, age 76, formerly of Dayton, died Wednesday August 12, 2009 in Columbus, OH. She was born May 17, 1933 in Louisville, KY. She earned both Bachelor and Masters degrees from the University of Louisville. She worked as a columnist for the Kettering-Oakwood Times and later the Dayton Daily News. She then was an advertising copywriter for Elder-Beerman stores, from where she retired. She was also a long time member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oakwood. She is survived by her brother L. Bruce Long of Santa Barbara, CA.; daughter Dr. Rebecca D. Folkerth (Josh) of Boston, MA, son Hugh B. Folkerth of Columbus, daughter Anne F. Conway (Tom) of Cincinnati, son William H. Folkerth (Megan) of Portland, OR, and daughter Margaret S. Beech (Dan) of Columbus, and six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 23, 2009 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 33 W. Dixon Ave., Oakwood. Visitation will be immediately after the service. Memorial gifts may go to the Alzheimer’s Association.
, a Dayton, Ohio native and lifelong resident, passed away at his home on Saturday, August 15, 2009. He was 92 years old. He is survived by his three daughters, Nancy A. Bippus, Jane W. Higgins (William) and Elizabeth T. Leland (Jeffrey), seven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Anne (Webster) Thiele and one grandchild. Following graduation from Miami University in Oxford Ohio, Kenneth spent his entire career with the family-owned enterprise, Miami Dickerson Steel Company. The company was sold in 1969 and Mr. Thiele continued to manage the business as President until his retirement in 1976. Ken served for over twenty years as a Director of the Board for Dayton-based Reynolds and Reynolds and as a member of that Board’s Pension Committee. Mr. Thiele maintained a winter residence at John’s Island in Vero Beach, Florida. Extremely active in a number of philanthropic endeavors, Kenneth devoted many, many hours to this facet of his life. His efforts with the Miami Valley Hospital and it’s Foundation, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oakwood and St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Vero Beach, Florida were very special to him. He was a member of Moraine Country Club, The Miami Valley Hunt and Polo Club, Ye Olde Buz Fuz Club (all in Dayton) and John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida. From his youth, Mr. Thiele maintained a passion for the game of golf. He was the Moraine Country Club Champion several times and shot his age at 82. He also played the piano and brightened many parties with his talent. No visitation. Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 20, 2009 at St. George’s Episcopal Church, (5520 Far Hills Ave, Dayton Ohio, 45429) at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to The Miami Valley Hospital Foundation (31 Wyoming St., Dayton OH, 45409) or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (33 W. Dixon Ave., Dayton OH, 45419). Condolences and other tributes may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.
, August 4, 1932 - August 6, 2009. Age 77, passed away surrounded by family at Sunrise of Oakwood. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Imogene Elizabeth and James Fuller Spoerri. Nancy was born in Evanston, Illinois. At Evanston Township High School she received the D.A.R. Good Citizenship and Babe Ruth Sportsmanship awards, among many other honors. She attended the University of Colorado where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She married John C. Rudwall in 1951 and moved to Oakwood in 1960. She is the mother of four sons, Thomas Holmes Rudwall of San Francisco, CA, David Fuller Rudwall of Kettering, John Charles Rudwall, Jr., of Chattanooga, TN, and James Field Rudwall of Libertyville, IL. Nancy’s grandchildren are William Holmes (Tom); Paul David, Rachel Ann, Jonathan Fuller (David); Jay and Maggie (Chuck); and Catherine (Jim). She is also survived by her sisters Imogene Page of Tucson, AZ, and Martha Wohlken (Norman) of The Sea Ranch, CA, a niece, nephews and their children, her daughters-in-law Barbie Granzow Acker, Connie, Grayson and Julie and her dear friends who miss and love her. Nancy’s many activities included owning and operating Dayton Indoor Tennis Club, coaching Oakwood High School girls tennis; volunteering eight years at Kettering Hospital; and her books, antiques, bowling, tennis, garden groups and Le Club. Nancy’s family and friends will greatly miss her warmth, humor, loyalty, inspiration, love, wisdom and courage. The family wishes to thank the wonderful people at Sunrise of Oakwood who adored and treated Nancy with infinite care. A memorial service was held on Sunday, August 9, 2009, at Woodland Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio. Contributions in Nancy’s memory may be made in lieu of flowers to Kettering Medical Center Foundation, 3535 Southern Boulevard, Kettering, Ohio 45429.
