Ronald E. Brown
MOUNT VERNON — Ronald E. Brown, 78, of Mount Vernon went home to be with the Lord and his loving wife on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003, at the Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus.

He was born Oct. 4, 1925, in Gambier, the son of Paul C. and Sylvia A. (Laymon) Brown, and had been a Mount Vernon resident since 2000, moving here from Westerville. Mr. Brown was a current member of the Faith Baptist Church, and a past member of both the Brandon Baptist Church and the Grace Baptist Church in Westerville. He was retired from the Marathon Oil Co. where he had been a regional manager. He was very proud of the fact that he had attended every Little Brown Jug race since its inception.

Surviving are a son, Mark (Barbara) Brown of Dublin; two daughters, Carol (Richard) Biggs of Howard and Rhonda (Dale) Statler of Mount Vernon; seven grandchildren, Maria Biggs, Haylee (Ryan) Creeco, Angie Statler, Aaron (Laura) Statler, Daryl, Brandon and Jenny Brown; one great-grandson, Ethan Creeco; and a sister, Leona (Leland) Larson of Mount Vernon.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Harriet (Ward) Brown.

Friends may call Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Faith Baptist Church, where the Rev. Merlyn Jones will conduct funeral service Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Mound View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church. This obituary and guest registry may be viewed online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Dale C. Garrad
MOUNT VERNON — Dale C. Garrad, 88, of Mount Vernon died Dec. 30, 2003, at Country Court Nursing Home.

He was born Dec. 21, 1915, in Mount Vernon to Charles Reed and Ruby Irene (Cullison) Garrad. He was a member of the Newark Road Church of Christ. He was an avid CB operator known as “Bluejay.” He was a faithful member of the Hardee’s Breakfast Club meeting at 6 a.m. every morning for coffee. As a young man, Dale joined the CCC Camp and was stationed in Wyoming as a security guard.

He began his career as a molder working for the former Cureton Manufacturing Co. which later became known as Cooper Industries, retiring in 1972. During this time, he lived in the village of Martinsburg from 1956 to 1966, where he was the village marshal and deputy sheriff from 1959 to 1964. He was an active union member, as well as being involved in the labor council.

During his retirement he worked at Kit Manufacturing, where he was a supervisor; also Kelsey-Hayes as a groundskeeper and maintenance. He later began setting up for area auctioneers working for Red Shaw for 20 years.

He is survived by two daughters, Helen (Brice) Twigg of Mount Vernon and Joan (Richard) Toole of Maine; a son-in-law, Robert V. White of Centerburg; 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Arlene White; two grandsons, Roger Twigg and David White; two sisters, Catherine Grennell and Birdie Pillow; a half brother, Joseph Goossens; and two half sisters, Mary Jane Campbell and Bessie McCombs.

Friends may call Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the North-Dilley Funeral Home, where the funeral will be Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. Pastor Dan Whisner will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Earl Ranke
MARIETTA — Earl Ranke, 88, of Seventh Street died Dec. 30, 2003, at the Arbors Nursing Home at Marietta.

He was born Nov. 10, 1915, in Grove City to William and Louise (Brandenburger) Ranke. He was a member of the Interprise Baptist Church and was self-employed as a farmer. He farmed for many years and had lived with his wife, Elsie, in Centerburg, for years before moving to Marietta where they resided at Arbors Nursing Home.

In addition to his wife, Elsie (Brown) Boggs Ranke, he is survived by a sister, Carrie Emmelhaing of Grove City; a cousin, Marvin (Emily) Weinhart of Grove City; special family and friends for many years, nephew, Gene (Bobbie) Neely of Marietta.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Oscar Ranke; and a brother-in-law, Harold Emmelhaing.

There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be conducted Monday at 11 a.m. in the Eastview Cemetery at Centerburg.

Nancy Wheeler
MOUNT VERNON — Nancy Wheeler, 76, a Mount Vernon resident, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, at The Ohio State University Medical Center.

She was born Aug. 11, 1927, in Philadelphia, Pa., the daughter of Patrick Joseph and Marie (Mitchell) Kelly and had been a Mount Vernon resident for over 40 years.

She is survived by two daughters, Nancy (Stephen) Highnam and Suzanne Wheeler, both of Mount Vernon; three sons, Robert Wheeler Jr. of Apopka, Fla., Patrick Wheeler of Mount Vernon and James Wheeler of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren, Maggie Wheeler, Katie Highnam, Kelly Wheeler and Casey Wheeler; and great-granddaughter, Victoria Wheeler; sisters, Marie Logan, Alice Riehl, Frannie (Charles) Palumbo and Margie (Marty) Connors, and brothers, James (Ann) Kelly and Joseph Kelly, all of Philadelphia, Pa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert Wheeler; two sisters, Patricia Ebert and Rita Cassidy; and a brother, John Kelly.

Mrs. Wheeler’s family will observe private services. The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home assisted with arrangements. This obituary and guest registry are online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.