Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
Mary Lou Earich Abdella
Died: Thursday, October 31, 2002
CHAUNCEY -- Mary Lou Earich Abdella died, surrounded by her family, late Thursday, Oct. 31, 2002, after an extended illness.
Born April 17, 1929, in Columbus, Mrs. Abdella grew up in Millfield, and was a graduate of Chauncey-Dover High School Class of 1947. Following her marriage to William G. "Bill" Abdella in 1948, she moved to Chauncey, and maintained her residence there until her death.
Mary owned and operated the Cee-Dee Snack Bar and later the Cee-Dee Handy Mart and Drive-Thru in Chauncey. She served as the Chauncey area correspondent for The Athens Messenger and worked at Lawhead Press in Athens. She was a longtime member of the Athens American Legion Auxiliary, and an avid supporter of all military veterans and veterans organizations. Mrs. Abdella was a parishioner of the former St. Jude Roman Catholic Church in Chauncey. Father James Smith and Sister Marie Shields of St. Matthias Roman Catholic Church in Columbus ministered to her during her illness.
Mary maintained a lifelong love affair with music. She played clarinet in the high school band and piano in her home; her beautiful singing voice was featured in both school productions and in lullabies to her children and grandchildren. She was enamored with movie stars, and was a voracious reader of biographies, autobiographies and celebrity magazines.
Mary loved to travel, and fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to Hawaii in 1976 with her daughter, Sharon, and sister-in-law, Betty Earich, to visit her niece, Debbie Earich Loper. She traveled to England twice, once to attend the Golden Eagle Ball benefiting Prince Charles' Prince's Youth Business Trust charity, chaired by her daughter, Sharon. She accompanied each of her children on numerous trips throughout the United States.
Mary was passionate about her collections: decorative frogs, spoons, plates and coins. She enjoyed watching sports, especially horse racing, boxing and ice skating, as well as her favorite soap operas and evening programs. She was extremely proud of all her granddaughters, nieces and nephews, and took great pleasure in their athletic, academic and career accomplishments.
Mary was a gentle and kind woman, a devoted and loving wife and mother. She was clever and witty, too, delighting in games, puzzles and jokes. And she was considered by many to be the prettiest girl in Millfield.
In addition to her husband, Mary is survived by her brother, Evan "Buddy" Earich of Millfield; her son and daughter-in-law, John W. and Vicky L. Abdella of Wellston; her daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon A. and Gerald J. Zukauckas of Atlanta, Ga., and Marilyn Sue "Susie" and William W. "Bill" Allen of Athens; her daughter, Tina Abdella, who resided with her mother in their family home in Chauncey; her granddaughters, Whitney and Courtney Allen of Athens and Elizabeth and Maria Abdella of Wellston; her cousins, Adolph "Buster" Nelson and Mary Louise Kendle; her sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Earich of Millfield, Margaret Abdella of Naples, Fla., Jeannine Takacs of Powell, and Jo Ellen Abdella of Chauncey; her brother-in-law, Francis Abdella of Athens; her beloved Boston terrier Baxter; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, John D. and Hazel B. Earich; her brothers, Glenn Douglass and Jackie Joe Earich; and her sister, Helen Brown Foraker.
Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday at noon at St. Paul Catholic Church, Athens, with the Rev. James T. Smith and Sister Marie Shields, S.N.D., officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Friends may call at Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home, Athens, today from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., with a Vigil for the Deceased at 5:45 p.m.
Mary Jane Walker Weaver
Died: Thursday, October 31, 2002
Age: 77
NELSONVILLE -- Mary Jane Walker Weaver, 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2002, at Hickory Creek Nursing Center, The Plains, after an extended illness.
She was born Dec. 6, 1924, in Nelsonville, to the union of Charles and Anna Marie McCarty Walker. She married Kenneth Weaver on Aug. 14, 1945, in Gallipolis.
Mary Jane graduated from Nelsonville High School in 1942 and received a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Ohio University in 1973. She taught at Poston Elementary School, Murray City Elementary School and Nelsonville-York Middle School. She retired from teaching in the Nelsonville-York School District in 1988. She was an avid reader, bowler and plate collector.
Her husband and four children survive, Tim Weaver of Albany, Dave (Janet) Weaver of Coshocton, Matthew Weaver of Nelsonville and Nancy (Lee) Shafer of Monkton, Vt.; as well as four grandchildren, Scott Weaver of Albany, Lance and Sarah Weaver of Coshocton, and Joe Shafer of Monkton. She leaves behind many special friends.
Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents.
A private family memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Nelsonville-York Public School Library, attention Debbie Sheskey.
