Bessie C. Baker passed away peaceably on Saturday, September 20, 2014 in North Royalton, Ohio. She was born December 15, 1920 in Pikeville, Kentucky. She is survived by one brother, Robert Coleman, North Royalton, Ohio, brother-in-law Jack Thacker, Lexington, South Carolina, two sisters, Estie (Tiny) Hopkins of Little Creek, Kentucky and Frances (Carl) McDonald of Hinckley, Ohio, sister-in-law Velma Coleman, Bidwell, Ohio, as well as many nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Baker and previous husband Jeffery Hackett, her parents John L. and Maude Coleman, two brothers Bethel Coleman and James Coleman, and two sisters, Jessie Petrie and Wanda Thacker, also two brothers-in-law Homer Hopkins and Bill Petrie and a sister-in-law Alice Coleman.

She was an employee of the State of Kentucky and the State of Ohio Employment Office as a test examiner for 41 years. She served in the United States Navy (WAVES) in 1945-46. She was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church in Parma, Ohio. She enjoyed traveling, reading and crossword puzzles. Bessie was a very special lady and will be missed by her family and friends.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 25, 2014 in the the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton, Ohio with Pastor Danny Neal officiating. Burial will follow in Mt Tabor Cemetery, Vinton. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, September 24, 2014 from 3:00PM to 7:00PM.

Avery Dean Hayes Sr. was born November 10, 1955 to the late Conrad and Ardelia Hayes in Columbus, Ohio. He was a mechanic at Buckeye Steel for many years before he became disabled. He later moved to Vinton, Ohio to live with his fiancé, Marcella Gregory, until his death.

Avery is survived by a son, Avery Dean (Kristi) Hayes of Columbus; daughters, Mandie (Boug) Cohenour and Tyleena Hayes of Columbus, Ohio and Mandy Gregory of Bidwell, Ohio; seventeen grandchildren and one great-grandson. Also surviving are brothers: Winson (Gayle) Hayes, Clerl Hayes, Loyal (Cindy) Hayes and sisters: Coe (Jimmy) Gillette and Ellen (Jeff) Payne; sister-in-law, Debbie Hayes; best friend, Harold Sharp and many nieces, nephews, cousins and very close friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Conrad Hayes, sister, Karen Hayes and step-son, Shawn Gregory.

Funeral service will be conducted 4:00 PM Friday, September 26, 2014 at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, 208 Main St, Vinton. Cremation will follow. Friends and family may call at the funeral home Friday from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Condolences may be sent to www.mccoymoore.com

James Aaron Woodall, 54, of Gallipolis, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at his residence.

He was born on September 24, 1960 in Mason County, West Virginia, son of the late Frank E. and Evelyn Virginia Burnette Woodall.

Surviving is a son, Christopher Todd (Katelyn) Woodall of Proctorville, Ohio; two sisters, Tamara Darlene (Terry) Groves of Vinton and Joyce Marie (Mark) Banks of Pt. Pleasant; a brother, Jerrod Matthew (Aimee) Woodall of Gallipolis; two sisters-in-law, Sally Woodall of Pt. Pleasant and Louise Woodall of Gallipolis; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, David L. Woodall, Charles Joseph Woodall, Frankie Woodall, Mark Anthony Woodall, Howard Stephen Woodall, John Paul Woodall, and a sister, Crystal Ann Clary.

Services are pending. Willis Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.

Nellie Young, 94, Gallipolis, Ohio passed away Thursday, September 25, 2014 in the Holzer Medical Center, Gallipolis. The daughter of the late Ed and Lillie (Dotson) Davis, Nellie was born August 2, 1920 in Bidwell, Ohio and she attended Paint Creek Baptist Church.

Nellie is survived by seven children: Althea Howard, Gallipolis; Peggy (Lee) Combs, Rutland, Ohio; Patty (Robert) Armstrong, Crown City, Ohio; Marica (David) Stroud, Bidwell; Freddie (Judy) Howard, Bidwell; Edward (Winnie) Howard and Charles (Yolanda) Howard, both of Gallipolis; sister, Sarah Lay, Columbus, Ohio as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.

