Homer F. Carr
Homer Frederick Carr, 67, of Hamilton, loving husband and father, went home to be with the Lord Friday, July 6, 2001. Homer was born on May 13, 1934, to the late Clarence and Bessie (Hicks) Carr in St. Joseph, Mo. He received his education in the West Chester school district, graduating in 1952. On Aug. 22, 1959, in Richmond, Ind., he married Jeanette Arnold. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and was a tool and die maker at the Hamilton Fisher Body plant, retiring after 25 years when the plant closed in 1987. He later retired from the First National Bank of Hamilton where he worked in the printing department. Homer was a member of the First St. John United Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jeanette (Arnold) Carr; three children, Gregory Carr and his wife Jill of Monroe, Renee Erney and her husband Thomas of Columbus, and Lisa Dyer and her husband Michael of Oxford; seven grandchildren, Jeffery Carr, Lindsey Carr, Michael Dyer, Thomas Dyer, Faithann Dyer, Jacob Erney and Alexander Erney; one sister, Mildred (Orville) Blackmore of Wheeling, W.V., four brothers, George (Doris) Carr and Gene (Laverne) Carr of Hamilton, Wayne (Ruth) Carr of Somerville and Ira (Irene) Carr of Berea, Ky.; sister-in-law, Agnes Carr, brother-in-law, Adrian (Kathy) Arnold, mother-in-law, Alberta Arnold; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Walter and Lewis Carr.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday at First St. John UCC, 412 S. Front St., Hamilton, with the Rev. Jeff Shanaberger and Dr. Roger Green officiating. Visitation was held Sunday at the church. Burial will be at Rose Hill Burial Park. MEMORIAL: Memorial contributions can be made to the First St. John UCC youth group in his memory. The Webb Noonan Funeral Home is servicing the family.

Dock C. Childers
Dock Carter Childers, 94, of Middletown, passed away Sunday, July 8, 2001. He was born on March 7, 1907, in Lee County, Kentucky, the son of Daniel Childers and Margaret Jane (Spencer) Childers. Mr. Childers was employed in the transportation department at Armco Steel Co. until his retirement in 1971 after 30 years of service. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy (Lawson) Childers; four children, Bill (Barbara) Childers of Temple City, Calif., Grace Centers of Middletown, Barbara (Bob) Schenck of Camden and Alice (Donald) Gay of Middletown; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Inez McGill of Monroe. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Fred, Linville, Bishop, Carl and Troy; five sisters, Hattie, Hazel, Georgia, Rose and Francis; and a granddaughter, Kathryn Ann Eidson.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. David Colp officiating. Visitation is from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum.

Albert W. Combs
Albert Willis Combs, 82, of Middletown, died Monday, July 2, 2001, at Garden Manor Retirement Village. He was born on March 4, 1919, in Hindman, Ky., to Spencer and Jane (Mullins) Combs. Mr. Combs served hsi country in the Army during World War II. He was a staff sergeant with Company E 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, serving in Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Africa. His decorations include European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, with one Silver Star; Good Conduct Medal; and a World War II Victory Medal. After the service, he married Mattie Geraldine (Rose) Combs in 1946. July 20th would have been their 55th wedding anniversary. Mr. Combs worked for Inland Container as a printer for 30 years, He is survived by his wife, Mattie Geraldine Combs; four sons, Quentin (Deborah) Combs of Madison Township, Vic (Carolyn) Combs and David (Sue) Combs, both of Haverhill, Mass., and Brian (Cristy) Combs of Middletown; one daughter, Jan (Blake) Freeze of Middletown; brothers Claude (Reona) Combs of North Port, Fla., and Truman (Sadie) Combs of Pekin, Ill.; a sister, Clara Martin of North Port, Fla.; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Clyde Spencer Combs; a brother, Samp Combs; and sisters Ruth Combs, Oma Robinson and Maxine Collins.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 6, at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., at Bonita, Middletown, with Pastor Mark Jackson officiating. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Interment will be at Elk Creek Cemetery in Madison Township. Military honors will be conducted by the Honor Guard of American Legion Post 218.

Billy L. Conley
Billy L. Conley, 59, of Middletown, died Saturday, July 7, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. Mr. Conley was born on March 20, 1942, to James and Hazel (Ingram) Conley, in Middletown. He was a member of the Park Drive Church of God, and he retired in 1987 as a printer from the American Packaging Co., where he worked for 28 years. He is survived by a son, Danny Conley and his fiancee Priscilla Craker, of Middletown; two daughters, Belinda (Graddie) Hall, of Middletown and Cheryl (John) Craft, of Trenton; a brother, Jerry Conley, of Middletown; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife Lois A. Conley, in 1996; his parents; and a grandchild, Cailen Conley.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at noon Tuesday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., at Bonita, with the Rev. Kenneth Peyton officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions can be made to Careview Home Health, 4214 Grand Ave., Middletown, Ohio 45044.

