David Gregory Lewber, age 47, of Springboro, formerly of Oakwood, passed away Thursday, June 28, 2007. He was an alumni of Oakwood High School, Class of 1978. He was co-owner of the Greenland Ventures. He served as a youth softball and soccer coach in Springboro. Preceded in death by his grandparents Catherine and Harry Lewber and Orpha and William Evans. Survived by his wife Kelly L., daughter Alexandra (Ally), parents George and Bonnie Lewber, sister Shauna (Todd) Klausner, nephews Jacob and Zachary and his cats, Gus, Syd, & Trevor. Family will receive friends Tuesday, July 3, 2007 from 11 a.m. until time of funeral services at 1:30 p.m. at Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home, 1632 Wayne Ave. Rev. Roger Godsy-Bell officiating. Entombment to follow at Woodland Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Special Wish Foundation.

James W. Seery, age 82, of Tiffin, Ohio, died Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at his residence. He was born Sept. 26, 1924 in Lykens, Ohio to the late Howard and Ruth (Jump) Seery. In 1947, in Tiffin, he married Alma L. Digby, and she died in March of 1984. Survivors include four sons, Lynn (Georgianna Nye) Seery of Dayton, Ohio, James (Joanne) Seery and Chris Seery, both of Tiffin, and Ricky Seery of McCutcheonville; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Vicki Ferguson, and an infant brother. Mr. Seery attended Columbian High School and served as a paratrooper and shrpshooter in the Pacific with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He was a retired self-employed block and stone mason. He was a member of the VFW Tiffin Post and an avid fisherman with a great sense of humor. There will bee no services or visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of the Traunero Funeral Home, 214 S. S. Monroe St., Tiffin, Ohio (419) 447-3113. To send condolences to the family, go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com.    

Obituaries from recent issues...        

Mary Brown Pryor, MD, died on June 20, 2007 at the Hospice of Dayton.
Dr. Pryor was born in 1924 to the Rev. Ralph and Mrs. Phyllis Perrin Brown in Buckhannon, West Virginia, where her father was professor of Philosophy and Bible Studies at West Virginia Wesleyan College. A graduate of the Buckhannon-Upshur County public schools and West Virginia Wesleyan, she was one of the earliest women students at the West Virginia University School of Medicine. She later told family and friends that when she had applied, she was asked why they should admit her, since she would just “get married and have children and quit” practicing medicine.  Notwithstanding that question, Dr. Pryor was admitted to the program, completing it in 1951, one of two women among the 27 graduating students. Because that program was, at the time, a 2 year program, Dr. Pryor completed her medical education at the Virginia College of Medicine, graduating in 1953 as one of only 9 women in a class of 94.  After completing her internship at Cincinnati General Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Pryor joined her brother, David Brown, M.D. in private practice in Troy, Ohio for several years, where she was introduced to her husband, Richard E. Pryor, then a young attorney and Marine Corps reservist from Dayton.  After marrying Mr. Pryor in 1956, Dr. Pryor gave birth to two sons, Richard and Lawrence, and in 1961 relocated to Dayton with her family.  She then partially fulfilled the prediction she had heard when she applied to medical school, leaving private practice for several years in order to tend to her family.  During that time, though, she was an active volunteer, serving on the board of the local camp for children with juvenile diabetes, Camp Ko-Man-She, and as President of the Dayton Widows Home.  As her children grew, Dr. Pryor once again began practicing medicine, one of the many ways in which she served the public. She became an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Wright State University School of Medicine in 1978, where she taught until her retirement in 1990.  She was appointed to serve on the Oakwood City Council in 1976, and she served for 14 consecutive years as a Council member, as well as Vice-Mayor during part of her tenure.  During that time, Dr. Pryor also worked tirelessly to create a special program to meet the medical needs of adolescents in the Dayton area, a group she thought was underserved.  She achieved that goal in 1993, with the inauguration of the Adolescent Wellness Center, founded by a coalition of local hospitals and the Wright State University School of Medicine.  Dr. Pryor was also a long-time supporter of Planned Parenthood and its goal of providing quality health care to women, serving in various positions with that organization over the last 20 years.  In fact, in this new century, Dr. Pryor acted as Interim Medical Director of the Montgomery County chapter of Planned Parenthood for a year and a half, from September 2003 until her 81st birthday in March 2005. Dr. Pryor also served for many years on the United Theological Seminary Board of Trustees. Dr. Pryor was the recipient of many honors during her long career, including being named by the Dayton Daily News as one of Dayton’s Top 10 Women in 1979, receiving a Woman of Influence Award from the YWCA in 2002, the Rotary Club of Oakwood’s Civic Leadership Award in 2002, and the Wright State School of Medicine Service Award in 1990.  Most recently, Dr. Pryor was named as a Living Legend of Medicine last November by the West Virginia University School of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Pryor was preceded in death by her husband Richard in 2005. She is survived by her sister, Ellen Lou Aulds of Kettering; two sons, Richard (Elizabeth Smith-Pryor), of Kent, Ohio, and Lawrence (Lisa), of Providence, Rhode Island; and four grandchildren, Richard, Grace, Arden and Avery Pryor.   There was a memorial service honoring her life and work held on Saturday, June 23, 2007 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 33 W. Dixon Ave., Oakwood.  Her family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Dr. Mary and Richard Pryor Endowed Scholarship Fund at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Advancement Office, 3640 Col. Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435. Family will receive friends following the memorial service at the Dayton Country Club.  For condolences and other remembrances please visit the Routsong website at www.routsong.com.

