Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Janet Lewis (September 28, 2009)

Janet (Duzan) Lewis, 85, of Greenville passed away Monday morning, September 28, 2009 at her residence.

She was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, daughter of the late Clarence and Jennie (Lynn) Duzan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul E. Lewis whom she married May 20, 1950; a brother, Joseph L. Duzan and a sister, Nancy L. Duzan.

Janet graduated Summa Cumlaude from The Ohio State University, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Sorority. She then earned a master's degree in education from Miami University in Oxford. She taught Home Economics for Jackson Township School, Liberty Township (Westmont High School) and retired from the Greenville High School.

She was a 50 year member of the First United Methodist Church in Greenville. She was a founding member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Social Sorority, and a member of the Phi Epsilon Omnicron, Phi Delta Phi and Beta Sigma Phi Soroties and the Criterion Club. After retirement, both Paul and her took art lessons and discovered a real love of painting. Janet's love of painting blossomed into a ministry of painting greeting cards to send to family, friends and church members.

Janet is survived by her children Karen L. (Robert) Baker of Beavercreek, OH, Lawrence A. (Marina) Lewis of San Antonio, TX, and Mark E. (Lily) Lewis of Greenville; grandchildren, Rachel, Daniel, Amy, Kelly, Jennifer and Kristin.

Services will be held at the Oliver-Floyd Funeral home in Greenville, Thursday, October 1, at 2:00 p.m, with Rev. Jon Payne officiating. Burial will follow at Greenville Township Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from noon to 2:00 p.m. The family requests that memorial contributions be given to The State of the Heart Hospice.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Ruth Elizabeth Heath (September 24, 2009)

Ruth Elizabeth (Lonas) Heath, age 101, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away at 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at Sterling House of Greenville, where she had lived for three years. She was born March 19, 1908 in Mt. Jackson, Virginia, to the late Luther and Eunice (Sommers) Lonas.

Ruth graduated from Greenville High School in 1925 and was also a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She was an elementary school teacher in Middletown and Greenville, Ohio. She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Greenville, and was active in numerous organizations including Beta Sigma Phi, Retired Teachers Association, NARFE, Emersonian Club, and Green Thumb Garden Club.

In addition to her parents, Ruth is also preceded in death by her husband, James Heath, in 1992, to whom she married in 1944 in Greenville.

Ruth is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Roberta and Phil Crawford of Greenville; four grandchildren, Kim (Rob) Stigler of Greenville, Justin Crawford of Huber Heights, Erin (Alan) Ayette of Palestine and Margo (Randy) Wheeler of Fishers, Indiana; and ten great grandchildren, Janessa Stigler, Shore Crawford, Seryn Crawford, Sienna Crawford, Alia Ayette, Micah Ayette, Lydia Ayette, Zoe Ayette, Andrew Wheeler and Nicholas Wheeler.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 28, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville, with Rev. Joe Payne officiating. Burial will follow in Abbottsville Cemetery in Abbottsville, Ohio. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that donations be made to First United Methodist Church, State of the Heart Hospice, or the activity fund of Sterling House, all of Greenville.

Laura M. Randall (September 23, 2009)

Laura M. Randall age 89 of Greenville, Ohio, passed away at 8:15 P.M. on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at Gade Health Care Center in Greenville. Laura was born February 15, 1920 in Greenville, Ohio, to the late Ray & Rosanna (Smith) Wood.

Laura was a nurse’s aid at Gade Health Care Center until retirement. She was a member of the Greenville Eagles Ladies Auxiliary.

In addition to her parents, Laura was also preceded in death by her husband, Jack J. Randall; sons, Jack J. Randall Jr. and Ira J. Randall; daughters, Esther Maloy and Glenna Inman; and grandson, Uriah J. Randall.

Laura is survived by her daughters, Stella Gard of Greenville, Lois Fowble of Greenville, Susan Prosyk of Florida and Laura Mowery of Greenville; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; brother & sister-in-law, Ralph & Linda Wood of Ansonia; and sister, Dorothy Lammott of Greenville.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 28, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville with Pastor Candy Null officiating. Burial will follow in Greenville Township Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. and Monday from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help offset funeral expenses.

Bobby D. Brumbaugh (September 25, 2009)

Bobby D. Brumbaugh, 61, of Greenville, passed away late Friday evening, September 25, 2009 in the emergency room of Wayne Hospital in Greenville.

