Preston Back
Preston Back, 85, of Lakengren, Eaton and formerly of Middletown and Deltona, Fla., passed away Sunday morning, July 23, 2000 at the Greenbriar Nursing Care Center in Eaton. Back was born Jan. 1, 1915 in Morgan County, Ky. and spent his childhood in Menifee County, Ky. He was a son of the late Winfield Scott and Emma Lou (Richardson) Back. He had served in the U.S. Army during World War II and had worked, along with his sons, as a self-employed carpenter. He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Camden, Ohio, a former member of the Grace Baptist Church of Middletown where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member and a member of the building committee and a former member of the Deltona Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member and member of the church school board. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brother, Charles Back, sisters, Bethel Baker, Ida Craft, Addie Robinson, Imogene Whitt and Corda Wilson and son-in-law John Wood Sr. He is survived by his wife Myrtle Elizabeth (Avery) Back, whom he married Nov. 21, 1936; children and their spouses Roberta and Earl O'Banion of Eaton, Loretta and James Roberts of Eaton, Richard and Wanda Back of Camden, Harvey Scott and Linda Back of Camden, Bonnie and Gary Wood Weisenbarger of Eaton and Sandra and Robert Williams of Trenton; 20 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren; brother Edward Back of Middletown and sisters Ladeska Howard of Middletown and Florence Downing of Trenton.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, July 27 at the Barnes Funeral Home -- Preble Memory Gardens Chapel, 3377 U.S. 35, West Alexandria. Pastors Greg Jackson and Dr. Howard Sears presiding. Friends may call on the family from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and one hour prior services Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Preble Memory Gardens Cemetery in West Alexandria. MEMORIAL: If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the building funds of the First Southern Baptist Church of Camden or the Grace Baptist Church of Middletown.

Marsden C. Barner
Marsden C. Barner, 68, formerly of Middletown, died Monday, July 17,2000, at Carlisle Manor Nursing Home. Mr. Barner, a resident of Carlisle, was born on March 30, 1932, in Avis, Pa., the son of Walter J. Barner and Leah G. (Schrack) Barner. He was retired from IKG Bordens and had also worked at United Welding and Riverside Concrete Co. He is survived by two brothers, Grant R. (wife Doris) Barner of Eastville, Pa., and Walter L. (wife Vonda) Barner of Middletown; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marion G. Pratt of Middletown; and a brother, Frank W. Barner, also of Middletown.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 21, at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. C. Roland Marcus officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 11113 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, Ohio 45242; or the First Baptist Church, 4500 Riverview Ave., Middletown 45042.

Norma A. Boomershine
Norma Adkins Boomershine, 76, of Lenoir City, Tenn., formerly of Farmersville, died Friday, July 21, 2000 in Knoxville, Tenn. She was a m ember of the Community Baptist Church in Lenoir City and a former member of the First Baptist Church in Farmersville. She was retired from General Motors, Harrison Radiator Division in Dayton. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Chester Boomershine and Raymond Hester. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Norman Lee Adkins and Leoda Barker Adkins and a brother, Chester Lee Adkins. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Gary Lee and Linda Boomershine of Germantown; Diana and Tom Sanders of Eaton; Norma Jean and Cecil Sanders of Kingston, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at the Lindloff-Zimmerman Funeral Home in West Alexandria, with the Revs. Tom Vorhis and Dustin Vorhis officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Gratis. Friends may call at the funeral home in West Alexandria on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Texas Branham
Texas Branham, 90 of Hamilton, died at 7:49 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2000, at Mercy Hospital of Hamilton. She was born in Pike County, Ky., on June 14, 1910, the daughter of W. Anderson and Sarah Ann (Mullins) Looney. She was a graduate of Pikeville College in 1930. On July 16, 1931, she married Earl Helsel Branham in Garrett, Ky. He preceded her in death on March 22, 1999. Mrs. Branham taught school in Pike and Floyd County, Ky., schools and she also enjoyed flower gardening. She is survived by her sons, Gene Branham and his wife Lois, and Pete Branham and his wife Bette, both of Hamilton; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; a sister, Charlynne Thompson of Columbus, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Mae Ferrell and Willa Baars; and two brothers, J. P. Looney and Junior Looney.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, July 24, at the Rose Hill Mausoleum Chapel, with the Rev. Grant M. Montgomery officiating. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum. Webb Noonan Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

