Clifford P. "Buss" Ortz, 78, of Templeton RD 2, died Saturday morning, Sept. 25, 1999, in the Clarview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at Sligo RD 1. Born June 4, 1921, in Deanville, Armstrong County, he was a son od David and Eula McGEE Ortz. He was an Army medic during World War II. Mr. Ortz was self-employed in the plumbing and heating business for more than 30 years. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW and was a lifelong member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Mr. Orz enjoyed hunting and gardening. He was married to the former Mary STOOPS, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Judy MONK and Vickie KIESTER, both of Sherman, Texas; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He also is survived by a sister, Mrs. Robert (Doroty) MINICH of Fairmount City RR 1; a step-brother, Paul Ortz of New Middleton, Ohio; a stepsister, Mrs. Walter (Hope) SHUSTER of Templeton RR 2; six half brothers, Raymond Ortz and Gary Ortz, both of New Bethlehem RR 2, Kent Ortz of Emlenton RR 3, Terry Ortz of Templeton RR 2, Jerry Ortz of New Bethlehem and Michael Ortz of Ford City; and a half sister, Mrs. Glenn (Joyce) FOSTER of New Bethlehem RR 1. In addition to his parents, Mr. Ortz was preceded in death by a daughter, Gloria Jean; his stepmother, Phyllis Ortz; two sisters, Florence AUSTIN and LaWaive GERANO; and three brothers, Blair Ortz, Bernard Ortz and Merle Ortz. The Rupert Funeral Home in New Bethlehem is in charge of arrangements. There will be no public visitation. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home with the Rev. James Swogger officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Clarion-Forest VNA Hospice, P.O. Box 668, Knox, 16232.

Norita D. Bell, 62, of 220 East Drive, Chicora, died at 8:08 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, 1999, in Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, following a brief illness. Born Sept. 18, 1937, in Bradys Bend Township, Armstrong County, she was a daughter of the late Joseph P. SNYDER and Mary L. ZEITLER Snyder of Petrolia. She was a graduate of East Brady High School. Mrs. Bell was employed at Bulk Material Inc. of East Butler where she worked for 19 years as a maintenance clerk, retiring in 1997. She was a member and a deacon of Petrolia Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Bell was married in Petrolia Jan. 7, 1966, to Gerald W. Bell, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Steven C. (Lisa D.) MINTO of Chicora; a son and his wife, Mark W. and Kimberly Bell of Butler; and two grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Tyler Bell, both of Butler. She also is survived by her mother of Petrolia; two sisters, Mrs. Donald (Mary) SHAKLEY of Petrolia and Mrs. Charles (JoAnn) WIGTON of Floresant, Mo.; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her father, Mrs. Bell was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Bell, June 14, 1998; and a sister, Mrs. Barbara DONALDSON. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the Richard D. Hillis Funeral Home, Petrolia. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Richard R. Rowe, pastor of Petrolia Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora. Memorial donations may be made to Petrolia Presbyterian Church, Box 383, Petrolia, 16050.

