Category

Obituaries

WILLIAM DEAN HILL

William Dean Hill, 68, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 6:31 p.m. at his home.  He had been ill since last November.

Bill was born March 31, 1955, in Ashland, KY, to William Gaines and Mary Margaret Carley Hill.  He was a graduate of Teays Valley High School and lived many years in Ashville.  He moved to Washington Court House in 2022, after living in Lakeland, Florida since 2013.

He was a firefighter with the Columbus Fire Department for 25 years and then a driver for United Parcel Service for 13 years before his retirement in 2013.

Bill was a veteran of the United States Navy.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill is survived by his wife, the former Rhonda Marie Harrison whom he married September 3, 1994; two sons; Doug Hill and Michael Hill and his wife, Laura, all of Westerville and eight grandchildren.

To honor his wishes, cremation will take place.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.

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

kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

JEAN M. EVERHART LEWIS (Updated Arrangements)

Jean Moore Everhart Lewis, 98, of Washington Court House, died Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 12:13 p.m. at Court House Manor.

Jean was born May 29, 1925, in Fayette County, Ohio to Willard Robinson and Nellie Ethel Fisher Everhart.  She was a 1943 graduate of Washington High School and was a lifelong resident of this community.

She was secretary for the Superintendent of the Fayette County Board of Education for 25 years before her retirement in 1974.

Jean was a member of WCH Grace Methodist Church where she sang in the choir for over 40 years.  She had been a member, vice president and program chairman for the Cecilians Music Club; was a member of the Washington Court House Business and Profession Women’s Club for over fifty-years and was a life member and past board member of the Fayette County Historical Society.  She joined Royal Chapter #29 of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1946, and had served as all star points.

On December 23, 1973, she married Robert E. (Bob) Lewis.  He preceded her in death on March 8, 2000.  She was also preceded by two brothers, Ronald Everhart and Lamoine F. (Skeet) Everhart and three sisters, Vivian Blain, Ruth Boroff and Virginia Flint.

Jean is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Mary Lewis of Washington Court House; two granddaughters, Kristin (Eric) Moody of Charlottsville, VA and Betsy (Erica) Lewis of Portland, OR; three great grandchildren, Claire, Asa and Macy Moody and several nieces and nephews, including Debbie and Ben Roby, Diana Barchet, Louanne and Don Clawson and Suzanne and Bill Morris.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Sugar Grove Cemetery in Fayette County with Mell Wickensimer, director of visitation at WCH Grace Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to WCH Grace Methodist Church, 301 East Market Street, or Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County, 222 North Oakland Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

FLOYD HENRY (TONY) PERONE

Floyd Henry “Tony” Perone, 87, of Springfield Ohio, formerly of Washington Court House, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the Springfield Regional Medical Center.

Tony was the only son of Anthony Earl & Margaret Loraine Minshall Perone and was born July 19,1936, at Staunton in Fayette County, Ohio. He lived most of his life in Washington Court House before moving to the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield several years ago.

He was a self-employed electrician and used that knowledge to teach electrical studies at the Career Center.  He had also worked at the Fayette County Memorial Hospital, Clinton Electric and John Deere in Washington Court House.  He served many years as a deputy sheriff with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and was a member of Buckeye State Sheriffs Association.

On July 16,1961, he married Carolyn Sue Vallery, and they were married for 62 wonderful years.

Tony lived a full vigorous life.  He and Carolyn enjoyed traveling together to Amish country and to Myrtle Beach.

Tony was a highly decorated Mason.  He was a member and past master of Bloomingburg Lodge F & AM #449 and Morning Star Lodge #795 in Springfield. He was also an honorary member of New Holland Lodge #392 and Jeffersonville Lodge #468.  Right Worshipful Brother Tony was a loyal and dedicated servant of the Ohio 8th Masonic District serving as District Deputy Grand Master from 1992-1995, District Education Officer from 1986-1988, and the Grand Lodge of Ohio as Grand Tyler in 2005-2006.  He was a lifetime member of the Scottish Rite Masons, Valley of Columbus and a member of the Aladdin Temple Shrine and the Washington Shrine Cub.  He was also a member of Emery Chapel United Methodist Church in Springfield and was a veteran of the United States Army.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and a cousin. Loraine Sowers.