John W. Clark
John W. "Jack" Clark, 63, of Madison Township, Ohio, died Tuesday, July 18, 2000, at his residence. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Jan. 15, 1937, the son of the late John Thomas and Pauline (Hines) Clark. Mr. Clark was employed by Black-Clawson for 40 years, retiring in 1999. He was a member of Eagles Aerie 528. John served in the Army from 1956 to 1959. Among his survivors are his wife, Ella L. Clark of Madison Township; a daughter, Jackie R. (Greg) Blevins of Madison Township; two brothers, Richard J. Clark of Madison Township and Jake A. (Teresa) Clark of Middletown; and two grandchildren, Clark A. Blevins and Kaitlin M. Blevins.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2000, at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, with Father John Civille officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 21, at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison Sports Club, in care of Kim Wells, 5945 Beverly Lane, Middletown, Ohio, 45042; or the Madison Life Squad, P.O. Box 1069, Middletown 45042.

Cord E. Creech
Cord E. Creech, 88, of Middletown, died Monday, July 17, 2000, at his residence. He was born on Oct. 22, 1911, in Campton, Ky., the son of Fetus Creech and Alice (Roberts) Creech. Mr. Creech was a retired union carpenter. He was a member of the Tytus Avenue Church of God. He is survived by a son, Homer (wife Jol) Creech of Okeechobee, Fla.; three daughters, Wanda (husband Sam) Hollon, Wilda Theodore and Lois (husband J.B.) Deaton, all of Middletown; a sister BonnieBryant of Middletown; and two brothers, Dorsey Creech of Rogers, Ky. and Ted Creech of Campton, Ky.; 10 grandchildren; and numberous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Creech; his parents; and two brothers and a sister.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Revs. Randy Wallace and Greg Wallace officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at the North Monroe Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown, 45044.

Hubert C. Davis
Hubert C. Davis, 69, of Springboro, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2000, at Sycamore Hospital. He was born Sept. 20, 1930, in Bath County, Ky., the son of Hubert and Rosa (Anderson) Davis. Mr. Davis was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the U.S. Army. He was employed for 21 years at NCR and 10 years at PDSI in West Carrollton. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Elliott "Dale" Davis, son Jeff of West Carrollton, daughters Beverly Brate of Franklin and Teresa Reynolds of Blanchester, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 27, at Anderson Funeral Home, 40 N. Main St., Springboro, with Brother Delbert Hawes officiating. Burial will be in Miami Valley Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

James K. Duncan
James Kellon Duncan, 77, of Middletown, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born on July 16, 1923, in Grassy Creek, Ky., to John S. and Laura Duncan. Mr. Duncan retired as a staff sergeant in the Army. Graveside military honors will be provided by the Honor Guard of American Legion Post 218. Among his survivors are his wife, Mary Jane Duncan of Middletown; a son, John K. (Karen) Duncan of Franklin; a brother, Robert Duncan of Lorain, Ohio; a sister, Marge Smith of Mount Olivet, Ky.; two grandchildren, Jessica (Jon) Robinson and Erika Duncan; and two great-grandchildren, Kellon Duncan and Aliyah Meehan. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Laura Duncan; and his first wife, Katheryn E. Duncan, in January, 1998.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 24, at the Bonita Drive Church of Christ, with the Rev. James Kinser officiating. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park in Wayne Township. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown 45044.

Nadine C. Farmer
Nadine C. Farmer, 81, of Middletown, died Friday, July 21, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Daisy, Ark., on Aug. 28, 1918, a daughter of Thomas and Ellen (Rogers) Fant, and worked for over 40 years as a beautician in the area. She was a member of the Franklin Christian Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. She is survived by two daughters, Marcia Lehman of Atlanta, Ga., and Janice Price of Middletown; four grandchildren, Amy Slusher, Kevin Hon, Randy Hon and Aaron Price; two great-grandchildren, Evan Slusher and Madeline Slusher; two sisters, Margaret Messick of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Betty Jo Bryant of Australia; and two brothers, Autry Fant of Locust Grove, Va., and Leonard Fant of Ringgold, Ga. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald B. Farmer in 1986; by her parents; a sister, Gracia Fant; and a brother, Norman Fant.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Duane Mecklem officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Middletown.

