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Melcher Hammer Funeral Home, 1417 Offnere Street, Portsmouth, OH (2026)

09/03/2026

Janice “Dianne” Mader, 82, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Dianne was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, on August 20, 1944, to Janice and Gilbert “Gib” Monroe. She was a 1962 graduate of Portsmouth High School and later attended Shawnee State Community College, where she pursued her calling to become a licensed practical nurse.

Dianne was married to the late Joseph Glenn Mader Sr., and together they raised three sons: Joseph “Joey” Glenn Mader Jr., Stephen “Matt” Matthew Mader, and Andrew “Drew” Aaron Mader. Being a mother to her three boys brought great joy, adventure, and plenty of activity into her life.

Dianne enjoyed spending time with her family, cars, drawing, listening to music, reading, and shopping. She often shared fond memories of traveling into the “city” with her grandmother for special shopping trips as a young girl. Throughout the years, she lovingly supported her sons in all they pursued. Some of the family’s most cherished memories include hearing her stories about showing horses, traveling to motocross events to watch Joey, and attending countless sporting events to cheer on Matt and Drew.

She also had a special place in her heart for animals. She deeply loved her late dog, Abby, and her dog, Lucy, both of whom brought her tremendous happiness and companionship.

Dianne is survived by her brother, Stephen (Susie) Monroe; her three sons, Joey (Kim) Mader, Matt (Marybeth) Mader, and Drew (Erecka) Mader; her grandchildren, Matthew (Brittney) Mader, Michael (Kelsey) Mader, Ben Mader, Lyndsey (Tyler) Ridout, and Marcus Mader; her great-grandchildren, Piper, Willow, Hudson, Elaina, Ethan, Kaiden, and Kaisley; as well as seven nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Glenn Mader Sr.; her parents, Janice E. Monroe Campbell and Gilbert S. Monroe; her stepfather, William Campbell; her brother, Aaron (Maura) Monroe; and her beloved dog, Abby.

A visitation for friends and family will be on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM with Pastor Rick Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to SOMC Hospice.

The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of SOMC Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided to Dianne and her family during the final days of her life. The family is also deeply grateful for the continued care and friendship of Anita Coburn and Tomorrow Burchett.

Dianne was deeply loved by so many. Her love, strength, stories, and the many wonderful memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be greatly missed and always lovingly remembered.

08/25/2026

Kathy Ann Shultz, 65, of Portsmouth, died Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Select Specialty Hospital Southeast in Newark. She was born February 20, 1961 in Portsmouth, to the late Ossie and Ruby (Adkins) Jenkins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Joshua Oliver, sister, Sharon Horsley, brother, Rick Jenkins, and a sister-in-law, Peggy Jenkins.

Kathy is survived by her son, Joseph Oliver (Amanda Mullins) of Portsmouth, a brother, Dan Jenkins (Lori) of Portsmouth, a sister, Connie Hammonds of Portsmouth, a daughter-in-law, Nicki Craig of McDermott, a sister-in-law, Brenda Jenkins of Portsmouth, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be private and under the direction of the Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

08/18/2026

John William Legge, 69, of Portsmouth, died Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the Kobacker House in Columbus.
He was born September 25, 1956 in Portsmouth, to the late William R. Legge and Gertrude (McNeil) Legge.
John was a 1975 graduate of Portsmouth High School.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a half-brother, Steve Legge.
John is survived by three daughters, Robin LeVasseur (Bobby) of Nicholasville, Kentucky, Heather Sparks (Marcel) of Rarden Ohio, and Stacy Blain (Jeremy) of Deltona, Florida; 13 grandkids, Zackary Blain (Makayla), Samantha Blain (Joe), Nathanial Workman, Alyssa Smith, Michayla Blain-Love (Marcell), Mary Reno (Dylan), Isaiah Williams, Sierra Payero, Jonathan Lewis (JR), Cameron Blain, Jaquan Pierre, Javonte Pierre and Jatarius Pierre; 19 great-grandchildren, Dawson Blain, Everett Blain, Hazel Blain, Aria Suttles, Daxton Suttles, Corbin Gebhart, Walker Stolte, Delilah Love, Tailynn Love, Schyler Love, Kameron Love, Elly Workman, Kyren Workman, Conor Workman, Bentley Noel, Collin Lawson, Kensley Turner, Draven Reno and Myla Reno. He is also survived by a half-brother, Robert Gambill (Debbie) of Portsmouth; two step-sisters, Lisa Ramey-Fain and Stephanie Legge, both of Springfield; and the mother of his children, to whom he was married for 31 years, Karen Legge.
Memorial services will be 7:00 PM, Wednesday September 2, 2026 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth. A visitation for friends and family will be from 5:00 PM until the start of service at 7:00. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Portsmouth.