, age 80, long-time resident of Oakwood passed away Saturday, June 27, 2009 at Hospice of Dayton of natural causes, after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; step-daughter, Kathryn (Rob) Ryan; sons, Tamer (Deneen) Akture and Alper (Camilla) Akture; daughter, Suzanne (Doug) Burnside; grandchildren, Olivia Akture and Blake Burnside. He was a longtime Dayton physician and was the director of the St. Elizabeth Emergency Room, before going into private practice. A gentle giant, but humble man, who through his journey in life touched many lives and hearts with his caring soul and healing hands. He is at home now and at peace. May memories take sadness from your heart and gently replace it with the warmth of shared moments. Interment was in Istanbul, Turkey, according to Nihat’s wishes. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerDayton.com.
of Oakwood, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2009. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Keith Brandon Erd, and second husband of 3 years, Kenneth Smallwood; sister, Janis Pope Wade; nephew, Dwaine Wade; nieces, Judy Wade Turner and Sherry Wade Low, and step-daughter, Leslie Smallwood. Joy is survived by her step-son, William Smallwood (Brenda); stepdaughters, Deborah Smallwood Wittenhagen (Robert) and Sandra Smallwood Helmkamp (Greg), numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends. A longtime resident of Oakwood and lifelong resident of Montgomery County, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Alda (Leichty) Pope. Joy was a graduate of Fairmont High School and attended the University of Dayton. She was an active member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Dayton, having served as Second Reader, Sunday School teacher and member of the Board of Trustees. Joy was also a member of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, MA. Joy was a former president of Soroptimist International of Dayton and helped organize Mobile Meals in the Dayton area. She served many years on the board of The Oakwood Historical Society as Special Events chairperson. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 3:00 PM at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home. Mr. Richard Baughman officiating. Contributions may be made to First Church of Christ, Scientist, 105 Sawmill Rd., Dayton, OH 45409. Condolences may be sent to the family via the Internet on www.routsong.com.
, age 85, of Oakwood, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2009 at Sunrise of Oakwood. Born in Greenville, OH, he resided at 136 W. Water St. until he graduated from Greenville HS in 1941 where he was a member of the National Honor Society. Mr. Jefferis enlisted in the Army and fought in WWII as a staff sergeant in Southeast Asia C.B.I. (India). “The one world figure I knew was Lord Louis Mountbatten,” he liked to say. Bob recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial with the Honor Flight program. Many thanks to the people of Honor Flight. He graduated from Miami University with a BS in Business Administration and then graduated from Northwestern Law School with a Juris Doctorate. After 23 years he retired from DP&L’s legal department and spent the next 28 years as a probate attorney for the Dayton community, for a total of 51 years as a practicing lawyer. He also served as president of DP&L’s retiree club for many years, served as the first president of the Oakwood Historical Society in 1974. A lifelong Presbyterian, Mr. Jefferis served as an elder, a deacon, and as a dedicated volunteer for Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton. Robert married Betsie in 1952 and was married to her for 44 years. He enjoyed his 5 children, 1 girl and 4 boys, who he made sure had very happy childhoods. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Betsie in 1997, Mr. Jefferis is survived by his sister Betty Pritchard, his brother Jim Jefferis, his daughter Jeanne Jefferis, sons Robert Jr., Steve (Kari), Mark “Mick” and Joseph (Christine) Jefferis and four granddaughters and three grandsons. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 24, 2009 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Wilkinson St., Dayton, OH. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 24, 2009 from 4-6:00 PM at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.
