Obituaries

Gregory Edward Cobb, 67, of Washington Court House, Ohio died early Tuesday morning, August 26, 2025, at his home.

Greg was born November 22, 1957, in Deland, Florida to Arthur Benjamin and Jacquelyn Ann Niles Cobb, Jr.  He moved to Washington Court House in 1959, from Florida.  He was a 1976 graduate of Miami Trace High School and received degrees in business and equine science from Otterbein University.

He formerly was a letter carrier for the United State Postal Service for 11 years in the Jeffersonville area.

Greg attended the Grace Community Church.  He thoroughly enjoyed going to the races at Scioto Downs.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gardner Cobb who died April 8, 2024.

Greg is survived by two brothers, Dr. Gary Cobb and his wife, Lisa, of Middletown and Glen Cobb and his wife, Jan, of New Holland; a sister-in-law, Kathy Cobb of North Carolina and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Washington Cemetery with Jay Lucas, pastor at Grace Community Church officiating. Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Robert N. (Bob) Highfield, 92, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025, while surrounded by his family.

Bob was born in Toledo, Ohio to Norris Corwin and Mona Kelley Highfield, but moved to Washington Court House, where he spent the rest of his life. He was proud to have attended and graduated from Washington High School in 1951. He attended The Ohio State University, College of Agriculture.

He was manager of the Pure Oil Bulk Plant and manager of Case Power and Equipment before becoming a realtor and broker. He retired as Fayette County’s first Economic Development Director and was instrumental in bringing the first outlet mall to Fayette County. He also worked for Midland Acres, pursuing his love of horses.

After retirement, Bob spent most of his time tending to his award-winning Pure-Bred Dorset Sheep, showing locally, statewide and nationally.  He spent 45 years as Director of the sheep department and the sheep barn at The Ohio State Fair. He was inducted into The Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame in 1998.

Bob was very involved with the community.  He was elected and served for over 20 years on the

Washington City School Board of Education and served for 12 years on the Board of Great Oaks Joint Vocational Schools. He was a member of the Rotary Club, Fayette County Board of Realtors, the Ohio Hospice of Fayette County board of directors, a member of the Farm Bureau, the Fayette County Harness Horseman’s Association and the Ohio Continental Dorset Club.

He was a lifelong member of WCH Grace Methodist Church, serving as chairman of the trustees, on the pastor-parish committee and received an award for serving over 50 years as an usher.

Bob was a great servant to his church, country, community and his many friends, but most important was his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack Highfield, two sisters-In-law, Helen Highfield, Rita Frederick Deffenbaugh; two brothers-in-Law, Mark and Tim Frederick and his mother-in-law and father In-law, Gladys and Austin Frederick.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Linda (Frederick) Highfield; five children, Debbie (Lance) Parker of The Villages, FL; Pamela Atkinson of Washington Court House, OH; Robin Highfield of Falls Church, VA; the Reverend Kevin Highfield of Cambridge, United Kingdom and Brian (Holly) Highfield of Sarasota, FL;  five grandchildren; Harry, Michael and Jacob Atkinson, Sarah Maltby and Austin Highfield; eight great grandchildren; a sister, Mary (Phil) Grover; two brothers, Dick and Ed Highfield; two sisters-in-law, Peg Highfield and Gayle (Bruce) Denen and a brother-in-law, David Frederick.  He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and very good friends.

The funeral is scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11 a.m. at WCH Grace Methodist Church, 301 E. Market Street, Washington, Court House, OH, with visitation one hour before the service.

A luncheon will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church.

Cremation and burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Robert N. Highfield Memorial Scholarship Fund, for both the Washington City Schools and Miami Trace Schools, to continue his legacy in education. To donate, visit www.highfieldscholarship.highlifeactivated.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Alan LeRoy Tapp, born on December 5, 1939, in Austin, MN, peacefully departed this life on August 23, 2025, at Court House Manor Nursing Home in Washington Court House, OH.  Nicknamed “Gopher” for coming from Minnesota, Alan is remembered for his warm smile and ability to bring a smile to the faces of others.   

