Home

What's New

Photo of the Month

Minerd.com Blog

Biographies

National Reunion

Interconnectedness

Cousin Voices

Honor Roll

In Lasting Memory

In the News

Our Mission and Values

Annual Review

Favorite Links

Contact Us

 

Ross Minerd
(1902-1956)

 

Ross, Ida and baby in the shadow

Ross Minerd was born on April 23, 1902 in Smithfield, Fayette County, PA, the son of Charles B. and Ada (Tressler) Minerd.

He stood 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighed 180 lbs. His eyes were blue, his hair brown and his complexion light.

At an early age Ross began working in the coal fields of the Uniontown region of Fayette County. His ribs were fractured in a mining accident in 1917 or 1918, when he was about age 15 or 16.

When he was age 22, on Sept. 21, 1924, Ross was united in matrimony with 17-year-old Ida Mae Keefer (1907-1996), the daughter of Charles and Josephine (Hagan or Llewellyn) Keefer. The wedding was held in Galloway, Barbour County, WV, by the hand of Rev. Antonio Gigliotti of the local Baptist Church. On her marriage license, Ida claimed to be 21, and at the time, she lived in Nutter Fort, Harrison County, WV.

Ross and Ida Mae together produced a large family of 14 children. Their five sons were David Ray Minerd, John Frank Minerd, Charles D. Minerd, Paul Edward Minerd and Melvin Marshal Minerd. Their nine daughters were Rosalie Shields, Ruth Lesavage, Melda Metts, Frances Lilley, Ella Mae Minerd, Martha Shipley, Beverly Yauger, Gracie Bryner and Karen O'Neil. 

Sadly, daughter Ella Mae died as a toddler, circa 1930 or '31.

Ross was a laborer and driver in local coal mines, and was a member of the United Mine Workers of America, Local 6303, Bessemer, Westmoreland County, PA.

Ida belonged to the United Christian Temple. 

 

Ross with his sister Lizzie

During their early married life, the Minerds made their place of residence in Masontown, Fayette County. Later, they moved to Revere, a coal mine "patch town," where they resided in House #18. The federal census of 1930 shows them in Nicholson Township, Fayette County, with four children ages 4 and under under their roof.

Circa 1941-1942, the family made their home along Grays Landing Road near Grays Landing, Fayette County, south of Masontown. When he was required to register for the military draft during World War II, in 1942, Ross and the brood lived in Provance Hill near Masontown. He disclosed to the draft registrar that he was employed by the Hillman Coal Company at its Poland Mine in Poland, Greene County. Then by 1945, they had moved again to the town of Uledi.

During his years of work in the coal mines, Ross often received small and large injuries, including one to his head. In 1942, when laboring with his son David at the Provens Mine east of Grays Landing, he was caught in a fall of slate that caused significant brain damage. The injury was not fully diagnosed at the time, but he eventually spent more than a decade receiving medical care in a hospital.

John Rice

Ross had a violent temper and did not hesitate to beat his sons for the slightest provocation, He also once whipped two of his daughters with a pit belt for accepting an automobile ride home with an uncle widely known as a lecher.

 

Ross spent his final two years at the Somerset State Hospital. During that time, at the insistence of Ida's mother, several of the daughters were sent away from home to be raised by others. Based on untruths Ida's mother told to officials, several of the sons were placed on some sort of legal probation.

Suffering from hardening of the arteries and paranoia, he was felled by a stroke and died at age 54 just three days after Christmas in 1956. He was buried in Masontown's Fairview Cemetery, following a funeral at the Free Methodist Church led by Rev. Ethel Hardy and Rev. Ernest Collins.

After Ross died, Ida married her widowed brother in law, John Rice, widower of Elizabeth "Lizzie" (Minerd) Rankin Rice, and lived in Masontown. John was a native of Green Bay, WI and a longtime laborer at United States Steel in McKeesport, near Pittsburgh. Thus Ida became step-mother of sorts to John's adopted daughter Edna Wilson, who resided in Racine, Racine County, WI, circa 1979. John also had step-children from his marriage with Lizzie -- James A. Rankin and Mildred Ada Nugent. 

John passed away on June 25, 1992. He is buried at the Greendale Cemetery in Masontown. 

