Ronald L. Birchfield
MOUNT VERNON — Ronald L. Birchfield, 60, of Marion Street, Mount Vernon, passed away on Monday, Aug. 23, 2004, at Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon.

He was born Sept. 6, 1943, in Ironton to Beryl and Dora (Elswick) Birchfield. Mr. Birchfield was a member of AMVETS Post 95.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carla (Richardson) Birchfield; four sons, Ronald Birchfield Jr., Mark Birchfield and Timothy Birchfield, all of California, and Ronald Birchfield III of Howard; a daughter, Rhonda Smith of Mount Vernon; a stepson, Jack Nordin of Mount Vernon; stepdaughter, Janice Wires of Florida; a brother, Charles Birchfield of Florida; and three sisters, Barbara Messer of Mount Vernon, Sharon Wallace and Doris (Bob) Valentine, both of Columbus.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Darlene Jack.

The family will observe private services at a later date. The funeral arrangements are in the care and direction of the Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home. This obituary and guest registry may be viewed online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

James E. Brechler
CLEAR LAKE, Iowa — James E. “Jim” Brechler, 65, of Mount Vernon, longtime resident of Clear Lake, Iowa, died Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004, at the home of his daughter in Coralville, Iowa.

Jim was born July 21, 1939, in Mallard, Iowa, the son of Harold and Mary (Kendall) Brechler. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy following high school. Jim married Margaret Yvonne Schupfer on Dec. 31, 1960. They resided in Clear Lake, Iowa, for most of their lives where Jim was associated with Harker’s and H&H Distribution. In addition, he was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Jim’s pastimes included hunting, fishing, enjoying the company of good friends and traveling with his wife, Yvonne. In 2002, they moved to Mount Vernon to be near their son, David, and other immediate family members.

His family includes a son, David of Mount Vernon; daughter, Mary (Chris) Paulson of Coralville, Iowa; a brother, Ron (Vicki) Brechler of Mount Vernon; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Yvonne.

Funeral will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Mallard Catholic Church in Mallard, Iowa. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Mallard. The Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City, Iowa, is caring for Jim’s family and his services.

Memorial donations can be made in Jim’s memory to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, 505 Fifth Ave., Suite 444, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. Online condolences may be sent for Jim’s family through the Web site at www.gayandciha.com.

Agnes Fernandez Memorial Mass
MOUNT VERNON — Memorial Mass for Agnes “Dot” (Schlairet) Fernandez will be Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Mount Vernon.

Mrs. Fernandez died Aug. 5, 2004, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Mo.

Janet E. Hunter
UTICA — Funeral services for Janet E. Hunter, 32, of Utica will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Martinsburg Church of Christ. Minister Victor Slutz will officiate. Burial will follow in Union Grove Cemetery.

Janet Hunter

Janet died Aug. 23, 2004, at Ohio State University Medical Center MICU.

Janet was born April 27, 1972, in Mount Vernon to Paul and Maureen (Schnee) Hunter. She graduated from Utica High School, Hiram College, and the Central Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy as a certified Ohio Peace Officer.

She was a certified Ohio Corrections Officer, Personal Response Options and Tactically Effective Counter Technique instructor, Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician and Crime Prevention Specialist.

Janet spent the majority of her professional career as a deputy sheriff with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office serving in the Jail Division, patrol Division and Community Relations. She was active as a Crisis Negotiator, Neighborhood Watch coordinator and Bicycle Patrol.

Janet was awarded the Knox County Sheriff Outstanding Officer of the Year and Mount Vernon Exchange Club Deputy of the Year in 1999 for work as a Community Relations Deputy.

Janet was a member of the Ohio Crisis Negotiators Association, Ohio Crime Prevention Association, Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Dogwood Blossom Chapter of the Sweet Adelines, National Call Duck Breeders of America; and attended Martinsburg Church of Christ.

In addition to her parents she is survived by two sisters, Patricia (Bill) Crego of Mount Vernon and Betsy Hunter of Utica.

Friends may call Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Law-Baker Funeral Home, 34 N. Main St., Utica.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Ohio, 1373 Grandview Ave., Columbus 43212.

Donna L. Smith
MOUNT VERNON — Donna L. Smith, 61, of Mount Vernon died Monday, Aug. 23, 2004, at her residence.

Donna was born Sept. 9, 1942, in Toledo to Fred A. and Dorothy (Woodruff) Wingerter and had spent most of her lifetime in Mount Vernon. She was retired from the Ohio Eastern Star Home in Mount Vernon where she had been employed for 26 years. Donna was an active member of the Mount Vernon Salvation Army. She was also a member of the AMVETS, Elks Lodge and Eagles Lodge, all in Mount Vernon.

Surviving are her husband, Wilbert Tyrone Smith, whom she married June 2, 1962; her son, Randall T. (Melissa) Smith of Washington Court House; her granddaughter, Bethany Smith; her foster parents, Norman E. and Barbara A. Holley of Bowling Green; her brother, Lynn Wingerter of Mississippi; and her sister, Louella Blair of Cleveland.

Her parents preceded her in death.

There will be no calling hours. A service celebrating the life of Donna L. Smith will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at The Salvation Army in Mount Vernon with Maj. Larry See officiating. Burial will be in Mound View Cemetery in Mount Vernon. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Vernon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Mount Vernon Salvation Army, 206 E. Ohio Ave., Mount Vernon 43050; or Hospice of Knox County, 302 E. High St., Mount Vernon 43050. This obituary and online condolences are at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Bellvie P. Stacy
CENTERBURG — Bellvie P. Stacy, 80, of Centerburg went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004.

She was retired from Bair’s Dry Cleaners.

She is survived by her children, Ruby (Ron) Warner of Mount Vernon, Kenneth (Debbie) Stacy of Howard and Troy (Sharon) Stacy of Middletown; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Frances McCumber of Delaware; a special niece, Sherry Riley; special nephews, Larry and Bill Riley; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Monroe Stacy; her second husband, Robert Sawyers; her parents, Samuel and Vinnie McClanahan; two sisters, Alphie Webb and June Salisbury; and two brothers, George “Buck” McClanahan and Jason McClanahan.

Friends may call Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Johnson-Melick-Moreland Funeral Home, 49 W. Church St., Centerburg, where funeral will be Friday at 1 p.m. Pastor Tom Booth will officiate. Interment will be in Eastview Cemetery.

Friends, if they wish, may contribute to the American Heart Association, Ohio Valley Affiliate, P.O. Box 182039, Department 013, Columbus 43218-2039.