Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Biography of Bertha M. Pitcher
September 24, 1936 – December 22, 2023

Bertha was born to the late William and Agnes Kyle, in Wheeling, West Virginia and moved to Washington, DC at the age of nine.  Bertha was the “rose between two thorns” with her older brother, Billy Kyle and younger brother, Harold Kyle.  The family moved to Capitol Heights, Maryland when Bertha was twelve years old.  Here she met her long-time best friend, Addie Miller.  She worked part-time at the local Five and Dime with her favorite post at the candy counter. Bertha attended Catholic grade school and sang in the choir.  She graduated from Suitland High School in 1954 where she excelled in English and typing, and took a job at the telephone company.  

While her brother Billy was in the Army, he met Robert Pitcher, who upon their return from Germany had no ride home.  He brought Bob to his house in the middle of the night so Bertha met her future husband for the first time in her pajamas.  Bob and Bertha were married on July 17, 1960 and moved to a tiny home in a far away place called Accokeek.  After three years, Bob built their own brick home on a knoll surrounded by trees and a luscious lawn.  There Bob and Bertha raised three daughters, Roxanne (Brian), Marcia (Mark), and Mary Beth (Jerry).  Bertha was her happiest as a mother to her three precious girls and took great pride in keeping a tidy home.  They had wonderful neighbors on Main Boulevard and many dear friends throughout Accokeek. 

In 1976, Bertha began working part-time for the Prince George’s County Library in the Accokeek, Oxon Hill and Clinton branches.  As an avid reader herself, she appreciated the quiet and detailed work shelving and checking out books. In 1983, Bertha accepted a position as a Secretary in the Plasma Physics Division at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.  Dedicated as ever, she brought home scientific papers to proofread while curled up on the couch in the evenings.  She retired in 1998 and to this day, scientists remember Bertha and commend her excellent work.

These years were filled with many difficulties because of Bob’s several bouts with cancer.  Bertha stood by his side for every appointment and surgery, keeping track of all the medications and procedures, and was known to correct the paperwork kept by the doctors’ offices.  Together they lived out their vows of marriage lovingly for 52 years until Bob passed in 2012.  Bertha kept their house for the next three years, cutting grass on the riding lawn mower herself.  She then moved in with Mary Beth for six years and enjoyed the often chaotic home with five of her grandkids, helping with the excess of dishes and laundry. Lastly, Bertha lived in a group home for Alzheimer patients for 15 months.  A woman who came from humble beginnings passed away peacefully and was cared for like a queen.

Bob and Bertha were blessed with eight grandchildren:  Kathleen (PJ), Joel, Kyle (Kaitlyn), Natalie, Seth, Evan, Paul and Luke, whom they doted upon and enjoyed tremendously, and they all loved their grandparents back just as affectionately.  We all fondly remember Bertha as the sweetest, kindest, and most loving wife, mother, friend, coworker and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution toward a new church organ at her beloved St. Mary’s of Piscataway, 13405 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD 20735. https://saintmaryspiscataway.net/. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 30th at 10 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Piscataway, 13401 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD 20735. A reception in the church hall will immediately follow the burial. 

Elisabeth (Betty) Moeller, 85, of Temple Hills, MD, was born on April 4, 1938, in Ruckers, Germany. At 18, she immigrated to the United States to work for the family business, House of Fine Fabrics, for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Augusta and Hermann Moeller, her sister, Rosa Zyla, and her brother, William Moeller.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Theresa (Tom) Hutchinson, John (Tabatha) Zyla, Donna (Neal) Swientisky, Linda (Jeff) Roe, and Thomas Zyla. She was blessed with numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Elisabeth's life followed the path of her patron saint, Elizabeth of Hungary, who served the poor, sick, and suffering. Her life was dedicated to doing just that. She would attend the tapings of the Sunday TV Mass For Shut-Ins at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for years. She said Mass "lifts me spiritually," and she wanted the same experience for those who could not attend Mass in person.    She visited people in the hospital because she felt they were anxious and nervous, and she felt her presence with prayer and communion would be calming to them. 

She spent four days a week volunteering at various hospitals and nursing homes until she was unable to drive herself. 

She had accrued more volunteer hours in service than any other volunteer in the history of Greater Southeast Community Hospital. It was over 20 years and over 19 thousand hours (equivalent to 10 years of full-time work)!!! She continued to practice and share her faith wherever she could when she moved to Sunrise over two years ago.
Her home was always filled with boxes of rosaries, miraculous medals, and scapulars that she paid for with her own money to give to the people she would visit.

In 2003, The Bishop awarded her the Medal of Merit for her service to the Church.
One of her favorite sayings was, "German people don't give up." She truly believed that after being in pain from neck surgery, car accidents, and muggings, she would not let it stop her from doing her ministry work. She would say," I still have a lot of work to do on this earth," and she did that until she could not do so.

Her eternal steadfastness, determination, compassion, and energy will be remembered by those blessed to know her.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Elisabeth's life at St. Bernardine of Siena Catholic Church, 2400 Brooks Dr., Suitland, MD, on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 9:00 am until her Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated at 10:00 am. Interment will immediately follow at George Washington Cemetery, 9500 Riggs Rd., Adelphi, MD.

Please take a moment to leave a condolence for the family by visiting the Memories link on this page.

Of Mechanicsville, MD, formerly of Morningside, MD, passed away on December 22, 2023 with her family by her side. Beloved daughter of the late Carrie B. and Grover L. Carr. She was born in Washington, DC on October 5, 1949 and attended Crossland High School. Brenda was a homemaker for many years and as her children got older, she went to work for Clairol. She is survived by her daughters, Lea D. Auman (Jeffrey) and Tracey D. King (Geoffrey) of Mechanicsville, MD; five grandchildren, Jenna (Lacey), Nick (Alyssa), Brandon (Shelby), Tara, and Rachel; four great grandchildren Mason, Lucille, Harper and Brooks (whom she was anxiously awaiting his arrival), her siblings, Gilbert Carr, Dennis Carr (Dorothy), Randy Myers (Wayne), brother-in-law William M. Handley (Charlotte). She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, including Peg Spangler who was not only a cousin but a friend and constant support for Brenda (Love you more). 
 