Robert Cook
FRANKLIN -- Robert Denver Cook, 73, of 565 Millard Drive, Franklin, died Wednesday, July 4, 2001, at 1:47 a.m. at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Columbus on June 27, 1928, the son of Denver Ola and Edna Marjorie (Starlin) Cook. He served in the U.S. Army infantry for two years and was discharged as a corporal. He was employed by Armco Steel for 45 years as a carpenter and retired in 1990. He was a member of the VFW Post 3809 of Middletown. Mr. Cook was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Doris (Walker) Cook; four daughters, Cynthia Frye, of Franklin, Rebecca Sue Fuller, of Mason, Deborah Jeanne Svellinger, of Lebanon and Lynda Lee Barnett, of Franklin; seven grandchildren; and a stepgrandchild.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be 7 p.m. Friday, July 6, at Eaton-Anderson & Unglesby Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St. in Franklin, with the Rev. Vernon Risner officiating. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home prior to the service.

Nora Dexter Dalton
Nora Dexter (Scearce) Dalton, 90, died at Heartland of Oakridge on Saturday, July 7, 2001. She was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Dalton in 1987. She was the youngest of five children of John W. and Matilda (Laughner) Scearce of Thornhill, Tenn. Nora leaves behind three children, Edith (Dalton) McKenzie (Gene) of Springboro, Clarence R. Dalton (Ann) of Franklin and Earl D. Dalton of Franklin; three grandchildren, James T. of Columbus, Michael R. of Middletown and M. Jeffrey Dalton of Xenia; two step-grandchildren, Jan A. McKenzie of England and Darla (McKenzie) Pauley (Robert) of Kentucky; and eight great-grandchildren, Kenneth Pauley, Rachel and Ian McKenzie, Megan and Josh Dalton (Earl), Mara, Ava and Conner Dalton (Clarence). She also leaves nieces, nephews and many friends and church family members. Nora was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Franklin.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and the funeral at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Eaton-Anderson & Unglesby Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin, with the Rev. Garrett Dalton officiating. Entombment will be in the Miami Valley Memory Gardens Mausoleum.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Franklin.

Mabel Easter
Mabel Easter, 90, of Middletown, passed away Wednesday, July 4, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Waynesville, Ind., on Oct. 6, 1910. Mabel was a homemaker and a member of the Harlan Park Church of God. Among her survivors are a daughter, Darlene Easter of Middletown; two sons, Willard Easter Jr., and James T. Easter (Pauline), both of Middletown; grandchildren Cathy Lynn Gross, Lisa Lynett Wills, Lori Jane Easter and Sherry Lynn Ferguson; and four great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum.

Clinton W. Eckhardt
Clinton Woodrow Eckhardt, 87, of Middletown, died Sunday, July 1, 2001, at the Hawthorn Glen Nursing Home. He was born on Feb. 20, 1914, in West Middletown, Ohio, the son of Edward Eckhardt and Effie (Walters) Eckhardt. Mr. Eckhardt retired from Champion International Paper as a foreman. He was a member of AARP and an avid reader of National Geographic, Readers Digest and USA Today. He is survived by a daughter, Joanne H. Eckhardt of Franklin; a son, Ralph Eckhardt of Naples, Fla.; two granddaughters, Blair Eckhardt and Candace Eckhardt; two great-grandchildren, Amber Eckhardt and Austin Eckhardt; a brother, Lowell Eckhardt of Phoenix, Ariz.; and a special friend, James David Carroll. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys, in 1976; his parents; and two brothers, Charles and Sherrill Eckhardt.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Eric Newell officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum.

Henry W. Garrod
Middletown native Henry Willis Garrod, 89, of 1618 South Shore Drive, Tavares, Fla., passed away in Florida on Saturday, July 7, 2001. He was born in Middletown, Ohio, but moved to Central Florida in 1980. Mr. Garrod had formerly worked as a furniture manufacturer. He was a member of the Methodist faith, the East Palestine Masonic Lodge 417 Free & Accepted Masons and York Rite Masons of East Palatine. He leaves a son Donald Garrod of Wildwood, Fla.; daughter Cynthia Ann Hutton of Colleyville, Texas; two brothers, George of Columbiana, Ohio, and John Carter of Lebanon, Ill.; sisters Louise Weber and Edith Ward, both of New Waterford, Ohio, Lois Smith of Indianapolis, Ind., and Dorothy Whitacher of Latonia, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial services are at 3 p.m. today, July 10, at the Steverson, Hamlin-Hilbish Funeral Home, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, Fla. The Rev. David Lindsay will officiate.

