Obituaries

Jeanette Ann Somers, 83, of New Holland, Ohio died Friday, September 26, 2025, at 9:40 a.m. at Wyngate Senior Living in Circleville where she had been residing since January 15, 2024.

Jeanette was born September 26, 1942, in Circleville, Ohio to Harvey and Margaret Butler Brigner.  She was a 1960 graduate of Monroe High School in Pickaway County and lived her early life in the Five Points community, but she spent most of her life in the New Holland community.

Before her retirement, she was co-owner and operator of Three Moms Catering.  She took great pride in being a farm wife and was well known for her cooking and baking, especially her pies.

She was a member of the New Holland Methodist Church.

On July 1,1961, she married Richard Wayne Somers.  He preceded her in death on May 25, 2017.

She is survived by three children, Sheri Gray and her husband, Richard, of New Holland, Missy Gulick and her husband, Jeff, of Lafayette, IN and Randy Somers and his wife, Deanna of Lithopolis, OH; six grandchildren, Bryan (Alyssa) Gray, Tyler (Kammi) Gray and Emily (Billy) Fusiek, Courtney Gulick, Corinne and Sydney Somers; eight great grandchildren, William, Ava and Bryson Fusiek. Samantha, Emma, Hannah, Scarlett and Penny Gray and a brother, Jerry Brigner and his wife, Linda, of Dublin, Ohio.

The funeral will be Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland with the Rev. Alex Feldman, pastor at the Lithopolis United Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in New Holland Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home in New Holland from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wyngate Senior Living, 745 Northridge Road, Circleville, Ohio 43113 or National Church Residences Southern Hospice, 807 Western Avenue, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Mary Susan (Collins) “Sue” Paul, 71, of Jeffersonville, Ohio died Monday, September 22, 2025, at 9:20 a.m. at the home of her daughter while surrounded by her loving family.

She was born May 19, 1954, in Vinton County, Ohio to George Henry and Gertrude Pauline Seum Collins.

Sue lived a full and dedicated life to her family and her career as a “legendary” cook.  She will be remembered for her great since of humor, kindness, loving nature and amazing cooking abilities.

She was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers, Bob, Herb and Frank Beltz and Jimmy, Billy and Ron Collins and two sisters, Marvene Perkins and Joyce Thompson.

Sue is survived by her devoted husband,  Jerry T. Paul whom married June 24, 2000; her loving children, Tammy Wilson of Jeffersonville and Billy (Diane) Hensley of Langsville, Ohio; two precious grandchildren, Austin (Samantha) Wilson of Washington Court House and Alekae Wilson of Jeffersonville; a brother, Wayne (Linda) Collins of Ashville; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends including very special friends,  Mike and Kim Moorman of Jeffersonville, Kami and Nate Caudill of Jeffersonville and Julie Ream, Kylee Dawson, Courtney Justice and DeVon “Dee” Davis Harris of Heartland Hospice of Washington Court House.

To honor her wishes, there will be no visitation or service.

A celebration of her life with dinner, desserts and fun stories will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to assist with expenses.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Terrance Lee “Terry” Thevenin, 83, of Dayton, Ohio died Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 7:20 p.m. at his home.

Terry was born July 21, 1942, in Portsmouth, VA. He was a graduate of I. C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, VA and moved to Jamestown in 2004, from Virginia.  He had been residing in Dayton for the past three years.

Before his retirement, he was a sheet metal mechanic at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

He had attended the Jamestown Church of God; participated in Civil War reenactments with the Jamestown Historical Society and was an avid OSU and NASCAR fan.  He and his brother formerly owned and raced stockcars.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Mary Evelyn Rhoads on September 25, 2016; a daughter, Lisa R. Miller on May 11, 2020; a grandson, David Mogren; two brothers, Tobias and Thomas Thevenin and a son-in-law, Robert L. Miller.

Terry is survived by a daughter, Mindy Thevenin and her husband, Johnny Ring, of Dayton; four grandchildren, Phoebe and Elijah Thevenin, Christopher Mogren and Gabriel Ring; longtime family friend and caregiver, Christina Charles of Dayton and a sister-in-law, Harriette Thevenin of Suffolk, VA.

Cremation will be observed with a private family service to be held at a later date.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Sherman O. Redding, 74, of New Holland, Ohio died Friday, September 12, 2025, at 7:33 p.m. at his home following a long battle with heart failure.

Sherman was born April 29, 1951, in Pickaway County, Ohio to Floyd Woodrow and Betty Mae Boyd Redding and was a lifelong resident of the New Holland community.

He formerly was a forklift operator at Versa Corporation in Mount Sterling.

Sherman enjoyed fishing and working on tractors and cars, but his main pleasure was spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Sherman O. Redding, Jr. on September 15, 2012; a granddaughter, Chayla Chiane Redding on March 16, 2001; his parents and nine siblings, Alberta, Verner, Annabelle, William “Bill” and Floyd (Pete) Redding, Carol Pence, Lily Self, Elizabeth Pence and Thelma Redding.