, age 74, of Oakwood, passed away with her family by her side on Sunday, July 5, 2009 at Kettering Medical Center. She attended Holy Angels and St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Helen graduated from St. Bonaventure High School, in Columbus, NE. She was a loving and selfless wife, mother, ‘nana’, aunt, sister and friend, Helen was a dearly loved matriarch, our “family maestro.” She was the former owner of the Hulman Building Smoke Shoppe where she enjoyed and befriended countless patrons. She regularly volunteered for St. Vincent DePaul and many other service organizations where she served with her husband, Stanley. Her devotion to faith and family, compassion and civic dedication guided her life and endeavors. Through the years, Helen and Stanley traveled throughout the world and Rome where she attended a Papal Mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Ann Dunn of NE. Helen is survived by Stanley, her loving husband of 55 years; four sons including Timmothy of MT, Mark of HI, Douglas (Connie) of Kettering and Robb of FL and two daughters; Jill (Max) Park of NJ and Kara (James) Thomas of Columbus, OH. She has twelve grandchildren: Emily, Elise, Kaelyn, Madeline, Connor, Laynie, Molly, Lilianne, David, Maressa, Trey and Shane. Her brother Jerry, Aunt Paula of NE and many beloved nephews, nieces and cousins also survive her. She was the loving force of our family, and will be greatly missed. Mass was held Saturday, July 11, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 411 E. 2nd St., Dayton, with Father Ed Pratt officiating. Family received friends on Friday, July 10, 2009 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd. at Woodman in Kettering. Mom loved flowers and especially daisies. If desired, donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 1133 Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Ste., 300 Dayton, OH 45408. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.
, age 92, of Oakwood, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2009. Bob received his degree in Engineering from Tri-State University in Indiana. He served in the United States Army during WWII. Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve and retired as Lieutenant Colonel. He retired from Westinghouse Electric Defense Aerospace Division after 42 years of service. He was a charter member of Sycamore Creek Country Club. Bob is survived by his wife of 39 years, Marcia K. Warner; son, Douglas S. Warner; daughter, Carole F. (Jack) King; grandchildren, Richard A. Warner and Athena Papatanious; sister, Eleanor Walden and many other relatives and friends. A memorial service was held on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 East Stroop Road, Kettering. Inurnment in Maplewood Cemetery in Marlborough, MA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fisher House Foundation, Inc. at WPAFB, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.
, age 90, died June 17, 2009 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Oakwood, Ohio. Born May 4, 1919 in Wheeling, West Virginia to Louis and Laura Dowler, he was a graduate of Warwood High School and Bethany College. Alan was a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and served in the European Theatre building airstrips and maintaining aircraft. He was involved in the invasion of Normandy and the liberation of Dachau, and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service to his country. He spent his working years as an industrial engineer, specializing in government defense as well as in optimizing manufacturing processes at non-defense related companies. In retirement, Alan made it his personal mission to visit the sick at Medina General Hospital (Medina, OH) and became well loved serving in this capacity. He was a member of the United Church of Christ, Congregational in Medina and Christ United Methodist Church in Kettering, OH. Whenever asked how he was doing, his favorite reply was “terrible . . . terribly good!” Alan was preceded in death by Barbara, his wife of 58 years, and his brothers Kermit and Bill. He is survived by his brother Donald Dowler of Dallas, TX, and his children: daughter Katherine (Stephen) Murphy of Oakwood, OH, and sons Robert (Patricia) Dowler of Stratford, CT and Thomas (Renné) Dowler of Washington, PA. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Sarah, Anne and Patrick Murphy, Susan and Timothy Dowler, and Faith Dowler. Alan’s beloved dog and long time companion, 14-year-old Buddy, will continue ministering to the residents of Sunrise. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 1 from 5-8 p.m. at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina. A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 2 at 10 a.m. at the Medina United Church of Christ, Congregational, 217 E. Liberty St., officiated by the Rev. Dr. Neal Sadler and the Rev. Sharon Knowles-Kiesel. Close family friend Fred Chatfield will serve as organist. Burial with full military honors will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, OH.
