All Obituaries

Rhonda Howard, 57, of Harlan, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at her residence. She was born on June 8, 1969, in Florida. Ms. Howard was a homemaker for most of her life but had been a cook for the Redbird Mission. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy Lowe and Lana Johnson Adkins Neal; her brother, Roy Lowe; her partner in life, Lester Nolan. Survivors include her daughters, Candace Howard and her partner Lee Belcher, and Brandi Howard; her sister, Jessica Belcher and the ...

Vernell Wynn, 82, of Ages, KY went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 27, 2026, with her family by her side. She was born November 4, 1943, in Harlan County. Vernell was a homemaker, attended the Ages Free Pentecostal Church and was a lady very strong in her faith. She was also a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Vernell is preceded in death by her parents, Tommy Hendrix and Gladys Horne Hendrix; her husband, Noble J. Wynn; her brother, Benny R. Hendrix and her ...

Patricia “Meemaw” Skelton, age 89, of Harlan, passed away peacefully at Harlan ARH with her children by her side, on Sunday, June 21,2026. She was born May 20, 1937, in Harlan. She was also a 1955 graduate of Harlan High School.  Pat was a retired associate, having been employed by Belk’s for many years. Her greatest joy in life were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, William Arnold Queener and Opal Hensley ...

Oscar Butch Steele Sr. 77, of Dizney, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with his family by his side. He was born September 13, 1948, in Red Bud, KY. Butch was a retired coal miner and carpenter for over 40 years and had last worked for the Challenge Academy as a Cadre for 2 years. He was very athletic in his high school years having played football and baseball for Evarts High School and also played baseball, football and on the wrestling team for Union High School in ...

Betty K. Middleton, 86, of Baxter, went to be home with the Lord on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at her home with her family by her side. She was born July 26, 1939, in Tennessee. Ms. Middleton was a homemaker whom enjoyed sewing, reading and thrifting. She was also a member of the Rosspoint Church of Christ. Her husband, Arnold David Middleton, her parents, Wade Boone and Nora Bailey Boone; her sisters, Dorothy Mae Gibson, Alma Jean Hill and Pauline Boone; her son-in-law, Ellis Maggard ...

Jacqueline Gail Ramsey, 81, of Gulston, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, following a long illness. Jackie was born on September 4, 1944, in Yancey, Kentucky, and remained a lifelong resident of Harlan County, where she was known for her kindness, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family and faith. She spent her life as a devoted homemaker and house cleaner, roles she carried out with care, quietly putting the needs of others before her own. She was also known for ...

Wallace Don Johnson, 84 of Teetersville, KY passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026. He was born on December 3, 1941, in Harlan County. Don was a retired Investigator having been employed by the Kentucky Department of Labor and believed in the Church of God faith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Johnson and Flora Lawson Johnson; his siblings, Bill Johnson, Jessie James Johnson Jr., Jan Rose Fowler and Georgia Laughlin. Survivors include his children, Lance Johnson, Todd Johnson, ...

Thomas (Tommy) M. Mitchell III, 58, of Wallins, KY went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 8th, 2026. He was born in Harlan, KY to Thomas M. Mitchell Jr. and Cleda Sellers-Boggs. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Thomas M. Mitchell Sr., Alma Mitchell, and Thelma Sellers; and his brother-in-law, Ronnie Fee. Survived by his loving spouse of 32 years, Stephanie Mitchell of Wallins; his sister who he loved dearly, Abby Fee of Wallins; his special niece Tasha Howard ...

Loretta Pierce, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born on April 22, 1940, and lived a life centered on love, family, and kindness toward others. Loretta dedicated many years of her career to Keys Fiber, now known as Huhtamaki, in Hammond, Indiana. She was a proud member of the United Paper Workers Union, where she served as a Shop Steward, advocating for and supporting her fellow workers with strength and compassion. Above all else, ...

Robert “Sam” Scearse 73, of Pine Mountain, KY passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026. He was born February 24, 1953, in Pine Mountain, KY. Robert was a retired bus driver, construction worker, truck driver and believed in the Christian faith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Franklin P. Scearse and Arlena “Tena” Begley Scearse; his daughter, Angelina Scearse Johnson and twelve siblings. He is preceded in death by his parents, Franklin P. Scearse and Arlena ...