Donald Merle Ritts, 72, of Van, died at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, 1999, following a brief battle with cancer. Born Jan. 1, 1927, in Franklin, he was a son of Merle Ritts and Elva RAPP Ritts MURRAY. Mr. Ritts served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. Included among his many medals and ribbons are a Purple Heart and an award from the government of Russia for his ship's participating in the defense of Stalingrad against the Germans. He worked at the Emlenton Quaker State Refinery after World War II and later worked at General Manifold in Franklin. As the first employee hired at Electralloy in 1968, he helped set up the plant and worked as chief electrician until his retirement in 1988. Mr. Ritts was a country western guitar player and led the country western band, The Allegheny Ramblers. He was a member of the Ashland United Methodist Church of Kossuth. Mr. Ritts was an avid small game and deer hunter. He enjoyed working around the house, driving his John Deere tractors and making country crafts for his family. He also enjoyed camping at the Tionesta Recreation area. Mr. Ritts first was married Jan. 28, 1946, to Alice Pearl WOLFF, who died Sept. 28, 1971. He next was married July 10, 1974, to Mary Elsie LICHTENBERGER, who survives. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in July with family and friends. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a son and his wife, Robert and Carol Ritts of Oil City; five daughters, Donna WINELAND of Parker, Kathryn THEIS and her husband, Dan, of Carnegie, Deborah WARNER and her husband, James, of Rockland, Christine Ritts of Atlanta, Ga., and Ruthie TRILLIZIO and her husband, Michael, of Butler; nine grandchildren, Stacy LEATHERY and her husband, Adam; Kelly Wineland; Jonathan Theis and his wife, Heather; Sam Warner; Roberta KOHLMEYER and her husband, Greg; Alice HALL; Theresa Ritts; Mathew BAUGHMAN; and Patricia NELSON; and two great-grandchildren, Arielle and Austin Hall. Also surviving are two brothers, Walter Ritts of Knox and Blaine Ritts and his wife, Mary Helen, of Bowling Green, Ohio; four sisters, Glenna CANBY and her husband, Jack, and Marlene CARR, all of Knox, Gayle HICKMAN and her husband, Larry, of Emlenton, and Judy GARDNER and her husband, Robert, of Shippenville; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his first wife, Mr. Ritts was preceded in death by his father, Merle, in 1957, and his mother, Elva, earlier this year; two brothers, Ralph Ritts and Jerry Ritts; a daughter, Esther Darlene Ritts; a son-in-law, Barry Wineland, earlier this year; and a grandson, Anthony Warner. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday in the William N. Ruper Mortuary in Knox. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Funeral home with the Rev. Daryl Larson, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church of Indiana, Pa., officiating. Interment will be in Ashland United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family requests donations be made to the Salvation Army, Cranberry School District Library or to the Ashland United Methodist Sunday School.

Carl D. Baker Sr., 93, of Cooperstown Star Route, died at 12:05 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, 1999, in Beverly Healthcare-Oil City. Born April 7, 1906, in Cooperstown, he was a son of Lewis and Minnie SHOEMAKER Baker. He attended schools in the Coopestown area. Mr. Baker was a well-known farmer for 44 years in the Oakland Township area. He was a school bus contractor for 39 years. He was an active member of the Bethel United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School superintendent and teacher and served on various church boards and committees. He helped in the renovation of the church. Mr. Baker was a volunteer with RSVP after his retirement. He enjoyed hunting and golfing. Mr. Baker was married Nov. 12, 1925, to the former Ethalyn LESHER, who died April 8, 1998. Surviving are six children, Mrs. Gifford (Betty) PERSING and Carl D. Baker Jr., both of Orlando, Fla., Mrs. John (Norma) HOGUE of Oil City, Kenneth D. Baker and his wife Barb, of Cooperstown, Sharon L. Baker of Seneca and Donald L. Baker of Franklin; 18 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; and 22 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Baker was preceded in death by a sister, Kathryn HINES; a brother, Kenneth D. Baker; a grandson, Robert Persing; and a great-granddaughter, Jennifer CASSATT. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the Huff Chapel, Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Bethel United Methodist Church will the Rev. Joseph P. Martin, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Bethel Cemetery. The family suggest donations be made to the Bethel United Methodist Church, Dempseytown Road, RD 4, Franklin, Pa. 16323.

Naomi M. Kessler Frampton, 73, of Marienville, died Friday, Sept. 24, 1999, in West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, after a short illness. Born Nov. 15, 1925, near Punxsutawney, she was a daughter of Clarence and Ella REESEMAN RUGH. Mrs. Frampton worked at the Marienville Glass Plant and later worked and retired from Houston Electronics in Kane. She was a active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Marienville. Mrs. Frampton first was married to Wayne W. Kessler, who died Aug. 9, 1955. She next married Dale Frampton, from whom she was divorced. Surviving are two sons, Chris Allen Kessler of Indianapolis, Ind., and Kirk Wayn Kessler of Marienville; and three grandchildren. She also is survived by a sister, Betty ANDERS of Marienville; a brother, James McFADDEN of Oil City; and a stepsister, Lois BULLOCK of San Diego, Calif. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Ronald McDonald Funeral Home in Marienville. The Rev. John Hollis, pastor of the United Methodist Church of Marienville, will officiate. Interment will be in North Forest Cemetery.