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years Leo E. Handley, her parents Grover and Carrie Carr, her father and mother-in-law Robert F. and Ellen W. Handley, her sisters Melba (Norm) and Saundra (Richard), her sister-in-law Betty Carr, her brother-in-law Robert F. Handley III (Judie), and her cherished Aunt Dot.
 
Brenda loved bowling and was a weekly bowler for the past 50 years. She made many friends over the years and loved spending time with her Friday morning bowling league. 
 
She was a caring and nurturing person. She cared for many family members in their times of need including her father, mother, her husband, and her Aunt Dot. She had two rescue cats (Squeaky and Felix) that were loved dearly and incredibly spoiled. She loved her neighbors and enjoyed sitting under her wisteria vine on Maple Road in Morningside and when she moved to Golden Beach she could be found on her front porch, sipping her Miller Lite and chatting with any neighbor that happened to walk by. Her neighbors Cindy and Buddy Ford quickly became family to Brenda and were so important in her life. To know her was to love her. She will forever be missed.
 
Relatives and friends are invited to Brenda's Celebration of Life on Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with the memorial service starting at 12 noon at Mechanicsville Moose Lodge, 27636 Mechanicsville Road, Mechanicsville, MD. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650.







Family and friends are invited to celebrate Zane's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, December 27 from 6 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be held at Cedar Grove Methodist Church, 5965 Deale Churchton Rd., Deale, MD on Thursday, December 28 at noon. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Zane's memory can be made to Mal's Pals Foundation online at <a href="https://malspalsfoundation.org/?fbclid=IwAR2riXDBVYyP-9ZhRQPOsnRupqQKqOqk9jcrUovQv9SfFgY7IwHQG5k21NM">Mal's Pals</a>

Please take a moment to leave a condolence for the family by visiting the Memories tab on this page.

Jenafred Juliet Shore “Jenny, Juliet”, 72, a resident of Annapolis, MD for forty-eight years and previously of Fairhaven, NJ died on December 22, 2023 at the Anne Arundel Medical Center. Born on March 6, 1951 in Gary, IN to the late William and Luba Shore, Jenny earned a Master of Arts degree in library science at the University of Maryland. She was employed by the Anne Arundel County Library system and served at the West Street Annapolis and Hillsmere branches.  She was a devotee of the classical performing arts and worked with the State University of NY at Purchase, the Princeton NJ Ballet School and the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, as well as volunteering with the Annapolis Ballet and the Annapolis Opera.  She enjoyed reading and knitting. Jenny is survived by her husband of 48 years, Richard Kaminski; her children, Andrew of New York, NY and Alexandra of Arnold, MD; her sister, Gretchen of Albuquerque, NM and her granddaughter, Rosemary Alexandra Roberts. A celebration of life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, 1815 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis, MD 21403. Online condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.

Shirley Eleanor Diehlman, 95, a resident of Asbury Solomons for 10 years passed peacefully at home on December 21, 2023 with her daughter, April, by her side. She was a beloved wife, mother, mother–in-law and grandmother. Born on April 22, 1928 in Washington, DC to the late Nettie L. and Joseph E. Goheens, her family settled in Montross, VA after the untimely passing of her father in 1931. She and her eight siblings were close despite their wide range in ages. While visiting an older sister in Baltimore, MD, Shirley met her future husband, Elmer Diehlman. They married in 1948 and shortly thereafter moved to Coronado, CA where Elmer was assigned to serve in the U.S. Navy.  However, before moving, Shirley worked for the CIA, a brief career but one of which she was most proud. After the Korean War ended, they moved with their infant son back to Maryland where two daughters were born. In 1961 they moved into the “dream” home they planned, saved for and designed in Accokeek, MD. As she raised her family, Shirley enjoyed membership in the Accokeek Garden Club and the Moyaone Reserve Association. During these years, she developed her talents for painting, designing and creating Faberge eggs as well as flower arranging.  She also earned a reputation as an outstanding homemaker, hostess, cook and seamstress.  Shirley was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 66 years, Elmer, who passed away in 2014;  her siblings, Virgil, Bernard and Joseph Goheens, Irma Bolen, Ruth Bryan, Evelyn Westray, Elizabeth Dameron and Jean Goheens. She is survived by her children, Kurt and his wife, Donna of Gainesville, FL, Robin Diehlman of Sausalito, CA and April Meadows and her husband, Wade of White’s Landing, MD and her granddaughters, Andie Meadows of Chicago, IL and Lyndsey Sullivan and her husband, Colby of Gainesville, FL.  The family is exceedingly grateful to the wonderful caregivers, particularly Kat, Darlene, Wendy and Pat for the loving care and comfort they provided.  No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org). Condolences may be left by using the Memories button on this page.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Andrew by the Bay Catholic Church, 701 College Pkwy., Annapolis, MD. Interment will follow at Oxford Cemetery in Oxford, MD. Condolences may be left by using the Memories button on this page.

Brian Lee Cockrell, “Big Dog”, 60, a 29-year resident of Shady Side and previously of Hyattsville, MD passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Anne Arundel Medical Center after a brief illness.

Brian was born on April 16, 1963, in Silver Spring, MD to the late Thomas and Elizabeth Cockrell. He proudly served his country in the US Army. Brian was a carpenter whose interests included hunting and fishing.

In addition to his parents, Brian was preceded in death by his half-brothers, Rocky and Thomas Cockrell.

Brian is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Jamie Zugay, his daughter, Megan Cockrell of Churchton, siblings; George Cockrell of MD and Bonnie Powers of Arizona and his half-siblings, Greg Marzec of MD, Darlene Strohecker of MD and Sonya Faulconer of MD.

All services for Brian will be private at this time. Please take a moment and leave a message of condolence for Brian’s family by using the memories tab on this page.



Daniel J. “Dan” “Danny” Cermak, Jr., 79, a 25-year resident of West River and previously of Davidsonville, died of natural causes on December 17, 2023 in Crofton, MD.   Born in Baltimore on April 22, 1944, to the late Daniel J. Cermak, Sr. and Gertrude Anne (Sexton) Cermak, Dan grew up in Riviera Beach and attended St. Jane Frances School before graduating from Glen Burnie High School. He honorably served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard and worked for many years in the sales industry. A member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Annapolis, Dan loved Christmastime, being with family and friends, and valued time spent near the water. He was a great cook who loved trying new recipes and was known as a gentle soul with a kind heart who was loved by many.

