Richard ‘Rick’ Bennett
MOUNT VERNON — Richard H. “Rick” Bennett, 58, of Mount Vernon died Monday, May 28, 2007, at his residence.

Rick was born May 21, 1949, in Mount Vernon to Frank H. and Mary M. (Love) Bennett, graduated from Mount Vernon High School and graduated with honors from The Ohio State University in Columbus with a degree in business and finance. He had been employed with the Ariel Corp. in Mount Vernon for over 30 years where he was engaged in many phases of operation and management. He was a member of the Mount Vernon Country Club, Buckeye Lake Yacht Club and growing up was a member of the Mulberry Street United Methodist Church. Rick had been a member of the Boy Scouts of America where he earned his Eagle Scout Award and was also awarded their God and Country Award. His interests included golfing, cycling, snow and water skiing and traveling. Rick also enjoyed doing extra building projects around the home and garden.

Surviving are his wife, Christy Samples Bennett; his niece, Kim Ogi of Killbuck and her sons, Luke and Cale; his nephews, Brandon Samples of Shreveport, La., Don Samples of Utah and Joshua Samples of Apple Valley and Joshua’s daughter, Shelby; and special cousins, Bob Keith of South Boston, Va., and Chad Keith of Atlanta, Ga.

His parents preceded him in death.

Friends may call Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, where funeral services will be Friday at 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow in Mound View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Shepherd Center, 2020 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30309-1465; or to Hospice of Knox County, 17700 Coshocton Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. To view this obituary or send an online condolence to the family visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Kenneth Clipse
MOUNT VERNON — Kenneth Clipse, 71, of Kirk Street, Mount Vernon, passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. The arrangements are under the care and direction of the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home.

Glen Hall
DANVILLE — Glen “Skinner” Hall, 74, of Kaylor Road, Danville, died Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at the OSU Medical Center. The Fischer Funeral Home in Danville is handling arrangements. Information is online at www.fischerfuneralhome.com.

Stella Kightlinger
MOUNT VERNON — Stella M. Kightlinger, 94, of 1615 Yauger Road, Mount Vernon, formerly of Galion, died Monday, May 28, 2007, at Knox Community Hospital.

Born May 30, 1912, in Fostoria, she was the daughter of Hugh Hale and Martha A. (Benfield) Hale. She was preceded in death on July 7, 1984, by her husband, Melvin P. Kightlinger, whom she married on Nov. 3, 1937. She was a 1931 graduate of Fostoria High School; and was a member of Community Christian Church of Galion, where she was active in the Women’s Guild, Keenagers and sang in the choir. She belonged to Galion Community Hospital Auxiliary TWIG 3 and worked at the former Weber’s Jewelry and Ann’s Hat Shop in Galion.

Surviving are one daughter, Carol A. (Jerry A.) Navin of Mount Vernon; two grandchildren, Todd A. (Christine) Navin and Eric R. (Shannon) Navin; four great-grandchildren, Joseph, Stella, Emerson and Christopher; one brother, Vivian Hale of Sandusky.

She was preceded in death by one great-grandson and three sisters.

Friends may call Friday, June 1, from noon to 1 p.m. at Richardson-Davis Funeral Home where service will be at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Gerald Bell officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Galion Community Hospital Auxiliary, 269 Portland Way South, Galion, OH 44833; Women’s Guild of Community Christian Church, 6195 Ohio 19, Galion, OH 44833; or to the Living Memorial Fund at Gay Street United Methodist Church, 18 N. Gay St., Mount Vernon, OH 43050. An online obituary and guest registry are available at www.richardsondavis.com.

Lucille Valler
MOUNT VERNON — Lucille (Baxter) Alspach Valler passed away at the age of 98 at the Mount Vernon, Ohio Eastern Star Home on Tuesday, May 29, 2007. Lucille was born on Aug. 27, 1908, in Morrow County to the Rev. Willard and Cuba Baxter of Mount Gilead.

She was the shining example of a life centered on her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her kind and generous spirit and supportive nature were loved by all who had the opportunity to know her. She was completely dedicated to her family and fully part of their lives in every way. Beloved by all, she will be greatly missed. She was an excellent role model to her children and grandchildren.

She graduated valedictorian of her class at Chesterville High School. In October 1927, she married her high school sweetheart, Charles Wesley Alspach of Chesterville. They raised three children, Don, Doris and Lois. She was active in starting the Fredericktown Public Library, helped organize the first Fredericktown High School Band, and was a longtime active member of the First Baptist Church of Fredericktown. She served as deacon and trustee of this church; also led women’s activities. She was worthy matron of the Ann Hill Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, in Fredericktown. She led a group of Rainbow Girls. After her beloved husband passed away in 1965, Lucille became a medical assistant in the office of the Fredericktown Medical Clinic.

In October 1967, Lucille was married to Harry Valler of Mount Vernon. They were married 38 years and Harry passed away in 2005. Together they were always serving in their church, community and family.

Her children and grandchildren were always amazed at her wit and talent. One of her passions was oil painting and her works are to be treasured. She was an avid gardener and active in the local Garden Club. She designed clothes for her daughters and granddaughters. She was active in the Girl Scouts and in her community. Lucille was also an accomplished pianist.

She will lovingly be remembered by her two daughters, Doris Alspach Johnson (Ken) of Saratoga, Calif., and Lois Alspach Faure (Andre) of Encinitas, Calif.; her daughter-in-law, Deborah Alspach; her grandchildren, Cyndy Johnson Linebarger, Annette Faure Van Veen, Darcie Faure Herbold, John Faure, Anne Sarkin, Sue Wallenstein, Karl Alspach, Gretchen Alspach, Sheila McCleod and Megan Morrison Tettau. She will also be missed by 13 loving great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister, Louise Baxter Francisco of Fredericktown. Her son, Donald W. Alspach, passed away in 2006. Also deceased are her brothers, Howard Baxter and Richard Baxter; her sister, Mable Tobin; and a granddaughter, Karen Johnson.

The family invites friends and family to join them for a Celebration of her Life at the First Baptist Church in Fredericktown on Tuesday, June 5, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Mary Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Cemetery in Fredericktown. Visiting hours will be one hour before the service at the church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Snyder Funeral Home in Fredericktown. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Fredericktown.