Miss America :: Condolences

Charles Robert Skinner, 71, passed away on April 29, 2008. He was born in Syracuse, NY on May 24, 1936. He was involved with the Miss America Program from 1978- 1995, serving as a judge and Executive Director of Miss Maryland for many of those years. He was also the president of National Association of Miss America State Pageants. He judged Vanessa Williams for the title of Miss NY before she became Miss America. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, whom he married June 8, 1958, four children, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson. Also a brother living in Egypt. Visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00AM on May 2, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 1200 Churchville Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014. Memorial service will be at 11:00 at the church following visitation. Family requests donations to the Organ Fund at the church above or the Morris K. Udall Parkinson Disease Research Center, One Charles Center, 100 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Arrangements are by Evans Funeral Chapel, 3 Newport Drive, Forest Hill, MD 21050. Memorial tributes may be sent to evansfuneralchapel.com. Info is from The Aegis newspaper, Bel Air at www.theaegis.com

Joseph F. Kelly
Vice President of the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant Board of Directors

JOSEPH F. KELLY, 68 years of age, of Havertown PA, passed away suddenly on March 3, 2008. Beloved husband of Lorraine (nee McDade); loving father of Joseph (Wendy), Jeffrey (Kristen) and James (Cynthia); dear brother of Edward (Millie), William (Barbara), Daniel (Jean), the late John (Mary), Patrick and Catherine "Kitty" (Bill); grand-father of Ryan, Colin, Jeffrey Jr., Laura, Brooke and Sheridan. Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass Friday, 11 A.M., Sacred Heart Church, Manoa. Int. SS. Peter and Paul Cem. Calling hours Thursday eve, 6 to 9 and Friday 9 to 10:30 A.M., THE DONOHUE FUNERAL HOME, 8401 WEST CHESTER PIKE (cor. LYNN BLVD.), UPPER DARBY PA, 610-449-0300. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's memory to American Diabetes Assoc., 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd PA 19004, would be appreciated.

Calvin S. Mock age 66 of Allentown passed away Friday Feb. 2, 2008 in St. Luke’s Hospital, Fountain Hill. Born in Coaldale, PA he was the son of Olga (Yarosky) Mock and the late Calvin E. Mock.
He was an Army Veteran serving from 1963-1965. Calvin was a graduate of Steven’s Technical Institute and he retired from Mack Trucks in 2005. Previous to Mack Trucks he worked at Stanley Vidmar.
He was a member of First Congregational Church in Coaldale, a member of the Masonic Lodge in Allentown, a board member and previous President of the Mack Ski Club, Treasurer and Executive Board Member of the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant.

Calvin is survived by his mother Olga Mock of Allentown, formerly of Lake Hauto, his brother James and wife Allyn of Andreas, PA, 1 niece and 3 nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Louise Ann Mick.

A viewing will be held Wednesday evening Feb 27 from 6-8 PM at Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. 950 N. Front St. Allentown. His Funeral Service will be on Thursday Feb 28 at 10:00 AM in the funeral home. Interment to follow in Sky-View Memorial Park Cemetery in Tamaqua. Online condolences at www.kohutfuneralhome.com

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Calvin’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Eleanor (Sharpe) Taylor
Traveled with 16 Miss Americas as the National Traveling Companion and Member of the National Hostess Committee

TAYLOR, ELEANOR (nee SHARPE) - of Northfield, passed away February 7, 2008. Ellie is preceded in death by her parents Peter and Mary Sharpe, brothers Frank and Gene Sharpe and her sisters Mary Moore, Gert O'Brien and Ann Kelly. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Strother of Mays Landing, grandson Jason Strother of Seoul, South Korea and a granddaughter Kim Strother of New York City, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Eleanor's name to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 50 Memphis, Tenn. 38101-9929. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Nicholas Church, Tennessee and Pacific Aves., Atlantic City on February 12, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Friends may call one hour before at the church. Burial will be private. Arrangements by the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home

Miss Chicago 1948 Lois June Nettleton
Top 15 at Miss America

Miss Chicago 1948 Lois June Nettleton, 80, died at her home in Woodland Hills, CA on January 18, 2008 of lung cancer. Lois was crowned Miss Chicago 1948, competed for Miss America in 1948 and placed in the Top 15. For her talent, she performed "St. Joan" by Shaw. Lois became a versatile and accomplished actress who appeared on stage, in films and on TV in her long career. She studied acting at Chicago's Goodman Theatre and then at the Actors' Studio in New York City, where she made her Broadway debut in 1949's 'The Biggest Thief in Town'. Lois was Barbara Bel Geddes's understudy in the role of Maggie in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'.

Lois Nettleton appeared in many movies, but most of her work was on the stage and in television, where she appeared on everything from sticoms to soap operas. Nettleton won two Emmies for her TV work, for the daytime special "The American Woman: Profiles in Courage" in 1977 and for "A Gun for Mandy" in 1983.

