The Cincinnati Red’s lost one of their biggest fans in Elnora Louise “Weezy” Gilmore, 88, of Pomeroy, who passed away at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the Overbrook Rehabilitation Center in Middleport. Born December 21, 1926 in Meigs County she was the daughter of the late Elza and Nora Sheppard Gilmore, Sr. Weezy was a graduate of the Pomeroy High School Class of 1945 and a member of the Pomeroy Church of Christ. She was a former Employee of the A&P Tea Co. having retired after 30 years of service. She was also an ardent Reds fan having followed them since she was 12 years old.

Weezy is survived by a niece Phyllis Kapple, of Pomeroy, and nephews and their wives, Joe and Linda Gilmore, of Walworth, Wisconsin, Rick and Debbie Gilmore, Reedsville, Oh., Roger and Mary Gilmore, of Pomeroy, and Mike and Debi Gilmore, of Rutland. Great-nieces and great- nephews, Shannon Berry and family, of Oceanside, California, Kasey Burton of family, Walworth, Wis., Robin Bergman and family, of Madison, Wis., Barry Gilmore and Family, Janesville, Wis., Darby Gilmore, of Nashville, Tennessee, Brandee Fowler and family, Pomeroy, Ohio., Brianna Cremeens and family, of Bidwell, and Justin Gilmore and family, of Rutland also survive.

In addition to her parents, Weezy is preceded in death by a brother, Elza Gilmore Jr., and his wife Evelyn, a sister, Marjorie Kapple and her husband Denver, and a nephew Denny Kapple.

“The Last of the Ninth for Me”

“The doctor Knows what his trained eyes see, and he says it is the last of the ninth for me; one more swing while the clouds loom dark, and then I must leave this noisy park. “Twas a glorious game from the opening bell – Good plays, bad plays and thrills pell-mell; The speed of it burned in my years away, But I thank my God that He let me Play!” —– William K. Kirk, columnist and author

A graveside service will be conducted at the convenience of the family in the Beach Grove Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. The Cremeens-King Funeral Home of Pomeroy is entrusted with Weezy’s final arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.cremeensking.com

Okey Ray Meadows, 72, of Pomeroy, passed away at 12:12 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2015 at the Holzer Medical Center in Gallipolis. Born September 8, 1942 in Baltimore Maryland he was the son of the late Denver Charles and the late Dorothy Oiler Meadows. He was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the U.S. Navy and also served on the Apollo 13 Recovery Team. He was a former Chief Engineer for the American Electric Power Riverboat Operations having retired after 30 years of service. Okey loved to spend time with of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and especially loved to laugh and tell jokes.

Okey is survived by his wife, Sharon Wolfe Meadows, whom he married on November 15, 1978, in Racine, his children, Youlanda Meadows, of Ronceverte, WV., Kevin (Angel) Meadows, of Langsville, Oh., Rachel (Dexter) Davis, of Dayton, Virginia, Sonja (Brian) Thornton, of Long Bottom, Oh., Anthony Webb, of Covington, VA., and Donna (Wayne) Waugh, of Crown City, fifteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, with another one on the way. Brothers and sisters, Rose (Jr.) Johnson, Jewel Holmes (Adolf), Siretta (Kevin) Hornyak, Troy (Donna) Meadows, Sue (Bob) Holmes, Princess (Moe) Belden, Delaford Meadows, and Dove (Gary) Keeley, numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
In addition to his parents, Okey is preceded in death by his children, Russell Meadows, Nancy Leigh Meadows, Patrick Steele, Kevin Fink, and Roy Lee Armstrong, his former wife, Dorothy Meadows, a sister, Jean Beaver, and brothers, Chuck, Edward, and Dale Meadows.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2015 in the Cremeens Funeral Home, Racine with Rev. Jim Kesee and Todd Wolfe officiating. Interment will be in the Letart Falls Cemetery with full military honors provided by Racine American Legion Post # 602, Middleport American Legion Post # 128, and the Tuppers Plains Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9053. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.cremeensfuneralhomes.com

