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Roger Wood Farley, age 79, of Oakwood, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2008. Services to be held on Saturday, June 14 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 333 W. Dixon Ave., Oakwood. The Rev. Jack Koepke officiating.

Obituaries from recent issues...

Haley Fiske Jr., age 68, of Santa Barbara, CA, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2008 following a brief illness. He was born February 7, 1940 in New York City. He was the son of the late Haley Fiske and Grace (Ohmer) Fiske. He was raised in Oakwood and spoke fondly of living on the estate, which overlooked the city and had replaced the Schantz tower, of his grandmother and grandfather Grace and Will I. Ohmer. As a child he attended the Notre Dame Country Day school in North Dayton. Haley attended Oakwood High School where he played baseball and later graduated from Marti High School in 1959.  In 1961 he married Mary Anne Dice (Dayton, OH) and relocated to Santa Barbara California.  In Santa Barbara he studied at Santa Barbara City College (class of 1964). For 15 years he enjoyed a sales career in the water treatment industry at firms such as Culligan and Servisoft. He retired in 1979 to spend quality time with his family.  For the next 20 years he was a league volunteer and coach for the Babe Ruth League. Later in life he developed passions in photography and personal computing. He is survived by his wife Mary Anne (Dice) Fiske; his daughter Suzanne Fiske of San Diego; his son’s Michael Fiske, Haley Ohmer Fiske and Christopher Fiske of Northern California.  In the Dayton area he is survived by cousins, Mark H. Ohmer, Susan and Charles Castle, Jennifer Castle and Sarah Anne Castle; his mother in-law Geraldine Anthony; sister in-law Liz Cernevicius and brother in-law William David Dice. He is also survived by his sisters Grace Ohmer Bowman of Cleveland Ohio and Phyllis Smith of Englewood Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SICSA http://www.sicsa.org in Kettering, Ohio  Memorial service to be held June 22nd at the Unity Church in Santa Barbara CA. Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery in Santa Rosa NM. Arrangements are being made by Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa, NM and Welch Ryce Haider in Santa Barbara, CA. Memorial website at http://haleyfiskejr.legacy.com.

Donald E. Stout, Real Estate Developer, Builder, Environmental Preservationist, and Native Daytonian has passed on to The Heavenly Father  May 26, 2008. He is survived by Gloria, his wife of 62 years, daughter Holly Sue and her husband Daniel J. Gibson of New York City, son Scott Kenneth Stout and his wife Beverly L. of Centerville and three grandsons, D. Joel Gibson II, Scott W. Stout and Nolan G. Stout. A graduate of Miami University. He continued his education to specialize in the field of real estate by attending various universities for seven additional years to become the youngest man in Ohio to earn Membership in the Appraisal Institute and awarded the “MAI” designation. Mr. Stout established and taught the first real estate course at Wright State  University. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a “Bridge Builder.” For his compassion and positive outlook. “I Will Live Forever,” by Donald Hewitt Herman and “The Bridge Builder” by William Dromgoole, are symbolic of his personal philosophy. He conceived and developed the first transportation center in the State of Ohio for the exclusive use by the trucking industry. In addition to planning and developing “The Falls” subdivision in Vandalia, Ohio as well as leasing and managing the “Forest Park Plaza”.  At the time of his death he was actively planning, designing, and developing the “North Gateway to Downtown Dayton” and “The Wright Gate Industrial/Technical Park.” Other recognition included outstanding real estate salesman in the State of Ohio. He held memberships in Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, Golden Legion-Now in the “Chapter Grand” and the Antioch Shrine 32nd Degree. He served his country as an infantry soldier in France, Belgium and the German “Bulge” during World War II. He was returned from the front lines of the Rhine River to the United States by Order of Congress to attend the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School. He served as an enlisted sailor for a time, continued his education and retired as a Naval Officer. Throughout his life, Mr. Stout enjoyed the Caribbean Area and he operated a real estate office on the Island of St. Croix for a number of years. Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 29, 2008 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH. Family greeted friends after the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens  Cemetery, New Carlisle following the visitation. In lieu of flowers, Don requested that you “Take a Loved One to Dinner and Toast the Future”. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.routsong.com.

