Donald Mootz

April 23, 1936 —April 27, 2019

Donald Wray Mootz of Kitts Hill, went home to be with the Lord on April 27, 2019, after an extended illness.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Phyllis Willis Mootz; two sons, J. Scott (Jennifer) Mootz and Timothy (Kirsten) Mootz; and a daughter, Dawn (Gary) McFann, all of Kitts Hill; seven grandchildren, Isaac Mootz, Julie Mootz, Nicholas Hoffman, Dustin Hoffman, Fawn Stapleton, Daniel Wray Mootz and Sophie Mootz; three great-grandchildren, Ellinor Hoffman, Aria Hoffman and Quinn Hoffman; one brother, John (Sandra) Mootz; and one sister, Sharon (Blaine) Evans, both of Deering.

Born on April 23, 1936 in Linnville, to Donald Albert Mootz and Clara Dickess Mootz, he was a 1953 graduate of Coal Grove High School and also attended Ohio University. He retired from USS Chemicals/Aristech as a chemist after 36 years of employment. He served as Lawrence Township clerk for 30 years.

He was a charter member of the Lawrence Township Fire department. He was the department’s first fire chief and held that position for 24 years. He trained an entire generation of volunteer firefighters as a vocational instructor in Lawrence County.

Don was probably best known as Lawrence County’s first 911 director and established the county’s 911 Emergency Dispatching center and communications network. He was later named Executive Director of Emergency Services and served in this position until his retirement in 2007.

Don lived a full life in service to his family, his community, and his Savior. He enjoyed farming, collecting antique engines, going to flea markets and could fix just about anything.

Don also enjoyed frequent trips to Ohio Amish country with his wife and family.

Don was a firm believer in Christ and lived his life as an example of Christian leadership and service. He was an active member of Mamre Baptist Church of Kitts Hill, where he served in many offices and capacities.

Don also served as a 4-H advisor in the Kitts Hill community. His grandchildren continue the 4-H tradition and are active in their local club. His absence leaves a void in his family, his community and his church. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in his name to Jeremiah 38 Ministries at 5343 County Road 19 Kitts Hill, or www.jeremiah38.org.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Mamre Church, Kitts Hill, with Pastor Ryan McKee and John Paul Patterson, and burial will follow in Mamre Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Tracy Brammer-Monroe Funeral Home, 518 S. 6th St., Ironton, and Thursday, from noon until time of the service at the church.  Phillips Funeral Home, 1004 S. 7th St., Ironton, is assisting the family with arrangements.

To offer the Mootz family condolences, please visit: www.phillipsfuneralhome.net

Elsie Smith

June 24, 1955 — April 28, 2019

Elsie Irene Smith, 63, of Ironton, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2019 at Best Care Health Center in Wheelersburg.

She was born June 24, 1955 in Lawrence County, a daughter of the late Homer and Junita (Mosley) Friend.  She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Lonnie  Smith, whom she married June 8, 1973.

Mrs. Smith attended Rock Hill High School and was a homemaker.  She enjoyed playing cards and bingo.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur Mosley and Larry Friend;
and a sister, Elizabeth “Libby” Howard.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Melissa (Steve) Wilds, of Ironton, and LeeAnn (Sam) McClain, of Franklin Furnace; two sons, Homer “Buzz” Smith and Charles (Gretchen Owens) Smith, both of Ironton; a brother, Homer Lee (Dreama) Friend, of Ironton; 10 grandchildren, Shawn Wilds, Caitlin Wilds, Michele Wilds, Tyler McClain, Hannah McClain, Cory Stapleton, Steven C. Smith, Lonnie D. Smith, Isabella C. Smith and Mikey Smith; three great-grandchildren, Brantley, Blakely and Jaxton McClain; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Phillips Funeral Home, 1004 S. 7th Street, Ironton, with Pastor Kenny Waller officiating.  Burial will follow in Haverhill Cemetery and visitation will be Thursday from 6–8 p.m. at the funeral home. 

To offer the Smith family condolences, please visit:  www.phillipsfuneralhome.net

Donald Billups

Donald F. Billups, 76, of Huntington, died Monday, April 29, 2019 at The Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House in Huntington, West Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Billups.

Per his request, no services will be held.  Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ehallfuneralhome.com.

Mary Ann Myers

April 28, 2019

Mary Ann Myers, 77, of Deering, died Sunday April 28, 2019 at Kings Brook Life Center.

She was born the daughter of the late Wilbur and Virginia Dotson Corn.

She was preceded by her husband, Gary (Perk) Myers; two daughters, Mary Annetta Myers and Tammy Myers.

Survivors include two daughters, Deedra (Philip) Smith and Stephanie Myers; a son, Shayne (Rebecca) Myers; a sister, Sue Maddy; a brother, Steve Corn; seven grandchildren, Shanna Ratliff, Joshua Ratliff, Desiree Butler, Brittany Ren’e Butler-Hamilton, Rikki Leigh Butler, Garrett Myers and Jacob Myers; a great granddaughter, Bryleigh Grace Hamilton; great grandsons, Cameron Gene Large and Brock Ryan Curtis.

Funeral will be 1 p.m. Friday at O’Keefe Baker Funeral Home.  Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Officiating will be David Lambert. Burial will be in community cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to Community Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund P.O. 242 South Point, Oh 45680.

Terri Worley

March 19, 1957—April 27, 2019

Teresa “Terri” Worley, 60, of Ironton, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Kings Daughter’s Medical Center, Ashland, Kentucky.

She was born March 19, 1959 in Ironton, daughter of Oma Jean McMahon Kimes and the late Dale Eugene Neal.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by one daughter, Jessica Worley.

Terri was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironton.  She loved everything about being a mother.  She enjoyed cooking, baking and family gatherings.  She had the kindest heart and will be missed by all who knew her.

Terri is survived by her loving husband, Richard “Rick” Worley; one daughter, Tammi (Rick) Carlisle; one sister, Linda Black; two brothers, Greg (Roxane) Neal and Scott (Roxanne) Neal; two grandchildren, Zach (Sarah) Butler and Caleb Davis; one great grandchild, Aria and two nephews, Brian Milem and Kevin Milem. Graveside services were Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at Woodland Cemetery, Ironton, with Pastor Matt Bryant officiating.  Slack and Wallace Funeral Home, South Point, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.slackandwallace.com.       

Roger Lilly

Roger W. Lilly, 73, of Chesapeake, died Sunday at Cabell Huntington Hospital, Huntington, West Virginia.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Miller Memorial Gardens in Miller.  Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed at www.ehallfuneralhome.com.