Ruth E. Butler
SPARTA — Ruth Evelyn Butler, 82, of Sparta died Thursday morning, Aug. 23, 2007, at the Morning View Care Center in Centerburg.

She was born in Mount Liberty on Aug. 5, 1925, the daughter of Marion and Mildred Taylor Duston. Ruth graduated from Sparta High School in the class of 1943. Shortly following her graduation on March 16, 1944, Ruth married her loving husband of 63 years, James Allen Butler. Together they built their residence in Sparta, where they called home for over 60 years. They shared a love of dancing, camping and traveling. Ruth died of a broken heart not wanting to be without James who preceded her in death on June 3, 2007.

With the talent of playing music by ear, Ruth played the organ and piano at the Sparta Advent Christian Church, where she was a member and served as secretary of the W.F.A.M. Also, she was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Evelyn Chapter 146. A charter member of the “Early Riser” bowling league, Ruth was fond of her morning gatherings with her friends.

Dedicating her entire life to her family, Ruth was always there when they needed her. She was a caring homemaker, not only looking after James, she also took care of his bookkeeping at Jim’s TV shop. For her daughter Peggy, she was a deeply loving mother and grandmother, even making her clothes when she was younger. In her parents’ later years, she made them feel comfortable, loved and cared for.

With a fondness for the outdoors, Ruth found peace in tending to her yard and flowers.

Ruth will be missed by her daughter, Peggy (Gary) Jennings of Mount Gilead; two grandchildren, Stacey (Chuck) Treisch and Leaha Nichols; three great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Bryce Treisch and Zoey Nichols; two brothers, Richard (Pauline) Duston of Mount Vernon and Dale (Mickey) Duston of Chesterville; two sisters, Mary Morningstar of Mount Vernon and Donna (Darwin) Horn of Newton Falls; sister-in-law, June Bender of Marion; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Ruth was preceded in death by three brothers, Earl, Gerald and Harold Duston; and four sisters, Pauline Boyd, Blanche Rogers, Jeanette Oyster and Dorothy Rogers.

Graveside inurnment services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. at Bloomfield Cemetery in Sparta, with Pastors Don Lockwood and Carl Hankins officiating. Eastern Star services will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 3380 Tremont Road, Columbus, OH 43221; or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 182039, Dept. 013, Columbus, OH 43218. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Michael D. Davis
MOUNT VERNON — Michael D. Davis, 46, of Mount Vernon passed away Aug. 23, 2007, at MedCentral Hospital in Mansfield.

He was born Nov. 13, 1960, in Mount Vernon to Dale and Delores (Farley) Davis. Michael worked for Ohio Fresh Egg Farm for 20 years. He enjoyed his children and his grandchildren. He also was an avid watcher of dirt track racing and loved going to the race track.

He is survived by a son, Jonathon Chadwick of Bladensburg; two daughters, Lacey Chadwick of Gambier and Lindsey Griffith-Davis of Mount Vernon; his longtime companion, Nancy Burch of Mount Vernon; a brother, Frank Davis of Mount Vernon; two sisters, Pam O’Byrne of Alabama and Ethel Davis of Mount Vernon; a half brother, Lester Workman of Mount Vernon; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no calling hours. Graveside funeral services were held this morning at Liberty Chapel Cemetery with Mr. Gary Stevens officiating. The North-Dilley Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of North-Dilley Funeral Home, 212 N. Main St., Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Condolences for the family may be left at www.dilleyfuneralservice.com.

Ronald D. Durbin Sr.
LOUDONVILLE — Ronald D. Durbin Sr., 83, of 803 S. Mount Vernon Ave., Loudonville, died Friday, Aug. 24, 2007, at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home.

He was born May 27, 1924, to Royal V. and Venice (Snyder) Durbin. He married Pauline (Fredrick) Durbin, who preceded him in death on Sept. 16, 1975. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944-46. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion. He also loved fishing and farming.

He is survived by a daughter, Paula Durbin of Mansfield; a son, Ronald (Connie) Durbin Jr. of Loudonville; a daughter-in-law, Betty Durbin of Danville; two sisters, Eleanor Layman of Gambier and Marilyn Magers of Howard; grandchildren, Pat (Missie) Durbin of Austin, Texas, Eric (Tammy) Durbin of Sugar Creek, Melissa (Charles) Duncan of Danville, Carrie (Clark) Green of Richwood, Brian Durbin of Danville, Chris (Vanessa) Durbin of Strongsville and Shaina (Matt) Benefield of Enid, Okla.; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael Durbin; two brothers, Dale and Lester Durbin; and two sisters, Thelma Taylor and Dessie Shaffer.

There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. at Workman Cemetery in Danville with Pastor Patrick Bailey officiating. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Loudonville EMS. The Fischer Funeral Home in Danville is handling arrangements; www.fischerfuneralhome.com.

Ethel Kirch
MOUNT VERNON — Ethel Kirch of Mount Vernon passed away early this morning at the Country Court Nursing Center. Arrangements are pending with the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home.

Jereme J. Miller
GALENA — Jereme John Miller, 33, of Galena died unexpectedly Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007, at home.

He was born May 3, 1974, in Columbus to John S. and Margie L. (Perry) Miller of Galena. A member of the Big Walnut Class of 1992, he attended the Delaware JVS and worked as a greens keeper for Double Eagle Golf Course. Internally proud, he attended the Genoa Baptist Church, enjoyed fishing, nature, and all sports.

In addition to his parents he is also survived by son, Jereme; brother, Mark of Columbus; grandparents, Arlo and Maxine Perry of Westerville; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, K’La Mahlyn; and grandparents, John and Emma Miller.

Friends may call Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, Ohio 3 at Ohio 61, Sunbury. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Genoa Baptist Church, 7562 Lewis Center Road, Westerville, with Pastors Frank Carl and Wayne Booth officiating.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Faith Farm Ministries, 1980 Northwest 9th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Arthur M. Parker
MOUNT GILEAD — Arthur M. Parker, 81, of Mount Gilead died early Sunday morning, Aug. 26, 2007, at Morrow County Hospital. Arrangements will be announced by the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home in Sunbury.

Noah S. Tice Jr.
NEWARK — A funeral service for Noah S. Tice Jr., 80, of Newark will be held today at 1 p.m. at the Criss-Schoedinger Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in Barnes Cemetery.

Noah served in the U.S. Army in Germany during World War II. He retired from Kaiser Aluminum after 25 years of service. He also retired from the board of directors of Camp Sychar in Mount Vernon, an interdenominational church camp he dearly loved for over 50 years and served 30 years on the board of directors. He graduated from Granville High School in 1943 and attended Olivet Nazarene College in Illinois. After coming home to Newark, he met his wonderful wife of 60 years, Betty Joann Keaser. Mr. Tice and his wife resided in Hanover with their son.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty, still living in Hanover; sons and daughters-in-law, David and Shirley of Hanover, Steve and Colleen Tice of Largo, Fla., Phillip and Virginia Tice of Mount Vernon; two half sisters, Judy (Doug) Forrer of Heath and Margarete (Earl) Redman of Newark; half brother, James (Miriam) Bowers of Heath; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; nine stepgreat-grandchildren; and six stepgreat-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Noah Tice III; and a stepgrandson. He will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

Visit www.Schoedinger.com to sign an online guest book or to send an e-mail condolence.