Also featuring photos from our monthly supplement...




Peggy Barbour Straughen, (born Margaret Ann Barbour), age 70, of Washington Township, passed away unexpectedly at Miami Valley  Hospital on Tuesday, July 22, 2008. Born in Chambersburg, PA on August 21, 1937, Peggy entered nursing school in Harrisburg where she met her husband, Bill (William Joseph) Straughen. Married in 1958, they had recently celebrated their 50th anniversary with their children and grandchildren. Peggy was active in many ways at Normandy United Methodist Church, where she was a member for 40 years. Over her life, she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and was a lay leader. She had a deep and abiding faith. Peggy was very active right up until her death; quilting, genealogy and playing bridge were her favorite interests.  Peggy loved her swim lunch bunch and enjoyed their company often. She enjoyed traveling to see family and friends, from a high-school friend in California to family in Pennsylvania and Florida. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Ritchie Barbour and Pauline Coleman Barbour. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Dr. William Straughen; daughters, Polly Mae and her husband, John McAuliffe, and their children Emma Jo and Jack, all of Tallahassee, FL; Heidi and her husband, Craig Anderson, and their children, Molly, Ellen and Eric, all of Centerville, son, Joel Straughen and his wife, Nancy and their children, Tegan and Sloane, all of Orlando, FL and sister, Mary Louise Lucas of Chambersburg, PA. A memorial service to celebrate Peggy’s life was held on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Normandy  United Methodist  Church, 450 W. Alex-Bell Rd., Centerville, OH 45459 with Revs. David and Elizabeth Brown officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Normandy United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.routsong.com 

Obituaries from recent issues...

Martha Ann “Marty” (Cruea) Routsong, age 81, formerly of Oakwood, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2008. She was a graduate of Fairview High School in 1945 and received her BS from Miami University, Oxford in 1949. Marty was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, PEO Chapter CK, Eastern Star and an active member of David’s United Church of Christ. At David’s, she had been a member of the choir, she organized the Christmas bazaar and the church decorating committee for several years. She was a past Matron of Far Hills Chapter Eastern Star (now Belmont Chapter) and served as Grand Marshall of the Grand Chapter of Ohio in 1984. She was co-owner of the Routsong Funeral Home and one of the first women funeral directors in Dayton. Marty’s talents were many, she was an extremely accomplished seamstress, national roller skating champion, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, community volunteer and friend who loved to entertain. She enjoyed camping with her family throughout the United States. Marty collected many Native American artifacts and jewelry on her trips as well as local crafts and antiques. Preceded in death by her parents Charles and Edna Cruea, and 2 sisters, Barbara Culp and Frances Ely. She is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 58 years, Thomas H.; daughter, Jane House; son, Thomas A. Routsong and his wife, Lisa; 2 grandsons, Samuel and Maxwell Routsong and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, July 17, 2008 at David’s United Church of Christ,170 W. David Road, with Rev. Andrew J. Bierkan  and Rev. Dave Tackett officiating. Burial in David’s Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering with Eastern Star services 8:00 PM. The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by Hospice of Dayton. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to the Shriners’ Burns Hospital for Children, 3229 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229 or Hospice of Dayton. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com

David Kent Burnap, age 77, of Dayton, OH passed away Sunday, July 6, 2008 with his family around him at his country home. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Roberta, three daughters; Mary (Richard) VanderKaay of Dayton, Amy (Thomas) Brereton of Atlanta, GA, Sarah (Don Robert Jr.) Bahner of Pinehurst, NC, and son David Burnap, Jr. of Dayton, as well as eleven grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Alma Burnap and brother Robert Burnap. David grew up in Columbia Station, Ohio outside Cleveland. After graduating from college he joined the US Air Force serving as a pilot in England. Upon leaving the service he moved to Dayton to start a career in business where he thrived for many years before retiring with his wife to their farm near Wilmington, OH. Private services were held at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made in David’s name to the Arthur James Prostate Cancer Prevention and Research Fund #302024, 660 Ackerman Road, P. O. Box 183112, Columbus, OH 43218-3112 or Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, OH 45420.  Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH in charge of arrangements.  Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.

