Current Services

Roger Dean Bennett, 74, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 5:01 a.m. at Greenfield Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation where he had been residing the past year.

Roger was born December 15,1950, in Columbus, Ohio to Arlo and Mildred Rinehart Bennett.  He was a 1970 graduate of East Clinton High School and lived most of his life in the Milledgeville and Sabina communities before moving to Washington Court House from Sabina five years ago.

Before his retirement, he had worked in maintenance at the Super K-Mart in Hillsboro.  He had formerly been a machinist.

He was a master craftsman and woodworker and built and refurnished furniture.  He was an outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, skating and biking.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Leroy, Robert, Richard and Norman Bennett and a sister, Betty Justice.

He is survived by wife, the former Phyllis Jean Coleman whom he had been with since 2002, before their marriage on May 16, 2011; four children, Kristina Bennett, Matthew Bennett and Brooke Bennett, all of Virginia Beach, VA and Dakotah Romohr of Wilmington, Ohio; seven grandchildren; three step grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; a brother, James “Duke” Bennett of Tennesse; two sisters, Shirley Elzey of Wilmington and Dorothy Clark of Washington Court House and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation will be observed.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Washington Court House.  The Zoom connection to view the service is 771-637-5723, then use password 448337.

Burial of the cremains will be at a later date  in the Washington Cemetery under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Susan Marie Manbevers, 54, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11:55 p.m. at Copper Knoll Nursing and Rehabilitation in Washington Court House where she had been a patient since March 31.

Susan was born January 15, 1971, in Fayette County, Ohio to Marvin Eugene and Gloria Jean Funk Manbevers, both of whom preceded her in death.  She was a 1989 graduate of Miami Trace High School and a lifelong resident of this community.

While in high school she played clarinet in the band, was a member of the color guard and held lead roles in the school musicals.

She enjoyed flowers and gardening but most of all loved spending time with her family.

Susan is survived by three children, Ryan D. Manbevers, Zoe J. Penwell and Zakkary M. Penwell, all of Washington Court House; a stepson, David A. Penwell of Columbus; four grandchildren, Frances, Oakley, Tyler and Kayden; a brother, Marvin E. Manbevers, Jr. and his wife, Julie, of Washington Court House and a nephew, Jacob C. Manbevers.

To honor her wishes, cremation will be observed.

Her family will hold a private remembrance but there will be no public visitation or service.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Rena Beth Higman, 66, of Columbus, Ohio, recently a resident at the Violet Springs Health Campus in Pickerington, Ohio passed away Friday, May 16, 2025, at 5:22 p.m. at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center where she had been a patient since Tuesday.

Beth was born June 19, 1958, in Columbus, Ohio to Larry Ray and Virginia Lee Rodgers Higman.  Except for several years in Florida, she lived most of her life in Columbus.

She was a 1976 graduate of Frostproof (Florida) High School and received an associate degree from Polk Junior College in Lakeland, FL.

Beth was formerly a bank and debit card manager for the Huntington Bank and Kemba Credit Union.  She also had been a customer service manager at Cheryl’s Cookies.

She was a member and past regent of the Mathias Ridenour Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; a member of the Lucas Sullivant Chapter of the Ohio Daughters of the War of 1812, and the Fayette County Genealogical Society.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Jeffrey Jay Higman and grandparents, Leo and Dorothy (Minshall) Rodgers and Charles and Una (Brooks) Higman.

Beth is survived by an aunt, Sue (Danny) Gilmore of Reynoldsburg, an uncle, Harlan Higman of Placerville, CA; cousins, Amy and Elaine Gilmore, and numerous other cousins; many dear friends including Dr. Christian Klem and Bernie Bryslan, both of Princeton, NJ and her special work friends, “The Amber Girls.”

Friends and family may call at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House, on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. prior to the funeral procession to the New Holland Cemetery where a graveside service will be held at 1 p.m.