August Elias “Gus” Brunsman, Jr., age 92, of Kettering, passed peacefully in his home Tuesday, June 19, 2007, under the care of loved ones.  Gus was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior.  As president of the Class of 1933 at Stivers High School, he oversaw many memorable class reunions in Dayton.  Gus earned his Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from The Ohio State University in 1937.  He served as editor-in-chief of the Ohio State Lantern, the student-run newspaper, for two years.  Gus was the owner and president of Dayton Process Engravers, Inc. at 207 South Perry Street, Dayton, a photo-engraving company founded by his father, August Elias Brunsman, Sr.  In pursuit of his interest in history and printing, Gus researched and published a book in 1940 on the career of William Maxwell, the first printer in the Old Northwest Territory.  He and his wife, Charlotte Kundert Brunsman, distinguished themselves as historians of the Wright Brothers as printers and publishers. Their writings and lectures brought to light the hidden history of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s printing career. They co-authored Wright & Wright Printers, The Other Career of Wilbur and Orville Wright in 1989 and 3 Wright Brothers and a Last Man’s Club, the digested book of minutes from 10-1-1886 through 10-4-1939, in 1991.  Thanks to Gus’ tireless energy and intellectual curiosity, the history of the Wright Brothers as printers and the history of printing in Dayton are preserved at Dayton’s Carillon Historical Park.  As a Park volunteer, he helped to develop exhibitions of the Wright brothers as printers; was a founding member of the Wright Research Group; facilitated the donation of Wright printing materials still in possession by the Wright family; helped found the “Print Shop Committee,” a group organized to research and preserve Dayton’s printing history; was a key figure in the establishment of the Park’s 1930s period print shop; and contributed publications.  He and his wife donated a vintage Kelly printing press that remains on display in the Park’s print shop.  Gus also served as a president of the Oakwood Kiwanis Club.  With his wife, he enjoyed 28 visits to Switzerland where he painted alpine scenery.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years (Charlotte), two brothers (Robert and Howard), and three sisters (Mabel Bowman, Henrietta Kistler, and Ethel Galt Adams).   He is survived by his children: August Brunsman III and his wife Nicole of Columbus, OH; Caroline Schaffer and her husband David of Tuskegee, AL; John Brunsman and his wife Sue of Bellevue, WA; four grandchildren: August Brunsman IV and his wife Amanda, Angie Brunsman, and Jake and Britten Stark; and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were held Monday, June 25 at the Routsong Funeral Home, 6 Oakwood Ave., Oakwood, with Rev. Robert Neeb officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Print Shop, Carillon Historical Park, 2001 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton, Ohio 45420.  Condolences may be sent to the funeral home’s website via the guestbook at www.Routsong.com.

Mary Hayes, age 86, passed away on Thursday, June 7, 2007. No services.
Routsong Funeral Home.

