Bonnie Vaughn
MIAMISBURG -- Mrs. Bonnie Vaughn, 89, of 6653 Farmington Road, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2001, at Hospice of Dayton. She was born in Jackson County, Ky., on April 18, 1911, the daughter of Henry and Martha (Morris) Young. Mrs. Vaughn was a member of the Roberts Drive Pentecostal Holiness Church. Bonnie, "a full-time mom," is survived by her husband of 72 years, Leonard; children, Burnas Vaughn, and wife, Cathrine, of Miamisburg, Henry Vaughn, and wife, Betty, of Moraine, Dillard Vaughn, and wife, Betty, of Franklin, Esmer Vaughn, and wife, Karen, of Sorrento, Fla.,, Martha Glenn, and husband, Stanley, of Seaman, Ohio, Leonard Vaughn Jr. of New Lebanon, Ohio, and Betty Jean Vaughn of Miamisburg; a sister, Nanny Meeks of Lancaster, Ky.; and 25 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents; a brother and two sisters; and two grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at the Robert Drive Pentecostal Holiness Church, with the Rev. Jimmy Jewell officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Eaton-Anderson-Unglesby Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin. Burial will be in Hillgrove Cemetery.

Jesse M. Yarbrough
Jesse M. Yarbrough, 76, of Professional Drive, Chillicothe, Ohio, died at 1:20 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001, in the Chillicothe Veterans Affairs Medical Center following a long illness. He was born on Aug. 18, 1924, in Chester, S.C., to the late Richard and Julia Gaines Yarbrough. On Feb. 19, 1945, he married the former Lois L. Keener, who survives. Also surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Edwin R. and Barbara Yarbrough of Ashburn, Va.; four grandchildren, Kyla M., Steven R., Scott E. and Brendan J. Yarbrough, all of Ashburn, Va.; a sister, Julia Culbertson of Fort Pierce, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Jeanette Yarbrough of Whitmire, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Yarbrough. Jesse was a graduate of Whitmire High School in South Carolina. He was a staff sergeant during World War II, serving in the European Theater where he was the recipient of a Purple Heart. Mr. Yarbrough received his electrical engineering degree at the University of Tennessee. He was a retired electrical engineer for the Mead Corp.; a member of the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers; Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry; Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America; Boy Scouts of America, Chief Logan Council; and Shawnee district chairman. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Chillicothe and formerly served on its Board of Trustees.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at the Ware Funeral Home, 121 W. Second St., Chillicothe, with the Rev. James W. Grove officiating. Calling hours will not be observed.

Henry C. Warmoth Jr.
Henry C. "Curly" Warmoth Jr., 79, of 2211 Pearl St., Middletown, died Friday, Feb. 16, 2001, at the Woodland Country Manor Nursing Home in Somerville. He was born on May 6, 1921, in Middletown, the son of Henry C. Warmoth Sr. and Ida May (Thompson) Warmoth. Mr. Warmoth worked at McGraw Construction and retired from Labor Local Union 532. He coached Knothole Baseball and was a veteran of the U.S. Army in World War II. He is survived by two sons, Billy F. (Marilyn) Warmoth and Bruce ("BB") C. (Kathy) Warmoth, both of Middletown; two grandchildren, Dawn Ward and Bruce S. Warmoth; and five great-grandchildren, Nick, Zach and Cody Warmoth and Tandi and Alex Ward. He was preceded in death by his wife, Imogene, in 1990; a son, Louie Warmoth; a brother, David F. Warmoth; and his parents.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 19, at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Donald McMurray officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery.

Woodrow Wilkinson
Former Middletown resident Woodrow W. "Woody" Wilkinson, 86, of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday evening, Feb. 17, 2001. He was born in Middletown, Ohio, on March 4, 1914, the son of Robert and Catherine Whinnie Wilkinson. He retired in 1976 from the Armco Steel Metal Products Division as a production manager after 43 years of service. Mr. Wilkinson was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, George M. Verity Lodge No. 760 Free & Accepted Masons, Pablo Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville Beach and the Jacksonville Stamp Collectors Club. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Jeannine Wilkinson; five children, Scott L. Wilkinson of Miami, Fla., Sherrill L., and her husband, Larry Hilbert, of Topeka, Kan., Woodrow W., and his wife, Eileen Wilkinson Jr., of St. Louis, Mo., Richard K. Wilkinson of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Jane W., and her husband, Dale Kiker, of Middletown; 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; and two stepchildren, Marsha, and her husband, Miles Reardon of Springfield, Va., and John, and his wife, Judy Hutchinson, of Gainesville, Fla. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gene Wilkinson in 1975.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Tom Ramsey officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. Entombment will be at the Woodside Mausoleum.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of NE Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Fla. 32257.

