Darcus S. Boggs

Darcus S. Boggs, 87, of Lima, Ohio, died Wednesday, October 18, 2006, at her residence.

Born on September 16, 1919, in Prestonsburg, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Letha Whitaker Stephens. She was a teacher for the Perry School System for 25 years, and retired in 1982. She taught one year in Prestonsburg. She was employed at the Lima Tank Plant during WW II. She attended Shawnee Alliance Church, and was a member of the State Retired Teachers Association. She loved to garden and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She attended the Ohio State University, and Mary Manse College.

She married Wesley L. Boggs on December 31, 1945; he preceded her in death, February 20, 1984.

Survivors included two sons: Stephen L. (Kandy) Boggs and Rodney Bruce (Jackie) Boggs, both of Lima, Ohio; one daughter, Pam S. (Tom) Twining, of Lima, Ohio; four brothers: Frank Stephens of Lima, Ohio, Claude Stephens of Washington, Lee Stephens of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and Teddy Stephens of Massachusetts; four sisters: Sylvia Poe of Lima, Ohio, Martha Hale of Kettering, Ohio, Loretta Barr of Salina, Kansas, and Goldie Schimmoeller of Lima, Ohio; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons: Donald W. and David K. Boggs; one step-son, Dick Boggs; and two brothers: Hawley Stephens and Monroe Stephens.

Funeral services were conducted Monday, October 23, at Chiles & Sons-Laman Lewis Chapel, with Dr. Daniel H. Messner officiating.

Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Chiles & Sons-Laman Lewis Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the Kidney Foundation.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com (Paid obituary)

Phyllis Jean “Pal” Combs Calhoun

Phyllis Jean “Pal” Combs Calhoun, 69, of Prestonsburg, died Friday, October 20, 2006, at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, Ashland.

Born January 4, 1937, in Cliff, she was the daughter of the late Allen Combs and Gracie Patrick Combs. She was a former hostess for Food City for 11 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Calhoun, who died May 19, 1978.

Survivors include two daughters: Sharon Branham (Gary) and Stacy Clark (Jason), all of Prestonsburg; and one sister, Geraldine Fenix of Ypsilanti, Michigan; two grandchildren: Erica Branham Trimble and Shane Branham.

Funeral services were held Monday, October 23, at 1 p.m., at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Bill Campbell officiating.

Burial was in the Richmond Memorial Cemetery, in Prestonsburg.

The family has entrusted arrangements to the Carter Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers: Gary Branham, Shane Branham, Jason Clark, Greg Horn, Damon Newsome Jr., Tommy Hyden, Larry Hyden, Mark Alan Trimble, Estill Branham, Bill Branham, and Rocky Branham.

Honorary pallbearers: Dr. Charles Arnett, Tommy Lowe, Don Branham, Ed Ousley, and Gerald DeRossett. (Paid obituary)

Virgil Flannery

Virgil Flannery, age 81, of Martin, passed away Monday, October 23, 2006, at his residence.

He was born November 28, 1924, in Martin, the son of the late William Tavis Flanery and Bertha Click Flanery. He was a retired coal miner, a U.S. Navy, World War II veteran, and a member of the UMWA.

Survivors include two sons, Darbin Flannery of Martin, Virgil Lance Flannery of Louisville, and a daughter, Priscilla Rose Flannery of Versailles.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Kirby Lee Flannery; and three brothers, Merlin Flanery, Vernon Flanery, and Burns Flanery.

Funeral services for Virgil Flannery will be conducted Thursday, October 26, at 11:00 a.m., at the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, in Martin, with Clergyman Richard Greene officiating.

Burial will follow in the Martin Cemetery, in Martin, with the Hall Funeral Home caring for those arrangements.

Visitation is at the funeral home. (Paid obituary)

Judith Mae Gerretson

Judith Mae Gerretson, age 40, of Larkslane, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2006, at the McDowell Appalachian Regional Hospital.

Born in Martin, on February 1, 1966, she was the daughter of Zella Slone Shepherd, and the late Thomas Owsley.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Kay Owsley.

She is survived by her husband, John Gerretson; her mother, Zella Shepherd of Hueysville; a son, Johnathan Barnett of Martin; a step-daughter, Venessa Gerretson of Larkslane; a step-son, Johnny Gerretson of Pinetop; two brothers: Thomas Ray Owsley of Prestonsburg, and Glenn Shepherd of Jamestown; her mother-in-law, Tina Mallory; and her maternal grandmother: Arlene Griffith Slone.

Funeral services were held Friday, October 20, at 10 a.m., at the Mousie First Baptist Church, in Mousie, with Clyde Wicker Jr. and Bethel Bolen officiating.