Ida died on Jan. 12, 1996 in the Uniontown Hospital, at the age of 88. Her funeral was conducted by Rev. Dane Tabor and Rev. Galen Winebrenner. She was survived by an astounding 37 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. 

In 2002, and again in 2007, Ross and Ida's adult children and their generations of offspring gathered for a reunion in Flatwoods, near Uniontown. The founder of this website was privileged to be invited to attend. View photos from the events.

 

2002 reunion of Ross and Ida's family -- left to right: Melda Metts, Chuck Minerd, Ruth Lesavage, John Minerd,  Paul Minerd. Click for more views .

 

~ Son David Ray Minerd ~

 

David (left) and cousin William

Son David Ray Minerd (1925-1999) was born on Aug. 2, 1925 in Meadowbrook near Hopwood, Fayette County.

David in adulthood stood 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighed 145 lbs. He had grey eyes, brown hair and a dark complexion.

Circa 1943, he was employed at the Poland Mines but at some point that year was unemployed. His home at the time was at the Provance Mine at Rocks Works near Masontown.

During World War II, David served with the U.S. Navy, where he trained at Great Lakes, IL before being shipped to Japan in January 1945. He is pictured in the book, Heroes All, a service album depicting the wartime activity of Uniontown and South Union Township residents.

David married Helen Phillips (1928- ? ) of Uniontown on June 10, 1946, when he was age 21 and she 18. She was the daughter of John and Anna (Takoch) Phillips, of Oliver No. 1, near Uniontown, and were immigrants from Austria Hungary.

They had two children -- Andrew A. Minerd and Mary Margaret Pierce. 

After some years of marriage, in about 1950, David and Helen divorced, and she remarried to James Walter Rice ( ? - ? ). The Rices had four children of their own -- James Rice, Patricia Ann Williams, Pamela Riffle and Frank Rice.

David lived in Mentor, Lake County, OH in the mid-1990s. He died at Lake County Memorial Hospital-West in Willoughby, OH, on Feb. 4, 1999, at the age of 74. 

Son Andrew A. Minerd (1947-2000) was born in 1947 and grew up in Uledi. He lived in Elyria, Lorain County, OH. He was married. Andrew passed away at the age of 52 on Feb. 27, 2000. 

Daughter Mary Margaret Minerd (1949-2012) was born on Dec. 17, 1949. She married Harold Milton Pierce ( ? - ? ), and made her home in Uniontown. They had three children -- Betty Jane Ackinclose, Harold M. Pierce Jr. and Lisa Pierce. Mary died at the age of 62, in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, on Oct. 14, 2012. Burial followed in St. Mary's Cemetery in Uniontown. 

  • Granddaughter Betty Jane Pierce wed (?) Ackinclose.
  • Grandson Harold M. Pierce Jr. ( ? - ? ) 
  • Granddaughter Lisa Pierce ( ? - ? )

 

~ Daughter Rosalie (Minerd) Shields ~

Daughter Rosalie Minerd (1927-1998) was born on March 16, 1927 in Masontown. 

At the age of 18, on Dec. 17, 1945, she married 28-year-old Barney Shields (1917-  ), son of Frank and Ella Shields.

Barney was a welder and the son of Frank and Ella (Addis) Shields of Uniontown, Fayette County. During World War II, he served as senior air raid warden in South Uniontown. At the time of marriage, she lived in Smithfield, and he in Uniontown.

They resided in Uniontown, and their four children were Barbara Grant, Paula Broadwater, Donald Dale Shields and Terry Ray Shields. 

Rosalie belonged to the United Christian Temple for more than a half century. 

Barney was employed with the Isabella Mine of Weirton Coal Company. On Jan. 29, 1951, he was pictured in the Uniontown Morning Herald, among many other co-workers, for taking part in week-long First Aid classes conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Mines. He also was a prayer and youth meeting leader and Sunday School superintendent with the Church of the Nazarene on Wilson Avenue in Uniontown.

She died in Uniontown Hospital on July 3, 1998, at the age of 71. She was laid to rest in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, following a funeral led by Rev. Galen Winebrenner of the United Christian Temple. At her death, said the Uniontown Herald-Standard, she was survived by 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Daughter Barbara Shields married Frank Grant Sr. They lived in Fairbank, Fayette County and in 2023 in Uniontown. Their only son is Frank Grant Jr.

