Paul M. Alexander
Paul M. Alexander, 82, of Middletown, Ohio, passed away Saturday, July 14, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital where he had been a patient for nine days. He was born March 22, 1919, in Richmond, Ky., but had lived in Middletown most of his life. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He owned and operated the Alco Wrecking Co., of Middletown, for many years. He was also a member of American Legion Post 218, where he was active with the fish fry dinners. He was also a member of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, where he had formerly served as a council member. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Talitha (Hunter) Alexander; his wife, Mary (nee Kiniyalocts) Alexander in 1995; infant granddaughter, Stephanie Koch; five brothers, Matt, Woodston, Everett, Buford and William Alexander; and two sisters, Georgia Lake and Ora Peyton. He is survived by one son, Steve Alexander and wife Linda of Middletown; one daughter, Georgia Koch of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; and five grandchildren, Suzanne Alexander of Columbus, Ohio, and Alexander Koch, Stuart Koch, Jeffery Koch and Blake Koch, all of Glen Ellyn. SERVICES: Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 18, at 11 a.m. at the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2500 Grand Ave., Middletown, with the Rev. Dr. Christos B. Christakis officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum, Middletown, with military services by American Legion Post 218 Honor Guard. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown, with prayer services beginning at 6 p.m.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2500 Grand Ave., Middletown, Ohio 45044. Arrangements are by Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown.

Walter D. Blevins
Walter D. Blevins, 86, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Bath County, Kentucky, on July 29, 1914. Mr. Blevins worked as a truck driver before his retirement. Among his survivors is his wife of 66 years, Mildred L. (Agnor) Blevins.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Poasttown. There will be no visitation.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown 45044. Arrangements are being handled by Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

Norma Jean Brown
Norma Jean (Wells) Brown, 73, of Middletown, Ohio, formerly of Menifee County, Ky., died Thursday, July 12, 2001, at Hospice of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. Mrs. Brown was born on Feb. 16, 1928, in Hazard, Ky., the daughter of the late Dorsey and Lillie Bowling Wells. Mrs. Brown retired from the Otterbein-Lebanon Retirement Community in Lebanon, Ohio, and was a member of the Stratford Heights Church of God in Middletown. She is survived by her husband, Ralph Brown of Middletown; a daughter, Elizabeth Jane Day of Franklin, Ohio; two sons, David Charles Brown of Lebanon and Donald Ray Brown of Middletown; one sister, Carolyn Sue Dick of Lebanon; four brothers, Charles Wells of Morrow, Ohio, Courtney Wells of Columbia, S.C., Donald Wells of Carlisle, Ohio, and Jerry Wells of Lebanon; and six grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be after noon Saturday, July 14, at the Stratford Heights Church of God in Middletown. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, with the Revs. Jack Watkins and David Hale officiating. Also, visitation will be on Sunday, July 15, starting at noon at the Menifee Home For Funerals in Frenchburg, Ky. Interment will be in the Powers Cemetery, Frenchburg, Ky.

Rebecca L. Cantrell
Rebecca Lynn (King) Cantrell, 50, of Middletown, passed on peacefully at home on Sunday, July 15, 2001. Born on July 5, 1951, in Dayton, Ohio, Becky was the daughter of the late Rev. Virgil G. King and June S. (King) Mullins. She worked at Middletown Regional Hospital in the records department. Becky is survived by her husband, Ron Cantrell; her mother, June S. (King) Mullins; two beloved sons, Robert F. Albin II and David K. Albin (wife Anita); four grandsons, Daylen, Keith, Jarron and Drew; three brothers, Michael S. King (wife Jan), Virgil ‘Alan’ King (wife Judy), and Gregory S. King (wife Carole); one stepsister, Linda (Glen) Williams; and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and friends. Becky was raised and baptized in the Church of God. She is now in Heaven with her Father.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., (Ohio 122) at Bonita, with Pastor Stephen Sams officiating. Visitation is today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Springboro Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown 45044.

Carrie Childers
Mrs. Carrie Childers departed from this life Saturday evening, July 14, 2001, in Campton, Ky. She was 96. She came into this life on April 12, 1905, to James Mason Kidd and Margaret Taulbe. She married Henry Clay Cockerham and together they had nine children, 35 grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren. She married Richard Childers late in life and enjoyed many wonderful years in life with him. Carrie was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Clay Cockerham; sons Forest, Billy, Howard, Elzie and Carl; and her second husband, Richard Childers. Surviving children include J.M. of Germantown, Ohio, Sterling of Franklin, Ohio, Joyce of Miamisburg, Ohio, Henry Cockerham of Franklin and Ruby Lawson of Campton, Ky., who cared for her mother in her final days. Carrie had the best sense of humor and we will miss the little cackle in her laugh. When the grandchildren get together, her fried chicken was always the topic of conversation. "We tried to tell those chickens not to come around when she had corn in her apron!" She and grandpa instilled in the family great Christian values and we hope to keep passing those along to our children through the ages for this life is but a moment in time and our heavenly home is forever.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation was from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 16, at the Porter Funeral Home in Campton, Ky. Funeral services were concluded at the Church of God in Campton at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2001.