Edna Fitzgerald
FRANKLIN -- Mrs. Edna Fitzgerald, 82, of 425 Mission Lane, passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born on March 2, 1918, in Franklin, Ohio, the daughter of Henry and Maud (Amburgy) Thomas. She was a 1936 graduate of Franklin High School and a member of the United Methodist Church of Ripley, W.Va. Mrs. Fitzgerald owned with her husband, John Edward, Fitzgerald's Green House in Ripley, W.Va., from 1946 to 1974, and Fitzgerald's Florist Products in Raven Woods, W.Va. until 1988. She returned to Franklin in 1998. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, John Edward in 1981. Surviving are her son, John Fitzgerald, Jr. of Evans, W.Va; a daughter, Mary K. Spruse of Columbus; a brother, Victor Thomas, and sister Phyllis Clark, both of Middletown; six grandchildren, Sarah Hawkins, Mitchell Hoffmann, Renee Fouty, Roy Fitzgerald Oldaker, Alina Fitzgerald and Leslie Fitzgerald; and five great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, July 21 at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin, with Rev. Chuck Wolfinbarger officiating. Burial will be in the Springboro Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from noon to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Chuck Gates Jr.
Girdon C. "Chuck" Gates Jr., 38, of Jacksonville, Fla., passed away Friday, July 21, 2000. He was an employee of Sears and a Navy veteran. An avid bowler, he had two 300 games to his credit. He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda L. Gates. He is survived by his wife, Pamela S. Gates; his father and mother, Girdon and Linda M. Gates of Springboro; grandmother, Vivian Gates; a son, Bradford A. Risner; a daughter, Jennifer S. Risner; two brothers, James B. Gates, and his son, Matthew, and Ty S. Vaughn, and his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Korynn.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today, July 27, at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Thomas B. Mellott officiating. Friends may call today one hour prior to services. Burial will follow in Woodside Cemetery, with military honors provided by the American Legion Post 218 Color Guard.

Edna Hall
Edna Hall, 80, passed away Saturday, July 22, 2000 at the Sycamore Hospital in Centerville. She was born in Hazard, Ky. She was the wife of Roy Hall; mother of David Hall of Franklin; Kenneth (Joan) Hall of Franklin; grandmother of Christy Ann (Tom) Susec of Indianapolis; sister of John Hall of Quincy, Mass.; Ralph Hall of Viper, Ky.; Bee Hall of Leesburg, Fla.; Georgia Bowlin of Moraine; and Patsy Cornett of Viper, Ky.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be held at the Anderson and Unglesby Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin from 5 to 8 p.m. today. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 25, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Springboro Cemetery.

Dan L. Hamilton
Dan L. Hamilton, 85, of Monroe, beloved husband of Oma DeHart, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2000, at 5:25 p.m. at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born June 5, 1915, in Leslie County, Ky., the son of Ira Hamilton and Sara (Baker) Hamilton, and lived in Hayden, Ky., until 1942. He married Oma DeHart in 1937 at Orchard, Ky. Dan was the owner and operator of D.L. Hamilton grocery from 1954 to 1965. He finished his career at the Lakota Local Schools, retiring in 1981. Dan enjoyed traveling and camping. He leaves behind to cherish his memory four daughters, Thelma (husband Lowell) Barrett of Monroe, Reva (husband Mike) Cook of New Miami, Debbie (husband Robert) Phillips of Middletown, and Linda Barnett and her fiancee Greg Bowley of Franklin; three sons, Dennis (wife Marion) Hamilton of Liberty Township, Kenneth (wife Alice) Hamilton of West Chester, Raymond (wife Sue) Hamilton of Mason; 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Nora Oliver of Hazard, Ky.; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and six sisters.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home with the Rev. David Passet officiating. Visitations will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Butler County Memorial Park.

