James G. “Jim” Saltz (1932-2009)

James G. “Jim” Saltz, 77, of Ashland, passed away Nov. 21, 2009, after a battle with cancer. He was born in Abingdon, Va. on Oct. 21, 1932, to the late Albert and Frances Saltz.

Saltz was a 1950 graduate of Big Creek High School in War, W.Va. He served in the U.S. Army, working as a personnel clerk at Fort Knox before attending Concord College in Athens, W.Va. After obtaining a degree in business administration in 1958, he began working at American Electric Power. He transferred to Ashland and began working for Kentucky Power Company in 1960. He used his problem solving skills and leadership abilities to work his way through the company, eventually becoming the company’s vice president. He retired from the company in 1994 after 34 years of service.

He is credited with developing Kentucky Power’s first company-level personnel office and enjoyed helping others succeed. He welcomed a good challenge and always looked for ways to improve. Saltz loved all sports and was an avid golfer for 47 years of his life.

Over his career Saltz worked with Boyd County United Way, Boyd County American Red Cross, Ashland Rotary Club, Optimist Club, Chamber of Commerce and Jaycees. He was a member of First Christian Church and was a well known leader in the community and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Jean Saltz; his beloved only son, Bryan Saltz and his wife, Kathy; three grandchildren, Emily, Katie and John Saltz; a great-grandson, James Saltz; and brothers, Layman (Patty) Saltz, Tommy (Linda) Saltz and Gene (Joyce) Saltz.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Lazear Funeral Home Chapel in Ashland by Rev. Ike Nicholson. Interment will be in Rose Hill Burial Park.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today, Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice or First Christian Church Disciples of Christ.



Brian Marcum

Brian Marcum, 44, of Lancaster, died Nov. 18, 2009, in the Central Baptist Hospital.

He was an avid football player and coach. He coached little league teams and touched many young lives for many years and was currently coaching the Garrard County Middle School boys football team.

Brian was a professional golfer and played on many tours during his career. He graduated from the Louisville Technical Institute and was currently attending Spencerian College. He was of the Baptist faith.

His biggest accomplishment and what he was most proud of were his four wonderful children.

Surviving are his wife, Kristy Spears Marcum; his mother, Elsie Branham-Marcum of Ashland, Ky.; four children, Zackery Harrison, William Brody, Kathryn Grace and Savannah Faith Marcum of Lancaster; two brothers, Rick Marcum (Vickie) of S.C. and Joe Marcum (Sandy) of Ashland, Ky; a father-in-law, William (Helen) Spears of Lexington; and a brother-in-law, William Spears of Lexington.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Marcum.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today at Forks of Dix River Baptist Church with Reverend Jerry Browning officiating. Burial will be in the Manse Cemetery in Paint Lick, Ky.

Active pallbearers will be Joe Marcum, Rick Marcum, Kevin Wade, Alex Acosta, Brett Baierlein, Pookie Logan, Greg Burnside and David Goldie. Honorary bearers will be the Garrard Middle School Football Team.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church today.

Arrangements are by Spurlin Funeral Home in Lancaster.



John Gordon Dyer Jr. (1982-2009)

John Gordon Dyer Jr., 27, of Ashland, Ky., died Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at Norton Hospital in Louisville, Ky. He was born April 9, 1982, in Ashland, Ky. to John G. Dyer of Ashland, Ky. and Kim and Fred Harris Jr. of Flatwoods, Ky.

John attended Christ United Methodist Church, was a 2000 graduate of Fairview High School, attended University of Louisville and was presently a student at Ohio University Southern. He was active in the Flatwoods and Ashland Babe Ruth Baseball League, the Catlettsburg Little League and the Adult Summer League Baseball program.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Steve Dyer of Flatwoods, Ky.; paternal grandparents, Henry and Barbara Dyer of Ashland, Ky.; maternal grandparents, Arnold Sexton Jr. and wife Judy of Flatwoods, Ky. and Marjorie Sexton of Ashland, Ky.; maternal great-grandmother, Garnet Sexton of Ashland, Ky.; step brothers, Lee Harris of Ashland, Ky. and Nathan Harris of Lexington, Ky.; a step sister, Sarah Mattingly of Crittenden, Ky.; an uncle, Jerry Dyer of Ashland, Ky.; and a great uncle, Roger Dyer of Columbus, Ohio.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009, by Rev. Ken Gorman and Rev. David Gross at Preston Family Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Condolences may be sent to www.prestonfamilyfuneralhome.com.



