Obituaries

Linda Eilene (Chaffin) Mace, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away on October 16, 2026.

Linda was born on April 23, 1954, in Springfield, Ohio to Eilene (Sumpter) and Joseph Dean Chaffin. She graduated from Northeastern High School in 1972, and worked at Bank Ohio in London, Ohio where she met her husband, Marty. They married in 1978, and welcomed daughter Jessie, in 1982.  Linda was a lifelong member of the South Solon United Methodist Church and served as an elected fiscal officer for Perry Township in Pickaway County for 17 years, before retiring in 2025.

Linda was a kind and quiet person, but under her soft exterior was a strong will, which became evident during her battle with cancer. Despite her 2023 diagnosis, she kept doing the things that brought her joy: baking, traveling, spending time with family, and crafting. She spent these final years making memories with those she loved and rarely let her cancer hold her back.

Linda always noticed the details, pulling out a magnifying glass to examine a newly emerged butterfly, meticulously matching every element of her outfit, and following recipes with precision, making notes in the margins about temperature and time. She never missed a spectacular sunset or a sudden rainbow. This attention to detail always made everything a little more special for those around her. It was her way of showing how much she cared.

Her warmth and compassion for others were evident through her many charitable endeavors, most of which she did quietly, without recognition or fanfare. She just noticed when others needed help and gave it, usually wrapped up in a (literal) bow.

Linda will be deeply missed by her husband of forty-eight years, Marty Mace of Williamsport; mother, Eilene (Sumpter) Chaffin of Copper Knoll Health & Rehabilitation Center; daughter, Jessie Mace-Froehlich; son-in-law, William Froehlich and grandson Jaseyon Dean Froehlich, all of Columbus. She is also survived by her brother-law, Chris (Cindy) Mace, aunts, Eleanor (Chaffin) Bailey of Hillsboro, Arlene (Howard) Smith of Urbana and Patty Sumpter of Urbana; longtime friend, Mary (Collins) Derring of London; school friend, Mary (Elliott) Sharp of Marengo, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Dean Chaffin; brother, Richard Chaffin and several pets, most notably Sophie the tabby cat and Barney the papilion-chihuahua mix.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Ewa Mrozek; CNP Joel Rice and the staff of Madison Health Cancer Center and Adena Hospice Care for their exceptional care.

A funeral service and celebration of life will be announced at a later date. There will be a burial of her cremains at Range Township Cemetery in Midway, Ohio at the convenience of the family. The family is being served by Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland..

Memorial gifts may be made to either the South Solon United Methodist Church or the New Holland Lions Club in the care of Marty Mace: 24920 Locust Grove Rd, Williamsport, Ohio 43164. Gifts will also be accepted at the celebration of life once announced.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

 

Margaret Ellen “Maggie” Craig, 56, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 6:21 p.m. at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center where she had been a patient since September 28.  She had been in failing health.

Maggie was born July 13, 1970, in Washington Court House, Ohio to Arthur Harrison and Marilyn Jean Sicker Bumpus.  She was a 1989 graduate of Miami Trace High School, graduated from beauty school in Dayton and was a lifelong resident of this community.

She was a beautician and had formerly owned and operated Scissors and Sun salon.

Maggie was a member of the Route 38 Church of Christ; she owned, rode and trained western pleasure quarter horses and was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association.  She loved dogs, livestock and animals of all kinds.  However, her greatest joy was her family.

She was preceded in death by her father in 2006; her mother in 2011 and her father-in-law, Theodore Craig.

Maggie is survived by her husband, Bradley D. Craig whom she married August 20, 1994; two daughters, Audrey and Kaylee Craig; a brother and sister-in-law, Chip and C.C. Bumpus; her mother-in-law, Judy Craig, all of Washinton Court House; nieces and nephews, Brady, Casey and Shelby Bumpus, Garrett Craig, Kelby (Eric) Krebs and Owen Craig; brothers-in-law, Brian (Christine) Craig and Ted M. Craig; uncle, David W. Craig; aunt, Marsha Smith and several cousins.