In 2020, Beth received a kidney transplant at The Ohio State University Medical Center.  In appreciation, Beth’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to Lifeline of Ohio Organ Procurement, 770 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212.

www.kirkpatkrickfuneralhome.com

Richard William “Dobie” Allen, 66, of New Holland, Ohio died Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 12:11 p.m. shortly after arrival at the Adena Fayette Medical Center in Washington Court House.  He had been in failing health but his death was sudden and unexpected.

Dobie was born February 12, 1959, in Washington Court House, Ohio to Richard Edwin and Corrina Joanne Adams Allen.  He was a 1978 graduate of Miami Trace High School and lived most of his in Washington Court House before moving to New Holland in 1996.

He was a sergeant at the Madison Correctional Institution in London, Ohio for 18 years before his retirement in 2004.

Dobie enjoyed fishing and the Cincinnati Bengals, but his greatest pleasure was spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Chad Moore and a brother-in-law, Barry Cartwright.

Dobie is survived by his wife, the former Mary Jane Cartwright, whom he married December 15, 1978; four children, Samantha Jane Allen of Washington Court House, Rachel (Brad Binegar) Allen of New Holland, Stephanie Mitchell and her husband, Gabe, of Greenfield and Jeremy Oman of Columbus; five grandchildren, Kyle Moore, Brodie (Eboney Young) Allen, Caden Allen, Madison Allen and Kaylinn Vance; a brother, Roger “Tony” Nash and his wife, Chiquita; two sisters, Leah Jo Nash and Linda Stephens and her husband, Allen; a special sister-in-law, Theresa Unser; a host of special friends including, Benjamin Vance who is the father of Madison and Kaylinn; William Zander, Anthony “Slim” and Michele Littleton and Tom Sellers and many nieces and nephews.

As his final act of kindness, he was a participant in the Lifeline of Ohio tissue donor program and generously gave the gift of healing, sight and life to others.

To honor his wishes, cremation will be observed.  Burial of the cremains will be held at a later date in the Highlawn Cemetery in Washington Court House.

A celebration of life and a time for food and fellowship will be held at the family home, 29 North Church Street, New Holland on Monday, May 26, 2025, starting at 2 p.m.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Ann Elizabeth Cockerill, 82, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 8:37 a.m. at her home.  She had been in failing health.

Ann was born April 13, 1943, in Highland County, Ohio to Oscar M. and Evelyn Seitz Jackson.  She was a graduate of Edward Lee McClain High School in Greenfield and lived most of her life in Highland and Fayette Counties.

She had formerly worked at Nationwide Insurance in Columbus, Stage and Uhlman’s department stores and at the outlet mall.

Ann is survived by her husband, David T. Cockerill whom she married February 14, 1966; three children, David Charles “Chuck” Cockerill, Craig Cockerill and his wife, Lorraine, and Teresa Baird and her husband, David, all of Washington Court House; four grandchildren, Cassie Baird, Bryce Baird, Nathan Cockerill and Jordann Cockerill and two sisters, Helen Palmer of Washington Court House and Mary Lou Jackson of Columbus.

To honor her wishes, cremation will take place.

No service is currently being planned.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Linda Karen Boone, 68, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Linda was born on August 26, 1956, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Joseph William and Martha Louise Roberts. She was married to Jerry Raymond Boone for 45 years.

Linda was a wonderful wife, mother to two boys, and grandmother to three grandkids.

Her hobbies included spending time out in her gardens and flower beds, crafting with the grandkids soaking as much time as she could with them and obviously spoiling them rotten. At a younger age she enjoyed hiking and backpacking the west high county with family and friends as well as many vacation trips to other areas.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Raymond Boone of Washington Court House, OH, her two sons and daughter in laws, John Boone and Logan Boone of Bloomingburg, OH and James Boone and Pimrose Boone of Pahrump, NV, her three grandchildren Thea, Oliver, and Bryce Boone, her three sisters Kim Roberts, Kathy Hicks, and Sandy Simons of Cincinnati, OH, her six dogs, all mini Aussies, Luna, Blue, Stormy, Skye, Thor and Lovey, and her brother in law Greg Boone of Washington Court House.