Donald E. Adams
Donald Eugene Adams, 66, of Seminole, Fla., died Sunday, Feb. 11, 2001, at his residence. Mr. Adams retired from the U.S. Navy and was owner and publisher of "Today's Veteran." He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is survived by his wife, Rose; a daughter, Andrea (Robert) Dietz; four sons, Guy (Nancy) of Detroit, Mich., Greg of Englewood, Ohio, Brian of Germany and Robin of Seminole, Fla.; seven grandchildren; a brother, Clarence (Matilda) of Monroe, Ohio; and two sisters, Corrine (Harold) Poplin of Trenton, Ohio, and Barbara (Elmer) Koontz of Middletown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Bessie (Egelston); and a sister, Geraldine.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Bay Pines National Cemetery in Bay Pines, Fla.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Sun Coast, Florida, 300 E. Bay, Largo, Fla. 33710.

Lucy M. Evans
Mrs. Lucy M. Evans, 97, of Middletown, passed away Monday, Feb. 5, 2001, at Kensington Place. She was born on May 22, 1903, in Barbourville, Ky., and had lived here since 1920. Mrs. Evans was a homemaker and an avid bingo player. In younger days, she raised chickens on a farm and sold their eggs to raise funds to play bingo. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Evans in 1979; her parents, Jacob F. and Sarah (Smith) Houser; sisters, Maud and Etta Smith; brothers, Samuel, a twin brother, Henry, and George and Charles Houser; a niece, Ruth Selby; and nephews, Floyd, William and Earl Smith, and Tommy Houser. She leaves a sister, Madelyn Mae Jordan of Miami, Fla.; two nephews, Donald Houser of Orlando, Fla., and George Houser of Tucson, Ariz.; nieces, Opal (Jimmy) Pettit of Cincinnati, Lois Lafayette of Middletown, Mary Ann Nichols of Cooper City, Fla., Candy Houser (Neal Mills) of Tucson and Frances Smith of Germantown; several great and great-great-nieces and nephews; and special friends, Irma Cox, Billy Turner, Mary Fuller, Ruby Blankenship and Shirley Rosenberger. The family wishes to thank everyone at Kensington Place (Barbara Parke) for the loving care they gave our aunt.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with the Rev. Rob Weingartner officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Bull's Run Arboretum, P.O. Box 425, Middletown 45042.

Dolly M. Graft
Dolly M. Graft, 73, of Middletown, died Saturday, Feb. 10, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born July 8, 1927, in Middletown, daughter of Chester Hatfield and Myrtle (Spears) Hatfield. Dolly worked for Frigidaire for 291/2 years and was a lifetime member of P.A.W.S. She is survived by her husband, Robert Graft; sisters-in-law, Stella Hatfield and Jean Graft; three nephews, Steven Hatfield, William Andrew Graft and Thomas Graft; and a niece, Carolyn Reveal. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Edwin Hatfield.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd. at Bonita Drive, with the Rev. Roger Green officiating. Interment will be in Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12 at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown 45044, or the American Diabetes Association, 8899 Brookside Ave., Suite 102, West Chester 45069.

Cora Hawkins
Mrs. Cora Hawkins, 88, of Middletown, died Friday, Feb. 9, 2001, at Hawthorn Glen Nursing Center. She was born Sept. 12, 1912, in Harlan, Ky., daughter of John Slusher and Maggie (Green) Slusher. She is survived by three daughters, Jeanette (Elmer) Back of LaPort, Minn., Leona Robinson of Radcliff, Ky., and Lloyd Winna (James) Stamper of Gratis, Ohio; a son, John (Minta) Lawson of Knoxville, Tenn.; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chandler in 1977; a son-in-law, Don Robinson; and a grandchild, Mark Back.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with Pastor Brenda Cox officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Gratis.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Home Avenue First Church of God, P.O. Box 189, Trenton 45067.

Velma C. Hewitt
LEBANON -- Velma C. Hewitt, 55, of Lebanon Health Center, died Saturday, Feb. 10, 2001, at Bethesda North Hospital. She was born Sept. 1, 1945, in Norfolk, Va., and lived most of her life in Lebanon. She worked at Production Services Unlimited in Lebanon, and the Adult Training Center in Middletown. She was preceded in death by a cousin, Markie Thompson. She is survived by her mother, Mary K. Long of Middletown; stepfather Stanley Long of Middletown; a brother, Jim Thompson of Cincinnati; and several cousins.
ARRANGEMENTS: Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton. Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 11113 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati 45242-1817.