Alan grew up in LeRoy, MN working on the family farm.  He graduated from LeRoy High School in 195,7 where he was a drummer in the marching band.  He entered the Air Force in 1959 and spent much of his Air Force time in Germany.  He loved walking and finding new places.  When visiting friends and family he could always be found walking and exploring the area.  He never met a stranger and always had a lighthearted tease for those he loved.   He carried the values of hard work and integrity throughout his life.

He worked as an airplane mechanic after leaving the Air Force.  After several years, an on-the-job accident injured his hand and he was able to pursue his dream of starting a woodworking business, Gopher’s Wood Mill, and started making picture frames among many other projects.  He was an expert woodworker and carpenter and loved making things with his hands.  He also loved embroidery projects and quilting.  His other passions included trains, steam engines and German music.  He was an accomplished accordion player.

Alan’s legacy continues through his wife, Penny of 29 years (married on December 1, 1996), his three children including Renae Woods (Joey) of Tifton, GA, Dean Tapp (Beth) of Landis, NC, and Sarah Tapp of Lebanon, TN; his grandchildren, Shelby Tapp, Austin Woods and Caleb Tapp and great grandchildren; his brothers, Don Tapp (Delores), Waverly, NE and Verdell Tapp (Micky), Ham Lake, MN and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Lloyd Earnest Tapp and his mother, Irene Gladys Schroeder Tapp.

Alan LeRoy Tapp lived his life with grace and a genuine desire to help those around him, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.  He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.  He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, OH and loved playing the handbells when he had the opportunity.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later time where his final resting place will be in Minnesota with his parents.

Condolences may be sent to Penny Tapp, P. O. Box 229, Highland, OH 45132.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your local church or favorite charity in his memory.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

A memorial service for Mary Ann (Mossbarger) Summers, 75, of Versailles, KY, will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.  A brief time of remembrance will be held at 2:45 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodford Park Association, 275 Beasley Road, Versailles, KY 40383 or the Woodford County Woman’s Club, c/o Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

Mary Ann, a former local resident and teacher, passed away July 10, 2025, at her home in Versailles.

Evelyn Bott, 89, of Grove City, OH, formerly of Clarksburg, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 9:15 p.m. at Carolyn’s Cottage Assisted Living in Grove City where she had been residing the past four years.

Evelyn was born May 24, 1936, in Fayette County, Ohio to Judge Alden and Theresa Belle Smith Jones.  She was a 1954 graduate of Madison Mills High School and attended Ohio University. She lived most of her life in Ross County before moving to Grove City six years ago.

She formerly was pastor at the Clarksburg Tabernacle and had operated the church’s the free day building and food pantry.  She always took an active leadership role in all of the community activities in Clarksburg.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Wayne Bott in 2002; her parents and three brothers, the Revs. Willard, Thomas and Paul Jones.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Tammy Buskirk of Grove City and Douglas and Lorna Buskirk of Chillicothe; four grandchildren, Alex (Hannah) Buskirk, Hilary Buskirk, Sarah (Jeff) Delcamp and Nathan Buskirk; five great grandchildren, Landon, Parker and Aurelia Buskirk and Jordan and Zamira Delcamp; a sister, Mildred Harris of Clarksburg and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland with the Rev. Brent Curtis officiating.  Burial will follow in the Waterloo Cemetery in Pancoastburg, Ohio.

Friends may call at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland from 12 Noon Saturday until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to help fund the blessing box at the Clarksburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 92, Clarksburg, Ohio 43115.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

William Daniel “Danny” Sheets, 58, of New Holland, Ohio passed away early Monday morning, August 11, 2025, at his residence.  His death was sudden and unexpected.

Danny was born May 26, 1967, in Wurzburg. Germany, to William Bryan “Butch” and Nancy Anne Noble Sheets.  He was a 1985 graduate of Miami Trace High School and received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Wilmington College in 1989.  He was a lifelong resident of New Holland community.

For the past 25 years, he had been a probation officer with Fayette County Adult Probation.  He was also a farmer.

Danny was a member of the New Holland Church of Christ.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his paternal grandparents, William and Margaret Sheets and his maternal grandparents, Dan and Bernice Noble.

