Previous Services

Donna Jean Holmes Hankins, 96, of Maitland, FL, formerly of Washington Court House, Ohio entered the presence of Christ on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at 1:13 p.m. at Trinity Springs Assisted Living Care in Oxford, Florida where she had been a patient the past year.

Donna was born June 17, 1926, in Toledo, Ohio to Merrell and Velma Bales Holmes.  She was a lifelong Ohioan (Toledo and Washington Court House) and had been a dual resident of Washington Court House and the Clearwater-Orlando, Florida area since 1980.

She was a graduate of The Ohio State University in music, with a degree in vocal performance.  She taught and directed choral music on all levels at Miami Trace High School; in the Toledo Public School System and in the Englewood and Clearwater, Florida school systems for 30 years.

Donna was a choir member and frequent vocal soloist in the music ministries of the churches she attended throughout her life.  She was also a member of the Fayette County Choral Society for many years and performed vocally for the Fayette County Sesquicentennial Celebration held in Washington Court House.  She was a sponsor of the girls 4-H club in Washington Court House for many years.

She was an accomplished author-poet, having written an anthology of more than 100 poems and a full-length book describing a Christian’s relationship with Christ, modeled after the analogy of a woman’s marriage to her husband.

Donna was well-known for her constant study of Scripture, both in formal classes and privately, and engaged in an extensive private ministry of prayer for her family and friends daily.  She maintained a faithful interest in the Jewish people throughout her life, seeking their conversion to Christ and Christianity, until her death.

On November 27, 1948, she married Harford Harrison (Dick) Hankins, Jr.   He preceded her in death on January 17, 2017.

She is survived by three children, Cheryl A. Mason and her husband, Gordon, of Orlando, FL, Dr. Stephen J. Hankins and his wife, Sandra, of Greenville, SC and Lisa J. Donohue and her husband, Thomas, of The Villages, FL; ten grandchildren, Julianne Poor, Greg Mason, Ryan Mason, Kevin Donohue, Thomas Donohoe, Jr., Hayley Byrns, Stephanie Hankins Griffith, Stephen Hankins, Jr., Sherilyn Hankins Franklin and Samuel Hankins and 22 great grandchildren.

The funeral will be Monday, August 29, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Fayette Bible Church with the Rev. Tony Garren, pastor at the church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery.

Friends will be welcomed by the family at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Family and friends are invited to a meal at the church following the burial.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Stephen E. Popper passed away on Monday, August 15, 2022, at St. Catherine’s Manor in Washington Court House, OH, after a brief illness. At the time of his death, he was Director of Occupational Medicine with Bon Secours Mercy Health in Springfield, OH.

He was born on May 4, 1951, in San Francisco, CA, and also grew up in Endicott, NY, and San Jose, CA. He attended high school in San Jose, CA, graduating in 1969. He loved the boy scouts growing up and learning about nature. He enjoyed music, writing songs, photography, and researching antique military weapons.

Before graduating high school, he contacted a senator and had his name nominated in Congress to be admitted to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. He was accepted, graduating in 1973 with a degree in Astronautical Engineering. He was a graduate of Des Moines University, College of Osteopathic Medicine class of 1985, and Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Fairborn, OH, with a residency in Psychiatry 1985-1988. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health.

He retired with over 28 years of military service with a career spanning munitions maintenance, engineering, and as a physician, being a Senior Flight Surgeon. He earned jump wings (free fall), the explosive ordinance disposal badge, as well as publishing/presenting over 30 aeromedical research papers. He worked in the Aerospace Systems Division managing contracts on cruise missiles. The work was classified as it involved the delivery systems of nuclear weapons. After retirement he started a new career as an occupational medicine physician for 25+ years, finally residing in Washington Court House, OH. His staff at Bon Secours Mercy Health was like a second family and was dearly loved by him.

He was an avid fitness and work-out advocate his entire life, always setting a good example himself, for his patients and friends and encouraged them to do their best. He believed a fit body was a much healthier body. He enjoyed boxing, and competed and won some Golden Glove competitions.