, of Oakwood, passed on Sunday, June 7, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Joy Erd Smallwood, son William Smallwood (Brenda), daughters Deborah Smallwood Wittenhagen (Robert), Sandra Smallwood Helmkamp (Greg), grandchildren Shauna Cotton, Tiffanie Burney, Amanda Morris, Skylar and Tanner Smallwood, Brandon, Connor and Brooke Heitkamp, plus 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Alice Smallwood Herold (Robert) and brother Robert Smallwood (Mary), plus numerous nieces and nephews and special friends George Moore and Heather Gibson. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Joan Jennings Smallwood, daughter, Leslie Smallwood, parents Verne and Olive Smallwood and sister Betty Smallwood Berger. Ken graduated from Carlisle High School and attended the University of Dayton. He served 3 years in the U.S. Navy during World War II in both the European Theater of Operations and the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was with NCR Corporation for 28 years and retired from Hobart Corporation. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, 3 p.m., June 19, at the Gebhart-Schmidt-Parramore Funeral Home, 508 E. Linden Ave., Miamisburg, OH. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Reverand Rob Wackerman officiating. Contributions may be made to the First Church of Christ, Scientist, 105 Sawmill Rd., Dayton, OH 45409 or Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420. Personal condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting the obituaries at www.gebhartschmidtparramore.com.
, 1927-2009, passed away unexpectedly June 2, 2009 at his home. Ben was born in Dayton OH and grew up in St. Mary’s. After graduating High School at age 16, Ben volunteered in the Navy. Following Navy service, he attended OSU Business School. Ben married Mary Ann Hemmert in 1947. Next call to duty was Korea where he served as Corporal in the U.S. Army. Ben then became a successful commercial and residential real estate appraiser. He was the Director of Real Estate with the Montgomery County Auditor’s office for 28 years, retiring at the age of 71. Proud Oakwood resident 1960-1987. Ben is remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Survived by wife, Mary Ann of 61 years., daughter Diane Labrie, and grandchildren Harry E. Labrie and Mary Elisabeth Labrie. For the fortunate many that knew Ben, we recognize a man of dignity, grace, respect, honor and humor. As Ben would say at evening’s end, “Show me the way to go home. I’m tired and I gotta go to bed.” In accordance with Ben’s wishes, his body was donated to Wright State University. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Oakwood Boy Scout Troop 101.
, died May 23, 2009 at the wonderful age of 90. Born September 19, 1918, in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of Hazel Swink Long and Raymond Long. Mrs. Shaw was a resident of Dayton for sixty-three years. She attended Randolph Macon Women’s College and graduated from the University of Dayton. Mrs. Shaw was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Dayton Country Club, a member of the Board of the Dayton Philharmonic Women’s Association, President of the Board of the Volunteer Service Bureau and President of the Junior League Shop Board. For twenty years, Mrs. Shaw was a member of the faculty of the Harman Avenue School, teaching fifth grade. She was widow of Leslie L. Smith, Jr. Mrs. Shaw moved to Hilton Head Island in 1981, when she married M. Thomas Shaw. He preceded her in death in May of 1995. On Hilton Head, Mrs. Shaw was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, where she had been a member of the alter guild. She was a member of the Sea Pines Country Club, a volunteer for the Hilton Head Hospital Auxiliary for 27 years, she also volunteered in the office of the Deep Well Project. She was a sustaining member of the Savannah Junior League. Mrs. Shaw is survived by a daughter, Sherry Mills Hayes and her husband Stephen of Dayton, Ohio; two granddaughters, Melissa Mills of Dayton, and Leslie Mills Nelson and her husband Andrew; a great granddaughter Sydney Scott Nelson, and a great grandson Sean Andrew Nelson, all of Fairfield, Connecticut. Four stepchildren, Penelope Shaw Deters and her husband Lee of Louisville, KY, Bishop M. Thomas Shaw III of Cambridge, MA, Sam Shaw and his wife Nancy of Boulder, CO, and Stephen Shaw and his wife Linda of Portland, OR. A memorial service was held on Friday, May 29, 2009, at 2 p.m., at All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island, with inurnment following at the church columbarium. Contributions may be made to Deep Well Project, Post Office Box 5543, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938, or All Saints Episcopal Church, 3001 Meeting Street, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. The Island Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
