John Henry Allen
John Henry Allen, 73, of Middletown, died Monday, June 11, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born on July 4, 1927, in Sunflower County, Miss., to the late Arthur and Lillian Allen. He was a retiree of Armco Steel Co. and had worked in the masonry department for 34 years. Mr. Allen was preceded in death by his first wife of 19 years, Addie Lee (Triplet) Allen; two daughters, Pauline and Mary Ann Allen; and two granddaughters. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Ingrid (Blunt) Allen; one son, John Henry Allen Jr. of Los Angeles, Calif.; six daughters, Henrietta Allen, Lanette Allen, Bernice (Jeff) Gregory, Mary B. (Gary) Scott, Cathy Allen and Emma Martin, all of Middletown; 18 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, June 15, at Hall-Jordan Memorial Chapel, 918 S. Main St., with Bishop David Green officiating. Visitation will be from noon until service time at the chapel.

Hayward Buchanan
Hayward J. Buchanan, 71, of Brell Drive, Middletown, died Tuesday, June 12, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Clarksburg, W. Va., on April 7, 1930, and lived in this area since 1945. He was an Army veteran. Mr. Buchanan retired from his job with Nuckels Security Co. at Aeronca in 1982 after seven years of service. He had also worked at Raymond Bag Co. and at Champion Paper. He was a member of the Towne Boulevard First Church of God. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Grant and Hettie Buchanan; a brother, Richard Buchanan; and a sister, Violet Blevins. Mr. Buchanan is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marjorie L.; three sons, Danny (Diane) Buchanan and Jeff (Kim) Buchanan, both of Trenton, and Curt Buchanan of Middletown; a daughter, Glenna (Steve) Crow of Trenton; six grandchildren, Aaron Lee Crow of Middletown, Shang Buchanan and William Buchanan, both of Trenton, Josh Crow of Trenton, Katherine Buchanan of Franklin and Andrew Buchanan of Trenton; three step-grandchildren, Brandon, Angel and David; two great-granddaughters to be; and a brother, Alvin Buchanan, and a sister, Kathy Houser, both of Middletown.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mark Jackson officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park.

Rick Bumgardner
Rick "Bum" Bumgardner, 56, of 2309 Oxford State Road, passed away Monday morning, June 11, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Middletown on Aug. 14, 1944, a son of James and Mildred (Mann) Bumgardner, and was a lifelong resident. Mr. Bumgardner in 1995 retired from General Motors where he had worked for 30 years as a trouble-shooter. He was a member of Eagles Aerie 3458 and Moose Lodge 501. He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Johnson) Bumgardner; three daughters, Stephanie Bumgardner, Michelle Horne and Riki Bumgardner, all of Middletown; a grandson whom he raised, J. D. Bumgardner, and six other grandchildren, Angela Horne, Ronnie Cassidy, Danielle and Kirstan Bumgardner, Mandy West and Michael Seeger; his mother, Mrs. Mildred Bumgardner; and a brother, Johnny Dyehouse. He was preceded in death by his father; a brother, Darrell Bumgardner; and a son-in-law, Steven Horne.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with Pastor Joe Goodloe officiating. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until service time Thursday.

Richard H. Chaney
Richard H. Chaney, 74, of Monroe, died Monday, June 11, 2001, at 4:45 p.m. at his residence. He had been battling prostate cancer for nearly three years. He was born in Cincinnati on Dec. 3, 1926, and was a graduate of Western Hills High School. He attended the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Chaney worked for the City of Middletown for 23 years. Before retiring in December, 1994, he served as City Engineer for seven years. He had also worked for the City of Cincinnati for 20 years and for Garrod-Killian-Garrod for five years. He was a professional engineer and professional surveyor. During his lifetime, Mr. Chaney served his country in the Army during World War II and he also served his community in many ways. He co-founded the Middletown Area Golf for Youth Council (MAGYC), and served as secretary-treasurer; was a member of the Credit Committee at the Middletown City Employees Federal Credit Union; was a chairperson for the World Chamberlain Society; and was a United States Golf Association member, as well as the Middletown City Golf League. He was also a Kentucky Colonel and a member of New Covenant Church of Franklin, Ohio. Mr. Chaney will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife, Mary (Hensley) Chaney; six children, Diana (Chaney) Sage of Cincinnati, James Chaney of Miamitown, William Chaney of West Chester, Janet (Chaney) Banschbach of Lawrenceburg, Ind., Jennifer (Spivey) Lapham of Monroe, and Kelly (Spivey) Graman of Monroe; 11 grandchildren; and one sister, Ruth (Chaney) Meyer, and two brothers, Arthur and Donald Chaney, all of Cincinnati. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Shirley (Chaney) Flanagan and Dorothy (Chaney) Schilling.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be Thursday, June 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at New Covenant Church, 4340 N. Union Road in Franklin. The funeral service will be on Friday, June 15, at 10:30 a.m. at the church, with Pastor Claude Robold officiating. Burial will be in Mound Cemetery in Monroe, with military honors provided by American Legion Post 218 Honor Guard.
MEMORIALS: Mr. Chaney requested that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Middletown and to MAGYC. Contribution envelopes will be available at the visitation and funeral service. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

Charles L. Childers
Charles L. Childers, 65, of Middletown, died Sunday, June 17, 2001, at his residence. He was born on June 14, 1935, in Wolfe County, Ky., and was a 31-year resident of the Middletown area. Mr. Childers was an assembler at Square D Co. and had worked there for 20 years before retiring in 1998. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Hazel Childers; and a brother, Richard Ted Childers in 1999. Survivors include his longtime companion of 26 years, Donna Bowman of Middletown; daughters, Rita (Keith) Whitaker of Williamstown, Ky., and Rhonda Barnes of Corinth, Ky.; grandchildren, Keisha Whitaker of Williamstown, Ky., and Janell Barnes of Corinth, Ky.; a stepdaughter, Joyce (Robert) Faulkner of Carlisle, Ohio; stepsons, Jerry (Betty) Bowman and David (Rubyanne) Bowman, both of Middletown; four step-grandchildren, Leigh Ann (Steven) Turner, Todd Bowman, Sara Turner and Ryan Bowman, all of Middletown; a sister, Genoah (John) Herron of Florence, Ky.; and many nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery Mausoleum.
MEMORIALS: Contributions in Mr. Childers memory may be made to Careview Home Health, 4214 Grand Ave., Middletown 45044.