He was born in Greenville, son of the late Orville E. and Etoile (Brandt) Brumbaugh. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Gary Brumbaugh, and a sister, Phyllis Black.

Bob worked for Cooper Farms.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Peggy (Gantt) Brumbaugh, whom he married January 22, 1972; children, James Brumbaugh of Hillsboro, Chad Brumbaugh of Union City, OH, and Carrie (Jamie) Enochs of Union City, OH; grandchildren, Sadie Riffle, Kaitlyn and Megan Brumbaugh, Raeanne, Zoe and Jada Enochs; a brother and sister-in-law, Don and Arb Brumbaugh of Greenville; and a sister, Carolyn Brumbaugh of Ansonia; sisters- in-law, Patricia Brumbaugh of Greenville and Pam Brumbaugh of Ansonia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the Oliver-Floyd Funeral Home in Greenville, Wednesday, September 30 at 7 p.m. Private burial will follow at a later date in the Harris Creek Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Warren P. Wert (September 23, 2009)

Warren P. Wert, 90, of Arcanum, died Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at Kettering Memorial Hospital. Mr. Wert was born, February 17, 1919, in Miami County to the late Roy and Edith (Guston) Wert. Warren was a retired salesperson at the former Roarkes Furniture, Laura. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Pitsburg; a member of the Miami Shelby Choir, and the Lamppost 4 Barbershop Quartet. Warren was preceded in death by his wife M. Doris (Fourman) Wert, who died December 28, 1991, 3 Brothers Carl, Ernie, and Walter and a Sister Martha. He is survived by 2 daughters Diane L. Wert of Union City and Linda Altic and husband Larry of Fayetteville, GA; son Michael Wert and wife Marilyn of Arcanum; a special friend Mary Yount; 4 grandchildren Angela Crews, April Tillman and husband Brett, Chad Wert and wife Neshell, and Scott Wert; great grandchildren Thomas and Daniel Crews, Hannah and Joshua Tillman and Keisha Wert. Funeral Services will be held 2:30 PM Saturday September 26, 2009 at the Kreitzer Funeral Home, Arcanum with Pastor Craig Fourman officiating. Burial will follow in Mote Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends 1 hour before the service Saturday.

Elma Mae Means (September 20, 2009)

Elma Mae Means, 88, died Sunday Evening September 20, 2009 at Rest Haven, where she has resided the last six years. She was a former resident of Gordon. Elma was born June 23, 1921 in Ontario, Ohio to the late John W. and Flossie (Armstrong) Maglott. She was a Pastor with her husband at the Ithaca Open Bible Church for 22 years. Mrs. Means was preceded in death by her husband Clarence Means who died August 8, 2006, her daughter Nancy Meade, her granddaughter Shelly (Emerick) Stutz, great grandson Lane Meade, 2 sisters and 2 brothers. She is survived by 2 daughters Marlene Hayes and husband Ed of Greenville and Joy Kinnison and husband Jim of Greenville; 2 sons John Means and wife Brenda of Gordon and Tim Means and wife Kay of Arcanum; 14 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; brothers Glenn Maglott of Mansfield, Ohio and James Maglott and wife Joyce of Beavercreek. Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at the Open Bible Church in Ithaca with Rev Harold Ady officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends 1 hour before the service at the church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Ithaca Open Bible Church Carpet Fund. [via Kreitzer Funeral Home]

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Dennis E. Martin (September 22, 2009)


Dennis E. “Denny” Martin age 62 of Greenville, passed away at 12:22 A.M. on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at his residence. Denny was born October 4, 1946 to Glenna (Miller) Martin of Greenville and the late Lowell Everett Martin.

Denny was a longtime barber in Versailles and Greenville for 44 years. He was currently a barber at the Hair Shack in Greenville. Denny was a member of the Greenville Elks; Greenville Moose; and White Springs Golf Course in Greenville. Denny was formerly very active in the Greenville Athletic Boosters and a former baseball coach for the Greenville Little League.

In addition to his father, Denny is also preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Treva Arnold.