Dawn M. Moore
Died: Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Age: 50
ATHENS -- Dawn M. Moore, 50, of Athens, died Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 30, 2002, at Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus, following a long and courageous battle with infections after a successful liver transplant.
Born May 28, 1952, in Athens, she was the daughter of Gene P. and Marie A. Cain French of Athens. Dawn worked for GTE in the PhoneMart and the engineering department as a data review clerk. She retired in 1996. A 1970 graduate of Alexander High School, she attended Hocking College. Dawn was a member of the ladies auxiliaries of American Legion Post 21 and VFW Post 9893. She also was an active member of Alexander Spartans Athletic Boosters.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, David C. Moore; sons Chad Moore of Athens, and Shane Moore of Athens and his special friend, Michelle Ennis of Albany; brothers Larry (Mona) French of Albany and Max (Kay) French of Athens; her mother-in-law, Betty Moore of Athens; nieces Leeann Baker, Cheri Stotts and Macie French; nephews Jason and Eric French; many stepnephews, stepnieces, cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-law; and a special friend, Karla Mitchell, of Athens.
She was preceded in death by a son, David Moore Jr.; grandparents Emmitt and Aurie French, and Frank and Lydia Cain; and her father-in-law, Alfred Moore.
Services will be held Sunday, 1 p.m., at Jagers and Sons Funeral Home, Athens, with Pastor David Cogar officiating. Burial will be in New Marshfield Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m, where K.T. Crossen Post 21 American Legion auxiliary will hold services at 6.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alexander Future Foundation, 6091 Ayers Road, Albany 45710.
Herman Phillips
Died: Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Age: 82
JACKSON -- Herman Phillips, 82, a resident of Four Winds Nursing Facility, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, at Holzer Medical Center in Jackson.
Born April 30, 1920, in Ashtabula, he was the son of the late Barnie Delbert and Linda Salene Phillips.
Graveside memorial services will be held at a later date at Ridgewood Cemetery in Wellston. Arrangements are by McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.
Eugene F. Begley
Died: Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Age: 75
NEW STRAITSVILLE -- Eugene "Gene" F. Begley, 75, of New Straitsville, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Zanesville, apparently of a heart attack.
Born July 16, 1927, in New Straitsville, he was the son of the late John and Myrtle Gottke Begley. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Eleanor Hoops Begley, in 1995.
He is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Mike) Rupe of New Straitsville and Sandra (David) Edgell of Jobs Hollow; five grandchildren David (Michelle) Engle, Heather Rupe and Michael Rupe of New Straitsville, and David and Joey Edgell of Jobs Hollow; a great-granddaughter, Michaela Engle; and his in-laws, the Hoops family.
He also was preceded in death by his brothers, James and Walter; and a sister, Mary Anderson.
Mr. Begley was a member of New Hope Methodist Church in Gore. He retired from Junction City Clay and was a Coal Twp. trustee.
Services will be held Sunday, 2 p.m., at J.E. Humphrey Funeral Home, 118 W. Walnut St., Shawnee, with the Rev. Terry Priest officiating. Interment will be in New Straitsville Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today and any time on Saturday.
Nellie M. Ervin
Died: Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Age: 86
ATHENS -- Nellie M. Ervin, 86, of Baltimore, Ohio, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, at Winchester Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was retired as a dietitian assistant at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital in Athens.
She is survived by three daughters, Mary Lou Bentley of Newark, Louise Rankin of Industry, Ind., and Carol Poff of Baltimore; 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; a stepson and his wife, Larry and Dorothy Ervin of Nelsonville; a sister, Joann Jolley of Athens; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Burns Ervin; a daughter, Ruth Boyd; her parents, Frank and Jossie Huseman; and three brothers.
Services will be held Saturday, 1:30 p.m., at Johnson-Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Baltimore, with Pastor Carl Noland officiating.
Friends may call at the funeral home today from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
A graveside service will be held Monday, at 10 a.m., in Greenlawn Cemetery, Nelsonville.
Donna Jean Bruce
Died: Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Age: 63
LOGAN -- Donna Jean Bruce, 63, of Logan, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, in Logan.
Born April 6, 1939, in Nelsonville, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Ruth A. Woods Pickett.
She is survived by her husband, Leslie Bruce; a daughter, Kathy Bell; and a son, Randy Bell.
There will be no services. Friends may call at the residence on Thursday and Friday, from noon to 8 p.m.
Arrangements are by Heinlein-Brown Funeral Home in Logan.
Ernest W. Sprague Jr.
Died: Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Age: 80
McARTHUR -- Ernest W. Sprague Jr., 80, of McArthur, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, at his residence.
