The Woodford Sun

Versailles, Ky.

Recent Obituaries

January 18, 2007

Bryant
William Norris Bryant, 85, of Versailles, widower of Mary Elizabeth Harrod Bryant, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007, at his home.
Born Oct. 2, 1921, in Spencer County, he was the son of the late Charles Douglass and Ethel Palastine Simpson Bryant. He was an Army veteran, having served in World War II as a sergeant and was a Purple Heart recipient. He was a multi-tradesman all his life and retired from Sylvania.
Survivors include two sons, William Norris Bryant Jr. and Prentice Carlton Bryant, both of Versailles; two daughters, Nina Jean Amburgey, Frankfort, and Linda Faye Bowman, Versailles; four grandchildren, Dee Estill, Adam and Maggie Bryant, and Nikki Amburgey; a great-grandchild, Ginna Marie; two brothers, Allen Richard Bryant, LaMar, Texas., and Prentice Bryant, Lawrenceburg. Six brothers, Jesse, Bernice, Forrest, Harold, Carlton, Sherman, and David Bryant, are deceased.
Graveside funeral services were conducted Saturday, Jan. 13, at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Clark Funeral Home, Rose Hill, was in charge of arrangements. Casket bearers were Bill Bryant, Prentice Bryant, Dee Estill, Adam Bryant, Bobby Flora and Eugene Bryant.
Condolences may be made at www.clarkfuneralchapels.com.

Brown
Christine Roe Brown, 76, of Midway, widow of Floyd Brown, died Monday, Jan. 15, 2007, at her residence.
Born in Menifee County, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Jefferson and Minnie Florence Lawson Roe. She was a homemaker most of her life and a member of First Church of God in Frenchburg.
Survivors include two sons, Edward Brown, Jeffersonville, and Floyd Brown Jr., Versailles; three daughters, Minnie Isbell, Frenchburg, Nannie Deatherage, Midway, and Helen Agee, Midway; three brothers, Sam Roe, Nicholasville, Harvey Roe, Lexington, and Letcher Roe, Frenchburg; 15 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Three sons, Larry, Billy, and Arthur Brown, are deceased.
Services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 19, at Blackburn & Ward Funeral Home by the Rev. Roger Wells. Interment will follow in the Midway Cemetery. Casket bearers will be her grandsons. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 18, at the funeral home.
Guest book at www.Blackburnandward.com.

Lay
L. Clifton Lay, 77, of Anderson County, died Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, at Blue Grass Community Hospital.
The son of the late Harrison and Mattie Bell Lay, he was a retired farmer. He was a member of the Hilltop Christian Church.
Survivors include two brothers, Harold Lay, Lawrenceburg, and Herman Lay, Versailles; and numerous nieces and nephews. A sister, Laura Jane Owens; and five brothers, Harvey, Thomas, Ray, Therman, and Amos Lay, are deceased.
Services were conducted Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Blackburn & Ward Funeral Home by the Rev. Don Carter. Interment was in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Casket bearers were Mark Lay, Steven Lay, Gene Owens, Ronald Owens, Bobby Payton, and Herland Langford. Honorary bearer was Otis Owens.
Guest book at www.BlackburnandWard.com.

Patterson
Anne Sullivan Patterson, 93, widow of Ben R. Patterson Jr. died Friday, Jan. 12, 2007, at Taylor Manor, Versailles
Born March 1, 1913, in Little Rock, Ark., she was the daughter of the late James D. Sullivan and Agnes Morris Sullivan. She and her husband were active members of the Lexington community from 1940 through 2002. She was a founding member of Christ the King Church and she and and her husband were members of the Lexington Country Club and the Lexington Club. She was a member of the Lexington Women’s Club. She was an active volunteer with many organizations, including the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, and Christ the King Altar Society. She enjoyed bridge, books, and her friends.
Survivors include two sons, Benjamin R. Patterson III, Tallahassee, Fla., and John M. Patterson, Huntington, W.Va.; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. A son, James, is deceased.
Services were conducted Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Christ the King Church by the Rev. Frank Sherry. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery. W.R. Milward Funeral Home, Broadway, was in charge of arrangements.

