Scioto County • July 3, 2025
Good morning, Scioto County. Our community bids farewell to two beloved residents whose legacies of service and love touch many local hearts. Marine veteran James "Uncle Jimmy" Hicks Jr. has completed his final mission at age 71, leaving behind memories of military honor and family devotion, while Portsmouth's Sonya Lee Stapleton—known for her legendary pumpkin rolls and unwavering dedication to her grandchildren—has passed at 66, reminding us how life's simple pleasures often create the most profound impacts.
Amid these solemn moments, a bright new chapter unfolds on the greens as Waverly's Saylor Crace makes history as the first female golf champion in our region. Her groundbreaking Southern Ohio Conference Player of the Year honors and subsequent signing with Shawnee State University represent not just personal achievement but a powerful milestone for women's athletics in our community—proving that in Scioto County, we honor our past while celebrating trailblazers of our future.
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🪖 Marine veteran James Hicks Jr. leaves behind a legacy of service. The 71-year-old Portsmouth resident passed away at home on June 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Following in his father's footsteps, James served honorably in the Marines from 1974 to 1976 before working many years at Save A Lot in Portsmouth. Known affectionately as "Uncle Jimmy," he cherished family gatherings and found peace during beach vacations in California and Florida. A private gravesite gathering with military honors will celebrate his life and service.
🕊️ Portsmouth mourns beloved grandmother Sonya Lee Stapleton at age 66. The lifelong Ohio resident, known for her warm spirit and famous pumpkin rolls, passed away on June 28, 2025. Sonya dedicated herself to family as a devoted housewife who cherished caring for her grandchildren and supporting their sports activities. She enjoyed life's simple pleasures—bowling with friends, sipping Diet Dew, and smoking Marlboro Lights. She leaves behind a daughter, son-in-law, grandsons, great-grandchildren, siblings, and her cat Abby, with a celebration of life planned for a later date.
⛳ Waverly's Saylor Crace makes history as first female golf champion. The talented golfer recently signed with Shawnee State University after earning Southern Ohio Conference Player of the Year honors with a combined score of 89. Crace secured the historic title by winning a playoff hole against Minford's Ava Flaig when they tied for the top spot. Her impressive season continued as she qualified for the Southeast District tournament and earned Second Team Division II recognition from the Southeast Ohio Golf Coaches Association. She'll join a young SSU team that competes in both fall and spring seasons as the university prepares to transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II.
Renovated split-level spacious lot: Priced at $259,900, this recently remodeled split-level home in Countryside Village offers 1,100+ square feet of living space with new flooring, granite counters, and a spacious back deck on a 0.43-acre lot.
Renovated gem with bonus attic: Priced at $159,000, this renovated 2-story home offers 3 bedrooms, new kitchen with appliances, finished basement, and attic space that could become a 4th bedroom or office.
Colonial Perfection All Inclusive Package: For $499,900, this colonial two-story offers a formal living room, family room with fireplace, granite kitchen, sunroom, four bedrooms, 3.5 baths, finished basement, two garages, and landscaped outdoor living spaces in move-in condition.And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
-Romans 8:28
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