Earl S. Alspach
ORLANDO, Fla. — Earl Scott Alspach, 92, of Orlando, Fla., and formerly of Chesterville, died peacefully on Thursday evening, Nov. 9, 2006, at the Manor Care Center in Winter Park, Fla., following a brief illness.

He was born in Morrow County on March 25, 1914, the son of the late Walter Scott and Elva Melda (Ossing) Alspach. Earl graduated from Chesterville High School in the class of 1933. On Sept. 29, 1934, Earl married his first wife of over 61 years, Nina (Mellott) Alspach, at the parsonage in Chesterville. Together they resided on their family farm in the Chesterville area until 1980, when they moved to St. Cloud, Fla. She preceded him in death on Nov. 14, 1995.

Most of Earl’s days were spent caring for and nurturing the family farm, though he also worked at the Marion Correctional Institute for 23 years as a shop foreman. Earl was a member of the Chesterville United Methodist Church and the Chester Lodge F&AM 230. On April 12, 1997, Earl remarried Nina (Burns) Alspach of Orlando, Fla., where she survives.

Earl will be missed by his son, Gary (Nancy) Alspach of Mount Gilead; his daughter, Phyllis (Arthur) Beck of Orlando, Fla.; a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Alspach of Chesterville; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Marjorie Brown of Mount Gilead.

In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by his son, William Alspach on Aug. 31, 1991; a brother, Charles Alspach; and two sisters, Lucina Bollorer and Ruth Tobin.

The family will greet friends today from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Craven & Snyder Funeral Home, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead, where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m., with Pastor Don Linn officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Chesterville.

Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Melvin M. Beachy
UTICA — A funeral service for Melvin M. Beachy, 83, of Utica will be held Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. at Melita Christian Church, 9956 Camp Ohio Road NE, Utica, with Owen Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Martinsburg Amish Cemetery.

Melvin died peacefully Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006, at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus. He was born July 30, 1923, in Millersburg, Ind., to the late Menno S. and Elizabeth (Yoder) Beachy.

He is survived by his wife, Edna (Gingerich) Beachy of Utica; children, Marianna (Mervin) Mast of Utica, Galen (Alta) Beachy of Summertown, Tenn., Norman (Alma) Beachy of Greeneville, Tenn., and Nolan (Ann) Beachy of Wythville, Va.; five brothers, Elmer Beachy of Nappanee, Ind., Daniel Beachy and Mahlon Beachy, both of Millersburg, Ind., and Menno Beachy Jr. and Perry Beachy, both of Goshen, Ind.

He was preceded in death by three sisters, Mrs. Amos (Sadie) Mast, Mrs. Simon (Susie) Graber and Mrs. David (Amanda) Petersheim.

Friends may call today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Law-Baker Funeral Home, 34 N. Main St., Utica, assisted the family with arrangements.

Irene Chadwick
GALENA — Irene Chadwick, 74, of the Galena and Sunbury area, died Sunday afternoon, Nov. 12, 2006, at her residence. Arrangements will be announced by the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, Sunbury. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Joe M. Divelbiss
FREDERICKTOWN — Joe Martin Divelbiss, 65, died unexpectedly Friday, Nov. 10, 2006, at his home in Fredericktown.

He was born in Mount Vernon on Sept. 30, 1941, to George Ernest Divelbiss and Ruth (Berger) Divelbiss. He graduated from Fredericktown High School in 1959 and was a proud member of the 1958 undefeated Freddie football team. He received a bachelor’s degree in business from Marietta College where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.

Joe was recently retired after 36 years in insurance sales and was an avid antique collector and dealer. He was an expert on the history of American clocks and clock makers. He was a 40-year member of the Thrall Lodge 170 in Fredericktown, the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and the Fredericktown Historical Society. He was well known for his great sense of humor and his rolling laugh, contagious to those around him. He was an enthusiastic Ohio State football and basketball fan, a true Buckeye at heart. Joe will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.

He is survived by his mother; his wife of 43 years, Judith (Snyder) Divelbiss; a son, J. Tracy (Sheri) Divelbiss of Fredericktown; two daughters, Wendy (David) Baker of Fredericktown and Jenny (Jason) Parker of Mount Vernon; four grandchildren, Alex Parker and Cole Parker of Mount Vernon, Austin Divelbiss and Anna Divelbiss of Somerset, Mass.; two stepgrandchildren, Hayley and Emily Derikito of Fredericktown; his sister, Christi (P.A.) Dunfee of Delaware; a nephew, Jacob (Emily) Dunfee; and a niece, Corie (Travis) Summers.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Fredericktown. The family will receive friends following the service. The Snyder Funeral Home of Fredericktown is in charge of arrangements.

Joe placed great importance on the value of higher education. In that honor, a scholarship fund has been established in his name at any First-Knox National Bank. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to contribute. This obituary and guest registry are online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Ralph E. Hammond
MOUNT VERNON — Ralph E. Hammond, 91, formerly of Hilltop Drive, Mount Vernon, passed away on Monday, Nov. 13, 2006, at Country Club Retirement Center in Mount Vernon. These arrangements are under the care and direction of the Snyder Funeral Homes in Mount Vernon.

