These obituaries originally appeared in the Licking Valley Courier and are reproduced here with the express permission of the newspaper. The obituaries are for your personal use only, and may not be reproduced elsewhere or used for any commercial purpose. If you find the information useful in your research you can find subscription information at the bottom of the page.
WALSH, VIRGINIA MELROSE GULLETT
Virginia Melrose Gullett Walsh, 78, of Cape Coral, Florida, formerly of West Liberty, Kentucky, died Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at Coral Trace Health Care. She was born Saturday, January 7, 1928 in Wolfe County, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Casphor P. Gullett and Bess Hollon Gullett. Melrose was a homemaker and member of Glenn Avenue Church of God. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Walsh ; two brothers, Ray Gullett and Sam Gullett ; and one sister, Ann Kathryn Lacy.Survivors include three brothers, Herman Gullett of Helechawa, Davis Gullett of Campton, and Cecil Gullett of Richmond ; one sister, Irne Moore of Woodstock, Georgia ; seventeen nieces and nephews, Sherre Lacy-Hayes, Sheila Murphy, Phyliss Henderson, Karen Centers, Linda Sue Turner, Sandra Castiglia, Lisa Maynard, David Gullett, Shirley Kidd, Dianna Harkness, Perry Gullett, Ben Gullett, Gary Gullett, Bobby Gullett, Gayle Robinson, Debra Hammonds, and Michael Gullett. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 26 at Potter Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randall Williams and Rev. Richard Williams officiating. Burial followed in the Hazel Green Cemetery at Hazel Green, with Potter Funeral Home of West Liberty in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were Patrick Murphy, Timothy Allen, Bennie Easterling, David Gullett, Ben Gullett, and Kevin Gullett.
Published March 2, 2006
WALTER, MINNIE R. STAMPER
Minnie Ruth Stamper Walter, beloved wife of Thomas Walter, and daughter of Emma Sweeney Stamper of Hazel Green, and the late Dorsie Winfred Stamper was born August 10, 1946 in Hazel Green, Kentucky and departed this life Saturday, March 11, 2006 at the age of 59 years, 7 months, and 1 day. She was married to her husband, Thomas, December 24, 1964. Ruth was a member of Sandfield Community Church and was a clerk by trade. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by one niece, Billie Nickell. Survivors in addition to her husband and mother include a son, Thomas Walter II and his wife Alica of West Liberty, Kentucky ; one daughter, Tamara Crase and husband Rick of Hazel Green ; three sisters, Delores Nickell and husband Bill, and Louise Nickell and husband Earl, all of Hazel Green, and Glenda Kash and husband Gary of Campton ; five grandchildren, Timothy, Jonathon, Ruthie, Blake and Kara. She also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends to mourn her passing. Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 at Porter and Son Funeral Directors Chapel with Bro. Mike Brooks and Bro. Garrie Stamper officiating. Burial followed in the Stamper Family Cemetery near Maytown. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Porter and Son Funeral Directors of Campton.
Published March 23, 2006
WALTER, THELMA M.
Thelma Marie Walter, 90, of Walter Branch Road, Grassy Creek, died Tuesday, November 8, 2005 at the residence of her daughter. She was born Sunday, June 27, 1915 at Salem, Kentucky a daughter of the late Rennie Thomas and Margaret Blaine Richardson Osborn. She was a member of Salem Christian Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Elmo Walter ; three brothers, Clarence, Jesse, and Earl Osborn ; and two sisters, Pearl and Emma. Survivors include two sons, Chester Walter and wife Wilma of Hwy. 844, Grassy Creek and Thomas Walter and wife Ruth of Hwy. 1010 Hazel Green ; one daughter, Margaret Walter of Walter Branch Road, Grassy Creek ; five grandchildren, Wade Walter, Neil Walter, Thomas Walter II, Tamara Crase, and Brian Munn ; 9 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 10 at Potter Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Danny Collins and Rev. David Stamper officiating. Burial followed in the Salem Cemetery at Buskirk with Potter Funeral Home of West Liberty in charge of arrangements. Memorial were suggested to Salem Christian Church, c/o Loretta Terrell, 5138 Hwy. 205, Grassy Creek, Kentucky 41352. Pallbearers were Wade Walter, Neil Walter, Thomas Walter II, Brian Munn, William Walter, David Wayne Nickell, Dewayne Gevedon, and James Elza Phipps.