Jerome S. Surdyk, M.D., age 95, of Washington Township passed away on Friday, May 30, 2008, at Kettering Medical Center. A lifetime resident of Ohio, Dr. Surdyk was born in Fremont, Ohio September 25, 1912. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1933 and the University of Loyola (Chicago) School of Medicine in 1937. He completed his internship at the former St. Elizabeths Medical Center and practiced general medicine in Dayton, from 1938 to 1957 from his office located on East Fifth Street. In 1957 he attended the New York Poly Clinic and completed specialty courses in proctology. He practiced as a Colon Rectal Surgeon in Dayton from 1958 until his retirement in September of 1978. Dr. Surdyk was on the Staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital for 41 years and was Chief of General Medicine for 2 years and Director of Medical Education for St. Elizabeths from 1959 until 1961. Dr. Surdyk was a Captain in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. He served as a medical doctor in Algiers, Africa, Bastia, Corsica, and Naples, Italy. Dr. Surdyk was a member of the Montgomery County Medical Association, American Medical Association, Ohio State Medical Association, and the American Society of Colon Rectal Surgeons, and served as President of the Ohio Valley Proctologic Society 1970 - 1971. He served on numerous Boards and Committees and was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and the Dayton Country Club. Preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Agnes (Wesolek) Surdyk, sister, Lucille Surdyk, his wife of 48 years Anastasia (Tacy) (Shirden) Surdyk in 1987, and two grandsons David and Paul Surdyk in 1985. He is survived by his three children, Carol and her husband Dale Lehmann of Pace, Florida, Marilyn Yonts of Centerville, and Robert J. Surdyk and his wife Peggy Surdyk also of Centerville, Ohio; 5 grandchildren, Jennifer Lehmann (Pace, Florida), Dale Lehmann, III (Columbus, Ohio), Jerry Lehmann (Pace, Florida), Charles Yonts, III (Brooklyn, New York), Bevin Surdyk (Greenwich, Connecticut), and three great grandchildren, Parker and Sydney Lehmann, and Abigail Yonts. He also leaves his very dear cousin Mercedes Keating of Fremont, Ohio, and dear friend Mary Ann Henehan of Kettering. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4500 Ackerman Blvd, Kettering, Ohio at 10:30 AM with Father Ronald C. Haft officiating. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Family received friends Monday, June 2, at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to a charity of your choice. Jerry and Tacy Surdyk touched many lives in many ways. They will always be remembered in our hearts and in our prayers. Condolences may be sent to the family via the website at www.routsong.com.

Stephanie A. (Faso) Eardly, was born on May 5, 1938 in Portland, New York, to Peter and Margaret Faso. Stephanie is survived by her loving husband of fifty years, William Donald Eardly of Dayton, Ohio; loving sister Mary Angela Faso of Spring Valley; five children: Tim Eardly of Kettering, Molly Stover of Zephyr Hills, Florida, Amy Eardly of Zephyr Hills, Florida, Michael Eardly of Toano, Virginia, and Kate Shepard of Cincinnati; seven grandchildren and Nana to Stephanie Richards (27), Kyle Richards (25), Amanda Eardly (18), Meagan Eardly (16), Joan Eardly (17), William Stover (15), and Lily Shepard (2); and five great-grandchildren: Dakota, Eric, Blake, Macey, and Anthony. Stephanie was joyously creative and expressed her gift through gardening, painting, poetry, photography, quilting, cross stitch, and sewing. She was a nature lover, an avid reader and long-time book club member, an early graduate of the Dayton Art Institute, graduate of Sinclair Community College, and retired social worker from Eastway and South Community. Memorial Service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-FAR HILLS CHAPEL 5471 Far Hills Ave at Rahn Rd. Friends may call from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. On line condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.

Frank E. Zorniger, Jr., passed away at the Sanctuary at 10 Wilmington Place on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. He was born on April 21, 1925 in Henderson, KY to the late Frank E. Zorniger, Sr. and Mary Alves Zorniger. Frank was a Veteran of WWII, proudly serving in the 86th Infantry unit in the European and Far East theaters. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Zorniger, whom he married on May 24, 1952. Frank is also survived by his children, Frank“Pete” III and wife, Kim of Dayton, Elizabeth “Betsy” Brennan Zorniger of Salt Lake City, Utah, Donald and wife, Debbie of Dayton; grandchildren, Drew, Paige, Alex Zorniger of Dayton, Ben, Ellen and Erin Brennan of Salt Lake City, Utah., Elizabeth and Jacob of Dayton. Frank was the founder of “Frank Z” Chevrolet and was a Chevrolet dealer for over 40 years. He was an avid sailor, who loved to spend his summers in Harbor Springs, Michigan and his winters at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida. Frank will be remembered as a civic leader and as a recognized local philanthropist who supported many charities, his favorite being The Cox Arboretum. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, 13 May 2008 at 11:00 AM, at St. Georges Episcopal Church, 5520 Far Hills Ave., Centerville with The Rev. Carol Hull officiating. In lieu of flowers, it would be a fitting tribute to make memorial contributions to The Cox Arboretum, 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449 or charity of choice. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.routsong.com

Joan A. Conger, age 78, of Oakwood, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2008 at Kettering Medical Center. Joan was a school teacher for the Cleveland City Schools and an avid egg artist.  She was preceded in death by her parents, George E. and Alice M. Wilhelm, and son, Jesse Allen Conger.  Joan is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Jesse L. Conger III; daughter, Pamela A. Conger-Cox (Steven); sister Alice M. Strathman; brother George “Fritz” Wilhelm; grandchildren Alicia and Madeline Cox.  A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Lung Association 11113 Kenwood Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45242-1817 . Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to www.routsong.com.