In addition to her parents, Nellie was preceded in death by her husbands, James O. Howard and Chester M. Young; son, James A. Howard; two sisters and two brothers.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 PM Wednesday, October 1, 2014 in the Triedstone Baptist Church, Gallipolis with Rev. Melvin O. Freeman officiating. Burial will follow in the Ohio Valley Memory Gardens, Gallipolis. Friends and family may call at the church Wednesday 12:00 Noon to the time of service. .

Condolences may be sent to www.mccoymoore.com

Jerry Leon Massie, 70, of Gallipolis, passed away at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at his Second Ave. residence. Born November 1, 1943 in Thevenir Community of Gallia County, he was the son of the late Robert H. “Jack” and Hazel Louella Randolph Massie. Jerry was a member of the Central Christian Church and a graduate of the Holzer School of Nursing. He was an ordained minister for over 40 years during that time he pastored the Valley Freewill Baptist Church, Addison Freewill Baptist, Kings Chapel Church and Also Elizabeth Chapel Church and various other Churches when called upon. He and his wife Marilyn were also the co-owners and publishers of the Tidbits Publications for Gallia, Jackson Vinton, and Meigs Counties in Ohio and Mason County in West Virginia which will continue in his memory. Jerry was a retired Pharmacy Technician from the Holzer Medical Center.

Jerry is survived by his wife Marilyn Maxwell Massie, whom he married on August 14, 1995 in the Smokey Mountains, of Tennessee. His children, Phillip (Celeste Harrington) Massie, of Gallipolis, David L. (Diana Harless) Blacklick, Ohio, and Elizabeth Ann. Massie, of Patriot, step-children, Jeremy Skidmore, and Lori Skidmore, both of Gallipolis, sixteen grandchildren survive with one more on the way, four great-grandchildren, two sisters, Emogene Kingery, and Rachel Saunders, both of Gallipolis. Five brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends also survive.

In addition to his parents Jerry is preceded in death by a sister Clara Belle Beaver.

A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2014 in the Central Christian Church, 109 Garfield Avenue in Gallipolis, Ohio. Officiating will be Pastorr Derek Stump . In keeping with Jerry’s request there are no calling hours. The Cremeens Funeral Chapel is entrusted with Jerry’s finial arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.cremeensfuneralhomes.com

Jack Owens, 69, of Gallipolis, went to be with the Lord Sunday, September 28, 2014 at his residence, following a hard fought battle with cancer.

Jack was born February 28, 1945, a son to the late Taulby and Lola (Moore) Owens of Patriot, Ohio. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, John Owens, Odell Whitaker and Lamar Whitaker. Jack was a retired maintenance supervisor from the Meigs Mine No. 2, after 28 years of service.

Jack is survived by wife, Shelba “Layne” Owens; daughter, Jacqueline Owens and son, Kenneth (Lori) Owens; two grandsons, Caleb and Luke Owens, all of Gallipolis; two sisters, Virginia Owens of Patriot and Carol (Les) Mathias of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and one brother, Robert (Erlene) Owens of Texas.

Jack will forever be remembered as a loving husband, dedicated father, and “Papa Jack” to his grandsons that lit up his world.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Holzer Hospice Care.

Services will be held at Willis Funeral Home in Gallipolis with Pastor Rick Barcus officiating. Calling hours will be Thursday, October 2, 2014 from 4-8 p.m. with the funeral service being held on Friday, October 3, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be at Salem Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a memorial fund at Ohio Valley Bank to help with final expenses and medical bills. This fund may be accessed at any OVB branch

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.