Ruth L. Williams Justice (1931-2009)

Ruth Laverne Williams Justice, 78, of Ashland, died Saturday evening, Nov. 21, 2009, in Boyd Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following an extended illness. She was born Oct. 8, 1931, in Flatwoods to the late Roy and Minnie Clark Williams.

She was a member of the Fairview Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Bernard and Gene Williams; and a niece, Pam Thompson.

Surviving are two sons, Tim Justice and wife Pam of Catlettsburg and Terry Justice and wife Pam of Savannah, Ga.; three grandchildren, John, Vicki and Paige Justice; two sisters, Thelma and husband Gordon White of Flatwoods, Ky. and Sue and husband Les Bear, also of Flatwoods.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday by Rev. Michael Rice at Preston Family Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Bellefonte Memorial Gardens.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the service time Tuesday.

Condolences may be sent to www.prestonfamilyfuneralhome.com.



Sandra Lynn Cornette Lowe (1947-2009)

Sandy Lowe, 62, of Catlettsburg, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, following a sudden illness. She was born Nov. 3, 1947, to the late Rose Ann Armstrong Cornette and Robert “Bob” Eugene Cornette. She was a member of the class of 1965, the last graduating class from Thomas R. Brown High School.

Sandy worked as a Lab Technologist at King’s Daughters Medical Center. She was baptized at Missionary Baptist Church in Catlettsburg and attended Holy Family Church in Ashland.

Sandy enjoyed gardening and cooking. She found immense joy spending time playing with her grandchildren, especially her granddaughter, Hannah, with whom she shared a special bond. Sandy’s quick wit and gentle spirit made everyone feel special. She will be greatly missed by everyone who shared her life.

She is survived by her loving husband, Roger Keith Lowe of Catlettsburg; three daughters, Amy Denise Lowe of Catlettsburg, Melanie Lynn Lowe of Simpsonville, Ky. and Erin Lowe Crace of Ashland; and sisters, Deborah Cornette of Catlettsburg and Paula Cornette of Flatwoods.

She will be missed by her grandchildren, Hannah Elizabeth Lowe of Catlettsburg and Harrison Brody Crace of Ashland.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home on Panola Street in Catlettsburg. Words of comfort will be offered by Pastor Richard Brown.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m today at the funeral home.



Hazel Margaret Burchett (1926-2009)

Hazel Margaret Burchett, 83, of Greenup, went to be with the Lord Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland. She was born Jan. 11 1926, in West Liberty, Ky. to the late Clay Phipps and Faitha Worthington Phipps Haney.

Mrs. Burchett was a member of Greenup First Baptist Church where she loved to sing in the choir. She was the owner of Hazel’s Beauty Salon in Greenup for 30 years. She devoted her life to her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Billy Phipps and Herbert Haney.

She is survived by three daughters, Cheri (Charlie) Osborne of Greenup, Billie House of Greenup and Barbara Doran of Sarasota, Fla.; two sisters, Mary Fraley of Columbus, Ohio, and Sally Smith of Plant City, Fla.; eight grandchildren, Heather Osborne, Kathy Osborne, Amy (Travis) Spurlock, Lori (Scott) Link and Erika House, all of Greenup, Mark Doran of Columbus, Ohio, Margaret Elizabeth (Frank) Foltz of Cardington, Ohio, and Matthew (Tina) Doran of North Providence, R.I.; eight great-grandchildren, Ava Margaret “Meg” House, Faith Elizabeth Spurlock, Kacia Foltz, Colton Foltz, Tyler Doran, Elizabeth Doran, Alexandra Doran and Alexis Doran; two great-great-grandchildren, Taylor Doran and Cohen Doran; and three dear cousins, Minnie Robertson and Betty McLaughlin, both of Nashville, Tenn., and Lois Worthington of Greenup.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at Greenup First Baptist Church by Dr. Tom Melvin. Burial will be in the Brick Union Cemetery in Lloyd, Ky.

Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Reed Funeral Home in Greenup and Tuesday one hour before the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Greenup First Baptist Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 414, Greenup, KY 41144.