Dan is survived by his wife, Charlotte Diana Cermak; and his siblings, James Cermak (Linda) of Boonsboro, MD, Margaret Castagnola (Michael) of Crofton, Marie Truffer of Sykesville, MD, Joan Cade of Pasadena, MD and Karen Emge (Thomas) of Lebanon, PA.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 23, from 10-11 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis. Burial will follow in Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville.  

Please take a moment to leave a condolence for the family by visiting the Memories link on this page.

Relatives and friends are invited to George's Life Celebration on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 10 a.m. until the start of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment to follow with Military Honors at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623 at 1 p.m.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 20 at 11 am at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

James E. Koehr, a retired Navy Rear Admiral (LH), died of end-stage renal failure at Ginger Cove Retirement Community on December 15, 2023.  He was 86 years old.

Jim was born, raised, and educated in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating with a B.S. degree from St. Louis University in 1959. After commissioning in the Navy via Officer Candidate School, he commenced a 32-year career, initially as an Intelligence officer but mostly as a Restricted Line Oceanographer in the disciplines of Meteorology, Oceanography, and Hydrography (nautical charting). From 1962 until his retirement from the Navy in 1991, Rear Admiral Koehr participated in, and eventually led, the development of Naval Oceanography. He was in the first group of Navy officers selected for the then-new Oceanography restricted line community and the first Navy Oceanography specialist to be selected for Rear Admiral (LH). On January 25, 2019, he was inducted into the Naval Oceanography and Meteorology Hall of Fame in Mississippi and had an HPE SGI 6800 Supercomputer named in his honor at the DoD Supercomputer Resource Center at the Naval Oceanographic Office.

In the course of his Navy career, Jim earned an MS degree in Oceanography/Meteorology; served as Flight Meteorologist for the world record distance flight of a P-3C Orion aircraft; held 4 major commands; and served 2 tours on the CNO staff, one tour at the Center for Naval Analyses (the Navy’s “think tank”), and another tour at the former Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic Center. His sea duty included tours aboard aircraft carriers and oceanographic/hydrographic survey ships. As Commander, Naval Oceanography Command, then an echelon 2 CNO activity with budget authority, he commanded over 3500 mostly technical (military and civilian) personnel around the world at 50+ shore activities. Additional responsibilities included technical control of 12 survey ships (Military Sealift operated) and VXN-8 (a survey, research, and development squadron).

Rear Admiral Koehr’s military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Gold Stars, Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Expert Pistol Medal (.45 caliber), and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. Professionally, he received the Marine Technology Society Special Commendation & Award for 1990 and is a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society. 

Post-Navy, Jim spent six years with Hughes Information Technology Systems, a division of the Hughes Aircraft Company headquartered in Los Angeles. He initially served on the Earth Observing System Data Information System development team, a project of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Subsequently, he was the Director of Advanced Programs, and then Business Development, for Hughes Applied Information Systems (HAIS).

On July 14, 1962, Jim married the love of his life, Erma Bulgarelli, whom he met while a patient at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Oakland, California. They both dedicated their marriage and the rest of their lives to the development and education of their four sons. Jim, a former Eagle Scout himself, served for a period of years as Scoutmaster, during which all of his sons became Eagle Scouts, a family tradition of achievement continued today by his grandsons. He also was active in a number of boys’ athletic clubs. He and Erma supported their sons in a multitude of other endeavors, including Catholic Church functions, and athletic and Scouting programs wherever they were stationed.

In retirement, Jim continued his tradition of service in his new community in Davidsonville, MD, both as President of the Lake of the Pine Community Association, where he lived, and at Holy Family Catholic Church on the Parish Council and as a lector and choir member. After retiring to Ginger Cove, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Annapolis, MD, in 2005, Jim served in a number of positions in the Residents Club, including President and as a member of the Annapolis Life Care Board of Directors. There he also pursued his interests in chorus and choir singing, family genealogy, the American Civil War, and family gatherings. In recent years he was an active parishioner of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Annapolis, where he served as a lector.

Rear Admiral Koehr is survived by his wife, Erma (Bulgarelli), a former Navy Nurse whom he married in 1962; four sons – James G. Koehr (Colleen) of Warrenton, VA, John J. Koehr (Melissa) of Hillsborough, NJ, Dr. Bernard E. Koehr of Crofton, MD, and retired Navy Captain Brian D. Koehr (Valerie) of Corolla, NC;17 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. At his request, Rear Admiral Koehr will be interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ginger Cove Foundation, 4000 River Crescent Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Virgle (Ken) Deal, 97, passed away peacefully on the morning of Dec 14, 2023 due to prostate cancer. He was in his home at the Asbury Retirement Facility, in Solomons, MD where he was under Hospice Care for a brief period of time. He was well taken care of by dedicated family members, by professional aides who assisted him several times a week for the last couple of years and finally by Hospice. The entire community of individuals both living and working at Asbury also played an important part in making his last years so productive and pleasant.

Ken Deal was born on Dec 5, 1926 in Parker, Texas and was the youngest of 10 children of John and Annie Elizabeth Deal. There were 8 girls and two boys and his brother, John (Jack) was ten years older. Ken was the only child to be able to complete high school since all the children needed to assist with the family income by picking cotton.

Ken was a slightly built redhead and had freckles as a child so learned to stand up for himself by having many school yard fights with people who teased him. He could run like the wind and was often asked by his parents to “run” over to help a neighbor whose farm was a couple of miles away and he did it eﬀortlessly while carrying a bucket of hot coals to stoke their fire that had gone out. One of his favorite stories was to tell people that he quit smoking at the age of 7. He and his older brother, Jack, would try to figure out how to smoke so they rolled leaves from corn husks and smoked them behind the barn, but it didn’t take long before he knew that was a bad idea.