Robert T. Hammock
Robert Thomas (Tom) Hammock, 37, of Germantown, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 23, 2000, at Hospice of Dayton after a lengthy illness. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, Feb. 19, 1963. He was a 1981 graduate of Springboro High School. He was employed by Morton International & Technicote prior to his illness. He was a member of Ferry Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon and a ministry team leader. He was a member of the Franklin Post 149 Sons of the American Legion. He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma Jean Hammock and brothers David, Steven and Jeremy Matthew. He is survived by his wife, Vicki; son Quentin and daughter MacKenzie; paternal grandmother Nancy Hammock of Lebanon; father and stepmother Robert J. and Lynn of Lebanon; two sisters, Jill of Germantown and Jodi and brother-in-law Chad of Lima; two brothers, Lee of Lebanon and Greg of Lima; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rick and Sue Centers of Lebanon; two nephews, Nicholas and Matthew Centers; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A special thanks to the doctors, Kettering Hospital, 3 West Staff, Carlisle Manor staff, and Hospice of Dayton staff for their care and kindness in this difficult time. Tom's love and laughter will live in our hearts forever.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Ferry Church of Christ, Wilmington Pike and Social Row Road, Waynesville. Forrest Hahn will officiate. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Ferry Church of Christ. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is in charge of the arrangements.

Ruth Johnson
Ruth Johnson, 85, of 23821 River Road, Astor, Fla., formerly of Middletown, Ohio, passed away Friday, July 21, 2000, in West Volusia Hospital in Deland, Fla. Mrs. Johnson was a housewife. She was born in Bath County, Ky., on Jan. 18, 1915, the daughter of Milton T. and Elizabeth (Parks) Ginter. Ruth, and her husband, Roger Johnson Sr., who was a locomotive engineer at Armco Steel Co. in Middletown, moved to Florida in 1965. Ruth was a member of the First Baptist Church of Astor and sang in the church choir. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Johnson Sr.; and a son, Roger Johnson Jr. of Middletown, who had also worked as a locomotive engineer at Armco, and died in 1997. Surviving are a son, Charles L. Johnson of Edgewater, Fla.; a brother, LaRue Ginter of Carlisle; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, July 24, at the First Baptist Church of Astor in Astor, Fla. Visitation will be Monday from 10 a.m. to noon at the church. Beyers Funeral Home in Astor, Fla., is handling arrangements.

Joseph E. Knapp
Joseph E. Knapp, 67, of Morrison, Colo., passed away Friday, July 21, 2000. A native of Middletown, Ohio, he was born on June 12, 1933, the son of Herbert H. and Bertha L. Knapp. He was a 1951 graduate of Middletown High School, attended Miami University and served in the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Knapp was a member of the Columbine Church of Christ in Littleton, Colo. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Bernice (Bee) Knapp; a daughter, Jodi of Aurora, Colo.; three brothers, George (Linda) Knapp and John (Jean) Knapp, both of Middletown, and Richard (Dee) Knapp of Trenton; and a sister, Alice (Jr.) Newcomb of Middletown. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Knapp was employed at Jefferson Smurfit in Middletown before moving to Colorado 28 years ago. He retired from Packaging Corp. of America and the Rocky Mountain News.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 25, at the Drinkwine Family Mortuary in Littleton, Colo. Interment was at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colo.

Helen Methven
Helen Methven, 99, formerly of Middletown, died Friday, July 21, 2000 at Village of Westerville, Westerville, Ohio. She was born Nov. 25, 1900 in Burlington, Ky. to parents Bartley E. and Nellie J. (Riggs) Aylor. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Middletown and a life member of O.E.S. Chapter of Erlanger, Ky. She was actively involved in the Middletown area with F.T.T.P., Grandmother's Club and the Woman's Book Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Edwin Methven and sister Blanche Aylor Siekman. She is survived by a daughter, Phyllis M. (Richard) Wood of Gahanna, Ohio; grandsons Robert M. (Christine) Wood of Delaware, Ohio; John T. Wood of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; and great grandchildren Jeffrey, Christy, Stephen, Cory and Ricky.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside service and interment will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2000 in Lebanon Cemetery. Arrangements are by Schoedinger Northeast Chapel, 1051 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna.
MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Middletown, in Helen's memory.