Piner
Lucille Britton Piner, 85, of Wilmington, N.C., wife of Joseph Eli Piner Sr., died Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007, at her residence.
Born April 23, 1921, in Big Creek, Ky., she was the daughter of the late Owen Britton and Mary Marcum Britton. She graduated from the University of Kentucky and taught school in Florida and North Carolina for several years. She served in the Women’s Army Corps during World War II. She was employed as a supervisor of caseworkers at the Department of Social Services until her retirement. She taught Sunday school and was active in the women’s church activities at Winter Park Presbyterian Church, and was active in the Myrtle Grove Woman’s Home Demonstration Club. She was an avid tennis player, swimmer, gardener, and enjoyed fishing and horseback riding.
In addition to her husband of 62 years, she is survived by two sons, Joseph Eli Piner Jr. and James Britton Piner Sr., both of Wilmington, N.C.; two grandsons, George Owen Piner and Derick Andrew Piner; five great-granddaughters, Jessica, Madison, Riley, Ashley, and Cameron; and a sister, Marjorie Vigle, Versailles. A grandson, James Britton Piner Jr., is deceased.
Services were conducted Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007, at Winter Park Presbyterian Church by Dr. Madison M. Highfill. Interment was in the Piner Family Cemetery adjacent to the family home at Myrtle Grove. Casket bearers were George Piner, Derick Piner, Kirby King Jr., J.W. Godwin, Eric Staton, and Roger Piner. Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial gifts may be made to Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 4501 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, NC, 28403, Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 725 Wellington Avenue, Wilmington, NC, 28403, or a charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be sent www.andrewsmortuary.com.

Preston
Grace Preston, 94, of Versailles, died Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007, at her home.
Born in Detroit, Mich., she was the daughter of the late Rev. John and Emma Farris Pinches. During World War II, she served in the Civil Air Patrol, ferrying airplanes around the U.S.. She was educated at Wayne State University in Detroit, where she received a BA, and at the University of Michigan, where she completed an MA and Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She began her career with the Neuro-Psychiatric Institute at the University of Michigan and then moved on to become a school psychologist/diagnostician with the Ann Arbor Public Schools. In 1953 and 1954 she was the recipient of the University of Michigan’s Hopwood award for poetry. Her poetry was also published in the Quarterly Review of Michigan Alumnus in 1955 and 1956.
Survivors include two daughters, Ann Victoria Annis, Michigan, and Christine Elizabeth Hancock, Versailles; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Gesler, New Hampshire; and three nieces, JoAnn Williams, Patricia Koren, and Marcia Koren.
There will be no visitation or service observed.
Memorials are suggested to the hospice of one’s choice or the Woodford County Library, in memory of Grace Preston, 115 N. Main Street, Versailles, KY 40383.
Guest book at www.Blackburnandward.com.

Retzlaff
Peter Retzlaff, 61, of Versailles, formerly of Wisconsin and West Chester, Ohio, died Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007, in Lexington.
The son of Ramona Denman Kramer and the late Homer Retzlaff, he was a 1963 graduate of Oshkosh High School and 1973 graduate of University of Wisconsin. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a retiree of Ohio Casualty Group with over 25 years of employment.
Survivors include a daughter, Kristine Langhammer; a son, Matthew Retzlaff; two grandchildren, Emma and Kaden; two brothers, Jim Retzlaff and John Retzlaff; three sisters, Jone Wood, Yvonne Holbrook, and Joy Strid. A son, Bradley Retzlaff, is deceased.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until time of service, noon Monday, Jan. 29, at the Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, Fairfield, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital Research.