He will be remembered for his many community contributions, including volunteer high school sports-physical doctor, seven years volunteering as team physician for Friday night high school football for South Gallia High School, serving as a Sunday school teacher, mentor to countless kids and young adults, as well as a soccer coach. He also helped rescue countless animals, including cats, dogs, and horses. He was a huge supporter of Standardbred Retirement Foundation, who rescues retired, in-need, and abandoned Standardbred horses. He was an animal lover, and his own beloved pet family included rescued German Shepherd, Jester, kitty, Venus, and Standardbred horses, Ethan, Muppet, and Moon as well as many others over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Beverly Popper of San Jose, CA, and brother, John Popper. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and step-children, Denny Daugherty, Darrin Daugherty, and Dana (Patrick) Conley. He was looking forward to the birth of his first step-grandchild, Iris Mae Conley, due later this year. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Charles (Pam) Haislip Jr. of Artemas, PA, and his sister, Peggy (Raymond) Tomasso of San Jose, CA, and their children as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by a dear friend of many years, Stephen Kuglin, of CA.

The funeral will be a private family service, at Stephen’s request, on August 17, 2022. Father C.M. Haddad will preside. Stephen will receive full military honors, including a 21-gun salute for his service to this country. Toward the end of his life, Stephen embraced the Roman Catholic Faith.

Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House, OH, will be handling the arrangements, and he will be laid to rest in Washington Cemetery Veterans’ Section, Washington Court House, OH.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to http://tunnel2towers.org, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, or https://adoptahorse.org/ Standardbred Retirement Foundation, SRF Farm, 42 Arneytown-Hornerstown Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Maxie Webster (Max) Justice, 81, of Good Hope, Ohio died Sunday, August 7, 2022, at 7 a.m. at St. Catherine’s Manor of Washington Court House where he had been a patient the past month.

Max was born June 7, 1941, at Clarksburg in Ross County, Ohio to Herbert Elmer and Martha Freda Rittenhouse Justice.  He attended school in Atlanta, Ohio but lived most of his life in the Good Hope Community.

Known as the “Coke Man,” he worked for Coca-Cola in Circleville for over 40 years.

He was a 50-year member of Heber Lodge F. & A.M. #501 in Williamsport; Heber Chapter #62 of the Order of the Eastern Star; 32^nd Degree Masons, Valley of Columbus; Aladdin Temple Shrine in Columbus; Washington Shrine Club; Circleville Chapter #20 of the Royal Arch Masons of Ohio and Tyrian Council #60 of the Royal and Select Masters of Ohio.  He was a long-time member of the Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department and had previous served 25 years as chief.

Max, along with his wife Bunny, traveled many miles going to flea markets and sales in search of antiques.  He also enjoyed fishing and hunting.

On June 11, 1964, he married the former Colleen Ann (Bunny) Bennett.  She preceded him in death on January 30, 2014.  He was also preceded by a son, Daniel Justice on December 29, 2015, and a sister, Jacqueline Hooper in 2000.

Max is survived by a special niece, who was like a daughter, Robin Hart and her husband, Keith, of Washington Court House, three grandchildren, Nathan Howell, Rachel Cornett and Adrianne (Justin) Noggle, five great grandchildren; a brother, Tommie Justice and his wife, Nancy, of Dayton; two sisters, Carol A. Bliss of New Holland and Maxine Knisley, and her husband, Don, of Washington Court House and several other nieces and nephews.

A Masonic service, which is open to the public, will be Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.  The funeral will immediately follow the Masonic service with Rebekah Milstead officiating.  Burial will be in the Good Hope Cemetery.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Shrine Club, P.O. Box 164, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Genevieve Shirley Gilpen, 84, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 7 p.m. at the Adena Fayette Medical Center in Washington Court House where she had been a patient since July 31.

Shirley was born June 16, 1938, in London, Ohio to Elmer and Tennie Hicks Zoltz.  She lived most of her life in New Holland and Washington Court House.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Leroy Gilpen on December 24, 2002; a son, Dewey E. Zoltz in 2014; two daughters, Loretta Howard in 1995, and Diana Forsha on August 3, 2022, and Diana’s husband, Larry Dean Forsha in 2006, and an infant son, George Eugene Gilpen.

