Obituaries
November 3, 2020

Shirley R. Putra – Monongahela

By obits

Shirley R. Putra, 96, Monongahela, died Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in her home. She was born April 15, 1924, in Turtle Creek, the daughter of Howard L. and Ethel M. Hunter Ocker. Shirley was a graduate of Norwin High School and the School of Nursing at Westmoreland Hospital. She obtained her license as a Registered Nurse and worked at Westmoreland Hospital for several years. During World War II, she was recruited in the Cadet Nurse Corps, but was never assigned prior to the war ending. In the early 1950s, she was head of the operating room at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. She was a member and one of the founders of the Calvin Presbyterian Church in Irwin where she was also a member of its Women’s Missionary Society. Shirley’s talents were endless and used her skills to make anything that she needed. She is survived by her daughter, Phyllis A. Hickok, with whom she made her home; sister, Miriam J. Brooks of Charlotte, N.C.; brother, Richard E. Ocker and wife Sally of Boardman, Ohio; four nieces and two nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Andrew Putra, in 1990; a sister, Sarah E. Gemmill; and a brother, David W. Ocker. Friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, in Irwin Union Cemetery, North Huntingdon Township, with the Rev. Aaron Garber officiating. The FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC. is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com.

Stuff the Bus expands efforts to assist area students
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
October 17, 2026
It’s now an independent nonprofit organization with a reach far beyond Charleroi. Stuff the Bus is spreading its wings. After nine years of supporting students in the Charleroi Area School District, t...
Ringgold High School crowns homecoming king and queen
Latest News, Main
October 17, 2026
Eli Pierce and Bella Schnupp were crowned as homecoming king and queen at Ringgold High School. Photo by Heather Hart / For the Mon Valley Independent
McKeesport Area High School crowns homecoming queen and king
Latest News, Main
October 17, 2026
McKeesport Area High School chose Michelle Ferguson and Barrett Greenlee as its homecoming queen and king. Photo by  Jeff Helsel / Mon Valley Independent
Donora arrest, video sparks investigation
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
October 17, 2026
Shawn Bowman contends excessive force was used when he was taken into custody in August. Donora borough officials say they are investigating the actions of a police officer captured on video punching ...
Crash deaths ruled accidental
Latest News, Main
October 17, 2026
Four Yough High School students were killed in a March 21 crash. By RENATTA SIGNORINI TribLive The deaths of four Yough High School students in a fiery March crash have been ruled accidental. On Frida...
Washington County’s annual Road to Recovery Symposium held
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
October 17, 2026
The event brings together people involved in the fight against opioid addiction. For the MVI More than 150 community stakeholders working to address the opioid epidemic gathered Wednesday at the Penns...