Obituaries

Evelyn Joyce Knisley Conaton, 87, of Lady Lake, Florida passed away December 12, 2025, in Lady Lake.

She was born December 20, 1927, in Pike County, Ohio to Elgar and Dorothy Mathena Knisley.  She was a 1955 graduate of New Holland High School and completed her nursing diploma at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati.

Evelyn was a caregiver all of her life and worked anywhere from emergency rooms to surgery, from floor duty to nursing homes and even as director of nursing at several places in her career.

She met and married Robert James Conaton in 1968, and traveled with him wherever he worked.  After nine years of marriage, Bob became ill with cancer, and she took care of him until he died on April 13, 1977.

Evelyn and Gale Hafley read a book about “Home is Where You Park It” and it gave them the idea to use Gale’s RV and travel.  They named it “The Old Fool” and traveled south and worked wherever they parked it.  They worked at nursing homes and hospitals and ended up in Florida and worked at the Leesburg Regional Hospital.

In 1994, Gale had a stroke and Evelyn cared for her until she passed.  The same year, Evelyn’s mother moved in with her and until she, too, passed.

Evelyn was known around Leesburg as the butterfly lady because she gave everyone she met a crocheted butterfly, telling them that Jesus loves them.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Marvin Knisley and his wife Evelyn, Roger Knisley and Melvin Knisley.

She had no children but so enjoyed her nieces, Benjie, Suzanne, Angela Dawn and Lauri and nephews, Randy, Duke, Clay, Gene and Ken.

Evelyn is survived by her brother, Straud Knisley and his wife, Patricia, of Circleville, Ohio, a sister-in-law, DeAnne Knisley of Lawrenceburg, TN and nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are pending.

Florence Luella Rinehart, 93, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Friday, December 26, 2025, at 4:45 a.m. at St. Catherine’s Manor of Washington Court House where she had been residing since November14.

Florence was born March 7, 1932, at Sabina in Clinton County, Ohio to Lawrence and Lydia Wilburn Allen.  She was a graduate of Sabina High School and lived most of her life in Sabina and Washington Court House.

She had formerly worked at Mac Tools, Steele Data Processing and Carroll Halliday, Inc.

Florence enjoyed gardening and canning the food she grew and was proud of her rooster and chicken collection.  She devoted her life to her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alva Wendell “Dutch” Rinehart on March 27, 2008.

Florence is survived by four children, Glea Rinehart, Lisa Adkins and her husband, Terry, Juli Penwell and her husband, Brad, and Allen Rinehart, all of Washington Court House; five grandchildren, Chad (Stephanie) Gentry, Lindsay Miller, Ryan (Mandy) Dawes, Jenni (James) Fryer and Trever (Parris Marie Hawkins) Rinehart; eight great grandchildren and several siblings including a special brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence “Dale” and Brenda Allen of Washington Court House.

A private visitation, followed by a graveside service in Good Hope Cemetery, will be observed by the family.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Eric Matthew Morrison, 47, recently of Hillsboro, Ohio and formerly of Washington Court House, Ohio died Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. at Bethesda North Hospital in Cincinnati where he had been a patient three days.

Eric was born January 27,1947, in Columbus, Ohio to Dallas Weldon and Eleanor Mae Yinger Morrison.   He was a 1975 graduate of Washington High School.

He had been a cook at various area restaurants.

Eric was preceded in death by his father in 2010, a brother, Michael Morrison in 2018, and a sister, Melody Kay Bales in 2020.

He is survived by his significant other, Karletta Beatty; a son, Andrew Morrison, his grandchildren; his mother, Eleanor M. Morrison of Beauty, KY; a brother-in-law, Rick Bales of Defiance; several nieces and nephews and special friends, Richard and Odessa Booth.

Cremation will take place.  There are no services scheduled at this time.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Beatrice Kay Wolfe, 88, of Circleville, Ohio died Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 9:32 a.m. at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Rance “Bud” and Charlene Wolfe in New Holland, Ohio, where she had been residing the past five years.

Kay was born May 7, 1937, in Harrison Township in Pickaway County, Ohio to Paul and Mary Sewell Bozman.  She lived most of her life in Circleville before moving to New Holland.

She loved animals and taking care of them.  She also enjoyed tending to her flower beds.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Rance M. Wolfe, Jr.; her parents and five siblings.