In addition to his mother, Denny is survived by his wife, Gloria (Arnold) Martin, whom he married December 19, 1970. He is also survived by his son, Scott Martin of Greenville; daughter & son-in-law, Julie & Mark Eldridge of Greenville; grandchildren, Jarod Sharp, Ryan, Lucas, Logan, and Landon Eldridge, and Taylor Martin; brother & sister-in-law, Richard & Mary Martin of Greenville; sister, Marilyn Warrick of Greenville; father-in-law, Lowell Arnold of Greenville; aunt, Marjorie Caron of Indianapolis, Indiana; sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Marilyn & Randy Smith of Columbia, South Carolina; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 25, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville with Pastor Peter Menke officiating. Burial will follow in Greenville Cemetery (New Section). The family will receive friends on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Greenville Athletic Boosters or Greenville Citizens Baseball League.

Roscoe "Charles" Smallwood (September 21, 2009)


Roscoe “Charles” Smallwood, 85, of New Paris passed away on September 21, 2009. Charles was born on April 24, 1924 in Bellepoint, Kentucky to the late Milard and Lona (Spicer) Smallwood.

Charles worked as a heavy equipment operator for over 40 years and was a member of Local UAW 103. He was a hard worker and loved crane operating/

In addition to his parents, Charles is preceded in death by his three siblings, Victor Smallwood, Alvin Smallwood and Violet Barnes.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Doris (Knox) Smallwood and four sons; Steve and Kathy of New Paris, Randy and Mary of Richmond, Rick and Denise of Richmond, and Kevin and Andrea of New Paris; 9 grandchildren, Lisa (Rick) Wright, Amy Smallwood, Lore (Cary) Bishop, Mark (Kelly) Smallwood, Melissa (Tom) O’Neal, Michael Smallwood, Stayce (Adam) Cline, Brian (Nicole) Smallwood, and Courtney Smallwood; and 8 great-grandchildren.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with Rev. Pam Weaver being asked to officiate. Burial will follow in the Springlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Paris United Methodist Food Pantry.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.storchbraundfuneralhome.com/. Services are entrusted to Storch Braund Funeral Home in New Madison.

Miriam Irene Brown (September 21, 2009)

Miriam Irene Brown, age 85 of Arcanum, Ohio passed away peacefully on Monday September 21, 2009 at Wayne Hospital where she had been a patient for five days. She was born October 18, 1923 to Willis & Mae (Longanecker) Wandle. She married Gerald I. Brown on February 9, 1946. He passed away September 13, 2006.

Miriam graduated from Monroe Central High School with the class of 1942. After graduation she worked for Darke County ASC Office. Miriam began her career with Arcanum Butler School in 1965.

Mrs. Brown was a life long member and Deacon of the Castine Church of the Brethren. She devoted most of her church life to Woman’s Fellowship and teaching in the children’s department. Her main concern in life was helping others.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Husband; & Sister: Mildred Miller.

She is survived by her Daughter & son in law: Dianna & Gary Wagner of Greenville; Son: Nelson Brown; 5 Granddaughters & spouses: Alyssa & Gary Duvall of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rachael & Tim Stebbins of Lewisburg, West Virginia, Abby & Brad Houdashelt, Kayla & Joe Price, & Leandra Brown of Columbus; Great Grandchildren: Madison Duvall, Jaden & Elias Houdashelt, & Jackson Price; Nieces: Gloria Miller, & Ramona Felton.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio with Rev. Greg Hyre officiating. Burial will follow in Castine Cemetery, Castine, Ohio. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Department at Castine Church of the Brethren.

John C. Henderson (September 20, 2009)

Mr. John C. “J.C.” Henderson, age 93 of Greenville, Ohio passed away on Sunday September 20, 2009 at Heartland of Greenville. He was born April 5, 1916 in Miami County, Ohio, the son of the late Boyd & Lola (Longnecker) Henderson.

He worked for General Motors for 40 years retiring March 29, 1980. He served in the United States Navy in World War II serving in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1946. He is a member of the Greenville Church of the Brethren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Brothers: Homer, Harold, & Forrest Henderson; Sister: Lucille O’Neil.

He is survived by his wife: Virginia C. (Shuttleworth) Henderson of Greenville; Son & daughter in law: Dan & Nancy Henderson of St. Paris, Ohio; Daughter & son in law: Carol & Keith Yount of Union, Ohio; Grandchildren: Gina Roberts, Ty Yount, Lori Clark, & Christian Henderson; Great Grandchildren: Morgan Roberts, Jocelynn Clark, & Eavy Clark.