Lois Nettleton was married for seven years to Jean Shepherd, radio and TV humorist and writer.

Instead of flowers, contributions can be made in Lois Nettleton's name to:
The Actor's Fund for Everyone in Entertainment
Seventh Avenue, 14th Floor
New York, NY 10019

The Miss America Organization would like to extend condolences to her family and friends.

Rosalie Jane Morris Collins
Miss Georgia 1956

Former figure skater Janie Collins, who once represented Georgia in the Miss America Pageant, has died at the age of 69.

Collins, whose maiden name was Rosalie Jane Morris, passed away on Friday, December 28, 2007, in Minneapolis after a long illness.

The wife of skating entrepreneur Tom Collins, the founder of the Champions on Ice tour, Janie Collins was from East Point in metro Atlanta and was the 1956 Miss Georgia. She performed in Holiday on Ice with skating partner Alfredo Mendoza, and they also created balletic routines that could be done on water skis at Cypress Gardens in Florida.

Karen Fahrenbach Thompson, 68, passed away Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at her residence. She was born in Racine, Wisconsin, the daughter of Warren and Virginia O'Neil Fahrenbach. Karen graduated from Racine Park High School and the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She was crowned Miss Racine 1960 and Miss Wisconsin 1960. Karen studied and performed ballet with the Chicago Ballet Company and the University of Utah Ballet Company. For her talent at Miss America, Karen performed ballet to "Sleeping Beauty". She taught radio and television classes at Tremper High School and served as choreographer for some of the schools musical productions. Karen attended Racine Assembly of God Church, started Isaiah 61:1 Ministries and had regularly led a prayer group. She enjoyed raising, breeding and riding horses.

Karen is survived by her husband of 30 years, Ronald D. Thompson of Racine; sons, Shea Patrick Thompson and wife Wendy of Moran, Kansas, Brett Thompson and wife Janet of Lake Elmo, Minnesota. A memorial service is planned for November 18, 2007 in Racine, Wisconsin.

Roberta Palmer-Porretta, Miss Ohio 1956, passed away on Wednesday, August 15th in Darien Connecticut. She is survived by her husband Frank, her five children Frank III (married to Miss Oregon 1998 Jennifer Sisco-Moore), Anna, Gregory, Matthew and Roberta, and 3 beautiful grandchildren.

Roberta is remembered for her inspiring, limitless life as well as her perpetual optimism. After having 5 children and supporting her husband’s thriving opera career, she then began her own opera career. A powerful and versatile soprano, her star rose quickly as she sang with such opera companies as the American Opera Center, New York City Opera, Portland Opera, the Teatro Municipal Santiago Chile, and in South Africa to name just a few.

Roberta was a beautiful woman inside and out; a loving mother, a devoted wife, and an inspiration to many.

Russell Mullin

The Miss America Organization would like to extend condolences to the family and friends of Russell Mullin who passed away on August 8, 2007. Russell was the son of Terry and Sharon Ritchie Mullin (Miss America 1956), and is also survived by his loving wife Mary Ellen and two boys, Brett and Colton.

Having previously lost two other sons, Tom who died of cancer in 1999 and Stephen who was killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11, Sharon shared this moving tribute at the services: "I am reminded of Jesus in the last days of his life and the night he was arrested. He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. First Jesus said "If it is possible, let this cup pass from me." But then he said, "Not my will but Your will be done." Finally he said, "Father, I may not understand You, but I trust You." Losing three sons has been difficult to understand but dear Heavenly Father we totally trust You and Your plan for us! I will be eternally grateful to Russell for loving and caring for Mary Ellen, Brett and Colton. He did the very best he knew how in taking care of them. We say 'Good job Rus. You will always be in our hearts, you magnificent man. Heaven is lucky!'"

Carl Fiore, former Chairman of the Miss America Organization Board of Directors, passed away on May 21, 2007. Carl was a long-time volunteer with the Miss America Organization. He served on the Executive Committee from 1967 until his nomination to Chairman of the Board in October 1981. He served in this capacity from 1981 through 1985.

Relatives and friends are invited to Celebrate Carl's life with the family on Wednesday, May 30th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Jeffries & Keates Funeral Home, Tilton Rd. and Infield Avenue, Northfield, where a Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carl's name to the Atlantic City Kiwanis Foundation, c/o Treasurer, Marc Robinson, 6003 Ventnor Ave., Ventnor City, NJ 08406

The Miss America Organization would like to extend condolences to his family and friends.

One of the most dedicated and beloved members of the Miss America Family, Leonard Hill passed away on March 6th.

As we reflect on Leonard's history with the Miss America Organization, he will be remembered for his integrity and his commitment to our program for over 20 years. Leonard was the National Judges Consultant and was a dear friend and loyal supporter of the pageant. He will be truly missed.

