Also featuring photos from our monthly supplement...



Oakwood homes during the
'teen' years -
1913 to 1919


Sandra Joan Wickham Wood Johnston, was born December 31, 1941 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton, Ohio; died March 24, 2008 in Dayton. Sandy was predeceased by her grandparents Joseph and Maude Crook of England; grandparents Brigadier General George H. Wood and Virginia Wood of Kentucky and Ohio, respectively. Her parents were Joan Wickham Crook Wood of Norfolk, England and Peirce Wood of Dayton. Sandy was also predeceased by husband Allan L. Johnston, Jr. (Duffy) after 40 years of marriage. The marriage produced two children: Dr. Peirce Wood Johnston (Pete) and Virginia Jaye Wickham Johnston. Pete and wife Melissa Davis Johnston have two children: Elizabeth Jane Silver Johnston and Charlotte Joy Crook Johnston.  Jaye’s daughter is Hayley Joy Peirce Johnston and step-daughter Melody Hanna. Sandy had many good friends who helped, including one special friend who visited Sandy’s mother-in-law many days a week for several years.  Sandy was a friend of Bill W. for over 21 years. Sandy graduated from Pine Manor College in 1961. She also attained an Associate Arts degree from Sinclair Community College in 1981. These degrees led to jobs in management (The Plaid Stamp Co. and Hertz). The second A.A. led to her position as supervisor in the Montgomery County Court of Domestic Relations. Sandy performed several volunteer jobs, most of which involved committees evolving from the Junior League of Dayton. She also assisted Hospice in Melbourne, FL and for over ten years in Dayton. She was an avid recycler. Services were held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Dixon Avenue in Oakwood on Friday, March 28. In lieu of flowers please donate to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton 45420, or SICSA Pet Adoption Center, 2600 Wilmington Pike, 45420.

Andrew Jackson “Jack” Morrison, age 76, of Oakwood, formerly of Pike County, Kentucky, passed away Monday, April 7, 2008, at his residence.  Andrew was born on December 12, 1931, in Canada, Kentucky, to the late Asa P. and Vina (Pinson) Morrison.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Lois E. (Smith) Morrison, his son, James and his daughter, Jackie.  He is survived by his daughter, Janet (Jim) Foster of Oakwood, Ohio; his two sons, John (Carol) Morrison of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and Robert (Betty) Morrison of Waverly, Ohio; grandchildren, Jake Morrison, Sarah (Scott) Walker, Abby (David) Brown, Emily, Ashley, Hunter, Melissa, Joseph, and Michael Morrison; and five great grandchildren.  He retired from Rockwell International, a Korean War veteran serving in the U.S. Army, and a member of the Old Regular Baptist Church in Stone, Kentucky.  He was a friendly soul who will be greatly missed by those blessed to know him. Vistation was held on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME – FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Ave. at Rahn Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45429.  A memorial service was held Thursday, April 10, 2008, at the Little Stone Old Regular Baptist Church, Stone, Kentucky.  Funeral service Friday, April 11, 2008 at the Church.  Burial Smith Family Cemetery, Ransom, Kentucky.  Arrangements in Kentucky in care of Hatfield Funeral Home, Toler, Kentucky.  Condolences may be made to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com

Randolph A. “Randy,” Kimura,age 42, of Dayton passed away on April 5, 2008.  Randy was born in Pennsylvania and attended Oakwood High School.  He was an accomplished musician, tradesman and entrepreneur.  He was preceded in death by his father Dr. Kazuo Kimura and his sister Karen. He is survived by his mother, May; two brothers, Dan (Kathy) and Mark (Lori); nieces and nephews, Kaz, Zachary, Kayleigh & Rachel; a large extended family and many friends. A memorial service to celebrate Randy’s life will be held April 17 at 2:00 PM at the Woodland Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel at 118 Woodland Ave in Dayton. Private inurnment services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Please visit www.homecomputerhelpers.com/randy.htm for charitable contribution information or to send condolences and other remembrances. 

bituaries from recent issues...