Published November 17, 2005
WARD, LELA BROOKE
Lela Brooke Ward, age 29 of Highway 460, West Liberty, died Thursday, December 1, 2005 at West Liberty. She was born February 26, 1976 in Opelika, Alabama a daughter of Ercil Edward Ward and Dana Lou Ball May. She was of the Baptist faith. Her maternal grandfather, Daniel Delbert Ball and paternal grandmother Nola Ruth Ward preceded her in death. Survivors include her father, Dr. Ercil Edward Ward and wife Patricia Benton Ward of West Liberty ; her mother, Dana Lou Ball May and husband Leonard May of West Liberty ; a daughter, Kylara Paige Combs ; one sister, Shannon Ashley Ward of West Liberty ; two brothers, Heath Edward and Mandy Ward of West Liberty and Daniel Brock and Molly Ward of Ashland ; paternal grandfather, Ercil Ward and wife Wanda of West Liberty ; maternal grandmother, Betty Lou Ball of Louisa ; an uncle, James Manuel Ward of West Liberty ; aunt, Teresa G. Martorana and husband Carmen of Gaithersburg, Maryland ; and a host of other relatives. Funeral services were conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, December 4 at Herald and Stewart and Halsey Chapel with Rev. Mike Lindon officiating. Burial followed in the Walnut Grove Cemetery, Highway 191, West Liberty with Herald and Stewart and Halsey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were friends and relatives.
Published December 8, 2005
WATKINS, JESSE KERMIT
Jesse Kermit Watkins, 72, of Riverside, Ohio, died Wednesday, January 4,2006 at Heartland of Beavercreek. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, John Watkins , and one sister, Malcomb Tong. Jesse retired from the Miami Valley Hospital , was a member of the Moraine City First Church of God, the Greenville Lodge # 655 F&AM at Caney, Kentucky, and was a honorary member of Beaver Valley Lodge # 755 F&AM. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Phyliss ; one son, Roger L. Watkins and wife Elizabeth ; one daughter, Karen L. Young and husband Jim ; two brothers, Lelan Watkins and Vernon Watkins and wife Nella Jean ; three sisters, Gusteen Byrd and husband Clarence, Lillian Davis and husband Ed, and Nila Mae Trent and husband Gene ; three grandchildren, Jennifer, Kyla, and Connor ; three step-grandchildren, Christopher, Andy, and Chelsea ; two great-grandchildren, Braden and Bella Grace ; and numerous other family and friends. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 7 at Moraine City First Church of God with Pastor Glennis Sizemore officiating. Interment followed in Calvary Cemetery with Newcomer Funeral Home, Kettering Chapel, incharge of arrangements.
Published January 12, 2006
WATKINS, SAMUEL H.
Samuel Hershel Watkins, 77 , of Olive Hill, died Sunday, October 30, 2005 at his residence. Born July 9, 1928 at Blaze, Kentucky, Samuel was a son of the late Shelby and Laura Barnett Watkins. He was a retired truck driver. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Sophia Standafer Watkins ; a daughter, Josie Alice Watkins ; and two brothers, Arnold Watkins and Ollie Watkins. Survivors include one daughter, Jeannie Watkins Nixon of Goshen, Ohio ; one son, Dean Watkins of Olive Hill ; three grandchildren, Samuel Nixon of Goshen, Ohio, Dean Callahan and Jamie Callahan, both of Olive Hill ; two brothers, Tommy Watkins and wife Louise of Salt Lick and Omer Watkins and wife Shirley of Olive Hill ; two sisters, Nettie Oney and husband Charles of Middletown, Ohio and Lettie Hamm of Sacramento, California. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 2 at Potter Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Eugene Haney officiating. Burial followed in the Watkins Cemetery at Blaze with Potter Funeral Home of West Liberty in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were family.
Published November 3, 2005
WATSON, BURNEL JR.
