Anita Belle Pollitt (1911-2009)

Anita Belle Pollitt, nee Trusty, died Dec. 28, 2009, at the age of 98. For the last several years, she resided at an assisted living facility in Florida.

Born in Catlettsburg, Ky., in 1911, she attended Holy Family High School in Ashland, Ky. While working at the G.C. Murphy Co. in 1927, she met and later married John Robert Pollitt who at that time was a stock boy but later became manager of the Ashland store in 1945. They lived on Highland Avenue until the early 1980s. While a resident of Williamson, W.Va., as president of the grade school PTA, she helped establish a hot lunch program. In Ashland, she was active in Eastern Star, serving for a year as worthy matron. Anita was a lifetime member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and active in the Christian Women’s Fellowship. She was an avid reader and enjoyed flower gardening.

In retirement, she and her husband moved to Gainesville, Fla., where her husband, Robert “Bob,” died in 1991.

She is survived by two sons, John Robert Pollitt Jr. and his wife, Pat, of Springhill, Fla., and the Rev. Dr. David Lee Pollitt and his wife, Ann, of Forest Hill, Md. In addition, she is survived by five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.



Barbara Ann Woods Leadingham Hanson (1939-2009)

Barbara Ann Woods Leadingham Hanson, 70, departed this world peacefully at home on Dec. 31, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Ashland, Ky., on Sept. 28, 1939, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Clifford Leadingham; her parents, Lettie Mae and Ermil Compton; her father, Elva Woods; and a brother, Gary Woods.

She leaves behind a host of loving family members, Jean Ann Isaacs Bramlette (Bruce), Dr. Jim Leadingham (Lenore) and Dr. Bill Leadingham (Nancy), Debbie Compton Balles (Pete) and Ron Compton (Pam); grandchildren Forrest Isaacs, Fielding Isaacs (Jeanne), Chuck Leadingham, Kerry Leadingham, Kathy Leadingham, John Clifford Leadingham, Lillian Rayburn, Estie Stamper, Randy Williams (Clarence), Bobbie Poe (Jim), Ed Leadingham (Bette) and Jo Leadingham; and special friends Bill Hanson, Patti and Skip Ferguson, Nancy Isaacs, Susan Durant and Mary Schleifer.

An alumna of the University of Kentucky, she worked as a CPA in Lexington, Encino, Calif., and Portland, Ore. An active retiree, she enjoyed her book club, Donovan classes, music and theater and baking gingerbread houses. She was loving and giving with an optimistic attitude and will be missed by many.

A celebration and remembrance of her life will be Saturday, Jan. 9 at Hunter Presbyterian Church on Rosemont Road, off Versailles Road, in Lexington at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Hope Center for Women, Hospice or a favorite charity.



Roberta Lakin Umberger (1929-2010)

Roberta Lakin Umberger, 80, of Ashland, Ky., died Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, at her residence.

She was born Oct. 27, 1929, in Ashland, a daughter of the late Harold Delbert and Hazel Cossett Lakin.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Orville Umberger, in 2001; a daughter, Jeanie Umberger McCormick; a brother, Millard F. Lakin; and a grandchild, Cynthia Thompson.

She was retired from Columbia Gas with 30 years service and a member of Unity Baptist Church and the Republican Women’s Club.

Surviving are sons Howard Oliver, Chuck Oliver and wife Debbie and Jerry Umberger and wife Beth, all of Ashland; daughters Becky and husband Dr. Ronald Tucker of Lexington, Ky., and Patty Stanley and husband Jim of Ashland; brother Harold Delbert Lakin and wife Johnnie of Ashland; grandchildren, Amy Carmichael and husband Chad, Rich Thompson and wife Kristin, Donald Oliver, Mike Oliver, Travis Umberger and wife Courtney, Kyle Umberger, Stacy Anderson and husband Jon, Shelly Grimes and husband Lonnie, Shane Stanley and wife Christy, Justin Stanley and Jared Stanley and wife Emily; and five great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland by the Rev. Mark Judd and Dr. Floyd Paris. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park in Ashland.

Friends may call after noon Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions to Community Hospice, 1538 Central Ave., Ashland, Ky., or Unity Baptist Church, 2320 29th St., Ashland, Ky.

Condolences may be sent to www.steenfuneralhomes.com.



Otis James “O.J.” Johnson (1937-2010)

Otis James “O.J.” Johnson, 72, of Greenup, Ky., died Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, at his residence.

He was born Nov. 23, 1937, in Ironton, Ohio, a son of the late William Ike and Daisy Pearl Dunn Johnson.

