Lloyd B. Barrett
Lloyd B. Barrett, 69, of Somerville, passed away at his residence on Friday, Oct. 13, 2000, at 9:40 a.m. He was born in Berea, Ky., on Aug. 26, 1931, the son of Arthur and Bertha (Powell) Barrett. Lloyd was a veteran of the Korean Conflict with the United States Army from 1952 to 1953. He was employed as a plumber for 50 years and was co-owner and operator of Barrett Plumbing Co. from 1991 to 1998. Lloyd was a member of the Somerville Pentecostal Church. On Oct. 13, 1951, in Hamilton, he married Marie Smith. He is survived by his wife, Marie Barrett of Somerville; two sons, Kevin Lloyd Barrett of Liberty, Ind., and Martin David Barrett and wife Karen of Middletown; one daughter, Maribeth Rawlins and husband Brian of Middletown; five brothers, Oscar Barrett of Berea, Ky., Jesse Barrett and wife Rebecca of Moores Hill, Ind., Arnold Barrett and wife Ivy of Camden, Joe Barrett of Moores Hill, Ind., and Delbert Barrett and wife Norma of Trenton; five sisters, Ola Mehring of Sunman, Ind., Dorothy Gelsler of West Carrollton, Cinda Rogers and husband Harrison of Moores Hill, Ind., Geraldine Houston of Osgood, Ind., and Delora Lykins and husband Wiley of Chipley, Fla.; and two grandsons, Andrew Martin Barrett and Evan Matthew Rawlins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Fannie Smith.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at the Brown Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Ave., Hamilton, at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, with Revs. Riley Parker and Bob Hartman officiating. Burial will follow at Butler County Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday.

Janet K. Blair

ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services for Middletown native Mrs. Janet K. Blair, 60, of Mentor on the Lake, will be today, Oct. 14, at the Potti Funeral Home, 1009 Mentor Ave., Painesville, Ohio (time of service is pending). She died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at University Hospital in Cleveland. Mrs. Blair was born on Feb. 29, 1940, in Middletown, Ohio, and had lived in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, before moving to Mentor on the Lake three years ago. She was a member of the Mentor Harbor Yachting Club and enjoyed golfing and tennis. Survivors include her husband, John; daughters Charlotte and Heather Blair, both of Mentor on the Lake; brothers Leon (Joy) Kemplin of Middletown, Robert (Jeanne) Kemplin of Largo, Fla., and Donald Kemplin (Donna) of Middletown; sisters Clara Smallwood of Washington Court House, Lula (Jack) Thursdon of Osprey, Fla., Carol (Carl) Tibbs of Lebanon, Ohio, and Joan (Robert) Johnson of Middletown. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett and Rachel Kemplin; and her sister, Wanda Burdge. Friends were received at visitation on Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Junior Activities Program at Mentor Harbor Yachting Club, 5330 Coronada Drive, Mentor on the Lake, Ohio 44060.

Thomas W. Brookes
Thomas W. Brookes, 55, of 6387 E. County Road 12 in Bloomville, Ohio, died Monday evening, Oct. 9, 2000, at his home after an extended illness. He was born on Feb. 3, 1945, in Bucyrus, Ohio, to John and Ida L. (Denman) Brookes. He married Lucille Schmucker in July 1965, and she died on June 28, 1993. On April 6, 2000, he married Jean (Wyatt) Brookes of Middletown in Bloomville and she survives. Other survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Gerald and Cindy Brookes of Bloomville; four brothers, John of Bloomville, Robert of Marion, Henry of Tiffin and Richard of Florida; and a sister, Mary Ann Wonder of Tiffin, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his first wife and his parents. Mr. Brookes was the owner of Seneca Systems Inc., an environmental remediation service. He was also the former owner of T-Brookes Unlimited Inc. Some years ago, he had a business here in Middletown, Seneca Asbestos, in offices located on North Main Street. Thomas was also a farmer and enjoyed raising horses. He was a member of the Melmore United Methodist Church, Melmore Oddfellows, Bloomville Lions and American Legion Caufield Post 434 in Bloomville. He was U.S Marine Corps veteran.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. today, Oct. 12, at the Melmore United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Howard Huston officiating. Burial will be in Rock Creek Cemetery in Tiffin. Visitation was concluded Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lindsey-Olds Funeral Home, 3085 S. Ohio 19, Bloomville, Ohio 44818. A Bloomvile Lions Club visitation was also held at 7:30 p.m.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Community Hospice Care.

Cecilia Ann Creech
Cecilia Ann Creech, 52, of Middletown, died Sunday morning at her residence. She had been a respiratory therapist at Middletown Regional Hospital and retired in 1995. She had been a volunteer at Middletown Senior Citizens and at Willow Knoll Retirement Community. She is survived by a daughter, Jacqueline Susan (Jessie) Kirby of Franklin; her parents, Ollie and Ann (Lykins) Creech; and grandchildren Justin Kyle and Jessica Ann Kirby.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, with the Rev. Nolan Phillips officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery.