Burnel “ Doc “ Watson, Jr., 60, of Modesto, California, formerly of Caney, died Saturday, March 18, 2006 at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. Born Thursday, September 13, 1945 at Caney, Kentucky, Burnel was a son of Myrtle Watson Newman of Caney and the late Burnel Watson. He was a truck driver. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by a sister, Vera Watson. Survivors besides his mother include two daughters, Laura Smith of Peoria, Illinois and Cara Garcia of Modesto, California ; two brothers, Richard Watson of Caney and Wilburn Watson of Modesto, California ; one sister, Ginger Watson of Chicago, Illinois ; and 6 grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, March 24 at Potter Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ruford Abner officiating. Burial will follow in the Adams-Watson Cemetery at Caney with Potter Funeral Home of West Liberty in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be after 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23.
Published March 23, 2006
WATSON, DAVID
David Watson, 32, of West Liberty, died Monday, December 5, 2005 in West Liberty. Born June 3, 1973 in Lexington, Kentucky David was a son of David Ross Watson of Salyersville and June Whitt Mitchell of West Liberty. He was a heavy equipment operator, a mason and a shriner. Survivors inaddition to his parents include two children, Isaac Caleb and Aaron Michael Watson ; his twin sister, Michelle McKenzie of West Liberty ; a brother, Joshua David Watson of Salyersville ; his former wife, Victoria Patrick Watson of Salyersville ; two nieces, Kendra and Keisha and a nephew, Collin McKenzie ; and his grandmother, Nora Smith of Salyersville. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, December 9 at Lakefront Church of God with Rev. Dallas Patrick and Rev. Larry Patrick officiating. Burial will follow in the Watson Cemetery at Elsie with Potter Funeral Home of West Liberty in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be after 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 7 at Potter Funeral Home and after 12 noon Thursday, December 8 until time for services at church. Pallbearers will be A. J. Risner, Garth Risner, Robert Patrick, Wesley Watson, Sonnie Mitchell, Eddie McCarty, Darrel Bailey, and David McKenzie.
Published December 8, 2005
WELLMAN, ILENE
Ilene Rigsby Wellman, 69, of Highway 1715, West Liberty, died Sunday, November 13, 2005 at Morgan County Appalachian Regional Hospital in West Liberty. Born Thursday, October 29,1936 in Lawrence County, Kentucky, Ilene was a daughter of the late Ivory and Flora Ferguson Rigsby. She was a retired cosmetologist. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles J. Wellman ; two brothers, Tom Rigsby and Edgel Rigsby ; and two sisters, Dorothy Smith and Wanda Lee Skaggs. Survivors include two brothers, Lowell Bil Rigsby and wife Etta Mae of Isonville and Wendell Rigsby and wife Francis of Martha ; one sister, Glenda Rosenbaum of Chicago,Illinois ; nieces and nephews, including Ron Rigsby, Don Rigsby, Oral Lee Rigsby, Joe Rigsby, Jonathan Rigsby, Josh Rigsby, Archie Smith, Ruby Digonino, Shevella Smith, Linda, Brenda, Patty, Phyliss, Debbie, Renee, Jackie, Robert, Jimmy, George, Tom Dooley, Russell, and Gary. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 16 at Old Paint Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Jerry Brown and Elder Paul Keeton officiating. Additional services at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 17 at Tobias Funeral Home with burial following in the Valley View Memorial Gardens in Xenia, Ohio. Potter Funeral Home of West Liberty was in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were nephews.
Published November 17, 2005
WELLS, CURTIS
Curtis Wells, 79, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, died Wednesday, January 4, 2006 in Diamonhead. Mr. Wells was a longtime resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and a member of Bayou View Baptist Church. He belonged to the Polar Star Lodge # 154 in Hansboro, the Eastern Star Lodge #374 of Gulfport, and the Shriner`s Mini-Bike Corps. Curtis was a loving father and grandfather whose kindness touched everyone he knew. He will be greatly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Barbara Wells Sr.; his half-sister, Willetta Daniel and his step-brother, Richard Bolin. Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Mrs. Elsie Wells ; his son, Raymond Wells and his daughter, Barbara Wymer , all of Gulfport, Mississippi ; his brother, Raymond Wells and wife Sandra of Pensacola, Florida ; two granddaughters, Angela Blakeney and husband Alan of Laurel, Mississippi and Catherine Glass and husband Steve of Bainbridge, Georgia ; and two great-grandchildren, Mason and Ashley Blakeney of Laurel, Mississippi; and numerous other family members. Funeral services were conducted Friday, January 6 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel officiated by Rev. Chaplin Curtis Wells and Rev. Ted Jones. Burial followed in Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens in Long Beach with Riemann Memorial Funeral Home of Gulfport, Mississippi in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions were suggested to The Alzheimers Foundation of the South, 4803 Harrison Circle, Gulfport, Mississippi 39507.
