Obituaries

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

Anita Louise Smith, 85, of Greenfield, Ohio, peacefully went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, April 28, 2023.

She was born December 15, 1937, in Decatur, Illinois to Russell Ward and Dimple Mae Crook Metzger.  She moved to Greenfield in 2021, from Grove City, Ohio.

Mrs. Smith loved spending time with her family and dogs, studying the Bible, gardening, taking long walks, and most importantly, sharing the Gospel of Jesus. She was a member of Highland Baptist Church in Grove City, Ohio.

She was a beloved receptionist at the Mount Carmel School of Nursing in Columbus for nearly 20 years when she retired in 2000.

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents and was the last of six siblings.

She is survived by three children, Warren L. Smith and Clifford P. (Cliff) Smith of both Greenfield and Marilyn S. Williams and her husband, Rod, of Estes Park, Colorado; three grandchildren, Kenny (Sarah) Smith, Katie (Jon) Gilbert and Karyn (Kenny) Clayton; eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In accordance to her wishes, cremation will take place.

A family gathering will be held at a later date.

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

kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Robert Benjamin “Bob” Bennett, 88, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 1:45 p.m. at Four Seasons of Washington Nursing and Rehabilitation where he had been a patient since March 22.

Bob was born February 1, 1935, in Washington Court House, Ohio to Andrew and Helen May Snyder Bennett.  He was a graduate of Washington High School and was a lifelong resident of this community.

He had worked for the Ohio Water Service Company and then at the water treatment plant for the City of Washington Court House for a total of 47 years before his retirement in 2006.

Bob served as a Private First Class in the U. S. Marine Corps.  He was an avid fisherman, hunter and archer and enjoyed “junkin” for antiques at area flea markets.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Edward and Raymond Bennett; and two sisters, Barbara Brakeall and Colleen “Bunny” Justice.

Bob is survived by his former wife and caregiver, Judith K. Patterson; a son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Keturah Bennett of Washington Court House; three grandchildren, Robert “Robbie”, Kamika “Kamie” and Korinthia “Korie” Bennett; sister-in-law, Joy Bennett; longtime special friend, Mark Underwood; his buddy, Stacey Sanchez; neighbor, Betty Lou and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service, with complete military honors, will be held Friday, April 14, 2023, at 11 a.m. in the Washington Cemetery with the Rev. Tony Garren, pastor at the Fayette Bible Church, officiating.  Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

There will be no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette Bible Church, 1315 Dayton Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.