Harry F. Nation Sr.
Harry F. Nation Sr., 87, of Middletown, passed away Friday, July 21, 2000, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on March 20, 1913, in Springfield, Ill., and lived in Middletown since 1947. Mr. Nation was a carpenter and union representative for the local Carpenter's Union. He joined the Carpenter's Union 1477 in 1947. He held several offices including trustee from 1949 to 1959, financial secretary from 1959 to 1966, and business agent from 1966 to 1977. Mr. Nation also held many offices in the Carpenter's District Council of the AFL-CIO in Cincinnati, retiring in 1978. He had been a member of the Retired Carpenters since 1978. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles since 1950. He was an avid bowler and bowled with the Carpenters Union in Cincinnati for many years and also at the Eagles Bowling League for 50 years at the Sports Bowl in Middletown. He was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in 1978. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Helen G. (Jones) Nation; four sons and daughters-in-law, Alfred and Darlene Nation of Middletown, Harlan and Maryann Nation of Carlisle, Harry Jr. and Pamela Nation of Carlisle, and Walter and Terrilou Nation of Bedford, Ind.; six daughters and sons-in-law, Velma (Peggy) and Oscar Carrozza of Trenton, Mary and Greg Manley of Middletown, Carolyn and William Passwaters of Middletown, Rose and Ervin Dalton of Monroe, Violet and Daniel Jordon of Monroe and Gylvia and Michael Hensler of Cincinnati; 21 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Clara (Lester) Fouts of Illinois and Verna (John) Clelwell of Indiana; a brother, Alfred (Lolita) Nation of Illinois; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Mr. Nation was a member of the Yankee Road Church of God. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mary Nation; two brothers, Robert and John Nation; and a sister, Beulah Nation. Mr. Nation leaves a legacy of love of God, devotion to family and integrity. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with the Revs. S. Kevin Collins and Arnold McConnell officiating. Friends may call for visitation from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery.

Mollie Nester
FRANKLIN -- Mrs. Mollie (Roach) Nester, 71, of 760 David Blvd., passed away Monday, July 17, 2000, at her residence. She was born on Nov. 7, 1928, in Pineville, Ky., the daughter of Conley and Goldie (Truett) Roach. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Forrest in 1996; a daughter, Margie in 1993; and brothers Charles and Robert Roach. Mrs. Nester is survived by her daughter, Linda Herron, and her husband, Mike, of Middletown; brothers Conley Roach of Florida, Tom Roach of Franklin and William Roach of Dayton; sisters Joyce Lakes and Carolyn Fitzpatrick, both of Franklin, and Clara Patterson of Connersville, Ind.; grandchildren Michelle, Michael and Joshua Herron and Angie Coffey; and seven great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Juanita Perry
Juanita Perry, 76, of Dayton, died Friday morning, July 21, 2000, at her residence following a lengthy illness. She was a homemaker and had lived in Dayton since 1954. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth and Jesse York; two brothers, Charles and Ray York; and a sister, Emily Myers. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Hubert; daughter, Joanie Hemingway of Dayton; son, Donnie (Toni) Perry of Norman, Okla.; four grandchildren, Alissa Mobley, Sara Hemingway, and Jeff and Jason Perry; and four great-grandchildren, Cody Mobley and Malena, Marlo and Bryce Perry. Also surviving are sister, Katherine (Everett) Pratt of Middletown, and brother, Eugene (Dorothy) York of Middletown.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, July 24, at the Newcomer-Barclay Funeral Home in Kettering, Ohio. Burial will immediately follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Poasttown. Friends may call at the funeral home today from 4 to 6 p.m.

