Elizabeth 'Betty' Acra
Elizabeth "Betty" Acra, 69, of Madison Township, died at her residence Saturday morning, Nov. 18, 2000. She was born Nov. 18, 1931, in Canton, N.Y. She was the daughter of Charles A. and Katheryn E. (Burke) Ames. Mrs. Acra was a member of Holy Family Parish. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels, the Crisis Pregnancy Center, the STAR program and at church. In 1995, she was recognized as an outstanding teacher by the Miami Valley Catholic Education Council. She is survived by four sons, Walter (Lynn) Acra of Chinook, Mont., Charles (Michelle) Acra of Englewood, Michael (Jackie) Acra of Middletown and Joseph (Alisa) Acra of Union; three daughters, Mary Katheryn (Thomas) Mikolajewski of Cincinnati, Barbara (Charles) Fryman of Bellbrook and Patricia Acra of Cleveland; four brothers, Donald, Clarence, Joseph and Leo Ames; six sisters, Eleanor Cassoni, Ruth Robar, Sharon Simmons, Karel Mace, Janet Aldous and Kathy Fountain; 13 grandchildren, Ryan, Erin and Kelly Acra, Danielle and Christopher Acra, Joshua and Jordan Pleasant, Josie Acra, Allison and Alexandra Mikolajewski, and Benjamin, Elizabeth and Abigail Fryman; a great-grandson, Zachary Acra; and special friends, Rick, Tina and Kara Jackson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton W. Acra on Jan. 18, 1997; father, Charles A. Ames; mother, Katheryn E. Ames; two brothers, Arthur Ames and Charles Ames; and a sister, Margaret Ames.
ARRANGEMENTS: Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Family Parish-St. John's Church, with Father John Civille and Father Chuck Mentrup officiating. Interment will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Madison Township. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to John XXIII School, 3907 Central Ave., Middletown 45044 or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Elvis Alfrey
Elvis Alfrey, 75, of Lincoln Park, Mich., died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000, at his residence. He was born May 27, 1925 and was an iron worker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Rebecca (Hall) Alfrey. He is survived by a son, Michael (Susan) Alfrey of Carlisle; three daughters, Brenda (Doug) Bailey of Hamilton, Judy (Barry) Creager of Troy and Madelyn McAfee of Norris, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Todd Bailey of Hamilton, Toby Alfrey of Carlisle and Amy Alfrey of Louisville, Ky.; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Kathaleen Meyer of Middletown; and a half brother, Bill Alfrey of Mansfield.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, 1500 Manchester Ave., with the Rev. Bob Stacey officiating. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park in Trenton. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Arrangements are by Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home.

Charles T. Blackford
Charles T. Blackford, 65, of 910 Crawford St., Middletown, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born on Jan. 4, 1935, in Lebanon, Ohio, the son of Everett and Goldie (Freeland) Blackford. He was a gas attendant at Swifty Oil for 11 years, retiring in 1998. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Lucille (Hollon) Blackford; sons Charles of Carlisle, Ricky of Florida, and Jackie, Jamie, Mark and Kevin, all of Middletown; daughters Vicki Cox and Kimberly Hawthorn, both of Middletown, Sonya Blackford of Gratis and Angela Blackford of Springboro; brothers Robert of Michigan, James of Mount Sterling, Ky., Richard of Xenia, Leroy of Loveland and Ralph of Cincinnati; a sister, Sharon Daily of Enon; 26 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and aunts Lucy Morand and Martha Freeland, both of Xenia.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery. Visitation is today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Timothy P. Blair
MORROW --Timothy Paul Blair, 51, of Morrow for seven years, and formerly of Lebanon, Ohio, died Monday, Nov. 13, 2000, at his home. He was born in Middletown on Oct. 12, 1949, to Ova and Arnice (Garrett) Blair and was a 1968 graduate of Lebanon High School. An Air Force Vietnam veteran, Mr. Blair was a member of the Morrow Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Rifle Association and the Lebanon Nazarene Church. He retired on Dec. 31, 1999, after 26 years, with AK Steel Co. Mr. Blair was an avid fisherman and enjoyed studying the history of the Civil War. Survivors include his wife, Ginger (Wiebell) Blair; a daughter, Jennifer Blair-Gwin of Morrow; a brother, Darryl Blair of Lebanon; and two granddaughters, Taylor Victoria and Lauren Elizabeth.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services were concluded on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Vale-Hoskins Funeral Home in Morrow. Pastor Roger Goff officiated and interment followed at Morrow Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation was held Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
MEMORIALS: Memorials are requested to the Lebanon Christian School.

Richard Chamberlain
Richard "Dick" Chamberlain, 84, of Middletown, passed away Monday, Nov. 13, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Louisville, Ky., on May 27, 1916, to John and Rebecca Chamberlain and was a 75-year resident of Middletown. Mr. Chamberlain was a former manager of the service station at Sears where he had worked for 27 years before retiring in 1971. He was an avid gardener and woodworker and followed his grandchildren's activities with great interest. He will be sadly missed. Mr. Chamberlain was a member of the First Christian Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, James, Albert and William Chamberlain; and four sisters, Ophelia Hoke, Jessie Stapleton, Elizabeth Lanter and Virginia Beatty Mullins. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Kathleen; a daughter, Phyllis (Rick) Ruscin of Middletown; a son, Thomas L. Chamberlain of Middletown; and six grandchildren, Brian and Adam Cox, and Drew, Mitchell, Tanner and Taylor Ruscin, all of Middletown.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with the Revs. Terry Van Heyningen and Carol S. Oetzel officiating. Interment will be at Hickory Flats Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund, 4520 Rosedale Road, Middletown 45042.

Robert M. Coteral
LEBANON --Robert M. Coteral, 79, of Lebanon, died Friday, Nov. 17, 2000.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home in Lebanon.

