🍦 Breakfast for a Cause

Minnie Bennett

Minnie Bennett, 97, of Wheelersburg, passed away peacefully at home on January 22, 2025. Born on February 5, 1927, she was the daughter of Zura Ruby and Cora Huston and the former owner of Bennett's Market. A graduate of Clay High School, she was an active member of the Sand Hill Christian Baptist Church and cherished time spent with her family and grandchildren. Minnie is survived by her three daughters, four grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, and was preceded in death by her husband Homer and several siblings. A graveside service is scheduled for January 27, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Nelson Orval Hoffer

Nelson Orval Hoffer, 59, of Peebles, passed away on January 28 at the Rosemount Pavilion. Born on September 25, 1965, he was the son of the late Orval and Eva Hoffer. He is survived by his siblings, several nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Gizmo. Nelson was preceded in death by his sister Mary Hughes and other family members. Funeral services are being managed by Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Otway.

Elizabeth Appleton

Elizabeth "Libby" Appleton, 87, passed away on January 20, 2025, in Lancaster, OH. Born in Amigo, West Virginia, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Appleton, and several siblings. Libby is survived by her three children, grandchildren, great-granddaughters, and various family and friends. A graduate of Shawnee State, she was an active member of her community and a world traveler. A memorial service will be held on February 1, 2025, with interment at Lithopolis Cemetery Mausoleum.

Jack "Randy" Matiz

Jack "Randy" Matiz, 75, passed away unexpectedly on January 25, 2025, in Portsmouth, Ohio. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, he owned Randy Matiz Motors and was an avid racing fan, particularly of Indy and Formula One. A proud father and grandfather, he was dedicated to supporting his family, rarely missing events for his son Josh and grandchildren J.D. and Lauren. Randy also had a career as a skilled Union Electrician and was a proud alumnus of Portsmouth High School and supporter of Ohio State University football. He is survived by his family, including his son, siblings, and several nieces and nephews, and will be honored in a service on January 30, 2025.

Johnny Pack

Johnny Pack, 85, of Portsmouth, OH, formerly from Beech Creek, WV, passed away on January 26, 2025. He was remembered by family and friends as a cherished member of his community. Funeral arrangements are being handled by D.W. Swick Funeral Home / Wolfe-Nelson Chapel in Sciotoville.

David Andrew Wroten

David Andrew Wroten, 80, of McDermott, passed away on January 26, 2025, after a long battle with small cell lung cancer, while under care at SOMC Hospice. He is remembered for his courage throughout his illness. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth.

Cynthia Lenore Brewer

Cynthia Lenore Brewer, 68, of Otway, passed away on January 27, 2025. Born on September 20, 1956, to Ray B. and Shirley Marie Lute, she is survived by her son Christopher, granddaughter Audrina, and numerous siblings, nieces, and nephews. Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law Brenda Sullivan. Services are pending at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home, and the family requests donations for funeral expenses in lieu of flowers.

James Robert Mains

James Robert (Bob) Mains, 95, of Lucasville, passed away on January 27, 2025, at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. Born on April 14, 1929, he was a dedicated educator, military veteran, and accomplished accountant, serving in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and later as Treasurer for Mitchellace, Inc. Bob was a devoted family man, survived by his wife Marjorie and four children, along with twelve grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. He was an active community member, participating in local organizations like the Rarden Volunteer Fire Department and the American Legion. A memorial service will be held at Lucasville Center Street Church, followed by burial and military honors.

Leo Molenda

Leo Molenda, 63, of Ironton, Ohio, passed away on January 23, 2025. In accordance with his family's wishes, he will be cremated. Memorial donations can be made to St. Lawrence Elementary School. Arrangements are being handled by Brown Funeral Chapel in Ironton.

Richard Spaulding

Richard Lawrence Spaulding, 91, of Wheelersburg, passed away on January 2, 2025. A memorial service will be held at noon on January 18, 2025, at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home, followed by interment at Memorial Burial Park. In honor of Richard, memorial contributions can be made to the Wheelersburg Athletic Association. Condolences can be shared online at www.harrison-pyles.com.

Lola Mae Brown

Lola Mae Adkins Brown, 96, of Otway's Beech Fork Community, passed away on January 27, 2025. She was born on March 21, 1928, the daughter of Everett and Thelma Adkins, and was the widow of James Ray Brown. Lola was a devoted member of Beech Fork Church for over 75 years, known for her singing and community involvement. She is survived by her two sons, two daughters, seven grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. Services will be held at Beech Fork Church, with burial in Beech Fork Cemetery for immediate family only.