  • Grandson Frank Grant Jr. ( ? - ? ) 

Daughter Paula Shields wed John Broadwater. Three offsoring of their union are Donna Jeffrey, John Broadwater and Wendy Sokol. Their residence was in Smock, Fayette County. John and his brother-in-law Donald Shields were close, like brothers to each other.

  • Granddaughter Donna Jeffrey is the mother of Amber Jeffrey and Ashley Jeffrey.
  • Grandson John Broadwater married Kelly. They are the parents of John Broadwater.
  • Granddaughter Wendy Broadwater wed Dana Sokol. Together they bore a child, Tialar Rae Sokol.  

Son Donald Dale Shields (1954-2023) was born on Aug. 20, 1954. He entered into marriage with Debbie ( ? - ? ). Their union endured for more than three decades. Donald was the father of Timothy Shields, Megan Shields, Dayna Shields, Rosalie Shields and Diana Shields. Circa 1998, he lived in Normalville, Fayette County and in 2023 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. Said an obituary, "He was a friend to everyone he met, and always lent a helping hand whenever possible. He loved the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish." Death swept him away on Jan. 24, 2023.

  • Grandson Timothy Shields wed Jamie. They dwell in Connellsville.
  • Granddaughter Megan Shields has made her residence in Connellsville.
  • Granddaughter Dayna Shields tied the knot with (?) McClellan. She was in Connellsville in 2023.
  • Granddaughter Rosalie Shields lived in 2023 in Mount Pleasant, PA.
  • Granddaughter Diana Shields entered into marriage with (?) McCoy. She is believed to be the mother of Tommy McCoy.

Son Terry Ray Shields married Susie . The couple made Uniontown his home in 1998 and in Hopwood in 2023. Four children in this family are Jeremy Shields, Sean Shields, Joshua Shields and Andrea Shields.

  • Grandson Jeremy Shields ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Sean Shields ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Joshua Shields ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Andrea Shields ( ? - ? )

 

~ Daughter Martha Ada (Minerd) Shipley ~

Daughter Martha Ada Minerd (1930-1971) -- also known as Bertha -- was born in about 1930 in Nicholson Township, Fayette County. As a young woman, she worked as a seamstress. 

Martha married World War II veteran Charles Robert Shipley (1920- ? ) on July 15, 1949, when she was age 19 and he 29. Charles was the son of William and Mae Shipley, and was a machinist living in Revere at the time of marriage who recently had been discharged from the Army.

The Shipleys resided at 152 Revere in Uledi. 

They had three children -- Robert Allen Shipley, Joyce Arlene Lint and Sandra Mae Kent. 

Sadly, Martha suffered from a "prolonged illness" reported the Uniontown Morning Herald. She died at the age of 41, in Uniontown Hospital, on July 18, 1971. Burial was in Walnut Hill Cemetery, following a funeral led by Rev. Freeman Stanton. 

Son Robert Allen Shipley (1950-2004) was born on March 17, 1950, in Revere. He was a graduate of Duff's Business Institute, and was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. His home was in Uledi. Said the Uniontown Herald-Standard, "He was a boxer with Tommy Shaffer's and had won the Silver Gloves two times." Sadly, Robert died at age 54 on April 13, 2004 in Uniontown Hospital. He was interred in Walnut Hill Cemetery after a funeral led by the family's pastor, Rev. Galen Winebrenner.

Daughter Joyce A. Shipley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Circa 1971, she wedded Russell E. Lint (Feb. 2, 1951-2021), the son of John S. and Nellie A. (Dressel) Lint of Balsinger, Fayette County. News of their marriage license was published in the Uniontown Evening Standard. The family lived for years in the coal mining patch town of Uledi. Together, they bore two children -- Russell Lint and Heidi Lint. Sadly, Russell passed away at home on March 28, 2021. His obituary appeared in the Uniontown Herald-Standard.

  • Grandson Russell Lint ( ? -living) has made his home in Uledi, Fayette County. His daughter is Chelsey Lint.
  • Granddaughter Heidi Lint ( ? -living)

Daughter Sandra Mae Shipley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She appears to have first been joined in wedlock with Paul Nixon Sr. ( ? - ? ). Their two offspring are Paul Nixon Jr. and Aaron Nixon. Later, she married Larry Kent ( ? - ? ) and resided in Uniontown.

