Thursday, February 25, 2016

Archie Kendrick, 92

    Archie Kendrick, age 92, a resident of the Thompson Hood Veterans’ Center in Wilmore and long-time resident of Estill County, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2016, at the VA Hospital in Lexington.
    He was born September 3, 1923 in Lee County and was the son of the late James and Mollie Flannery Kendrick. He was a United States Navy veteran of World War II and a Pearl Harbor survivor. He was a member of the DAV and the Pearl Harbor Survivors Club.
    Mr. Kendrick was preceded in death by his wife, Nannie Jean Miller Kendrick.
    He is survived by five daughters: Barbara Geier, Loveland, Ohio; Shelby Horn, Nicholasville; Pat Graham, McDonough, Georgia; Sandra Newman and Terri Combs, both of Lexington; two sons: Larry Kendrick, Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Lee Kendrick, Lincoln County; 24 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
    Mr. Kendrick was preceded in death by one daughter, Donna Sparks; three sisters: Madge Mays, Myrtle Evans and Goldie Brandenburg; and three brothers: Herman, Elmer and Chester Kendrick.
    Funeral services were conducted Sunday, February 28, 2 p.m., at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Robin Geier. Burial was at the West Irvine Cemetery. Friends called after 12 Noon, Sunday, at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Tim Tipton, Tony Sizemore, Jesse Reece, Henry Sparks, Shawn Kendrick and Jason Kendrick.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Ronald Lee Abernathy, 72

    Ronald Lee Abernathy, age 72, of White Oak Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at his home following a long illness.
    He was born October 26, 1943 in Alexandria, Virginia, and was the son of the late Wilbur Joseph and Hazel Berry Abernathy. He was a retired engineer with the L&N Railroad and after retirement worked as a courier for the Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital. He also volunteered with the reading programs at the local schools. He attended the Ravenna Nazarene Church and was a member of the Stafford Masonic Lodge and the Fellowship Lodge 265.
    Mr. Abernathy is survived by his wife, Deborah Haldeman Abernathy; four sons: Darrin Abernathy (Janet), Alabama; Dean Abernathy (Erin), Lexington; Matthew Abernathy and Andrew Abernathy, both of Richmond; and four grandchildren: Emily, Amelia, Isaac and Eli Abernathy.
    He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Abernathy.
    Memorial services were conducted Saturday, February 27, 2 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Rob Steinbrook.
    In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Joe Anna Beckelhymer Robertson, 91

    Joe Anna Beckelhymer Robertson, age 91, of Dug Hill Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at the Berea Health and Rehabilitation Center following a long illness.
    She was born January 14, 1925, in Hamilton, OH, a daughter of the late Ansel and Parriet Logsdon Beckelhymer. She was a former teacher with the Estill County School System and had lived in Estill County most of her life. She was a member of the Thomas Baptist Church.
    Mrs. Robertson was preceded in death by her husband, James Herbert Robertson.
    She is survived by two daughters: Belinda Hunt and Brenda Kirby, both of Irvine; a sister, Lenora Shockley, Florida; two brothers: Oscar Beckelhymer and Sterlin Beckelhymer, both of Hamilton, Ohio; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
    Mrs. Robertson was preceded in death by a daughter, Jo Etta Ash.
    Funeral services were held Friday, February 26th at 1 p.m. at the Thomas Baptist Church by Bro. Ricky Kirby with burial following in the Walton Cemetery. Friends called between 6 and 9 p.m., Thursday, February 25th at the Warren F. Toler Funeral home and after 12 Noon, Friday, at the church.
    Pallbearers were John Kirby, Eric Kirby, Robby Jackson, Jimmy Winkler, Larry Beckelhymer, David Beckelhymer and Steve Winkler.
    Honorary pallbearers were Adam Harkins, Kaleb Harkins and Abram Kirby.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Saturday, February 20, 2016