Ken lost his father when he was 16 and became financially responsible for his mother at that time. To do this and also be able to graduate, he lived at the school and became the custodian so he could work and attend school.

Following high school he was employed at a service station, fixing and selling tires, where at the age of 19 he became the district sales representative for 36 counties in Texas for Cooper Tires. Ken said once that he thought he would only work in a service station selling and fixing tires and would probably never leave the state of Texas like all of the rest of his family.
 
However, also at the age of 19 he was drafted into the US Army in Jan, 1946. Being blind in one eye due to a lazy eye that had gone untreated and the sole support of his mother, Ken did not expect to be accepted. Well, he was wrong and had to get home quickly and pack his bags to report to Fort Sam Houston, Dallas, Texas. Nine days later he reenlisted in the Army Air Force which became the USAF. Ken had numerous assignments domestically and overseas where his speciality was in Finance after receiving training at Lowry AFB, Colorado in that field. He said that being drafted raised his chances exponentially of having a much diﬀerent life than he ever expected and gave him the chance to learn and grow and accomplish things he never dreamed would be possible.

Ken served on active duty very successfully until he retired in September, 1970 and then served 5 years in the Reserves as well. He achieved the top enlisted rank of CMSgt and received the Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.

While at Oﬀutt AFB, in Omaha, Nebraska, early in his career, he dated and married Shirley Taylor on Dec 2, 1949. She had moved there from her home state of Maryland to assist in the clerical field during the war, They were very blessed to have been married for nearly 71 years. In 2019, they hosted a lovely gathering of friends at their Asbury facility in Solomons, Maryland to celebrate their 70th Anniversary, something very few ever attain.

Ken and Shirley had 3 children: Linda, Larry, both born at McChord AFB, Tacoma, Washington and Vikki, born just outside of Ramstein AFB, Germany. He and Shirley were travelers extraordinaire and very big drivers who crisscrossed the roads of the US several times over to see and show their children the beauty and wonders of this country they loved. One time it was the northern route, the next the southern route - they went everywhere in an unconditioned car, usually in summer. They let the kids put their bare feet out the window which was the only salvation sometimes!

Much later, they would take 33 post-retirement trips to many great places and he documented them all with photos and videos. To say Ken was well traveled is a huge understatement, this after believing he would never be able to leave his home state of Texas to explore the world.
 
As military “brats” the children experienced all kinds of interesting sights, cultures, languages and history. Linda went to 1st and 2nd grade in a Quonset hut in Okinawa, and after that learned to love the mountains and streams in Colorado, followed by living in Germany as teenagers. Larry loved going to the “old lady” store, as he called it, to buy gummy bears (the original ones of course) sour sticks, and caps so he and his friends could make some noise. The family visited every country possible, since the Iron Curtain was in place then, because when Ken had some leave time, it was hit the road time. One memorable trip was to Verdun, France where the gravestones from wars gone by went as far as the eye could see and was truly unforgettable. Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland were great trips too. In the Netherlands, Ken thought he might have to leave Linda there since she was too afraid to come down some high, amazingly steep, narrow steps. Vikki, the youngest by quite a bit, was born in Germany so her name is spelled the German way and her initials are the same as Ken’s so she will proudly carry them on. As the cutest little girl, just learning to talk, she used a made up word that she is still teased about to this day - “Whobody” took my doll? Linda and Larry were AF brats but while Vikki was born in Germany, she was raised as a non military brat since Ken retired when she was 4 years old. She is the only one to still know people she went to 1st grade with and to live in the same house until she went to college. Quite the unique family!

Ken said one of the things he valued most was watching his children have success and accomplishments as adults. He was proud of all of them and they each went in very diﬀerent directions, but all have had satisfying and responsible careers. Linda was a career civil servant with the US Federal Government as a Intelligence Research Specialist for both the US Secret Service and the USAF, working to protect both people and USAF developed classified technology. Ken and Linda served the USAF for a combination of 55 years of uniformed and civilian service. Larry went the business route after he became the youngest master electrician in Maryland at the time. He has been the longtime successful business owner of L.K. Deal Electric where he has served the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. areas for many years and has a stellar reputation. His children, Bryan and Wendy have continued in his footsteps to manage the business that is still going strong. Vikki became a registered nurse and has worked in that field for a long time, starting out at John’s Hopkins Hospital in Maryland and now specializes as a NICU, (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurse in California. She has been instrumental in assisting with some true miracles.

Following his USAF retirement, Ken took up a totally new profession that he had to learn from the ground up. He became a real estate agent and sold and resold many houses in the Maryland and Northern Virginia area. Due to his diligence he became very successful as an agent and eventually became a Regional Manager for Coldwell Banker Real Estate, where once again he took to the road to check on and assist many Coldwell Banker oﬃces up and down the east coast to improve their business successes and solve problems. In 1987 he had the distinction of being chosen to receive the highest award possible which was the National Management Consultant of the Year for Coldwell Banker at their convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Linda was working at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico at the time and was lucky enough to attend the award ceremony and witness the presentation and recalls how excited he was to be honored in this special way. Ken had a very successful second career for 20 years until retiring for real at the age of 64.

Ken spent a lot of his time in church or working for the church. He was a young member of the Lucas Baptist Church in Texas, involved in Chapel services during all military assignments around the world, Providence United Methodist Church in Friendly, Maryland, and Crossroads United Methodist Church in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he assisted with Crossroads in becoming a Medallion Church. He taught Sunday school for many years.

One of his accomplishments that he was proud of was his work with the prison ministry. He spent many years giving hours of his time bringing lay ministry to those incarcerated. He joked that he spent more time “ in prison” than many of those who were incarcerated. Over the years he received numerous letters from former and current inmates who credited him with changing their lives, allowing them to continue as Christians with more hope for the future than they ever had before.

In addition to all of his church related accomplishments, the one he was the most proud and happy about was his time as a Gideon. An incredible international organization that he was a big part of for over 35 years. An individual must be recommended by a minister to become a Gideon and he came well recommended! He was a Gideon zone leader, area
coordinator and President of the Gideons of the Western Slope of Colorado. When in Maryland, he continued his service to this organization in multiple ways to include “Bible Blitz”, keeping records, presenting the Gideon message by invitation to many church congregations (his final one was given in Feb, 2023 at the age of 96), and sending out volumes of information to the camp he belonged to in southern Maryland. He has donated many bibles in other people’s names along the way.

