All Obituaries

HOUDESHELL, Ava A. Age 91, of Greenville, met her Lord & Savior on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the State of Heart Care Center following an extended illness. Ava was born Nov. 16, 1927 to Walter Clay & Maggie Arco Dishman Jones in Middletown, Ohio. Ava was one of four daughters. Betty Clark and Eva Apple were her two older sisters and are both deceased. She leaves one living sister, Mari Leach and many nieces & nephews and their extended families. She married the late Burldean...

REYNOLDS, Duane R. “Lefty” Age 91, formerly of Arcanum, and most recently at the Brethren Retirement Community, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 4, 2019 at the State of Heart Care Center following an extended illness. Mr. Reynolds was born June 20, 1927 in Arcanum and was the son of Carl and Evelyn (Robeson) Reynolds. Duane was a 1945 graduate of Arcanum High School where he was an avid baseball player. He went on to attend Wilmington College. Duane faithfully served our...

FENTON, Kerry Joseph Age 71, formerly of Arcanum, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Sidney, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his parents, Chester Fenton, Edith Fenton, and sister, Martha Noggle. Joe faithfully served our country in the United States Army and is a Vietnam Veteran. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren. His family and friends will deeply miss him. Joe is survived by his wife of 49 years, Shirley Fenton; children, Angela (Wayne)...

PENNY, Howard Age 75, of Greenville, passed away at home Tuesday, April 2, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jane Penny; sons, Doug Penny of Piqua, Ohio, Robert Penny of Greenville, Ohio; daughter, Christine Penny of Greenville, Ohio; grandson, Logan Penny, and numerous other relatives and friends. Howard served our country in the United States Army. He worked for Miller Meteor Company and Hartzell Fan throughout his life. His family and friends will greatly miss him. At the...

JULIEN, Deanne J. Age 65, of Arcanum, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at the State of the Heart Care Center in Greenville. She was preceded in death by her father, Vester Hall. Deanne was a music lover and enjoy spending every minute she could with her grandchildren. She loved her family and friends with all her heart and will be deeply missed. Deanne is survived by her husband of 43 years, Russell Julien; children, Matthew (Michelle) Julien, Leslie (Kevin) Phlipot; grandchildren,...

RIFFELL, Robert Lowell Age 85, of Gordon, passed away on March 26, 2019. Robert loved his family. He was an electrician at NCR for over 40 years and loved woodworking and computers. Survived by his wife Anna Louise Riffell; children, Douglas (Sharon) Riffell, Lora Rhodehamel, and Vickie (Wayne) Edmonds; sister, Helen Neitzelt; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 30, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Grace...

OAKES, Susan Age 60, of Laura, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2019 peacefully at home. Susan was born December 31, 1958 in Greenville, Ohio. She is preceded in death by her parents, Galen Oakes & Treva “Jean” Oakes, and her brother, Kim Oakes. Susan was an avid gardener and her cooking skills were legendary. Susan is survived by her husband of 23 years, Bruce Fig; children, Isabell Fig, Madeline Fig, Sophie Fig, Oliver Fig; sister, Gale Oakes; aunt, Betty Baird;...

BESECKER, Debra L. Age 65, of Arcanum, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. She was preceded in death by her father, Norman Murphy. She was a member of EUM Church in Greenville, a past president of the VFW Post #4161 Women’s Auxiliary in Arcanum and a past secretary of Darke County Steam Threshers. Debra is survived by her husband of 47 years, Kim Besecker; mother, Peggy Cook; son, Casey (Sherry) Besecker; daughters, Denise...

  BAKER, Jackie “Jack” L. Age 82, of Greenville, passed away on Sunday, February 17, 2019. Preceded in death by his wife, Joy Baker, parents, True and Edith Baker and brother, Sonny Baker. Jack graduated from Arcanum High School in 1956. He was a newspaper carrier for the Early Bird for over 35 years and loved being on the farm.  He was passionate about his family, raising animals, and gardening. Survived by his children, Juanita Baker, Jeff Baker, Jennel (Mark)...

BAKER, William J. Age 57, of Greenville, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 13, 2019. Bill loved John Deere and his Ford Mustang. He was a very entertaining man and liked to say he was the richest man in the world because he has the love of his family. Survived by his wife of 33 years, Angela Baker; children, Carlena (Rodney) Sneed and Mason Baker; grandchildren, Chase and Tyson Pool; parents, Dick and Barb Baker; siblings, Rick (Bev), Bob (Tammy), Lee, Roger, and Brianna...