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A. Dean Betts Sr., Esq., 76
SEAFORD - A. Dean Betts Sr., Esq., of Seaford died Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003, in Life Care at Lofland Park, Seaford. He was 76.
Mr. Betts was a 1944 graduate of Seaford High School. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1949 and from the University of Maryland Law School in 1952.
He served in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman during World War II.
He served as a law clerk for Tunnell & Tunnell from 1953 to 1954, and started his own practice in 1954, in which he continued until his death. He also was the attorney for Delaware Electric Cooperative for 14 years, attorney for Sussex County Council for 14 years and attorney for the state House of Representatives from 1960 to 1961.
Mr. Betts was president of the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital Board for five years and was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus in Seaford and Rehoboth Beach, an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Seaford, a member of the Seaford Lions Club, the Sussex County chairman of the United Way, Democratic committeeman for the 39th District for 30 years, vice president of the Delaware State Bar and president of the Sussex County Bar Association, and was the recipient of the Daniel Hermann Professional Conduct Award.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Rosemary "Dusty" Betts; three daughters, Dr. Susan Betts and Colleen Betts DeMott, both of Seaford, and Judge Rosemary Betts Beauregard of Lewes; three sons, Michael Dean Betts of Seaford, Dr. Anthony Paul Betts of Royersford, Pa., and A. Dean Betts Jr., Esq., of Lewes; two sons-in-law, Andre M. Beauregard of Lewes and Brian DeMott of Seaford; two daughters-in-law, Dr. Laurie Betts of Royersford and April Betts, Esq., of Lewes; a brother, Paul Betts of Calhoun, La.; and 14 grandchildren.
Friends may call from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the Cranston Funeral Home, 300 N. Shipley St., Seaford.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Stein Highway, Seaford, where friends also may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, PO Box 719, Seaford, DE 19973; or to the American Heart Association, 600 S. Du Pont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Lester T. Collum, 86
SMYRNA - Lester T. Collum of Smyrna died Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was 86.
Mr. Collum was born March 2, 1916, in New York City, N.Y., son of the late Lester T. and Grace Walling Collum.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a recipient of the Purple Heart.
Mr. Collum worked as a display person for R.H. Macy Department Store in New York City for several years before retiring.
His favorite hobby was doing art work.
Mr. Collum was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8801 in Smyrna and a member of the Civil Air Patrol New York wing.
He is survived by his wife, Irene Penkeyman Collum; two daughters, Kathleen Donnelly at home and Marjorie Collum of Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; and two grandchildren, Laurie Cannariato of Wappingers Falls and T.J. Cannariato of Clearwater, Fla.
Services will be noon Monday in the Smyrna Wesleyan Church, 433 West Commerce St., Smyrna, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his memory to the VFW Post 8801, Del. 300, Smyrna, DE 19977.
Arrangements by Faries Funeral Directors, Smyrna.
Joseph L. Dorey, 64
MILTON - Joseph L. Dorey of Milton died Friday, Jan. 10, 2003, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital in Milford. He was 64.
Mr. Dorey was born in Millsboro, son of Phoebe Coffin Donovan of Fruitland, Md., and the late Alfred Lee Dorey Jr.
He served in the U.S. Navy.
Mr. Dorey was a retired welder.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by a son, Joseph W. Dorey of Bishopville, Md.; a brother, Reuben Donovan of Milton; three sisters, Ruby Bowers of Ambler, Pa., Anne VonBonin of Hartly and Doris Cecil of Fruitland; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Melson Funeral Services on Long Neck Road in Millsboro, where friends may call one-half hour earlier.
Burial will be private.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to a favorite charity.
Bryanna Nichole Eanes, 5 months
DOVER - Bryanna Nichole Eanes of Dover died Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 5 months old.
Bryanna was the daughter of Tara Eanes Kemp and Bruce W. Smith Jr. She was a happy baby who loved music playing in the background. She was the family's precious gift from God.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her maternal grandparents, Billy and Carol Eanes of Camden; paternal grandparents, Joyce and Paul Nickerson of Dover and Bruce Smith Sr. and Linda Smith of Hartly; a sister, Michelle Kemp of Harrington; a brother, Timothy Winkler of Dover; and numerous aunts and uncles in the Dover area.
Services will be 2 p.m. Monday in Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford St., Dover, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Burial will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover.
The Rev. Emmanuel Stuart Hedgebeth, 84
DOVER - The Rev. Emmanuel Stuart Hedgebeth of Dover died of natural causes Friday, Jan. 3, 2003, in Westminster Retirement Village Health Center, Dover. He was 84.
Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, in People's United Church of Christ, Dover. Service will be led by clergy from the Central Atlantic Conference of the United Church of Christ.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Emmanuel Hedgebeth Memorial Fund, c/o People's United Church of Christ, 46 S. Bradford St., Dover, DE 19904.
Arrangements by Faries Funeral Directors, Dover.
Gladys D. Kirk, 85
SEAFORD - Gladys D. Kirk of Seaford, formerly of Laurel, died Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003, in Methodist Manor House in Seaford. She was 85.
Mrs. Kirk was born in Laurel, daughter of the late Howard H. and Mary Phillips Dickerson.
She graduated from Laurel High in 1934. She attended William & Mary College for two years, before transferring to Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va., where she graduated in 1938 with a degree in elementary education.
She started her teaching by forming a kindergarten class in her home. She then taught kindergarten and first- and second-grade classes in several one-room schoolhouses and in Sussex County, ending her public-school teaching career at North Laurel Elementary. She taught in public schools for 27 years.
Her hobbies included reading many novels, playing the piano and working with needlepoint. She maintained a positive and upbeat attitude, even when dealing with the obstacles and physical disabilities she faced. She was always able to handle adversity without complaining. She always put her husband and family first. They were always the most important and special things in her life.
She was a lifelong member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Laurel.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, George William Kirk, in 2002; and a brother, Randal L. Dickerson.
She is survived by two sons, George R. Kirk of Newark and Jerry H. Kirk of Wilmington; four grandchildren, Andrew C. Kirk of Tucson, Ariz., Christien D. Kirk of Richmond, Va., Susan N. Kirk of Newark, and Ryan W. Kirk of Wilmington; a great-granddaughter, Jordan A. Kirk of Tucson; and two nieces.
Services will be 2 p.m. Monday in the Centenary United Methodist Church, Laurel, where friends may call one hour earlier. The Rev. Kevin E. English and the Rev. Jerry Denton, pastor, will officiate.
Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel.
Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Centenary United Methodist Church, Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 230, Laurel, DE 19956.
Arrangements by Short Funeral Home, Laurel.
Robert James Massey, 59
SALISBURY, Md. - Robert James Massey of Salisbury, formerly of Milford, Del., died Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003, in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford. He was 59.
Mr. Massey was born in Milford, son of the late Oliver C. Massey and Helen M. (Cullen) Wootten.
He was a 1961 graduate of Milford High School.
Mr. Massey received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
He worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a food safety inspector for 24 years, retiring Dec. 18, 1999. He also owned Milford Bus Center in Milford and the Milford C.B. Center in Lincoln in the 1970s.
Mr. Massey was a former active member of the Milford Jaycees and active with his son in stock car racing at the Delaware International Speedway, Delmar, Del.
He is survived by his wife of seven years, Charlette M. Massey; a son, Robert E. Massey of Ellendale, Del.; a daughter, Diane M. Massey of Dover, Del; two step-daughters, Kimberli R. Ayers and Verna L. McGoogan, both of Salisbury; a sister and brother-in-law, Norma Lee and Paul Hitchens of Ocean View, Del.; four grandchildren, Nick and Jenna McGoogan and Kyle and Kris Ayers; a nephew, Jeffrey Hitchens; and a niece, Pamela George.
Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Ave., Milford, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, U.S. 113, Milford.
John P. Daly Jr., 76
HARRINGTON - John P. Daly Jr. of Harrington, formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Ireland, died Saturday, April 26, 2003, in his home. He was 76.
Mr. Daly was born July 20, 1926, in Ireland, son of the late John F. and Margaret Smith Daly.
He was employed as a general supervisor for Con-Edison for 35 years in Manhattan, N.Y.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Daly of Harrington; four daughters, Kathleen Brunette of Freehold, N.J., Maureen Cammidge of Erie, Pa., Patricia Daly of Brooklyn and Peggy Minikel of Middletown; a son, John F. Daly of Glen Mills, Pa.; two sisters, Bridie Meehan and Mary Regan; a daughter-in-law, Katherine Daly of Glen Mills; and six grandchildren.
Friends may call from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, Pa.
Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Church of The Saviour, Concord, Pa.
Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island, N.Y.
Reynolds B. 'Renny' French, 55
BRIDGEVILLE - Reynolds B. "Renny" French of Bridgeville died Saturday, April 26, 2003, in his home. He was 55.
Mr. French was born in Harrington, son of the late Reynolds and Nellie French.
He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He loved his country dearly and had a deep sense of patriotism.
Mr. French retired from Compaq Computers.
His favorite hobby was fishing. He loved every aspect of fishing, and he enjoyed cooking and eating his many catches.
Mr. French was a member of the Harrington Alumi Association.
