Obituaries

Earl Richard Evans Jr, 70, of Portsmouth, passed away Sunday April 30, 2023 at his residence. He was born May 14, 1952 in Portsmouth, a son of the late Charles Evans Sr. and Virgie Cleo (Mullins) Evans. He was a former concrete finisher who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Earl is survived by two sons, Earl…

Jamie Lynne Barber, 74, died Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the SOMC Hospice Center, with her husband by her side.  Born on March 12, 1949 in Portsmouth, she was a daughter of the late James and Helyn Fetter Secrest. Jamie was formerly a nurse, a realtor in Chalfont, PA and once owned a craft store…

Bernadine Gifford, 75, of Sciotoville, went to walk with Jesus on Friday morning, April 28, 2023, from her home, surrounded by her loving family.  Born on October 26, 1947 on Fifth Street in Portsmouth, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Aroma Osborne Traylor. Bernie was also preceded in death by a brother,…

Michael Lee Distel, 55 of Stout, died Saturday April 29, 2023 as a result of a tractor accident. He was born March 3, 1968 in Portsmouth to the late David Michael and Linda Kay Piatt Distel. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his grandparents George and Dorothy Piatt and Carl and…

Christopher “Chris” Dee Vogler, 49, of West Portsmouth died unexpectedly Thursday, April 27, 2023. He was born July 14, 1973. His family is deeply saddened by his sudden death. Chris graduated from Portsmouth West High School in 1991 and went to work for Norfolk Southern Corporation as an engineer. Chris was an avid dirt track…

Steven Mark “Buddy” Scalf Jr., 40 of West Portsmouth, died Thursday April 27, 2023 at SOMC Hospice. He was born December 31, 1982 in Portsmouth to the late Steven Mark Scalf Sr. and Sharon Loretta Brown Scalf who survives. Buddy was loved by everyone. He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He created…

Anna Eileen Venturino, long time resident of Portsmouth, Ohio, died peacefully on April 6, 2023 at Warren Barr Lieberman Health and Rehabilitation Center in Skokie, Illinois. She was born in Scioto county to the late Perry and Myrtle Smalley.   Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by spouses, Ralph Heller and Thomas…

Therese “Tara” Ann Marie Gemperline, 68, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at SOMC.  She was born June 24, 1954, in Portsmouth, to the late Albert and Mary (Chandler) Gemperline. Tara was a florist for many years, until she became a radio personality and Programming Director for 104.1 WPAY in Portsmouth. Her start in…

Barbara Elaine Scott, 58, of Portsmouth, died Monday, April 24, 2023 at SOMC Hospice surrounded by her loved ones. Our mother Barb did not know a stranger, everyone who knew her loved her. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy in life. She was a mother, sister, grandmother, and a friend to so many. Barb will…