Isabel Vandenberg, age 91, formerly of Oakwood, died peacefully on July 9, 2008.  Born Nov. 15, 1916 to Alfred S. Frank, Sr. and Mary (Polly) Conover Frank.  Preceded in death by her husband, Don G. Vandenberg, sister, Polly Shank and brother, Alfred S. Frank, Jr.  Survived by 3 sons, 1 daughter: Peter, Don, David (Susan) Vandenberg and Judy Boudreau (Bill); 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.  Isabel was affiliated with Alpha Phi Sorority (graduated from Northwestern University in Music Education 1938), PEO, Westminster choir and was a music teacher with the Kettering school system.  She was a prolific poetry writer, a wonderful mother and was loved by all who knew her.  The family is deeply appreciative of the staff of Lincoln Park Manor for caring for Isabel for 5 years, and to her frequent visitors:  cousin Carl Hoff and good friend Betty Huter. A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 North Wilkinson St., at 3 pm on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 with Reverend Kay Davis-Dudding officiating, followed by a reception in the West Parlor.  Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of choice or to Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Arrangements by Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home, George Miller, Director.

Edythe Wray Arthur, age 90, of Oakwood, died June 25, 2008, at home. Edye was born in Dayton on January 28, 1918, the daughter of Lula Montgomery and Patrick Henry Wray. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, former member of Trotwood Church of Brethren, alumna of Trotwood Madison High School class of 1936, 40 year member of the Dayton Woman’s Club, serving on the Board as Editor of the DWC Newsletter, the Dayton Art Institute, Underbidders Bridge Club, Order of Eastern Star, and Miami Valley Golf Club, Brown’s Run Country Club of Middle town and the Dunes Country Club of Sanibel Island, Florida. Edye was an avid golfer, accomplished artist and a 40-year plus member and Historian of the “Monday Painters” of the Dayton Woman’s Club and belonged to the San-Cap Art League of Sanibel Island, Florida. Edye attended Miami Jacobs Business College and Sinclair Community College. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, son Geoffrey Wray Arthur, brother Clyde Wray and sisters, Thelma Wray Allen, and Virgie Wray Ernst. Survived by her husband Robert K. Arthur, son, Timothy Craig Arthur and wife, Jacquelyn, of Clearwater, Florida, daughters Patricia Arthur Evans and husband Richard of Gahanna, Ohio, grandchildren, Scottie Arthur Melody and husband Scott, of Muirfield Village, Dublin, Ohio, Bryan Evans and wife Frances of Little Silver, New Jersey, Erich Evans and wife, Lynnette of Bexley, Ohio, and Sarah Evans Napier and husband Matthew of Johnstown, Colorado, Kristyn of Charlotte, North Carolina, James Arthur, of Clearwater, Florida, seven great-grandchildren, brother, George Thomas Wray of Brookville, Ohio. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Anatomical Gift Program at Wright State University where Edye donated her body, or the Trotwood Church of the Brethren in memory of Edye.

Eugene P. Ballard, age 83, of Oakwood, OH passed away at his residence on Tuesday, June 24, 2008. Eugene was a WWII United States Air Force veteran and a local builder and real estate broker for over 50 years. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Norma, and his parents. He is survived by his two sons, Gene (Lori) Ballard, Randy (Sheila) Ballard; one daughter, Cheryl (John) Bystrek; grandchildren, Matt (Heather) Ballard, Jeremy (Jamie) Bystrek, Jennifer (Josh) Schatteman, Kelly Bystrek and husband Kevin Tamulonis; great-grandchildren, Ryan Ballard, Ashley Ballard and Cora Bystrek.