Ervin McCoy, 70, Vinton, Ohio was born December 4, 1944 in McAndrews, Kentucky to the late Phillip and Virginia McCoy. He took his last breath March 14, 2015 at the James Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio surrounded by his loving family. He was a graduate of Belfry High School in 1963. He attended Rio Grande College and worked at the Bob Evans Drive Inn. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Peggy (Maggard) October 31, 1964. They moved to Columbus, Ohio where Ervin provided for his family as a machinist for over 42 years. He worked jobs at Capital Manufacturing, Rimrock Corporations, and he ended his career of over 28 years at Sterling Automatic in Carroll, Ohio and living there in Carroll as well.

Ervin being a Christian put God first in his life. He attended Pickerington Freewill Baptist Church, Greencastle Community Bible Church in Lithopolis, Ohio and currently is a member of Faith Baptist Church of Rodney, Ohio. Ervin loved the days God gave him. He never compromised his beliefs and was granted time to enjoy hunting, fishing, old cars, his dogs and animals, the Kentucky Wildcats Men’s Basketball team, the Atlanta Braves, the Baltimore Colts, playing sports with his kids and grandchildren, eating at “Peggy’s Diner” where he ordered and got any of his favorite foods, and he enjoyed just being with his family and friends.

He cherished those he left behind as they did him: His wife of 50 years, Peggy and his children Duane McCoy of Columbus Ohio, Kelly McCoy of Bidwell Ohio and Kimberly (Dana Paul) Furman of Lancaster, California. He was big brother and protector of Orethal (Richard) Calhoun of Carroll, Ohio and Revetta (Mike) Hunter of McAndrews, Kentucky. He adored and cherished his grandchildren and they have many precious memories of their “Papa.” They are Kelsey McCoy and Tyler May and Rachel, Rebekah, and Samuel Furman. He has one great grandchild, Brandon Phillip McCoy. Ervin was loved by many and those who are grieving are his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews as well as anyone who met him and proudly called him friend.

Glory and praise be to God. Ervin fought the good fight, kept the faith, finished his race and received his crown. Christ told him, ‘Well done good and faithful servant, enter into my rest’. He now waits for us with the others. We do not mourn as those who have no hope but we mourn none the less. Ervin’s last words were a prayer, “Thank you Lord for this day. I want you to receive the glory and praise for everything Amen.”

Funeral services will be conducted 12:00 Noon Wednesday, March 18, 2015 in the Faith Baptist Church, 3615 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis (Rodney area) with Rev. Jim Lusher, officiating. Burial will follow in the Vinton Memorial Park. Friends and family may call Tuesday, March 17, 2015 in the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, 420 First Ave, Gallipolis from 5:00-8:00 PM.

Condolences may be sent to www.mccoymoore.com

Jeremiah Hugh Harkins, 33, Jackson, Ohio, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2015. Graveside services will be held at 12:00 noon, Friday, March 20, 2015, at Brush Cemetery, Vinton, Ohio. Friends may call at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel from 11:00-12:00 on Friday.

Condolences can be sent to www.mccoymoore.com

Nila Mae Queen Lear, 90, of Circleville, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Logan Elm Health Care, Circleville, Ohio, surrounded by her loved ones.

Heaven gained another “Irish Angel”, as her family and friends will know.

She was born May 12, 1924 at Yates Crossing, West Virginia, daughter of the late James A. and Nancy Malissa Duty Queen. Her family moved from West Virginia to Gallia County, Ohio following the purchase of an old apple orchard, “where money grew on trees”. Nila was married to Haskell H. Lear on November 22, 1946 in Greenup, Kentucky. She was a homemaker and lovingly raised her family, making many sacrifices for them. In addition to her parents, 11 brothers and sisters, 7 half brothers and sisters, and her husband Haskell Lear, preceded her in death.

She loved Country Music (OCWMA), she was instrumental in the development of the organization. Nila served as a Berger Hospital Volunteer until her health failed.

