Virgie E. Compton
FREDERICKTOWN – Virgie E. Compton, 67, of Fredericktown died Thursday morning, May 11, 2006, surrounded by her family following an extended illness.

She was born Nov. 16, 1938, in Tazwell County, Va., the daughter of the late Roland and Rosa (Godbey) Baldwin. At the age of 16, Virgie and her family moved to the Fredericktown area, which became her permanent home. On June 8, 1957, Virgie married her loving husband of over 48 years, David “Cecil” Compton. Together they raised and cared for five children. With her primary responsibility being the caretaker of her home, Virgie also made time to work as an assembler for the Grumlen Flex Co. in Loudonville. Virgie was a member of the North Woodbury Free Will Baptist Church and enjoyed putting together puzzles. Well known for her quilting, Virgie made sure she and all of her family stayed warm. A “mother to all,” many referred to Virgie as their “mom” because they could count on her to love and care for them.

In addition to her husband, Virgie is survived by their five children, David Compton of Mount Vernon, Darrell Compton of Mount Gilead, Marsha (Frank) McGrew of Mount Gilead, Jeff (Tammy) Compton of Mount Vernon and Debbie (Jim) Wilkinson of Mount Gilead; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; four brothers, Joe (Mae) Baldwin of Delaware, Don (Pat) Baldwin of Ashley, Jack Baldwin of Hilliard and Willis (Sharon) Baldwin of Marion; and three sisters, Elsie Sherman of Delaware, Ellen Hildreth of Marengo and Clare (Homer) Bronson of Marion.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Elmer and Roland; and three infant sisters, Matilda, Thelma and Sally.

The family will greet friends on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Craven & Snyder Funeral Home, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. Funeral service will be Monday at 1 p.m. at the North Woodbury Free Will Baptist Church, 6186 Ohio 314, with the Revs. James Thompson and Earl Ash officiating. Burial will follow in Bloomfield Cemetery at Sparta.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Morrow County, P.O. Box 86, Mount Gilead, OH 43338. Condolences can be expressed to the family at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Aletha A. Mann
MOUNT VERNON — Aletha Alice (Shumaker) Mann, 81, of Country Club Retirement Campus, Mount Vernon, passed away May 9, 2006.

She was born June 24, 1924, in Lancaster to Clara and Paul Shumaker who predeceased her. She was a longtime resident of Westerville and New Albany, a consummate homemaker, cook, baker and family matriarch. She also was employed by J.C. Penney Co. and accumulated nearly 30 years of service over several periods in her life. She was an avid baseball fan and player, especially the Cincinnati Reds that she no doubt developed as a tagalong during her father’s legendary career in Lancaster’s industrial leagues. She was always quick with a witticism or a joke, and an ever-present smile to everyone around her. Remembered as the foundation of the family for her honesty, integrity and sense of fair play that she tried to instill within her children and grandchildren.

Life was not complicated for Aletha; simply, follow the “Golden Rule” of doing unto others as you would wish to be treated and “win or lose, always do your best” or “success is not based on how many times you win, but how many times you get up when you fall.” She will be best remembered for the unconditional love she showed to family and friends regardless of her personal sacrifice so that others always came first, rather it was gently cleaning a scrape of a child, offering a shoulder to cry on, or sending covered dish to someone in need.

She was predeceased by her husband, Neysen, after 54 years of marriage; brothers, Lowell, Merle, Neil; and sister, June King.

Surviving are a son, Douglas, his wife, Kathleen, and their son, Philip. Along with a daughter, Denise, her husband, David, and their daughter, Callyn; sister, Wilda, and brother-in-law, Robert Jones; sister-in-law, Louise Shumaker; special nephew, Lester (Dick) Shumaker; special niece, Linda Turben; and a host of nephews, nieces and close friends.

In lieu of flowers family and friends are asked to make a donation to the Otterbein College Capital Fund, Westerville, Ohio, in Aletha’s name.

By her request, there will be no calling hours. Family and friends will be received Monday, May 15, at 11 a.m. at Moreland Funeral Home, 33 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, followed by a brief memorial service at 1 p.m. Internment in Blendon Cemetery, Westerville.

Mark A. Rodgers
MOUNT VERNON — Mark Alan Rodgers, 49, died suddenly and unexpectedly on April 11, 2006, at his home in Mount Vernon.

He was a 1975 graduate of Danville High School where he was active in sports, especially baseball. Mark was injured in a car accident in 1981 and was disabled until his death. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and professional basketball, and loved visits from his family.

He is survived by his son, Brandon, 28, of Toledo; a daughter, Angela, 20, of Pataskala and her daughter, Tori, 21 months; his former wife, Kim, and her daughters, Krista and Jerica; his brother, Jonathan, who resides in Powell with his wife, Cindy, and two children; and sister and brother-in-law, Dick and Carol Kaminski of Smyrna, Del.

Mark’s parents, Leland and Vera Shorts, both preceded him in death. Mark was a great helper to his mother and cared for her for several years.

A memorial service will be Friday, May 19, at 4 p.m. in the chapel at Gay Street United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon, where family will receive friends beginning at 3 p.m. Burial will be private.

The family would like to especially thank the staff at Moundbuilders Guidance Center in Mount Vernon. Arrangements by The Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell. Phone (614) 792-1471.

Meryl J. Sellers
MOUNT VERNON — Meryl J. Sellers, 87, of Mount Vernon died Thursday, May 11, 2006, at his home.

He was born July 14, 1918, in Loudonville, to the late Harvey and Enid (Heinrich) Sellers and had been a Mount Vernon resident since 1954. He was a retired employee of the Shellmar, Continental Can-Ludlow Corp. in Mount Vernon, retiring in 1983. He was a World War II U.S. Air Force veteran and served in the Pacific Theatre of War. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and the VFW.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy (Banbury) Sellers. Also surviving are two daughters, Karen Sellers of the home and Kathy Ann (James) Johnson of Mount Vernon; one sister, Mabel (Ron) Rarquhar of Loudonville; and two nieces, Cynthia Sheldon of Lexington and Laurie McFarlin of Ashland.

Besides his parents, Meryl was preceded in death by two brothers, Gene Sellers and George Sellers; and a nephew, David Sellers.

There will be no calling hours. A private service will be held in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, near Danville, at a later date. The arrangements are under the care and direction of the Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Knox County, 17700 Coshocton Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. This obituary can be accessed and condolences left at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.