Elva Moffett Blandford, age 99, of Oakwood, born January 1, 1908 died on June 10, 2007 at her home.  Elva grew up in Lawrenceburg Kentucky, attended Eastern Kentucky Teachers College, taught First Grade in Covington Kentucky, and graduated from the University of Cincinnati. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for 60 years, where she was active in Circle 2 and was ordained as a Deacon in that church.  Elva was also a former member of the Dayton Woman’s Club and the Dayton Country Club. She was a dedicated walker and for many years a familiar face on Far Hills Avenue.  She was always stylish and always a lady.  Her experience as a teacher left as her legacy her love of children and passion for education.  She was especially interested in the education of her grandchildren.  She was a loyal friend and a dedicated Mother and never missed an opportunity to increase her mind or her bridge skills.  Her decline in recent years had already left a void in the lives of her family and friends, but her spunk and spirit that we remember still makes us grin and will continue to inspire us.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Joel Avritt Blandford; sister, Mary Catherine Moffett Todd and her twin, Belva Moffett. She is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth Gerber of Lumberton North Carolina and Ann Herr of Oakwood; and their husbands Dixon Gerber M.D. and Stanley Herr; grandchildren Stephen (Erika) Herr, David (Jessica) Gerber, Elizabeth Herr, Ann Gerber (Adam) Hawkins and Patrick Gerber. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Hannah, Colton, Ajay, Ethan, Dixon, and Spencer.  A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Wilkinson St., Dayton on Saturday, June 16 at 2 p.m with The Rev. Dr. George McConnel officiating.  The family will receive friends after the memorial service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Westminster Presbyterian Church   ’s Memorial Fund, 125 N. Wilkinson St., Dayton, Ohio  45402. For condolences and other remembrances please visit the Routsong Funeral Home website at www.routsong.com.

Celia Jane (Slager-West) Kushner, age 49, of Mt. Lebanon, PA, on Friday June 1, 2007; beloved wife of Joseph W. Kushner; mother of Alison and Emma West of Mt. Lebanon; step-mother of Kelsey Kushner (Greg) Chapin of Pittsburgh; Annie of New York City; and Reva Kushner of Mt. Lebanon; daughter of James and Barbara Slager of Mt. Lebanon; sister of Cinda (Scott) Isler of Mt. Lebanon; and Timothy J. Slager (Melissa) of Hudson, OH; also survived by 6 nephews and 2 nieces.  Celia was born and raised in Oakwood, OH, where she was active at Oakwood High School (Class of ’75) in both sports and student government.  She was a graduate and co-captain of the field hockey team at Miami University. Having studied at New York School of Design, she worked in that field in New Canaan, CT; Gaithersburg, MD; and Pittsburgh.  She was active in property management, real estate, office products, and Home Instead Senior Health Care in Maryland and Pittsburgh. Most recently she was leasing manager for Pendale Towers of Mt. Lebanon.  Her volunteer work included her daughters’ school activities and in 1997 was instrumental in the establishment of the girls’ field hockey program at Mt. Lebanon High School.  She received a Pennsylvania Commendation for her work and dedication; was named a Mt. Lebanon Outstanding Citizen in 2003; and the annual Walker-West Award is given in her honor.  Friends will be welcomed at Laughlin Memorial Chapel; 222 Washington Road; Mt. Lebanon,  Wednesday, 4 – 8 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Bernard Church, Thursday morning at 10 a.m.  Interment Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.  A Tribute Service will be held in the Unitarian Church of the South Hills, Thursday at 7 p.m.  Memorials may be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Center Coalition, 1(888) Ovarian (682-7426) / www.ovarian.org. or World Vision 1(888) 511-6548 / www.worldvision.org.

Lillian S. Chasnoff, age 97 of Dayton, formerly of Cranford and Kearny, NJ passed away Monday, May 14, 2007.  She graduated from Douglass College in New Brunswick, NJ in 1931.  Lillian loved to sew and was an excellent seamstress.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Anna Solomon, and her husband, Michael.  Lillian is survived by her daughter, Judith DeFranco of Oakwood; son, Abraham Chasnoff of Belmar, NJ, five grandchildren, Sarra, Amy, Paul, Tom and Marlene; and one great-granddaughter, Noa.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions may be made to the Douglass College Alumni Fund. Arrangements by Routsong Funeral Home.

