Obituaries

Rollo Martin Marchant, 97, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 6:55 a.m. at his home.

Rollo was born August 19, 1925, in Washington Court House, Ohio to Rollo William and Edith Marie Hamm Marchant.  He was a 1943 graduate of Washington High School and attended Bowling Green State University before receiving a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. He earned a juris doctorate from the Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University in1953.

He was an attorney and had a private law practice in Washington Court House before becoming Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney in 1961.  He served as prosecuting attorney until 1972, at which time he became Fayette County Juvenile/Probate Court Judge, a position he held until his retirement in 1992.

Rollo was a member of the First Presbyterian Church; the Washington Rotary Club; the Fayette County and Ohio State Bar Associations; Sons of the American Revolution; was a World War II Navy veteran and was a longtime member of Death With Dignity.org.  He was an ultralight and small plane pilot; enjoyed motorcycle riding, kayaking and walking but he especially enjoyed riding his bicycle, up to the age of 96, with his special friend and fellow bicyclist, David Laytart.

On December 22, 1948, he married the former Mary Sexton.  She preceded him in death on January 7, 2022.  He was also preceded by a daughter and son-in-law, Jayne Marchant and Scott Haslam in 1992; his parents; a sister, Marie Marchant in 2003; two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Edward W. and Gladys Sexton and Charles V. and Carol Sexton and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean and Robert Olinger.

Rollo is survived by three daughters, Teresa Voegeli and her husband, George, of Brighton, MI; Ann Marchant and her partner, Russell Anderson, of Philomath, OR and Nancy Marchant and her husband, Mark James, of Medina, OH; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

A public visitation will be held Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

A private family service will be held with the Rev. Steve Brand, pastor at the First Presbyterian Church, officiating.  Burial will be in the Washington Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rails to Trails Conservancy (railstotrails.org).

Richard Olan Bentley, 83, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 11:34 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Manor of Washington Court House where he had been residing since January.

Olan was born March 22, 1940, in Fayette County, Ohio to Thurman Parker and Myrtle Smith Bentley.  He was a 1958 graduate of Jeffersonville High School where he served as senior class president.  He studied accounting at Akron University.

He was employed by the Vaughn Machine Company in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio from 1959-1962.  He then worked at Armco Metal Buildings in Washington Court House for 31 years from 1962, until his retirement in 1993.  He was a farmer from 1976, until 2019.

Olan was a member of the Sugar Creek Baptist Church where he served on the board of deacons for 36 years.  He was a member of the Corn Items Club; Missouri Valley Wrench Club and the Cast Iron Seat Association of which he served as vice president for five years and president for five years.  He was also an inductee into the Jeffersonville High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

He enjoyed traveling, collecting antiques and farm primitives; was one of the co-founders of Armco Park in the early 1970’s and was commissioner of Fayette County Pony League Football in 1975, and 1976.

Olan was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Sharon A. Bentley Lebow.

He is survived by his wife, the former Janie Marie Jordan whom he married August 27, 1960; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gregory S. and Jodi Bentley and Mark D. and Karen Bentley, of Washington Court House; a grandson, Brock A. (Jordan Sutphin) Bentley of Punta Gorda, FL; five step grandchildren, Ridley (Derickya Massie) Helsel, Weston Helsel, Justin Wines, Clay Wines, all of Washington Court House and Andrea (Andy)  Sloan of Florida; a great grandchild, Rylynn A. Bentley; three step great grandchildren, Lennox and Harlow Helsel and Zoey Sloan; two brothers-in-law, Robert J. Lebow of Statesville, NC and Joe V. (Susan) Jordan of New Holland; two sisters-in-law, Janice L. (Tom) Vance of Point Pleasant, WV and Jacqueline K. Jordan and her friend, John Reeser of Valrico, FL and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The funeral will be Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 12 Noon at the Sugar Creek Baptist Church, 3263 Old State Route 35-NW, Washington Court House with Mike Henry, pastor at the church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Jeffersonville.