  • Grandson Paul Nixon Jr. is the father of Bradley Nixon and Rachel Nixon.
  • Grandson Aaron Nixon ( ? - ? ) 

 

~ Son John Frank Minerd ~

Son John Frank Minerd (1933-2013) was born on April 25, 1933 in Fayette County. 

He lived for many years in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH. 

He wed Marilyn Rose ( ? - ? ).

They had two children -- Pamela Minerd and Kevin Minerd. 

John attended the clan's reunions at Flatwoods, Fayette County in 2002 and 2007. 

Sadly, John passed away at the age of 80 on April 29, 2013. After funeral services at Bethany Assembly of God, he was laid to eternal rest in the Holy Cross Cemetery. He was survived by two grandchildren.

Daughter Pamela Minerd ( ? - ? ) 

Son Kevin Minerd wed Marcie. They one known daughter they produced together is Mikala Minerd.

 

Chuck Minerd

~ Son Charles D. "Chuck" Minerd ~

Son Charles D. "Chuck" Minerd was born in about 1935.

He served in the US Navy during the Korean War. After the war, he settled in Lompoc, Rosemead and San Diego, CA.

Charles was united in holy matrimony with  Jacqueline "Jackie" (Nov. 14, 1935-2019).

They bore two sons, Charles "Chuck" Minerd and Richard "Rick" Minerd.

 

Chuck in 2002 with
Minerd.com printouts

During his working career, Chuck was a consultant with RF Industries' Neulink Division. Formerly, he was VP and general manager of Quintron Telephone Systems in San Diego, CA.

Seen at right, Chuck poses with a display of Minerd.com pages he made for his immediate family's reunion at Flatwoods, Fayette County, PA in August 2002. The family also had a reunion at Flatwoods in 2007.

Sadly, as she aged, Jacqueline was afflicted with dementia. She passed away on Sept. 15, 2019. Interment of her remains was in the Armed Forces National Cemetery on the U.S. Marine Corps Base in San Diego. 

Son Chuck Minerd is a golf pro and PGA Class "A" member and former instructor at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, site of the annual Buick Invitational which has been won by Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods in recent years. In 2007, playing in the Southern California Section of the Professional Golf Association, Chuck qualified for the 2008 Professional National Championship to be played in Georgia. He currently is general manager for his own entrepreneurial venture, Chuck Minerd-Golf Made Easy.

Son Rick Minerd is married to Lisa Minerd, who is a founder of Minerva Associates of Del Mar, CA. Her company provides automated warehouse management software solutions for Fortune 500 distribution, production and manufacturing operations. 

  • Grandson Curt Minerd maintains a blog at his website, CurtMinerd.com

 

~ Daughter Beverly June (Minerd) Yauger ~

  
Beverly and Irvin Yauger, and with son Kenneth -Courtesy Kenneth Yauger  

Daughter Beverly June "B.J." Minerd (1936-1988) was born on June 13, 1936 in Nicholson Township, Fayette County.

She married Irvin "Irv" Yauger (1936-2014), son of Carl and Susan Yauger of Lemont Furnace. Their marriage endured for 26 years until the separation of death.

Their two children were Debra "Debbie" Bartole and Kenneth Yauger. 

They made their home in Trenton, Mercer County, NJ, where Irvin worked at Union Camp after serving in the U.S. Army as a mechanic. At some point he became disabled and was no longer able to work.

Sadly, Beverly passed away at the age of 51 on April 15, 1988.

As a widower, in about 1989, Irvin began keeping company with Joan Smith, and they remained companions for a quarter of a century.

Irvin passed away at home at the age of 78 on May 23, 2014. Following funeral services at Orland's Ewing Memorial Chapel, interment was held in Ewing Cemetery.

Daughter Debra "Debbie" Yauger wed Ugo A. "Hugo" Bartole (July 2, 1954-2005). Their one known son id David Bartole. They made their home in Trenton, Mercer County. Tragically, stricken with a brain tumor, Hugo passed away at the age of 51 on Oct. 6, 2005. Burial was in William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Debbie dwelled in Yardville, NJ in 2014.

