Friday, April 3, 2015

Lee County Resident Drowns in Floodwaters of Big Sinking Creek

    On Friday, April 3, 2015, just before 10:00 a.m., Lee County Dispatch was notified that a vehicle was swept off of HWY KY-52 near Old Landing Road, and travelled out of sight into Big Sinking Creek. Lee County first responders, including the Sheriff's Office, EMS, and the Fire & Rescue responded to the area and began searching for the vehicle.
    The Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Fish & Wildlife, and Lexington Fire Department were contacted by Lee County authorities and responded to the scene to assist with the search.
    As the floodwaters receded, the vehicle was found submerged in the creek, just before 7:00 p.m. The vehicle was recovered and a female was found inside and pronounced deceased by the Lee County Coroner. No one else was located inside the vehicle and the initial investigation indicates that she was alone at the time of the event.
    Upon further investigation, the victim has been identified as 63-year-old Lois McGovern of Beattyville.The ongoing investigation is being conducted by Officers with Kentucky F&W.
    Funeral arrangements are being handled by Newnam Funeral Home of Beattyville.

  Saturday, April 11, 2015

Faye Benton, 77

    Faye Benton, age 77, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Marcum Wallace Memorial Hospital in Irvine, Kentucky, after a short illness.
    She was a native of Estill County, a daughter of the late James Edward and Anna Katherine Embry Benton. Ms. Benton was retired from the United States Postal Service. She was a member of the Irvine First Christian Church. She enjoyed gardening and flower arranging. She was also enjoyed politics.
    Ms. Benton was preceded in death by her son, James Covey; and her brother, Ray Benton.
    Survivors include her son, Mike Covey; her sisters: Norma Elliott, Wilma Daniel (Edsel), Freda Blackwell (Austin), and Sue Sparks (Jim Ralston); her sister-in-law, Princess Benton; her grandchildren: Brian Garett, Noel Covey, Christy Morgan and Angie Covey; eight great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    Services will be held Tuesday, April 14th at 2:00 p.m. at the New Beginnings Fellowship with Bro. Delvin Reece officiating. Burial will follow in the West Irvine Cemetery. Friends may call anytime after 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, at the church.
    Pallbearers will be Noel Covey, Mike Covey, Brian Daniel, David Blackwell, Mark Sparks and Scott Benton.
    Honorary pallbearers will be Christy Morgan and Angelina Covey.
    Arrangements have been entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of Richmond.

Heritage Funeral Home

  Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Ann Fern Thacker Murphy, 88

    Ann Fern Thacker Murphy, age 88, of Richmond, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at the Irvine Health & Rehab Center.
    She was born August 22, 1926 on Cobb Hill in Estill County, Kentucky, to Vernon Sidney and Ethel McKnight Thacker. She lived in Estill County until her induction into military service (W.A.V.E.S.) where she was stationed in San Diego, California. Upon her discharge, she returned to Kentucky where she married James E. Murphy; they were married 57 years until his passing on April 3, 2011
    During this time, they lived in Richmond and Madison County and had various homes and farms in the Union City area, later moving back to Estill County. In her younger years she worked for the Richmond Telephone Company and also at J.J. Newberry, but was most content as a homemaker and caretaker for her family and aging parents. She was a member of the Rice Station Christian Church.
    Mrs. Murphy is preceded in death by her parents; her half-brother, Langley Curry; sisters: Galena Thacker and Ollie Hornsby; and brothers: Earl Thacker and Benton Thacker.
    She leaves behind a son David in Charlotte, North Carolina; and a grandson Daniel in Durham, North Carolina.
    A long-time resident of the Irvine Health Care facility, she is no longer bound by a failing body.
    Services will be conducted by Tim Jones on Saturday, April 11th at 2 p.m. at the Oldham Roberts & Powell Funeral Home, 1110 Barnes Mill Road in Richmond. Visitation will begin at noon. Burial will be follow at Flatwoods Cemetery in Waco, Kentucky.
    Pallbearers will be Leroy Murphy, Ronnie Murphy, Robert Murphy, Mark Murphy, Charles Turpin and Lafe Carmine.
    In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of choice.

