Elsie Bevard
BLADENSBURG – Elsie Viola Bevard of Bladensburg, Ohio passed away on April 2, 2020. She was born on November 23, 1940 in Buckeye Lake, Ohio, the daughter of Raymond F. and Bonnetta G. (Dugan) Compton.
Elsie was a 1958 graduate of Newark High School. She enjoyed her children and had a lot of love in her life. She was forced into retirement when she was diagnosed with M.S. Elsie was a crack shot and was an auxiliary member of the Deathwind Long Rifle Club and the NRA.
Elsie worked for the Miller Company, the Pioneer Restaurant and Aramark, the dining service at Kenyon College. She made birthday and wedding cakes for over 30 years.
Elsie is survived by her children, William “Skip” (Linda L.) of Martinsburg, James F. Sr. (Barb) of Bladensburg and Sheila E. of Bladensburg; friend, Jody Vickers; seven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren; nephews; a brother, James Compton; and a sister, Eloise Ball.
Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, ex-husband, William E. Bevard Jr.; partner, Keneth L. Peters; brother, R. Compton Jr.; and sisters, Bonnie Jean Compton and Sally Dondra.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the Utica Presbyterian Church with Pastor Terry Holobaugh officiating.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Elise Viola Bevard.
Rick O. Black
MOUNT VERNON – Rick Owen Black, 30, died Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020 at Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon.
He was born Jan. 5, 1990 in Mount Vernon to Rick James Black and Roberta (Alberts) Black. He was a 2009 graduate of Mount Vernon High School. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews. He had a big heart and was always kind to everyone, friends and strangers alike.
He is survived by his wife, Amber Gantt of Mount Vernon; his mother, Roberta Black of Mount Vernon; a grandmother, Helena Alberts of Mount Vernon; three sisters, Rachel Black of Mount Vernon, Elizabeth (Zac) Coffing of Mount Vernon, and his twin-sister Carla Black of Howard; two uncles, Ralph (Jennifer) Alberts, and Bobby (Theresa) Alberts, both of Howard; and several nieces & nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, Rick James Black.
A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 at the Fischer Funeral Home in Danville, with Bruce Butler officiating. For health and safety precautions, capacity is limited and all guests are required to wear a face covering. A live stream of the service will be available at the Fischer Funeral Home-Danville page on Facebook.
Memorial donations and condolences may be submitted at www.fischerfuneralhome.com
Jean Sommers Briggs
GAMBIER — Jean Sommers Briggs, 99, of Fredericksburg and formerly of Gambier, died peacefully at home on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020, after a period of declining health.
Jean was born Feb. 13, 1921, in Urbana, to the late John and Nelle (Duncan) Sommers and graduated from Concord High School in 1939 and later from Ohio State University in 1943 where she majored in Home Economics. During WW II she worked as a 4-H Extension Agent in Fairfield County, having been one of the first women to hold that position and at the Battelle Institute in Columbus. On Nov. 10, 1945, she married Gordon Briggs and he preceded her in death on Oct. 23, 1998. Jean was always a farm girl, having been raised on a farm and then marrying a farmer. She was a hardworking, no-nonsense farm wife and mother of five on the family farm near Gambier. Jean was a strong supporter of Farmland Preservation. She used her Home Economics degree throughout her life; having started a 4-H sewing club so her daughters could learn to sew and later, when her children were grown, she turned to quilting. Jean was a dedicated servant, having been active in church and community. She was a member of Wooster United Methodist Church and the Trail Seekers Sunday School Class and a former member of Faith Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon. She was also a Fredericksburg Library Volunteer after moving from Gambier to Fredericksburg in 2009. A commonly heard quote in recent years was, “everyone should be able to do something.” Jean will be remembered for all the quilts she stitched by hand and gave away, all the cards she sent, her passion for politics, for being a great cook and a lifelong learner, for her faith in God that sustained her throughout her life and for her love of family, friends, flowers and birds.
Surviving are her children, Greg Briggs of Aspers, PA, Ann (Bob) Buermann of South Hero, VT, Doug Briggs of Roachdale, IN, and Jane (Dave) Braddock of Fredericksburg; daughter-in-law, Rose McEwen of Perry, NY; grandchildren, Caroline (Phil) Bange, Andrew Braddock, Laura Buermann, Molly Buermann and Lilia Briggs-McEwen; great-grandchildren, Kira, Jackson, Jonah, Nora and Ellie Bange; and a brother, Don (Amy) Sommers.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon, her parents, John and Nelle; son, Eric Briggs; daughter-in-law, Patricia Whittaker; brothers, John and infant Hugh Sommers; and a sister, Sara Dean.
