Obituaries
August 7, 2023

Patricia Merryman – Rehobeth Beach, Del.

By obits

On July 30, 2023, Patricia Ann Cover Merryman of Rehobeth Beach (Millsboro), Del., departed this life to be welcomed by her God after a battle with brain cancer. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Jan. 7, 1936, she came to her forever home with parents, George and Helen Cover, in Belle Vernon, at age 7. “Pat,” or “Patsy,” as she was called, attended Bellmar High School and was awarded an art scholarship when she graduated in 1953. She was an accomplished painter in oils and pastels, but went on to become equally proficient in ceramics and restoring antiques. Her home displayed her talent and was as welcoming as she was. Her flair spilled over to her scrumptious cooking, and family members remember the holiday feasts that she lovingly prepared. Patsy was a beautiful, artistic soul who loved deeply and was loved in return. Although shy, she had strong friendships that lasted a lifetime, particularly with Vanessa Mirtich, her daughter-in-law, Angela Winnett, and sister-in-law, Sandy Cover. Her compassion was demonstrated in the way she took care of Uncle Edgar Winnett until his death and in her generosity to family in need. Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, George and Helen Davison Cover of Belle Vernon; and by the love of her life, husband Thomas Merryman, who passed away in 2017 from ALS. She was his devoted nurse and treasured all the travels, adventures and joys of their 25 years together. Surviving her are her brother, Sam (Sandy) Cover of Belle Vernon; her beloved children, Greg William Winnett of Fallowfield Township, and daughters Micki Burton Welsh of Woodbridge, Va., and Debra Burton Scott, who made her home with her mother. All her children were in constant contact with her, and her daughters lived with her until she lost her battle in her home. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Jillian Winnett Thorn of Fallowfield Township, Christopher Scott of Lynchburg, Va., and Amanda Scott Cardenas of Richmond, Va.; as well as great-grandchildren, Olivia Whitehead, Gracie, Emily and Harley Cardenas, Victoria and Alexis Scott. She is also survived by stepchildren, Janice Winnett Jacobs of North Charleroi and Tommy Merryman, Kelly Merryman Greenway, Theresa Merryman Mullican and Robin Merryman Yatty, all of the Virginia-Maryland area. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, at First United Methodist Church of Belle Vernon with Pastor Charles Jack.

Elizabeth wastewater system sale official
Main
December 17, 2025
Pennsylvania American Water has finalized the purchase, completing the process that began nearly three years ago. For the MVI Pennsylvania American Water announced Tuesday it has completed the acquisi...
Monessen firefighters collect toys for kids
Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 17, 2025
A fire truck was filled with donations that will be distributed by the Monessen Family Center. Monessen’s volunteer fire departments held their annual toy drive Tuesday night to provide Christmas gift...
Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 17, 2025
There’s a slight surplus in the 2026 spending plan. North Belle Vernon council adopted its 2026 budget Tuesday, holding the borough’s tax rate steady at 29 mills and continuing a 3-mill fire tax for N...
McKeesport Fire Dept. rescues cat stuck in tree
Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 17, 2025
It’s not known if the animal has an owner. Rescuing cats out of trees is something usually seen on TV shows, but it became a real-life scenario Tuesday when McKeesport firefighters had to do just that...
Main
December 17, 2025
We’ll have coverage of a special meeting of the Elizabeth Forward school board.
Commissioners plan to strip hotel tax revenue from county tourism to build convention center
Around The Valley
WASHINGTON COUNTY
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 17, 2025
Jeff Kotula of the county’s Tourism Promotion Agency warns that the move would be a violation of state law. Washington County commissioners are weighing changes to the county’s hotel tax ordinance tha...