Elizabeth “Libby” M. Byrne (nee Olt), age 90 of Venice, FL, formerly of Kettering, OH and Kalamazoo, MI passed away on Friday, April 27, 2007 in Venice, FL. Libby enjoyed ballroom dancing, playing bridge, and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.  She was a partner with her husband in the development of Northview Plat and Bob Byrne Gravel and Stone in Kalamazoo. Libby was preceded in death by her husband Robert Byrne; parents Oscar and Edna Olt; brother John Olt and sister Susanne (Olt) Deeter; Mother-in-law Elizabeth (Simon Byrne) Concannon and Sisters-in-law Monica (Byrne) Barlow and Eileen (Byrne) Rossell; brothers-in-law Lewis Deeter, William Barlow, Thomas Concannon and Robert Rossell. Libby is survived by her daughter, Mary (Mark) Tomita of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; son, David (Karen) Byrne of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren, Eric Machado of San Diego, CA, Robert Byrne and Matthew Byrne both of Cincinnati; sisters-in-law Jane Olt and Victoria Concannon and brother-in-law James (Marian) Concannon. Nieces and nephews; Nancy Healy, John Olt, Mary (Richard) Blake, Julie Moore, Alice Ramsey, Julie (Frederick) Heydinger, Kathleen (Francis) Bonanno, Monica (Alex) Webb, many great and great-great nieces and nephews and good friends Fred Burhans and James Maloney. Entombment will be at the Woodland Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. A celebration of Libby’s life will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2007 at Polen Farm in Kettering from 1:30 - 5: 00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family via the internet on www.routsong.com

Madelon A. (Ruotolo) Chambers, age 91, of Oakwood, passed away May 10, 2007. Services pending. Meyer, Boehmer & Reis Funeral Home. 1733 Brown St., Dayton.

Clarence H. (Bud) Westendorf, age 92, of Oakwood, died Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at The Sanctuary. He was a graduate of Chaminade and the University of Dayton with a degree in chemical engineering. Bud was past president of the Dayton Casting Company. He was a Director Emeritus of the Dayton Automobile Club. Bud was a member of the Foreman Club and the Enginneer’s Club, where he served on the Board of Governors. He also served as a member of the Oakwood Environmental Committee. Bud was an instructor and leader of the of the Boy Scouts of America, Legion 4. He was a recipient of the Boy Scouts Wood Badge, Order of the Arrow, Silver Beaver Award, and Silver Antelope Award. Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Constance Q. Westendorf. He is survived by his daughters, Gretchen and son in law Geoffrey Pratte, and Katerinka L. Westendorf; son, Chris J. and daughter in law, Debra S. Chaffin; sister, Dorothy W. Hansen; brother, Richard J. Westendorf; grandchildren, Stephen, Marc, Nicole, Greg, Michelle, and Robert; great grandchildren, Josie, Seamus, and Sophia. A Memorial Mass was held Friday, May 11, at Emmanuel Catholic Church. A private burial was held with the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made by check to the Boy Scouts of America, Miami Valley Council. Services in care of Meyer-Boehmer & Reis Funeral Home.

Dorothy T. Begovich, age 78, of Dayton passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at Hospice of Dayton. Dotty was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church and the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. “Mrs. B” was a substitute teacher for the Dayton and Oakwood Public Schools, Holy Angels, and St. Albert the Great. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Manuel “Mike” Begovich, Jr.; daughters, Ellen (Jerry) Gordon of Dayton and Jane (John Jr.) Walker of Rochester, NY; sons, John (Connie) Begovich of Knoxville, TN and James (Jana) Begovich of Bellbrook, OH; 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Memorial services were held Sunday, May 7, 2007 at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Road, Kettering, OH. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery. In memory of Dotty, contributions may be made to your charity of choice. Condolences may be sent to the family via the website at www.routsong.com.

Harry Kling Oxrider Jr., age 78, of Oakwood, passed away at his residence on April 20, 2007. He is survived by his wife Joanne, of 47 years; son Harry Kling Oxrider III, wife Michelle and their children Patrick, Kevin and Ryan, of Centerville; daughter, Catherine (Oxrider) Lentz and husband William Lentz of Cincinnati; sister-in-law, Dorothy Fahrion of Sun City, AZ. Harry was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, in 1947 and went on to earn a B.A. Degree in Economics for Ohio State University in 1956.  He was member of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Dayton and served as a Reader. He was also a member of the Mother Church in Boston, MA. Harry was President of Oakwood Historical Society in 200 and 2001. He was also a member of Masonic Order-Mystic Lodge #405 and of the AASR Valley of Dayton. Harry retired from Continental Cablevision (Time Warner Cable) in the Marketing Division. A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at Tobias Funeral Home-Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Ave. Reader John Weitlauf officiating. Interment at David’s Cemetary. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.