Letters and cards can be sent to Mrs. Aura Hill at the following address: 425 West Caracas Ave., Hershey, PA 17033. In lieu of flowers, Leonard requested that any memorial donations to be directed to the Hill Family Medical Student Cancer Research Fund, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, DDAR and PO Box 852, Hershey Pa 17033 Telephone: 717-531-8497. This fund commemorates not only Leonard but also his younger brother and mother who also died from cancer.

Marie Marguerite Huebner Raimer
(September 20, 1913 - February 15, 2007)

Marie Huebner Raimer, 93, of Puyallup, Washington, died Thursday evening, February 15, 2007 at her assisted living residence. Originally from Portage, Wisconsin, Marie won the title of Miss Wisconsin 1933 and went on to become a Finalist at the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City. As Miss Wisconsin, she had the privilege of meeting President Franklin Roosevelt. In 1936, Marie married Portage native Elmer William Raimer and in 1972, they relocated to Puyallup, Washington.

Marie Raimer is survived by three children, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Raimer and one child.

Burial:
Gethsemane Cemetery
Federal Way, Washington

Memorials can be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Miss Wisconsin Scholarship Pageant, Inc. of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The Miss America Organization would like to extend condolences to her friends and family. She will be sorely missed.

Janey Miller, 79, of Bartlett, Tennessee formerly of Atlanta, Georgia passed away Saturday, November 25, 2006 after a long battle with cancer. She was crowned Miss Atlanta 1946 and advanced on to the Miss America Pageant where she was a Preliminary Swimsuit, Preliminary Talent Winner and was awarded 2nd Runner-up to Miss America, Marilyn Buferd of California. Janey studied music at the New England Conservatory in Boston and modeled in New York City. She married a Navy man and they had six children. Janey was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Bartlett and was active in the choir and was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Well known for her green thumb, she was a member of the Memphis Horticultural Society, and for her love of animals she was active in the Humane Society.

Esther Greene Rogers, Miss South Carolina 1948

Ester Greene Rogers, 79, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 in Greenville, South Carolina. Born in Greenville, she was the daughter of the late Henry Earl and Letha Duncan Greene. Esther won the title of Miss South Carolina 1948 and competed for the Miss America title in Atlantic City. She was a graduate of Furman University and majored in voice. Mrs. Rogers was a retired choral teacher at Parker High School and was a member of St.Paul United Methodist Church where she was choir director for 52 years.

Claire Katherine Heen Cameron, Miss Hawaii 1951

Claire Heen Cameron, 73, Miss Hawaii 1951, passed away on September 4, 2006 of cancer. At the time of Miss America, she had recently graduated from Punahou High School in Honolulu. For her talent she performed the hula and was the winner of the Miss Congeniality award.

Claire was very helpful with the former Miss Hawaii's' fundraisers and was an early volunteer for the golf tournament. She and her husband were strong supporters of the Democratic party. She retired from RCA Global Communications.

Claire is survived by her husband, Reginald 'Sam' Cameron, sons, Keoni and Kimo, sister, Marion Heen Shim and brothers, Harvey, Walter, Ernest Jr. and Abraham Heen. Services will be held September 18th at O'ahu Cemetery.

Representing Aberdeen, Gail won the "Miss Washington" title for 1961 when she was a Sophomore at Grays Harbor College. An extremely talented young woman, she had special training in dance, and trumpet. For her talent presentation at the pageant she played "Warsaw Concerto" by Richard Addinsell on the piano. She was 63 years old. The Miss America Organization would like to extend condolences to her friends and family. She will be sorely missed.

John H. Schultz Jr. - Co-executive Director of the Miss Wisconsin Pageant

John H. Schultz Jr., co-executive director of the Miss Wisconsin Pageant, died Saturday, August 5th. John has been a part of the Miss Wisconsin Organization since 1974 and became the co-executive director in 1988.

A funeral service will be held for John on Wednesday, August 9th, beginning at noon at First English Lutheran Church, 1013 Minnesota St., with Rev. Timothy Gruenwald officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

The Miss America Organization sends their condolences to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

To view the article from Oshkosh Northwestern, Wisconsin, click here.

Patricia (Patsy) passed away on Saturday, June 24 following a long battle with ovarian cancer. She was 49. Patsy had been battling cancer since 1993 and had suffered a recurrence three years ago. She is survived by her husband, John, and their 19-year-old son, Burke.

Patsy competed in the 1978 Miss America Pageant where she performed a dramatic monologue as her talent and received a Special Talent Award (Non-finalist Talent Award) for her efforts.

Carol was 57 years young when she passed away on June 10. She is survived by her husband Kenneth E. Maclary and her parents Charles and Lois Hargreaves, who reside in Calabash, NC. Carol and Ken had no children.

Carol was a teacher from 1970 to 2000 when she retired and will be remembered by many of her students.

She joined the Miss Delaware Pageant Board family in 1988 and held the positions of treasurer, secretary, business manager and then Executive Director. Carol stepped down as ED in March 2003 due to her illness and the board voted her to Executive Director Emeritus in 2004.