Mervin Clemons Sr.
Mervin Clemons Sr., 84, of Middletown, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital, where he had been a patient 14 days. He was born Oct. 11, 1916, in Breathitt County, Ky., and had lived in Middletown since the mid-1930s. He was employed at Armco as a fitting maker in the fitting shop, retiring after 30 years. He then worked as a pipe fitter for the Pipe Fitters Union Dayton local for 20 years, retiring in 1981. He was a member of the Pipe Fitters Union, the N.R.A. and the Monroe First Church of God. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah and Carrie (Back) Clemons, a brother, Elmer Clemons, and two sisters, Vina Clemons and Elvora Biggs. Mr. Clemons is survived by his wife of 12 years, Lucille Clemons; a son, Mervin Eugene Clemons Jr., and wife, Patty, of Middletown; a daughter, Beverly Ann Dowler and husband, Bob, of West Carrollton; two granddaughters, Susan Frechette and husband, Jay, of Middletown, and Christina Duff and husband, David, also of Middletown; three great-grandchildren, Jared Frechette, Jillian Frechette and Tristan Duff; two step-sons, Reese Oliver and wife Marcia of Red Lion, and Orson Oliver and wife, Cathy, of Louisville; a step-daughter, Judy McIntosh and husband, Mitchell, of Trenton; many step-grandchildren; two sisters, Luverna Collins of Dayton, and Elise Blanton and husband, Aaron, of Moraine; and several nieces, nephews and many friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 14, at the Monroe First Church of God, 100 East Ave., Monroe, with the Rev. Billy T. Ball officiating and interment at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials may be made to the Monroe First Church of God, 100 East Ave., Monroe, 45050.

Carroll DeFrates Sr.
Carroll L. DeFrates Sr., 63, of Middletown, died Thursday, June 14, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born on Jan. 27, 1938, in Middletown, the son of Charles D. DeFrates and Lenora L. (Smith) DeFrates. Mr. DeFrates was employed as an inspector at Armco Steel Co. where he had worked for 23 years. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church. Mr. DeFrates is survived by two daughters, Lisa (David) Wagner and Rebecca (Rob) Koontz, both of Middletown; two sons, Emmanuel DeFrates and Carroll L. DeFrates Jr., both of Middletown; four grandchildren, Jamie Wagner, Michelle Townsend, Hannah Wagner and Donnie Koontz; a sister, Dorothy Muncie of Akron, Ohio; two brothers, Donald DeFrates of Middletown and Robert DeFrates of Franklin; and Marlene DeFrates of Middletown. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles "Dude" DeFrates; a sister, Betty Pierce; and a twin son and daughter.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 18, at Grace Baptist Church, with the Rev. Roger Green officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in Grace Memorial Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of donor's choice. Arrangements are by Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

Deloris Evans
Deloris Evans, 74, of Pompano Beach, Fla., a former resident of Middletown, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2001, at her residence. She was an active member and past matron of Eastern Star. Deloris was also a member of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where she sang in the choir and ushered. She was a former member of St. Paul Evangelical and Reformed Church of Middletown. We will remember Deloris for her caring spirit and sense of humor. Surviving are her four daughters, Gail Brown of Katy, Texas, Gwen Copeland of Pompano Beach, Cindy Clark of Fairfield Glade, Tenn., and Karen Wenzel of Pompano Beach, Fla.; her brother, Ray Huffman of Holiday, Fla.; her two half sisters, Barbara and Betty; and six grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Services were private for the family only and were concluded in Pompano Beach.
MEMORIALS: Contributions may be made to a local hospice or cancer society.

Gerald L. Fleming
FRANKLIN-- Gerald L. Fleming, 62, of Franklin, died Wednesday, June 13, 2001, at Sycamore Medical Hospital in Miamisburg. He was born in Middletown, Ohio, on July 19, 1938, and was a lifelong resident of the Franklin area. Mr. Fleming was a sheet metal worker with Local 224 in Dayton, Ohio. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church. His father, Voight Fleming, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Audrey M. Fleming; sons Jerry L. Fleming Jr. (Sherry) of Greenbriar, Tenn., Scott A. Fleming (Judy) of Pleasant View, Tenn., and Shane A. Fleming of Franklin; a daughter, Beth Root of Franklin; grandchildren Zachery, Levi and Miranda Fleming and Mallory Root; brothers James Fleming and Greg Fleming, both of Franklin, and Ronald Fleming of Zypherhills, Fla.; and his mother, Catherine Fleming of Franklin.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Saturday at Butler County Memorial Park Chapel, with the Rev. Howard Sears officiating. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park in Trenton. Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the chapel. Baker-Stevens Funeral Home in Middletown is handling arrangements.

