Journey's end
Prentiss Yates
Linnemann Funeral Homes website 7/15/24. Prentiss Yates, born November 20, 1940, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2024. He was 83 years old. A man of faith, Prentiss was a devoted member of Fairway Christian Church in The Villages, Florida, for 25 years. A proud veteran, he served in the United States Army for 20 years and retired as a major.
Prentiss had many interests. He was a real estate investor and mentor, an avid golfer, a world traveler, and a classic car enthusiast. He loved to play euchre and eat Skyline chili with his friends and family. Prentiss loved his family and showed it through homemade gifts, affectionate nicknames, and funny stories.
Prentiss loved Myra, his wife of 38 years. He is also survived by his six daughters: Betsy Franklin, Lisa Sweasy, Dottie Schwartz, Sandy Donlin, Shelley Donlin, and Bonnie Wynn. He will also be missed by his four sons-in-law, his ten grandchildren, and his thirteen great grandchildren.
A visitation for Prentiss will be held on July 1, 2024 from 9:00am-12:00pm at Linnemann Funeral Homes in Erlanger, KY. A service will immediately follow the visitation at 12:00pm. Military burial services will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made out to Calvary Christian School at 5955 Taylor Mill Rd Covington, KY 41015 or online at https://www.ccsky.org/give-to-ccs
Dianne Steele Evans
Hinton-Turner website 1/15/24. Dianne Steele Evans, age 71, wife of John Thomas Evans III, died Friday, January 12, 2024 at Baptist Health Lexington. She was born January 9, 1953 in Lexington, daughter of the late James Britton and Carolyn Eubank Steele. Dianne was a graduate of Bryan Station High School and received her B.S.N. from Eastern Kentucky University.
Dianne worked as a nurse for many years but her true passion was working with underserved children through school health initiatives and the HANDS program. She was a member of North Middletown Christian Church where she served as Deacon, Elder, and church librarian; an active mom running her children to different events; a member of the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association and former member of the Fayette County Woman’s Club. She was the caretaker of her flock of sheep for more than 15 years and was an avid animal lover as evidenced by the hundreds of cats, dogs, racoons, foxes, squirrels, and farm animals she cared for her whole life. She loved farm life and tending her garden and was the co-founder of Point Pleasant Meats. She was an excellent cook and baker and loved spending time in the kitchen and sharing her love with others by feeding them. And most importantly she showed us every day what it meant to have a servant’s heart; she lived her life in service to her family, friends and community, spending her whole life taking care of others.
Dianne is survived by her husband, John; three children, Sara Todd Evans, John Thomas (Rachel) Evans IV, Mary Elizabeth (Sean) Brown; two grandchildren, Stella Todd Brown, Sophia Grace Brown; two brothers, James B. (Christie) Steele, Tommy P. (Mary Cherrey) Steele; sister-in-law, Sally Steele; best friend and sister by choice, Laura Proctor; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Dianne was preceded in death by her twin brother, David W. Steele.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM with visitation preceding at 10:00 AM at the North Middletown Christian Church with Rev. Stephanie Moon officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to North Middletown Christian Church, PO Box 47, North Middletown, KY 40357. www.hintonturner.com
Robert David Flege
Stanley Funeral Home website 7/11/2022. Robert David Flege, 86, of Florence, KY passed away Friday July 8, 2022 at his residence. Born Wednesday February 17, 1936 in Columbia, (Adair County) KY, he was the son of the late John Blaine and Frances See Flege.
On August 10, 1985, David was united in marriage to the former Beverly Gulick; she survives. He was a Market Conduct Examiner in the insurance industry for many years. After graduation from Williamstown High School, he received his Bachelor’s Degree from Regents College of the University of New York. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He left to carry on his legacy, his wife, Beverly Flege; one son: Robert Blaine Flege; two daughters: Kathy Sue Flege, Missy Flege Barker, all of Williamstown, KY; one brother: Charles Fred Flege of Dry Ridge, KY; one sister: Joyce Harden of Lexington, KY, along with six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild. One step-son: Steve Caldwell of Union, KY and one step-daughter: Kim Wilson of Florence, KY and four step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild also survive. He was preceded in death by one son: David Wayne Flege, one brother: Dr. John B. Flege; two sisters: Helen Ruth Threlkeld, Mary Frances Selhorst and two grandchildren: Christopher Orlie Flege and an infant baby.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Dr. Donald Louis Mitts, MD
Everloved website 6/2/2022. March 29, 1945 - May 27, 2022. Donald Louis Mitts, 77, departed to heaven on May 27th outside of Philadelphia with his children by his side. His mother, Jessie, was a nurse while his father, D.B., tended to the farm that Donnie and his 3 siblings grew up on in Dry Ridge, Kentucky.
