Passages

Alice Umans Abramson ’50 – Sept. 4, 2018

On September 4, 2018, Alice Umans Abramson, beloved wife of the late Dr. Samuel Abramson. Survived by children, Rachel Abramson (William Dolnick), Rabbi David Abramson, and Ruth Abramson (James Lewis); by grandchildren, Bria Dolnick (Gus Coliadis), Miriam Dolnick (Daniel Hurowitz), Solomon Dolnick, Benjamin Abramson (Eden Abramson), Joseph Abramson, Piper Abramson, and Noah Lewis; and by great-grandson, Niko Coliadis. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 7, at 10 a.m., in the Chapel of Judean Memorial Gardens, 16225 Batchellors Forest Road, Olney, MD. Interment to follow at Judean Memorial Gardens. Shiv’ah will be observed at the home of Ruth Abramson and Jim Lewis, 12412 Borges Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, on Friday, Saturday night, and Sunday. The family will receive visitors on Friday, September 7, 2:30-6:30 p.m. (service at 4 p.m.); on Saturday, September 8, after 8:30 p.m. (service at 9 p.m.); and on Sunday, September 9, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (services at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.). The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404, IONA Senior Service, 4125 Albemarle Street, NW, Washington, DC 20016, or the Yiddish Book Center, 1021 West Street, Amherst, MA 01002. Arrangements through Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, under the Jewish Funeral Practices Committee Contract.

Shirley Clifford Bulla ’50 – Aug. 5, 2018

Shirley Bulla, long-time resident of Boulder, died of natural causes at her home on August 5, 2018. She was born 89 years ago in Plentywood, Montana, the second daughter of Rev. Earle and Doris Sawtelle Clifford. She spent her younger years in Montana and in Gorham, Maine, then entered Berea College in Kentucky as a student nurse. She soon transferred to the Department of Music, earning a degree in Music Education. She taught briefly in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before moving to Boulder in 1952 with her husband, Bill, newly employed at the National Bureau of Standards. In Boulder Shirley taught private piano and worked part time as a legal secretary and bookkeeper. Her home, family, friends, her UU Church of Boulder, and classical piano music were her joy until her death. Her husband of 61 years predeceased her. She is survived by her three children: Bonnie Browne of West Richland, WA.; Ellen Bulla-Irwin of Bay Point, CA.; and Will Bulla of Boulder ; 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. A memorial service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held on Sunday, September 2, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder, 5001 Pennsylvania Ave, Boulder.

Patsy P. Hamilton ’50 – Aug. 18, 2018

Patsy Hamilton, age 92, of Somerset, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018, at the Jean Waddle Hospice Care Center, in Somerset. Patsy was born on July 8th, 1926, in Somerset. She was the daughter of the late James P. Hamilton and Florida Vaught Hamilton, of Somerset. She attended the one room school at Campground through the eighth grade and graduated from Eubank High School with honors, in 1944. She went on to graduate from Berea College in 1950, with a degree in education, and obtained her Masters degree soon after, from the University of Kentucky. Patsy taught in several schools in the Pulaski County School system, and three years in Kingsport, Tennessee, before returning home to teach the remaining 27 years of her career in the Somerset Independent School system, at Hopkins Elementary. Patsy’s first love was her God and church. She spent many years visiting once or twice a week with the elderly in the hospital and in nursing homes, as well as shut-ins. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, in Somerset, attending and supporting it as long as she was able.  She belonged to and was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Delta Kappa Gamma society for teachers and the Pulaski County Retired Teachers’ Association. Patsy was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2015, by the Kentucky Retired Teachers’ Association, and by the University of Kentucky “Teachers Who Made a Difference”, in 2012, for her devotion and influence in the lives of her students.  After retiring, she devoted more time to her visitation mission and traveled to most every state and overseas to China and Hong Kong with the Senior Friends from her church, the Eldred Taylor tours, and later with David Pendley’s groups.  Patsy loved to be with her family, entertain friends with her sister, Peggy, play bridge, attend church socials and have a large garden every year. Patsy is survived by her twin sister, Peggy Morrison, a nephew, Scott Morrison (Luci), a niece, Jane Brooks (Brad), a great-nephew, Nicholas Bush (Ginny), all of Somerset; a great-niece, Emily Stringer (Cory), of Lexington; a great-nephew, Perry Wesley (Alana), of Louisville; a great-niece, Madison Brooks, four great-great-nieces and nephews, Olivia Bush, Alex Bush, Jeremiah Bush and Annabelle Bush, all of Somerset. A service celebrating the life of Patsy Hamilton will be held Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., at the chapel of Somerset Undertaking Company, with Ministers Dr. French Harmon and Bro. David Pendley officiating. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., until time for services. Interment will be in Science Hill Cemetery. The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Jean Waddle Hospice Care Center c/o Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, KY 42503.

Lt. Col. Don H. Hall ’51 – May 2, 2018

Don Hopper Hall (Lt. Col. Ret.) passed away on May 2, 2018 at home after living with cancer for several years. Don was born in Cool Springs, Township, Rutherford County, North Carolina on March 10, 1927, to Ernest E. and Alberta Blanton Hall. He was a graduate of Cool Springs High School, Berea College in Kentucky, and Rensselear Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York. He served as a navigator and engineer in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Dorothy Spatz Hall. He was preceded in death by his two children, Sheri Lyn and Don Blanton Hall, and his parents. He is survived by a special cousin, Ivor Gayle Daniel, his sister, Juyne Parsons, and a niece and nephew, Donna Parsons Dommert and Dr. Bob Parsons. A very special thank you to Drs. Henry and Harvey Hsiang, Dr. Ming Chang, ARNP Jaime Braden, and all the wonderful nurses and staff at the Emerald Coast Cancer Center, and to Dr. Susan Guentzel. You gave us a few more years. Thank you also to Emerald Coast Hospice for their exceptional care of Don these last few weeks. Private burial be held at a later date where Don will be interred with his children at Barrancas National Cemetery. For those wishing to remember him, a memorial may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Emerald Coast Hospice. Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed here.

Jean Ratcliffe Robinson ’51 – June 21, 2018

Dorcas Jeanette Ratcliff Robinson “Jean”, 89, of Ashland, passed away Thursday, June 21, 2018 at her son Jeff Robinson’s place of residence in Louisville, KY. Jean was born September 26, 1928, in Boggs Township, PA, the daughter of the late James Edward and Minnie Abrams Ratcliff. Jean was an active of the First Presbyterian Church in Ashland, Kentucky for over 60 years where she held positions on committees, served as an elder, choir member and active member and supporter. She was in several book clubs and the Three Arts Club. A member of KEA, AEA and Kentucky Retired Teachers. Jean’s education included a teaching degree from Berea College and her Masters from Morehead State University. She taught at Crabbe Elementary (Ashland, KY), Hatcher Elementary (Ashland, KY), and Star Elementary (Carter County, KY). Preceded in death by her husband James F. Robinson, her son James F. Robinson II, sister Geneva Kappes, brothers Pete Ratcliff, Bill Ratcliff, Eddie Ratcliff, Bobby Ratcliff and Tony Ratcliff. Jean is survived by her sister Justine Deters, son Jeff Robinson and daughter in law Barbara Robinson of Louisville, KY; Daughter in law Natalie Robinson of Ashland; granddaughter Heather Robinson Shay and husband Kevin Shay of Northglenn, CO; great granddaughters Lorelai and Riley Shay of Northglenn, CO. The funeral will be at Noon Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church in Ashland. Burial will be in the Ashland Cemetery. Friends may visit at 11 AM, Wednesday at the church. Condolences may be sent here. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to First Presbyterian Church in Ashland.

Peggy Moon Anderson ’51 – Aug. 26, 2018

Peggy Moon Anderson passed away peacefully, attended by friends and surrounded by the love of her family and the multitude of people she met during her years as an educator and world traveler.Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, Peggy went off to the mainland for her education, having already developed a passion to travel and experience the world. She attended Berea College in Kentucky, earned her BA at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, an MA from Duke University, and her teaching certificate from UC Berkely. She married Richard “Dick” Anderson in 1953. They both taught in the Bay Area. Wanting a change from the classroom, Peggy became a school librarian and was hired in that capacity at Sequim High School in 1977. The couple moved here from Orinda, California, after Dick retired from teaching art while continuing as a practicing artist. Dick preceded Peggy in death in 1991. They had no children.In 1986, Peggy took a sabbatical from her job and traveled the world, crossing the Pacific Ocean four times and the Atlantic twice. She believed it was important not to put traveling off until retirement and said she came back feeling refreshed and with a new perspective.Peggy took the library from the old card catalog tradition to an Information Center with video and computer equipment. She loved her job, the library and the students who gathered there. She grew the library through two fires and automation, and her gracious upbeat personality attracted many volunteers who donated time and materials. Peg will be remembered for her Thousand Cranes Peace Project, with the red origami cranes made by students throughout the school and hung on the great tree in the library.After 39 years in education, Peggy retired in 1992 and continued to explore the world with friends and family. She loved the theater and performing arts, attending as many performances as she could all over the country. When at home, Peggy loved playing Bridge and Poker and never tired of meeting new people and entertaining her friends in her beloved home on Sequim Bay.Peggy was predeceased by her parents and her sister Anne Chung. She is survived by her sister Elinor Najita (Tets) of Kamuela, Hawaii, and ten nieces and nephews and their families.Peggy chose cremation and asked to have her ashes scattered in the waters of the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii and Sequim Bay. A private celebration of life for friends and family will be scheduled at a future date.

