Obituary

Bernice Helen (Esworthy) Hites, 78, of Beaver is finally at rest in the Lord, after a very long courageous battle with her health. She died Thursday July 11 at Friendship Ridge, Brighton Township. She was born October 9, 1934 in Rochester and was the only daughter of the late Walter and Helen Esworthy.

Bernice was a 1952 graduate of Rochester High School, was a bookkeeper for most of her working life and while in this area had been a member of the Oak Grove Church of Christ in Industry. After only one year of piano lessons as a child, Bernie loved to play the piano for family and friends gathered around the piano in the living room. She became the first church organist/piano player at Oak Grove Church. Her passion for cooking was seen in her many dinners made for the Church and special gatherings at home, usually followed by her playing the piano and others singing. Bernie was preceded in death by her husband and only love, John Wilson Hites in October 1989. Also, besides, her parents, she was preceded by 2 brothers, Robert and Earle Esworthy, 2 infant nephews, Gary and Jeffery Esworthy and a step-daughter, Maureen Hites Woods.

Surviving are children, Cathy Lynn (Ray Davis) Hites, Aliquippa, Beth Anne (Arnold) McMillen, Peoria, AZ, Amy Michelle (Daniel) Estey, Thompson, OH, David Scott (Cindy DeLuca) Hites, Glendale, AZ, stepson John Randolph (Shirley) Hites, Beaver Falls, 2 very cherished grandsons, Joshua Scott (Kristin McKelvey) Hites, Coraopolis and John Clarke Dettmer, Phoenix, AZ and many special nieces, nephews and church family.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 18 from 2 to 4 in the Todd Funeral Home, 340 Third Street Beaver where a service will be conducted by long-time family friend, Pastor Emeritus Ed Heist. Interment will be in Sylvania Hills.

Special thanks go to the staff of Friendship Ridge 3 Main, especially, Chris, Alyssa, Joy, Amy, Maureen, Donna, Becky, Lisa, Lona, Ken, Erika, Dee and Jodie, Liberty Dialysis and kidney doctors at Friendship Ridge, and Drs. Tatum, Harold and Moesseer. Your help and kindness will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Red Line Auxiliary at Friendship Ridge.