  • Grandson David Bartole ( ? - ? ) 

Son Kenneth Yauger married Karen Frascella of Trenton. They had two sons -- Jared Yauger and Zachary Yauger. The couple divorced on good terms in 2005 and remain friends. In 2012, Kenneth was wedded a second time to Renae Waraysz of Yardville, NJ. They produced a daughter, Cassandra Yauger and resided in Florence, NJ. In 1986, Kenneth served in the U.S. Army attached to the Army Corps of Engineers. Later, he joined the New Jersey Local 9 Plumbers, Pipefitters and HVAC Union, where he has spent three decades and today is chief operating engineer, with Renae a communications/operations operator. Kenneth generously has contributed valuable content for this biography.

  • Grandson Jared Yauger ( ? - ? ) 
  • Grandson Zachary Yauger ( ? - ? )

 

Ruth Lesavage

~ Daughter Ruth Laverne (Minerd) Lesavage ~

Daughter Ruth Laverne Minerd (1938-2011) was born in about 1938.

She married William C. Lesavage ( ? - ? ).

Their three daughters were Marla Wilson, Donna Worek and Joy Vitoritt. 

They lived in New Jersey, in the town of Hamilton, near Trenton, Mercer County. Said the Trenton Times, Ruth was "employed with Superfresh Supermarkets before her retirement in 1998. She was a member of New Testament Baptist Church of Hamilton and was extremely devoted to both her family and friends."

Sadly, Ruth died on May 12, 2011, at the age of 73, in Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton. Her remains were interred in Greenwood Cemetery Mausoleum in Hamilton. The Trenton Times said she was survived by nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Daughter Marla Lesavage (1960?-2015) was born in about 1960 in Trenton, NJ. She was united in matrimony with (?) Wilson ( ? - ? ). Together they bore three children -- Carl Wilson, Amber Dilts Caiafa and Richard Wilson. Marla spent the majority of her life in Hamilton, NJ. For a decade, she was employed as a nurse with St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center. Said the Trenton Trentonian, "Marla had compassion for all animals and opened her home to many pets..." After the Wilsons' marriage ended, Marla was a longtime companion of Mustapha Sabri. Sadly, at the age of 55, she died in Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center on Oct. 3, 2015. In a Trentonian obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to People for Animals, Inc. or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

  • Grandson Carl Wilson ( ? - ? ) 
  • Granddaughter Amber Wilson ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Dilts and Richard "Rich" Caiafa ( ? - ? ). 
  • Grandson Richard Wilson ( ? - ? )

Daughter Donna Lesavage married John Worek. Four offspring in this family are Danielle Worek, Justin Worek, Jared Worek and Alexandra Worek.

  • Granddaughter Danielle Worek ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Justin Worek ( ? - ? ) 
  • Grandson Jared Worek ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Alexandra Worek ( ? - ? )

Daughter Joy Lesavage wed Christopher Vitoritt. Their duo of sons are Christopher Vitoritt and Nicholas Vitoritt. Joy has been employed as Acting Director Information Technology of the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey.

  • Grandson Christopher Vitoritt ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Nicholas Vitoritt ( ? - ? )

 

~ Daughter Grace Ann (Minerd) Bryner ~

Daughter Grace Ann Minerd (1939- ? ) was born in about 1939 in Nicholson Township, Fayette County.

When she was 18 years of age, she eloped with 21-year-old James Bryner (1935- ? ). They went to Cumberland, Allegany County, MD on July 28, 1956 to tie the knot. At the time, he was a resident of Uledi, Fayette County and worked as a "re-capper."

They lived in 1971 in Eastlake, Lake County, OH. 

Their four children were James Bryner, Bruce Bryner, Tammy Bryner and Mark Bryner.

Son James Bryner was united in matrimony with Mary. Together, they bore two children, Jenny Bryner and Derek Bryner

Son Bruce Bryner ( ? - ? )

Daughter Tammy Bryner ( ? - ? ) may have married Michael (?).

Son Mark Bryner ( ? - ? )

 

~ Son Melvin Marshal Minerd ~

Son Melvin Marshal Minerd (1941-1981) was born on May 3, 1941. He spent many years in Uniontown. 

He married Bonnie Mae Peddie ( ? - ? ), daughter of Kenneth Peddie of Cleveland, OH.

They produced two children together, Ross Minerd II and Susan Elizabeth Minerd. 