Betty Arlene Spaun, 57, Cheshire, Ohio passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at Holzer Medical Center, Gallipolis, Ohio. Born August 25, 1957 at Buckingham, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Cecil Young, Minnie (Gibson) Young Mollohan and William Mollohan. A graduate of Kyger Creek High School, she was employed as a custodian at Gallipolis Developmental Center. She married Robert Spaun August 16, 1986, who survives.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by six children: Tina (Jamie) Bush, Middleport, Ohio; Travis (Jessica) Spaun, Cheshire; Cory (Sara) Spaun, Wellston, Ohio; Lacey Young, Middleport; Cody Spaun and Cayla Spaun, both of Gallipolis, Ohio; eight grandchildren: Dillon and Dalton Bush, Riley and Gage Spaun, Lilly and Jase Spaun and Cayden and Presley Young. Also surviving are her brothers: Jerry Young, Newport, North Carolina; Bruce (Wanda) Young, Stella, North Carolina and Tom Young, Addison, Ohio; sisters: Christine (Damon) Morgan, Point Pleasant, West Virginia and Colleen Riggs, Huntington, West Virginia; lifelong special friends, Connie Montgomery, Gallipolis and Tina Justus, Vinton, Ohio as well as several nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Marlene Mollohan.

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 PM Saturday, October 4, 2014 in the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis with Rev. Jon Mollohan officiating. Private cremation will follow in accordance with Betty’s wishes. Friends and family may call at the funeral home 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Saturday.

Condolences may be sent to www.mccoymoore.com

F. Keith Moore, age 75 of Paducah, Kentucky passed away in the loving arms of his wife at 2:42 PM. on Thursday October 2, 2014 at Parkview Rehab Center.

Keith was born on January 26, 1939 in Mason, West Virginia, moving shortly afterward to Gallipolis, Ohio. He was a proud alumni of Gallia Academy High School, class of 1957, where he played football for the Gallipolis Blue Devils for four years. He was a former Bookkeeper and member of the audit team with A&P for 21 years and a Contract

Management Director of hospitals for 25 years in Madison, KY, Dayton, OH, Louisville, KY and retired from Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, KY in 2001. He worked part time after retiring from Baptist with Nabisco for 9 years servicing several grocery stores in the Paducah and Benton area. He was a member of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, a Kentucky Colonel, a volunteer at Graves County Animal Shelter, a former Scout Leader with Troop 200 in Gallipolis, and a former Board of Director of Mt. Healthy Christian Retirement Village in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Keith is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Anita, one son, Jason and wife Cassie, one daughter, Cheryl Harper, three grandchildren, Hudson Keith and Harper Moore of Henderson, Kentucky, Sean Harper of Huntington, WV, and one special niece, Brenda Belville of San Antonio, Texas, sister in-law, Beverlee (Jeff) Haskins of Gallipolis, Ohio, several nieces, nephews, and a Godson, Trent Davis.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Iceyl Moore, one sister, Helen Moore Belville, and one brother, Steve Moore.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:30 PM. on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home in Gallipolis, Ohio. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM. on Monday October 6, 2014 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home with Pastor Eugene Harmon officiating. Friends may also call at the funeral home on Monday from Noon until the time of service. Burial will follow the service in the Gilmore Cemetery in Meigs County, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Graves County Animal Shelter, 500 N. 12th Street, Mayfield, KY. 42066, in Keith’s name.

An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com

James W. “Jim” Saunders, 84, of Gallipolis, passed away at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2014, in the Elliott’s Medical Foster Home, in Guysville, Ohio. Born October 7, 1929 in Gallipolis, he was the son of the Late Walter Earl and Stella Smith Saunders.

In Jim’s early years he served his country in the United States Air Force, during the Korean Conflict. After his service time Jim did many things in his life, he was a patrolman with the Gallipolis Police Department, worked as an Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (A.T.F.) agent in Virginia and also in Kentucky, elected Gallia County Sheriff in 1972, served as an veteran service officer for Gallia County, served as a coal company pilot, was the manager of the Gallia-Meigs Regional Airport, and retired from the Gallipolis Volunteer Fire Department. Jim was a member of the Gallipolis American Legion Post #27, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post # 4464, and a member of the Disabled American Veterans, he also enjoyed serving on the Gallia County Veterans Services Funeral Detail Team.