Mildred Courtney
Mildred Louise Courtney, 83, of Middletown, died Saturday, Nov. 18, 2000, at Willow Knoll Retirement Community in Middletown. She was born April 26, 1917 in Dayton. She was the daughter of Albert and Jenny (Carity) Snyder. She was a member of Holy Family Parish. She is survived by a son, Bill (Fran) Courtney of Middletown; a daughter, Marilyn Watson of Middletown; two brothers, Elmer Snyder and Richard Snyder, both of Dayton; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert Courtney; her parents, Albert and Jenny (Carity) Snyder; three brothers; Robert Snyder, Clarence Snyder and Raymond Snyder; and two sisters, Annette Leibrock and Alma Zimmerle.
ARRANGEMENTS: Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Family Parish-Holy Trinity Church, with Father Charles Mentrup officiating. Interment will be at the Woodside Cemetery in Middletown. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Fenwick High School, 3800 Manchester Road, Middletown 45042.

Dorothy K. Crawford
Mrs. Dorothy K. Crawford, 75, of Largo, Fla., formerly of Middletown, Ohio, passed away Monday, Nov. 13, 2000, at the Sago Palms Assisted Living Facility. She was born in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 26, 1925, the daughter of Allen H. Kimball and Dorothy Jean (Mugford) Kimball. She attended Lawrence University. Mrs. Crawford was a homemaker. She moved to Florida 26 years ago from Middletown, Ohio. She was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit and had worked in the church thrift shop. Dorothy had performed in the Clearwater Community Theater. Among her survivors are three daughters, Martha Schneider of California, Janet Coleman of Ohio and Aimee Malluck of Largo, Fla.; and two sons, Brian Crawford of Tampa, Fla., and Scott Crawford of North Carolina; and six grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 601 Phillipe Parkway, Safety Harbor, Fla., 34695; phone (727) 725-4726.
MEMORIALS: Memorial donations may be made to the church in lieu of flowers. Abbey Parklawn Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

John B. Dixon
John B. Dixon, 73, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, died Friday, Nov. 17, 2000. He was born in Franklin, Ohio, on May 15, 1927, and was a 35-year resident of Chagrin Falls. Mr. Dixon was a retired machine tool salesman and a veteran of World War II, having served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater. He was a graduate of Wittenberg University. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary (Emerson) Dixon, formerly of New Philadelphia. His children are John E. Dixon (Margaret) of Rootstown, Ohio, Wendy Magree (Mark) of Bainbridge Township, Ohio, and Jeanne Strum (Kurt) of Land o' Lakes, Fla. There are also nine grandchildren and a brother, William Dixon (Dorothy) of Franklin, Ohio.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Federated Church (United Church of Christ), 76 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the church; or to the Alzheimer's Association, 12200 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44120. The Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home, 95 Franklin St, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is handling the arrangements.

Ballard Engle
Mr. Ballard Engle, 73, of Middletown, passed away Saturday, Nov. 18, 2000, at 3:40 a.m. at Middletown Regional Hospital where he had been a patient for 15 days. He was born Oct. 16, 1927, in Woodbine, Ky. He had lived in the Middletown area for 50 years. He was a crane operator for Blake Steel for 23 years, retiring in 1988. During that same time, he and his wife were employed by the Madison School District as custodians for Poasttown School for 15 years. He was a member of Towne Boulevard Church of God. He was preceded in death by his father, Arvie Lee Engle; stepfather, Roy Parsley; and two brothers, S.T. Parsley and Johnny Parsley. He is survived by his wife of 54½ years, Cleeta Elizabeth Engle; three daughters, Wanda Sue Pitts and husband Mike of Middletown, Brenda Hickman of Middletown and Sandra Rhodes and husband Steve of Woodstock, Ga.; three sons, Dan Engle and wife Sandra of Middletown; Bill Engle of Middletown and Charles Engle and wife Becky of West Middletown; his mother, Mallie Parsley of Middletown; six grandchildren, James Stewart and wife Jenny, Mary Ann Moore and husband Roger, Jason Hensley and Lee Ann Barger, Kenny Arnold, Terry Arnold, Nathan Engle and Meagan Engle; three great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Stewart, Sommer Arnold and Torie Hensley; two sisters, Joyce Butler of Pineville, Ky., and Billie Ruth Parsley of Cincinnati; and two brothers, R.H. Parsley of Middletown and Damon Engle of Corbin, Ky.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Towne Boulevard Church of God, 3722 Towne Blvd., with the Rev. Frank Curtis and Brother Jerry Howard officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Towne Boulevard Church of God. Arrangements are by Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown.

Elizabeth Feinerer
KETTERING -- Elizabeth "Betty" Feinerer, 79, of Kettering, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2000, at Hospice of Dayton. She was born in Middletown on Nov. 14, 1921, to John and Apollonia (Takach) Chaputa. Mrs. Feinerer graduated from St. John's High School. She attended the Ascension Church in Dayton. She was a volunteer at various charitable organizations, including Doty House and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. She leaves two sons, David T. Thieman of Dayton and Christopher M. (Susan) Thieman of Miamisburg; a brother, Fred Chaputa of Middletown; a sister, Helen M. Hermetz of Kettering; and two grandchildren, Martin (Jennifer) Thieman and Daniel Thieman. She was preceded in death by her husband, A. Martin Thieman in 1973; her husband, William Feinerer in 1997; and her parents, John and Apollonia Chaputa.
ARRANGEMENTS: Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. John's Church of Holy Family Parish, with Father John Civille as celebrant. There will be no visitation. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, P.O. Box 3509, Dayton, Ohio 45401-3509. Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home is serving the family.

