Vernie M. Vitale, 81, of Slippery Rock died Monday at United Community Hospital, Grove City.

Born in Branchton, Feb. 22, 1923, she was the daughter of Floyd and Alice Simpson Wigton.

She had worked with her husband in the family gun shop.

Mrs. Vitale enjoyed camping, hunting and playing folk and country music with family and friends.

Surviving are a son, Bruce G. Vitale of Boyers and his fiancée, Linda Say; a daughter, Mrs. Bruce (Kathy) McCall of Centertown; a grandson, Richard Panei; three sisters, Erma Osborne of Slippery Rock and Norma Daniels and Ethel Wiley, both of Grove City.

Her husband, Tony R. Vitale, whom she married Sept. 8, 1945, died in 1999. A brother, Earl Wigton; and a sister, Elmo Parke, also preceded her in death.

VITALE - Friends of Vernie M. Vitale, who died Monday, Jan. 24, 2005, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at FICCA FUNERAL HOME, 203 E. Pine St., Grove City. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. James Lewis, pastor of Branchton Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be at Slippery Rock Cemetery.