona, his wife of 66 years until her death in 2014.  He was born in Pittsburgh, PA and after serving in the U.S. Marines, he relocated to York where he worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company until retiring after 33 years.
George was a passionate fisherman, sharing his skill with many.  As a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Church in York, he enjoyed ushering and volunteering in their cafeteria.  He also enjoyed dancing with the White Rose Square Dancers, volunteering at the York Crisis Pregnancy Center and competing in the Senior Olympics.  
He is survived by his four children, Barbara, Karen, Stephen and Patricia; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; his sister, Mary Frydewicz of Pittsburgh; and a godson, John Orendorff.     


Stanley Alexander Grzybowski, 26, passed away on March 11, 2021 in Harwood, MD.  Born on September 28, 1994, Stanley was a graduate of Southern High School and worked as a mechanic for D&S Bus and Truck Repair in Lothian, MD.  

Stanley was the loving son of Stanley John and Debra Lynn Grzybowski; devoted father of two children, Elijah “Eli” and Elena Grzybowski of Gambrills, MD; brother of Elizabeth Daury of Harwood; uncle of Hailey Bass and Lexi Evans; grandson of Romayne and Stanley Alexander Grzybowski and Dorothy and Earl Greenlee; nephew of Kathy Heaton, Michael Grzybowski, Barbara Snowden and Richard Grzybowski on his father’s side of the family and Tammy Joseph, Teresa Gaines, Dorothy Nicholson, Emily Paddy, Tobie Greenlee and Earl Greenlee on his mother’s side of the family.

Friends are invited to celebrate Stanley’s life with his family at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Sunday, March 21 from 1:00 p.m. until his funeral service begins at 3:00 p.m.  Burial will be private.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall link tab above.

Daniel Joseph Raspa of Fernandina Beach, FL, arrived at his heavenly home on March 11, 2021 after complications from COVID-19. He was 70 years old but decades younger at heart.
Daniel was born to Michael and Gertrude Raspa on Dec. 14, 1950 in Baltimore, Maryland. One of six boys (God bless their mother), he grew up in Pasadena, MD, where he met his future wife, Jessica at Northeast High School in 1965. They married August 12, 1972 and went on to have three children, Gregory, Scott, and Kimberly. The family resided in Edgewater, Maryland for over three decades before Daniel and Jessica moved to Florida in 2017, where he was free to wear his Tommy Bahama attire all day, every day, without judgement.
In addition to being a dedicated and loving husband, father and “Boppa”, Daniel also loved fishing, golf, crab feasts, cheering for the Baltimore Ravens and spending time with friends and family. Throughout his life, he held an unwavering faith in God which he shared with those who surrounded him. He will forever be remembered for his steadfast loyalty to his friends, his devotion to his family and his ability to give the world’s greatest bear hugs.
Active in his church and community, Daniel endeavored to share the love of Christ with all whom he came in contact with, both in words and in deeds.
Daniel is survived by his wife, Jessica and his three children and their families: Gregory and Stephanie Raspa and their four children, Evelyn, Avery, Gabriel and Susanna; Scott and Katharine Raspa and their three children, Grace, Gavin and Griffin and Robert and Kimberly Raspa Reddinger and their two children, Rye and Jonas. He is also survived by his older brothers, Robert and William Dobrzykowski.
Daniel’s dearly departed include his mother and father, as well as brothers, Samuel, Paul, and Thomas.
A celebration of Daniel’s life will be held at Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 110 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24. The service may be viewed via livestream at: https://boxcast.tv/channel/kd61kwp2wxtwbsj1b1jp.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bowie Crofton Pregnancy Clinic, 4341 Northview Dr., Bowie, MD 20716. Condolences may be made by using the Memory Wall tab on this page. 

Please leave a condolence for the family by the signing the guest book at the link on this page.