, age 82, of Oakwood, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Stratos was a retired civil servant, having worked at Wright-Patterson AFB as a flight line heavy mobile equipment mechanic. He and his family emigrated from Greece and came to the United States in 1966, in order to provide his children a better life, and a greater opportunity at education. Stratos was born Efstratios George Vlahos in the village of Paleochori, Arcadia, Greece. He was raised in Greece during a time of world crisis and great national turmoil, having lived through the invasion and occupation by Germany, as well as the Greek Civil War that followed WWII. One of the most difficult times of his life came when he served as an infantryman during the Greek Civil War because he fought against his own countrymen. While this was difficult for him, he firmly believed in the fight for Democracy against Communism that threatened to overtake Greece at that time. Stratos was a very outgoing man. He enjoyed meeting new friends and could hold a conversation with anyone. Stratos had a passion for cooking and dancing. His Greek recipes rivaled the best, and he enjoyed cooking hundreds of trays of Moussaka during the annual Greek festival. Stratos was also owner of the Apollo Restaurant, which he founded near the Oregon District in the mid 70s. He was one of the most animated Greek dancers during the annual World Affair at the Dayton Convention Center. Stratos was preceded in death by his parents, George and Asimo, his brother Pete, and his sister Yota. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Vasiliki, brother John and his wife Soula; son Pete and his wife Jane; son George and his wife Suzanne; daughter Stella Franchina and her husband Joe; granddaughters Alexia, Vasiliki (Leah), and Helen and numerous nephews, nieces, and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, June 1, 2009 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 500 Belmonte Park North, with Father Mark Emroll officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Sunday, May 31, 2009 at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd, Kettering, with Trisagion prayers at 5:00 PM. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.
, of Washington Twp., formerly of Oakwood, died at his home Tuesday, May 26, 2009. John was born August 12, 1943 in Bellefonte, PA. to John and Arlyn Turner, who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his beloved in-laws, Dr. Robert Alan and Barbara Fanning. John graduated from Oakwood High School in 1962 and attended Vanderbilt University and Ohio State University. John also served in the Marine Corp Reserves for many years. He began his career as a buyer for Rike’s. He was most recently employed by Weiler Welding and Dorothy Lane Market. A salesman by trade, John was truly a “people person” and never knew a stranger. A loving and adored family man, John is survived by his wife of 43 years Judy (Fanning), his son Jeff (Marci) and their children Brendon, Lauren, Zach and Emma and his daughter Carrie Turner Dan (Shawn) and their children Nicholas and Cami. He is also survived by his sisters Carolyn Bouton and her children Cathy, Jen (Kevin Peters) and Dianne, Nancy Pruner and her daughter Polly Leasure (Will), sister-in-law Janet Fanning Dues (John) and their children Elizabeth, Lt. John J. Dues Jr. and Christopher and treasured friends Bob and Sally Stein and their children Rob, and Barb Stein Rau (Tom) and their son Jack. He is also survived by his step-mother Jeanne Stark Turner, of Tequesta, FL. A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 33 W. Dixon Ave., Oakwood with The Rev. Jack F. Koepke III officiating. Family received friends on Friday, May 29, 2009 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering. Contributions in John’s memory can be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association – Miami Valley Chapter, 3797 Summit Glen Drive, Dayton, Ohio 45449, or the ALS Association – Central and Southern Ohio Chapter, 1170 Old Henderson Rd., Suite 221, Columbus, Ohio 43220. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.
