Sunday, April 19, 2015

Kathy Renee Rawlins, 47

    Kathy Renee Rawlins, age 47, of Dry Branch Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2015, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, following a short illness.
    She was born July 20, 1967 in Estill County and was the daughter of Aleen Muncie Johnson and the late Shannon Douglas Muncie. She was a teacher’s aide at the Estill Springs Elementary School. She was a member of the Ravenna Church of God where she served on the Youth Board, drove the church van and worked with the youth and drama team. She had lived in Estill County most of her life.
    Mrs. Rawlins is survived by her husband, Melvin Glynn Rawlins; her mother, Aleen Muncie Johnson, Waco; and several aunts and uncles.
    Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 22nd at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Willie Gordon. Burial will be at the Sonny Powell Cemetery. Friends may call between 6 and 9 p.m., Tuesday, April 21st at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers will be Mike Long, Wayne Hall, Larry Chaney, Wayne VanWinkle, Dave Baker and Jimmy Abney.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Sunday, April 19, 2015

Ruth Stephens Witt, 86

    Ruth Stephens Witt, age 86, widow of Russell Witt, died Sunday, April 19, 2015 after a long illness.
    She was born May 30, 1928 in Estill County to Birch and Laura McKinney Stephens. In 1946 she married Russell Witt and they had two children; Glenn Russell and Sherry Gail. Ruth worked for Kentucky River Foothills for nearly twenty years as Estill County Coordinator and loved her job helping neighbors and friends in her community. Ruth was also a past member of the Eastern Star.
    Ruth is survived by her son, Glenn Russell Witt (Wanda), her granddaughter, Misty Witt Rupard (David) and a great grandson, Sam Rupard.
    She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sherry Witt Hatfield; her husband, Russell; five brothers: Lander, Arthur, Charlie, Roy and Birch Stephens Jr., and three sisters: Virginia Dunn, Faye Cox and Pauline McGee.
    Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21st at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Carl Dennis Williams. Burial will be at the Sunset Memorial Gardens. Friends may call after 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers will be Jack Chaney, Joe Yeager, Chuck Cox, Chris Cox, Don Williams and Junior Brandenburg.
    Honorary pallbearers will be David Rupard, Sam Rupard and Oscar Dunn Jr.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Friday, April 17, 2015

Jessie Fern Sparks, 85

    Jessie Fern Sparks was born on August 19, 1929 in Irvine, Kentucky. She was the daughter of the late Simpson and the late Elizabeth Canter. Jessie has been a resident of Monroe, Michigan for fifty years.
    Jessie was a hard worker all of her life as she supported her family employed in Housekeeping as a Laundry Supervisor at Mercy Memorial Nursing Center for over thirty years, retiring in 2012. She raised four wonderful children and shared her life with her best friend for twenty-nine years, Walden “Whitey” Yates.
    Jessie was honest and straight forward who earned respect among friends, family and coworkers. She was known for her selfless generosity and giving spirit and had a beautiful contagious smile. Family was most important to Jessie who loved spending time with them, especially her grandchildren. She was a “Betty Boop” fan and enjoyed dancing, playing horseshoes and adventures to the casino. Jessie was famous among friends and family for her canning, fried apple pies and delicious peanut butter fudge. In her quiet time, Jessie was fond of relaxing on her front porch in her favorite rocking chair.
    Jessie, age 85, of Monroe, Michigan, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2015 at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by a daughter, Brenda Joyce Farris; a sister, Pocahontas Raider; a brother, Chris Canter; and an infant granddaughter.
    To cherish her memory she leaves her significant other, Walden “Whitey” Yates; three children: Mary Frances Fitzpatrick of Newport, Veronica Sue Herkimer (Terry) of Monroe and Jamie Lynn Patrick (Dan Hoffer) of Dundee; a brother, Cecil Canter (Louise) of Kentucky; two sisters: Rachel Hall (Russell) of Flint and Hazel Abney (Rupert Jr.) of Kentucky; thirteen grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; ten great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    Friends may gather from 10:00am-12:00pm, Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 12:00pm also at Merkle’s with Pastor Bob Nadeau of Monroe Outreach Assembly of God officiating. Procession will follow to Rath Cemetery for burial.
    Memorial donations are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Merkle Funeral Service