Penny Hoffer
Mrs. Penny (Walters) Hoffer, 51, of Middletown, passed away Thursday, Feb. 8, 2001, at 10:06 a.m. at Middletown Regional Hospital where she had been a patient for nine days. She was born on Dec. 3, 1949, in Middletown, Ohio, and lived here all of her life. Mrs. Hoffer was a dental assistant for dentists, Drs. John and Alan Burley of Trenton, for 12 years. She was an avid bowler for many years and a member of the Salvation Army. She was preceded in death by her parents, Linville and Betty (Richmond) Walters; and an infant brother, William in 1948. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Donald R. Hoffer; two sons and their wives, Kevin L. and Becky Hoffer and Jonathan E. and Hailey Hoffer, all of Middletown; four grandchildren, Devin, Larry, Austin and Alexis; two brothers and their wives, Chester and Sally Walters of Conyers, Ga., and Samuel and Pat Walters of Middletown; a sister, Carol Ann Patrick, and husband, John, of Conyers, Ga.; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; her mother-in-law, Della Hoffer of Lucasville, Ohio; four brothers-in-law, Lynn, Anthony and Christian Hoffer; and a sister-in-law, Karen Hatfield.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at the funeral home. Rev. James L. Kinser will officiate. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park in Trenton.
MEMORIALS: Contributions in Mrs. Hoffer's memory may be made to the Salvation Army, 106 N. Clinton St., Middletown, Ohio 45042.

Bertha Johnson
Mrs. Bertha Johnson, 81, of Middletown, passed away Saturday morning, Feb. 10, 2001, at the Barbara Parke Convalescent Center. She was a native of Marango County, Ala., and had been a resident of Middletown for 52 years. She was a member of the Church of Christ. Mrs. Johnson was a quiet, unassuming Christian family person who was endeared to her nieces and nephews. She is survived by three nephews, Robert Lewis Sr. (Jean) of Middletown, Rev. Joe Lewis of Birmingham, Ala., and Robert Nord of Milwaukee, Wis.; three great-nephews, Robert Lewis Jr., James Johnson and Derrick Lewis; five great-nieces, Barbara Briggs, Carrie and Keisha Dorns, Nona Thompson and Dorris Williams; and other relatives and many friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, Feb . 15, at Hall-Jordan Memorial Chapel, 918 S. Main St., with Elder James Crum officiating. Interment will be in Woodside Cemetery. Friends may call at the chapel from 11 a.m. Thursday until time of service.

Ruth H. Kosater
Mrs. Ruth H. Kosater, 75, of Kettering, died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001, at her daughter's residence. She was born on June 16, 1925, in Wheaton, Ill., the daughter of Walter Rentzsch and Anna (Knobloch) Rentzsch. Mrs. Kosater worked as a registered nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital. She was a member of the St. Charles Parish in Kettering, Ohio. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Joseph M., and wife, Charlen Kosater, of Charleston, S.C., Carolyn "Corky", and husband, Clyde Watson, of Middletown, Jane Marie Blackson of Beavercreek, Ohio, Susan Jean, and husband, Douglas Lytle, of Jamestown, Ohio, and Matthew John, and wife, Debra Kosater, of Centerville, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, Amy Lytle Ward, Abby Lytle, Mary Beth Lytle, Sarah Lytle, Lisa Watson, Spencer Watson, Paul Blackson, Jill Blackson, Mara Kosater and Evan Kosater; two great-grandchildren, Kaylee E. Lytle and Reese E. Smith; two sisters, June Ekenberg of Green Valley, Ariz., and Doris Halliday of Boise, Idaho; a brother, Roy Rentzsch of Albuquerque, N.M.; and a special friend, Nortence Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norbert L. Kosater in 1991; a brother, Walter Rentzsch; and her parents.
ARRANGEMENTS: Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at St. John's Church of Holy Family Parish in Middletown, with Father Charles Mentrup as celebrant. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio.
MEMORIALS: Contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown, Ohio 45044.

Ruth E. Krebs
Mrs. Ruth E. Krebs, 85, of Monroe, Ohio, formerly of Oxford, Ohio, passed away Wednesday evening, Feb. 7, 2001, at Mount Pleasant Retirement Village. She was born on June 12, 1915, in Middletown, Ohio, the daughter of Frederick R. and Laura Esteene (Lefferson) Sander. Ruth was a 1933 graduate of Middletown High School and then attended St. Mary's Business College. On Aug. 23, 1941, she married Paul Krebs in Springfield, Ohio, and he preceded her in death on April 18, 1995. They were married by Mr. Krebs' uncle, the Rev. Daniel Heltzel. They lived in Trenton, Ohio, before moving to Oxford. They lived on South Main Street in Oxford for 19 years before moving to their farm where they lived for 10 years. Mrs. Krebs worked for Oglesby Barnitz Bank for seven years before working for Miami University. During her 17 years at Miami, she worked as secretary for the Bureau of Educational Field Services. She later moved to the accounting office where she worked as a supervisor until her retirement in 1975. She belonged to the Kings Daughters and Sons, the Oxford Presbyterian Church and the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church in Monroe, Ohio. She was active in the United Way, was a Girl Scout leader and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also very active in various communities at Mount Pleasant Retirement Village. Mrs. Krebs is survived by three daughters and their spouses, Ann and Jack Killian, of Amherst, N.Y., Karen and Mike Stephens of Eldorado Hills, Calif., and Joyce and Bob Walther of Greens Fork, Ind. She was preceded in death by a son, Paul David Krebs, and a brother, Thomas Sander.
ARRANGEMENTS: A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at Smith and Ogle Funeral Home, 101 W. Church St., Oxford. Visitation will begin two hours prior to the service, from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests contributions may be made to the Mount Pleasant Retirement Village, Life Care Fund, 225 Britton Lane, Monroe, Ohio 45050.

