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Ballard-Carlisle Historical and Genealogical Society, PO Box 279, 257 N 4th Street, Wickliffe, KY (2026)

02/20/2026

Margaret Susan Jones, of La Center, passed away on February 1, 2026, at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center at Mercy Health surrounded by loved ones. She was born on November 3, 1947, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Bill and Artie Tolliver Jones.

Susan lived a life marked by her devotion to family, kindness to those in need, and a deep abiding love of the arts. As well as having a love of reading, Susan was a writer of poetry of which many were published.

After graduating from Ballard Memorial High School, Susan went on to achieve several degrees. Starting at Manchester College in Fort Wayne, Indiana where she shined as she worked to earn her BA in Communications. From there she moved to Miami University in Ohio to earn an MA in Theater. She later moved to San Francisco, California where she earned a BA in Ornamental Horticulture at City College of San Francisco and worked for the City of San Francisco's parks department. Finally, after moving back to La Center, she went to work for the family business and returned to school to earn her BA in Funeral Service at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

In the late 1980s, she and her best friend, Debbie Quinton Dulworth, started The Sunshine School, a daycare for local children. She then went on to help her father in the family funeral home business until she retired in 2009.

Susan is survived by three sons, Drew Jones (Amanda), Todd Jones (Melissa), and Will Jones; eight grandchildren, Audrey, Aaron, Joe, Maddie, David, Jackson, Chayton and Jolan; one brother, Don Jones (Linda); and several nieces.

She was preceded in death by one son, Chris Shoemaker; one sister, Sylva Henderson; and her parents.

A memorial service was held on Friday, February 13, at the La Center First Christian Church. Visitation was from 1 to 3pm with the service starting at 3.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Young Authors Greenhouse, a non-profit based in Louisville, Kentucky that inspires students ages 6-18 to recognize the power of their voices and stories. You can donate thru their website @ www.youngauthorsgreenhouse.org

Hughes Funeral Home in Paducah was in charge of arrangements.

02/19/2026

Sandy Jones Chalk, of Bardwell, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Countryside Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. She was born in Clinton, Kentucky, on January 22, 1961, to James Roland Jones and Nancy Steinebeck Jones.

Sandy loved to listen to her favorite music loudly, whether it was classic rock, or country music. In her free time, she loved finding a Bingo game nearby or just relaxing at home, watching “Days of Our Lives” with a Pepsi and her favorite chips. She was of the Baptist faith.

She will be remembered by her family as being a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and sister.

Sandy is survived by her two daughters, Marcie (Jamie) Purcell and Adriane Turner, both of Bardwell; her father, James Roland Jones of Bardwell; her sister, Kim (Scott) Ferguson of Columbus, Kentucky; a brother, Chaney Jones of Barlow; six grandchildren, Nathaniel Purcell, Destite (Jonathan) Gore, Gloriana (Damian) Prevatt, Caleb Belaire, Addilyn Turner, and Aubree Whited; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Chalk, Sr.; her granddaughter, Courtney Purcell; her great-grandson, Harrison Purcell; and her mother, Nancy Steinbeck Jones.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell with Bro. Glen Holifield officiating. Burial will follow at Old Bardwell Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the service time of 1:00 pm on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the funeral home.

02/19/2026

Luda Mae Jerrolds Arnold, of Bardwell, passed away on February 14, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospital in Flint, Michigan. Luda was born on August 22, 1933, to Homer and Nancy Elizabeth McFalls Jerrolds.

Luda grew up in the cotton fields of Missouri, where she learned the value of hard work, resilience, and devotion to family at an early age. Those early lessons shaped the strong, steady woman she would become. She later made her way to Flint, Michigan, where she worked faithfully for 20 years at Fisher Body before retiring. Luda Mae was proud of the life she built through dedication and determination.

Luda was a devoted mother. She raised six children and was truly a “mother hen,” always watching over her family, making sure everyone was cared for, fed, and loved. Her home was her heart, and her children were her greatest accomplishment.
Luda Mae found happiness in life’s little treasures. She enjoyed collecting coffee mugs, each one holding a memory or story of its own. She had a creative spirit and loved crafting, always working on something thoughtful with her hands. Traveling brought her joy, whether it was a short trip or an adventure to a new place. She also enjoyed volunteering for many years at the Lions Roar Store in Bardwell before its closing. More than anything, she cherished time spent with her brothers and sisters, sharing laughter, stories, and the kind of bond only family can bring.