Margaret Ray Randall ’52 – April 23, 2018

Margaret Evelyn Ray Randall Lillington Margaret Evelyn Ray Randall, 88, of Lillington, North Carolina, passed away April 23rd 2018. She entered eternity at home with the same grace and peace with which she lived her life. Margaret was born to Roberta Braswell Ray and Edward Larkin Ray in Avery County and grew up in the mountains of N.C. After attending Berea College and ASU, Margaret moved to Harnett County to work as a Home Extension Agent. She married William H. Randall Jr. and they raised two daughters, Dianne and Patricia. Margaret’s second career was as director of Harnett County Library. She served the public in this arena for 27 years. She worked diligently to move library services into the future of information services and was instrumental in the building of a new facility. After retirement she followed interests in health and nutrition as a WIC counselor. An accomplished musician and vocalist, Margaret was in the original cast of the historical drama, “Horn in the West”. She sang for countless weddings, funerals and church events. As a devoted member of Lillington Presbyterian Church since 1954, she held many offices and was honored with the Women of the Church lifetime membership. Community organizations that benefitted from her energy and organizational skills included; Four Seasons Garden Club, Tea and Topics Book Club, RSVP, Meals on Wheels, Cancer Survivors, Prime Time, Berea and ASU Alumni, and Friends of the Library. Gardening was one of Margaret’s first loves. She always maintained a beautiful yard that was enjoyed by the community during the Easter sunrise service at Peebles’ Pond. She was a certified “Master Gardener”. All of her friends, family and neighbors enjoyed her bountiful blueberries. Margaret was pre-deceased by her parents, her dear husband Bill (of 53 years) and a brother, Bob Ray. Survivors include daughters, Dianne Randall Bruton (Mark) of Wilmington, Patricia Randall Black (Donald) of the home, Granddaughters Rebecca Bruton Edwards (George), Lauren Bruton Albert (Michael), step granddaughter Candice Cockerham (James), three great-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren, three step great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life and Resurrection service will be Thursday, April 26th at Lillington Presbyterian Church at 2:00pm. A visitation with family will precede the service in the Fellowship Hall at 1:00pm. Burial will follow the service at Westview Cemetery in Lillington. Memorials may be made to Lillington Presbyterian Church Building Fund, PO Box 245, Lillington, NC 27546 or the Harnett County Library Friends of the Library, 601 S. Main St., Lillington, NC 27546. Arrangements by O’Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home & Crematory, Lillington. Online condolences here.

Bruce Porter, Husband of Nell Porter ’52 – August 5, 2017

PORTER E. Bruce August 5, 2017 E. Bruce Porter, 84, of Rural Retreat, Va., passed away August 5, 2017. Per his wishes, all services will be private. Friends may send expressions of sympathy to the home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rural Retreat Rescue Squad, Fire Department or the Rural Retreat Depot Foundation. Lindsey Funeral Home of Rural Retreat is serving the Porter family, (276-686-5112).

Millicent Fletcher Proctor ’53 – April 18, 2018

Millicent Velda Proctor 20 December , 1929 – 18 April , 2018 Millicent Velda Proctor of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on April 18, 2018 at St. Vincent’s Southside, Jacksonville, FL. She was born on December 20, 1929 and spent most of her younger years in Lewisburg, West Virginia. She graduated from Berea College in Berea, Kentucky with a B.S. Degree in Dietetics. She completed one year internship in clinical dietetics and food management at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Several years were spent in Dietetic Management in Toronto, Hawaii and New Jersey. She also taught one year in food cost and management at the University of Hawaii. She was a registered clinical dietitian at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia and retired after 25 years of service. While there, she received several outstanding employee awards and the “Hands and Heart” award. She was a member of Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Huntington, West Virginia for over 50 years. The last several years she attended the Mandarin United Methodist Church here in Jacksonville. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Ruth Fletcher, three brothers, Herschel, Estil Lee and Rondel Fletcher all of Lewisburg, West Virginia. She is survived by her son, John Stephen Proctor of Jacksonville, Florida. Other survivors are a sister, Evelyn Inette Ferens of Toronto, Canada; a sister and brother-in-law, Juanita Ann and Dr. William P. Marley of Barboursville, West Virginia; sister-in-law, Carletta Fletcher of Williamsburg, West Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 2pm, Thursday, April 26, 2018 in Oaklawn Cemetery with Reverend Jeff St. Clair officiating. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Ruth Fletcher, three brothers, Herschel, Estil Lee and Rondel Fletcher all of Lewisburg, West Virginia. She is survived by her son, John Stephen Proctor of Jacksonville, Florida. Other survivors are a sister, Evelyn Inette Ferens of Toronto, Canada; a sister and brother-in-law, Juanita Ann and Dr. William P. Marley of Barboursville, West Virginia; sister-in-law, Carletta Fletcher of Williamsburg, West Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

Deborah M. Owens, wife of James E. Owens ’54 – November 30, 2016

Deborah Owens passed away Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 at Lakeview Village, Lenexa, KS. Deborah Owes, nee Deborah Mae Foushee, born in Tulsa, OK on August 12, 1932, to Charles and Elsie Foushee. She had one sister Barbara Jane (Foushee) Harris and one brother, Charles Lee Foushee II, who both preceded her in passing.

Deborah cherished her family: her devoted and loving husband of 58 years James (Jim) Owens; her three children, Jane Hayes (Jeff) of Merriam KS, Millie Mastromattei (Robert) of Granite Bay CA, and Dan Owens of Kansas City MO; five grandchildren, Sarah (Kyle) Dugan, Samuel Holder, Spencer Hayes, Tyler Mastromattei and Nick Mastromattei; two great-grandsons, Conrad and Oliver Dugan; and her many nieces and nephews.

A 1950 graduate of Will Rogers High School in Tulsa OK, Deborah went on to get her Bachelors of Arts in Education at Oklahoma State University. Because women were not admitted to the University of Virginia until 1952, she and her husband were later the first married couple to graduate from the University of Virginia (UVA). They received their Master’s Degrees from UVA in 1963.

In her 31-year teaching career, Deborah touched the lives of many children and colleagues. Most of her career was spent working as a librarian at Brookridge Elementary in the Shawnee Mission School District.

Deborah was an active member of the Merriam Christian Church for 51 years. The many areas of her Christian service included teaching Sunday school classes, working with the Christian Women’s Groups, serving as church elder, and volunteering on mission trips to Jamaica where she helped fit people for eyeglasses.

Deborah’s community service activities included 30 years of service with the Johnson County Christmas Bureau. She was an active member of American Association for University Women (AAUW) for 51 years, a member of the Merriam Homemakers, and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Deborah also enjoyed her bridge groups, book groups, creative writing classes, crossword puzzles, Maj Jong, and other games. Reading was a lifelong passion that she enjoyed sharing with others. Deborah and Jim were members of the Kansas City German American Club and performed together with the German Folk Dancers.

Deborah was an eager traveler and enjoyed many trips with Jim and friends throughout the United States, including several trips to Hawaii and Alaska. She found enjoyment in many European countries, Turkey, Greece, and especially an extended trip to the Holy Lands. Her travels also took her to China, Australia, New Zealand, and a trip to study women’s issues in the Soviet Union. Highlights of her retirement travels were cruises through the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and around South America.

Deborah Owens’ greatest joy was found spending time with family and friends.

Lenore Harris Browitt ’54

Obituary unavailable

Jean Case Dixon ’54 – January 6, 2018

Obituary Unavailable

Garry E. Irwin Fd ’54 – April 18, 2018

Garry Irwin, 82, of Berea, died Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at The Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was a Portsmouth, Ohio native born October 12, 1935, son of the late James and Lorraine Lowe Irwin. A Civil Engineer, his passions outside of work included his volunteer work within Berea Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and as Chairman of the Property and Space Committee and dearly loved serving as a food bank volunteer there. A past member of Rotary International and the Lexington Singers, he loved fly fishing, restoring old MG and Mercedes Benz automobiles, and most of all, biking together with his wife Irene. Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Irene Blanton Irwin; 2 children, Laura Frantz (Randy), Chris Irwin (Nicia); six grandchildren, Andrew, Joshua, Wyatt, Daniel, Paul and Kaylea; as well as his Church family. Private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions suggested to Berea Baptist Church Food Bank. Reppert Funeral Home and Cremation Service entrusted with arrangements.

Betty Jo Wiblin Warthen ’54 – May 21, 2018

Betty Jo Warthen Betty Jo (Wiblin) Warthen, of Spartanburg, SC, died May 21st, 2018 in Santa Fe, NM at age 85. She was born on June 30, 1932 in Trout, West Virginia, to the late Roxie Nelia McClung Wiblin and the late Joseph Bryant Wiblin. Betty graduated from Williamsburg High School (Greenbrier County, WV) in 1949 and taught in a one-room school near Richwood, WV. She then attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. She taught briefly in Hebron, Ohio. Betty was the loving wife of the late William Perry Warthen. They were married in Newark, OH in 1954, and moved to Spartanburg in 1960. One of Betty’s great joys was playing tennis. She was an original member of the Westside Club (WSC) in Spartanburg. She has been a supporter of the WSC, playing tennis and taking lessons and clinics at the club on a regular basis over the years. She was a ‘tennis icon’ in the Spartanburg area, and was well-known by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Southern, USTA South Carolina and local folks for her history in tennis. She played in and won many tournaments around the south and in SC, where she had the #1 ranking in the 1980s. Betty played Senior Cup for South Carolina and has played on many USTA League Tennis teams. Betty was also a part owner of the ‘Drop Shop’ (tennis apparel shop) at the Westside Club. A court was dedicated in Betty’s honor on her 80th birthday. She was preceded in death by her brothers, William Leonard Wiblin, Carman Eugene Wiblin, and Harold Franklin Wiblin; sister, Bonnie Jane Wiblin Stack; and niece, Nikki Portanova. Betty is survived by her son, Barry Warthen, his wife Karen, and their daughter Valerie of Los Alamos, NM; and her son Bruce Warthen, his wife Melissa, and their son, Michael of Holland, MI; brother, James Wiblin (Jo Ann) of Newark, OH; sister, Beth Ann Portanova of Sun City Center, FL; 3 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, and her dear friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, or your favorite charity. A celebration of life will be held in Spartanburg at a later date.