Born Nov. 25, 1921, in McArthur, he was the son of the late Ernest L. and Goldie Wrightsel Sprague. He was general manager at McArthur Brick Co. for 20 years and at Adelmann Lumber Co. for 25 years, retiring in 1986. He was a member of McArthur United Methodist Church, where he served as choir director for more than 50 years. He was a 1939 graduate of McArthur High School, a World War II Marine Corps veteran, and a member of Delta Lodge 207 F&AM, DAV and Robert Wyckoff American Legion Post 303 in McArthur, and a former member of the Lions Club.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Jane Crow Sprague; a son, Mark (Margaret) Sprague, and a daughter, Cynthia (Joe) Purpura, both of Pickerington; grandchildren Duane (Leila) Sprague of Athens and Lana (Scott) Jacobs of Pickerington; great-grandchildren Chris Barber and Kaley Jacobs; and a sister, Dorothy Venham of Connecticut.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers John and George Sprague; and a sister, Nellouise Pfeifle.
At Mr. Sprague's request, cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Elk Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or McArthur United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are by Garrett Funeral Home in McArthur.
Todd Shriner
Died: Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Age: 36
LOGAN -- Todd Shriner, 36, of Logan, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, at University Medical Center in Columbus.
Born Feb. 15, 1966, in Nelsonville, he was the son of Janet F. Brown Shriner of Logan and the late Robert E. Shriner. He was a 1985 graduate of Logan High School and a union mason tender for the International Laborers Union of North America Local 83 for 18 years.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Terri M. Collins Shriner; a son, Brandon T. Shriner of Logan; sisters Troy L. (Jeff) Sanborn of Logan and Christy (Gordon) Richards of Sand Point, Idaho; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Saturday, 1 p.m., at Heinlein-Brown Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Logan.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.
Donald E. Ice
Died: Tuesday, October 29, 2002
Age: 66
ALBANY -- Donald E. Ice, 66 of Wenatchee, Wash., passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2002, in Wenatchee.
He was born April 6, 1936, in Liberty Twp., Ohio. He grew up in Albany, graduated from Albany High and worked for Ray Riggs Lincoln-Mercury in Athens before joining the Marines. Don lived in Everett, Wash., from 1971 to 1977, where he was a manager for Public Finance Co., an employee of Radio 123 and a member the North Everett Lions Club. In 1977, he moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where he managed a couple of radio stations. Then, in 1979, he and his wife Eola purchased KVAC/KLLM radio station in Forks, Wash. They operated the station from 1979 to 1996, when they moved to Wenatchee. Don was a member of Forks City Council and served eight years on the Clallam County Transit Board. He was very active in community events and spent many hours on the road broadcasting Forks High School athletic contests. He was honored by the Washington Secondary School Athletic Administrators Association for his efforts.
He leaves his wife, Eola Ice of Wenatchee; his son and daughter-in-law, Allen and Deanna Ice of Arlington, Wash.; his daughter and son-in-law, Ava and Roger Newsome of Wenatchee; his mother, Letha Matheny of Athens; his stepbrother, Don Nichols of Louisville, Ky.; five grandchildren, Melissa Ice, Melody Ice and Michael Ice, all of Arlington, Poppy (Sonny) Smith of Ardenvor, Wash., and Sherrl Newsome of Covington, Wash; and two great-grandchildren, Sonny Patrick Smith of Ardenvor and Danielle Newsome of Wenatchee. He also leaves several aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Terry Johnson.
A memorial service will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the chapel of Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills Funeral Home, Lynnwood, Wash.
Donations may be made to the Quillayte Valley Scholarship Fund, 612 Steelhead Ave. Forks, Wash. 98331.
Claud F. Powell
Died: Monday, October 28, 2002
ATHENS -- Claud F. Powell, Ph.D., of Columbus, died Monday, Oct. 28, 2002.
He is survived by sons John (Wendy) Powell of Gahanna and Robert Powell of Bryan, Texas; a granddaughter, Rebecca; and a sister, Marguerite Conner of Texas.
Dr. Powell retired from the state of New York, where he served as a drug and alcohol counselor for the state's prison system. He was a former professor of choral music at Ohio University and taught music at Campbell College in Buies Creek, N.C., and Erskine College, Due West, S.C. He began his teaching career as a high school music teacher in 1954.
Claud received a Ph.D. in choral music from the University of Iowa in 1974, a masters degree from Wichita State University in 1961 and a bachelors degree from Texas Wesleyan University in 1953. He was a member of the National Association of Choral Directors and the Music Educators National Conference, and was an avid golfer.
The funeral service will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous General Service Office, P.O. Box 459 Grand Central Station, New York City, N.Y., 10115.
Arrangements are by Schoedinger Worthington Chapel in Columbus.