Burial followed in the Sparkman Cemetery, on Pinetree Hollow at Larkslane.

Arrangements, were handled by Hindman Funeral Services of Hindman.

www.hindmanfuneralservices.com (Paid obituary)

Lorene Griffith

Lorene Griffith, 61, of Martin, died Friday, October 20, 2006, in Martin, following an automobile accident.

Born December 11, 1944, in Floyd County, she was the daughter of the late Isaac (Ike) and Virginia Scarberry Shepherd. She was a waitress at Seasons Inn.

She is survived by her husband, Robert E. Griffith.

Other survivors include one son and one daughter: Ronald Gene Stone Jr., of Hueysville, and Lori Ann Stone of Printer; three Brothers: Carl (Hawk) Shepherd of Burkett, Indiana, Ralph Shepherd of Indiana, and Monroe (Pedro) Shepherd of Ivel; two sisters: Mary Crum of Martin, and Jacquelene Mahaska of Indiana; and three grandchildren: Justin, Jennifer, and Josh.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, George Douglas Stone; and two brothers: Joe Ed Shepherd and Doug Shepherd

Funeral services were held Monday, October 23, at 1 p.m., at Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home in Martin, with Glenn Adkins officiating.

Burial was in the Gethsemane Gardens, in Prestonsburg, under the direction of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home.

Visitation was at the funeral home. (Paid obituary)

Ishmael W. Hall

Ishmael W. Hall, 84, of Bevinsville, died Friday, October 20, 2006, at the McDowell Appalachian Regional Medical Center emergency room.

Born March 4, 1922, in Jacks Creek, he was the son of the late Henry and Florence Slone Hall. He was a retired coal miner; and attended the Old Regular Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Magnolia Johnson Hall.

Survivors include: a daughter and son-in-law: Sue and Ray Jones of Bevinsville; three brothers: Mack Hall of Michigan, and Curtis Hall and Perry Hall, both of McDowell; a granddaughter, Crystal Moore (husband, Bradley); and three great-grandchildren: Trey, Dylan, and Ashley.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Elmer Hall and Homer Hall; and a sister, Viola Hall.

Funeral services were held Monday, October 23, at 10 a.m., at the Little Rock Old Regular Baptist Church, in Bevinsville, with Old Regular Baptist ministers officiating.

Burial was in the John M. and Hattie Mae Burke Cemetery at Bevinsville, under the direction of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, in Martin.

Visitation was at the church, where nightly services were held at 6:30 p.m

(Paid obituary)

Jean Patton Hicks

Jean Patton Hicks, age 76, of Langley, widow of Roy Hicks, passed away Saturday, October 21, 2006, in the Salyersville Health Care Center.

She was born July 4, 1930, in Martin, a daughter of the late Jake and Edna Marshall Patton. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include one son, Thomas Hicks of Salyersville; one daughter, Anita H. Martin of Garrett; one brother, Ben Patton, of Sidney, Ohio; one sister, Nancy Blevins of Langley; and one grandchild, Christy Hicks.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Opal Patton and Frances Faye Jones.

Funeral services for Jean Patton Hicks were conducted Tuesday, October 24, 2006, at 2:30 p.m., at the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, in Martin, with Clergyman Roy Harlow officiating.

Burial was in the Hicks Cemetery, in Langley, under the professional care of the Hall Funeral Home.

Dr. Rondall H. Leslie

Dr. Rondall Hall Leslie, 69 of Prestonsburg, passed away Friday, October 20, 2006, at Highlands Regional Medical Center.

He was born on September 18, 1937, the son of Alta Hall Leslie, and the late Dr. Edward B. Leslie.

Dr. Leslie graduated from the University of Louisville Medical School, and began his medical profession in 1965, in Magoffin County. He eventually moved his practice to Archer Clinic in Prestonsburg. Dr. Leslie devoted much of his time conducting clinics for TB, well child care and family planning in Floyd, Johnson, and Martin counties, while maintaining a private practice. After closing his practice in 2002, he maintained a commitment to the Floyd County Health Department, until his retirement in June 2006.

His compassion, concern and advocacy for the Big Sandy community, earned him the prestigious Russell Teague Award in 1998, for public health service.

Preceding him in death was his beloved wife, Lenora Wheeler Leslie, and his father, Edward B. Leslie.

In addition to his mother, Alta Hall Leslie, he is survived by his children, Rhonda (Johnny) Heinze of Prestonsburg, Kathy (Johnny) Lamar of Nicholasville, Rondall H. Leslie Jr., and Lara Lea (Charles) Grote, all of Louisville; four grandchildren: Leslie Heinze, Michael Heinze, Lauren Lamar, and Johnny Ray Lamar; three brothers, Dr. Edward D. (Judy) Leslie of Frankfort, Dr. Larry (Lynn) Leslie, and Dr. Keith (Teresa) Leslie, both of Prestonsburg; many nieces and nephews, and a very dear companion, Betty A. Davis of Salyersville.