Leona Dobbins Hutchins ’54 – June 4, 2018

Leona Hutchins Cary, NC Leona Hutchins, 85, of Cary, NC passed away on June 4, 2018 in Raleigh, NC.Leona was born in Morganton, NC to Clyde and Rosalie Pascal Dobbins on January 8, 1933. She went to school at Cool Springs High School in Forest City, NC. She married Marvin Hutchins on December 18, 1955 at the Presbyterian Church in Rutherfordton, NC. She graduated from Berea College in Kentucky.Leona worked as an elementary school teacher . Her most cherished roles were are as a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, and friend. She was lovingly and consistently devoted to her family.She was involved in her church at Wicomico Presbyterian Church in Salisbury, MD serving in various roles. She was a volunteer at Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury, MD as well.Leona is preceded in death by parents, Clyde and Rosalie Pascal Dobbins; her husband, Marvin Hutchins, and her daughter, Melanie Jane Brimer.Leona is survived by her children, Kevin Hutchins of Centreville, MD, Grant Hutchins of McLean, VA, Amy Chrest and husband, David Chrest of Cary, NC; her son-in-law, Jeffrey Brimer of Ellicott City, MD; her sister, Carolyn Keeter of Charleston, SC; 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Memorials may be given to The Waldensian Heritage Museum in Valdese, NC and Berea College in Kentucky. The family of Leona Hutchins wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the individuals who provided loving care and support to our mother. We would like to give special thanks to Transitions Life Hospice of Wake County nurses Leslie and Veronica and Transitions Hospice Home nurses Robin and Mitzi as well as Chaplain Brent.Funeral services and burial will be held at a later time at Brittain Presbyterian Church in Rutherford County, NC.

Nancy Biddix McKinnis ’54 – June 14, 2018

LAKELAND, Fla. On June 14, 2018, Nancy Hennessee Biddix McKinnis passed away under hospice care at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Lakeland, Fla., as a result of complications from orthopedic surgery. A native of McDowell County, Nancy was born Feb. 26, 1932, at home in Pleasant Gardens, to the late George Edwin Biddix Sr. and Pansy Hennessee Biddix. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Barbara McKinnis; sister, Pansy Biddix Read; and brother, Carl Biddix. Nancy, a lifelong educator, started her 38-year teaching career at Pleasant Gardens School in Marion, and later taught in the Mecklenburg and Union County School Systems, where she was twice named Teacher of the Year. She received her undergraduate degree at Berea College in Kentucky and her master’s degree at UNC Charlotte. Through her spirit of determination, optimistic approach to life and genuine concern for others, Nancy was beloved by her students, a loyal friend to many and devoted to her family. She had a friendly smile and had an unusual ability to remember the names of everyone she met. When not taking care of her family and being a full-time teacher, she was involved in many community activities. She was a Girl Scout leader, church youth leader, a square dancer, and an avid reader, who enjoyed china painting and other crafts. After retirement, she and her husband, Bill, spent many happy years traveling in their motor home throughout the U.S. and many parts of Canada and Mexico. In her later years, she and her husband lived in Lakeland, Fla., where she continued to make friends and be involved in social and charitable activities. Though her final years were spent enduring countless surgeries, she kept a cheerful, can-do attitude and was supported unwaveringly by her husband through her multiple hospitalizations and rehabilitations. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 62 years, William McKinnis; and two loving daughters, Elizabeth McKinnis Poston, husband, Alfred, and their son, Eason and Carolyn McKinnis, who all reside in Charlotte; and two brothers, Edwin Biddix Jr. and wife, Reva, of Rutherfordton, and John Biddix, and loving companion, Pat, of Pleasant Gardens. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law, Jeanette Graves and Ann Hunter of Winter Haven, Fla. She will be missed by many friends and family both in Florida and North Carolina. A private service will be held Friday, July 20, at 11:30 a.m., at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Matthews. Heritage Funeral Home of Matthews is serving the McKinnis family.

Panzie M. Miller Stevens ’56 – July 11, 2018

Panzie Miller Stevens Charlotte, North Carolina Panzie Merilyn Miller Stevens, 83, passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2018 at her home. She was born October 4, 1934 in Paint Lick, KY, the youngest child and only daughter of the late Charles Joseph and Edna Mae (nee Sparks) Miller. Mrs. Stevens graduated from the Foundation School at Berea and attended Berea College for Voice and Piano performance, later transferring to Georgetown College earning a Sociology BA. Receiving her teaching certificate shortly thereafter, she began a 40-year career with a focus on grade school special needs children. Later, as part of her continuing interest in grade school education, she completed a Master’s Degree in Special Education from University of Toledo. During her working career she was very active in the churches she attended and typically volunteered as the Minister of Music, singing in the choir, or playing the piano and organ for services. After retiring from teaching, Mrs. Stevens spent several years earning a Divinity Diploma from Duke University and receiving an appointment as a local Pastor in the United Methodist Church of Western North Carolina. Retiring from the United Methodist Church, she spent her time helping raise two incredible granddaughters until finally retiring into a quiet life in Charlotte, NC. In addition to church music, Mrs. Stevens also loved to quilt, crochet and needlepoint, and make her own clothes. Left to cherish her memories are her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph Cleveland and Nella (nee Summey) Stevens of Charlotte, NC; granddaughters, Elizabeth Merilyn Stevens of Charlotte and Katherine Rebecca Stevens of Greenville, SC and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her older brothers, Jimmy, Kenneth and Wayne Miller. The family will receive friends from 12:00pm until 1:00pm, Wednesday, July 18th at McLean Funeral Directors, Belmont. A funeral service will immediately follow in the Bumgardner Chapel with Rev. Holly Evensen officiating. Condolence messages may be sent online here. McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the Stevens family.

Dr. William Barlow Newbolt ’56 – Aug. 27, 2018

Barlow Newbolt, Professor of Physics Emeritus, Dies at 83

Newbolt taught at W&L from 1962 to 2000.

Barlow Newbolt, professor of physics emeritus, who taught from 1962 until his retirement in 2000, died Aug. 27, 2018 in Lexington. He was 83.

“I understand that when Barlow joined W&L, he helped move the physics department from its home in Reid Hall to its new headquarters in Parmly Hall,” said President Will Dudley. “He also modernized the laboratory equipment and experiments for the modern nuclear physics courses, which he did with a grant from the Atomic Energy Commission.”

Barlow was born on Sept. 29, 1934, in Berea, Kentucky. He graduated from Berea College in 1956 with a B.A. in physics. He earned his M.S. (1960) and Ph.D. (1964) in physics from Vanderbilt University.

He joined the W&L faculty in 1962 as an instructor of physics. His research interests included a broad range of topics in atomic and nuclear physics, and he received fellowships to conduct research at the Marshall Space Flight Center for NASA, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Arnold Air Development Center for the Air Force Office of Special Research. In 1968, with a grant from the Sloan Foundation, Barlow spent a year at the Nobel Institute for Physics in Stockholm, Sweden.

While at W&L, Barlow served a five-year term as department chair. He belonged to Phi Kappa Pi and Sigma Xi, an honor society for scientists and engineers.

The university extends deepest condolences to his wife, Enna Mae; children Bill and Elizabeth; and grandchildren, Taylor, Zoe, Andrew and Hannah.

There will be no funeral or memorial service.

James J. Buckley ’57 – July 17, 2018

James “Jim” Joseph Buckley III June 10, 1936 – July 17, 2018 James Joseph Buckley III (“Jim”) of Beaumont, Texas, went to be with the Lord on July 17, 2018. Jim was born on June 10, 1936 in Sacramento, CA to the late James Joseph Buckley II and the late Blanche Mae Daniels Buckley. Jim’s spent his early years in California as a young boy, and then spent most of his youth in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina where his ancestors had settled hundreds of years before. After graduating from Berea College in Kentucky, Jim went to work for PPG in Pittsburgh and eventually moved to Corpus Christi, Texas where he worked in the petrochemical industry. Corpus was where he met and married the love of his life, Glenda Brown. They had two daughters, Lynette and Jennifer. The family moved to Beaumont in 1969 where Jim worked for many years in Traffic and Transportation for Houston Chemical. He later worked for Mobil’s Chemical Specialty Plant, where he was hired as Traffic and Transportation Manager. Jim was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather and great-grandfather. He was loved deeply and will be forever missed. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Glenda, and his daughters Lynette Buckley and Jennifer Patton and son in law, Tim Patton. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Josh Patton, and his wife Liliana Patton, Christine Ferguson, Lydia Gibson and her husband Trey Gibson, Daniel Patton, Joseph Pfluger and his wife Maggie Pfluger, Erica Siekman, and Grace Patton. He was blessed to have one great-grandson, Elijah Gibson, and a soon-to-be-born great-granddaughter. He will be greatly missed by his family and many close friends. Jim enjoyed helping others and was a faithful volunteer at Some Other Place in Beaumont, while he was a member and elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church. After Westminster Presbyterian closed its doors, Jim became a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beaumont, Texas. Jim’s family will be holding a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 21, 2018, in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home at 4955 Pine St. in Beaumont. Visitation will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The American Heart Association or The Parkinson’s Foundation. FAMILY Glenda Buckley , Wife Lynette Buckley, Daughter Jennifer Patton and husband Tim , Daughter Josh Patton and wife Liliana , Grandson Christine Ferguson , Granddaughter Lydia Gibson and husband Trey , Granddaughter Daniel Patton , Grandson Josh Pfluger and wife Maggie , Grandson Erica Siekman , Granddaughter Grace Patton , Granddaughter Elijah Gibson , Great Grandson Soon-To-Be-Born Great Granddaughter