August F. Chupka Jr.
August F. (Gus) Chupka Jr., 66, of Middletown, died Monday, July 9, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was a Middletown native and was born on March 27, 1935, to August F. Chupka Sr. and Anna (Dulak) Chupka. Mr. Chupka was a member of St. John's Church of Holy Family Parish. He was a Navy veteran and had worked in maintenance for Armco Steel Co. for 30 years before retiring in 1989. He enjoyed his hobbies of radio-controlled model airplanes and railroads. He was an avid NASCAR fan. He is survived by two brothers, David E. (Connie) Chupka and Phillip (Stephane) Chupka, both of Middletown; a sister, Ruth Ann (Jack) Wills of Middletown; four nephews, Greg Chupka of Cincinnati, Chris (Georgeanna) Wills of Charlotte, N.C., and Tim Chupka and Ryan Chupka, both of Middletown; and a great-nephew, Tyler Wills. His parents preceded him in death.
ARRANGEMENTS: The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 13, at St. John's Church of Holy Family Parish, with Father John Civille as celebrant. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum.

Prentice T. Cook
HAMILTON - Prentice T. “Cookie” Cook, 87, formerly of Lilliedale Lane, died at 7:55 p.m. Thursday, July 12, 2001, at Garden Manor Retirement Village. Born in Lynnville, Ind., on Feb. 15, 1914, he was the son of Charles F. and Ethel (Thompson) Cook. He graduated with the 1934 class of Central High School of Evansville, Ind. On June 27, 1938, in Evansville, Ind., Prentice was married to his wife of more than 55 years, Frances L. Powers, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 21, 1993. Cookie belonged to the Ben Franklin Lodge 719 Free & Accepted Masons, Hamilton Council No. 19 R&SM, Hamilton Chapter No. 21 Royal Arch Masons, Commandery No. 41 KT, Hamilton Shrine Club, Syrian Temple of Cincinnati, Moose Lodge 36 of Hamilton, F.O.P.A. No. 19, AARP, Eagles Aerie 407 of Hamilton, Ohio, and the Pipe Fitters Local 392 of Cincinnati, Ohio. Cookie enjoyed bowling and fishing and was well known for the copper can openers that he made and gave to others. Prentice is survived by his three daughters, Karen Dean of Middletown, Ohio, Tonja Randall of Monroe, Ohio, and Maria Richardson, and her husband, Barry, of Hamilton; six grandchildren, Terry Riouff, and his wife, Linda, Robin Yarber, and her husband, Don, Amy Richter, Melissa Richter, John Richardson, and his fiancee, Joni Greer, and Todd Richardson; three great-grandchildren, Ryan Riouff, Tayler Riouff and Cody Yarber; two step-great-grandchildren, Becky and Bob Yarber; and sister Newanna Kinney of West Palm Beach, Fla. His parents, brothers Charles Cook, Jr., infant sister, Yahanna, and son-in-law, Wayne Randall, also preceded him in death.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at the Webb Noonan Funeral Home, 240 Ross Ave., Hamilton, at 10 a.m. Monday, July 16, 2001, with Dr. John H. H. Lewis officiating. Entombment will be in the Sanctuary Rose Mausoleum in Hamilton. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. Masonic services will be held at 7 p.m.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to the Shriner Burns Institute, 3229 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3095.

Rose Cox
Mrs. Rose Cox, 99, of Middletown, Ohio, went to be with her Lord on Monday, July 9, 2001, at Mount Pleasant Retirement Village where she had resided for two months. She was born on Feb. 20, 1902, at Jackson, Ky., and had lived in Middletown for 81 years. She was a homemaker and a longtime member of the Meadowlawn First Church of God and a member of the Towne Boulevard Church of God. Mrs. Cox was preceded in death by her parents, Huey and Armina (Turner) Riley; her husband, Denny Cox in 1986; a daughter-in-law, Mary C. Cox; four brothers, Mitchell, Delbert, Dan and Oscar Riley; and six sisters, Maude Sandlin, Mary Moore, Mimi Manning, Alberta Dome, Bitha Turner and Stella Peck. She is survived by a son, Troy L. Cox of Middletown; a daughter and son-in-law, Jackie R. and Charles T. Palmer of Middletown; three grandsons, Mark Cox, and his wife, Kathy, and Darin and Jason Palmer, all of Middletown; three great-grandchildren, Steven and Rachel Cox and Amber Bluhm, all of Middletown; a special niece, Donna Vandervort of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. at Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown, where funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Pastor Frank Curtis will officiate. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hope House, 34 S. Main St., Middletown, Ohio 45044.