Miss South Carolina 1946, Anne Mae Morse Bryant (November 8, 1926 - April 30, 2006)

Anne Morse Bryant, 79, a lifelong Columbia resident and former Miss South Carolina, died Sunday, April 30, 2006 at her residence.

Anne Bryant was the daughter of William Harley Morse and Carrie Evans Morse. After graduating from Dreher High School in 1945, she entered the Miss South Carolina Pageant at the suggestion from a friend and won, subsequently competing in the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City in 1946.

1976 was a monumental time for Marilyn and her husband Merle. After living in California for 40 years; where they raised their two children, Diane and Ron, they left all their friends and family and moved to Sierra Vista, Arizona. They purchased a business and were already committed to sponsorship for a young lady competing for the title of Miss Sierra Vista. She won and they attended their first Miss Arizona Pageant which began Marilyn's 30 year service to the Miss Arizona Organization.

Mrs. Hartwigsen's first year with the Sierra Vista Organization was a learning one for her - she served as their traveling companion. The next year, she became the Executive Director and held that position until her death on Monday, March 27, 2006.

She was lovingly referred to as the "GRAND DAME" of the Miss Arizona Organization and was the longest running Local Executive Director in the State.

Marilyn said it best, "I AM MOST GRATEFUL FOR THE BONDING EXPERIENCE WITH ALL THE YOUNG WOMEN I HAVE WORKED WITH AND ALL THE WONDERFUL FRIENDS I HAVE MADE OVER THE YEARS. I WOULD NOT TRADE MY EXPERIENCES FOR ANYTHING".

Miss Maryland 1948 Tasha Juanita (Lookabaugh) McIntyre, 75, passed away on Monday, Oct. 31, 2005. Born July 28, 1930, in Cumberland, she was the daughter of the late George Lookabaugh and Leona (Dermer) Lookabaugh.

Tasha was owner and operator of LaVogue Hair Salon. She was the former Miss Cumberland and Miss Maryland in 1948. Tasha was a devoted member of the local dance group, "The Never-Too-Late-Girls."

Tasha is survived by her daughter, Autumn Damian, Key Largo, Fla.; her sons, Kyle Bucy and his wife Jeanne, Arvada, Colo., and Derek Bucy, District Heights; and her granddaughters, Ciara Damian and Mariya Damian, both of Key Largo.

A memorial service will be held at the Grace Memorial Community Church on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Michael "Mickey" H. Stephens officiating.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Cancer Fund of America, PMB 999, 6400 Baltimore National Pike, Baltimore, MD 21228-3915. The Adams Family Funeral Home, P.A., 404 Decatur St., Cumberland, ( http://www.adamsfamilyfuneralhome.com ) is in charge of the arrangements.

Lyricisit Edna Osser, who's work graced the Miss America telecasts from 1955 through 1987, has died in New York. Along with her composer and orchestra leader husband Glenn, Edna helped to create the musical mood of the shows which made The Miss America Pageant a television icon. She will be sorely missed.

We are deeply saddened by this morning's news that Suzanne Knox, Executive Director of the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program, has passed away. Since 2001, Suzanne held this executive position with the pageant and, prior to that, she served for more than a decade as the co-Executive Director and Producer for the Miss Derry local pageant. During those years, the Miss Derry pageant received national recognition for awarding the most scholarship money at a local level within the state of New Hampshire, an honorable achievement of which Suzanne was very proud.

Our sincerest condolences to Suzanne's husband Bruce, her two children and all of her friends and family members. Additional details regarding funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.

Mark Marino Varchulik passed away on March 20, 2005. He acquired his Miss Las Vegas Local Franchise in 2003 and served for two successful years as the local executive director. Mark had a great passion for the Miss America System and had high hopes for the expansion and growth of the Miss Nevada Pageant. Mark is survived by his mother, Marie Lynn Varchulik, his father, Frank Varchulik, and his two sisters, Tiffanie Kalisz and Tawnie Lawrence, nis niece, Kayla Marie Kalisz and nephew, Anthony Lawrence. In Memory of Mark Marino Varchulik The Miss Las Vegas organization awards the Mark Marino Performing Arts Scholarship.

The Miss America Organization would like to extend condolences to his friends and family. He will be sorely missed.

Miss Pennsylvania 1970 Margaret (Walker) Backenstose died March 10 at her home in Edina, PA. She was 53.
In 1970, Margaret won the Miss Pennsylvania crown, taking the swimsuit competition. Her talent was gymnastics. She performed on the uneven parallel bars in Pennsylvania and later that fall in Atlantic City where she placed fourth runner-up in the Miss America Competition.

She married Thomas Backenstose in 1973 In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughters, Lauren and Paige of Edina, and parents, John and Margaret Walker of Cambridge Springs, Pa. Services have been held.

The Miss America Organization sends their condolences to her family and friends.