M. Helen Hannah
Mrs. M. Helen Hannah, 71, of Middletown, died Monday, Nov. 13, 2000, at Kensington Place in Middletown. She was born on Aug. 9, 1929, in Gainesboro, Tenn., daughter of Otis and Jewell (Way) Ellis. Mrs. Hannah owned and operated A-1 Answering Service for 16 years, retiring in 1987. She belonged to the Women's Federation and among her many activities, she loved playing cards with friends. She was the beloved mother of a son, Randall G. Hannah of Fort Myers, Fla., and a daughter, Joyce (Mike) Thomas of Middletown. She is also survived by a brother, Charles Ellis of Detroit, Mich.; three sisters, Betty Poteet, Mildred Hughes and Carolyne McCormick, all of Gainesboro, Tenn.; and many beloved friends. Her parents preceded her in death.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside services are set for 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Butler County Memorial Park in Wayne Township, with the Rev. Terry Ball officiating. Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Catherine E. Horrall
FRANKLIN -- Mrs. Catherine E. Horrall, 87, formerly of the Hamilton/Fairfield area, more recently of Franklin, Ohio, where she made her home with her son, John, and family, passed away at her home at 8:35 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000. She was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on March 14, 1913, the daughter of John and Mary (Colligan) Von der Haar. She received her education in the St. Mary Parochial School of Hamilton and later continued her education in Indianapolis. She was granted a scholarship to the John Herrin Art Academy of Indianapolis and later graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a degree in education. She later taught at the Notre Dame High School of Hamilton which became Badin High School of Hamilton. She and Logan V. "Bud" Horrall were united in marriage on Nov. 24, 1938, and to this union two sons were born. Since residing in Franklin, Ohio, she was a member of St. Mary Church in Franklin. Survivors include her sons, John J., and his wife, Barbara Horrall, of Franklin, and Thomas V., and his wife, Debbie Horrall, of Toledo, Ohio; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dr. Gerald Von der Haar, and his wife, Vera, of Indianapolis, and Thomas, and his wife, Mary Ann Von der Haar of Hamilton, Ohio; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers, John Von der Haar and Robert Von der Haar; and one sister, Mary Stapleton.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary Church, 115 S. Main St., Franklin, Ohio, on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Burial will follow in the family lot at St. Mary Cemetery in Hamilton, Ohio. MEMORIALS : Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Mary Church in Franklin, Ohio; or to Hospice of Middletown, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420.

James W. Howard
CARLISLE -- James William Howard, 83, of 141 Dalton Ave., passed away Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000, at the Dayton Veterans Hospital. He was born in Clay County, Ky., on June 21, 1917, the son of George and Sophia (Hoskins) Howard. Mr. Howard was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Army. He was employed by Borden Dairy in Dayton for 30 years as a diesel mechanic, retiring in 1981 and was a member of the Teamsters union. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Bonnie (Hatfield) Howard in 1995; and a brother, Calvin Howard. He is survived by his daughters, Betty Johnson of Paris, Ohio, and Stella Lamb and Kathy Goodwin, both of Carlisle; a brother, Fluty Howard of Carlisle; sisters, Sara Smith of Franklin and Stella Puckett of Fontana, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin, with the Rev. Doug Sczerba officiating. Burial will be in the Woodhill Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A special thanks to the Dayton VA Medical Center for their many years of service, and a special thanks to the physicians and the staff for the care of our father; and also, a special thank you to the Eaton-Anderson-Unglesby Funeral Home. (The family of James Howard)

Jane E. Howard
Mrs. Jane E. (Barnes) Howard, 78, of 4810 Holly Ave., died Wednesday evening, Nov. 15, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Middletown on Jan. 19, 1922, a daughter of Robert E. and Sarah Maude (Ritter) Barnes, and was a lifelong resident. Mrs. Howard had worked for almost 30 years in the office of the spiral pipe department at Armco Steel Co. before retiring in 1976. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. She is survived by a sister, Betty Radel of Middletown; a brother, Jack Barnes (wife Lillie) of Middletown; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her husband, Joseph T. Howard, preceded her in death in 1984. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Phibbs and Christine Detty; and three brothers, Haldred, William and Robert Barnes.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church, with Pastor C. Roland Marcus officiating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church. Entombment will follow in Woodside Mausoleum.

Lorraine Inabnitt
Mrs. Lorraine Inabnitt, 73, of Harrison, Ohio, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Logan, W.Va., on April 2, 1927. Mrs. Inabnitt had been employed as a secretary at 20th Century Fox Film Corp. She attended the Dixie Highway Christian Center. She was preceded in death by the father of her children, Cecil Inabnitt. Among her survivors are her loving husband of 27 years, Ron Fagin of Cincinnati; four sons, Bob and Mike Inabnitt, both of Cincinnati, and Jerry (Trish) Inabnitt and Donnie (Lisa) Inabnitt, both of Middletown; daughters Rita Mobley of Middletown, Linda Inabnitt of Portsmouth, Ohio, and Brenda Mercurio of Cincinnati; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert D. Wells of Cincinnati; and special aunts, uncles and cousins.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home in Middletown, with the Rev. Dave Bowling officiating. Interment will be at North Monroe Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Blanche K. Jones
Mrs. Blanche K. Jones, 86, of Garden Manor Retirement Village, passed away Monday morning, Nov. 13, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born on Jan. 9, 1914, at Slaughter, Ky., the daughter of George and Leslie Carlisle Parker. She was a member of the Edgewood Baptist Church. Mrs. Jones is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Don and Karen Jones of Zimmerman, Minn., and Allen and Bonnie Jones of Ridgecrest, Calif.; five grandchildren, Bryan and Jeff Jones of Ridgecrest, Calif., Leslie and Stephanie Jones of Baltimore, Md., and Brent Jones of Zimmerman, Minn.; and a brother, Mahlon Parker of Madisonville, Ky. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd C. Jones in 1997.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Edgewood Baptist Church, with the Rev. Keith Risner officiating. Visitation will be held at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home today, Nov. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. Interment will be at Miltonville Cemetery.