George Harshman Ohmer, age 92, of Oakwood, passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2008 following a brief illness. He was born November 6, 1915 in Dayton, Ohio, son of the late Colonel Robert F. and Irene (Harshman) Ohmer. George attended Oakwood High School (class of 1933) where he played football, ran track and wrote for the school newspaper “The Oak Leaf”. He studied engineering at Purdue University (class of 1937) and was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. On August 1, 1937 he married Lois Lee Barnes of Toledo, Ohio. George enjoyed a 35-year sales and consulting career in the Aerospace and Aviation Industry with a close association with W.P.A.F.B. and D.E.S.C. He retired in 1975 from the Amphenol Division of the Bunker Ramo Corporation. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lois; son, Robert Earl Ohmer and brother-in-law, Harlan W. Barnes. Survived by son, Mark H. Ohmer; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Charles Castle; granddaughters, Jennifer Castle and Sarah Anne Castle, all of Dayton and a cousin, Haley Ohmer Fiske of Santa Barbara, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Oakwood F.O.P. Lodge # 107, 30 Park Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45419 or The Oakwood Historical Society, 1945 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45419. The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at The Oaks of West Kettering and the kindness and special care given by Vitas Hospice. Private services. Interment at Woodland Cemetery. Arrangements by Morris and Sons Funeral Home.  Condolences can be sent to www.morris-sons.com.  

James Daly Wilger, of Dayton, OH died Monday, April 21st, after a six-year battle with colon cancer.  His heroic strength was an inspiration to all.  Survived by wife of 48 years Ann (Murray), children Margaret (Steven) Jung, Julie (David) Ballweg, Barbara, all of Cincinnati, and Stephen of St. Petersburg, Russia; grandchildren:  Abigail, Madeleine and Grace Jung, Christopher, Allison and Matthew Ballweg, and brother Thomas of Cincinnati.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents; Ruthe and Ray Wilger.  A graduate of Roger Bacon High School, the University of Cincinnati  (Aeronautical Engineering) and Wright State University (MBA).  Jim served in the US Air Force as a B-52 pilot and retired from the Raytheon Co. as manager and director of marketing for the Dayton office.  He was past-president of NSIA, PFLAG, Oakwood Rotary and Holy Angels Parish Council, where he was a member for 40+ years.  Jim’s advocacy for and devotion to the Gay community was admired by many.  He was a talented woodworker, master gardener and loved camping and backpacking.  He was a founding member of the Living Beatitudes Community celebrating diversity and worship in the Catholic tradition. Friends and family shared in celebrating Jim’s life with Mass of Christian Burial at The Christ Episcopal Church (First and Ludlow Sts., Dayton) on Saturday, April 26. Visitation was held on Friday, April 25 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering.  Donations may be made to Cancer Family Care (Cincinnati, OH),
The Living Beatitudes Community (c/o Christ Episcopal Church), or PFLAG Dayton. For other remembrances and condolences please see our website at www.routsong.com

Robert “Nick” Nichols Farquhar, age 71, of Dayton passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2008. A shareholder of Altick & Corwin Co.,L.P.A.  Graduate of Kenyon College and Cornell Law School.  Member, St. George’s Episcopal Church, Dayton Bicycle Club and Centerville Historical Society.  Past associations include:  Dayton Law Library Association, Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) - Council of Delegates, American Bar Association – Chairman, Governing Board for the Carillon Historical Park, member, Board of Governors OSBA, President, Dayton Law Library, member, Ohio State Supreme Court Commission on Character and Fitness, President, Dayton Bar Association, Chairman, Committee of Legal Ethics and Professional Conduct Ohio State Bar Association, member, House of Delegates for the American Bar Association, Board member and President Grace House Sexual Abuse Resource Center. Nick will be remembered for his love and passion of Elk Lake, geneology, history, reading, his canine kids Sam and Sophie and especially socializing with his dear friends and family.  Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. and Mary Frances Farquhar. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol A. Farquhar; sons, Robert N. (Chong) Farquhar, Jr. of Washington D.C., James Brian (Janice) Smith of Columbus and Brad Alan (Wendy) Smith of Dayton; daughter, Jensen (Richard) Askay of Portland, OR; grandchildren, Jessica Farquhar, Justin, Andrew, Alex and Nathan Smith and Soren, Emerson and Tyler Askay; sister, Ann (Terry) Krug of Dayton; nephew, Kevin (Nim) Krug of Dayton; niece Kathy Fourman and sister-in-law, Jeannie Marshall.  A memorial service was held on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 5520 Far Hills Ave., Kettering with Rev. Kia Webster and Rev. Hugh Westbrook officiating. A reception followed from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Yankee Trace, 10000 Yankee St., Centerville, OH. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Robert N. Farquhar Memorial Fund, Dayton Bar Association Foundation 109 N. Main St. #600, Dayton, Oh 45402. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family via the internet on www.routsong.com