Barbara J. Fox
Mrs. Barbara J. (Murphy) Fox, 73, of Fairborn, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2001, at Hospice of Dayton. She was born in Middletown, Ohio, on Feb. 18, 1928, the daughter of the late Lloyd and Lucille Ann (Longworth) Murphy. She was a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church and Daughters of the American Revolution. She had been a member of the Mothers Club Fairborn Park Hills, was instrumental in the development of the Little League, and assisted her husband with the Greene County Officials Association. Barb was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth W. Fox, whom she married on Nov. 20, 1948; four sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Shelly Fox of Clearwater, Fla., Tim and Sandy Fox of Miamisburg, Pat and Cherie Fox of Huber Heights, and Tom and Penny Fox of Xenia; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Bill Kerstanski of Middletown; three sisters, Beatrice Bishop and Betty Pence, both of Middletown and Frances Holmes of Cape Coral, Fla.; 10 grandchildren, Tanya Kerstanski, Ryan Fox, and wife, Melissa, and Jessica, Teresa, Jason, Alicia, Danielle, Bethany and Chris Fox. Mrs. Fox was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Emily Fox, and a brother, Lloyd Murphy Jr.
ARRANGEMENTS: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 19, at 10 a.m. at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, 954 N. Maple Ave., Fairborn, with Father Charles Lang, celebrant. Burial will follow in Springboro Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Burcham Funeral Home, 119 E. Main St., Fairborn.
MEMORIALS: Contributions may be made in her memory to Hospice of Dayton, P.O. Box 3509, Dayton, Ohio 45401-3509. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Mary Lee Garrett
CAMDEN -- Mrs. Mary Lee Garrett, 70, of Camden, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, June 13, 2001, at McCullough-Hyde Hospital in Oxford. Mrs. Garrett was born on Dec. 31, 1930, in Middletown, Ohio, the daughter of the late Christopher and Ina (Curtis) Draeger. She married Clark Garrett on Feb. 6, 1949, in Richmond, Ind. He preceded her in death in 1987. One brother, Bill Draeger, also preceded her in death. Surviving are four children, Tim (Mary Ann) Garrett of Gratis, Mark (Vicky) Garrett, Maribeth Garrett and Clark Nacomas (Michelle) Garrett, all of Camden; two brothers, Bernard (Elinor) Draeger of Hillsboro, Ohio, and John (Carol) Draeger of Middletown; a sister, Shirley (Paul) Adkins of Blanchester, Ohio; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and many friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services for Mrs. Garrett will be at 11 a.m. today, June 16, at the R.C. Nein & Sons - Thompson Funeral Home, 249 N. Main St., Camden, with the Revs. Greg Jackson and Mike Clum officiating. Burial will follow at Clark's Plot, the family cemetery. Visitation was held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Hart F. Graff Sr.
Hart Fisher Graff Sr., 80, of Middletown, passed away at his residence Monday morning, June 11, 2001. He was born on Oct. 14, 1920, the son of Earney and Edna Stoltz Graff. Mr. Graff was employed at Armco Research as a metallurgical engineer for 35 years, retiring in 1982. During his tenure with Armco Research he had 10 patents issued for his work in metallurgy. He graduated from Ohio State University and pursued graduate work at the University of Cincinnati, Miami University and Ohio State University. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 218, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3809 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 131. In addition, he was a member of George M. Verity Lodge 760 Free & Accepted Masons, Royal Arch Masons 87, Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, Middletown Commandery, Antioch Shrine and Brass Band member, and Elks Lodge 257. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Middletown and Forest Hills Country Club. Mr. Graff is survived by two daughters, Judi, and her husband Tom Dowden, of Middletown, and Cindi, and her husband Jim Nelson, of Overland Park, Kan.; a son, Bud, and his wife Kathy Graff, of Middletown; six grandchildren and their spouses, Matt and Jill Nelson, Beth and Brian Schmalz, Melanie and Mike Kercsmar, Emily Dowden, and Mandy and Jenny Graff; and four great-grandchildren, Harper and Annie Nelson, Macie Kercsmar, and Logan Schmalz; a dear friend and companion, Edna Wombold; and a brother-in-law, James Murphy of Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Graff, in 1983; and a brother, Ernest Graff.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today, June 13, at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Robert Weingartner officiating. George M. Verity Lodge will conduct Masonic services at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery where the American Legion Post 218 Honor Guard will afford military honors.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

Ervin J. Hatton
FRANKLIN -- Ervin J. Hatton, 85, of Franklin, died at 2:22 p.m. Monday, June 11, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Bath County, Ky., on May 12, 1916, the son of Clint and Alice (Toy) Hatton. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Franklin and an avid Cincinnati Reds baseball fan. He was employed in the paper industry working for the Ohio Paper Co., Miami Valley Coating Mill and retired from Bird & Son as a tour boss in 1981. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Vaneda (Barber) Hatton in 1995; four brothers, Tom, Arlie, Banks and Clarence Hatton; and three sisters, Opal Rothwell, Elizabeth Hughes and Mayme Ballard. Surviving are two daughters, Rita Holderman, and husband, Ryan of Lebanon, and Alice Hatton of Franklin; a son, Kevin Hatton of Middletown; a sister, Virgie Collins of Middletown; his mother-in-law, Bessie Barber of Franklin; and several nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 15, at Eaton-Anderson & Unglesby Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin, with the Revs. Vernon Risner and Vestor Smith officiating. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Stella Howard
Mrs. Stella (Hogg) Howard nee Lovely, age 96, formerly of Middletown, Ohio, died early Monday, June 11, 2001, at her home in Burbank, Calif. Her parents were John M. Lovely and Lottie Green Johnson Lovely. She is survived by three daughters, Ella Beatrice Thomas of Trenton, Ohio, Betty Reynolds of Seven Mile, Ohio, and Patricia Ann McCarthy of Burbank, Calif.; two sisters, Elsie Richard of West Liberty, Ky., and Elda Graham, and brother, Richard Lovely, both of Middletown. She leaves four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews, and a special grand-niece, Beth Sexton of San Antonio, Texas. She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Richard E. Howard in May, 2000; also sisters Della Morrison and Mabel Henderson; and a brother, Harlan Lovely.
ARRANGEMENTS: The funeral is at 11 a.m. today, June 14, at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills in California.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Joseph's Providence Hospice Foundation, 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, Calif. 91505. Our family is very thankful for Hospice, and Jimmy, Tessie and Fraulein Feralino, her loving caregivers who seem like family also.