Services will be held on Wednesday September 23, 2009 at 10:30 AM at Greenville Church of the Brethren 421 Central Avenue, Greenville, Ohio with Pastor Ron Sherck officiating. Burial will follow in Mote Cemetery, Pitsburg, Ohio. Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday September 22, 2009 at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio and 1 hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church. Veterans Graveside Services are being conducted by the Greenville Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Greenville Church of the Brethren Family Aid Fund.

Roxane A. Reed (September 21, 2009)

Roxane A. Reed, age 50 of Greenville, Ohio passed away on Monday September 21, 2009 at 3:00 AM at the Brethren Retirement Community, Greenville, Ohio. She was born September 7, 1959 in Greenville, Ohio the daughter of Robert Edward & Dixie Jean (Wentworth) Jones of Greenville. She worked as a bank teller for Second National Bank.

She was a member of Greenville Grace Church, she was Miss Annie Oakley 1977, Past committee member for the Annie Oakley committee, she was the 1st female member of the Jaycees, She was a longtime Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, She and Dave were both Active in Big Brothers & Big Sisters, She served on the Downtown Greenville Business Association, and she worked on the Board of Elections.

She is preceded in death by Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, & Nephews.

She is survived by her parents; her husband: David Reed of Greenville whom she married on August 5, 1978; Sister: Kathy Cain of Fort Recovery, Ohio; Brothers & sister in law: David Jones of Greenville, Robbie & Sherry Jones of Arcanum; numerous, nieces & nephews.

Services will be held on Thursday September 24, 2009 at 10:30 AM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio with Pastor Danny Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Abbottsville Cemetery, Darke County, Ohio. Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday September 23, 2009 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Darke County.

Dorothy M. Bunger (September 20, 2009)

Dorothy M. Bunger, 90, of Greenville, died Sunday Evening, September 20, 2009 at Heartland. She was born November 25, 1919 in Darke County to the late Lester and Carrie (Strait) Overholser. Dorothy was a homemaker and Mother. She was a member of the Christian & Missionary Church, Greenville. Dorothy was preceded in death by Brothers Jack and Bob Overholser and infant Sister Doris Overholser. She is survived by her daughter Kathy Hamilton of Greenville; 2 granddaughters Teresa Bell and husband Todd of Loganville, GA and Melissa Ditty of Dacula, GA; Sisters Lavona Riegle and husband Delbert and Betty Dicky both of Greenville. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday September 26, 2009 at the Kreitzer Funeral Home, Arcanum with Pastor Doug Klinsing officiating. Burial will follow in Ithaca Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends 6 - 8 PM Friday at the funeral home.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

H. Jean Shepherd (September 7, 1927 - September 18, 2009)

H. Jean (Lantz) Shepherd, 82, of Greenville, Ohio passed away on Friday, September 18, 2009 at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio. She was born on September 7, 1927 in Greenville, Ohio to the late Martin Jerome “Rome” & Francis (Hough) Lantz.

She was a School Teacher in the Greenville City Schools. A member of the Greenville Church of the Nazarene where she was missionary chair person, Past President of the Retired Teachers Association. She loved Gardening and her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by; husband, Wilbur L. “Bill” Shepherd; brothers, Lowell and David Lantz.

She is survived by; sons, Bruce Shepherd and wife Kathy of Portage, Ohio and Mark Shepherd and Partner Ron Kolb of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Claudia Shepherd of Greenville; grandchildren, Joshua Shepherd, Lance Shepherd, Alisha Shepherd, Jerome Eberwein, Adam (Erin) Eberwein; great grandchildren, Jackson and Titus Eberwein; brothers and sisters in law; John & Jean Lantz of Centerville, Ohio and Steve & Francia Lantz of Rincon, Puerto Rico; sister and sister & brother in law, Mary Ann & Chip Caldwell of Greenville; close and devoted foster son, Jason Williams II as well as several special nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 10:30 AM at the Greenville Church of the Nazarene, 7584 St. Rt. 118, Greenville, Ohio with Rev. Wayne Thomas and Rev Tom Davis officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to help with funeral expenses. Condolence for the family may be sent to http://www.zecharbailey.com/.

Jayne Allread (December 14, 1926 - September 18, 2009)

Jayne Allread entered her eternal home September 18, 2009 at 12:15 AM. Her Lord and Savior met her with open arms and accepted her into the Kingdom of Heaven. Jayne passed away peacefully at the home of her loving and devoted daughter and son in law, Becky and Ken Moore. Becky, Ken and Special granddaughters Amanda, Kara and Joy and son, Larry were present for Jayne’s final journey.