, age 69, of Centerville passed away unexpectedly on May 19, 2009 in Death Valley, CA while pursuing his passion for photography. Jay was born May 8, 1940, the son of the late Joseph and Helen Haverstick in Dayton, Ohio. He was graduated from Oakwood High School, class of 1958 and earned his bachelor's degree in hotel and restaurant management from Michigan State University in 1962. He was past president of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In 1974 he established his first restaurant, The Yankee Tavern. Jay went on to open three more restaurants, Jay's of Dayton (1976), Cincinnati (1981) and Lexington, KY (1986). He took special pride in his Dayton Restaurant located in the historical Oregon District. Jay was very active in the community and his profession. He served as president of the Miami Valley Restaurant Association and was chairman of the Ohio Restaurant Association. Jay had a great passion for life and loved photography, gardening, reading, cooking and fine wine. He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Ida "Idystick" Haverstick; son, Joseph (Rebecca) Haverstick; daughter, Amy Haverstick; grandchildren, Andrew and Lauren; brothers, Ned Haverstick and Kim (Joanie) Haverstick; nephews, Sam (Helen) Haverstick and Ben (Amy) Haverstick; niece, Camilla Haverstick; beloved dog, Augie; his family of employees, past and present; and many other relatives and friends. Family received employees and past employees 1:00 to 3:00 PM, Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at Jay's Seafood Restaurant, 225 East Sixth Street in Dayton and received the public 5:00 to 9:00 PM Wednesday at the Restaurant. Private funeral services will be held at the request of the family. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum. In lieu of flowers, Jay's family requests that contributions be given in Jay's memory to the American Heart Association and the American Diabetic Association. Arrangements entrusted to Routsong Funeral Home. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to www.routsong.com.
, age 86, passed away Thursday, May 21, 2009 in Kettering. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert & Helen (Hutcheson) Dressler, sister and brother-in-law Margaret & Robert McKie, and brother-in-law Robert Stratis. She attended Cottey College in Nevada, MO, Kansas State College in Emporia, KS, and received her BA in Education & Business from Peru State College in Peru, NE. Barbara worked at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, OH, taught at Jefferson Elementary in Dayton, Carousel House & Orchard Park Elementary in Kettering. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter Z & T.T.T. Society Chapter F where she held numerous offices. She was also a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Kettering, OH. Barbara was a volunteer & former officer of the Goodwill of Dayton; Oakwood Band Parents; the Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Asso.; and Grace Methodist Church Couplets. She is survived by her husband Leon of nearly 60 years; children James Lee Stratis (Janis) of Bellbrook, Susan Montesano (Andy) of Oakwood, David Stratis (Haynes Johns) of Chicago; grandchildren Kari, Kelly (Jon Keim) & Mark Stratis, AJ & Jami Montesano; great-grandchild Jocelyn Keim; sister-in-law Mary Stratis, niece Stacey Stratis; nephews Greg Stratis, John McKie & Dick McKie (Sue) and several great nieces & great nephews.
, passed away last night (May 7, 2009) at the age of 87, while recovering from a heart attack at the Veterans Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. He resided for over 50 years at 175 Lookout Drive in Oakwood, a suburb of Dayton, Ohio. Stamper was a prominent attorney in Dayton, Ohio, who was decorated with The Bronze Star for heroic achievement in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II, and was among the first troops to land in Japan and survey the atomic bombsite at Nagasaki. He is survived by his four children, Dr. Bruce Maxwell Stamper, publisher and editor of MaximsNews Network; Robert Hammond Stamper, president of National Databank Service, Inc., and resident of Oakwood; Joan Stamper-Elking, a real estate agent with Prudential One Realtors, and resident of Oakwood; and Christopher Hillman Stamper and his wife, Sharon Schuh of West Carrollton, Ohio. He is also survived by his grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as “Bopple”: Genevieve Clare Stamper, living in New York City; Gwendolyn Amelia Stamper of New York City; Erin Elizabeth Stamper of Washington D.C.; Jonathan Maxwell Elking and Jason Robert Elking of Oakwood and John, Meagen and Kelly, as well as great grandchildren Tyler, Bailey, Jesse, Caitlin, Colton, and Jacob all of the Dayton area. Maxwell H. Stamper, Jr. was