Leon A. Welting ’57 – July 24, 2018

Leon Albert Welting, (age 82), passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 24th, 2018 at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Standard time at Piedmont Walton Hospital, Monroe, Walton County, Georgia. He was born in Berea, Madison County, Kentucky on October 17th, 1935 to Leon Otto Welting and Faye Carmen Pennington Welting at Berea College Hospital. He was preceded in death by Leon Otto on Friday, January 7th, 1983 and on by Faye Pennington Welting on July 11, 1976. He graduated Berea High School on May 24, 1953 where he lettered his Junior and Senior years in Basketball as their leading scorer. and was a master pianist able to read music and expertly play by ear as well. He attended Berea College from 1954-1956, where he was their leading scorer. He could beat anyone in Berea in basketball, tennis and ping pong at that time. He was one of the best billiards players in Berea. He enlisted in the Navy as a Yeoman 1st class from 3-26-56 to 1-6-58 where he sailed on the USS Cunningham DD752, a destroyer escort for the battlegroup. He and his ship were in port in Melbourne for the 1956 Olympic games. After his Navy tour was up he went to Biola Bible College and studied Biblical and Theological Studies at 558 Hope Street in downtown Los Angeles from 1958-1960 where he lettered in basketball and wore # 3. He met Maureen Eunice Healy at a Youth Living Christian Fellowship retreat in Malibu, California where he called her “Blondie” and married her 2 years later. He worked for Proctor and Gamble as a salesman in Orange County, California. He moved his family to Richmond, Kentucky where he was a salesman for American Can Company (now Primerica), Emerling International, and Setzer Steel buildings. He finished out his career as an Antique collector and salesman. He had extensive knowledge on antiques and their value and had a knack for sourcing them from garage and estate sales. The last 20 years of his life he spent in Walnut Grove Georgia gardening, collecting and passing wisdom to his children and grandchildren. He was a lifelong student and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with his children and grandchildren. He had a wonderful sense of humor and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He never met a stranger. He was a lifelong University of Kentucky basketball fan and for at least a decade was their number one fan. He was a member of Arlington Country Club in Richmond, Greater Lexington Swim Association in Lexington, and Lakeside Swim Club in Louisville. While in Georgia he got his Auctioneer’s license. Leon was saved on the banks of the Kentucky River in 1947 and was a faithful believer in our Lord and Savior. He loved nature and went hiking and camping frequently in the State and National parks of Kentucky and Tennessee and shared this love with his family. Leon was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be remembered as a passionate man who was straight-forward and always spoke his mind. He strived to be number 1 in everything he did and taught his children the same. He taught his children to give 110%, to be their very best, and to compete to be number one. He drilled into their heads that they could be or do anything in life they wanted with the power of the Lord. His greatest success was his children which all became Christians and all graduated college with swimming scholarships. He is survived by his children, Timothy Leon Welting, Laureen Kathryn Welting, Judith Esther Welting (Hudson), and Evan Albert Welting. He has 7 grandchildren, Samuel Evan Hudson, Nathaniel Jack Hudson, Sarah Ann Hudson, Heidi Kathryn Hudson, Ian Oliver Welting, Felix Elmer Welting, and Josie Grace Welting. Leon did not want a funeral or service. He just wants everyone to wear bright colors and no black at the burial and remember only his good qualities and the good times we had with him. He will return to his birth state with a US Navy burial in Camp Nelson National Cemetery, 6980 Danville Rd, Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356 at 10:00 am on Thursday August 2nd, 2018. Davis & Powell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

William C. Grimsley ’57 – May 24, 2018

William Cordell “Billy” Grimsley was born on June 28, 1934 in Monterey, Tennessee to Cordell and Emogene Sampley Grimsley. He was their firstborn child and became big brother to seven children. In 1951, he graduated from Monterey High School. He went on to graduate from Berea College in Kentucky, and interestingly, serving as the football coach there while attending class full-time. It was there that he earned his B. S. in Science. His Master’s Degree was earned at Tennessee Tech, and later his Doctorate in Biological Sciences, along with a Plus 45 was attained at MTSU. Billy joined the United State Army in 1958 and served honorably until 1961. Interestingly, while at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, he briefly served with Elvis Presley. Columbia Central High School is where Billy began his thirty-one year teaching career. Mr. Grimsley is affectionately remembered by many students who learned under his tutelage. While at Central, Billy only missed one day, in all of his years’ of teaching. This achievement was because he loved teaching, not just because of “duty”, even teaching summer school. He also was involved in sports, serving as the tennis coach for many years. For all thirty-one years that he taught at Central, he also kept the scoreboard for both football and basketball, and never missed a single game. In 1988 he was named TSSAA Coach of the Year. Not only did he teach at CHS, but also taught Biology at Columbia State, in addition to teaching driver’s education. He also worked with inmates at Turney Center in Only, Tennessee, helping them to work towards their G. E. D.s. Billy loved to challenge his mind outside the classroom as well, being an avid reader and crossword puzzler. He also was a Tennessee Titans and UT Football fan. Personally, Billy really came alive when his grandchildren were around. Panama City Beach was a favorite destination for the family. He loved his family dearly. He enjoyed fishing with his brother Tom and son Billy. He enjoyed visiting with friends and his retirement was as fulfilling as his career had been. Mr. Grimsley passed away after a long and rewarding life, at the age of 83, on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Left to cherish his memory are his children: Vane’ssa (Kenneth) Purdom and Billy Grimsley; Phyllis Grimsley, mother of his children; grandchildren: Logan (Alexis) Purdom, Megan (Grayson) Proctor, Shelby Grimsley, Savannah (Cody) Grimsley and Samuel (Krisann) Grimsley; great-grandson: Dawson Wayne Stafford; and siblings: Tom (Frances) Grimsley, Jack (Linda) Grimsley, Robert Grimsley and Rebecca (Roy) Howard. He was preceded in death by his parents: Cordell and Imogene Grimsley; and his brothers: John and Charles Grimsley and sister: Sue Grimsley. Funeral services for Mr. Grimsley will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 12 Noon at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 10: a.m. until service time at Noon. Megan Proctor, Tom Grimsley, Logan Purdom, Vane’ssa Purdom, and Eddie Rogers will officiate. Military honors to be provided by American Legion Post 19. Honorary pallbearers include special friends: Page Chamberlain, Tom McFarland, Janice Owens, Brenda and Mike Johnson, former and current teachers at Central High School. The family would like to give thanks to caregivers at The Lantern at Morning Pointe of Columbia, caregivers at The Oaks Wing at Life Care Center of Columbia, and the staff of Hospice Compassus. Williams Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements and online condolences may be made here. Upcoming Events Visitation May 29 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Williams Funeral Home in Columbia 2517 Trotwood Ave. Columbia, TN, US.

Mary Ellen Yates Miller ’57 – June 9, 2018

Bowling Green – Western Kentucky University has lost one of its most devoted teachers and most luminous presences. Professor Mary Ellen Miller died Saturday, June 9th. She was widely admired by her colleagues and friends and almost universally revered by students through her fifty-plus years as a teacher at the university: a record tenure. Miller was born January 21, 1935, in Grayson, Kentucky, the daughter of Richie Yates and Carrie Faye Ratliff Yates. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Jim Wayne Miller, siblings Frances Yates Cook, Charles Yates, Herman Yates, Janet Yates Reitter, and nephews Philip Cook and Ron Cook. She is survived by her daughter Ruth Miller (Ergin Guney) of San Francisco, and sons James Miller (Wilma Downs) of Bowling Green, and Frederic Miller (Lynne Miller) of Louisville, and their children Marietta and James Turner Miller, and niece Carrie Reitter. She met her husband-to-be, the renowned poet Jim Wayne Miller, when they were both students at Berea. In 1960, she earned her M.A. in English at the University of Kentucky. Their two sons were born in Nashville, where their father was a graduate student studying German at Vanderbilt. Their daughter, Ruth, was born after they moved to Bowling Green where both parents had taken teaching positions at WKU in 1963, she in English, he as a German teacher in Foreign Languages. When Professor Miller began teaching at Western, Creative Writing was a one-hour elective course that counted toward nothing. Over the years she played a pivotal role in helping it evolve into a minor, then a major, then a graduate emphasis within the English Department offerings. In 2015, she became a founding member of WKU’s MFA in Creative Writing Faculty. She supported incoming new programs during the seventies and eighties, like Women’s Studies, and also established the Winter Workshop, which brought in established writers from the nation at large to work with writers from within the region. She wrote and produced the award-winning “Poetry: A Beginner’s Guide,” a video that helped make poetry accessible. Prof. Miller was also a co-founder of the Robert Penn Warren Center at WKU, which celebrates the work of the Kentucky native who became the nation’s first Poet Laureate. In addition, Miller served as Faculty Regent for two terms, once in the 1980s, once in the 1990s. In 1997 she created the Celebration of Writing in memory of her husband, who died the year before. This annual event brings well-known writers to the campus to present new work to the community and counsel with Western’s creative writing students. WKU Provost Dr. David Lee remarked, “the list of Mary Ellen’s efforts on behalf of poetry is seemingly endless.” In addition to her record-breaking decades of teaching and service to the university, Mary Ellen Miller continued right up to the end to write and publish her own poems. “Poetry is, for me, absolutely central to my happiness,” she said. She saw it as “life-saving.” Her volume THE POET’S WIFE SPEAKS (2011) won the Old Seventy Cress Press Prize. In her introduction Sallie Bingham commented, “biting into these crisp, delicious poems is like biting into a fresh hard apple. The sweetness is intensified by the sharpness.” In May, 2017, former WKU President Gary Ransdell called Mary Ellen Miller “a treasure” and designated her as University Poet Laureate. It was a fitting honor, capping an illustrious career. A memorial celebration of the life of Mary Ellen Miller will be held Friday, June 22, at J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel, with an open visitation beginning at noon and a commemorative service at 2:00. Memorial gifts may be made to the Mary Ellen and Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing Fund in the WKU Foundation at Western Kentucky University, 292 Alumni Ave., Bowling Green, KY 42101.