Norma E. Ballard, age 84, of Oakwood, OH passed away Sunday April 13, 2008 at the Sanctuary at Wilmington Place. She is survived by her husband of 64 years Eugene Ballard; 2 sons Gene (Lori) Ballard, Randy (Sheila) Ballard; 1 daughter Cheryl (John) Bystrek; grandchildren Matt Ballard (Heather), Jeremy Bystrek (Jaime), Jennifer Schatteman (Josh), Kelly Bystrek and husband Kevin Tamulonis; great-grandchildren Ryan Ballard, Ashley Ballard, and Cora Bystrek. Private services were held Tuesday, April 15. Interment at Woodland Cemetary. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton in her memory.

Sue (Woolley) Blank, age 87, of Kettering, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2008 at Walnut Creek Nursing Center.  She was born in Athens, Ohio on December 29, 1920, daughter of the late John J. and Cela (Stauffer) Woolley. Sue was a graduate of Athens High School (1938) and Ohio University (1942), where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity.  In addition to being a homemaker and wonderful mother, she was an avid reader and bridge player, a member of AFS Bridge Club and many individual bridge groups.  Sue was preceded in death by two brothers, Boris and Jack Woolley; two sisters, Tersa Witthoff and Joan Porter; Charles J Blank, husband of 59 years and daughter-in-law, Bonnie M. Blank.  She is survived by her son, Charles (Tim) J. Blank, Jr.; daughter and son-in-law Laurie and Marinus (Marv) J. Keller, all of Dayton; 2 grandchildren, Jeffrey Charles Blank of New York City, NY and Charles (Chase) B. Keller of Dayton; 3 sister-in-laws, Margaret Woolley of Altadena, CA; Joan Woolley of Redondo Beach, CA and Rheba Blank of Dayton, Ohio along with many nieces and nephews.  She chose to donate her body to the Wright State University School of Medicine. Interment will be at Woodland Cemetery at the convenience of the family.  A “Celebration of Life”, for Sue and Charles, will be held for family and friends on June 7, 2008.  If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Assn., Miami Valley Chapter, 3739 Summit Glen Dr., Dayton, Ohio 45449, or the American Heart Assn., 15120 Collections Center Dr., Lockbox # 15120, Chicago, IL 60693.

Sandra Joan Wickham Wood Johnston, was born December 31, 1941 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton, Ohio; died March 24, 2008 in Dayton. Sandy was predeceased by her grandparents Joseph and Maude Crook of England; grandparents Brigadier General George H. Wood and Virginia Wood of Kentucky and Ohio, respectively. Her parents were Joan Wickham Crook Wood of Norfolk, England and Peirce Wood of Dayton. Sandy was also predeceased by husband Allan L. Johnston, Jr. (Duffy) after 40 years of marriage. The marriage produced two children: Dr. Peirce Wood Johnston (Pete) and Virginia Jaye Wickham Johnston. Pete and wife Melissa Davis Johnston have two children: Elizabeth Jane Silver Johnston and Charlotte Joy Crook Johnston.  Jaye’s daughter is Hayley Joy Peirce Johnston and step-daughter Melody Hanna. Sandy had many good friends who helped, including one special friend who visited Sandy’s mother-in-law many days a week for several years.  Sandy was a friend of Bill W. for over 21 years. Sandy graduated from Pine Manor College in 1961. She also attained an Associate Arts degree from Sinclair Community College in 1981. These degrees led to jobs in management (The Plaid Stamp Co. and Hertz). The second A.A. led to her position as supervisor in the Montgomery County Court of Domestic Relations. Sandy performed several volunteer jobs, most of which involved committees evolving from the Junior League of Dayton. She also assisted Hospice in Melbourne, FL and for over ten years in Dayton. She was an avid recycler. Services were held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Dixon Avenue in Oakwood on Friday, March 28. In lieu of flowers please donate to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton 45420, or SICSA Pet Adoption Center, 2600 Wilmington Pike, 45420.

