USA High School Yearbooks by State and County
Warren Phelps
Warren "Phil" Phelps, 85, of Brookville, died Friday, March 24, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton.
Born July 12, 1914, in Preble County, he was the son of Edward and Olive (Towell) Phelps. He was a graduate of Farmersville High School, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, and had retired from Frigidaire Corp.
Mr. Phelps was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in West Alexandria, a member of James E. Ryan Post #322 American Legion, and a former service officer for Preble County Veterans Affairs.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Mildred Phelps; two grandchildren, René (Jimmy) Chase of Brookville and Rhonda (Justin) Title of Austin, Texas; four great-grandchildren, Jessica, Brandon, Cole and Conner; a son-in-law, Wendell Chadwell of Brookville; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Chadwell, in 1990; his parents; two brothers, Frank and Orville Phelps; and a sister, Ethel Focht.
Funeral services were Tuesday, March 28, at St. John United Church of Christ, West Alexandria, with the Rev. Ron Dafler officiating. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, West Alexandria. Lindloff-Zimmerman Funeral Home, West Alexandria, was in charge of arrangements.
Isabell Upchurch
Isabell Upchurch, 61, of West Alexandria, died Friday, March 24, at Fort Hamilton-Hughes Hospital in Hamilton.
Born May 18, 1938, in Crab Orchard, Ky., she was the daughter of the late Phillip and Eva (Hendrickson) Rice. She attended the Pillar of Praise Church in West Alexandria.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cullen D. Upchurch, in 1991; and a sister, Elizabeth Bullins.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Tracey and Julie Upchurch of West Alexandria; daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and Clifford Hodge of Hamilton, Angela and John Collins of West Alexandria; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are five sisters, Peggy Withers of Hamilton, Loretha Napier of Batavia, Verdie Hilton, Mary VanHook and Joyce Helton, all of Michigan; and four brothers, William and Eugene Rice, both of Kentucky, Jasper and Franklin Rice, both of Michigan.
Funeral services were Tuesday, March 28, at the Pentecostal Highway Holiness Church, Hamilton, with the Rev. L.L. Collins officiating. Burial was in Preble Memory Gardens, West Alexandria. Barnes Funeral Home-Preble Memory Gardens Chapel, West Alexandria, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Mabel I. Rexrode
Mabel I. Rexrode, 94, formerly of Eaton, died Saturday, March 25, at The Brethren's Retirement Community in Greenville.
Born June 18, 1905, in Preble County, she was the daughter of the late George Franklin and Bertha Catherine (Tillberry) Showalter, and had lived in Eaton for 72 years. She attended Manchester College at Manchester, Ind., was a retired music teacher, and a member of the Eaton Church of the Brethren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver T. Rexrode; and son, Marion Eugene Rexrode.
Survivors include two daughters, Kay Lee of New York, N.Y., and Joan Deem of Roseville, Calif.; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at The Brethren's Retirement Community Chapel, Greenville, with Pastor Marion Noll of the Eaton Church of the Brethren and Pastor Mary Sue Rosenberger of The Brethren's Retirement Community officiating. A fellowship will follow the service at the chapel. Burial will be in Mound Hill Union Cemetery, Eaton. Girton-Schmidt-Boucher Funeral Home, Eaton, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Resident Aid Fund, c/o The Brethren's Retirement Community, 750 Chestnut St., Greenville, OH 45331.
Virginia Conover
Virginia Conover, 84, of West Alexandria, died Monday, March 27, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Eaton.
Born Jan. 8, 1916, in West Alexandria, she was the daughter of Fredrick and Mary (Schell) Glander. She was a graduate of Lanier High School. Mrs. Conover was a homemaker and a member of Salem Lutheran Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, in 1993; and a brother, John B. Glander, in 1962.
Survivors include a niece, Janice (Victor) Garcia of Dayton; two nephews, Fredrick Glander and John (Marcie) Glander, all of West Alexandria; four great-nieces, Jana (Jonathan) Weaver, Allyssa Glander, Caitlyn Glander and Haley Glander.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 31, at Lindloff-Zimmerman Funeral Home, West Alexandria, with the Rev. Daniel Snider officiating. Burial will be in Sugar Grove Cemetery, West Alexandria. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Lutheran Church, West Alexandria, OH 45381.
Collette A. Hall
Collette A. Hall, 71, of Eaton (New Hope), formerly of Lewisburg and Verona, died Monday, March 27, at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Ind.
Born Aug. 5, 1928, in Columbus, she was the daughter of the late Garrett and Helen (Albrech) Bowman. She was a graduate of Lewisburg High School, and retired in 1981 as a key punch operator for E.F. McDonald's in Dayton. She was a member of Verona United Methodist Church in Verona.
Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Chester Hall; sons and daughters-in-law, Colin and Pam Hall of Brookville, Carter and Carol Hall of Eaton, Chuck and Sandy hall of Pitsburg, Ohio; a daughter and son-in-law, Cheri and Roger Jenkins of Brookville; grandchildren, Nichole Cross, Kirby Harris, Tobianne Harris, Jason Hall, Christopher Hall, Maria Hall and Janey Brown.
Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Brianna Coss, Alexa Harris, Sara Harris and Maylin Burke; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gary and Shirley Bowman of Brookville, David and Barbara Bowman of Eaton; numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were Thursday, March 30, at Verona United Methodist Church, with the Rev. William Schilling officiating. Burial was in Preble Memory Gardens at the convenience of the family. Barnes Funeral Home-Preble Memory Gardens Chapel, West Alexandria, was in charge of arrangements.
Wilbert Larison
Wilbert Larison, 78, of Eaton, died Monday, March 27, in Sparks, Nev.
Born April 6, 1921, in Hamilton, he was the son of the late Green and Dollie (Wells) Larison. He retired in 1986 from Eaton City Schools as a custodial worker after 32 years of service. He was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses and a member of Eagles Lodge #2202, both in Eaton.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Joyce Larison, in 1979.
Survivors include four sons, Rex Larison of Kissimmee, Fla., Lex Larison of Eaton, Edwin Baker of West Alexandria and Kim Larison of Sparks, Nev.; brothers, Earl Larison of St. Cloud, Fla., and Gene Larison of Camden; twin sister, Juanita Pindras of Morton Grove, Ill., and Mary Ballinger of Eaton; and three grandchildren.
Funeral services were Friday, March 31, at Barnes Funeral Home-Preble Memory Gardens Chapel, West Alexandria, with the Rev. Randy Smith officiating. Burial was in Preble Memory Gardens.
Roberta L. Surritt
Roberta L. Surritt, 75, of 205 Ivy Court, Eaton, formerly of 3356 U.S. 127 South, Greenville, died Wednesday, march 29, at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Ind.
Born June 2, 1924, in Randolph County, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Walter G. and Olive (Melbourne) Cox.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Buford W. "Joe" Surritt, on June 16, 1997; and twin brothers, Gene and Myron Cox.
Survivors include a stepson, Andrew Surritt of Washington Court House; stepdaughters, Ernestine Page of Milford and Roxanna Streeter of Jacksonville, Fla.; seven step-grandchildren; 10 step-great-grandchildren; a first cousin, Mrs. Stanley (Norma Jean) Brubaker of West Alexandria; two nephews and one niece.
Funeral services were Saturday, April 1, at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, with Pastor Brian Dillahunt officiating. Burial was in Buena Vista Cemetery, (Randolph County) near Modoc, Ind.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American heart Association.
Martha J. Lindsey
Martha Jean Lindsey, 72, formerly of New Paris, died Wednesday, March 29, at Governor Harris Homestead in Eaton, where she had been a resident for the past two years.
Born April 9, 1927, in Montgomery County, she was the daughter of the late Larry Elwood and Bertha Mary (Filby) Wentz. She had lived in the Preble County area most of her life. She was a member of the Lighthouse Assembly of God in Richmond, Ind., and the Wayne County REACT.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Argyle Watts, in 1948; her second husband, Emory R. Lindsey, in 1989; brothers, Elwood Wentz, in 1987, Harold Wentz, in 1997; and sister, Vena Craycraft, in 1999.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald G. and Goldie Watts of Greencastle, Ind., Allen R. Watts of New Paris, Michael L. and Shirley Lindsey of Williamsburg, Ind.; daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara A. and Dennis Weinstiger of New Paris, Sue D. and Mike Griffin, Dorothy F. and Mark Davis, all of Richmond, Ind., Teala J. Conway and Kevin Cooper, both of New Paris.