Miriam J. Johnson
Mrs. Miriam J. Johnson, 78, of Cincinnati, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2001, at Deaconess Hospital in Cincinnati. Miriam was born in Middletown, Ohio, on Feb. 3, 1923. She was formerly employed as a faculty secretary at Miami University in Middletown. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Lee Johnson in 1987; and her parents, Walter and Eliza Rothgeb. Survivors include three daughters, Ruth Kraus and Lucy Singer (Mike), both of Cincinnati, and Margaret Burton (Dennis) of Naples, Fla.; a son, Walter Johnson (Lori) of Belton, Mo.; five grandchildren, Rachel Kraus, Matthew Burton and Leah, Vicki and David Johnson; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Lucy Horner of Franklin; and two nieces.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. today, June 16, at Woodside Cemetery Chapel, with Chaplain Paul Peterson officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown. Friends may call from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the chapel.
MEMORIALS: Contributions in Mrs. Johnson's memory may be made to The Scratching Post, 6958 Plainfield Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236; or a charity of choice. Baker-Stevens Funeral Home in Middletown is handling arrangements.

Frank Kokoski
Frank Kokoski, 79, of Middletown, died Tuesday, June 12, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Minden, W. Va., on Oct. 3, 1921, and lived here since 1954. He served in the Army during World War II. Mr. Kokoski was a turn coat operator at Armco Steel Co. and retired in 1984 after 29 years of service. He also worked in the coal mines in West Virginia for 10 years. He was a member of Holy Family Parish. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ambrose and Elizabeth Kokoski; and brothers Joe and Tony Kokoski. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Alice; two sons, Robert Frank Kokoski and John Harry Kokoski, both of Middletown; two grandchildren; a sister, Nellie Nowlin of Oak Hill W. Va.; and a nephew, Albert J. Kokoski of Springboro.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with Father John Civille officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Friends may call from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Judith Ann Lehman
SPRINGBORO -- Mrs. Judith Ann (Brookey) Lehman, 67, of Springboro, Ohio, passed away at Sycamore Hospital on Wednesday, June 13, 2001. She was born in North Dayton and was a graduate of Kiser High School, Class of 1951. She also lived in Beavercreek, Ohio, where she was a journalist for the Beavercreek News. She had her own newspaper column, "Just Judy." She also wrote poems for many special occasions. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, William Oliver Lehman. Mr. and Mrs. Lehman ran a family plumbing business, L & L Plumbing, in Springboro for 30 years. She was a past president for the Dayton Women's' Homebuilders Association and a member of the Springboro Eagles. She was a Notary for the State of Ohio for 25 years and a past president of the Springboro Chamber of Commerce of which she was a founder. Mrs. Lehman was a loving and caring woman who leaves behind three daughters, Chris Ann (Shank), Lori Lin Lehman and Jodi Ann (Hardin); two granddaughters, Anna Catherine Riddell and Jamilin Glascock; a son, Bill Lehman; a grandson, Joshua Douglas Glascock; and two grand-son-in-laws, Jason Hardin and Robb Riddell. Great Grandma will always watch over her special little angels, Jacob Aaron Hardin and Jenna Ann Marie Hardin. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Clyde Grimes; her brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Rosemary Brookey; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Barbara Bowell. She was much loved by all her nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends. Mrs. Lehman was highly respected by her many business associates and member of the Springboro Community.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, at Anderson Funeral Home, 40 N. Main St., Springboro, with the Rev. Ryan Riddell officiating. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Lehman Family Education Scholarship Fund at Huntington National Bank, P.O. Box 68, Springboro, Ohio 45066.

Lavonis Little
Lavonis (Von) Little, 68, a longtime Trenton resident, died Friday evening at Middletown Regional Hospital. He had been in failing health for several years. From 1960 to 1969, Mr. Little served the then-village of Trenton as a building inspector, auxiliary police officer and as village administrator. An electrician by trade, he worked for many years in the Middletown and Dayton areas, retiring in the late 1980s due to ill health. A 32nd degree Mason, Mr. Little was affiliated with Lincoln Lodge 693 Free and Accepted Masons of Middletown, Middletown Chapter 87 Royal Arch Masons and the Valley of Dayton Scottish Rite. He was an avid fisherman and spent many years enjoying his hobby with friends and family on Watts Bar Lake in Spring City, Tenn. Mr. Little was born Sept. 5, 1932, in McDowell, Ky., the son of Elbert and Catherine Little. He was educated at Wayland (Ky.) High School and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Iola J. (Gearheart) Little; his son, Jeffrey V. (Sandy) Little of Middletown; his daughter, Kim Bateman of Ypsilanti, Mich.; his granddaughter, Darcy Little of Middletown; three sisters, Madge Mann of Fairfield, Georgene (Harry) Turner of Spring City, Tenn., and Glenda Fields of Frankfort, Ky.; and a brother, Ralph (Ruby) Martin of Newport, Ky. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Olive Lane of Wayland, Ky.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home with Masonic services at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. James Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Butler County Memorial Park, Trenton, with military honors by the American Legion Post 218 Color Guard.
MEMORIALS: Contributions may be made to Feed the Children, P.O. Box 36, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73101-0036.