A family graveside service will be held at Quarry Chapel Cemetery in Gambier with Rev. Bill Sowers officiating. There will be a celebration of Jean’s life at a later date. Tributes may be shared at www.Murray-Funeral-Home.com Memorial contributions may be made to Fredericksburg Library, 108 S. Mill St., Fredericksburg, OH 44627, Friends of the Quarry Chapel, PO Box 849, Gambier, OH 43022, or Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, OH 44691.
Sinda S. Gehrig
April 29, 1942 - August 8, 2020
MANCHESTER – Sinda S. Gehrig, 78, of Manchester, Ohio, passed away Saturday, August, 8, 2020 surrounded by family at her residence. She was born April 29, 1942 in Mount Vernon, Ohio, daughter of the late Carl and Edna Orsborn Hull. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur. Along with her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jerri Riley and her twin sister, Linda Barr.
Sinda retired from Fischers Foods where she was an Auditor. She was also a member of the Manchester Area Merchants Association (MAMA) for 25 years.
She is survived by her children, Marty Sapp and wife Julie and Judy Gehrig and husband Judah; grandchildren, Andrea Corcoran, Jennifer Harris and Michael Sapp; 4 great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thanks and warm felt gratitude to Sinda’s niece and nephew, Chris and Buck Evans and her brother-in-law, Al Barr for the special care and attention they gave her over the years.
Sinda’s wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home in Manchester.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Hope, 909 Kenton Station Rd., Maysville, KY 41056.
Nicole Cook
HOWARD – Nicole Mae Cook, 48 of Howard passed away on August 11, 2020 at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born on August 1, 1972 to Buddy and Kathy (Jones) Moreland in Mount Vernon.
Nicole was a nurse specializing in the care of Developmentally Delayed clientele. She was always willing to help someone in need. She enjoyed watching Cardinals in her yard, they were her favorite bird. Nicole enjoyed spending time outside, being at the beach and going on family vacations. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and close friends. She was known for her Christmas spirit as well as she would count down the days from December 26th until the next Christmas holiday.
She is survived by her husband Tom; children Gabby (Jesse) Jacobs of Howard, Chase (Sam Hines) Oliver of Mount Vernon, Taylor Cook of Howard, Zander Cook of Howard; a brother Buddy Moreland of Kentucky; a sister Tanya Godsell and her fiance (Jerry Oder) of Utica, OH; her parents Buddy and Kathy (Jones) Moreland of Mount Vernon; along with three perfect grandbabies; Jameson, Paisey, and Reagan, and many aunts,uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Family and friends may call on Friday, August 14, 2020 from 2:00 - 4:00pm and 5:00 – 8:00pm at the Lasater Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11:00am on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at the Lasater Funeral Home with a graveside service following at Milford Cemetery in Centerburg, OH.
Memorial Contributions can be made to KCH Foundation Slush Fund.
The Lasater Funeral Home is handing the services for the Cook family. Please visit www.lasaterfuneralhomes.com
Debora Hollingshead
HOWARD – Debora Ellen Hollingshead, 68, of Apple Valley, went to be with the Lord Saturday, August 8, 2020 at The Laurels of Mount Vernon.
Debora was born on August 4, 1952 in Columbus, Ohio to John and Lee (Stephens) Rhodes.
She married Pete Hollingshead in February of 1990.
Debora was a homemaker, who always put her family first. She loved target shooting, fishing, and scrapbooking.
Debora will be deeply missed by her husband Pete of Apple Valley; children Stefanie Caito, Melissa (Jeff) Kershaw, and Joshua Hollingshead; grandchildren Jennifer, Andy, Sarah, Jaden, Nate, Marky, Katie, Kacey, Ashley, and Blaze; and sister Sandy (Bob) Winkel.
Friends may call Monday, August 24th from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home-Mount Vernon Chapel. Memorial services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pete Hollingshead officiating. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com.
Nira McKenzie
MOUNT VERNON – Nira Jean (Swingle) McKenzie was born in New Smyrna Beach, Florida on August 3, 1933. She spent her formative years residing there with her parents Ira and Alpha Swingle.
It was while attending boarding high school at Forest Lake Academy in Forest City, Florida, that Jean met her future husband, James Everett Duke and decided upon her life’s career as an elementary school teacher. After graduating high school, Jean and James were married and moved to Collegedale, Tennessee to attend Southern Missionary College where they both completed their degrees in education. While there, Jean gave birth to their son David. In 1958, the family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where they began their teaching careers. During that time, they adopted a daughter, Judi. In 1961, they both accepted teaching positions at Forest Lake Elementary school and returned once again to Forest City, Florida where they resided until their divorce in 1972. During those years, Jean completed her Master’s degree in Education at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida and continued to follow her life calling of teaching at Forest Lake Elementary School.
Two years later, through mutual friends, Jean was introduced to her second husband, Robert (Bob) McKenzie from Mount Vernon, Ohio when he was visiting family in Florida. After their marriage in 1974, Jean moved to Bob’s home in Mount Vernon and was employed by the Conference of Seventh Day Adventists, teaching at their elementary school on Sychar Road. Bob continued his career as a respected and established builder of custom homes in and around Mount Vernon. Throughout their marriage, Jean and Bob took many opportunities to travel, both in the US and Europe, visiting friends and family along the way. They spent many winter months in New Smyrna Beach, Florida where Jean had grown up, spending beach time with their children and grandchildren.
Jean and Bob were members of the Seventh Day Adventist Hill Church in Mount Vernon, where they both served their church family in many capacities. Jean was well known for her abilities in planning special events and parties for the social committee while Bob would build the props to complete her vision of the event. They also spent time working to assist the staff at the Seventh Day Adventist Academy and elementary school where Jean taught until her retirement.
A wonderful mother, mother-in-law, step-mother and grandmother, Jean brought many opportunities to make unforgettable memories and brought laughter into all family gatherings.
Jean is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) McKenzie; Son, David (Debi) Duke, Daughter, Judi Duke; Step-daughter, Jennifer (Larry) Cabral; Grandchildren Lauren (Josh) Garrido; Steve (Kelly) Cabral; Chris Cabral and Great-grandchild, Ethan Garrido; and Steve and Kelly’s baby to be born in October.
Jean passed to her rest from cancer on August 7, 2020, looking forward to her Lord and Savior’s return.
There will be a graveside service at Roberts Funeral Home, 18260 Coshocton Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio, on Friday, August 14 at 1:00pm to be officiated by Pastors Lou Toscano and Chuck Gadway. Burial will be at the Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Vernon Hill Seventh Day Adventist Church 535 Wooster Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.
Dora Yoder
BIG PRAIRIE – Dora E. Yoder, 75, of Big Prairie, passed away peacefully at her home, after a brief illness, on Monday, August 10, 2020.
She was born in Wayne County, August 8, 1945 to Henry J. and Edna A. Yoder. She married Ervin E. Yoder.
She was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Surviving in addition to her husband are 4 children, Raymond (Fannie) Yoder of Howard, OH, Aden Yoder on Montana, Edna (Roy) Miller of Big Prairie, OH and Alvin (Niva) Yoder of the home; 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers; John (Edna) Yoder and Leroy (Elsie) Yoder both of Apple Creek; 2 sisters, Lydia Ann (Ervin) Yoder of Fredericksburg and Mary Ann (Myron) Hershberger of Colorado.
Dora was preceded in death by her parents and a sister-in-law Clara Yoder.
Funeral services will be at the Alvin Yoder residence, 7684 St. Rt. 514, Big Prairie, OH on Thursday, August 13th at 10:00 a.m. with Bishop Adrian Byler officiating. Burial will be in the Yoder Cemetery, Ripley Township. Family and friends may call anytime at Alvin’s residence. Schlabach Funeral Home, Shreve is assisting the family with arrangements.
Marilyn Joy O’Dell
Together again
MOUNT VERNON – Marilyn Joy O’Dell, 88, of Mount Vernon passed away Sunday, August 9, 2020 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Mount Vernon.
Marilyn was born January 16, 1932 in Marion, Ohio to Carleton and Alfreda (Deitsch) Case.
She graduated from Marion High School in 1950
Marilyn married Walter O’Dell on July 1, 1979. He passed away on May 29, 2013.
She was an administrative assistant for a realtor for a few years. She loved reading, gardening, and traveling.
Marilyn will be deeply missed by his children; Carol Laser and Kathy Rinnert;
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings.
Services will be private. Burial will be at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to ASPCA P.O. Box 96929 Washington D.C. 20077-7127.
Lawrence R. Sapp
HOWARD — Lawrence R. Sapp, 92, of Howard, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020. He was born on the family farm on Jan. 17, 1928, in Howard, the son of Calvin and May (Shipley) Sapp. Larry served in the United States Army during World War II. He retired in 1995 after 50 years of employment as a Field Engineer with Cooper Industries.
Larry was a member of the Howard Church of Christ, Mount Zion Lodge #9 F&AM, and Kamram Grotto. Larry was a farmer at heart and enjoyed nothing more than spending a good hard-working day around the farm he was born on. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.
He is survived by his children, Lonnie (Teresa) Sapp of Parma and Allison (Seth) Lindemann of Milford; two grandchildren, Lucas and Harper Lindemann.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Mary (Gleeson) Sapp in 2017, four brothers, Robert Sapp, Donald Sapp, Thomas Sapp and Clinton Sapp.
Friends may call on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home, 619 E. High St., Mount Vernon, OH 43050, where a funeral service will begin at 12 p.m. Pastor Ben McKinstry will be officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Howard.
Memorial contributions in Larry’s name may be made to the Howard Church of Christ.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Lawrence R. Sapp.
Charles “Fred” Winter
NEWARK – Charles (Fred) Winter was born on March 8, 1931 in Vanatta, Ohio in his grandparents Lou E. (Kirkpatrick) and John Allen Bline’s front room. He was the second of six children, and the first son born to his parents Roy Louis Winter and Louise Della Bline. Fred was baptized and confirmed a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Vanatta.
Fred graduated from Newark High School in 1950 and joined the Navy Reserves at 17, serving in the same unit as his father in Columbus. After high school, he was employed by Owens Corning.
Fred joined the United States Navy in 1951, serving aboard the USS Chloris in the Mediterranean. After serving four years with the Navy he returned home to family in Newark and returned to work at Owens Corning. He met his future wife, Evelyn E. Rey, in Newark and were married on September 21, 1956 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Newark.
They were blessed with one son and two daughters. In 1958, Fred went to work for Ohio Fuel Gas Company, where he remained employed for the remainder of his working career. He retired, after 36 years, from Columbia Gas Transmission in 1993.
In the 1960’s, Fred enlisted in the Naval Reserves, remaining for over 30 years, rising in rank to Chief Petty Officer before retirement.
Fred was a lifetime member of F&AM Licking Lodge #291, the Scottish Rite, Shrine, and Grotto as well as the VFW, Moose Lodge, and Amvets. Fred was a member of the Sons of Union Veterans.
Fred and Evelyn were members of the Faith Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Fred taught Sunday school there for many years. He was also a longtime member of the property care committee and the institutional representative for the Boy Scout Troop #392 that met at the church. Fred and Evelyn also volunteered in the church nursery for many years.
Fred and Evelyn were long time members of both the Knox and Licking County Genealogical Society, and members of Licking County First Families.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and sisters Minnie (Dick) Field, Shirley (Albert) Ashbrook, and Harriet (Bob) Clark, two sons in law, Thomas James Burkam and William Harper III and grandson in law David Franz.
He is survived by his children, Jeanne Winter Burkam (Donald) Armstrong, Charles F. (Jenny) Winter jr. and Johanna Winter Harper. Grandchildren Benjamin (Carolyn) Burkam, Adam (Katie) Burkam, Jared Burkam, Nickolas (Shanda) Winter-Burkam, Emily (John) Foit III, Amanda (James) Covey, Rachel Winter Franz, Frank Winter, Ashley (Jacob) Landerman. Jacob Stewart Harper. Great-grandchildren Victoria (James) Zmrazek, Isabella and Benjamin Burkam, Ellie, Mia and Lucas Covey, Lathyn and Dustyn Burkam, and John Foit IV He is also survived by sister Mary (Paul) Ritchey, brother David (Cathy) Winter, sister-in-law Grace Jamison Winter along with many nieces and nephews.
Fred was a devoted husband to Evelyn. A kind, fair and loving father to Jeanne, Charles, and Johanna. He was dearly loved and will be missed by all.
A graveside service will be Friday, August 14, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. in Wilson Cemetery with Pastor Mark Wildermuth officiating and military honors will be presented by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.
To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com