Doralyn Brashear Hurt ’57 – Feb. 18, 2018

Doralyn Brashear Hurt, age 81, went to be with her Lord February 18, 2018 at St Thomas Rutherford Hospital. She was born in Slagel, WV and raised in McRoberts, Ky. She was a resident of Rutherford County for more than 30 years. Doralyn was a devoted Christian and faithful member of Northside Baptist Church. She received her RN Degree at the University of Kentucky and Masters in Nursing Administration at The University of Pittsburgh. Doralyn also worked as the Nursing Administrator for the VA Hospital System. Doralyn was preceded in death by her parents, Edley and Ella Mae Brashear; son, Edly Carson Hurt; brothers, Elmer and Burtis Brashear; and sister, Wanda Brashear. She is survived by her husband, Clarence Ray Hurt; son, Jonathan David Hurt of Christiana and wife Francine Isner Hurt; daughter, Cynthia Lynn Hurt of Nashville; sisters, Elaine Champagne, Julia Brashear, Nancy Calhoun and Claudella Simpson; daughter-in-law, Linda Hurt Patterson; and seven grandchildren. Visitation with the family will be 12:00 PM until time of Chapel service at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home with David Bramble officiating. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, AL. Arrangements are under the direction of Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation, 820 South Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130. 615-893-2422. Please leave online condolences here. Today’s Events Visitation Feb 24 12:00 PM 2:00 PM Jennings & Ayers Funeral Home 820 South Church Street Murfreesboro, TN, US, 37130

Patsy Back Cook ’57 – Sept. 22, 2018

COOK Patsy “Pat” Ruth, 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 22, 2018 while surrounded by her children. A native of Blackey, Kentucky, Pat was born in 1935 to the late Clyde and Mabel (Bates) Back. Pat was the widow of Ted Cook as well as a former Lafayette High School guidance counselor. She was a beautiful, gracious, compassionate, intelligent, wise, perceptive, classy, calm, kind, courageous, admired, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. A graduate of Berea College and the University of Kentucky, Pat began her career as a teacher of history, then as a counselor at Dunbar Jr. High School. From there she joined Lafayette High School, retiring after over twenty years of service. An avid bridge player and golfer, Pat had a collection of trophies; one, in particular, for a hole-in-one. Pat and her husband, Ted, were true University of Kentucky sports fans. They travelled to away games and watched game replays. Pat joined the Presbyterian Church as a young woman. She was a member of Beaumont Presbyterian Church, joining shortly after the church opened in the early 1960’s. She was a faithful member which afforded her and Ted many social contacts resulting in life-long friendships. Pat leaves behind a son, Richard (Patricia) Cook; daughters, Jackie (Ron) Merrifield and Libby (Steve) Leedy; 11 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Jesse and Bill Back as well as her sisters, Mary Lou Croucher and Beth Hunter. Pat’s children would like to thank the competent and compassionate people who were caregivers to their mom during this past year. She will be deeply missed. Family will receive friends on Thursday, September 27th from 5 pm 8 pm at Milward-Southland, located at 391 Southland Drive, Lexington. Funeral service will be at 11 am on Friday, September 28th at Beaumont Presbyterian Church located at 1070 Lane Allen Road, Lexington with Rev. Stephen Fearing officiating. In honor of Pat’s legacy and in addition to floral tributes, her family would like memorial contributions directed to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th floor, New York, NY 10001. Share a remembrance of Pat or offer condolences to her family.

Maurice O’Keefe, Husband of Joyce O’Keefe ’58 – Dec. 30, 2017

Maurice C. O’Keefe, 85, of Paducah, Kentucky formerly of Long Beach, Mississippi passed away at 10:15 p.m. Saturday, Decemeber 30, 2017 at Aperion Care Center in Cairo, Illinois. He was born in Jackson, Mississippi. Maurice was a retired Computer Maintance Engineer for UNISYS Computer Company and was of the Baptist faith. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Hyder O’Keefe of Paducah, Kentucky; brother, Dr. Danny Patrick O’Keefe of Flowood, Mississippi and several nieces and nephews. Maurice was preceded in death by his son, Brennan Maurice O’Keefe; brothers, William Hugh O’Keefe and Michael Joseph O’Keefe. His parents were Dr. Maurice Clyde O’Keefe and Jean Augusta Myers O’Keefe. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2018 at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with Rev. Tommy Tucker officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 5, 2018 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001. You may leave a message of sympathy and light a candle here.

Vernon Lyle Underwood ’58 – June 13, 2018

Vernon Lyle Underwood of Murray, Kentucky, died Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at Oakview Nursing and Rehab in Possum Trot, Kentucky. He was born Feb. 10, 1936, in Lexington, Illinois, to Verna Mae Underwood and Joseph Harrison Mullens.  He and his wife Jackie were married in Berea, Kentucky, Thursday, June 14, 1956, and lived in Berea where he earned a degree and was employed in the printing department of Berea College until 1969. They moved to Murray in August 1969, where he worked as the superintendent of the printing department at Murray State University. After their son died in 1974, Lyle left Murray State and in 1975, opened his own printing company on Chestnut Street  know as Creative Printers. He remained in printing until 1989, when he sold the shop and opened a lawn care business known as the Yard Doctor. In February 2014, he said “enough,” sold the business, where at one time we was taking care of 93 yards, and retired. He and his family are members of the First Christian Church, where he served three consecutive years as chairman of the board. He served as committee chairman on several occasions, taught Sunday school, sang solos, on occasion, and was president of the West Kentucky Christian Church Association in 1972 and 1973. In 1975, he and his wife provided the carillons that play at their church as a memorial to their son Stephen. During his 45 years in Murray, he was a charter member of both the Murray Bass Club and the Blood River Bass Masters, where he had the opportunity to serve both as president. In 1971, he joined the Murray Moose Lodge where he was a member for 23 years, serving as governor of the lodge on three different occasions and received his fellowship degree for his service in the mid-1980s. If this wasn’t enough, he also received his Master Mason in Good Standing of Lodge #105 for his support in the Kentucky Free and Accepted Masons.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Stephen; and a sister, Virginia Ann.

Mr. Underwood is survived by his wife Geraldine “Jackie” Edwards; one son, Robert Lee; two granddaughters, Rochelle Underwood of San Lorenzo, California, and Chelsea Underwood of Hazel Green, Alabama; and two great-granddaughters, Sara Underwood and Kriley Underwood, both of Hazel Green. At the request of the deceased, there will be no funeral service or visitation. A memorial service will be held at a later date at First Christian Church. Burial was at Murray City Cemetery, where he was joined with his deceased son, Stephen Michael. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38101-9908, or to First Christian Church, 111 N. Fifth St., Murray, KY 42071. Online condolences may be left here.

The J.H. Churchill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Joyce Kesner ’58 – July 27, 2018

Joyce Sheffield Kesner, age 81, of Berea, passed away Friday, July 27, 2018 at Hospice Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. Joyce was born in Waynesville, North Carolina to the late Weaver and Wanda Pipes Sheffield. She was a graduate of Berea College school of Nursing. She was a former member of the Berea Lioness Club and the Younger Woman’s Club of Berea. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husbands, Douglas Massey and Dr. Carl Kesner, one grandson, Christopher Michael Head, and one sister Janet Kirk. She is survived by her daughters, Leah Epling and Amy Chasteen(Jonathan); four grandchildren, Lauren Epling, Lyndsey Epling, Amber Hepp (John), Sean Chasteen, great grandchildren Isaac Chasteen, Adelaide and Hannah Hepp, sisters Norma Cole, Linda Williams (Earl), Wanda Mead ( Dennis). Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm, Saturday, August 4, 2018 at Lakes Funeral Home with Rev Allen Livingood officiating. Burial will follow in Berea Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 11am until 1pm at the funeral home. Active pallbearers will be Douglas Hazelwood, Sean Chasteen, Jonathan Chasteen, Roy Gene Todd, Sam McConnell, John Stephenson. Honorary bearers will be Dr. Robert Long, Earl Williams, Dennis Mead, Ernie Hunt, Anthony Chasteen, Randy Osborne. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Richmond Hospice Compassionate Center Richmond KY.

Carolyn Brasel Enright ’58 – Apr. 30, 2018

She departed this life comfortable on Monday morning in hospice care in Berea, Kentucky.

She attended Berea College, later became a teacher in Orlando, Florida, City Schools.

In life she mastered several challenging jobs along with being a mother of three children.

Those surviving her are as following: sons, Michael Powell of Grand Cayman, Joel and Debbie Powell of Charlotte, North Carolina; a daughter, Paige and Andy Beichler, Berea; two sisters in Forbin, Charlynne Rogers and Connie McHargue; several grandchildren and special friends in Berea, Rita Eaton, Becky Dverson, Nancy Smith and Holly Jones. Preceding her in death area as follows: parents, Curtis and Oranell Brasel; an infant son, Marty; husband, Jim Enright; and ex-husband, Eldon Powell.

She will be missed by a host of family and friends.

Geraldine Dunigan Morgan ’59 – Jan. 11, 2018

Geraldine Dunigan Morgan, age 81, of Sebring, FL, passed away on January 11, 2018.  She was born August 18, 1936 in Ida May, Kentucky to Clay and LaDonna (Newman) Dunigan.  She was an educator in Kentucky for over forty years.  Geraldine was a graduate of Oneida Baptist Institute and Berea College. Geraldine was a member of First Baptist Church of Sebring, FL and has been a resident of Sebring, FL since 1990, coming from Kentucky. She is survived by her Husband – Edward L. Morgan of Sebring, FL; Daughters –  Michele Morgan DeVane (Morgan) of Sebring, FL; Melanie Morgan Jackson (Wade) of Avon Park, FL; Brother – Randall Dunigan (Susie) of Lexington, KY; Sister – Betrecia Mobley Goforth of Lexington, KY; Grandchildren – Andrew; Micaela; Juliana; Morgan; Jocelyn; and Jordan.  She is preceded in death by her Parents, Brother – Shelby K. Dunigan, and Granddaughter, Allyson Adams. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 18 at Newman Funeral Home in Beattyville, KY.  Visitation is at 10:00 and the service is at 11:00.  Gravesite burial will follow after the service. She will be laid to rest in Dunaway Cemetery in Beattyville, KY.

Shirley Johnson Deaton ’59 – July 13, 2018

Shirley Belle Johnson Deaton, 83, of Berea died Friday, July 13, 2018 at Baptist Health Lexington. She was a life-long resident of Madison County born September 27, 1934, daughter of the late Ray and Tommye Hudson Johnson, retired postmaster of the Big Hill Post Office and member of Pilot Knob Baptist Church. Shirley was an accomplished seamstress, outstanding gardener, flower gardener, and very dedicated to her church where she served as Sunday School teacher and member of WMU (Woman’s Missionary Union) . Survivors include 3 children, Steve Deaton (Kaye), Renee Deaton, Regayle Deaton; grandson, Robert Deaton; sisters, Jean Gilliam (Delbert), Marilyn Brackett; sister-in-law, Emma Johnson; as well as a host of relatives, friends, and church family. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Emerson Deaton; son, Gary Deaton; and brother, Russell Johnson. Funeral Service 11:00 AM, Monday, July 16, 2018 at Pilot Knob Baptist Church with Bro. Randy Calico officiating. Burial will follow in the Deaton Cemetery. Visitation 5:00 – 8:00 PM, Sunday at the church. Ladies Adult Sunday School Class will be Honorary Pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may take the form of contributions to the Pilot Knob Baptist Church Building Fund. Reppert Funeral Home and Cremation Service entrusted with arrangements.