Oldham Roberts & Powell Funeral Home

  Monday, April 6, 2015

Helen Rose, 66

    Helen Rose was born October 22, 1948 in Jackson County and departed this life Monday, April 6, 2015 at her residence, being 66 years of age. She was the daughter of the late Hobert & Elzona (Marcum) Rose.
    Helen is survived by her daughter, Angelina Frost of McKee; a brother, Dallas Rose of McKee; and by two sisters: Margie Clark of McKee and Alice Cole of Irvine. Helen was blessed with a granddaughter, Angelita Maria Horn of McKee; and by three nieces: Jennifer (Steve) Hensley, Margaret Edmonson & Mariah Cole.
    In addition to her parents, Helen was also preceded in death by her husband, Dewey Rose, who passed away February 3, 2015.
    She was of the Baptist Faith.
    Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 11th at the Lakes Funeral Home, 1181 Main Street South in McKee with Bro. Jerry Rose officiating. Burial will follow in the Lainhart Cemetery.

Lakes McKee Funeral Home

  Monday, April 6, 2015

Louise Wagers Witt, 102

    Louise Wagers Witt, age 102, passed away Monday, April 6, 2015, at her home after a short illness.
    Louise was married to the late Ray Witt and was born in Estill County on November 3, 1912, to the late Louisa and David Wagers. She had a son, Donald Ray Witt (deceased) and daughter, Nancy Witt Sewell. She resided with her daughter Nancy and son-in-law John in Littleton, Colorado since 2005.
    Louise was the oldest living member of the First United Methodist Church. She retired from the Belk store in Winchester where she enjoyed helping her customers and enjoying great conversation. Louise was an avid UK basketball fan and loved to watch her great grandchildren play soccer and baseball. She was very active, traveling to Cooperstown, NY, last summer and Phoenix, AZ, during the Christmas holidays to root them on in tournaments. Everyone fondly referred to her as Granny Witt as she captured you with her keen sense of humor and infectious smile. Granny Witt was loved by many and gave us all extraordinary love and infinite memories.
    She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Witt Sewell (John); five grandchildren: Wayne Witt, Rebecca Witt Richards (Jay) of Louisville, Chris Witt of Berea, Joe Sewell (Kathy) and Jacquie Sewell Simpson (Jeff) of Castle Rock, Colorado; and eight great grandchildren: Wayne-Sarina and Kailyn; Rebecca-Lauren and Cody; Chris-Trenton, Hope, Zander and Jaxsen; Joe-Seth and Sage; Jacquie-Josie and Jacob.
    Friends may visit at Scobee Funeral Home in Winchester from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, April 10th and 12 Noon-1 p.m. prior to services on Saturday, April 11th. Burial will follow in the Winchester Cemetery.
    Pallbearers will be Joe Sewell, Wayne Witt, Chris Witt, Jeff Simpson, O. C. Hamm, Jim Woosley, Larry Curtis, and Gary Richardson.
    We thank all the doctors, nurses, CNAs, and clergy in Colorado with a special thank you to the staff at Hospice East in Winchester, Kentucky. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice East as their focus on her comfort, knowledge sharing and loving care of Granny Witt and our family was so much appreciated.

Scobee Funeral Home

  Friday, April 3, 2015

Daisy Shoemaker, 87

    Daisy Shoemaker, age 87, of Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Friday, April 3, 2015.
    Born January 6, 1928 in Manchester, Clay County, Kentucky, she was preceded in death by her parents, Joby and Mollie Bishop; as well as her husband of 43 years, Clayton Shoemaker.
    Mrs. Shoemaker is survived by her eight children: Betty Darling (Steve), Fredricktown, Ohio; Mary Lou Zohnd (David), Irvine; Linda Cooper (Steve) of Mansfield, Ohio; Brenda Jordan of Crestline, Ohio; Glen Shoemaker, Bonnie Shoemaker, both of Irvine; Wanda Zamora (Alvaro), Richmond; and John Shoemaker (Linda), Irvine; a grandaughter, Jennifer Meadows, Mount Vernon, Ohio; 19 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
    A memorial service was held at 4 p.m., Sunday, April 5th at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Dughill Road in Irvine.
    Care Cremation and Funeral Service of Lexington was entrusted with final care.