As a child, Donnie preferred reading a book under a tree as opposed to tending to his farm duties. He excelled in the classroom, socializing and most athletics, but primarily basketball, walking on to the University of Kentucky basketball team as a freshman before deciding to pursue medical school, graduating from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 1971.
As a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist for Christ Hospital, Dr. Donald Mitts devoted over 51 years to helping others alongside the many nurses he couldn’t do without. He took great pride in his work, and he looked at each patient as though they were his own loved one who deserved a fighting chance.
We say goodbye to Don, Donnie, Doc, a coworker, a brother, a dad, a grandfather and a friend to many knowing that we were lucky to have him in our life. Survived by his children Heather Mitts Feeley, Brian Mitts, and Megan Mitts. His grandchildren Connor, Blake, and Ace Feeley. His siblings are Janice Thomas, Bob Mitts, and Rose Culbertson. The late Donald Blain and Jessie Joy Mitts.
David Robert Blaine
Breitenbach-Anderson Funeral Home website 8/8/2022. David Robert Blaine, age 83, of Middletown, Ohio passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022. He was born September 24, 1938 in Williamson, WV, the son of Charles Alexander and Sarah Helen (Johnson) Blaine.
David was always a volunteer with many organizations, including Middfest, Hospice and Feed the Hungry. He sang with the Razors Edge Barbershop Quartet for 15 years. David was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for 60 years. He proudly served in the United States Navy.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Blaine.
David is survived by his wife of 58 years, Susan Blaine; two daughters, Jane (Darren) Goude and Julie (Michael) England; five grandchildren, Hannah (Patrick) Brunson, Lauren Goude, Abigail Goude, Jacob Blaine Goude and Mariah England; his sister, Rebekah Dew and brother, Charles (Tember) Blaine.
Visitation will be Noon-2pm, Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Breitenbach Anderson Funeral Home, 517 South Sutphin Street, Middletown, OH 45044. A Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 pm.
Barbara Blaine Brawner (“B”) Armstrong, 79 of Tampa, Florida passed away unexpectedly on December 13.
Dignity Memorial website 1/2/22. December 30, 1941 - December 13, 2021. She bravely battled cancer for twelve years and endured many rounds of treatment and therapies during that time. She was nearly finished with this last one and by all accounts was doing well. To everyone’s surprise, she slipped away in her sleep after spending a cozy evening with her family.
Born and raised in Frankfort, Kentucky “B” was a graduate of Frankfort High School and The University of Kentucky. It was during her formative years in Frankfort that she embodied the wholesome values of the small town that raised her. She was proud of her southern roots and her “Old Kentucky Home.” She was the elder of two daughters born to Robert Alexander and Mary Logan Brawner.
Many assume that B was short for Beatrice and she enjoyed explaining why her name was simply the letter B (in quotes). As a small child, her parents began to call her “BB” for “Barbara Blaine”, which was later shortened to “B”. Other variations that stuck were Beezie and Beezer, to which she was lovingly referred by her friends and family.
“B” has been a leader in all aspects of her life. Voted “Most Popular” in High School, she definitely carried that title with her for the rest of her days. She was witty, winsome and engaging and had great empathy toward others. Her confidence, kindness and boundless sense of humor were beacons that drew so many to her. In High School, she was president of her church youth group (CYF), President of her High School Sorority, and Secretary of her Senior Class. In college, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and served as assistant Rush Chair and Pledge Trainer.
“B” married her high school sweetheart, Bob Roach and that marriage produced her two daughters, Blaine and Claire. Bob and “B“ remained lifelong friends and partners in raising them.