Robert Dale Little
Robert Dale Little, 46, of Monroe, died Thursday, June 14, 2001, in the emergency room at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born on Jan. 18, 1955, in Middletown, Ohio, the son of Robert Little and Emorine (Davis) Little. Mr. Little worked as a sheet metal mechanic for Aeronca Mfg. for 27 years. He was a member of the Moose Lodge. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Teresa (Jackson) Little; his daughter, Kelli Little of Lebanon; three sisters, Brenda (Dick) Robinson and Carol Little, both of Middletown, and Debbie (Paul) Anderson of Monroe; a brother, Mike Little of Middletown; his parents, Robert and Emorine Little of Middletown; father and mother-in-law, Robert and Shirley Jackson of Middletown; and numerous nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Randell Baugus officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Butler County Memorial Park.
MEMORIALS: Contributions in Mr. Little's memory may be made to the American Heart Association.

Matilda A. Littlejohn
Matilda Annamae Littlejohn, 78, of Middletown, Ohio, was gently lifted into the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday, June 17, 2001, surrounded by her loving family and her friend and Pastor, Arnold Brewer, and his wife Norma Rae. She was born on Nov. 18, 1922, in Ironton, Ohio, where she spent most of her life until 1976, when she moved to Middletown, Ohio, where she was a member of the Church of God in Jesus. She was the daughter of the late Chester C. and Lucy L. (Spillman) Stapleton. She was married to the late Alva H. Littlejohn on April 1, 1939, who passed away on Nov. 29, 1964. Mrs. Littlejohn is survived by seven children and their spouses, James Littlejohn, George and Marsha Littlejohn and Milton and Margaret Littlejohn, all of Middletown; four daughters, Lucy K. (Katie) Counts, Barbara Simmons and Carolyn and James Faulkner, all of Middletown, and Brenda and Roger Dodson of Ironton. She is also survived by 34 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and 12 very special nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her dear sister, Alberta Steele, and an infant brother and sister. Also preceding her were three children, Rebecca, Linda and Sharon; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a very special nephew and niece. Our hearts are broken, Mom, but we're holding to God's Words - II Corr. 5:1 For this we know that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at Phillips Funeral Home, 1004 S. Seventh St., Ironton, Ohio, with Pastors Arnold Brewer and Charles Cordle officiating. Burial will follow in Sugar Creek Cemetery. Friends may call today from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Howard Martin
TRENTON -- Howard Martin, 89, of Trenton, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2001, at 3:40 a.m. at Middletown Regional Hospital where he had been a patient for five days. He was born May 26, 1912, in Cincinnati and had lived in Trenton since 1958. He was a shop foreman at Aeronca for 25 years, retiring in 1977. He was a past scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 88, a member of Norwood Masonic Lodge and a member of Mount Olivet Presbyterian Church of Trenton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Eva (Hatter) Martin; brother, William Martin; and sister, Ethel Mae (Pepper) Martin. He is survived by Edythe M. Martin, his wife of 67 years on June 20th; two daughters, Toni Kay of Trenton and Bunny Sue House and husband Gary of Maineville, Ohio; one son, Dennis Martin and wife Brenda of Madison Township; five grandchildren, Jeff House and wife April of Detroit, Mich., Ricky House of Maineville, Katie Martin, David Martin and Jessica Martin, all of Madison Township; and three great-grandchildren, Brandon and Alex House and Nicole Sylvester.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Kenneth Kettlewell officiating. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park in Trenton.

Samuel J. Monce
Samuel Joseph Monce, 71, of Erlanger, Ky., died Wednesday, June 13, 2001, at his residence. He graduated from Trenton High School in 1947 and the University of Cincinnati in 1964. He was an Air Force veteran and served in the Korean War. Mr. Monce was formerly employed as an accountant with the IRS before his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Lillian Mallandain Monce; four sons, Michael Monce of Clifton, Ohio, Kevin A. Monce of Carthage, N.C., Christopher M. Monce of Erlanger, Ky., and Robert C. Monce; a brother, Leonard of Dayton, Ohio; two sisters, Delores Judd of Middletown, Ohio, and Mary Grace Piedel; and four grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16, at the Middendorf-Bullock Funeral Home, 3614 Dixie Highway, Erlanger, Ky. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown.
MEMORIALS: Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Elizabeth A. Oliver
Mrs. Elizabeth A. "Betsy" Oliver, 67, of Freetown, Ind., died Tuesday, June 12, 2001, at Memorial Hospital in Seymour, Ind. She was born in Middletown, Ohio, on Jan. 19, 1934. Mrs. Oliver was a homemaker and member of the Trenton First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Harriett Young. Surviving are her husband of 49 years, Gobel H. Oliver Jr.; sons Stephen Oliver (Linda) of Monroe, Michael G. Oliver (Laura) of Seven Mile, Ohio, and Thomas Oliver (Gloria) of Trenton; daughters Kristie Watts (Daryl) of Trenton and Kathy Dobson (Denny) of Brownstown, Ind.; nine grandchildren, Mike, Amanda, Christopher, Joseph, Ryan, Amy, Sarah, Jessie and Noah; a brother, James F. Young of San Francisco, Calif.; and a sister, Carolyn Ballard of Trenton.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 10 a.. Saturday at Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, 1500 Manchester Ave., Middletown, with the Rev. Kenneth Tye officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park in Trenton.

