James A. Ashton
SEBRING, Fla. — James Allen Ashton, 92, passed away Monday, March 22, 2004, at Florida Hospital-Heartland in Sebring, Fla.

He was born Aug. 7, 1911, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Ben M. and Maude (Minesinger) Ashton. He was a Printer in Publishing and a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Delaware. He was a resident of Delaware since 1969 coming from Mount Vernon. A recent winter visitor of Florida.

He is survived by his son, James A. (Damaris) Ashton of Delaware; a brother-in-law, Lawrence Zeigler of Mount Vernon; two grandchildren, Todd Ashton of Everett, Wash., and Phil Ashton of Benton Harbor, Mich.; and two great-grandchildren.
Cremation arrangements were entrusted to the Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home of Avon Park, Fla.

Flora M. Richard
COSHOCTON — Flora Mae Richard, 87, of Kenilworth Avenue, Coshocton, died March 22, 2004, at Bethesda Hospital in Zanesville.

She was born Sept. 14, 1916, in Coshocton County to Joseph E. and Stella Pearl (Mumaw) Hagans. She was a homemaker and wallpaper hanger. She was a member of the Nellie Chapel United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. A life member of the Pythian Sisters. She was also a member of the Wakatomika Order of Eastern Star, Coshocton County, and Ohio Farm Bureaus.

She is survived by a daughter, Miriam (Robert) Mikesell of Frazeysburg; two sons, David E. (Carolyn) Richard of Warsaw and Billy L. (Lyndia) Richard of Fairborn; a daughter-in-law, Bee Richard-Lehner of Coshocton; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert W. “Bill” Hagans of Coshocton; a sister, Helen Champagne of Coshocton; two stepsisters, Peggy Mikesell and Pat (Kenny) Crown, both of Coshocton; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Paul Richard, whom she married June 8, 1935. He died May 22, 1982. She was also preceded in death by a son, Bobby L. Richard; a brother, Leonard P. Hagans; and a stepsister, Jean Newell.
Funeral will be Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw with the Rev. Gary Rinker officiating. Burial will be in the New Guilford Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and until service time on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Nellie Chapel United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 320 Third St. Nellie, Warsaw 43844.

Dwight Ryan
MOUNT VERNON — Dwight Ryan, 86, of Monroe Street, Mount Vernon, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at The Laurels of Mount Vernon. The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

William E. Stopher
CENTERBURG — William E. “Bill” Stopher, 80, of Centerburg walked into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon.

He was born Sept. 21, 1923, in Centerburg to Robert and Daisy (Noe) Stopher. Bill worked for Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. in Mount Vernon prior to being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served as a cannoneer in the 199th Antiaircraft Division and was injured during the Battle of Bougainville, South Pacific Islands in 1944.

Bill was a member of Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Legion Post 470, AMVETS Post 59 and Centerburg Church of Christ. He was a member of the sewer and water department for Centerburg during the 1970s, plowed snow for the village, and had operated Bill’s Mower Shop and the former Our Shoppe. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, and watching basketball and football.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. His life centered around his family and his home. His caring heart and love for people touched everyone he met.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary K. (Linkous) Stopher; a daughter, Marsha K. (Douglas) DeWinter of Centerburg; grandsons, Josh and Jeremy; a sister, Alice Sherbourne; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Davis; and four brothers, Frank, Ralph, Tom and Theodore.

Friends may call Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, Ohio 3 at 61, Sunbury. Funeral service will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Centerburg Church of Christ. Pastor Roger Crego will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Bloomfield Cemetery near Sparta.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Centerburg High School Music Department. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.