James R. Conrad
LaGRANGE — James R. Conrad, 78, of Keywood Boulevard, LaGrange, Ohio, passed away Thursday, Oct. 19, 2006, at Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon.

He was born on Oct. 9, 1928, in Orlando, W.Va., to Everett Wine and Ollie Conrad Ratliff. James had retired from the W.O. Larson Foundry in Grafton, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He was a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 3341 in Grafton, and the AMVETS in Elyria.

He is survived by his loving family: two daughters, Debra Conrad Harrison of Fredericktown, Karen Arcaba of South Amherst, Ohio; two sons, Ronald Brannon of South Amherst, Ohio, Rick Brannon of Parkersburg, W.Va.; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Thomas Ratliff, Alva Ratliff, Dixie Ratliff, all of Orlando, W.Va.; and a sister, Virginia Conley of Flatwoods, W.Va.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruby (Godfrey) Conrad; a son, Roger Brannon; four brothers, Earnest Ratliff, Lewis Ratliff, William Ratliff and Lane Ratliff; and a sister, Dorothy Riffle.

The family will observe a private graveside service at a later date in Turner Cemetery in Lockney, W.Va. The Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

To leave the family a condolence or view the obituary, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

John W. Dennis
MOUNT VERNON — Dr. John W. Dennis, minister and retired District Superintendent of the West Virginia North District, Church of the Nazarene, died Saturday at his home in Mount Vernon.

He was born Nov. 6, 1930, in Shelbyville, Ind., a son of the late John W. and Mary (Bascom) Dennis Sr. Dr. Dennis was a graduate of Olivet Nazarene College and Nazarene Theological Seminary. He was awarded a Doctor of Divinity from Mount Vernon Nazarene College in 1989 where he had served as a member of the board of trustees from 1979 to 1997.

Dennis was the pastor of Nazarene churches in Gibsonburg, Ohio; Belpre, Ohio; Circleville, Ohio; Weirton, W.Va.; and Ashland, Ky. In 1983, he was elected to be the first district superintendent of the newly formed West Virginia District where he served for 14 years. Following his official retirement in 1997, Dr. Dennis served several churches as interim pastor.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Leonard) of Mount Vernon; son, John Randall Dennis (Brenda Anderson) of Franklin, Tenn.; son, James Kevin Dennis (Deborah Houston) of Morgantown, W.Va.; and four grandchildren, John, Ana, Katelyn, and Jared.

The family will receive friends today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, and then on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. until time of the funeral services at 1 p.m. at the Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene in Mount Vernon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Nazarene Compassionate Ministry, Church of the Nazarene, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131-1213 in Dr. Dennis’ memory. (Make check payable to the General Treasurer and indicate for NCM).

To view this obituary or to leave an online condolence to the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Cyrene Evans
NEWARK — A private graveside service for Cyrene “Cy” Evans, 89, of Newark, will be held at Newark Memorial Gardens.

Cy died Oct. 22, 2006, at Autumn Health Care, Newark. He was born Sept. 19, 1917, in Eden Township, Licking County, to the late Bert W. and Verna W. (Cobille) Evans. He was a member of Utica Church of Christ, Utica Village Council for 25 years, American Legion Post 92 and Tomahawk Retirees Golf League. He was an avid lover of all sports. Cy retired from Cooper-Bessemer, Mount Vernon, after 42 years of service.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty J. (Cooksey) Evans of Newark; son and daughter-in-law, J. Terry Evans, Licking County Auditor, and his wife, Sandy of Newark; grandchildren, Gregg Evans of Columbus, Julie Evans of Blacklick, Derek (Wendy) Clary of Grove City and Vanessa Clary of Newark; great-granddaughter, Ally Clary; sisters and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Ed Smith, Glenna Ritchey, and sister-in-law, Wilma Evans, all of Utica.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Wayne and Dale Evans.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Utica Athletic Boosters, c/o Monte Londot, 10929 Martinsburg Road NE, Utica, OH 43080.

Friends may call Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at Law-Baker Funeral Home, 34 N Main St., P.O. Box 456, Utica, OH.

Kenneth I. Miller
MOUNT VERNON — Kenneth I. Miller, 84, of North Sandusky Street, Mount Vernon, passed away Sunday morning, Oct. 22, 2006, at the Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon following a long illness.

He was born May 21, 1922, in Mount Vernon, a son of the late Ralph and Ethyl (Stokes) Miller. Ken had been employed as a millwright at Cooper Energy Services in Mount Vernon for 32 years, retiring in 1974. He was a former member of the Colonial City Moose Lodge in Mount Vernon. Ken was a very innovative individual, making all kinds of puzzles and his famous “Dime’n Pins.” His hobbies included constructing model replicas of famous paddle wheel ships and ferries including J.G. Wilke and the ferry at Cedar Point. He also constructed windmills, ranging in size from 6 inches to 12 feet tall.

Surviving Ken are his loving wife, Jean (Taylor) Miller, whom he married on Oct. 3, 1952; a son, Joseph Miller of Hixson, Tenn.; grandchildren, Joseph Miller Jr. and Theresa Terrell, both of Hixson, Tenn., and Mary Jo Miller of Fredericktown; great-grandchildren, Nancy Miller, Nathan Terrell and Darrin Terrell, all of Hixson, Tenn.; brothers, Glenn Miller of New Philadelphia and Louis (Mary) Miller of Newark; his sister-in-law, Evelyn Miller of Mount Vernon; his best friend, Webster “Leo” Good of Mount Vernon; and his work buddy. Harold Hoagland of Mount Vernon.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by brothers, Art and Fred Miller.

In following with Ken’s wishes there be no calling hours or funeral service. The family will observe a private graveside service in Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Vernon is caring for the family with these arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Knox County, 17700 Coshocton Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. To view this obituary or to leave an online condolence, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com .

Alice M. Stockdale
MOUNT VERNON — Alice Margene Stockdale, 80, of Mount Vernon died April 30, 2006, at the Knox Community Hospital.

She was born Aug. 25, 1925, in Knox County to Frederick Oscar and Grace (Welsh) Heffelfinger. She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Colonial City Moose Lodge 2555 and the AMVETS Post 95.

She is survived by two sisters, Treva Talbott of Mount Vernon and Patricia (Richard) Rine of Howard; two brothers, Richard (Frances) Heffelfinger and Donald (Linda) Heffelfinger, both of Mount Vernon; and several neices and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Stockdale; brother, Paul Heffelfinger; and two sisters, Kathryn Durbin and Thelma Peugh.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Calvary Cemetery with the Rev. Mark Hammond officiating. The North-Dilley Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Church, 303 E. High St., Mount Vernon, OH 43050.