Obituaries

Essie Mae Maples

Mrs. Maples, 86, of Freehold, died Sept. 30 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. A lifelong resident of Monmouth County, she had resided in the Pergolaville section of Manalapan before moving to Freehold. Mrs. Maples was employed in many different fields, retiring in 1991 from the housekeeping department of the John L. Montgomery Care Center, Freehold Township. She is survived by two daughters, Ethel L. Maples of Freehold and Margaret A. Marlow of Lakewood; seven sons, Joseph Maples of Detroit, Harry Maples of New Brunswick, Robert Maples of Farmingdale, Nathaniel Maples of Eatontown, Frank Maples of Piscataway, Edward Maples of Freehold, and Gregory Maples of Brooklyn, N.Y. Funeral services were held at Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold, with Bishop Dr. Charles Simmons officiating. Interment followed at Maplewood Cemetery, Freehold Township.

Gertrude I. Smith

Mrs. Smith, 89, of Eatontown, died Oct. 16 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was predeceased by her husband, William. Arrangements were by John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.