Sherman is survived by his wife, the former Danna Mae Cornwell, whom he married August 29, 1970;  two children, Steven Redding and his wife, Randa, and Michelle Noble and her husband, Chris, all of New Holland, four grandchildren, Ashley Redding, Tiffany (Kyle) Litteral, Hunner Redding and Riley Redding; three great grandchildren, Cora Mae Lindsey, Braylon Taylor and Paislee Taylor; three siblings, Clark (Susan) Redding of Atlanta, Lucretia (Clarence Lunsford) Bethel of Frankfort and Bernice (Larry) Perkins of Sedalia and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the New Holland Church of Christ in Christian Union with Crystal Spriggs, minister at the church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Waterloo Cemetery in Pancoastburg.

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

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Gregory Edward Cobb, 67, of Washington Court House, Ohio died early Tuesday morning, August 26, 2025, at his home.

Greg was born November 22, 1957, in Deland, Florida to Arthur Benjamin and Jacquelyn Ann Niles Cobb, Jr.  He moved to Washington Court House in 1959, from Florida.  He was a 1976 graduate of Miami Trace High School and received degrees in business and equine science from Otterbein University.

He formerly was a letter carrier for the United State Postal Service for 11 years in the Jeffersonville area.

Greg attended the Grace Community Church.  He thoroughly enjoyed going to the races at Scioto Downs.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gardner Cobb who died April 8, 2024.

Greg is survived by two brothers, Dr. Gary Cobb and his wife, Lisa, of Middletown and Glen Cobb and his wife, Jan, of New Holland; a sister-in-law, Kathy Cobb of North Carolina and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Washington Cemetery with Jay Lucas, pastor at Grace Community Church officiating. Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Robert N. (Bob) Highfield, 92, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025, while surrounded by his family.

Bob was born in Toledo, Ohio to Norris Corwin and Mona Kelley Highfield, but moved to Washington Court House, where he spent the rest of his life. He was proud to have attended and graduated from Washington High School in 1951. He attended The Ohio State University, College of Agriculture.

He was manager of the Pure Oil Bulk Plant and manager of Case Power and Equipment before becoming a realtor and broker. He retired as Fayette County’s first Economic Development Director and was instrumental in bringing the first outlet mall to Fayette County. He also worked for Midland Acres, pursuing his love of horses.

After retirement, Bob spent most of his time tending to his award-winning Pure-Bred Dorset Sheep, showing locally, statewide and nationally.  He spent 45 years as Director of the sheep department and the sheep barn at The Ohio State Fair. He was inducted into The Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame in 1998.

Bob was very involved with the community.  He was elected and served for over 20 years on the

Washington City School Board of Education and served for 12 years on the Board of Great Oaks Joint Vocational Schools. He was a member of the Rotary Club, Fayette County Board of Realtors, the Ohio Hospice of Fayette County board of directors, a member of the Farm Bureau, the Fayette County Harness Horseman’s Association and the Ohio Continental Dorset Club.

He was a lifelong member of WCH Grace Methodist Church, serving as chairman of the trustees, on the pastor-parish committee and received an award for serving over 50 years as an usher.

Bob was a great servant to his church, country, community and his many friends, but most important was his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack Highfield, two sisters-In-law, Helen Highfield, Rita Frederick Deffenbaugh; two brothers-in-Law, Mark and Tim Frederick and his mother-in-law and father In-law, Gladys and Austin Frederick.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Linda (Frederick) Highfield; five children, Debbie (Lance) Parker of The Villages, FL; Pamela Atkinson of Washington Court House, OH; Robin Highfield of Falls Church, VA; the Reverend Kevin Highfield of Cambridge, United Kingdom and Brian (Holly) Highfield of Sarasota, FL;  five grandchildren; Harry, Michael and Jacob Atkinson, Sarah Maltby and Austin Highfield; eight great grandchildren; a sister, Mary (Phil) Grover; two brothers, Dick and Ed Highfield; two sisters-in-law, Peg Highfield and Gayle (Bruce) Denen and a brother-in-law, David Frederick.  He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and very good friends.

The funeral is scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11 a.m. at WCH Grace Methodist Church, 301 E. Market Street, Washington, Court House, OH, with visitation one hour before the service.

A luncheon will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church.

Cremation and burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Robert N. Highfield Memorial Scholarship Fund, for both the Washington City Schools and Miami Trace Schools, to continue his legacy in education. To donate, visit www.highfieldscholarship.highlifeactivated.com.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Alan LeRoy Tapp, born on December 5, 1939, in Austin, MN, peacefully departed this life on August 23, 2025, at Court House Manor Nursing Home in Washington Court House, OH.  Nicknamed “Gopher” for coming from Minnesota, Alan is remembered for his warm smile and ability to bring a smile to the faces of others.   