Friends may call at the church Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of the service.

A time of food and fellowship for family and friends will be held at the Sugar Creek Baptist Church Fellowship Hall following the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sugar Creek Baptist Church, P.O. Box 753, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

William Edward “Bill” Speakman, 87, of New Holland, Ohio died Friday, May 12, 2023, at 4:42 a.m. at Signature Health CARE of Fayette County where he had been a patient since April 4.

Bill was born March 28, 1936, at Clarksburg in Ross County, Ohio to Pearl and Pauline Bernice Johnson Speakman.  He was a 1954 graduate of New Holland High School where he was senior class vice-president and was a lifelong resident of the New Holland Community.

He was a veteran of the United State Army.

Before his retirement, he was a longtime farmer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former (Anita) Jane Marvin, on April 29, 1972; his parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Judy Speakman.

Bill is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, William L. “Billy” and Rachel Speakman of New Holland; two grandchildren, Jesse and Caroline Speakman; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenneth “Kenny” and Bev Speakman of Circleville and Gary and Tonya Speakman of Washington Court House; a sister, Joyce Long of Washington Court House and several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place.

A graveside service will be held  Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. in the New Holland Cemetery under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Darlene Ellen Cordy, 75, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 9:30 p.m. at her home.

She was born November 29, 1947, in Columbus, Ohio to Paul Julius and Vera Elva Sites Cordy.  She was a 1966 graduate of Miami Trace High School and later the Fayette County Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She was a lifelong resident of this community.

Before her retirement, she worked many years as a nurse at the Case Convalescent Center.

Darlene was preceded in death by parents and a sister, Sharon Downey.

She is survived by her companion of 44 years, Sylvia M. Bradshaw; a brother-in-law, Gary Downey of Rushylvania, OH and two nephews, Paul Downey of Grove City, OH and Eric Downey of Washington Court House.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation will take place.

Arrangements for a graveside service, to be held in the Pleasant Cemetery at Mount Sterling, OH, are being completed and will be announced by the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Maureen Swee Lian Bognar, 63, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 6:47 a.m. at her home.

Maureen was born March 10, 1960, in Singapore.  She came to the United States from Singapore in 2007, and lived in Las Vegas, NV until moving to Ohio to 2019.  She had lived in Washington Court House since June 2023, moving here from South Vienna, Ohio.

Her company, Silver Threads and Golden Needles, Inc., manufactured and distributed uniform apparel and also was a custom graphics designer for “bling” shirts and clothing.

Maureen was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Springfield, Ohio.  She was a vocalist and played the guitar and piano.  She was an avid line dancer and a line dance instructor.  She was fluent in five languages.

She is survived by her husband, Vance Joseph Bognar whom she married November 18, 2006.  She is also survived by four children, Melissa Nah of Singapore, Melanie (John Falconer) Nah of Washington Court House, Michelle Zorger of Glendale, AZ and Merridee “Dee” (Andrew) Smith of Lakenheath, England; nine grandchildren, Mika Falconer, Melinna Falconer, Bailee Zorger, Brendan Zorger, Brycen Zorger, Melodie Cuyler, Megan Smith, Renee Smith and Natalie Smith and four siblings Stephanie (William) Ong, Edward (Judy) Teo, Angeline (Jack) Teo and Alwyn Ong, all of Singapore.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Washington Cemetery with Bud Rose, minister at the Assembly of God Church in Springfield, officiating.  Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House, Ohio.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Sue Ann Doyle, 92, of Washington Court House, Ohio, formerly of New Holland, died Monday, May 8, 2023, at 4:25 p.m. at Adena Fayette Medical Center where she had been a patient since May 2.

Sue was born June 28, 1930, in New Holland, Ohio to Joseph Hill and Ferne Vahnell Porter Gooley.  She was a 1948 graduate of New Holland High School and lived most of her life in New Holland before moving to Washington Court House in 2013.

Before her retirement in 2006, she had been a caretaker, for over 20 years, of the camp grounds, picnic areas and Harding Cabin at Deer Creek State Park.