Phillip Wayne Roberts ’59 – July 10, 2018

Phillip W. Roberts, age 80, of Cherry Valley, Ohio, died Tuesday, July 10, 2018, in Andover, Ohio. He was born August 30, 1937, in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, the son of Phil Roberts and Minnie (Ballinger) Roberts. Carol J. Roberts, age 81, of Cherry Valley, Ohio, died Saturday, July 28, 2018, in Pittsburgh, Penn. She was born March 30, 1937, in Newark, Ohio, the daughter of Arthur A. Jones and Lillian M. (Phillips) Jones. Residents of Cherry Valley since 1963, Mr. & Mrs. Roberts were formerly of Newark, Ohio. They were married November 14, 1958. He was a 1955 graduate of Broadhead High School in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, and went on to attend Berea College in Kentucky. He retired from COBA Select Sires in 1993 after 33 years of employment and went on to drive truck for Spellman Trucking for over 10 years. Most of all he enjoyed owning and operating his farm in Cherry Valley. Mr. Roberts attended the Scaffold Cane Baptist church while growing up in Kentucky and later attended the Leon United Methodist Church in Richmond, Ohio. He was a Mason and a member of the Farm Bureau. She was a 1955 graduate of Newark High School in Newark, Ohio. Mrs. Roberts helped her husband on the family farm in Cherry Valley for many years. She was a member of the Mother’s Club in Andover. Mrs. Roberts was an avid Cleveland Indians and Cavs fan, and she enjoyed doing puzzles and crocheting. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are survived by their two sons, David W. (Hyon Suk) Roberts of Phoenix, Arizona, and John A. Roberts of Cherry Valley Ohio; three granddaughters, Kendra Roberts, Kylee Roberts, and Karri (Miguel) Juarez; and one great granddaughter, Gabriela. Mrs. Roberts is also survived by two brothers, Robert A. Jones of Newark, Ohio and Roger W. (Hiroko) Jones of Gilbert, Arizona; two sisters, Linda S. Prouty of Newark, Ohio and Martha J. (Allen) Lane of Newark, Ohio. They are both preceded in death by their parents; and a grandson, Albert A. Roberts. Mr. Roberts is also preceded by a half-brother, William Bullins and half-sister, Pearl Bullins. Mrs. Roberts is also preceded by a brother, Richard Jones; and brother-in-law, Fred Prouty. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 2:00PM at the First United Methodist Church of Andover, 181 S. Main Street, Andover, with Pastor Pat Fischer officiating. Burial will be in Cherry Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Leon UMC, C/O Ramona Johnson, 5093 Leon Rd. Andover, OH 44003. Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Service of Andover handled arrangements. Share a fond memory or condolence. Today’s Events Service Aug 04 2:00 PM First United Methodist Church of Andover 181 S. Main St. Andover, OH, US, 44003

Louisa Looper Williams ’60 – May 27, 2018

Louisa L. Williams, age 79 of Lexington, KY passed away Sunday. A memorial service was held Tuesday.

Published in Lexington Herald-Leader on May 30, 2018

Robert Taft Bumgarner ’60 – Aug. 1, 2018

Robert Taft Bumgarner, age 80, of Wilkesboro, NC, passed away on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, surrounded by his family. Born November 4, 1937, Bob was the beloved son of the late David Taft Bumgarner and Margaret Cloninger Bumgarner of Lenoir; husband of Pinkie Bumgarner of Wilkesboro; father of Mark D. (Aimee) Bumgarner of Weaverville and Tracy N. Bumgarner of Lenoir, step-father of Robin M. Metz of Wilkesboro and brother of Betty B. (Bill) Williams of Lenoir. He is survived also by five grandchildren: Sara H. Huskins, Matthew R. Huskins, Kathryn M. Bumgarner, Andrew B. Bumgarner and Benjamin D. Bumgarner; two step-grandsons, Chandler B. Metz and Quinton D. Metz; a niece and nephew, a great-niece, and many special friends. Bob graduated from Lenoir High School and attended Berea College in Kentucky before being hired onto the survey crew at Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation in 1957. He was later promoted to Director of Data Processing in the corporate office before being named Watauga District Manager in 1972 and moving to Boone. Working at BREMCo his entire career, Bob retired in 1995. As a young man, Bob served as president of the Lenoir Jaycees and was named North Carolina Man of the Year. He is also remembered for having pledged the first African-American member of the Jaycees, Sam Patterson. After moving to Boone, Bob became an active member of the local Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Fellow award. Always an avid outdoorsman, Bob enjoyed fly fishing and golf. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, but his greatest passion was his faith in Christ. Bob was an active member of Boone United Methodist Church and, more recently having moved to Wilkesboro in 2017, the First United Methodist Church of North Wilkesboro. Bob was actively involved in the Walk to Emmaus holding many leadership roles including Community Lay Director of the SONrise Emmaus Community in Tennessee. A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 1:30pm on August 11, at the First United Methodist Church of North Wilkesboro, located at 401 6th Street, with Dr. Tim Roberts and Reverend Ted Henry presiding. Friends may visit with the family after the service in the church’s Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of North Wilkesboro

Hazel F. Dicken ’61 – May 30, 2018

Hazel Dicken-Garcia, 79, professor emerita of journalism and mass communication at the University of Minnesota, died May 30 at Our Lady of Peace hospice in St. Paul. She began teaching at the Minneapolis campus in 1978 as an assistant professor, was promoted to associate in 1982 and full professor in 1992. She retired from full-time teaching in 2008 but continued to supervise doctoral dissertations until 2011. She graduated from Berea College in 1961, received a master’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1969 and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1977. She wrote two books To Western Woods: The Breckenridge Family Moves to Kentucky in 1793 (1991) and Journalistic Standards in Nineteenth-Century America (1989), an early, widely cited and award-winning study of the evolution of ethics in journalism. She coauthored two other books Communication History (1980) and Hated Ideas and the American Civil War Press (2007). She wrote numerous academic articles on media history and supervised numerous doctoral dissertations, many of which have been published as books. Friends and colleagues of Dr. Hazel Dicken-Garcia will gather for a memorial at 2 p.m. on June 22 at Unity Church-Unitarian, 733 Portland Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 55104. The Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs has asked friends to send her stories or anecdotes to be read at the ceremony. She will pass the unabridged versions of the notes on to the family. She can be reached at janne@unityunitarian.org and 651-228-1456 x 106. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clara and Welby Dicken in Albany, Kentucky. She is survived by her three brothers – Clifton, Clayton and Lee Dicken – a sister Letha Gay (Randall) Amonett, their spouses, their eight grown children and more than two dozen grandchildren – Hazel’s grandnieces and grand nephews. Her remains will be buried near her parents in the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Clinton County, Kentucky. Memorials can be sent to the Hazel Dicken-Garcia Fund for the Symposium on the 19th Century Press, the Civil War, and Free Expression, c/o David B. Sachsman, 212 Frist Hall, Dept. 3003, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 615 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37403. or the Hazel Dicken-Garcia Graduate Fellowship, to support graduate students in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota; P.O. Box 860266; Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266.

Joy Cline Shoemaker ’61 – Jan. 24, 2018

Joy Cline Shoemaker,78, Of Annapolis, Maryland Passed Away January 24, 2018. Born On March 13, 1939 In Cleveland County, Nc, She Was The Daughter Of The Late Guy R. Cline And Sallie Brittain Cline. Joy Obtained A Bachelor’S Of Science And A Master’S Degree. She Was A Teacher And Counselor In The Anne Arundel County, Annapolis, Md School System For 35 Years. She Attended Riva Trace Baptist Church In Davidsonville, Md.Joy Was Preceded In Death By Her Parents, Brother Luke Cline, Sisters Josephine Cline Townsend, Helen Cline Vernon, Alma Cline, And Barbara Cline.She Is Survived By Her Brother, Franklin (Norma) Cline, Hickory, Nc, And A Number Of Nieces, Nephews And Cousins.The Family Will Receive Friends From 10 To 11 A.M. On Saturday, January 27, 2018 At The Sossoman Funeral Home In Morganton, Nc. The Memorial Service Will Be At 11 A.M. With Rev. Kenneth Bryant Officiating. Burial Will Follow At Wilkies Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.Memorial Contributions May Be Made To Wilkies Grove Baptist Church, 5780 Wilkies Grove Church Road, Hickory, Nc 28602.Sossoman Funeral Home And Crematory Center Is Assisting The Family With The Arrangements.

