Bertha Lucille Hughes, 96, formerly of Bellefontaine, died at 12:05 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, 2010, at Green Hills Center, West Liberty.

She was born Nov. 10, 1913, in Bellefontaine, a daughter of the late Levi and Anna Rae Legge.

On Sept. 3, 1931, she married Orville Leroy Hughes in Kenton and he died December 27, 1992. She was also preceded in death by three brothers; Everett, Ardell, and Otis Legge, four sisters; Hattie Woods Shreve, Myrtle Goings, Martha Fraley and Elsie Legge, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Survivors include a son, Rev. Leroy (Margery) Hughes, and three daughters; Mary Lucille (Earl) Allen, Phyllis (Charles) Allen all of DeGraff and Martha (Paul) Overholser of Bellefontaine, 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 30 great-great grandchildren and three great-great-great-grandchildren.

A Homemaker, she was a member of the Church of Christ in Christian Union in Bellefontaine. She loved to sing and play dominos with family. She was also a Sunday School teacher.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the Church of Christ in Christian Union, Bellefontaine, with Rev. Richard Cartwright officiating. Burial is in the Spring Hill Cemetery, Springhills.

The family will receive friends at Rexer-Riggin-Madden Funeral Home, DeGraff on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010 from 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Condolences may be expressed at www.timeformemory.com/madden.

Ruby E. Gilbert, 95, formerly of Lakeview, passed away at 8:40 a.m. Friday, February 19, 2010, at Wapak Manor, Wapakoneta.

She was born in Lakeview, Ohio on January 16, 1915, a daughter of the late Michael and Nettie (Reed) McGee.

On September 13, 1932, she married Paul E. Gilbert and he preceded her in death on April 30, 1966. She is also preceded in death by her daughter, Lois Jean Powell on February 5, 1988 and two brothers, Paul and Russell McGee.

Survivors include two grandsons, Michael (Luanne) Powell of Wapakoneta and Jeffrey (Kim) Powell of Ashland; 5 great grandchildren, Ashley and Keith Powell of Ashland and Jordan, Nichele, and Wesley Powell of Wapakoneta; and a son-in-law, Ronald E. Powell of Boynton Beach, FL.

She was a member of Indian Lake Community Church, Russells Point. She also belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star #554 and White Shrine #48 of Bellefontaine. She especially loved spending time traveling.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 in the Myron Van Horn Chapel of the Sanford-Eichholtz Funeral Home in Lakeview. Friends may call two hours prior to the service. Burial will follow in Walnut Hill Cemetery, New Hampshire.

Memorial contributions may be made to LUPUS Foundation.

Sanford-Eichholtz Funeral Home, Lakeview assisted the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed at sefh@charterinternet.com.

Glen Robert Baughman, 82, of Bellefontaine, passed away on Sunday, February 21st, 2010 at his residence. He was born on July 20, 1927 in Hardin County, OH to the late Asher and Cecile (Wallace) Baughman. He is also preceded in death by his first wife, Laura Frances Jennings, who died January 25, 1978, one brother, four sisters, a step-son, Robert Manahan, a granddaughter and a great grandson.

On November 3, 1979, he married Jacqualin Manahan, who survives.

He is also survived by three sons, Wayne (Pam) Baughman of Portland, IN, Warren (Diana) Baughman of Bellefontaine and Wendell (Paula) Baughman of Bellefontaine, one brother; Raymond (Jody) Prater of Sidney, two sisters; Donna Newman of Kenton and Audry Overly of Bellefontaine, two step-sons Richard Manahan of Bellefontaine and Mark (Stephanie) Manahan of Quincy, a step-daughter; Clara (Terry) Greene of DeGraff, a daughter-in-law Joyce (Mike) Albers of Anna, a sister-in-law; Shirley Baughman of Wapakoneta, 16 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren.

Glen was a 1945 graduate of Belle Center High School, and worked for New York Central and Conrail Railroad. He was a member of the First Church of God, Bellefontaine and a life member of the UTU. He enjoyed fishing.

