🏠 Housing heroes

Venus Alsop

Venus Brock Alsop, 89, of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away on April 8, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio after being born in Hyden, Kentucky in 1936. She was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings, and her son Gregory Smith. Venus is survived by her son Rick and his wife Marie, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two sisters, and many other family members including her roommate Mary Dunlap. No services are scheduled at this time, with burial to take place in Virginia later, and the family suggests donations to Hospice of Southwest Ohio in lieu of flowers.

Beverly DeCoster

Beverly Sue DeCoster (Gantner), age 67, passed away on March 29th, 2025, after being born in Honolulu and growing up in Dayton. Following her education at Belmont High School and the University of Dayton, she dedicated over 30 years to teaching in Bowdoin College's chemistry laboratories, where she was known for her generosity and constant laughter. Bev had a passion for the outdoors, particularly national and state parks, and led numerous trips across the US and Canada with loved ones. A service celebrating her life will be held on April 12th at Hope Lutheran Church in Dayton, with donations to the National Park Foundation requested in lieu of flowers.

Estill Hall Jr. (Cotton)

Estill "Cotton" Hall Jr., 88, passed away on April 7, 2025, after being born in Viper, KY on April 29, 1936. He worked as a candy maker for over 60 years for various companies including Dayton Nut Company, Friesinger's Chocolates, and Rikes Candy Company, and enjoyed UK Basketball, OSU Football, and gardening. Cotton is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lena Ruth, his four children, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law, and his companion Bennie. Services will be held on April 17, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home in Dayton, OH, followed by burial at Dayton Memorial Park.

Carol Hoffman

Carol R. Hoffman, 81, of Hamilton, Ohio, passed away on April 5, 2025, at her residence. Born on January 7, 1944, to Frank and Nellie Mae Broering, she is survived by her six children, fourteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings, and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on April 12, 2025, at Brown Dawson Flick Funeral Home, followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery, with memorial contributions directed to Hospice of Cincinnati.

Edna Lynch

Edna Yvonne "Bonnie" Lynch (née Hamblin), 84, passed away on April 8, 2025, after being born in Hamilton on October 10, 1940. She is survived by her three daughters (Paula, Pamela, and Penney), five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many other family members and friends. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents Hezkiah and Edna Hamblin, her husband of 45 years John Lynch, her son John D. Lynch, and eleven siblings. Her funeral service will be held on April 14, 2025, at Weigel Funeral Home in Hamilton, Ohio, followed by burial at Millville Cemetery.

Lynnette Lynn-Fraser

Lynnette S. Lynn-Fraser, 83, died peacefully on March 26, 2025, at the Laurels of Kettering. A graduate of The Ohio State University, she worked for various organizations including Sinclair Community College and Community Services for the Deaf, while also serving in leadership roles for multiple associations. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, John Fraser, her children, step-children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, siblings, and extended family. A memorial service will be held on May 3, 2025, at Baker-Hazel & Snider Funeral Home in Dayton, Ohio.

Cheryl Brown

Cheryl Rebecca Brown, 66, of Springfield, passed away on April 5, 2025, at Springfield Regional Medical Center. A devoted member of Bethesda Apostolic Church, her life was deeply rooted in her faith in Jesus Christ. For over 30 years, she worked as a childcare provider, nurturing countless children with love and wisdom. She is survived by her children, Robert Brown Jr. and Shirika Brown, three grandchildren, and numerous siblings, while being preceded in death by her husband Robert Brown Sr., her parents, and two siblings.

Richard Johnson

Richard Samuel "Dick" Johnson, 94, of Springfield, died on February 23, 2025. A memorial service will be held at Northside Baptist Church on Friday at 11:00 a.m. Family will receive visitors starting at 10:30 a.m. until the service begins. Additional information can be found on the Littleton and Rue Funeral Home website.

Mabel Becker

Mabel Lou Becker, 89, died on April 3, 2025. Her funeral service will be held at 12 PM on Friday, April 11th at Schoedinger Northeast Funeral Home. Following the funeral, a graveside service will take place at 2 PM at Greenlawn Cemetery. Those wishing to share memories and condolences are directed to visit www.schoedinger.com.

Shirley Grant

Shirley Jean Grant (Swanner), age 85, passed away on April 5, 2025, in Vandalia, Ohio. Private services for family members have been arranged through Frings and Bayliff Funeral Home in Tipp City, Ohio. No public memorial services will be held. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to the care of the funeral home.