Nell Downs
Nell Downs, 82, of Middletown, passed away Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Breathitt County, Kentucky, on Sept. 27, 1918, the daughter of Andy Birchfield and Schrilda (Brewer) Birchfield. Mrs. Downs attended Abundant Life Tabernacle Church in Germantown. She enjoyed traveling. Among her survivors are two sons, Bob (Betty) Downs and Bill (Sue) Downs, both of Middletown; a granddaughter, Billie Jo (Bryan) Palmer; a grandson, Jonathan (Kim) Downs; and great-grandchildren, Leighana and Matti Palmer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bennie Downs, on Oct. 25, 1984; her parents; a brother, Bill Birchfield; and three sisters, Mattie Higgins, Bertha Montgomery and Edna Worley.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 14, at Abundant Life Tabernacle Church in Germantown, with Pastor James A. Setser officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home in Middletown

Russell T. Fox
Russell T. Fox, 71, of Middletown, died Saturday, July 14, 2001, at his home. He was born in Beattyville, Ky., on July 1, 1930, the son of Jim and Stella (Fannin) Fox. He worked for 30 years as a heavy equipment operator for Ohio Operating Engineers, District 5, before retiring in 1988. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Callie (Fugate) Fox; five daughters, Susie (husband Walter) Moon of Dayton, Marie (husband Mike) Fitzpatrick of Reading, Kelly Joe Paugh of Middletown, Jean (husband Bryan) Kuhlmann of Cincinnati and Becky (husband Steve) Stigall of South Carolina; two sons, Ken (wife Cindy) Paugh and John (wife Mary) Paugh, both of Cincinnati; eight grandchildren, Lee Moon, Sue Gee, Jason Paugh, Amy Lehn, Allen Kuhlmann, Ben Turner, Sarah Turner and Paige Paugh; two great-grandchildren, Jacob Gee and Dustin Lehn; two brothers, Tex (wife Linda) Fannin of Spring Hill, Fla. and Donald Fannin of California; three sisters, Jenny Howard of Arizona, Marie Johnson of Clearwater, Fla. and Delvia (husband Michael) Berry of Pinellas Park, Fla.; and a niece, Terry Berry. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Parnell Fox and Glenn Fox; and a sister, Reva Fox.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Roger Green officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be at Butler County Memorial Park.

Larry J. Gibbs
Larry J. Gibbs, 56, of Greenbush Road, Somerville, passed away Sunday, July 15, 2001, at 4:45 p.m. at his residence. He was born on June 26, 1945, in Frenchburg, Ky., and had lived in Ohio for 31 years. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War. Mr. Gibbs also served in the Ohio National Guard for 20 years from 1976 to 1996. He was employed for 31 years as a machinist for Aeronca. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Fort St. Clair Gun Club. Mr. Gibbs was preceded in death by his father, Allen Gibbs. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Sandy Gibbs; a daughter, Christal Gibbs of Middletown, and two sons, Chris and Kelly Gibbs, both at home; his mother, Blanche Griffey of Olympia, Ky.; a brother, Wayne Gibbs of Salt Lick Ky.; and two sisters, Sharon Hemmingson and Laveda Motley, both of Olympia, Ky.; and special nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Thursday, July 19, at the funeral home. The Rev. Kevin Collins will officiate. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park in Trenton, with military services by the American Legion Post 218 Honor Guard.

Stella G. Hartman
Mrs. Stella G. Hartman, 96, of New Albany, Ohio, a longtime resident of 4212 Lewis St., passed away Thursday morning, July 12, 2001, at Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus. She was born in Cogswell, Ky., on Feb. 16, 1905, a daughter of Caleb and Minerva (McKenzie) Alfrey. Mrs. Hartman had worked in the Middletown Hospital laundry for 28 years, retiring in 1970. She was formerly a member of the Faith EUB Church. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Bill Thomas of Gahanna, Ohio; three grandchildren, Cathy Jo (Danny) Begley, Becky Lewis and Joanne (Aaron) Flinner; two great-grandsons, Joel Lewis and Andy Flinner; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph E. Hartman in 1971; her parents; her stepmother, Elizabeth; two sisters, Lillian Spencer and Canna Rensland; and two brothers, Charles and Clyde Alfrey.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 16, at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with Lisa Ellison officiating. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum.