Funeral services will be conducted by Pastors C.J. Plogger and Ray Headings and Rev. Ed Beale at 11:00 am, Thursday, February 25, 2010 in the First Church of God, Bellefontaine. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine and an hour prior to the funeral at the church on Thursday. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Cemetery, West Liberty.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of God Building Fund or to Universal Hospice. Eichholtz Funeral Home, Bellefontaine assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family at:   www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Patricia Ann Gamble, 43, of rural Bellefontaine, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 2:37 p.m. at home. She bravely battled pancreatic cancer for two years, until God said, “Come home.”

She was born August 23, 1966 in Bellefontaine, a daughter of Dale and Velda Hagelberger Knief, who survive in rural DeGraff.

On August 14, 1999, Patty married her loving husband, Dr. Christopher M. Gamble, at First Lutheran Church in Bellefontaine. He survives, along with their three wonderful sons, Brandon (8), Conner (6), and Zane (5). They were the joy of her life. She is now their guardian angel forever.

Patty graduated from Indian Lake High School in 1984, where she played basketball, and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She earned an Associates Degree in Accounting from Clark Technical College in 1987. She worked in the offices of DAB, HBD, and the Logan County Election Board.

Other survivors include two sisters, Robin (Dale) Holycross of West Mansfield, and Emily (Tim) Davis of DeGraff; three uncles, Farrell (Roberta) Knief and Jerry (Karen) Knief both of rural Lewistown, and Bill Hagelberger of Castalia; ten nieces, Kaitlin Holycross, Jessica, Lauryn, and Marissa Davis, Rebecca Gamble, Emily (Jerod) Henry, Brittni (Tyler) Bunce, Breanne Gamble, Nathalie and Katie Thompson; six nephews, Christopher and Jacob Holycross, Nathan Davis, Brice Gamble, Colton and Cody Clapp, and many close cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Eugene & Eileen Knief and Victor & LaVera Hagelberger, and her aunt Sharon (Jerry) Knief.

A member at First Lutheran Church in Bellefontaine, she also worshipped at Rum Creek United Methodist Church during her youth, and taught Sunday School at Philadelphia Lutheran Church. Patty enjoyed cooking, decorating cakes, and watching her sons play sports. She will fondly be remembered by her family and friends.

Pastor Jonathan Bull will lead a funeral at 11 a.m. Monday at First Lutheran Church in Bellefontaine. Calling hours will be held at Rice Hall in the First Lutheran Church on Sunday from 2-4 & 6-9 p.m. and also an hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Greenwood-Union Cemetery in DeGraff.

Memorial contributions may be made to Universal Home Health & Hospice Care of Bellefontaine, the Logan County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, or First Lutheran Church in Bellefontaine.

Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine is handling the arrangements and condolences to the family may be expressed at:  www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Phillip “Gene” Jenkins, 75, of Bellefontaine, passed away on Monday, Feb. 15, 2010 at 10:05 a.m. at Heartland of Bellefontaine.

He was born in Jefferson Township, Logan County on July 1, 1934 a son of the late Ervin and Wanda Devine Jenkins.

Jenkins was employed by the Bellefontaine Examiner for 50 years, retiring in 2003. He graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1955.

A Memorial service will be held at Heartland of Bellefontaine on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Ed Beale will officiate the service. 

Burial will take place at Zanesfield Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Methodist Church.

Per Mr. Jenkins’ request his body will be cremated.

Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine is handling the arrangements and condolences to the family may be expressed at www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Gary D. Caldwell, 67, died at his home in Bellefontaine Tuesday, February 16, 2010. He was born July 29, 1942, in Urbana, Ohio to the late Robert D. and Geraldine J. Caldwell. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, James & Elsie Nutter and a sister-in-law, Penny Ann Emans, all of Marion, OH.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife, the former Norma J. Nutter, whom he married Aug. 4, 1962 in Marion, OH; his two wonderful sons, and six loved and treasured grandchildren. Son, David D. Caldwell of Richwood, OH and his sons, Ridge and Beau. Son, Matthew J. (Marsha) Caldwell of Ridgeway, OH and their children, Morgan, Mason, McCay and Malachi. A sister, Mary Jo (Tom) Carpenter of Galena, OH and a brother-in-law, William (Gerrie) Nutter, of Marion, OH; nieces, nephews and a very special group of Caldwell cousins.