Andrew Jackson “Jack” Morrison, age 76, of Oakwood, formerly of Pike County, Kentucky, passed away Monday, April 7, 2008, at his residence.  Andrew was born on December 12, 1931, in Canada, Kentucky, to the late Asa P. and Vina (Pinson) Morrison.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Lois E. (Smith) Morrison, his son, James and his daughter, Jackie.  He is survived by his daughter, Janet (Jim) Foster of Oakwood, Ohio; his two sons, John (Carol) Morrison of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and Robert (Betty) Morrison of Waverly, Ohio; grandchildren, Jake Morrison, Sarah (Scott) Walker, Abby (David) Brown, Emily, Ashley, Hunter, Melissa, Joseph, and Michael Morrison; and five great grandchildren.  He retired from Rockwell International, a Korean War veteran serving in the U.S. Army, and a member of the Old Regular Baptist Church in Stone, Kentucky.  He was a friendly soul who will be greatly missed by those blessed to know him. Vistation was held on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME – FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Ave. at Rahn Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45429.  A memorial service was held Thursday, April 10, 2008, at the Little Stone Old Regular Baptist Church, Stone, Kentucky.  Funeral service Friday, April 11, 2008 at the Church.  Burial Smith Family Cemetery, Ransom, Kentucky.  Arrangements in Kentucky in care of Hatfield Funeral Home, Toler, Kentucky.  Condolences may be made to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com

Randolph A. “Randy,” Kimura,age 42, of Dayton passed away on April 5, 2008.  Randy was born in Pennsylvania and attended Oakwood High School.  He was an accomplished musician, tradesman and entrepreneur.  He was preceded in death by his father Dr. Kazuo Kimura and his sister Karen. He is survived by his mother, May; two brothers, Dan (Kathy) and Mark (Lori); nieces and nephews, Kaz, Zachary, Kayleigh & Rachel; a large extended family and many friends. A memorial service to celebrate Randy’s life will be held April 17 at 2:00 PM at the Woodland Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel at 118 Woodland Ave in Dayton. Private inurnment services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Please visit www.homecomputerhelpers.com/randy.htm for charitable contribution information or to send condolences and other remembrances. 

Dr. Ronald Arthur Meeks, of Glendale, Ohio died on March 25, 2008.  He was 77 years old.  Dr. Meeks practiced Veterinary Medicine and Surgery in the Springdale/Glendale area for 42 years.  He was well known, highly respected and deeply admired my many throughout the community. He will be missed by all who knew him.  Dr. Meeks was born on January 15, 1931, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1952 with a degree in Biology/Chemistry and, in 1956, completed his graduate work at Auburn University where he received a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.  He and his wife, Tina, were married in January, 1957. Before moving to Glendale Dr. Meeks served as a Captain in the U. S. Army Veterinary Corps from 1957-1959 at Chicago’s Fifth Army Headquarters and later at Ft. Eustis, Virginia.  He opened his own veterinary medical clinic in Springdale, Ohio in 1959 where he practiced until his retirement in 1999. Throughout his life, Dr. Meeks was active in Church and Community work.  He once said, ‘I’ve loved, hon ored and tried to be obedient to my LORD all my life; but, I spent my first 25 years getting my education for my profession; my second 25 years, practicing my profession and providing for my family & educating my children - now, my last 25 or more years, I give totally to the Service of my Lord, Jesus Christ.’ He served as a Deacon, then Elder, of the Glendale Presbyterian Church, as an Elder of College Hill Presbyterian Church, and, was presently a Deacon at Montgomery Community Church, where he and his wife have been members for the past 7 years.  He was a Bible Scholar.  Besides studying on his own, he completed the two-year Bethel Bible Course of the Old & New Testament at College Hill Presbyterian Church, and was a Bible teacher.  Three of his most ‘special’ students, his 3 children, honor him by attributing their strong faith and their wisdom of the Bible to his teachings - which they have passed on to his grandchildren - all of whom are active in Christian work. Dr. Meeks was a kind, compassionate man who enjoyed helping others.  He served on the Board of City Gospel Mission, Citizens for Community Values, Greater Cincinnati Tennis Association, and, the Glendale Heritage Preservation Group.  He was a regular volunteer for many charity groups, including Matthew 25. In spite of heart problems from an early age, he remained an athlete all his life.  He played on the tennis team and the platform tennis team for many years at the Glendale Lyceum, where he and his family were members for over 40 years.  In later years, he enjoyed golf.  A very proud ‘Kentucky Colonel’ - his other interests, besides his church and his family, were gardening and traveling - He and his wife, Tina, enjoyed ‘seeing the world’ together - highlights included getting to meet Dr. Alfred Wight (pen name ‘James Herriott’, author of the ‘All Creatures Great & Small’ series) in England, getting to go to Wimbledon Tennis Championships twice,  the Australian Tennis tournament, Australia/New Zealand, Hawaii many times, several trips to Europe and Israel,  about 15 cruises all over the world, and, a mission trip to Russia in 1990 with Dr. John Guest.  A favorite family vacation spot was Hilton Head Island, S. C. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Tina Phelps Joiner, and their three children, Renee Meeks Bognar (Mr. John Keith Bognar), Carmel, Indiana,  Lisa Meeks Wright (Dr. Timothy Wright) Norfolk, VA, and David Meeks, Chicago; six grandchildren, Emily, Jessica, Clara and Nathan Wright, and Rebecca and Rachel Bognar; one brother Neil Meeks, St. Louis, Missouri and one sister, Sharon Meeks, Jackson, Morehead, Kentucky.