She is survived by is survived by a daughter, Brenda Staten of Washington Court House; a son, Ronald Gilpen of New Holland; a son-in-law, John Howard, of Washington Court House; four grandchildren, Austin Dean Forsha, Harley Lynn Forsha, Michael Howard and Poppy Spriggs; four great grandchildren, Brittany and Chance Blevins, Madison Staten and Seth Spriggs; a great great grandson, Jet Blevins; Diana’s  boyfriend, Chuck Keilback and his children, Gabriel and Lora, two brothers, Elmer Leon Zoltz of Clearfield, Utah and Fred Zoltz and his wife, Kay, of Morino Valley, CA; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland.  Burial will follow in the Little Mound Cemetery near Richmond Dale in Ross County.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Marilyn E. Stimpert, 91, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 10:54 p.m. at the Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus where she had been a patient since July 19.

Marilyn was born January 27, 1931, in Zanesville, Ohio to Ivin Swazey and Lulu Belle Fowler Miracle.  She was a 1949 graduate of Stafford High School and attended Bliss College.  She moved to Washington Court House in 1965.

She formerly was a typist and clerk for State Auto Insurance Company and the American Jersey Cattle Club.

Marilyn was an active member of the Grace United Methodist Church, the Arnold Circle and had formerly served as a trustee and assisted in the dining room at the church.  She was a member of the Fayette County Commission on Aging, had served as a volunteer at Fayette County Memorial Hospital for 25 years and had been a member of the Town and Country Garden Club.  She loved to decorate her home for the seasons, especially at Christmas with her hundreds of snowmen.  Her greatest love was for her family and she likewise was deeply loved by all who knew her and she will be truly missed.

On September 23, 1950, she married John William Stimpert.  He preceded her in death on November 17, 2016.  She was also preceded by her parents and a brother, Lowell Miracle

Marilyn is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Terri Stimpert of Worthington; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Dan Dean of Washington Court House; five grandchildren, Amy (Rob) Disbennett of Cincinnati, Jon (Allison) Dean of West Chester, OH, Emily (Jake) Shafer of Lewis Center, Ohio, Sarah (Dean) Zettler of Worthington, OH and Thomas John Stimpert of Columbus, Ohio and six great grandchildren, Will and Lilly Shafer, Genevieve, Scarlett and Molly Zettler and Leo Dean.

The funeral will be Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 12 p.m. Noon at the Grace United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Matt Brookes, pastor at the church, officiating.  Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.

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

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

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Diana Kay Gilpen Forsha, 48, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 12:26 a.m. shortly after arrival at the Adena Fayette Medical Center.  Her death was sudden and unexpected.

Diana November 10, 1973, in Washington Court House, Ohio to George Leroy and Genevieve Shirley Zoltz Gilpen.

She had been a crew member at Arby’s in Washington Court House for the past 14 years.

Diana was a big fan of Baby Yoda.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Dean Forsha on November 24, 2006; by her father, George Gilpen in 2002; a brother, Dewey E. Zoltz in 2014; a sister, Loretta Howard in 1995, and an infant brother, George Eugene Gilpen.

She is survived by is survived by a son, Austin Dean Forsha and a daughter, Harley Lynn Forsha, both of New Holland; her boyfriend, Chuck Keilback and his children, Gabriel and Lora, of Washington Court House; her mother, Genevieve Shirley Gilpen and a sister, Brenda Staten, both of Washington Court House; a brother,  Ronald Gilpen of New Holland; a brother-in-law, John Howard, of Washington Court House; special friends, Monica Perkins and Marylou Morgan and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral will be Friday, August 5, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland with Mell Wickensimer, director of visitation at the Grace United Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Greenfield Cemetery.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome

Marilyn E. Stimpert, 91, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 10:54 p.m. at the Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus where she had been a patient since July 19.

Arrangements for services are being completed and will be announced by the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

Jincie Louise VanMeter, 88, of Washington Court House, Ohio went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, August 1, 2022, at 8:26 p.m. at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Circleville.

She was born September 15, 1933, at Sabina in Clinton County, Ohio to Paul Rhodes and Jincie Lillian Stewart Sperry.  She was a 1953 graduate of Washington High School and lived most of her life in this community.

She had formerly been a legal secretary for Charles S. Hire and later John S. Bath.

She was a member of the Fayette Bible Church and had formerly been an assistant Girl Scout leader.

On May 2, 1953, she married Frelan Opas VanMeter.  He preceded her in death on November 10, 2014.  She was also preceded by a daughter, Karen Lynn Mitchell on June 5, 2020; a son-in-law, Michael Dennis; a sister, Paula Sperry Leto; a half sister, Jean Sperry Shidaker and a nephew, Edward Shidaker.