Mary L. Rufener
HAMILTON -- Mary Lois Rufener, 68, of Hamilton, died Monday, July 17, 2000, while vacationing in Alberta, Canada. She was born in Seven Mile, Ohio, on Feb. 7, 1932, the daughter of O. Leroy and Lois A. (Truster) Snively. She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor H. Stahlheber in 1991, and her husband Paul A. Toth in 1994. On March 15, 1997, in Hamilton, she married Calvin S. Rufener. Mrs. Rufener had worked as a secretary at the Butler County Board of Mental Retardation for more than 22 years, retiring in 1995. A member of the Seven Mile United Presbyterian Church, she was also a member of the Mason Grange, Butler and Warren County Antique Machine Club, Fort Hamilton's Pioneer's Camping Club, and was a Kentucky colonel. Survivors include her husband, Calvin; three children, Vickie, and her husband, Michael Gabbard, of Seven Mile, Doug, and his wife, Debbie Stahlheber, of Seven Mile, and Susan, and her husband, Howard Bishop, of Columbus, Ind.; five grandchildren, John (Chrissy) Gabbard, James Gabbard, Chris (Sarah) Stahlheber, Jeremy Stahlheber and Emily Bishop; a stepson, Dale (Betty) Rufener of Adams County, Ohio; a brother, George (Frankie) Snively of Byrdstown, Tenn.; an aunt, Faye Snively of Houston, Texas; and many, many loving friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 24, at the Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave., Hamilton, with the Rev. Norman D. Godfrey officiating. Burial will follow in Butler County Memorial Park, Trenton. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions are suggested to the Seven Mile Presbyterian Church.

Luther Smith
Luther Smith, 79, of 3009 N. Union Road, Middletown, passed away at home at 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 21, in the loving care of his wife, family, friends and Hospice. He was born in Hamilton, Ohio, April 29, 1921, the youngest of nine children born to Grant and Nora (Abney) Smith. Luther was a self-employed contractor for 53 years, working periodically with his two sons in Smith & Sons Builders. He was a longtime faithful member of the Grace Baptist Church, where he supervised the construction of the present building; and serving as a deacon, trustee and in many other positions. Luther was a World War II veteran, serving in the Army, 499th Artillery, during the Battle of the Bulge in Germany. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Julia Ann; five children, Nora Jean Smith Hudson, Pamela Smith, Gregory Luther Smith and his wife Mary, Richard Lin Smith and his wife Judith Ann, and Judith Louise Smith Hale and her husband Joe Hale; his 12 grandchildren, Vicki, Bill, Mark, Paul, Missie, Rob, Lisa, Faith, Matthew, Shaun, Patrick and Bailey; his 14 great-grandchildren, Kara, Jeremy, Michael, Justin, Jeffrey, Christina, Allison, Chevell, Brandon, Madeline, Christian, Makayla, Ciara and Payton Grant; and his sister, Bertha Smith Berry of Dayton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nora and Grant; his sister, Verna; his brothers, John, George, Elmer, Esmer, Amos and Oliver; a beloved son-in-law, Gordon Hudson; and a granddaughter, Hope Ann Smith. His will be sadly missed and forever loved.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Grace Baptist Church with Dr. Howard Sears and Pastor Roger Green officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Woodside Cemetery, with military honors provided by American Legion Post 218 Color Guard.