There will be no services.

Barbara Jean Stuckey, 90, of New Holland, Ohio died Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 4:53 p.m. at her home while surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born June 30, 1934, in Frankfort in Ross County, Ohio to Dorsey and Mary Esta Wisecup Houser.  She was a 1952 graduate of Atlanta High School and lived most of her life in Pickaway County in the New Holland community.

Before her retirement, she had worked at Sugar Creek Packing Company and Thatcher Plastics in Washington Court House.

She was a member and formerly secretary/treasurer of the Buckeye Antique Flywheelers Club.  She was formerly a longtime elections poll worker and volunteered at New Holland Elementary School where she was affectionately known to the children as “Granny.”

Barbara was a fun loving and known for her love, laughter and wittiness.  She was also a big fan of Elvis Presley, who was her idol.  She was always up for a board game and loved playing UNO, in which she was always the winner.  Barbara loved family time and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She will be greatly missed by all of  them.

On August 16, 1952, she married the love of her life, Virgil J. Stuckey.  He preceded her in death on April 15, 2015.  She was also preceded by a sister, Irene O’Brien and six brothers, Charles, Ralph, Roger, Howard, Paul and Harry Houser.

She is survived by five children, Kenny Stuckey of Greenfield, Kathy (Robert) Eggleton, Dave (Kelli) Stuckey, Marsha (Jim) Elrich, and Joe (Amy) Stuckey of all of New Holland and two grandchildren who were raised as children, Beth Ann Stuckey of Louisiana and Tara Aills of Bainbridge.  Also surviving are 14 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; a sister, Kay Coffey of Grove City; a sisters-in-law, Sharon Posey, Chris Hartman, Barbara Wood and Brenda Noel, special nieces, Debbie Miller and Vicki Thatcher; very special cousin, Lois McClellan, who was loved like a sister and special friend, Mary Downing.

Friends may call at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 5-7 p.m.  A short service will be held Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

To honor her wishes, cremation will follow.

The burial of her cremains will be held at a later date in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Frankfort.

kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Helen Louise Hynes Dray, 91, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, in Kissimmee, Florida, just days shy of her 92nd birthday.

She was born on March 23, 1933, in Washington Court House, Ohio, the beloved daughter of Loren and Margaret Stemler Hynes.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Major Charles Marvin Dray, and her brother, Loren Drexel Hynes, Jr.

She leaves behind a loving family, including her sons: Charles Marvin Dray Jr. (Anya), David Drexel Dray (Janet), and Christopher Stemler Dray (Susan). Helen was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Scott Bradley Dray, Kerry Elizabeth Knapik, Erica Marie Dray, David Charles Dray, Savannah Nicole Dray, Nicholas Dillon Dray, Joseph Andrew Guerra, and Alex Drexel Dray.

Helen graduated from Washington High School in 1951, and Ohio Wesleyan University in 1955, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. It was during her high school years that she met the love of her life, Charles Marvin Dray (Charlie), an Air Force fighter pilot. Their marriage was filled with travel and adventure, as they lived in various parts of the world. Their first son, Charles Jr., was born in Washington Court House, their second son, David, was born in Alaska before it became a state, and their youngest, Chris, was born in Naples, Italy.

In 1967, the family returned to Tampa, Florida, where Charlie reported to MacDill Air Force Base for training on the F4E fighter plane. Tragically, Major Charles Dray was killed in a plane crash during training exercises on March 19, 1968, exactly 57 years before Helen’s passing. At the time, their sons were just 2, 8, and 11 years old.

Despite the immense loss, Helen chose to stay in Tampa and raise her family, becoming both mother and father to her boys. She took on roles such as Cub Scout leader, soccer coach, and homeroom mother, embodying the spirit of a dedicated single parent.

