Kristal Jo Hetz, 31, Berlin, formerly of Meyersdale, died July 6, 2011, of injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident in Dauphin County, near Harrisburg. Born April 28, 1980, in Meyersdale, daughter of Lisa Murray-Stayrook and Randy Stayrook, Wittenburg, and William Hetz, Meyersdale. Preceeded in death by grandparents Bernard and Norma Murray, Wittenburg, to whom she was especially devoted as a child. Also late great-grandparents Walter and Lydia Christner and Allen and Anna Murray, and cousin Barry Kukowski. Kristal was profoundly deaf and began her education as a pre-schooler at the Western PA School for the Deaf (WPSD) in Pittsburgh, where she received specialized training to improve her communication skills as well as a standard curriculum. She commuted by bus to her school each week until she graduated in 1999. She made and kept many friends there and was very socially active in the deaf community, especially the Johnstown Association of the Deaf. She was a passionate animal lover and was devoted to her two pets, Harley and Eva. Kristal is survived by aunt and uncle JoAnn and James Kukowski and Shaggy of Fairfield Glade, Tenn.; cousin Amy Jo Kukowski and Princess, BT and Squirt of Fairfield Glade; cousin Paula Kukowski-Cantor and husband Kimberly and MiLo and Mysti of Stockbridge, Ga.; cousin Amy and John Gilbreath, Fort Hill; stepbrother Christopher Harbaugh, Confluence; stepsister Amanda Saunders and husband James of Ranson, W.Va.; aunt Cindy Stayrook, Cumberland, Md.; uncle Terry Stayrook and cousin Angie, Berlin; special aunt and cousins Cathy Hetz, Misty Hetz-Sines and family and Candi Hetz-Pletcher and family. Family friends Kim and Mike Saylor, Berlin; Edie and Brad Murray and family, Friedens; and all the girls at Styles by Brittany. No viewing or services at this time.
Source: http://www.dailyamerican.com/lifestyle/obituaries/da-ot-kristal-jo-hetz-31-berlin-20110709,0,3511206.story