Eddie L. Perdue
Eddie L. Perdue of Middletown, Ohio, passed away Sunday, June 17, 2001, at Garden Manor Nursing Center. A native of Birmingham, Ala., he was employed as a construction worker. Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, L. P. and Martha Perdue. He leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Debra (Bobby) Perdue of Middletown; three sons, Ricky, Michael and Eddie Perdue of Birmingham, Ala.; two sisters, Fannie (Kirby) Edwards and Anna Stevenson, both of Middletown; four aunts, Margaret (Harold) Henderson and Ilene Fountain, both of Middletown, and Annie Mae Harris and Beatrice Foster of Birmingham, Ala.; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 22, at Tried Stone Baptist Church, 621 Lafayette Ave., with the Rev. Ronald Ford officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Thomas Funeral Home, 2024 Yankee Road, Middletown, Ohio. Condolences may be sent to the family at Thomas Funerals @ AOL.com

Linda Retherford
Linda Marie Retherford, 12, of 4686 Todd Road, Franklin, died Saturday, June 16, 2001, at 5:57 p.m. at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Dayton, Ohio, on Dec. 24, 1988, the daughter of Bryan Houston and Diana Sue (Monk) Retherford. Linda was a student at Hunter Elementary School where she completed the 6th grade. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Linda Retherford in 2000 and Tivis and Suzie Monk. Surviving are her parents, Bryan and Diana Retherford of Franklin; two sisters, Liza and Sara Retherford, both at home; grandparents, Curtis Retherford of Franklin and Sarah and Emerson Johnson of Franklin; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are Thursday, June 21, at 10 a.m. at Eaton-Anderson & Unglesby Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin. Burial will be at Springboro Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Nora Ross
Mrs. Nora Ross, 94, of 1406 Wilmore Drive, Middletown, passed away Sunday, June 17, 2001, at 2:15 a.m. at Middletown Regional Hospital where she was a patient for one day. She had resided at Willow Knoll Nursing Center since March 7. She was born July 26, 1906, in Lee County, Ky., and had lived in Middletown since 1918. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson and Arminta (Gentry) Netherly; husband, Luther Ross in 1994; two sons, George and William Ross; five brothers and two sisters. She is survived by a son, Tom H. Ross of Middletown; one daughter, Melinda Witt of Middletown; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be Thursday, June 21, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Funeral services will be Thursday, June 21, at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Clay Colwell officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the family care of the funeral home. Robert B. Scholl
TRENTON -- Robert B. Scholl, 93, of West Point Care Center, West Point, Iowa, formerly of Trenton, passed away at 10:05 p.m. Saturday, June 16, 2001, at his residence. He was born in Trenton, Ohio, on Sept. 27, 1907, the son of Charles and Alice Scholl. He was married on April 10, 1937, in Dayton, Ohio, to Jane L. Shaffer, and she preceded him in death on Aug. 14, 1994. Mr. Scholl was a retired farmer. He was also an Angus cattle breeder and a 50-year member of the American Angus Association. He belonged to the Union Presbyterian Church. Surviving are a son, David Scholl of Springboro, Ohio; two grandsons, Todd and Troy Scholl, both of Indianapolis, Ind.; and a great-grandson, Tanner Scholl. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three brothers and a sister.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services were concluded at 11:30 a.m. Monday, June 18, at Fairview Cemetery in Rural Ft. Madison, Iowa, with the Rev. Judith Arnold officiating. King-Lynk Funeral Home, Fort Madison, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.
MEMORIALS: A memorial was established to the West Point Care Center and contributions may be sent to the King-Lynk Funeral Home or to David Scholl, 2867 Factory Road, Springboro, Ohio 45066. Elizabeth Selby
Mrs. Elizabeth "Betty" Selby, 76, of Middletown, a longtime, well-known local Realtor, died Monday, June 11, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born November, 24, 1924, in Christopher, Ky., the daughter of Bertha (Thomas) Rose and Ira Rose. Mrs. Selby, a 1942 graduate of Stanton (Ky.) High School, came to Middletown, attended Middletown Business College and took a job with the American Rolling Mill Co. (later known as Armco) in 1942. She married Glenn Selby on Aug. 5, 1944, and in 1949 she and her husband joined the First Presbyterian Church here and immediately became adult advisors to the church youth group, Tuxis. She worked for the Middletown city schools administration from 1963 to 1968. After her children graduated from college, and following the death of her mother, she looked for a job and ended up in Steve Oyer's office, Oyer Real Estate. Oyer told her she could sell real estate and after passing the licensing procedures, she became a sales person in 1981. And the rest is "history." She became Oyer's, and later Coldwell Banker Oyer's, top real estate sales person and received many honors through the Middletown Board of Realtors and Coldwell Banker nationally, including the Presidents Awards. She touched many lives through her sales career and retired in January this year due to health reasons. Mrs. Selby was an avid bridge player -- a life master of the American Contract Bridge League -- and won both national titles in Louisville and in Atlanta. She is survived by her husband, Glenn; a son, Ronald David Selby of Middletown; a daughter, Beverly Ann (Meredith) Peters of Salem, Ind.; two brothers, Don Rose of Monroe and Dan (Carla) Rose of Rhome, Texas; three sisters, Shirley Hayes of Franklin Township, Betty (Jerry) Haas of Dayton and Peggy (Dennis) Shibley of Middletown; and two grandchildren, Julie Renee (Vernie) Narvell of Medina and Jennifer Michelle Peters of Salem, Ind. She was preceded in death by her father, Ira Rose, her mother, Bertha Rose, and by a brother, Chester Rose.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 15, at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Robert J. Weingartner officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the church following the memorial service.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 2910 Central Ave., Middletown, Ohio 45044; or to the Middletown Senior Citizens, 140 Verity Parkway, Middletown, Ohio 45042.

Ford Smith
Ford Smith, 71, formerly of Middletown, died Wednesday, June 13, 2001, in Columbus, Ohio. He was born on Nov. 12, 1929, in Lipps, Ky., the son of Silas and Esther Smith. Mr. Smith was a retired truck driver. He is survived by two daughters, Theresia Rothwell and Charlotte Meadows, both of Middletown; a son, Lehmann Smith of Hamilton; and a granddaughter, Sara Meadows.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. James R. Compton officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Millville Cemetery, Hamilton.

