Ernest A. Sheetz

Ernest Sheetz, age 77 of Alliance, died at 12:20 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006 at Alliance Community Hospital. He was born June 23, 1929 in McKeesport, PA to Ernest A. and Grace (Manley) Sheetz, Sr. and had lived in Alliance for more than 50 years. Mr. Sheetz graduated from East McKeesport High School and received his Bachelor's degree in Geology from Mount Union College where he received the Alumni Service Award in 1991. Mr. Sheetz served at Mount Union College for 39 years, finishing his career as Senior Vice President. Mr. Sheetz currently served as the Executive Director of the Greater Alliance Foundation; he was the Executive Director of the East Ohio Area United Methodist Foundation from 1997-1999 and currently was on the board. He was chairman of the Pass 4 Alliance School Levy Committee and two- time chairman of the Board and Campaign Chairman for the Alliance Area United Way and received the Volunteer of the year award in 1991. Ernest was also a member of the Boards of Directors at Copeland Oaks, Alliance Youth Center, Stark Co. Mental Health, Alliance Country Club and was a member of Filibusters. He was a 50 year member of Christ United Methodist Church, where he served as Lay Leader and was the Board of Trustees Chairman. Ernie was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict and was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Syria Shrine in Pittsburgh. Survivors include his wife, Betty (Hixenbaugh) Sheetz, whom he married Nov. 24, 1956; sons Craig (Judy) Sheetz of Edmond, OK; Ken (Mary) Sheetz of Carmel, IN and Brian (Chris) Sheetz of Olmsted Falls, OH; and grandchildren Tim, Amy, David, Jennifer, Kristin, Emily and Andrea Sheetz. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Dorothy Orrell and Madeline Chase and brother Ralph Sheetz. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home with Rev. Hugh Hookway officiating. Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Monday. Interment will be at Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mount Union College, 1972 Clark Ave. Alliance, OH 44601 or Christ United Methodist Church, 470 E. Broadway, Alliance, OH 44601.