Sandra Lynn Sanderson Sadka, 66, a 21-year resident of Edgewater and previously of Annapolis, MD passed away at her home on March 10, 2021.  Born on August 27, 1954 in Washington, DC to Nancy Lee and the late John W. Sanderson Jr., Sandy graduated from Frostburg State University and worked in human resources for the U.S. Customs Service.  In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, crafts, sailing and baking.  

In addition to her mother, Sandy is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, George Sadka; her two sons, Tyler Martin Sadka of Gainesville, GA, Christopher William Sadka of Virginia Beach, VA; her daughter, Olivia Alice Lynn Sadka of Edgewater and her brother, Terry William (Coleen) Sanderson of Damascus, MD.  

Friends are invited to visit with Sandy’s family from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 14 at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater.  Burial will follow at St. James’ Parish Cemetery in Lothian, MD.

Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above.

Donald Frank Benedict, 87, of Fort Washington, MD, passed away quietly on Monday, March 8, 2021.

Don was born December 19, 1933 to Ralph and Anna Benedict in St. Louis, MO.  He graduated from McBride High School in 1951 and went on to study engineering at St. Louis University. Following college Don was commissioned in the Air Force.  While stationed in Udon, Thailand Don flew combat missions into Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.  He retired a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years, completing his career working with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon.  Following his retirement from military service Don joined FEMA where he put his organizational talent to use for communities struck by natural disasters. 

Don was a lifelong bachelor who dedicated himself to serving others.  In addition to his service to the country he loved, he was extremely involved in the communities he lived in.

A 48-year resident of Piscataway Hills he served as Treasurer of the association and as a constant volunteer.  Don also served his broader community through both delivering Meals-on-Wheels and piloting patients on Angel Flights in his Navion aircraft.

 Don’s primary love was for Christ and his church.  As a lifelong Catholic, Don grew in his faith over the years and shared his love of Christ quietly in the way he served others.  In 2004, Don professed as a Third Order Discalced Carmelite Secular – answering God’s call for a vocation of prayer in imitation of our Blessed Mother Mary, heeding the call of Jesus, her Son, to “pray always without becoming weary”.  Secular Carmelites seek union with God and strive to live in the constant awareness of His presence through the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. He helped serve the community in obtaining publications and he was the President of St. Joseph’s Secular Carmelite Community in Port Tobacco, MD.

Don was generous in sharing his time, especially through Catholics Come Home, a Catholic apostolate with a mission to evangelize baptized Catholics, his commitment to praying for the Pope and the sanctification and protection of holy priests especially through the St. Mary’s Family Cenacle of the Marian Movement of Priests and his readiness to drop everything whenever anyone was in need. 

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his sisters Ruth (Ed) Mosley and Betty (Ambrose) Perotta.  He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Claude & Eloise Benedict.  He also leaves behind nieces and nephews: Debbie, Ken (Mary), Linda (Tom) Muller, Tony, Joe (Karen), Ed (Gena), and Tom Perotta; Diane (David) Beauchamp and Donna (James) Hamm as well as 16 great-nieces/nephews and 15 great-great nieces/nephews.

 Wake to be held at Kalas Funeral Home, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD on Thursday, March 11 from 6 to 8pm, with rosary at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Piscataway, 13401 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD at 11am on Friday, March 12, with burial immediately following mass in St. Mary’s cemetery.  All who knew and loved Don are welcome to attend.

 Memorials, if you so desire, may be made in Donald’s memory to the Focus Missionaries at https://www.focus.org/give/ways-to-give or the Piscataway Hills Citizens Association, Playground Rehabilitation, 13821 Piscataway Dr., Ft. Washington, MD 20744, both of which will continue his legacy of evangelization and love of neighbor. 

JAMES HASKELL LASTER SR.

July 9 1944 - March 7 2021; 76.5 years old.

Born the third oldest of 11 children to Ida and Haskell K Laster in Rogersville, Tennessee he is survived by one brother Tony Laster and one sister Mary Golden. With many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Janet Lucille Laster. Survived by his children James Haskell Laster Jr, Jennifer Lori Laster Bruce and Jessica Lucille Laster Charest. Six grandchildren-Jacob Allen Laster, Tyler Morgan Charest, Harley Anne Charest, Makenzie Grace Charest, Daniel James Bruce and Lindsey Meade Bruce. Three great grandchildren; Adalynn Jeanne Charest, Arabella Lucille Charest and Berkleigh Rae Charest.

