Obituary of Della D. Grey

Mrs. Della Grey passed away in Pittsburgh on Saturday, September 3 of natural causes. She was 99. Della was born Adel Vichulis, in Ashley PA on February 24, 1912. She was the second daughter of 15 children born to Walter "Lallie" (Whiteman) Vichulus and Agnes Ursula (Riddle) Ritelis both of Lithuania. Della left school after the 7th grade to support the family, working at the embroidery mill of Herman Funke & Sons until, at the age of 22, she married Walter (Grey) Gryskewicz (b. 1911.) Walter was Burgess of Ashley from 1937-44, and served as Pennsylvania State Representative from the 2nd State Legislative District between 1940- 1942. He was killed in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. Della was sworn in as Burgess upon his death and was reelected to the position twice. They had three children, Marilyn, Jean, and Walter Jr. Della never remarried. She loved to travel, including trips to Rome where she met the Pope, Spain, and Hawaii. Her favorite colors were orchid and mint green. Della is predeceased by her children, Marilyn G. Hinchliffe, Jean Juba, and Walter Grey. She is survived by her sisters, Helen Zanelli and Rita Cameron; brother, Joseph Jerome (Bud) Whiteman; grandchildren, Kelly A. Magrath, Michael J. Magrath, Debbi L. (Juba) Chronister, Jeffrey A. Juba; and great-grandchildren, Ty Charles, Kija Olivia and Jake Michael Chronister, and Magdalene Grey Magrath; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 2pm on Saturday, October 8 at St Leo's Catholic Church, 33 Manhattan St., in Ashley. Friends are invited to bring memories of Della to share with her family or you may write them at the funeral home's website at www.betzjastremski.com where you may also light a virtual candle.