Funeral services were conducted a 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 23, from the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, in Martin, with Jerry Workman officiating.

Burial followed in the Hereford Cemetery in Prestonsburg.

Visitation was at the funeral home.

Pallbearers: Sean Leslie, Dr. Larry Leslie Jr., Greg Stumbo, Dr. Blake Burchett, Thomas Preston, Gary Waddell, Randy Waddell, Steve Pack, and Doug Adams II.

Honorary bearers: Luther Dean Dunn, Dr. James D. Adams, Shag Branham, Ramey Wireman, Dr. Charles Arnett, Johnny Wheeler, Gerald Leslie, Dickie Leslie, Dr. Lowell Martin, and Dr. Carl (Chuck) Tackett.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Floyd County Health Department for Diabetic Education, 283 Goble Street, Prestonsburg, Ky. 41653. (Paid obituary)

Charles E. Luxmore Sr.

Charles E. Luxmore Sr., age 80, of Winchester, formerly of Floyd County, widower of Edythe Newsome Luxmore, died Sunday, October 22, 2006, in the Thomson Hood Veterans Center, Wilmore.

He was born November 14, 1925, in Price, a son of the late Fred and Maude Lawson Luxmore. Charles was a retired coal miner and a World War II Navy veteran.

Survivors include two sons, Daryl Gale Luxmore (Ada) of Hinsdale, Illinois, and Charles E. Luxmore Jr. (Betty) of Winchester, and three grandchildren, Bryan A. Luxmore, Martin A. Luxmore, and Charles Edmund Luxmore III.

Funeral Service for Charles E. Luxmore Sr., were conducted Tuesday, October 24, at 10:00 a.m., in the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, in Martin, with Bobby Lawson officiating.

Burial was in the Clarmont Gardens, in Winchester.

Memorial contributions to Thomson Hood Veterans Center, 100 Veterans Dr., Wilmore, Ky. 40390

Pallbearers: Bryan Luxmore, Martin Luxmore, Charles “Edmund” Luxmore III, Larry Luxmore, John Luxmore, and Fred Luxmore..

Honorary Pallbearers: The staff of Lincoln and Eisenhower Units at Thomson Hood Veterans Center (THVC), Vernelle, Sherri, Lisa, Tonya and Gloria, Dr. Daniel Tynan, Linda McNamara, Tony Stinnett, chaplain at THVC, John Rudd, Calvin Clark, and all the visiting staff of Hospice of the Bluegrass, DeEtta Blackwell of Hospice East, Dr. Allan Halbert and staff of Tates Creek Family Practice, Gertie Engle, Nanette Cain, staff of the former Clark Adult Day Care, Shawna Donaldson, Regenia Campbell, Bill Mullins, Theron Williamson, Eddie Caudill, John C. Hall Jr., and Thomas N. Hall.

Henry Ellis Reitz

Henry Ellis Reitz, age 81, of Martin, husband of the late Esther Halbert Reitz, died Saturday, October 21 in the Highlands Regional Medical Center, Prestonsburg.

He was born October 28, 1924, in Dornsife, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Victor and Grace Metz Reitz. He was a retired businessman, a Mason, and lifetime member of the DAV.

Survivors include two sons: Michael Victor “Mike” Reitz, of Williamstown, and Thomas J. “Tommy Joe” Reitz, of Allen; one sister, Elsie Foster, of Minnepolis, Minnesota; six grandchildren: Stacey Games, Kris Retiz, John Michael Reitz, Cory Reitz, Cayne Reitz, and Courtney Reitz; and five great grandchildren: Kristopher Reitz Jr., Kyler Reitz, Cameron Reitz, Whitley Games, and Miranda Games.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, George Reitz; and one sister, Miriam Howell.

Funeral Service for Henry E. Reitz were conducted Tuesday, October 24, at 1:00 p.m., in the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, in Martin, with Arnold Turner Jr., officiating.

Burial was in the Davidson Memorial Gardens, in Ivel, with the Hall Funeral Home caring for those arrangemetns.

(Paid obituary)

Elmer Slone

Over the next few minutes, we would like to tell you about a man known as a husband, daddy, papaw, brother, and a friend to many.

On November 30, 1943, Elmer Slone was born in Ligon, to the late William Hoosier and Sadie Newsom Slone. He graduated from McDowell High School, where he then attended Morehead State University, before moving to Detroit, Michigan.