Shirley Huffer, age 82, of Kettering, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Monday, March 3, 2008 at Kettering Medical Center. Shirley grew up in Toledo, OH, the youngest of three daughters of Russell and Laura Clevenger. Shirley was a 1948 graduate of Duke University, where she majored in history.  She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Progressive Mothers Club, Dayton’s Women’s Club, Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni Association, and a volunteer at Cox Arboretum and Kettering Sister City.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert B. Huffer, M.D. on September 24, 1984, and 2 older sisters, Florence Brown and Doris Christy.  She is survived by 3 sons, Charles B. Huffer (Gwen) of Thousand Oaks, CA; Bruce R. Huffer, M.D. (Shannon) of San Jose, CA; and Brian R. Huffer, Esq. (Dee Dee) of Kettering; 1 daughter, Katherine Cowan, Esq. (Dan) of Lake Oswego, OR; 8 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandson.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 12:00 noon at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, with Rev. Kay Davis-Dudding officiating. Friends may call from 11-12:00 noon at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations to Juvenile Diabetes Association, 1293-H Lyons Rd., Dayton, OH 45458, the Dayton Women’s Club, 225 N. Ludlow St. Dayton, OH 45402 or to Cox Arboretum, 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449. Condolences and other remembrances may be visited at www.routsong.com.

Alfred Frank Goodman, age 85, philanthropist, passed away in his sleep February 23, 2008.  Born January 24, 1923 in Biloxi, MS to Lucille Chambers and Alfred Flournoy Goodman.  The eldest of three siblings, Alfred “Bob” graduated from high school in Cleveland OH.  After attending Miami University in Oxford OH, he volunteered for the Army, attending OCS in Florida and OSS training in Virginia.  Bob was part of the Normandy invasion, occupied Versailles before the Germans left Paris, and worked in OSS code section. He was awarded two bronze stars.   Bob returned to Miami University, became a founding member of the 1833’s, helped re-establish the original fraternity Alpha Delta Phi in 1948, and co-authored two musicals which funded construction of the Student Union Building. He graduated in 1949 with a B.A. Bob was a buyer for Rike’s Department Store, purchased and operated a local beautician’s school and began to collect art and antiques.  He purchased the family cottage at Cowan Lake. Later he purchased the firehouse on Riverside Dr. previously owned by the first female photographer, Jane Reese. In 1965, Bob bought the his torical house at 630 Runnymede, Oakwood as a setting for his growing art collection. He traveled extensively, attended Glyndebourne Opera for decades, was a member of the English Speaking Union and the British National Trust. He went behind the Iron Curtain, rode camels in the Middle East, went on safari in Africa, toured gardens in Japan, cruised the Amazon, and toured throughout Russia, Eastern and Western Europe, and the Caribbean. Bob loved Oakwood, being part of the Oakwood Sister City Program, Oakwood Historical Society and the Oakwood Beautification Program. He assisted in founding the Cox Arboretum. He was a longtime patron of the arts, supporting the Cincinnati May Festival and Summer Opera, the Dayton Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra. He was a member of The Mother Church, Boston, MA and Second Church of Christ, Scientist, in Dayton. He is preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Nell Burton of Phoenix, AZ and brother, Elstun Flournoy Goodman of Houston, TX.  He is survived by nieces Elise Lucille Moore, Susan Goodman Street, and nephews, Ernest Alfred Price, Timothy Alfred Goodman, Elstun Flournoy Goodman, Jr., Bentley Wellington Goodman, and friend Gregory Land. A Memorial service was held Thursday, Feb. 28 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, officiated by Elise Moore, C.S.B. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cox Arboretum 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, Oh 45449 or First Church of Christ, Scientist, 175 Huntington Ave, Boston MA. 02115. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.routsong.com