Jayne was born December 14, 1926 to the late Blaine and Gertrude Smith. She was preceded in death by loving husband Howard Allread on May 4, 1990 and great granddaughter Addison Jayne Wenger on July 1, 2005. Jayne’s seven brothers and two sisters also preceded her in death.

Jayne is survived by daughter and son in law, Becky and Ken Moore, of Greenville, Granddaughter, Amanda Moore-Rasool, of Greenville, Kara (Moore) and Scott Wenger, of West Liberty, OH, and Joy (Moore) and Nathan Anderson, of Findlay, OH, special great grandchildren, Alex Rasool, Landon Wenger, Emma Wenger, Estella Wenger, Lucy Wenger and Griffin Anderson.

Son, Terry Allread and wife Dana, of Greenville, grandson, Nick and Krickett Allread, of Castine, step grandsons, Frank Lines, Craig Via, and Joshua Via, great grandsons, Brandon Allread, Kaden McCoy and Lucas Allread.

Son, Larry Allread and wife Debbie of Ocala, Florida, grandson Corey Allread.

Son Paul Douglas Allread and wife Tuang (Nit) of Tampa, Florida.

Son Craig Allread, of Greenville, granddaughters, Kimberly (Allread) and Chris Kermeen, Melinda (Allread) Saylor, David Allread, great grandchildren, Alexis Kermeen, Meghan Kermeen, Adam Kermeen, Krysten Blumenstock.

Also survived by sister by heart and best friend, Mary Wade of Greenville and her beagle, Lizzie.

Jayne was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Greenville where she had taught sunday school for many years touching many children’s hearts with God’s love. She had volunteered many years with the Darke County American Red Cross and served on the Board of Directors. Jayne and Mabel Bailey ran the Disaster Services for the blizzard of 1978 and the Darke County Home Fire. She also was a poll Worker for the Election Board for many years. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary.

Jayne fought a courageous battle with breast cancer and lung cancer the past two and half years. Her faith sustained her. She fought the battle and won the victory. She will be remembered by those who knew her best for her love of God, love of family, sense of humor, her generosity and her willingness to help other individuals. Jesus loves you, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Come to Jesus and live. Love you always and forever.

There will be a service held on Monday, September 21, 2009 at 10:00 AM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville with Pastor Joe Payne officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenville Township Memorial Gardens, Greenville, Ohio. Family will receive friends on Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 2-5 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Darke County Cancer Association or to the First United Methodist Church to be used for the children’s programs. Condolences for the family may be sent to http://www.zecharbailey.com/.

Carles R. Seger (December 16, 1956 - September 17, 2009)

Mr. Charles R. “Chuck” Seger, 52, of Versailles, Ohio passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton, Ohio. He was born on December 16, 1956 in Sidney, Ohio to the late Elmer & Florence (Wolfrum) Seger.

Charles was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in North Star, Ohio.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by; wife, Diane Seger whom he married on August 14, 1976; brothers, Jim Seger, Bob Seger and Arthur Seger; sisters, Mary Platfoot, Marie Bey and Norma Grisez.

He is survived by; sons and daughter in law, Michael & Sara Seger of Versailles, Ohio and Adam Seger of Greenville; grandson, Noah Seger; brothers and sisters in law, Raymond & Marlene Seger of Covington, Ohio and John & Barb Seger of Fort Loramie, Ohio; sisters in law, Phyllis Seger of Sidney, Ohio and Naomi Seger of Michigan; brothers in law, Roger Bey of Fort Loramie, Ohio and Norman Grisez of Piqua, Ohio as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a service held on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, North Star, Ohio with Pastor Laura Shreffler officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery, North Star, Ohio. Family will receive friends on Monday, September 21, 2009 from 4-8 PM at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles, Ohio.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or to the Donor’s Choice. Condolences for the family may be sent to http://www.zecharbailey.com/.

John A. Penny (April 4, 1919 - September 16, 2009)


Mr. John A. Penny, 90, of Greenville, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 11:10 PM at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton, Ohio. He was born on April 4, 1919 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Roy O. Penny and Forrest (Coppock) Penny Hissong.