Surviving are her children, Ricky “Rick” L. (Shirley Garrison) Lear of Circleville and Rita Sue (Keith) Huston of Clarksburg; six grandchildren, Jeffrey R. (Beth) Lear, Scott G. (Marie) Lear, Kevin K. (Amy) Huston, Sarah (Josh) Delany, Melissa (Robert) Prior, and Jessica L. Lear; eight great grandchildren, Austin Lear, Allison Lear, Alivia Lear, Halley Lear, Kerrington Lear, Andrew J. Prior, Garrett Huston, Addison Huston; a sister, Nola Edith Jenkins of Jackson; numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 19, 2015 at the Willis Funeral Home with Chaplain Jim Ferrell officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 from 5-7:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be family members

The family request donations be made to Berger Hospice, 1170 North Court St., Suite B, Circleville, OH 43113.

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

Phyllis Stidham of Gallipolis went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 16, 2015. Born July 3, 1935, in Gallipolis, Phyllis was the oldest daughter of the late Morton and Elma Caldwell. Phyllis was a devoted wife to her husband Dan Stidham for 63 ½ years. She was a loving and hard-working homemaker that raised 5 children. She especially valued her earthly time with her husband, children, grandchildren and her great-grandchildren who will greatly miss her. Now she will joyously spend eternity with our Lord. She was a member of the Cheshire Baptist Church.

Despite declining health in recent years, she always maintained her great sense of humor. Since her husband Dan was an avid knife-maker and dealer, she quickly learned the knife trade in her golden years and accompanied Dan to numerous knife shows and flea markets. She also enjoyed watching sports, especially Kentucky basketball.

Phyllis is survived by her husband Dan Stidham; her children, Connie (Chuck) Bradbury, Becky (Kenny) Brown, Joe (Sheila) Stidham, Jan (Bill) Moffat, and Carol (Santos Villarreal) Hudson. Additionally, Phyllis is survived by her grandchildren: Kari (Doug Peck) Brown, Mandy (Mike)Miller, Craig (Jeni) Sanders, Jill (Tyler Marquardt) Sanders, Nick (Andra) Stidham, Ryan (Sara) Stidham and Jamie (Chris) Smith. Phyllis was also blessed by her 10 great-grandchildren: Alexis Polley, Kenya Peck, Kyla and Corey Miller, Case and Olivia Stidham, Alli and Kaylee Stidham, Wilson and Nora Smith. In addition, Phyllis is survived by her brothers and sisters Marion (Carolyn) Caldwell, Earl (Nelda) Caldwell, Mike (Martha) Caldwell, Rita (Tom) Myers, Judy (Larry) Hall, Vicki (Wayne) Elliott, and Cindy (Mark) Cremeans; a sister-in-law, Shelba Lanning and a brother-in-law, Ross Fulks. She was preceded in death by her parents Morton and Elma Caldwell and siblings Farrell Caldwell, Gilbert Caldwell, and Doris Fulks. Additionally, Phyllis will be missed by her church family, many friends, and special friend for over 50 years, Evond Smith.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20 at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Haley and Pastor Craig Sanders officiating. Burial will be at the Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19.

Pallbearers will be Kenny Brown, Chuck Bradbury, Craig Sanders, Nick Stidham, Ryan Stidham, and Randy Crews. Corey Miller and Case Stidham will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.

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

Donald Eugene ‘Donnie’ Sheets, age 60, of Gallipolis, died Saturday morning March 14, 2015 at his residence. Born December 12, 1954 in Gallipolis. He was the son of the late Ivan A. ‘Abie’ Sheets and Nancy Murphy Sheets of Gallipolis. In addition to his father, Donnie is preceded by a sister, Violet J. Sheets.
Donnie was an electrician.

