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Black-Epperson Funeral Homes, 231 Main Street, Byesville, OH (2026)

05/20/2026

Kathy Ramona (Hardy) Ridgley, 72, of Byesville, passed away Tuesday (May 19, 2026) at the Morrison House, Zanesville.

She was born February 7, 1954 in Coshocton, daughter of the late Samuel Hardy and Mary (Mercer) Hardy.

A graduate of John Glenn High School, Kathy retired in 2010 from East Muskingum School District after thirty-one years as a bus driver for the district.

Kathy enjoyed sewing, crafting, and quilting. She was a member of several bowling leagues over the years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Hardy; and her sister, Sandra Parker.

Kathy is survived by her daughter, Mindy (Sam) Eltringham of Cambridge; her grandson, Cole Eltringham; three brothers: Andy Hardy (Dottie Travis) of Ohio, Jesse Hardy of Columbus, and Sam (Patty) Hardy of Ohio; two sisters, Pat (Ben) Wise of Arizona and Molly Dybiec of Ohio; a sister-in-law, Linda Hardy of Cambridge; several nieces and nephews, including Wendy (Jack) Curtis, Debbie (Dean) Gingerich, and Tara Curtis; and her long-time companion, Dave Bates of Senecaville.

No calling hours will be observed. No funeral services will be held at this time.

Personal condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com

05/18/2026

Norma J. (Brister) Jones, 85, of Byesville, passed away Wednesday (May 13, 2026) at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born October 6, 1940 in Cambridge, daughter of the late Oscar Brister and Lucille (Brownfield) Brister.

A 1958 graduate of Old Washington High School, Norma had worked at Oxford Tile before joining GTE, where she worked in the secretarial department for thirty-five years before retiring.

Norma was a member of the Stop 9 Church of Christ.

She enjoyed attending musical presentations, flowers of all varieties, canning tomato juice, freezing Kackley corn, and making homemade noodles. Norma also enjoyed going for rides and getting chocolate ice cream. Norma treasured all the time she spent with her grandchildren and shopping trips with her sisters.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Bekki Atkinson; her siblings, Janet Selock, Rose Matheny, James S. Brister, Floyd Brister, and three siblings that died in childbirth; her sister-in-law, Merry Vahala; and her brothers-in-law, Emil Selock and Buster Clewell.

Norma is survived by her husband, Larry Jones, whom she married September 29, 1989; her daughter, Laura (Shannon) Gress; her sisters, JoAnn (Gerald) Snode and June Lewis; her sisters-in-law, Patti Tipton and Kay Clewell; her brothers-in-law, Skip Matheny, Ted (Barb) Jones, and John (Shirley) Vahala; three grandchildren, Jenna Gress, Lauren Atkinson, and Drew Atkinson; her son-in-law, Brian Atkinson; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Private services were held for the family.

Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Byesville, at a later date.

Personal condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com

05/08/2026

Samuel Lee Bradshaw, 73, of Pleasant City, peacefully passed away at his home with his wife by his side on Thursday (May 7, 2026).

Born on January 28, 1953, in Muskingum County, Samuel was the son of the late Fred R. Bradshaw and Virginia B. Susie (Nealy) Bradshaw. He attended Meadowbrook High School.

For many years, Sam was a self-employed mechanic in Byesville, where he owned and operated Sam’s Garage on Watson Avenue. Later, it became Tommy’s Towing, and Sam continued to work there with his nephew, Tommy. The two of them enjoyed many hours working side by side.

Sam also spent ten years working with Globe Plastics in their maintenance department. He worked as a mechanic for Dutch Barn Builders and then later at Hickman’s Garage.

Sam loved camping and sightseeing on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee and sharing stories with those he cared about.

To all who knew him, Sam was best described as a “family man.” He was a devoted son to his parents, especially during their illness.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Daniel Bradshaw; his sister-in-law, Carol Bradshaw; and two very special friends, Greg Tucker and Gene Church.

Sam is survived by his devoted wife, Rhoda (Gray Gerdau) Bradshaw, whom he married on September 6, 2013; his daughter, Jamie Lynn Gerdau; his brother, Fred Bradshaw of Pleasant City; his three sisters: Karen (Butch) Prouty of Old Washington, Bessie (Carl) Abrams of Pleasant City, and Darlene (Tommy) Garner of Byesville; his grandchild, Liam James Gerdau; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Black-Epperson Funeral Home, Byesville, where funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Daniel Hinkle officiating.

Burial will be at Harmony Christian Cemetery.

To show your sympathy, the family would be grateful if you could make a memorial contribution in Sam’s name to any charity that means something to you.

Personal condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com

05/06/2026

Danny R. Valentine, 69, of Byesville, passed away Tuesday (May 5, 2026) at his home.

He was born November 20, 1956 in Byesville, son of the late Dewey R. Valentine and Glenna (Hayes) Valentine.

A 1975 graduate of Meadowbrook High School, Danny retired after fifty years as a truck driver/operator.