Lendel Louise Doty (nee Davis), age 51, of Oakwood, passed away early Thursday, Jun 19th after a 3 ? year long, courageous battle with colon cancer.  Lendel was born March 7, 1957 in Ilion, New York to Donald and Fay Davis.  Lendel graduated from Ilion High School in 1975, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Relations from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1980.  She was a member of the Organization of Triangles and in 1974 won the title as the New York State Sweetheart of DeMolay International.  In that capacity she traveled the State of New York performing community service for hospitalized children and giving speeches about the importance of education and one’s duty to home, God, and country.  She married her hometown sweetheart, John Doty on May 31, 1980 and thereafter became a loving and supportive wife and mother.  Her oldest daughter, Adrienne (24) was born in Dayton, while Claire (19) and Barrett (18) were born in West Lafayette, Indiana.  Her children were the joy of her life.  During her 28-year marriage, Lendel lived in Buffalo, NY, West Lafayette, IN, Annapolis, MD, and three different times in Dayton, OH.  Lendel loved gardening, sewing, and being a sports mom.  She was a talented seamstress and worked for some time at the Stitching Post in Dayton.  She also generously volunteered her skills by making the drapes for E.D. Smith Elementary School’s Library, the costuming for Miss Camille’s annual Ballet Recitals, and the costumes for Oakwood High School’s musicals including “The Princess and The Pea”, “The Music Man”, and “Anything Goes”.  She also made personalized tea cozies, kitchen towels, and surgeons’ caps for the doctors and nurses who took care of her.  In addition, Lendel was an incredible cook and generously donated her many delicious creations to the Oakwood Orchestra’s Cherry Pie Concerts and the Oakwood High School Football & Volleyball Teams.  Her favorite yearly donation was dressing her husband up in a Santa Clause costume she made, decorating their car, and bringing homemade cookies to the young service members who had to pull Christmas Eve and Christmas Day guard duty at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.  But Lendel’s selfless spirit was also evidenced both during and after her battle with colon cancer; she participated in a Clinical Trial at Duke University in the hopes of finding a cure and then, upon her death, donat ed her corneas to a living recipient, and her body to the Wright State University Medical School. Lendel is survived by her loving and devoted husband John of 28 years; her children Adrienne Lourdes (Alejdin Vishi), Claire Elizabeth, and Barrett Winslow, all of Oakwood; her parents, Donald and Fay (Guhring) Davis of Ilion, NY; two brothers from Ilion, Brett Davis and his children Brandon (Mystic, CT) and Audrey (Ilion, NY), and brother Shawn Davis and his children Amanda (Schuyler, NY) and Ashley (Schuyler, NY), her uncle, Dr. Donald T. Olson (Jupiter, FL) and his children Caron (South Bend, IN), Jean (Chicago, IL), Jon (South Bend, IN), Lori (Valparaiso, IN), and all their family of South Bend, IN; her wonderful parents-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law, and their children, and her beloved German Shepherd, Heika.  Lendel was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Charles Davis of Ilion, NY; her maternal grandparents, H. Frederick Guhring and Agnes (Lenz) Guhring of Litchfield, NY; a very special maternal aunt, Elinor Olson (South Bend, IN), a maternal uncle, Jon Frederick Guhring of Ilion, NY; and a host of other Davis relatives. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 29th, 2008 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 33 West Dixon Avenue, Oakwood at 2 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, Lendel asks that you contribute to her daughter Claire’s “Relay for Life” Team.  She also asks “you honor my memory by enjoying each day, loving your children, and not sweating the small stuff.”

Roger W. Farley, age 79, passed away at Bethany Lutheran Village on June 8, 2008. A long-time resident of Oakwood and beloved husband of Barbara, Roger was born to Don and Helen Farley in Brookings, SD, on February 1, 1929. After his graduation from John H. Lehman High School in Canton, OH, Roger enlisted in the Marine Corps. Following his honorable discharge in 1948, he entered Denison University, where he joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, eventually serving as President. Roger’s studies included a junior year abroad at the University of Geneva in Switzerland, which ignited his enduring love of travel. In 1952, Roger received his B.A. from Denison and began his career in sales training for the 3M Company, where he worked for a decade. Prior to his retirement in 1994, Roger worked primarily in sales training and sales management training for the Mead Corporation, including positions with two Mead subsidiaries: V.P. of Sales for the Stanley Furniture Company in Stanleytown, VA, and Director of Education and Development at Zellerbach in Dayton. Roger was a member of the National Society of Sales Training Executives, the Oakwood branch of Rotary International, where he served as President in 1984, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry in addition to lending his talents as Properties Committee Chair and Lay Reader. Roger met Barbara during a blind date; they married on June 25, 1955 and had an inspirational marriage of almost 53 years. During their marriage, Roger and Barbara traveled around the world, visiting 36 countries. In addition to travel, Roger loved visiting with his children and grandchildren, working in his yard, and dancing with his wife. Preceded in death by his infant son, Todd William Farley in 1960, and his son, Kent Emerson Farley in 2005, Roger is survived by his wife, Barbara. His oldest child, Page Anderson, makes her home with her husband, Eric, in Hyde Park, Cincinnati. His youngest, Jill Davis, her husband, Sam, and their sons Harrison, Weston and Bennett are residents of Oakwood. His daughter-in-law, Anne-Marie Farley, lives in Cincinnati with her sons, Conor, Nicholas and Ethan. Roger’s oldest brother, Donald Farley, lives in Evanston, IL with his wife, Martha. His middle brother, Russell Farley, resides in Strafford, VT. There was a memorial service held celebrating Roger’s life on Saturday, June 14, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Oakwood. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed toward a charity of the donor’s choice, or to The Mayo Clinic, Dept. of Development, 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL, 32224. Please make checks payable to The Mayo Clinic, and indicate “for Movement Disorders Research” in the memo line. Arrangements in care of Routsong Funeral Home.