He graduated from Marion Harding in 1960, received his BS in Education from Bowling Green State University in 1964 and his Masters from Wright State University in 1977. Gary began his teaching career as a band director. He taught one year at Blue Creek Local, and three years at Ridgedale Local before coming to Bellefontaine in 1968 where he was band director until 1973. The next 25 years he was an OWE Coordinator at Bellefontaine City Schools.

He always said he had the best of two worlds - - music and sports. From 1977 thru 1981 he was a volunteer assistant basketball coach with Oscar Erb at the freshman level. Was hired as Freshman Boys’ Asst. Basketball Coach in 1981; boys J.V. Basketball coach in 1994. Was Assistant Girls Basketball coach in 1995 under Dan Furlong when the girls went to the State Final Four in 1996; retiring in 2004. During his basketball coaching, he found time to begin the Girls Cross Country program in 1981 and coached until 1990, after four trips to the State Cross Country Meet and two CBC championships.

He was called the Voice of the Chieftains for his 25 years of announcing varsity football games, varsity boy’s basketball games, Bellefontaine City Music/Arts Festival and presenting local scholarships at Commencement.

When he retired from teaching in 1998, he worked at Tree Links Golf Course where he pursued his love of golf. Gary was responsible for beginning a match/metal league and instituted a friendly Ryder Cup type competition between the three local courses. He enjoyed many good rounds of golf with many good friends.

He was an avid Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians fan. He was a wood worker who created some beautiful furniture items. He loved watching his grandchildren in all their many and varied activities and was forever a teacher/coach on their behalf.

Visitation will be Friday, February 19, 2010 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Eichholtz Funeral Home, Bellefontaine where the funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ed Beale of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Bellefontaine Cemetery.

The family requests memorial contributions to be given to Universal Hospice Care, 701 S. Main, Bellefontaine or First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 201 N. Main St., Bellefontaine.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at:  www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

R. “Gene” Poland, 79, of Marion, Ohio, formerly of Bellefontaine passed away on Monday, February 15, 2010 at 12:44 p.m. at Marion General Hospital, Marion, Ohio.

He was born in Carey, Ohio on August 20, 1930 a son of the late Charles and Bertha Kistler Poland.

He married Loretta Poland in Bellefontaine and she preceded him in death on April 13, 2008. He is also preceded in death by his first wife, Ella Fergus on Sept. 17, 1982 and also by 7 brothers and 2 sisters.

He is survived by daughters, Loraine Fay (Robert) Saylor of Marion and Bertha “Bert” Kauffman of Bellefontaine; a sister, Dorothy Smith of Bellefontaine; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; 1 step-great-great-grandchild, 1 step-great-great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces & nephews.

He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War and was a retired mechanic working at several auto dealerships in Logan County and worked at a security guard at Acrux. He was a member of First Lutheran Church and a lifelong member of V.F.W. Post #1080, American Legion, Amvets and Disabled American Veterans. He was a 1948 graduate of Bellefontaine High School.

Friends may call on Thursday, February 18, 2010 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine where a funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Rob Fulton presiding. Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Cemetery, West Liberty, Ohio with a military graveside service conducted by the Logan County Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine is handling the arrangements and condolences to the family may be expressed at:  www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Vernon L. Kauffman, 85, of DeGraff, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. at his home.

He was born in West Liberty on March 11, 1924 a daughter of the late Ottis and Martha A. Yoder Kauffman. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Kathy Smith; brothers, Wayne and John Kauffman and a sister, Rosella Kauffman.

