Hester V. DeGroat
GERMANTOWN - Hester V. DeGroat, 89, of Germantown, passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, 2000 at Otterbein Home in Lebanon. She was born in Germantown to the late William and Lettie (Bailey) Whitehead and was a member of Union Chapel United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin DeGroat in 1983; a sister, Wineva DeGroat and a brother, Edward Whitehead. She is survived by four daughters, Mildred (Donald) Denlinger of Germantown, Anna (Gerald) Cottongim of Middletown, Miriam Johnson of Germantown and Janet (Mark) Shaw of Shreve, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, Nancy Lenhart, Marvin Denlinger, Mark Denlinger, Kevin Denlinger, Kendall Cottongim, Cindy Tietge, Michael Johnson, Amy Decker, Angie Shaw and Lori Shaw and 15 great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Union Chapel U.M.C., 8284 Keister Road, Middletown, with the reverends David Kepple and Clifton W. Hatfield officiating. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Arpp and Root Funeral Home, Germantown.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests, if so desired, contributions be made to the Union Chapel U.M.C. in Hester's memory.

Mack Fleishman
Mack Fleishman, 84, passed away at Middletown Regional Hospital on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2000 from complications from pneumonia and acute leukemia. He was born May 15, 1915 to Rose and Sam Fleishman of Columbus, where he resided until he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served in the European Theatre until V.E. Day and then was transfered to Toyko, Japan. After the war he moved to Middletown and worked in the bar and restaurant business until he opened his own chain of restaurants and bars in Southern Ohio, including Mindy's in Dayton. He became ill and retired in 1980. He was a member of Temple Beth Sholom. Mack was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Morris Fleishman and a sister, Ann O'Koon, both of Columbus. He is survived by a sister, Shirley Sher of Palm Harbor, Fla.; his wife of 53 years, Charlotte Fleishman; a daughter, Melanie Fleishman of New York City; a daughter, Mindy Ellis and husband of Jim of Cincinnati and one grandson, Samuel Max Ellis.
ARRANGEMENTS: Services will be held at the Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, at 3 p.m. Tuesday, led by Rabbinic Intern Amy L. Greenbaum. Visitation will be at the funeral home at 2:45 p.m. Burial will at Woodside Cemetery. There will be a religious service at the home of the family, Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
MEMORIALS: Donations may be made in his name to Temple Beth Sholom, 610 Gladys Drive in Middletown or to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St. in Middletown.

Joyce L. Fleming
WEST ALEXANDRIA - Joyce L. Fleming, 68, of West Alexandria, Ohio, died Sunday, Jan. 23, 2000, at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. She was born on June 30, 1931, in Basin, W. Va., to the late Berdine and Melda (Whitt) Reed and lived in Preble County since 1952. She retired from Parker-Hannifin Corp. in Eaton, Ohio. She was a member of the Ivy Lane Baptist Church in West Alexandria. She was preceded in death by a son, Andrew Dale Fleming; and a brother, Ezra Reed. Survivors include nine daughters, Glenna Cunningham of Somerville, Carole McPheron of Middletown, Mary Reed of Hamilton, Judy Austin of Camden, Barbara Wright of Eaton, Susan Galliher and Laura Kasserman, both of West Alexandria, Grace Ann Fleming of Savannah, Ga., and Bonnie Crabtree of Eaton; a son, Brian David Fleming of Camden; 22 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; her divorced husband, Glen O. Fleming of Middletown; three sisters, June Reggi, JoAnn Huffman and Bonnie Reed-Smith, all of Beckley, W.Va.; and nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan 26, at Girton-Schmidt-Boucher Funeral Home, 226 W. Main St., Eaton, Ohio, with the Rev. Wayne D. Morrison officiating. Burial will be in Beechwood Cemetery, Morning Sun, Ohio. Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today, Jan. 25, at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the West Alexandria Rescue Squad or the Preble County Humane Society.