Irene Dineen
Irene Dineen, 88, of Middletown, Ohio, died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, at Garden Manor Extended Care Center in Middletown. Irene was a lifelong resident of Middletown. She attended Holy Trinity School and graduated from the business school which was then part of the Holy Trinity educational system. Her career covered 12 years with the Family Service Bureau of the Middletown Civic Association, four years with the Middletown Chapter of the American Red Cross during World War II, after which she returned to school for one year, studying in a business college in Milwaukee, Wis. On her return to Middletown in 1947, she immediately started to work for Armco. Her career at Armco spanned 11 years in a secretarial capacity in the office of the then chairman, Charles R. Hook. The last 19 years of her Armco service was in the main lobby as receptionist for the general office. After retirement, she became involved in volunteer work at several rest homes, as well as many church-related activities at Holy Trinity. She proudly supported the Crisis Pregnancy Center, Hope House and the summer lunch program for children. Ms. Dineen is survived by three brothers, William O. Dineen of Milwaukee, Wis., Desmond Dineen of Middletown and Joseph (Kathleen) Dineen of Middletown; and two sisters-in-law, Josephine Dineen of Albuquerque, N.M., and Blanche Dineen of St. Charles, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents, William R. and Ella (Carney) Dineen; brothers Dan, Michael and Robert Dineen; and sisters Evelyn Kramer and Mary Bishop.
ARRANGEMENTS: Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Trinity Church of Holy Family Parish at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, with Father John Civille as celebrant. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park in Wayne Township. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Crisis Pregnancy Center, 2230 Central Ave., Middletown 45042; or Fenwick High School, 3800 Manchester Road, Middletown 45042.

Donald E. Faulkner
SPRINGBORO -- Donald E. Faulkner, 81, of 8557 Clearcreek-Franklin Road, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at his residence. He was born in Williamstown, Ky., on March 29, 1919, the son of Bruce and Mary Elizabeth (Penick) Faulkner. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army and receiving a Purple Heart medal. Mr. Faulkner was a member of Eastern Star Lodge 55 Free & Accepted Masons, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Lebanon and the Disabled American Veterans in Kentucky. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator by Local Union 18 for 35 years and retired in 1981. Preceding him in death were his wife, Iva in 1991; a brother, Richard Faulkner; and a sister, Alma Walton. Surviving are three daughters, Pam Doucette, and her husband, Terry, and Patti Lamb, and husband, John, all of Franklin, and Janis Thomas, and husband, Fred, of Lebanon; a sister, Peggy Gibson of Florence, Ky.; four grandchildren, Donna Combs, Jessica Kirkpatrick, Elisha Lamb and Natalie Thomas; and five great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin, with the Rev. Richard Ross officiating. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park in Trenton with full military honors. Friends may call today from 5 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Lillie Hall
Mrs. Lillie Hall, 83, of 1216 Calumet Ave., passed away at 4:20 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. A native of Statesboro, Ga., she was the daughter of Melvin and Gertrude Johnson Love. A warm, outgoing person, she made friends easily and was especially devoted to her children and grandchildren. A resident of Middletown for 53 years, Mrs. Hall was a faithful member of the New Era Baptist Church. Her husband, Sim Hall, preceded her in death on Dec. 18, 1984; and a son, Daniel Hall, her parents and some siblings also preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory three daughters, Vernell Hare (Bennie) of Trotwood, Ohio, and Geraldine Flagg and Carolyn Milton (Tyrone), all of Middletown; a sister, Thelma Payne of Williamsburg, Va.; a devoted sister-in-law, Louise Love of Middletown; seven grandchildren, Anthony Hall of Middletown, Kim Browner (Willard) of Dayton, Carolyn Leavell of Trotwood, Janelle-Milton Lee (Ralph) of Forest Park, Ohio, Charles Lee of Dayton, Michelle Milton-Johnson (Arthur) of Middletown and Danny Hall of Middletown; 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; four sisters-in-law, Delaware Jones (Johnnie) of Decatur, Ga., Ruby Hall of Woodlawn, Ohio, Beatrice Love of Statesboro, Ga., and Odessa Hall of Madison, Ga.; her employer's family whom she loved dearly, Elizabeth Thompson of Arlington, Texas, Sarah Thompson of Columbus, Ohio, Jeff Thompson of Chicago, Ill., and Bruce Thompson of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and a host of other relatives and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hall-Jordan Memorial Chapel, 918 S. Main St., Middletown. Funeral services will be at noon Monday the New Era Baptist Church, with the Rev Charles Lee officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery.

Sam Hatton Jr.
Sam Hatton Jr., 76, of Middletown, died in Middletown Monday, Oct. 9, 2000. He was born on Feb. 3, 1924, in Cannel City, Ky., and lived in Middletown for more than 60 years. He was formerly employed as a machine tender at Sorg Paper Co. before retiring in 1986 after 40 years of service. Mr. Hatton was a member of the Trenton Nazarene Church and a volunteer through United Way. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Alice Mary Hatton; a son, Kenneth Ray Hatton; a sister, Francis Salmon; and a brother, Hubert Hatton. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Josephine; daughters Phyllis Ann Lambert of Arkansas and Geraldine Lewis, and her husband, Richard, of Middletown; sons Glenn D. Hatton Sr., and his wife, Reno, and William M. Hatton, and his wife, Kathy, all of Middletown; 22 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; a sister, Joyce Feltner of Hazard, Ky.; and four brothers, Howard Hatton of Michigan, Bufford Hatton of Chicago, Ill., Chalmer Hatton of Caney, Ky., and Elmer Hatton of Malone, Ky.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, 1500 Manchester Ave., with Pastor Douglas VanNest officiating. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Willard J. Hensley
GRATIS -- Willard J. Hensley, 63, of Gratis, died suddenly Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at his residence. He was born in Eaton, Ohio, on Dec. 14, 1936, to Charles and Maggie (Peters) Hensley. He was the owner and operator of Will's Marathon Service Station in Gratis for 34 years. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Myma Hensley; two sons, Joe (Leslie) Hensley and Michael Hensley, both of Gratis; three daughters, "Benny" (Jim) Stamper of Trenton, Ohio, Sherr King of Bloomington, Ind., and Tina (Brett) Wilkening of Grand Forks, N.D.; a brother, Harold Hensley of Cerritos, Calif.; two sisters, Joann Cheetham of New Paris, Ohio, and Virginia Rinehart of Eaton; two grandchildren; "special friends" Jamie (Jodie) Zimmerman, Randy Miller, Kenny Combs and Timmy "Turbo" Henchen, and many other friends. Mr. Hensley was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Charles Hensley Jr. in 1998 and Marcie Hensley.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Lindloff-Zimmerman Funeral Home in Gratis, Ohio, with the Revs. Robert French and Charles Rinehart officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Gratis. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home in Gratis.
MEMORIALS: Memorial donations may be made to the Gratis Emergency Squad.