  Thursday, April 16, 2015

Ella Faye (Woosley) Havens, 70

    On Thursday, April 16, 2015, Ella Faye (Woosley) Havens, age 70, of Bath, Indiana finished her earthly journey and went to rest eternally in the arms of her Lord and Savior.
    Faye was born on January 10, 1945 in Irvine, Kentucky, to the late John Wilson and Leoma (Howard) Woosley. In 1955 she moved with her family to Bath, Indiana where she lived the rest of her life.
    On June 15, 1963, she married Charles Ray Havens her husband of 51 years. She was a devoted wife and the loving mother of her two daughters Tina and Gail. Her grandson Jacob was the light of her life. Her love and devotion to her family was second only to that of her Lord and Savior. She loved reading, crocheting, flowers and birds, sending cards to family and friends and teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at church. She took great pleasure and pride in going to Jacob’s baseball games. She will be remembered for her inspiring strength in fighting her lifelong health issues; her warm sweet smile, caring heart, and unconditional love for her family and many friends.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson and Leoma Woosley; a sister-in-law, Gladys Woosley; a niece, Teresa Francisco; a nephew-in-law, Ron Profitt; and several aunts and uncles.
    Mrs. Havens is survived by her husband Charles; a daughter and son-in-law, Tina and Jack Brassfield of Harrison, Tennessee; a daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Mark Stout of Liberty, Indiana; and a grandson, Jacob Stout, also of Liberty, Indiana. She also leaves behind three siblings: a sister, Janice Reynolds, and a brother, Kenneth Woosley, both of Irvine; and a brother, Bob Woosley of West College Corner, Indiana. Other surviving family includes numerous nephews, nieces, aunts and cousins.
    She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Harrison, Ohio, where she loved and was loved by her brothers and sisters in Christ.
    The family would like to thank all who sent cards, came to visit, provided food and offered their love, support and prayers during Faye’s final weeks. A special thanks also to the nurses and staff of Mary Margaret Hospice whose services and gentle care allowed us to keep her at home till the end.
    The family will receive friends at Ogle & Paul R. Young Funeral Home, 5086 College Corner Pike, Oxford, Ohio; on Monday April 20, from 5-8 p.m. and on Tuesday, April 21, from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. which will be held at the funeral home. Interment will be at the College Corner Cemetery in West College Corner, Indiana.

Ogle & Paul R. Young Funeral Home

  Thursday, April 16, 2015

Ricky Wayne Kelly, 52

    Ricky Wayne Kelly was born November 5, 1962 in Estill County and departed this life Thursday, April 16, 2015 at the Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital in Irvine, being 52 years of age. He was the son of the late Russell & Leona (Richardson) Kelly.
    Ricky is survived by four children: Cody Isaacs (Brandy), Cory Kelly, Jeremiah Crump and Tiffany Kelly, all of Irvine; and by a stepdaughter, Malina Poston of Stanton. He is also survived by a sister, Amy Wilson of Irvine; and by three brothers: Shannon Kelly of Waco, Glenn Kelly and Millard Kelly, both of Irvine. Ricky was blessed with three grandchildren: Emily Isaacs, Bill Gene Poston and Wade Poston.
    In addition to his parents, Ricky was also preceded in death by his wife Anna Faye (Isaacs) Kelly.
    The funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 20th at Lakes Funeral Home in McKee with Bro. Bill Van Winkle officiating. Burial followed in the Richardson Cemetery in Estill County.
    Pallbearers were Canyon, River, Bill & Robert Kelly, Charlie Taylor and Jeremiah Crump.

Lakes McKee Funeral Home

  Sunday, April 12, 2015

Mary Clay Alexander Abney, 84

    Mary Clay Alexander Abney, age 84, widow of Jessie F. Abney, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2015 at 5:18 p.m. in her home after a short illness.
    She was born on June 20, 1930, in Estill County to the late Tipton "Tip" and Eva Alexander. She was a homemaker, former sales clerk at Alexanders' Store in Irvine. She was a member of the Mt. Carmel Christian Church. She loved the Lord, her family, and friends; in that order. She loved reading obituaries and visiting the funeral homes. Her life was extended due to a gift of a kidney transplant nine years ago.
    Mrs. Abney was preceded in death by her brothers, Nelson and William Alexander; and her sister, Golden Woosley.
    Survivors include her five children: Joe Abney (Patti), John Abney (Katy), Ella Smith (Merck), Terrie Tate (Jeff), and Rebecca Click (Blain); seven grandchildren: La'La Westall, Lance Oliver, Robert Jefferson "R.J." Holston IV, Austin Smith, Joseph Patrick Abney, Daniel Caleb Click, and Cobbe Clay Click; three great grandchildren: Haley Westall, Tyler Ray Westall, and Isabella Westall; and several nieces and nephews.
    Services were held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 17th at the Mt. Carmel Christian Church with Bro. Mark Pearson and David Alexander officiating. Burial followed in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Friends called anytime after 5:00 p.m., Thursday, April 16th at the Lewis Funeral Home and from 10:00 a.m. until service time Friday at the church.
    Pallbearers were Blain Click, Jeff Tate, Merck Smith, R.J. Holston, Lance Oliver, Joseph Abney, Caleb Click, Cobbe Clay Click, Ray Westall, and Austin Smith.
    Honorary pallbearers were Mom's loving caregivers: Pauline Wallace, Nancy Rhodes, Irene Lutes, Dorothy Brewer, Carlene King, and Susie Travis.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the T.E. Alexander Memorial Scholarship or the Abney-Lutes Mathematics Scholarship at the central office of the Estill County Board of Education.

Lewis Funeral Home

  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 were held Tuesday, April 14th at 2:00 p.m. at the New Beginnings Fellowship with Bro. Delvin Reece officiating. Burial followed in the West Irvine Cemetery. Friends called anytime after 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, at the church.
    Pallbearers were Noel Covey, Mike Covey, Brian Daniel, David Blackwell, Mark Sparks and Scott Benton.
    Honorary pallbearers were Christy Morgan and Angelina Covey.
    Arrangements were 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 were 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 began at noon. Burial followed at Flatwoods Cemetery in Waco, Kentucky.
    Pallbearers were 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 were 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 followed 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 visited 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 followed in the Winchester Cemetery.
    Pallbearers were 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 were 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 followed in the Combs Cemetery. Friends may call anytime after 6:00 p.m.. Wednesday, April 8th at the church. Brothers served 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