Mary M. Jones
Mrs. Mary Magdalene (Laubach) Jones, 92, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2000, at Willow Knoll Retirement Center. She was born on Oct. 5, 1908, in Amanda, Ohio, the daughter of Herman and Bertha (McGlaughlin) Laubach. She was a lifelong resident of Butler County. She married Louis F. Jones on Dec. 28, 1926. Mrs. Jones worked at Olympic Restaurant and Burnett's Clothing Store as a young woman. She and Louis owned and operated Rossi's Master Market on Woodlawn for many years. She was a member of Holy Family Parish. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her siblings, Anna Marie Daley and James, Herman and Mark Laubach; her granddaughter, Lynn Mendenhall; and close cousin, Clara Louise Endebrock. She is survived by two daughters, Patricia Mendenhall of Middletown and Carol Sue Jones of Loveland, Colo.; a son-in-law, Lee Mendenhall; granddaughter Patty Mendenhall; great-grandchildren Michael Lee Ronto, Heather Houck and Ben Houck; one precious great-great-granddaughter, Callee Maka Augustus; and numerous nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Saturday, with Father John Civille officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park. MEMORIALS : Memorial contributions may be made to PAWS, P.O. Box 684, Middletown 45042; or Holy Family Parish, 201 Clark St., Middletown 45042.

Gladys M. Keith
Mrs. Gladys M. Keith, 86, of Middletown, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2000, at Miami Valley Hospital. She was born in Morgan County, Ky., on Dec. 3, 1913, and had lived here for more than 50 years. Mrs. Keith was a member of The Church at Mayfield for 44 years and also attended Community Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard L. Keith on Aug. 13, 1964; her parents, Alf and Flora (Lewis) Hammons; and a brother, Arnold Hammons. Surviving are a daughter, Donna M. Chaney of Middletown; two sisters, Hattie Bruney of Chicago, Ill., and Anna Ferguson of Middletown; brothers Byford Hammons of Fairborn, Ohio, and Rodger Hammons of Enon, Ohio; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Friday at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. Visitation is from noon to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Community Church, 5156 Hamilton-Middletown Road, Middletown, Ohio 45044.

Asberry Kilburn Jr.
Asberry "Bud" Kilburn Jr., 61, of Gratis, Ohio, passed away Saturday, Nov. 18, 2000, at his residence. He was born on Nov. 30, 1939, in Perry County, Ky., but had lived in the Middletown area for most of his life. Mr. Kilburn was employed as a pipe fitter for Sorg Paper Co. for 33 years, retiring in 1990. He was affiliated with the Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Asberry Kilburn Sr. and Lida Marie (Campbell) Kilburn; his third wife, Anita Kilburn in 1997; and an infant brother, Wayne Kilburn. Survivors include two daughters, Sherry Diane Kilburn and Roberta Faye Kilburn, both of Middletown; a son, Donald Wayne Kilburn, and his wife, Charlene, of Middletown; 11 grandchildren, Gary Wayne Hall and Sharon Wagers, Angela Marie Messer, Mindy Rae Messer, Michael Scott Balon, Benajah M. Balon, Corey Wayne Kilburn, Daniel Cody Kilburn, Nicholas Scott Kilburn, Leslie Marie Kilburn and twins, Justin and Susie Kilburn; two great-grandchildren, Cameron Andrew Wagers and Kierston Anika Hall; three sisters, Glenna Moore, and her husband, Robert, of Moussy, Ky., Sandy Kilburn of Monroe, Ohio, and Karen Kilburn of Bellefontaine, Ohio; two brothers, James H. Kilburn, and his wife, Sharon, of Carlisle and Robert G. Kilburn, and his wife, Pam, of Monroe; the mother of his children, Bonnie (Copeland) Kilburn of Middletown; his former wife, Lola Mae (Caudill) Kilburn of Middletown; many nieces and nephews; and best friend, Moss Winkler.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation is today, Nov. 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Norman Meadows officiating. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Gratis, Ohio.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Second Chance Wildlife Shelter in Camden, Ohio.

Ruth A. Klosterman
Mrs. Ruth A. Klosterman, 63, of Middletown, died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Feb. 21, 1937, to the late Louis and Dorothy (Lantman) Freudenberg. Mrs. Klosterman was a member of Holy Family Parish. Born and raised in Cincinnati, she graduated in 1955 from Regina High School as the salutatorian. She attended Edgecliff College in Cincinnati. She was a 1997 graduate of the Archdiocesan Lay Pastoral Ministry Program. Ruth was a member of Laureate, Beta Kappa Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, a former president of the Fenwick PTO, parish council member of Holy Family Parish and co-founder, with her husband, Bill, in 1974, of music and athletic programs at John XXIII School. Surviving are her husband, William F. Klosterman of Middletown; two sons, Steven W. (Lynne) Klosterman of Boston, Mass., and James J. (Carla) Klosterman, M.D., of Dayton, Ohio; two daughters, Anna M. Klosterman and Linda R. (Gary) Meyer, both of Cincinnati; a brother, David (Pat) Freudenberg of Boca Raton, Fla.; and seven grandchildren, Cody and Emma Meyer, and Maddison, Elyse, Maryn, Steffi and Paul Klosterman.
ARRANGEMENTS: Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Holy Trinity Church of Holy Family Parish, with Father John Civille as celebrant. Interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery in St. Bernard, Ohio. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home. MEMORIALS : Memorial contributions may be made to Bishop Fenwick High School FAMA, 3800 Manchester Road, Middletown 45042; or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, Texas 75244.

Gina M. (Hobson) McGeorge
LEBANON -- Gina M. (Hobson) McGeorge, 36, of Lebanon, died Friday, Nov. 17, 2000.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home in Lebanon.

Mamie Ramsey-Merchant
Mamie Alma Ramsey-Merchant was born on July 21, 1922, to the late George and Minnie Hardeman-Smith in Winder, Ga. She departed this life on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000. She attended Middletown city schools. Mamie worked in the executive dining room of Armco Steel Inc. for many years until her retirement. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Ramsey Sr.; a son, William Ramsey Jr.; two sisters, Julia Frances and Annabelle Smith. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Clarence; a sister, Grace Rankin of Middletown; stepdaughter Toni Merchant of Cincinnati; two grandchildren, Kenneth Merchant and Charles Hinson, both of Cincinnati; nieces Anita Rankin of Middletown and Lynn Rankin Cochran of Sacramento, Calif.; and a host of relatives and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Hall-Jordan Memorial Chapel, 918 S. Main St., Middletown, with the Rev. Donald H. Jordan Sr. officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until service time at the chapel.