Published January 12, 2006
WHEELER, DOROTHY F.
Dorothy Frances Lykins Wheeler died Wednesday, November 30,2005 at UK Medical Center in Lexington. She was born January 23,1930 at Malone, Kentucky a daughter of the late Charlie and Zona Lykins. She was a long time member of the Walnut Grove Primitive Baptist Church at Stacey Fork, Kentucky. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by an infant baby brother, Edward Lykins ; her husband, Resvie Wheeler in 1996 ; and brother, Wayne Lykins in 2004. Survivors include sister-in-law, Oma Lykins ; niece, Tammy Cook and husband Rick and children Quentin, Megan, Allison Ennis and Anatasia Cook ; nephew, Terry Lykins and wife Christina, children, Jerusha, Roxanne, and granddaughter, Danielle, all of West Liberty, Kentucky. Another sister-in-law, Revrey Cassity of West Liberty ; nephew, Paul Cassity of Lafayette, Louisiana ; nieces, Althea Cassity Maki and husband Karl of Newfield, New York and Sheryl Cassity Ackler and husband Sid of Longview, Washington. Also a number of very special cousins, other relatives and friends. Dorothy was actively involved in a number of civic and community clubs and organizations, a member of the Morgan County Women`s Club, Towne and Country Homemakers, the Morgan County Sorghum Festival Committee, a former member of the Morgan County ARH Advisory Council, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Morehead State University Advisory Council. A teacher by profession she taught 34 years in the Morgan County school system. Both she and Resvie retired in 1983. She loved teaching and the many children who were her 5th and 6th grade pupils. Funeral services were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 3 at Herald and Stewart and Halsey Chapel with Elder Jimmy Adkins, Elder Parley Cantrell, and Elder Rick Howard officiating. Burial followed in the Elliott County Memory Gardens, Sandy Hook with Herald and Stewart and Halsey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Active pallbearers were Quentin Ennis, Rodney Brown, Ronnie Lykins, Kevin Maki, Andy Patrick, Richard Lykins, Eric Cassity, and Bill Atwood. Honorary pallbearers were all her many friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions were suggested to Walnut Grove Primitive Baptist Church, 113 Walnut Road, West Liberty, Kentucky 41472.
Published December 8, 2005
WHEELER, WILMA G.
Wilma Gladys Mann Wheeler , 76, of Lexington, died Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at Rockcastle Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She was born Sunday, February 17, 1939 at Kellacy, Kentucky a daughter of the late Walker Lee and Nannie Frances Hasty Mann. Wilma worked at Lexington Army Depot and was a homemaker. She attended Boone`s Creek Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Curt Wheeler ; a grandson, Ronnie Brown ; one sister, Lizzie Sherrard ; and two brothers, Arnold Mann and Hershel Mann. Survivors include two sons, Ken Wheeler and wife Susan of Lexington and Dwain Wheeler and wife Kristy of Winchester ; one daughter, Pam Brown and husband Dale of Wellington ; seven grandchildren , Ken L., Nicholas, Christopher, Katie, Dana, Denita, and Jennifer ; two sisters, Fern Marcum and husband Bill of Monroe, Ohio and Edith Leach of Ezel. Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 29 at Potter Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. David Cook officiating. Burial followed in the Peyton Cemetery at Kellacy with Potter Funeral Home of West Liberty in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were family and friends.
Published November 3, 2005
WINGO, ALBERT J.