Thelma Gehron
Mrs. Thelma Gehron, 94, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 1, 2001. She died in her Middletown residence of 72 years after several years of failing health. Thelma was born on October 10, 1906, in Black Creek Township, Mercer County, Ohio, to the late James and Rosetta (Slusser) Gause. On March 31, 1929, she was married to Lewis J. Gehron. Survivors include daughters Marcella (Ken) Shawley of Defiance, Ohio, and Janice (Roland) Armstrong of Medway, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Mary Rechter, Betty Lombardo, Sandy Mohr, Jane Grindle, Tim Shawley, Mark Armstrong, Kim Armstrong, Melanie Gehron and Summer Gehron; 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Lloyd Gause of Rockford, Ohio; and a sister, Eulah Shank of Maples, Ind. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Lewis J. Gehron; a daughter, Alvera Fern; a son, Arnold James; a grandson, Fred Shawley; and 12 brothers and sisters. Mrs. Gehron was a homemaker who for many years enjoyed gardening and growing flowers. Special thanks to the nurses and home health care aides from Nurses Care and her many other caregivers who have been so kind and helpful to Thelma and her family.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral Services will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Roger Braun at the W.H. Dick & Son Funeral Home in Celina, Ohio, at the convenience of the family.

Nora L. Griffith
FRANKLIN - Mrs. Nora Louise Griffith, 67, of Franklin, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born on April 18, 1934, in Campton, Ky., the daughter of Victor Arnett and Mable (Roberts) Edwards. Mrs. Griffith retired from Aeronca Mfg. after more than 25 years of service. For the past year she was employed with Coding Services as a computer operator. She was a 1953 Franklin High School graduate and a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church for 30 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell in 1999; and a brother, Lawrence Arnett. She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Shirley Griffith of Carlisle, Rev, Steve and Susan Griffith of Clarksville, Tenn., and Rev. Danny and Sonya Griffith of Miamisburg; a sister, Sylvia Lenski of Middletown; and five grandchildren, Jeff, Todd,Jennifer, Luke and Tyler Griffith.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, July 6, at Anderson Funeral Home, 40 N. Main St., Springboro, with the Rev. Roger Williams officiating. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mary F. Guthman
Mrs. Mary F. Guthman, 71, of Middletown, passed away Thursday, July 5, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. A Middletown native, she was born on Aug. 29, 1929, to Thomas E. and Cecelia (Graham) Lee. Mrs. Guthman was a member of Holy Family Parish, Holy Trinity Church, where she participated in the Ladies Society. She had also volunteered her help for Meals on Wheels for 13 years. She is survived by her husband, Robert Guthman; a son, Robert T. (Michelle) Guthman of Middletown; three daughters, Mary Ann Worley of Franklin, Patty (Gene) Kempfer of Springboro and Debbie (Steve) Rogers of Franklin; six grandchildren, Keith and Jennifer Miller, Brian Kempfer, Kelly and Steve Rogers and Gabrielle Guthman; and a great-grandchild, Kyle Miller. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Jim Lee.
ARRANGEMENTS: Mass of Christian Burial is set for noon Saturday, July 7, at Holy Trinity Church of Holy Family Parish, with Father John Civille as celebrant. The family will receive friends today from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum, Middletown.
MEMORIALS: Contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 105 McKnight Drive, Middletown 45044.

Daisy Mae Harville
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP -- Mrs. Daisy Mae Harville, 81, of Franklin Township, passed away Thursday, July 5, 2001, at Willow Knoll Retirement Community. She was born on July 6, 1919, in Grainger County, Tenn. Mrs. Harville was a member and part of the Jolly Sixties at Grace Baptist Church until her illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Harville in 1985; her parents, James and Allie Steadman of Tennessee; two brothers, Harrison and Mose Steadman, both of Tennessee; and a sister-in-law, Reva "Sis" Day. She is survived by her brother, Paul Steadman of Panama City, Fla.; two sisters, Lola Johnson of Thornhill, Tenn., and Delphia Adams of Miamisburg, Ohio; nieces Shirley, Melissa, Amanda, Stephanie, Irene and Paulette; a nephew, Tim; brother-in-law, Irvie Day, and his children, William and Karen; and numerous family members and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 9, at Eaton-Anderson & Unglesby Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second St., Franklin. Visitation will be Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery.