Dorothy Bastyr Willers, who was "Miss St. Paul" in the 1925 Miss America Pageant passed away Wednesday March 9, 2005 in her sleep in Hawaii. She was 99. May she rest in peace.

Miss New Jersey Pageant Producer, Barry Smith, 49 of Millville, New Jersey died on Wednesday, January 26, 2005. Barry has been the producer of the Miss New Jersey Pageant for five years. He was also the producer and director of the Miss Cumberland County Pageant for over 17 years. Barry was instrumental in bringing dozens of Miss Americas and Miss New Jerseys to Millville.

He is survived by his mother, Marion; sister, Beverly of Vineland; aunt, Betty Smith of Millville; numerous cousins, and special friend, Barbara Casarow of Bridgeton.

Memorial donations may be made to either: The Barry Smith Scholarship Foundation, c/o Mrs. Joan Cooper, 2373 West Main St., Millville, NJ 08332 or the Miss New Jersey Pageant scholarship Foundation, c/o Mr. Mike Allegretto, 901 Asbury Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226. Written condolences may be sent to rocapshannon@aol.com

The Miss America Organization sends their condolences to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed

Miss Louisiana 1964 Cherie (nee Martin) Vanderhoeven, age 60, formerly of Alexandria, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Services for Cherie Vanderhoeven will be at 1 PM Thursday, January 6, 2005 in Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, Alexandria, LA, with the Rev. Dan O’Connor officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Pineville, under the direction of John Kramer & Son.

Mrs. Vanderhoeven was a native of Pineville. She graduated from Northeastern State University and received her master’s degree from Northwestern State University. She was Miss Majorette of America and was Miss Louisiana in 1964. She was Past President of the Junior League of Alexandria and taught school in Rapides Parish.

Cherie Vanderhoeven is survived by her husband, James J. Vanderhoeven of Alexandria; one daughter, Cynthia Jean Vanderhoeven of Atlanta, Ga.; and one son, James Bartley Vanderhoeven of Lafayette.

The family has requested memorials be sent to Cancer Treatment Center, Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, 3300 Masonic Drive, Alexandria, LA 71301.

The Miss America Organization sends their condolences to her family and friends. She will be sorely missed.

Executive Director of the Miss Southside and Miss Colonial Heights Virginia Pageants, Lois P. Higgerson, 66, of Richmond, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, January 2, 2005. She is survived by her husband, H. Mike Higgerson; daughters, Debra Bandy and her husband, John of Richmond, Tracy Botset, and her husband, Mike of Chester and Beulah Kay of West Virginia; sons, John Hall Jr. and his wife, Dory of Chesterfield, Roy Corum and his wife, Kandi of Chester and Michael Ellis Higgerson of Indiana; sister, Jean Carlisle and her husband, John; brother, Joseph Peters; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Family will receive friends from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, at the Morrissett Funeral Home, 6500 Iron Bridge Rd. (Rt10). Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Interment Dale Memorial Park.

An on-line guest book for condolence messages has been established at:
http://www.legacy.com/TimesDispatch/Guestbook.asp?page=Guestbook&PersonID=2995142

Memorial contributions for the Miss Southside and Miss Colonial Heights Virginia Pageants may be made to:
Chester Christian Church
Lois Higgerson Memorial Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 3867
Chester, Va. 23831

The Miss America Organization sends their condolences to her family and friends. She will be sorely missed.

HANCE, NICHOLAS ROBERT

On November 26, 2004, of Blackwood. Age 2. Beloved son of Ernest Hance, Jr. and Natalie (nee McMaster). Devoted brother of Chaz and Aaron. Loving grandson of Ernest, Sr. and Maria Hance and Art and Theresa McMaster and great grandson of Zena Sparacio & Anna Perrotte. Dear nephew of Stephanie and Katie McMaster and Raymond and Jennifer Hance.

Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing from 6 to 9pm Tuesday evening and 10 to 11:15am Wednesday morning at Holy Family RC Church, Turnersville. Funeral Mass 11:30am Wednesday at the Church. Interment St. Joseph's Cemetery, Chews Landing. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Nicholas's memory to the American Heart Association, 600 White Horse Pike, Audubon, NJ 08106. Expressions of sympathy may be e-mailed to Condolences@GardnerFuneralHome.com.

The Miss America Organization sends their condolences to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

Miss Illinois 1933, Lillian (nee: Kroener) Rubesa passed away on Tuesday morning, September 7, 2004 at 5:00 AM in Thousand Oaks, California, according to her son, Mike Rubesa, of Danville, CA. Lillian was 89 years old. She is survived by her 93 year old husband, Charles Rubesa, her son, Mike, and her daughter, Karin Webber of Aptos, California.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Lillian had fond memories of her pageant experience and kept pageant scrapbooks and her Miss Illinois sash all these years as a reminder of her Atlantic City experience. She traveled with numerous other state titleholders during the summer of 1933 in a seven week vaudeville tour before arriving in Atlantic City. She had a long and happy life according to her family. No funeral services are planned.

