Robert C. Baker
CENTERBURG — Robert C. Baker, 67, of Centerburg passed away in loving arms after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, Dec. 9, 2005. He was a best friend, loving husband and caring dad and Pawpaw.

He was a retired linen supervisor and truck driver for Mount Carmel Hospital West. He was also an auto mechanic for many years. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean conflict, he was a lifetime member and past commander of AMVETS Post 59 of Centerburg.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lucy; children, Rick (Janis) Rudolph of Florida, Debby Rudolph of Walhonding, Robin (Greg) Martin of Columbus, Kathy (Larry) Smith of Centerburg, Mike Rudolph and Tom (Nancy) Rudolph, both of Grove City, and John (Penny) Baker of Columbus; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; special pets, Penelope and Jack, and other cats and dogs; his father, Miles Carpenter of Vinton; three brothers and three sisters, all of Vinton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Carpenter; and brother, William.

Friends may call today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Johnson-Melick-Moreland Funeral Home, 49 W. Church St., Centerburg, where service will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. Interment will be in Eastview Cemetery, Centerburg.

Ralph B. Esty
MARENGO — Ralph B. Esty, 77, of Marengo died Friday evening, Dec. 9, 2005, at Morrow County Hospital in Mount Gilead.

He was born June 9, 1928, in Columbus to the late John H. and Flora L. (Cary) Esty. He was a member of the Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 710, past charter member of the Highland Lions Club, past president of the Highland School Board and Whetstone School Board, and Sunday school teacher for 20 years. He was a Korean Air Force veteran, real estate agent for King Realty and involved in farming. Ralph loved his family, to read, travel and Civil War history.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sylvia L. (Carlson) Esty, and they were married July 5, 1952; daughters, Debra L. (Gary) King and Carol L. (Daniel) Weiss of Marengo; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

He was preceded by brothers, Paul and John; and a sister, Mary L. Mosher.

Friends may call today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, 73 W. Walnut (Ohio 229), Marengo, where services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Bob Riggs and the Revs. James Brantingham and Beverly Hall officiating. Interment will follow in the Marengo Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 710.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1105 Mount Vernon Ave., Marion, OH 43302. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Connie J. Miller
JOHNSTOWN — Connie J. (Patterson) Smith Miller, 46, of Johnstown passed away Friday, Dec. 9, 2005, at Mount Carmel East Hospital. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. at Crouse-Kauber-Sammons Funeral Home, 225 N. Main St., Johnstown. Pastor Bill Hayes will officiate.

Connie was born Jan. 19, 1959, in Parkersburg, W.Va., to Edgar and Patricia (Toney) Patterson.

Connie is survived by fiancée, Bill Miller of Johnstown; mother, Patricia “Pat” Galleher of Antioch, Tenn.; daughter, Carrie (Po) Cheng of Antioch, Tenn.; sons, Benjamin Hoar of Columbus, Jonathan Bradley of Silver Springs, Fla., and Joe Gouge of Johnstown; two sisters, Marcia (Casey) Caudill of Johnstown and Pam (Verlee) Davis of Heath; one brother, Larry (Linda) Patterson of Mount Vernon; and four grandchildren.

Connie was preceded in death by her father, Edgar Patterson.

Family will receive friends Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made in loving memory of Connie to National City Bank, 39 S. Main St., Johnstown, OH 43031.

Barbara Nelson
NEWARK — Barbara Nelson, 79, of Forry Street, Newark, passed away Friday, Dec. 9, 2005, at the Autumn Health Care in Newark.

She was born Oct. 16, 1926, in Canton to William Herbert and Helen Irene (Drumm) Singleton. Mrs. Nelson was a graduate of Marietta College and also Columbia University where she received her Master degrees in Theatre Arts and Library Science. She retired from the New York City Public Library. Mrs. Nelson loved to quilt, and was a member of the Hilton Head Island Quilting Society and the Tri Delta Sorority.

She is survived by a son, Dr. Jim (Emily) Nelson of Mount Vernon; two grandchildren, Matthew Nelson of Granville, James Nelson IV of Los Angeles, Calif.; two stepgrandchildren, Robert Graham and Erin Robinson, both of Columbus; three great-grandchildren; and her adoptive brother, Merrill R. Patterson Jr.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Merrill and Dana Patterson; and a brother, Jonathan Nelson.

The family will observe a private service at a later date. The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. This obituary may be viewed online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.