Robert Montgomery
Robert R. Montgomery, 66, of Lexington, Ky., died in Lexington on Monday, Nov. 13, 2000. He was born in Wellington, Ky., on Nov. 23, 1933, and was a 50-year resident of Middletown. Mr. Montgomery was employed as a tool inspector at Aeronca and worked there for more than 40 years before retiring in 1993. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 2535. He was preceded in death by his parents, Garvey and Mildred (Wallen) Montgomery; a brother, William Montgomery in 1985; and a sister, Betty Kathryn Baker in 1986. Surviving are his wife, Reba, of Lexington, Ky.; a brother, Bernard L. Montgomery, and his wife, Deborah, of Middletown; and a sister, Bonita Taulbee of Monroe.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with David Stidham officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Nancy (Myers) Morris
SPRINGBORO -- Mrs. Nancy (Myers) Morris of Springboro, died Wednesday morning, Nov. 15, 2000, in Middletown Regional Hospital after suffering from cancer. Nancy came from a newspaper publishing family whose ancestor Lorenzo Doty Myers was publisher of the Columbus Dispatch in the late 1800s. Born on Nov. 13, 1933, Nancy was the third child of Margaret Rathmell and Edward Spencer Myers, who became publisher of The Journal in Middletown in 1924 at the age of 28. In those days, The Journal was owned by James A. Chew of Xenia. All her life, Nancy was an avid reader of newspapers, magazines and books. She was known for her keen intellect and wit. She belonged to the First Presbyterian Church of Middletown. She was a current member and past president of the Current Events Club of Middletown, a former member of the Ms. Mutual investments club, past president of the Middletown Tennis Club and a former leader for Girl Scouts in Middletown. She was also known as a professional artist and was very active with the Middletown Fine Arts Center, serving as its president at one time. Her artistic talents included painting and batik. Perhaps one of her greatest gifts was her ability to create quilts, particularly those of original design. Her children and church have been the recipients of many of those beautiful artistic expressions. Nancy was also active in the Springboro Historical Society, helping to revive interest in the organization in the mid-1990s. Frequently, she donned pioneer period clothing and spun lambswool on an antique spinning wheel in Springboro's historical Christian Null cabin. With a love of history, Nancy researched extensively her family's genealogy, becoming the genealogist for the Springboro Historical Society. She also constructed dulcimers from kits and performed on the instrument with friends in the Springboro Community. Nancy leaves behind a loving husband, Gilbert E. Morris, whom she married on Jan. 7, 1984. Together they enjoyed travels to Greece, Israel, France and Austria. Nancy loved hiking, skiing and canoeing. She joined Gil on a number of excursions into the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains. Nancy was a graduate of Middletown High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Denison University in 1955. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Andrew Hawk of Xiangsha, China, and Joel Hawk (P. J.) of San Jose, Calif.; daughters Sara Lynch (Doug) of Middletown, Ohio, and Emily Bauer (Scott) of Madison, Ohio; stepsons Pete Morris (Berri) of Orlando, Fla., Andrew Morris (Jesse) of Fredericksburg, Va., Theodore Morris (Dianna) of Marion, Ohio, and Gilbert Morris III (Sunnie) of Oxford, Mich.; and a brother, Frank R. (Tricia) Myers of Middletown. Nancy was also "Granny" to 18 grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 20, at the First Presbyterian Church on Central Avenue, Middletown, with the Rev. Rob Weingartner officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 2910 Central Ave., Middletown 45044; or the American Cancer Society. Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home is serving the family.

Doris K. Pemberton
EATON -- Mrs. Doris K. Pemberton, 80, of Eaton, Ohio, died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000, at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Ind. She was born in Trenton, Ohio, on Aug. 6, 1920, to Stanley and Lydia (Sheley) Kienzie. She was a graduate of West Elkton High School. Mrs. Pemberton was a member of the Salem Lutheran Church in West Alexandria, the Evening Circle Salem Women of the Church and Preble County Homemakers Club. She was also a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. She was preceded in death by her husband, Homer, in 1991. She is survived by her daughter, Wilda (Howard) Overly of Centerville, Ohio; five sons, Clem J. (Marilyn) Pemberton of Winfield, W.Va., Russell (LaVerne) Pemberton of Thornton, Colo., and Gary (Vernita) Pemberton, Stanley Pemberton and Darrel (Brenda) Pemberton, all of Eaton; and eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and eight great-grandcildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Kienzie, and two sisters, Gladys Genton and Marie Bowman.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at the Lindloff-Zimmerman Funeral Home in West Alexandria, Ohio, with the Rev. Daniel Snider officiating. Burial will be in Sugar Grove Cemetery, West Alexandria. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Preble County Cancer Society.

Jeffrey L. Pringle
Jeffrey Lynn Pringle, 44, formerly of Middletown, passed away Saturday, Nov. 18, 2000, in Cincinnati. Jeffrey was born on Feb. 8, 1956, in Cincinnati to the union of William Howell and Ozella Pringle. Jeffrey confessed his faith in Christ at an early age. He had a genuine love for music and used his many musical talents to express that love and honor for Christ. He was united in holy matrimony to Vicki Ann Edwards on Sept. 21, 1973, and to this union three children were born, Jeffrey, Stephanie and Julia. He was a member of Abundant Life Apostolic Church. Jeffrey leaves a legacy of beautiful memories and love to his wife, Vicky Ann Pringle; his children, Jeffrey Lynn Pringle II, Stephanie Katrice Pringle and Julia Renee' Pringle; his mother, Ozella Lee Pringle, father, William Howell, and stepmother, Jeannette Howell; brothers Michael (Pam) Howell and stepmother, Jeannette Howell; brothers Michael (Pam) Howell, Tyrone (Pam) Howell and Troy (Devona) Howell; sisters Linda (John) Perrin, Brenda Howell Tracy (David), and Lawrence and Barbara Howell; three grandchildren, Dante Bencomo, Julian Pringle and Victoria Pringle-Smith; a special friend, Mack Watson; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Johnson Brown Funeral Service, 1309 California Ave., Cincinnati with Elder H. Stephens officiating. Interment will be at the Dayton National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Arrangements were entrusted to Johnson Brown Funeral Service in Cincinnati. Ohio (513) 641-5299.