Her greatest pride and deepest love were her grandchildren. Being “Grandma” was a role she carried with joy, tenderness, and unwavering devotion. She was a wonderful mother - strong, caring, and always putting her family first. Her love was constant and unconditional, the kind that leaves a lasting mark on the hearts of those she nurtured.

Luda is survived by her two daughters, Carolyn (Colin) Francis of Bay City, Michigan, and Cathy (Tony) Umber of Flint, Michigan; four sons, Billy Joe (Latreese) Arnold of Bardwell, Jimmy (Cindy) Arnold of Cunningham, Gary (Teresa) Arnold of Beaufort, South Carolina, and Randy (Jonette Cheek) of Smyrna, Tennessee; one sister, Dorothy Robbins of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; one brother Homer Ira (Linda) Jerrolds of Knoxville, Tennessee; 21 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by five sisters, Emma Louise, Alphie Irene, Anna Jackie, Mackie Elizabeth, and Mary DeLois; four brothers, Bomer Dee, Hobert William, John Bell, and Little Jr; and her parents.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell, with Bro. Shawn Redford officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Bardwell.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service time of 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell.

02/16/2026

Me too!

02/12/2026

Martha Rushing D**e, of Barlow, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Calvert City. She was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on August 20, 1929, to Ed Harvel and Mae Caperton Rushing.

Martha was a lifelong crop farmer whose dedication to the land and her passion for horticulture were evident to all who knew her. She cultivated not only crops but also beauty, sharing her vibrant day lilies and irises with customers from near and far. She was a member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Wickliffe.

Martha's talents were many, and she was particularly renowned for her exceptional skills in sewing and quilting. Her handcrafted creations were more than mere fabric and thread; they were woven with love and care, becoming treasured keepsakes for those who received them. Her quilts were not just blankets; they were stories told in patterns and stitches, often gifted to loved ones or displayed in her church to the admiration of her church family.

Her love for her children and family was the cornerstone of her existence. Martha's unwavering support and boundless love were the foundations upon which her family thrived. She was a beacon of strength and kindness, always putting the needs of her loved ones above her own. Her children, in turn, found in her an endless source of wisdom and comfort.

Martha's family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful staff at Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Calvert City, Kentucky, for the love and professionalism they showed their Mother over the past five years.

Martha is survived by her daughter, Sharon Kay Bone of Metropolis; her son, Martin (Cheryl) Robertson of Metropolis; five grandchildren, Terri Lynn Gentry, Chris (Casey) Bone, James Bone, Dennis Robertson, and Hillary (James) Ravellette; eight great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, John W. D**e; a daughter, Linda Mae Lee; two sisters, Nancy Riley and Mary Matthews; six brothers, Charles, Dennis, Jim, Robert, Raymond, and Joe Rushing; a grandson, Joe Patrick Lee; a great-granddaughter, Evie Hope Wray; and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 12pm on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe with Bro. Billie Prince officiating. Burial will follow at Wickliffe City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10am until the service time of 12pm also on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the funeral home.

02/12/2026

Lee Ross Bruner, of Wickliffe, passed away on February 8, 2026, at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY. He was born on August 27, 1941, in Ottawa, Kansas, to his late parents, Ross T. and Sadie (Jones) Bruner.

A devoted Elder at the Church of Christ, Lee was married for 64 years to the love of his life and was a dedicated husband. He worked for over forty years as an automotive equipment operator.

Lee is survived by his son, Kern Bruner (Bonnie) of Wickliffe; two daughters, Kesha Drawbaugh (Steve) of Georgia and Karla Valentine of Florida; twelve grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann (Rhoades) Bruner; three grandchildren, Pete, Melissa, and Kyle; and his parents.

Memorial services are being planned by his family.

02/12/2026

Happy Birthday to
Dr. Ken Carstens!
We hope you celebrate BIG!!