Virginia G. Carrig, 89, of 324 Wyllis St., Oil City, died at 10:04 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24, 1999, in Northwest Medical Center at Franklin. Born Aug. 10, 1910, in Franklin, she was a daughter of Theodore C. and Nellie DeARMAN KINGSLEY. Mrs. Carrig was a graduate of Pleasantville High School and attended Grove City College for two years. She served for 10 years as postmaster at the Pleasantville Post Office prior to World War II and during the War, she worked in the Oil City Post Office. For a short time, she was employed at Quaker State. Mrs. Carrig was a member of St. Stephen Church and the Belles Lettre Club. She was a Red Cross volunteer with service to veterans. Mrs. Carrig was married Nov. 12, 1949, to John E. Carrig, who died June 2, 1996. Surviving are a son, John K. Carrig of Tampa, Fla.; and two sisters, Louise KINGSLEY of Oil City and Martha VINOPAL of Titusville. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Carrig was preceded in death by three sisters, Helen SHARPNACK, Margaret CROWLEY and Jeanette LAUER. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Morrison Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. Stephen Church. Entombment will follow in the Bishop McManaman Mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to a charity of one's choice.

Simon Quinton Claypool, 74, of 9067 Route 28, Mayport, Redbank Township, Clarion County, died Saturday morning, Sept. 25, 1999, at his residence. Born Nov. 19, 1924, at Kittanning RD 4, Armstrong County, he was a son of Simon and Millicent MARSHALL Claypool. Mr. Claypool owned and operated Claypool's Market & Store in Shannondale for 28 years, retiring in 1988. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Distant. Mr. Claypool was a member of the New Bethlehem Lodge No. 522, F. & A.M., serving as the worshipful master in 1971. He was a member of the Couldersport Consistory 32nd Degree and served on the Couldersport Council Pricess of Jerusalem in 1978. He was a member of the Supreme Council and received his 33rd Degree in 1978. Mr. Claypool was a member of the Jefferson Royal Arch Chapter No. 225 of Brookville, the Royal Order of Scotland and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon Barber Tail Forest No. 180 of Kittanning. He belonged to the National Grange Lodge No. 1865 of Shannondale and the Walter W. Craig American Legion Post No. 354 of New Bethlehem. Mr. Claypool first was married to Betty L. JACK, who died April 18, 1992. He next was married Dec. 18, 1993, to Alva C. SHUSTER, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Kathy Ann Claypool of Brookville and Mrs. Paul (Barbara) Claypool SHAFFER of Mayport RD 2; and three grandsons, Kevin J. Shaffer, Kurt M. Shaffer and Kenny P. Shaffer, all of Mayport RD 2. He also is survived by a sister, Mrs. Rachel WHITE of Kittanning; and two brothers, Craig Claypool of Kittanning and Basil Claypool of Freeport. In addition to his parents and first wife, Mr. Claypool was preceded in death by two brothers, Mervin Claypool and Kermit Claypool; and three sisters, Jessie WOLFE, Florence DOUGHERTY and an infant, Mildred Claypool. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Charles D. Alcorn Funeral Home in Hawthorn and from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday in the First Baptist Church in Distant. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the church with the Rev. Lyle Westover, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Shannondale Union Cemetery, Redbank Township, Clarion County.

Vivian "Kitty" Host Fletcher, 69, of Garland, died Saturday, Sept. 25, 1999, in the Rouse Home, Youngsville, after an extended illness. Born Oct. 12, 1929, in Wentling's Corners, she was a daughter of J.D. Roy and Gladys E. LONG SNYDER. She was married in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Knox, Aug. 6, 1951, to Dana Host, who died Oct. 14, 1984. They owned and operated a general store in Tylersburg for 12 years. Mrs. Fletcher was a former member of the Tylersburg United Methodist Church and presently attended the Garland Presbyterian Church. Surviving are a son and his wife, Dana and Vicki Host of Tionesta RR 1; a daughter and her husband, Debra and William BUGBEE of Garland; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She also is survived by a brother, Chalmer Snyder of Strattanville; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Standish Snyder; and two sisters, Willa Faye Snyder and Thelma Klingler. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Borland Funeral Home, Inc., in Leeper. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Charles Duryea, pastor of the Garland Presbyterian Church, and the Rev. Arnold Rhoades of Kane, officiating. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery at Frills Corners. The family suggests memorials be made to the VNA Hospice Program; Friends of the Rouse; or to the Garland Presbyterian Church.

Michael Ray "Mickey" Feltenberger, 52, of Franklin RD 4, a self-employed contractor, died at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, 1999, in the West Unit of Northwest Medical Center.