The Miss America Organization sends their condolences to her family and friends. She will be sorely missed.

The Miss America Organization is deeply saddened by the news that Miss America Directors Advisory Board member, Mr. John Rowe, passed away.

Mr. John Rowe, passed away July 27,2004 at Shore Memorial Hospital. He served as President of the Miss America Organization in 1966-1967 and was instrumental in forming the first Miss America USO Troupe. He was also involved in many organizations, including the Atlantic City Jaycees, the Rotary Club, the Boy Scouts of America, the Seashore Firebuffs and the Atlantic County Association of Insurance Agents.

Funeral will take place SATURDAY, JULY 31, at 1:00 p.m at the Margate Community Church, 8900 Ventnor Ave., Margate. Visitation from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Interment Laurel Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 3 Eves Drive, Suite 310, Marlton, NJ 08053 -- or the Margate Community Church at the above address.

The Miss America Organization sends their condolences to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

Soundra Usry-Hollingsworth

"We are deeply saddened by the news that our friend and member of the Miss America Board of Directors, Soundra Usry-Hollingsworth, has passed away. Soundra was a part of our Miss America family for many years and she will be greatly missed. Her enthusiasm and dedication to this organization was second to none. Our hearts go out to Soundra's family members, friends, and all those whose lives she touched throughout the years," said Art McMaster, acting president and chief executive officer of the Miss America Organization.

A funeral service for Miss America Board of Directors member and longtime Atlantic City public servant, Soundra Usry Hollingsworth, will be held at Union Baptist Temple, Pennsylvania and Drexel Avenues, in Atlantic City at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28. For directions, please call 609-344-5258 or 609-345-4314.

Viewing and Musical Tribute at Union Baptist Temple are scheduled from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27 and a viewing is scheduled from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28 before the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Insulin Support Fund, Post Office Box 5310, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08404. Arrangements by Greenidge Funeral Home, Atlantic City.

Click here to view article from the Press of Atlantic City

The Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County Pageant Organization in Nebraska has lost a very dear friend and volunteer. Dotti Matthies passed away on June 23rd at home with her family by her side. A voting board member of the The Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County Organization, Dotti was instrumental in organizing all aspects of housing, feeding, and entertaining our many judges over the years. Her flair for entertaining led her to create wonderful, personalized "welcome" baskets, using her own ideas, talents, and money. Dotti also organized every aspect of our first orientation afternoon with the new contestants and oversaw the entire agenda for that day. She usually knew the names of all the girls before they walked in the door and served as an advice-giver extraordinaire for the young women as they got to know her through the weeks before the pageant. She was chosen as The Miss Nebraska Co-Volunteer of the Year in 2003 along with another board member. She is survived by husband, Burt; children and spouses, Brett and Marsha Matthies, all Omaha, Michelle and Matt McNamara, Grand Island, NE; grandchildren, Mallory, Grant, and Ella Matthies, Jacob McNamara; brother, Don Shallenberger, Nebraska City, NE; sister, Joyce and husband, Paul Oliphant, Lenox, IA. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.

The Miss America Organization sends their condolences to her family and friends.

Miss Indiana 1952 Ann Marie LaSalle passed away on May 7, 2004, in her residence, surrounded by her family.

Ann was the also the first runner-up in the Miss America Pageant where she sang an Italian Opera. She was a loving mother of four children: Thomas, Steve, Fred and Amy and a cherished grandmother of five.

No services or calling are planned. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be given to Center of Hope Cancer Foundation, 1520 Provident Drive, Warsaw, IN 46580

The Miss America Organization sends their condolences to her family and friends.

Country music songwriter, artist, publisher Buster Wilson passed away on March 3, 2004. Buster is survived by wife, Miss America 1983 Debra Sue Maffett, daughter, Jenny Connelly-Wilson; son, Rydder Wilson; mother, Bette Wilson; father, Jerry Wilson; sister, Lisa Street; brothers, Mike and Pat Reynolds and Stan Wilson. Visitation will be Monday, March 8, 2004 at Wallace Chapel at Christ Church, 15354 Old Hickory Blvd. from 12 noon til 2 p.m. with services beginning at 2 PM. Interment will be at the Christ Church Memorial Gardens. More information is available at http://www.musicsource.com/Buster2.html. The Miss America Organization sends their condolences to his family and friends.

Jim Smith, State Director/Producer of the Miss WV Pageant and active as a producer/director and judge of many local pageants passed away on February 24th. The funeral will be on Friday, February 27, 2004, 1:00 pm at First Lutheran Church of Parkersburgch located at 1701 19th Street, Parkersburg, WV, 26104. The Miss America Organization sends their condolences to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

Charles H. "Chuck" Beckwith, a long time friend and staunch supporter of the Miss America Program and community activist died Monday, February 23, 2004 after a short illness. Chuck was a retired teacher and supervisor of foreign languages in the Kingston, New York School District. He served in Europe with the U. S. Army from 1956-58. He was a community volunteer with the Kingston American Little League and a 14 year member of the Board of Managers of the Hudson Valley Senior Residence.