Sue was a member of the New Holland United Methodist Church and attended the Crossroads Christian Church.  She was longtime treasurer of the New Holland Alumni Association and had been a member of the ladies auxiliary of ARCH Post #477 of the American Legion in New Holland.  Sue’s greatest pleasure was being with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Doyle, on November 13, 1993; two brothers, Joseph P. “Bud” Gooley in 1955, and Norman H. Gooley in 1987; a sister (Carolyn) Kay Baker in 2008, and two sons-in-law, Matt Miller in 2017, and Steve Self in 2020.

Sue is survived by four daughters, Debbie Self, Missy Doyle-Wilkerson, Pam Johnson and her husband, Mark, and Jeannie Schleich and her husband, Dan, all of Washington Court House; 11 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; a great great grandson; a brother and sister-in-law, Richard L. and Olive Gooley, of San Antonio, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Monday, May 15, 2023, at 11 a.m. in the New Holland Cemetery with Rick Garrison officiating.  Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland.

There will be no calling hours.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

William Cecil Martin, 88, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 3:31 p.m. at his residence.

Bill was born in Hyatts, Ohio on March 14, 1935, a beautiful day.  He graduated from Delaware Willis High School, entered the Air Force and grew to love living in Texas.  He married Marlene VanDer Voort in 1957, earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Wilmington College and a Master’s Degree from Xavier University.  He was a teacher, first at Oscar T. Hawke Middle School in New Carlisle and then in Washington Court House where he taught from 1965 to 1995.  There are so many things that Bill will be remembered for:  coaching, teaching, selling real estate, motivational speaking, playing golf, walking, often on his hands, biking, camping, fishing, reading, reciting poetry and being a loving husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, uncle, friend and educator.

Bill was a member of Grace United Methodist Church; the Washington Country Club and The Greens Golf Course where he was a Hall of Fame member.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Tillman (Tink) and Virginia McMannis Martin; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Paul and Evelyn VanDer Voort; brother, Dexter Martin; brothers-in-law, Jerry George and Jerry Heston and sister-in-law, Joycelyn Martin.

Bill is survived by his wife, the former Marlene VanDer Voort whom he married July 15, 1957; children, Kimberlee (Mark) Bonnell, Scott (Janet) Martin, Jennifer (Jerry) Mount; grandchildren, Kellee Bonnell, Bryan (Jasmine) Bonnell, Lynne (Greg) Vanderwoude, Megan (Joe) Castiglia, Martin (Erin) Fisher, Matthew (Abby) Fisher and Kyler Mount; great grandchildren, Noah, Rylee and Zoey Bonnell,  Kylee and Will Fisher, Camren, Madi and Bane Fisher, Bennett Vanderwoude and Lincoln Castiglia;  sister, Sue Heston; sister-in-law, Elaine (Wayne) Ellis, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Martin was an inspiration and will be missed by many whose lives he touched.

The family would like for everyone to remember Bill by telling anyone who will listen to Hoe to the End of the Row and to know that It’s a Beautiful Day and Something Great Will Happen.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County, 222 North Oakland Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

The funeral will be Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Grace United Methodist Church in Washington Court House with family friend John Burr officiating. Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery

Friends may call at the church Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until time of the service.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Violet Louise Davis, 99, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 4:25 a.m. at Court House Manor where she had a patient the past week.

Mrs. Davis as born October 31, 1923, at Frankfort in Ross County, Ohio to Robert Talten and Mary Elizabeth Gray Wilburn.  She was a graduate of Washington High School.  She had formerly lived in Circleville but spent most of her life in Washington Court House.

Before her retirement in 2018, she had worked 20 years at Harry & David’s at the Tanger Outlet Mall.

Mrs. Davis was a member of the All Saints Church in Washington Court House and been a member of Beta Child Conservation League.  She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, basket weaving, needlepoint and tole painting.  She formerly was a poll worker; raised chickens and had an egg business.