He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and traveling. He was an avid fan of NASCAR. Above all else, Danny cherished spending time with his beloved grandchildren.

Danny was a former member of the Byesville VFW Post 3760 Auxiliary.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Diana L. (Kinney) Valentine, whom he married on August 5, 1989 and who passed away on December 21, 2024. Also deceased is a son, Derrick Valentine; and a brother-in-law, Joe Potts.

Danny is survived by his three sons, Dale (Amy) Valentine of Senecaville, Dennis (Abbey) Valentine of Senecaville, and Darren Valentine of Pleasant City; his daughter, Danielle (Bryan) Long of Cambridge; his brother, Dwayne (Melinda) Valentine of North Canton; his sister, Diana Potts of Senecaville; eleven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces & nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday (May 8, 2026) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Black-Epperson Funeral Home, Byesville, where funeral services will follow at 12 p.m. with Evan. Mark Beros officiating.

Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Byesville.

Personal condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com

05/01/2026

Dale Irvin Landefeld, 85, of Cambridge, Ohio passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Altercare. He was born in Woodsfield, Ohio on August 18, 1940 to the late Irvin Landefeld and Virginia Landefeld.

Dale grew up in the Cleveland area. He graduated from Kent State University in 1967. He taught drafting at Los Angeles Unified School District and math at various community colleges including Phoenix Community College. He was a horoscope enthusiast and an animal lover. He was also an advocate for human rights.

He is preceded in death by his parents , step brother, Darrell Hopps, and his brother in law, James Liptak.

Dale is survived by his sister, Donna Liptak, Byesville; step-sister, Nancy Bell, Byesville; niece, Sheryl Johnson, Byesville; and nephews James (Kris) Liptak, Jefferson, GA; and Dale (Monika) Liptak, Zanesville, special friend, Bill Craft , Cleveland, as well as cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

05/01/2026

Evelyn Louise (Smith) Kochera, 96, of Pleasant City, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (April 28, 2026) at OhioHealth Southeastern Med in Cambridge.

Born on August 23, 1929, in Erie, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Florence (Gallagher) Smith. Evelyn was a proud 1947 graduate of Erie Academy and continued her education at Edinboro State Teachers College, graduating in 1950. She later earned her Master’s degree in Education from Duke University.

Evelyn dedicated her life to teaching, beginning her career at Geneva Middle School and later retiring from the Caldwell school district. Her commitment to education touched countless students over the years.

She was a faithful member of Christ Our Light Parish – St. Benedict Catholic Church.

In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Cyril Kochera, whom she married on June 28, 1962 and who passed away on August 15, 1994; her brothers, Richard Smith, William Smith, infant Donald, and infant Ernest; and her sisters, Geraldine Buhl and Eleanor Stein.

She is survived by her brother, Lawrence Smith of Portland, Oregon; several nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends, neighbors, and members of her church community.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Christ Our Light Parish – St. Benedict Catholic Church, Cambridge, on Friday (May 8, 2026) at 11 a.m. with Father Nicholas Ginnetti/Father Robert Borer officiating.

Burial will follow at Pleasant City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Evelyn had requested that memorial contributions be made to the St. Benedict School (220 N 7th St, Cambridge OH 43725) or to any charity of the donor’s choice.

Personal condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com

04/28/2026

Ryder Kenneth Schmittler was born sleeping on April 26, 2026 at OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center in Cambridge, precious son to Rodney and Rayna Schmittler of Byesville.

In addition to his parents, Ryder is survived by his bonus siblings, Riley and JT Kennedy of the home; his grandparents: John and Melissa Kennedy of Cambridge, Patricia Feldner of Sarahsville, and Tom and Amanda Wood of Byesville; his great-grandparents: Deb Pennington of Cambridge, Dennis Wood of Byesville, Clyde and Beverly Schmittler of Cambridge, John and Doris Moore of Byesville, Kenneth Kennedy of Byesville, and Thelma Feldner of Sarahsville; and by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, special friends, and fur-brothers.

Ryder was greeted in Heaven by his grandfather, Rodney Schmittler; his great-grandparents: Nancy Wood, Ruthie Kennedy, Rick Pennington, and Patrick Miller; along with his very special fur-brother, Harley.

Though Ryder’s time was short, he was very loved, wanted, and prayed for. His parents will love and miss him for the rest of time.

There will be no services at this time. A private cremation will take place.

Personal condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com

04/27/2026

Samuel Isaac Jurkovich of Cambridge was born on August 16, 1927 to the late Stephen and Mary (Krupko) Jurkovich and passed away on April 25, 2026 at the age of 98 at Adams Lane, Zanesville.

Samuel was 18 when he was drafted into the Army and served from 1945 to 1947 in the Pacific Theater as a Technician Fourth Grade Army Engineer. Basic training and schooling were at Camp Crowder, Missouri. He was a truck driver in Hawaii. He was a heavy equipment operator, truck driver, mechanic, and in charge of the landing strip on Canton Island (no grass and two trees). He also went to Johnston Island (no grass and no trees) and Fiji Island.