Albert Loren Rhoton Jr., M.D., 83

    Albert Loren Rhoton, Jr. M.D. age 83, of Gainesville, Florida; passed away Sunday, February 21, 2016 at his home.
    He was born November 8, 1932 in Parvin, Estill County, Kentucky, to Albert Loren and Hazel Van Cleve Rhoton. He began his life in the poverty stricken Kentucky Appalachians and went on to a lifetime of influential achievements in his field that gained him respect of his peers worldwide He was the R.D. Keene Family Professor of Neurosurgery; Dr. Albert had the honor of meeting two presidents, President Ronald Reagan and President Jimmy Carter. His passion was Micro Neuro Surgical education, mentoring young Neuro Surgeons, exercise and family time.
    Dr. Albert L. Rhoton, Jr. attended Washington University School of Medicine, graduating with the highest academic standing in the class of 1959. He completed his neurosurgical training at Washington University and joined the staff of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in 1965. He became Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Florida in 1972. Dr. Rhoton has served as President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the Society of Neurological Surgeons, the North American Skull Base Society, the International Interdisciplinary Congress on Craniofacial and Skull Base Surgery, the Florida Neurosurgical Society, and the International Society for Neurosurgical Technology and Instrument Invention. He served as the Honored Guest of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in 1993 and was awarded the Cushing Medal of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons in 1998, the highest honor given by the two largest neurosurgical societies in the United States. In 2001, he was awarded the Medal of Honor of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. He has served as the Honored Guest or been elected to Honorary Membership in neurosurgical societies in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America. He has published more than 300 scientific papers. He recently completed the Millennium Issue of NEUROSURGERY on the posterior cranial fossa and the 25th Anniversary Issue on the supratentorial area. He has received an Alumni Achievement Award from Washington University School of Medicine and both a Distinguished Faculty Award and a lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Florida. In 1998, the University of Florida completed a Brain Institute which houses the activities of the neurosurgical group and the microsurgical laboratory.
    He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce L Rhoton; four children: Dr. Eric Rhoton (Diane) of Asheville, North Carolina; Dr. Albert Rhoton (Marya) of High Point, North Carolina; Dr. Alice Rhoton–Vlasak (Richard) and Laurel Rhoton-Selner (Jim), both of Gainesville, Florida; grandchildren, Shauna, Leah, Alayna, Eric Jr., Alexandra, Albert John, Madeline, Henry, Alexander, Abigail, Ashlynn, William; great grandchildren, Kalie, Braydon and Amelia; a brother, Dr. Richard Rhoton (Lois) of Findlay, Ohio; and a sister, Sue Johnson (Herb), Tustin, California.
    A celebration of the incredible life of Dr. Rhoton was held Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church with Rev. John Glover officiating. Burial was private. The family received friends Friday, February 26, 2016 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home West Area, 823 NW 143rd Street.
    He was an awesome, kind, gentle man who changed neuro-surgery and his family and friends.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Lutheran Church, 1801 NW 5th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32603 or Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation @ www.nref.org.

Williams-Thomas Funeral Home

  Saturday, February 20, 2016

Inge Fitzgerald, 74

    Inge Fitzgerald, age 74, wife of Jim Fitzgerald, passed away peacefully at her home Saturday, February 20, 2016.
    She was a native of Reagansburg, Germany, born September 26, 1941, and had lived in the United States since she was 12 years old. She was an employee of Lewis Funeral Home and owner of Artistic Wood Art. She was a member of Ravenna Church of God and St. Elizabeth Church. She enjoyed home decorating, collecting Boyd's Bears, and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.
    Mrs. Fitzgerald was preceded in death by her parents, Hans and Maria Ferstl Sauer.
    Survivors, other than her husband of 38 years, Jim, include her sons: James Joseph Fitzgerald III and Daniel Fitzgerald; her daughters: Candy Forshee, Sandy Brown, Theresa Ann Fitzgerald and Julie Marie Protivia; and her brother Perry Schaffner.
    A funeral mass was held Tuesday, February 23rd, 9:00 a.m., at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Ravenna, with Father Al Frich officiating. There was a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, at Ravenna Church of God with Bro. Willie Gordon officiating.