Hilma W. Ray
Hilma Wilcox Ray, 78, of Columbia, Md., formerly of Middletown, passed away Thursday morning, Nov. 16, 2000, in Maryland. She was born in Middletown, Ohio, on Oct. 15, 1922, a daughter of Ralph and Anna (Garies) Wilcox, and served in the Navy as a yeoman during World War II. After the war, she worked for the Atlantic Bell Telephone Co. as an operator, then as a clerk, retiring with more than 25 years of service. She loved genealogy and had extensive research files. She is survived by two sons, Charles Edward Ray of Columbia, Md., and William Allan Ray of Lebanon Church, Va.; a brother, William Wilcox of Hamilton, Ohio; a grandson, William Allan Ray II; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary; and two brothers, Howard and Carl.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Woodside Cemetery, with Pastor Roger Green officiating.

Naomi E. Sergent
Naomi Elizabeth (Middleton) Sergent, 76, of Middletown, passed away at Middletown Regional Hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000, at 9:40 a.m. She was born in Harlan, Ky., on March 1, 1924, the daughter of Ransom and Balty (Shell) Middleton. Naomi was a member of the Westview Church of God. She is survived by two sons, Lee Sergent, and his wife, Betty, and Dillon Sergent, both of Williamsburg, Ky.; three daughters, Glenda Curry, and her husband, J.D. of Hamilton, Peggy L. Evans of Virginia Beach, Va., and Bonnie Kay Sergent of Middletown; two sisters, Orphia Hagar, and her husband, John, of St. White, Fla., and Virginia Murphy, and her husband, Charles, of Middletown; a sister-in-law, Ruth Middleton of Richmond, Ind.; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Darrell Sergent; daughters Sandra Cobb and Helen Rubbo; and brothers Jewel, Dillon and Grover Cleveland Middleton.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at the Westview Church of God, 1814, Millville Ave., Hamilton, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2000, at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Mack Pratt, pastor of the Westview Church of God, officiating. Burial will follow at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Brown-Dawson Funeral Home in Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

James E. Shipley
TRENTON -- James E. Shipley, 54, of Trenton, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000, at his residence. He was born on May 3, 1946, in Hazard, Ky., the son of Claude Shipley and Hazel E. (Spencer) Shipley. He was a machinist for Mosler Safe Co. Mr. Shipley was a member of the Edgewood Baptist Church, Sycamore Mission in Trenton. He is survived by a daughter, Susan M. Shipley; two sons, James D. Shipley and Michael S. Shipley, both of Trenton; two grandchildren, Orville Griffin and Kara Griffin; his mother, Hazel Shipley of Carlisle; a sister, Anne Clemmons of Springboro; and a brother, Claude Shipley of Carlisle. He was preceded in death by his father, Claude Shipley in 1977.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial services will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home in Middletown, with Pastor Terry McCain officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Sycamore Mission, Edgewood Baptist Church in Trenton.

Elizabeth L. Sweat
FRANKLIN -- Elizabeth Lee Sweat, 57, of 9717 Roberts Drive, died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2000, at 5:59 p.m. at Sycamore Hospital. She was born in Ashland, Ky., on April 6, 1943, the daughter of Hank and Edith Riffitt. Preceding her in death were her father, Hank, and mother, Edith Riffitt Waliuszis; and a sister, Nancy Bush. Surviving are her husband of 25 years, Lloyd; two sons, Mark Sweat of Middletown and Jason Benge of Indiana; two daughters, Jennifer Cope of Sidney and Patricia Benge of Somerset, Ky.; a sister, Jo Howard of Hillsboro; seven stepchildren; and six grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery. Visitation is today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Gertrude C. Warren
Gertrude "Trudy" Carlier Warren, 88, of Cincinnati, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2000, following a short hospitalization. Trudy was active in the Cincinnati business community for most of her adult life. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Warren, and her sisters, Catherine Pack and Justine O'Flynn. With her late sister, Justine, she was very active in several bridge clubs in the Middletown area. She was an active member of All Saints Parish in Montgomery, Ohio, and a longtime figure in the Cincinnati business community. Mourning her loss along with their families are her late sister Justine's family, John O'Flynn of Middletown, Joseph O'Flynn of Cincinnati, Larry O'Flynn of Columbus, Paul O'Flynn of Louisville, Thomas O'Flynn of New York and Justi O'Flynn of Louisville, Ky.; also her late sister Catherine's family, John Pack of Fairfield and Ann Auerbach of Cherry Hill, N.J., along with their family, mourn her passing.
ARRANGEMENTS: A Mass celebrating her life will be held at All Saints Parish in Montgomery, Ohio, at 10 a.m. today, Nov. 18. A visitation will occur one hour prior at the church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Cincinnati. All arrangements are being handled by the Thomas-Justin Memorial Funeral Home in Kenwood.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Trudy's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, Cincinnati Chapter, 644 Linn St., Suite 1026 Cincinnati, Ohio 45203.

Helen M. Watkins
Mrs. Helen Marie Watkins, 76, of Middletown, died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000, at her residence. She was born in Hesper, Iowa, on Aug. 19, 1924, to Emil and Ella Hellem. Mrs. Watkins lived here since 1955. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Conn Wagner; her second husband, Lewis Watkins in 1996; a son, Emil Lee Wagner; her parents; two brothers, Eugene and James; and two sisters Gladys and Emelia. Survivors include three sons, James Green of California, David Wagner (Lisa) of Middletown and Steve Wagner (Donna) of Franklin; daughters Linda Jackson (John) of Middletown and Sharon Spencer (Don) of Hamilton; 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Charlotte Nelson of Illinois and Emma Avery of Minnesota; and two brothers, Milford Hellem of Wisconsin and John Hellem of Colorado.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with the Rev. Brian R.E. Peterson officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, P.O. Box 3509, Dayton, Ohio 45401-3509.

