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Zion Lutheran Church celebrating 200 years
by Nathan Jeffers
njeffers@heartlandpublications.com
<p>Submitted photo</p><p>Pictured is the current building of the Zion Lutheran Church, located on Broad Run Road.</p>

Submitted photo

Pictured is the current building of the Zion Lutheran Church, located on Broad Run Road.

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LETART — “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

Isaiah 40:8 is perhaps one of many biblical verses that illustrate the passing of time and how the word of God remains steadfast throughout the years. This verse, as well as others, will surely be in the minds of several Mason County residents as the members of the Zion Lutheran Church of the North American Lutheran Church on Broad Run Road celebrate the church’s 200th anniversary.

Members of Zion Lutheran Church will be celebrating the 200th anniversary beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, with a performance from the Gloryland Believers. The celebration will continue on Sunday, Oct. 21, with church services at 10 a.m., Sunday School at 11 a.m., and a potluck dinner to follow. Also performing at 2 p.m. on Sunday will be the group New Salvation.

The history of this body of believers reportedly began with a man named Paul Henkel. Henkel began his ministry in Mason County 200 years ago in 1812. The original Zion Church was a log structure which was built in 1818 and dedicated by Henkel in 1819. It was reported this building was 20 by 24 feet and seated around 50 people. It was also stated the building featured a balcony with the pulpit built on a platform half way between the floor and the balcony. This old log building eventually deteriorated and a replica is currently located on the grounds of the West Virginia State Farm Museum.

The old log building was replaced by the current building in 1897, and was reportedly built on land which was donated by a man called Abraham Roush. In 1987, several congregations gathered together to celebrate the 175th anniversary, including several descendants of Roush. This celebration included the dedication of the church’s outside bulletin board, and a message delivered by Rev. Dr. L. Alexander Black, the bishop elect of the new West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod, now known as the North American Lutheran Church.

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Despite search, Yoczik case still a mystery
by Staff Report,
GDTnews@civitasmedia.com
Jun 20, 2013 | 0 views | 0 0 comments | 0 0 recommendations | email to a friend | print

GALLIPOLIS — After nearly three months of extensive searching by land, air and boat, local law enforcement say no new clues have been uncovered as to the whereabouts of a missing Gallia County woman.

Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning reported Tuesday that the search for Sharon Yoczik, 68, has continued since her reported disappearance on Friday, March 22.

According to Browning, Yoczik was initially reported missing March 22 by her husband who returned home to find her missing from their residence on Neighborhood Road. Investigators received information that the missing woman was spotted walking along Ohio 7 near the intersection with Ohio 218 on the Thursday evening before her reported disappearance.

A search with canine assistance along this portion of the Ohio River yielded a pair of eyeglasses along the riverbank believed to have belonged to Yoczik. Browning reported that the eyeglass prescription, as well as the type of eyeglasses, were later matched by a local optometrist to the eyeglasses worn by Yoczik.

The eyeglasses have remained the only reported trace of Yoczik uncovered by police since her disappearance.

Due to this evidence and other factors, the sheriff stated that, along with ground searches near her home, the multi-agency search for Yoczik has continued along the Ohio River south of Gallipolis with the help of countless volunteers.

However, despite extensive ground searches, blood hounds, helicopters, organized volunteers and even help from organizations like the National Underwater Rescue and Recovery Institution, Yoczik’s whereabouts remain a mystery.

“We have been using every possible investigative resource to locate Sharon, including Ohio BCI [Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification] and volunteer search teams, and thus far, have not located her,” said Browning. “We need information from the community if they know anything that could help our case.”

Yoczik has been described by investigators as a white female, five feet, two inches tall and approximately 120 pounds. She has blue eyes and grey hair.

Browning further encouraged property owners near the Ohio 7/Ohio 218 area to check around their property lines for possible clues to Yoczik’s disappearance.

Anyone with information about Yoczik is encouraged to contact Gallia County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers immediately at (740) 446-1221 or the tip line at (740) 446-6555.

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Horton E. Thomas
Jun 20, 2013 | 2510 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Horton E. Thomas, 83, died June 8, 2013.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Woodlands Assisted Living Facility at 2469 Kimberly Parkway East, Columbus, Ohio, 43232.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gideons.

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Jack A. Ratliff
Jun 20, 2013 | 52 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Jack A. Ratliff, 87, of Gallipolis, and formerly of Vinton, Ohio, died at his residence on June 18, 2013, after a short battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, at the Deer Creek Freewill Baptist Church, Vinton, Ohio, with Pastor Mickey Maynard officiating. Burial will follow in Vinton Memorial Park with full Military Grave Side Rites conducted by Vinton American Legion Post 161. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 21 at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton.