He is survived by his children, Duston (Joanne) Saunders, of Highland Mills, NY., Penny (Bill) Burleson, of Gallipolis, Debby (Michael) Simmons, of Gallipolis, James W. “Jim” (Lynn) Saunders, II, of Browns Burg, Indiana, Colin (Tracy) Saunders, of Gallipolis, LuEllen Scouten, of Gallipolis, and Jamie (Danny) Mullane, of Louisville, Kentucky. Ten grandchildren, Esther (Tim) Staufer, Bethany Simmons, Joshua (Samantha) Simmons, Miranda (Matt) Townsend, Will (Kendra) Burleson, Hannah (Ryan) Burnett, Sarah Burleson, Jamie Lynn (Drew) Varvel, Andrew Scouten, and Kyle (Adrienne) Scouten, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one sister, Jean Pullins, of Gallipolis, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends also survive.

In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by a sister, Earlene Saunders.

A memorial service will be conducted Friday, October 10, 2014 at 11:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Gallipolis. With Pastor Bob Hood officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the Gallia County Veterans Services Funeral Detail Team. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.cremeensfuneralhomes.com

James Aaron Woodall, 54, of Gallipolis, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at his residence.

He was born on September 24, 1960 in Mason County, West Virginia, son of the late Frank E. and Evelyn Virginia Burnette Woodall.

Surviving is a son, Christopher Todd (Katelyn) Woodall of Proctorville, Ohio; two sisters, Tamara Darlene (Terry) Groves of Vinton and Joyce Marie (Mark) Banks of Pt. Pleasant; a brother, Jerrod Matthew (Aimee) Woodall of Gallipolis; two sisters-in-law, Sally Woodall of Pt. Pleasant and Louise Woodall of Gallipolis; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, David L. Woodall, Charles Joseph Woodall, Frankie Woodall, Mark Anthony Woodall, Howard Stephen Woodall, John Paul Woodall, and a sister, Crystal Ann Clary.

Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 10, 2014 at Mound Hill Cemetery with Pastor Joe Woodall officiating. Willis Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.

Michael Roger Sanders, 60, of Columbus, originally of Gallipolis, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at his residence

He was born August 23, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, son of the late Ray Richard Sanders and Martha McElroy Sanders who survives him. Michael was a 1972 Gallia Academy High School graduate and a warehouse manager.

Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Abbie and Steven Zeppetella, two adopted daughters, Angi Orders and Aimee Ammon, all of Westerville; one granddaughter, Olivia Grace Zeppetella; his mother, Martha Sanders of Columbus; and one brother, Richard (Laura) Sanders of Hilliard.

In addition to his father, he was preceded by his sister, Nancy Sanders.

Services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 2014 at the Willis Funeral Home, Gallipolis, Ohio with Pastor Richard Unroe officiating. Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service on Saturday.

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.

Jesse L. Dunaway Sr., 65, of Vinton, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2014 at his residence.

He was born December 19, 1948 in Estil County, Kentucky, son of the late Edward and Gracie Woosley Dunaway. Jesse married Linda M. Tackett and she survives him. He enjoyed playing all instruments, singing with the Coal Valley Ramblers, and enjoyed fishing. Jesse was a retired heavy equipment operator for Waterloo Coal Company.

Surviving are his wife, Linda M. Dunaway of Vinton; three sons, Jeffery (Lenora) Dunaway of Vinton, Jesse (Julie) Dunaway Jr. of Chillicothe, Anthony Eugene (April) Dunaway of Vinton; three daughters, Jennifer Buck of Gallipolis, Jeannine (Pete) Brunton of Thurman, and Wanda May Dunaway of Vinton; 21 grandchildren; and 25 great grandchildren.

