Milward Funeral Directors

Mary Jean Wolf Jenkins, 84, wife of Van R. Jenkins II, M.D., died on Dec. 6, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Ernest Wilbur and Janice Jones Wolf and was born in Frankfort, KY. She graduated from Frankfort High School and married the love of her life, Van. She attended the University of KY and moved to Louisville in 1962 while Van was attending medical school at U of L; they spent 3 years together during Van's military service in the U.S. Navy. Then they spent 3 years in Carlisle, KY and 3 years in Lexington during Van's OBGYN residency at UK. They had a wonderful life together spanning 65 plus years during which Van was in private practice in Lexington. Mary Jean enjoyed reading...

Gregory L. Jones, 74, husband of Vickie Witt Jones, passed away on Nov. 20, 2023. He was born in Cynthiana, KY, son of the late Gilbert and Virginia Garrison Jones. He was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Lou Jones. He graduated from Harrison County High School, class of 1966, and was a lifetime member of Woodmen Life, serving as an officer in Chapter One. Gregory leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 41 years, Vickie; his daughter, Linsey Jones of Lexington; his brother and sister, Dwight (Kathy) Jones of Florida and Reba (Jr.) Fryman of Cynthiana; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Wed., Nov. 29, 11 am to 1 pm with service at 1 pm, Milward-Southland....

Laura Snider Wilson, age 51, passed away on November 4th, 2023. Laura was born on June 27, 1972. She grew up in Oldham County, Kentucky and lived in Lexington, Kentucky. Laura graduated from Oldham County High School (1990), The University of Kentucky (1994) and was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. Laura had a successful career in the hospitality industry for over 24 years. She had a great sense of humor and was adored by her clients and co-workers. Everyone who loved Laura knew about her devotion for rescuing dogs, women in politics, tenacity to fight for equality (she would be so happy that we have 4 more years of Andy), intellect, and her infinite love for family, especially her...

Rebecca Sue "Becky" Howard, a cherished mother, sister, and friend, passed away on November 1st, 2023, at her home in Lancaster, KY, due to Vasovagal Syncope. Born on March 2nd, 1969, in Bowling Green, KY, she was adopted by D.H. Howard and Irene S. Howard, both of whom proceeded her in death, alongside her adoptive brother Michael Allen Howard. Becky was a beacon of love and warmth, touching the lives of those around her through her thoughtful nature and being a handy woman. Becky attended vocational school and became a Certified Pet Groomer, a career that combined her love for animals and her innate creativity. She began her professional journey working as a secretary at Lexington...

Brereton Chandler Jones, born in 1939, was one of six children born to Bartow and Nedra Jones. Raised in Point Pleasant, West Virginia on the family dairy farm, he loved horses and sports throughout his childhood. His athletic ability ultimately secured a football scholarship to the University of Virginia, where he was elected President of the School of Commerce and served as a member of the school's renowned Honor Committee. After graduation, he moved to Huntington, WV and began dual careers in politics and business. Following the political leanings of his parents, Brereton was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates as a Republican at the age of 25, the youngest person ever to...

Brereton C. Jones , 84, 58th Governor of KY, master of Airdrie Stud Farm, Midway, KY, and husband of Elizabeth Lloyd "Libby" Jones, died Mon, Sept. 18, 2023. Born in Point Pleasant, WV, he was a son of the late Bartow and Nedra Jones and a graduate of the University of VA. He served two terms in the West Virginia House of delegates before serving as Kentucky Lt. Governor1987-91 and Kentucky Governor 1991-1995. Brereton built Airdrie Stud into an internationally renowned farm breeding horses that raced in the Kentucky Derby and won three Kentucky Oaks and 24 grade 1 stakes. For full obituary, go to www.milwardfuneral.com.

Brereton C. Jones , 84, 58th Governor of KY, master of Airdrie Stud Farm, Midway, KY, and husband of Elizabeth Lloyd "Libby" Jones, died Mon, Sept. 18, 2023. Born in Point Pleasant, WV, he was a son of the late Bartow and Nedra Jones and a graduate of the University of VA. He served two terms in the West Virginia House of delegates before serving as Kentucky Lt. Governor 1987-91 and Kentucky Governor 1991-1995. Brereton built Airdrie Stud into an internationally renowned farm breeding horses that raced in the Kentucky Derby and won three Kentucky Oaks and 24 grade 1 stakes. For full obituary, go to www.milwardfuneral.com.