Versa May Klapper
Versa May Klapper, 82, of Middletown, died Sunday, July 1, 2001, at Garden Manor Retirement Village. She was born on Sept. 26, 1918, in Cincinnati, the daughter of Garfield Griffin and Pearl (Cummins) Griffin. Mrs. Klapper was a member of the Yankee Road Church of God. She is survived by a son, Ronald (Bonnie) Klapper of Trenton; a grandson, Brian Klapper of Middletown; and a brother, Hobert Griffin of West Elkton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, in 1978; a sister, Viola Rice; her parents; and three brothers, Chester, Homer and Robert Griffin.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Rodney Williams officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum.

Ruth Layne
Mrs. Ruth Layne, 83, of Middletown, passed away Monday, July 2, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. Born in Whitely City, Ky., on April 21, 1918, she had lived in the Middletown area since 1922. Mrs. Layne was a beautician and operated Layne's Beauty Shop. She was a member of the Poasttown First Church of God. She loved dolls and was a lifelong doll collector and "doll lady." She was preceded in death by her husband, Lacy Layne on Jan. 27, 1989; her parents, David and Bessie Maxwell; grandchildren Douglas Carpenter and Ruth Angeline Layne; a brother, Goode Thomas Maxwell; and a sister, Hettie West. She leaves a daughter, Evajan Carpenter (Logan) of Miamisburg; two sons, David Layne (Shirley) of Trenton and Thomas Layne (Eula) of Middletown; three grandchildren, Dale, David and Dana Carpenter; four great-grandchildren, Jennifer Irgens, Brittany and Carley Carpenter and Brianna Layne; and a sister, Frances Brown of Phoenix, Ariz.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. at Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Hillgrove Cemetery in Miamisburg.

Mary Frances Lentz
Mary Frances Lentz, 72, of 1246 Ellen Drive, Middletown, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2001, at 9 p.m. at her residence. She was born Oct. 19, 1928, in Middletown and lived here all her life. She had been employed as a title clerk for Paul Clark Auto Dealer, Bob Skinner Lincoln-Mercury and Boykins Auto Sales. She was most recently employed at A Fortress Store and Lock. She was a member of The Church Of The Brethren. She was preceded in death by her father, Charlie Arrowwood, her mother, Gerry (Shultz) Bippes, stepfather, John Bippes, brother, James Crouch, sister, Betty Jean Arrowwood, and niece, Donna Francis. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Billie S. Lentz; two sons, Ronald S. Lentz and wife Brenda of Monroe, and Robert J. Lentz of Middletown; and two grandsons, Jarryd Lentz and Jamie Lentz.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Harold Wenger officiating. Arrangements are made by Herr-Riggs.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown, Ohio.

Bennett M. Marlin
Bennett M. "Mack" Marlin, 82, of Monroe, died Thursday, July 5, 2001, at Middletown Regional Hospital. Mr. Marlin retired from the metal products division accounting department at Armco Steel Co. in 1983 after 38 years. Before coming to Monroe in the late 1960s, Mr. Marlin lived in Washington Court House where he was active in Rotary (a past president), Little League, the Child Welfare Board, Chamber of Commerce, American Field Services and Grace Methodist Church. He was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church and a volunteer at the Cincinnati Nature Center. He and his wife, Virginia, traveled extensively throughout the years. Mr. Marlin is survived by his wife of 59 years, Virginia L. (McColloch) Marlin; two sons, William David (Carolyn) Marlin of Parker, Colo., and Douglas M. (Lexanne) Marlin of Triadelphia, W.Va.; a sister, Mary Jo Ward of Santa Rosa, Calif.; three grandchildren, Michael, Peter and Dawn Marlin; and a great-granddaughter, Emily Marlin.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., at Bonita. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in North Monroe Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Donations may be made to the donor's charity of choice.