Chuck's involvement with the Miss America Program dates back to 1960 when he and his wife, Joan, attended their first Miss America pageant in Atlantic City. From that time on he served in a variety of capacities including contestant consultant and pageant judge for a number of years. Since 1991, Chuck has served with his wife as Co-Executive Director of the Miss Ulster County Pageant held in Kingston, NY.

Chuck has been a major inspiration and mentor to a large number of Miss Ulster County contestants. He has also served as an inspiration and mentor to a number of Miss New York E. D.s and local committee members as well as a number of Miss New York contestants.

Chuck was a regular visitor to Atlantic City and a familiar figure along the boardwalk. He will be sorely missed.

Rose Hildebrand Brown passed away surrounded by family members on February 13, 2004. Rose was Miss Asheville (NC) 1923 and competed in the third Miss America Pageant. She attended Syracuse University and was married to Sanford W. Brown for 60 years. During her life she sold real estate, designed jewelry and hats, but her greatest love was portrait painting of people from all walks of life. A retrospective exhibit of her work was displayed in New York City. Near the end of her life, Rose still loved parties, keeping up with current events, and enjoyed frequent visitors. She was 101 years of age. The Miss America Organization sends sincere condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.

Susan Wanbaugh, Miss Maine 1976, passed away from cancer on February 13, 2004 at her home in South Portland. She won the title when she was a sophomore at Bates College, where she was a threatre major. She was 46. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Miss Alabama 1957 Jessie Anna Stange passed away on January 27, 2004, in San Antonio, TX. Anna attended Birmingham Southern College briefly and graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in 1958. During the Miss America Competitions in 1957 she received the Non-finalist Talent Award in Atlantic City for her dramatic acting ability. Anna was preceded in death by her parents, Walter B. Stange and Mary Stead Stange. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Birmingham Humane Society. Graveside services will be conducted on Friday, March 12, at 1:00 p.m. at Elmwood Cemetery.

Dale L. Holley, 49, of Holmen, Wisconsin died Saturday, Dec. 19, 2003, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.

Dale was a 20-year volunteer with the Miss America organization, assisting with production of the Miss Holmen and Miss Western Wisconsin/Miss Wisconsin West pageants. He served as practice interview coach and helped countless young women stretch their horizons and become better aware of their own opinions on the issues facing society.

Dale is survived by his wife, Laura of Holmen, who brought great joy and fulfillment to his life; their five stepchildren, Kelly and Andrea Mensing, Tim and Pat Pedretti and Bridget Pfaff, all of Holmen; four stepgrandchildren; his mother, Lola Holley; his sister, Marna Holley; his brother, LeRoy (Nancy) Holley, all of Holmen; a niece and four nephews; and his foster brother, Forrest Kobernick of Cameron, Wis.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at Halfway Creek Lutheran Church, rural Holmen. The Rev. Lindsay Jordan will officiate. Burial will be in Halfway Creek Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call at Dickinson Funeral Home in Holmen from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, and at the church Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be given to Miss Holmen Pageant Scholarship Fund.

The Miss America Organization sends their condolences to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

Nancy Williams, an old friend of the Miss America Pageant, passed away on Tuesday, December 17th. Her son Bob thought it was a stroke as she had not been sick. She was 79 years old.

Nancy had two sons, Stephen and Robert and three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Robbie and Jennifer.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 20th, at 11:00 a.m. at Alice Millar Chapel, Northwestern University, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Private interment at Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, North Shore Area Office, 820 Davis St. Suite 340, Evanston, IL 60201-4445.

Jacquie Brunson

Long-time Executive Director of the Miss New Mexico Pageant, Jacquie Brunson, passed away on October 17, 2003. Jacquie was a kind, generous person who had many wonderful friends across the country and was a great asset to the Miss America Program. All that knew her will miss her.

Griffin Funeral Home in Hobbs, New Mexico is handling the arrangements. Their number is 505-393-2444. The service is scheduled for Monday, October 20, at 2:00 p.m. and will be held at the 1st United Methodist Church in Hobbs. Cards can be sent to Jacquie?s husband, Nolan, and family at 532 East Baja Drive, Hobbs, NM 88240. The Miss America organization sends their condolences to her family and friends. She will be sorely missed.

Suzanne E. Lawrence Forsberg passed away at her home in Bedford, Texas among family and friends on Saturday, August 23, 2003.

At 21, after a seven-year battle with vaginal cancer, she became the founder of the suppport program "Smiles Against Cancer"(for which she would receive the Quality of Life Award at the 1990 Miss America Pageant), Suzanne was crowned Miss Texas 1990. Later, she would win a preliminary talent award in Atlantic City for her haunting vocal rendition of "Sweet Dreams", and was named 3rd Runner-up to Miss America 1991.