He is survived by many cousins and a large circle of friends.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. Du Pont Highway, Harrington.
Services will be 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home.
Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington.
Margaret D. (Dressel) Gibbs, 83
LEWES - Margaret D. (Dressel) Gibbs of Lewes died of natural causes Saturday, April 26, 2003, in Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. She was 83.
Mrs. Gibbs was born in Baltimore, daughter of the late George and Margaret (Beckman) Dressel.
During World War II, she volunteered with the U.S. Coast Guard, performing many duties, as well as singing with the Recruiting Orchestra.
She had worked for 50 years as a legal secretary in the law firm of Stocksdale, Jarrell and Svach, Baltimore. She and her husband moved to the Lewes area in 1988.
While living in Lewes, Mrs. Gibbs was very active in the Lewes Senior Center, singing and dancing with the Seasiders and entertaining all over the area at nursing homes, senior centers and church and civic groups. She had served on the center's board of directors, held several offices and assisted with the bazaars. She also had a radio show at the Baltimore Veterans Administration Hospital. She served the Red Cross as a nurse's aide and donated more than two gallons of blood and 3,000 volunteer hours. She was a life member of the American Legion, serving in national, state and district offices. She was honored to present a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C., and had served as an escort for then-Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey at a Washington seminar. She had directed the Glee Club at her local American Legion for 25 years.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, George W. Gibbs, whom she met while he was a U.S. Army enlisted man, and she was entertaining, at Fort George G. Meade, in Maryland near Washington.
Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 1449 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Henlopen Memorial Park, Del. 1, near Milton.
Ellen Sipple Grier, 88
MILFORD - Ellen Sipple Grier of Milford died Sunday, April 27, 2003, in Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, Md. She was 88.
Mrs. Grier was born March 31, 1915, in Milford, daughter of the late William V. and Linda Draper Sipple.
She graduated from Milford High School and the University of Delaware Women's College.
Mrs. Grier taught physical education for the Colonial School District in New Castle, creating the first program for girls' sports, including the fine art of boxing. She also taught ballroom dancing and swimming. After purchasing a red convertible, she moved to Milford and worked for the Delaware Family Assistance Program, reaching out to families to provide support.
She met and married Garrett L. Grier Sr. and sold her red convertible. They spent the war years in Seattle and Detroit, returning to Milford with three babies. She was very active in many aspects of her children's lives: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, hockey refereeing, American Field Service and faithfully attended all their activities.
After retirement, she and her husband traveled extensively. They visited every state in the United States and Central America, North America and Europe until they found a winter home base in Florida. They cherished their adventures and their expanding circle of friends, but made it a point to stay deeply involved with their grandchildren's lives.
Her personal passions included the game of golf, her faith and volunteer work. From her teen years in Rehoboth Beach until the month before she died, Ellen loved playing golf. She and her late husband were founding members of Shawnee Country Club in Milford. She was 10 times women's club champion, Delaware's senior women's champion and through her participation in the 18 Holers she traveled to many courses around Delmarva. Ellen, along with her husband, played many important golf courses in the United States. She enjoyed sewing and bridge clubs.
Mrs. Grier was an active member of Avenue United Methodist Church in Milford and was a member of the Sarah Circle there. She was also a member of the Milford Hospital Auxiliary.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and two brothers, William V. Sipple and Henry D. Sipple.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Garrett L. Jr. and Judy Grier of Milford; two daughters and sons-in-law; Linda G. and Lawton Johnson of New York and Rachel Grier-Reynolds and Rick Reynolds of Arden and Lewes; eight grandchildren, Thomas "Hank" Draper Jr., William R. Draper II, Mariah D. Calagione, Molly D. Russell, Garrett L. Grier III, Carrie E. Grier, Matthew L. Johnson and Benjamin S. Johnson; and four great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St., Milford, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Burial will be private.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St., Milford, DE, 19963.
Arrangements made by Rogers Funeral Home, Milford.
Eugene Miller, 83
CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Eugene Miller of Chestertown died Sunday, April 27, 2003, in his home. He was 83.
Mr. Miller was born Oct. 26, 1919, in Wye Mills, son of the late William and Jane Dudley Miller.
He served as a corporal in the Army-Air Corps during World War II, with service in North Africa.
Mr. Miller had worked for Osmond's Body Shop, Eliason Motors and Don Kelly Chevrolet as a salesman.
He enjoyed music very much, and he played the trombone.
Mr. Miller was a lifetime member of Frank M. Jarman American Legion Post 36 and First United Methodist Church, where he had served as head usherand superintendent of Sunday school. He had also served on the Chestertown Town Council.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, James P. Bright; and a brother, William D. Miller.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dora Patrick Miller; a daughter, Cynthia M. Ireland of Chestertown; a son, William T. Bright of Smyrna, Del.; three sisters, Margaret Stout of Seaford, Del., and Helen Slaughter and Irene Miller, both of Smyrna; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in First United Methodist Church, Chestertown.
