Obituaries

Gary Dale Hoffer, 65, of McDermott, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at SOMC Hospice following an illness. Gary was born June 8, 1960, to Irene Hoffer Newberry in Adams County, Ohio. Gary was raised by his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hoffer of Otway. Gary had…

Craddock B. “Doc” Frye, 87 of West Portsmouth, gained his Angel wings on Saturday, December 13, 2025. He was born October 7, 1938 in Portsmouth to the late Emory and Tennessee Meenech Frye. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by 2 sons; Gregory Scott Frye and Mark S. Frye and 2 brothers;…

Marcella Jane McGraw, age 84, of Lucasville, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her home on December 12, 2025. She was born on June 14, 1941, in Blue Creek, Ohio, to Alva Lee Williams and Ellen Icie (Gifford) Williams. Marcella was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was rooted in family, dedication, and…

Donald Raymond Milstead, 92, of West Portsmouth, died Friday, December 12, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 15, 1932, in West Portsmouth, to the late Elmer Elvin and Katherine Sowers Milstead. Along with his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his first wife, Violet Milstead; two…

Linda (Vastine) Marcum, 72, of Lucasville, died Monday, December 8, 2025, at SOMC Hospice. She was born February 7, 1953, in Portsmouth, to the late Robert Gordon and Ada Juanita Chaffin Vastine. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Roger Tackett Jr., and her brother, Larry Charles Vastine. Throughout her…

James “Jim” Noble, 79 years old, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and friend went to be with the Lord at his home in Minford following a long illness. Born in Pickaway county, the middle child of eleven, he was proceeded in death by his parents and several siblings. A logger and truck driver by trade, Jim…

Ruth Eckstein, 100, of Portsmouth, died peacefully, Friday December 12, 2025 at Hillview Retirement Center. She was born December 4, 1925 in Phoenix , Arizona, to the late John and Grace (Lang) Kelso. Ruth graduated from the St. Mary of the Springs College in Columbus. She taught at Portsmouth City Schools and retired after 33…

Elbert Ralph Hoskins 74, more affectionately known as Bub, passed into the arms of our Lord in the early hours of Friday, December 5th, 2025. After family said their goodbyes, Bub passed peacefully with both his sister, Judy McGinnis of Sciotoville, and his longtime partner, Lisa Irwin of Portsmouth, by his side. Bub was born…

Stephen Dale Reed, 89, of Rubyville, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at his home surround by his loved ones. He was born December 7, 1936 in Portsmouth, a son of the late Stephen Virgil and Doris Vonie (Ervin) Reed. He was a guidance counselor for Valley Local Schools, New Boston Schools, and a shop…

Charles Michael “Mike” Coe, 76, of Lockborne, a former Scioto County resident, passed away December 8, 2025 at his residence. He was born December 19, 1948 in Portsmouth, a son of the late Frank and Nancy Kathleen (Duncan) Coe. He was a former employee of the City of Portsmouth Water Dept., and attended Shawnee Hills…