He was a retired laborer at the AK Steel Coke Plant with 28 years of service. He was a former member of the Greenup Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Greenup McDonald’s Breakfast Club. O.J. coached and umpired several Little League baseball and softball teams in Greenup and loved to watch all the local children play sports.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth Williams Johnson of Greenup; sons Larry Johnson of Portsmouth, Ohio, and Johnny E. Williams, Dwaine “Boo” Williams and Gregory Todd Williams, all of Greenup; daughters Jacquetta Johnson of Portsmouth and Amy Louise Williams of Greenup; brothers Johnny Johnson of South Point, Ohio, and Marvin Johnson of Los Angeles, Calif.; sisters Willa Royal and Arvella Dickerson, both of Ironton; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at Wright’s Funeral Home in Greenup by Brother Richard Carter. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery in Greenup.

Visitation will be after 5 p.m. today, Jan. 7, 2010, at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to www.wrightsfuneralhome.com.



Lucille Miller (1922-2010)

An angel of God, Lucille Frances Miller, 87, of Big White Oak Road, York, Ky., was called home Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, in Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Ky.

Mrs. Miller was born Oct. 30, 1922, in Ashland, a daughter of the late L.O. and Florence Osborn Branham.

She was postmaster for 22 years for the United States Post Office in York, a member of First Baptist Church in Greenup, Ky., and a graduate of Wurtland High School.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, James “Jim” Miller; three sons, Paul (Sue) Miller and Roger (Brenda) Miller, both of Greenup, and Mike Miller of South Shore, Ky.; two daughters, Catherine (David) Chaffin of South Shore and Sharon (Eddie) Merritt of Lexington, Ky.; two sisters, Anna Mary Munn of Corbin, Ky., and Stella “Ted” (Virgil) Bailey of Bellefonte, Ky.; 10 grandchildren, Jennifer “Markie” Madden, Traci Bishop, Terry Chaffin, Seth Miller, Sara Bush, Tara Smith, Nicole Miller, Kristen Miller, Ashley Edwards and Evin Merritt; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Ashley Miller; and two brothers, Mason Branham and James Branham.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at Reed Funeral Home in Greenup by Dr. Tom Melvin. Burial will be in Granny Thomas Cemetery in Garrison, Ky.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today and an hour before services Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Community Hospice Care Center, 2330 Pollard Road, Ashland, KY 41101.



Billie Jo Crites (1943-2010)

God’s servant Billie Jo Crites was surrounded by family at her home as she left us and went to her new home in heaven on Jan. 6, 2010, after an extended illness.

She was born Nov. 11, 1943, the daughter of the late Preston and Garnett Sparks Gillum and was employed as a driver for Pathways.

She loved to organize family gatherings because she truly loved her family.

She is survived by two children, Chris Crites and Sonya Newman (Gary), both of Ashland; four grandchildren, Chris Crites (Diana) of Eustis, Fla., and Vanessa Crites, Gracie Newman and Noah Newman, all of Ashland; a great-grandchild, Delain Boggs of Ashland; a sister and four brothers, Sharon Jeffers (Calvin E.) of Raceland, Ronald Gillum (Diana) of Columbus, Ohio, Donnie Gillum (Jane) of Flatwoods, Lional Gillum (Jillanna) of South Point, Ohio, and Terry Gillum (Robin) of Versailles, Ky.; nieces and nephews Annette Gillum of Greenville, S.C., Larissa Birch (Steven), Camilee Gillum-Tieman (Jared) and Radawna Gillum, all of Flatwoods, Sharon Jean Jarrell (James) of Flatwoods, Nathan Gillum (Mary) of Ashland, Sara Stidham (Justin) of Greenup, Andrew Gillum of Ashland, Terry Dean Gillum (Shelly), Samuel Gillum (Juleana), Rocky Gillum (Lori) and Brooke Rutoskey (Michael), all of Versailles.

Her love for her family was only surpassed by her love for God and doing his work. She was an active member of Calvary Apostolic Lighthouse in Wurtland, Ky.

Visitation and the funeral will be at Calvary Apostolic Lighthouse in Wurtland. Viewing will be Friday, Jan. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. and the funeral service will be Saturday, Jan. 9 at 1 p.m. officiated by Pastor David Morrison. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Community Hospice.

Carman Funeral Home in Flatwoods is in charge of arrangements.



Lewis “Lude” Moore (1925-2010)

Lewis “Lude” Moore, 84, of Rush, died Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, in Boyd Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ashland, Ky., following an extended illness.

He was born Feb. 9, 1925, on Straight Creek in Boyd County, a son of the late John Moore and Amanda Adams Moore. Lewis was a self-employed roofer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl Moore, Andrew Moore and Luther Moore; and three sisters, May Moore Evans, Gladis Moore and Ethel Moore.

He is survived by his wife, Bertha Mae Moore; three sons, Terry Moore and his wife, Victoria Rose Moore, Robert Rice and his wife, Ruth Fryer, and Kevin Rice; a daughter, Tonya Rice and her husband, Carl Hall; two brothers, John Jr. Moore and Lindsey Moore; a sister, Phyllis Moore; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8 at Sparks Funeral Home in Grayson by John Moore. Burial will be in Cribbs Hill Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today, Jan. 7, 2009, at the funeral home.