A private funeral for family and close friends will be held at the Route 38 Church of Christ.

There will be no calling hours.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Jeffrey Lee Brown, 68, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 2:22 p.m. at Cedarvale Commons Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center where he had been residing since 2019.

Jeff was born November 9, 1957, in Washington Court House, Ohio to Orville Eugene and Catherine Marie Steen Brown.  He was a lifelong resident of this community where he was a retired laborer.

He enjoyed woodworking; NASCAR and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Ralph Jordan, Sr. and a brother, Dwight Brown.

He is survived by two children, Elizabeth (Nikki Goldsberry) Brown and Jeffrey D. Brown, of Washington Court House; seven grandchildren, Chelsey, Corey, Collin, McKenzie, Halie, Jason and Ashley; five great grandchildren, Phoenix, Parker, Sophia, Henry and Nevaeh; four siblings, Lannie (Sandy) Brown, Jeanie (Harry) Mossbarger, Ralph Dale Jordan, Jr. and Brett (Marianna Mouser) Jordan and several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation will be observed.

A celebration of life service is being planned for a later date.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

 

 

Homer Curry, Jr., 90, of Washington Court House Ohio, passed away peacefully at 8:20 a.m. Monday, October 12, 2026, at his home while surrounded by loved ones.

Homer was born on September 23, 1936, at home in New Holland, Ohio to Homer Curry, Sr. and Verna Mae (Davis) Curry Seyfang. He lived all of his life in the New Holland and Washington Court House areas.

He retired from Armco Steel in 1998, after 38 years of loyal service. After retirement, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, traveling the United States and enjoying time with his many grandchildren.

Homer was a 45.5-year member of New Holland Lodge F. & A.M. #392; 32^nd Degree Masons, Valley of Columbus; Aladdin Temple Shrine and Hillbilly Shriners in Columbus; Washington Shrine Club and a 34-year member of Washington Lodge #129 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

Homer is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ruth Joanne Landrum Curry; his children, Mary (Mike) Dean of Washington Court House, OH, Lynn (Bruce) Messner of Mt. Sterling, OH, Penny Ludington of Xenia, OH, Kathy Barton of Washington Court House, OH, Betsy Reno of Summerville, SC, Terry (Joe) Hanusik of Washington Court House, OH and Chris (Renee) Curry of Milledgeville, OH, 27 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren;  his brother, Donald (Juanita) Curry of Springfield, OH and nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Friday, October 16, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with his granddaughter, Jami Massie, officiating.  Burial will follow in the New Holland Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m at which time Masonic and Elks services, which are open to the public, will take place.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Ohio’s Hospice, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45402 or Shiners Children’s Hospital, c/o Washington Shrine Club, P.O. Box 164, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

 

Thomas D. Colter Sr., 77, was born on October 21, 1948, in London, Ohio, to Pearl Lucille and Elmo Colter. He passed away unexpectedly on October 9, 2026, at Adena Medical Center, just 12 days before his 78th birthday.

He lived a life filled with family, memories, and the things he enjoyed most. He loved gambling, playing cards, and playing bingo. These were some of his favorite pastimes and brought him enjoyment throughout his life.

Thomas was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra K. Colter; his parents, Pearl Lucille and Elmo Colter; his grandson, Dillion Colter; and his siblings, Leroy Colter, Danny Colter, Rose Colter, Peg Colter, Judy Baker, Dave Colter and Vicky Colter.

He leaves behind his loving children, Thomas D. Colter Jr., Angel Colter, and Christina Colter. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tamara Beauman, Shyann Colter, Dustin Colter, Desiree Colter, Johnathan Forsythe, Zachary Colter, and Breanna Swearingen, along with many cherished great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who will carry his memory forward for generations to come.  He also leaves behind his surviving siblings, Harry Colter, Bibbie Colter, Bobby Colter, Ed Colter, Sam Colter, Nancy McComis, Patricia McComis, Jerry Colter, Timothy (Ralph) Colter, and Jamie Colter, who will cherish the memories they shared with him.

