Lillian M. Balcom
GAMBIER — Lillian M. Balcom, 92, of Gambier died Tuesday, May 24, 2005, at the Country Court Nursing Center in Mount Vernon.

Lillian was born May 16, 1913, in Gambier to William Allen and Mary Elizabeth (Ransom) Darling and had spent her lifetime in the Gambier area. She was a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church in Gambier and participated in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program at the church.

Surviving is her daughter, Mary F. (Richard) Baer of Gambier; her grandson, William (Molly) Baer of Gambier; and three great-grandchildren, Miranda Baer, Jessica Baer and Ethan Baer.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles F. Balcom; and a brother, William E. Darling.

Funeral service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Vernon with the Rev. Kevin Pellinen officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Gambier. Friends may call at the funeral home one hour before the funeral.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Epworth United Methodist Church in Gambier. This obituary and guest registry are online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Oda B. Hissong
MOUNT VERNON — Oda B. Hissong, 98, of Mount Vernon died May 23, 2005, at her residence.

She was born March 18, 1907, in Greersville to Samuel Benjamin and Mary Madelenia (Smithhisler) Severns. She was a member of the Mulberry Street United Methodist Church. She retired in 1968, after serving over 20 years with the S.S. Kresege Co. The family would like to express a special thank-you to “A Touch of Grace,” who provided outstanding, and compassionate care for the past two years.

She is survived by two daughters, Nancy J. Poland of Fort Myers, Fla., and Mary V. (Spike) Stoutenburg of Mount Vernon; a son, Curtis J. (Joyce) Hissong of Enterprise, Ala.; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 24 great-great grandchildren.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis L. Hissong, in 1999; a daughter, Ruth E. Purdy; three sisters, Gladys Messner, Edna Stumbaugh and Pearl Warner; and a brother, Earl Severns.

Friends may call Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at the North-Dilley Funeral Home, where the funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Troy McNichols officiating. Burial will be in Mound View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Knox County, 302 E. High St., Mount Vernon, OH 43050. This obituary, along with an online registry, may be viewed at www.dilleyfuneralservice.com.

Lena Marra
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Lena Marra, 83, of North 15th Street, Clarksburg, W.Va., went to be with her Lord on Thursday, May 19, 2005, after a brief illness at the Conroe Regional Medical Center in Conroe, Texas.

She was born Oct. 2, 1921, in Wolf Summit, W.Va., to the late Ira and Emma Snider. She attended the Stealey Assembly of God Church in Clarksburg, W.Va. She was married March 24, 1942, to Patsy J. Marra, who preceded her in death on Feb. 16, 1997.

She is survived by her son, Roger C. (Christine) Marra of Willis, Texas; seven grandchildren; a sister, Hazel Thompson of Akron; and several nieces and nephews, including Vickie Marra and Roger Marra of Mount Vernon.

Funeral service is today at Davis-Weaver Funeral Home in Clarksburg, W.Va., with burial in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.