Elbert Gordon
GERMANTOWN - Elbert "Shorty" Gordon, 78, of Germantown, formerly of Middletown, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2000, at the Friendly Nursing Home in Germantown. Shorty was a World War II Army veteran and a member of American Legion Post 218 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 528, both in Middletown. He is survived by his son, Glendon (Beverly Gordon of Richmond, Ky.; three daughters, Diane (Jeff) Durbin of Irvine, Ky., Bonita (Wilson) Helfenstein of Englewood, Ohio, and Karen (Dennis) Meyer of Monroe, Ohio; and seven grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. (one hour prior to the service) at the Dalton Funeral Home, corner of Ohio 4 and Weaver Road, Germantown, where the funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. The Rev. Jerry Parker will officiate. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park in Trenton.

Mary Graham
Mrs. Mary (Sabo) Graham, 83, of Miamisburg, passed away Thursday, Jan, 20, 2000, at Miami Christel Manor in Miamisburg. She was a Middletown native and was born on Oct. 4, 1916, to John and Rosa (Hazash) Sabo. Mrs. Graham had worked for 35 years for the Tash Shoe Co. before her retirement in 1980. She attended St. John's Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward J. Graham in 1957; and her parents. She leaves a daughter, Edwina Wood of Middletown; three brothers, Andrew and Joseph Sabo, both of Middletown and Steve Sabo of Hamilton; two sisters, Rose Brest and Margaret Lickert, both of Middletown; three grandchildren, Karen Mogul, Teri Miller and Kirsten Spicer; and three great-grandchildren, Zachary and Corey Mogul and Lauren Laxton.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, with the Rev. Michael Gray officiating. Interment will be in Woodhill Cemetery in Franklin. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420-1885.

Wishard Halsey
MIAMISBURG - Wishard Halsey, 62, of 6659 Faversham Drive, passed away Thursday, Jan. 20, 2000, at Sycamore Hospital. He was born on Aug. 5, 1938, in Maytown, Ky., the son of Whitt and Edna (Sweeney) Halsey. He was self-employed in the aluminum siding business. Mr. Halsey was preceded in death by his father, Whitt Halsey; a sister, Ida Mae Parker; and a brother, Ottis Halsey. He is survived by two daughters, Sandi Prater of West Union and Shannon Mullins of Franklin; six grandchildren, Ashley, Beth, Sandi, Byron, Elonda and Jessica; his mother, Edna Halsey of West Carrollton; three brothers, Gene and Paul Halsey, both of Miamisburg and Robert Halsey of West Carrollton; three sisters, Anna Rose and Wanda Trusty, both of West Carrollton, and Arnida Smith of Carlisle; and a special friend, Juanita West, of Franklin.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 24, at Eaton-Anderson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Donny Trusty officiating. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Victor Hargis
FRANKLIN - Victor Hargis, 79, of Franklin, formerly of Hillsboro, passed away Saturday, Jan. 22, 2000 at Carlisle Manor Nursing Home. A native of Harland County, Ky., he was a World War II U.S. Army veteran and retired from the former Armco Steel Co. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys, Jan. 28, 1993. He is survived by three brothers-in-law, Denzil (Carol) Taulbee of Tipp City, Osa Taulbee of Xenia and Larry (Carol) Taulbee of Mt. Sterling, Ky.; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Patrick of Mt. Sterling and Marie Peyton of Wellington, Ky. and numerous nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Dalton Funeral Home, corner of Route 4 and Weaver Road, Germantown, where the funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Burial is in Butler County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Florence Holland
Mrs. Florence Holland, 87, a longtime resident of 2216 Dixie Highway, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2000, at the Westminster Thurber Retirement Community in Columbus. She was born in Knowlton, Ky., on Sept. 2, 1912, a daughter of Preston and Nannie (Ingram) Johnson. She was retired from Merritt Shoe Store (later Endicott-Johnson) and was formerly active with the Girl Scouts. Mrs. Holland had lived for more than 50 years in Blue Ball and was a member of the Blue Ball Presbyterian Church. She is survived by two daughters, Nola Holland Taylor of Stanford, Conn., and Phyllis Davis of Dublin, Ohio; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Crystal Thornton of Middletown. Her husband, J. Stanley Holland, died in 1944.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Blue Ball Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. David Fleming officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery, Monroe.Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

Zella Hutchens
Zella Hutchens, daughter of the late Thomas and Savannah Hutchens Sr., was born on Feb. 3, 1913, in Hiram, Ga. She departed this life on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was a longtime member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Zella leaves to cherish her memory, three sisters, Frances Lewis Hutchens, Myrtle Lathrope and Dorothy Hutchens, all of Middletown; two very special stepdaughters, Carol Scott of Dayton, Ohio, and Shirley Lampley; two stepsons, Tommy and Emmanuel Howard; a special caregiver, Eve Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1220 Young St., with the Rev. David Q. Marks Jr. officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Hall-Jordan Memorial Chapel, 918 S. Main St.