Albert Jay Wingo, 70, of Wingo Lane, West Liberty, died Tuesday, January 3,2006 at Morgan County Appalachian Regional Hospital in West Liberty. Born August 31, 1935 in Morgan County, Kentucky Albert was the son of the late Grover Cleveland Wingo Sr. and Virgie Elam Williams Wingo. He was a retired farmer. After high school Albert earned a football scholarship to the University of Kentucky then returned home and started his family. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by four sisters, Dosie Wingo, Lorene Davis, Monnie Patrick, and Melva Ellen Cornett ; one brother, Grover Cleveland Wingo Jr. Survivors include his wife, Ruby Adkins Wingo ; four children, Stephen Ray Wingo of Zanesville, Ohio, Janie Ellen Wingo, Carolyn E. Wingo Keeton and husband Matthew and Bruce Albert Wingo, all of West Liberty ; two grandsons, Thomas Brent Keeton and Alec Jay Keeton, both of West Liberty ; one sister, Oshie Wingo Caskey of West Liberty ; one sister-in-law, Pauline Whitt Wingo of Raceland ; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, January 6 at Herald and Stewart and Halsey Funeral Home of West Liberty in charge of arrangements. Active pallbearers were Jay Richard Caskey, Cleve Wingo, Paul David Wingo, Gary Cox, Herschil Adkins, Michael Ray Keeton, Jr. Ferguson, Woodrow Pete Adkins, and Steve Goodpastor. Honorary pallbearers were all his many friends.
Published January 12, 2006
WRIGHT, ANNA CAROL
Anna Carol Penix Wright, 46, of Berea, died Friday, December 16, 2005 at St. Joseph East Hospital in Lexington following an extended illness. She was born November 22, 1959 in Morgan County, Kentucky a daughter of Mabel Adkins Pennix of Jones Creek and the late Bruce Pennix. Anna was employed as a Wal Mart department manager. She was of the Christian faith. Besides her father she was preceded in death by a niece, Belinda Gail Adkins. In addition to her mother Mabel she is survived by her husband, Monroe Wright ; One son, Monroe Dale Wright of Richmond ; two daughters, Glydia Wright and Elisa Wright, both of Berea ; three grandsons, Blaine Anglin , Ryan Wright , and Bejamin Coyle ; three sisters, Viola Adkins of North Carolina, Alice Sue Shears and Linda Francis , both of Pricey ; and one brother, Jackie Pennix of White Oak. Funeral services were conducted at 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 19 at Herald and Stewart and Halsey Chapel with Bro. Bobby Robinson and Elder Parley Cantrell officiating. Burial followed in the Ezel Cemetery at Ezel with Herald and Stewart and Halsey Funeral Home of West Liberty in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were David Taylor, David George, Daniel Marcum, Dean Roseberry, Andrew Gisler, and Blaine Anglin.
Published December 22, 2005
WRIGHT, WILMA A.
Wilma A. Fugett Wright, 85, of Mason, Ohio, died Monday, November 21, 2005. She was born December 15,1919 in West Liberty, Kentucky a daughter of the late Joseph W. and Rhoda Elam Fugett. She was a charter member of the Marantha Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and junior church for many years. She was also active in the Warren County Seniors Group and Warren County Hiker`s Group. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Virgil Wright ; two brothers, Ancel and Wendall Fugett ; one sister, Januce Culbertson ; one grandson, John Wright ; and one great-grandson, Curtis Joseph Withrow. Survivors include one son, William Joseph Wright and wife Margie of Hebron, Indiana ; four daughters, Anita Sibcy and husband Jim of Lebanon, Ohio, Pauline Allen and husband William J. of Hamilton, Ohio, Joyce Collins and husband Floyd of West Liberty, and Gerry Perkins and husband Larry of Kings Mills, Ohio ; two sisters, Lillian Sackett of Maineville, Ohio and Edwina Tucker of Middletown, Ohio ; one brother-in-law, Dr. Guy Culbertson ; one sister-in-law, Louise Fugett of Lebanon, Ohio ; 20 grandchildren ; 33 great-grandchildren ; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, November 25 at Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home with Pastor Matthew Hinkle officiating. Interment followed at Lebanon Cemetery with Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home of Lebanon, Ohio in charge of arrangements. Memorials were suggested to the Marantha Baptist Church or the Vitas Hospice.
Published December 1, 2005
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