Obituaries

Brenda F. Smith, 73, of South Shore, KY., passed away Sunday, July 16, 2023 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth, OH. She was born in Portsmouth, OH., September 16, 1949 a daughter of the late Charles and Ailene Boggs Smith. She was an administrative assistant at Shawnee State University where she retired with over 20 years…

Lorie Ann (Babcock) Hawkins age 55 years, passed away peacfully on July 11, 2023 at Bridgeport Nursing Home in Portsmouth, Ohio. Lorie was born August 18, 1967 in Defiance, Ohio to her parents Evelyn Marlene and Robert Lee Babcock Sr.   Lorie was preceded in death by her parents Evelyn and Robert, her stepmom Marie…

Donna Sue (Maynard) Bentley of Minford, OH, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2023 surrounded by her family at SOMC Hospice Center. Donna was born on April 2, 1950 to Rome and Mary Jane Maynard. She graduated from Glenwood High School in 1968 and continued her education at Ohio University where she graduated with a…

Tonya Renae (Oppy) Fetzer, 57 of Lucasville passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023 at SOMC Hospice.  She was born on September 28, 1965 in Wilmington to the late Harry Paul Oppy, Sr and Imogene Throckmorton Oppy.  On June 30, 2006, she was united in marriage to Albert Thomas Fetzer.  In addition to her husband,…

Alan Ray Palmer, 88 of Beaver formerly of Dowagiac, Michigan passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at his residence.  He was born on July 2, 1935 to the late Robert Jeremiah Palmer and Violet Evelyn Simmons Palmer.  On June 29, 1963 he was united in marriage to Ann Marie Page Palmer.  In addition to…

Andy Howard, 32, of West Union, Ohio passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe.  He was born December 19, 1990 in Columbus, Ohio to John Howard and Tina Brown both of West Union.  Also surviving are his brother, Scott (Sarah) Howard of West Union; nephew, Jace Howard and niece,…

Larry Harold Drake, 74, of Wheelersburg, passed away Saturday July 15, 2023 at SOMC Hospice Center. He was born July 12, 1949 in Portsmouth, a son of the late Claude and Francis (Ockerman) Drake. Larry was a U.S. Army Veteran and formerly worked at the Ohio Department of Transportation. He was a longtime member of…

Willard “Mac” L. McBrayer, Sr. 80, of Boyce, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital after a short illness. Mac was born on July 7, 1942, and raised in South Webster, Ohio.  He held several jobs from working in the steel mill in Portsmouth, Ohio, to offshore work and owning…

Monte D. Shewman, 82, of Lucasville, went to be with the Lord on Friday July 14, 2023 at SOMC Hospice Center. He was born September 12, 1940 to the late Martin and Viola Shewman. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his nephew, Chris Shewman. Monte was a United States Navy Veteran. He…

Hazel A. Smittle, 82, of New Boston passed away Friday July 14, 2023 in Columbus. Hazel Alfreida Riggs was born in Portsmouth Ohio June 23rd, 1941, to Clyde and Mary Riggs. She attended Portsmouth High School and was a proud member of the 1959 graduating class. Hazel attended multiple universities including Ohio University, Xavier University…