Shirley Mclntosh Richardson ’61 – Mar. 5, 2017

Obituary Unavailable

Harold Locke Taylor ’61 – Aug. 30, 2018

Harold Taylor age 84, husband of Ruth Herron Taylor, died Thursday August 30, 2018 at his home. Harold was born in Ivy, North Carolina to the late Haskett Lee and Lillian Moffitt Taylor. Harold graduated from Berea College in 1961 with a degree in Industrial Arts, he was an educator, contractor and craftsman, and he attended First Christian Church in Berea. He was also preceded in death by his son Kim Jeffery Taylor. Harold is survived by his wife of 64 years Ruth Herron Taylor, his children: Gary (Linda) Taylor, Robyn (Dennis) Ritchie, and Angela (Kyle) Sowers, 4 grandchildren Brent (Steffanie) Ritchie, Brandon (Anna) Ritchie, Kelly (Brandon) Staggs, Lyndsey Taylor, and great grandchild Aradia Ritchie, and his good buddy Hoppy the tree frog. Funeral services will be Tuesday Sept. 4, 2018 at 2 pm at First Christian Church in Berea with Reverends Mark and Lisa Caldwell-Reiss. Burial will be in the Berea Cemetery with Military honors. Visitation will be Tuesday from 12 until 2 pm at the church. In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to First Christian Church in Berea or Hospice Care Plus. Lakes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Virgil Catron, Husband of Meral D. Catron ’62 – June 13, 2018

Virgil Catron age 85, husband of Meral Dean Otis Catron, died Wednesday June 13, 2018 at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. Virgil was the former owner of Berea Farm Service in Berea, he was a graduate of Morehead State University and US Army veteran of the Korean War. Virgil was a longtime member of the Berea United Methodist Church, a member of the Oleika Shrine, Berea Rotary Club, and the Berea Masonic Lodge F&AM 617. Virgil was proud of his service to his country and wanted people to know that he was well taken care of while in the care of the Lexington VA Medical Center. Virgil was born in Elliott County Kentucky to the late John and Jane McGill Catron, and he was preceded in death by his brothers: Cleo, Earl, Orville, Roy, and Bobby Catron, and his daughter-in-law, Stefanie Wissel Catron. Virgil is survived by his wife of 56 years Meral Dean Otis Catron, his children: Gregory Wayne Catron, Mark Otis Catron (Crystal Marie Philpot), and Sara Elizabeth Catron, his brother Clell Catron (Shirley), and his grandchildren: Channing Marie Catron, and Caleb Mark Catron. Funeral services will be 11 am,Monday June 18, 2018 at the Berea United Methodist Church, burial will be in the Owingsville Cemetery at 2 pm Monday. Pallbearers will be Brian Abney, Darwin Whitaker, Mark Catron, Charlie Homa, Ron Conyers, and Donnie Abrams. Visitation will be Sunday June 17, 2018 at Lakes Funeral Home Berea from 5-9 pm Sunday with Masonic Rites performed at 7:30 pm. The family would like to thank the Hospice Care Plus for their great care of Virgil. Donations are suggested to the Virgil Catron Memorial fund at the Berea United Methodist Church.

Isaac F. Bledsoe ’63 – July 18, 2018

Isaac F. “Ike” Bledsoe, 77, of Fort Payne, passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2018. He was born January 16, 1941 to the late Isaac D. and Mable Rhoten Bledsoe. Mr. Bledsoe was the owner/operator of McDonald’s. He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be 12:30 Saturday, July 28th at Asbury United Methodist Church with Rev. Paul Messer officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the 12:30 p.m. hour of service on July 28th. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham, AL or Chattanooga, TN. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Peggy Bledsoe; sons David Bledsoe and wife, Angela and John Bledsoe and wife, Ashley; grandchildren, Mary Margaret, Shelby, Lindsay, Anna, and Abby.

Robert N. Young ’63 – June 17, 2018

Cincinnati – Robert (Bob) Nieman Young passed away Sunday, June 17th at the age of 80. Bob was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Loving husband to Judith Sue Young, devoted father to Amy (Brian) Mitchell, Scott (Nancy) Young and Brian Young. The light of Bob’s life were his grandchildren Isabela Mitchell, Gracie Mitchell, Natalie Young and Matthew Young. As a proud Berea College graduate, Bob’s other passion was his love of refereeing (50 + years) multiple sports at the high school and collegiate levels. Bob will be laid to rest at Graceland Memorial Gardens Milford Ohio. A visitation and celebration of Bob’s life will be held Saturday, June 23rd from 3:00pm until 6:00pm at 726 Park Avenue, Terrace Park 45174. Online condolences may be expressed here.

Milton Owens Nelson, husband of Diane Nelson ’63 – May 2, 2018

Owens Nelson, M.D. Edisto Beach, SC M. Owens Nelson, M.D., age 71, husband of Diane Martin Nelson, died at his home on Edisto Island, SC, surrounded by family on May 2, 2018. Owens was raised by his parents, Elizabeth “Sugie” Nelson and Milton Nelson, Sr. in St. Matthews, SC. He graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1973. He finished his medical training in hematology and oncology at the University of Kentucky, where he worked as an attending physician for several years before going into private practice. Dr. Nelson founded Bluegrass Hematology Oncology in Lexington and practiced until 1998, was a founding member of Hospice of the Bluegrass, and volunteered his time at several charity medical clinics in Lexington. He was a devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church. In addition to his loving wife, Owens, he is survived by daughters, Elizabeth Owens Nelson-Cooke (John Cooke), Heather Anne Proffitt, and Diana Jane Workman. He is also survived by six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Cornelia Hane (Shay) along with his niece, nephew, and their families. Visitation 4:00 6:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, with funeral service to follow at 6 pm. Private entombment the next day. A memorial service in Edisto Island will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions suggested to one’s favorite charity. Reppert Funeral Home (Berea, KY) entrusted with arrangements.

Jack Bender ’64 – December 2, 2011

BENDER, JACK age 67, of Pleasant Grove , AL, passed away on December 2, 2011. He was a member of The Church of Christ. He was born in Stanford Kentucky, lived most of his adult life in Birmingham, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his sister, Freda Bender, brother, Keith Bender. Survivors: wife, Aileen Bender; daughter, Cheryl Kristine Bender; brother, James Lavern Bender; sisters, Audrey Dunn and Vivian Sensabaugh; grandchildren, Christian, Ethan, and Noah Bender. Funeral services will be held at Patterson-Forest Grove Funeral Home Chapel Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. with burial in Forest Grove Memorial Gardens. Brother Bill Watkins officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 6 one hour prior to the service in the chapel.

Hubert A. Henkle ’65 – Apr. 27, 2018

Hubert “Hugh” Allen Henkle, 76, husband of Rachel Ann Berry Henkle, passed, Friday, April 27, 2018. He was born June 30, 1941 in Richlands, VA to the late Robert Allen and Virginia Johnson Henkle. Hugh was a retired Dr. of Dentistry. He enjoyed gardening with his son, and watching sports, especially his granddaughter’s softball games. He was also a retired Captain in the Navy. Other family survivors are two children, Jennifer Henkle (John) James and Mark (Velvet) Henkle, two grandchildren,… Abigail and Hannah James, a brother, Charles (Dorothy) Henkle and other family members. Service will be 11:00 AM Tuesday at Edgewood Baptist Church with Dr. Samuel Schmidt officiating. Burial will follow in Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the church.

Helen Kendrick Delemarre ’65 – Aug. 27, 2016

Helen passed away Saturday morning at home after a brief fight against cancer. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Robert A. Delemarre; daughter, Michelle Delemarre, and her husband, Thomas Cusson, of Auburn, MA; daughter, Heather Delemarre, and her husband, Shawn M. Smith, of Washington, DC; a granddaughter, Dylan Cusson and a grandson, Clyde Smith. She is also survived by three sisters, Sherlene Solters, Sandra Mullins, and Inis Rowe; a brother, Gerald Kendrick; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Denton Kendrick, and her parents, Otto Kendrick and Ruth (Ford) Kendrick. Helen was born in Clintwood, VA. She attended Berea College in Kentucky and was later awarded a degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland. She worked as a management specialist in the legal division of the Department of the Interior for four years before starting her family in Silver Spring, MD. Helen was known for her kindness and hospitality and was especially fond of children. Services will be private. Memorial donations may be made to:

Owl Moon Raptor Center
20201 Bucklodge Road
Boyds, MD 20841

Polly Vaughan ’66 —  December 9, 2018

olly Vaughan passed away on December 9, 2018. Funeral Home Services for Polly are being provided by Neptune Society – Palatine of Palatine, IL.

Merry Detchon Tausch ’66 – June 14, 2018

Salem – Merry Beth Tausch, 74, passed away on June 14, 2018 at her home in Salem, Ohio. She was born on February 4, 1944 in Youngstown, Ohio, to Harold and Elinor (Carlisle) Detchon. Merry Beth grew up in Sebring, Ohio. She graduated from Sebring High School in 1962 where she and her future husband were voted Prom King and Queen. After high school, she attended Berea College in Kentucky where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She worked as a vocational special education coordinator for the Columbiana County Career Center. Merry Beth married Gerald Tausch in 1966 in Sebring, Ohio, and they were happily married for 52 years. Merry Beth was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Salem, Ohio. She enjoyed reading mysteries, watching the cartoon Foghorn Leghorn, shopping for antique furniture and glassware, relaxing at her cabin in Pennsylvania, and doting on her children and grandchildren. Merry Beth is survived by her spouse, Gerald Tausch of Salem, Ohio; her children: Jenny Lynne (Edward) Pfeifer of Bucyrus, Ohio; Jodi Miller of Salem, Ohio, Jeremy (Athena) Tausch of Salem, Ohio; her brother Joel (Peggy) Detchon of Kokomo, Indiana and sister Zono Jane (Michael) Howard of London, Kentucky; her grandchildren Lindsey (Jordan) Pfeifer Lee, Mark Pfeifer and fiance Allison Bullock, Lydia Pfeifer, Sally Tausch, and Ethan Tausch. Merry Beth was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Elinor Detchon and son-in-law Dale Miller. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Salem, Ohio at 11:00 a.m. on July 7, 2018.  The family will be greeting friends and relatives immediately following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to First United Methodist Church, 244 South Broadway Avenue, Salem, Ohio with a designation of Missions Fund (Christmas Tree Angel.)