Charles Lynch
Charles Lynch, 51, of 6501 Germantown Road No. 332, passed away Friday, Feb. 9, 2001, at his residence. He was born in Yokohama, Japan, on Feb. 25, 1949, a son of Ernest and Winifred (Phillips) Lynch, and was a Vietnam veteran of the Marine Corps. Mr. Lynch retired from Sorg Paper Co. where he had worked as a maintenance pipefitter. He had formerly worked at the Fernald plant. He is survived by a daughter, Melissa Lynch of Tampa, Fla.; two sons, Travis Peck of Ft. Benning, Ga., and Jesse Lynch of Tampa, Fla.; two sisters, Charlotte Roberts of Carlisle and Velma Baker of Beattyville, Ky.; and two brothers, David Lynch of Beattyville and Mike Lynch of Richmond, Ky. His parents preceded him in death.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at Phillips Cemetery in Beattyville, Ky. Local arrangements were by Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

Kenneth L. Miller
Kenneth L. Miller, 69, of Middletown, died Sunday morning, Feb. 11, 2001, at his residence. He was born Nov. 7, 1931, in Middletown, son of Rolla K. Miller and Martha (Haynes) Miller. He retired from Armco/AK Steel in 1993 after 38 years of service. Mr. Miller was an Army veteran of the Korean conflict. He was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion, Color Guard and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is survived by his wife, Debbie (Wise) Miller; daughters, Linda (Larry) Risner of Somerville, Sally (Kenny) Gross of Franklin, Mary (David) Turner of Jackson, Ky., Lori (Mark) Minge of Dayton, and Malissa (Lee) Burton of Middletown; sons, Kenneth R. (Valerie) Miller, Lawrence Miller, Shannon (Bridgett) Martin and William (April) Martin, all of Middletown; sisters, Kate (Paul) Lucas of Franklin, Donna (Pete) Short of Franklin, Judy Hoskins of Centerville and Betty Baker of Franklin; a brother, Lloyd (Betty) Miller of Franklin; a sister-in-law, Bridgett Miller of Franklin; 24 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Marie Hedger Miller in 1979; his parents; and brothers, Lawrence, Bill, David and Eugene Miller.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. James Maggard officiating. Visitation will be from noon until 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 at the funeral home. Burial, with military honors by the American Legion Post 218 Color Guard, will be at Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 2936 Vernon Place, Cincinnati 45219.

Della L. Oda
Mrs. Della Lorean (Winchester) Oda, 78, a resident of the Dayton area for the past 60 years, passed away at her son's home on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2001. She was born Aug. 27, 1922, to Reva and John Winchester in New Castle, Ind. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl. Mrs. Oda is survived by her three children and their spouses, Donald and Barbara Oda of Franklin, Shirley and Denis Mlod of Fairborn, and LaVonn and Larry Wilt of Carmel, Ind.; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three brothers and two sisters, Pearl Brooks of Dayton, Columbus Winchester of Straughn, Ind., Eva Jane Fowler of Columbia, S.C., Tolbert Winchester of Wichita, Kan., and James Winchester and wife, Marsha, of Clermont, Ind.; and many other loving relatives and friends, including a special friend, Donald Foucht. Lorean was a member of the Fastmont United Methodist Church.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Tobias Funeral Home, Beavercreek Chapel, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. today, Feb. 13, at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton.

Virgil Ridener
Virgil Ridener, 76, of 5881 Shaker Road, passed away Monday, Feb. 5, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Wilton, Ky., on Aug. 8, 1924, the son of Paul and Clola (Childer) Ridener. Mr. Ridener was employed for 31 years at General Motors, Moraine, City, retiring in 1976. He was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed hunting, camping and gardening. Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Everett Ridener; and sisters Evelyn Helton and Otie Stevens. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lillian (Brunette) Ridener; two sons, Jim E. and Jerry D., both of Franklin; a sister, Muriel Dorton of Norwood; grandchildren James D., Angela and Lance Ridener; and great-grandchild, Alex Nori.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Eaton-Anderson-Unglesby Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery.