She is survived by three sons, Rance M. “Bud”  Wolfe, III and his wife, Charlene, David Wolfe and James Wolfe and his wife, Judy, all of New Holland and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The funeral will be Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland, with Steve Wetterhan, pastor for Ohio’s Hospice, officiating. Cremation will follow the service with burial of the cremains at a later date.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 12 Noon Saturday until time of the service.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Rowland Douglas LeMaster, “Pop-Pop,” of Washington Court House arrived in this world with an unmistakable spark on February 25, 1951, in Portsmouth, OH, one of ten children born to Harry Edgar “Ned” and Hazel Madeline Lowder LeMaster. Growing up in a lively household with his beloved siblings, the LeMaster boys learned early how to find and ruin a Christmas present, be it a pogo stick, a fishing pole or a basketball – some of the many cherished memories from childhood that shaped his humor, resilience and heart.

His career began in Quincy, KY at age 11, selling greeting cards door-to-door. He was so wildly successful that he was reported to be underage. His proud and equally clever father simply stepped in and said, “Fine, then he sells under my name,” and with that, a salesman was born. Later, Rowland’s talent on the basketball court earned him a scholarship to Lander University in Greenwood, SC where he largely rode the bench. He often joked about that because Rowland could laugh at anything, especially himself.

In 1976, Rowland’s beloved Parrett Insurance Agency was entrusted to him by Sam Parrett, a respected and cherished member of the community who took a chance on a blue-eyed Kentucky boy. Rowland showed up to their meeting wearing a dapper green suit, a nod to his South Carolina days and his unmatched style. When Sam told him there were five others interested in the agency, Rowland didn’t flinch saying “I don’t care about the other offers. What do I need to do to buy this agency?” Sam knew instantly that Rowland was the right man for the job, and Rowland knew he could build a legacy, and he did – one built on hard work, loyalty and love for the clients he spent his life serving.

How do you sum up the life of a legend? Truthfully, you can’t. Rowland wasn’t meant to be contained in a sentence or story. He lived big, he loved big. He taught his kids to be adventurous, to travel and explore, and to embrace the world with curiosity. He loved trying new foods – sushi before it was trendy, and unique dishes like conch, which he sampled during trips that took him from Hong Kong to Copenhagen and places in between.  He was a lifelong golfer, spending time on the course whenever he could and even scoring a hole-in-one at Washington Country Club. He enjoyed the game, the outdoors and the camaraderie it brought.

Rowland was always impeccably dressed – spiffy slacks, monogrammed button-ups, polished shoes and a confidence you couldn’t miss. He took pride in how he presented himself, and his style reflected the care, attention, and respect he had for himself and those around him. While he never met a stranger, it wasn’t loud or showy; it was simply who he was. He welcomed people easily, naturally, and made them feel seen, important and cared for.

Rowland poured love into his family, friends and community without hesitation. If someone needed help, he gave it. If someone needed support, he offered more than they expected. Rowland supported countless charities, mostly quietly, always generously. Whether the Masonic lodge, the Elks Club or the Shriners, he committed fully. One of his proudest community traditions was the ’Tis the Season breakfast, an event he started in 1980, and poured his heart into every year since – bringing people together, raising money and spreading joy during the holidays.

Giving back wasn’t something he did occasionally; it was simply woven into who he was. His lasting legacy includes iconic community projects like the new Adena Fayette Medical Center set to open in 2027, in the close-knit town he called home for fifty years, Washington Court House, OH.

But Rowland’s greatest joy – his truest legacy – was being Pop-Pop. As a baby whisperer and a natural with kids, nothing lit him up more than the sight of his grandkids.  Pop-Pop made every day special – he made a point to. Whether it was candy tucked into his pockets, surprise ice cream runs, quietly gifting money and treats to any child nearby, or simply showing up with that grin that made the whole room lighter, he created magic in the ordinary. His grandkids will forever remember his loving refrain: “Pop-Pop loves you!”

He will be adored, missed and treasured by his three children, Emily O’Brien (Eric) of Atlanta, GA, Alison Langridge (Sam) of Vancouver, BC, and Patrick LeMaster (Emily) of Savannah, GA; their mother, Debby; his beloved grandchildren, Ellis, Belle, Chapman, Elsie, Winnie, Byrdie (his “little redhead”), Hank and Phoebe; his nephew and “partner-in-crime” Todd; countless nieces and nephews, many of whom have said that “Uncle Row Row” was a favorite; his trusted right hand, Vicki Helsel; his work family, especially Sharon Summers Ruth who worked alongside him for 40 years, and his siblings, Ron, Sue, Mike, Phil, Tony, Joe and Terry. Rowland was preceded in death by his eldest brother, Sterling, and a baby sister, Constance Joy.