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Mary M. (Stewart) Holley
Jun 20, 2013 | 53 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mary M. (Stewart) Holley, 89, of Lancaster, Ohio and formerly of Point Pleasant, W.Va., died Saturday, June 15, 2013, in Lancaster.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crow-Hussell Funeral Home.

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Despite search, Yoczik case still a mystery
by Staff Report,
GDTnews@civitasmedia.com
Jun 20, 2013 | 0 views | 0 0 comments | 0 0 recommendations | email to a friend | print

GALLIPOLIS — After nearly three months of extensive searching by land, air and boat, local law enforcement say no new clues have been uncovered as to the whereabouts of a missing Gallia County woman.

Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning reported Tuesday that the search for Sharon Yoczik, 68, has continued since her reported disappearance on Friday, March 22.

According to Browning, Yoczik was initially reported missing March 22 by her husband who returned home to find her missing from their residence on Neighborhood Road. Investigators received information that the missing woman was spotted walking along Ohio 7 near the intersection with Ohio 218 on the Thursday evening before her reported disappearance.

A search with canine assistance along this portion of the Ohio River yielded a pair of eyeglasses along the riverbank believed to have belonged to Yoczik. Browning reported that the eyeglass prescription, as well as the type of eyeglasses, were later matched by a local optometrist to the eyeglasses worn by Yoczik.

The eyeglasses have remained the only reported trace of Yoczik uncovered by police since her disappearance.

Due to this evidence and other factors, the sheriff stated that, along with ground searches near her home, the multi-agency search for Yoczik has continued along the Ohio River south of Gallipolis with the help of countless volunteers.

However, despite extensive ground searches, blood hounds, helicopters, organized volunteers and even help from organizations like the National Underwater Rescue and Recovery Institution, Yoczik’s whereabouts remain a mystery.

“We have been using every possible investigative resource to locate Sharon, including Ohio BCI [Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification] and volunteer search teams, and thus far, have not located her,” said Browning. “We need information from the community if they know anything that could help our case.”

Yoczik has been described by investigators as a white female, five feet, two inches tall and approximately 120 pounds. She has blue eyes and grey hair.

Browning further encouraged property owners near the Ohio 7/Ohio 218 area to check around their property lines for possible clues to Yoczik’s disappearance.

Anyone with information about Yoczik is encouraged to contact Gallia County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers immediately at (740) 446-1221 or the tip line at (740) 446-6555.

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Horton E. Thomas
Jun 20, 2013 | 2510 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Horton E. Thomas, 83, died June 8, 2013.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Woodlands Assisted Living Facility at 2469 Kimberly Parkway East, Columbus, Ohio, 43232.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gideons.

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Jack A. Ratliff
Jun 20, 2013 | 52 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Jack A. Ratliff, 87, of Gallipolis, and formerly of Vinton, Ohio, died at his residence on June 18, 2013, after a short battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, at the Deer Creek Freewill Baptist Church, Vinton, Ohio, with Pastor Mickey Maynard officiating. Burial will follow in Vinton Memorial Park with full Military Grave Side Rites conducted by Vinton American Legion Post 161. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 21 at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton.

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Mary M. (Stewart) Holley
Jun 20, 2013 | 53 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mary M. (Stewart) Holley, 89, of Lancaster, Ohio and formerly of Point Pleasant, W.Va., died Saturday, June 15, 2013, in Lancaster.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crow-Hussell Funeral Home.

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Despite search, Yoczik case still a mystery
by Staff Report,
GDTnews@civitasmedia.com
Jun 20, 2013 | 0 views | 0 0 comments | 0 0 recommendations | email to a friend | print

GALLIPOLIS — After nearly three months of extensive searching by land, air and boat, local law enforcement say no new clues have been uncovered as to the whereabouts of a missing Gallia County woman.

Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning reported Tuesday that the search for Sharon Yoczik, 68, has continued since her reported disappearance on Friday, March 22.

According to Browning, Yoczik was initially reported missing March 22 by her husband who returned home to find her missing from their residence on Neighborhood Road. Investigators received information that the missing woman was spotted walking along Ohio 7 near the intersection with Ohio 218 on the Thursday evening before her reported disappearance.

A search with canine assistance along this portion of the Ohio River yielded a pair of eyeglasses along the riverbank believed to have belonged to Yoczik. Browning reported that the eyeglass prescription, as well as the type of eyeglasses, were later matched by a local optometrist to the eyeglasses worn by Yoczik.

The eyeglasses have remained the only reported trace of Yoczik uncovered by police since her disappearance.

Due to this evidence and other factors, the sheriff stated that, along with ground searches near her home, the multi-agency search for Yoczik has continued along the Ohio River south of Gallipolis with the help of countless volunteers.

