Wendel E. Miller
CENTERBURG — Wendel E. Miller, 77, of Centerburg died Monday, Nov. 29, 2004, at his home. Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Johnson-Melick-Moreland Funeral Home, Centerburg, with Masonic service to follow at 8 p.m. Funeral will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Eastview Cemetery.

Harold Smith
MOUNT VERNON — Harold Smith, 84, of East Gambier Street, Mount Vernon, passed away Monday, Nov. 29, 2004, at his residence.

He was born Jan. 31, 1920, in Chatham, New Brunswick, Canada, to Charles and Jane Boyle. Mr. Smith was a career employee of the Continental Can Co. He served as master sergeant in the U.S. Army, Ranger division during World War II. Mr. Smith was a member and manager of the Elks Club of Mount Vernon.

He is survived by two sons, Donald Smith of Mount Vernon and Charles Smith of Michigan; three stepsons, Kevin Rummel of Mount Vernon, Denton Rummel of Pennsylvania and Bill (Cynthia) Rummel of North Carolina; five grandchildren, Kim (Brian) Weiser, Brian Gardner, Susan Gardner, Chris Rummel and Desirae Rummel; and two great-grandchildren, Logan Gardner and Drake Brown.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Lou Smith; and two daughters, Nancy Smith and Barbara Smith.

The family will hold private services at a later date. These services are under the care and direction of the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Vernon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Humane Society, 400 Columbus Road, Mount Vernon 43050. This obituary and guest registry may be viewed online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Roberta C. Sowards
MOUNT VERNON — Roberta C. Sowards, 65, of Mount Vernon died Nov. 29, 2004, at Country Court Nursing Center.

She was born March 23, 1939, in Utica to John H. and Ida Valeria (Farley) Billman. She graduated from Homer High School and was a homemaker.

Mrs. Sowards is survived by her husband, Jerry Sowards; sons, Bernard (Cindy) Austermiller of Frazeysburg, Robert (Colleen) Austermiller of Galion, Bruce (Cindy) Austermiller of Centerburg, William Austermiller of Mount Vernon and Ben Austermiller of Utica; a daughter, Lucy (Johnny) Argentis of Mount Vernon; brothers, Dwight (Rosalee) Billman of Texas and Kendall Billman of Utica; a sister, Cindy (Jack) Ransom of Utica; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Bernard E. Austermiller, on Jan. 26, 1989; a son, Frederick Austermiller; and a brother, Raymond N. Billman.

Friends may call Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Law-Baker Funeral Home, 34 N. Main St., Utica, where funeral will be Thursday at 11 a.m. Pastor Jerry Moore will officiate. Burial will follow in Bell Cemetery.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Knox County, 302 E. High St., Mount Vernon 43050.