Dr. Ronald Arthur Meeks, of Glendale, Ohio died on March 25, 2008.  He was 77 years old.  Dr. Meeks practiced Veterinary Medicine and Surgery in the Springdale/Glendale area for 42 years.  He was well known, highly respected and deeply admired my many throughout the community. He will be missed by all who knew him.  Dr. Meeks was born on January 15, 1931, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1952 with a degree in Biology/Chemistry and, in 1956, completed his graduate work at Auburn University where he received a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.  He and his wife, Tina, were married in January, 1957. Before moving to Glendale Dr. Meeks served as a Captain in the U. S. Army Veterinary Corps from 1957-1959 at Chicago’s Fifth Army Headquarters and later at Ft. Eustis, Virginia.  He opened his own veterinary medical clinic in Springdale, Ohio in 1959 where he practiced until his retirement in 1999. Throughout his life, Dr. Meeks was active in Church and Community work.  He once said, ‘I’ve loved, hon ored and tried to be obedient to my LORD all my life; but, I spent my first 25 years getting my education for my profession; my second 25 years, practicing my profession and providing for my family & educating my children - now, my last 25 or more years, I give totally to the Service of my Lord, Jesus Christ.’ He served as a Deacon, then Elder, of the Glendale Presbyterian Church, as an Elder of College Hill Presbyterian Church, and, was presently a Deacon at Montgomery Community Church, where he and his wife have been members for the past 7 years.  He was a Bible Scholar.  Besides studying on his own, he completed the two-year Bethel Bible Course of the Old & New Testament at College Hill Presbyterian Church, and was a Bible teacher.  Three of his most ‘special’ students, his 3 children, honor him by attributing their strong faith and their wisdom of the Bible to his teachings - which they have passed on to his grandchildren - all of whom are active in Christian work. Dr. Meeks was a kind, compassionate man who enjoyed helping others.  He served on the Board of City Gospel Mission, Citizens for Community Values, Greater Cincinnati Tennis Association, and, the Glendale Heritage Preservation Group.  He was a regular volunteer for many charity groups, including Matthew 25. In spite of heart problems from an early age, he remained an athlete all his life.  He played on the tennis team and the platform tennis team for many years at the Glendale Lyceum, where he and his family were members for over 40 years.  In later years, he enjoyed golf.  A very proud ‘Kentucky Colonel’ - his other interests, besides his church and his family, were gardening and traveling - He and his wife, Tina, enjoyed ‘seeing the world’ together - highlights included getting to meet Dr. Alfred Wight (pen name ‘James Herriott’, author of the ‘All Creatures Great & Small’ series) in England, getting to go to Wimbledon Tennis Championships twice,  the Australian Tennis tournament, Australia/New Zealand, Hawaii many times, several trips to Europe and Israel,  about 15 cruises all over the world, and, a mission trip to Russia in 1990 with Dr. John Guest.  A favorite family vacation spot was Hilton Head Island, S. C. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Tina Phelps Joiner, and their three children, Renee Meeks Bognar (Mr. John Keith Bognar), Carmel, Indiana,  Lisa Meeks Wright (Dr. Timothy Wright) Norfolk, VA, and David Meeks, Chicago; six grandchildren, Emily, Jessica, Clara and Nathan Wright, and Rebecca and Rachel Bognar; one brother Neil Meeks, St. Louis, Missouri and one sister, Sharon Meeks, Jackson, Morehead, Kentucky.

Shirley Huffer, age 82, of Kettering, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Monday, March 3, 2008 at Kettering Medical Center. Shirley grew up in Toledo, OH, the youngest of three daughters of Russell and Laura Clevenger. Shirley was a 1948 graduate of Duke University, where she majored in history.  She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Progressive Mothers Club, Dayton’s Women’s Club, Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni Association, and a volunteer at Cox Arboretum and Kettering Sister City.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert B. Huffer, M.D. on September 24, 1984, and 2 older sisters, Florence Brown and Doris Christy.  She is survived by 3 sons, Charles B. Huffer (Gwen) of Thousand Oaks, CA; Bruce R. Huffer, M.D. (Shannon) of San Jose, CA; and Brian R. Huffer, Esq. (Dee Dee) of Kettering; 1 daughter, Katherine Cowan, Esq. (Dan) of Lake Oswego, OR; 8 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandson.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 12:00 noon at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, with Rev. Kay Davis-Dudding officiating. Friends may call from 11-12:00 noon at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations to Juvenile Diabetes Association, 1293-H Lyons Rd., Dayton, OH 45458, the Dayton Women’s Club, 225 N. Ludlow St. Dayton, OH 45402 or to Cox Arboretum, 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449. Condolences and other remembrances may be visited at www.routsong.com.