The Minerds resided at 174 West Berkeley Street in Uniontown. Circa 1966, Melvin was a Cub Scouts pack leader in the Bierer Wood Acres section of Uniontown.

Sadly, daughter Susan died at the age of four weeks on Sept. 10, 1979, in Childrens Hospital in Pittsburgh, with burial in Fairview Cemetery in Masontown.

Melvin passed away at the age of 39 in January 1981.

Bonnie's fate is not known.

Son Ross Minerd II ( ? - ? )

 

Paul Minerd

~ Son Paul Edward Minerd ~

Son Paul Edward Minerd (1942-2005) was born on Aug. 21, 1942 in or near Uniontown.

At the age of 21, on Jan. 4, 1964, he eloped to marry 16-year-old Georgia Louise Straitiff (1947-living) of Buffington, Fayette County. Their nuptials were held in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD.

They made their residence in Trenton, NJ in 1971 and in Waltersburg near Uniontown in the early 2000s.

Their four children were Laura Welsh, Paul D. Minerd, Darlene Gordon Reese and William Minerd. 

At the age of 62, Paul died in Highlands Hospital in Uniontown. Rev. Andy Miles officiated at his funeral, followed by burial in Pleasant View Cemetery in Smock, Fayette County.

Daughter Laura Minerd married Edward Welsh. They have lived in Rock Spring, GA. Eight offspring in this family are Susan Welsh, Matthew Welsh, Jonathan Welsh, Nathan Welsh, Christina Welsh, Alicia Welsh, Malinda Welsh and Katherine Welsh.

  • Granddaughter Susan Welsh ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Matthew Welsh ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Jonathan Welsh ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Nathan Welsh ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Christina Welsh ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Alicia Welsh ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Malinda Welsh ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Katherine Welsh ( ? - ? ) 

Son Paul D. Minerd wed Marianne (?) and their residence in 2005 was in Kissimmee, FL. The Minerds are the parents of two -- Jessica Minerd and Jonathan Minerd.

  • Granddaughter Jessica Minerd ( ? - ? ) 
  • Grandson Jonathan Minerd ( ? - ? ) 

Daughter Darlene Minerd has been twice-wed. She first married Perry Gordon. Later, she tied the marital cord with Keith Reese. The Reeses made their home in Uniontown.

Son William Minerd entered into marriage with Heather. Their two offspring are Nicholas Minerd and Louran Minerd.

  • Grandson Nicholas Minerd ( ? - ? )
  • Grandchild Louran Minerd ( ? - ? ) 

 

~ Daughter Melda (Minerd) Metts ~

Daughter Melda Minerd ( ? - ? ) was born in (?).

In 1959, she married William "Walter" Metts ( ? - ? ), son of Joseph and Dorothy (Lewis) Metts.

They produce eight children together -- Ross Metts Sr., Walter Metts Jr., Christine Cramer, Joanne Casne, Dorthea Sickles, Pamela Wingard, Timothy Metts and Tina McDonald. They also raised a niece, Kellie Minerd.

The Metts family has made their home for years in Uledi, Fayette County. Walter owned and operated Metts and Sons Construction, working with his children and grandchildren in the business.

Son Ross Metts married Cynthia "Cindy" Opal. He has been a longtime educator in Maryland. He formerly taught technology at Westmar High School and was an AutoCad instructor at Allegany College of Maryland, in addition to training other teachers for the Maryland State Board of Education. He currently works in Frederick County, MD. Three children borne of this union are Ross Metts Jr., William Metts and Jeanne Metts.

  • Grandson Ross Metts Jr. ( ? - ? ) 
  • Grandson William Metts ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Jeanne Metts ( ? - ? )

Son Walter Metts Jr. wed Victoria "Vicky" (?). Their home in 2023 was in Uledi. Their one known son is Mark Metts.

  • Grandson Mark Metts ( ? - ? ) 

Daughter Christine Metts married Homer Cramer. Circa 2023, they were in Smock. Together, the Cramers produced a brood of five offspring -- Stevie Cramer, Ted Cramer, Charity Cramer, Kristy Cramer and Paul Cramer.

  • Grandson Stevie Cramer ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Ted Cramer ( ? - ? ) 
  • Granddaugher Charity Cramer ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Kristy Cramer ( ? - ? ) 
  • Grandson Paul Cramer ( ? - ? )

Daughter Joanne Metts wed Daniel Casne. The pair moved to Pittsburgh.