Ida R. Johnson
FRANKLIN - Mrs. Ida Rose Johnson, 90, formerly of 617 S. River St., passed away Friday, Jan. 21, 2000, at Christel Manor in Miamisburg. She was born on Sept. 23, 1909, in Sneedville, Tenn., the daughter of Hoard and Nanie (Williams) Spradling. Mrs. Johnson was a member of Cool Branch Baptist Church in Sneedville, Tenn. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Dewey Thomas Johnson in 1989; a grandchild, Ron Johnson in July, 1999; and a great-grandchild, Josh Turnmire in December, 1999. She is survived by a son, Bernie K. Johnson, and his wife, Pauline, of Franklin; three daughters, Lucille Turnmire of Franklin, Shelby Adams, and husband, Sterling, of North Vernon, Ind., and Helen Faye Johnson of Dayton, a sister, Kittie Johnson of Sneedville; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Gary Huff officiating. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

John Kaczor
John Kaczor, 81, of 3712 Sherman Ave., died Saturday afternoon, Jan. 22, 2000, in the emergency room at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Toronto, Ont., Canada, on Nov. 7, 1918, a son of Joseph and Frances (Labinski) Kaczor, and came to this area in 1957. He had served in the Canadian Army. Mr. Kaczor was a tool and die maker by trade, retiring in 1983 from the Watkins Tool and Die Co. in Cincinnati. He is survived by his wife, Martha (Calhoun) Kaczor; a daughter, Frances (Tom) Hughes of Farmington, Mich.; a son, John Richard Kaczor of Snider, N.Y.; a stepson, Robert (Pamela) Higgins of Middletown; a brother, Edmund Kaczor of Toronto, Ont., Canada; and several nieces and nephews, including a favorite niece, Mildred Whitney. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Helen Cott, Mary Logowski and Josie Stankovich; and a brother, Leo Kaczor.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with Pastor Everett Crockett officiating. Burial will follow in Woodside Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

John H. Kramer Jr.
John Howard Kramer Jr., 59, of Middletown, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. The Middletown native was born on March 27, 1940, and was a lifelong Middletown resident. He retired in 1999 from his job as a press helper at Miami Packaging Inc. Mr. Kramer was a member of the Air Force Honor Guard associated with the protection of President John F. Kennedy, and attending military funerals and diplomatic functions. He was an active member of Baptist Tabernacle Church in Carlisle and was also active in the Promise Keepers Christian organization. He had been the caretaker of Woodside Cemetery since 1987. He loved his dog, Shadow. His father, John H. Kramer Sr., preceded him in death in June, 1997. Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Doris (Alcorn) Kramer; two daughters, Deborah Lynn Kramer-Smith, and her husband, Rick, of Miamisburg, and Pamela Ann Cox, and her husband, Eric, of Lebanon; a stepson, Scott Runnells, and wife, Beth, of Middletown; a grandson, Justin Thomas Cox; two brothers, Gerald Kramer, and wife, Sharon, of Trenton, and Joe Kramer of Colorado; his mother, Pauline Kramer of Middletown; a special aunt, Mildred White, and husband, Fred, of Franklin; and many nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Baptist Tabernacle Church, with the Rev. Michael Gray officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Honor Guard of American Legion Post 218. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. The family will receive friends today from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Baptist Tabernacle Church in Carlisle.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Tabernacle Church, 7816 Dubois Road, Carlisle, Ohio 45005. Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Langdon L. Leighton
Langdon Leslie "Les" Leighton, 71, of Middletown, died peacefully at Middletown Regional Hospital, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2000, on his birthday, surrounded by his family. He was born in Middletown, Ohio, on Jan. 23, 1929, the son of Alice May (Williams) and John Mosby Leighton. Mr. Leighton was a 1949 graduate of Middletown High School and received his bachelor of science degree in education from Miami University in 1953. On March 28, 1953, he married Marcia Jean Ellison at the First Presbyterian Church in Middletown. Mr. Leighton was a teacher at Springboro High School and Carlisle High School from 1953 to 1955, before beginning a 30-year career as an insurance agent with Moon & Adrion Insurance Agency in Middletown. He retired in 1985 to enjoy his and his wife's winter home in Mesa, Ariz., with dear friends. Les was an avid private pilot, golfer and tennis enthusiast and a member of the Middletown Tennis Club board. He was a lifelong member of the Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International, a Promise Keeper, a member of New Covenant Church and a tremendous Christian witness to anyone he met. Mr. Leighton is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Marcia; two sons, Peter Leighton, and his wife, Lesley (Blum) of Cincinnati and David Leighton, and his wife, Julie (McGee) of Middletown; five grandchildren, John, Christopher, and Stephen Leighton of Cincinnati, and Adam and Sarah Leighton of Middletown; two sisters, Charlotte Moon, and husband, Tom, and Alice May, and husband, Jon Prows, all of Middletown; his father-in-law, Vernon Ellison of Middletown; and many nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside services will be at Woodside Cemetery on Thursday, Jan. 27, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. at New Covenant Church, 4340 North Union Road, Franklin, with Pastor Claude Robold officiating.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to New Covenant Church, P.O. Box 931, Middletown, Ohio 45042. Arrangements are by Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