Alfred Frank Goodman, age 85, philanthropist, passed away in his sleep February 23, 2008.  Born January 24, 1923 in Biloxi, MS to Lucille Chambers and Alfred Flournoy Goodman.  The eldest of three siblings, Alfred “Bob” graduated from high school in Cleveland OH.  After attending Miami University in Oxford OH, he volunteered for the Army, attending OCS in Florida and OSS training in Virginia.  Bob was part of the Normandy invasion, occupied Versailles before the Germans left Paris, and worked in OSS code section. He was awarded two bronze stars.   Bob returned to Miami University, became a founding member of the 1833’s, helped re-establish the original fraternity Alpha Delta Phi in 1948, and co-authored two musicals which funded construction of the Student Union Building. He graduated in 1949 with a B.A. Bob was a buyer for Rike’s Department Store, purchased and operated a local beautician’s school and began to collect art and antiques.  He purchased the family cottage at Cowan Lake. Later he purchased the firehouse on Riverside Dr. previously owned by the first female photographer, Jane Reese. In 1965, Bob bought the his torical house at 630 Runnymede, Oakwood as a setting for his growing art collection. He traveled extensively, attended Glyndebourne Opera for decades, was a member of the English Speaking Union and the British National Trust. He went behind the Iron Curtain, rode camels in the Middle East, went on safari in Africa, toured gardens in Japan, cruised the Amazon, and toured throughout Russia, Eastern and Western Europe, and the Caribbean. Bob loved Oakwood, being part of the Oakwood Sister City Program, Oakwood Historical Society and the Oakwood Beautification Program. He assisted in founding the Cox Arboretum. He was a longtime patron of the arts, supporting the Cincinnati May Festival and Summer Opera, the Dayton Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra. He was a member of The Mother Church, Boston, MA and Second Church of Christ, Scientist, in Dayton. He is preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Nell Burton of Phoenix, AZ and brother, Elstun Flournoy Goodman of Houston, TX.  He is survived by nieces Elise Lucille Moore, Susan Goodman Street, and nephews, Ernest Alfred Price, Timothy Alfred Goodman, Elstun Flournoy Goodman, Jr., Bentley Wellington Goodman, and friend Gregory Land. A Memorial service was held Thursday, Feb. 28 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, officiated by Elise Moore, C.S.B. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cox Arboretum 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, Oh 45449 or First Church of Christ, Scientist, 175 Huntington Ave, Boston MA. 02115. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.routsong.com

Theodore W. “Ted” Pace, age 75, of Oakwood, passed away on February 27, 2008 at Hospice of Dayton. Ted was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior. He was a Production Engineer at the Dayton Daily News until his retirement. Ted was a Veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Air Force and also volunteered at the Air Force Museum.  He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jill Pace; daughter, Kim and David and their son, David Lee; and brother, Howard (Wavel) Pace; sister-in-law Janice Pace.   Ted was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Miami Valley Hospital and Hospice of Dayton. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 8 at 10:30 AM at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Oakwood with Rev. Gary Eichhorn officiating. Ted’s family will receive friends on Friday from 5-7:00PM at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family. If desired contributions may be directed to Hospice of Dayton 324 Wilmington Avenue Dayton, Ohio 45420.  Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.routsong.com

Harold A. Sopher, age 89, of Oakwood, passed away Feb. 23. Services held in Baltimore, MD. Bradford, Connelly & Glickler Funeral Home.