Theodore W. “Ted” Pace, age 75, of Oakwood, passed away on February 27, 2008 at Hospice of Dayton. Ted was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior. He was a Production Engineer at the Dayton Daily News until his retirement. Ted was a Veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Air Force and also volunteered at the Air Force Museum.  He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jill Pace; daughter, Kim and David and their son, David Lee; and brother, Howard (Wavel) Pace; sister-in-law Janice Pace.   Ted was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Miami Valley Hospital and Hospice of Dayton. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 8 at 10:30 AM at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Oakwood with Rev. Gary Eichhorn officiating. Ted’s family will receive friends on Friday from 5-7:00PM at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family. If desired contributions may be directed to Hospice of Dayton 324 Wilmington Avenue Dayton, Ohio 45420.  Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.routsong.com

Harold A. Sopher, age 89, of Oakwood, passed away Feb. 23. Services held in Baltimore, MD. Bradford, Connelly & Glickler Funeral Home.

Christopher Savino, age 52, of Northport, FL passed away Jan. 15, 2008 of respiratory failure due to multiple myeloma. He is survived by his wife of twenty-eight years, Cindy, and son Zachariah, his parents Joseph Savino and Virginia Welss, his sister Amy (Will) Muetterties and three nieces Jessica (Matt) Haney, Carly (Luke) Gesin and Whitney Muetterties. Chris was born October 14, 1955 in Dayton, OH, grew up in Kettering and was a 1973 graduate of Fairmont West High School. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1978 and taught Physical Education for six years in the Mad River School District in Dayton.  A series of events prompted his decision to continue his education at the Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary where he completed an M.S. in Practical Ministries in 1991. During that time Chris served as Director of Christian Education and Youth at Mt. Carmel Church of Christ in Cincinnati, OH before moving to Wasilla, Alaska in 1992 and serving at Wasilla Christian Church as Senior Minister until 2006. Chris was a devoted husband and father, an accomplished carpenter and a pilot. He loved Alaska, his Harley and was a loyal Ohio State Buckeye alumnus. Most of all, Chris loved the Lord and devoted his life to serving Him and others with passion, with love, and with a determination to do what was right in all circumstances. His courage and faith will not be forgotten by those who knew and loved him. Memorial services were held 2 Saturday, February 2, 2008 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH. Final resting place in Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested for the Children’s Home in Taiwan: Formosa Christian Mission; c/o Charlotte Lang; 3598 Buffalo Ave.; Broomfield, CO  80020-9016.

Katherine Rich Battelle “Katie” Common, age 83, of Oakwood, passed away Saturday, February 2, 2008 at Kettering Medical Center of causes incidents to age. Katie was born on December 2, 1924 in Dayton to Benjamin H. and Ruth (Compton) Rich.  She was a life long resident of Dayton and a graduate of Oakwood High School and Miami University.  She married Gordon K. Battelle in 1945, later divorced and later married W.D. “Dick” Common in 1964, who preceded her in death. Katie enjoyed an active life style and was an avid golfer, tennis player, skier, bowler and Bridge player. She also loved to sing, dance and play the piano.  Katie is survived by her sister, Mary Beth Sutton and niece, Susan Sutton both of Dayton; her daughter, Barbara Battelle Schwartz (Patrick) of Salt Lake City UT; and her seven grandchildren, Robert Schwartz (Amy) and their children, Esther, Marta and Mila of London and Brooke Cutler (Spencer) and their children, Kirsten and Hanna of Durham NC, Benjamin Schwartz of Shanghai, Rebecca Schwartz, Gretchen Schwartz, P.J. Schwartz, and Annaliese Schwartz of Salt Lake City, UT. Friends may call from 5-7:00 p.m. Monday, February 4, 2008 at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME – FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Ave. at Rahn Rd. Dayton, Ohio 45429. Funeral service 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 33 W. Dixon Ave., Oakwood, Ohio 45419.  The Reverend Judith A. Doran officiating. Interment Woodland Cemetery, 118 Woodland Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45409. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, Ohio 45405 or the Victoria Theater Association. 138 N. Main St., Dayton, Ohio 45402.  Condolences may be made to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com