Jeffery T. Shepherd
Jeffery Todd Shepherd was born Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2001, and passed away just hours after his birth. Jeffery is survived by his father and mother, Todd and Deborah Shepherd, and his sister, Sophia Marie Shepherd. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Tom and Vonda Jefferys; an uncle, William Thomas Jefferys; and his maternal great-grandparents, Vernon and Kathleen Campbell. Jeffery's paternal grandparents are Kenneth and Frances Shepherd, and a paternal grandmother, Allison Curtis, also survives. Jeffery will be sadly missed by a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
ARRANGEMENTS: A private family ceremony was held Saturday. Pastor Duke Markley of the First Baptist Church of Monroe officiated the ceremony. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation for everyone's prayers and expressions of kindness.

Herman L. Simpson
SPRINGBORO -- Herman L. Simpson, 79, of Springboro, died Sunday, Feb. 11, 2001, in St. Petersburg, Fla. He was born on Nov. 30, 1921, the son of Samuel Lewis and Myrtle A. (Patton) Simpson. He was employed as a bus driver for Southern Tours, Gulf Coast Gray Lines, and later operated Simpson's Charter. Mr. Simpson was a charter member of Daylight Masonic Lodge 385, Scottish Rite and Egypt Temple Shrine. Surviving are his wife, Mary (Templin) Simpson; a daughter, Rae Deana Stucker of Palm Beach, Fla.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are at 1 p.m. today, Feb. 17, at Eaton-Anderson-Unglesby Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery. Visitation is today from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. prior to the service.

Toni Tirey
GERMANTOWN -- Mrs. Toni Ann Tirey, 46, passed away Thursday, Feb. 8, 2001, at her home in Germantown. She was born on July 16, 1954, the daughter of Ginny Dagenbach Turvey and the late Earle G. Turvey. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Stephan Tirey of Germantown; and an aunt, Dorothy Wise of Middletown. Toni graduated from Madison High School, Fairfax Hall in Virginia, attended Miami University and graduated from Sinclair College in Dayton.
ARRANGEMENTS: Services will be at the convenience of the family, with burial at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests that donations may be made to PAWS, 2790 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, Middletown 45044, as Toni was a lover of animals. Arrangements are by Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

Dianne Tressler
Mrs. Dianne "Didi" Tressler, 53, died Friday, Feb. 9. 2001, at her home in Brevard, N.C. She was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the daughter of Beatrice Barnett Brown of Middletown, Ohio, and the late Joseph Brown. She was known for her very talented decorative painting and photography, having won many awards. Mrs. Tressler was the past president of the Smokey Mountain Decorative Painters and a member of the Transylvania County Handcrafters Guild. She was the executive officer of the Board of Realtors. Survivors in addition to her mother are her husband, Richard "Dick" Tressler; three sons, William Ihlendorf of Middletown, John Ihlendorf of Columbus, Ohio, and Michael McClure of Florida; one daughter, Jody Tucker of Burlington, N.C.; two brothers, Harvey Brown of Seabrook, Texas, and Wayne Brown of Cleveland, Ohio.
ARRANGEMENTS: A private ceremony will be conducted at a later date.
MEMORIALS: No flowers are requested and contributions may be made to Hospice Home Care, in care of TCH Foundation, P.O. Box 2440, Brevard, N.C. 28712. Moore Funeral Home of Brevard, N.C., is in charge of arrangements.

Dr. Mark Trimble
Dr. Mark Trimble died of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2001, at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. He was 42 years old. Mark was born on Dec. 2, 1958, to Herb and Barbara Trimble of Middletown, Ohio. He graduated from Middletown High School in 1977. He was a member of the high school swim team and qualified to swim at the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Hall of Fame in 1976 and 1977. He placed third in the W.W. Sebald Self-Reliance Award his senior year of high school. Mark attended the University of Florida for two years and earned a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy from the University of Evansville, Evansville, Ind. He received a master of science degree from the University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. A doctorate in human performance and neuroscience was earned from Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind. Mark became an assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Program of the College of Health Professions at the University of Florida six years ago. As the 1999 recipient of the College of Health Professions Teaching Excellence Award, Dr. Trimble would have received a promotion to associate professor with tenure in July 2001. Dr. Trimble has received several grants for the University of Florida and recently received a research grant from the Christopher Reeve Foundation. In June of 2000, he was invited to Denmark to consult with colleagues about his area of research. Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Shelley (Huber) Trimble; a daughter, Jessica, and a son, William (Lucas), at home; his parents, William (Herb) and Barbara (Greenfield) Trimble of Middletown, Ohio; two sisters, Robyn Trimble of Middletown and Mrs. Orville (Kristin) Wiseman of Flagstaff, Ariz.; five nieces and four nephews; and numerous aunts and uncles. Mark was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville where a memorial service was concluded on Feb. 14.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 114 S. Broad St., in Middletown, Ohio. (Visitation is from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church.)
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy be made in the form of donations to a scholarship fund established in the memory of Dr. Trimble. Please make checks payable to U of F Foundation, Dr. Mark H. Trimble Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 100185, College of Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla. 32610.