Jack E. Howard
The Rev. Jack E. Howard, 64, of 721 Beachler Drive, Carlisle, passed away Thursday, July 12, 2001, at Sycamore Hospital. He was born in Breathitt County, Ky., on Feb. 2, 1937, the son of Todd and Mary (Fugate) Howard. Mr. Howard was employed by General Motors, Inland Division, retiring in 1971, and was a minister for many years. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sondra (Silcox) Howard; sons, Todd Howard of Franklin and Brett Howard and wife Yolanda of Carlisle; daughters, Sharon Perry and husband David, Lora Howard and Sara Sargent, all of Carlisle; sisters, Margaret Davis of McKee, Ky., Myrtle Hensley of Miamisburg and Beatrice Pearson of Arizona; grandchildren, Aaron Lakes, Matthew and Joshua Perry, Brett and John Howard, Chris Herd, Gavin and Mirah Sargent and Jack Luke Richmond; great-grandchildren, Miranda and Christian Herd; a host of nieces and nephews and special nephews, Robert and Brice Howard Jr., Hubert Davis and Tony Brady; his mother-in-law, Betty Silcox of Hemet, Calif.; and daughter-in-law, Janice Howard of Germantown. SERVICES: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 17, at the Eaton-Anderson & Unglesby Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin, with the Rev. James Maggard officiating. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Theodore Hurt
Theodore Hurt, 74, of Middletown, Ohio, for 38 years and a native of Dayton, Ohio, passed this Earth and went on to Heaven on Friday, July 13, 2001. He joined hands in holy matrimony to Freddie Mae Faison on June 18, 1961. He was a retiree of Armco Steel Co. with 37 years of service and a faithful member of Greater Faith Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelbert Hurt Sr. and Pearl Hurt; his mother-in-law, Rosa Sanders; fathers-in-law, Minor Faison and William K. Sanders; and seven sisters and three brothers. He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife, Freddie M. Hurt; three daughters, Hattie (Victor) Baxter, Vanessa Hurt-Taylor and Gail Hurt; two stepdaughters, Diane (Joe) Shearer of Dayton, and Helen (Algie) Williams of Middletown; three sons, Alton and Anthony Bray and Larry Hurt; a special close member of the family, Theresa (Terry) Roberts; brother Eugene Hurt; a sister, Catherine Hurt; sister-in-law Tamara Hurt; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday, July 18, at Greater Faith Baptist Church, 711 Poplar St., Middletown. Pastor Steven McGee will officiate. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 11 a.m. until time of service at the church. Interment will be at West Memory Gardens in Dayton. H. H. Roberts Funeral Home, 38 S. Gettysburg Ave., Dayton, is handling arrangements.

Barbara E. Jewell
Mrs. Barbara E. Jewell, 78, of Middletown, died Friday, July 13, 2001, at Willow Knoll Nursing Home. Mrs. Jewell was a Middletown native and lifelong resident. She was born on Feb. 15, 1923, and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Jewell; her parents, Creed Flannery and Alberta (Watkins) Whisman; sisters Dorothy Meyers and Ruth Whisman; and brothers Fred, Clifford, John, Younger and Paul Whisman. Surviving are daughters Billie (Joe) Meyers and Tracee (Doug) Brate, both of Middletown; a stepdaughter, Phyllis Jewell of Middletown; sisters Maude Preusch of Hamilton, Mildred Perkins of West Carrollton and Sydney Hensley of Florida; seven grandchildren, Larry Bill, Julie, Becky, Bobby, Judy, Patrick and Mollie; and 10 great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Monday at Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with the Rev. George Sutherland officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Charles W. Moore Sr.
FRANKLIN - Charles William Moore Sr., born on April 20, 1915, age 86, peacefully entered into rest on Wednesday, July 11, 2001. Charlie has been a lifelong Franklin resident with many astounding accomplishments in his life with number one, marrying a beautiful wife, Gladys, who preceded him in death in 1970. They raised five beautiful children, Gloria Moore, Joel Moore, and his wife, Janice of Lebanon, Ohio, Charles (Chas) Moore, and wife, Bernie, of Franklin, Sylvia Weaver, and husband, Lawrence, of Carlisle, and Marita Howell, and husband, Jerry, of Farmersville, Ohio; with 12 beautiful grandchildren and 15 beautiful great-grandchildren. Charlie has been preceded in death by his father, Charles Edgar Moore; his mother, Hazel Beatrice Stickelman; sisters Marathon, Lucille, Marie and Joyce; and brothers Hayes, Donald, Wilson and Eugene. Surviving are his sister, Phyllis Darragh; brothers Hugh, Robert and Herbert; and many nieces and nephews. Charlie was mayor of Franklin and very active in the community organizations. He retired from the Maxwell Paper Mill and the Sorg Paper Mill, with leadership positions.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, at Woodhill Cemetery, Franklin, Ohio, to be once again reunited with Gladys, his beautiful wife, and the fantastic Godly mother of his children. Pastor Jerry Fyffe (grandson-in-law) will officiate. “God called dad home and he is now reunited in heaven with mom in the presence of the Lord.” Eaton-Anderson & Unglesby Funeral Home in Franklin is handling arrangements.