Bobby G. Sorrell
Bobby G. Sorrell, 73, of Middletown, died at Hospice of Dayton Wednesday evening, June 13, 2001. He was born at Jeff, Ky., on May 3, 1928, the son of Walter and Mollie King Sorrell. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After serving his country, he was a police officer with the El Paso, Texas, Police Department for 22 years and later worked for the Georgia Pacific Co. for 15 years. Mr. Sorrell is survived by two brothers, Ross Sorrell and Virgil "Tub" Sorrell, both of Middletown; a sister, Janice Hill of Cincinnati; numerous nieces and nephews; and a dear friend, Ruth Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred F. Sorrell in 1996; a sister, Betty Weiner; and a brother, Walter Sorrell Jr.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Woodside Cemetery, with the Rev. Carol Oetzel officiating. Funeral arrangements are by Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown.

Charles W. Spencer
Charles W. Spencer, 71, of Miamisburg, Ohio, formerly of Middletown, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2001. He was born on July 26, 1929, in Wolfe County, Ky. Mr. Spencer was self-employed in the construction business all of his life and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah Marie Craft and Mitchell Spencer; and a brother, Jake Spencer. He is survived by a brother, Bill Honchul; a sister, Elizabeth McGlothen; daughters Phyllis Hibbard and Tina Hayes; a son, Charles M. Spencer; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by a host of friends and other close family members.
ARRANGEMENTS: Services were concluded in Dayton, Ohio, on June 14.

Kathleen Price Thornton
FRANKLIN -- Kathleen Price (Warren) Thornton, 67, of 926 S. Main St., Franklin, died Saturday, June 16, 2001, at Southview Hospital in Miamisburg. She was born in Richmond, Ky., on Dec. 22, 1933, the daughter of Johnnie and Minnie Francis (Daily) Warren. She was employed by the Franklin City Schools at Anthony Wayne School as a cook for 10 years. Preceding her in death were her parents and two brothers, Delmas and Orville Warren. Surviving are her husband of 42 years, Howard Thornton, whom she married on Sept. 28, 1958; two sons, Bejamin Thornton, Dwayne Thornton and his wife, Paula, all of Middletown; three daughters, Linda Weaver and her husband Cliff of Mount Orab, Fran Lowry and husband Mike of Lebanon, Robin Thornton of Hamilton; two sisters, Elizabeth Jo Bowling of Chillicothe and 0pal Smith of Richmond, Ky.; three grandchildren, Michelle Wedmore and husband Doug of Mount Orab, Lee Neal of Batavia, Lindsay Thornton of Middletown; and three great-grandchildren, Austin Leimberger, Alyssa Wedmore and Madison Neal.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family at Eaton-Anderson & Unglesby Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Fund.

Lorene Walton
As you hold me close in memory, even though we are apart, my spirit will live on in the heaven of your heart, I am with you always. Lorene E. Walton, 81, of 10887 Valette Circle East, Miamisburg, died Sunday, June 17, 2001, at 3:45 a.m. at Hospice of Dayton. She was born in Lee County, Ky., the daughter of Charles and Cordelia Shoemaker. She was a member of the Franklin Baptist Church and the Women's Group at Oakwood Village. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Chalmer Walton in 1981, and a son, Richard Lowell Walton. Surviving are a son, Larry Walton of Franklin; a daughter, Linda Akers of Miamisburg; seven grandchildren, Doug and Tanja Anderson of Hamilton, Carrie Finley of Miamisburg, Joe, Kim, and Jamie Walton of Arizona and Kelley of Coffeyville, Kan.; 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are Wednesday, June 20, at Franklin Baptist Church at 11 a.m. with Dr. Dale Chambers officiating. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Eaton-Anderson & Unglesby Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin.