Ray Wilson
FAIRFIELD -- Ray Wilson, 71, of Fairfield, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2001, in his home. He was born on Nov. 29, 1929, in Cincinnati, the son of Henry and Faith (Risner) Wilson. He served in the U.S. Air Force from June, 1950, to March of 1952, and the U.S. Army from March, 1952 to March, 1954. On Nov. 23, 1955, he married Lillie Greene in West Carrollton. He worked as a sales representative for Prudential Insurance, retiring in 1984. Ray was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hamilton and American Legion Post 138, Durwin-Schantz. He is survived by his wife, Lillie Wilson of Fairfield; a son, Steve Wilson of Hamilton; a daughter, Cathy Taulbee of Arlington, Va.; three grandchildren, Steve, Ashley and Nicholas Wilson; and two brothers, Meryl and Russell Wilson. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Ryan Wilson; and a brother, Donald Wilson.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at the First Baptist Church of Hamilton, 1501 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Hamilton, with Dr. Dennis Metzger and Rev. Bill Brantingham officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Avance Funeral Home, 4976 Winton Road, Fairfield. Burial will be at Rose Hill Burial Park.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati, 4310 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242.

Rose Mae Willsey
HAMILTON -- Rose Mae Willsey, 91, of Hamilton, passed away in Hospice of Cincinnati on Monday, Feb. 5, 2001, at 2:45 p.m. She was born in Rockcastle County, Ky., on May 10, 1909, the daughter of Birt and Sarah (Morris) Baker. On Nov. 16, 1946, in Hamilton, she was married to Lawrence Willsey, and he preceded her in death in 1986. She is survived by a son, Carl, and his wife, Vivian Reichenbach, of Franklin, Ohio; a brother, Russell Baker of Hamilton; two sisters, Winnie Venerable of Richmond, Ky., and Helen Baker of Hamilton; seven grandchildren, Terry (Jean) Reichenbach, Debbie (Bill) Kelly, Rose (Bill) Fugate, Carla (Kenny) Wilhoit, Jeff Reichenbach, Cheryl (Rob) Petry and Robin (Kevin) McKenzie; and by 12 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Birt Baker; and three sisters, Edna McDade, Bessie Clark and Wanda Downing.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 330 Pershing Ave., Hamilton, Thursday at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Jake Flannery officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home, Thursday, from noon to 2 p.m.
MEMORIALS: The family requests memorials to Hospice of Cincinnati, Hamilton Unit.

Mitchell Blankenship
Mitchell Blankenship, 75, of Middletown, passed away Saturday, Feb. 3, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Hazel Green, Ky., on Feb. 21, 1925, and was a lifelong resident of this area. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Mr. Blankenship was employed as a steel worker at Armco Steel Co. for 40 years before retiring in 1986. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty in 1998; his parents, William and Eliza Lula Blankenship; and a granddaughter, Katherine Reba Michelle Blankenship. Survivors include three daughters, Ruth Ann, and her husband, Larry Cress, of Middletown, Linda Faye Sorrell of Middletown and Ava Marie, and husband, Joseph Antal, of Hillsboro; two sons, Mitchell Blankenship of Franklin and Thomas Dean Blankenship of Middletown; six grandchildren, Tiffany, Leanna, Jeremiah, Kara, Kyle and Kaleb Blankenship; five great-grandchildren; brothers Paul, and wife, Blanche Blankenship, of Franklin, Elmer, and wife, Jerry Blankenship, of Vero Beach, Fla., and Dorsey Blankenship of Middletown; and sisters Eunice, and husband, Albert Peck, of Miamisburg, Ruth, and husband, Ray Whisman of Middletown and Ethel, and husband, Harry Eckel, of Carthage, Texas.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 7, at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with Pastor W.D. Watkins officiating. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park. The family received friends Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 105 McKnight Drive, Middletown 45044.