Stanley F. Maleski
Stanley F. Maleski, 77, of Madison Township, died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2000, at Hawthorn Glen Nursing Center.He was born in Corning, Ohio, Aug. 27, 1922. Mr. Maleski received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army following World War II. He worked as a shearman operator for 36 years at the former Armco Steel Co., retiring in 1985. Mr. Maleski was also a member of the Moose, American Legion and Eagles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Eva Bedrisky; a brother, Bernie Maleski and three sisters, Helen, Ann and Eva Maleski. Survivors include his wife, Viola F. (Rhodus) Maleski; two stepsons, Tom Nordeman of Eureka, Calif. and Warren K. Elam of Middletown; two stepdaughters, Ann Rogers of Medway and Jeanne Stone of Fairborn; 11 stepgrandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer's Association, 644 Linn St., Suite 1026, Cincinnati, 45203.

Amedea J. Marchetti
Amedea John Marchetti, 74, of Middletown, died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2000, at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. He was born in Tornareccio, Italy, on Oct. 4, 1925, the son of Nicola Marchetti and Maria Rosa (Marchetti) Marchetti. He was a member of St. John's Church of Holy Family Parish. Mr. Marchetti worked in the lube maintenance at Armco/AK Steel Co. for more than 44 years. He retired in 1991. He was a World War II Army veteran and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3809. Survivors include his wife, Maria of Middletown; a son, Nicholas (Kathy) Marchetti of Middletown; a daughter, Rosanna (George) Long of Middletown; a brother, Anthony (Neda) Marchetti of Middletown; a sister, Mary Ann (Robert) Yauch of Middletown; and six grandchildren, Lawrence, Joe and Patrick Long, and Marie, Amedeo "A.J.," and Nicholas Marchetti. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Achille "Ike" Marchetti in 1996.
ARRANGEMENTS: Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at St. John's Church of Holy Family Parish, with Father John Civille as celebrant. Interment will be at Woodside Mausoleum. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home.

Ernest C. Miller
Ernest C. Miller, 81, of Middletown, passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, 2000, at 4:18 p.m. at Middletown Regional Hospital, where he had bee a patient for six days. He was born on Oct. 18, 1918, in Jackson, Ky., but had lived in Middletown most of his life. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Mr. Miller was employed as a welder for Hamilton Welding for 30 years before retiring in 1983. He was a member of the Greenbush United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 218 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 528 where he had served as a past president. He was preceded in death by his parents, Crate and Loucinda (Blevins) Miller; his wife, Alice, in 1996; a brother, Raymond Miller in 1993; and two sisters, Martha Barnet in 1995 and Dora Bailey in 1937. Mr. Miller is survived by a son, Steven Miller, and his wife, Betty, of Miami, Okla.; three grandchildren, Candice, Ernest and Cassie; a brother, Bill Miller, and his wife, Margaret, of Camden; a sister, Etta Paul of Dayton; and a special friend, Nellie Fugett of Camden.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation is today, Jan. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. There will also be an Eagles Memorial Service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, with the Rev. Gary Wood officiating. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park in Trenton, with military services conducted by the Honor Guard of American Legion Post 218.