Although it seems as though there could not be enough hours in the day for still another type of service, Ken was also involved in community service organizations where he served with total commitment, which is the only way he ever did anything! He was in the Lions Club, receiving the Lion of the Year Award on 4 occasions and the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award from the Lions Club International which is the highest award given by the Lions Club, and of course he was a Lifetime member. He could sure sell the heck out of the Lions Club Christmas trees every year which would benefit lots of people.

Ken was the Regional Director for the Christian Businessmen Committee in the Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia areas.

Ken received the Community Service Award for Prince George’s County, Maryland, not once, but twice.

Ken was also a Mason and assisted this Fraternity in oﬀering immense financial support to children’s hospitals and other facilities for children around the world.

Ken and his wife Shirley were published authors. They wrote a book and published it in 2016 about their individual lives, Ken’s career, and of their family life together. It is titled, “Two Good Deals” and has received attention from numerous publishers as a “template” for others to write their life stories. The book also received great reviews. It was reprinted in 2021 with a new cover and some updates. They wrote it for their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as a history of the family and to oﬀer them spiritual guidance for their futures.

Ken’s hope was that he would make a diﬀerence in at least one way during his life; to be sure his family and friends would say he made so many positive diﬀerences through his various ways of service, there would literally be too many to count.

Ken was proceeded in death by his wife Shirley in 2020 at nearly 95 years old, his parents and all of his siblings, his nieces and several nephews, Veterans he worked with, some members of the churches he belonged to, some community service friends from the Lions Club, Masons and Gideons, and some friends and neighbors who lived in the Asbury Retirement Facility, Solomons, Maryland where he spent the last 10 years contributing to several clubs and committees.

Ken is survived by his 3 children: Linda Stillman, Larry Deal (Ginger) and Vikki Murphy (Michael).
Linda lives in Arizona, Vikki (Michael) and Vikki’s son, Bernt, live in California.
Larry (Ginger) and all listed below, with the exception of Bernt, live in southern Maryland.
3	grandchildren: Bryan Deal (Angela), Wendy Crampton (James) and Bernt Powell.
4	great grandchildren: Jacob Deal, Taylor Deal, Dylan Crampton, and Wyatt Crampton.

Special thanks is given to so many people who assisted with his final days; his friends at Asbury, his church community, the dedicated aides who stayed extra hours during his last days to watch over him, the amazing Hospice Care Dr and nurse who allowed for his passing to be peaceful and comfortable. As it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to help someone at the end of life to allow the passing to be full of love and peace. No one deserved it more than him.

In one of his favorite devotion booklets, “Portals of Prayer”, in the reading for the day of his passing, Dec 14th, 2023, there is the sentence that says, “Because of Jesus, death is done. Sin’s consequences are eliminated and for believers only the brightness of our Lord prevails.” Ken is now prevailing in that brightness.

Interment will be at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, with a military memorial service. He will be joining his wife, Shirley at Arlington Cemetery.
 
Ken would be honored with memorial donations through the Gideons International where bibles can be donated in his name via their website: https://apps.gideons.org or through the local oﬃce at 1310 Lottie Fowler Rd, Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678.


 Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Teresa "Terry" Rigsbee, 71, a 34-year resident of Deale, MD, died at her home on December 13, 2023. Born October 15, 1952, in Jacksonville, FL, to the late Madeline and Ralph Horrell, she graduated from Oxon Hill High School. Terry worked as the manager for the Anne Arundel County Food Service. She enjoyed cooking, reading, and spending time with her family and grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Terry was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Terry Rigsbee. She is survived by three children, Terry Rigsbee, Jr. of Shady Side, MD, Chrystal Rigsbee of Churchton, MD, and Victoria Best of Huntingtown, MD; four siblings, Jim Horrell, Laura Hardy, Cathy Wright, and Darlene Lowery; six grandchildren, Tyler Young, Brittany Waugh, Ryan Hood, Kaylee Rigsbee, and Dominick and Gabriela Best; and one great-grandson, Maverick Waugh. Friends are invited to celebrate Terry's life on Wednesday, December 20, from 3 to 6 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Online condolences and tributes may be made using the Memories tab on the left of this page.

William “Bill” Hayes passed away on December 13, 2023 at Brightview Senior Living in Severna Park, Maryland of a heart attack at the age of 84.
 
Born in the Bronx, New York on July 9, 1939 to the late Louis and Della Hayes, Bill moved to Annapolis at age 15. He attended St. Mary’s High School and entered the Army upon graduation. After serving in the Army, he returned home and married his wife, Betty Lou. They were married for 53 years before Betty Lou’s passing in 2014.  Bill joined the Maryland State Police and retired after 25 years of service. During his career with Maryland State Police, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in Business Administration. 
 
Bill was a lifetime member of the Annapolis Elks, former president of St. Mary’s Athletic Association, as well as president of Bethany Marina Townhomes HOA.
 
Bill loved watching his son play lacrosse at Maryland and loved all things Maryland Terrapins.
 
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Lou. He is survived by his son, Steve (wife Kathy), and his grandchildren, Luke and Lily.
 
Friends are invited to celebrate Bill’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037, on Tuesday, December 19, from 1 pm until his funeral service begins at 3 pm. 

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

In Loving Memory of Dr. Steven Kellogg

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Steven “Steve” Fay Kellogg who will be greatly missed for all the gifts he bestowed in the minds, hearts and souls of others and his enduring awe and love of life.  

Steve died at age 72 on December 13, 2023 at home after having bravely faced and fought the challenges of an unrelenting illness for the past 3.5 years.  

Steve was born on March 12, 1951 in Paterson, New Jersey and raised in Pequannock, New Jersey.  The son of the late Captain Fay Kellogg and Henrietta Johanna Kellogg.  

Steve shared colorful and interesting stories growing up in Pequannock, such as the antics among him, his older brother and friends and had thought of writing a play or book about his experiences.  He excelled academically, socially (he was the Vice President of his Senior Class) and in athletics, particularly football.  