08/11/2026

Daniel “Woody” Roth, 68, of West Portsmouth, died Friday, August 7, 2026 at SOMC. He was born April 10, 1958 in Portsmouth to the late Thomas and Betty Jo (Delabar) Roth. Dan was a forklift operator for almost 40 years. He was a member of the American Legion, James Dickey Post #23.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ted and Joe.

Dan is survived by his fiancé, Trina Leslie and her two children, Cryslian and Kylie, two brothers, John Roth of West Portsmouth and Bill Roth of Portsmouth,, three aunts, Becky Lauter, Marylee Smalley, and Kathy Delabar Owens, several nephews and a niece, a sister-in-law, Debbie Roth of Carollton, KY, and his best buddy, his dog Bingo. He also leaves behind his lifelong friends, Ron and Michelle Castle of West Portsmouth, special friends, Ray and Sue Blaine and Chuck and Cathy Graff.

Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Thursday, August 13, 2026 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Pastor Larry Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Pond Creek. A visitation for friends and family will be on Thursday from 1:00 PM until the start of service at 3:00 PM.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the James Dickey Post #23, American Legion for those unable to attend this Thursday.

07/31/2026

Betty Frye, 58, of Lucasville, died Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at SOMC. She was born May 11,1968 in Portsmouth, to the late George and Linda Potts.
Betty was caregiver to all. She loved her life of being mom, grandma, and great-grandma to her family and adored her husband Terry for allowing her to live that life, he made sure she didn’t want for anything.

Betty is survived by her husband Terry Frye, her children; Sammy Brown (Cindy), Sunshine Lawson (Danny), Joey Brown (Kyleigh), Hailie Frye, Bryson Frye (Hayleigh), and Abigail Lane, her grandchildren; Kaleb Lawson, Christopher Lawson, Jase Lawson, Tyler Brown, Josiah Brown, Riley Brown, Colten Brown, Thomas Brown, Harley Brown, Anthony Frye, Kayce Frye, JR McCarter, Avery McCarter, Maxx McCarter, Isabella Baker, Shealyn Yazell, Caden Yazell, Kohen Lane, Landon Litteral, Brahden Litteral, and Baby Eldred, great-grandchildren ; Juliana Lawson, Cameron Galloway, Kylee Brown, and Kennedy Brown. She is also survived by her siblings, Norma Craft (Greg), Jerry Potts (Amber), Matt Lane (Amber), Richie Lane, Connie Cline (John), Rick Potts, and Darrell Potts, and three special aunts.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Anthony Yazell and Timmy Brown, two brothers, Jeffery Lane and Scott Lane, a bonus dad, Richard Lane, and a sister-in-law, Virginia Potts.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Friendship. A visitation for friends and family will be on Monday, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and again one hour before the service on Tuesday.

07/28/2026

James A. Herdman, 71, of Oakland, Michigan passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Henry Ford Rochester Hills Hospital in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Born on February 16, 1955, in Portsmouth, Ohio, Jim was the beloved son of the late Eugene and Doris (Collignon) Herdman.

A devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, James lived a life defined by integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. He enjoyed finding a great bargain, listening to a wide variety of music and cooking for family and friends. A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Jim remained a lifelong Buckeye fan. During his college years, he worked as a chyron operator at Ohio State football games – an experience he always remembered with pride.

Following graduation from college, Jim began his career in retail with Service Merchandise before continuing in front-office management roles with The Home Depot and Lowe’s. He cherished the lifelong friendships he made during his years at Service Merchandise.

In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Jim became critically ill and ultimately needed a kidney transplant. After two years of faithfully completing the testing required to remain on six transplant lists across the Midwest, he received the gift of life through a kidney transplant at the Cleveland Clinic in March 2025. He was profoundly grateful for this second chance, especially because it allowed him to witness one of his proudest moments – seeing his daughter, Madeleine, graduate from high school in June 2026.

Jim took great pride in becoming a father later in life. When Madeleine was just a toddler, he taught her the famous “O-H-I-O” chant, beginning a lifetime of Buckeye traditions. On his days off, he delighted in taking her to the movies, the zoo, or whatever she wanted. He also lovingly referred to the daughters of close friends as his own and embraced being a true “girl dad”, always happy to cook whatever they requested.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Angela; daughter Madeleine; his sister Nancy Connar (Doug); his mother-in-law, Peggy King; sisters-in-law, Christine Steinhebel and Felecia Zak (Andrew); nieces and nephews, Jonathan Connar (Rebecca), Alison Mausser (Matthew), Giacomo Steinhebel Jr., Danielle Steinhebel, Austin Zak, Charlie Zak; his great nieces, Reagan, Morgan, and Olivia Connar; as well as several cousins.