A third-generation educator, the teaching bug was in her blood. She put her degree right to work and taught in both private and public schools throughout her career. Early on, she opened her own pre-school in the basement of her home, teaching all of the neighborhood children. Once she became a mother, she worked as a reading tutor and volunteered at the Louisville Deaf Oral School.
Always active and involved, “B” was a member of Junior League and The Younger Women’s Club of Louisville. She continued to be active as a sorority alumnus for Kappa Alpha Theta and served as Vice President and President of her chapter in the 70’s.
In 1977, one of her dearest friends introduced her to the “love of her life”, Jim. And the rest, they say, is history. After a four-month courtship they married, blended their two broods and moved to Pittsford, NY. Her family of six, now with the addition of two bonus sons, Steve and Jeff, thrived in the small town just outside of Rochester. “B” continued to teach, working at the local High School assisting children with special needs.
A transfer in Jim’s job moved the family to Clearwater, Florida in 1984. For several years she ran a little boutique (Frog Legs and Frills) with four other women in Belleair, FL. When she wasn’t working, the bulk of her time was spent honing her skills as Super-Fan to her children’s many activities. Beezie developed quite a reputation for leading cheers and donning team colors to support the teams associated with her children (and eventually grandchildren). She was everyone’s number one cheerleader, but it is also worth noting that she was an athlete in her own right, being an avid tennis player her whole life.
After making a few local moves, “B” settled into her ‘forever home” in South Tampa. A common family practice of going for neighborhood walks and longer weekend drives to look at beautiful homes, was most likely the springboard for B’s eventual interest in getting her real estate license. Her instinctive love for people and keen interest in homes landed her in a very enjoyable (later life) career as a residential realtor with Smith and Associates for 20+ years. She continued to serve in her community as Vice President and Chaplain of her PEO (Philanthropic Education Association) chapter.
Most would say, to know B was to love her. That would be true, indeed. It could also be said that to meet B was to know her. Whether you worked in the check-out aisle of Publix or the infusion Center at Moffitt, you were sure to come away with a golden nugget from her colorful life. She was quick to share a compliment, advice (regardless of solicitation status), and showed a true and pure interest in everyone she met. This love of people and relationships was the fuel to her fire. It’s what motivated her to serve and lead.
Lifelong devotion to family and friends, her unwavering faith and commitment to her causes and her church, her passion for life and her love of a good laugh, were her cornerstones. Nothing made her light up more than sharing stories about her family. “B” was an adoring mother and doting grandmother. Her family was her world and it is what brought her the greatest joy.
She always wore her heart on her sleeve (along with a few dachshunds, bumblebees, snowmen or insert any sweater theme here), her jeweled cross over her heart, a cascade of gold bangles on her wrists and a twinkle in her blue eyes.
When asked how she would like to be remembered she wrote, ”caring heart, generous to others, faithful, prayer soldier, adoring grandmother, faithful loyal wife, proud loving mother, courageous-brave effort to be well, loved God and Jesus.”
Well folks, looks like she nailed it!
Left to mourn her loss are her devoted husband of 44 years, Jim Armstrong, her sister, Jennie Brawner, her two daughters, Blaine Hicks (Tom) and Claire Lessinger (Mike), her two stepsons, Steve Armstrong and Jeff Armstrong, her five beloved grandchildren, Molly, Jake, Tyler, Tanner and Finn, and countless friends and extended family.
Services will be held at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church on January 15th at 11am, followed by a reception at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent in the form of donations to “B”s favorite organizations linked below.
The family has established a P.E.O. STAR memorial scholarship fund in honor of “B” Armstrong, a former school teacher who had a life-long interest in education. Any additional contributions to this fund, up to a total of $15,000, will be double matched. As an example, a $100 donation will result in a $300 contribution to the fund. Scholarships will be awarded annually to a young woman in need of financial assistance and who exhibits excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities and community service. To donate please make checks payable to P.E.O. Foundation - “B” Armstrong Scholarship Fund 8557 and send to P.E.O Foundation (Fund 8557) at 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312 or visit https://donations.peointernational.org/peo-donation-foundation and select the “B” Armstrong Memorial Scholarship Fund from the drop-down menu and follow the instructions to donate online.