Obituaries

A memorial service for Ronald Terry Wickensimer, 87, of Sebring, FL will be held Friday, June 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House, with his brother, Mell Wickensimer, officiating.

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

Ronald, who passed away on April 7, 2024, in Sebring, FL, was born on April 6, 1937, in Chillicothe, Ohio, the son of Howard Rex and Mary Louise (Baughman) Wickensimer.

Ronald is survived by his devoted wife, Betty G Wickensimer; his cherished children, Vicki, Bradley, Lisa, Michael, and Robby. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Marsha (Jeff) Nevils. Ronald is remembered by his supportive brothers, Mell of Ohio and Paul of South Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, stepson (Bradford Gibbs), and sister-in-law (Marty Wickensimer).

Ronald’s career was a testament to his hard work and dedication. He began in printing at NCR in Ohio and continued to excel at Webcraft Printing in New Jersey, founded American Inline Graphs Company in Indiana, and finished his career at R.R. Donnelley company in Chicago. Throughout his career, he held various positions such as foreman, general foreman, plant manager, and corporate leader in the commercial printing industry.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ronald was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of several organizations, including VFW Post 69 and Good Ole Boys (GOB). He was a longtime volunteer for the Sebring 12 Hour Race, a member of First Methodist of Coral Springs and attended Grace Bible Church in Sebring. His dedication to these groups reflected his strong sense of responsibility, discipline, motivation, integrity, innovation, and his deep faith.

Ronald’s hobbies and interests were intertwined with his commitment to his church and career. He found joy in being a church member, building relationships with his church family, and pursuing his career goals with a godly mindset.

A proud veteran, Ronald served in the US Navy from 1955 to 1959. In recognition of his service, he was named a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky in 1990.

He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, and community involvement that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Ronald Terry Wickensimer’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, faith, and dedication. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.

Phyllis Lorena Gilmore, 79, of Orlando, FL and Washington Court House, OH, died Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 9:05 p.m. at the Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Phyllis was born May 24, 1945, in Greenfield, OH to Raymond and Chloe Peters Smith.  She was a graduate of Edward Lee McClain High School in Greenfield and lived most of her life in Fayette County before moving to Florida several years ago.

She assisted her son with his catering business.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Bertie Wisecup and Shelby Bowers.

She is survived by her husband, Newton Dale Gilmore whom she married January 30, 1964; three children, Melissa “Missie” Gilmore and her wife, Beth, of Bethel, Ohio, Jason D. Gilmore of Washington Court House and Amanda “Mandy” Elbasri and her husband, Jawad, of Orlando.  She was most proud of being “Ganny” to her three granddaughters, Hannah, Amirah and Zahrah Elbasri.  She is also survived by a brother, James Smith of Columbus; special nieces, Tina Penwell of Washington Court House and Linda Jenkins of Columbus and special friend, Marcelina Kluk of Orlando.

A graveside service will be held Monday, June 24, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Washington Cemetery with the Rev. Father Warren Huestis, rector at All Saints Church officiating.

Friends may call at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House, Monday, June 24, 2024, from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Anthony Lynn “Tony” Hays, 70, of Bainbridge, Ohio died Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 10:01 a.m. at the Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe.

Tony was born January 28, 1954, in Fayette County, Ohio to Roger Lynn and Doris Lou Brown Hays.  He was a graduate of Miami Trace High School and lived most of his life in Fayette County before moving to Bainbridge 21 years ago.

He was a businessman and owner of .Com Advertising Associates.

Tony was a member of Bloomingburg Lodge F. & A.M. #449; 32^nd Degree Masons, Valley of Columbus, Aladdin Temple Shrine, Washington Shrine Club and Washington Lodge #129 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.  Tony loved listening to music, especially on the radio.

He was preceded in death by his father on October 27, 2020; his mother on November 24, 2020; a sister, Jerry Lynn Jones on August 21, 2022, and a brother, Timothy Hays on December 21, 2009.

Tony is survived by two children, Ashley Byington and her husband, Beau, of Clarksville and Nathaniel Hays of Columbus; seven grandchildren, Korban, Reese, Kaezlee, Weston, Treygen, Nova and Abel; the mother of his children, Linda Hays of Washington Court House; a brother-in-law, Lou Jones of Greenfield and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

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 and life to others.