Steve had a wide variety of job experiences in his early years, beginning with selling vanilla door to door as a cub scout (another interesting story), building swimming pools, restoring antique furniture, driving a school bus, etc, until age 22 when he declared the field of Psychology as his chosen profession. Steve then applied and was accepted to the University of Florida.

Steve earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Florida in 1973 and since then has been a devoted Gator fan.  Steve earned an MA in Counseling and Special Services - Group Processes from Seton Hall University and was a member of the Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society in 1977.  In 1981 he was accepted into the doctoral program at Argosy University/Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois, and graduated in 1986 earning a PsyD, Doctor of Psychology, Clinical.

Steve began his work at age 22 in the field of psychology as an attendant and then aide at Greystone State Psychiatric Hospital in New Jersey that began his commitment to serving and advocating for the mentally ill.  Steve then worked in various outpatient and community settings to provide counseling, supervision, assessment, and administrative services before moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1980 to pursue a doctoral degree.  While living in Chicago, Steve worked full-time from 1980 - 1986 as a Staff Therapist/Court Liaison for the Family Service and Mental Health Center of South Cook County.  It is admirable how he managed to work full-time while engaged in a demanding and rigorous doctoral program.

While working on his doctoral degree, Steve met his wife, Catherine, at the Give Peace a Chance Dance in Chicago on February 11, 1984 that was reflective of his involvement during his early college years in the peaceful protest of the Vietnam War, supporting those who served and human rights.  Ever since that day, Steve and Catherine remained devoted to each other and married on July 16, 1988 in Annapolis, Maryland.  

In September 1986, Steve and Catherine moved to Maryland where Steve secured an internship at Crownsville Hospital Center and fulfilled all requirements to be a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Steve was hired as a Clinical Psychologist at the hospital in 1987 and then transitioned to Spring Grove Hospital Center in 2011 where he continued to provide psychological assessments, evaluations, clinical, forensic, neuropsychological, research, supervisory and educational services.  Steve represented the psychiatric team in court providing expert testimony and clinical evaluation to determine a patient’s competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility and the provision of competency restoration services.  Steve was honored by the Governor of Maryland and the Dept of Mental Health and Hygiene for his “31 years of outstanding service” upon retirement on March 1, 2018.

Steve particularly enjoyed providing clinical supervision to interns, externs and Psychology Resident Trainees and was always available to provide support following the completion of their degrees.  Steve was proud to have received “Profesor Colaborador” (Associate Professor) from the University De Duesto, Bilbao, Spain in 1996 for his work with the university’s psychology students who interned at Crownsville Hospital Center.  

In conjunction with his full-time work for the State of Maryland Hospital System, Steve worked part-time in various outpatient settings as a clinician, consultant, and diagnostician.  In 1990, Steve established and successfully maintained his own private practice providing Individual, Family, Marital, Group Therapy and Evaluations and Assessments that continued after his retirement from the hospital.  He also provided Pro Bono Services to those who could not afford treatment.  Toward the end of his career, he provided pre-surgical psychological risk assessments to assist patients in qualifying for effective pain management alternatives to help improve their quality of life.  

Steve was a member of many professional organizations such as: The American Psychological Association (43 yrs); The National Register of Health Providers in Psychology (33 yrs); Certificate of Professional Qualifications/Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (24 yrs); The National Board of Neuropsychology (17yrs) and was Vice President of the Anne Arundel County Psychological Association from 1996 to 1998.  In addition, Steve served as a Board Member for his daughter’s primary school, St Andrew’s United Methodist Day School, for 3 yrs.   

Steve embraced life to its fullest.  He was hard-working, intelligent, curious, thoughtful, determined, dedicated and caring.  He loved to give, show appreciation, learn from and be inspired by others, and would go out of his way to lend a helping hand.  He never took for granted the work that was necessary to develop and sustain meaningful relationships.  All of his strengths, passions, and interests were embedded and thrived within the loving and devoted fabric of family (including canine companions), friendship, community, and the wonder of life.  Steve’s absolute joy was being a father and he loved his niece and nephew dearly.   

Steve had a strong appreciation for Humanity and the planet Earth and their role as teachers, whether on a molecular, physical, and spiritual level or the opposing vastness of the oceans, skies and beyond.   Steve was an avid learner and seeker of scientific knowledge although left room for the unveiling of life’s mysteries. 

Steve had a diverse range of interests including music, the guitar, football, tennis, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, downhill skiing, boating, fishing, automobiles, traveling, history, science, current events, reading, crossword puzzles, chess, gardening, nature, art, movies and engaging in a good conversation. 

Steve was passionate about playing the guitar, had composed his own music, and inspired his daughter to play.  They would play together frequently.  Kyla will always cherish these memories with her father and continues to enjoy playing the guitar.  

Steve started playing tennis as a young adult and, when moving to Maryland, became an active member of the tennis community and Bowie Sport Fit, where he formed close friendships.  Steve was pleased with how he placed in 2007 in the Final National Ranking of the Men’s 50 tennis division.  Steve also would join some of his tennis friends and other car enthusiasts on Miata drives.  

Steve enjoyed travel and was especially good at making travel arrangements. Some of his most memorable travel adventures included: a family cross-country road trip when he was a young teen, visiting Mexico, and London, a honeymoon in Scotland, family reunions in San Francisco and Sacramento, trips to Niagara Falls, Montreal and  Quebec, 2 trips to Hawaii, an Alaskan cruise, and visiting family in Florida. Toward the end of his life, Steve had the opportunity to visit Costa Rica and the Netherlands, where he traced some of his Dutch heritage. The most important, life changing, adventure of all was when Steve and Catherine traveled to China to become the parents of a beautiful and vibrant daughter; their “dream come true”, on July 15,1998. Steve enjoyed being part of the “12 Sisters” adoption group and co-hosted the girls 10 year anniversary in Washington, DC. 

Steve is survived by his wife, Catherine Blair Kellogg; daughter, Kyla Blair Kellogg; brother and best friend, Dr. Spencer Fay Kellogg; sister-in-law, Martha Kellogg; niece, Krista Fay Kellogg; nephew, Stephen Alexander Kellogg; cousins, Clark, Paul, Fay, Albert, Almer, Linda, and Gary; and canine companion, Chloe. 