Dorothy Morris Hillard
Mrs. Dorothy Morris Hillard, 94, of Middletown, passed away Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, at Hawthorn Glen Nursing Home in Monroe, Ohio. She was born in Middletown on June 16, 1906, the daughter of Harry Frank Swaim and Mary Elizabeth (Byrne) Swaim. Mrs. Hillard was a member of Holy Trinity Chapel of Holy Family Parish, where she was a member of the Ladies Society. She was a former president of Middletown Senior Citizens and a member of the Third Order of St. Francis. Mrs. Hillard was employed as a clerk at Armco Steel Co. for 20 years before retiring in June 1971. She leaves a son, Paul Morris of Middletown; a sister, Martha Whalen of Pueblo, Colo.; four granddaughters, Paula (David) Seible and Mary Morris, both of Middletown, Martha (James) Craner of Butler, Ohio, and Angela (Raymond) Gault of Athol, Ky.; a grandson, Paul (Phyllis) Morris Jr. of Kettering; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Morris in 1957; her parents; three daughters, Dorothy A. Morris, Roberta Ferguson and Ruth E. Morris; two brothers, Edward and Robert Swaim; and a daughter-in-law, Mary Margaret Morris.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., with Father John Civille officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Parish, 201 Clark St., Middletown 45042.

Alyce (Carlson) Howell
Alyce (Carlson) Howell, 70, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2000, at Sycamore Hospital after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of the Franklin area, Mrs. Howell most recently lived in Chautauqua with her daughter, Hope. She was a member of the Carlisle Garden Club, Franklin Tops Club, Rainbow Girls, Carlisle Historical Society and the Miamisburg Art Guild. She was preceded in death by her parents, William O. and Agnes Carlson; and her husband, Gerold V. Howell. She will be sadly missed by her family, Catherine and David Ruppert of New Buffalo, Mich.; Genevive Tumbleson of Wasilla, Alaska; John and Lucia Griffin of Sacramento, Calif.; David and Janese Griffin of Carlisle; Melinda Hope Griffin of Chautauqua; Nina and John Creager of Carlisle; Frank and Teresa Howell of New Carlisle; Gerald and Rita Howell of Farmersville; Barbara and Ron Sedberry of Regan, Tenn.; Jim and Sandi Howell of Franklin; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, 2000, at the Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Ralph A. Jackson
Ralph A. Jackson, 81, of Franklin, died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born June 11, 1919, in Middletown, and has been a lifetime resident of the area. He worked for 25 years as an area supervisor for Cassano's Pizza, retiring in 1981. He was an honorably discharged WWII Army veteran. He was a member of Holy Family Parish-Holy Trinity Chapel, VFW Post 3809 and American Legion Post 218. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Ida Jackson; and brothers Carl and Thomas Jackson. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Betty Jackson; sons Timothy D. Jackson and wife Dawn of Springboro, Jeffrey F. Jackson of Middletown and Mark A. Jackson and wife Karen of Cincinnati; grandchildren Courtney, Richard, Matthew, Patrick and Ethan; and a sister, Janet Mosconi of Kettering.
ARRANGEMENTS: Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2000, at Holy Trinity Chapel, Middletown. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fenwick High School, 3800 Manchester Road, Middletown.

Steven L. Johnson
MIAMISBURG--Steven L. Johnson, 53, of Miamisburg, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at Sycamore Hospital. He was a former member of the Germantown Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 2292. Steven played the lead guitar and sang with several local bands. He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Griffith in 1999; his stepfather, George F. Begard in 1969; and a brother, Dale E. Johnson in 1972. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sue (Nilson) Johnson; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jason and Della Johnson of Hillsboro, Ohio, and Andy and Dana Johnson of Farmersville, Ohio; three grandchildren, Cory, Zach and Dylan Johnson; his sister, Judy (Dale) Wilcher of Germantown; a special uncle, Fred Greenfield of Middletown; his sister-in-law, Shirley Johnson Sidenstick of Trotwood, Ohio; numerous other aunts and uncles; and four nephews, Scott Johnson of Colorado, Todd Johnson and David Wilcher, both of Lebanon, and Phil Wilcher of Carlisle.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call Friday, Oct. 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Dalton Funeral Home, corner of Ohio 4 and Weaver Road, Germantown, where the funeral service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Germantown Cemetery.