02/11/2026

Patty Lee Bailey Rich, of Barlow, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, and is now resting with her Lord and Savior. Born May 11, 1940, in Wickliffe, she was the daughter of Jim “Odie” Bailey and Iretta (Anderson) Munster.

Patty retired as Deputy Clerk from the Ballard County Court Clerk’s Office, where she greeted nearly everyone who came through the door with a warm smile and friendly conversation, extending the same kindness to strangers. After retirement, she enjoyed relaxing on her front porch, always ready to welcome friends and family for fellowship. A devoted member of Barlow Baptist Church, Patty loved traveling to Florida twice a year with her best friend, Faye.

She is survived by her sons, Phillip L. Rich (Ann) of The Villages, FL, and Kerry Rich (Delana) of Barlow; grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Wendy (Pascaline), Jennifer (Rick), Austin (Abbey), and Alex; great-grandchildren, Ruby and Augustus; sisters, Rosemary Everette of Callahan, FL, Marta Hall of Jacksonville, FL, and Kathy Munster of Jacksonville, FL; sister-in-law, Judy McPike of Wentzville, MO; niece, Sherry Pfuhl (Tommy) of Wright City, MO; and several cousins. She was affectionately known as “Hoppie” to Dayna Dunker and beloved “Nana” to Brooks, Baylor, and Brock.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip E. Rich; her brother, Frankie Bailey; and her father- and mother-in-law, Lynn R. and Evangeline Hendricks Rich; and her parents.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 13, 2026, at Barlow Baptist Church in Barlow, beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. officiated by Rev. Scott Fickes. Interment will follow at Barlow Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Barlow First Baptist Church, PO Box 160, Barlow KY 42024 or Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center, 1530 Lone Oak Road, Paducah KY 42003.

02/11/2026

Darrell Eugene “Cooter” Ellis, of Wickliffe, passed away peacefully at his home on February 9, 2026, with his family by his side. To his children and grandchildren, Darrell was lovingly known as Pa, but to his many friends and coworkers, he was known as “Cooter”.

Darrell was the kind of man everyone counted on—strong, steady, and always willing to help. A 1968 graduate of Carlisle County High School, where he earned the title of Most Attractive, Darrell was known for the character and heart he showed every day of his life.

He retired after 43 years of faithful service at the Westvaco paper mill, where his unmatched work ethic and reliability were just as well known as they were at home. Darrell was a proud United States Army veteran, and his patriotism never wavered—you could always spot his truck flying the American flag. An outdoorsman through and through, Darrell was happiest catfishing on the Mississippi River or duck hunting with his faithful companion, Lucy, by his side. He also loved working in his yard or tending to one of his many gardens. Every year, he planted vegetables—so committed that he once cut family vacations short just to get home and pick green beans. He also lovingly grew a flower garden just for Billie, a quiet but powerful reflection of how deeply he loved her. His efforts even earned him “Best Yard” in Wickliffe recently, a title that suited his pride in hard work and doing things right.

A member of the R&R Hunting Club, Darrell was known as the person everyone called when they needed help—because he truly could do anything. Tough, resilient, and a fighter in every sense, he was constantly on the move, rarely sitting still, always busy. Most of all, Darrell loved big—and loved his family even bigger. If you were his friend, you were his friend for life. His loyalty ran deep, his hands were always willing, and his presence was steady and strong.

Darrell is survived by his wife of 58 years, Billie Ellis; two daughters, Heather Gough of Barlow, and Delana (Kerry) Rich of Barlow; one son, Shane (Malisa) Ellis of Charleston, South Carolina; three sisters, Julia Morris of Bardwell, Janice (Gary) Payne of Florida, and Cynthia (Steve) Larkins of Columbus; sister-in-law, Paula Ellis; ten grandchildren, Austin (Abbey) Renfrow, Alex McReynolds, Aaron Gough, Anna Gough, Emaline Ellis, Avery Ellis, Avonlea Ellis, Alex Keel, Katerina Keel, and Liam Keel; three great-grandchildren, Brooks Renfrow, Baylor Renfrow, and Brock Renfrow; and his best friend and hunting dog, Lucy.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Debbie Morris; brother, Donnie Ellis; brother-in-law, Terry Morris; and his parents, CP and Martha Sue Forgey.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe with Bro. Dee Hazelwood officiating. Burial will follow at Wickliffe City Cemetery with Military Rites.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the service time of 1:00 p.m. also on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Mercy Health Hospice at 225 Medical Center Drive, Suite 203, Paducah, 42003.

02/10/2026

Ronald T. “Pete” Clay, of Wickliffe, passed away at his home on Sunday, February 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born June 8, 1951, in Pocahontas, AR, he was the son of Theodore Roosevelt and Juanita (Pickett) Clay.

Pete owned and operated Clay Sawmill in Barlow for over fifty years and was an Army Veteran. He enjoyed mud racing with his daughter and often lent a hand to his good friend Chip Wright at the sawmill. In his free time, he loved watching westerns, sharing family dinners, and working on the farm. Always ready to help, Pete was known for his generosity.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Helen Clay of Wickliffe; his daughter, April Clay of Wickliffe; his brother, Nickie Clay of Stillman Valley, IL; and five sisters, Mary Bryant of Leaf River, IL, Linda Hagood (Bob) of Anchorage, AK, Marsha Williams of Pocahontas, AR, Carolyn Stafford of Poplar Bluff, MO, and Pam Hawkins of Pocahontas, AR, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Clay; his sister, Billie Plummer; and his parents.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 12, 2026, after 11:00 a.m. at Morrow Funeral Chapel in La Center, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Butch Latta officiating.

Interment will take place at Barlow Cemetery with Military Honors.

02/05/2026

Paul Edward Newman, of Paducah, passed away peacefully at his residence on January 30, 2026. He was born on October 22, 1938, in Kevil, Kentucky, to O.T. and Evelyn Lanier Newman.

Paul devoted 31 years of his professional life to the Whayne Supply Co., where he established cherished relationships and earned the respect of his colleagues. He was a man of many interests; his love for Nascar, professional wrestling, and college basketball—particularly the University of Kentucky and UConn Women's Basketball—were well-known among his family and friends. An avid racing enthusiast, Paul proudly owned and raced stock cars, further igniting his passion for the sport throughout the years.

Beyond his hobbies, Paul was proud of his contributions to his church community. He taught Sunday school and served other various roles at Southland Baptist Temple, reflecting his commitment to faith and service for over 50 years.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Theresa Newman, of Paducah; his sons, Michael Newman and Kevin Newman, both of Paducah; his grandsons, Devin Newman and Dalton Newman; and his sister, Shirley Payne of Paducah.

Paul was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Newman; his brother-in-law, Bill Payne; and his parents, O.T. and Evelyn Newman.

Visitation will be held on February 5, 2026, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home in Paducah. A funeral service will be held on February 6, 2026, 11:00 AM, also at Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home with Bro. Jonathan Goodman officiating. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community member, Paul exemplified a life filled with love and dedication. His passing leaves a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

02/03/2026

Lillie Mae Lynn Sharer, of the Slater Community, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Baptist Health in Paducah. She was born on May 3, 1932, in McCracken County to Jackson D. and Mattie Jane (Callis) Lynn.

Lillie was a member of Antioch Baptist Church and past member of the Slater Homemakers. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, gardening and working in her flowers. Lillie loved road trips, whether it was to the mountains or to the beach, she enjoyed every minute of it. She was wonderful cook and enjoyed cooking for her family and friends.

Lillie is survived by a son, Jackie Lynn Sharer of Wickliffe; a daughter, Dona Boulton (Jeff) of Kevil; a brother, Ray Lynn (Naomi) of Wickliffe; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Sharer, Jason Boulton, Chris Sharer and Cody Boulton; seven great grandchildren, Abby Boulton, Nic Boulton, Lindsey Richardson, Austin Sharer, Jake Sharer, Liam Boulton and Aubrey Sharer; and one great great granddaughter, Audrey Richardson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Nelson Sharer; one son, Larry Sharer; one sister, Earlene Russell; three brothers, Morris Lynn, Bill Lynn, and Cecil Lynn; and her parents.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, after 11:00 a.m. at Morrow Funeral Chapel in La Center. Memorial services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Mitch Boulton officiating.

Interment will be in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.

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