Jack loved the grandkids and always would be the first to get on the floor and open up Christmas presents when they hosted Christmas Eve at their house.  He was overjoyed when the first great-grandchild was on the way.  He wore his Great-Paw Paw shirt very proudly. 

Jack as he was known to friends and family grew up working on the farm and eventually joined the Navy as a young man and became a boiler technician. While in the Navy he traveled the Mediterranean Sea area. He learned to water ski while in Malta and was able to tour different areas while in port. He also was on one of the destroyers deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Toward the end of his short Navy career he met Janet in Annapolis, Md. and knew she was the one for him.

Upon release from the Navy; Jack got serious with Janet and they were married in November 1965. After their marriage he worked at Scott’s Lumber in Edgewater before taking over as Farm Manager of Willow Lake Farm in Davidsonville, Maryland upon the death of his father.

Jack started working for Ferguson Trenching Company in 1977. He continued to work for them for 36 years until he had to medically retire. Jack loved his work and had great stories to tell about it. He knew Ft Meade like the back of his hand since he did most of the work laying gas pipe there.

He worked hard to support his family and make Janet happy. They lived a frugal life nothing fancy or extravagant. They enjoyed going yard-sailing every Saturday they could.

Jack was a simple man and enjoyed his TV shows and reading his crime books. Once Janet passed he slipped into sadness and didn’t speak much about her or the things they used to do together.

He moved in with his daughter Jessica in November 2019 after the sale of his house. It was difficult for him to not be on his own and have that independent nature he’s always had however, health issues took priority over being alone in his house. He was stubborn and definitely stuck in his ways but he did his own thing.

During the COVID pandemic he would give a play by play of what he watched on the news. Jessica advised him to stay home to be safe but not Jack, he was out running the roads. Jack did what he wanted to do in his own time. His 4:30am runs to the local McDonald’s, to being ready for doctor’s appointments hours ahead of time. He was a special breed of man that they don’t make anymore and he will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to one of the following: Maryland Farmers Association,or click here to donate online for the <a href="https://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/">Veterans Association</a>.



Joan Arlene Cullember, 82, of Annapolis, MD passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Joan, who was born on September 7, 1938 to the late Margaret and Charles Barnes Sr., was a graduate of Annapolis High School and lifelong Annapolitan. She worked as a secretary for Nationwide Insurance, Breezy Point Beach and Marina, and Economy Pest Control. Joan was a member of the Knights of Pythias  and the Annapolis Moose Lodge. She was a doting wife who loved spending time with family and friends. A frequent customer at the Amish Market in Annapolis,  Joan, her husband, Oden and several friends ate dinner and socialized until closing every Friday night at the Market.  In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her siblings, Charles Barnes and Lucia Shaffer; a grandchild, Taylor Jaeschke, and a son-in-law, Jeff Parnell. 

She is survived by her husband of nearly 62 years, Oden McLane Cullember, Jr; three children, Chuck and his wife, Leanne of Severna Park, MD, Mark and his wife, Amy of Clear Spring, MD, and Margie Parnell of Annapolis; seven grandchildren, Will Grierson, Kenny Cullember, Mark Cullember, Jr., Thomas Gronert, CJ Jaeschke, Morgan Parlon and Nicolas Cullember and one great-grandchild, Zachary Stewart. 

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Joan's life on Thursday March 11, 2021 from 10:30a.m. until her service begins at 12:30a.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122. Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above. 


Kalas Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Kalas Funeral Home's Zoom Meeting Joan Cullember
Time: Mar 11, 2021 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91473246828?pwd=NzBHU21ReUM1RkpVVE02aTNqbCtVUT09

Meeting ID: 914 7324 6828
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