Lewis Funeral Home

  Friday, February 19, 2016

Earnest Ashcraft, 73

    Earnest Ashcraft was born September 9, 1943 in Estill County and departed this life Friday, February 19, 2016 at the Hazard ARH, being 73 years of age. He was the son of the late Millard Earl Ashcraft and Ada Marie (Fletcher) Ashcraft.
    Earnest is survived by his wife, Linda (Angel) Ashcraft of Beattyville; by five children: Donald Ashcraft of Bedford, Amos Earl Ashcraft of Lexington, Joseph Lee Ashcraft of Louisville, Debra Ann Alcorn and Janet Gross Smith both of Irvine; and by a step son, Harold Gene Roberts of Centerfield. He is also survived by the following siblings: Owen Ashcraft of Gainesville, Florida; Millard Earl Ashcraft Jr. of Pee Wee Valley, Jimmy Fletcher Ashcraft of Oldham County, Eugene "Red" Ashcraft of Crestwood, Harold Lloyd Ashcraft of New Castle, Mary Dunaway of La Grange, Cora Lee Dunaway and Ethel Ashcraft, both of Georgetown. Earnest was blessed with nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
    In addition to his parents, Earnest was also preceded in death by a son, Dallas Ashcraft; and by three siblings: Elbie Ashcraft, Vonnie Quirer and Christine Ashcraft.
    He was a member of the Old Orchard Baptist Church.
    Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 22nd at the Old Orchard Baptist Church, 130 Brushy Mountain Road, McKee, with Bro. Mike Angel officiating. Burial followed in the Cane Springs Cemetery in Estill County.
    Lakes Funeral Home of McKee is in charge of arrangements.

Lakes Funeral Home McKee

  Thursday, February 18, 2016

Derrick Thomas Grace, 23

    Derrick Thomas Grace, age 23, of Villa Drive in Richmond, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016, at his home.
    He was born June 2, 1992 in Mt. Sterling and was the son of Rex Carlos Grace and Lisa Combs Grace. He had lived in Estill County most of his life.
    Survivors in addition to his father and mother include his wife, Ashley Jones Grace; one son, Derrick Thomas Grace Jr. Richmond; and two brothers: Rex Carlos Grace II, Estill County; and Dylan Timmy Grace, Clay County.
    He was preceded in death by one sister, Heather Renee Grace; and his grandparents: Edna Wooten Grace, Ezekial Grace, Julia Combs and Grant Combs.
    Funeral services were conducted Sunday, February 21, 2 p.m., at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Darren Slone. Burial was at the Pea Ridge Cemetery. Friends called after 11 a.m., Sunday, at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Jeremy Gordon, Masco Grace, Rex Grace II, Brian Riddell, Donnie Underwood, Marvin Hunt, Frankie Johnson and Cash Willis.
    Honorary pallbearers were Timothy Stanley, Brenton Holbrook, Jacob Hunt, Doug Gordon and Michael Hardy.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Thursday, February 18, 2016

George Gordon Ritter Jr., 73

    George Gordon Ritter Jr., age 73, widower of JoAnn Rose Ritter, died Thursday, February 18, 2016, at Cambridge Place in Lexington, Kentucky.
    He was born December 24, 1942, in Athens, Ohio, the son of the late George Ritter Sr. and Margaret Dickens Ritter. Mr. Ritter was an Ohio University graduate, a retired teacher, and a volunteer fireman in Estill County.
    He is survived by a large family.
    A graveside service and burial were held at 1 p.m., Monday, February 22nd at Cobb Hill Cemetery in Estill County. Visitation was 10–11 a.m., Monday, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Harrodsburg Road, Lexington.
    Contributions are suggested to Hospice of the Bluegrass, 2312 Alexandria Dr., Lexington, KY 40504.

Kerr Brothers Funeral Home

  Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Nadean Chaney Cole, 87

    Nadean Chaney Cole, 87, widow of Roy Cole Sr. died Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at the Marcum Wallace Hospital.
    She was a native of Estill County, born January 29, 1929, a daughter of the late Robert and Carrie Oaks Chaney. She was a homemaker, and a member of the Pine Hill Baptist Church and the DAV Auxiliary.
    Mrs. Cole was preceded in death by her brother, Jessie Chaney, and her sister, Hallie Chaney.
    Survivors include her son, Roy Cole Jr. (Alice); her daughter, Elva (Marvin) Neal (Marvin); her grandchildren: Mariah Lindsey Cole and Michael Douglas Neal; her great-grandchildren: MacKenzie Paige Neal, Kamden Atherton, and Addison Reese Neal; and several nieces and nephews.
    Services were held Saturday, February 20th at 1:00 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Home with Bro. Marvin Neal officiating. Burial followed in the Campbell Cemetery. Friends called anytime after 11:00 a.m. until service time, Saturday, at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Oakley Chaney, Jack Chaney, Truman Chaney, Michael Neal, Dennis Atherton, and Ray Moses.