Ruth McClanahan
Mrs. Ruth McClanahan, 89, of Middletown, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at Garden Manor Extended Care Center. She was born on May 25, 1911, in Home, Pa., and had lived here since 1950. Mrs. McClanahan had worked as a bookkeeper for 12 years for the Middletown public schools. She had also been employed as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone Co. She was a member of the Breiel Boulevard First Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Hollie McClanahan in 1961; her parents, Benton Eugene and Winona Addie (Rice) McClanahan; a brother, Harold Furman; and a sister, Nora Smith. Survivors include a niece, Mildred Fox of Middletown; a brother, Wesley Furman of Punxsutawney, Pa.; two sisters-in-law, Luella McCuistion and Mattie McClanahan, both of Middletown; and several other nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, 1500 Manchester Ave. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Breiel Boulevard First Church of God, 2000 N. Breiel Blvd., Middletown 45042; or American Cancer Society, 105 McKnight Drive, Middletown 45044.

Michael S. Morea
Michael S. Morea, 46, of Middletown, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, after a lengthy illness. He was born on Feb. 5, 1954, in Dayton, to Benjamin and Donna (Kaurich) Morea. He is survived by his wife, Linda G. Morea of Atoka, Okla.; his mother, Donna Morea of Middletown; a stepson, Christopher D. Gordon of Ada, Okla.; a stepdaughter, Ginger D. Whitehead of Atoka, Okla.; a brother, Mark G. Morea of Middletown; two sisters, Karen Morea of Middletown and Carmie Morea of Santa Cruz, Calif.; and many friends who will miss him. He was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin, and many aunts and uncles.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, with Pastor Don Dohm officiating. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park. There will be no visitation.
MEMORIALS: Donations may be made in memory of Michael and his dog, Winston, to PAWS, 2790 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, P.O. Box 684, Middletown 45042; or the Christian Assembly of God, 6830 Trenton-Franklin Road, Middletown 45042.

Thomas 'Jake' Patterson
Thomas "Jake" Patterson, 70, of Middletown, died Friday, Oct. 13, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Middletown on June 23, 1930, the son of Helen (Berry) and Walter Patterson. He worked at Armco Steel for 42 years, retiring in 1992. He attended the First Church of God in Germantown and was a member of Concerned Armco Retired Employees. He is survived by a son, Eric T. and wife Theresa Patterson of New Lebanon; two daughters, Lisa and husband Doug Hanahan of Germantown, and Cindy Patterson of Fairfax, Va.; grandchildren Bethany and Lauren Patterson, Jennifer, Todd and Stephanie Hanahan, and Caitlin and Hailey Gilmore. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jo Ann Fisher.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, 2000, at Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Dayton/Middletown Dayton/Middletown, 4144 Lewis St., Middletown, Ohio 45044.

Wilbur Richards Jr.
FRANKLIN -- Wilbur E. Richards Jr., 33, of Franklin, passed away Monday, Oct. 9, 2000. He was born on March 18, 1967, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Wilbur E. Sr. and June (Collins) Richards. He was a 1985 Franklin High School graduate and played football and ran track. Mr. Richards served in the National Guard and Air Force and was stationed in Saudi Arabia. He was employed by General Motors as a committeeman for six years at the truck and bus plant in the paint house. He is survived by his parents; brother Charles Richards, and his wife, Tammy, of Franklin; special sister Tracey Cole of Middletown; nephews Quenton and Devin Richards; step-nephews, T.J., Kyle, Dillon and Justin; and a host of uncles, aunts and cousins.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Anderson Funeral Home, 40 N. Main St., Springboro, with the Rev. Gary Short officiating. Burial will be in the Springboro Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Joe Sabo
Joe Sabo, 80, of 109 Marisa Drive, passed away at his residence Sunday morning. He was born in Middletown, Dec. 12, 1919, son of John and Rosa Sabo, and graduated from Middletown High School in 1939. He married Winifred Richardson in August, 1943. He served in the Army during World War II, mustering out as a First Sergeant. He worked for a time for the Kroger Company, then as a beer salesman, and for the B&O Railroad for a short time, then opened his own business in 1949, the Parkway Pony Keg. He owned the business for over 50 years, the last 10 with his daughter, Marianna Conley. He had the happy distinction of working with three generations of customers. Parkway Bait & Tackle, as it was later known, was the second-oldest business on Verity Parkway; it was voted Best Bait Shop by the Middletown Journal and was recently featured in an article in Good News Magazine. Mr. Sabo had sponsored baseball teams in Madison Township and the All American Fishing Derby at Smith Park. As a young man, he bowled in a league with his sisters and brothers and was an avid golfer and card player. He is survived by four daughters, Linda Lawson (Lawrence), Connie Bauer, Nancy Collins (Jack), and Marianna Conley (Dale); his grandchildren, Wesley Keeton, Stacie Blue (Robert), Aaron and Zachary Lawson, Robbie and Kyle Bauer, and Dale Conley Jr.; two sisters, Margaret Lickert and Rose Brest; and two brothers, Andy Sabo and Steve Sabo. His wife, Winifred, preceded him in death in June of this year. He was also preceded by his parents; sister, Mary Graham; and three brothers, John, Bundy and Mickey.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Robert Clark and the Rev. Dale Chambers officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Woodside Cemetery. American Legion Post 218 Color Guard will provide military honors at the graveside.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests contributions to Hospice of Middletown.