John retired in 1976 from General Motors after 30 years. He was a member of the United States Army serving in WWII. He was a member of the Community Chapel in Bradford, Ohio, American Legion, VFW and Moose in Greenville and the Piqua Leisure Club, as well as the Jr. Order United American Mechanics and also a Big Brother to several boys.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by; brother, Herman L. Penny; foster son, Robert Williams.
He is survived by; wife, Maya (Wurster) Penny of Greenville whom he married on February 8, 1948; 16 Foster children; 1 nieces and 1 niece on Maya’s side; half brother, Jack Routzong of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

There will be a service held on Monday, September 21, 2009 at 2:30 PM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio with Pastor Dan Whisner officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenville Township Memorial Gardens, Greenville, Ohio. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The Greenville Veterans Honor Guard will conduct a full military service. A letter from the family.

The Every Day Hero’s in Our Lives.

Usually when we think of a hero we think of someone who is strong, death-defying, and almost super natural when it comes to bravery. Although there are a few real hero’s out there that are somewhat like those attributes, more often than not the real hero’s in this world are the everyday people who live right next door to us…the people who are mild-mannered, who reach out to others in a much less conspicuous way, who basically go unnoticed by most of the world because they don’t receive and medals of honor or public recognition, they are the people who touch the lives of those around them and give of themselves asking for nothing in return. I’d like to share a story about a couple of those “hero’s” we have right here in our little community, who unfortunately we lost one of them just recently. Their names are John and Maya Penny and live here among us in this little town of Greenville, Ohio and have been the hero’s not only to myself, but also to many other young lives who they have touched with their kindness and never ending selfless giving. I hope my story that I share with you about my hero’s will inspire you to recognize them as well as other hero’s that pass quietly amongst our lives constantly giving of themselves and their lives.

Last evening I sat in the intensive care unit with Maya as we watched John slowly pass away, my heart broke as I stood and watched this tender woman talk with her husband as she said her last “goodbye’s” to him after over sixty one years of marriage. John wasn’t the typical person who we may think of as a “hero”, in fact he was a small, frail, mild- mannered man who most would think would be the last man who would be made of hero material, yet this man had more to share than one would ever know and was never one to brag about himself so please let me do some of the bragging for him (as well as for his wife, Maya). My story will be brief because even though I was one of the many lives that was blessed to be touched by the lives of John and Maya Penny, as I said, they were never ones to brag about themselves so my account of their lives is regretfully limited but I would like to share with you the few things I do know that are more than enough to make them both hero’s in my book.

John grew up in a children’s home in Dayton Ohio and later joined the army and fought during World War Two, he fought in several of the battles during the war such as the battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He met his wife Maya who grew up in Germany and they ended up living here in Greenville where they basically lived the rest of their lives and where Maya still resides. They never had any children of their own but throughout their lives they took in many foster children (sixteen to be exact over the years along with a couple of their nieces) and gave them a home, most of which were the older, more rebellious kids no one else really wanted to take in….trust me, I know this because I was one of them and after bouncing around in several foster homes before I wound up living with John and Maya I saw just how much a lot of the so called “foster parents” were in it only for the check they received from the government for taking us in…I think I counted one time over twenty moves during my teen years from foster home to foster home prior to living with John and Maya and many of the times the story went “ we are not receiving the check we were supposed to get so we’re sorry…(which made you feel that was about how valuable you were….a government check) and sometimes it was that the homes were only “temporary foster homes” not set up for long term arrangements. Most of these places made you feel pretty much like you were only a guest in their home and nothing truly belonged to you, not even the space that was supposed to be your sleeping area. But that was not the case with John and Maya, they not only opened up their home but their lives as well and anyone who was blessed enough to land in their home found a home where they were treated as if we were one of their own…yet John and Maya never had any of their own children, we were their kids. They took us camping, to their vacation home on Cumberland Lake, as well as to their property at Indian Lake. We spent several evenings a week sometimes just shooting pool around the pool table they kept in their “dining room” for all of us boys. We were never left out of family outings and were always included in things they were involved in (such as company picnics, church, etc). We also always had someone who stood up for us if we got into any trouble with the local youth courts, Maya was the feisty one of the two and spent many times going to court to fight for us kids if she felt we were being picked on by the police or judicial system just because we had long hair and were maybe not the “model kids” our society accepted. Please don’t get me wrong, Maya never condoned any of the things that we did that were wrong (in fact at times we would call her “Hitler” behind her back because we felt she ran such a tight ship, and partially because she spoke with a sharp German accent), but she would jump up in a heart beat and stand up for us if she felt we were being wrongly persecuted. You didn’t argue with Maya, it was always going to be a losing battle, but as an adult now I look back and am grateful that Maya won those battles and realize that she was only looking out for our best interest.

