Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, September 9, 2003 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bristol Herald Courier http://www.bristolnews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=TRI/Page/TRI_FrontPage ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bristol Herald Courier Tuesday, September 9, 2003 Today's Deaths G. Hampton Allison, 90, Woodbridge, Va. Penny Ruth Davidson, 60 Barry Stephan Dean, 34, Rose Hill, Va. Rodney Allen Earwood, 37, Pounding Mill, Va. David James Gustafson, 68, Richlands Matthew Austin Hamoy, infant, Glade Spring, Va. Veronica Yvonne Henson, 15, Bristol Tennessee Annabelle Heaton Hitechew, 82, Jonesborough Verl L. Holbrook, 82, Coeburn Mary M. Kell, 83, Marion Daniel Chesely LaRochelle, 74, Vansant, Va. Kelly V. Lawson, 86, Max Meadows, Va. George Mays, 46, St. Paul, Va. Merton Raymond McAmis, 86, Norton Kurt A. Philipps Jr., 57 Mary Magdalene Fender Robinette, 84, Bristol Tennessee Craig S. Ross, 37, Knoxville Estus Fay Clevinger Stiltner, 89, Harman, Va. Terry Lynn Stroup, 41, Bristol Virginia Donna Marie Wolford Vandyke, 75, Grundy Gardenia Watkins Webb, 72, Meadowview -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- G. Hampton Allison WOODBRIDGE, Va. -- G. Hampton Allison, 90, of 12175 Cathedral Drive (Westminister at Lake Ridge, Va.), died Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003, in the Health Center at Westminister of Lake Ridge from complications of diabetes after long illness with Parkinson's disease. He was born Dec. 8, 1912, in Glade Spring, Va., and was the son of the late Gordon Hampton and Annie Williams Allison. He was a former resident of Emory, Va., Richmond and Alexandria, Va. He was a 1935 graduate of Emory & Henry College. He was a TV and radio broadcast engineer. He worked in Richmond for WRVA-AM, 1942-56, WRNL-AM/FM, 1956-59, designer and chief engineer for WFMV-FM (the first stereo FM radio station in Virginia), 1959-62, worked in Washington, D.C., 1962 until retirement in December 1982, for WTOP-TV and Radio, a station formerly owned by the Washington Post, which was also the CBS network's Washington operations center until they separated in 1964. He was a retired member of IBEW Local Union 1200. He was a long time member and trustee of St. James United Methodist Church, Alexandria. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Lamar P. Allison. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Susie Quarles Allison; three sons, Gordon H. Allison Jr., Arvada, Colo., Lynn Q. Allison, Burke, Va., and Joseph G. Allison, Woodbridge; four granddaughters, Dawn M. Smolko, St. Augustine, Fla., Chantelle M. Allison, Alva, Okla., Erin A. Zerfass, Washington, D.C., and Cara L. Allison, Falls Church, Va., and three great-grandchildren. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, 2003, at Westminister at Lake Ridge. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2003, in Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminister Resident Supporting Fund, HomeCall Hospice Services Inc., or Allison Endowment of Emory & Henry College, P.O. Box 947, Emory, VA 24327 Information furnished by Williams Funeral Home, Chilhowie. Ella Mae Cornett BRISTOL, Tenn. -- The committal service and interment for Ella Mae Cornett will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2003, at Sunset Memorial Park in Damascus. Condolences may be sent to the family through our Web site at www.garrettfuneralhome.com. Ms. Cornett, age 79, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Garrett Funeral Home in Damascus is serving the family of Ella Mae Cornett. Penny Ruth Davidson Penny Ruth Davidson, age 60, daughter of the late James and Josephine Cloyd, passed away on Sept. 5, 2003, at the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. She is survived by two daughters, Pamela Leigh Brown and Mary Jo Chapman, both of Blountville; one son, Gary Harmon of Bluff City; several grandchildren; one great-grandchild and several brothers and sisters. Services provided by Mountain Empire Cremation, Elizabethton. Barry S. Dean ROSE HILL, Va. -- Barry Stephan Dean, 34, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2003, at Lee Regional Medical Center in Pennington Gap, Va. He was a lifelong resident of Lee County, Va., and of the Church of God faith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Agnes Dean, and one brother, Anthony Dean. He is survived by Betty Jo of