Florence L. Senften
Mrs. Florence L. Senften, 76, of 3245 Oxford-Middletown Road, died Monday morning, Oct. 9, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Middletown on Jan. 14, 1924, the daughter of Firman Richard and Mary Louise (Miller) Schirm, and was a lifelong resident. She married Wylie Senften on Jan. 11, 1946. Educated at Miami University, she taught music and English for a time at Lemon-Monroe High School. She had taught piano in private homes for more than 30 years. Mrs. Senften was a member of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship and was active in church work. She is survived by her husband, Wylie; two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Sheila Senften of Middletown and Stephen and Paula Senften of Trenton; grandchildren Rebecca Senften, David (Theresa) Senften, Lori (Greg) Suchomel, Hannah Suchomel and Alexis Warthen. Her parents preceded her in death.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial services will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Vinyard Community Church, 4900 Ohio 123, Franklin, with Pastor Charles Wolfinbarger officiating. There will be no public visitation. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Vinyard Community Church. Arrangements are by Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

Robert V. Smith
HAMILTON--Robert Verdell Smith, 56, of Hamilton, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at Mercy Hospital in Hamilton. He was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on April 10, 1944, the son of William McCluskey and Dorothy Smith. Robert attended Hamilton city schools. He joined the U.S. Army in 1965 and served in Vietnam. He was employed by Frigidaire. He is survived by a son, Aahmes Vincent Smith I of Middletown; a brother, James B. T. McCluskey of Hamilton; three sisters, Lisa Janelle McCluskey of Hamilton, Karla Darlyce (James) Coleman of Middletown; and Gail Johnson of Dayton, Ohio; one grandchild, Aahmes V. Smith II; and a host of other relatives and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at noon Monday, Oct. 16, at Hall-Jordan Memorial Chapel, 918 S. Main St., Middletown, with the Rev. N.L. Cooper officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until time of service Monday at the chapel.

Jerry L. Speicher
HAMILTON--Jerry Leon Speicher, 66, of Hamilton, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at Glen Meadows Nursing Home. He was born on Jan. 11, 1934, in Hamilton, Ohio, the son of Pearl and Thelma (Pennington) Speicher. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1952. Mr. Speicher worked as a machinist and draftsman for General Electric Co. He was a member of St. Julie Billiart Church. He liked to paint with oils and acrylics. He is survived by his four daughters, Regina, and her husband, Marlin Wagner, Susan, and husband, Larry Hamilton, Robin Mullins and Tammy Miller; two sons, Jeff, and wife, Melody Speicher, and Ron Speicher; his sister, Wyvonne, and husband, Bobby Sandlin; an uncle, Max Pemberton; an aunt, Adi Pemberton; two cousins, Steve, and his wife, Linda Pemberton, and Lavon Wilder; and 10 grandchildren, Todd, Katie, Mike, Randy, Eric, Adam, Ashley, Jamie, Nick and David; and a friend, Rikki. He will also be missed by his friends at Dunkin Doughnuts, especially Betty Cooper. Mr. Speicher was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Thelma Speicher; two aunts, Victoria Pennington; and an uncle, Bill Pennington. The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Glen Meadows, especially April, for her extra loving care. Thanks also to Velma Sapp, Eli Sandlin, Jean and Don Brown, his friends at St. Julie Billiart and Terry Jeffries.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Rose Hill Burial Park. The Kowalk Funeral Home-Rose Hill Chapel in Hamilton is handling arrangements.

Delores E. Spencer
Mrs. Delores E. Spencer, 66, of Middletown, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at her residence. She was born in Middletown on July 22, 1934, the daughter of the late Evan M. and Ohna (Henderson) Warnock. She is survived by a son, James E. Spencer of Middletown; a daughter, Vickie L. (Walter) Andrews of Middletown; a brother, Evan Junior Warnock of Hillsboro; three sisters, Phyllis Warnock of Carlisle, Edith Johnson of Franklin and Sarah Richards of Lebanon; four grandchildren, Christopher, Aaron and Micah Andrews and James E. Spencer II. Mrs. Spencer was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Spencer in 1979; her parents Evan and Ohna Warnock; and two brothers, Donald and Ronald Warnock.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Friday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Clarence Sprinkle Jr.
Clarence Charles Sprinkle Jr. (Stoney), 54, of 1617 Germantown Road, Middletown, died Friday, Oct. 13, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Ben Hur, Va., on Jan. 21, 1946, the son of Clarence C. Sr. and Inez (Richardson) Sprinkle. He was formerly employed by Borden Metals for 10 years and retired in 1985. He was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving are three sons, Terry, Jerry and Brian Sprinkle, all of Franklin; a daughter, Teresa Sprinkle of Franklin; a sister, Jean Phillips of Franklin; five grandchildren, Tyler, Jewels, Travis, Jeremiah and Jacob; and four step-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 6505 Gillen Road, Miamisburg, with the Rev. Frank Kelly officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin, is handling arrangements.

Jacqueline A. Steele
CARLISLE -- Mrs. Jacqueline A. Steele, 52, of 680 Robert Place, passed away Friday, Oct. 13, 2000, at Kettering Medical Center. She was born on June 9, 1948, in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of Orville and Virginia (Sayler) Showalter. She was employed as an assembler at the Inland Division of General Motors, retiring in 1988. She was a member of the Women's Auxiliary Eagles 2309 and Women Moose 1645. Mrs. Steele was preceded in death by her stepfather, Orville Showalter. She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Kerry; sons Scott Boyer, and his wife, Laura, Robert E. Boyer, and wife, Michelle, and Kerry Steele Jr., all of Carlisle, and Rodney Rose, and his wife, Amy, of Franklin; daughter Tammie Thomas, and husband, Rory, of Carlisle; her mother, Virginia Showalter; brother Kenneth Hale, and his wife, Veronica, of Gade City, Va.; a sister, Phyllis Dearth of Tamarac, Fla.; and 14 grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16, at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin. Visitation will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Chester Tipton
Chester R. Tipton, 67, of 413 N. Main St., Franklin, died Sunday morning at his residence. He was born in Irvine, Ky., Jan. 16, 1933, the son of John and Rosie Tipton, and had worked in the maintenance department at Delco Products. He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. He is survived by his wife, Mabel Tipton; two daughters, Donna Meece and husband Jeff of Lebanon, and Phyllis Nickell of Franklin; a son, Brian Tipton of Columbus; grandsons Chris Meece, Scott Meece, Billy Lackey and Caleb Tipton; four sisters, Sue Tipton of Dayton, Ruth Hall of Dayton, Betty Watkins of Indiana, and Juanita Veneers of Bethel, Ohio; a brother, Otis Tipton of Vandalia; a close family friend, Raymond Valentine and his sons; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and four sons.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. James Anderson officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Dayton Memorial Park.