Though Thomas’s passing was unexpected, the memories he created and the family he leaves behind will forever remain a part of his legacy. His life was part of a family that spans generations, and the memories of their time together will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Thomas will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. Though he has left this world, the love and memories he leaves behind will never fade. May he rest in peace, reunited with his beloved wife and the family members who went before him.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with Mell Wickensimer officiating.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association to support COPD research at donate.lung.org.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

 

 

Joseph Albert Detty, Sr., 89, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 9:25 a.m. at his home.

Joe was born April 29, 1937, at Good Hope in Fayette County, Ohio to Clarence Henry and Agnes Lucille Conrad Detty.  He lived most of his life in Old Hickory, TN before returning to Washington Court House five years ago.

He was a country music singer, mechanic, a key maker, had owned and operated Old Hickey Siding and formerly was a police officer in Nashville and worked undercover.

Joe was a member of the Christian Holiness Church and enjoyed country and gospel music, fishing and boating.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Florence Hulbert Detty; his parents; four brothers, John Detty, Paul Detty, Daniel Detty and David Detty and four sisters, Rachel Davis, Mary Payton, Ruth Hartley and Esther Cockerill.

Joe is survived by four children, Carol Sue Detty of Louisville, KY, Joseph A. Detty, Jr. of Washington Court House, Steve Farley of Mammoth Cave, KY and Tina Marie Joseph of Washington Court House; ten grandchildren, Lisa Overton, Janeen (Bryan) Fairhurst, Destiny (Oz Osborn) Detty, Stephanie (Junior Long) Detty, Brandy (Scott) Newsom, Joey Morris, Jacki Morris, Timothy (Ashley) Stewart, Sebastian (Kristin) Stewart and Chad Looker; several great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and his companion Yorkies, Chica Louise, Binki, Isabella and Punkin.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation will be observed. Burial of the cremains will be in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Chillicothe.

A celebration of life is being planned and will be held at a later date.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

  Sheryl Marie Nice Hawse, 57, of New Holland, Ohio died Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 5:09 p.m. at her home.  She had been in failing health.

Sheryl was born January 3, 1969, in Columbus, Ohio to Bernhard and Phyllis Ann Reynolds Kiser.  She was a 1987 graduate of Pickerington High School and moved to New Holland in 2018, from Upper Arlington.

She formerly had been an administrative assistant with the patient outreach center at Ohio Health.

Sheryl enjoyed riding motorcycles, going to Myrtle Beach and off-roading with family and friends.

She is survived by her fiancé, Mark Hawse; a daughter, Jaycee Cramblit and her husband, Nathaniel, of Stoutsville, Ohio; three grandchildren, Bexley Romano, Brantley Cramblit and Arabella Cramblit; two brothers, William J. Kiser of Oak Hill, OH and Donald E. Kiser of Thurston, OH; several nieces and nephews and special friends who always considered her family.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation will be observed.

No service or visitation is planned at this time.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

 

Michael Keith Pope, beloved husband and father, of Orient, Ohio, died suddenly on October 5, 2026. He was 68.

An eternal optimist with a constant smile to welcome friends and strangers alike, Mike was born to Roger and Shirley Pope in 1958, in Washington Court House, OH. He graduated from Washington Senior High School in 1976, then went on to study electrical engineering at The Ohio State University. After graduating in 1980, he began his practice of electrical engineering for Ohio Edison in Springfield, OH, and then for AEP in Columbus. A Professional Engineer (PE) and a member of IEEE, he later worked for Burgess and Niple, Ltd. in Columbus, before joining the City of Westerville Electric Division, where he worked for 29 years. In addition, he established MK Pope Engineering in 1999, offering a wide variety of engineering and consulting services to local communities.

Mike’s greatest love and joy was his family. He married Lana Eakins, his wife of more than 28 years, in 1998, and welcomed his sons, Landon in 2000 and Liam in 2004. He is also survived by his sisters, Sue Andrews and Tammy (Dave) Ulliman.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother Brian, and father- and mother-in-law Dale and Betty Eakins. He leaves behind many friends to remember him and his uplifting laugh and positive attitude.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home, 554 Washington Ave., Washington Court House with Mell Wickensimer officiating.  Burial will follow in the Highlawn Cemetery.