Sue S. Studebaker, age 74, of Washington Twp, OH. Local historian, antique collector,  and author passed away Tuesday night, as result of a sudden illness. Mrs. Studebaker was known both locally and nationally as an expert and lecturer on American antiques and decorative arts. She taught classes on antiques at several Museums and Universities in the area. She published her book “Ohio is My Dwelling Place” in 2002, which chronicled Ohio school girl embroideries or “Samplers” 1800-1850. Sue was a founding member of the Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren, and served on the building committee.  She was a trustee for the Cincinnati Decorative Arts Society, member of the Ohio Folk Art Society, Past President of the Centerville Historical Society, Past President of the Dayton Women’s Club, Charter member and Past President of the Dayton Antiques Study Club. She was a member of D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution). Sue was valedictorian of Fairborn High School, class of 1951. She attended Ohio State University where she was      
a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority and also Past President of the Dayton Alpha Phi Sorority.  Sue traveled extensively around Europe and the United States with her loving family. Survivors include her loving husband of 55 years Dr. Richard B. Studebaker; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Park A. (Susan) and Dana B. (Mary) both of Washington Twp.; grandchildren, Alex, Christina, Caroline and Samantha; brother, Dr. Russel Toops of FL and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008 at Prince of Peace Church, 800 E. David Rd., Kettering with Pastor Larry Tyner officiating. Burial in David’s Cemetery. The family will celebrate Sue’s life with a reception at the Dayton Country Club following the services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Centerville Historical Society, 89 W. Franklin St., Centerville, OH 45459. For Sue’s Complete History, Condolences and other remembrances may be sent via the website at www.routsong.com.

Francine C.T. (Ader) van der Hoeven, age 85 of Kettering, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 16, 2008. She was born May 28, 1922 in Amersfoort, Netherlands, daughter of the late Willem and Maria (van Geelen) Ader. Francine was a child prodigy who entered medical school at age 15 and obtained her M.D. in 1946 at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands.  On August 20, 1945 she married Dr. Ludolph van der Hoeven.  In 1955, Ludolph and Francine moved to the U.S. with their four children.  Francine lovingly devoted her life to her family and many charitable organizations.  She was president of Ultrachem Biomedical Laboratories.  She was a member of the Associate Board of DAI, co-founder of its Oktoberfest and its first chairperson; The Garden Club of Dayton; Board of Wegerzyn Gardens; Board of Dayton Bach Society; Community Board of WSU Department of Music; member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church; and a member of Menahem Pressler circle of Adament, VT School of Music.  She was recognized as an “Exemplary Citizen” by the city of Dayton. Francine was a well-loved hostess to her friends, music, art, and gardening organizations. She happily opened her home and her gardens filled with beautiful peonies on 255 Park Road in Oakwood. Outside of her many social commitments, she turned the pages of musical scores for her husband’s many chamber music performances.  She found great joy in her garden and her kitchen. Francine is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Ludolph; 4 children, Liliane Johnson of Morgantown, WV, Francie (Ronald) Camp of Springboro, OH, Carlijn (Douglas) Koch of Miamisburg, OH, Willem (Hollie) van der Hoeven of Breckenridge, CO; 7 grandchildren, Samantha, David and Julia Johnson, Kari (Kevin) O’Neal, Peter Koch, Willem and Alexandra van der Hoeven; great-grandson, Dylan Johnson. In 1965, she was preceded in death by her son, Bart Pieter van der Hoeven. A Memorial Service was held 2 PM Friday, Jan. 18, 2008 at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 33 W. Dixon Ave., Dayton, OH 45419, the Rev. Judith A. Doran officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Francine van der Hoeven Fund at the Dayton Foundation for Centennial Park at Houk Stream, c/o Dayton Foundation, 500 Kettering Tower, Dayton, OH 45423, www.daytonfoundation.org, in Francine’s memory. Online memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerhazelsnider.com

Connie Sue Foster, age 54, of Kettering, passed away on Monday, Jan. 7, 2008  after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Connie was born on Feb. 24, 1953, in Middletown, Ohio, to Gerald and the late Imogene Malone. Connie is survived by her husband of 35 years, Robert G. Foster; two children, Kristen B. Foster-Robinson of Columbus, Ohio, and Michelle B. Foster of Kettering; her brother Michael D. Malone, and sister-in-law Jana, of Carmel, Indiana; and many other beloved family members. Connie was a devoted wife, mother and friend. She was a 1971 graduate of Fairmont East High School and attended Sinclair Community
College. She was an active member of Greenmont-Oak Park Community Church, sang in the adult choir, and served the church in many other capacities. She was involved in Girl Scouts as a youth and served as a leader as an adult. Connie was most recently employed by the City of Oakwood as their receptionist. Memorial services were held Saturday, Jan. 12 at Greenmont Oak Park Community Church with Rev. Gregory King officiating. Interment at Valley View Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greenmont–Oak Park Community Church, Hospice of Dayton, or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements in care of Tobias Funeral Home - Belmont Chapel) Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com

 

 

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