Mildred Riggle Zappia Lasher, 84, of Jameson Care Center, Neshannock Township, formerly of Coffee Run Road, Pulaski, entered Heaven's gates on the morning of Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Born on Jan. 19, 1936, in Louisville, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Jesse and Mary Schroeder Riggle. She married Frank Zappia on May 23, 1959, and he died on Dec. 28, 1971. She then married Fred Earl Lasher on July 20, 1972, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 1972. Mildred was a 1954 graduate of Southern High School in Louisville, Kentucky. She was a school bus driver for Anderson, Moore, Rhodes and Watson Busing, transporting students in the Wilmington Area School District. Mildred cherished time spent with her family. She also loved gardening and playing Scrabble. Mildred was a member of Lowellville Christian Church, where she served as Sunday school teacher, superintendent and treasurer for many years. Survivors include one daughter, Melda Marie (Mark) Irwin of Pulaski; two sons, Steven Frank Zappia of Lowellville, Ohio, and Fred Earl Lasher Jr. of Pulaski; four grandchildren, Adam (Jessica) Zappia, Nathan (Colleen) Zappia, Karianne (Tyler) Peffer and Zachary Irwin; and four great-grandchildren, Avery, Max, Bryce and Everly Zappia. In addition to her parents and both husbands, she was preceded in death by five brothers and her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Nolder Zappia. The family will hold a private service at the Smith Funeral Home 310 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington, on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, with Dr. Augustine Biscardi officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery, New Castle. The family will hold a Celebration of Life service at a later date.

From: The New Castle News, New Castle, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, January 3, 2021

Married: Frank Rocco Zappia, May 23, 1959

Married: Fred Earl Lasher, July 20, 1972, in Lowellville, Mahoning County, Ohio