Charles Matthew Scott Tierney, 83, died Monday, September 11, 2023 in Lexington Kentucky. He was the son of the late Lewis Clark and Helen Scott Tierney. Visitation on Monday, September 18th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Milward-Southland, 391 Southland Drive in Lexington, KY and the funeral at First Presbyterian Church, 171 Market Street at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 19th in Lexington, KY. www.milwardfuneral.com

Lee Thomas "Tom" Mills, 92, was born on September 8, 1930, in Pineville, Kentucky, to Ross C. and Necie Viola Mills. He passed away on September 5, 2023. Tom is reunited in heaven with his high school sweetheart, beloved wife and soulmate of 66 years, Betty Lee Howard Mills. He was also preceded in death by his parents, four brothers (Paul, Ross, Bob, and Stacy Mills) and his sister (Ruth Mills Azbill). He is survived by his four children: Thomas Alan Mills; Randy (Emily) Mills; Jennifer Mills Andes (Rusty); and David (Mendy) Mills. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, two brothers, Ralph and Bill Mills, and a host of loving nieces and nephews. Tom received...

Connie Harmon passed away on September 4, 2023 aged 85 years following a courageous five-year battle with dementia. She was born on April 30, 1938 in Huntington, WV. Daughter of the late John A. Meador and Minnie M. Workman Meador. Connie was a Graduate of Huntington High School, Class of 1956 where she was president of numerous clubs and organizations; and a Graduate of The St. Mary's School of Nursing, Class of 1959 in Huntington, WV where she received an award of commendation. As a child, she always wanted to be a nurse and she followed her heart to a career that she loved?working in numerous departments at St. Mary's Hospital in Huntington, WV, The George Washington University Hospital...

Gretchen Noffsinger Zeigler transitioned to her Eternal Life on August 29, 2023 at Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington, KY. Born in Ashland, Kentucky on August 16, 1953, Gretchen is the daughter of the late Drs. James P. and Anne Russell Lillis Noffsinger Creech, a graduate of Tates Creek High School, Gretchen attended Jacksonville State University, where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, a class officer and Class Favorite. A graduate of the University of Kentucky, she earned degrees in Interior Design and Space Design. As an accomplished Interior Designer, she gained recognition in Architectural Digest, Florida Design and other publications. Upon her retirement, she moved to...

John David Miller, M.D., was born in Kalona, Iowa, to Jacob John Jeremiah, a bi-vocational farmer and Minister of East Union Mennonite Church in Kalona, and Mabel Brenneman Miller, schoolteacher, and mother to five children. JD graduated from Iowa Mennonite High School near Kalona in 1962 and attended Goshen College, a Mennonite college in Goshen, Indiana, where he earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Following college, he attended the University of Iowa Medical School in Iowa City, Iowa. He completed a Residency program in Internal Medicine at Case Western Reserve, and trained at Cleveland Metropolitan Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. It was also during his time at Cleveland that he did a...

Margaret Crim Riley passed away on July 20, 2023, age 96. Born in Turners Station, Kentucky in 1926, she was preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe and Lillie Adams Crim; her brother, Roscoe Crim Jr.; her husband, Thomas Leslie Riley, two of her children ? David (Toni) Riley and Patrick Crim Riley, her sisters-in-law Carolyn Riley (Gayle) Kring and Eva Jo (Ted) Riley Daly. Survivors include three of her children ? Clark (Deborah) Riley, John (Kaori) Riley, Susannah (Mark) Denomme, daughter-in-law Toni (David) Riley, as well as eight grandchildren ? David Lee Riley, Sean Christopher Riley, Elizabeth Riley, Catherine Margaret Riley, Ben Riley, Jack Riley, Carolyn Riley Egelman, Robert...

Shirley Tessmer Showalter, 88, of Lexington, KY passed away on June 20th in Lexington. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Catherine Bishop Tessmer and spouse of Robert "Bob" Showalter for 61 years. Shirley received her BS in Education from Ohio University. She was a member of Central Christian Church in Lexington, KY. She was a member of her church circle and a past member of the Fayette County Woman's Club. Prior to her retirement to raise a family she was a first grade teacher for six years in Cleveland, OH. Memberships included the Lexington Country Club and formerly Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples. Shirley and her husband Bob were involved in philanthropy in their...

Hanna Karon passed away June 6, 2023 peacefully with her daughter, Magdalene Karon MD and her son-in-law John D Stewart MD at her side. She was 97. She is survived by her brother Richard Stempkowski DVM ( Kracow, Poland), her grandchildren Magda Stewart DVM and John P Stewart ( Suzette). Her life was an amazing journey. She was born October 15, 1925 in Brzesc nad Buziem in Eastern Poland, now Western Ukraine , and grew up in Zbaraz near Lviv. She was born into Polish Royalty under the coat of arms of Suche Komnaty. Her father Count Kazimierz Stempkowski was a land owner and Polish cavalry officer. Her ancestry included General Stempkowski , King Sobieski's right hand man in the epic...

Peyton Louise Gooch, 87, Lexington, passed away Sunday, June 4, 2023, at The Willows at Fritz Farm. A native of Lincoln County, KY, she was preceded in death by her parents, Lynn andCarrie Gooch of Stanford, Kentucky, and her sisters, Lorraine Gooch, Stanford; and Mildred Gooch Holsclaw, Lexington. She was a member of Central Christian Church where she served on several committees and served as a Deacon in her church. Peyton graduated from the Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing; had a BA from the University of KY, and MS ED from the University of Kentucky. She taught nursing for six years at Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing and taught in the ADN nursing program at...

It is with great sadness that the Smith family announces that Duane died peacefully with close family present on May 18th at the VA Hospital, Lexington Kentucky. Born in Whitesburg Kentucky, he lived an amazing life being with family and friends with a great love for music. A Life Celebration will be announced at a later time.

Ann Carson Asbury, daughter of the late William Miller Carson and Macon Gleaves Carson, died on May 6, 2023. Born in Paducah, KY on September 11, 1930, she graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1952. She was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honorary society, the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. Ann married Thomas Haley Asbury in 1952 and they lived on Hedgewood Farm for nearly 60 years. Ann was a pillar in the Lexington community. She was the past president of the Junior League of Lexington and the Garden Club of America, The Lexington Chapter. She was the former Chairman of the Board of Architectural Review, a United Way Board Member, and a...

James "Jim" Blakeman May 5, 1920 - May 3, 2023 Lexington, Kentucky - James Herman Blakeman, days from 103 years young, passed away peacefully at his home while surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Jim was born on May 5, 1920, in Jessamine County, Kentucky to the late James Mack Blakeman and Emma Joplin (Riddle) Blakeman. Jim wed Ruby Moore on June 17, 1950, and together they celebrated 70 years of marriage until her passing in 2020. He graduated from Jessamine County High School and undertook coursework at the University of Maryland, University of Kentucky and University of Oklahoma. Jim worked as a civil servant for the U.S. Army then served in the Army Air Corps...

Audrey(Tolie) Wallace Otto passed away peacefully on April 18th, 2023. She was surrounded by love, light and gratitude. Mom was a remarkable woman. Filled with immense courage and determination. She loved hard and fiercely. If you were blessed to be one of those she loved, you knew you had everything she had to offer. She was so generous, albeit in her own way, and that is only fitting as she was most certainly the conductor of her symphony. She instilled in her children and grandchildren the idea that for those that are given much, much is expected. She also shared her absolute awe and love for nature which has gifted each and everyone of us with the knowledge that there is absolutely...

Mary Scott Concannon McNeese, 99, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away on April 17, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Martin Joseph and Anne (Donnelly) Concannon, and was born January 22, 1924, in Lexington, Ky. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, William B. McNeese, her son, Patrick Martin McNeese, her sisters Margaret Concannon Jefferson and Suzanne Concannon Cassidy, and her brother, Martin J. (Buddy) Concannon. A sixth generation Lexingtonian, Mary Scott attended Cardome Academy in Georgetown, Ky., and was a 1942 graduate of the former St. Catherine's Academy in downtown Lexington. She graduated from Schuster-Martin School of Drama in Cincinnati and the Barbizon...