Burial will be held privately in Chester Cemetery.
Memorials may be offered to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 227, Chestertown, MD. 21620.
Arrangements by Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, Galena.
Rhoda J. Miller, 87
WYOMING - Rhoda J. Miller of Wyoming died Sunday, April 27, 2003, in her home. She was 87.
Mrs. Miller was born Oct. 14, 1915, in Fairview, Mich., daughter of the late Jacob and Anna Yoder.
She was one of the first Amish to move to this area.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two daughters, Lydia Mast and Anna Miller; a son, Eli J. Miller; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three brothers; and two sisters.
She is survived by her husband, John E. Miller, whom she married Dec. 23, 1938, in Dover; three sons and three daughters-in-law, Melvin and Susanne Miller of Dover, Henry and Malinda Miller of Chestertown, Md., and Samuel and Barbara Miller of Wyoming; six daughters and six sons-in-law, Sylvia and Joe Stutzman of Lewisburg, Ky., Esther and Allen Troyer and Miriam and Harvey Miller, all of Dover, Barbara and John Beachy of Marion, Ky., Rhoda and Daniel Troyer of Wyoming and Sadie and Ammon Miller of Fillmore, N.Y.; two additional sons-in-law, Daniel Miller of Farwell, Mich., and Enos J. Mast of Dover; another daughter-in-law, Alta Miller of Dover; 87 grandchildren; and 159 great-grandchildren.
Friends may call until 7 p.m. today in John E. Miller's home, 2052 Honeysuckle Road, Wyoming.
Services will be 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Ervin H. Miller home, Honeysuckle Road, Wyoming.
Burial will be in the Amish Cemetery, Dover.
Arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover.
Decima D. Outten
MILLSBORO - Decima D. Outten of Millsboro died Monday, April 28, 2003, in her home.
Mrs. Outten was born in Dagsboro, daughter of the late George M. and Zale Campbell Donaway.
She had attended the University of Delaware and graduated from Beacom College in Wilmington.
She and her husband, the late Vaughn Outten, owned and operated Snow White Laundry in Millsboro for 17 years. She sold the business in 1965.
Mrs. Outten was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Dagsboro.
She is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday in Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Dagsboro Redman's Memorial Cemetery, Dagsboro.
Henry Clinton Poole, 87
EASTON, Md. - Henry Clinton Poole of Easton died Saturday, April 26, 2003, at Memorial Hospital at Easton. He was 87.
Mr. Poole was born June 28, 1916, in Federalsburg, son of the late Clinton S. and Elizabeth Johnson Poole. He lived in Federalsburg until 1992, when he retired to Easton at the Londonberry Retirement Community.
He graduated from Federalsburg High School, class of 1933, and from Beacom Business College in Wilmington, Del.
Mr. Poole was a well-known merchant and business activist in the Federalsburg community, owning and operating Poole's Men's Store and the The Family Shoe Center, which had been a three-generation family-owned business since 1905.
He was an avid golfer and accomplished at restoring furniture and woodworking. He was never without a good book to read.
Mr. Poole was a charter member, past president and past treasurer of the Federalsburg Lions Club, past president and past secretary of the Federalsburg Chamber of Commerce; a retired charter member of Caroline Country Club; member of Union United Methodist Church; member of Nanticoke Lodge 172 AF & AM, Federalsburg; Boumi Temple, Chesapeake Commandery, Eden R. A., Eden R. A. Chapter, Denton. He was also active in many business activities and committees during his life in the community, and served as town councilman for two four-year terms from 1955 to 1963.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Frederick Poole.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Roselle Bullock Poole; a son and his wife, Thomas H. and Marcia Dobson Poole of Somerset, Va.; a daughter, Linda Poole of Salisbury; three grand-children and their spouses, Michael T. and Stacy Poole of Chesterfield, Va., and Jeffrey A. and Sarah H. Poole and Melissa V. and Daman Irby, all of Gordonsville, Va.; three great-grandchildren, Andrew Poole, Benjamin Poole and Daniel Poole, all of Chesterfield; a sister, Josephine Passwaters of Seaford, Del.; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial graveside service will be 1 p.m. Saturday in Hillcrest Cemetery, Federalsburg. The Rev. David Heistand will officiate.
Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association, 209 E. Market St., Salisbury, MD 21801-4948; or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 43, Federalsburg, MD 21632.
Arrangements by Williamson Funeral Home, Federalsburg.