the home; his father, Alfred Dean of Warren, Mich.; two sons, Anthony Stephan Dean and Brandon Cody Dean, both of the home; three brothers, Curtis R. Dean and wife Betty of Jonesville, Va., Jackie W. Dean and wife Cindy of Rose Hill and Terry L. Dean of Austin, Texas; eight sisters, Betty J. Yale and husband Ronald of Ewing, Va., Christine Owens of Abingdon, Juanita Milhorn and husband David of Sedona, Ariz., Geraldine Dean of Rose Hill, Martha Brown and husband Don of Highland Spring, Va., Jenna Eads and husband Tom of Rose Hill, Angela Greer and husband Larry of Rose Hill and Rhonda Reece of Ewing, and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. The family received friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Arney-Mullins Funeral Home in Rose Hill. Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Danny Wilder officiating. Burial followed in the McDaniel Cemetery in Hancock County, Tenn. Pallbearers were Dennis Barber Jr., Bradley Reece, Arthur Reece, Charles Delph, Ronnie Carroll and Bruce Hopkins. Arney-Mullins Funeral Home of Rose Hill is in charge of arrangements. Rodney A. Earwood POUNDING MILL, Va. -- Mr. Rodney Allen Earwood, age 37, passed away Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, in a Richlands hospital following a long illness. He was born in Huntington, W.Va., and spent most of his growing up years in Claypool Hill, Va. He was the son of Charles Fredrick (Chuck) and Susan Tussey Earwood of Rosedale, Va. He was a local businessman and a former sales manager for X Pert Printing Co. His business partners were Barry Fletcher and Dave Miller. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the Tazewell County Country Club. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Melissa Ann Coleman Earwood; one son, Ethan Shane Earwood of the home; one sister, Desiree Dawn Remines and husband Shannon or Bluefield, W.Va., and one nephew, Joseph Marshall Remines. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003, at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, with Rev. Gerald Stacy officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill. Pallbearers will be Steve Addison, Bill Kinder, Andy Paris, Richard Bays, Wayne Stevenson and Roger Counts. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff. E-mail condolences may be sent to singleton@netscope.net. Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Earwood family. David J. Gustafson RICHLANDS -- Mr. David James Gustafson, age 68, of 1328 Farmer St., died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, at a Richlands hospital. He was born in Hagerstown, Md., and was a son of the late Nelson Edward and Ruth Harris Gustafson, both Pittsburgh, Pa., natives. He was a retired employee of S & S Machinery, was a driver for Ramey Chevrolet in Richlands and was a car detailer for numerous people in the local area. He had made his home in the Richlands area the past 30 years and was an active member of the Trinity Assembly of God in Cedar Bluff, serving as Sunday School superintendent, choir member and soloist. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mrs. Darlene Dowd Gustafson, and was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Eleanor Meadows Brown Gustafson; one daughter, Mrs. Linda Pilous of Parma, Ohio; two sons, Mr. Eric Gustafson of Strongville, Ohio, and Mr. David Gustafson of Indianapolis; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Debbie Gilley of Rural Retreat, Va., and Mrs. Millie Bowen of Cleveland, Ohio; four stepsons, Mr. James Dowd of Richlands, Mr. Tim Dowd of Richlands, Mr. Bryan Dowd of Brook Park, Ohio, and Mr. Michael Dowd of Tucson, Ariz., and 13 step-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services for Mr. David James Gustafson will be conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with Rev. Eric Hinson and Rev. Ethel Watson officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be Harvey Claypool, Harless Hunnell, Rufus Fox, Jerry Street, Roy Kinder, Jim Robinette, Jack Oliver, Landon Altizer and Jim Brown. Honorary pallbearers: Glenn Blankenship, B.J. Rose, Lynwood McGlothlin, Brady Bucklen, Dr. David R. Stanton, David Stanton Jr., Dr. Ramon Motos, Paris Shelton and Clyde Roberts. Friends may call at the Hurst- Scott Funeral Home in Richlands after 6 p.m. Tuesday. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Matthew A. Hamoy GLADE SPRING, Va. -- Matthew Austin Hamoy, infant son of Mike and Lisa McNulty Hamoy, passed away at birth in a Johnson City medical center. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Dolphus McNulty, and his paternal grandparents, Norman and Sally Hamoy. He is survived by his parents, Mike and Lisa McNulty Hamoy, two brothers, Michael Hamoy and Dustin Hamoy, and his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Eunice McNulty. Funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon First Assembly of God, 250 Phillips St., Abingdon, VA 24210. E-mail condolences may be sent to singleton@netscope.net Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Hamoy family. Veronica Y. Henson BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Veronica Yvonne Henson, age 15, of 469 Henson Road, passed away Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, from injuries received in an automobile accident. Veronica was born on Sept. 1, 1988, in Johnson City, Tenn., a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Teresa Ford Henson. She had lived most of her life in the Bristol area and was a 10th grade student of Sullivan East High School. Veronica attended the Rooty Branch Freewill Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her grandfather, Lee Henson. Veronica is survived by her parents, Mike and Teresa Henson; one sister, Miranda Cyphers, of Bristol Tennessee; one brother, Brandon Henson of Bristol Tennessee; one niece, Leighann Cyphers of Bristol Tennessee; grandparents, Betty Henson, Bristol Tennessee, and J.D. and Irine Ford of Gray, Tenn.; several aunts and uncles and many friends and loved ones. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the Rooty Branch Freewill Baptist Church, with the Rev. Howard Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in the Henson Family Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Anthony Ford, Paul Johnson, Glen Baumgardner, J.D. Ford Jr., Joe Quales and Mark Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be L.T. Trivette and Scott Gourley. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 9 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Weaver Funeral Home, 630 Locust St., Bristol, TN 37620. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Annabelle Heaton Hitechew JONESBOROUGH ---- Annabelle Heaton Hitechew, age 82, died Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003, at the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital, following a brief illness. Mrs. Hitechew was a native of Burnsville, N.C., a lifelong resident of upper East Tennessee and a resident of Washington County since 1969. She was a daughter of the late Elijah and Sarah Pritchard Heaton. Mrs. Hitechew was a homemaker. She was a member of Boones Creek United Methodist Church since 1967, and the Friendship Sunday School Class. Mrs. Hitechew was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Hitechew, in 1994, two sisters, Corenth Oxendine and Betty Sue Heaton, and two brothers, Billy Heaton and Frank Heaton. She is survived by one daughter, Rita Haws, Gray; two sons, Harry W. Hitechew and John L. Hitechew, both of Gray; one sister, Eloise Gray, Roan Mountain; five brothers, James Heaton, Minneapolis, N.C., Harry Heaton, Roan Mountain, Ed Heaton, Gray, Robert Heaton, Kingsport, and Paul Heaton, Charlotte, N.C.; four grandchildren, Selena Holbrook, Jonesborough, Melissa Dik, Kingsport, Elijah Haws, U.S.M.C., currently in Camp Lejune, N.C., and Erik Hitechew, Gray; one great-granddaughter, Annabelle Dik, Kingsport, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Mrs. Hitechew was conducted Monday, Sept. 8, 2003, at 8 p.m. from the East Chapel of the Appalachian Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jane Taylor officiating. Graveside committal services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2003, at 11 a.m., in the Johnson Crabtree Cemetery, Roan Mountain. Those planning to attend are to meet at the cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Carroll Gray, Jimmy Hall Heaton, Mike Powell, Tyrone Powell, Joe Shell, Erik Hitechew, Elijah Haws, James Holbrook, Edward Heaton, Robert Heaton and Paul Heaton. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the Friendship Sunday School Class of Boones Creek United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends Monday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home parlor. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Boones Creek United Methodist Church Building Fund, 110 Mary St., Gray, TN 37615, or to the Johnson Crabtree Cemetery c/o Mike Powell, 274 Crabtree Rd., Roan Mountain, TN 37687. Condolences for the family may be e-mailed to www.appalachianfuneralhome.com. Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is serving the Hitechew family. Verl L. Holbrook COEBURN -- Verl L. Holbrook, 82, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, at Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital in Norton. Mr. Holbrook was a U.S. Army veteran serving in Europe during World War II. He was preceded in death by his parents, M.T. and Goldie Salyers Holbrook, and a sister, Helen Holbrook. Survivors include Ruth Holbrook; sons and daughters-in-law, Kirby and Rita Holbrook, Norton, Randy and Becky Holbrook, Durham, N.C., Mark and Kim Holbrook, Greensboro, N.C., and son, Kenneth Holbrook, Coeburn; sisters, Euna Lee Pate, Arcadia, Fla., Flora Maine, Gate City, and Faye Sanders, Coeburn; five grandchildren; several nephews and several nieces. Funeral services for Verl L. Holbrook will be held Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Estes Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Frank Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Memorial Gardens in Coeburn. Visitation will be held at Estes Funeral Home on Tuesday after 6 p.m. Military graveside rites will be furnished by Norton VFW Post 4301, Norton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 208 Sunset Drive, Johnson City, TN 37601. Estes Funeral Home Inc. (276) 395-2441. Mary M. Kell MARION -- Mary M. Kell, 83, died Monday, Sept. 8, 2003, at her home. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Williams Funeral Home, Chilhowie. Daniel LaRochelle VANSANT, Va. -- Daniel Chesely LaRochelle, 74 years of age, of the Deskins section, passed away Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, at his home. Born in Maine, April 21, 1929, he was the son of the late Alfonse LaRochelle and Evia Grant LaRochelle. He was a U.S. Marine veteran, having served in the Merchant Marines, a member of the American Legion Post 164 of Grundy, a member of the Looney's Methodist Church and a retired coal miner, having worked for United Coal Company. He took pride in molding and building ships of all kinds, several he worked on for many years. Several of his creations are on display in Buchanan County Library and several public libraries throughout the state of Virginia. Mr. LaRochelle was a loving husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Joy Deel, one sister, Elizabeth Appacarion, and one brother, Jack LaRochelle. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Golda Looney LaRochelle of Vansant; one son, Danny C. LaRochelle and wife Beverly of Mt. Hope, W.Va.; son-in-law, James Deel of Vansant; one grandson, Christopher Deel and wife Amanda of Bristol Tennessee; one granddaughter, Rebecca LaRochelle of Mt. Hope, and one brother, Joseph LaRochelle of Lowell, Mass. Memorial services for Daniel Chesely LaRochelle will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2003, at 11 a.m. at the Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home Chapel, Grundy, with Sister Sylvia Jones officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 6 p.m. Monday evening where services to be held at 7 p.m. The family of Daniel Chesely LaRochelle is being served by Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy. Kelly V. Lawson MAX MEADOWS, Va. -- Kelly V. Lawson, age 86, of Archer Road, passed away Monday, Sept. 8, 2003, in the New River Valley Medical Center in Radford. He was born in Carroll County, Aug. 16, 1917, son of the late Robert V. and Rebecca "Becky" Sharp Lawson and was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry Lawson and Walter Cecil "Jim" Lawson, and one sister, Carlene Bounds. He was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, a veteran of World War II and Korea, serving three years in the U.S. Air Force and 27 years in the U.S. Army, and was a life member of Grover King Post 1115, VFW. Kelly was a member of Ivanhoe Masonic Lodge 235, A.F. & A.M., Wythe Royal Arch Chapter 51, Roanoke Scottish Rite Bodies, Kazim Temple and Past Patron of Evansham Chapter 97, Order of the Eastern Star. He was also a member of the Lead Mines Ruritan Club. He is survived by his wife, Lauretta Vaughan Lawson of Birdmont in Wytheville; two sons and daughters-in-law, K.W. and Mary Lynn Lawson of Chilhowie and Robert C. and Tammy Lawson of Max Meadows; four grandchildren, Susan and Sarah Lawson of Chilhowie and Michelle and Dustin Lawson of Max Meadows; one sister, Josie Dean of Manassas; special nephew and spouse, John R. "Bob" and Kathryn Dean and family of Max Meadows; one special great-nephew and spouse, Terry E. and Luba Lawson of Willis; brother-in-law and spouse, Ralph and Mary K. Vaughan of Fries, and many other special nieces, nephews, close relatives and friends also survive. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003, at 11 a.m. at the Bethany United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Mike Waller and the Rev. Mike Ingo officiating. Interment will follow in the Bethany Church Cemetery. Grover King Post 1115 VFW will conduct graveside military rites. The body will be taken to the church one hour before service time. The family will receive friends at the Reese Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. A Masonic memorial service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Tuesday by Ivanhoe Masonic Lodge 236, A.F. & A. M., with Ronnie Dean, Pro-Tem. The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church Building Fund, c/o Bob Dean, 208 Gilland Road, Max Meadows, VA 24360. Reese Funeral Home, Austinville, Va., is in charge of arrangements. George Mays ST. PAUL, Va. -- George "Daisy" Mays, 46, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, at Russell County Medical Center, Lebanon. He was born in Norton, son of the late Hobart and Edna Murphy Mays. He was a graduate of St. Paul High School. He was employed by KCI Technologies as an inspector. He is survived by four sisters, Rachel McMillan of Dante, Va., Belvia Stevens of St. Paul, Pat Hileman of Castlewood and Pearl Davis of North Carolina; two brothers, Hobart Mays Jr. of St. Paul and Bobby Mays of St. Paul; his fianc?e, Tracy Minton of St. Paul and her daughter, Summer Minton, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for George "Daisy" Mays will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Darrell Milgrim and Rev. Ted Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in the Bush Cemetery, Virginia City, Va. Pallbearers will be Jack Smith, Danny Laney, Roger Holbrook, Ernie McCoy, Joe Jordan and Chris Salyer. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Cridlin, Bill Popp, Jeff Hill, Chris Stevens, Mack McMillan and B. J. McMillan. The Mays family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2003, in Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood. Online condolences may be sent to the Mays family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Merton McAmis NORTON -- Merton Raymond McAmis, age 86, passed away Sunday evening, Sept. 7, 2003, at BonSecours St. Mary's Hospital, Norton. He was a lifelong resident of the area and was a retired sign painter. Mr. McAmis was a U.S. Air Force World War II veteran and was of the Protestant faith. He was a son of the late Sam and Samantha Hughes McAmis and was also preceded in death by his wife, Pearl Riner McAmis, and by four brothers and two sisters. Survivors include two special nieces, June McArthur and Pat Rose, Norton, and several other nieces and a host of friends. Calling hours are from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2003, at Carty Funeral Home, Norton-Wise, where funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Interment and military rites will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003, at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Norton. The funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Victor R. Owens Victor Roger Owens, 60, passed away Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003, in the Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital, Norton. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Stella Owens, and two brothers, Billy Owens and Raymond Owens. Surviving are three sons, Zack Owens of Coeburn, Beau Perry of South Carolina and Jonathan Weiant of Norton; four daughters, Lisa Nicole Owens of Norton, Donna Owens and Mary Beth Owens, both of Ohio, and Vickey Owens of Texas; three sisters, Mavis Mullins of Coeburn, Connie Flanary of Ohio and Audrey Wendell of California; several grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel, Coeburn, with the Rev. Joe Dearry officiating. Burial will follow in the Laurel Grove Cemetery, Norton. The family will receive friends Tuesday at noon until time of service at the Sturgill Funeral Home, Coeburn. Sturgill Funeral Homes, Coeburn, in charge of arrangements. Kurt A. Philipps Jr. Mr. Kurt A. Philipps Jr., beloved husband of Marcia Cury Philipps, devoted father of Judson M., Gavin K. and wife Hilary, Logan K. and Graydon C. Philipps, Amy K. Parker and husband Scott and Mark Whited, dear son of Norrine Trost and the late Kurt A. Philipps Sr., brother of Al Philipps and wife Jeanne, grandfather of Tristan Jenner Philipps, brother-in-law of Rod D. Cury of Richlands, dear friend of Antonio Andrews and Aramis Brittan and also survived by three nieces, two nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Mr. Philipps, age 57, died Thursday, Sept. 4, 2003, at his residence in Cincinnati from complications of brain cancer. He was a partner in the law firm of Deters, Benzinger and LaVelle, P.S.C., and one of the foremost trial attorneys in Greater Cincinnati. Mr. Philipps handled dozens of high profile cases for St. Elizabeth Medical Center and the Diocese of Covington. He also represented individuals in family and criminal matters. Gerald Benzinger, managing partner of the firm, praised Mr. Philipps for his compassion in dealing with clients. "So many clients have told me over the years that they appreciated not just Kurt's legal skill in working on their cases, but his consoling and comforting manner and the emotional support he offered them," said Mr. Benzinger. His colleagues attributed his prowess in handling jury trials to his strong spirituality and his love of people. Mr. Philipps literally wrote the book on Kentucky trial and appellate practice. He was the author of Volumes 6 and 7 in the annotated treatise "Kentucky Practice and Procedure" (7th ed., 1995). He co-authored a prior edition of the same treatise with Federal District Court Judge William O. Bertelsman. "Kurt was a very talented individual and an excellent trial lawyer," said Bertelsman. "Kurt was easily the most knowledgeable lawyer I ever knew in the areas of trial procedure and evidence," said David Kramer, who, along with Mr. Philipps and David Burleigh, was co-authoring the next edition of the same treatise. A native of San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Philipps received a B. A. from Southwest Texas University in 1967, then a Master's of Religious Education and a law degree from Southern Methodist University. After serving as a Methodist minister and practicing law in Dallas, he moved to northern Kentucky, where he served as minister to Grace Methodist Church in Newport, Ky., and a law professor at Northern Kentucky University's Salmon P. Chase College of Law from 1975 through 1978, before entering private practice. For 20 years, he was an adjunct professor of health care law at Xavier University. While he loved teaching, he considered himself a life-long learner. He was a voracious reader, particularly appreciating the works of Henri Nouwen, Thoms Merton, Dietrich Bonhoffer and Wendell Berry. Mr. Philipps' wife, Marcia Cury Philipps, a former Richlands resident, said of her husband, "Kurt was the finest human being I have ever known. His love and generosity were boundless. His love and devotion to me, his children and stepchildren was exceeded only by his love for God and Jesus Christ. When Mark, his then 22 year old stepson, needed a kidney transplant, Kurt did not hesitate. He knew that he was a compatible donor, God told him so. That successful transplant took place seven years ago this October 1. Kurt's desire to know and follow God guided his life". Kurt's children gathered to say this about their dad, "He was an inspiration to each of us in numerous ways. His love of flowers, nature, teaching, spirituality and faith, along with his selflessness, will continue on through the lives and works of his six children, their spouses and grandchildren." Mr. Philipps served as a mentor through the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative for seven years. The young men he mentored, Antonio Andrews, 15, and Aramis Britten, 13, impacted his life. He loved them and cherished the reciprocity of their relationship. On May 15, Mr. Philipps received the 2003 Child Advocacy Award from the Children's Law Center of Northern Kentucky for this tireless work on behalf of children in Kentucky and Ohio. Mr. Philipps, an active member of Anderson Hills United Methodist Church, was a Stephens Minister. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 4 p.m. at the Anderson Hills United Methodist Church, Beechmont Avenue and Forest Road, with reception to follow in the church fellowship hall. Memorials to Anderson Hills United Methodist Church or Cinti Youth Collaborative/Mentoring Program or the Children's Law Center, Northern Kentucky, or Hosea House, Northern Kentucky, or the Arc of Hamilton Co. Obituary submitted by the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Mary Robinette BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Mary Magdalene Fender Robinette, age 84, of 273 Alhambra Dr., passed away Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, at her residence. She was born Jan. 5, 1919, and grew up in the Flag Pond area. She is the daughter of the late Andy and Bonnie Blankenship Fender and the widow of J.E. Robinette. She was a homemaker and lived most of her life in the Bristol area. She is survived children, James Robinette and wife, Shelby, Charles Robinette and wife, Marcine, Doug Robinette and fianc?e, Leona Morrell, Ella Robinette, Michael Robinette and wife, Elaine; special friend, Jay Frazier; sisters, Axie McIntosh and Grace Rice; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Bonita Marshall. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003, in the Glenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at Weaver Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Craig S. Ross KNOXVILLE -- Craig S. Ross, 37, passed away Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, in Nashville. He was born Oct. 10, 1965, at South Williamson, Ky. He was formerly employed by The PC Clinic of Knoxville and former manager of Applebee's in Knoxville. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, E.D. and Ina Bunn of Wayne, W.Va.; and paternal grandparents, Rev. Paul and Pearl Ross of East Lynn, W.Va. He is survived by his parents, Paul D. Ross Sr. and Joanne Bunn Ross of Abingdon; one brother and sister-in-law, Paul D. Ross Jr. and Sandy Ross of Abingdon; one half-sister and her husband, Paula and Jessie Register of Chattanooga, Tenn.; a special friend and nurse, Leslie Wyttenbach of Knoxville, and beloved nieces, nephews and their families. A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003, at 1 p.m. in the branch facility of Farris Funeral Service on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon. The Rev. Robert Tolar Jr. will officiate. Burial will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6- 9 p.m. Tuesday at the branch facility. Pallbearers will be Michael Biggs, Warren Scott, Craig Thompson, Jeff Beheler, David Pedigo, Robert Tucker, Dan Todd, Rick Long, Jamie Ross and Josh Ross. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either The Nature Conservancy, 146 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210 or the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Guest Records, BU Station B 357727, Nashville, TN 37235. Those wishing to express a memory or condolence may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have tirelessly given of themselves with care, assistance, support and prayers during this difficult time. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Craig Ross. Myrtle Mae Saylor JOHNSON CITY -- Graveside services for Myrtle Mae Saylor will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday in Washington County Memorial Gardens. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Mrs. Saylor, age 92, 1021 Lincoln Avenue, died Friday, Sept. 5, 2003, in Appalachian Christian Village. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Estus C. Stiltner HARMAN, Va. -- Estus Fay Clevinger Stiltner, 89 years of age, passed away at her home Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, she was the daughter of the late Joseph J. Clevinger and Alice Ratliff Clevinger Owens. She was of the Baptist faith, a lifelong resident of Buchanan County, a housewife and a devoted mother and grandmother. Mrs. Stiltner is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Coy Stiltner of Harman; two daughters, Shirley Stiltner and her husband Fenn Bevill of Clearwater, Fla., and Charlotte Stiltner and her husband Ronnie Chambers of Harman; three sons, Kermit C. Stiltner of Harman, Coy Stiltner Jr. and his wife Minnie of Harman and Robert D. Stiltner and his wife Glenda of Pounding Mill, Va., and four half sisters, Mildred Deel of Prater, Va., Elsie Thornton of Maryland, Nell Mayberry of Canton, Ohio, and Norma Jean Hass of Sunberry, Ohio. She is also survived by five grandsons, four granddaughters, 12 great- grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Stiltner was preceded in death by one son, Jerry Allen Stiltner, on Sept. 12, 1988, three grandsons, one granddaughter, two brothers, Carl and Russell Clevinger, three half-brothers, Kenny, Burton and Earl Owens, and two half- sisters, Dorothy Stiltner and Opal Owens. Funeral services for Estus Fay Clevinger Stiltner will be conducted Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003, at 2 p.m. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Willard Owens and Rev. Ronnie Sliger officiating, with burial following in the Mountain Valley Memorial Park at Big Rock, Va. Friends may call after 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel and there will be an evening service at the chapel at 7 p.m. Active pallbearers will be Kenneth Chambers, Dwayne Chambers, Mathew Chambers, Stuart Bevill, Jason Stiltner, Bobby Fletcher and Rusty Deel. Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Hutchinson, Jim Goff and Dr. J.P. Sutherland Jr. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Terry Lynn Stroup BRISTOL, Va. -- Terry Lynn Stroup, 41, of 10108 Sunset St., died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was a life long resident of the Bristol area. He was a graduate of John S. Battle High School and attended Virginia Highlands Community College. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eula Pippin Stroup, and a sister, Sheila Stroup Lovelace. He is survived by his father, Romie Stroup of Bristol Virginia, and one nephew, Alex Lovelace of Bristol Tennessee. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Oscar Edwards officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be selected from among family and friends. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday at Akard Funeral Home. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423)989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. Terry Lynn Stroup. Geraldine Totten BRISTOL, Va. -- The entombment for Geraldine "Jerri" Totten will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Forest Hills Mausoleum Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mrs. Totten, age 76, of 522 Hill Dr., passed away Friday, Sept. 5, 2003, in the Wellmont Hospice House. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Donna Vandyke GRUNDY -- Donna Marie Wolford Vandyke, 75 years of age, passed away Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol Tennessee. Born in Roanoke, Aug. 28, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Anthony Wolford and Eva McClanahan Wolford. She was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County, a retired custodian from United Coal Company, a member of the First Buchanan Assembly of God, Big Rock, Va., and enjoyed shopping, cleaning and cooking for her family and friends. Mrs. Vandyke was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Noah W. Vandyke of Grundy; three daughters, Brenda Lee Settles and husband Joe of Charlottesville, Vivian Estep and husband Jamie of Grundy and Patricia Chaney and husband David of Florence, S.C.; three sons, Roger Lee Vandyke and wife Barbara of Grundy, James C. Vandyke and wife Carolyn of Gloucester, Va., and George Vandyke and wife Eleanor of Charlottesville; three sisters, Shirley Akers of Abingdon and Lucy Bennett and Linda Prichett of Charlottesville, and three brothers, Lonnie Wayne Wolford of Grundy, William Roy Wolford of Florence and Ronnie Wolford of Charlottesville. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Donna Marie Wolford Vandyke will be held Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003, at noon at the Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home Chapel, Grundy, with Reverend David Tulip and Reverend Darrell Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock. Active pallbearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 6 p.m. Tuesday, where evening services will be held at 7 p.m. The family of Donna Marie Wolford Vandyke is being served by Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy. Gardenia W. Webb MEADOWVIEW -- Mrs. Gardenia Watkins Webb, age 72, passed away Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, in the Smyth County Community Hospital, Marion. Arrangements are incomplete. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Webb family.