Care Cremation and Funeral Service

  Sunday, April 5, 2015

Mavis Marie Mays White, 54

    Mavis Marie Mays White, age 54, wife of Ricky White, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2015, at her home after a long illness.
    Mrs. White was a native of Lee County, born February 5, 1961, a daughter of Robert and Jeannette Combs Mays. She was a member of True Vine Ministries.
    Survivors other than her husband, Ricky; and her parents, Robert and Jeannette Mays; include her daughters: Deloris Stamper (Danny), Tina M. White, and Christina D. White; her brothers: Robert Lee Mays Jr., Cleve Mays, and Doug Mays; her sisters: Daisy Andrews, Lois Hobbs, and Maggie McCormick; and her grandchildren: Christopher Stamper, Madison Shade, and Emily Shade.
    Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 9th at the Roadside Mission Church of God, Furnace Junction, Ravenna, with Bro. Terry Barnes officiating. Burial will follow in the Combs Cemetery. Friends may call anytime after 6:00 p.m.. Wednesday, April 8th at the church. Brothers will serve as pallbearers.

Lewis Funeral Home

  Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Nancy Anita Hamilton Williams, 52

    Nancy Anita Hamilton Williams, age 52, of Irvine, Kentucky, died Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at University of Louisville Hospital in Louisville.
    She was a lifelong resident of Estill County, born October 30, 1962, daughter of the late Paul and Delores Carpenter Hamilton, and was a homemaker.
    Survivors include her husband, Joey Williams; two children: Joey L. Williams and Virginia Williams; two sisters: Dee Dee Roberts and Linda Linton; two grandchildren: Ashtin Williams and Sadie Williams.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Misty Hamilton; three brothers: James Hamilton Jr., Michael Hamilton, and Sammy Hamilton; and two grandchildren.
    In accordance with her wishes, no public service is scheduled at this time. A private family service will be held at a later date.
    Reppert Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Berea has been entrusted with arrangements.

Reppert Funeral Home

  Saturday, April 4, 2015

Reva Herald, 87

    Reva Herald, 87, of Winchester, Kentucky, widow of Morton Herald, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2015.
    Mrs. Herald was born on June 18, 1927 to the late Andrew and Sobrina Shepherd Wiseman in Estill County, Kentucky. She was a loving mother, homemaker, and a member of Winchester First Church of God (Colby Road).
    She is survived by two daughters, Carol Ann Herald Hignite and Deborah Herald Meurer; one son, Michael Herald; three grandchildren, Jason C. Hignite, Heather Hignite and Blake Palmer; two brothers, Walter Wiseman and Houston Wiseman, both of Ohio; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
    Services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 8th at Scobee Funeral Home, 219 West Lexington Avenue in Winchester by Rev. Gary Brown. Burial will be in Winchester Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until time of service on Wednesday at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers will be Jason Hignite, Blake Palmer, John Meurer, Glenn Herald, David Herald and Josh Herald.
    Honorary pallbearers will be Dewayne Hignite and the staff of Rose Manor Nursing Home.

Scobee Funeral Home

  Saturday, April 4, 2015

Veronica Juanita Lane, age 91

    Veronica Juanita Lane, age 91, of Dayton, Ohio; passed away Saturday, April 4, 2015 at home with her family by her side.
    Born June 12, 1923 in Estill County, Kentucky, she is preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Elizabeth Tipton and eleven siblings.
    Mrs. Lane is survived by her children, Karen O’Grady, Edgar C. Lane Jr., Brad Lane (Sandy), and Michael Lane (Ruth); grandchildren, Rosie Drummond (Daniel), Gene Lane (Virginia), Ben Lane, and Lori Sue Lane; eleven great grandchildren; and numerous dear nieces, nephews, and friends.
    She was a faithful and humble follower of Christ all of her life. She was a loving mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed by all.
    The family would like to thank April Mayberry and the crisis care nurses of Hospice of Dayton for all their care these past five months. Also a special thank you to Dr. Robert Bulow and nurse, Melissa.
    The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 8th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4104 Needmore Road, Dayton, Ohio. A funeral service will be held Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Vandalia Christian Tabernacle, 836 South Brown School Road. Interment to follow at Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery.
    In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Hospice of Dayton.