A Masonic service, which is open to the public, will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.  The funeral, with Jay Lucas, pastor at Grace Community Church, officiating will immediately follow the Masonic service. Burial will be in the Madison Mills Cemetery.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to a local food pantry or Shriner’s Hospital, P.O. Box 164, Washington Court house, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Pamela Sue Kitchen, 63, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 11:08 p.m. at the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital in Columbus where she had been a patient since Tuesday.

Pam was born January 1, 1961, in Washington Court House, Ohio to Norman Dean and Mary Haines Cox, both of whom preceded her in death.  She was a life-long resident of this community.

She touched many lives in her 27-years as a health care receptionist.

Pam was a member of the Staunton United Methodist Church.

She enjoyed traveling to Pigeon Forge, TN and visiting Dollywood.  She was an avid fan of Dolly Parton and Paula Deen but her greatest love was being with her grandchildren.

Pam is survived by her husband, Terry Lee Kitchen, whom she married March 5, 1977; two children, Scott Kitchen and his wife, Jada, and Tara Shoemaker  and her husband, Heath, all of Washington Court House; seven grandchildren, Damian (Chad Foust) Kitchen, Cameron Kitchen, Will Dawes, Laura Dawes, Treven (Courtney Arnold) Shoemaker, Brayden Shoemaker and Hope Shoemaker; a great grandson, Samson Shoemaker; her sister and best friend, Gale Thompson and her husband, Jeff; a brother, Larry Cox, all of Washington Court House and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral will be Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Gathering Place Church with John Pfeifer, pastor at the church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to the Staunton United Methodist Church, c/o Molly Mickle, 555 High Street, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Mila Kay Weatherly Schlichter, 87, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 23, 2024, after a brief illness.

Mila was born July 28, 1936, in Washington Court House, Ohio to Alfred Ernest “Hap” and (Claudia) Wilma Boughton Weatherly. She was a lifelong resident of this community and member of the WCH Grace Methodist Church in Washington Court House.

In addition to raising her children and assisting with running the farm, Mila enjoyed working in retail fashion at Lazarus and later Marshall Fields. Mila was a volunteer for many years at Fayette Memorial Hospital and, as a breast cancer survivor herself, helped many who were newly diagnosed.

She was preceded in death by her parents and children, Dawn King Ewer and John Max Schlichter II, and her sister, Toni Waters.

Mila is survived by her son, Arthur E. Schlichter, six grandchildren, Kristopher and his wife, Courtlyn; Bethany and her husband Thomas; John (Trey) and his wife Elizabeth; Miles; Taylor and her husband Daniel; Madison and her husband Kenneth; seven great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly, her beloved daughter-in-law, Debbie, and special friend, Penny.

Funeral services will be private. Friends and family may express their condolences through cards in care of Kirkpatrick Funeral Home, 554 Washington Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

John Edward Link, 82, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 3:45 a.m. at home, surrounded by his loving family. He had courageously fought cancer since 2017, rarely complaining, and always wearing that infamous smile, throughout his entire journey.

John was born January 8, 1942, in Chicago, IL the son of John Sebastian and June Veita (Marchand) Link. After Graduating from Arlington Heights High School in 1960, John attended the University of Wisconsin (Whitewater Division), then transferring to graduate from Michigan State University in 1965, with a BA in Restaurant and Hotel Management. John also proudly served in the Marines (Camp Lejeune) from 1965-1971 as a Sergeant; always living true to their creed “Conquering all obstacles, both large and small, I shall never quit.”

John met his “soulmate for life” while having a snowball fight at MSU; Mary Opdyke. “You know when you know” … they met in May 1965, were engaged in June of 1965, and married March 26, 1966. Fifty-eight years later, with multiple homes in multiple states, three children, an extraordinarily successful business, traveling from coast to coast and through it all a love for God and fulfilling his greatest dream, to have a family with love in it.

John was a member and started many committees throughout his years; always with a passion to “serve others”; St. Andrews Episcopal Church (All Saints) – Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Vestry Member, Treasurer, Eucharist Assistant, President of the Proctor Conference Center Board; Symposiarch’s (The Order); Fayette County Finance Club; Venison Deer Club; Washington Court House County Club.