Eller Turner
Mrs. Eller "Ellie" Turner, 70, of Florence, Ky., died at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at St. Elizabeth North Hospice Unit in Covington, Ky. Mrs. Turner was a homemaker. She is survived by her husband, Benny Turner of Florence, Ky.; three daughters, Brenda Flannery of Lebanon, Ohio, Glenda Fugett, and her fiancé, Robert J. Krause, of Middletown, Ohio, and Judy and Bud Reedy of Middletown; two sons, Douglas Fugett of Middletown, and Craig Cummins of Florence, Ky.; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild; three sisters, Nell Holliday of Erlanger, Ky., Daisy Bailey of Fairborn, Ohio, and Maude Eames of Florence; and several nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. today, Oct. 13, at the Middendorf-Bullock Funeral Home, 1833 Petersburg Road, Hebron, Ky. 41048. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth North Hospice Unit, 401 E. 20th St., Covington, Ky. 41014.

Stella I. Ward
CARLISLE -- Stella Irene Ward, 80, of Carlisle, passed away Sunday, Oct. 15, 2000, at Elm Creek Nursing Home. She was born in Berea, Ky., on Dec. 12, 1919, to the late Wesley and Elizabeth (Kindred) French. Stella retired in 1963 from Kimberly Clark Envelope Co. in West Carrollton. She was a former member of the First Baptist Church of Germantown. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Ellis and Vincent French; and a sister, Alene Bowling. She is survived by two daughters, Jean Rosetta of Nashville, Tenn., and Sue Wilson of Mason, Ohio; two sons, Wesley P. Ward of Ocala, Fla., and Larry Ward of Carlisle; 23 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Naomi Ramsey of Indiana; three brothers, Floyd and Russ French, both of Berea, Ky., and Paul French of Indiana.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Dalton Funeral Home, corner of Ohio 4 and Weaver Road, Germantown, where the funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Pastor Richard Richichar will officiate. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery.

Hayley M. Wheeler
CARLISLE -- Haley Miracle Wheeler, infant daughter of Martin and Rachael Wheeler III of 7473 Dian Drive, passed into the arms of Jesus Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000. She was baptized and Christened at birth. Haley came into our lives and left so quickly, but the love she brought will stay forever in our hearts, just as the picture of her little face in our minds. She has left to watch over her memory, her loving and doting maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Ruby Norman of Carlisle; paternal grandparents, Judie and Charles Madden of Monroe and Harry and Ruth Wheeler of Poway, Calif.; her hug a bunch uncle Jarrod, aunt Abby, and little cousin, Ashton Morris of Carlisle; aunt Becky of Florida; uncle Brian; aunt Raylene; cousins Cody, Jason and Chris Wheeler of California; seven great-grandparents and bunches and bunches of other uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Private candle-light services for family and friends were held Friday. Burial was Saturday at Woodside Cemetery.

Harold "Ed" Wolfe
Harold Lee "Ed" Wolfe, 72, of Franklin, passed away Saturday, Oct. 14, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born Feb. 20, 1928, in Richwood, W. Va., the son of Oatie and Pearl "McMillion" Wolfe. He was a beater engineer at Franklin Box Board, Franklin, where he retired. He is survived by is wife Rosemary "Tiny"; two sons, Don and Daniel Wolfe, both of Franklin; two daughters, Doris and husband Gary Roberts of Franklin, and Delisa and husband Tony Milligan of Franklin; a brother, Delbert Wolfe of North Carolina; a sister, Francis Boggs of South Dakota; and eight grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2000, at the Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin, with the Rev. Norman Meadows officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arthur Wright
Arthur E. Wright, 53, of 513 Buena Ave., died Friday afternoon in the Middletown Hospital emergency room. He was born in Bell County, Ky., on Jan. 11, 1947, the son of Lewis and Stella (Hobbs) Wright. He had worked as a machine operator for Aeronca Manufacturing. He belonged to the Trenton Fishing Club, and loved fishing in his spare time. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; a son, Steven Wright of Franklin; two daughters, Kim Hensley and Jenna Roberts, both of Middletown; an adopted son, Robby Wright of Middletown; two stepsons, Keith Hensley and Kenny Hensley, both of Middletown; two stepdaughters, Penny Sargent of Middletown and Peggy Seniours of Fairfield; five brothers, Clyde Wright of Maud, Ohio, Lewis Wright Jr. of Cincinnati, Jerry Wright of Harlan, Ky., Perry Wright of Hamilton and Larry Wright of Cincinnati; two sisters, Ethel Simpson and Bonnie S. Copeland, both of Middletown; grandchildren Eddy Wright, Stephanie Wright, Stevie Wright, Shawn Wright, Amber Hensley and Tiffany Hensley; stepgrandchildren Melissa Sargent, Rachel Tolson, Boyd Tolson, Austin Tolson, Devon Seniours, Brianna Seniours and Joshua Seniours; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Karl Wright; a grandson, Nathaniel Hensley; and a sister, Irma Hoffman.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ron Seniours officiating. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Butler County Memorial Park.