Rowland passed away from natural causes on December 4, 2025, having lived exactly the life he wanted – fearlessly, generously, joyfully. The “blue ribbon boy” is now home with his parents, but his children and grandkids will carry him in their hearts forever, looking for him in every crowded airport, remembering him in every sweet treat, every laugh, every moment of fun. As Frank Sinatra famously sang “I did it my way” – and Rowland certainly did.

The funeral will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Washington Court House, Ohio.   He will be laid to rest, with his parents, in a private ceremony in the Sun Set Cemetery in Quincy, KY.

A visitation will be held at the First Presbyterian Church from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, with a Masonic service and Elk’s service immediately following the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Rowland by supporting the Shriner’s Children’s Ohio Hospital, c/o the Washington Shrine Club, P.O. Box 164, Washington Court House, Ohio or the Fayette Regional Human Society, 4 Commercial Drive, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Charles Allen “Charlie” Dodds, 87, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Thursday, December 4,  2025, at 5:56 p.m. while in respite care at Cedarville Commons Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Washington Court House.

Charlie was born July 20, 1938, in Fayette County, Ohio to Braeden and Leona Allen Dodds.  He was a 1957 graduate of Washington High School and was a lifelong resident of this community.

Before his retirement he was a lead linesman for the Dayton Power and Light Company for 56 years.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran; a member of Fayette Lodge F.& A.M. #107; 32nd Degree Masons, Valley of Columbus; Aladdin Temple Shrine; Washington Shrine Club; Paul H. Hughey Post #25 of the American Legion and Washington Lodge #129 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.

Charlie liked helping out people with any job that needed done.  He enjoyed woodworking, crafts, building model airplanes and snowmobiling.  He formerly was a private airplane pilot.  He especially enjoyed spending time at his Bear’s Ridge getaway in Carmel, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Ella Boswell.

Charlie is survived by four children, Lisa Kay Patton of Washington Court House, Brian A. Dodds and his wife, Kristie, of Lake Worth, FL, Carly Ann Geesling Dodds of Washington Court House and Adam Geesling Dodds and his wife, Kenzie, of Hillsboro; six grandchildren, J. B. Patton, Jarett Patton and his wife, Emma, Jackson “Trae”  Patton, Kamryn Dodds and her fiancée, Jonathan Vargas, Carson Dodds,  Charlee Mae Geesling Dodds and a great granddaughter to be born in March.  He is also survived by Michele Geesling, mother of Adam and Carly and Janet Elaine Dodds, mother of Lisa and Brian, and nephews, Rodney (Kim) Boswell, Doug (Michelle) Boswell and Davey Boswell,  cousins and very special friends.

To honor his wishes, cremation will take place.

A graveside service in Washington Cemetery and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Nancy Ann (Hurles) Leeth, 83, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Friday, November 28, 2025, at St. Catherine’s Manor where she had been residing since February.  She had been in failing health for several years.

Nancy was born June 1, 1942, in Franklin County, Ohio to Darrell William and Bonnie (Underwood) Hurles.  She lived most of her life in this community.

Nancy had attended Washington High School.  Before her retirement, she had been a Corrections Officer and Sergeant at the Pickaway Correctional Institute for 15 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Leeth on May 14, 1978; by her parents; a sister, Gayle A. Hurles and a brother, Michael T. Hurles of Spencerville, Ohio

Nancy is survived by three children, Tonda (John Scaggs) Coulter of Orient, OH, Jeff Coulter and Michelle “Shelley” (Morgan) Weaver and her husband, Tom Weaver, of Washington Court House; five grandchildren, Jason (Sara) Coulter of Washington Court House, Nancy (Nancy Friedman) Coulter of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Dani (Weaver) Fields and her husband,  Jordan, of Westerville, Ohio, Evan Weaver of Washington Court House and Katie Coulter of Columbus; six great grandchildren, Seth Coulter; Jacob (Kenzie Hester) Coulter, Brady Coulter, Ellison Fields, Parker Kay Fields and Wren Fields; a great great grandson, Beau, due to arrive in January and two brothers, Billy (Karen) Hurles of Dayton, Nevada and Lee (Kim) Hurles of Kossuth, Ohio.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and all the wonderful staff at St. Catherine’s who lovingly cared for her in her final months, all the nurses and aides, especially Megan, Mary and Kayla and her special friend, Jerri, who enjoyed talking and praying with her.  She loved each and every one and told them every day.  She was known to them as “Fancy Nancy.”

The funeral will be Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with the Rev. Warren Porter, pastor at the Washington Court House Nazarene Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service

Family and friends will be will be welcomed, after the service, at the Fellowship Hall at the Nazarene Church in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Michael Alan Hughes, 64, of Dublin, Ohio died Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 7:25 a.m. at the Laurels of Gahanna in Columbus where he had been residing since February.