Earl Mickley
DANVILLE — Earl Mickley, 69, passed away Friday, Nov. 10, 2006, in Knox Community Hospital Intensive Care with his family by his side.

Earl was born Dec. 12, 1936, in Danville to Ralph and Clara (Gardner) Mickley. He was a lifelong resident of Danville, and graduated from Danville High School in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 with the 82nd Airborne stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C. Earl and Barbara operated a family dairy farm until 1991. He enjoyed life, family and friends especially the past seven years when his physical ailments limited his activity. God answered his prayers by taking him home quickly.

Earl is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara (Hawk); and seven children, Duane (Sheryl) Mickley of Danville, Stephen (Chris) Mickley of Senoia, Ga., Philip (Laura) Mickley of Wooster, Anita (Carlos) Bertrand of Houston, Texas, Elaine (Todd) Didinger of Danville, Louie (Bobbie) Mickley of Danville and Mary (Bill) Abner of Johnstown. He dearly loved, enjoyed and was very proud of his 16 grandchildren, John and Eric Mickley; Jessica, Jennifer and Melissa Mickley; Taylor, Maegan and Josh Mickley; Gloria Bertrand; Ashley and Julie Didinger; Rachel, Lauren, Erin and Darren Mickley; and Ashley Abner. Earl leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will always remember his quick sense of humor and his love of his church, a good game of cards, deer hunting and swapping stories with friends and family. Earl is also survived by brothers, Rodney (Caroline), Glen (Chris), Harold (Joanna), Leo (Teresa); and sister, Martha Stutz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Ralph Herbert; brother, Bill; brother-in-law, Joe Stutz; and grandson, Matthew Mickley.

Family will receive friends and family Tuesday evening, Nov. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church in Danville, concluding with prayer service. Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, with the Rev. Richard Snoke and Jim Colopy officiating. Burial will follow at St. Luke Cemetery, with graveside military rites performed by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Memorials may be designated to Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District, P.O. Box 526, Danville, OH 43014; or to the Sanctuary Community Action, P.O. Box 505, Danville, OH 43014. The Fischer Funeral Home in Danville is handling the arrangements. Obituary may be viewed online at www.fischerfuneralhome.com.

Rodney Ridgway
DANVILLE — Rodney Ridgway, 89, of Mickley Street, died Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006, at The Laurels of Mount Vernon.

He was born April 27, 1917, in New Matamoras to Forrest and Eva Rebecca Ridgway. On July 15, 1941, he was married to Mary Faith Colopy. He was a member of the Danville United Methodist Church and Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife, Faith; children, Rebecca (Ron) Lock of Danville, Mary Lee Kirk (William Flack) of Howard, William (Mary) Ridgway of Howard, Thomas (Diane) Ridgway of Danville, Marcia (Lonnie) Lepley of Howard, Marilyn (Shane) Roberts of Fredericktown, Steven (Sandy) Ridgway of Galena, Marie (Tim) Blubaugh of Howard and Lisa (Jim) Blaisdell of Howard; 29 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Cynthia; a son, Joseph; two granddaughters; a grandson; three brothers; and two sisters.

A funeral service will be Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2006, at the Fischer Funeral Home in Danville. The Rev. Doug Sweet will officiate. Burial will be in Workman Cemetery. Calling hours will be today from 4 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Danville Fire Department/Emergency Squad (EKCJFD) P.O. Box 526, Danville, OH 43014. This obituary may be viewed at www.fischerfuneralhome.com.

Jack W. Tannehill
KEY COLONY BEACH, Fla. — Jack William Tannehill, 63, passed away Nov. 7, 2006, at his home in Key Colony Beach, Fla.

He was born June 3, 1943, in Worthington, Ohio. A graduate of Ohio Northern University, Jack spent his career serving the residents of the Mount Vernon Developmental Center as a pharmacist. After retiring Jack moved to the Florida Keys and spent several years enjoying the lifestyle the Keys offers.

For those who knew him will understand that Jack requested no formal service be held for him in Ohio or Florida. A celebration of his life will be held at his home in Florida, where his ashes will be scattered in the warm ocean waters of the Keys. An informal gathering will also be held in Mount Vernon in Jack’s memory; call Jane at 392-4981 for information.

Jack is survived by his sister, Ann Nightingale; his children, Tracy Wagner and Chad Tannehill; grandchildren, Nick and Christopher Wagner, Justin and Avery Tannehill; and many close friends in Ohio and Florida.

Donations can be made in Jack’s name to hospice.

Charlene Wilson
HOWARD — Charlene Wilson, 45, of Rabbit Ridge Road, Howard, died Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006, in the Knox Community Hospital ER.

She was born Aug. 18, 1961, in New Jersey to William and Dorothy Smack. On Aug. 14, 2003, she married Charles Wilson. She attended the Danville Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband; her mother; her children, Christina, Robby, Ryan, Randy, Candis, Cathy, Michael, Kenny, Kai, April, Zorranda and Samson; and many siblings.

She was preceded in death by her father.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 14, at noon at the Danville Church of Christ on Jelloway Road. Minister Craig Mulpas will officiate. Burial will be in Workman Cemetery in Danville.

Contributions can be made to the family in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 515, Danville, OH 43014. Information is available at www.fischerfuneralhome.com.