Mary F. Kitts

Mary was born Feb. 12, 1959, in Ironton, the youngest child of Nellie Davis Dillon and the late Paul A. Dillon. She was also preceded in death by a great-niece, Ashton Grace Dillon.

She grew up on the family farm and learned how to do many things on her own by watching and helping her father. She was a 1977 graduate of Symmes Valley High School in Willow Wood and Ohio University Southern Campus in Ironton. She worked administrative jobs and most recently as the obituary writer at The Independent in Ashland.

Mary is survived by a son who was the apple of her eye and she was always very proud of him, Kristopher Gordon Kitts; a sister, Janet Sue Murnahan (Phil); four brothers, the Rev. James Marshall Dillon Sr. (June), Paul David Dillon (Peggy), Daniel Lee Dillon (Teresa) and Stephen R. Dillon (Jennie White); eight nieces, Jami Kelley (Bobby), who was a friend and more like a sister, Brandi Petrov (Yugo), Mindy Gay (Josh), Allison Lung (Chris) Danielle Tredway, Heather Jackson (Wes), Linzy Depriest (the Rev. Brandon) and Sarah Cartee (Nathan); four nephews, David Dillon, James Marshall “Beau” Dillon Jr. (Angie), Eric Dillon (Julie) and Justin Dillon; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and a very dear friend, Veronica “Ishy” Garcia of Westcliffe, Colo.

Mary found God later in life and at that time she felt more complete than she had ever felt in her life. When she learned of the illness that would eventually take her life, she was not afraid because she saw it as a win-win situation. She would be cured or she would go on to her eternal home. She stated many times that God had his arm around her.

God filled her heart with love, comfort, strength and peace. She doesn’t have a laundry list of accomplishments but would like to be remembered as a example of what God’s love and forgiveness can do. She was blessed beyond comprehension. Mary would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to her niece, Jami Kelley, who was always there when she needed a shoulder or an ear, Mark Maynard for his continuous support and encouragement and the countless others who held her up in prayer.

Mary opted for cremation and per her request, there will be a memorial service will be 8 p.m. Monday at Phillips Funeral Home with the visitation from 6-8 p.m. She does ask that anyone who knows her son to be there for him in the event that he needs comforting. He gave her a reason to live, she loved him more than her earthly life and wants him to always remember that she is only a thought away.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to gofundme.com/9433zw98 to assist with final expenses and to help her son get on his feet or to Community Hospice, 1480 Carter Ave., Ashland, KY 41101. Condolences may be left at phillipsfuneralhome.net.

 

Joseph Dragovich

Joseph Robert Dragovich, 71, of Huntington, West Virginia, died Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, at Cabell Huntington Hospital, Huntington. A memorial service will be at a later date. Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, is in charge of arrangements.

 

Frederick Cooper

Frederick P. Cooper, Sr., 83, of Proctorville, died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015, in the Emogene Dolen Jones Hospice House, Huntington. Funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday at Hall Funeral Home, Proctorville. Burial will follow in Rome Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.