Edith Mae Barnes

Struthers- Edith Mae Barnes, 80, of Struthers, died Saturday, March 14, 2009 at her granddaughter's residence after complications due to COPD. Mrs. Barnes was born September 15, 1928 in Erie, Pa., a daughter of Edward and Glada Graham Gradler. She came to this area in the 1960's. She was a 1946 graduate of Academy High in Erie. Mrs. Barnes worked in retail sales in the clothing department for several stores including Richmond Bros. for 20 years. She was a member of St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Struthers, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Struthers, and the Democratic Party. She enjoyed playing bingo and cards. In 1968, she participated in the Vietnam Drive and sent hundreds of packages to soldiers on the front line. She was recognized by President Johnson for her work and was known by the soldiers as "Mrs. Claus." She leaves her two daughters, Karen (Dave) English of Lakeland, Florida and Cynthia (Dan) Wellman of Struthers; two sons, David (Sheila) McLaughlin of Campbell and Donald McLaughlin of Andover; a sister, Florence Earl of Boca Raton, FL; a daughter-in-law, Pam McLaughlin of Greenford; eight grandchildren, Ron (Dawn) McLaughlin of New Springfield, Tina (Shawn) Millison of Greenford, Tracy (Tim) Green of Toledo, Cassie (Jon) Eppinager of Monroe, Michigan, Dawn (Jay) Andrews of Rogers, Tanya McLaughlin of Coitsville, David McLaughlin of Campbell, and Michael Wellman of Struthers; seventeen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Michael McLaughlin; a sister, Letah Gradler; and two brothers, Edward and Donald Gradler. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 9:15 a.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers and 10 a.m. at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Bernard Bonnot officiating. Family and friends will be received Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family requests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions in Mrs. Barnes name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, Ohio, 44512. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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