Steven Wayne Martin
SPRINGBORO -- Steven Wayne Martin, 31, of Springboro, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, July 1, 2001, at the home of his parents in Springboro. Steve was born on May 20, 1970, in Middletown and was the son of Jerry W. Martin and Christine McNally. He graduated from Preble Shawnee High School in 1988. He was employed at Spartan Steel in Toledo and was a member of the West Elkton United Methodist Church and the Gratis F.O.E. Surviving him are three daughters, Brianna Martin of Trenton and Savannah and Samantha Martin, both of Middletown; a step-daughter, Jade Poe, also of Middletown; his mother, Christine McNally, and step-father, James McNally of Springboro; his father, Jerry W. Martin of Gratis; his grandparents, Cecil and Alice Shaw and Lena Martin; one sister, Dawn Christine Hatton, of Miamisburg, Ohio; and many other relatives and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, at West Elkton United Methodist Church in West Elkton. Burial will be at Fairmound Cemetery in West Elkton. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the R.C. Nein & Sons - Thompson Funeral Home, 249 N. Main St., Camden.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation of America, 3550 N. Central Ave., Suite 300, Phoenix, Ariz., 85012, or to Vitas Hospice, 1132 Kemper Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45240.

W.T. Nickell
W.T. Nickell of Amelia, Ohio, was born on Dec. 29, 1920, and he passed away on Wednesday, July 4, 2001. He was a member of the Hyde Park Masonic Lodge. He leaves one sister, Rose MacClan of Florida; one brother-in-law, Russell Ridgley; nieces and nephews; and good friends, Val Machado and Charlie Rickey.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call at the E.C. Nurre Funeral Home (Ohio 125), 177 W. Main St., Amelia, Ohio, on Saturday, July 7, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Masonic and funeral services will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Mount Moriah Cemetery.

Joseph P. Osborne
Joseph Paul Osborne, 52, of Middletown, died Sunday, July 8, 2001, at Bethesda North Hospital in Montgomery, Ohio. He was born in Middletown, Ohio, on Feb. 14, 1949, the son of Benton Osborne and Oleta (Cannoy) Maxwell. Mr. Osborne served his country in the Army in Vietnam. He enjoyed fishing and painting. He is survived by his father, Benton Osborne of Middletown; his mother, Oleta (William) Maxwell of Monroe; two sons, Brad (Shelly) Osborne of Carlisle and Jonathan (Christina) Osborne of Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.; and two grandchildren, Jessyln and Caleb Osborne.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday, July 11, at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, with the Rev. Randy Wallace officiating. Interment will be in Miltonville Cemetery in Trenton. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the funeral home.

Wanda Perdue
Mrs. Wanda Perdue, 66, of Middletown, died Friday, July 6, 2001. She was a Middletown native and lifelong resident. Wanda and was born on Dec. 17, 1934, and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert Daniel Perdue; and a sister, Catalina Centers. Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Daniel Carl Perdue; three daughters, Debbie Perdue of California, and Shirley (Joe Zulock) Spencer and Pam (LeRoy Godsey) Hall, both of Middletown; two sons, James Perdue and Richard (Rhonda) Perdue, both of Middletown; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, William Centers of Middletown; three sisters, Dalma Bock and Alma Centers, both of Middletown and Phyllis Johnson of Trenton; and her mother, Odie (Whiteman) Centers of Middletown.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Monday at Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum.
MEMORIALS: Contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown 45044.

Marie Poffenbarger
GERMANTOWN - Mrs. Mary H. Poffenbarger, 79, of Germantown, passed away Monday, July 2, 2001, at Sycamore Hospital. Mary was born on July 16, 1921, to the late Harvey E. and Maude C. (Izor) Hollengaugh. She retired from Payne Fabrics and was a member of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church (currently the Germantown United Methodist Church) and the Welcome Circle. She was also a member of the 4-F Group and volunteered at Otterbein-Lebanon Retirement Community, sewing for the Hobby Lobby Gift Shop and serving more than 2,500 hours. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Herman, Russell and Floyd Hollenbaugh. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, John L. Poffenbarger; her son, Steven (Andrhea) Poffenbarger of Springboro; her daughters. Karen (Peter) Lurker of Germantown and Pamela (Dan) Hendrickson of Nashville, Tenn.; her grandson, Martin (Lisa) DeHart; and great-grandson, Ryan DeHart of Miamisburg; a brother, Deaner (Reva) Hollenbaugh of Middletown; and numerous nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Dalton Funeral Home, corner of Ohio 4 and Weaver Road, Germantown. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Germantown United Methodist Church, 36 S. Cherry St., Germantown with the Rev. J.C. Collins officiating. Burial will be in Germantown Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: If desired memorial contributions may be made to the Germantown United Methodist Church or the Germantown Rescue Squad.