Esther I. Williams
Esther I. Williams, 65, of Middletown, died Saturday, June 16, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Hillsboro, Ohio, on Oct. 13, 1935, to the late Joseph Benson McCoppin and Maude Pearl (McKee) McCoppin. She is survived by a son, Michael Williams of Middletown; a son-in-law, John Kahne of Middletown; two daughters, Sheila R. Woodworth of Middletown and Deborah A. (Edward) Miller of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; two brothers, Robert Lee McCoppin of Middletown and Howard McCoppin of Trenton; two sisters, Mary Lawwill of Middletown and Helen Setters of Trenton; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, William McCoppin.
ARRANGEMENTS: Services will be at the convenience of the family. Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Mildred M. Wise
Mrs. Mildred M. Wise, 82, of Middletown, died Sunday, June 17, 2001, at the Willow Knoll Retirement Community. She was born on Jan. 30, 1919, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Raymond Myers and Ada (Ogborn) Myers. Mildred was a 1937 graduate of Mount Healthy High School. She married Robert L. Wise in 1948. Mildred was an avid pet lover and former member of the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). She was also a member of the First Christian Church where she was a former elder. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert L. Wise; two daughters, Sally Myers of Middletown and Delores Wise of Portland, Ore.; and a son, Alan Wise of Middletown. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Rosella Mehl and Janet Nagel; and a brother, Gene Myers.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Terry VanHeyningen officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Private interment services will be held at Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Kathryn P. Baber
Mrs. Kathryn P. Baber, 88, of 5460 Dovetree Blvd. 21, Dayton, died at 2 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2001, at Christel Manor in Miamisburg. She was born in Winchester, Ky., on Sept. 21, 1912, the daughter of the late John L. and Maude (Townsend) Purcell. She was formerly employed as a seamstress for Rike's Department Store for 27 years and retired in 1974. Mrs. Baber was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in West Carrollton. Preceding her in death were her parents and a brother, Russell E. Purcell. Surviving are her husband of 41 years, Martin L. Baber; a stepson, Martin William Baber of Franklin; a stepdaughter, Beverly Ann Miller of Columbus; three sisters, Christine Stidham of Middletown, Florine Jones of Venice, Fla., and Margie Hite of Tampa, Fla.; and three step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, June 11, at 2 p.m. at EEaton-Anderson & Unglesby Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin, with Pastor David Schooler officiating. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Raymond J. Bailey
Raymond Jerry "Pickle" Bailey, 58, of Middletown, died Wednesday, June 6, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on June 10, 1942, but lived in Middletown all of his life. Mr. Bailey retired from his job as a ladleman at Armco/AK Steel Co. in 1998 after 33 years service. He was a member of A New Beginning Church on Marshall Road. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Freda Bailey; a sister, Judy Green; and brothers, Ted and Paul Bailey. Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Mildred; three daughters, Lesa Phelps (Larry), Cheryl Allen and LaDonna Gann (Andre), all of Middletown; five grandchildren, Brandon Woodland, Ryan and Nathan Duff and Mekhala and Jalyn Gann; a brother, Doug Bailey (Brenda) of Hamilton; and two sisters, Norma Smith (Arnold) of Trenton and Carolyn Hatton (George) of Middletown.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at A New Beginning Church, 200 S. Marshall Road, Middletown, with Pastor Bruce Powell officiating. Interment will be at St. John's Cemetery in Trenton. The family will receive friends today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to A New Beginning, 200 S. Marshall Road, Middletown 45044; or a charity of donor's choice. Baker-Stevens Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Esther M. Baker
GERMANTOWN -- Mrs. Esther M. Baker, 86, of Germantown, passed away Wednesday, June 6, 2001, at Friendly Nursing Home in Germantown. Esther was a member of the First Church of God in Germantown. She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel J. Baker in 1997. She is survived by four sons, Gary, and wife, Jan, of Franklin, Larry of Germantown, Sam, and wife, Mary, of Germantown, and Lenny, and wife, Joan, of Camden; three daughters, Lauretta, and husband, Jerry Swartzel of New Lebanon, Janice, and husband, Allen Tuck, of Bradenton, Fla., and Kathy, and husband, Elmer Barger, of Germantown; two brothers, Marvin, and wife, Margie Leis, of Middletown, and Walter Leis of Florida; three sisters, Peggy, Betty and Virginia; and 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 11, at Germantown Cemetery. Pastors Tim Woodward and Randall Spence will officiate. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Arpp & Root Funeral Home in Germantown.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Germantown Rescue Squad.

Connie Barker
Constance "Connie" Sue Barker, 54, of Middletown, died Saturday, June 2, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born July 27, 1946, in Dunbar, W. Va., the daughter of Delbert Kay and Anna (Sovine) Kay. Mrs. Barker was a member of Edgewood Baptist Church. She is survived by three daughters, Julie Black of Middletown, Melissa Pheanis of Hamilton and Terra (husband, Joseph) Cape of Middletown; a son, Mark (wife, Glenda) Pheanis of Middletown; six grandchildren, Sarah, Luke, Lily, Emily, Aaron and Sydney; two sisters, Margaret Comer of Nitro, W. Va., and Charlotte Legg of Dunbar, W. Va.; and two brothers, John and Danny Kay, both of Dunbar, W. Va. She was preceded in death by her husbands, George Vowell in 1994 and Gary Barker in 1999; her parents; and a brother, Frank Kay.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jim Cash officiating. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Dayton National Cemetery.

William G. Baker
Former Monroe resident William G. Baker, 75, of Springdale, Ohio, died Monday, June 4, 2001. He was the beloved husband of 47 years to the late Nancy Byrd Baker (who passed away May 12, 2001); loving father of Bonnie (Dave) Dierker and Tom (Sue Ann) Baker; grandfather of Ryan and Patrick Dierker and Matthew and Lindsay Baker; and brother of Daniel Baker. Mr. Baker was a veteran of the Korean War. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. He was a member of the Clovernook Country Club for 30 years and a 1944 graduate of Lemon-Monroe High School.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call at the Vorhis Funeral Home, 11365 Springfield Pike, Springdale, Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. A courteous Blue Lodge service by Wyoming Lodge 186 Free & Accepted Masons and Scottish Rite ring service will be held Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati or the Shriners Burns Hospital.

Dordy Brown
Dordy "Bud" Brown went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 5, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Lyons, Ga., on July 22, 1931. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 50 years, Rozella Meeks Brown. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 27, 2001, with family. They have lived their whole married life on Ottawa Street. Mr. Brown is survived by three sons, James Robert (Glenda), Joseph (Briana) and Johnny Mack (Sandy); three daughters, Debra (Barry) Willoughby, Myrtle (Danny) Gregory, and Ruthie Russell; adopted sons, Joseph M. (Angie) Brown, Jimmy (Belinda) Ballinger, Brian Cotton, Buck, Jake, Adam and Misty Brown, and Chris Lewis; Mr. and Mrs. Brown raised Allen Black and Roger Caywood for more than 25 years (their special boys); also survived by former foster sons, John and Mike Johnson, John Mobley, Larry Miller, Orville Griffen, Nick Jackson and Bobby and Eugene Armstrong; two sisters, Mosey and Gertrude of Georgia; 27 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Mr. Brown also leaves behind special memories of his friend and fishing buddy, Allie Gross. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers and two sisters. Dordy worked at Diamond National for 30 years and Jefferson-Smurfit for 10 years. He loved fishing and hunting and was a man who enjoyed his family a great deal.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside services are at 2 p.m. today, June 7, in Butler County Memorial Park, with Pastor E. L. Cloninger officiating.
MEMORIALS: Contributions in Dordy's memory may be made to Hospice of Middletown. Arrangements are by Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.