John was most proud of his family and the business he had built through innovation, determination, and nurtured relationships over decades of tireless work. B & B Creative Marketing started as B & B Food Sales in 1978, in Detroit MI. After spending and seeing the tremendous amount of Pizza and Italian potential in the OH market, John and Mary moved their family to Washington Court House in 1984. At that point John became known for his bold ideas and “outside the box” thinking… building a legendary legacy that his children try to live up to. Over the years John brought PREMIUM Wisconsin cheese to the region, brought his concept of high-quality PREMADE pizza dough to life and was instrumental in helping to bring sliced pepperoni to the market as well. Thousands of customers have benefited from his tireless efforts over the years. The pride John’s family feels in his ground-breaking concepts for the Pizza/Italian industry over the past decades is untouchable.

He is survived by his wife; Mary (Opdyke) Link; daughter; Leah (Keith) Foster of Washington Court House; son, Jason (Carrie) Link of Powell OH; grandchildren; Lynn (Josh) Foster-Dawson; Erik (Zoe Miller) Foster, Elizabeth (Ella) Link; John Jason (JJ) Link and Alyson Foster; sister-in-law, Jean Link; nephew; Jeremy (Kaetlyn) Link; niece, Jessica (Sean) Duffy, a special “sister” by choice; Marilyn Wootton, God daughter Christin Bracken and NUMEROUS exceptional life-long friends and colleagues that helped mold him into the loyal, kind, determined and God Loving man he proudly was.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, James Link and his son, Eric Neil Link; his “brother” by choice; George Wootton and a lifetime of special furry family members; Pahoo, Magpie, Mandy, Molly and Largo.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation was observed,.

A celebration of Life service, to which all are  invited, will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Crossroads Christian Church, in Washington Court House, OH.  John’s family will greet friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Emergency Services, 115 East Temple Street, in appreciation for the many times they assisted John; the Crossroads Christian Church, 175 Halliday Drive, or the Fayette Regional Humane Society, 4 Commercial Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio  43160.

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

“Remember me with smiles and laughs for that is how I will remember all of you.”

SEMPER FI

Virginia M. “Ginger” Shipley, 77, of New Holland, Ohio died Monday, May 20, 2024, at 6:22 p.m. at the Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus where she had been a patient one day.

Ginger was born October 21, 1946, in Columbus, Ohio to Wilbert Charles and Mildred Erskins Benedum.  She moved to Washington Court House in1960, from Columbus and was a 1964 graduate of Washington High School.  She had lived in the New Holland community since 1969.

She was a member of the New Holland United Methodist Church where she had taught Sunday school and often delivered the children’s message.  She also assisted with vacation Bible school. She loved to sing and listen to music.  She formerly served as mayor of New Holland and had been a volunteer at the New Holland school.  She loved to crochet and made many afghans for family, friends, weddings, births and graduations.  She always had an open ear to listen and would do anything she could to help.  She was honest, even if you didn’t want to hear it.  She was an amazing wife, mom, grandma, and friend.  She loved kids and was a “nanny” to many.

She was preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Grover and Helen Shipley.

Ginger is survived by her husband of 56-years, Grover Richard “Dick” Shipley, Jr., three children and their spouses, Victoria and David Climer of Washington Court House, Charles and Cheri Shipley of Bloomingburg and  Kimberly and Dennis Bick of Washington Court House, six grandchildren, Jennifer Taylor, Samantha (Greg) Barbour, Nicholas Dresch, Trey Climer, Tori (Chris) Wehner and Ginna Climer; eight great grandchildren, Ian Taylor, Lexi Scott, Lane Scott, Leo Dresch, Aubreyann Taylor, Evelyn Dresch, Gwendolyn Wehner and Haley Barbour; two sisters, Mary Ellen (David) Kinkel of Kearneysville, WV and Nancy Benedum of Pickerington, several nieces and nephews and many friends.

The funeral will be Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland with the Rev. Linda Crew, pastor at the New Holland Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the New Holland Cemetery.  A time of food and fellowship, at the New Holland Methodist Church, will follow the graveside service.

Friends may call at the funeral home in New Holland from 11 a.m. Tuesday until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The Arbor Day Foundation, 211 North 12^th Street, Lincoln, NE 62508.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Floyd E. “Pete” Redding, 79, of New Holland, Ohio died Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 3:32 a.m. at his home.  He had been in failing health.

Pete was born September 9, 1944, in Franklin County, Ohio to Floyd Woodrow and Betty Mae Boyd Redding.  He lived most of his life in the New Holland community.

He formerly was a construction worker and farmer and had owned and operated Redding Disposal.

Pete enjoyed square dancing and took special delight in sneaking up on people and scaring the daylight out of them.