Burial services were private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jesse’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.

Bessie Viola Abshire, 68, of Gallipolis, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at Holzer Medical Center.

She was born January 1, 1946 in Gallia County, Ohio, daughter of the late Allon “Buck” Swisher and Jesta George Swisher. Bessie was married to Clinton Abshire on August 7, 1982 in Gallipolis and he survives her. She was a 1964 Kyger Creek High School graduate. Bessie enjoyed her family.

Surviving are her daughter, Tina Bryant of Gallipolis; a son, Charles (Debbie) Vogel of Temperance, Michigan; three stepchildren, Angela (Doug)

Halfhill of Cheshire, Phillip Abshire of Richmond, Virginia, Duane (Melissa) Abshire of Pomeroy; 7 grandchildren, Jake, Shannon, Dallas, Louie, Savannah, Molly, and Wyatt; 4 great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Taylor, Josie, Landon; 2 brothers, John (Meda) Swisher of Columbus and Jim Swisher of Gallipolis; a sister, Barbara Plants of Pt. Pleasant, West Virginia; and a sister-in-law, Mary Swisher of Gallipolis.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son Chris Vogel, a brother Delbert Swisher and a sister Linda Swisher.

Services will be at the convenience of the family. Willis Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.

Ruby Jean Delorius Weddington, 80, Vinton, Ohio, passed away at Holzer Senior Care Thursday on October 16, 2014. She was born on March 26, 1934, in Pike County, Kentucky, daughter of the late Buford and Lessie Marie Preston May. She was a member of the Harris Baptist Church, Bidwell, Ohio.

Ruby married Thomas J. Weddington on July 16, 1954, at Williamson, West Virginia and he preceded her death on February 11, 2010.

Ruby is survived by a son, Keith Weddington, Vinton, Ohio and a daughter, Verna (John) Denney, Bidwell, Ohio; three grandchildren: Marie Denney, Bidwell, Ohio, Jared (Meghan) Denney, Gallipolis, Ohio, and Mandy (Matt) Eversole, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; two great-grandchildren, Penelope Eversole and Ace Denney; one sister, Lessie (Tommy) Huff, London, Kentucky, and brothers: Ray (Loretta) May, Limestone, Tennessee, Bob (Phyllis) May, Columbus, Ohio and Jay May, Appling, Georgia.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruby was preceded in death by four sisters: Mary Ellen Parson, Lilly Bowe May, Patsy Ruth May, and Vernie Tillie May; brother-in-law, Gene Parson; and sister-in-law, Martha May.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M., Sunday, October 19, 2014, at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel with Rev. Heath Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow at the Denney Family Cemetery in Bidwell, Ohio. Friends may call at the Funeral Home on Saturday, 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Condolences may be sent to www.mccoymoore.com

Dakota Blake Yester, 17, of Mercerville, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at 7:35 p.m. at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Huntington, West Virginia of a brain aneurysm.

He was born August 21, 1997 to Amanda Smith, who survives, and the late Joshua Yester. Dakota was an organ donor. He was a junior at Gallia Academy High School. His interests included the Marines, music, playing drums, playing play station, leading the G-force (GAHS student football fan section). Dakota enjoyed meeting and talking to new people. He wanted to join the Marines and concentrate on psychology. He especially enjoyed hanging with special friends, Noah Sias, Dustin Wamsley and Samuel Payne. Dakota loved his white BMW, his nickname Albino and the color purple. His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16.

Surviving are his parents, Amanda Smith and Justin Roach of Mercerville, Ohio; his sibling, Bishop Yester of Mercerville; maternal grandparents, David and Anita Smith of Gallipolis; paternal grandparents, Alvin and Sheila Yester of Rio Grande; maternal great grandmothers, Dorothy Haner of Gallipolis and Patsy Smith of St. Helen, Michigan; paternal great grandmother, Joyce Blanton of Rio Grande; great aunts and uncles, Danny Smith, Cindy (Jerry) Harrison, Linda (Mike) Plymale, Deanna (Randy) Syrus and Tammy Haner; special uncle, Dylan Smith; aunts and uncles, Tanya Haner, Ryan Cisco, Holly Haner, Zach Haner; special friends Noah Sias, Dustin Wamsley, Samuel Payne; and several other friends from Gallia Academy.