Alan grew up in LeRoy, MN working on the family farm.  He graduated from LeRoy High School in 195,7 where he was a drummer in the marching band.  He entered the Air Force in 1959 and spent much of his Air Force time in Germany.  He loved walking and finding new places.  When visiting friends and family he could always be found walking and exploring the area.  He never met a stranger and always had a lighthearted tease for those he loved.   He carried the values of hard work and integrity throughout his life.

He worked as an airplane mechanic after leaving the Air Force.  After several years, an on-the-job accident injured his hand and he was able to pursue his dream of starting a woodworking business, Gopher’s Wood Mill, and started making picture frames among many other projects.  He was an expert woodworker and carpenter and loved making things with his hands.  He also loved embroidery projects and quilting.  His other passions included trains, steam engines and German music.  He was an accomplished accordion player.

Alan’s legacy continues through his wife, Penny of 29 years (married on December 1, 1996), his three children including Renae Woods (Joey) of Tifton, GA, Dean Tapp (Beth) of Landis, NC, and Sarah Tapp of Lebanon, TN; his grandchildren, Shelby Tapp, Austin Woods and Caleb Tapp and great grandchildren; his brothers, Don Tapp (Delores), Waverly, NE and Verdell Tapp (Micky), Ham Lake, MN and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Lloyd Earnest Tapp and his mother, Irene Gladys Schroeder Tapp.

Alan LeRoy Tapp lived his life with grace and a genuine desire to help those around him, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.  He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.  He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, OH and loved playing the handbells when he had the opportunity.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later time where his final resting place will be in Minnesota with his parents.

Condolences may be sent to Penny Tapp, P. O. Box 229, Highland, OH 45132.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your local church or favorite charity in his memory.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

A memorial service for Mary Ann (Mossbarger) Summers, 75, of Versailles, KY, will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.  A brief time of remembrance will be held at 2:45 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodford Park Association, 275 Beasley Road, Versailles, KY 40383 or the Woodford County Woman’s Club, c/o Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

Mary Ann, a former local resident and teacher, passed away July 10, 2025, at her home in Versailles.

Evelyn Bott, 89, of Grove City, OH, formerly of Clarksburg, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 9:15 p.m. at Carolyn’s Cottage Assisted Living in Grove City where she had been residing the past four years.

Evelyn was born May 24, 1936, in Fayette County, Ohio to Judge Alden and Theresa Belle Smith Jones.  She was a 1954 graduate of Madison Mills High School and attended Ohio University. She lived most of her life in Ross County before moving to Grove City six years ago.

She formerly was pastor at the Clarksburg Tabernacle and had operated the church’s the free day building and food pantry.  She always took an active leadership role in all of the community activities in Clarksburg.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Wayne Bott in 2002; her parents and three brothers, the Revs. Willard, Thomas and Paul Jones.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Tammy Buskirk of Grove City and Douglas and Lorna Buskirk of Chillicothe; four grandchildren, Alex (Hannah) Buskirk, Hilary Buskirk, Sarah (Jeff) Delcamp and Nathan Buskirk; five great grandchildren, Landon, Parker and Aurelia Buskirk and Jordan and Zamira Delcamp; a sister, Mildred Harris of Clarksburg and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland with the Rev. Brent Curtis officiating.  Burial will follow in the Waterloo Cemetery in Pancoastburg, Ohio.

Friends may call at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland from 12 Noon Saturday until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to help fund the blessing box at the Clarksburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 92, Clarksburg, Ohio 43115.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

William Daniel “Danny” Sheets, 58, of New Holland, Ohio passed away early Monday morning, August 11, 2025, at his residence.  His death was sudden and unexpected.

Danny was born May 26, 1967, in Wurzburg. Germany, to William Bryan “Butch” and Nancy Anne Noble Sheets.  He was a 1985 graduate of Miami Trace High School and received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Wilmington College in 1989.  He was a lifelong resident of New Holland community.

For the past 25 years, he had been a probation officer with Fayette County Adult Probation.  He was also a farmer.

Danny was a member of the New Holland Church of Christ.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his paternal grandparents, William and Margaret Sheets and his maternal grandparents, Dan and Bernice Noble.

Danny is survived by his wife, the former Vickie Lynn McKinney whom he married August 8, 1998; a daughter and son-in-law, Brittany and Andy Peters of Jamestown, OH; three grandchildren, Kaitlyn Ellsworth, Camry and Paxton Long; a brother and sister-in-law, Bryan and Nikki Sheets of New Holland; a sister, Becky Sheets of Washington Court House and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral will be Friday, August 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland with Brandon Carbaugh officiating.  Burial will follow in the New Holland Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland Thursday from 6-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Miami Trace Athletic Boosters, 300 Bloomingburg-New Holland Road-NW, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 or the Fayette Reginal Humane Society, 4 Commercial Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com