Amanda Jean Schlabach
Amanda Jean "Mandy" Schlabach, 16, of Seven Mile, died Friday, July 6, 2001, at 9:15 a.m. in Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, due to an automobile accident on her way to soccer practice. She was born Aug. 9, 1984, in Hamilton, the daughter of Michael E. and Linda M. (Palmieri) Schlabach. She was a member of St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church. She was employed at McDonald's on North West Washington Boulevard for the past two years, recently as a team leader. She took part in many Edgewood School activities including soccer, volleyball, and cheerleading, and was a fashion show model, chairperson of junior/senior prom, student council representative, member of German honor society and a member of a young life group, and helped as an aide in the school office. She was a cherished and special daughter, sister and granddaughter. She is survived by her loving parents, Mike and Linda Schlabach of Seven Mile; one special brother, Tony Schlabach; devoted grandmothers, Jean Schlabach and Mickey Palmieri, both of Hamilton; great-grandparents, Genny and Frank York of Hamilton; six dear aunts, Lynda (John) Kramer, Debbie (Jim) Roark, Vickey Wyant, Lorie Bystrom, Lisa (Bill) Johnson and Amy (Randy) McGaha; two uncles, Jim (Doreen) Palmieri and Pat Browning; her godfather, Tim Roemer, and godmother, Debbie Roark; and a very special friend, Ryan Schwitalski. She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Howard Schlabach and Mike Palmieri. She will be remembered by her outgoing personality and warm smile as she touched the lives of all who knew her, young and old. She will be sadly missed by her family, cousins, teammates, classmates, co-workers, other loving relatives and many friends. If she could, she would want to say, "Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles, I've only gone to rest a little while. So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now, but as I used to be. Because I will remember you all and look on with a smile. Understand, in your hearts, I've only gone to rest a little while. As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my lie in the hearts of all of you."
ARRANGEMENTS: Prayers will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Paul R. Young Funeral Home, 3950 Pleasant Ave., Hamilton, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Peter in Chains Church with Fr. Timothy Bunch officiating. Burial in St. Mary cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Gary Lee Slaton
FRANKLIN -- Gary Lee Slaton, 32, of Franklin, died Saturday, July 7, 2001. He was born in Middletown on June 8, 1969, and was a lifelong resident of this area. Mr. Slaton was employed as a laborer at Sure Fit Distributors. He was a member of the Springboro Missionary Baptist Chapel. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lewis and Beulah Slaton. Survivors include his parents, Roy and Phyllis Slaton of Franklin; a son, Gary Tyler Slaton of Miamisburg; a brother, Terry Lee Slaton (Roberta) of Franklin; a sister, Tina Marie Rose (Michael) of Middletown; half-brothers Kenny Lee Slaton (Elaine) of California and Kevin Lee Slaton of Albuquerque, N.M.; maternal grandparents, Coleman and Dorothy Hudson of Franklin; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and relatives.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call today, July 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, 1500 Manchester Ave., Middletown. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with Pastor Darrell Stapleton officiating. Interment will be at Springboro Cemetery.

Alpha M. Smith
FRANKLIN -- Alpha M. (Boggs) Smith, 88, of 4144 Pennyroyal Road, passed away Friday, July 6, 2001, at Sycamore Hospital. She was born July 2, 1913 in Quicksand, Ky., in Breathitt County, daughter of Rand and Bessie (Back) Boggs. She was preceded in death by her husband Johnny Smith in 1981; five brothers Lonnie, Hillard, Elmer, Carl and Rollie; one great-grandson Kevin Jacob Back. Surviving are four children, Mollie (Norman) Holbrook of Franklin, Seldon (Shirley) Smith of Tucson, Ariz., Darriel "Ernie" (Dora) Smith of Miamisburg and Carolyn (Leonard) Griffen of Carlisle, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson; three brothers, Luther of Kentucky, Rugh of Georgia and Morris of Franklin; one sister, Millie Brown of Centerville. She was a member of the Pennyroyal Baptist Church in Franklin.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are 2 p.m. Monday at Anderson Funeral Home, 40 N. Main St., Springboro with the Rev. Chris Gulledge officiating. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Louise Smith
Mrs. Louise Smith, 71, of Middletown, died Wednesday, July 4, 2001, at her residence. She was born in Centerville on Aug. 1, 1929, but lived in the Middletown area for 50 years. She was a homemaker and a member of the Bible Methodist Church in Franklin. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer, in 1990; and her parents, William and Lea Ratliff. Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Ray Smith and Ronnie Smith, both of Middletown; two daughters, Sandra Fryer and Linda Smith-Hill, both of Middletown; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, where funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. The Rev. Mark Sankey will officiate. Interment will follow at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown 45044.