Visitation for friends and family will be on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 PM at Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, 11280 32 Mile Road, Romeo, Michigan 48065.

A second visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Melcher-Hammer Funeral Home, 1417 Offnere St., Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Friday, July 31, 2026, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Ohio with Father Stephen Smith officiating. Burial will follow at McKendree Cemetery, Stout, Ohio.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to Cleveland Clinic Giving Portal at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/giving

07/15/2026

Robert William Cross Jr., 83, of Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away at Riverside Hospital on July 13, 2026.
Born on March 25, 1943, Robert was the beloved son of the late Robert William Cross Sr. and Marie Lewis Cross, and preceded in death by his grandparents, Rev. John and Teresa Bobst Cross, his 3 Aunts, Dorothy Benner, Jane Childers and Faye Hamilton; and one uncle, Earl Cross.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, public servant, businessman, and friend, Robert lived a life defined by integrity, service, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.
Robert graduated from Clay High School, where he proudly played basketball, before attending Ohio University later in life and earning his bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government. During his time at Ohio University, he was an active member of the Debate Team, the Interdormitory Council, and the Yeomen Social Club. He was also recognized as the Intramural Free Throw Champion during the 1962–1963 school year.
He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Communications Technician. After his military service, Robert worked as a brick mason and had a career at Cyclops Steel Company in New Boston, where he worked from 1964 until 1980.
Robert's dedication to serving others extended beyond his professional career. He was elected Scioto County Commissioner, faithfully serving the citizens of Scioto County from 1979 to 1986. In 1983, he founded Cross Management Consulting Services, Inc, where he spent decades helping others through his leadership, experience, and sound judgment until retiring in 2018.
Never one to sit on the sidelines, Robert also served his community as a sports referee, sharing his love of athletics with countless local athletes over the years.
Away from work, Robert found his greatest enjoyment on the golf course. An avid golfer, he considered the Elks Country Club his second home. There he enjoyed not only serving on the Board, the game itself, but also the friendships and fellowship that came with it. Whether playing a round with friends or offering tips to family, golf was one of life's greatest pleasures.
Above all else, Robert's greatest accomplishment was his family. He married his wife, Susanne, only 19 days after they met and shared 61 wonderful years, and together they built a family that remained the center of his life.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Susanne Cross; his children, Robin Carlin, Scott (Charmel) Cross, Angie Cross, Brandy Cross, and Molly (Jason) Burnside; his cherished grandchildren, Kyle Cross, Megan Ramey, Jordin Cross, Zackary Cross, Zoe Cross, Bridget Carlin, Collin Burnside, Marcus Cross, Sloane Cross, and his great grandchild Caden Cross; his brothers, Gary (Linda) Cross, James (Dee) Cross, and Edward (Lisa) Cross; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
More than anything else, Robert will be remembered for the example he set. He believed in working hard, serving others, loving your family, and doing things with integrity. Those who knew him will forever remember the words he so often shared: "Keep your head down and follow through." While those words may have begun as golf advice, they became his philosophy for life—a reminder to stay focused, remain humble, and always finish what you start.
His legacy is not measured only by the offices he held or the business he built, but by the countless lives he influenced, the family he cherished, and the quiet strength he demonstrated every day. The lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the memories he created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Friday, July 17, 2026 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wheelersburg, officiated by Rev. Andrew Garner. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites provided by the American Legion, James Dickey Post #23. Friends may call at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

07/10/2026

Donna Rose Thompson Queen, 70, of Portsmouth, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, at Riverside Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Donna was born on April 18, 1956, in Marion, Ohio, to the late Eskel and Maxine Thompson. She was later lovingly raised as the daughter of the late Roy Burk. Donna was one of 12 children.
On July 27, 1974, Donna married the love of her life, Michael D. Queen. Together they shared nearly 52 years of marriage and built a family that was the center of her world.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael D. Queen; her children, Tanya (Chris) Yerardi, Michael (Shawna) Queen, Leonard (Keeli) Queen, and MaKayla (David) Porter, all of Portsmouth; her sister, Ruth Ann Dunn of Marion, Ohio; her grandchildren, James Queen, Jacob (Katlyn) Nunley, Andi (Kenny) Weaver, Tanner (Tori) Queen, Hayden (Paige) Yerardi, Mallory Yerardi, Kelsey Queen ,Brentley Hopkins, and Nadine Queen. Seven great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her great-granddaughter, Lucy Weaver; and her brothers and sisters, Fred Thompson, Doris Thompson, Fay Welch, Alice Blanton, Leonard Thompson, Kenny Thompson, Charlie Thompson, Pat Burk, Bill Burk, and Mary Ward.