John was always the soft spoken man who didn’t demand our respect with brute strength or a large commanding voice, but instead earned our respect with the kindness he showed to us and the loving way he stood next to us even when others probably would not have, even when our own “real” parents would have turned their backs on us or already had. He was a man with a heart made of true gold and a man that any kid knew they could count on if he said he would be there for you.

So this is my story, a story of two everyday people who opened up their lives and shared it with just about every “stray-dog” kid that stepped across their doorway….and we were all made better because of it. As I mentioned earlier during those years I spent time in several foster homes, some of which were very forgettable and some which one tries to forget, but I will never forget or regret the day I stood on the door step of John and Maya Penny’s and consider myself a better person because of it today.

As I sat with Maya Wednesday evening on September 16th 2009 in the intensive care unit at Good Samaritan Hospital and held back the tears trying to be strong for this precious woman as we watched John pass away I felt honored to be the person who was there to try to comfort her as her heart broke as she lost her best friend in this life of over sixty one years. I hope my story not only helps you to remember John Penny and the way his life and his wife’s life touched the lives of so many others but also to remember to always realize who your hero’s are in this life and to try to let them know how much they have meant to you.
Maya still resides here in our little town and even at the age of eighty two she still knits and crochets making afghans to give to disabled veterans among all the other things she has done to give of herself during her life time. So thank you John and Maya for being a part of my life and for showing me that love is really about not seeing what you can receive from something or someone but instead giving of yourself without asking for anything in return.

In closing I like to say that after failing at my own marriage of eighteen years several years ago and every relationship I’ve attempted at since recently I found myself asking God if there really is anything such as true, unconditional love other than His love for us and the love we have for our children, and if so would He please show me that it still exist…He did. The past couple of months were not an easy struggle for John or for Maya as well. John went into the hospital the first time a couple months ago and Maya and I spent every single day for two weeks driving to Dayton and spending our afternoons by John’s side. Afterwards John came home to Greenville and stayed at Rest Haven nursing home for around a month were Maya spent most of her days each day while he was there, then a week and a half ago John became ill again and was taken back to Good Samaritan hospital where Maya spent every single night with him the entire time he was there. I would pick her up and bring her home in the morning so she could freshen up and take her back in the evening when she would stay the remainder of the night into the next day and often times not let me bring her home until the following day. Yesterday I felt it important to try to talk Maya into coming home and spending at least one night in her own bed instead of sleeping in a chair in John’s hospital room ( I couldn’t even get her talked into leaving the room long enough to go down to the hospital cafeteria for a piece of pie), but she did promise me, with reserve, that she would let me bring her home the next day and spend one entire night in her own home and sleep in her bed because I told her that I didn’t think she could see what this was doing to her emotional health and felt she needed to step away from it all for just one night. So I went back home only to get a phone call a little later that John had gone down-hill and was moved to intensive care and would I come back down to the hospital, so off I went. John passed away around 11:20 pm last night and Maya and I sat there until around 1:30 am with our hearts in our hands as we waited there by John’s side until the funeral home came to take him away. My point is, if you recall, I asked God if there was still any such thing as unconditional love between two people anymore and I believe I got my answer last night as I stood there in that hospital room and watched as Maya leaned over John’s bedside with tears in her eyes and in a shaky voice said “Good-bye Johnny, I love you”. Thank you Maya for your never ending example of how we are to live our lives and thank you John for being that soft spoken hero so many of us young men, myself included, needed in our lives.

With Love,
Bob Douds

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion or to the VFW.

Allen J. Bernard (September 19, 2009)

Allen J. Bernard, 85, of Greenville, passed away Saturday morning, September 19, 2009 at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.

He was born in Roswell, NM, son of the late Martha E. (Williford) Bernard. In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty L. Bernard on October 3, 2003; a brother, Robert Bernard and a sister, Edna Strand.

