Semel

Evelyn “Ev” Barnhart Semel passed away peacefully at her residence in Zelienople, on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, and will join her husband of 66 years, Joe.

Born April 4, 1934, in Chicora, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Helen (Stoughton) Barnhart. One of 11 children, Evelyn always loved to share that she was the fourth child, born in the fourth month, on the fourth day.

She was preceded in death by husband, Joe; her brothers, Karl, Gary and Walter; her sisters, Helen Kniess, Audrey Altemus, Jackie Nikita, and Virginia Mang; and her great-grandson, Wyatt Bartley.

Evelyn graduated from Zelienople High School in 1952, where she enjoyed being a member of the Homemakers Club. She met her husband, Joseph, in high school, and the two were married in 1954. She worked as a loan officer at Mellon Bank until the birth of their first child.

A devoted member of Divine Grace Parish, St. Gregory Catholic Church, Evelyn was active in the PTG and generously contributed her time to the Zelienople community. She was involved in Alpha Gradale, Travelers Club, the Red Cross Blood Bank and she helped to start the Southwest Aquatic Club.

She cherished her winters in Fort Myers, Fla., where she was a member of Cypress Lake Country Club and enjoyed golf and bridge. Evelyn loved to travel and treasured every moment spent with her family. She felt truly fortunate to be part of her granddaughters’ lives and to watch them grow.

Evelyn leaves behind her three children, Terry (Semel) Rose and her spouse, Fred, of Fort Myers; Gregg Semel and his spouse, Jen, of Zelienople; and Stacy Semel Bates, of Fort Myers. She is also survived by her five granddaughters, Heather Bartley, Tara Walchesky, Sheena Smith, Ann Semel and Audrey Tellez; and four great-grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff, caregivers and friends at Lutheran Senior Center for their exceptional care, kindness and companionship to Ev.

SEMEL — A Mass of Christian burial for Evelyn “Ev” Barnhart Semel, who died Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Divine Grace Parish, St. Gregory Catholic Church, 2 W. Beaver St., Zelienople.

She will be laid to rest privately by her immediate family, who will gather for a private celebration of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Zelienople Community Park or the Zelienople Area Public Library.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with her family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.