Russell Shepherd

July 13, 1945 – Sept. 30, 2019

Russell Howard Shepherd, 74, of Willow Wood, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019 at his residence.

He was born in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina on July 13, 1945 to the late James Thomas Shepherd and Vena Lois Miller Shepherd.

He had been a resident of Lawrence County for most of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Cooke Shepherd, whom he married on Oct. 12, 1985.

Russell was a 1963 graduate of Symmes Valley High School, a retired maintenance supervisor for Ashland Chemical and an electrician for the Ironton Malleable, as well as Ashland Oil Inc. He was a devoted Sunday school teacher and a long-time member of McDaniels Crossroads Pentecostal Church.

Russell enjoyed many things in his life, such as carpentry, golfing, fishing, hunting, gardening and maintaining his apple and peach orchards, but the greatest love in his life was his family who will miss him dearly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Harold Shepherd.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Jim (Lora) Shepherd of Willow Wood, and Joey (Chrystal) Shepherd of Willow Wood; a daughter: Dr. Chelsea (Dane Bruce) Shepherd of Charleston, South Carolina; two grandsons, James Michael Shepherd of Willow Wood and Corey (Krista) Shepherd of Lima; a granddaughter, Zephrah (Nathan) Hall of Nicholasville, Kentucky; two brothers, Thomas (Ginny) Shepherd of Willow Wood and Leeman (Thelma) Shepherd of Willow Wood; and a sister-in-law, Richa Shepherd of Willow Wood.

The family will welcome friends to a graveside service at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Hatfield-Shepherd Cemetery in Willow Wood with Pastor Mark Crawford officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the McDaniels Crossroads Pentecostal Church at 2600 Cadmus Rd., Patriot, OH 45658.

There will be no public visitation, and Phillips Funeral Home at 1004 S. Seventh St., Ironton, is honored to be assisting the family with the arrangements.

To make online condolences to the Shepherd family please visit, www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.

Lavedha Kessinger

Sept. 30, 2019

Lavedha “Vida” York Jachode Kessinger passed away Sunday, Sept. 30, 2019 in Florida.

She was the daughter of the late Roosevelt and Clara York, of South Point.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Kessinger; two sisters, Brenda (Mrs Wilson) York and Louise Lafferty; and two brothers, Paul and Ted York.

She is survived by children, Dreama and Curtis Graham, Scott and wife Jachode, Sheldon and Nanett Jachode; eight grandchildren; six sisters, Lucy (Honey) Van Scoder, Margaret Scyoc, Deloris Martin, Jean Freeman, June Freeman and Beverly Crank; and three brothers, George, Les and Tim York.

Services were held in Florida.

Dottie Holsinger

Jan. 13, 1953 – Sept. 29, 2019

Dottie Jean Holsinger, 66, of Ironton, passed away Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019 at Our Lady Of Bellefonte Hospital. The Lawrence County native was born Jan. 13, 1953 to the late Adam and Dot M. (Patterson) Wilson.

Dottie graduated from Cedarville High School and attended Ohio University Southern. She worked for Werner Express Trucking as a driver trainer. Dottie enjoyed reading, fishing and watching NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt Jr., when he was racing. She loved spending time with her family and grandkids and was a member of Tri-State Baptist Temple.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Dale Wilson; a sister, Sally Wilson; and a granddaughter, Mattison Littlejohn.

Those left to mourn her passing include a daughter, Michelle “Shelli” (Sonny) Knipp, of Ironton; a son, Steve Littlejohn, of Orlando, Florida; four granddaughters, Hana (Marty) Truesdell, of Duluth, Georgia, Morgan (Ronald) McSorley, of Kitts Hill, Marley Littlejohn, of South Point, and Layla Littlejohn, of South Point; two grandsons, Gerrod Ruggles, of Ironton, Ean Riley, of Coal Grove; two great-granddaughters, Kena McSorley, of Kitts Hill and Elli Truesdell, of Duluth, Georgia; a great-grandson, Case McSorley, of Kitts Hill; a sister, Sue (Everett) Mays, of Ironton; and a special friend, Mike Laber, of Ironton.

There will be a memorial gathering Thursday at Michelle and Sonny’s house, 440 Township Rd. 151W, Ironton. If needing directions, you may call 740-533-2964.

Phillips Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.

To make online condolences to the Holsinger family visit, www.phillipsfuneralhome.net

Raymond DeGarmo

Raymond B. DeGarmo, 63, of Patriot, died at home on Sept. 29, 2019.

He is survived by his wife, Tina Gail (Pelo) DeGarmo.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, his family requests that donations be made in Ray’s honor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

In keeping with Ray’s wishes, there will be a celebration of his life from 3 – 6 p.m. on Oct. 13, 2019 at Green Valley Gathering Place in Bidwell.

Hall Funeral Home and Crematory in Proctorville assisted the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed at www.ehallfuneralhome.com.

Michael Holley

Michael Holley, 40, of Huntington, West Virginia, died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019 at his residence.

Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Wednesday at Hall Funeral Home. Burial will follow in McCormick Cemetery in Proctorville.

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

Gerald McCollister

Gerald Robert McCollister, 88, of Ironton, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2019 at his residence.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ramona Ann (Lloyd) McCollister.

Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Phillips Funeral Home, 1004 S. Seventh St., Ironton, with Pastor Eric Barnes officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be provided by V.F.W. Post #8850. Visitation will be 11:30 a.m. until time of the service at the funeral home.

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