Don R. Ireland, age 81, of Dayton and Hilton Head Island died peacefully on June 9, 2008, after a series of illnesses.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Ella (nee Crosby), and his sister, Dama (Dick Kimmel).  Born in Lafayette, Indiana, he is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Beth, and three children, Jeff (Ellen), Scott (Kim) and Steve (Jean) and five grandchildren, Elizabeth, Olivia, Jerame, David and Patrick.  Don grew up in Lafayette, Indiana and his education at Purdue University was interrupted by service to his country in the Pacific Theater.  In Purdue’s class of 1947, he married his Sweetheart of Sigma Chi in 1948.  They moved to Dayton in 1950 and he and others subsequently founded Main Line Supply Company, a successful industrial distribution business.  Don loved to travel and together with Beth visited most of the world.  He cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren, all of whom appreciate his love, support, encouragement and humor.  He enjoyed the beach, the Purdue Boilermakers, golf and his wide circle of friends in Ohio and South Carolina. Having served on the Boards of The Salvation Army, the YMCA and Camp Kern, he was also active in Dayton Rotary, the 39er’s, the Dayton Bicycle Club, the Moraine Country Club and Belfair. He will be remembered as a wonderful father, grandfather, husband, friend and a true gentleman. His sense of humor was a source of laughter for his friends, family and anyone who knew him. Visitation was held at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Road in Kettering, on Thursday, June 12, 2008 with a memorial service on Friday June 13, 2008 at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 7001 Far Hills Avenue.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army, 93 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton, OH 45402 or Camp Kern, 5291 St. Rte. 350, Oregonia, OH 45054. Condolences and remembrances may be sent via the web site at www.routsong.com.

Virginia “JiJi” Cornish Volz, age 78, of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Dayton, passed away June 13, 2008 in Sarasota. A “Celebration of Life” is planned for a later date. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Volz and her parents, Myron and Loraine Cornish. She is survived by two daughters, Christie Proctor and Cheri Ohmer; son, Charles Huber; four step-children, Robin, Mike, Pete and Tim Volz; sister, Marjorie Ziska. JiJi grew up in Oakwood and was a member of the
Oakwood High School Class of 1948. JiJi was an active volunteer in her children’s activities in school, church, and her community. While in Sarasota she worked with her husband Don as owners of Voyles Menswear on St. Armands Circle for 23 years. Words can not describe how she touched and enriched everyone she met. To have known JiJi was a blessing. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Dayton.

Rose Meredith Neikirk, age 3 months, of Oakwood, passed away Friday, June 13, 2008, at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.  She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Lloyd Matthews and cousin Christopher Matthews.  Rose is survived by her parents, Wallace and Margaret Neikirk, and sister Lily; maternal grandmother, Edwina Matthews; paternal grandparents Donald and Helen Neikirk, as well as many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.  Rose will be remembered as an uncomplaining fighter with a sweet, soft spirit. She received Christian baptism June 2, 2008.  A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church, 4417 Bigger Rd., Kettering, OH  45440, with the Rev. Dr. Julia Wharff officiating.  The family will greet friends after the service. Private burial. The family thanks the hospitals’ NICU staff who lovingly cared for Rose.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Miami Valley Hospital Foundation, 1 Wyoming St., Dayton, OH 45409 or Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Donations Office, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229.  Condolences and remembrances may be sent via the website at www.routsong.com.

 

 

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