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Mary Ellen Jones, 88, of Tyrone, entered into the arms of her Savior, Jesus, after a brief illness. She was born at home, the youngest daughter of Malcolm Lynne and Ellen (Estep) Rorabaugh.
Mary Ellen was first married in 1957 to Dr. Richard W. Stever Jr. DDS, and then in 1977 to Benjamin C. Jones Esq., who preceded her in death in 1995.
Mary Ellen is survived by her children, Richard W. Stever III (Kim) of Spruce Creek and Amy Stever Kemp (Revel) of Tyrone; grandchildren: Aaron Reese (Carrie) of Tyrone, Richard W. Stever IV (Hayley) of Spruce Creek and Olivia Stever of Pittsburgh; great-granddaughter, Sarah Dean (Chad) of Tyrone; and great-grandson, Hunter Reese of West Glacier, Montana. Mary Ellen was blessed with great-great-grandchildren: Braelyn, Sawyer and Reese Dean; a "sister by another mother" Ellie Spangler; and a very special golden retriever grand-dog, Rosie.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; twin sister, Gretta Czap; daughter, Ellen Marie Stever Delbaggio; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Nicole Stever.
Mary Ellen graduated from Tyrone High School in 1955, and in 1959, she earned her Registered Nurse degree from Allegheny General Hospital Nursing School, Pittsburgh. She balanced raising a family while earning her degree and establishing a professional career by finishing her senior year while her young daughter remained in Tyrone with family and her husband continued his dental school studies in Philadelphia -- a small sacrifice for the future security of her family.
Mary Ellen worked at Tyrone Hospital starting in 1970, settling into a lifelong career in the OR, where she comforted many nervous patients by holding their hands and assuring them all would be well. She retired as the manager in 2002.
Mary Ellen was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Tyrone and lived her life through the Christian principles of faith, hope and love. She served as a Eucharistic minister and enthusiastically participated as an RCIA mentor for new members of the church.
On the fun side, Mary Ellen was an avid Penn State football and Joe Paterno fan and supporter of the Blue Band. She loved to travel, going to Penn State bowl games, Scotland, Germany, Australia and to New York City for shows and Christmas shopping. She was also active in community service by serving on the Blair County American Red Cross Relay for Life committee, singing in the Allegheny Chorale and becoming a member of a national community service sorority, Beta Sigma Phi.
Mary Ellen will certainly be remembered for her love for her family, her love for cooking and her compassionate and giving nature that shone through her beautiful smile.
Friends will be received from 10 until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial Monday, May 12, 2025, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Tyrone.
Arrangements are by Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc., Tyrone.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1105 Cameron Ave., Tyrone, PA 16686.
searerfuneralhomeinc.com