Forrest I. Adams
FRANKLIN -- Forrest Irvin Adams, 55, of 120 E. Eighth St., passed away Monday, Oct. 2, 2000, at the University of Cincinnati Hospital. He was born on March 27, 1945, in Madison County, Ky., the son of James and Bertha (Alexander) Adams. Mr. Adams was employed as a machine operator with Franklin Boxboard Corp., retiring in 1998 after 20 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Ivan and Elmo Adams. Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Brenda; two sons, Forrest Adams Jr., and his wife, Christa, of Pickerington, and Shawn Adams of Franklin; a daughter, Novalee, and her husband, Rex Hillard, of Franklin; five brothers, Billy Ray Adams of Franklin, Ma Adams, and his wife, Diana, of Berea, Ky., L.J. Adams, and wife, Linda, of Franklin, and Barney Adams, and wife, Elizabeth, and Major Adams, all of Berea, Ky.; three sisters, Ruby, and husband, Frank Abney, of Berea, Ky., Vicki Lakes of Waco, Ky., and Madaline Stewart of Middletown; three grandchildren, Rex Hillard, Matthew and Jorden Adams; and many nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at Anderson Funeral Home, 40 N. Main St., in Springboro, with the Revs. Donald Stewart and James Maggard officiating. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Corrine Allen
Mrs. Corrine Allen, 85, of Middletown, departed this life Sunday night, Oct. 8, 2000, at her home. She was the eldest daughter born to the Rev. Gus and Sarah Gary. Mrs. Allen was an active participant in many church auxiliaries, including being a member of the senior choir, Sunday school and prayer band. Mrs. Allen was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Deacon Charles Allen Sr. She leaves to mourn as well as cherish her genuine love and faith in God, three children, Charles (Lubirda) Allen Jr., Betty (Dr. Jerry) Davis and Vernon (Tajuana) Allen Sr.; one sister, Mary Jackson; a cousin, Eleanor (Rev. Alvin) Richardson; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was also a special parent to so many others.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1000 Yankee Road, with the Rev. Leon Wilkinson officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church. Arrangements are by Hall-Jordan Memorial Chapel, 918 S. Main St.

Esther Q. Allen
HAMILTON -- Mrs. Esther Q. Allen, 88, of Hamilton, passed away Monday, Oct. 2, 2000, at Manor Care Rehabilitation Center. She was born on Sept. 25, 1912, in Mount Vernon, Ky., the daughter of Wellick and Flora Mullins. She was a homemaker and nurse's aide at St. Luke Hospital in Fort Thomas, Ky., and also at Fort Hamilton Hospital. She was a member of the Kings Point Church of God and Hamilton Christian Center. Esther enjoyed quilting and home-canning of food which she and her husband, Orbie, grew in their garden, including vegetables, fruits and jams. She grew up on a farm in Kentucky in the time before electricity, running water and indoor plumbing. Her family prepared their fields with a mule-driven plow. If she could speak to her family, she would likely say, "Love each other and remember to pray." Her favorite hymn was "Amazing Grace." Mrs. Allen is survived by her children, a daughter, Elaine Poynter of West Chester, Ohio, and a son, Bob, and his wife, Billie Allen, of Newport, Ky.; three sisters, Louise Howard of Southgate, Ky., Delia Cox of Tampa, Fla., and Isabella Cox of Phelps, Ky.; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Orbie Allen in 1981; a son, Edward Allen; four brothers, Evert Mitchell, James, and Leonard Mullins; and three sisters, Gracie Bullock, Flossie Mullins and Anna Mae Hickey.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2000, at 11 a.m. at the Kowalk Funeral Home, Rose Hill Chapel, 2565 Princeton Road, Hamilton, with the Rev. Dr. Brian Straub officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Thelma Brown
Thelma Brown, 71, of 3205 Morgan St. in Middletown died Friday, Oct. 6, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital.She was born July 19, 1929, in Conova, W. Va., and was residing in Middletown since 1944. She was a homemaker. She was a member of God's House of Prayer Church. She is preceded in death by a brother, Marvin Ray and parents Camillus and Lucy (Patrick) Ray.She is survived by five daughters, Linda (William) Robinson of Middletown, Sharon (Howard) Ary of Oregonia, Ohio, Lois (Darliss) Miller, Cindy (Ross) Hall and Charlene Barnett, all of Middletown; two sons, David (Lisa) Brown and Scott (Betsy) Brown, both of Middletown; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, Nettie Montgomery of Mansfield.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at noon Monday, Oct. 9, at God's House of Prayer Church, with Minister Kim Gibson officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon Monday at the church. Disposition will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Poasttown, Ohio. Arrangements are by Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to God's House of Prayer, 2808 Yankee Road, Middletown, Ohio 45044.