Lewis Funeral Home

  Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Irene Neal Noland, 91

    Irene Neal Noland, age 91, of South Irvine Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at the Irvine Nursing & Rehabilitation Center following a long illness.
    She was born January 7, 1925 in Estill County and was the daughter of the late Frank and Betty Campbell Neal. She was a retired secretary with the South Irvine Elementary School and a member of the Irvine First Church of God. She had lived in Estill County all of her life.
    Mrs. Noland was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Noland.
    She is survived by three daughters: Cheryl Abshear (Kenny), Estill County; Lois Page, Nicholasville; and Betty Barnes, Frankfort; one son, Freddie Noland (Rhonda), Estill County; two stepdaughters: Mary Jane Britt and Bernice Noland, both of Ohio; seven sisters: Dora Henry, Lucille Harrison, both of Estill County; Hazel Berger, Florida; Zora Hayes, Louisville; Opal Day, Cynthia Faye “Teenie” Hisle and Eunice Shouse Hall, all of Ohio; one brother, Roy Glen Neal, Ohio; 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
    She was preceded in death by one daughter, Mollie Noland; and one brother, Lloyd Neal.
    Funeral services were conducted Friday, February 19, 1 p.m., at the Irvine First Church of God by Bro. Glennis Sizemore. Burial was at the South Irvine Cemetery. Friends callwed between 6 and 9 p.m., Thursday, February 18th at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home and after 11 a.m., Friday, at the church.
    Pallbearers were Kenneth Abshear Jr., Robert Barnes, Chris Noland, John David Noland, Bradley Scott Neal and Josh Neal.
    Honorary pallbearers were Kim Dunn, Elisha Noland, Kelly Perry, Jessica Ard, Tiffany Scarborough, and Amanda Neal.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

Monday, February 29, 2016

Current Information and Public Safety
Blue Ridge Landfill Radioactive Waste
Estill County Schools

    On Thursday afternoon, February 25, the Estill County Schools were notified by news media about the possible dumping of radioactive waste at the Blue Ridge Landfill across from Estill County High School and Estill County Middle School. Since that time it has become evident that there has been naturally occurring radioactive waste deposited at the landfill during the second half of 2015. We were assured on Thursday by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services Radiation Health Branch that there was no public health threat to our students or staff at either school. We have worked very closely with the Estill County Judge Executive, Wallace Taylor and the Director of Emergency Management, Ronnie Riddell to assure that our students are attending school in a safe environment.
    On Saturday, February 27, a team of inspectors from various state agencies, including the Energy and Environment Cabinet, Radiation Health, and the state HAZMAT Team inspected the buildings and grounds of both Estill County High School and Middle School. Their findings confirm that there is no evidence that any activity at the landfill has caused unsafe conditions on our campuses. On Sunday, February 28, a team from ECO-TECH, a private company that has no ties to the state agencies or the landfill, was contracted by our Judge Executive and Emergency Management Director. This group also tested the schools and grounds, along with the landfill. Their preliminary reports shows no evidence that the schools have been contaminated or made unsafe by activities at the landfill. Both of these inspections were done to assure our students, parents, staff, and community that everyone is safe and our schools are safe as well. It has been and will always be our main objective to provide a safe learning and working environment for everyone in our district.
    The Estill County School district would like to thank the following people for their dedication and quick responses: County Judge Executive, Wallace Taylor; Director of Emergency Management, Ronnie Riddell and Director of Buildings & Maintenance, Arthur Ballard. These individuals have worked long hours during the past few days to make sure our students and staff are safe.
    If any citizen has additional concerns and wants more information concerning this issue, there will be a public forum held on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at the Estill County High School beginning at 6:00pm.

                        Sincerely,
                        Jeff Saylor, Superintendent
                        Estill County Schools