Ray Smith
Ray Smith, 80, of 2802 Groveland St., died Wednesday morning, July 19, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Leslie County, Ky., on May 13, 1920, the son of George W. and Fannie (Napier) Smith, and spent most of his life in this area. Mr. Smith worked for 36-and-a-half years at Armco Steel Co., retiring at age 62 from West Processing. He was a member of the Tytus Avenue First Church of God. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Edith (Mosley) Smith; two daughters, Linda Robinson of Franklin and Anna Garrett (husband Garland) of Franklin; a son, Herbert Smith (wife Mary Brown) of West Middletown; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and a half-brother, Noah Williams of Garden Grove, Calif.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call after 5 p.m. today at the Tytus Avenue First Church of God, 3300 Tytus Ave., Middletown, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday. Pastor Greg Wallace will officiate. Burial will follow in Springboro Cemetery. Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Florence M. Staton
Florence May "Frog" Staton, 81, of Barbara Parke Care Center, passed away Monday, July 17, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Nashville, Tenn., on March 21, 1919, and was a lifelong resident of Middletown. Mrs. Staton was a homemaker and had attended many churches in the area. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Staton; a daughter, Linda Sue Staton; and a sister, Naomi Wells. She leaves four sons, Bob Staton, and his wife, Mary, of Middletown, Tudor Staton and his wife, Shirley, of Monroe, and Booney Staton and Terry Staton, both of Middletown; daughters Fay Baker, and her husband, Walter, and Kay Staton, all of Franklin, Joanna Prince, and her husband, Ron, and Connie Blevins, and her husband, Busk, all of Middletown; 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with the Rev. Thurman McIntosh officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation is today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Sidney Steinman
MASON -- Sidney Steinman, 92, of Cedar Village, Mason, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2000. He was born in New York, N.Y., on July 18, 1908, the son of Joseph and Bertha (Spiro) Steinman. Mr. Steinman was an Army veteran of World War II. He was the beloved husband of Bertha P. (Polsky) Steinman; father of Mrs. Frieda (Joel) Margolies and Joann (Robert) Elliot; grandfather of Mark (Jodi) Margolies and Todd Margolies; and also survived by a sister, Gertrude Gladstone.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. today, July 21, at Cedar Village, Mason, Ohio. Shiva Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the home of Frieda and Joel Magolies. Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society Inc. in Milford is serving the family.

Donald L. Vicroy
GERMANTOWN -- Donald Lee Vicroy, 67, of Germantown, died Monday, July 17, 2000, of complications from an extended bout with diabetes. A 1951 graduate of Germantown High School, Donald was an Air Force veteran and retired from Ernst Enterprise. Donald and his wife, Janet, were foster parents for more than 19 years. For many years he was active on the V V Youth Baseball Association and coached many teams. Don was a lifelong harness racing fan. This interest manifested itself in Don's ownership of horses and his latest horse, Tomuchmoneybiznus. In addition to his horses, Don was an avid mushroom hunter. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert E. Vicroy. Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Janet (Barton) Vicroy; a son, R. Barry Vicroy of Columbus; daughters Loreesa (Jerry) Powell of Germantown, Amanda Tasha, Julisa and Jenny, all at home; sons Jeff (Theresa) Vicroy of West Milton, Ohio, and Rick (Collen) Vicroy of Johnstown, Ohio; three grandchildren, Tony, Heather and Tim Vicroy; two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Jessica; his mother, Zola Vicroy of Germantown; a brother and his wife, Roger and Nancy Vicroy of Terre Haute, Ind.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jane and Bill Riley, Jeffery Barton and Lisa Stevens, Jennifer and Date Rickert and Joyce and Randy Ney; and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 21, at the Arpp & Root Funeral Home in Germantown, with the Rev. Dennis Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Germantown Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Germantown Rescue Squad.

Austin M. Wooldridge
Austin Michael Wooldridge, infant son of Lisa M. Neal and Michael S. Wooldridge of Middletown, went to be in the arms of Jesus Saturday, July 22 2000, at 7:15 p.m. shortly after his birth at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. He was preceded in death by paternal great-grandfathers Carl Ray Wooldridge and Edward Harold Williams and maternal great-grandmothers Charlotte Atkinson Martin and Maudie J. McCall. Besides his parents, he is survived by twin sister Courtney Anne Wooldridge of Middletown; paternal grandparents Diana and David Wooldridge of Middletown and Norma and Orville Miller of Middletown; maternal grandparents Stephanie and Kendall McCall of Trenton, and Steve Neal of Middletown; paternal great-grandparents Millie Wooldridge of Middletown, Lou and Tom Willis of Germantown, Hazel and John Lawson of Carlisle; maternal great-grandparents, Charlotte Marteeny of Deerfield, Fla., Larry Martin of Texas, Ollie J. Neal of Sciotodale, Ohio, and William Austin McCall of Trenton; maternal great-great-grandmother Mabel Williams of Aurora, Ind.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, at Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Farrell Ratliff officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery.