http://www.melcherfuneralhome.com/

Melcher Hammer Funeral Home, Portsmouth, OH (2025)

08/11/2025

David Lynn Gleason, 77, of Lucasville, died Saturday, August 9, 2025 at SOMC in Portsmouth. He was born September 14, 1947 in Portsmouth, to the late Murray and Hilda (Furst) Gleason.

David was a 1965 graduate of Portsmouth West High School, he received his Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University, his Masters Degree from Ohio State University, and later received his Ph.D. from Ohio University. He worked as a teacher and coach at Northwest, Minford, and Manchester School Districts, he served as Principal at Logan Elm Schools in Circleville, and as Superintendent at Meigs Local School District in Meigs County. He was also in charge of creating and building of Shawnee State University before his retirement.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Russell and Walter Gleason, and three sisters, Grace Lane, Catherine Dubiel, and Elaine Magargle.

David is survived by his soulmate and love of his life for 57 years, Candess (Candy) Johnson, his brothers, Richard Gleason of Grove City, Michael Gleason (Lois) of Rosemount, James Gleason of Friendship, and John Gleason (Lisa) of West Portsmouth, a sister, Dori Sundberg (Neal) of Palmyra, VA, several nieces and nephews, and a close family friend, Brandon Tabor of South Portsmouth, Kentucky.

Funeral services will be 6:00 PM Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Pastor Carl Rose officiating. A visitation for friends and family will be on Thursday, from 4:00 PM until the start of service at 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of David to the Portsmouth West High School Alumni Association, c/o Karen Ciraso, 330 Coleman Road, West Portsmouth, OH 45663.

07/29/2025

Helen E. (Montavon) Brown, 89, of McDermott, died Friday, July 25, 2025 at SOMC in Portsmouth. She was born September 16, 1935 in McDermott, to the late Alfred and Alice (Staten) Montavon.

Helen was a graduate of McDermott High School, class of 1954. She was a homemaker who adored her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Archie Brown whom she married on October 30, 1954, her two children, John Brown and Connie Altman, son-in-law, Dale Altman, her siblings, James Montavon, Mary Howard, and Patricia Farmer, sisters-in-law, Ruth and Mary Montavon, and three brothers-in-law, Orville Howard, Richard Farmer, and Don Brooks.

Helen is survived by her five grandchildren, Teri Snyder, Kim Green (Danny), Kellie Altman (Jason), Dale Altman II (Marisa), and David Altman (Emily), 11 great-grandchildren, Timothy Snyder, Johnathon Snyder, Brayden Altman-Taylor, Bryson Taylor, Braxton Taylor, Evan Green, Daylon Green, Madi Green, Jovi Altman, Aurora Altman, and Miley Altman. She is also survived by her siblings, Robert Montavon (Penny), Dave Montavon, Carl Montavon (Virginia), Mike Montavon (Julie), Ed Montavon (Debbie), Wilma Brooks, and Beverly Cleveland, a daughter-in-law, Teresa Brown, and also a special “adopted” grandson, Logan Travis, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Friday, August 1, 2025 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Deacon Chris Varacalli officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Pond Creek. A visitation for friends and family will be on Thursday evening at the funeral home from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on Friday, one hour before the service.

07/23/2025

Estel C. Harr, 68, of Portsmouth, died Saturday July 19, 2025 at SOMC Hospice. He was born December 23, 1956 in Portsmouth, to the late Alvis and Norma (Sexton) Harr.
Estel enjoyed being outdoors and especially loved fishing. He could work on anything that was on a vehicle.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Melinda Harr, a brother, Carlos Harr, and two sisters, Diane Morgan and Rosella Gallimore,
Estel is survived by two daughters, Marie Collins (Gene) of Portsmouth and Laura Pitts of Portsmouth, three brothers, Stanley Harr (Linda) of Turtle Creek, N.D., Slade Harr of Portsmouth, and Justin Harr, two sisters, Kay Bentley of Lucasville and Iva Sanford (Franky) of Myrtle Beach, S.C., five grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
Services will be private and are under the direction of Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

07/22/2025

Alana Dustianna Meshelle Greene, 32, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Ross Heart Institute with the Ohio State University Medical. She was born July 31, 1992 in Portsmouth, to Dale Foster and the late Sheila Greene.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Anna F. Parker and Earl T. Greene, her dad that raised her, David Lockhart, her paternal grandmother, Betty Griffis, her aunt Angela Leatherman, a niece Zariah, two nephews, Zsailynn and Special Baby Boy, and a cousin, Jayson S. McGraw.

“Dusti” as most of her friends called her is survived by her grandfather, James Parker of Portsmouth, her father, Dale Foster of Kentucky, husband, Gary Parker of Chillicothe, a brother, Don Ricko Dariane Greene of Minford, an aunt Pam Leatherman (Mark Kitchen) of New Boston, an uncle, Don Ricko Greene of Sciotoville, her two best friends, Peggy Erks and Ashley Reed, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Dusti was smart and beautiful, and had a laugh that was contagious. She had a very caring nature and would help anyone that needed it, especially for children. She always said what was on her mind, but it was because she cared deeply for her loved ones.

A loss this large, can only be salvaged by the wonderful memories that we keep in our hearts.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family, and are under the direction of Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

07/15/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Yani Marcellus White, announce his passing. Yani was born on March 19, 1997, in Portsmouth, Ohio. Yani’s absence will be deeply felt by his mother, Mia Lynn Moon-Harris; grandmother, Margaret E Jones; grandfather, William C. White SR; uncle, Brian White-Welch; brothers, Timothy Harris JR and Jalen White; sisters, Miauna C. Rhea and Ah’Zani R.Q Arnold; and step sister, Brianna Smith along with a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who became family.

Yani now rests peacefully with his father, Chris A. White; grandmother, Wilma J. Burns, grandfather, Roy L. Burns Sr.; great-grandfather James Lett with whom he shared a birthdate with; uncle, William C. White JR; and sister Rihana R. White, who preceded him in eternal rest.
Yani was a member of the Saponi Nation since his birth in 1997, along with his father, Soaring Eagle. He traveled extensively, from Ohio to Virginia, North Carolina, and even across the country lines of Canada, performing Native American traditional dances, embracing both his Native American and African heritage. Yani loved basketball, collecting arrowheads, and was passionate about music and singing, often sharing his latest finds and favorite songs with those around him. He was proud of his heritage, and his family will forever be proud of him.

We will carry Yani’s memory in our hearts, celebrating the joy he brought into our lives and honoring the legacy of love he leaves behind. His spirit will continue to guide us, reminding us to live each day with kindness, passion, and love.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Saturday July 19, 2025 at Living Faith Temple in Portsmouth. A visitation for friends and relatives will be on Saturday, starting at 11:00 AM at the church.
Melcher Hammer Funeral Home is assisting the family with the services.

07/10/2025

Jacqueline Marie Nolan-Hensley, 79, of Portsmouth, died Monday, July 7, 2025 at SOMC Hospice. She was born March 28, 1946 in Portsmouth, to the late Jack and Marie (Cartee) Porter. Jacqueline loved to play the piano ever since she learned how when she was young. She started playing for her first church when she was only 13 years old. She went on to play for over 5 different churches in Scioto County. She was also a teacher for Portsmouth City Schools for over 33 years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Emanuel “Buck” Porter and JoRetta Hughes, and a granddaughter, Maci Leighann Nolan.

Jacqueline is survived by her husband of 29 years, John Hensley, two sons, Dr. Matthew Nolan of Portsmouth and John David Nolan of Cincinnati, and two grandchildren, John Luke Nolan and Jonnie Marie Nolan.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Friday, July 11, 2025 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Pastor Orman Boggs officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg. A visitation for friends and relatives will be on Friday at the funeral home, starting at 11:00 AM, until the time of service. Music will be provided by Brenda Cobb.

06/23/2025

Maxine (Cartwright) Ballard, 84, of South Point, formerly of Chicago, IL, died Friday, June 20 , 2025 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth.

She was born January 7, 1941 in Lebanon, Tennessee, to the late Tom and Eunice (Watkins) Cartwright.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Lewis Ballard, and her siblings, Andrew, Ollie Ray, Seth Cartwright, and Wilma Donnell.

Maxine earned her undergraduate from Tennessee State, her Master of Education from the University of Chicago, she served at Mason Elementary School, teaching the third grade and kindergarten, and she was also the Program Administrator until her retirement in 1996.

Maxine is survived by “Mrs. Cartwright’s babies” including her daughter, Barbara Cartwright of South Point, a granddog Perkey, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A Memorial service will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at the First Southern Baptist Church, 113 Collins Ave., South Point, OH 45680, with Pastor Gary Arrington officiating. A visitation for friends and family will be on Tuesday, starting at 11:00 at the church, until the start of service.

Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth is assisting with the arrangements.

06/15/2025

Norman Edward Welty, 91, of Portsmouth, died Friday, June13, 2025 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. He was born June 30, 1933 in Portsmouth, to the late William and Carrie (Hester) Welty. Norman attended St. Mary’s Catholic Schools. He is an Army Veteran of the Korean War.

Norman worked many jobs in his life, like starting out at Piatt Funeral Home where he would do pick-ups after a death had been called in, gas station attendant, where he started to learn about working on cars, then transferred to Sears as a mechanic, where he worked for over 20 years until he took a job for St. Mary’s Catholic Church and School as a maintenance man. Norman was a die-hard Cincinnati Reds fan, he was a wonderful cook, he grew the best tomatoes in Portsmouth, and anyone that knew Norman, knew his famous saying, “Mercy!, Mercy!, Mercy!”

In addition to his parents, Norman was preceded in death by a brother, John Welty, a sister, Ruth Horton, and a brother-in-law, Bill Questel.

Norman is survived by his three sisters, Mary Martha Questel, Suzanne Welty, and Betty Martin (Don) all of Portsmouth, a brother, George D. Welty (Janet) of Friendship, and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be 11:00 AM Friday, June 20, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Stephen Smith officiating. Graveside military rites will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery and be provided by the American Legion, James Dickey Post #23. A visitation for friends and relatives will be on Thursday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Norman to SOMC Hospice or St. John Paul II, Scioto Catholic Parish.

06/03/2025

Diana Lynn Redden, 57, of Vanceburg, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Southern Ohio Medical Center. She was born July 18, 1967, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to Donald Wilburn of Portsmouth and the late Donna (Welty) Wilburn.

Diana dedicated her life to nursing, serving over 30 years as a Registered Nurse — most of those years at SOMC, where she touched countless lives with her compassion and care. One of her proudest accomplishments was helping to develop the Mobile ICU for Life Ambulance, which she worked on for 10 years. Nursing was more than a job for Diana — it was her calling and her greatest passion.

Diana’s faith in God guided her throughout her life. She had a servant’s heart, always putting others before herself and offering love, comfort, and a listening ear to anyone in need. She was a caregiver in every sense of the word — not just to her patients, but to her family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to know her.

In her quiet moments, Diana enjoyed working on diamond art and crocheting, finding peace and creativity in her crafts.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of many years, Darrell Redden of Vanceburg, KY; her mother, Donna (Welty) Wilburn; and many special aunts who played important roles throughout her life.

She is survived by her father, Donald Wilburn of Portsmouth; her sister, Lisa Rawlins (Donald) of Stout; her “bonus daughter,” Crystal Redden of Vanceburg, KY, who held a very special place in her heart; nieces Talyn Rowland (Chris) of Leesburg, OH, Samantha Nolen of Stout, and Amy Corns Vanceburg, KY; nephews Tanner Richards (Kaylee) of Sciotoville and Richard corns of Vanceburg; and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by her special friend Lori Johnson, who remained a constant source of support and companionship throughout her life.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Tony Corns. The Nurse Honor Guard of the River Cities will also pay tribute to Diana’s lifelong dedication to nursing.

Diana’s kindness, strength, and unwavering faith left a lasting impact on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

06/03/2025

Rex Fitzgerald, age 67, of Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away on June 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends at SOMC Hospice Center.

Rex was born on September 29, 1957, in West Union, Ohio, to the late Gene and Virginia (Holsinger) Fitzgerald. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Norma Jean Fitzgerald and Alice Storer.

Throughout his life, Rex held many careers. Some of them include working at the hospital, a young manager at Domino’s, later became a semi-truck driver and owned his own trucking company, and eventually ran a car lot. Rex was an avid card player and a devoted dirt track racing fan, especially on Saturday nights when he cheered on his friends and grandson. If not at the track, he could often be found at East High School ballgames or spending cherished time with his family.

Rex is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Rosemary (Stevens) Fitzgerald; two sons, Marty Fitzgerald (Jennifer Downard) of Portsmouth, Ohio, and Rex Allen Fitzgerald (Irene) of Cincinnati, Ohio; and eight grandchildren: Katelyn Ward (Christopher) of West Portsmouth, Ohio; Stephanie Huston (Tyler) of Portsmouth, Ohio; Madison Fitzgerald, Dylan Fitzgerald, and Aria Downard, all of Portsmouth, Ohio; Chris Fitzgerald (Breanna) of Dry Ridge, Kentucky; Justin Fitzgerald (Hannah) of Williamstown, Kentucky; and Kelsey Fitzgerald of Cincinnati, Ohio.

He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Carter, Brantley, Averie, and Emily Huston; Lilliana and Ryker Ward; Scarlett and Bristol Fitzgerald.

Rex leaves behind his siblings: Betty Smith of West Union, Ohio; Carol Laxton (Frank) of Portsmouth, Ohio; Rosie Nehus (Elbert) of West Union, Ohio; Larry Fitzgerald (Audra) of Lucasville, Ohio; and Charlie Fitzgerald of Lucasville, Ohio.

In addition to his immediate family, Rex is also survived by a host of adopted grandchildren, extended family members, and many dear friends.

Funeral Services will be 12:00 PM noon on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at East High School in Sciotoville, 224 Marshall Ave., with Pastor Terry Fite officiating. Graveside services will follow immediately at Moore’s Chapel Cemetery in Blue Creek, Ohio. A visitation for friends and family will be on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the start of the service. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Mechler Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

05/27/2025

Cathleen Marie Meyers, 84, of Portsmouth, died Sunday, March 9, 2025 at SOMC Hospice. She was born December 28, 1940 in Portsmouth, to the late Charles and Mary Lynch.

Cathy retired from SOMC with 34 of service.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Dale Meyers, two brothers Tom Lynch and Charles Lynch, and a sister-in-law, Carolyn Lynch.

Although her and Ron didn’t have any children of their own, they had plenty of family and friends, many who still survive them. She is survived by nephews, Steve and Rita Nolan from Florida and Ken and Mary Marcus of Wisconsin, and friends, Sue Ellen and C.B. Herrmann of Delaware, OH, Andie Herrman-Schneider of Medina, Julie Voorhies of Cincinnati, Chuck and Sharon Whittaker of Waverly, and Richard Wolfson of Portsmouth, along with many others. Cathy was a graduate of Holy Redeemer and Notre Dame schools where she made many lifelong friends, including Nancy Enzie and Judy Hoff-Kyle and her neighbors, Melissa, Tom, Alice, Gail, Kenny and Eleanor.

Services were private at Greenlawn Cemetery and were under the direction of Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

The friends and family would like to give the greatest thanks to SOMC Hospice. Special thanks to Ann and Marie at SOMC Hospice.

05/23/2025

Kathy Marie (Munn) Borders, 68, of Portsmouth, died Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. She was born May 30, 1956 in Toledo to the late GC and Martha (Mosher) Munn.

Kathy loved to play Bingo and playing the Ohio Lottery, hoping to hit it big on a scratch-off lottery ticket. She loved her family tremendously.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Kelly Borders and a grandson, Tyler Borders.

She is survived by three sons, Michael Borders (Samantha) of Portsmouth, Ricky Borders of Bowling Green, OH, and Danny Borders of Portsmouth, two daughters, Stacy Barnett of Portsmouth and Ashley Sanders of Portsmouth. She is also survived by four siblings, 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are at the convenience of the family and under the direction of Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

Melcher Hammer Funeral Home

08/11/2025

07/29/2025

07/23/2025

07/22/2025

07/15/2025

07/10/2025

06/23/2025

06/15/2025

06/03/2025

06/03/2025

05/27/2025

05/23/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category