Tony leaves behind his beloved wife, Carolyn; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Carl (Sharon) Vallery, Marion (Debbie) Vallery, John Vallery, Rita Vallery, Norma (Donald) Hux, Linda Seaburn and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

To honor his wishes, cremation has taken place and burial of the cremains will be at a later date in Washington Cemetery under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

The family of Tony would like to thank his doctors, nurses and caregivers that took care of him during his illness. Also, a special thank you to family friend, Faye Gamm for all of her support and friendship.

A celebration of life and Masonic service will be held Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at the Ohio Masonic Home, 2655 West National Road, Springfield, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bloomingburg Lodge #449, c/o David Krupla, 18 East High Street, Jeffersonville, Ohio 43128 or the Ohio Masonic Home, 2655 West National Road, Springfield, Ohio 45504.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

ROGER ELLIS RAPP

Roger Ellis Rapp, 94, of Bloomingburg, Ohio died Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 9:05 a.m. at the Court House Manor Nursing Home where he had been a patient since September 1.

Roger was born December 13, 1928, in Fayette County, Ohio to Omar B. and Rena E. Siemon Rapp.  He was a graduate of Bloomingburg High School and was a lifelong resident of the Bloomingburg community where he was a retired farmer.

He was a member of the Bloomingburg Methodist Church and the Corn and Soybean Club.  He had formerly been a member of the National Farmers Organization and the Bloomingburg Lions Club

On August 23, 1953, he married the former Eleanor Jo Elliott.  She preceded him in death on January 18, 2013.  He was also preceded by two grandsons, Tony Witherspoon and Miles Mace; a brother, Wilbur Rapp and a sister, Marjorie Braun.

He is survived by four children and their spouses, Bryan Rapp and his wife, Marlene, of Upper Arlington, Teresa Witherspoon of New Holland, Jolene Cockerill and her husband, Dewey, of New Martinsburg and Beth Mace and her husband, Doug, of Washington Court House; eight grandchildren, Parker Rapp, Dirk Witherspoon, W. J. Fannin, Fara Moseley, Casey Cockerill, Hayley Lovett, Morgan Monroe and Mariah Roberts; 13 great grandchildren and a sister, Esther Braun of Washington Court House.

A private graveside service will be held in Bloomingburg Cemetery with the Rev. Phillip Webb, pastor at the Bloomingburg Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

A celebration of life service is being planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bloomingburg Methodist Church, c/o Jeannie Wilt, 6266 Danville Road-NE, Bloomingburg, Ohio 43106 or Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County, 222 North Oakland Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

BARBARA HUDKINS LEGGETT

Barbara Hudkins Leggett, 94, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 11:25 a.m. at Court House Manor where she had been residing since May.

Barbara was born December 17, 1928, in Doddridge County, West Virginia to Ray C. and Altha Pickens Hudkins.  She was a 1946 graduate of Doddridge County-West Union High School in Dodridge County, West Virginia.  She moved to Washington Court House in 1953, from Morgantown, West Virginia.

Beginning in 1966, she was employed by the Washington City Schools at Rose Avenue Elementary School in the Title 1 and DPPF programs.  She later worked at Krieger Equipment for several years.

Barbara was a longtime member of the WCH Grace Church where for several years she sang in the Chancel Choir.  She had also volunteered with the Fayette County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for over 20 years.