Donna was a longtime employee of One Stop Market, where she became a familiar face to generations of customers. Whether someone stopped in for penny candy, a lottery ticket, or simply a friendly conversation, Donna always made them feel welcome.
Donna didn’t light up a room when she walked in, it was usually a cigarette. She lived life on her own terms and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A visitation for friends and family will be noon to 2:00 PM Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home. A Memorial service will start at 2:00 PM, with burial following at Greenlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fraternal Order of Police (F.O.P.) #33 Shop with a Cop program or to Cradle under the name Project Lucy, in honor of Donna’s beloved great-granddaughter.

07/07/2026

Mary Ellen Coy, 64, of Portsmouth, died Saturday, July 4, 2026 at her home. She was born September 5, 1961 in Portsmouth, to the late Charles and Mary Jane (Coyle) Jones.

Mary Ellen was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, a 1979 graduate of Portsmouth West High School and a 1981 graduate of Shawnee State Community College. She was a manager of Arby’s in Portsmouth and Waverly for over 20 years, and after her retirement, she worked part-time at Portsmouth Speedway until her cancer diagnosis.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert “Bobby” Jones.

Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter, Macie Jones of Patalaska, OH, a brother, Charles “Chuck” Jones of Delaware, OH, three sisters, Carol Ann Walter of Patalaska, OH, Annette Ginn (Jeff) of Enterprise, AL, and Karen Cwiekowski of Portsmouth, nine nephews and nieces, Shawn Walter (Johna), Adam Jones (Kristina) Jeffrey Ginn (Megan), Aaron Jones (Ashley), Cory Sanders, Casey Sanders, Elizabeth Hamner (Josh), Amanda Parker (Jared), and Keri Kelly (John), and 17 great-nieces and great-nephews combined. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Cali.

Funeral services will be 6:00 PM Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with Deacon Jim Sturgeon 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 Mary Ellen to the Pancan.org, Pancreatic Cancer Action Net.

06/17/2026

Lottie Cook, 69, of Lucasville, died Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at SOMC Hospice, with her family by her side. She was born July 28, 1956 in Lucasville, to the late Rader and Bonnie (Blanton) Montgomery.

Lottie was a loving Christian woman who believed in her Lord and was ready for the gates of heaven, whenever her Father called her home. She was an artistic and crafty grandmother who adored her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her eight siblings, and a great-grandson, Josiah Jimenez.

Lottie is survived by her husband, Ray Cook, a son, Jimmy James Mutter (Maggie) of Lucasville, a daughter, Lisa Ashley of Portsmouth, a brother, Paul Montgomery (Rita) of Minford, a sister, Ruth Cook (Israel) of Lucasville, several nieces and nephews, eight grandchildren; Angeleaha, Brian, Kayli, Aaron, Meranda, Breannia, Tyler, and J.B., 38 great-grandchildren; Nayla ( Carlos) Vallejo, Levi Vallejo (Hailee), Hydol Vallejo (Haelie), Isabel Vallejo, William Stamper, Ivy Cook, Re*****on Cook, Lila Cook, Alizae Cook, Zion Cook, Angel Alvarez-Vallejo II, Aaron Cook II, Ryker Cook, Ivan Jimenez, Mateo Jimenez, Sophia Jimenez, Leilani Jimenez, Paisley Cook, Carson Cook, Ohana Cook, Zaleniah Cook, Oliver Jimenez, Enrique Jimenez, Khian Jimenez, Fernando Jimenez, Diego Jimenez, Graciela Jimenez, Ever Jimenez, Jose Ariel Jimenez, Maddison Blizzard, Braylynn Blizzard, Khiayiah Blizzard, Alliyiah Blizzard, Abbigail Blizzard, five great-great-grandchildren, Eileah Vallejo, Kayson Vallejo, Kalaiah Vallejo, Hajie Vallejo, Emmanuel Vallejo.

A wake will begin at 2:00 PM on Friday June 19, 2026 at the Back Run House of Prayer in Lucasville until the time of funeral services on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM. Pastors Raymond Alley and Harry Meade will be officiating. Burial will follow at Germany Cemetery in Union Township. Melcher Hammer Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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