He is survived by his mother, Nancy Sheets of Gallipolis, 2 sons, Gabriel D. (Laura) Davis and his mother, Judy Roher of Virginia Beach, VA., Jamie Wilson and his mother, Gloria Craig of Palmetto, FL., 1 grandson, John Michael Davis of Virginia Beach, 3 brothers, Michael A. (Carolyn) Sheets of Klamath Falls, OR., Keith Sheets of Gallipolis, and Paul H. (Fiancé’, Ruthie Fisher) of Point Pleasant, and his former girlfriend, Brenda Pruitt of Gallipolis along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be 2:00 PM. Saturday March 21, 2015 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home 810 2nd. Ave. Gallipolis, with Pastor Steven Sanderson officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday one hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Donnie’s memory to the American Heart Association.

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

, of Gallipolis, died Saturday morning March 14, 2015 at his residence. Born December 12, 1954 in Gallipolis. He was the son of the late Ivan A. ‘Abie’ Sheets and Nancy Murphy Sheets of Gallipolis. In addition to his father, Donnie is preceded by a sister, Violet J. Sheets.
Donnie was an electrician.

He is survived by his mother, Nancy Sheets of Gallipolis, 2 sons, Gabriel D. (Laura) Davis and his mother, Judy Roher of Virginia Beach, VA., Jamie Wilson and his mother, Gloria Craig of Palmetto, FL., 1 grandson, John Michael Davis of Virginia Beach, 3 brothers, Michael A. (Carolyn) Sheets of Klamath Falls, OR., Keith Sheets of Gallipolis, and Paul H. (Fiancé’, Ruthie Fisher) of Point Pleasant, and his former girlfriend, Brenda Pruitt of Gallipolis along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be 2:00 PM. Saturday March 21, 2015 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home 810 2nd. Ave. Gallipolis, with Pastor Steven Sanderson officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday one hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Donnie’s memory to the American Heart Association.

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

Anna Mae Saxton Perroud, 85, Bidwell, Ohio passed away at Holzer Medical Center Tuesday, March 17, 2015 surrounded by her family. She was born September 18, 1929, Jackson, Ohio, daughter of the late Wilbert and Hattie Dowell Saxton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul L. Perroud whom she married on June 21, 1947. Also, a son “Woody” and three sisters preceded her in death.

Anna Mae is survived by daughters; Paula (Ed) Marr, Canal Winchester, Ohio, and Janice (Mel) Tabor, Gallipolis, Ohio; Grandchildren: Christopher (Eileen) Marr, West Linn, Oregon, Karen Guisinger, Columbus, Ohio, Heather Marr, Columbus, Ohio, Kristen Kerns, Greensboro, North Carolina, Kim (Andrew Burnette) Kerns, Gallipolis, Ohio, Natalie (Jason) Matney, Pickerington, Ohio; and Great-Grandchildren: Megan and AJ Guisinger, Lancaster, Ohio, Isabella, Maxwell and Hattie Matney, Pickerington, Ohio. In addition she is survived by sister, Faye Folden, Orlando, Florida and brother-in-law Ted Perroud, Thurman, Ohio, along with a host of Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel, 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 21, 2015 with Reverend Gail Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Vinton Memorial Park, Vinton, Ohio.

Friends may call on Friday at the Funeral Home from 4:00-8:00 P.M.

In Lieu of flowers please consider donation to Holzer Hospice, 100 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631, or Thurman United Methodist Church, C/O Kay Cooper, 230 High Place, Jackson, Ohio 45640.

Hiram S. Stutes Jr. age 91, of Thurman, left this life behind on Thursday morning March 19, 2015 at the Holzer Assisted Living Community in Gallipolis. Born December 6, 1923 in Blue Rock, Ohio he was the son of the late Hiram S. and Faye Ribble Stutes. In addition to his parents, Hiram was preceded in death by his siblings.

A graduate of Philo High School. On December 5, 1942 he married Maxine Murray, soon after the marriage he served in the 32nd Army Division in the South Pacific and was awarded several bronze stars. He retired from AEP at the Gavin Plant after 40 years of service. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.