John A. Myler
John A. Myler, 92, of Middletown, passed away Friday, July 13, 2001, at Garden Manor Extended Care Center. He was born in Bellaire, Ohio, on May 16, 1909, to the late William A. and Pearl Belle (Whitcomb) Myler. He was a member of the Trenton Church of the Nazarene. Mr. Myler served in the Army during World War II. He worked as a glass blower for Imperial Glass Co. of Bellaire, Ohio, for 51 years, retiring in 1979. He lived in Middletown for 17 years. He leaves his wife, Alta C. Myler of Middletown; a daughter, Nancy (Donald) Stahl of Middletown; a brother, James W. (Claire) Myler of Ukiah, Calif.; three grandchildren, Donald (Sharon) Stahl, Naomi (Tony) Peck and John (Patty) Stahl; and five great-grandchildren, April Noble, Sheena and Afton Peck, and Alex and Lauren Stahl. Mr. Myler was preceded in death by five brothers, William, Louis, Charles, Glen and Walter Myler; and four sisters, Annabelle Porter, Pearl Deitrich, Jean McMurtrie and Merle Myler.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 16, at the Trenton Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Doug Van Nest officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home in Middletown.
MEMORIALS: Contributions may be made to the Trenton Church of the Nazarene, 220 N. Miami, Trenton, Ohio 45067.

James R. Neal
James Robert Neal, 80, of Mount Pleasant Retirement Village, passed away at Middletown Regional Hospital Monday morning, July 9, 2001. He was born on Jan. 31, 1921, at Miamiville, Ohio, the son of Judson and Hazel Neal. He was employed at Armco Steel Co. in the masonry department until his retirement in 1984. Mr. Neal served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of American Legion Post 218 and of St. Paul's United Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Jane Neal; a son, James Ross Neal of Fairfield; a grandson, Joseph Neal; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Virginia Penquite of Blanchester, Ohio.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside services will be conducted at the convenience of the family by Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

George U. Riggle
HAMILTON - George Urban Riggle, 67, of Hamilton, passed away Sunday, July 15, 2001, at the Hospice of Sunrise Assisted Living in Hamilton, Ohio. He was born on April 22, 1934, in Hamilton, the son of Thompson and Emma Riggle. He married Joy Stahley on March 6, 1965. They were married for 36 years. Mr. Riggle was employed at Fisher Body of Hamilton for 221ž2 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of Washington Lodge and Eastern Star, Washington Chapter 195. He is survived by his wife, Joy; two sons, Thompson Ray Riggle and George Philip, and wife, Kym Riggle; two daughters, Lisa Kay, and husband, Mike Schaber, and Pamela Joy, and husband, Robert Klink; four grandchildren, Steven Riggle, Matthew and Jacob Schaber, and Alana Klink. He is also survived by a sister, Dorothy Riggle, and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Joe, and two sisters, Betty Bishop and Mary McKinney.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will take place on Thursday, July 19, 2001, at 10 a.m. at Kowalk Funeral Home - Rose Hill Chapel, 2565 Princeton Road, Hamilton, with the Rev. Ken Dugas officiating. Friends may visit on Wednesday, July 18, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Mercy Hospital of Fairfield and Hospice of Sunrise Assisted Living for their care.

