🚑 First responder relief

Ernest Cleve Enz

Ernest Cleve Enz, an 80-year-old resident of Rarden, passed away on May 29, 2025, at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. A 1962 graduate of Northwest High School, Ernie worked as an Operating Engineer for 35 years before retiring and was a devoted member of Rarden Community Church. He is survived by his wife Diann, daughter Janene, son Matt, four grandchildren, and extended family, while he was preceded in death by his parents, son Allen, and two siblings. Known as a pillar in his community, Ernie's life was characterized by love, compassion, and strong faith.

Norma Brown-Hunt

Norma Katherine Roseann Brown-Hunt passed away on June 1, 2025, at the age of 61. She was the daughter of Claude Russell Brown, Sr. and Norma Joan (Markel) Brown. A funeral service will be held at noon on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Tracy Brammer-Monroe Funeral Home in Ironton, OH, with visitation beginning one hour prior. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Woodland Cemetery in Ironton, Ohio.

David Allen Belveal

David Allen Belveal, 28, of Sciotoville, died on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Born in Portsmouth on November 27, 1996, he will be remembered at a gathering for family and friends on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. A Memorial Service will follow at D.W. Swick Funeral Home (Wolfe-Nelson Chapel) in Sciotoville. After the service, interment will take place at Junior Furnace Cemetery, and online condolences can be sent through the funeral home's website.

Diana Lynn Redden

Diana Lynn Redden, 57, of Vanceburg, Kentucky, passed away on May 31, 2025, after dedicating over 30 years of her life as a Registered Nurse at SOMC, where she helped develop the Mobile ICU for Life Ambulance. Guided by her strong faith, Diana was known for her servant's heart, always prioritizing others' needs before her own, whether patients, family, or friends. In her leisure time, she found peace through diamond art and crocheting. Diana is survived by her father, sister, "bonus daughter," several nieces and nephews, and her special friend Lori Johnson, while being preceded in death by her husband Darrell, her mother, and several aunts.

Dorothy Hewitt

Dorothy Hewitt, 94, of Circleville, passed away on May 22, 2025, leaving behind her sons Greg and Doug Hewitt, three grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Born in Portsmouth on July 2, 1930, she was a devoted member of Community United Methodist Church, participated in the church choir, and volunteered with the Red Cross and Berger Hospital. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Harold Hewitt Jr. and her brother Howard Marlin Crull. A memorial gathering will be held on June 6, 2025, at Wellman Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service in Wheelersburg, Ohio.

Ruth Evelyn Burns

Ruth Evelyn Burns, 83, of Grove City, passed away on June 2, 2025, at London Health & Rehabilitation Center. Born on October 1, 1941, in Peebles to Raymond Burns and Nora Freeze, she is survived by her three children, Randy, Sheila, and Kevin, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and ten siblings. Funeral services will be held on June 7, 2025, at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Otway, followed by burial in Lucasville Cemetery.

Nichole Leigh Blanton

Nichole Leigh Blanton of Portsmouth, Ohio passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 41. She is survived by her parents Kathy Blanton and Donnie Kennison, her siblings Zach and Bridgett Kennison, her two sons Gauge Traylor and Mason Lemaster along with their fiancées, and her significant other of 22 years, Hubert Lemaster. Nichole had many friends and family members who will miss her dearly. Floral tributes in her memory can be sent through the funeral home's floral store.

Rex Fitzgerald

Rex Fitzgerald, 67, of Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away on June 1, 2025, at SOMC Hospice Center surrounded by family and friends. Born on September 29, 1957, in West Union, Ohio, to the late Gene and Virginia Fitzgerald, he was also preceded in death by his sisters Norma Jean Fitzgerald and Alice Storer. Funeral services will be held at East High School in Sciotoville on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at noon, followed by graveside services at Morris Chapel Cemetery in Blue Creek. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the start of the service, with arrangements handled by Melcher Hammer Funeral Home.

Carolyn Sue "Susie" Martin

Carolyn Sue "Susie" Martin, 77, passed away at home on June 3, 2025, with her husband Tim by her side. A 1965 Valley High School graduate, she worked for GTE for 30 years and was known for creating beautiful quilts and enjoying tennis, where she was a USTA Kentucky Champion team member. Susie married Timothy Martin in 1999 in Maui, and they were active in the Wheelersburg Chapter of Easter Star where she served as Worthy Matron. She is survived by her son, two stepdaughters, siblings, six grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and numerous other family members whom she cherished.

Jason Allen Parker

Jason Allen Parker, aged 50, of Portsmouth, died on May 28, 2025. Swick Bentley Funeral Home in New Boston is handling the funeral arrangements. No additional details about his life or the cause of death were provided in the brief obituary notice. Service information was not specified in the announcement.