Hiram is survived by his wife of 72 years, Maxine Stutes, along with three sons, Rodger (Ms. JP Listick) Stutes of Delray Beach, FL., Jim (Bonnie) Stutes of Gallipolis, and Tom (Patty) Stutes of the Villages, FL. Also surviving are five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM. Sunday March 22, 2015 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home with Bob Powell officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday 1 hour prior to services. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Hope Mausoleum at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Military Funeral Honors will be presented at the Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to either the Alzheimer’s Foundation or to the Grace United Methodist Church, where Hiram and Maxine were long time members.

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

L. Wayne Thompson, 74, of Gallipolis, passed away unexpectedly, at 8:17 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2015 in the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, in Columbus. Born May 27, 1940 in Mason City, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Clark F. Thompson and the late Lula Oldaker Herrmann. He retired from being a heavy equipment operator for the Walton Contracting Company of Walton, Kentucky. He was a very loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Wayne is survived by his wife Judy Halfhill Thompson, whom he married on October 16, 1965 in Meigs County. Unto this union was born, Tammy (Rick) Perkins, Susan (John) McCoy, Bub Thompson, and Racheal (Michael) Shato. Six grandchildren, Jessie (Myles) French, Charles (Stacy) Cox, Walker Shapland, Kaila (Dustin), Jacob Cos, and Jack Shapland, five beautiful great-grandchildren, Blake, Kali, Wyatt, Adalynn, and Baby James, three sisters, Joan Edwards, Ruth Chiles, Marilyn Halfhill, on brother, Rev. Mike Thompson, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, Wayne is preceded in death by his step-father, Ron Herrmann, a brother Dave Thompson, and a brother and sister in infancy, two sons-in-law. Monty Shapland, and Jim Denney.

In keeping with Wayne’s wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral services. Interment will be in the Campaign Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The Cremeens Funeral Home, of Gallipolis has been entrusted with Wayne’s finial arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.cremeensfuneralhomes.com

Marguerite F. Winters, 97, Gallipolis, Ohio died Friday, March 20, 2015 at her residence. She was born August 9, 1917, the youngest of four children born to Dallas and Lucy Grover Frederick. She married Earl T. Winters, Jr. October 1, 1936. She attended Bidwell Porter Elementary School, Raccoon Township High School and Rio Grande College. She was a homemaker and helpmate to her husband in their operation of Winters Sohio Service for over 40 years until their retirement. She was a member of French Colony NADAR, Gallia County Historical Society and Verse Writers of Ohio. Her poetry writings reflected her love of nature and the rewards of simple rural living.

She is survived by son, Earl D. (Kay) Winters, Allentown, Pennsylvania; granddaughter: Linda (Jason) Taback and great-grandsons: Oliver and Nelson Taback of El Segundo, California; daughter, Margaret E. Rosales, Bentonville, Arkansas; grandson, Mark M. (Jennifer) Rosales; great-grandson, Gabriel Rosales and great-granddaughter, Makayla Rosales, Lacey, Washington; grandson, Michael R. (Heather) Rosales, Sr.; great-grandson, Michael Rosales, Jr. and great-granddaughter, Morgan Rosales, all of Bentonville, Arkansas; son, Donald L. Winters, Gallipolis and grandson, Ryan Mitchell Winters, Romeoville, Illinois .

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Eva Thaxton and Caribel Burke and brother, Carl Frederick.

Funeral services will be conducted 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 24, 2015 in the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis with Pastor Joseph Godwin officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Monday 5:00-8:00 PM.

Condolences may be sent to www.mccoymoore.com

Anna Haskins Burke, 88, of Gallipolis, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at Arbors at Gallipolis.

She was born February 22, 1927 in Gallipolis, daughter of the late Harold “Doc” and Beulah Cherrington Haskins. Anna married Frankie L. Burke on February 2, 1952 and he preceded her in death on January 26, 2013.