William T. Schirner
William T. Schirner, 80, of Columbus, Ohio, died Sunday, July 15, 2001, at his residence after a lengthy illness. He was a retired master sergeant from the U.S. Air Force and served during World War II. He was a Prisoner of War in Romania in 1944. William also served in the Korean War and Vietnam Wars. Later, he retired from Western Electric Co. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Gloria; sons William I. (Kathy) Schirner of Columbus, Robert Craig (Pam) Schirner of Grove City and David A. (Carol) Schirner of Pataskala; grandchildren Molly Schirner, Matthew Schirner, Maggie Schirner, Jan Schirner, Alison Schirner Black, Nathan Schirner, Jon Sirinek, Greg Sirinek, David Schirner and Jennifer Schirner; great-grandson Devin Black; sister Pearl Smithson of Middletown, Ohio; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Shirner was preceded in death by brothers, sisters and a twin sister, Margaret Vanderau.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call today, July 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home, 4171 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Fairfield Cemetery, West Lafayette, with the Rev. Don Silverthorne officiating.
MEMORIALS: Contributions may be made to the Big Brother/Big Sister Association, 1855 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229; or a charity of donor's choice.

Hubert 'Bill' Schulte
Hubert C. "Bill" Schulte, 73, of Middletown, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 11, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born on May 20, 1928, in Seymour, Ind., the son of Theodore Schulte and Emma (White) Schulte. Bill was baptized and confirmed in the Christian Faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, in Seymour, Ind. Since 1970, he was a faithful member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Middletown. He worked as manager of the G. C. Murphy Co., retiring after 42 years of service. He also worked for five years at Rogers Jewelers. He is survived by a daughter, Debbie (husband Doug) Hayes of Middletown, and a son, Gary (wife Patty) Schulte of Peru, Ind.; four grandchildren, Kristi (husband Jason) Kirk of Peru, Ind., Scott Schulte of Indianapolis, Ind., and Doug Hayes Jr. and Jeff Hayes, both of Middletown; a sister, Catherine (husband Bob) Hinton of Seymour, Ind.; a great-granddaughter, Kayla Kirk; and a special friend, Dolly Jones. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, in 1986; a sister, Alberta; and his parents.
ARRANGEMENTS: A divine service of Christian Funeral will be offered in Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum Memorial Chapel at noon on Saturday, July 14. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the chapel. The Rev. Thomas W. Chopp will be the presiding minister. Arrangements are by Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home

Sarah M. Sexton
Sarah M. (Nickell) Sexton, 85, of Middletown, Ohio, passed away Friday, July 13, 2001, at Hawthorn Glen Nursing Home in Middletown, following an extended illness. Born on July 15, 1915, in Morgan County, Ky., Sarah was the daughter of the late Alvin Nickell and Annie Ellen (Dunn) Nickell. She was a retired homemaker. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Arthur E. Sexton; a sister, Isabell (Nickell) Williams; a brother-in-law, Gomer Williams; and one grandchild. Survivors include eight children, Alvin Sexton, and wife, Midge, Marie Hale, and husband, Vernal, Mary Tucker, and husband, Bill, Ruby Saylor, and husband, Greg, Ruth Helton, and husband, Johnny, all of Middletown, Ohio, Voneda Hale, and husband, Charles, of Mariba, Ky., Lena Moore, and husband, Bill, of Las Vegas, Nev., and Ernie Sexton, and wife, Molly of Grandbury, Texas; a brother, Wilmer Jackson Nickell, and wife, Elva, of Middletown; two sisters, Virgie Larrison, and husband, Arthur, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Marie Kuntz, and husband, Philip, of San Antonio, Texas; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
ARRANGEMENTS: Viewing will be at the Menifee Home for Funerals in Frenchburg, Ky., on Sunday, July 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. Viewing at the Trenton Church of God in Trenton, Ohio, will be Monday, July 16, from noon to 1 p.m., with services to follow at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum in Middletown, Ohio.

Eula B. Thornton
Eula B. Thornton, 79, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, July 15, 2001. She was the beloved mother of Brenda T. Williams; the sister of Clara (Billy Joe) Watson and Dana Sidney; and the loving grandmother of Derrick L. Williams and Germaine Williams.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 21, at Union Grove Baptist Church, 8932 Quincy Ave., Cleveland. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. William A. Gaines Funeral Home, 9116 Union Ave., Cleveland, is handling the arrangements.