On August 5, 1950, she married Denzil L. Leggett.  He preceded her in death on April 22, 2021.  Born to this marriage were three daughters, Sue L. Warner and Jill L. Phillips, both of Washington Court House and Jo L. Leggett of Hilliard, Ohio.  Also surviving are two grandchildren, Justin T. (J.T.) Warner and his wife, Trisha, of Dublin and their children, Luke and Emery and Jeffrey L. Warner and his wife, Elizabeth, of Pittsburgh, PA and their children, Graham, Penn and Ellis.  Additional survivors are a sister, S. Maurine Ash; a sister-in-law, Carolyn S. Gaston and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Silva; sisters-in-law, Betty Leggett and Bernadine Leggett and brothers-in-law, Randall Leggett, Duane Leggett, Sam Gaston, Harry “Rusty” Ash and a son-in-law, John Phillips.

To honor her wishes, cremation took place.

A graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family in the Washington Cemetery with Mel Wickensimer, director of visitation at WCH Grace Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to WCH Grace Methodist Church, 301 East Market Street, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

S. SUE CROSBY

Sue Crosby, 94, of Naples, FL, formerly of Washington Court House, OH died Thursday, September 21, 2023, in Naples, FL.

Sue was born December 8, 1928, in Ohio City in Van Wert County, to Lowell M. (Pete) and Edith (Billie) Scheidt Hayes.  She was a 1946 graduate of Washington High School and a 1950 graduate of the College of Pharmacy at Ohio Northern University.  She was a registered pharmacist and had lived most of her life in Washington Court House.  She had been residing in Naples the past two years.

She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Leadership Training Sunday school class.  She was also a charter member and past president of Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Psi sorority and friends for many years with the “Lunch Bunch.”

On August 12, 1950, she married Paul D. Crosby.  He preceded her in death on May 1, 2005.

Sue is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Katrina Crosby and daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Todd Herman; three granddaughters, Brooke Lewis, Amber (Tom) Goecke and Brady (Kevin) Yenger and six great grandchildren, Mallory Lewis, Ethan Knapp, Chase, Hanna and Ella Goecke and Emersyn Crosby.

She has chosen to have no service.  Cremation will take place.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 214 North Hinde Street or the Fayette Regional Humane Society, 153 South Main Street, Suite 3, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

BETTY MARIE HYER

Betty Marie Hyer, 94, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Monday, September 18, 2023, at her residence.

Betty was born August 13, 1929, in Ross County, Ohio to William and Clara Koch Hollar.  She was a 1947 graduate of Frankfort High School.  She moved to Washington Court House in 1961, from Circleville.

Before her retirement, she had been a lab technician at Fayette County Memorial Hospital for over 30 years.

On October 29, 1947, she married Ralph Corliss Hyer.  He preceded her in death on September 15, 2017.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Mitchell Hyer in 2004; two grandsons, Robert Alspaugh in 2013, and Chris Taylor in 2020, and a brother, William Hollar.

She is survived by eight children, Corliss Hyer of Bloomingburg, Wendell Hyer, Janice Hyer, Angela Alspaugh, Donna Hyer, Donald Hyer, all of Washington Court House, Rosena (Mark Clark) Cooper of Waynesville and John Hyer of Washington Court House; fifteen grandchildren, Amber Hyer, Kathleen Hyer, Corey Anshutz, William Hyer, Shane Burnett, Jacque Taylor, Shawnasie Turner, Makayla Bennett, William Black, Aaron Brown, Nathan Brown, Jeremiah Gardner, A.J. Cooper, Zurick Hyer and Korben Hyer; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; a sister, Rose Mary Teets of Florida and many nieces and nephews.

To honor her wishes, cremation took place.

A graveside service will be held Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Frankfort with Joy Stanforth, associate pastor at Heritage Memorial Church, officiating.  Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

 

NAOMA RUTH (RUTH ANN) BAILEY

Naoma Ruth (Ruth Ann) Bailey, 87, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Sunday, September 17, 2023, at 11:10 p.m. at Clinton Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient since September 14.

Ruth Ann was born July 14, 1936, in Kentucky to Raymond and Pearl Alexander West.  She was a graduate of Gauley Bridge (West Virginia) High School.  She lived most of her life in Greenfield and Washington Court House.