In 1982, with her sons grown, Helen pursued further education, earning a Master of Arts in Counseling and Development from the University of South Florida and later a master’s in counseling and psychology from Nova University. She established a private practice as a marriage and family counselor and became a sought-after speaker for ministries and Christian women’s clubs. Helen’s musical talent also shone brightly as she served as a pianist and organist for Bible study groups and retirement facilities throughout the Tampa area.

Helen’s deep faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a long-time member of Grace United Methodist Church in Washington Court House and later joined Christ Community Church in Tampa. She was also an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and served as President of the Tampa Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni.

Her legacy of love, resilience, and faith will be cherished by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community.

Helen’s family is planning a private graveside service to be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Washington Cemetery with Todd Maurer, involvement minister at Southside Church of  Christ, officiating.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Danilin Ruff Pfoutz “Dani” Shoemaker, 76, of Phoenix, AZ died Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Phoenix.

Dani was born April 26, 1945, in Columbus, Ohio to Daniel Ruff and Mary Geneva Skinner Pfoutz, both of whom preceded her in death.  Born dangerously premature, her grandfather famously declared, “She’s a fighter!”—a trait that defined her life.

She was a mother, daughter, wife, partner, and a fiercely independent spirit. She was also a cowgirl, horse trainer, farmer, quilter, seamstress, teacher, student, artist, and a master propagator of Christmas cactus. A fiery redhead and daydreamer, Dani was the pied piper of dogs and a lifelong lover of animals and nature.

Dani challenged convention and lived with creative determination in a world shaped by outdated expectations. While raising children at a young age, she earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Resourceful and imaginative, she sewed clothes, made quilts and curtains, grew gardens, and crafted Christmas ornaments from popcorn, cranberries, and egg cartons.

She nurtured not only her family, but everything she touched—houseplants grown from clippings, dogs she adored, and the family history she preserved through her passion for genealogy. Her children were raised with lessons in art, music, swimming, 4-H, and horseback riding—always encouraged to explore, learn, and grow.

Though Dani’s physical presence is gone, her legacy of creativity, resilience, and love continues in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her son, Daniel Ruff Kline; daughter, Robyn Loretta Kline Interpreter and grandson, Roan Robert Interpreter.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the New Holland Cemetery.  Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Joyce Elaine Lutz, 85, formerly of Washington Court House, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Joyce was born April 12, 1940, in Chillicothe, Ohio, the eldest of three children born to Charles Byron and Virginia Clarice Dearth Lutz.  She was a 1959 graduate of Washington High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University in 1963.

She was hired as a registered nurse at Riverside Methodist Hospital in 1963.  In 1977, she began work as a registered nurse at Mount Carmel East in Columbus where she worked in the emergency department until she retired in 2002, to help take care of her beloved mother.  As an RN she served with compassion, strength and unwavering dedication.

Joyce was an avid reader and also enjoyed movies, baking, working on crafts and cheering on her beloved OSU Buckeyes.  Go Bucks!

She was a devoted daughter, sister and aunt, who loved her family dearly.  She devoted her life to the Lord and caring for others, both in her professional field and her personal life.  She loved to laugh, and her laughter lit up every room.  Her wisdom guided those around her and her love was a constant presence in our lives.  She leaves behind cherished memories, a beloved family and a legacy of warmth, compassion and kindness.  We feel her absence deeply, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Charles B. Lutz, Jr. and John R. Lutz and a niece, Jamie Lutz.

Joyce is survived by five nieces, Melissa D. Moore, Marianne Lutz, Virginia M. Claytor, Andrea Barnes and Brandi Fortune; many great and great great nieces and nephews and a cousin, Janice Kilbarger and family.

A graveside service was held Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 1 p.m. in the Springbank Cemetery at Yellowbud in Ross County with E. Dean Queen, chaplain for Heartland Hospice, officiating.  Burial was under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com