Mike was born July 11, 1961, in Washington Court House, Ohio to Larry Foster and Sharon Kay Kerns Hughes.  He was a 1979 graduate of Miami Trace High School; received an associate degree in science as a registered nurse from Hocking Technical College and a bachelor’s degree in hospital administration from Colorado Technical University.  He lived his younger life in Washington Court House, but spent most of his life in Hilliard, Ohio.

Before his retirement, he was a registered nurse for Madison Health and Octapharma.

Mike attended the Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hilliard. He was an avid Buckeye and Browns fan; enjoyed the outdoors and camping and had formerly been a boy scout and cub scout troop leader but his main pleasure was spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his father on December 26, 1973.

Mike is survived by his wife, the former Elizabeth “Beth” Karlson whom he married June 11, 1983; two children, Larry Hughes and his fiancée, Danielle Parker, of Grove City and Haley Hughes of Delaware, Ohio; his mother, Sharon Hughes Irons; a brother, Jeffrey Hughes; a niece, Candice Groce and her husband, Devereux,  a great nephew, Felix Groce and two great nieces, Sophia Hughes and Evangeline Groce, all of Independence, KY.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 5 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with Dave Kamphius, pastor at the Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church, officiating.  Cremation will follow the service with burial of the cremains, at a later date, in the Washington Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 3 p.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Simon Kenton Council, Scouting America, 807 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212; The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 West Powell Road, Powell, Ohio 43065 or The Wilds, 14000 International Road, Cumberland, Ohio 43732.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

John Thomas Moore, 54, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 12:26 p.m. shortly after arrival at Adena Fayette Medical Center.  His death was sudden and unexpected.

John was born December 17, 1970, in Washington Court House, Ohio to George Thomas and Helen Leone Kruger Moore and was a lifelong resident of this community.  He was a 1989 graduate of Miami Trace High School and received an associate of technical studies degree in business management and real estate from Southern State Community College. He had also attended Wright State University and Ohio University.

He currently was an auxiliary patrolman and full-time dispatcher for the City of Washington Court House Police Department.  He was a graduate of the Ohio University-Chillicothe Southern Ohio Police Training Institute and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office training academy.  He formerly was an auxiliary deputy and jailer with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and was a special deputy for the Choctaw Property Owners Association through the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

John enjoyed collecting cars, traveling and being with his family.  He was a past president of the Fayette County Board of Realtors.

John was preceded in death by his father on March 23, 2015; his maternal grandparents, H. Edward and Mabel Ellison Kruger; his paternal grandparents, Homer and Mildred Moore; aunts and uncles, Barbara J. Geesling, David and Carolyn Moore, Martha and Fred Zindle and Robert “Bob” and Lenna Moore and cousins, Eddie Roy Geesling, Carolyn Zindle and Steven Zindle.

He is survived by his mother, Helen Leone Kruger Moore; an uncle, John “Joe” Geesling of Washington Court House and cousins, Sue and Bob Keat, Bob and Linda Zindle, Debbie Zindle-Santana and James Zindle.

The funeral will be Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with Danny Dodds officiating.  Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 12 Noon until the time of the service.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Everett Rittenhouse, 70, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Monday, November 10, 2025, at 8:23 a.m. at the Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe where he had been admitted the previous day.

Everett was born February 10,1955, in Chillicothe, Ohio to Herman and Macy Coonrod Rittenhouse.  He lived most of his life in Washington Court House and Greenfield.

Before his retirement, he had formerly worked at YUSA, Greenfield Research and Halliday Lumber.

He was an U.S. Army veteran.  He enjoyed woodworking and working on cars.

Everett was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Eric Rittenhouse; a stepson, Larry Forsha; three brothers, Robert, Dave and Jack Rittenhouse; a sister, Sharon Rittenhouse and two infant siblings.

He is survived by his significant other of over 20 years, Brenda Staten; two daughters, Melinda Jenkins and her husband, Brian, of Washington Court House and Katrina Bowman; a stepson, Brandon Forsha of Greenfield; a stepdaughter, Poppy Spriggs and her husband, Justin, of Mount Sterling; ten grandchildren; a great grandson and great granddaughter; a brother, Herman Rittenhouse and his wife, Peggy, of Mt. Vernon, OH and two sisters, Geraldine Jenkins and Rachel Rich, both of Florida.

The funeral will be Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with Jay Lucas, pastor at Grace Community Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Waterloo Cemetery at Pancoastburg, Ohio.

Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from 12 Noon until the time of the service.

www.kirkpatrickfunerahome.com