Obituaries

Barbara Ann Hicks, 69, of West Portsmouth, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026 at her residence. She was born February 1, 1956 in Portsmouth, a daughter of the late Russell and Joanne Lindamood Smith. Barbara was a 1974 Valley High School graduate and a retired secretary from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. She was…

James Edward Gallion, age 70, of Franklin Furnace, passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on October 22, 1955, in Portsmouth, James touched the lives of many through his warmth and kindness. James had a fulfilling career as a chemical operator with Dow Chemical Company and attended…

Larry Edward Atkins, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at his home Pittsburgh, PA, with his family by his bedside. He was born on August 12, 1935, in New Boston, the only son of the late Harry Thomas and Selah Victoria Eshem Atkins. Larry devoted part of his life to serving his…

Dolly Jean Skaggs, 90, passed away Friday January 16, 2026, peacefully and surrounded by a handful of her many loved ones. She was born on September 29, 1935 in Davis Port KY, and grew up a Mollett in the hills of Franklin Furnace, OH. A pillar of quiet strength and steady hands, Dolly served as…

Roselyn I. Heslep, 89, of Portsmouth, passed away on Thursday, January 15, at Hill View.  She was born on October 11, 1936, in Mullens, WV, to the late George Vernon ‘Jack’ and Mabel Elizabeth Brown Duncan. A 15-year volunteer for the Portsmouth River Days Festival, Roselyn was well-known for running the Miss River Days Pageant…

Joan Sperry Prater, 83, of Reynoldsburg, OH, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026, at Carriage Court Senior Living in Hilliard, OH. She was born in Ashland, KY, on November 20, 1942, a daughter of the late John and Lucy Spriggs Sperry. Left behind to cherish her memory are her husband, Kenneth Prater; one daughter, Leanne…

Stormi Michelle Williams, infant daughter of Ryan Williams and Ashley Gallimore, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. She was born January 9, 2026 in Portsmouth. Stormi was preceded in death by her great grandparents; Dotty Demarious and Roger Gallimore. Along with her parents she is survived by 2 brothers;…

Teresa Ann Lepore, 50 of Waverly, died Saturday, January 17, 2026 at her home. She was born February 14, 1975 in Scioto County to the late Nero Shepherd Jr. and Carolyn Sue Colley Shepherd. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by a son Anthony Joseph Lepore. Teresa was a Licensed Practical Nurse…

Roger “Kenny” Kenneth McNutt Sr., 62, of West Portsmouth, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on January 31, 1963, to the late Wendall McNutt and Mary Jane (Holsinger) Vaughn; along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Trebor Vaughn, and his…