Gerald “Goose” Roark (1944-2009)

Gerald D. “Goose” Roark, 65, of Olive Hill, Ky., husband of Judith Greenhill Roark, passed away Saturday morning, Nov. 21, 2009, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. He was born Feb. 4, 1944, in Carter County, Ky. to Nemo Blevins Roark of Olive Hill and the late Mose Roark.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009, at Olive Hill Historical Society Gymnasium by Rev. Dale Collinsworth and Rev. Randy Binion. Burial will follow in McFerren-Gee Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday evening at the gymnasium. Eastern Star Services will be at 6:30 p.m. by officers and members of Order of Eastern Star 290. Masonic Services will be at 6:45 p.m. by officers and members of Olive Hill Masonic Lodge 629.

Donations in Gerald’s memory may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 1900 Richmond Road, Lexington, KY 40502 or Shriner’s Hospital for Burns, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229.

Caniff Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements.



James Everett Helton (1930-2009)

James Everett Helton, 79, of Lloyd, Ky., died Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, in Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Ky. He was born March 22, 1930, in Middletown, Ohio, to the late Harlan and Ethel Helton. His wife, Susan, survives.

He was a paint and car body repair man for Don Hall Chevrolet and was a member of the Tri State Gospel Assembly in Westwood, Ky.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Lamont Helton of Frenchburg, Ky.; three daughters, Linda Adkins of Means, Ky., Melandy Lark of Ohio and Brenda Napier of Mt. Sterling, Ky.; three step daughters, Dorethea “Tippy” Wells of Lloyd, Ky., Bonita Roark of Lloyd, Ky. and Debra Fugate of Wellington, Ky.; two brothers, Earnest Helton of Murfreesboro, Tenn. and Henry Helton of Ashland, Ky.; two sisters, Janice Blair Asbury of Catlettsburg, Ky. and Virgie Douglas of Ashland City, Tenn.; and 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Kerry Helton; and two sisters, Louise Fugate and Bessie Porter Holbrook.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at Wright’s Funeral Home in Greenup, Ky. by brother Terry Crow and Brother Gene Pierce. Burial will be in Brick Union Cemetery in Lloyd, Ky.

Friends may call at 6 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to www.wrightsfuneralhome.com.



Thomas Daniel

Thomas Daniel, 77, of Blanchester, Ohio, formerly of Ashland, died Friday in Blanchester Care Center. He was born Feb. 5, 1932, in Ashland.

Services are pending at Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland.



Mary E. Hallenbeck

Mary E. Hallenbeck, 73, of Ashland, died Sunday in Oakmont Manor Nursing Facility.

Arrangements are pending at Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland.



Debbie Buckley (1950-2009)

Deborah Lynn “Debbie” Buckley, 59, of Ashland, died Sunday in Community Hospice Care Center.

Arrangements are pending at Caniff Funeral Home in Ashland.



Troy Lee Perry (1934-2009)

Troy Lee Perry, 75, of Louisa, died Saturday in the VA Medical Center in Huntington, W.Va. after a short illness. He was born May 2, 1934. His wife, Frankie Ann Frazier Perry, survives.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Young Funeral Home Chapel in Louisa. Burial will be in Frazier Cemetery in Clifford.

Friends may call from 3 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.



Mildred Caudill Griffith

Mildred Caudill Griffith, 77, of St. Paris, Ohio, formerly of Oil Springs, died Friday at her home. She is survived by her husband, Wade Griffith.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. today in the Paintsville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Lakeview Memorial Cemetery in Staffordsville.

Friends may call at 9 a.m. today at the funeral home.



Leah Armitage Ramey (1924-2009)

Leah Armitage Ramey, 85, formerly of Morehead, died Saturday in the Life Care Center of Morehead. She was born Feb. 13, 1924. Her husband, Hobert Ramey, survives.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead. Burial will be in Brown Cemetery.

Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to www.northcuttandson.com.



Donna Jean Hatton Smedley (1962-2009)

Donna Jean Hatton Smedley, 47, of Clearfield, died Friday at her residence. She was born Jan. 27, 1962. Her husband Michael L. Smedley, survives.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Owingsville Ward. Burial will be in Smedley Family Cemetery in Clearfield.

Friends may call after 5 p.m. today at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead.

Condolences may be sent to www.northcuttandson.com.



William “Bill” Hilgenberg (1926-2009)

William “Bill” Hilgenberg, 83, of Coal Grove, died Saturday at his residence. He was born Sept. 9, 1926, in Lawrence County. His wife, Floris Imogene Harrison Hilgenberg, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Tracy Brammer Funeral Home in Ironton. Internment will be in Zoar Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.