Hillis Combs Funeral Home

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Hillis Combs Funeral Home

http://www.hilliscombsfh.com - Honoring the life of your loved one means you value the relations

07/28/2026

A thoughtful gesture can stay with someone for years. 💙

Offering compassion, patience, and understanding has the power to bring comfort when it's needed most. We are here to offer that whenever you need.

https://www.hilliscombsfh.com/

07/26/2026

The people we love remain part of our lives through the stories we tell and the memories we share. 🌿

Gathering together to remember them keeps their legacy alive and strengthens the bonds they helped create.

07/24/2026

For nearly 80 years, families have turned to Hillis Combs Funeral Home during life's most important moments. 💙

We are honored to continue serving our community with the same compassion, care, and commitment that have guided us since 1946.

07/22/2026

There is strength in coming together. 🤝

Sharing stories, offering support, and simply being present for one another can make difficult days feel a little lighter.

07/20/2026

Love leaves behind more than sadness—it leaves behind gratitude, laughter, and beautiful memories. 💛

Even during difficult seasons, moments of happiness can still find their way into our hearts.

07/19/2026

The Hillis Combs Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Rita Burkhart.

Rita Marie Burkhart, 88 of Zanesville, died 12:04 AM, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Genesis Morrison House. She was born Wednesday, August 4, 1937, in Zanesville, the daughter of Roy Paul and Florence (Leddy) Paul. She married James P. Burkhart on Saturday, August 11, 1956, and was a dedicated member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church.

Rita was the executive director of the Perry County Senior Center for many years. She was a volunteer with the Muskingum County Library System, and the St Nicholas Catholic Church Bereavement Luncheon Committee.

She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother, who greatly enjoyed the time she spent with her family. She was very proud of her grandchildren and was active in all their endeavors. Rita also loved genealogy and tracing the family history, traveling.

Rita is survived by one daughter, Jean (Roger) Goodin; four sons, Phillip (Karen) Burkhart, Stephen (Cindy) Burkhart, Patrick (Karen) Burkhart and Joseph (Peach) Burkhart; several grandchildren, several grandchildren Alex (Victoria Sellers) Burkhart, Andrew (Courtney) Burkhart, Alyssa (Darian Anderson) Burkhart, Austin (Emma), Shelly (Mike) Sowers, Stacy Burkhart, Stephanie Burkhart, Brittany (Tom) Ross, Kristopher (Stephanie) Burkhart, Dash (Ashlee) McNeal, Tiffany Savage, Jessica (Tyler) Davisson, Rachel (Zach) Russell, and Shannon (Greg) Mentzer and 28 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, on the way; one brother, James Lee (Katherine) Paul; several nieces and nephews, and one sister-in-law, Jeanne Paul.

In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Burkhart; one great grandson, Bradyn Bever, and five siblings, Thomas & Margaret Paul, Richard Paul, Eugene Paul, Virginia & Charles Elmore, and Marjorie & Jack Connell.

Rita’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Lynn Wordon, Tina Bray, Marylyn Mock, Tammy Gossett, Linda Robison, Jane Sabbe, and the staff of Genesis Morrison House Hospice and Genesis Palliative Care for the care and attention given to Rita during her illness.

Friends may call 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Hillis Combs Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 925 East Main Street, Zanesville, with Fr. Donald Abii as celebrant. Rita will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Mt. Olive Cemetery. To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note of condolence please visit www.hilliscombsfh.com.

07/18/2026

The Hillis Combs Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Nancy Keeley.

Nancy E. Keeley, 80 of Zanesville, died, Friday, July 10, 2026 at Altercare of Zanesville. She was born Monday, July 6, 1946, in Zanesville, the daughter of Marion Dale Pratt and Ethel Marie (Morton) Pratt. She married Christian R. “Chris” Keeley on Saturday, August 31, 1968, and was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church

Nancy was a graduate of Ohio University, Scripps School of Communications. She worked with the Times Recorder from 1968 to 1992, with the last 10 years as Managing Editor. Nancy was a past member of the Muskingum County Board of MRDD, where she served as secretary, and president. She also served on many boards with the Starlight Programs.

Nancy is survived by one sister and brother-in-law: Kathleen Dee (Mark) Moody of Dresden and two nieces, Kelly (Matt) McMillion and Angela Penos; one nephew, William Roberts; four cousins, Gene Bisbee, Jim Miller, Roger Pratt and Steven Pratt and several great nieces and nephews including, Alicia Heptinstall, Savannah Placzek and Carson Eskins and one great nephew, Brody Thomas.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her husband: Christian "Chris" R. Keeley who died August 3, 2015.

Friends may call Tuesday, July 21, 2026. From 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at the Hillis Combs Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, where Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 AM, with Fr. Chris Tuttle officiating. Nancy will be buried beside her husband in Mt. Olive Cemetery. To sign the online register book or to send a personal condolence note please visit www.hilliscombsfh.com.