Ray G. Gabbard ’66 – Jan. 7, 2018

Ray Glynn Gabbard age 75 husband of Brenda Causey Gabbard died Sunday Jan. 7 2018 in Lexington. Ray was Plant Engineer at Ajax Magnathermic and an electrical contractor. Ray taught Industrial Arts at Madison High in Richmond and he was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a 1966 graduate of Berea College with a degree in Industrial Arts. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Laura Hurley Gabbard. Ray is survived by his wife Brenda Gabbard his children: Scott & Angela Gabbard Eric & Christy Gabbard Jennifer Gabbard Kelley and Amy Gabbard Edds his three brothers Buddy Gabbard Don Gabbard and Hugh Gabbard one sister Frances Baird and his six grandchildren Chase Peyton Delaney Gabbard Matthew Kelley Tyler and Kelsie Barrett. A memorial service for Ray will be Saturday Jan. 20 2018 at 7pm at Lakes Funeral Home the family will receive friends from 4-7 Saturday at the funeral home. Online condolences here

Dr. Theodore Fuller ’67 – Sept. 8, 2018

Of Washington, DC passed Mon. Sept 10, Memorial Service will be Sat. Sept 22, 2018 at 1pm at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church Pratt City with burial to follow at Dynasty Gardens

Rosemary Ashby ’68

Obituary Unavailable

Robin Porter ’79 – July 25, 2018

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Robin Gail Porter, Williamson High School Class of 1975 Robin Gail Porter, 60, of Williamson, WV, a beloved and widely-respected retired Mingo County educator went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. Born October 24, 1957, in Williamson, WV, she was a daughter of the late Lester and Pearl Bryant Porter of East Williamson. Robin grew up in East Williamson. She was educated in the Mingo County public school system and graduated from Williamson High School with the Class of 1975. She went on to attend Berea College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education. After college Robin returned to Williamson and accepted employment with the Mingo County Board of Education. She taught physical education at Williamson Middle School, and later, at Riverside Elementary and Williamson K-8 Schools. She retired five years ago after 34 years of devoted service. She rarely missed a day of work during those many years teaching. Always physically fit, athletic, and a lover of sports, Robin was the ideal physical education teacher. Her students were impressed by her athletic abilities and her dedication to healthy living. She brought to her professional life many the sporting activities she had loved and enjoyed while she was an athlete at Williamson High School, and at Berea College. Robin was a member the first Williamson High School girls’ basketball team, coached by the late Vivian Elkins. The Lady Wolves were undefeated in their inaugural 1974-75 season. She was also on the girls’ track team her freshman year of high school. She had already become a fine tennis player by the time she entered high school. She was among the first female inductees of the Williamson High School Athletic Hall of Fame. She was also an outstanding women’s basketball and tennis player at Berea College. Robin organized the first co-ed tennis team at Williamson High School. She was the assistance coach of the Williamson High School Girls’ Basketball Team, and the head coach of the Williamson Middle School Girls’ Basketball team, and later the Williamson K-8 Girls’ Basketball team. Over the years her teams won several championships. Robin was widely known and respected as an outstanding armature tennis player. She was a powerful competitor on the tennis court. She had competed in the 2006 United States Tennis Association National Championship games in Hawaii, and she was a Charleston Public Courts champion as well. In addition to all that she was involved in as a teacher, coach, and athlete, Robin was also a devoted and long-time member of the East Williamson Baptist Church where she participated in various children’s ministries and the annual Vacation Bible School. Young children loved Robin’s VBS classes because Robin acted like one of them. She was playful, energetic, animated, and genuinely fun to be with. After her retirement five years ago, Robin found herself busier than ever as she was always helping someone in one way or another. She devoted herself to helping members of her church, her friends, her family, and her community-at-large. Her cell phone number was on “speed dial,” for the people she regularly helped, and assisted with daily needs. She was always willing to lend a helping hand where needed. Robin lived a truly beautiful life. She was dearly loved by all who knew her. People of all ages, and from all walks of life, felt a deep connection to Robin. She was easy to talk to, caring, empathetic, compassionate, generous, and kind. She was the all-time greatest encourager, whether it was a student, or an older friend trying to regain his or her strength after an illness. Her words were always encouraging and edifying. These are but a few of the wonderful qualities that drew people to Robin. Robin’s family meant the world to her. She was her mother’s loving caregiver for many years prior to Mrs. Porter’s death. Robin was the glue of the Porter family. Robin’s closest friends were her heart; her church family, and community were the benefactors of her heart-of-gold that overflowed with genuine love and compassion. It seemed the more love she gave, the more love she was given to share. She will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered in the hearts and minds of all who had the opportunity to know her. Robin is survived by her beloved siblings, Bill (Sandy) Bryant, Marianna, FL, Kenny (Sandy) Porter, Williamson, Darren (Martina) Porter, Forest Hills, KY, Bobby Porter, Williamson, Mickey Hicks-Felty and husband, Bob Felty of Loveland, CO; a host of nieces and nephews: Kristin, Mandi, Holly, Bryant, Sarah, Daniel, and Jamie; her long-time friends, Susan Baisden, Marsha Boggs, Gail Coleman, Jerry Akers, Greg Smith, Debbie Carrasco, and Cynthia Hairston-Hicks; a special little friend and neighbor, Alyssa Hall; her beloved church family, and a community of friends, students, and parents, all of whom thought of her as a member of their own families. Visitation is from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Saturday, July 28, 2018, at the East Williamson Baptist Church. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm, Sunday, July 29, at the church. Reverend Caleb Horne will officiate. Interment is in the Mountain View Memory Gardens at Maher, WV. Active pallbearers include Jerry Akers, Steve Baisden, Bryant Porter, Daniel Porter, Darren Porter, Kenny Porter, Donnie Ratcliffe, and Terry Sanders. Honorary pallbearers include, Joe Carrasco, Bobby Porter, and Greg Smith. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the East Williamson Baptist Church. You may express online condolences here. Weaver Mortuary of West Williamson is serving the Porter family.

Debra Jean Clark ’81 – June 20, 2018

Debbie Jean Clark, 60, of Grayson formerly of Lewis County passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Community Hospice in Ashland after a long struggle with diabetes and heart disease, with her family by her side. She was born January 3, 1958 in Portsmouth, OH a daughter of the late William I. “Bud” Clark and Lillian Ervin. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by a sister, Linda Ruth Clark, a brother-in-law, Ronnie Dummitt and a nephew, Anthony Noble. She was a member of the Church of Christ, a 1976 graduate of Lewis County High School, a 1981 graduate of Berea College, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She had worked as a registered nurse at Berea Hospital and later at the Mercy Hospital in Portsmouth, OH. She is survived by three brothers; Dale (Betty) Rowe of Garrison, Darrell Rowe of Portsmouth, and Mike Clark of Garrison; two sisters, Kay Dummitt and Karen Sue Douglas both of Grayson, and several uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins to mourn her passing. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Sparks Funeral Home in Grayson, Donald Ervin and David Carper officiating. Burial will follow in the Waring Cemetery at Garrison. Serving as pallbearers will be; Steve Ervin, Alex Gauze, Brian Gauze, Conner Gauze, Mike Douglas, and Hunter Ruggles. Visitation will be Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Vernon Reacel Prince ’83 – July 25, 2018

Vernon Reacel Prince, 58, of Oldtown, Kentucky went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, July 25, 2018 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia. Mr. Pr…ince was born February 26, 1960 a son of the late Vernon and Pearlie Wilburn Prince. Although Reacel left this world too soon, he leaves a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. He had a deep passion for his hometown, Kentucky Basketball, the Cincinnati Reds, the Scioto Ribber, and United Dairy Farmer’s peach ice cream. He was a 1978 graduate of Greenup County High School. In 2005 he received his Master’s Degree from Ohio University in counseling. As a proud alumnus of Berea College, Reacel also served his country in the United States Navy. He worked as a youth counselor at Mended Reeds Mental Health in Ironton, Ohio. Reacel was a member of Greenup First Baptist Church. He married his high school sweetheart, Anita Archey in 2005 and they lived life to the fullest together. Perhaps one of Reacel’s proudest accomplishments was being Nick Yancey’s chosen dad. While the last several years of his life had its share of ups and downs including a kidney transplant, Anita lovingly cared for her soulmate, Reacel. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one brother Arnold Prince. He is survived by his loving wife of 13 years Anita Kathleen Archey Prince, One son Nick Yancey of Greenup, Kentucky, His father-in-law and mother-in-law James and Marilyn Archey , Three brothers Raymond and Karen Prince of Oldtown, Kentucky, Delbert and Rhonda Prince of Greenup, Kentucky Elwood Prince of Flatwoods, Kentucky. Five sisters

Wanda Mae Prince of Floyd County, Kentucky Ella Faye Parker of Grayson, Kentucky Barbara Gollihue of Rush, Kentucky Jean and Raymond McGuire of Grayson, Kentucky

Marie Bush of Grayson, Kentucky A special niece Doretha Hunt A host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Few people can forget his jolly laugh, quick advice and witty sense of humor. His family and friends are heartbroken, but there is comfort knowing Reacel is whole again in the arms of his Savior.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Monday at Greenup First Baptist Church in Greenup, Kentucky by Dr. Tom Melvin and Pastor Glen Stephenson. Burial will be in McGuire Cemetery in Greenup. Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00 pm on Sunday at Reed Funeral Home in Greenup, Kentucky and one hour before the service on Monday at the church.

Condolences may be made here.

Steven Lamson Davenport ’89 – Jan. 1, 2018

Obituary Unavailable

Kenneth Dewayne Norris ’90 – June 4, 2018

Kenneth Dwayne Norris, age 53, of Berea, passed away June 4, 2018 at his home. He was born in Berea on December 2, 1964 to the late Kenneth Leon Norris and Joanne McQueen Wiles. He was employed by Novelis and was heavily involved in community sports in Berea and Madison County for many years. He has been a beloved baseball, softball, and basketball coach for over 20 years and worked hard to keep the youth basketball league in operation in Berea for nearly 15 years. Ken is survived by his wife, Kimberly Jones Norris; two sons, Chancellor Wayne Norris and Griffen Chase Norris; his step-father who was instrumental in his raising, Wayne Wiles; one sister, Shayne Wiles (Mike) Hamilton; one nephew and several nieces. A celebration of life service for Kenneth Norris will be held Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the WestSide Baptist Church in Berea at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Allen Livingood officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:45. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Norris Family Fund at Peoples Bank or Hospice Care Plus. Lakes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements; online condolences may be left for the family at here.

Kim A. Jenkins-McClements ’90 – July 26, 2018

Kimberly Ann Jenkins-McClements, 49, of Ashland, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Community Hospice. She was born September 7, 1968, in Ashland, the daughter of Linda Gail Collinsworth Jenkins of Ashland,and the late John W. Jenkins. She was a business consultant for Morehead State University, board member for the United Way, Vice President for People Helping People and a member of Centenary United Methodist Church. In addition to her mother, she is also survived by her husband, Steven McClements of Ashland; her cats, Big John, and Clyde; and her extended family. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at Miller Funeral Home with Rev. Mark A. Kloha officiating. Burial will follow in Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice at 1480 Carter Ave. Ashland, KY 41101. Online condolences may be sent here.

Ian R. Klenk ’19 – July 30, 2018

Obituary Unavailable