Danny is survived by his wife, the former Vickie Lynn McKinney whom he married August 8, 1998; a daughter and son-in-law, Brittany and Andy Peters of Jamestown, OH; three grandchildren, Kaitlyn Ellsworth, Camry and Paxton Long; a brother and sister-in-law, Bryan and Nikki Sheets of New Holland; a sister, Becky Sheets of Washington Court House and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral will be Friday, August 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland with Brandon Carbaugh officiating.  Burial will follow in the New Holland Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland Thursday from 6-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Miami Trace Athletic Boosters, 300 Bloomingburg-New Holland Road-NW, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 or the Fayette Reginal Humane Society, 4 Commercial Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Lynn List, 83, of Circleville, Ohio died Monday, August 4, 2025, at 10:55 p.m. at the Brown Memorial Home in Circleville where she had been a patient since February.

Lynn was born March 1, 1942, in Atlanta, Ohio to Harry McKinley and Margaret Donohoe Wallace.  She was a graduate of Atlanta High School and lived most of her life in the Atlanta and Williamsport communities.

Lynn was a member of the Atlanta United Methodist Church and was an avid reader.

On July 25, 1970, she married George W. List.  He preceded her in death on January 11, 2022.  She was also preceded by a sister, Iris Garrison, on May 1, 2010.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Kristopher Knue of Circleville; three grandchildren, Andrew Knue and his wife, Caitlin Hayes, of Columbus, Nickolas Knue of Grove City and Gracie Knue of Circleville; two great grandchildren, Sully Krue and Riley McClarren and several nieces and nephews.

A private service will be observed by her family.    Burial will be in the Springlawn Cemetery in Williamsport under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the oncology department at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Donald P. Woods, 90, of Columbus, Ohio died surrounded by his three children on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 7:24 a.m. at Sunrise Assisted Living (Bloomingdale, IL) where he had been residing near his daughters and their families since 2021.

Don was born June 11, 1935, in Louisa, Kentucky to Lawrence and Easter (Roberts) Woods. During his youth, the family moved to Madison Mills, Ohio to expand the family livestock and farming business that Don worked throughout his formative years.

After graduating from Washington High School (Washington C.H., Ohio), Don attended The Ohio State University where he made the Freshman football team as a walk-on without ever having played organized football at any level. He took great pride in making the practice squad for what became the legendary 1954 Buckeyes National Championship team under Coach Woody Hayes. Although his playing career was cut short by injury, he remained a devout OSU football fan throughout his life—making 2025 yet another high point in his Ohio State Football fandom. After taking a long hiatus in his formal education, Don returned almost four decades later to earn a B.S. in Business Administration from his revered alma mater.

Don began his professional life by serving his country in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during the hydrogen bomb testing at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands. After leaving the military, Don embarked on a professional career that ranged from being a Real Estate broker to owning and running one of the most respected independent DMV Licensing Agencies in the state for over 21 years.  But his life passion even beyond his love of the Ohio State Buckeyes was the Ohio State Fair.  Appointed to the Ohio Expo Commission by Governor John Gilligan in 1974, and appointed Chairman of the Commission by Governor Jim Rhodes, Don served the Ohio State Fair in various roles during his twenty-plus years of service. In addition to his service on the Commission, Don partnered with his lifelong friend Dave Patton to do the advertising for the Ohio State Fair during the administration of Governor Dick Celeste. Never wanting to be away from ‘The Fair,’ Don even ran concessions operations in his later years. All of his years of service and support culminated in Don being inducted into the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame in 2007.

Don was a twenty-year member of Fayette Lodge #107 F. & A. M. and was a 32^nd Degree Mason.

He was predeceased by his treasured siblings, Mary Bumgarner, James Woods, and Paul Woods; and deeply missed grandson Blake Carlson.