Freda R. Bryant
Freda Bryant, 91, of Aberdeen, passed away Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000, at her home. She was born in Middletown, where she lived for 88 years until moving to Brown County with her daughter, Marty, and son-in-law, Jean Monk, of Aberdeen. Freda was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a lifelong member of Amanda Methodist Church, the Women's Society and was an avid doll collector. She is survived by six children, Carl D. (Louise) Bryant of Springboro, Sally J. Becker of Cincinnati, Carol A. Wimer of Ft. Mohave, Ariz., Mary E. (Rodney) Hale of Germantown, Robert K. (Bonnie) Bryant of Trenton and Marty (Jean) Monk of Aberdeen. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and a niece, Marilyn Moran of Middletown. Freda was one of three daughters born to Hiram and Sarah (Fischer) McGlaughlin. She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Martha Calsacy and Mary Clark Brandenburg.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home. Pastor Tom Reams will officiate.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Hope, 909 Kenton Station Drive, Maysville, Ky., 41056.

Robert W. Burkhardt
Middletown native and former resident Robert W. Burkhardt, 78, of Henderson, Nev., passed away on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000. Robert was the loving husband of Pat Jackson Burkhardt; father of Brian of Orlando, Fla., Brad (Penny) of Coconut Creek, Fla., Robert of Ventura, Calif., Bruce (Tracy) of Ventura, and Brigitte of New Orleans, La.; grandfather of Winston; and brother of Maxine B. Young of Cincinnati. Robert attended the Julliard School of Music in New York. He was a member of a quartet that sang on early television shows in the 1960's such as the Sid Ceasar Show and the Lucky Strike Hit Parade. He later became a teacher and lived in Ventura, Calif.
ARRANGEMENTS: Arrangements are complete. Mr. Burkhardt was buried at the Veterans Memorial Garden in Boulder City, Nev.

Ruth Cooke
FRANKLIN -- Ruth (Howard) Cooke, 68, of Franklin, passed away Monday, Oct. 2, 2000, at her residence. Ruth retired from the Square D. Co. in Middletown in 1995 after 20 years of service as a production worker. She was a member of the Abundant Life Tabernacle Church in Germantown. Ruth is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Roger "R.E." and Debbie Cooke III of Indianapolis, Ind., and Edd and Dawn Cooke of Middletown; daughters and sons-in-law, Becky and Tim Watkins of Carlisle and Renee and Steve Cocanour of Columbus, Ohio; brothers Charles, Willis, Dorse and Jerry Howard; sisters Pauline Warrens, Shelby Johnson, Christine Eggelston, Brenda Allen and Linda Milton; 13 grandchildren; her former husband of 20 years, Roger E. Cooke Jr.; and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ellen (Napier) Howard.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at Dalton Funeral Home (corner of Ohio 4 and Weaver Road, Germantown), with the Rev. James Setser officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Interment will be at Fairmound Cemetery in West Elkton.
MEMORIALS: If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Abundant Life Tabernacle Church.

Melvin R. Cooper
Melvin Robert Cooper, 76, of 600 N. Verity Parkway, died Saturday, Oct. 7, 2000, at the Veterans' Administration Hospital in Dayton. He was born on July 13, 1924, in Grayson County, Ky., and was a construction worker. Mr. Cooper earned a Victory Medal as a veteran during World War II, serving on the U.S.S. Durbin. He was also a veteran of the Philippine liberation, earning two Bronze Stars, and the Asiatic Conflict where he earned four Bronze Stars. He is survived by his son, Robert Alec Cooper of Morehead, Ky.; and three grandchildren, Michael Alec Cooper, Sheila Denise Cooper and Sharon Renee' Cooper.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will at 11 a.m. today at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. Burial with military honors by the American Legion Post 218 Honor Guard will be at Woodside Cemetery.

Walter Hugh Coppess
MONROE -- Walter Hugh Coppess, died at his home in Monroe on Friday, Oct. 6, 2000, at the age of 90. He was born on May 31, 1910, in Union City, Ind., to Perry and Ella (Mundhenk) Coppess. The family eventually moved to Columbus. Walter graduated from Columbus East High School in 1929 and he was very active in sports. He was the center and captain of Columbus East's state championship basketball team. He attended The Ohio State University and joined Armco in 1938. He married Elizabeth Jane Pierce on June 10, 1939, and they made their home in Monroe in 1940. Walter retired in 1969 from Armco as chief of industrial engineering, Hamilton Plant, after more than 30 years of service to the company. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, in January 1998. He is survived by his two children, Dr. Lee Pierce Coppess of Hayden Lake, Idaho, and Dr. Susan Coppess Montjar of Omaha, Neb.; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Mound Cemetery in Monroe. The Rev. Christopher F. Neely of St. Philips Episcopal Church of Cincinnati will officiate. Arrangements are by Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home.
MEMORIALS: The family requests that memorials in Walter Coppess' name be made to Mid-Miami Health Care Foundation, Middletown Regional Hospital, 105 McKnight Dr., Middletown, Ohio 45044.

William B. Crane
William "Bill" Bowers Crane III, 71, of Indigo Creek, S.C., died Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2000, at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He was born on Sept. 8, 1929, in Baltimore, Md., a son of the late Sarah Keitel Crand and William Bowers Crane II. He retired from Armco Steel Co. in 1987. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Myrtle Beach and served on the Vestry. He attended Johns Hopkins University and was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity. Bill was a member of the lacrosse team and played lacrosse for the community of Mount Washington, Md. He also served with the Maryland National Guard. Survivors include his wife, Gloria L. Crane; a son, William C. Crane of Louisville, Colo.; a daughter, Louise C. Thorkelson of Toluca Lake, Calif.; two grandchildren, Emily and Allison Crane; and cousins Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Demuth of Baltimore, Md.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service was held Monday at Trinity Episcopal Church. Another memorial service will be held in Baltimore, Md. on Saturday, Oct. 21, followed by interment at St. Paul's Cemetery in Rock Hall, Md.