Roberts
James Samuel Roberts, 77, of Georgetown, formerly of Sadieville, husband of Terry Roberts, died Friday, Jan. 12, 2007, at his home.
A native of Harrison County, he was the son of the late Raymond Calvin Roberts and Rada Belle Mulligan Cole. He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict, serving in Germany, France, and Oklahoma. He delivered feed for McLoney’s Farm Supply, Cynthiana, was a former employee of Clark Equipment, and mowed for Ashford Stud Horse Farm in Versailles for 13 years until his retirement.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Rebecca Hokans, Phoenix, Ariz., and Jamie Collins, Georgetown; three grandchildren, Todd and Erin McFarland, and Christopher James Hokans; and a nephew, Ray “Bud” Roberts.
Services were conducted Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Johnson’s Funeral Home by Chaplain Gary McQuain. Burial with military honors was at Camp Nelson National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Bluegrass or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Roeckel
Irene Elizabeth Roeckel, M.D., widow of Hugh Taylor, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006, at her home on Pleasant Green Farm.
A pioneer in the field of laboratory medicine, she later oversaw the development and management of the first blood bank at the University of Kentucky. Born Jan. 29, 1924, in Heidelberg, Germany, she studied medicine and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Heidelberg Medical School in 1948. After World War II she worked as a research associate in the university’s biochemistry department developing diagnostic tests. She was attached to the U.S. Army 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt by the university as a surgeon before emmigrating to the United States in 1952. She served a rotating internship and pathology residency in New York City, receiving her board certifications in clinical and anatomical pathology in 1957 and 1958. She went on to serve as assistant professor of pathology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. from 1957 to 1960. She moved to Lexington as assistant professor of pathology in 1964, beginning a 40-year affiliation with the newly established University of Kentucky Medical School. She became the founding director of the Central Kentucky Blood Bank in 1973. She served as a board member of the American Association of Blood Banks, and chaired its district committee on inspection and accreditation. A fellow of both the College of American Pathologists and the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, she received the American Association of Blood Banks’ John Elliot Memorial Award in 2001. She was honored by the Association of Clinical Scientists, receiving the Diploma of Honor in 1975, served as president of the national organization in 1971 and 1972, and was named Clinical Scientist of the Year in 1985. She also acted as director of the Medical Technicians Program at Eastern State University. She was an accomplished dressage rider and horse enthusiast, raised thoroughbreds and owned a training facility at her Pleasant Green Farm. She was an accredited dressage judge and volunteered for duties at the Rolex Three Day Event from its inception. She was an accomplished violist, playing with the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra until a hand injury made playing impossible. In retirement she enjoyed volunteering at the Kentucky Horse Park Museum as docent and served as a Midway College trustee.
Survivors include two stepsons, William Taylor, San Francisco, Calif., and Claxton Taylor of Astoria, Ore. A sister, Ilse Roeckel, is deceased.
A memorial service was conducted Saturday, Jan. 13, on the campus of Midway College in the Anne Hart Raymond Center by Dr. William B. Drake.

Sanders
Cecil Carlton Sanders, 92, of Lancaster, husband of Mary Elizabeth Sanders, died Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lexington after a brief illness.
The son of James Blythe and Suella Jones Sanders of Garrard County, he was a graduate of Transylvania College and the University of Kentucky Law School. In 1942, he volunteered for service in the US Navy and was selected for training as a PT boat captain. He was decorated for bravery in battle, serving throughout World War II in the Mediterranean and the Pacific. He served on the board of regents at Eastern Kentucky University for 50 years, was a trustee as well as chairman of the board of Midway College. He was instrumental in establishing the Garrard County Public Library and served as chairman of the board which restored the historic Owsley House. He was also a member of the Kentucky Historical Society and a Mason. He served two terms in the Kentucky House of Representatives and one term in the state Senate. His hobbies included aviation, world travel, carpentry, tennis, golf, jogging and cheering for the Kentucky Wildcats. He was a longtime member of the Lancaster Christian Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher and elder.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Jerry Sue Johnson; a son and law partner, Jim Sanders; a stepdaughter, Peggy Lou Sharp; seven grandchildren, Jamie Hochleutner, Dr. Chip Johnson, Melissa Hiser, Julie Naas, Alan Sanders, Cecilee Sanders, and Jami Sharp; and nine great-grandchildren.
Services were conducted Tuesday, Jan. 16, at the Lancaster Christian Church. Burial was in the Lancaster Cemetery. Casket bearers were Judge John Wilson, Caywood Metcalf, Wes Wilson, Billy Sharp, Jimmy Gulley, Bill Hochleutner, Matt Naas, and Chip Johnson. Honorary bearers were Cecil Dunn, Lonnie Napier, Larry Hester, Johnson Price, Stuart Powell, Brandi Miller, Jean Lister, Phyllis Underwood and Dan Stewart. Spurlin Funeral Home, Lancaster, was in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Midway College in Midway, the Garrard County Public Library, or the Owsley House Fund in Garrard County.

Snowden
Lucille Thompson Snowden, 90, of Lexington, widow of Claude Richard Snowden, died Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, at Homestead Nursing Home.
Born in Lexington, she was the daughter of the late Charles Robert and Susie Hisel Thompson. She was a retired seamstress for Irving Air Chute and the Piece Goods Shop. She was a member of Boone’s Creek Baptist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Sue Richie, Versailles; three grandchildren, Rebekah Richie, Nathan Richie, and Ramona Richie, all of Versailles; three great-grandchildren, Cara Noelle, and Andrew Van Richie and Claudia Grace Richie; two brothers, the Rev. John T. Thompson, Nicholasville, and Gordon Thompson, Wilmore; and two sisters, Hazel Hamilton, Lexington, and Jewell Smith, Wilmore.
Services were conducted Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Main Street, by Nathan Richie, the Rev. John Thompson, and the Rev. Matthew Perry. Burial was in Bluegrass Memorial Gardens.
Memorials are suggested to Boone’s Creek Baptist Church Camp, 185 Cleveland Road, Lexington, KY 40515.