Elizabeth J. ‘Betty’ Smith – Zelienople, formerly of Elizabeth, Pa.
Obituaries
May 12, 2026

Elizabeth J. ‘Betty’ Smith – Zelienople, formerly of Elizabeth, Pa.

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Smith, 97, of Zelienople, formerly of Elizabeth, Pa., passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, while under the care of Passavant Retirement Community. Born Oct. 26, 1928, in Glassport, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Isobel Dunst Burton. Betty volunteered for over 20 years in McKeesport to assist special needs children. She also graciously volunteered at Passavant Retirement Community. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed sewing and quilting. She was also an...

Class of 2026 Graduates at South Allegheny
Latest News, Main
Class of 2026 Graduates at South Allegheny
May 30, 2026
Abigail Sethman of Port Vue and Hunter Soafka of Liberty Borough were part of the Class of 2026 that took part in commencement services Friday evening at South Allegheny High School. Heather Hart / Fo...
Yough Holds 2026 Commencment
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
Yough Holds 2026 Commencment
May 30, 2026
Members of the Class of 2026 toss their caps into the air during Friday’s graduation ceremony at Yough High School. Renee Bonari / For the Mon Valley Independent
McKeesport teachers receive pay increase
Latest News, Main
McKeesport teachers receive pay increase
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
May 30, 2026
Their base salary will rise from $44,000 to $50,000 per year. Earlier this month, the McKeesport Area school board unanimously approved a significant salary increase for district teachers following ne...
EF students, March Fourth partner in mental health effort
Latest News, Main
EF students, March Fourth partner in mental health effort
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
May 30, 2026
They produced a line of clothing featuring positive messages. Elizabeth Forward’s student-run business and a local nonprofit teamed up for a project to commemorate mental health awareness month in May...
EF honored for outstanding musical
Latest News, News
GENE KELLY AWARDS
EF honored for outstanding musical
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
May 30, 2026
McKeesport Area and Thomas Jefferson also received awards for their spring shows. Several high school musical theater performers throughout the Mon Valley were recently honored at the 35th Annual Gene...
Charleroi Area names top graduates
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
Charleroi Area names top graduates
May 30, 2026
Commencement ceremonies for 122 graduates will be held Wednesday. Charleroi Area High School will hold its 2026 commencement at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Charleroi Area High School amphitheater. In the ...