Dakota was preceded in death by his father Joshua Yester, a great uncle Mark Haner, maternal great grandfathers Kenneth Haner and Henry Smith, paternal great grandparents Erskine Blanton, Albert and Thelma Yester and uncles Justin Smith and Jeffrey Fulkerson.

Services will be 1:30 p.m., Sunday, October 19, 2014 at the Gallia Academy High School Auditorium with Pastor Mark Jackson officiating. Burial will follow in Centenary Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gallia Academy High School Auditorium on Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 1-5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Dakota’s Memorial Account at Ohio Valley Bank.

Willis Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Joe Dobbins, Jr., 80, Bidwell, Ohio passed away Thursday, October 16, 2014, at Holzer Medical Center. He was born November 12, 1933, son of the late Joseph Franklin Dobbins Sr. and Mary Catherine Dobbins. He owned and operated Joe’s Foreign Car Service of Porter and attended Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, Gallipolis, Ohio.

Joe is survived by his wife Frances Thompson Dobbins, a son, Danny (Monica) Dobbins and a daughter, Pat (Greg) Davison both of Bidwell, Ohio; ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; brothers, Darrell (Sylvia) Dobbins, Christmas, Florida and David (Nancy) Dobbins, Bidwell, Ohio; and sister Joanne Hager, Columbus, Ohio.

In addition to Joe’s parents he was preceded in death by two sons; Leonard Dobbins, Phillip Dobbins; grandson, Jeremy Dobbins; and three sisters, Wilma Jean Thomas, Ella Belle Wheeler, and Nanita Carpenter.

In accordance with Joe’s wishes cremation services will be conducted by The McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel. Memorial Services will be announced at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to www.mccoymoore.com

Herbert L. Bush, 90 of Gallipolis, passed away on October 17, 2014 as a result of pneumonia.

Herbert was born August 31, 1924 in Mason Co. WV, the son of the late William M. and Velma Johnson Bush. He attended Wahama High School prior to joining the U.S. Navy on May 20, 1943. He served in the South Pacific Islands on the USS Bennington as an aviation electrician’s mate, and received his honorable discharge on March 22, 1946.

He began his lifelong and highly successful career in the restaurant business on May 10, 1946, when he and Bob Evans opened the Steak House on Eastern Ave. It had 12 stools, and they cut and processed all of their own meats. They opened the first Drive In, in Gallipolis in 1947 and both expanded and grew in popularity across the states over the next several years. 1961 brought the 600th Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise to the Drive In, and it was presented to Herb and Bob by “The Colonel” Harland Sanders in person. Herb eventually became Bob Evans Farms Division Manager prior to his retirement in 1978.

He was an active supporter in many ways of the Gallipolis community. He was a member of the Gallipolis Rotary and Gallipolis Chamber of Commerce, for which he served as President from 1960 – 1961. He was also a member of the Elks, and a supporter of schools and youth activities. He was a devoted member of the Church of Christ, where he served as a Deacon.

Herb met his beloved wife, Pauline Johnson Bush, while working at the Steak House, where she was employed as a waitress. They were married October 5, 1946 in Meigs County, Ohio. She preceded him in death on August 7, 2012.

He is survived by their 3 children: James L. (Carolyn) Bush of Massillon, Ohio, Brenda Bush Shrader of Gallipolis and Tami (Dave) Bush Buckley of Bartlett, Tennessee.