Mary E. Weiss
Mrs. Mary E. Weiss, 100, of Germantown, Ohio, passed away Saturday, July 14, 2001, at Sycamore Hospital in Miamisburg. Mary was born on Sept. 10, 1900, in Williamsburg, Ohio, and was a lifelong Middletown resident. She was a homemaker and attended the First United Methodist Church. In the past, she enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening and canned foods from her garden. She also did beautiful needle work of different types and quilting. During World War II, while two of her children were in service, she gave blood often for the war effort and was named a “gallon-giver.” Mrs. Weiss was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph in 1979; a son, Robert Weiss; two daughters, Margaret Booso and Josephine Carsley; a grandson, Michael A. Weiss; and her parents, Taylor and Estelle Caldwell. She leaves 11 grandchildren, Robin Weiss Dupps (Frank) of Germantown, Thomas Weiss (Sherry) and Robert Booso (Iris), also of Germantown, John Booso (Nellie), Don Booso (Betty) and Mary Hargis, all of Lewisburg, Ohio, Betty Fleming and Charles Booso, both of Dayton, Peggy Carsley and Bill Carsley, both of Massachusetts, and Jim Carsley (Cindy) of Utah; 23 great-grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at the convenience of the family, with interment at Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests contributions be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown 45044. Baker-Stevens Funeral Home in Middletown is serving the family.

Betty F. Yoho
Betty F. Yoho, 77, of Middletown, died Saturday, July 14, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. Born in Middletown on Aug. 27, 1923, Mrs. Yoho lived here during her entire life. Betty and her husband, Howard, were co-owners and operators of the J. C. Newlin Painting Co. of Middletown where she had been the secretary for 11 years until retiring in 1986. She was affiliated with the First Church of Nazarene of Middletown. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rolla V. and Martha (Evans) Harrison; brothers, Jack and Don Harrison; and a sister, Nona Gillum. Surviving are her husband of 54 years, Howard Yoho; a daughter, Judy (Richard) Perry of Middletown; a grandson, Bryan (Tiffiny) Smallwood of Franklin; a great-grandson, Jeff Smallwood of Cincinnati;a sister, Ruth Chaney of Middletown; and her stepmother, Ernestine Harrison. SERVICES: Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, at the Baker-Stevens Funeral Home with the Rev. Wesley Poole officiating. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, at the Baker-Stevens Funeral Home.
MEMORIALS: Memorials may be sent to American Diabetes Association, Southwest Ohio Service Area, 8899 Brookside Ave., Suite 102, West Chester, Ohio 45069.

Hassel Adkins
Hassel Adkins, 75, of Middletown, died Thursday, July 5, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was a native of Salyersville, Ky., and was born on April 20, 1926. Mr. Adkins was a paper maker. He had worked at Inland Container for 41 years before retiring in 1988. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred "Georgia" Adkins on Jan. 20, 1993; his parents, Kelly and Phoebe Adkins; and a brother, Lee Adkins. Survivors include sons Richard Adkins of Trenton and Greg Adkins of Hamilton; daughters Reva Hall of West Chester, Joann Shephard and Peggy Powers, both of Middletown, and Sherry Philpot of Kent Island, Md.; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; brothers Tom Adkins of Grundy, Va., Russell Adkins of Orange County, Calif., Willie Adkins of Indiana and Denny Adkins of Monroe; and sisters Ruth Griffith of New Port News, Va., Mary Sue Dyehouse and Betty Jensen, both of Middletown, and Ella Mae Burchfield of Stanton, Ky.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with the Rev. Paul Hensley officiating. Visitation is today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park.

Austin C. Barrett
Austin C. "Ace" Barrett, 79, of Middletown, died Tuesday, July 3, 2001, at Friendly Nursing Home in Germantown, Ohio He was born in Beattyville. Ky., on March 30, 1922, to Charles and Bessie (Campbell) Barrett. He was a World War II Army veteran. Mr. Barrett retired from Armco/AK Steel Co. in 1975 after 25 years service. He was a member of the Middletown American Legion. He was preceded in death by his wife, Opal in 1991. He is survived by two sons, Forrest Barrett of Gratis and Thomas Barrett of Middletown; seven grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Bridgete Barrett of Middletown; and a good friend, Gene Holbrook of Middletown. Mr. Barrett was also preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Dave Barrett in 1974 and Terry Barrett in 1999; and a grandson, Mike Barrett in 2000. Arrangements: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 7, at Lindloff-Zimmerman Funeral Home in Gratis, Ohio, with Brother Johnnie Harris officiating. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery, Franklin, Ohio. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m.