Pauline Wilkinson
Pauline (Dailey) Wilkinson, 46, of Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away from a stroke on Monday, Nov. 13, 2000, at the Southern Ohio Medical Center of Scioto County where she had been a patient for five days. She was born on Aug. 5, 1954, in Rock Island, Ill. She had lived in the Portsmouth area for seven years. She lived in the Franklin and Springboro areas from 1966 to 1993. Pauline attended elementary schools in Rock Island, Ill., and Hunter Elementary here in Ohio. She was a 1972 graduate of Franklin High School. She also attended the Southwestern Ohio Business College of Middletown where she received a Data Entry Diploma in 1989 and an Associate Degree in Business Administration and Computer Science in 1990. She was a member of the Blue Ball United Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Rev. Kenneth S. Dailey, former pastor of the Blue Ball United Presbyterian Church. Survivors include her mother, Lois Dailey Crain of Franklin; three sons, Jerry Wayne Wilkinson Jr. and Daniel P. Wilkinson, both of Portsmouth, and Bob C. Wilkinson, and his wife, Tamber, of Cincinnati; and three sisters, Janet Dailey of New York City, N.Y., Nancy Dailey Slotnick, and husband, Jeff, of Tacoma, Wash., and Carol Dailey of Franklin.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be Thursday, Nov. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the Blue Ball United Presbyterian Church, 6901 Roosevelt Ave., Franklin, Ohio, with the Revs. Michael Evans and Terry Ball officiating. Interment will be at Clifton Cemetery in Clifton, Ohio.

Warren L. Yocum
Warren Lloyd Yocum, 60, of 218 Bavarian St., Apt. D, died at his residence this past week. He was born on June 8, 1940, in Denniston, Ky., in Menifee County, the son of Cloyd and Marie (Ratliff) Yocum. He graduated from Franklin High School in the class of 1958 and was employed by Smurfit-Stone in Middletown for 40 years as a pressman. His father, Cloyd, preceded him in death in 1975. Surviving are his mother, Marie Yocum of Franklin; a son, Steve Yocum, and his wife, Kimberly, of West Chester; a daughter, Angela Yocum Grathwohl of Bradenton, Fla.; two brothers, Merle Yocum of Franklin and Bill Yocum, and his wife, Becky, of Middletown; three sisters, Janice Brickley, and her husband, Jerry, of Springboro, Wanda Yocum of Franklin and Oleta LeVangie, and her husband, Robert, of Franklin; three grandchildren, Sarah and Mitchell Grathwohl and Summer Yocum; and two nieces and two nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin, with the Rev. Steve Strong officiating. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery. Visitation is today, Nov. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Ralph L. Anderson
Former Carlisle resident Ralph Leroy Anderson, 48, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2000, at his home in Arizona. Ralph was born on Jan. 24, 1952, in Santa Rosa, Calif. He and his family moved to Ohio when he was 4 years old and lived in Carlisle, Ohio, until joining the U.S. Army in 1978. Through his school years, Ralph excelled in all sports and his great love was for basketball and baseball. He came to Fort Huachuca, Ariz., in December 1977 and was attached to the 19th Signal Company. He was honorably discharged from the Army in June 1982 and became a NAF employee. He worked his way up the ladder from procurement clerk to chief, recreation service division, and project officer for all MWR special events held on Fort Huachuca. Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Lois; his mother and stepfather, Aletha and Bob Perdue; brothers Robert (Valeska) of Camden and Dennis (Rhonda) of Carlisle; nephews Zack and K.J.; nieces Jacqueline (Russell) and Sarah; stepchildren Tim (Vonna), Patti (Jeff) and Brian; and step-grandchildren, Jonathon, Nick, Sami, Chris, Melissa and Leslie. Ralph was a friend to all who knew him, and there wasn't a task too big or small for him to handle. He will be greatly missed, but he is at peace with the Lord.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the main Army post chapel on Fort Huachuca. There will also be a local memorial service at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, at the Church of Christ in South Dayton, 300 S. Main St., Springboro, Ohio. MEMORIALS : Donations may be made in Ralph's memory to the Arizona Cancer Foundation at University Medical Center or to the Casa de la Paz Hospice. Hatfield Funeral Home of Sierra Vista, Ariz., is handling arrangements.

Robert E. Benton
Robert E. "Elwood" Benton, 68, of Glouster, Ohio, died Sunday, Nov. 12, 2000, at the Cincinnati Veterans Administration Hospital. He was born on Jan. 29, 1932, in Morgan County, Ky., the son of Carl and Myrtle (Gibson) Benton. Mr. Benton was retired from Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, with more than 20 years of service. He was a Vietnam veteran. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Oleta Sorrell; and brothers Lonnie Ray and Ivan Benton. He is survived by his wife, Billy Jean Benton; sons and daughters-in-law, Surman and Debbie Benton, Quint and Erma Benton, Tim Benton, Eddie and Sandi Thornsburg and Bill Thornsburg; sisters and brothers-in-law, Evalee Lykins and Tom Oligee, Rella and Don Barrett, Sue Ellis and Glenna and Doug Stamper; brothers and sisters-in-law, Earl and Rea Benton, Charles and Ethel Benton; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Jeanie Benton and Pauline and Wayne McDaniel; and 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Meyer-Boehmer & Feucht Funeral Home, 1733 Brown St., Dayton, Ohio. Burial will be at Miami Valley Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Ralph L. Bowser Sr.
GERMANTOWN -- Ralph L. Bowser Sr., 85, of 96 Cathryn Court, passed away Monday, Nov. 6, 2000, at the Hillspring Nursing Home. He was born on May 17, 1915, in Brookville, Ohio, the son of Horace and Mable (Utz) Bowser. Mr. Bowser was employed at the General Motors Frigidaire Division for 37 years as a millwright. Preceding him in death were his parents and his first wife, Eileen, in 1983. He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Mildred (Marburger) Bowser; sons Ralph Bowser Jr. of Germantown, Daniel Bowser of Carlisle and stepson, Rick Marburger of Springboro; daughters Charlene Wade of Miamisburg, Nancy Clark of Centerville and Judy Fitzpatrick of Germantown; sisters Ruth Gearhart of New Lebanon, Opal Holloway of Phillipsburg and Mildred Hern of Dayton; 20 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside services and burial will be private at the Hillgrove Cemetery, 1002 E. Central Ave., Miamisburg, Ohio. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Miamisburg Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Miamisburg Springboro Road. Arrangements are being made by Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin.