Corabelle Stamper
Corabelle "Corky" Stamper, 80, of Middletown, went to her Lord on Saturday, July 7, 2001, at 7:30 p.m. at Franklin Ridge Nursing Home where she had been a patient for three months. She was born Oct. 31, 1920, in Middletown and had lived in the Middletown-Franklin area all her life. She and her husband were managers of the Chautaugua Bowling Lane for 20 years and owned and operated the C & L Trophy Co. for 20 years. She was a lifelong member of the Grace Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aaron Hawkins in 1984 and Hazel (Fryman) Hawkins in 1960; her husband, Lawrence "Junior" Stamper in 1992; and two brothers-in-law, Claude Burton and Euclid Pierce Jr. in 1998. She is survived by two sisters, Mary Pierce and Charlotte "Butch" Burton, both of Middletown; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great nieces and great-great nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Grace Baptist Church, 3023 N. Union Road at Ohio 122 and Interstate 75, Middletown. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the church with Dr. Howard Sears officiating. Internment will be at Grace Memorial Gardens, at the church. Arrangements are by Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church.

Helen M. Sterling
FAIRFIELD -- Mrs. Helen Marie Sterling, 81, a former resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, July 8, 2001, at Chesterwood Village in West Chester, Ohio. Helen was born on Jan. 9, 1920, in Overpeck, Ohio, the daughter of Robert C. and Nora (Smith) Hill. In 1946, she married Richard H. Sterling in Clay County, Ark. She was a member of the Fairfield Church of Christ and Dunedin Chapter 132 Order of Eastern Star. In addition to her husband, Richard, she is survived by her daughters, Shawna Helton of Fairfield, Dianne Miller of Hamilton and Kimberly Sterling of Middletown; a stepdaughter, Barbara Redding of Middletown; stepson Richard Sterling of Dayton; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Alvin Gene Rhodus; stepson Robert Sterling; brothers Forrest Hill, RT Hill, Fred Hill and Otho Hill; and sisters Ash, Iola Schmidt, Katherine Toman and Rosalie Tape.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at Avance Funeral Home, 4976 Winton Road, Fairfield, Thursday, July 12, 2001, at 10 a.m. Visitation is Wednesday, July 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Hickory Flats Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Chesterwood Village Activity Fund, 8073 Tylersville Road, West Chester, Ohio 45069. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Chesterwood Village for the excellent care given to Helen.

Jerri Ann Stover
Mrs. Jerrie Ann Stover, 54, of 2327 Hill Ave., passed away Sunday evening, July 8, 2001, in the emergency room at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Middletown, Ohio, on Oct. 29, 1946, a daughter of Louis and Frances (Kahne) Yoder and was a lifelong resident. Mrs. Stover worked in Armco Purchasing for five years and then for more than 10 years at the American Red Cross. Most recently she was employed as a bookkeeper for Triangle Travel. She is survived by her husband, Michael Stover; two sons and daughters-in-law, Josh and Nicole Stover of Gratis and Mark and Christina Stover of Middletown; a granddaughter, Brittany; a sister, Kay Edwards of Cookville, Tenn.; and two brothers, Bob Yoder of Huntington Beach, Calif., and David Yoder of Trenton. Her parents preceded her in death.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with Pastor Roger Green officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to services Wednesday. Burial will follow in Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum.

Marion Swisher, M.D.
Dr. Marion Robert Swisher, 79, a retired Middletown pediatrician, died Wednesday, July 4, 2001, at Mount Pleasant Retirement Community in Monroe. He was born on March 26, 1922, and reared in Eaton. He graduated from Eaton High School, received a bachelor of arts degree from Miami University and a doctorate of medicine degree from the University of Cincinnati. After serving a rotating internship at the University of Iowa Medical Center, he served as flight surgeon in the Army Air Force stationed at Kessler Air Force Base. He then spent two years as a pediatric resident at Cincinnati's Children's Hospital and practiced briefly in the Smith Clinic of Marion, Ohio. In 1953, he joined Doctors Charles Buchert and John Perkins in pediatric practice in Middletown until retiring in 1984. After working with the Miami Medical Group in Dayton, he retired from medical practice in 1987. Dr. Swisher joined a team of Butler County physicians who staffed a hospital in Algiers under the auspices of CARE. He was a volunteer in missions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Guatemala and with the Franklin Presbyterian Church in Costa Rica. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Montgomery County Medical Society. He enjoyed his family, his medical practice, the studying and learning for this practice, the hobbies of gardening, photography, jazz, and hosting international guests of Middfest. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Virginia (Alford); four daughters, Anne Oakley (Stephen) of Boulder, Colo., Carol Cartwright (Joe) of Richmond, Texas, Kay McKnight (George) of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Sally C. Swisher of Austin, Texas; grandchildren John Oakley (Andrea), Chris Cartwright, Peter McKnight and Ben and Abby Wetzel; a brother, James Swisher (Charlotte) of Longwood, Fla.; a cousin, Berdyne Swisher Logan of Richmond, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Monday, July 9, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2910 Central Ave., Middletown.
MEMORIALS: Memorial gifts may be made to the Middletown YMCA, Miami University of Middletown, the Mount Pleasant Life Care Fund or donor's choice. Arrangements are by Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home.