Newcomer Funeral Home

  Saturday, April 4, 2015

James Wayne Muncie, 74

    James Wayne Muncie, age 74, of Coral Avenue in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2015, at the Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital following a long illness.
    He was born July 25, 1940 in Estill County and was the son of the late Hal and Eudell Winburn Muncie. He served in the Army Reserves and was a member of the American Legion. He was a former employee with the Estill County School System and had lived in Estill County all of his life.
    Mr. Muncie is survived by his wife, Gladys Robinson Muncie; one daughter, Reca Kirby (Jeff), Benton, Kentucky; two sisters: Theda Christopher, Ohio; and Helen Mayes, Irvine; two brothers: Ray Muncie and Larry Muncie, both of Irvine; and one grandchild, James William Kirby.
    He was preceded in death by three sisters: Oma Katherine, Agnus Neal, and Edna Jo Berryman; and one brother, Elmer “Dick” Muncie.
    Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 8th at the Friendship Baptist Church by Bro. Scott Rogers. Burial will be at the Robinson Cemetery. Friends may call after 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, at the church.
    Pallbearers will be Newt Muncie, Mike Muncie, Anthony Brinegar, Kenneth Neal, Brian Newman and J.W. Kirby.
    Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Tyree, Tommy Joe Bryant, Jerry Arnold, Jonathan Arnold, Steve Mayes and Larry Muncie.
    Arrangements have been entrusted to Toler Funeral Home.

Toler Funeral Home

  Friday, April 3, 2015

Elzie “J.R.” Ross Jr., 56

    Elzie “J.R.” Ross Jr., age 56, passed away Friday, April 3, 2015, at his home.
    He was a native of Miamisburg, Ohio, born May 13, 1958, a son of the late Elzie and Maudie Conrad Ross. Mr. Ross was a HVAC technician, he enjoyed motorcycling, leather working, woodworking, collecting guns, and was a self-proclaimed work-a-holic. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
    Survivors include his daughters: Emily Morris and Angela Bartlett (Charles); his son, Brian Ross; his brothers: Tommy Ross, Carl Ross, Donald Ross, David Ross, Calvin Allen, and Josh Flynn; his sister, Shelly Newman; his grandchildren: C.J. Bartlett, Nikki Bartlett, Katelynn Morris, Rylan Ross, and Jude Mahone; and several nieces and nephews.
    Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 8th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 201 South Keeneland Drive in Richmond. Burial will follow in the Isaacs Cemetery. Friends callED after 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 7th at the church.
    Family, church family, and friends will serve as pallbearers.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of Richmond.

Heritage Funeral Home

  Friday afternoon, April 3, 2015

Lorene Abrams Mason, 84

    Lorene Abrams Mason, age 84, widow of Monroe Mason, passed away Friday afternoon, April 3, 2015 at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond, Kentucky.
    She was born on March 12, 1931 in Estill County, the daughter of the late Gilbert and Beulah Kindred Abrams. She was a retired employee of Westinghouse-North American Phillips and was a member of The Panola Baptist Church.
    Survivors include one sister, Flo Crawford; and one brother, Jim Abrams (Pauline); as well as several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
    In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Eska Winkler.
    Funeral Services were held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 7th at the Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home, 328 West Main Street, Richmond, with Rev. Phillip Ronk and Rev. Marvin Neal officiating. Burial followed in the Red Hill Cemetery at Panola, Kentucky. Visitation was from 5-9 p.m., Monday, April 6th at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Eugene Reed, Junior Richardson, Danny Kidd, Robbie Hacker, Dwayne Hacker and Rick Creech.
    Honorary pallbearers were Parrish Johnson and Barry Quillen.

Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home

  Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Jan Richardson, 53

    Jan Marie Baber Richardson, age 53, of Berea, Kentucky, wife of Michael Richardson, died Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at her home.
    She was born June 23, 1961 in Estill County to the late Mary Robinson Baber and Bill Baber of Irvine. Jan was a loving wife and mother; she enjoyed spending time with her family, doing crafts, and cooking and baking for family especially around the holidays. She was known for her dumplings and zucchini bread. Jan loved reading and spending time with her dogs: Ginger, Biff, and Jax.
    Jan is survived by her father, Bill Baber; her husband, Michael Richardson; her children: Ashley Richardson and Mikey Ryan Richardson and her future daughter-in-law, Brooke Cornett, all of Berea; a brother, Bruce Baber of Estill County; a sister, Nancy Sullivan of South Carolina; and a grandson, Brylee Anglin.
    Funeral services were held Saturday, April 4th at 11:00 a.m. at Lakes Funeral Home, 203 North Dogwood Drive, Berea. Burial was in the Madison County Memorial Gardens. Visitation was Friday, April 3rd from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Lakes Funeral Home