In 1965, he married Viola Southward, and then went on to marry the former Jean Ann Brown on February 4, 1995.  She preceded him in death on September 25, 2000.  He was also preceded in by six siblings, Alberta, Verner, Annabelle and William “Bill” Redding, Carolyn Pence and Lily Self.

He is survived by three children, Patrick Redding and his wife, Debbie, of New Holland, Melisa Ailing and her husband, Jeff, of Mount Sterling, Floyd E “Petey” Redding, Jr. and his fiancée, Michelle Campbell, of New Holland; three stepchildren, Charles M. “Jay” Sanderson of Florida,  Mark A. Sanderson of New Holland and Pamela Camp and her husband, Brian, of Washington Court House; ten grandchildren, Serena (Wesley) Huddleson, Patrick (Stephany) Redding, Brittany (Charles Parks) Redding, Tiffany Streitenberger, Leagh (Cody Knapp) Redding, Lexy Redding, Isiah Dunn, Tyler (Jessica) Strahler, Skyler (Kalila) Strahler and Hayden Ailing and Erica Wilson who was reared as a granddaughter; several great grandchildren, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; six siblings, Elizabeth Pence of New Holland,  Thelma Redding of Washington Court House, Clark (Susan) Redding of Atlanta, Sherman (Danna) Redding of New Holland, Lucretia (Clarence Lunsford) Bethel of Frankfort and Berniece (Larry) Perkins of Sedalia, brothers-in-law, Chuck Pence of Atlanta and Eddie Bethel of Chillicothe; a sister-in-law, Mary Redding of Kentucky and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral will be Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the New Holland Church of Christ in Christian Union with Larry Doss, minister at the church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Waterloo Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church from 11 a.m. Saturday until the time of the service.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Pauline Bryant, 76, of Washington Court House, Ohio left this life Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 2:40 a.m. at Adena Fayette Medical Center following a long courageous battle with cancer.

Pauline was born June 29, 1947, in Washington Court House, Ohio to Earl and Helen Slager Bryant. She was a 1965 graduate of Clarksburg High School and lived most of her life in Ross and Fayette Counties.

Before her retirement, she worked multiple jobs at Sugar Creek Packing Company before retiring as an inventory specialist after 32 years of service.   She had formerly worked at the General Electric Lamp Plant in Circleville.

She had owned standardbred racehorses and enjoyed going to the races.  She loved the outdoors, traveling the world, being with friends and playing cards.  But mostly, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, particularly at holiday gatherings when her entire family would be together.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Eugene Bryant.

She is survived by two daughters, Kathy Entrekin and her husband, Andrew, of Washington Court House and Angie Cutright and her husband, Shawn, of Chillicothe; her special companion, Ed Dailey of Washington Court House; five grandchildren, Tylor Haggard, Austin Caplinger, Jordan Caplinger, Haylee Entrekin and Shawn Cutright, II; four great grandchildren, Avah Mick, Kaydens Haggard, Rosalie Jahn and Lanie Capehart; two sisters, Linda (Pat) Hupp of Westerville and Carolyn Baughn of South Dakota; three brothers, Bill, Alan and Gary Menke, all of Cincinnati and nieces, nephews and cousins.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

Cremation will follow the visitation.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Jackie L. (Jack) Pavey, 83, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Friday, May 10, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. at his residence.

Jack was born October 8, 1940, in Fayette County, Ohio to Carl Milton and Donna Belle DeWees Pavey.  Although he had formerly lived in South Carolina, he lived most of his life in this community.

Before his retirement, he worked nearly 38 years as a machinist at Armco.  He then worked for Anderson Equipment.

On October 11, 1959, he married the former Judy Lee Huff.  She preceded him in death on January 21, 2003.  He was also preceded by a brother, Bill Pavey, in 1985.

He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Lana Pavey of and Jerry and Denise Pavey, all of Washington Court House; two grandchildren, Brandi Smith and her husband, David, of Jamestown and Loryn Pavey of Columbus; two great grandchildren, Addison and Gabe Smith; two step great grandchildren, Sarah and Matthew Bell. and two half-sisters, Barbara (Leonard) Bick of Washington Court House and Kay (Richard Fent) Pavey, of Hillsboro and special friend, Carol Ward.  Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.  Jack’s family wishes to thank his hospice caregivers, Rebecca and especially, Barbara.

The funeral will be Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with Danny Dodds, minister at the Greenfield Church of Christ, officiating.  Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com