Also surviving are brothers, Richard Wentz of New Paris and Frank Filby of Richmond, Ind.; a sister, Larryetta Wentz of Richmond, Ind.; 21 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were Saturday, April 1, at Barnes Funeral Home-New Paris Chapel, with the Rev. Ralph M. Holdeman officiating. Burial was in Twin Creek Chapel, West Manchester.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Green Acres Rehabilitation Center, P.O. Box 1252, Richmond, IN 47375.
V. Naomi Krisko
V. Naomi Krisko, 81, of West Alexandria, died Wednesday, March 29, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton.
Born Sept. 8, 1918, in Darke County, she was the daughter of Leroy and Martha (Sensenbaugh) Leiter. She had an associate degree, and had retired from Dayton Chemical in West Alexandria. She was a member of Salem Lutheran Church, Circle M, Pairs & Spares, Widowed Persons Society and West Alexandria Senior Citizens.
Survivors include two sons, James (Teresa) Krisko of Beavercreek and Kenneth (Lynne) Krisko of Huber Heights; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Krisko, in 1984; and three sisters, Mary Brown, Treva Besecker and Vera Dieringer.
Funeral services were Saturday, April 1, at Lindloff-Zimmerman Funeral Home, West Alexandria, with the Rev. Daniel Snider officiating. Burial was in Zion Cemetery, Eaton.
Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Lutheran Church, West Alexandria, OH 45381.
Maurice D. Walker
Maurice D. Walker, 67, of Eaton (Lakengren), died Thursday, March 30, at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Ind.
Born March 27, 1933, in Tiline, Ky., he was the son of Jesse and Mina (Ward) Walker. He graduated from Murray State University with a bachelor of science degree and from Miami University with a master's degree. He served in the U.S. Army Security Agency for two and a half years.
Mr. Walker was a school teacher and principal at Gratis High School, then taught business at Preble Shawnee High School until retiring in 1993 with 35 years of service. He was elected as Gratis Township clerk for two terms and was currently serving as a Gasper Township trustee.
He was a member of the Gratis Lions Club for over 30 years, a member of the Preble County Historical Society, Preble County Retired Teachers Association, and the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Preble County.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Nancy; three children, Jesse (Lori) Walker of Eaton, Julie (Greg) Anslinger and Jana Agee of Middletown; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; nieces and nephews; two brothers, Carroll (Marion) Walker of Tiline, Ky., and Gary (Zina) Walker of Gratis.
Funeral services were Sunday, April 2, at Lindloff-Zimmerman Funeral Home, Gratis, with Pastor Randy Smith officiating. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, Gratis.
Eunice Ramsey
Eunice Ramsey, 73, of Dayton, died Wednesday, March 29.
Born June 16, 1926, in Island Creek, Ky., she was the daughter of the late Amos and Luvada (Byrd) Hensley. She worked for 25 years as a waitress in the Dayton area, most recently at the Colony Club. She was a member of Faith Chapel Church in Farmersville.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ramsey, on Feb. 24, 1998; three brothers; and one sister.
Survivors include sons, Kenneth W. and wife Dorothy Ramsey of Winchester, Ohio, Jeffrey Ramsey and Samuel David Ramsey, both of Dayton; grandchildren, Kenneth Jr., Shannon, David, Jessica and Sammie Jo; six great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are a brother, Clyde Hensley of London, Ky.; sisters, Mae of Covington, Ky., and Dessie of Cincinnati; sisters-in-law, Wanda Caldwell, Bobbie Jewell Buress, Laurie Harris, Edna Ramsey, Phyllis Ramsey, Ann Gabbard and Barb Gabbard; brothers-in-law, Dean Ramsey, Sherman Gabbard and Johnny Gabbard; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Saturday, April 1, at Barnes Funeral Home-Preble Memory Gardens Chapel, West Alexandria, with Pastors Douglas Criswell and Todd Smith officiating. Burial was in Preble Memory Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Society, or to the Lung Association.
Delores D. Good
Delores D. Good, 65, of West Alexandria, died Friday, March 31.