Tracy L. Beck
Funeral services for Mrs. Tracy L. Beck, 39, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, at the Paul R. Young Funeral Home, 7345 Hamilton Ave., Mount Healthy, Ohio. Burial will be in Mound Cemetery in Monroe, Ohio. Tracy died at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, July 8, 2001, at her home in Cincinnati. She was born in Terre Haute, Ind., on March 14, 1962, to Chuck and Sharon Smith. She was married to Eric J. Beck on Aug. 4, 1990. She is survived by her parents of Monroe; her husband, a daughter, Kristen, and a brother, Kurt, all of Cincinnati; and her grandmother, Twilo Smith of Miamisburg, Ohio. Tracy graduated from Bowling Green State University with bachelor degrees in deaf and elementary education. She earned her master's degree in multi-handicapped education at the University of Cincinnati. She was a teacher in the Cincinnati Public School System for 14 years. She was a member of PEO, Kappa Phi Sorority and the First Christian Church of Middletown, Ohio.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, honorariums may be made to the Cancer Society of Summit Country Day School, 2161 Grandin Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208.

Marjorie A. Bowman
Mrs. Marjorie A. Bowman, 74, of Middletown, died Wednesday, July 4, 2001, at her residence. She was born on Nov. 21, 1926, in Middletown, the daughter of John J. and Anna C. (Weishaar) Gardner. Mrs. Bowman was a member of Holy Trinity Church of Holy Family Parish. She had worked for the Middletown Public Schools, and Bishop Fenwick High School in the cafeteria. She leaves three sons, Gary R. (Diane) Bowman, Robert J. Bowman and Christopher L. (Rita) Bowman, all of Middletown; two daughters, Judith A. Chapman of Batavia, and Sharon E. (Daniel E.) Corbett of Trenton; a brother, Michael (Pauline) Gardner of Monroe; a sister, Mary Ellen Cole of Middletown; grandchildren Laura and Daniel Corbett, Scott and David Ingram, Kimberly Selby, Lisa Jarbo and Bryan Bowman; step-grandchildren Gretta Howard, Alan Miles, Tim Gilbert and Theresa Bowman; great-grandchildren Brittney and Sydney Ingram, Adam and Abigail Selby and Cole Jarbo; step-great-grandchildren Lance and Erica Bowman, Madison and Kaitlin Gilbert, Austen Selby and Aldan Caswell; and a special friend, Mary Fuller. Mrs. Bowman was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in 1996; her parents, John J. and Anna C. Gardner; a son, Dennis Paul Bowman, in 1972; two brothers, John (Jack) Gardner and James Gardner; and a sister, Martha Jane Gardner.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call today from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 7, at Holy Trinity Church of Holy Family Parish, with Father George Klein as celebrant. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park in Wayne Township.
MEMORIALS: Contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown 45044; or the American Cancer Society, 105 McKnight Drive, Middletown 45044.

William E. Britton
FRANKLIN -- William E. "Bill" Britton, 51, of Franklin, passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2001, at Grandview Hospital. Bill retired from the General Motors Truck and Bus Plant. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Hazel Britton; and brothers Bobby and Alex Britton. He is survived by his daughter, Shelia, and husband, Bobby Watts; grandchildren Brittany and Dalton Watts; sisters Dolores Johansen and Peggy Adams; and two brothers, Roger, and his wife, Linda Britton, and Danny, and his wife, Rose Britton.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Newcomer-Barclay Funeral Home, 3940 Kettering Blvd., Kettering. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum in Middletown. Friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the education fund for Brittany and Dalton Watts.

Morgan 'Shack' Bush
FRANKLIN -- Morgan Glenn "Shack" Bush, 79, of 8072 Martz-Paulin Road, Franklin, died Tuesday, July 3, 2001, at 7:36 p.m. at Life Care of Sycamore in Miamisburg. He was born in Clay City, Ky., on Dec. 3, 1921, the son of Ed and Lilly (Baber) Bush. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army 2nd Battalion 117th Infantry. He was employed by Armco Steel in shipping for 33 years. Preceding him in death were his parents; a son, Willard Bush in 1969; a brother, Bobby Bush; and two sisters, Edith McKinney and Ruby Ball. Surviving are his wife of 59 years Esther (Moore) Bush; a daughter, Glynda K. Hogan and husband, Jim, of Franklin; four grandchildren, Craig Shields and wife, Laura, of Norris, Tenn., Robert Hogan, of Franklin, Cheryl Barnett and husband, Mike, of Middletown, and Melody Crowe and husband, Tim, of Carlisle; three great-grandchildren, Spencer Bradfield, Taylor and Evan Crowe; two brothers, Ed Bush Jr., of Clay City, and Hartwell Bush, of Miamisburg; and two sisters, Helen Cress, of Clay City, and Louise, of Kansas.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Wells Funeral Home in Clay City. Burial will be at Kennon Cemetery in Clay City. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Anderson Funeral Home, 40 N. Main St., Springboro.