Elizabeth Shepherd

At first, angels stood around her bed guarding her every breath. Later when her breath began to fade, the angels hovered above her gently, lifting her spirit into the heavenly arms of God. Elizabeth Etta “Red” Shepherd, 82, of Patriot, entered the gates of heaven on April 6, 2015, with family and friends by her bedside at KDMC, Ashland. The family sends their gratitude to the staff for the excellent care and treatment during these difficult days.

Born March 12, 1933, in Marion, Red was the daughter of the late Charles and Amzel Miller. She was a housewife who embraced life to its fullest. Although she had no children of her own. Red helped raise more children during her short life than could ever be counted. For that we are all eternally grateful. She never turned away those who needed help. She was the rock whom family and friends turned to when in need of a helpful hand or a shoulder to lean on. She had a passion for serving others, and always putting others needs before her own. She often opened her home to offer a cold drink and a cooked meal, a meal no one would forget. Those having the privilege of staying the night would be treated to a tasty breakfast. Her beloved dog, Rebel, had the benefit of getting the leftovers as one can tell from his size. He, too, misses her.

Red always listened to people and never left anyone out. She enjoyed the simple things of life and never took anything or anyone for granted. If someone needed a ride into town, had a doctor’s appointment or needed groceries, Red would provide the transportation, be the comforter waiting with them, or prepare the next meal for their table.

Red was a member of Rehobeth Church, Waterloo. A woman of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ, Red knew Him as her Savior. She now is enjoying the peace, love and beauty of her Lord and Savior in Heaven.

Red is survived by the love of her life, Lawrence E. Shepherd, whom she was married to for over 60 years. Also surviving are her sisters, Anna Mae (Ronnie) White, of Barboursville, West Virginia, Carolyn (Tommy) Stanley, of Patriot, and Linda (Mike) Pemberton, of Ironton. She also leaves surviving, her brothers, Allen (Carol) Miller, of Willow Wood, Albert Miller, of Marion, and Marvin Miller of Patriot. Red was preceded in death by her brothers, William Miller, of Marion, Eaf Miller, of Marion, Charles Tom Miller, of Marion, and Henry (Marsha) Miller, of Larue; along with two sisters, Jenny (Thomas) Smith, of Ashtabula, and Shirley (Oscar) Miller, of Oak Hill.

Red was blessed with a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. They were all special to her, and they adored her. Most of them would claim her as their own mother or grandmother. She lovingly claimed them as her own in return. Red was never alone in life, and will never be alone in the eternal life she now shares with the saints.

We all want Red to know she did a great job in her life’s journey here on earth. We will remember her smile, her warmth and energy, her love for life and family and friends. She worked hard all her life and made a difference in the lives of many. She will never be forgotten.

Funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Rehobeth Church with pastor Henry Hatfield, pastor Roy Roach and pastor Tim Roach officiating. Burial will be at Flagsprings Cemetery, Waterloo, immediately following the service. Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. on Friday at Phillips Funeral Home, and the body will lie in state one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial donations may be made to Rehobeth Church, Waterloo. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www. phillipsfuneralhome.net.

 

 

Randell Rogers

Randell Lee Rogers, 54, of Ironton, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at his residence. The Columbus native was born Aug. 18, 1960, a son of the late George E. and Sarah Richardson Rogers. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Debbie Wagner Rogers, whom he married Feb. 14, 1988.

Randy was a 1978 graduate of Rock Hill High School and a U.S. Marine veteran. He was an active deputy sheriff/K9 officer for 33 years for the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. Randy was a member of the Buckeye State Sheriffs Association, Fraternal Order of Police, VFW Post 8850, Red Cross, Sons of Confederate Veterans 2170 and the Lawrence County Historical Society. He was of the Christian faith.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by sister, Betsy Rogers McFann; and a brother, Clifford Rogers.

He is also survived by a daughter, Amanda Rogers of Ironton; nephew, Mark and Beth McFann of Pedro; nephew, Bradley and Tara McFann of Washington, D.C; nephew, Nathan and Candince Wagner of Ironton; nephew, Garrett Rogers of Jackson; niece, Gracie Rogers of Jackson; all of his brothers and sisters of the law enforcement community and numerous extended family members.

Funeral services will be noon Friday at the First Baptist Church in Ironton with minister Jim Carey officiating. Burial will follow in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast and visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family request donations made to the VFW Post 8850 Honor Guard, 3028 S. Third St. Ironton, OH 45638.

The family would like to extend an invitation to everyone to attend a luncheon at the VFW Post 8850 in Ironton following the committal service at the cemetery. To offer condolences to the family please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.

 

 

Mary McMackin

The loss of our Mother is the biggest loss of our lives. We were all blessed to have time with her and we learned life long lessons of openness and kindness through her love. Through our lives and most recently in how she faced her illness, Mom showed us what it meant to live with strength and grace. She was not afraid when God reached down and collected her soul. Because of her, our family will walk our paths with bigger hearts. She was our Mom, our MawMaw, and our sister and will be sadly missed but remembered with great happiness.

Mary Melissa Shafer McMackin, 76, of Ironton, passed away Monday, April 6, 2015, at her residence. The Lawrence County native was born Jan. 30, 1939, a daughter of the late Harold Wesley and Rose Haas Shafer. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Harry “Fuzzy” McMackin, who passed away April 18, 1970.

Mrs. McMackin was a 1956 graduate of Ironton High School and the Ashland Business College. She was a former employee for Citizens National Bank and the Lawrence County Child Support Agency. She was a member of the First Methodist Church in Ironton and a member of the Business and Professional Women, and the Kiwanis.

She is survived by a daughter, Carolyn Rose McMackin of Ironton; a son and daughter-in-law, Patrick Charles and LaDona Evans McMackin of Ironton; three grandchildren, Karlee McMackin, Ashton McMackin, and Evan McMackin, all of Ironton; two sisters, Rita Blair and Carolyn Reeves, both of Ironton; and a brother, Tom Shafer of Phoenix, Arizona. She is also survived by five nephews, Rick Blair, Andy Blair, Shawn Shafer, Michael Reeves and Joseph Reeves

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Phillips Funeral Home with minister Jason E. Ridgeway officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery and visitation will be Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.

 

 

Lahoma Graham

Lahoma Mae Reed “Kathy and Sissy” Graham, 85, of South Point, died Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at her residence. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Schneider-Griffin Funeral Home, Chesapeake, with Pastor Mike Lawrie officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens, South Point. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.schneidergriffin.com.