Christopher Savino, age 52, of Northport, FL passed away Jan. 15, 2008 of respiratory failure due to multiple myeloma. He is survived by his wife of twenty-eight years, Cindy, and son Zachariah, his parents Joseph Savino and Virginia Welss, his sister Amy (Will) Muetterties and three nieces Jessica (Matt) Haney, Carly (Luke) Gesin and Whitney Muetterties. Chris was born October 14, 1955 in Dayton, OH, grew up in Kettering and was a 1973 graduate of Fairmont West High School. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1978 and taught Physical Education for six years in the Mad River School District in Dayton.  A series of events prompted his decision to continue his education at the Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary where he completed an M.S. in Practical Ministries in 1991. During that time Chris served as Director of Christian Education and Youth at Mt. Carmel Church of Christ in Cincinnati, OH before moving to Wasilla, Alaska in 1992 and serving at Wasilla Christian Church as Senior Minister until 2006. Chris was a devoted husband and father, an accomplished carpenter and a pilot. He loved Alaska, his Harley and was a loyal Ohio State Buckeye alumnus. Most of all, Chris loved the Lord and devoted his life to serving Him and others with passion, with love, and with a determination to do what was right in all circumstances. His courage and faith will not be forgotten by those who knew and loved him. Memorial services were held 2 Saturday, February 2, 2008 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH. Final resting place in Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested for the Children’s Home in Taiwan: Formosa Christian Mission; c/o Charlotte Lang; 3598 Buffalo Ave.; Broomfield, CO  80020-9016.

Katherine Rich Battelle “Katie” Common, age 83, of Oakwood, passed away Saturday, February 2, 2008 at Kettering Medical Center of causes incidents to age. Katie was born on December 2, 1924 in Dayton to Benjamin H. and Ruth (Compton) Rich.  She was a life long resident of Dayton and a graduate of Oakwood High School and Miami University.  She married Gordon K. Battelle in 1945, later divorced and later married W.D. “Dick” Common in 1964, who preceded her in death. Katie enjoyed an active life style and was an avid golfer, tennis player, skier, bowler and Bridge player. She also loved to sing, dance and play the piano.  Katie is survived by her sister, Mary Beth Sutton and niece, Susan Sutton both of Dayton; her daughter, Barbara Battelle Schwartz (Patrick) of Salt Lake City UT; and her seven grandchildren, Robert Schwartz (Amy) and their children, Esther, Marta and Mila of London and Brooke Cutler (Spencer) and their children, Kirsten and Hanna of Durham NC, Benjamin Schwartz of Shanghai, Rebecca Schwartz, Gretchen Schwartz, P.J. Schwartz, and Annaliese Schwartz of Salt Lake City, UT. Friends may call from 5-7:00 p.m. Monday, February 4, 2008 at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME – FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Ave. at Rahn Rd. Dayton, Ohio 45429. Funeral service 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 33 W. Dixon Ave., Oakwood, Ohio 45419.  The Reverend Judith A. Doran officiating. Interment Woodland Cemetery, 118 Woodland Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45409. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, Ohio 45405 or the Victoria Theater Association. 138 N. Main St., Dayton, Ohio 45402.  Condolences may be made to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com

Sue S. Studebaker, age 74, of Washington Twp, OH. Local historian, antique collector,  and author passed away Tuesday night, as result of a sudden illness. Mrs. Studebaker was known both locally and nationally as an expert and lecturer on American antiques and decorative arts. She taught classes on antiques at several Museums and Universities in the area. She published her book “Ohio is My Dwelling Place” in 2002, which chronicled Ohio school girl embroideries or “Samplers” 1800-1850. Sue was a founding member of the Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren, and served on the building committee.  She was a trustee for the Cincinnati Decorative Arts Society, member of the Ohio Folk Art Society, Past President of the Centerville Historical Society, Past President of the Dayton Women’s Club, Charter member and Past President of the Dayton Antiques Study Club. She was a member of D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution). Sue was valedictorian of Fairborn High School, class of 1951. She attended Ohio State University where she was      
a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority and also Past President of the Dayton Alpha Phi Sorority.  Sue traveled extensively around Europe and the United States with her loving family. Survivors include her loving husband of 55 years Dr. Richard B. Studebaker; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Park A. (Susan) and Dana B. (Mary) both of Washington Twp.; grandchildren, Alex, Christina, Caroline and Samantha; brother, Dr. Russel Toops of FL and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008 at Prince of Peace Church, 800 E. David Rd., Kettering with Pastor Larry Tyner officiating. Burial in David’s Cemetery. The family will celebrate Sue’s life with a reception at the Dayton Country Club following the services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Centerville Historical Society, 89 W. Franklin St., Centerville, OH 45459. For Sue’s Complete History, Condolences and other remembrances may be sent via the website at www.routsong.com.