Verla M. Musen
FRANKLIN - Verla Macy Musen, 80, of 6285 Manchester Road, passed away Friday, Jan. 21, 2000, after a lengthy illness at her residence in Franklin. She was born on Aug. 24, 1919, in Smith Creek, West Liberty, Ky., the daughter of Ben K. and Florence (Fannin) Williams. She worked for several area businesses and was an active seamstress her entire life. Mrs. Musen was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn E. Musen in 1998; a daughter, Myra; and her parents, Ben and Florence Williams. Survivors include two sons, Larry of Kennewick, Wash., and Terry of Fountaintown, Ind.; a daughter, Nina Tibbs of Franklin; a brother, Bruce Williams of Palm Harbor, Fla.; a sister, Phoebe Emory of Springfield, Ohio; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at noon Monday, Jan. 24, at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Frank Curtis officiating. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown or the American Cancer Society.

Oakley M. Ross
Mrs. Oakley M. (Hale) Ross, 92, of West Chester, Ohio, passed away Monday, Jan. 17, 2000, at Hillandale Health Care in West Chester. She was born in Rockcastle County, Ky., on Nov. 17, 1907. The multi-talented Mrs. Ross was an active member of the Mason Grange for many years. She was the beloved mother of James (Marcy) Harding and Homer (Ruth) Harding; special grandmother to Sherry and Jamie Harding, Barbara (Ron) Jackson, Rebecca (Finley) Lyons, Deborah (Terry) Rettinger, John (Judy) Dick, Lori Ann Doan and Scott Harding; wonderful great-grandmother to Timothy and Heather Rettinger, Samantha and Sarah Lyons, Cassey and Keith Doan, Tasha Harding and Nathan Johnson. She is also survived by her sisters, Lois (Kenneth) Neal, Ethel (Walter) Blackledge, Isabel (Paul) Haigh; and many other nieces and nephews. Mrs. Ross was preceded in death by her first husband, George Harding, and her second husband, Charles Ross; her son, Oliver Harding; her daughters, Gladys (Gordon) Smith and Mable (Ray) Dick; her brothers, Doyle (Mae) Hale, Foster (Ora) Hale, Edsel (Ruth) Hale, and Orbin (Ruth) Hale; and her sister, Dorothy (Otto) Nunnery.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at Schmidt-Dhonau Funeral Home, 10980 Reading Road, Sharonville, Ohio, with services held at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Eskalene Rozelle
Mrs. Eskalene D. Rozelle, 92, formerly of the Middletown area, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2000, at the Madeira Health Care Center in Cincinnati. She was born on April 18, 1907, in Blanchester, Ohio, the daughter of Albert Myers and Gertrude (Rilea) Myers. Mrs. Rozelle was a nurse and retired as the administrator of the Carlisle Care Center. She served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a nurse and had the rank of captain. She is survived by her cousins, Robert Yarber of Miami, Fla., Bill Yarber of Columbus, Ohio, Gretchen Zander of Middletown, Ted Rilea of Chicago, Ill., Tom Farquer of Sardinia, Ohio, and Nancy Hunt of Cincinnati, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Rozelle in 1970; her parents; and a brother, Albert Myers Jr. t
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Thomas B. Mellott officiating. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Veva M. Russelo
Mrs. Veva M. Russelo, of Middletown, passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Terre Haute, Ind., but was a lifelong resident of this area. Mrs. Russelo was a homemaker. She was an active artist and member of the Middletown Fine Arts Center where she was also on the board. She was also an avid gardener. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, in 1991; and her parents, William G. and Lela M. Hydler. She leaves a sister, Rita Hendricks, and her husband, John, of Middletown; nieces and nephews, including, Jenny Borders of Middletown and Linda Wysong of Kettering, Ohio, and many others; and special friends, Toni Forgue of Hamilton and many others.
ARRANGEMENTS: Services will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no visitation. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 7811 Laurel Ave., Madeira, Ohio 45140. Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Helen R. Smith
MIAMISBURG - Mrs. Helen R. Smith, 74, of Miamisburg, died Monday afternoon, Jan. 17, 2000, at Hospice of Dayton following a lengthy illness. She was born in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 2, 1925, the daughter of Charles and Annabelle (Provent) McMillan. Mrs. Smith was a homemaker and attended the Poasttown Church of God. She is survived by four daughters, Christine Turner of Miamisburg, Barbara Alcorn and Eva Evans, both of Carlisle, and Georgia (Harold) McIntosh of Miamisburg; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Frances McMillan of Knoxville, Tenn. Her husband, Robert Lee Smith, preceded her in death in 1988.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Poasttown Church of God, with Pastor Randy Wallace officiating. Burial will follow in Woodhill Cemetery in Franklin. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