Carolyn Cobb
Carolyn M. Cobb, 55, of Middletown, passed away Friday, Nov. 10, 2000, at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, where she had been a patient for eight days. She was born May 25, 1945, in Middletown, and lived here all of her life. She was a licensed practical nurse and worked for area nursing homes. She was a member of the Berachah Baptist Church of Middletown. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marie Cobb, July 27, 2000. She is survived by her father, Sam Cobb; three brothers, Charles Cobb of Dayton, Terry Cobb and wife Julie of Carlisle, and Ronald Cobb and wife Barbara of Franklin; one sister, Joyce Barnette of Centerville; five nieces; five nephews and a close friend, Diana Moore of Trenton.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. L. Lamar Ferrell officiating. Interment will be at North Monroe Cemetery, Monroe.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Kidney Foundation of Greater Cincinnati, 2200 Victory Parkway, Suite 510, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.

Robert T. Eaton
FRANKLIN -- Robert "Bob" Templin Eaton, 88, of Franklin, died Sunday, Nov. 12, 2000, at Hospice of Dayton. Bob was a native of Franklin and was active in community activities over the years. He was instrumental in leading the Lions Club in the development of the current Franklin Lions Park. He graduated from Denison University in 1932 and also attended Ohio State University where he remained an avid football fan. He was one of the original founders of the Franklin Golf Club. He was also past master of the Eastern Star Masonic Lodge in Franklin and a member of the First United Methodist Church. Bob was a former partner of Frank Croll in the Croll-Eaton Funeral Home, which later became Eaton Funeral Home located at 121 E. Second St. in Franklin. He is survived by his wife, Peggy (Calmes); and five children and stepchildren, Vevia Martin of St. Charles, Ill., Ed Harback of Cincinnati, Holly Dillon of Franklin, Stephen Eaton of Middletown and Darlene Dawson of Franklin. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin, with the Rev. Dale Lykins officiating. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery. Visitation is today from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Dorothy C. Eikenberry
Dorothy C. Eikenberry, 87, of Gratis, passed away Saturday, Nov. 11, 2000. Mrs. Eikenberry was born in Jackson Township on June 23, 1913, to the late Forest and Alice (Lauver) Shock. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Eikenberry, in 1980; her sister, Opal Palmer; and her brother, Earl Shock. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, JoAnn and James Harris; two grandchildren, Coral Shackelford and Penny (John D.) Johnston; three great-granddaughters, Crista Marsh and Amber and Laurie Johnston; two great-great-grandchildren, Kevin and Caitlin Marsh; and her brother, Kenneth Woodard, all of Gratis.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Dalton Funeral Home, corner of Ohio 4 and Weaver Road, Germantown. Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial is at Fairview Cemetery.

Virgil E. Griffith
Virgil E. Griffith, 59, of 1963 Greenfield Drive West, died Friday morning, Nov. 10, 2000, at his residence. He was born in Middletown, Jan. 6, 1941, a son of Virgil and Phyllis (Charles) Griffith and was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He lived for 24 years in Desert Hot Springs, Calif., working in Motion Picture Transportation, prior to moving back to Middletown four years ago to care for his mother. He is survived by his mother, to whom he was most kind and devoted; a brother, Philip M. Griffith of Florida; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

James I. Hall Sr.
James I. Hall Sr., 75, of Middletown, passed away at 5:40 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000, at his residence after losing his long battle with cancer. He was born on Nov. 3, 1925, in Middletown, Ohio, and had lived here all of his life. He was employed as a clerk in the machine shop at Armco Steel Co. for 25 years, retiring in 1975. During that time he was also a Middletown reserve police officer for Lemon Township. Mr. Hall was a former member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Middletown Chapter. He coached Knothole Baseball in the 1960s and Ponytail Softball in Middletown and Monroe in the 1970s. He formed the Middletown Wildcats Ladies Softball Team and won two state championships in the late 1980s. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene of Middletown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emery and Rowena (Davis) Hall; a son, Robert Gregg Hall at 2 years of age; two brothers, Robert Emery Hall and Jack Melborne Hall; and a sister, Delores Mayabb. Survivors: James was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and happily married for 48 years to his wife, Joyce A. Hall. He is also survived by four sons, James I. Hall Jr., and his wife, Janie, Ricky Dean Hall, and his wife, Kristy, Thomas Mark Hall, and Ross Allen Hall, and his wife, Cindy, all of Middletown; three daughters, Kimberly Ann Hall, Lori Jean Valandingham, and her husband, Patrick, and Peggy Amburgy, all of Middletown; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved very much; a brother, Kenneth Hall, and his wife, Susan, of Miamisburg; and two sisters, Margaret Howerton of Middletown and Patricia Hinds, and her husband, Robert, of Miamisburg.
ARRANGEMENTS: There will be no visitation. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 11, at the First Church of the Nazarene, 215 S. Sutphin St., Middletown, with the Revs. Virgil Applegate and Daniel Justice officiating. Interment will be at Germantown Cemetery, Germantown, Ohio.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene, 215 S. Sutphin St., Middletown 45044; or the American Cancer Society, 105 McKnight Drive, Middletown 45044. Arrangements are by Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown.