Russell L. Beachem

Russell L.”Dutch” Beachem, 79, of State Rt. 488, Ellwood City (Perry Twp.) died Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at the Jameson Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness.

Born May 24, 1934 in the Wiley Hill area of Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Frances and Alberta Bartley Beachem. He is survived by his wife of 61 years; Sally Rogan Beachem. They were married on April 17, 1952.

Russell’s employment history is all within the local area and includes five years with the Pennsylvania Turnpike as an ambulance and plow truck driver,He spent ten years with Aetna Standard in Ellwood city as a foreman and a fitter, and over twenty five years with Littell Steel of Falston before retiring from there in 1997. He continued to work after his retirement for fifteen years at the Butler Auto Auction.

Russell attended Lincoln High School and later in life he was inspired, and was proud to earn his GED. He was a lifetime active member of the Wurtemburg United Methodist Church. He enjoyed model trains and gardening but most of all he enjoyed splitting wood. He was known for his wood stacks that could be seen by his home on Rt. 488. He was a former Boy Scout Leader for Troop 16. Russell enjoyed life and had a great sense of humor. His most cherished time was spent with his family.

In addition to his wife, Sally, survivors include three daughters, Barbara Beachem of Erie, Pat (Mark) Lewchenko of Shenango Twp., Karen (Ken) Docchio of Perry Twp.; two sisters, Janet (Don) Hinkle of Portersville, Jane (Allen) Cooper of Edinburg; seven grandchildren, Robert Petruso, Shannon Parish, Kelly Miller, Melissa McQuiston-McManis, Keaton, Kelton and Kaden Docchio; and four great grandchildren, Sicilia Petruso, Sophia Parish, Ayden Russell McManis, and Alexis Miller.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, his twin, Robert who died as an infant, and Keith Beachem with whom he was very close and died last March.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, February 8 from 7-9 pm and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.

Funeral Services will be held at the Wurtemburg United Methodist Church on Monday at 11:00 am with Pastor Jean Smith officiating.

Interment will follow in Lillyville Church of God Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Wurtemburg United Methodist Church,1244 Portersville Road, Ellwood City, PA 16117.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.