Doris L. Ayers
MOUNT VERNON — Doris L. Ayers, age 77, our courageous angel, passed away suddenly and peacefully on Friday, May 28, 2004, at the Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon.

She was born Dec. 19, 1926, in Bridgeport, Conn., the daughter of Ernest R. and Annie F. (Carlson) Fritz. She was a Bridgeport, Conn., area resident for 58 years and had been a resident of the Knox County area since 1984. She was a member of the Covenant Congregational Church of Easton, Conn.

She is survived by her son, David C. Ayers of Columbus; and her daughter, Elizabeth (Sam) De Martino of Trumbull, Conn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul E. Ayers.

Private memorial/graveside services are planned for mid-June.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Vernon is in charge of arrangements.

Jazmine M. Higgins
MOUNT VERNON — Jazmine Marie Higgins, infant daughter of James and Bobbi (Durbin) Higgins, was stillborn Thursday, May 27, 2004, at Knox Community Hospital.

She is survived by her sister, Dayna Silver Durbin of the home; maternal grandfather, James (Lena) Chapman of Mount Vernon; and paternal grandparents, Tonya Hoar of Mount Vernon and Jed Higgins of Mount Vernon.

A graveside service will be today at 2 p.m. in Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Mark C. Kinney II
MOUNT VERNON — Mark Curtis Kinney II, 77, of Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2004, at The Laurels of Mount Vernon.

He was born on July 13, 1926, in Mount Vernon, to the late Mark Curtis and Irene (Trick) Kinney. At age 15, in August 1941, Mark attended Culver Military Academy in Culver, Ind. Mark attended Cranbrook, a private prep school located in Michigan, during most of his secondary education. After his overseas service in the Philippines during World War II, he graduated cum laude from Yale University in 1950. In that same year he married the love of his life, Linda (Camacho) Kinney. Mark was academically disciplined and usually studied five hours every night over the remainder of his life. He was fluent in Spanish and helped Linda procure more property in her hometown of Mexico City, Mexico. Mark and Linda lived in Mexico on and off over their years together. Mark only saw the good in people and always tried to help the less fortunate when he could.

Mark served the town of Mount Vernon as mayor for eight years during the ’60s. He had also served as past president of the Chamber of Commerce, head of City Council, was a longtime standing member of the Toastmasters and a member of the 1956 Mount Vernon Fife and Drum Corps. Mark was owner and president of J.S. Ringwalt Co. in downtown Mount Vernon. He was among the three incorporators of Kno-Ho-Co Community Action Commission on Nov. 24, 1965. Mark was a member and baptized in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon.

He is survived by two sons, Reed (Maria) Kinney and John Kinney, both of Mount Vernon; a daughter, Jacqueline (Ramon) Wong of Mount Vernon; three grandchildren, Wendy Kinney, Gwendolynn Kinney, Mitchell Wong; four great-grandchildren, Zoe Ramirez, Eve Chubb, Gavin Chubb and Vanessa Dillon.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Linda (Camacho) Kinney; and a sister, Betty Fisher.

Friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home where a funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. A graveside service will be held at a later date. Mark will be sadly missed by his loving family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Knox County, 302 E. High St., Mount Vernon 43050. This obituary and guest registry may be viewed online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Orville D. Nichols
HOWARD — Orville Dennis Nichols, 77, of Millwood Road, Howard, died May 29, 2004, at the Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon.

He was born May 9, 1927, in Clio, W.Va., to James Franklin and Flossie A. (Crihfield) Nichols. He was a farmer and a World War II U.S. Army veteran.

He is survived by two sisters, Opal Beighle of Canton and Mary Shafer of Danville; a brother, Arlie Nichols of Massillon; three stepchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Sarah Cook; two brothers, Ovie and Floyd Nichols; and four stepchildren.

Funeral will be Tuesday at noon in the Fischer Funeral Home in Danville, where visitation will be 11 a.m. until noon. The Rev. Doug Sweet will officiate. Burial will be in Workman Cemetery at Danville.

Lavina L. Waite
COSHOCTON — Lavina Lucille Waite, 84, of Hill Street, Coshocton, died May 30, 2004, at the Coshocton County Memorial Hospital.

She was born April 27, 1920, in Noble County to William E. and Hattie E. (Davis) Harmon. Mrs. Waite was a homemaker.

She is survived by her daughter, Delora L. Taylor of Coshocton; a son, Wayne (Pat) Waite Jr. of Warsaw; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne A. Waite Sr., whom she married Oct. 17, 1940. He died Feb. 5, 1980. She was also preceded in death by a sister and three brothers.

The funeral will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw, with Evangelist Edman Boyce officiating. Burial will be in Coshocton County Memory Gardens. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday until time of service.