The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Community Hospice for the kind service.

Condolences may be sent to www.sparksfh.com.



Darlene Pearl Bollinger (1941-2010)

On the fifth day of January in the year two thousand and ten, Darlene Pearl Bollinger’s (Grammy’s) long and happy life came to an end.

She was born on the twenty-sixth day of June in the year nineteen forty-one in San Francisco, Calif. She was preceded in death by her father, Mr. John Deacon and mother, Ms. Juliette Deacon of California. Grammy is survived by her sister, Mrs. Claudia Minette of Peoria, Ariz. She was a resident of Ironton, Lawrence County, Ohio, for the last thirty years.

Darlene Pearl Bollinger is survived by her daughter, Debra L. Bollinger; her eldest son, Raymond J. Bollinger and his wife, Cheri R. Bollinger; her middle son, Mark L. Bollinger and his wife, Tammy J. Bollinger; and her youngest son, Aaron C. Bollinger and his wife, Samantha J. Bollinger, all of Lawrence County, Ohio.

Grammy is survived by nine grandchildren, Sarah R. Thrower and her husband, Andrew J. Thrower, Erica D. Brown and her husband, Damien E. Brown, Alexandria B. Brown and her husband, Jason R. Brown, Kevin R. Bollinger, Jonathan R. Bollinger, Bradley A. Bollinger, Sydney N. Bollinger, Raegan L. Crabtree and Brock E. Bollinger.

In remembrance of Darlene’s life, a memorial service will be at 6 p.m. today, Jan. 7, 2010, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 1604 Campbell Drive, Ironton, Ohio.

The family warmly invites all who wish to attend.

In lieu of flowers, Darlene requested contributions be made to the Ironton Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, mailed to 1405 S. 10th St., Ironton, OH 45638.

O’Keefe-Baker Funeral Home in Ironton is in charge of arrangements.



Pearl Whitt (1937-2010)

Pearl Ann Whitt, 72, of Ashland, died Tuesday in King’s Daughters Medical Center.

She was born March 22, 1937, in Ashland.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Steen Funeral Home-13th Street Chapel in Ashland. Burial will be in Winslow Cemetery.

Friends may call after noon Thursday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to www.steenfuneralhomes.com.



Gene Wright (1935-2010)

Gene C. Wright, 74, of Rush, died Tuesday in Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland.

He was born Aug. 4, 1935, in Harmony Junction, Pa.

He is survived by his wife, Joan.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home in Catlettsburg. Committal will be in Rose Hill Burial Park.

Friends may call at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Community Hospice, 1538 Central Ave., Ashland, KY 41101.



Mary Walton

Mary Walton, 85, of Ashland, died Tuesday.

Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland is in charge of arrangements, which are pending.



Mary Harman

Mary Blanche Harman, 72, of Flatwoods, died Wednesday in Oakmont Manor in Flatwoods.

Preston Family Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements, which are pending.



Clifton Carpenter (1920-2010)

Clifton Curley Carpenter, 89, of Woodsbend, died Monday in Morgan County Appalachian Regional Hospital in West Liberty.

He was born Feb. 7, 1920, in Woodsbend.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Potter Funeral Home in West Liberty. Burial will be in May Cemetery in Woodsbend.

Friends may call after noon Friday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to www.potterfuneralhomeinc.com.



Edgar Wireman

Edgar Wireman, 74, of Oil Springs, died Tuesday in Ashland.

He is survived by his wife, Josephine Blair Wireman.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Paintsville Funeral Home. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park in Staffordsville.

Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. today and after 9 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.



Herbert Wilks (1947-2010)

Herbert Daniel Wilks, 62, of Webbville, died Wednesday at his residence.

He was born Aug. 24, 1947, in Lawrence County.

His wife, Elizabeth Rose Wilks, survives.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Wilson Funeral Home in Louisa. Burial will be in Wilks-Bishop Cemetery in Webbville.

Friends may call after 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to www.timeformemory.com/wilson.



Elmer Sparks (1918-2010)

Elmer Jim Sparks, 91, of Vanceburg, died Wednesday.

He was born April 21, 1918, in Lewis County.

His wife, Thelma Gilbert Sparks, preceded him in death.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Lewis County Memory Gardens in Black Oak.

Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Gaydos Funeral Home in Vanceburg.



Neva Davis (1921-2010)

Neva Davis, 88, of Louisa, died Tuesday in Three Rivers Medical Center in Louisa.

She was born July 11, 1921, in Richardson.

Her husband, Haden B. Davis, died in 1976.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Young Funeral Home in Louisa. Burial will be in Davis Cemetery in Richardson.

Friends may call after noon Friday at the funeral home.