Robert Reynolds Huffman, age 81, died Saturday, April 7, 2007 in Arcadia, California. Bob was born in Dayton, Ohio on October 9, 1925 and lived there until moving to Arcadia in 1967. He was a graduate of Oakwood High School, Dartmouth College, and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. He served as a Tech Sergeant in the 100th Division of the U.S. Army during World War II, seeing combat in France and Germany.  His professional life was dedicated to the family business, Huffy Corporation, in Dayton, Ohio and in Azusa, California.  Following
his retirement, he was active in community service in the Pasadena area and served on the boards of the Methodist Hospital Foundation; the United Way of the San Gabriel Valley; Hillside Home for Children; the American Red Cross, Pasadena Chapter; and the Dartmouth Club of Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gay Staats Huffman; his children Phil Huffman (Laura) of Pasadena, California; Jim Huffman of Cashiers, North Carolina; and Cathy Forrester of Charleston, South Carolina; five grandchildren, Stephen, Jennifer and Daniel Huffman and Ruston and Catherine Forrester; his sister Jeanette H. Clegg; and his beloved dog Sarge. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 13 from 4-7 p.m. at home in Arcadia.  A private service will be held at a later date at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Dayton, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Dartmouth College Fund, 6066 Development Office, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755-3555; or to a charity of one’s choice.

Berniece E. Brewer, age 92 and long-time resident of Oakwood, died Friday, March 23, at Hospice of Dayton. She was born on March 29, 1914, in Gallia County, Ohio, the daughter of Clara Effie Thornton and John Edward Notter. She was employed for many years by Miami Valley Hospital, from which she retired in 1973. She was also a long- time member of Gathering Place Baptist Church, where she had the distinction of being the oldest member. She was predeceased by her two brothers Homer and Cecil Notter. She is survived by two daughters, Nina Curley of Kettering and Joan Huffman of Macon, Georgia, four grandchildren, seven great- grandchildren, and many special nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Monday, March 26, at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME- FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Ave, Pastor Dan Mullins officiating. Interment followed at Miami Valley Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420 or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com 

Jacquelin R. Fondy, of Centerville, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2007. Jacquelin was preceded in death by her father Eugene Rice, Sr. and her brother Eugene, Jr.  She is survived by her mother Edith (Pratt) Rice of Middletown; her husband Philip L. Fondy; her three children and seven beloved grandchildren: Tim and his wife, Penny of Westerville; Karen Rohrbach and her husband, Terry and their children Brandon, James and Jack of Columbus; and Mike and his wife, Ronnie and their children Grant, Emily, Michael and Timothy of Oakwood; her niece Debbie Ashley and her husband Gordon and their children Steve and Tiffany.  Jacquelin was a graduate of Middletown High School, Miami Valley School of Nursing, Antioch
College (B.A.), and United Theological Seminary (M.A.).  She held the Priesthood office of Teacher with the Community of Christ Church in Beavercreek. Jacquelin, beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, touched lives and helped heal hearts. She leaves a legacy of love and will be treasured always. Funeral service was held Friday, March 23, 2007 at the funeral home, Elder Gary Waggoner officiating.  Interment Woodland Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to The Wellness Connection of Dayton Region-The Noble Circle, 1 Elizabeth Place, Suite 110, Dayton OH 45408. Condolences may be made to the Fondy family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com

Mary Kingdom, age 84, of Oakwood, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at Sunrise of Oakwood.  Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 30 years, Richard Kingdom in 1982, her parents, 2 brothers Tom and Michael James Rouse, and her sister Nan Halligan.  She is survived by her 2 sons, Sean Kingdom and his wife Karen and Mike Kingdom and his wife Carol both of Kettering; 3 daughters, Maureen Castillo and her husband Joe of Texas, Shelia Kingery of Kettering, and Patty Zimmer and her husband Jeff of Kettering; 9 grandchildren, Rachel & Erin Kingdom, Richard Castillo, Sean & Nicole Kingery, Shane, Brandon, Patrick and Carson Zimmer; 3 sisters, Bridget Lacken of Ireland, Teresa Cron of PA, and Mona Cronin of CT; 5 brothers, William, Frank, and Tony Rouse, all of Ireland, Cyril Rouse of Canada and Sean Rouse of England; 2 sister-in-laws, Maureen Smith and her husband Philip of Florida and Joan Cason Clarey and her husband Don of TN; brother-in-law Robert Kingdom and his wife Pat of England; her dearest friends, Irene Lapsins and Molly Hegman; and many nieces and nephews.  Mary was born in Sligo, Ireland on May 2, 1922 to John and Annie (Gordon) Rouse and moved to Dayton in 1952.  She worked at Wee-Haven Children’s Center for many years.  She was a kind, gentle and loving person who will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Mary’s life was held Saturday, March 24, 2007 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Kettering, Father Gary Aultz officiating.  Interment Calvary Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Medical Center, 1 Children’s Plaza, Dayton, Ohio  45404. Condolences may be made to www.tobias-funeralhome.com