Edith Henneman
Edith M. (Hensley) Henneman, beloved wife of the late Carl Henneman, loving mother of Carl (Dorothy) Henneman and Joan (Fred) Guenther, dear grandmother of Michael, Terri, Leslie, Lori and six great-grandchildren, sister of Betty Wechsler and Hazel Houser, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2001, in Cincinnati.
ARRANGEMENTS: Services will be private.
MEMORIALS: Memorials may be made to the All Saints Lutheran Church, 445 Craig Road, Cincinnati, 45244. Anderson, Baiter and Sahnd Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Nettie Moore
Nettie Moore, 90, of Salt Lick, Ky., died Friday, Feb. 2, 2001, in Morehead, Ky. She was born in Olympia, Ky., on March 3, 1910. Mrs. Moore was a member of the Mudlick Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Orville Moore; her parents, James William and Fannie Staton; three brother and two sisters; and three grandsons. She is survived by a son, James (Lois) Moore of Miamisburg, Ohio; seven daughters, Iva McCarty of Owingsville, Ky., Betty (Elbert) Jett of Salt Lick, Ky., Louise (Ben) Morrison of Middletown, Ohio, Lorena (Charles) Fritts of Middletown, Alma Maxson of Owingsville, Ky., Joyce (Walter) McGlothin of Olympia, Ky., and Judy Moody of Owingsville; 26 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services were concluded Monday, Feb. 5, at Powell Funeral Home in Salt Lick, Ky.

Diane Pate
HAMILTON -- Mrs. Diane Pate, 50, of Hamilton, died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2001, in Fort Hamilton Hospital. She was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on March 7, 1950, the daughter of Denver and Margie (Purvis) Hopkins. She was preceded in death by her husband, P.G. Pate. While she was a resident of the Butler County Care Facility, she greatly enjoyed visits from the Middletown Church of the Nazarene and the Princeton Pike Church of God. Survivors include her mother, Margie Kearney of Middletown; nine children, Michael Thompson, Ricky, David and Joseph Reed, Josseppi Modio, Delilah, and Angel Pate and Tony Denver; two grandchildren, Draven and Shane; two brothers, Robert Cox of Middletown and Roger Cox of Hamilton; and a longtime friend, Troy Hayes. Special thanks to Doctors Sternberg and Mital and the nurses and staff of the Butler County Care Facility and Fort Hamilton Hospital. Besides her husband and father, Mrs. Pate was also preceded in death by a brother, William E. Cox.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 7, at the Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave., Hamilton, with the Rev. Dan Justice officiating. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery will follow. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Betty Phillabaum
Betty Jean (Stricklin) Phillabaum, 62, of Carlisle, passed away Friday, Feb. 2, 2001, at Kettering Hospital. She most recently worked as a sales secretary for the R.O. Whitesell Co.. She was a member for over 35 years, as well as a former elder and deacon of the New Jersey Presbyterian Church in Carlisle. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Jack A. Phillabaum; sons and daughters-in-law, Craig and Lynne Phillabaum of Buford, Ga., and Jeff and Marilyn Phillabaum of Carlisle; mother, Eva (Miller) Reiling of Miamisburg; grandsons, Ryan and Dustin Phillabaum of Buford, Ga.; sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Ronald Birch of Carlisle; and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Chester Stricklin; sister, Shirley McGhoan; and brother, Donald Stricklin.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at the New Jersey Presbyterian Church, 780 Fairview Drive, Carlisle, with the Rev. Cindy Kholman officiating. A reception will be held following the service at the church for family and friends. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in the New Jersey Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Church or the Arthritis Foundation. Arrangements are by Dalton Funeral Home, Germantown.

Richard Shackelford
Richard L. Shackelford, 42, of Trenton, died Thursday, Feb. 1, in Middletown. He was born Oct. 2, 1958, in Middletown and had lived his entire life in the area. Mr. Shackelford had been employed as a meat cutter at Marsh for two years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was preceded in death by his father, Farris Shackelford. He is survived by a son, Brandon Shackelford (Jennifer) of Trenton; mother, Una Shackelford of Middletown; a fiancee, Amy Nafe of Trenton; and numerous relatives and friends, too many to mention, that loved and cared for him. Rick was a very loving son and father. Never knowing a stranger, Rick was the type of person that everybody knew and loved. He was a hard worker and enjoyed classic muscle cars. He was admired and loved very much by his family and will be sadly missed.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. Burial will be at Butler County Memorial Park. Visitation will be 11 to 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Fred Shelton
Fred Shelton, 72, of Carlisle, passed away Saturday, Feb. 3, 2001, at 7:10 p.m. at Mercy North Hospital after an extended stay. He was born Nov. 13, 1928, in Hamilton. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was employed as a repairman for 20 years for Cincinnati Bell. He then owned and operated Shelton Electric for 15 years. He then was employed as an electrician for 10 years at Ford Motor Co. in Batavia. He was a member of Riverview Baptist Church where he was a member of the church choir and the Men's Brotherhood. He was a former member of the Disciples Christian Church in Hamilton and the Benjamin Franklin Lodge 719, F. & A.M. in Hamilton. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, York Rite and Syrian Shrine Temple of Cincinnati. He was member of the Lindenwald Kiwanis Club of Hamiton, the American Legion Post 530 of Greenhills, Ohio, and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 3809 of Middletown. Mr. Shelton was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick R. Sr. and Beulah (Pearl) Shelton, and first wife, Judy Wyatt Shelton. He is survived by his wife of 4 1/2 years, Martha R. Shelton; two daughters, Jane Shelton-Barnett of Hamilton, and Beth Mills and husband Jeff of Carlisle; one son, Jamie Johnson and wife Christine of Franklin; seven grandchildren, Vanessa Barnett, Julie Barnett, Jessica Mills, Heather Mills, Danielle Johnson, Benjamin Mills, and special buddy, Tyler Johnson; two sisters, Ann Grimm and husband Mike of Cincinnati, and Patricia Johnson Smith of Hamilton; two brothers, Dick Shelton and wife Joan of Middletown, and Terry Shelton of Germany.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 5, 2001, from 5 to 8 p.m. with Masonic services by the Benjamin Franklin Lodge 719 of Hamilton at 7 p.m. at the Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown, and Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Riverview Baptist Church, 7237 Martz-Paulin Road, Franklin. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. at Riverview Baptist Church, with Rev. Don McMurry and Greg Harris officiating. Interment will be at Rose Hill Burial Park in Hamilton with military services by American Legion Post 218 Honor Guard.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Riverview Baptist Church Picnic Shelter fund.