Anna graduated from Gallia Academy High School in 1945 and Rio Grande College in 1947. She was employed by the Gallipolis City Schools where she proudly served and touched the lives of 1st grade students at Washington Elementary for 32 years. Though she had no biological children of her own, she was honored to say she had taught about 1000 children during her career.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gallipolis, as well as the Betty Stam Sunday School Class, Gallia County Senior Citizens and the Gallipolis Chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers. In later years she loved to travel with a dear group of friends – John and Wanda Burlile, Howard and Ruth Thivener and Cliff and Jean Wilson. She was known for deep love of her family and her selfless acts of kindness.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother and his wife, Paul (Bud) and Joan Haskins, and her sister and very best friend, Jean Haskins Martin.

Surviving are a brother and sisters-in-law, John and Jane Milhoan of Gallipolis, Mary Burke of Rutland; nieces and nephews, Kathy Nagy, Vicki (Norm) Swindler and Dixie (Jeff) Golden, all of Gallipolis, Richard (Terri) Haskins of Meigs County, and Chris (Pat) Dougherty of New Albany, Indiana, Lavonne Burke Jeffers of Springboro, Ohio, Mike Burke of Rutland, Connie Day and Nancy Miller of California, Richard Burke of Virginia, Carolyn Urlasewich of Florida and Barbara Blevins; “Grandchildren”, Bob and Debbie Pegg, Bill and Alena Pegg with David, Brian and Adam, Amber Bartrum with Tianna and Colton, Nathan and Jencie Swindler, Brittany Morton with Riley and Kash, Alicia and Gavin Logsdon with Landry Kate and Jeffrey and Jared Golden; and special friends, Jerry and Ruth Ann Evans, and the loving staff and family of the 2nd floor of the Arbors.

Services will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at the Willis Funeral Home with Chaplain Bob Hood and Pastor Alvis Pollard officiating. Burial will follow in Centenary Cemetery. Friends may call prior to the service on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Betty Stam Sunday School Class in c/o of First Baptist Church, 1100 Fourth Avenue, Gallipolis, OH 45631 or the Arbors Activity Fund, c/o Whitney Burgess, 170 Pinecrest Drive, Gallipolis, OH 45631.

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

Kimberly Louise Kirk, 28, of Gallipolis, passed away at 1:30 a.m. in the Arbors at Gallipois. Born March 14, 1987 she was the daughter of William Franklin “Frank” and Patricia Louise Hall Kirk, Jr., whom survive in Gallipolis.

In addition to her parents she is survived by a son, Jason Smith and a daughter, a special friend and father of her children, Jamie Smith, of Ashton, WV., a brother, Daniel (Angela) Hall, of Sheffield Lake, Oh., four sisters, Nancy Blackburn, of Gallipolis, Bessie Kirk, of Sarasota, Fl., Susan Kirk, of Bidwell, Frances Kirk, of Jackson. Aunts and Uncles, Russell (Paula) Hall, Clyde and Phyllis Kirk Hall, Dennis (Feather) Hall, Denise O’Brien, Randel (Diana) Kirk, Linda Haney, and Debbie (Randy) Jordan, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, also survive.

She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, William Franklin and Bessie Kirk, Sr., maternal grandparents, Clyde and Nancy Hall.

A memorial service will be conducted at the convenience of the family. The Cremeens Funeral Home, Gallipolis has been entrusted with Kimberly’s finial arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.cremeensfuneralhomes.com

Evelyn L. Pennington, 80, of Gallipolis, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2015 at her residence.

She was born December 5, 1934 in Vinton, daughter of the late Burl and Stella Burnheimer. Evelyn was married to Ray Pennington and he preceded her in death on September 30, 2005. She was a homemaker.

Surviving are her children, Carl Ray Pennington, Teresa Knapp, both of Gallipolis, Judy Lamm of Vinton, Kirk Pennington of Bidwell, Raymond (Judy) Pennington of Apple Grove, WV, James Pennington, Cammie Saunders, both of Gallipolis, Roderick (Melissa) Pennington of Williamsport, Ohio, Tara L. Pennington of Gallipolis, Chris Pennington, Natalie (Jimmy) Wright, both of Mercerville, Jennifer (Tim) Hunt of Centerville; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and four sisters, Elmie, Naomi, Catherine and Barbara.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ray Pennington, Evelyn was preceded in death by three grandsons, one great grandchild, two brothers Marion and Vernon Burnheimer, one sister Carol LePort and a half brother, Kenny Williams.