Louise is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Cinda and Charles Burks of Seneca, SC and Jincie Beth and Bob Hendershot of Circleville; a son-in-law, Tim Mitchell of Dublin, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Eric Mitchell, Kristen (Austin) Drenski, Jessica (Patrick) Donaldson, Charles (Brittany) Burks, II, Connor (Elizabeth) Burks, Jincie Alexandra Burks, Sarah (Earl) Dennis-Railey, Jason (Stefanie) Dennis and Matthew (Melissa) Dennis; 16 great grandchildren, Amelia, Sebastian, Declan and Della Burks; Bryce, Eamon, Lincoln, Amelia and Jeremy Donaldson; Jayden, Olivia, Eloise, Clara and Eli Dennis and DeVaughn and Destiny Railey;  brother-in-law and sister-in-law, E. Wayne and Patty VanMeter of Washington Court House; a niece, Robin (Walt) Meiner; other extended family members and her beloved cat, Greylie.

The funeral will be Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Fayette Bible Church with the Rev. Tony Garren, pastor at the church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 12 noon until time of the service.

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

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Ronnie Clayton “Ron” Leisure, 59, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. Adena Fayette Medical Center where he had been a patient since Tuesday.

Ronnie was born December 27, 1962, in Washington Court House, Ohio to Robert Earl and Shirley Ann Hudson Leisure and was a lifelong resident of this community.

He worked in manufacturing at Chappell Door in Washington Court House.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Robert Earl Leisure and mother and step-father, Shirley and William ‘Bill” Warner.

He is survived by his wife, the former Angla Trisdale whom he married December 31, 2000; a daughter, Moriah (Danielle) Leisure; step children, Heather Hubbell, Donald Hubbell and Aron (Dawn) Seay; grandchildren, Gabrielle King, Shane Smith, Jr., Olivia Tackett, whom he reared, Chad Hubbell and Corben, Desirae, Dristan and Joslyn Seay; brother, Rick Leisure, Tony  Lindsey, John Warner, Billy (Brenda) Warner, Jeff (Angie) Warner step-brothers, James Lindsey and Mark Lindsey; two sisters Tammy (Chuck) Massie and Vicki (David) Laytart; several nieces and nephews, including Erin Leisure, Ashley Lewis, and Brandon Warner and special friends, Dave Fitch, Marty Hoagland and Dennis Smith and a former sister-in-law, Twila Leisure.

A private visitation and funeral will be held at the convenience of the family at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Dawn Michele Swayne, 49, of Greenfield, Ohio passed away early Wednesday morning, July 20, 2022, at her home.  Her death was sudden and unexpected.

Dawn was born January 28, 1973, in Fayette County, Ohio to Ronald J. and Pamela Kay Ratliff Manuel.  She was a 1991 graduate of Chillicothe High School and received an Associate’s Degree from Southern State Community College.  She lived most of her life in Fayette and Ross Counties and had been residing in Greenfield the past two years.

She was a special needs paraprofessional at Miami Trace High School.

Dawn was a member of the Sugar Creek Baptist Church.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ronald J. Manuel in 1998.

Dawn is survived by her husband, James Robert Swayne whom she married August 19, 1995; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kaleigh and Thomas Bondurant of Leesburg and Madison and Brandon Wright of Greenfield; six grandchildren, Harper Rose, Lillyan Bondurant, Grayson Swayne, Raylynn Swayne, Liam Bondurant and Isabella Wright; her mother and step-father, Pamela and Ron Trainer of Centerville; a sister and brother-in-law, Heather and Gerald Rose of Jeffersonville; a special niece and nephew who were like children to her, Hannah (Landen) Alspaugh of Dayton and Jacob (Lindsey) Rose of Washington Court House; a nephew, Tyler Cook of Hillsboro and several aunts and uncles, including Sharon Pauley and Judy Day who were very special aunts to her.

The funeral will be Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 3 p.m. at the Sugar Creek Baptist Church, 3263 Old U.S. Route 35-NW, Washington Court House, with Mike Henry, pastor at the church, officiating.  Cremation will follow the service.

Friends may call at the church Saturday from 1 p.m. until time of the service.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com