born in Middletown, Ohio, on January 22, 1922, to the parents of Maxwell Hammond Stamper, Sr. and Luna Adams Stamper. He was the grandson of Greenbery Stamper, an attorney and politician in eastern Kentucky. Mr. Stamper graduated from Middletown High School in 1940. At Stetson University, he met and later married another freshman, Ruth Amelia Hillman of Orlando, Florida and Paterson, New Jersey. They remained a loving couple for 53 years, until Ruth Stamper passed away in May 1996. His studies at Stetson were interrupted by the attack on Pearl Harbor. He volunteered for the United States Marine Corp, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Second Marine Division, where he was an expert rifleman and a specialist in demolition. “We were supposed to hit the Japanese beachhead late in September, 1945, and that was the suicide mission. But with the A-bomb, they started thinking that it might not be. And that’s how the A-bomb saved my life.” Lt. Stamper went to Saipan, Tinian, Saipan [again], Okinawa, and Nagasaki and helped capture the islands to build air bases to bomb Japan with B-29s. The planes that later dropped the A-bombs. After landing on the beaches, Lt. Stamper’s rifle platoon specialized in cave fighting and demolition. As a result, he suffered severe and life-long hearing loss from the explosions while he was in the caves. Lt. Stamper was decorated with THE BRONZE STAR METAL, “For heroic achievement…against the enemy while serving with a Marine infantry battalion on Okinawa, on 19 June 1945. In September 1945, Lt. Stamper was among the first troops to land in Japan, where his 8th Regiment marched across the Nagasaki bombsite, a few weeks after the A-bomb was dropped. “When I reached the top of the cup I could view the city — what was the city of Nagasaki, and for miles I couldn’t see a full brick. It was just all twisted steel and rubble of brick debris…for miles. “There was a feeling of sadness… for all the people who had died. And the next thought was that if it hadn’t been for that bomb, all of us would have died, and a million more American soldiers.” Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Stamper finished his BA in history from Stetson University, and then went on to receive his law degree from Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Mass. In 1950, Max and Ruth moved to Dayton, Ohio, and lived in Oakwood where in 1960, they build a post-modern home on Lookout Drive that overlooks Dayton and the Miami Valley. For some 50 years, he was a prominent attorney in Dayton. He joined the firm of Harshman, Young, Colvin and Alexander, and his law practice included a variety of specializations including labor, corporate, and criminal. In 1990, he established his own law firm in Oakwood. Throughout his career, he always devoted a large proportion of his law practice to needy clients. “He carried more poor people on his back than all the rest of the law firm put together,” said Adah Mae Thompson, legal secretary for 40 years. Also, he would often enter as a friend of the court on behalf of needy defendants, and around town the older lawyers greeted him, “Good Morning, Amicus-Curiae.” The Oakwood Rotarians were cheered up with his many speeches, and at the Dayton YMCA he was a skilled and tenacious handball player, who never played with gloves. For years, his main transportation was a ‘57 Ford Thunderbird convertible. “I bought it for Ruthie, it was a great car with the biggest police interceptor engine they made.” For some five decades, Max and Ruth attended the First Baptist Church in downtown Dayton. In the 1950s and 1960s, he formed a business partnership that built hundreds of new homes in East Dayton. Later, he established several manufacturing corporations, one utilizing high-tech plastic injection molding, and another to develop the chemical engineering of “breathing, plastic fabric.” Max loved Tennyson, Burns, Wordsworth, Shelley, Keats, and Byron. He loved books of all kinds, and had a life-long interest in ancient history and old orations. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Monument Street, downtown Dayton.
, age 85, of Kettering, loving and loved husband, father, and grandfather passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at Kettering Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Angela Macke and beloved and devoted wife, Dorothy Macke. Survived by his sons, Bruce (Linda) and Rick; grandchildren, Jennifer and John (Brooke); and brother, Edward. Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Air Force in World War II and retired from WPAFB in 1986. Private graveside services will be held in David’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be given in Joseph’s memory to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.