Services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 27, 2015 at the Chapel of Hope Mausoleum, Ohio Valley Memory Gardens with Rev. Junior Preston officiating. Entombment will follow. Friends may call on Thursday, March 26, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. at the Willis Funeral Home.

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

Barbara ‘Bobbie’ Wheeler Holcomb, age 87, of LaFayette, Georgia and formerly of Gallia County, died on Sunday December 28, 2014. Born in Gallia County, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth Wheeler and Doris Davis. She is also preceded by her husband, John Holcomb and by a sister Helen.

Bobbie was born and raised in Gallia County and returned to live at Cora Mill after John’s retirement. They later moved to Georgia where they were for several years.

Graveside services will be 11:00 AM. Saturday March 28, 2015 at Providence Cemetery on Teens Run Road, with Bob Powell officiating.

Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home is assisting the family.
An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com

Gail L. Drummond, 59, of Bidwell, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2015 at the Holzer Medical Center.

He was born July 9, 1955 in Gallia County, son of the late John Thomas Drummond and Virginia Taylor Drummond of Vinton. Gail was married to Diana Duke on August 11, 2001 and she survives also. He was a retired truck driver with Napper Trucking. Gail was a very patriotic person.

Surviving are his wife, Diana Drummond of Bidwell; two sons, Robert Drummond and Dustin Robie, both of Bidwell; a stepson, Richard Northup of Lancaster, Ohio; his mother Virginia Drummond of Vinton; one brother, John Drummond, of Centerville, Ohio; six sisters, Pam Brooks of Paris, Kentucky, Sandra Drummond of Bidwell, Diana (JD) Church of Vinton, Brenda (Mike) Hyde of Rutland, Ohio, Sharon (Steve) Williams of Marion, Ohio, and Robin (Patrick) Merrill of Vinton; two brothers-in-law, Jim (Brenda) Duke and Larry Duke, both of Gallipolis; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father, Gail was preceded in death by a nephew, Keith Allen Woodyard.

Services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the Willis Funeral Home with Minister Larry Drummond officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Street Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, March 27, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

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

Rachel M. Saunders, 83, of Gallipolis, went to be with the Lord on at 4:10 p.m. on Tuesday March 31, 2015, at her residence with all her family by her bedside. Born June 7, 1931 in Harrison Township of Gallia County, she was the daughter of the late Harry “Bill” Walter and the late Hazel L. Randolph Walter Massie. She was a 1949 graduate of Gallia Academy High School. She retired after 32 years of service being a nursing assistant for the Holzer Medical Center.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, two sons, Walter (Sherry) Saunders, and Tony Saunders, both of Gallipolis, a granddaughter Margaret Howell, of Gallipolis, three great-grandchildren, Beth (Jason) Sanders, Olivia (Kyle) Hunter, and Cassie Allison, all of Gallipolis, five great-great grandchildren, Jackson, Nathan, Hannah, Reese, and Mila. A step granddaughter, Nancy (Brad) Graham, of Gallipolis, two step-grandsons, Matt (Leslie) Milstead, Grand Rapids, MI., and Tommy Milstead, of Columbus, two step great-grandchildren, Gus Graham, and Jill (T.C.) Beaver, two step great-great grandchildren, Eloise Beaver, and Beckham Milstead, two sisters, Jean Kingery, and Betty (Melvin) Halley, both of Gallipolis and a brother, Billy Lee Walter, of Gallipolis and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents, Rachel is preceded in death by her Husband John C. Saunders, whom she married on August 14, 1950 in Northup and preceded her in death on April 13, 2000, a sister, Clara Belle Beaver, and brothers, Gerald “Doc” Walter, and Jerry Leon Massie.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 3, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in the Cremeens Funeral Chapel Gallipolis. Pastor Alfred Holley will officiate. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Hope Mausoleum in the Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Active casketbeares are Gerald Fellure, David Massie, Jason Sanders, and Phyllip Massie. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.cremeensfuneralhomes.com

Lois Moore, 84, Gallipolis passed away at 2:00a.m. Thursday April 2, 2015 in the St. Mary’s Medical Center, Huntington, West Virginia.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by Cremeens Funeral Chapel.

