Obituaries

Brenda Karen Hughes, a beloved wife, mother, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully from natural causes on January 14, 2026, at the age of 72. She was born on February 8, 1953, in Ashland, Kentucky, and spent her life nurturing the minds of young learners and creating a loving home for her family in Franklin…

Robert Reed Kennard, 74, a long-time resident of Lucasville, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Born August 17, 1951, in Maysville, Kentucky, to the late Irene (Kirk) Kennard and Robert Harry Kennard, Bob was also preceded in death by his sister, Donna Kennard. Bob was a 1969 graduate of McKell High School in…

Sarah “Shay” Litreal, born on August 1, 1952, in Chillicothe, Ohio, passed away on January 13, 2026, in Wheelersburg, Ohio, at the age of 73. Shay was a beloved mother, cherished friend, and a spirited soul whose life was a tapestry woven with love, creativity, and a deep appreciation for family. As a devoted homemaker,…

Jeffrey D. Lavender, 72, of West Portsmouth, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at SOMC Hospice. Jeff was born on April 18, 1953, to the late Florence “Jean” (Maxey) Lavender and Charles “Bud” Lavender. He was a 1972 graduate of Portsmouth High School. Following graduation, Jeff proudly served four years in the United States…

Orville Joe Adams-DeLisle, age 60, passed away peacefully at his home on January 12, 2026. Joe was born on April 6, 1965, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to William Warren Adams and Naomi “Tudy” Adams who preceded him in death. Joe married the love of his life, David Adams-DeLisle, on January 12, 2015. Though married for a…

Deborah Mae McClary Crabtree, 73, of Lucasville, Ohio passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026 at her home. She was born November 7, 1952 in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late James Chester McClary and Emma Bernice Crabtree McClary.  She was united in marriage to Thomas Franklin Crabtree who preceded her in death on April 12, 2024.…

William E Shepherd, 98, of Waverly, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at his home.  He was born on January 9, 1928 in Webbville, Kentucky to the late Hugh and Clara Stafford Shepherd.  On August 6, 1967 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Norma J Arrowood in Waverly, Ohio.…

James Ryan Hackworth, 55, of McDermott, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at OSU Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.  He was born April 22, 1970 in Portsmouth, Ohio son of the late James William Hackworth and Rita Kathryn (Farley) Hackworth of McDermott, Ohio.  On July 28, 2003 he was united in marriage to…

Juanita Marie Picklesimer, 96 of Lucasville passed away peacefully Saturday, January 10, 2026 at SOMC Hospice, surrounded by her family. She was born April 27, 1929 in Lucasville, Ohio, a daughter of the late Jesse and Marie (Newman) Price. Juanita was retired from the US Postal Service, a member of the Lucasville American Legion Auxiliary,…

Janet Castle of Lucasville, Ohio, passed away peacefully at River Run of Franklin Furnace on January 9, 2026. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family above all else. She was born to the late Wallace and Lillian Crull on May 15, 1938 in Portsmouth. Janet was preceded…