He attended Middletown School in first grade, then NorthStar up to eighth grade, and high school at Buffalo High School. He worked at Cleveland Graphite in Caldwell for sixteen years, and NCR in Cambridge for twenty-five years. He also worked as a mold and die maker.

He enjoyed farming, gardening, and raising fruit trees.

Samuel was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pleasant City, serving several positions over the years as financial secretary, treasurer’s assistant, elder, trustee, and on other boards. He was the last surviving veteran of WWII from the church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances (Morgan) Jurkovich, whom he married on June 4, 1955 and who died on December 21, 2020. Also preceding him in death are his brothers, Steve, John, Paul, and Dan; and his sisters, baby Anna, baby Susan, Anna Vargo, Olga Petrenko, Mary Voytko, Bessie Voytko, Mildred Kushner, Ruth Saporito, and Lydia Albin.

Samuel is survived by his children: Sam & Martha Jurkovich, Jeffery & Denise Jurkovich, Mary & Mike Hrinko, and Theresa & Jesse Wynn; his grandchildren: Kathryn (Devin) Downerd, Samuel Jurkovich II, Joseph Jurkovich, Jennifer Larrick, Brandon Jurkovich, Brandy (Jon) McPherson, Cory Jones, Courtney (Logan) Fair, Cheyenne Wynn, Tammy (Aaron) Heflin, and Kevin (Dionna) Gregg; his great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn Heflin, Logan Gregg, Abby Gregg, Kiara Goldsmith, Joselyn Goldsmith, Hunter Minney, Chevy Minney, Daniel Larrick II, Jane Larrick, Morgan Ann Downerd, Jackson Downerd, Isaac Fair, and Oliver Fair; his step-grandchildren: Ian Hrinko, Eric (Debbie) Hrinko, and Erin (Jim) Mach; his step-great-grandchildren: Allie Hrinko, Dylan Mach, Makenna Mach, Chase Mach, and Brandon Hrinko; his step-great-great-grandchild, Parker Hrinko; his sister, Dorothy Obsuszt; and his sisters-in-law, Evelyn Jurkovich and Verna Jurkovich.

The family would like to extend a special thanks all the staff and people at Adams Lane Health Care & Rehabilitation Center and also to the staff at Genesis Hospice for the care they provided to Samuel.

Visitation will be held at the Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pleasant City, on Wednesday (April 29, 2026) from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., where funeral services will follow at 12 p.m. with Pastor Chris Cahill officiating.

Burial will follow at Buffalo Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded to him by the United States Army in conjunction with the Guernsey County Veterans Council.

At Samuel’s request and in lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in his honor to one of the following organizations: 1) Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, PO Box 309 – 10252 Pine Street (Fairview Addition), Pleasant City OH 43772; or 2) Genesis Hospice, 713 Forest Avenue, Zanesville OH 43701.

Personal condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com

04/24/2026

June Ann (Scholik) Sklenar, 95, of Lore City, passed away Tuesday (April 21, 2026) at AlterCare of Cambridge.

She was born May 15, 1930 in Lore City, daughter of the late Louis Scholik and Marie (Brown) Scholik. June was a 1948 graduate of Lore City High School. On July 16, 1955 she married Victor Sklenar.

She retired in 1991 from the former Champion Spark Plug after twenty-five years of service.

June was a member of the Lore City Methodist Church.

June found great joy in painting, expressing her creativity throughout her life. She also cherished staying connected with her family and friends, always making time for phone calls, visits, and heartfelt conversations. Her kindness and generosity will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-two years, Victor Sklenar; three brothers, Louis, John “Rich”, and David; and her sister, Dorothy.

June is survived by her sister-in-law, Shirley Scholik of Lore City; and several nieces & nephews.

No calling hours will be observed.

Graveside services and burial will be held at Senecaville Cemetery on Tuesday (April 28, 2026) at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Devani Roe officiating.

Personal condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com

04/23/2026

Danny Lee Geary, 69, of Kimbolton, passed away Thursday (April 23, 2026) at his home.

He was born March 26, 1957 in Cambridge, son of the late Wesley Geary and Dorothy (Watson) Geary. He was a graduate of Meadowbrook High School.

Danny retired in 2019 from Kerry, where he had worked as a forklift operator for thirteen years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Brandon Geary; his mother-in-law, Libby Harper; and a brother-in-law, Robert Harper.

Danny is survived by his wife, Lora (Harper) Geary, whom he married November 18, 1983; his children, D’arcie Blevins, Justin Geary, Adam Geary, Melyssa Geary, and Amber Geary; a sister, Deb (& Terry) Stillion; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Christopher & Valerie Harper, Tina & Dan Rominger, Sallie (Harper) & Richard Webb, and Karen Harper; several grandchildren; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Hospice of Guernsey for the loving care they provided.

No calling hours will be observed. No funeral services will be held at this time.

Personal condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com

Black-Epperson Funeral Homes

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