Judith Deanne Carter, 75, of Gallipolis, loving wife of 55 years to Joseph Carter, passed away April 1, 2015 at the OSU Wexner Medical Center.

She was born June 3, 1939 in Columbus, daughter of the late Lloyd P. and Evelyn Webb Ferguson. She was married to Joseph Carter and he survives her. She grew up in Piqua, Ohio and then her family moved to Columbus. She graduated from Columbus West High School with honors in the top of her class. She graduated from the Ohio State University with a B.S. in Education. Judith taught at Toledo City Schools, Bucyrus City Schools, Barnesville and Meigs Local Schools.

Judith was a member of New Life Lutheran Church. She enjoyed music with classical being her favorite. She played the organ and piano. She loved to travel. Judith was an avid animal lover especially cats and dogs.

Surviving are her husband, Joseph Carter of Gallipolis; a son, Randall E. Carter of Gallipolis; a sister-in-law, Fern Brown of Canton; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Charlotte and Dr. Harold Young of Gallipolis; a brother-in-law, the Reverend Robert Bryant of Crossville, Tennessee; nieces and nephews, Dr. Tracie Bryant Adkins, Lorrie Young, Steve (Kim) Young, Dr. Randall Bryant, and Tim (Heather) Young; a cousin, Pat (Ray) Lamay of Las Vegas, Nevada.

In addition to her parents, Judith was preceded in death by a brother, Kermit Ferguson, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Randall and Lena Carter and a sister-in-law, Barbara Bryant.

Services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 4, 2015 at New Life Lutheran Church, Gallipolis, Ohio with Pastor John Jackson officiating. Friends may call from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. at Yatesville Memorial Gardens in Louisa, Kentucky.

The family requests no flowers, please consider donations to New Life Lutheran Church, 900 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis, OH 45631.

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

Mabel L. Brace, 88, of Racine, went to be with the Lord at 10:35 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2015 in the Overbrook Center, of Middleport. Born January 31, 1927 in the Forest Run community of Meigs County she was the daughter of the late William C. Jaynes and the late Roxie Weaver Cozart. She was a homemaker and she loved to quilt; having made well over two hundred quilts throughout her life. She was a member of the Bethany Son Shine Circle and she also attend the Racine Baptist Church

Mabel is survived by her daughter, Kathryn (Dale) Hart, of Racine, a son James (Judy) Brace, of Racine, eight grandchildren, fourteen grandchildren. A brother, Charles Ferrell Cozart, of South Rockwood, Michigan, a sister-in-law, Joanne Blosser, of South Rockwood, MI., a brother-in-law, Denzil Brewer, of Dennison, Ky., and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to Mabel’s parents she is preceded in death by Charles and Maggie Weaver, whom raised Mabel in their home. Her husband Edison Brace, who she married on June 1, 1943 in Pomeroy, and he preceded her on June 22, 2003, her daughter, Joyce and her husband Ernie Sisson, a brother, Paul Blosser, sisters, Linda and her husband Andy War, and Wanda Brewer.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 in the Cremeens Funeral Home, Racine. Pastors Ryan Eaton and Larry Haley will officiate. Interment will follow in the Letart Falls Cemetery. Active casketbearers will be Jimmy Brace, Eli and Lucas Hunter, George Cummins, Bill Harmen, and Charles Calaway, honorary casketbearers will be Ronnie Salser and Wilbur VanMatre. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial may be made in Mabel’s name to the R.A.C.O. Brace Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 347 Racine, Ohio 45771. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.cremeensfuneralhomes.com