On April 25, 1943, she married Glen Earl Davis, Jr.  He preceded her in death on February 23, 2011.  She was also preceded by grandchildren, Matthew Davis and his wife, Beth, and Justin Gifford; a daughter-in-law, Rebecca Davis and was the last of 13 siblings.

Mrs. Davis is survived by three children, Carol (Nick) Thomas of Columbus, Stephen  Davis of London and Holly (Edward) Gifford of Circleville; six grandchildren, Laura (Julie Litzel) Rooney of Columbus, Beth (Tom) Bernard of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Kathleen (Jyll Tuggle) Rooney of Denver, CO, Dirk (Rachael) Gifford of Kalispell, MT, John (Stephanie) Gifford of Circleville and Dan (Alicia) Davis of Pittsburgh; 12 great grandchildren and special friends, Stacey Bogan, Ingrid Picklesimer, Oliver and Clara Iden and Denise Kiger.

The funeral will be Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the All Saints Church in Washington Court House with the Rev. Karen Martin Kepner, pastor at the Grace Lutheran Church in Lancaster, officiating.  Burial will follow in Paint Township Cemetery in Madison County.

Friends may call at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House Monday from 5-7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the All Saints Church, 733 State Route 41-SW, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 or Adena Hospice, 2077 Western Avenue, Chillicothe, Ohio  45601.

Rinda Belle Grooms, 90, of Good Hope, Ohio died Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 8:40 a.m. at her home.

Rinda Belle was born June 10, 1932, in Pike County, Ohio to Enos and Bertha Knisley Penwell.  She lived most of her life in Fayette County.

Before her retirement in 2001, she had worked in the janitorial department at Calmar for 12 years.

Rinda Belle was one a Jehovah’s witnesses; liked dolls and loved her dog, Belle.

On May 20, 1952, she married Carl Grooms.  He preceded her in death on October 7, 2022.  She was also preceded by a great grandson, Tré and was the last of a family of 12 siblings.

She is survived by four children, Beverly Jackson and her husband, Fred, of Greenfield, Russell Grooms, Carolyn Studebaker and her husband, Tom, and Charlotte Grooms, all of Washington Court House; four grandchildren, Kristi Richardson, Andria (Karl) Manor, Daniel Jackson and Branden Grooms and six great-grandchildren, Dustin Long, Landen and Carter McCalla, Caydence McClendon, Brianna and Jackson Grooms.

The funeral will be held Friday, May 5, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with Gary Doles officiating.  Burial will follow in the Good Hope Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Ramay Jane Chapin Storm Butler, 93, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away Friday, April 28, 2023, at 10:58 p.m. at her residence.

Ramay was born April 15, 1930, in Cold Spring, KY to Raymond James and Olinda Marie Schweitzer Chapin.  She had formerly lived in Washington Court House before moving to Lewisburg, TN in 1977. She returned to Washington Court House in 2020.

She previously was an office clerk at the Montgomery Ward store in Washington Court House and had been a logistics specialist for Teledyne Technologies in Lewisburg, TN.

Ramay was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Earl Calvin Storm in 1973; her second husband, Clifford Ralph Butler in 2016; a son, Kevin L. Storm in 2005, and five siblings.

Ramay is survived by three children, Roger C. Storm and his wife, Diana, of Strongsville, OH, Brian L. Storm and his wife, Debra, of Santa Clara, UT and Parma M. Dawson of Washington Court House; four step children, Audrey Butler, Carla Butler and Debra Butler, all of Salt Lake City, UT and Whitney Robison and her husband, Darin, of Rigby, Idaho; 19 grandchildren; 62 great grandchildren; a great great granddaughter; three brothers, Mark Chapin of Arizona, Gary Chapin of Kentucky and Bruce Chapin of Idaho; two sisters, Glenda Orr and Donna Chapin, both of Arizona and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at the Washington Cemetery with Branch President Jonathon Glover, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, officiating.  Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

A private family visitation will be observed.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com