Born Sept. 16, 1934, in Dayton, she was the daughter of Robert and Mary (Yount) Hough. She was a member of the Eaton First Church of God; Gleaners Chapter #182, Order of the Eastern Star of West Alexandria; and was a founding member of West Alexandria Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
She was preceded in death by her husband, Don I. Good, on Sept. 10, 1995; and fathers, Robert Hough and Virgil J. Kuntz.
Survivors include children, Steven R. (Joyce) Libecap, Mari A. (Robert) McKinney and Jayna D. (Jeffrey) Koeller, all of West Alexandria, and Barry J. (Marlene) Libecap of Eaton; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; mother, Mary E. Kuntz of Dayton; brother, Robert L. Hough of Brookville; sister, Judith A. (Doug) Landes of Brookville; and numerous other relatives.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, at Barnes Funeral Home-Preble Memory Gardens Chapel, 3377 U.S. 35 (between West Alexandria and Eaton), West Alexandria, with Pastor Jerry Reynolds officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, West Alexandria.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton First Church of God, or to the West Alexandria EMS.
Dorothy M. Koch
Dorothy M. Koch, 86, of Heartland of Indian Lake, formerly of West Alexandria, died Sunday afternoon April 2, at the nursing home.
Born Feb. 4, 1914, in Celina, she was the daughter of Clinton M. and Anna E. (Stroh) Smith. She was a county nurse with the Preble County Health Department, and prior to that, was matron of the Auglaize County Home. Mrs. Koch was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Wapakoneta; and was a 50-year member of Gleaners Chapter #182, Order of the Eastern Star, West Alexandria.
On Aug. 17, 1935, she married Edwin E. Koch, and he died Oct. 4, 1996.
Survivors include two sons, Edwin E. (Hilda) Koch Jr. of Lakeview and Myron E. (Janet) Koch of Tiffin; two daughters, Bertha A. (William) Cunningham of Tampa, Fla., and Marilyn (Richard) Stelzer of Avon Lake; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Leona Bobb of Wapakoneta.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Lehetta Gufason.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 7, at Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, Wapakoneta, with the Rev. Elaine Mikesell officiating. Burial of the cremains will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. An Eastern Star memorial service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Order of the Eastern Star, Gleaners Chapter #182, West Alexandria, OH 45381.
Kermit B. Penland
Kermit B. Penland, 94, formerly of New Paris, died Friday, March 31, at Heartland of Eaton, where he had been a resident since 1995.
Born March 11, 1906, in Jefferson Township (Preble County), he was the son of the late Marcellus and Stella Mae (Bailey) Penland. He was a 1926 graduate of Jefferson High School, and a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II.
Mr. Penland retired from Wayne Works in Richmond, Ind., and served as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in New Paris. He owned a small farm where he grew sunflower seeds. He was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in New Paris, and a member of the Rock Club.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Coblentz) Penland, in 1998; a brother, Pearl Loraine Penland, in 1992; and a sister, Lou Reva Miller.
Survivors include two nieces, Becky Carlson of Asheville, N.C., and Joyce S. Cashner of West Milton; and a special friend, Geraldine Ray Pence of New Paris.
Funeral services were Monday, April 3, at Barnes Funeral Home-New Paris Chapel, with the Rev. Wayne D. Morrison officiating. Burial was in Springlawn Cemetery, New Paris, with full military honors provided by the Preble County Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Northwest Emergency Unit, 135 N. Washington St., New Paris, OH 45347.
Robert W. Diehl
Robert W. "Bob" Diehl, 86, of West Alexandria, died Friday, March 31.
Born Nov. 8, 1913, in Madison Township, he was the son of the late Ira M. and Laura (Swagart) Diehl. He was retired from Rexarc in West Alexandria, was a member of the West Alexandria Kiwanis Club and the Bear Creek Church of the Brethren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Florence; two brothers, Lester and Everett Diehl; and a grandson, Brian Weimer.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Keith Weimer of Hollansburg; two granddaughters, Lauree Kempton and husband Brian of Galien, Mich., Mary Weimer of Indianapolis, Ind.; a grandson, Darrell Weimer and wife Tangela of New Madison; three great-grandchildren, Austin and Paul Kempton and Rochelle Weimer; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, at the Bear Creek Church of the Brethren, with Pastor Ron Wenzel officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church. Rogers Funeral Home, New Lebanon, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund at the Bear Creek Church of the Brethren.
