Obituaries

Nancy Jean Caudell, 85, of New Albany, Pa., died Friday, Feb. 16. Her husband, Hobert Caudell, to whom she was lovingly devoted, died on March 14, 1990. Born on May 7, 1938, in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Philena Moore. Nancy is survived by her daughter, Tamara Caudell of New Albany, Pa., and her son, Michael (Deborah) Caudell of…

Robert Turner, 69, of Landenberg, died peacefully on Feb. 4, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 8, 1954. Robert was a beloved father, an esteemed master electrician, and an expert in firearms. He retired from Chrysler and ran a successful side business specializing in residential electrical heating and cooling. Robert had a passion for dogs and was known for his generous donations…

Ruth Smedley Thompson, 104, of the Unionville area, died Monday, Jan. 29, at Ruston, Jenner’s Pond in West Grove. Ruth was the farmer’s daughter of the late Byron T. Smedley and Elizabeth Sharpless of Lamborntown Road and West Grove. The late Frances McMullen (Rick) of Chula Vista, California was her younger sister. Ruth and her late husband, Harold E. Thompson were long-time farmers. Ruth with…

John H. Montague, 77, of Unionville, died Thursday, Jan.25, at his home. He is survived by his spouse, Patricia (Buckley) Montague, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Born in Doylestown, he was the son of Harry Montague Jr. and Marie (Parry) Montague. He grew up in Hatboro. John graduated from Elizabethtown College in 1968 and was drafted into the U.S. Army where he…

Judith A. Schmidt, 64, of Kennett Square, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. She was the spouse of Thomas Schmidt, with whom she shared 41 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late William Hufford and Florence (Stehle) Hufford. In addition to her husband, Judith is survived by her son, Andrew (Lacey) Schmidt of Phoenixville; her…

William “Bill” E. Howell, Jr., 80, of Kennett Square, died Saturday, Jan. 13, at Twin Pines Nursing Home in West Grove. He was the husband of Mary Lou (nee Snyder) Howell. Together, they shared 53 years of marriage. Born in Madison, Wisc., Bill was the son of the late William E. Howell and the late Jane Thatcher Howell. Bill graduated from Salesianum High School in…

John E. Gift, 62, of Landenberg, died unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 15, at his residence. He was the husband of Janet Crossan Gift, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, he was the son of June Scotten Gift of Kemblesville, and the late George Gift of Landenberg. John was a cement finisher at C.M. Tech. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading,…

William H. Bunch, 76, of Chadds Ford, died Monday, Jan. 15, at the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. Born March 5, 1947, in Wilmington, he was the son of the late Clyde Bunch and the late Alice Gregg Bunch. Bill grew up in Northern Delaware and graduated from Brandywine High School. He attended the University of Delaware and The Reisch College in Mason, Iowa, becoming a…

Andrew John Vannoy, 39, of West Chester, died on Monday, Jan. 1, at his home. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bernard Vannoy Sr. and Dorothy (Hilton) Vannoy; and his maternal grandparents, Lonnie Hughes and Mary (Willen) Hughes. He is survived by his parents, Parke C. Vannoy and Teresa (Hughes) South; one sister, Debra Sadler; two brothers, Brian L. South and Eric…

Phillip Patrone, 88, of West Chester, died Sunday, Jan. 7, at Merrill Gardens in West Chester.  Born in Marcus Hook, he was the son of Antonio and Rose (Fecondo) Patrone. Phil is survived by the love of his life, Rosemarie (Cleary) Patrone, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. In addition to Rosemarie, he is survived by his son, Michael Patrone, Michael’s wife, Jun…