Margaret L. Tyler
Mrs. Margaret L. Tyler, 77, passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, 2000, at Hawthorn Glen Nursing Home, where she had been a patient for the past two years. She was born in Richmond, Ky., on June 15, 1922, a daughter of Russell and Inez (Davis) Egelston, and moved to this area as a young girl. She worked for the Middletown city schools as a cafeteria worker, retiring in 1979 from Middletown High School. She was a member of the Women's Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mrs. Tyler was an avid bowler, a member of the Middletown Women's Bowling Association, and was elected to the Women's Hall of Fame in 1990. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Virginia and Jim Cunningham of Middletown; a granddaughter, Heather Hurte of Trenton; two great-granddaughters, Taylor and Abbey Hurte, both of Trenton; two sisters, Mary Eston) Vandever of Middletown and Imogene Priest of Franklin; and three brothers, Ernest (Clara) Egelston of Franklin, William (Chris) Egelston of Florida and Bud (Gerema) Egelston of Middletown. She was preceded in death by a son, Richard Sanders; her husband, Ray Tyler; her parents; a sister, Mildred McClain; and two brothers, Robert and Marvin Egelston.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Shelby Linville officiating. Burial will follow in Woodside Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Henry Nebraska "Nee" Watson
CARLISLE - Henry Nebraska "Nee" Watson, 79, of Middletown, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 21, 2000, at Carlisle Manor Nursing Home. He was born July 5, 1920, to the late Foster O. and Madie Mack Watson in Jefferson, Ga. He attended Middletown public schools. He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was married to Gerlene Bell Watson, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Alvin G. Watson; a sister, Flora A. Morgan and stepmother, Olamae Bryant Watson. "Nee" leaves to cherish his memory one son, Henry (MaeBell) Watson; one sister, Era Watson (Abell) Fuller; three grandchildren, Angie Watson, Brenda (Vernon) Howard and Spring Y. Watson (Dickie) Brandon; one great-grandson, Nickolas Howard; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, with the Rev. David Q. Marks Jr. of the church officiating. Visitation is from noon until time of the service at the church. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery. The Hall-Jordan Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Florence J. Whitesell
Mrs. Florence J. Whitesell, 95, of Monroe, Ohio, passed away Monday, Jan. 17, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Middletown, Ohio, on Aug. 24, 1904, to Edward and Ada (Smith) Schulze. Mrs. Whitesell was a member of the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church. She lived at Mount Pleasant Retirement Village for 45 years. A cousin, Martha (Joe) Newton of Middletown, survives. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dr. Ronald Boyer, the first superintendent of Mount Pleasant, in 1978; her second husband, Roy Whitesell in 1985; per parents; and two brothers, Rev. Herbert G. Schulze and Harold Schulze.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 1 p.m. Thursday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home in Middletown, with Dr. William Phillips officiating. Burial will be private. Visitation is from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mount Pleasant Life Care Fund, 225 Britton Lane, Monroe 45050; or Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, 57 W. Elm St., Monroe, Ohio 45050.