He married his first wife, Ruth Ebright on March 1, 1958 and she died on Sept. 22, 1990. On Oct. 3, 1992 he married the former Carol Jean Wright and she survives in DeGraff. He is also survived by daughters, Ida (Harry) Sweigart of Sidney, Brenda (Rick) Halterman of DeGraff; step-daughters, Bonita Russell and Tresa (Todd) McKinney both of Troy and Cindy (Darius) Williams of Dayton; step-sons, Bill (Cindy) Chrisman of Alabma and Ron Chrisman of Dayton; 10 grandchildren; 18 step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

A farmer, he was a certified mechanic for International Harvester and was owner and operator of Vern’s Tractor Repair in DeGraff. He was a member of the Stonycreek Church of the Brethren, Bellefontaine. He enjoyed repairing things, mowing and being outdoors, camping and growing vegetables and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He also worked for 24 years as a maintenance and grounds keeper at Piatt Castles in West Liberty.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 at 12 noon at the Kauffman-Eichholtz Funeral Home in West Liberty, where friends may call two hours prior to the service. Burial is in South Union Cemetery, West Liberty.

Memorial contributions may be made to Piatt Castles.

Kauffman-Eichholtz Funeral Home in West Liberty is handling the arrangements and condolences to the family may be expressed at: www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com

Carl E. Thompson, Sr., 67, of Belle Center, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010 at 8:20 p.m. at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.

He was born in Louisa, Kentucky on Nov. 8, 1942, a son of the late Bert Thompson and Iva Thompson who survives in Urbana.

He married the former Patricia “Pud” McKee on Aug. 11, 1962 in Urbana. She survives along with a son, Carl (Dianna) Thompson, Jr. of Lewistown; daughters, Beverly (Philip) Weeks of DeGraff and Carla (John) Orahood of Woodstock; brother, Charles (Mary) Thompson of Tennessee; sisters, Nancy West of Springfield, Arlene (Roger) Matney of Gahanna, Virginia (Harlan) Yoder of Urbana; sister-in-laws, Bonnie (Jesse) Walters, Linda (Dave Jones) Bailey and Connie (Tom) Sizemore, all of Urbana and Becky (Ken) Hilton of Arkansas; brothers-in-law, Bill Brugh, Rick (Barb) McKee and Terry (Laura) McKee, all of Urbana; 6 grandchildren, Leslie (Justin) Bahan, Michael (Bethany) Instine, Nicholas Orahood, Darci Orahood, Rachel Thompson, Chelsea Thompson; great-grandchildren, Madison Bahan, Mackenzie Bahan, Jack Bahan, Logan Instine, Faith Instine, Carson Instine; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Thelma McKee; a brother, Raymond Thompson; brothers-in-law, Earl McKee, Bill Bailey and Dave West; sister-in-law, Shirley Brugh; nephew, Douglas “Duke” Bailey; infant niece and nephew, Paul and Teresa Sizemore.

He was a contractor who concentrated on finish work and carpentry and built many beautiful homes in Logan and Champaign counties and in Dublin near Murfield Golf Course.

He worshipped at the First Church of God in Bellefontaine. He loved to fish, garden and spend time with family. He was a member of Bishop’s Cove fishing gang where he won many fishing trophies and awards. He was a member of the Southern Gospel group, The Walter’s Family, and also the Blue Grass Gospel Group with his very dear friends Bill & Doshie Nicolas. He was also an avid NASCAR fan.

Friends may call on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010 from 4–8 p.m. at Eichholtz Funeral Home, Bellefontaine and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Feb. 15, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the First Church of God in Bellefontaine officiated by Pastor Ray Headings, Pastor C. J. Plogger and Rev. Jesse Walters. Burial will be in Huntsville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of God Senior Adult Group, 1000 East Brown St., Bellefontaine.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation for staff at the Interim Home Health Care and St. Rita’s 4th Floor Staff.

Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine is handling the arrangements, and condolences to the family may be expressed at: www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com

Chester A. Alspaugh, 92, of Rushsylvania, passed away on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010 at 4:05 a.m. surrounded by family at his home.

