BACKES ARMELLA H. (LEIBACH) Armella Backes, of Shaler Twp., 93, died suddenly Thursday, March 27, 2014. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Jerry Backes, Armella is survived by her children, Kathy (John) Szymanowski, Don (Cindy) Backes, and Sandra (Bryan) Warner; grandchildren, Lindsay Walsh (Sean), Alan and Kirsten Warner, and John Szymanowski (Michele); great- grandchildren, Christi and Jamie Szymanowski; sister, Agnes Perlik; sister-in-law, Ethel Leibach; and many nieces and nephews. Armella will be sadly missed by her family, many friends, and neighbors. Prior to starting her family, she worked as an operator supervisor at Bell Telephone in Bellevue and Dormont. She remained spiritual throughout her life, regularly going to church then stopping at the IHOP with her friends. Always active, she served as Vice President, Treasurer, and Chaplain at the Bauerstown AARP Chapter. She was also a St. Aloysius Silver Star. Armella was also an avid seamstress, card player, and traveler. Above all, one of her main joys came from toiling in her many flower gardens once the dreaded winter faded away each year. Her sharp wit and gift of chatting with others will be fondly remembered. Friends received Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the HEALY-HAHN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 512 Grant Ave., Millvale, where funeral services will be held Monday 11 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ross Twp. Family suggests memorials to the Shaler EMS or Bauerstown Fire Hall. Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb