MEMORIUM

IN MEMORY OF THOMAS LYNCH (Jan. 7, 2021) 

Thomas Francis "Tom" Lynch, 89, of Portsmouth, passed away Thursday, January 7, 2021 due to complications of COVID-19. He was born July 26, 1931 in Portsmouth, a son of the late Charles Joseph and Mary Margaret McManaway Lynch.

 

Tom attended St. Mary's Elementary School and graduated from the former Central Catholic High School in 1950.

 

He went on to run the family business, Portsmouth Beauty & Barber Supply, and then worked at the Empire Detroit Steel Mill until its closure. Tom then worked in the electrical department at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, from where he retired.

 

He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and past president of the Portsmouth Realtors Association. Tom loved boating and being on the water and was the former commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Portsmouth.

 

Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Carolyn Ann Rowson Lynch, whom he married November 29, 1958 in Portsmouth. Also surviving are his sister, Cathleen (Ron) Meyers of Portsmouth; brother-in-law, John (Judy) Rowson of Portsmouth; sister-in-law, Sue (C.B.) Herrmann of Portsmouth; and five special nieces, Jodi (Tom) Ruppelli, Julie (John) Voorhies, Andrea (Matt) Schneider, Carrie (Jason) McMahon and Erica (Jason) Layne.

 

In addition to his parents, Tom was also preceded in death by his brother, Charles Lynch.

 

THE FOLLOWING WONDERFUL PEOPLE MADE DONATIONS IN HONOR OF TOM

DEBBIE & JOHN DANIELS

JAMES & MARYLOU FOLEY

KATHLEEN SIMON

WILLIAM & MARY QUESTEL

KAY & BILL KERN

BEV MERIDETH

TERRI BOLDMAN

IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOHN RICHARD HULL (Jan. 25, 2021)

John Richard Hull was born on October 15, 1950 to Wilbur & Myrtle (Jackson) Hull in Portsmouth, Ohio.

 

As the fifth child out of ten children, John grew up in Portsmouth spending time with his friends and would go on to be a Gas Station Attendant before answering the call of his country.

 

During the height of the Vietnam War, John enlisted in the US Army in September 1969. Climbing up to the rank of Sergeant, he received the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sharpshooter medal and a Bronze Star with one oak leaf. After serving our country in the Vietnam War and later stationed in Korea, John was honorably discharged from the Army at Fort Hood, Texas in September 1972.

 

Right before he left the Army, he met the love of his life, Paula Jean Carson in Copperas Cove, Texas. The moment he saw her, he knew that she would be the future Mrs. John Hull. In a small church ceremony at the Grace United Methodist Church in Copperas Cove, they tied the knot on January 2, 1973 and enjoyed 48 years together.

 

After living throughout Michigan and Ohio, they settled in Portsmouth in 1974. That same year, John entered the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy which lead him on a journey of public service. In the fall of 1983, John was elected as the Sheriff of Scioto County, going on to serve & protect the people of Scioto County for two terms. John retired from public service at the end of his last term in 1992.

 

During the remainder of his life, John served his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he was not ashamed to share how important it is for a person to know Jesus as their own personal Lord & Savior, praying with and for everyone he could. John loved his traveling with his family and fellowshipping with friends. His wife Paula was the love of his life whom he loved with all his heart.

 

John peacefully passed away on January 25, 2021 with his wife Paula by his side at King's Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Kentucky. John was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur & Myrtle Hull; his brothers Gale Hull, Thomas Hull and James Ray Hull; his sister Patsy Whitt; parents-in-law Paul & Bonnie Carson; sister-in-law Diane Guidash; and brothers-in-law Gary Bellar, Dennis Uphill and Joseph "Bud" Jones.

 

John Hull's memory will forever be cherished by his wife Paula; his siblings Wendell (Lori) Hull, Kenneth (Eleanor) Hull, Rosemary Bellar, Retha (Henry) Cantrell, Jane McCarty (Larry) and Carmen Hull; his sisters-in-law Linda Jones, Lorraine Uphill, Karen (Frank) Ferguson & brothers-in-law James (Sandy) Carson and Mike Guidash; as well as a host of nephews and nieces.

 

 

THE FOLLOWING WONDERFUL PEOPLE MADE DONATIONS IN HONOR OF JOHN

MARY & DARYL BELCHER

RICK & CINDY CLARK

THE ROCK OUTREACH MINISTRIES 

DONNA GRIMM

LORI CHRISMAN

IN LOVING MEMORY OF RUSSELL H LEWIS JR. (Jan. 27, 2021)

Russell H. Lewis Jr., 60, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at the James Cancer Center in Columbus. He was born January 10, 1961 in Lebanon, KY, a son of the late Martha Louise (Redden) and Russell H. Lewis Sr.

 

Anyone who knew Russ would say he was a good guy. He was good because he loved his family, good because he helped people, good because he was reliable and took pride in the work that he did. He was good because he was a man of simple pleasures. All he needed was his family, his dogs, a yard and a swing.

 

Russ was hired to the Portsmouth Fire Department on May 29, 1988 and retired as a lieutenant on June 3, 2014. He was an exceptional and highly respected fireman by all with whom he worked. A 1980 Portsmouth High School graduate, he had attended Shawnee State and was an Air Force veteran. He served as a Fire Protection Specialist and was awarded the Outstanding Unit Award, Training Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.  

 

Russ is survived by his wife, M. LeAnn Campbell Lewis, whom he married August 13, 1983 in New Boston; two sons, Russell H. Lewis III of Lexington, KY and Zachary L. Lewis of Centerville; three brothers, William Randall (Maureen) Lewis, Sr. of Wellston, Frederick Alan (Ruth Ann) Lewis of Grove City and Daniel Eric (Carol) Lewis of Roper, NC; four sisters, Martha Ellen (Michael) O’Connor of Circleville, Margaret Lucille Lewis of Wilkinson, WV, Tammara Louise (Kevin) Osborne of Lucasville and Frances Marie Lewis Craft of Salley, SC; his father and mother-in-law,Jack and Margaret Campbell of Portsmouth; many nieces, nephews and their families; his family at the Portsmouth Fire Department; his beloved dogs, Brynnel, Bootsie, Beetle Bug and Bumper; and his grand dog, Blue Dog.

 

THE FOLLOWING WONDERFUL PEOPLE MADE DONATIONS IN HONOR OF RUSSELL

IONE DAMASCO

PATRICIA MEINKING

KATY KELLY

JANET MOYER

THERESA LEWIS

CHRISTINA BEIS

AMY ROHMILLER

CENTER ON DRUG & ALCOHOL RESEARCH, UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

IN LOVING MEMORY OF CAROLE PASCOE (Jan. 29, 2021)

Carole Ruth Pascoe, 80, of Waverly, Ohio passed away Friday, January 29, 2021 at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe, Ohio.  

 

She was born November 25, 1940 in Springfield, Ohio to the late John Robert Kouse and Ruth Dovel Kouse. She is survived by four children, Charlotte Healy and husband Doug of Pensacola, Florida, Cheryl Lavalley and husband Joe of Dedham, Massachusetts, Carrie Pascoe and Bryan Loughry of Dale City, Virginia and Charles John Pascoe and wife Christine of Manassas, Virginia; two grandchildren, Madeline Healy and Mason Lavalley; a niece, Lisa Kouse of Chillicothe; and a nephew, Robert Trinkle, Jr. and his wife Sharon and their children Curtis, Jeremy and Lindsay of Portage, Michigan.

 

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Lawrence; a brother, James Kouse; sister-in-law, Cathy Kouse; and her former husband, Charles T. Pascoe, Jr.

 

Carole had a great love of music and teaching. She conducted and sang in church choirs from childhood. She sang with the Grammy-winning Oratorio Society in Washington, D.C. Carole graduated with High Honors from Otterbein College, majoring in French, Education and Music. She lived in Ohio, Texas, Mississippi, Germany, Indiana, Illinois and Virginia. To be near family she retired to Bristol Village in Waverly where she chaired and volunteered for many activities.

 

DONATION MADE IN CAROLE'S NAME FROM HER DEAR FRIEND - CATHY ETTINGER

IN LOVING MEMORY OF HELEN VIRGINIA SHULTZ (Jan. 31, 2021)

Helen Virginia Shultz, 91 of Rosemount, passed away Sunday, January 31, 2021.She was born February 25, 1929, in Lucasville, a daughter of the late Mary Belle Johnson.

 

Helen was a retired Registered Nurse. She was a former Director of Nursing at Mercy Hospital in Portsmouth and was the first Registered Nurse for the Clay Local School District. She was Salutatorian of the 1946 Valley High School Class and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University graduating Magna Cum Laude.

 

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Orville Shultz, May 23, 2008; and her grandson, Ronnie Clagg.

​

Helen is survived by one son, David (Julie) Shultz of Portsmouth; three daughters, Elizabeth Anne (Ronald) Clagg of Oak Hill, Melinda Jane (Ron) Arrick of Lucasville, and Susan Virginia Shultz Arnold of Lucasville; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren-with two on the way!; two nephews; and longtime friend, Judy Newman.

 

The family wishes to express their most sincere gratitude to her caregivers, Brittany, Crystal, and Francie; and the SOMC Hospice Staff, Robin, Karen, and Julie

 

THE FOLLOWING WONDERFUL PEOPLE MADE DONATIONS IN HONOR OF HELEN

JOHN DAVID ADKINS

THOMAS ADKINS

RANDY AND GLENNA ARNETT

JUDY ARNOLD

DAVID AND LINDA BUCKLE

DAVID DEVINE

TERRY HALL

THELMA JENKINS

SHIRLEY MILLAR

SARAH & HUGH MCPHAIL

TIMOTHY & DONNA RAYBURN

BARBARA SMITH

IN LOVING MEMORY OF LUKE AUSTIN ROBBINS (Feb. 17, 2021)

Luke Austin Robbins died unexpectedly on February, 17, 2021 at age 38 at his home in West Palm Beach, Florida. Luke is survived by his parents, Donna Blair and Greg (Paige) Robbins, three brothers, Nathan Robbins of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Tyler Thompson of Fort Myers, Florida, and Drew Robbins or Portsmouth, Ohio and many close friends in West Palm Beach, especially Amanda Hall, Trevor Diuguid, and Rodney, Stephanie, and little Paisley Tague.

​

Luke was born in Portsmouth Ohio on April 15, 1982. He was a 2000 graduate of Wheelersburg High School. Luke worked as a manager of various restaurants in the tourist industry.

​

He loved music and was a talented musician. He loved playing the guitar, singing, and writing music and performed at public venues. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his dear friends and he loved animals

THE FOLLOWING WONDERFUL PEOPLE MADE DONATIONS IN HONOR OF LUKE

GINA LOLI

THE WHEELERSBURG CLASS OF 2000

JOHN EGBERT

MICHAEL LOVENGUTH

JERRY AND JAMIE BLAIR

JENNIE AND LEROY KEGLEY

LINDA AND JEFF COTTLE

JASON EDWARDS

PAULINE CARSON

MARY & JACK ALLEN

IN LOVING MEMORY OF NAOMI JEAN WALTON (Mar. 6, 2021)

Naomi Jean Walton, age 82, left to go to her heavenly home on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Randall Residence of Wheelersburg. She was born May 20, 1938 in New Boston, a daughter of the late Ella Marie Harrison Cron and Clinton Adrian Spearry.

 

Naomi retired from the former George R. Walton Roofing Company and she attended Central Church of Christ. She was a member of the Portsmouth East Class of 1956.

 

Many loved ones are left on earth to remember her warm smile and laughter. Included in this long list are her loving husband, George, whom she married March 27, 1978; children, Karen (Ronnie) Lieberman of West Jefferson, NC, Gary Steven Cooper and John (Suzi) Bloomfield of Portsmouth; two stepdaughters and their families; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Adrian Spearry of Portsmouth; a faithful feline; and many friends.

 

In addition to her parents, Naomi was also preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Faye Spearry.

 

Naomi adored her family and friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who loved to have fun. Going out to eat with family or friends brought her much joy. She loved to travel on bus trips with her buddies, spend time in Florida and travel to sporting events to watch family play. Naomi is known far and wide for her multiple gifted loaves of zucchini bread, also a testament to George’s gardening skills. Naomi also liked quiet time at home with George and their cats. She loved to read and was eager to share books with others. Feeding the birds, watching them at the feeders in the yard, was a lifetime joy for her as well.

 

Naomi will be so greatly missed and always remembered with love and a smile and surely that is how she would want to be remembered - for the fun, laughter and smiles, not with sadness at her life on earth ending. Her spirit lives on.

 

DONATIONS GIVEN IN MEMORY OF NAOMI JEAN BY THE FOLLOWING WONDERFUL PEOPLE:

HARRIET B KRUMAN

BUTCH & LYN STALL

SHARON  AND JEFFREY DANZER

IN LOVING MEMORY OF JUDY CURRY (March 30, 2021)

Judy Ann Curry, 73, of Portsmouth, passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Ohio State University Hospice in Columbus. She was born May 15, 1947 in Columbus to the late James and Violet (Wears) Stewart. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant sister, Donna Jean, mother-in-law, Virginia Curry, and brother-in-law, William Shafer, and her beloved dog, Moe.

 

Judy was retired from the former Goodyear Atomic Corporation as a maintenance supervisor after 36 years of service. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was the most important thing to her, and spending time with them was her greatest blessing.

 

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Bill, daughters; Kelly McCaleb (Bryan) of Minford, Kristina Wheeler of Lucasville, son, Randy Creech of West Portsmouth, grandchildren; Denver Wheeler, III (Christina Riggs) of Wheelersburg, Abbey Martin (Michael) of Minford, Jacob McCaleb of Minford, Mollie Creech of Rosemount, great-grandchildren; Amelia Jane Wheeler, Cooper Lane Martin, Kylee Barney, and Kayla Giles. Judy is also survived by a sister, Jeri Shafer of Pickerington, and brother, Lacy Stewart of Columbus, along with niece, Stacie Wortman (Doug), nephews; Scott Shafer (Melissa) and Tim Stewart (Jodi), and great-nieces; Vivien and Audrey Shafer. Also surviving is former daughter-in-law, Laura Vassar Creech and former son-in-law, Denver Wheeler, Jr.

 

THE FOLLOWING WONDERFUL PEOPLE MADE DONATIONS IN HONOR OF JUDY

BETTY MCKINLEY

ROBERT AND MARSHA BRADLEY

JERI  AND FAMILY

​

IN LOVING MEMORY OF JUDITH ANN ROWSON (Apr. 8, 2021)

Judith Ann Rowson, 77, of Portsmouth, passed away Thursday, April 8, 2021 at her home. Judy was born December 17, 1943 in Portsmouth, a daughter of the late Larry & Lorraine Gowdy Cook.

 

A 1961 Portsmouth High School graduate, Judy was a member of Cornerstone United Methodist Church. She had worked at the former Portsmouth Banking Co., for the N&W Railway Co. (later Norfolk Southern Railway Co.) and at the Scioto County Courthouse. An avid tennis player and Life Center pickleball player, Judy loved to travel. She especially enjoyed the annual girls' cruise with her daughters and granddaughter.

 

Surviving is her husband of 56 years, John D. Rowson II, whom she married April 26, 1964 in Portsmouth. Also surviving are her daughters, Jodi (Tom) Ruppelli of Medina and Julie (John) Voorhies of Loveland; her brother, Bill (Lois Fenton) Cook of Portsmouth; two sisters, Susie Cook and Sharon Cook-Green, both of Portsmouth; four grandchildren, Jordyn Ruppelli, Jake Ruppelli, Brandon Voorhies and Connor Voorhies; several nieces, nephews and their families; and her beloved Yorkie, Bo.

 

In addition to her parents, Judy was also preceded in death by maternal grandparents who reared her, Brooks and Alta (Coriell) Gowdy.

 

DONATIONS GIVEN IN MEMORY OF JUDY BY THE FOLLOWING WONDERFUL PEOPLE:

KIMBERLY ROTTMAN

TERRI BOLDMAN

BEV MEREDITH

KATHY VOORHIES

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MARY WILL FREEMAN CHAPMAN

Mary was a lover of animals and a former Portsmouth resident.

​

FROM HER FIRST FRIDAY FRIENDS

BARBARA BURKE

MAUREEN COBURN

DEBBIE DANIELS

KATHY FLAHERTY

KAY KERN

LEE NOLTE

JUDY SHANNON

CATHY SOLTIS

SUE HERMANN

IN LOVING MEMORY OF EDNA IRENE WELTON (June 8, 2021)

Edna Irene Welton, 91, of Rosemount, died Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at Rosemount Pavilion. Born on July 14, 1929 in Tyler, TX, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Jenkins Brett and Janie Mae Pruitt Jenkins and a member of New Boston Church of God of Prophesy.

 

Edna began working as a fancy stitcher and forklift operator at the former Williams Manufacturing Co, then became a nurse's aide at Golden Years and retiring with 35 years of service from the Southern Ohio Medical Center.

 

Also preceding her in death were her husband, James Welton, and a son, Jerry Paul Welton.

 

Surviving are five sons, Mike (Sandy) Welton, Jackie Lee (Choe) Welton, David (Sheila) Welton, John Welton and Jeff Welton and a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

In Loving Memory of Edna Irene Welton

​

THE FOLLOWING WONDERFUL PEOPLE MADE DONATIONS IN MEMORY OF EDNA

JOE AND SHARON TACKETT

PIERCE AND KAYLA TACKETT

IN LOVING MEMORY OF RUTH THOMAS (June 12, 2021)

Ruth Thomas, 92, of Wheelersburg, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Concord Nursing Facility with her family by her bedside. Born on December 8, 1928 in Kentucky, she was a daughter of the late Kendall and Evie Lemaster Whitt and was a retired secretary from Empire-Detroit Steel Corp.

 

Ruth loved her God and was a faithful member of Minford Bible Baptist Church, while her health would permit.

 

Also preceding her in death were her husband, Arthur E. Thomas, a brother, Clell Whitt and a sister, Mary Bettcher Roach.

 

Surviving are a daughter and caregiver, Tamara (Steve) Dixon; a brother, David Whitt of Sciotoville; two sisters, Kay Martin of Huntington, WV and Sue Collins of Stout, and several nieces and nephews.

 

THE FOLLOWING WONDERFUL PEOPLE MADE DONATIONS IN HONOR OF RUTH

STEVE & TAMARA DIXON

BRENDA JAYNES

MARLENE JAYNES

DAVID WHITT

KAY MARTIN

DOYLE & SYLVIA MARTIN

PAT & MECHELLE OSBORNE

SHELINA CHERRINGTON

ROBIN WHITT

KIP, CINDY & EMILY INGRAM

JAY & JANET NOWLIN

JIM & RUTH NOWLIN

JIM & LORETTA LUTE

PAUL & PAULA HICKMAN

EZRA & CAROLYN WRIGHT

PAT MCGRAW

ANIKA WILLIS

NEAL & SHIRLEY RATLIFF

BRETT & PAULA MCGRAW

TRANSFORMATION COMMUNITY CHURCH

SCOTT & MONA DIXON

JON & SUE SROFE

IN LOVING MEMORY OF DAVID GROTE (July 20, 2021)

David Grote, 74, of Chillicothe, passed away on July 20, 2021. He was born on August 1, 1946, in Columbus to the late Lawrence and Martha (Collin) Grote. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his aunt and uncle, Cliff and Anne (Collin) Kumler. 

 

He attended St. Agatha grade school and graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Following high school David enlisted in the US Navy where he honorably served his county. Following his career in the Navy he attended Franklin University and the Ohio State University, ultimately graduating from Franklin University with a bachelor's degree in accounting. 

 

David had a long working career. He retired from Centrus Energy in Piketon Ohio, where he was a staff consultant and liaison between the government and the company. 

 

In David's free time he had many interests. He enjoyed spending time with his family and some favorite memories were travelling and spending time with the family in Florida and Washington state. He enjoyed playing golf and watching football and baseball, including the Cleveland Browns, Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Cincinnati Reds. He loved to fish and he especially loved a good steak. 

 

In addition to his interests, David volunteered for many organizations. He was an active volunteer for Zoofari for many years, coached youth baseball, was a past President of King's Athletic Network, was part of the chain gang at King's High School, and was a member of the Chillicothe Athletic Club. He also made a great Santa Clause at many events. 

 

David will be greatly missed by his wife of 45 years, Mary Grote; children, Samuel (partner Katie Tuttle) Grote, Brian Grote, Sally Grote, Timothy (fiancé Sara Boettcher) Grote; grandchildren, Daniel Pietrantano Jr., Elijah Grote-Mwilitsa, and Jackson Pickerrell; siblings, William (Sue) Grote and Patricia (Larry) Carollo; and his special four-legged friends, Zoey, Junior, and Rocky. 

 

DONATIONS GIVEN IN MEMORY OF DAVID BY THE FOLLOWING WONDERFUL PEOPLE

HUMMINGBIRD FUND OF THE COLUMBUS FOUNDATION

WILLIAM & SUSAN GROTE

KENNETH & VICKI HONKONEN

JESSICA WYKE

DR. & MRS. RICHARD MAUGER

MATTHEW & PATRICIA  CAHILL

FREDERICK & KAREN UNFRIED

NANCY ZELLER

BETTIE FRIEDMAN

LINDA BROWN

EDWARD DILL

CHAR & JAMES CHRISTENSEN

PATTI MILLER

IN LOVING MEMORY OF RALPH L. CASSIDY (Aug. 15, 2021)

Ralph L. Cassidy, 94, of Portsmouth, died Sunday, August 15, 2021 at Ohio Valley Manor in Ripley, OH. He was born October 26, 1926 in Portsmouth, to the late Francis and Grace (Doll) Cassidy.

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Matilda “Tillie” Cassidy who died February 9, 2008, four brothers; Walter Cassidy, Howard “Hoppy” Cassidy, Raymond Cassidy, and Gerald Cassidy, as well as a special friend, Helen Thompson.

 

Ralph was a business man and former owner of Rax Restaurant in Aberdeen, and Jones Restaurant in Portsmouth, he was an Army veteran who served during World War II, a member of the Forty and Eight Chef de Gaurre, and was the oldest living member and former trustee of the American Legion, Post #23.

 

He is survived by two sons; Norbert Cassidy (Percilla), of Portsmouth, John “Tim” Cassidy (Chris), of Manchester, daughter, Susan Tugwell (Christopher), of Gulf Breeze, FL., brother, David Cassidy, of Findlay, four grandchildren; Amy Bosche, Joshua Cassidy, Jacqueline Shaffer, Meghan Schmidt, and seven great-grandchildren.

 

DONATIONS GIVEN IN RALPH'S MEMORY FROM THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE LISTED BELOW:

PATRICIA CASSIDY

REBECCA SAMPLES

PHILIP BAGBY

LESLIE BAGBY MCBRIDE

MELINDA CAMPBELL

PATRICIA LIGHTNER

SHANNON TUGWELL