He is survived by his beloved three children, Juliette Herne of Schaumburg, IL; Jill Carlson of Bloomingdale, IL and Mark Woods and his wife, Michelle, of Santa Monica, CA; adored five grandchildren, Grant Carlson, John Herne and his fiancé Natalie Cush, Olivia Kelly and her husband Vince, Chloe Carlson and her fiancé Roy Shear, and John Woods; and cherished seven great grandchildren, Eleanor Kelly, Meadow Shear, Lincoln Kelly, Dominic Kelly, Jude Kelly, Melody Shear, and Violet Kelly plus many nieces, nephews, family members, and close friends who were there for him over the years.

A masonic service, to be immediately followed by the funeral service, will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington C.H., Ohio with Phillip Webb, pastor of Madison Mills Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the New Holland Cemetery.

Viewing hours are at the funeral home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate/

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Carol Jeanne Van Meter, PhD, 85, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 2:39 p.m. at the Copper Knoll Health and Rehabilitation Center where she had been residing since September 2024, due to complications associated with Parkinson’s Disease.

Carol was born January 1, 1940, in New Orleans, LA to Lorenz Peter and Ursula Mildred LaRose Keller.

She was a received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Loyola University in New Orleans.  She received a scholarship to the University of California (Davis) where she received her Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Science.  She was hired as an associate professor in the Department of Agronomy at the University of Kentucky.  She resigned from her position at the University of Kentucky to follow her husband when he was drafted in 1969.  Afterwards, she taught at Wellston High School in Wellson, OH until she was hired to teach at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, OH.  She later held numerous positions at the Uranium Enrichment Facility in Piketon, OH ending as a supervisor of two laboratories before her retirement in 1998.

Dr. Van Meter was baptized January 14, 1940, and currently was a member of the St. Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church.

She is survived by her husband, Carroll L. Van Meter whom she married December 4, 1967; two children, Christopher R. Van Meter and his wife, Mary Ann, of Washington Court House and Maria E. Van Meter Spencer and her husband, Matthew, of New Zealand.  She is the grandmother of Jacob M. Van Meter, Cynthia R. Spencer and Katherine L. Spencer.

The funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the St. Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church by the Rev. Father Cyrus M. Haddad, pastor at the church.  Burial will follow in the St. Colman Catholic Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church from 12 Noon Wednesday until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Meals on Wheels program at the Fayette County Commission on Aging, 1179 South Elm Street, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

Dianna Lou Campbell, 72, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Monday, July 28, 2025, at 12:58 p.m. at her home.

Dianna was born March 15, 1953, in Peebles, Ohio to Ralph and Dorothy Moore Wilson.  She was a 1972 graduate of Peebles High School and had formerly lived in Hillsboro before moving to Washington Court House 20 years ago from Bloomingburg.

She had worked at Buckeye Molding, the Advance Auto warehouse and Calmar before retiring from Mead Containers in Washington Court House.

Dianna and her husband, Steve, enjoyed taking drives, camping, traveling and seeing most of the United States.  She collected rocks from each state she visited.

Dianna spent her younger years watching her grandchildren and attending their ball games and other events.  She enjoyed sitting on her front porch, visiting with neighbors and taking care of their cats.  She loved wind chimes, sunflowers and the television program, Yellowstone, and taking care of her rabbit, Ozzy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Ronald and Robert Wilson and a sister, Mary Smith.

Dianna is survived by her husband, Stephen W. Campbell whom she married October 15, 2011, a son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Christy Grooms of Hillsboro; a daughter and son-in-law, Nicona and Chris Gamm of Milford, Ohio; five grandchildren, Ethan Grooms of Hillsboro, Brayden (Paige) Grooms of Ft. Drum, NY, Dillon Gamm of Milford, Justin Sowders of Leesburg, and Emma Sowders of Hillsboro; four siblings, James (Donna) Wilson of Springfield, OH, Gary (Zanda) Wilson of Peebles, Shirley Kay (Gary) Johnson of Wilmington, OH and Garnet Conn of Peebles; special friends, Georgia Rothwell, Joan Miller and the crazy cat ladies, Barb Knisley and Susan Lane.

The funeral will be Monday, August 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with Phil Collie officiating.  Cremation will follow the service.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 4 p.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette Regional Humane Society, 4 Commercial Drive, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com