After her marriage to beloved husband Chris, Suzanne enjoyed a sparkling career as a television news anchor at the ABC affiliate (WTVM) in Columbus, Georgia. In February 2000 at age 30, after the births of her two children, she was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer.

Soon she would establish TAKING A STEP, a fund-raising effort earmarked for colon cancer research in collaboration with Gold's Gym. Over 25 Miss America titleholders representing eight decades of outstanding American women would join Suzanne in her mission, and in February 2003, she would be acclaimed an "American Hero" by CBS on THE SATURDAY EARLY SHOW.

"What I have to give them (her children) is my heart and my love and the legacy of this, so that they'll know that their mother didn't quit.
She didn't just give up. She tried to do something to help everyone."

TAKING A STEP to benefit THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY will take place September 18-20 at the NAMASP Resource Forum at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, and a march in THE MISS AMERICA PARADE on that famous Boardwalk, September 19th. In the fall/winter another volunteer fund-raising event is scheduled at Gold's Gyms nationwide and will be featured on CBS. For more information, please visit: http://www.takingastep.org

Suzanne E. Lawrence Forsberg is survived by her husband, Chris Forsberg; two children MaKayla Forsberg and Gareth Forsberg; her mother, Maryann Lawrence; and one sister, Jennifer Lawrence Nguyen. May she rest in peace.

Long time Miss California Field Director Mary Bye passed away on August 16, 2003 at her home in San Diego. Involved with the Miss California Pageant for 40 years Mary did it all…she had been an Executive Director, was currently a Field Director and was the Miss California Preparation Committee Chairman. She touched so many lives both inside and outside our pageant family. Professionally she was a successful and respected Realtor in San Diego.

Mary will be deeply missed and remembered by us all. To cherish her memory she leaves her husband George, five children, two step-children, seven grandchildren and six step grandchildren along with a brother, sister and numerous nieces and nephews.

A scholarship is being established in Mary’s name in the state of California. If you are interested, donations can be made to the Mary Ann Bye Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Scholarship Associates, 5173 Waring Road #343, San Diego, CA 92120.
The Miss America organization sends their condolences to her family and friends. She will be sorely missed.

Nathan Zauber who headed the New Jersey State Pageant for 30 years until his retirement in 1995, died of cancer Saturday at a hospital near his home in Camden. He was 81.

The owner of a Haddonfield collection agency, Zauber got involved in pageants in the late 1950s when he convinced his local Kiwanis Club to sponsor the Miss Camden County pageant.

He wound up heading the local pageant for six years. In 1965 he was approached by the Miss America Organization and asked to head the state pageant.

Zauber and his wife, Bette, who served as Miss New Jersey's traveling companion, demonstrated a deep commitment to the pageant and its contestants. The pair kept a room in their house where the woman crowned Miss New Jersey would live during the months she spent preparing to compete in the annual Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City.

At one time, Zauber served as head of the National Association of Miss America State Pageants.

Zauber left the state pageant in 1995 after his wife became ill. She died in January 1999. The state pageant instituted a community service award in honor of the couple following their retirement.

Although retired, Zauber continued to lend advice and support to the pageant organization.

The Miss New Jersey Pageant was just one of the many organizations Zauber was involved in during his life.

Born in Philadelphia, he served as a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, flying fuel over the Himalayan Mountains to supply allied bases in China.

Memorial donations can be made to the Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Post 126, Cherry Hill, N.J. 08003.

Bob Horan

Miss Texas Scholarship Pageant Corporation President, Bob Horan, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 20th. The funeral is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 24th at University Christian Church 2720 South University Drive in Fort Worth, Texas. Robertson-Mueller-Harper Funeral Home 1500 8th Avenue Fort Worth Texas 76021 817-924-4233.

Bob is survived by his wife, Aileen and six children, Susan, Buffey, Allison, Debby, Michael, and Dean.

In lieu of flowers, the family request to send donations in Bob's name to the charity of your choice, or to the Miss Texas Scholarship Organization, or a scholarship to the National Sweetheart program.

The Miss America organization sends their condolences to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

Pat Laughlin Dooley

Long time Miss America volunteer, Pat Dooley, passed away on July 16, 2003. Pat's funeral was held at Woodlawn Presbyterian Church in Notasulga, Al. She is survived by her husband, Curtis Dooley, mother, Nell Matheny, daughter, Delisa Baughman, granddaughter, Erin Baughman and sisters Rita Matheny Whitman and Judie Matheny May. Pat made her mark on the Miss America Organization as a volunteer through the Miss Alabama Pageant in the early 60's. She was also Miss Alabama 1989, Jenny Jackson's traveling companion. She established the Miss Hamilton County Scholarship Program. Pat Dooley ignited a spark in everyone and her light will continue to shine through all she touched.

If anyone is interested in sending cards or gestures of sympathy, they can be sent to the National Office of the Miss America Organization and they will be forwarded to the families.

The Miss America Organization Offers Condolences