Steve is predeceased by his father, Captain Fay Kellogg, mother, Henrietta Johanna Kellogg, grandmother, Henrietta Johanna Kerpel and devoted canines, Phoebe, Windsor, and Peach.  

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, Maryland 21037. There will be a gathering at 11:00 AM until his service commences at 12:00 PM. 

In memory of Steve, please do what you can to protect humankind and planet Earth.

Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab on the left side of this page.

Stephen (Steve) Lee Horodyski, a resident of Edgewater, MD, died on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. 

Born May 6, 1955, in Washington, D.C., to the late Stephen and Norma Horodyski, he attended Suitland High School in District Heights, MD.  

Steve left his corporate real estate career behind and decided to start his own business in order to spend more time with his two daughters that he adored. He opened Annapolis Home Inspection Services Inc. in 2002 and retired from the company in 2022. Steve was also the Treasurer of the Maryland Association of Home Inspectors. 

Steve was preceded in death by his mother and father, Norma and Stephen Horodyski.  He is survived by his brother, John Horodyski, his brother, Allen Horodyski, his sister, Cheryl Smith, his daughter, Crystal Horodyski, his daughter, Amanda Horodyski, and his grand-daughter, Natalie Burke.

Steve was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and enjoyed the community that church had to offer. Everyone who knew Steve knew how much he loved walking and he could frequently be found doing laps around Riva Park. 

Steve will always be remembered for his great sense of humor and the way that he could make anyone laugh. His final request was to be wearing his shirt that stated “You can’t scare me, I have daughters.” We couldn’t have asked for a better dad, and will miss him every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.


	Patricia Lee Mueller, 85, a 77-year resident of Crownsville, died at Anne Arundel Medical Center on 12 December 2023 from complications of Alzheimer’s.  The second of four daughters, Patsy was born in Prince George County, MD on 22 May 1938 to the late Guy Parker and Cora Lee Allen. Seven years later the young family moved to their farm in Anne Arundel County.  Patsy and her husband of 59 years, William Mueller, Jr. would build their house and raise their 2 sons, Billy and Greg, on the same farm.
	Athletic in her high school years, Patsy played basketball, volleyball and field hockey. She graduated from Arundel High School class of 1956 and kept in touch with many of her classmates forming life-long friendships, later gathering monthly with Alumni luncheons. Pat loved to travel and started traveling right out of high school with close friends.  She traveled throughout her life, taking many trips with her husband and sons.  Although she never learned to swim, Pat loved the beach.  After much planning she followed her dream and she and Bill purchased her condo beach home in Ocean City, MD, where she would spend nearly every summer welcoming family and friends.  She especially loved having her grandchildren stay with her at the beach.
	A skilled and valuable asset, Pat was recognized throughout her career.  Upon graduating high school she worked on Fort Meade, starting as a secretary.  But after working her way up, she put her family first and became a stay-at-home mother to raise her 2 boys.  When her sons were in elementary school, she went to work in the same school, surely to keep a close eye on her sons.  When the boys were in middle school, Pat went back to work at NSA.  After being recognized by a former colleague, she was quickly promoted and transferred where she continued serving until her retirement.
	Patsy’s many talents included sewing, knitting, cooking and baking. She embraced new technology and continued learning, even furthering her education at AACC.  She taught and passed on some of her talents to her granddaughters.  One of her favorite hobbies was collecting Hummel figurines, where she and her husband made many friends and traveled with the club to Germany.
	In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her older sister, Betty Anne Taylor.  Pat is survived by her husband, William Mueller, Jr.; her sons, Gregory and William (Cynthia) Mueller, III; her grandchildren, Kathryn Cole, Carolanne, Coralee and Grace Mueller; her great-grandchildren, Carson and Opal Cole and her sisters, Marilynn German-Coulbourne of Ocean Pines, MD and Mary Elaine Jones of Middle River, MD.
	Family and friends are invited to celebrate Pat’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Monday 18 December from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM.  Funeral service will be held at Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church, 1239 Murray Rd., Odenton, MD on Tuesday 19 December at 11 AM.  Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery in Annapolis, MD. 
	In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Patricia’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association (Alz.org).
       Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Paul Andrew White
January 30, 1925 - December 12, 2023


Paul A. White, a 76-year resident of Silver Spring, MD and previously of Washington, D.C., died at Lorien Harmony Hall, Columbia, MD on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

Born January 30, 1925, in Washington, D.C., to the late William A. and Helen A. (Sharp) White.  He attended Holy Comforter Grade School and St. Paul’s High School.
Paul worked for Hardesty’s Market, 1504 E. Capitol St., Washington, D.C. starting at age 13 as a delivery boy, then butcher and eventually manager.  After the riots of 1968 he went to work for his brother-in-law, Dominic Carrera as Manager at Pizza Fair, Springfield, VA, and finally at Giant Foods, Silver Spring, MD.

Paul enlisted in the Navy and served his country from 1943 to 1946 aboard the USS Lake (DE-301), an Evarts-class destroyer escort of the United States Navy, during World War II.  She was sent off into the Pacific Ocean to protect convoys and other ships from Japanese submarines and fighter aircraft.  She performed escort and anti-submarine operations in dangerous battle areas and returned home with two battle stars.  Paul was awarded a Bronze Medal. 

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Isabella (Carrera) White, his eldest daughter, Dorothea (White) Koehler, Grandson, Bryan O’Hare, Great-Grandson, Christian Andrew Axtell, his siblings Alice, Billy, Bobby, Jimmy, Teddy, Ellen, Mary, Catherine, Tommy, Teresa, Franny, John, Bernie and Dot.