Michael K. Millat, age 52, of Dayton, died Saturday, March 10, 2007 in a single car automobile accident. Mike was a graduate of Oakwood High School and Bowling Green University. His career was dedicated to Millat Industries where he served as Executive Vice President.  Mike’s passion was Tae Kwon Do where he achieved his Second Degree Black Belt. He was an instructor and served as treasurer of Y. C. Kim’s Black Belt Society.  He is survived by his wife; Debbie;  daughter, Lauren (Juan Pablo) Donoso of Columbus, OH; step-daughters, Sarah and Holly;  his parents, Bob & Dee Millat; 2 brothers, Greg (Sandy),  Andy (Bette) of Columbus; sister, Lindy (Paul) Huber of Lexington, KY and many loving nieces and nephews. Memorial Services were held on Friday, March 16 at the Christ United Methodist Church, 3440 Shroyer Road, Kettering with Pastor Paul Stuckey officiating. Visitation was be Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Road, Kettering. In lieu of flowers Mike would have liked contributions made to Little Miami Inc., 6040 Price Rd., Milford, OH 45150, or The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 10007, Dayton, OH 45402 or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family via the website at www.routsong.com.

Elizabeth Berry Fox Gray, “E” Gray, age 82, died Sunday, March 18, 2007 at the Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. Services have been set for Friday, March 23 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends at a reception at Moraine Country Club beginning at 3 p.m. Burial will be in Dayton. “E” graduated from Oakwood High School, class of ’42. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Fox, second husband, Robert Gray, her father Lauren Berry, and mother, Lucile Berry, her brothers, Charles Berry. Lauren “Murph” Berry and John Berry, daughter, Marion Fox. She is survived by her sister, Martha Fraim, brother, Lee Henry, son Stuart Fox, grandchildren, Heather, Todd, Keith, Robin and Stuart Fox; Great grandchildren, Rylie, Nathan, Chandler and Donovan Fox. She was a longtime supporter of the Dayton Art Institute and was active in numerous charitable and social organizations. Those who wish to remember E are encouraged to contribute to their favorite charity. Condolences may be sent to the family via the website at www.routsong.com.

Mary E. (Rusty) Blandford, age 83, passed away December 13, 2006, in St. Charles, IL. Born January 8, 1923 in Dayton, Ohio, Mrs. Blandford was a past member of the Westminister Presbyterian Church, a member of the Junior League and an avid bridge player. She attended Sullins College and then worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. She and her husband of 47 years lived in Dayton and then moved to Hinsdale, IL., where she was involved in numerous volunteer efforts. Prior to moving back to IL., she and her husband lived in Dallas, TX for 26 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and will be missed by all. She was preceded in death by her husband, William O. Blandford. She leaves behind 2 daughters & sons- in-law, Karen & Dick Hattan of Geneva, IL and Leslie Blandford-Akins & Austin Akins of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Elizabeth Hattan, Jessica Akins McDonald and Justin Akins; and great grandchild, Gavin Lane Akins.  Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Woodland Cemetary, 118 Woodland Ave. in Dayton, OH.  Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimers Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Bernice Wynn Foster, age 92, of Kettering passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at Hospice of Dayton.  Bernice was born on June 4, 1914 in Springfield, Mass. to John G. and Marie Kennedy Wynn.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard B. Foster on October 9, 1995; brother, Ralph Wynn of Springfield, Mass.; sisters, Doris Wynn and Marion Russell.  She is survived by her daughter, Beverly (Jerry) Williams of Fayetteville, Georgia and their daughter Suzanne (Alan) Carter and their 3 sons; sons, Richard W. Foster of Kettering, Ohio; William G. Foster of Aurora, Colorado and his son, Brett Foster; Allen “Jack” (Jeanne) Foster of Sidney, Maine and their children Jessica and Stephen Foster; and sister, Frances Edmunds of Hawthorne, Calif . A private family service will be held at a later time.  Memorial contributions may be made in care of Richard W. Foster, 3073 Hillside Ave., Kettering, Ohio 45429.  Arrangements are in care of Routsong Funeral Home.

