John D. Gillam, 80, died peacefully at home March 1, 2021. A life well lived. A Gentle Man well loved. John is survived by his wife, Liz; son, Rick and wife Janet, grandchildren Ben and Ali; daughter Mary Beth and husband Josh Brown; brother Dick and wife Mary; nephews Russ and Chuck; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Watson McCoy, Meg and Mike Toomey, Missy and Bill Cline; nephews, Will and Spencer Cline. "Sometimes it takes sadness to know happiness, noise to appreciate silence, and absence to value presence." - Shared by Ben Gillam. Private family services are being planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OhioHealth Hospice Giving: www.foundation.ohiohealth.com....

G. Kenner Bush, Jr., of Athens, 86, died February 28, 2021. Active in community and Ohio University affairs and regional development throughout his 32-year career as Publisher of The Athens Messenger, Bush retired with the sale of the newspaper in 1997. His family owned and operated The Messenger for 102 years. Under his leadership, building upon the work of his father and grandfather before him, The Messenger was an influential voice in representing the interests of Athens and Southeastern Ohio. He built the newspaper offices on Route 33 in 1970 to house the most advanced community newspaper technology of the time, and later expanded the facility to include commercial booklet...

Hallie A. Willard, age 86, of Lancaster formerly of The Plains died Thursday evening, Feb. 25, 2021 at Bickford Senior Living, Lancaster. Born Nov. 9, 1934 in Langsville, she was the daughter of the late Samuel G. Pickens and Emily I. Shoemaker Pickens. A graduate of Rutland High School, she received her bachelor's degree from Ohio University. She was employed at the Athens Co. Courthouse, OU Credit Union, Athens Mental Health Center and retired from Ohio University as an Administrative Assistant with the Contemporary History Institute. She was a member of The Plains United Methodist Church, Athens Chapter 175 O.E.S., and Quilter's Group. She enjoyed quilting, scrapbooking, doll...

John "Paul" Wilson, age 82 of Athens, died early Thursday morning, Feb. 25, 2021 at his home. Born March 26, 1938 in Athens County, he was the son of the late Herbert Wilson and Dorothy Montgomery Wilson. He attended The Plains High School and retired from Abex Corp. and Athens Mold and Machine after 30+ years of service. He was an Evangelistic Preacher in area churches for over 40 years. He was a member of The Plains Church of the Nazarene. Family was his first priority. He also enjoyed singing, gardening and traveling to Amish county and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Paul is survived by two daughters, Bonita (Roger) Brown of The Plains and Beth Wilson of Athens; two sons, Michael Alan...

Valarie Lee (Bastin) Minor died February 21, 2021 at Kimes Convalescent Home, Athens, Ohio and has entered into the everlasting presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Valarie was born December 24, 1939 to Rene F. and Sophia (Sue) Burry Bastin of Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Having spent most of her youth in Newark, OH she graduated from Ravenswood WV High School in 1957. She then studied nursing at Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH graduating in 1960. In 1962 she married Dale R. Minor at Trinity Episcopal Church in Newark, OH, the Rev. Mr. Thomas Simpson presiding. In addition to her husband, Valarie is survived by four children, Rene A. "Marty" (Emily) Minor of West Palm Beach, FL, Phillip...

Valarie Lee (Bastin) Minor died February 21, 2021 at Kimes Convalescent Home, Athens, Ohio and has entered into the everlasting presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Valarie was born December 24, 1939 to Rene F. and Sophia (Sue) Burry Bastin of Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Having spent most of her youth in Newark, OH she graduated from Ravenswood WV High School in 1957. She then studied nursing at Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH graduating in 1960. In 1962 she married Dale R. Minor at Trinity Episcopal Church in Newark, OH, the Rev. Mr. Thomas Simpson presiding. In addition to her husband, Valarie is survived by four children, Rene A. "Marty" (Emily) Minor of West Palm Beach, FL, Phillip...

Valarie Lee (Bastin) Minor died February 21, 2021 at Kimes Convalescent Home, Athens, Ohio and has entered into the everlasting presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Valarie was born December 24, 1939 to Rene F. and Sophia (Sue) Burry Bastin of Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Having spent most of her youth in Newark, OH she graduated from Ravenswood WV High School in 1957. She then studied nursing at Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH graduating in 1960. In 1962 she married Dale R. Minor at Trinity Episcopal Church in Newark, OH, the Rev. Mr. Thomas Simpson presiding. In addition to her husband, Valarie is survived by four children, Rene A. "Marty" (Emily) Minor of West Palm Beach, FL, Phillip...

Susan Lee "Suzy" Chesser, age 83 of Athens, died Feb. 17, 2021 in Columbus. She was born Susan Lee Doering on April 9, 1937, in Columbus, Ohio. Her father was Henry Irving Doering, born February 2, 1902, in Wapakoneta, Ohio and died Jan. 3, 1992., and her mother was Emma Elizabeth Doering, born March 15, 1907, in Jackson Center, Ohio and died Oct. 17, 1979. Suzy graduated from Worthington High School in 1954 and received her Bachelor of Arts from Hiram College in 1958. Suzy traveled to Europe shortly after College which had a tremendous impact on her. Throughout her life, she was extremely fond of the fine and performing arts. She toured museums in Europe and the United States when...

Nellie D. Thomas, age 93, of The Plains, formerly of Sandusky, passed away Wednesday Feb. 17, 2021 at the home of her daughter in law. She had fought cancer for several years. Born April 5, 1927 in Chauncey, she was the daughter of the late William Stalder and Eva Lowery Stalder. A graduate of The Plains High School, she had been employed at Ohio University in the service bureau of the History and Political Science department. She also had been employed as a secretary at the Erie County Metropolitan Housing Agency. She moved to Sandusky in 1970. She was a former member of The Plains Church of Nazarene where she was Board secretary, played piano and organ, and taught Teen Sunday School....

Duane Morgan Starkey, 61, passed away in the evening of February 14, 2021. He is survived by his wife, MaryJo Starkey, three sisters (Mallika, Janet, and Sharon (Bill)), daughter Megan and three sons Michael (Lena), Matthew and David. He has two wonderful grandchildren, Adelyn and Graham Starkey. He is also survived by his two dogs Buddy and Lenny. Duane was born and raised in Bolivar Ohio by Thelma and Morgan Starkey. He attended Ohio University where he met the love of his life, MaryJo, and loved Athens so much that he decided to stay working for Ohio University for over 35 years until his retirement in 2016. He found joy in retirement in bike riding, genealogical work, gardening and his...

Duane Morgan Starkey, 61, passed away in the evening of February 14, 2021. He is survived by his wife, MaryJo Starkey, three sisters (Mallika, Janet, and Sharon (Bill)), daughter Megan and three sons Michael (Lena), Matthew and David. He has two wonderful grandchildren, Adelyn and Graham Starkey. He is also survived by his two dogs Buddy and Lenny. Duane was born and raised in Bolivar Ohio by Thelma and Morgan Starkey. He attended Ohio University where he met the love of his life, MaryJo, and loved Athens so much that he decided to stay working for Ohio University for over 35 years until his retirement in 2016. He found joy in retirement in bike riding, genealogical work, gardening and his...

Lena O. Buck, age 96, of Columbus formerly of Athens, died Sunday Feb. 7, 2021 at Kobacker House, Columbus. Born Aug. 21, 1924 in Bedford Township, Meigs County, she was the daughter of the late Fred Sheffield Cullums and Linnie O'Brien Cullums Leifheit, and her step father Robert Leifheit. A graduate of Shade High School, she had been employed at Logan's Gift Shop in Athens and Monarch Graphics of Columbus in the bindery department. She and her late husband moved from Athens to Columbus in 1971. Lena is survived by two daughters and sons in law, Sandra & John Moses of Pickerington and Linda & Walt Dailey of Florence, KY; six grandchildren, Michelle (Brent) Gregory, Melissa (Tom)...

Betty Jean Richter Reese, age 80, of Athens, died Friday Feb. 5, 2021 at The Lindley Inn, The Plains. Born Feb. 13, 1940 in Emporia, Kansas, she was the daughter of the late George Richter and Dorothy Drury Richter. She received her bachelor's degree from Wichita State University and her master's degree from Michigan State University. She was employed at the cooperative extension service with The Ohio State University. She was a volunteer at The Dairy Barn Arts Center and the Ohio University Kennedy Museum of Art. Betty is survived by her daughter, Jean Reese of Athens and preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Reese in March 2017. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, no services are...

James Richard Tedrow, age 89 of Athens, passed away, Thursday morning, Feb. 4, 2021 at his home. Born Feb. 22, 1931 in Lancaster, he was the son of the late George Henry Tedrow and Edith McNutt Tedrow. James retired from Carpenter's Union Local 356. He and his wife were involved in gospel music and singing at area churches. He also enjoyed gardening. James is survived by his wife of 68 years, Donna Frances Bail Tedrow. They were married on August 23, 1952. He is also survived by his children, Tom (Teresa) Tedrow of The Plains, Peg (Rick) Six of Athens, Edward Tedrow of Athens, James (Michelle) Tedrow of Albany and Rick (Candy) Tedrow of Columbus; eighteen grandchildren; and...

Donna Lee Wilson, age 81, of Athens passed away Thursday morning, Feb. 4, 2021 at her home. Born Aug. 9, 1939 in Athens, she is the daughter of the late Floyd Bennett and Margaret Davis Bennett. She attended The Plains High School and retired from the Athens City School System where she was cook in food service. She attended the Church of Nazarene. Her family was her first priority. She enjoyed crafts, travel, and decorating her home. She was well known for her homemade noodles. Donna is survived by her husband of 64 years, John "Paul" Wilson; two daughters, Bonita (Roger) Brown of The Plains and Beth Wilson of Athens; two sons, Michael Alan (Marsha) Wilson of Albany and Jeff (Cathy)...

Petra Lynn Vincent, age 64 of Athens, passed away Tuesday evening, Feb. 2, 2021 at her home. Born June 17, 1956 in Athens, she was the daughter of the late Mount Tippie, Jr. and Mary Louise "Sweetie" Conant Tippie. She was a graduate of Athens High School and was a homemaker in the family home. She was a member of the Amvets and American Legion Auxiliaries. She enjoyed motorcycle rides with her late husband. Petra is survived by her sons, Shawn Eric (Shannon) Tippie of Port Charlotte, FL, Shane (Alicia) Vincent of Milford, Tommy (Amber) McCray of Reedsville and James (Stephanie) McCray of Shade; thirteen grandchildren; two special nieces, Amber and Crystal Wilson; a special great niece,...

Sally Bidlack passed away at 3 AM on February 1, 2021 in Athens, Ohio of natural causes following infection with COVID-19. She was born Sarah Estella Tufaro on April 27, 1925, the fourth child of Nicholas Tufaro and Mary Colson Tufaro, and lived on Scott Street in Niles, Ohio during her childhood. She graduated from Leavittsburg High School in 1943 and worked at Warren Tank and Boiler as a secretary. There she met her first husband, Harry Wayne Gibson, a widower with three children in their early teens. Sally and Wayne were married June 3, 1944 in New Castle, Pennsylvania and lived in Warren, Ohio where they raised six children, with the loving assistance of Sally's stepchildren, who her...

Sally Bidlack passed away at 3 AM on February 1, 2021 in Athens, Ohio of natural causes following infection with COVID-19. She was born Sarah Estella Tufaro on April 27, 1925, the fourth child of Nicholas Tufaro and Mary Colson Tufaro, and lived on Scott Street in Niles, Ohio during her childhood. She graduated from Leavittsburg High School in 1943 and worked at Warren Tank and Boiler as a secretary. There she met her first husband, Harry Wayne Gibson, a widower with three children in their early teens. Sally and Wayne were married June 3, 1944 in New Castle, Pennsylvania and lived in Warren, Ohio where they raised six children, with the loving assistance of Sally's stepchildren, who her...

Sally Bidlack passed away at 3 AM on February 1, 2021 in Athens, Ohio of natural causes following infection with COVID-19. She was born Sarah Estella Tufaro on April 27, 1925, the fourth child of Nicholas Tufaro and Mary Colson Tufaro, and lived on Scott Street in Niles, Ohio during her childhood. She graduated from Leavittsburg High School in 1943 and worked at Warren Tank and Boiler as a secretary. There she met her first husband, Harry Wayne Gibson, a widower with three children in their early teens. Sally and Wayne were married June 3, 1944 in New Castle, Pennsylvania and lived in Warren, Ohio where they raised six children, with the loving assistance of Sally's stepchildren, who her...

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come". Proverbs 31:20 Carol "June" Foster born June 4, 1927 to Pearl Allen and Carrie Lee (Osborne) Miller left this temporary home and was ushered into the arms of God on January 29, 2021. Those June left behind are daughter Rose Anne Douglas, Mary Sue Vaughn, and former son-in-law Charles H. Douglas Jr. Granddaughter Tobe Lee and husband David Gillogly and their son Jacob. Grandson Trevor Justin and his wife Amy Jo Douglas and their children Emma Jo and Ethan Henry. June's brother David Allen Miller, his wife Virginia, and their daughter Erica. Niece Bonnie and her husband Stanley Hoover and their sons. Shirley...

Larry Howard Burk, 77, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Ohio Health O'Bleness Memorial Hospital in Athens Ohio. Larry was born August 15,1943 in Youngstown Ohio to Charles and Olive Burk (Mansfield). He was an easy-going person, who loved playing golf, spending time with family and friends. He loved grilling and spending time in the backyard. In a crowded room you could find him by his wonderful, heartfelt laughter. He was a long-time member of the Elks 973 and held several different officer roles there over the years. He was the youngest of seven siblings, in addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters, and daughter in law Ann Burk. He is...