He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, James (Holly) Bush II, Kelly (Mike) Hartsfield, Andrew Buckley, Chris (Sara) Buckley and Josh (Josi) Buckley; great grandchildren, Bryson and Kendall Hartsfield and Grayson and Sawyer Buckley; two brothers, Leonard and Alfred Bush; one sister, Marjorie Neal and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William M. and Velma Johnson Bush and two brothers, William and Charles Bush.

Services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 20, 2014 at Willis Funeral Home with Evangelist Tim Gainer officiating. Entombment will follow at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens, Chapel of Hope Mausoleum. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, October 19, 2014 from 5-7 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Bush, Andrew Buckley, Christopher Buckley, Josh Buckley, Steve Evans, and Jim Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be Dwayne Jolley and Roy R. Spurling.

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.

Gary S. Riffle, 59, Gallipolis, Ohio passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at his residence. Born May 7, 1955 at Dayton, Ohio he is the son of Hilda (Russell) Riffle, Gallipolis and the late Cecil Perry Riffle.

In addition to his mother, Gary is survived by daughter, Nicole (Kyle) Harris, Cape Canaveral, Florida; brothers: Herbert Miller, Gallipolis and Anthony (Dee) Riffle, Cibolo, Texas and the love of his life, Marlene King, Gallipolis.

Funeral services will be conducted 12:00 Noon Tuesday, October 21, 2014 in the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis. Burial will follow in Centenary Cemetery, Gallipolis. Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday 11:00 to Noon.

Condolences may be sent to www.mccoymoore.com

Maggie Lynn Fitch, daughter of Jim and Rebekah Lynn Fitch, Langsville, Ohio, passed away in Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio early Saturday morning, October 18, 2014. Maggie was born April 9, 2013 in Columbus, Ohio and she was a happy child whose smile brought great joy to everyone’s life she touched.

In addition to her parents she is survived by brothers Trevor and Brady Smith of Langsville; paternal grandparents, Jim and Gail Fitch, Cheshire, Ohio and maternal grandparents, John and Linda Smith, Langsville; paternal great-grandparents, Jim Pierce, Langsville and Dottie Jones, Pomeroy, Ohio; aunt Ashley Fitch, Cheshire and uncles, Brent (Samantha) Smith, Pomeroy and Stephen Smith, Columbus, Ohio.

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 PM Thursday, October 23, 2014 in the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, 420 First Avenue, Gallipolis, Ohio with Pastor Mark Morrow. Burial will follow in the Danville Cemetery, Danville, Ohio. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday, October 22 5:00–8:00 P.M.

Condolences may be sent to www.mccoymoore.com

Shirley Ann Stiffler, 67, Thurman, Ohio, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2014, at Holzer Medical Center. She was born December 29, 1946, the daughter of the late Okie and Rubel Hamilton Kent. Shirley attended Vinton Baptist Church and the Little Flock Old Regular Baptist Church, Ray, Ohio. She was a 1992 Graduate of The University of Rio Grande School of Nursing and retired April 30, 2010, from the Veteran’s Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia.

Shirley is survived by five sons: Ronald (Debby) Mandeville, Oak Grove, Louisiana, Russell A. (Jayne Campbell) Mandeville, Vinton, Ohio, Randy (Rose) Mandeville, Jackson, Ohio, Kristopher (Chastity) Mandeville, Thurman, Ohio, and Norman (Melanie) Mandeville, Crown City, Ohio; thirteen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; three sisters: Myra (Johnny) Shepherd, Lovel (Ben) Clay, both of Thurman, Ohio, and Brenda (Michael) Fortner, Oak Hill, Ohio; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by a grandson Noah, a brother Robert, and a sister Gloria.

Funeral services will be conducted 12:00 Noon, Thursday, October 23, 2014, at The Little Pearl Old Regular Baptist Church, Mount Tabor Road, Vinton, Ohio with Brother Mike Fortner and Brother Hank Forgey officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Tabor Cemetery, Vinton, Ohio. Friends may call at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel, Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M..

Condolences may be sent to www.mccoymoore.com