Gerald Beckwith Sanders, age 93, of Kettering, Ohio, passed away February 22, 2007. He is survived by Pauline Sloan Sanders, his loving wife of almost 70 years and his three children, Judy Selby of Charleston, South Carolina, Paula MacIlwaine and her husband John of Oakwood, and Gerald B Sanders Jr. and his wife Diana of Oakwood. “Jerry” was born in Butler, Pennsylvania in 1913. In his early career working with the American Bantam Car Company in Butler, Pennsylvania, he was proud to have been one of the fabricators of the very first Army Jeep. The family later moved to Erie, Pennsylvania when he started his sales career in the steel industry. After another career move to Hudson, Ohio, he continued in steel sales, he and Pauline retired to Dayton, Ohio to be near their children and grandchildren. During the winter months they lived at the Southwinds in Sarasota, Florida where they formed many of their close friendships. Jerry was a topnotch musician as a banjo and ukulele player from his youth to the present. He was a 25-year member of the Kettering Banjo Society and the Ukulelians. His playing extended to Florida gigs and this past summer, he attended the National Banjo Convention in Michigan where he “jammed “ all night with banjo players from all over the world. Along with his volunteer work at Kettering Hospital ER 20 years, he was a member of Far Hills Lodge F&AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, Antioch Shrine, Arabic Club and Royal Order of Jesters. Jerry loved golf and he was proud of carrying his own bag and playing 18 holes, even at 93.  He was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Oakwood, often volunteering at the yearly rummage sale. Jerry and Pauline traveled all over the world, making many friends along the way. It was often said of Jerry that, “he never met a stranger.” Every June they celebrated their anniversary in Las Vegas. Their 70th wedding anniversary was to be celebrated June 12, 2007. Jerry is survived by a brother, William Sanders of Sacramento, California, and his adoring grandchildren: Robin Bechtel, Stacey Corcoran and her husband Phil, Wendy Bendersky and her husband Lee, Amy Winter and her husband David, Carrieann Sanders and Gerald B. Sanders III and John H. Macilwaine and his wife Tricia. In addition he is survived by nine loving great-grandchildren: Delaney, Cameron and Grady Corcoran, Samantha Winter, Samantha, Natalie and Patrick MacIlwaine, Abigail and Isabelle Bendersky. A private family burial was held at David Cemetery Mausoleum on Saturday, February 24, 2007, where four family generations were present. A Celebration of Jerry’s life took place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in Oakwood on March 3, 2007.  The family received friends after the service in the Church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Jerry’s name can be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dayton for the wonderful care of our husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Christine Tufts Taylor, died on February 23 in Boston. Mrs. Taylor, 86, lived in Oakwood and Lebanon, Ohio from 1950 until the death in 1985 of her husband, the late Dr. Robert L. Taylor, a prominent cardio-thoracic surgeon. Thereafter she resided in Rangeley, Maine and Marco Island, Florida. Mrs. Taylor was born in Kingfield, Maine and was a graduate of the University of Maine at Orono. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oakwood and the Montgomery County Medical Society Auxiliary. She was also preceded in death by her father, Frank S. Tufts, and her mother, Elsie Nutting Tufts, both of Kingfield; her sister, Velma Tufts Burdwood, of Portland; and her eldest daughter, Frances Libby Taylor, of Locust Valley, New York. Survivors include her sons, Marc Tufts Taylor and Seth Brown Taylor, both of San Antonio, Texas; her daughter, Robin Taylor Landis, of Weston, Massachusetts; and eight grandchildren, Robert K. Landis IV, Taylor McCall Landis, and Samuel Tufts Landis, all of Weston, Massachusetts; Marc Tufts Taylor, Jr., Joshua Hendrick Taylor, Bart Lee Taylor, Spencer Tufts Taylor and Paul Whitney Taylor, all of San Antonio, Texas. Mrs. Taylor was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her faith, and her tough Yankee constitution, saw her through the loss of her husband and her daughter. She was down-to-earth, warm and kind, beloved by all who knew her. A memorial service will be held in Rangeley, Maine in the late spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rangeley Lakes Historical Society, P.O. Box 521, Rangeley, ME, 04970.  

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