Ronald Tyree Jr.
Ronald R. Tyree Jr., 50, of 1227 Jackson Lane, Apt. 152, died Friday evening in the Middletown Regional Hospital emergency room. He was born in Dayton Jan. 17, 1951, and had lived here since 1986. He was formerly of Tucson, Ariz.. Mr. Tyree was a veteran of the Marine Corps and loved riding motorcycles. He was employed by Trio Trucking Co. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie Tyree; three daughters, Judy Lynn Key (husband, Jeremy) of Dayton, Shawnel Lynn Tyree of Middletown and Tasha Nicole Ernst (husband, Mark) of Dayton; two sons, Denny Lewis Tyree (wife, Kelly) of Dayton and Jody Ray Tyree (wife, Carolyn) of Richmond, Ind.; four grandchildren, Braxton Key, Benjamin Morelock, Tyler Ernst and Denny Lewis Tyree Jr.; stepchildren, Tiffany Elizabeth Behrens, Robert Michael Behrens and Tony Brown; sister, Jackie Bates of Wiley, Texas, and two brothers, Rusty Wells of Georgetown, Ky., and Dick Wells of Pierceton, Ind. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Bowling; his mother, Elfra Lou Conn Tyree, and his adoptive father, Ronald Tyree.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with Pastor James R. Compton officiating. Burial will follow at Woodside Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home

Dorothy Wells
Mrs. Dorothy (Maw) Wells, 81, of Middletown, died peacefully Saturday, Feb. 3, 2001, after a long struggle with cancer at Willow Knoll Retirement Community. She was born in Richmond, Quebec, to Charles and Ada Taylor Maw. She graduated from Brighton High School in Island Pond, Vt., then went on to become a registered nurse in Maine. She returned to Island Pond to work for Dr. William McBride prior to going to Washington, D.C. where she worked as a registered nurse in Walter Reed Hospital. Following this, she worked as a secretary for the government. After her marriage to William H. Wells, she moved to Middletown, Ohio, and became a homemaker. She took great pride in her flower gardens. She loved her dogs as well as feeding birds year-around. She was generous to her neighbors in times of need. Mrs. Wells is survived by her husband of 53 years, William H. Wells of Middletown, Ohio; by her sister, Muriel (Maw) O'Gorman of Island Pond, Vt.; her husband's stepmother, Mrs. Thelma Wells of Knoxville, Tenn.; three sisters-in-law, Gerp Taylor of Daytona Beach, Fla., Yvonne Eltzroth of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Mary Wells of Palmdale, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The family wishes to extend their special thanks for the excellent care and support provided by the hospice workers, doctors and nurses.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18., at Christ Church in Island Pond, Vt.
MEMORIALS: Donations may be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown, Ohio 45042; or the Brighton Rescue Squad of Island Pond, Vt., 05846.

William Wilson
William "Willy" Wilson, 66, of Middletown, died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2001, at Willow Knoll Retirement Community. The Jackson, Ky., native was born on April 20, 1934, to the late Carlo and Jeanette (Cornett) Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Betty; four sons, Mark (Marinna) Wilson, John Wilson and Chris (Stacy) Wilson, all of Middletown, and Jeff (Jenni) Wilson of Brookville, Ohio; two brothers, Carlos Wilson Jr. and Lacy Wilson, both of Middletown; a sister, Lille Early of Germantown; 14 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Anthony in 1993; three brothers, Harrison, Jimmy and Robert Wilson; and a sister, Gertrude Chandler.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, with the Rev. Randy Wallace officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations toward funeral expenses.