He was born in Fairfield County, Rushcreek Township, near Lancaster, Ohio on May 5, 1917, a son of the late Alta L. and Loretta Milligan Alspaugh.

He married Helen L. Harshbarger on Aug. 23, 1937 in Winchester, Indiana, and she preceded him in death on Nov. 9, 2004. Brothers, Raymond, Loren “Larry” and Anson “Bud”; sisters, Ruby Cummins and Charlotte Grant; granddaughter, Mollie Shields; and son-in-law, Richard Shoffner, also preceded him in death.

He is survived by daughters, Loretta Ann (Dan) LeVan, Carol Darlene Shields and Sandra Lee Shoffner, all of Bellefontaine; Sister, Marcella Neeld; sisters-in-law, Ruth Alspaugh, Juanita “Dolly” Harshbarger and Marcella Neeld, all of Bellefontaine; 16 grandchildren and spouses; 42 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a lifetime farmer, a crane operator and had worked for the railroad. He was a member of the Church of The Brethren, Bellefontaine. He always said, “I’m a wealthy man; I’m rich in family”. He enjoyed fishing, tractor pulling, coon hunting and his “toys”. He was known around town as the “Candy Man”.

Friends may call on Monday, Feb. 15, 2010 from 2–4 and 6–8 p.m. at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Fred Clogg and Rev. A. W. Purdin presiding. Burial will take place at Rushsylvania Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of The Brethren Building Fund.

Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine is handling the arrangements and condolences to the family may be expressed at: www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com

Raymond S. Holycross, Sr., 83, of Bellefontaine, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at his residence.

He was born on February 4, 1927 in Union Co., OH to the late Isaac and Jennie (Reames) Holycross.

On July 22, 1949 he married the former Lois Buchenroth in Bellefontaine and she survives along with a son, Steven R. (Chris) Holycross of DeGraff and a daughter, Connie D. Holycross-Akers of Bellefontaine. Also surviving are four brothers, Aaron (Ruth), Carroll (Sally), Darrell (Pat), and Don (Joan) Holycross all of Bellefontaine; sisters, Betty Black and Mary McCoy, both of Bellefontaine, Tempa (Delmar) Cox of West Liberty, Shirley Johnson of Sidney, and Ruth Ann Woodell of DeGraff; six grandchildren, Julie, Steven, Greg, Jeremy, Ryan (Amber) Holycross, and Jennifer (Matt) Willis; four great granddaughter’s; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death is a son, Raymond “Ray” Jr. and a daughter, Janet Holycross; a brother, Chuck Holycross and sisters, Agnes Murray and Alice Davis.

Ray worked for Super Foods as a truck driver and retired in 1985 after 35 years of service.

A WWII Army veteran, he was a member and a Sunday School teacher at Calvary Baptist Church in Bellefontaine. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and yard work.

Pastor Jeffory Willetts will conduct a funeral service at 11:00 am on Monday, February 15th at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine where friends may call from 2 to 5 on Sunday, February 14th. Burial will be in the Zanesfield Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Calvary Baptist Building Fund, 1140 Rush Ave., Bellefontaine, OH 43311.

Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine is handling the arrangements and condolences to the family may be expressed at:   www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Patricia A. Faler, 63, of Jackson Center, passed away at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2010, at her residence.

She was born in Lima, Ohio on January 11, 1947, a daughter of the late Roland Eugene Esser and Mary Catherine Schneider who survives in Delphos.

On November 6, 1965, she married Donald P. Faler in Wapakoneta and he preceded her in death on August 14, 2003.

Survivors include daughters, Jodi (Ken) Guevara, Verona, Kentucky and Donna (Lewis) Pickering of Jackson Center; 5 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 1 step-great-grandson; brothers, Mike (Cheryl) Esser, Stanwood, Washington and Jeff Esser of Glendale, Arizona; sister, Diane (Fritz) Jeanneret of Springfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Montra and enjoyed crocheting and making afghans for others.  She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Friends may call on Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 1-3 p.m. at the Sanford Funeral Home in Jackson Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita’s Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at sefh@charterinternet.com.