Allen D. Wiley
Allen Dale Wiley, 96, of Rockford, Ohio, passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, 2000, at Shane Hill Nursing Home in Rockford. He was born in Rockford, Ohio, on Nov. 5, 1903, the son of John H. and Lola (Tickle) Wiley. Mr. Wiley was the head of the engineering division at Armco Steel Co. for 40 years. He retired when he was 62. He was a Mason for 70 years and was active in many civic organizations. He had been a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Middletown where he served as an elder, deacon and trustee. Survivors include his wife, Malissa (Mesarvey) Wiley of Rockford; three sons, William (Phyllis) Wiley of Jewett, Ohio, John (Patricia) Wiley of King of Prussia, Pa., and Thomas (Lynne) Wiley of Middletown; a daughter, Jane (John) Kuckuk of Columbus, Ohio'; 13 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. Mr. Wiley was preceded in death by his wife, Janette Wiley; his parents; a son, Charles Wiley; and a grandson, Jeffrey Wiley.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the New Jersey Presbyterian Church in Carlisle, Ohio. The Rev. John Kuckuk will officiate. Interment will be at the New Jersey Presbyterian Cemetery. There will be no visitation.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dale & Janette Wiley Music Endowment Fund, in care of the First Presbyterian Church, 2910 Central Ave., Middletown 45044. Arrangements by Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home.

Carrie L. Baker
Former Middletown area resident Mrs. Carrie Louise Morgan Baker, 92, passed away Wednesday evening, Jan. 17, 2001, in Maryville, Tenn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Earl Baker of Red Lion, Ohio. She was a graduate of Middletown High School and Ohio State University where she majored in art and art education. Before moving to Maryville, Tenn., in 1994, she had been a resident of Stuart, Miami, Marathon and Key West, Fla., where she was active in arts councils and community life. She and her husband were restaurateurs in the south Florida area for more than 25 years. Mrs. Baker is survived by her son, Phillip Morgan Baker of Maryville, and his wife, Cheryl; grandchildren Matthew and Megan of Maryville, Kenneth and Brenda of Knoxville; and four great-grandchildren, Ashley, Morgan, Andrew and Shelby, all of Knoxville. She is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Myron Snethen (Sally) of Middletown, Ohio, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service is being planned and will be held in Middletown, Ohio, this spring.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to a charity of donor's choice.

Uriah Boshears
Mr. Uriah "Larry" Boshears, 80, of Middletown, passed away at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, 2001 at his residence. He was born in Lynch Mines, Ky., and had lived in the Middletown area for 46 years. He was employed as a machine operator at Interstate Folding Box for 30 years, retiring in 1983. He was also employed as a ranger at Weatherwax Golf Course for 10 years. He was inducted into the Butler County Baseball Hall of Fame as an umpire. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph R. and Ida (Wilson) Boshears, and granddaughter Christy Highley. Among his survivors are his wife of 56 years, Annie; son and daughter-in-law Kenneth Wayne and Robin Boshears of Middletown; daughter and son-in-law Cathy and Greg Hagan of Middletown; grandson Jesse Hagan of Middletown; great grandson Tyler Haddix of Middletown; brothers Don Boshears, Doug Boshears, Carl Boshears, Melvin Boshears and Fred Critchett, all of LaFollette, Tenn.; and sisters Dottie, Ann, Ailene and Bert, all of LaFollette, Tenn.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Timothy Baker officiating. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park, Trenton.

Joe Boyds
FRANKLIN -- Joe E. Boyds, 89, of 7248 Ellenridge Drive, Franklin, went to be with the Lord Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001. He was born in Beckley, W.Va., on Feb. 14, 1911, the son of Andy and Maggie Boyds. He was a member of the Solid Rock Church and was a welder for Borden Metal in Carlisle until his retirement in 1978. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife Katherine in 1980, two brothers Charlie and Dude Viars, and a sister Nina. Surviving him are three daughters, Nancy Wells of Franklin, Sandy Walter and husband Wayne of North Carolina and Leslie Johnson and husband Joe of Franklin; brother Willie Viars of Los Angeles; two sisters, Bertie and Dolly of Cleveland; grandchildren Joe and Jerry Johnson, Lee Walter, Scott and Cheryl Wells; and nine great grandchildren who all loved him dearly.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Solid Rock Church, 903 N. Union Road, Monroe, with the Rev. Lawrence Bishop officiating. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Solid Rock Church. Arrangements are by Eaton-Anderson-Unglesby Funeral Home.