Francine C.T. (Ader) van der Hoeven, age 85 of Kettering, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 16, 2008. She was born May 28, 1922 in Amersfoort, Netherlands, daughter of the late Willem and Maria (van Geelen) Ader. Francine was a child prodigy who entered medical school at age 15 and obtained her M.D. in 1946 at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands.  On August 20, 1945 she married Dr. Ludolph van der Hoeven.  In 1955, Ludolph and Francine moved to the U.S. with their four children.  Francine lovingly devoted her life to her family and many charitable organizations.  She was president of Ultrachem Biomedical Laboratories.  She was a member of the Associate Board of DAI, co-founder of its Oktoberfest and its first chairperson; The Garden Club of Dayton; Board of Wegerzyn Gardens; Board of Dayton Bach Society; Community Board of WSU Department of Music; member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church; and a member of Menahem Pressler circle of Adament, VT School of Music.  She was recognized as an “Exemplary Citizen” by the city of Dayton. Francine was a well-loved hostess to her friends, music, art, and gardening organizations. She happily opened her home and her gardens filled with beautiful peonies on 255 Park Road in Oakwood. Outside of her many social commitments, she turned the pages of musical scores for her husband’s many chamber music performances.  She found great joy in her garden and her kitchen. Francine is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Ludolph; 4 children, Liliane Johnson of Morgantown, WV, Francie (Ronald) Camp of Springboro, OH, Carlijn (Douglas) Koch of Miamisburg, OH, Willem (Hollie) van der Hoeven of Breckenridge, CO; 7 grandchildren, Samantha, David and Julia Johnson, Kari (Kevin) O’Neal, Peter Koch, Willem and Alexandra van der Hoeven; great-grandson, Dylan Johnson. In 1965, she was preceded in death by her son, Bart Pieter van der Hoeven. A Memorial Service was held 2 PM Friday, Jan. 18, 2008 at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 33 W. Dixon Ave., Dayton, OH 45419, the Rev. Judith A. Doran officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Francine van der Hoeven Fund at the Dayton Foundation for Centennial Park at Houk Stream, c/o Dayton Foundation, 500 Kettering Tower, Dayton, OH 45423, www.daytonfoundation.org, in Francine’s memory. Online memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerhazelsnider.com

Connie Sue Foster, age 54, of Kettering, passed away on Monday, Jan. 7, 2008  after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Connie was born on Feb. 24, 1953, in Middletown, Ohio, to Gerald and the late Imogene Malone. Connie is survived by her husband of 35 years, Robert G. Foster; two children, Kristen B. Foster-Robinson of Columbus, Ohio, and Michelle B. Foster of Kettering; her brother Michael D. Malone, and sister-in-law Jana, of Carmel, Indiana; and many other beloved family members. Connie was a devoted wife, mother and friend. She was a 1971 graduate of Fairmont East High School and attended Sinclair Community
College. She was an active member of Greenmont-Oak Park Community Church, sang in the adult choir, and served the church in many other capacities. She was involved in Girl Scouts as a youth and served as a leader as an adult. Connie was most recently employed by the City of Oakwood as their receptionist. Memorial services were held Saturday, Jan. 12 at Greenmont Oak Park Community Church with Rev. Gregory King officiating. Interment at Valley View Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greenmont–Oak Park Community Church, Hospice of Dayton, or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements in care of Tobias Funeral Home - Belmont Chapel) Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com

 

 

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