07/16/2026

The Hillis Combs Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Bonita Baum.

Bonita Batross Baum, 91 of Zanesville, died 3:42 AM, Thursday, July 9, 2026, at The Inn at Brookdale, she was born Friday, November 30, 1934, in Sistersville, WV, the daughter of Joseph Batross, Sr. and Georgia (Keck) Batross.

Bonita married Richard G. Baum on December 30, 1954, and graduated from Rosecrans High School. She was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus and the Ladies Lebanese Club.

Bonita was a Real Estate Broker and the Secretary-Treasurer of the Muskingum County Licensed Beverage Association for many years. She was an avid Bridge player. Bonita, along with her husband owned and operated the Westmain Beverage Center, and Y-City Motel.

Bonita is survived by two sons, Ricardo G. (Tiffani) Baum and Timothy A. (Brenda) Baum all of Nashport, one daughter, Jonita (Joseph Justus) Baum Walton; nine grandchildren, Timothy B. Baum, Mindy (Dustin) Baker, Brad Baum, Jeremy (Angela Dickey) Baum, Julia Baum, Jinnia Baum, Jason (Morgan) Baum, Jacob Walton, Angi (Sela) York; several great grandchildren, and two brothers, Martin Batross and Timothy (Brenda) Batross.

In addition to her parents, Bonita was preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Richard Baum; her sister, Judith Goodrich, and one brother, Joseph J. Batross, II.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks for all the care and attention give to Bonita during her stay at Brookedale (now Traditions).

Friends may call from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Hillis Combs Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, where a Christian Vigil will be held at 5:45 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Monday, July 20, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 925 East Main Street, Zanesville, with Fr. Martin J. Ralko as celebrant. Bonita will be laid to rest, beside her beloved husband, in Mt. Olive Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 925 East Main Street, Zanesville or the Animal Shelter, 1430 Newark Road, Zanesville, Ohio 43701, in Bonita’s memory. To sign the online register book or to send a personal condolence note please visit www.hilliscombsfh.com.

07/15/2026

There is something reassuring about returning to the spaces that hold meaning. 🏡

The places connected to our loved ones often bring a sense of closeness, comfort, and reflection to let us know they’re never really gone.

07/13/2026

The Hillis Combs Funeral Home is honored to care for Minister Larry J. Gaiters.

Minister Larry J. Gaiters, 84 of Zanesville, died, Friday, July 10, 2026 at Genesis Hospital Emergency Department. He was born Thursday, May 21, 1942, in Zanesville, the son of Jesse B. Gaiters and Mary R. (Harris) Gaiters, and married Pamela Ann (Fowler) Gaiters on Friday, November 8, 1963.

Larry worked in the construction industry for many years. He was employed with Central Allied Construction, CW Taylor Construction, and Paul Construction. He owned and operated Gaiters & Sons Construction, and greatly enjoyed being a concrete man. Following his retirement he was employed with Grace Apostolic Church in Columbus.
Larry was a long-time faithful member of Greater Apostolic Church of Christ, where he served God in many capacities including, nursing home ministry, and outreach ministry.
He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who cherished the time he spent with his family. He could always be seen following, and rooting for his grandchildren in all their events.

Larry is survived by three sons, Michael (Vickie) Gaiters, Jerrod Gaiters and Larry W. Gaiters, Jr.; seven grandchildren, Tyler (Hannah) Gaiters Caleb (Alexis) Gaiters, Sydney (fiancée’ Camron Callahan) Gaiters, Alexandria Gariters, Peyton Gaiters, Lydia Gaiters, and Christian (Gedsemany) Gaiters; five great grandchildren, Jaiden, Stevie, Rayne, Saylor, and Liam: three sisters, Beth Ann Gaiters, Becky (Mike) Brown and Joyce Henderson; one brother, Bishop James W. (Marcia) Gaiters; a host of nieces and nephews, and two sisters-in-law, Jacque Gaiters, and Tonya Gaiters.
In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pamela Ann Gaiters who passed away July 17, 2009, and his siblings, Peggy Gaiters, Connie Akins, Janice Ragsdale, Mark Gaiters, Leon Gaiters and Bobby Gaiters.

Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Hillis Combs Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, at the Anchor Church, 1365 Chamberlin Street, Zanesville, with Bishop James Gaiters and Elder Terrance Brown officiating. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to services from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at the church. Larry will be laid to rest beside his wife in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Apostolic Church of Christ in Larry’s memory. To sign the online register book or to send a personal condolence note please visit www.hilliscombsfh.com

Address

935 Forest Avenue
Zanesville, OH
43701

Telephone

+17404525494

Website

http://www.HillisCombsNestor.com/

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