Eva Lee Turner
Mrs. Eva Lee (Duncil) Turner, 70, of Middletown, died Monday, July 2, 2001 at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born on April 27, 1931, in McRoberts, Ky., and lived here since 1947. Mrs. Turner was a homemaker and member of Grace Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parnets, Thomas Sheridan and Vesta Duncil; and a sister, Arbutus Duncil. Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Frank Turner; three sons, Larry (Jennifer) Turner and Bob (Debby) Turner, both of Hunter, and Garry (Dawn) Turner of Middletown; a daughter, Amy (Tim) Barner of Middletown; seven grandchildren, Brian Turner, Melissa Smith, Jill, Beau, Rebecca and Kimberly Turner and Brianna Collins, with one grandchild on the way; two great-grandchildren, Julia and Ashtyn Smith; sisters Mary Radziszewski of East Detroit, Mich., and Inis Ward of Middletown; brothers Floren Duncil of Middletown, Daniel Duncil of Franklin and Sheridan :Bub: Duncil of Monroe; and also survived by many loving family and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with Dr Dale Chambers officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum.
MEMORIALS: Contributions in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 105 McKnight Drive, Middletown 45044; or American Diabetes Association, 8899 Brookside Ave., Suite 102, West Chester, OH 45069.

Katie Turner
Mrs. Katie Turner, 92, of Middletown, Ohio, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, July 8, 2001, at Kensington Place where she had resided for 10 years. She was born on Aug. 8, 1908, in Corbin, Ky., and had resided in Middletown for 80 years. Mrs. Turner had been employed at the P. Lorillard Co. and worked as a private duty nurse. She was a longtime member of the Meadowlawn First Church of God and a member of the Monroe First Church of God. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Cora (Hudson) Foley; her husband, Huey Turner in 1988; a daughter, Bitha Showalter; four brothers, Clyde, Charles, Jack and Jim Foley; and three sisters, Dorothy Ferguson, Frances Foley and Mary Ellen Foley. Surviving are three daughters, Betty Davis and Joyce Hancock, both of Middletown and Phyllis Mullikin of Adrian, Ga.; 18 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Viola Birkhimer of Florida; and a brother, John Foley of Middletown.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be Thursday, July 12, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown, where funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Pastor Terry Ball will officiate. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park in Trenton.

William B. Warman
William B. "Bill" Warman, 76, passed away Sunday, July 8, 2001, after several months of illness. He was born Nov. 2, 1924, of his parents Mr. and Mrs. William B. Warman Sr. (Helen Conarroe) and lived his entire life in Middletown. He attended Middletown schools and worked at Delco Moraine during World War II. He was hired in 1949 at Middletown U.S. Postal office, where he worked for 34 years as a letter carrier and retired from the Postal Service in 1983. He received his Gold Star and Gold Certificate form the N.A.L.C. Union in 1999. Bill was a member of the Church of Ascension, where he enjoyed ushering for the church services and was a member of the Stewardship Committee, as well as the Property Committee and the Lawn and Garden Committee. In younger days, he was a Middletown Knothole Little League coach during the summers. He was a member of the Lincoln Lodge 693 and the Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton. He was a "Middies" sports fan all of his life and enjoyed bowling, golf and gardening. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 32 years, Wilma Jean; two sons, Scott B. (RuthAnn) Warman and James R. (Donna) Warman, both of Middletown; stepsons, Thomas (Angie) Thornbury of Los Angeles, Calif., and Tim (Diane) Thornbury of Tipp City; stepdaughters, Pam (Dennis) Bonnie (Stephen) Richey of Centerville; four grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren residing in California; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and many loving friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved stepfather, James R. Wray; his sister, Betty Edwards of Florida; and several aunts and uncles.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Church of Ascension with the Rev. David Bailey and the Rev. William Rathman officiating.
MEMORIALS: The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Episcopal Church of Middletown or to the American Heart Association. Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home is serving the family.