She was a member of WCH Grace Methodist Church, was an avid reader and enjoyed quilting.

On June 6, 1954, she married Donald W. Bailey.  He preceded her in death on December 23, 2000.  She was also preceded by two brothers, Richard and Floyd West and two sisters, Bonnie Masters and Janie Rose.

She is survived by a son, Donald R. Bailey and his life partner, Misty George, of Mount Sterling, OH; a daughter and son-in-law, Laura and David Miller of Delaware, OH; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; a brother, Dennis West and a sister and brother-in-law, Marietta and Sonny Taylor, all of West Virginia.

The funeral will be held Friday, September 22, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with Mell Wickensimer, director of visitation at WCH Grace Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

GERALDINE “JERRY” JUNK

Geraldine “Jerry” West Junk, 96, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 10:45 a.m. at Court House Manor where she had been residing since March 24, 2023.

Jerry was born February 4, 1927, in Jeffersonville, Ohio to Chester Lynn and Dora Mildred Ellis West.  She was a graduate of Jeffersonville High School and attended beauty school in Springfield.  She was a lifelong resident of this community.

She owned and operated Jerry’s Beauty Shop for many years before her retirement in 1998.

Jerry was a devout Christian lady and a longtime member of WCH Grace Methodist Church and the Aldersgate Sunday School Class.  She had formerly been a volunteer with the Fayette County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and had also been a member of the Fayette Regional Humane Society.

Mrs. Junk was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Jack W. West in 1997, and special friends, Marty Wickensimer in 2019, Mark Wickensimer in 2022, and Edna May Walston in 2018.

She is survived by a sister-in-law, Patricia West of Washington Court House; a niece, Linda Sue Davis and her husband, J. Paul Davis, of Goodyear, AZ; a cousin, Barb Coan of Grove City; special friends, Mell Wickensimer, Sharon Miller, Mindi Wickensimer, Deana Ely; Carla Long, Lisa Bohn, Vicki Cardenas and Carol Heinz; her friends in Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County, including caregivers, Naomi Mootispaw and Shelly Robbins and several other cousins and numerous friends.

The funeral will be Monday, September 18, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with Mell Wickensimer, director of visitation at WCH Grace Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Milledgeville-Plymouth Cemetery.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to WCH Grace Methodist Church, 301 East Market Street or the Fayette Regional Humane Society, 153 South Main Street, Suite 3, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

MARY NELL WILSON

Mary Nell Wilson, 90, of Canal Winchester, Ohio died Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 8:19 a.m. at Tuscany Gardens in Pataskala where she had been residing six weeks.

She was born September 25, 1932, in Reidsville, GA to Elmer Clinton “Tobe” and Lucy May Boyles Cowart.  She was a graduate of Collins High School in Reidsville and a 1952 graduate of the Warren A. Candler Hospital School of Nursing in Savannah, GA.  She moved to Canal Winchester in 1967, from Jeffersonville, Ohio

She was a retired registered nurse.  Following her retirement, she continued to care for those around her and always was a caregiver wherever she was.  Throughout her life, she continued to complete the state required educational courses to keep her nursing license current.

Mary had served as a pianist at her church; had been a Sunday school teacher and always supported the church missionaries and their endeavors.

On September 25, 1952, she married Lindy Dale Wilson.  He preceded her in death on July 11, 2017.  She was also preceded by five brothers, Elmer, Oland, Roy, Arthur and Carl Cowart and a sister, Callie Peeples.

She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Kay and Malcolm Turrill of Pickerington and Lisé and Russell Roth of Ashville, Ohio; four grandchildren, Dustin (Amanda) Wagner, Kelly Turrill, Russell (Stacie) Roth and Mary (Jeremiah) Jacobsen and eight great grandchildren, Amie, Joshua and Natalie Roth, Judah, Abigayle Lindy, Levi and Simon Jacobsen and Donovan Days.

The funeral will be Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with Pastor Matthew Pittman officiating.  Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com