On January 14, 1967, Elmer married the love of his life, Dorothy Hamilton. This began an incredible journey of love, trust, and commitment that grew and continued for 39 years.

Elmer and Dorothy wasted no time moving back to their home state of Kentucky. They settled in, built a home, and began enjoying the life that God had so greatly blessed them with. The love of a wonderful woman is a special thing, and he never took it for granted. He cherished Dorothy with all his heart, and loved her like the wonderful woman that she is.

To this marriage God soon blessed them with three beautiful daughters, Rebecca Ann, Francis Lynn, and Rose Marie. His role of Daddy included being a provider, a disciplinarian, and a protector. He cherished the times that he could spend with his girls, taking family vacations, fishing trips, or just spending quality family time. With three daughters, also comes the burden of three sons-in-law. But once again, Elmer was blessed by God with three men who loved his daughters like he did.

The years passed by like a whisper, and soon they began to hear the pitter patter of little feet. This began a whole new adventure as papaw. Tiffany, Mikey, Tyler, Jo, Steven, Katie, and Maddie each held a special place in his heart.

From babysitting and attending special events, to holiday get-togethers, of cards, games, and just being with each other. He always loved the opportunity to talk and brag about his grandchildren.

Elmer also enjoyed the time that he spent with his brothers, whether it was sitting on the porch talking, sight-seeing in the Smokies, or attending family reunions.

Elmer was a friend to many. He always put others first, and the never met a stranger who did not become his friend. He put God first, and tried to live his life, according to the Bible, that he read every day.

We hope that through these memories that we have shared with you, that you can see how great Elmer was, and how much he will be missed.

Written by his Loving Family.

William Thomas (Tom Thumb) Spradlin

William Thomas (Tom Thumb) Spradlin, 56, of Prestonsburg, died Thursday, October 19, 2006, at the V.A. Medical Center in Lexington.

Born October 19, 1950, in Prestonsburg, he was the son of Irene Fraley Spradlin of Prestonsburg, and the late William R. Spradlin Jr. He was a disabled coal miner; and a U.S. Armed Forces veteran.

Survivors, other than his mother, include: Four daughters: Amanda Jean Spradlin of Covington, Penelope Susan Spradlin of Lexington, and Karen Elizabeth Spradlin and Cora Mae Spradlin, both of Prestonsburg; his ex-wife, Edna J. Horn Spradlin of Prestonsburg; a brother, Kenneth B. Spradlin of Auxier; a sister, Debbie Fortney of Brenen; two grandchildren: Daniel Bohart of Covington, and Cassidy Neeley of Lexington; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Micah Spradlin; and his grandparents: William R. Spradlin Sr., and H. Eunice Music Spradlin.

Funeral services were held Monday, October 23, at 10 a.m., at the Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, in Martin, with military services conducted by the Auxier D.A.V. Chapter 18.

Burial was in Gethsemane Gardens in Prestonsburg.

Visitation was at the funeral home.

Active pallbearers: Chris Walldrop, Aaron Spradlin, Robert Spradlin, Dwayne Spradlin, Paul Spradlin, and Benjamin Welch. (Paid obituary)

Rex Wilson

Rex Wilson of Melvin, died Friday, October 13, 2006, at UK Medical Center.

Born February 21, 1928, in Bosco, he was the son of the late Charles Wilson and Mary Ellen Coburn Wilson. He was a graduate of Wheelwright High School and Mayo Electronic School. He served in the armed forces from 1946 to 1948, and also from 1950 to 1951, during the Korean conflict. He was a member of the Wheelwright Masonic Lodge, a 32nd degree Mason, and a Shriner. He was a retired manager of Burton Antenna and Licking Valley Cable Company.

He is survived by Elizabeth Rife Wilson, his wife of 57 years; one son, Rex David Wilson and his wife, Brenda, of Prestonsburg; one son-in-law, Terry Ratliff of Raccoon; three grandchildren: Angie Wilson of Meally, Ashley Meade and her husband, Josh Meade of Auxier, and Lincoln Ratliff of Raccoon; three great-grandchildren: Faith, Kate and Ryan; two brothers-in-law: George Rife of Akron, Ohio, and Paul Mullins of Weeksbury; two sisters-in-law: Anna Rife of Akron, Ohio, and Jean Wilson of East Dorset, Vermont.

He is also survived by his life-long best friend, Hubert Vicars of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Beverly Ann Ratliff; and two brothers: Charles (Spud) Wilson and Jack A. Wilson.

Services were held Monday, October 16, at 1 p.m., at Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, in Martin.

Burial was in the Rife Family Cemetery, at Weeksbury. (Paid obituary)