Daughter Dorthea Metts married Charles "Chuck" Sickles. The couple has dwelled in Uledi. They are the parents of two -- Charles Sickles Jr. and Mandy Sickles

  • Grandson Charles Sickles Jr. ( ? - ? ) 
  • Granddaughter Mandy Sickles ( ? - ? ) 

Daughter Pamela Metts was united in matrimony with Thomas Wingard. Two children they bore together are Jeremy Wingard and Thomas Wingard Jr. Pamela made her residence in 2023 in Masontown.

  • Grandson Jeremy Wingard ( ? - ? ) 
  • Grandson Thomas Wingard Jr. ( ? - ? ) 

Son Timothy Metts wed Amy Lucas. He is the father of Jenna Metts. Timothy was in Uledi in 2023.

  • Granddaughter Jenna Metts ( ? - ? ) 

Daughter Tina Metts (1969-2023) was born on Aug. 30, 1969 in Uniontown. She received education in cosmetology. Tina was wed thrice. Her first spouse was Richard A. Wingard Sr. ( ? - ? ). Together, they bore three children -- Richard A. Wingard Jr., Melda Wingard and Angela Sinosky. Her second spouse was Lee/Less McDonald ( ? - ? ). Tina and Lee produced a son, Brandon McDonald. Her third husband was (?) Lytle ( ? - ? ). They made a home in Uledi. Tina made a living working with her fathers, brother and son for the family-owned business, Metts and Sons Construction. In her free time, she liked to sit on her porch and and at ballgames, watching her grandchildren at play. She enjoyed shopping at Dollar Store, making crafts and creating keepsake wreaths as gifts for family. Sadly, Tina was diagnosed with cancer, and at the age of 53 died on Aug. 18, 2023. Said an obituary, "She enjoyed family functions, parties, picnics, and every outing with their children... She battled cancer and put up a great fight, but Jesus saw her pain and suffering had gone on for far too long so he sent his angels to take charge, to give her rest, and to guide her home." Pastor Galen Winebrenner led funeral rites.

  • Grandson Richard A. Wingard Jr. married Elizabeth. They live in Adah, Fayette County.
  • Granddaughter Melda Wingard put down roots in Uledi.
  • Granddaughter Angela Wingard wed Shawn Sinosky. They have resided in Fairbank, Fayette County.
  • Grandson Brandon McDonald has dwelled in Uledi. 

 

~ Daughter Frances (Minerd) Lilley ~

Daughter Frances Minerd ( ? - ? ) was born in (?).

She entered into marriage with Thomas Lilley ( ? - ? ).

Circa 1961, she helped write a column about Revere school activities for the Uniontown Morning Herald

They had one child -- Brett Lilley.

The Lilleys have lived in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH.

Son Brett Lilley ( ? - ? ) 

 

~ Daughter Karen (Minerd) O'Neil ~

Karen Minerd (1951-2010) was born on March 6, 1951 in Uniontown.

She was joined in wedded union with Geary Lee O'Neil Sr. (Oct. 7, 1949-2020), son of Willis and Lois (Hess) O'Neil and stepson of Mary Anne O'Neil.

Together they bore a son, Geary Lee O'Neil Jr., and resided for years in Belle Vernon, PA.

Geary Sr. served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He earned a living over the years through his work at Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel's plant in Monessen, PA. He liked to work on old automobiles and motorcycles. He held memberships in the Belle Vernon post of the American Legion, Roscoe Sportsmen's Club and Avalon lodge of the Masons.

Karen belonged to the St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church. 

She graciously provided information for this biography during the 2002 to 2005 timeframe.

Sadly, after a lengthy illness, Karen passed away on July 19, 2010 at Monongahela Valley Hospital.

Geary outlived his wife by more than a decade. Death swept him away at age 71, at home, on Nov. 12, 2020. 

Son Geary Lee O'Neil Jr. was a police officer and corrections officer in East Pittsburgh in 1995. Later he became prison guard in Uniontown. He lived in Belle Vernon in 2020.

 

Copyright © 2000, 2002-2010, 2012, 2014, 2016-2017, 2021-2022, 29024 Mark A. Miner