William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd.

This article was in the local Washington paper today. The reporter noted some of the facts but certainly not all of them. It is my understanding that this was not a funeral home however it was a Crematory. After serving thousands of families in our community, I can’t understand any reason the bodies entrusted to them would possibly be left in a van in a garage which is what the article explains happened. The gentleman that stole the van obviously committed a crime but in my personal opinion, A crime or potential crime of equal seriousness at minimum was committed by whomever chose to leave these people in a van as described by the reporter. Please be careful who your funeral home of choice utilizes for the cremation of your loved ones. Michael

If you had a death in your family last year due to Covid, this link I created will take you to the FEMA info about applying for the funeral reimbursement program. FuneralReimbursement.com

Today would have been my father’s 90th birthday, hard for me to believe he has been gone since 2014. I am proud of the good he did for our community and that he instilled in me how important it is to help others whenever possible. I miss him terribly but chose to celebrate his life at this point rather than mourn his loss. This may be easier for me as I have no regrets in my relationship with him. I encourage everyone to find a way to eliminate future regrets by mending relationships today with those you love. It may not be easy but I assure you it’s worth it........Michael

These are a few local cemeteries that we visit on a regular basis and an example of what the charges are to open and close the graves. The first price indicates the cost of a full casket burial and the second price indicates the cost of a cremation urn burial.

Just a quick reminder that we are still restricting gathering size and all funeral & memorial services are private, no times will be advertised in obituaries or given out over the phone. This remains in effect until we publish changes in an effort to comply with safety guidelines on behalf of families who trust us as well as our team members

Betty Virginia Ruetschi March 21, 1941 - January 17, 2021 Betty Virginia Ruetschi, 79, of Prosperity, died Sunday, January 17, 2021 in Victoria Manor in Oakdale.... She was born on March 21, 1941 in Washington, the daughter of the late Harry and Margaret Lobozzo Ward. Betty graduated from Washington High School and was a homemaker. She was a member of Trinity Bible Fellowship and Mt. Hermon Church most of her adult life. She loved to dance, and many times was the first one on the dance floor. On September 11, 1960, Betty married Leo Vance Ruetschi, who died September 20, 2003. Leo had MS and Betty took care of him for many years. A beloved wife, Mom and Nana, Betty is survived by daughters, Brenda (the late Paul) Bardella of Washington, and Sonja (the late Scott) Hatfield of Washington; brothers Robert Ward of Washington and Donald Ward of Michigan; grandchildren Jeremi (Melissa) Bardella, Justin (Brandi) Bardella, Kayla (Eric) Ferris, and Preston Hatfield; three precious great-granddaughters, Mya, Julia, and Paisley; and many nieces and nephews. Betty is preceded in death by her brother Harry Ward Jr. and sisters Shirley Orskey and Doreen Ward. There will be a time of public visitation at Mt. Hermon Church, Friday, January 22, 2021, from 1:30 pm-2:00 pm. A public service will follow at 2:00 pm with Pastors Steve Ramey and Dave Decker officiating. Interment will follow at Prosperity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Hermon Church, 200 Banetown Rd, Amity, PA 15311. Arrangements are entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com

This year has been so strange and stressful for everyone. I want to wish everyone the best Christmas possible knowing we all have various levels of sadness related to the death of those we love. It doesn’t matter if it’s been 20 years or 20 minutes, the hurt remains in some way. Just remember, that pain related to the loss represents the deep price of loving those that have died and the privilege of knowing that love in my opinion is worth it and more. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers and I hope nothing but the best to you in this journey. Peace Michael

Unfortunately the latest restrictions in place by the state of Pennsylvania include gatherings at funeral homes. This means that no more than 10 people can be present at a service until at least January 4. These are truly tough times for everyone and we are doing everything possible to keep everyone as safe as possible while complying with regulation.

I hope you are well in this crazy time of Covid 19. I just wanted to share the steps we take to protect everyone who enters our building for a private service which remains the only option we are offering for several months now. No service times are published in the newspaper and only those invited by family are admitted up to the maximum of 25 visitors. Masks are required to enter the building. In between services, we are using specialized mist cleaning with professional equ...ipment that was purchased specifically to combat COVID 19 and related viral strains. This is the same type of cleaning being done on airlines, hotels and hospitals. In addition, we have invested in an entire building UV cleaning system that is employed every morning prior to anyone entering the property. Although these are very tough times, we are doing our best to not only accommodate families but to do it as safely as possible. As always, myself and my team thank you for your continued trust. Stay safe, Michael