Allen worked as an electrician before becoming a harness horse trainer having worked for several stables including the Gene Riegle Stables in Greenville. He was a veteran of the US Army having served in WWII. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Greenville and the VFW Post in Arcanum.

He is survived by his children, Marilyn M. McFarland of Shelby, NC, James G. Bernard of Amity, ME and Peggy Dorsey of Reno, NV; three granddaughters, Tiffany Slade of Greenville, Wendi Jones of Myrtle Beach, SC and Megan McFarland of Chilie; and 4 great grandchildren, Mackenzie and Alexis Slade, Ally Brannon and Ava Jones.

A memorial service with full military honors by the Arcanum VFW Post will be held Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 7233 St. Rt. 121 N., Greenville, with Pastor Paul Oreck officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Church Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be given to the First Baptist Church. Obituary courtesy of Oliver Floyd Funeral Home.

Jenny L. Ethell (September 18, 2009)

Jenenieve L. "Jenny" Ethell, 92, of Greenville, passed away early Friday morning, September 18, 2009 at Gade Nursing Home in Greenville.

She was born in Columbus, daughter of the late John and Helen (Kyle) Fechner . In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold W. Ethell on March 3, 1989.

A homemaker, Jenny belonged to the EUM church in Greenville, the Alpha Delta Omega Beta Soroity, the Ft. Black Eastern Star, the Wayne Hospital Auxiliary and had worked at the Daily Advocate for 7 years.

She is survived by her children, Ted Ethell of Aurora, CO. and Elaine (Butch) Amspaugh of Greenville; grandchildren, Greg Amspaugh, Doug Amspaugh, Scott Amspaugh and Chris Ethell; great grandchildren, Rachael, Michael, Kellen., Zachary and Alexandra Amspaugh; a sister, Joy Sintobin of Wauseon, OH; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Tuesday, September 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the Oliver-Floyd Funeral Home in Greenville with Mrs. Sylvia McKibben officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenville Township Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 10-11:30 a.m. The family requests that memorial contributions be given to State of the Heart Hospice.

Michael D. Emrick (Died September 19, 2009)

Michael Douglas Emrick, 33, of Pitsburg, died Saturday, September 19th, 2009 in Greenville. Michael was born in Piqua, July 21, 1976. He was employed as a Carpenter at Creative Cabinets, Dayton. Michael was preceded in death by his maternal mother Donna Marie Emrick. He was the husband of Michelle (Acton) Emrick whom he married April 3, 2004. Also surviving are 2 daughters Kylie and Madison; 2 sons William and Brandon; his parents Larry and Georgeanna (Rehmert) Emrick of Ansonia; grandmother Diane Emrick of Troy; 3 sisters Lori Kimmey of Piqua, Sarah Dawson of Sidney; Michelle Oliver and husband Ryan of Versailles; 4 brothers Kent Emrick and wife Candice and Joseph Emrick and wife Beth both of Greenville, Larry Emrick and wife Greta of Troy, and Daniel Dawson of Minster. Funeral Services will be held 10:30 AM Friday, September 25, 2009, at the Kreitzer Funeral Home, Arcanum, with Pastor James Morehouse officiating. Burial will follow in Miami Memorial Park, Covington. The family will receive relatives and friends 5 to 8 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to defray funeral expenses. Condolences may be sent to KreitzerFuneralHomeInc.com.

Patrick "Pat" A. Rader (January 28, 1943 - September 17, 2009)

Patrick A. "Pat" Rader, 66 , of Arcanum died Thursday, September 17, 2009 at his residence. Pat was born January 28, 1943 in Dayton to the late James Rader and Ruth (Lentz) (Rader) Trout. He was a Van Buren and Neave Township farmer. Pat was a member of the McDonalds South Coffee Club. He is survived by his Brother Nick Rader and wife Sally of Arcanum; nephews Eric (Camilla) Rader and Ryan (Brooke) Rader; great nephew Joshua Rader; 4 great nieces Samantha, Mackenzie, Alex, and Lauren Rader; step sister Margaret Sinkhorn of Arcanum and a special friend Cindy Acres of Franklin. Funeral Services will be held Noon Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at the Kreitzer Funeral Home, Arcanum with Pastor Kenny Coleman officiating. Burial will follow in Abbottsville Cemetery. The Family will receive relatives and friends 1 hour before the service Wednesday. Memorial Contributions to the charity of the donors choice.