, age 59, of Kettering, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2009 after a brief illness. She is preceded in death by her father, Dr. Jack Randall. She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, James (Mag) McManus; mother, Mary Randall of Oakwood; sons, Daniel and David; daughter and son-in-law, Jill McManus and Matthew Kerns; grandchildren, Samantha and Emily McManus; siblings, Dr. David (Mary Kay) Randall of CO, Jim (Louise) Randall of Kettering, Patty (Doug) Stansfield of Oakwood, Dr. William (Lauren) Randall of Oakwood; nieces and nephews, Jennie, Ben, Catie, Joey, Sam, Jack, Ellie, and Abby. Susan is a graduate of Oakwood High School 1967 and dedicated her life to her family. Family received friends Thursday, April 30, 2009 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3940 Kettering Blvd., Kettering. Memorial services followed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.Newcomer Dayton.com.
, longtime conductor of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and a popular and enduring fixture in the area’s classical music scene, died Sunday morning, May 3, 2009, at Hospice of Dayton. He was 71. According to longtime friends Steve and Rachel Bankey, Mr. Wendelken-Wilson had been in declining health for some time; death was from natural causes. Mr. Wendelken-Wilson became the DPO’s second music director, taking the reins from founding director Paul Katz for the 1975-76 season. He remained at the podium for 12 years, starting a subscription Pops series in 1978-79 and spearheading the still-popular All Orchestra Night Concerts. In 1990, Mr. Wendelken-Wilson became artistic director and conductor for the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra; most recently, he acted as music director for Dayton Public Radio (WDPR 88.1), where he hosted an afternoon show, and an occasional conductor with the Dayton Opera. Tom Bankston, general manager and artistic director for the Dayton Opera, said Mr. Wendelken-Wilson “brought such a sense of history ... We’re going to miss him, for all the things he brought to the city, the voice everyone listened for every afternoon on WDPR — there were so many layers to how he affected the musical life of Dayton.” A native of New Jersey, Mr. Wendelken-Wilson came to Dayton from the New York City Opera Company, where he began his career as an organist and pianist soon after graduating from Mannes College of Music in New York City. Soon, he was promoted to conductor at the New York City Opera before eventually taking a post as an assistant conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the renowned Erich Leinsdorf. In Dayton, he is remembered as a “musician’s musician,” said Mike Coogan, a trombone player who worked with Mr. Wendelken-Wilson in the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra. “He was one of the most amazing musicians I’ve ever met, and just a great man.” Neal Gittleman, current music director for the Dayton Philharmonic, remembers Mr. Wendelken-Wilson as an inspiring force. “There was something about his commitment to making music that was just really honest, really inspiring,” Gittleman said. “You could see it in the way musicians played for him; you could see it in the way musicians talked about him. They really liked it when he was on the podium. “He brought a lot of good things to the Dayton Philharmonic,” Gittleman continued. “It was very hard ... Paul Katz had been there for 42 years, and then this guy shows up to be the music director. He really helped the orchestra grow at a very important time, moving beyond the founding music director. He helped it become what it is today.” Rachel Bankey, who worked with Mr. Wendelken-Wilson over the years and, specifically, in the founding of the Opera Funatics, believes opera may have been his first love. “I think he started out wanting to be a tenor, and he really didn’t have the pipes to do that — when his voice changed and he became a bass baritone, it was out of the question,” she laughed. “His love was opera. “In 1991 he started conducting the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, and made it a force to be reckoned with for people whose first job was not being a musician — schoolteachers, engineers, and young people, too. It’s a great orchestra for people to learn the orchestral repertoire.” Oakwood Register arts critic Dr. Burt Saidel remarked that “we all knew and really loved Charles. His tenure at the DPO was its emergence into a major regional orchestra. He came to us from New York City Opera where he was a major staff conductor and has been acknowledged as Beverly Sills’ favorite conductor by many including Sills. As conductor of the Miami Valley Symphony and most recently as music director of Dayton Public Radio, his contributions were legion! He lived for music and spread his love of the art to all.” Mr. Wendelken-Wilson settled in Dayton, preferring life in the Miami Valley to returning to the East Coast. Friends of Mr. Wendelken-Wilson, who has no surviving family, are planning a memorial service to celebrate his life, details of which are pending.
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Kenneth Wyatt Thiele