Visitation will take place on Monday, October 12 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Kirkpatrick Funeral Home.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

 

 

 

William “Bill”  Rodgers, 74, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 12:26 p.m. at Court House Manor where he had been residing the past several months.

Bill was born July 29, 1952, in Zanesville, Ohio to William George and Lila Lee Latta Rodgers and moved to Washington Court House in 1959.  He was a 1970 graduate of Washington High School and attended the Chillicothe branch of Ohio University.

He formerly was news director at WCHO radio and had worked for the Washington City Schools.   Bill had served on the Washington Court House City Council and was proud to serve as council’s representative on the Washington Cemetery board.

He had been a member of the First Presbyterian Church; was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan and enjoyed spending his autumn weekends with his “Three B’s”:  Blue lions, Buckeyes and Browns.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1978; his mother in 2017, and a nephew, Thomas E. (Tommy) Rodgers in 2004.

Bill is survived by two brothers, Thomas E. Rodgers, of Washington Court House and Daniel M. Rodgers of Blacklick, Ohio; a niece, Stephanie Poland and her husband, Jordan, of Reynoldsburg and a great nephew, Jameson Poland and great nieces, Ava and Ella Poland.

A graveside service will be held Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Washington Cemetery with John Pfeifer, pastor at the Gathering Place Church, officiating.  Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 218 North Hinde Street, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Jerry Willard McCoy, 87, of Washington Court House, Ohio died peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 12:50 pm at Adena Fayette where he had been under the care of Adena Hospice since Sunday.

He was born on February 15,1939, in Washington Court House, Ohio to James William and Margaret Palmer McCoy.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Sue McNutt in 2024; his father (1974) and his mother (2003); two daughters, Jeri Ellen McCoy (2013) and Mikki Jo Hunter-Smith (2025); and a grandson Ryan Simmons (2025). The mother of his four daughters, Barbara Jean Kimball Wilson also preceded him in death in 2024.

He is survived by two daughters, Kim McCoy (Duke Willis) of WCH and Toni Miller (Terry) of Chillicothe; a son-in-law, George Smith of WCH; two step-daughters, Luanne Penwell (Jack) of Deland, FL and Jackie Myers (Mike Johnson) of Columbus; a step-son, Mike Smith of WCH; five grandchildren, Derek Miller, Caitie (Cory) Huffman, Jessie (Adam) Baldwin, and Sara Simmons; five great grandchildren, Daniel Miller, Reese and Kip Huffman, Claire and Jedd Baldwin; one great-great granddaughter Maya Miller; four step-grandchildren, Alexis (J.R.) Meredith, Tyler (Kyra) Rood, Jennifer (Brandon) Steen and Justin Penwell; five step-great grandchildren, Logan Meredith, Jace, Nash and Tori Steen and River Rood;  a brother, Thomas McCoy of Grove City; a brother-in-law, Randy L. McNutt of Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special extended family members John and Crystal Rood of Grove City and his beloved rescued canine companion, KC.

Jerry was a 1957 graduate of Bloomingburg High School and was a life-long resident of Fayette County. He retired from Armco Steel after 40+ years in the maintenance department. After retirement he took up the hobby of restoring and showing classic Chevrolet cars and Willy Jeeps.

He was a member of WCH Grace Methodist Church, a member of The Shriners organization, a big supporter of Shriners Children’s and a member of the local Elks #129 for many years.

To honor his wishes, cremation has been observed.

A graveside service will be held later in the Washington Cemetery at the discretion of the family. Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

Special thanks to the staff at St. Catherines, Adena Fayette Medical Center and Adena Hospice for all the great care and love you showed to him and us. It’s very much appreciated.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Dog Shelter, 1550 Robinson Road-SE or to the Fayette County Humane Society, 4 Commercial Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com