Paul is survived by his children, Paul M. White of Silver Spring, MD, Helen Ambrose of Ellicott City, MD, Laura (Joe) O’Hare of Highland, MD and Maria (Paul) Taltavull of Bethany Beach, DE.  Grandchildren, Jennifer and Katie O’Hare, Patrick and Michael Taltavull, Joseph Ambrose and Bridgette (Ambrose) Axtell.  Great-Grandchildren, Peyton, Patrick, Avery and Jackson Taltavull


Relatives and friends are invited to Paul's Life Celebration at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 15663 Norbeck Blvd., Silver Spring, MD on Wednesday, December 20 from 10:30 a.m. until the start of the Mass of Christian Burial is held at 11:30 a.m. The interment will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD.  Memorial donations may be made in Paul’s name to <a href="https://www.littlesistersofthepoorwashingtondc.org/">Little Sisters of the Poor </a> 

Online condolences and tributes may be made made by clicking on the Memories tab on the left side of the page.

It is with immeasurable grief and sorrow that we share the passing of husband, father and brother, Hilario (Larry) Flores, 69, of Fort Washington, MD on December 12, 2023. Larry was survived by his loving wife, Carolina Flores, who he loved dearly and with whom he spent 42 wonderful years. He leaves behind his four loving children, Michael Flores, Patricia Flores, Stephen Flores, and John Flores; two grandchildren who adores him, Sean Flores, and Emma Gan. He is survived by his siblings, Alfredo Flores Jr, Marilyn Funesto, Evelyn Araullo, Nilda Concepcion, Luzviminda Yabes, Raymundo Flores, and Delia Flores. Larry was preceded in death by his brother Bonifacio Flores; his father Alfredo Flores Sr.; his mother, Julita Flores.
 
Born on January 23, 1954, in Balungao, Pangasinan Philippines. During his early life, he worked very hard to provide for his family. In October 2005, he and his family moved to the United States. He then obtained a Nursing Assistant license alongside his wife and two children to work at Fort Washington Health Center. He worked there until the day of his hospitalization and was very dedicated in helping care for the elderly. Larry loves to cook, and he always cooks for his friends and family. Aside from cooking, he also enjoys watching his TV series and basketball games, spending time with his family especially his granddaughter, Emma.
 
Larry was a very hard worker and strong-willed individual. He had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He was very generous, loyal, and passionate. He cared so deeply for the people around him. He has made an impact on so many lives and he will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his family and friends. Larry was a kind and thoughtful soul and will be missed dearly.
 
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, December 22 from 2-8 PM at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 to celebrate Hilario's life.

Thomas Harris, 89, a fifty-seven year resident of Loch Haven in Edgewater, MD passed away on December 12, 2023. Born on June 2, 1934 in Providence, RI to the late Dorothy Arnold Harris MacColl and Thomas Harris, Sr., Tom was an avid boatsman, woodworker, reader and handyman. He loved to sail and he left many with great memories of sailing adventures, whether on water or ice. Tom is survived by his wife, Irene Harris; his children, Stephen (Jackie) Harris of Golden, CO, Sherian Nevil (Tom) Buller of Port Orange, FL, Christi Harris of Edgewater, MD and Beth Harris (John) Lascor of Centennial, CO; his sister, Sarah H. Pinney,10 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 4 step-children, 9 step-grandchildren and 12 step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharlotte Nevil Stiller, his brother, Stephen C. Harris and his sister, Mary H. Clark. Friends are invited to celebrate Tom’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Saturday, January 27 from 12 to 2 pm. Condolences may be left by using the Memories button on this page.

On Monday, December 11, 2023; the beloved wife of the late Paul William Simms; mother of Ann Marie (Andrew) Cianelli; grandmother of Alyssa and Drew Cianelli. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Priscilla's Life Celebration on Monday, December 18 from 12 p.m. until the start of the funeral service at 1 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment will be private at a later date. 

Sharon Kernan, 66, a resident of Edgewater, MD for forty years and previously of Riverdale, MD died on Monday, December 11 at her home due to lung cancer. Born on June 18, 1957 in Washington, DC to the late William Salters and Margie May Burkhart Moseley, Sharon was a 1975 graduate of Bladensburg High School. She was a homemaker who loved the beach, fishing at Lake Anna, arts and crafts and playing games and spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Buddy Kernan; her children, Jason Kernan of Edgewater, MD and Carol (Shelby) Taylor of Crawfordville, FL and her grandchildren, Kamden and Hayley Taylor and Kiley Kernan. Sharon was preceded in death by her daughter, Teresa Hutzel. Friends are invited to celebrate Sharon's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Sunday, December 17 from 1 pm until her funeral service begins at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org). Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Bruce Nyhart Rogers, 88, a resident of Annapolis, MD and previously of Bowie, MD died on Sunday, December 10, 2023. Born on June 27, 1935 in Scranton, PA to the late Christine and Alfred J. Rogers, Sr., Bruce served in the US Army and was a graduate of Temple University. He worked for the Space Division of Lockheed Martin as a technical editor for more than forty years and, after retirement, worked for the Capital newspaper as an editor. Bruce was an avid reader, a history war buff and a passionate swimmer who competed in the great Chesapeake Bay swim numerous times. He was a loving father and grandfather with a great sense of humor who was dedicated to all he loved. Bruce was preceded in death by high school sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Phyllis Ann Rogers and his sons, Scott B. and Bruce N. Rogers, Jr. He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Gauvin of Welcome, MD and Patricia Smith of Odenton, MD; his siblings, Alfred Rogers, Jr., Faith Baker and Carol Korstjens; his grandchildren, Justin, Tyler and Lyndsey Rogers, Joshua, Andrew and Gregory Gauvin, Jr. and Morgan Smith and 6 great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to celebrate Bruce and Phyllis’ life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Saturday, December 16. Visitation from 12 pm until 1 pm, followed by a memorial service at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122. 

Obituaries

Bertha Pitcher

Elisabeth Moeller

Brenda Handley

Zane Parks

Jenafred Shore

Shirley Diehlman

Joan Elehwany

Brian Cockrell

Daniel Cermak, Jr.

George Ritchie

Robert Lawrence, Sr.

Rear Admiral (LH) James Koehr, USN (Ret.)

CMSgt. Virgle Kenneth Deal, USAF (Ret.)

Teresa Rigsbee

William "Bill" Hayes

Steven Kellogg

Stephen Horodyski

Patricia Mueller

Paul White

Hilario Flores

Thomas Harris

Priscilla Simms

Sharon Kernan

Bruce Rogers, Sr.