All Life Stories

Shirley A. Smith, 77, of Wellston, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021, at her home. She was born on January 3, 1943, in Wellston, Ohio, daughter of the late Earl and Nellie (Brown) Smith. Shirley was a woman of many talents. She loved crafting and decorating for every holiday. She enjoyed collecting angels, listening to Elvis Presley, and watching television. She could be quite comical at times with her “tell it like it is, no filter” personality. She had a laugh that was...

Michael William Detillion, 65, of Wellston, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020, at Holzer Medical Center in Gallipolis. Mike was born on September 8, 1955, son of the late Donald and Barbara Ann (Odle) Detillion. A Christian by faith, Mike attended LifeSource Apostolic Church in Wellston. He enjoyed listening to gospel music and hearing the Word of God preached. Mike also enjoyed watching television. Some of his favorite shows were Blue Bloods, Chicago P.D., NCIS, and Mountain Men....

Violet A. (Brooks) Yates, 77, of Wellston, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2020, at her home. She was born on February 16, 1943, in McArthur, Ohio, daughter of the late Thomas E. and Virginia (Lemay) Brooks. Violet was a homemaker for most of her life but also spent some time working at Nationwide Insurance in Columbus, Ohio, and Fruth Pharmacy in Wellston. She enjoyed crafting and her pet Yorkshire Terrier from years past. Most of all, she loved cookouts and spending time with her...

June Ann Tillis Bearhs, 76, went on to her eternal reward in Heaven on Friday, December 25, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family.  She was born on January 14, 1944, in Rutland, Ohio, daughter of the late Sherman and Kathleen (Haley) Tillis. June was a devoted wife, a loving mother, cherished grandmother, and a friend to many. She devoted her life to God at an early age and touched many lives with her testimony. June loved to sing and play the piano and was a Sunday school teacher...

Ella Marie Speraw, 77, of Wellston, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2020, at Edgewood Manor Nursing Home in Wellston. She was born on November 19, 1943, in Gallipolis, Ohio, daughter of the late Evan C. and Rosetta (Souders) Hollingshead. Although she could be quite outspoken, Ella was a very kindhearted person who spent nearly 20 years as a caregiver in her role as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She also taught many nurse’s aide classes over the years.  She enjoyed reading...

Larry Gray, 71, of Wellston, passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at Edgewood Manor Nursing Home in Wellston. He was born on March 12, 1949, in Wellston, Ohio, son of the late Lamar and Thelma (Remy) Gray. Larry was an avid fisherman who enjoyed the outdoors and a lover of animals of all kinds. He loved football and was a dedicated Cleveland Browns fan. Much to his family’s dismay he was also a fan of Michigan. He will be greatly missed by many. He is survived by his...

Gary Lynn Hill, 72, of Wellston, passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. He was born on November 11, 1948, in Portsmouth, Ohio, son of the late James and Beulah (Holtz) Hill. Gary was a man of many talents, who enjoyed working on and tinkering with things. He retired from the City of Wellston Water Treatment facility with nearly 30 years of service. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with...

Joseph A. Colley, 82, of Jackson, passed away at Four Winds Nursing Community on Thursday, December 10, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. He was born on December 17, 1937, in Jackson, Ohio, son of the late Floyd and Zelma (Benson) Colley. Joe proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He attended Trinity Chapel in Jackson, when able, and he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda (Withrow); brother, Terry...

Mary F. Jackson, 91, of Wellston, formerly of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2020, at her home. She was born on April 10, 1929 in Nelsonville, Ohio, daughter of the late John and Orpha Forbes. Mary previously worked for General Motors as a machine operator and enjoyed spending time with her family. She married Charles W. “Bill” Jackson, and he preceded her in death on February 9, 2012. She is survived by her loving family, nephews, Jeffrey Cullison,...

Linda Kay Malone, 73, of Wellston, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2020, at her home. She was born on September 16, 1947, in Wellston, Ohio, daughter of the late David and Anise (Wiseman) Yates. A Christian by faith, Linda enjoyed reading her Bible and helping others to understand it. She was a very happy person who loved to travel, play Bingo, and spend time with her family. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her loving family: Son, Charles Malone; daughter, Linda Simpson...