However, despite extensive ground searches, blood hounds, helicopters, organized volunteers and even help from organizations like the National Underwater Rescue and Recovery Institution, Yoczik’s whereabouts remain a mystery.

“We have been using every possible investigative resource to locate Sharon, including Ohio BCI [Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification] and volunteer search teams, and thus far, have not located her,” said Browning. “We need information from the community if they know anything that could help our case.”

Yoczik has been described by investigators as a white female, five feet, two inches tall and approximately 120 pounds. She has blue eyes and grey hair.

Browning further encouraged property owners near the Ohio 7/Ohio 218 area to check around their property lines for possible clues to Yoczik’s disappearance.

Anyone with information about Yoczik is encouraged to contact Gallia County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers immediately at (740) 446-1221 or the tip line at (740) 446-6555.

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Horton E. Thomas
Jun 20, 2013 | 2510 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Horton E. Thomas, 83, died June 8, 2013.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Woodlands Assisted Living Facility at 2469 Kimberly Parkway East, Columbus, Ohio, 43232.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gideons.

Comments
(0)
Comments-icon Post a Comment
No Comments Yet
Jack A. Ratliff
Jun 20, 2013 | 52 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Jack A. Ratliff, 87, of Gallipolis, and formerly of Vinton, Ohio, died at his residence on June 18, 2013, after a short battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, at the Deer Creek Freewill Baptist Church, Vinton, Ohio, with Pastor Mickey Maynard officiating. Burial will follow in Vinton Memorial Park with full Military Grave Side Rites conducted by Vinton American Legion Post 161. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 21 at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton.

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Mary M. (Stewart) Holley
Jun 20, 2013 | 53 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mary M. (Stewart) Holley, 89, of Lancaster, Ohio and formerly of Point Pleasant, W.Va., died Saturday, June 15, 2013, in Lancaster.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crow-Hussell Funeral Home.

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Despite search, Yoczik case still a mystery
by Staff Report,
GDTnews@civitasmedia.com
Jun 20, 2013 | 0 views | 0 0 comments | 0 0 recommendations | email to a friend | print

GALLIPOLIS — After nearly three months of extensive searching by land, air and boat, local law enforcement say no new clues have been uncovered as to the whereabouts of a missing Gallia County woman.

Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning reported Tuesday that the search for Sharon Yoczik, 68, has continued since her reported disappearance on Friday, March 22.

According to Browning, Yoczik was initially reported missing March 22 by her husband who returned home to find her missing from their residence on Neighborhood Road. Investigators received information that the missing woman was spotted walking along Ohio 7 near the intersection with Ohio 218 on the Thursday evening before her reported disappearance.

A search with canine assistance along this portion of the Ohio River yielded a pair of eyeglasses along the riverbank believed to have belonged to Yoczik. Browning reported that the eyeglass prescription, as well as the type of eyeglasses, were later matched by a local optometrist to the eyeglasses worn by Yoczik.

The eyeglasses have remained the only reported trace of Yoczik uncovered by police since her disappearance.

Due to this evidence and other factors, the sheriff stated that, along with ground searches near her home, the multi-agency search for Yoczik has continued along the Ohio River south of Gallipolis with the help of countless volunteers.

However, despite extensive ground searches, blood hounds, helicopters, organized volunteers and even help from organizations like the National Underwater Rescue and Recovery Institution, Yoczik’s whereabouts remain a mystery.

“We have been using every possible investigative resource to locate Sharon, including Ohio BCI [Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification] and volunteer search teams, and thus far, have not located her,” said Browning. “We need information from the community if they know anything that could help our case.”

Yoczik has been described by investigators as a white female, five feet, two inches tall and approximately 120 pounds. She has blue eyes and grey hair.

Browning further encouraged property owners near the Ohio 7/Ohio 218 area to check around their property lines for possible clues to Yoczik’s disappearance.

Anyone with information about Yoczik is encouraged to contact Gallia County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers immediately at (740) 446-1221 or the tip line at (740) 446-6555.

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(0)
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Horton E. Thomas
Jun 20, 2013 | 2510 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Horton E. Thomas, 83, died June 8, 2013.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Woodlands Assisted Living Facility at 2469 Kimberly Parkway East, Columbus, Ohio, 43232.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gideons.

Comments
(0)
Comments-icon Post a Comment
No Comments Yet
Jack A. Ratliff
Jun 20, 2013 | 52 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Jack A. Ratliff, 87, of Gallipolis, and formerly of Vinton, Ohio, died at his residence on June 18, 2013, after a short battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, at the Deer Creek Freewill Baptist Church, Vinton, Ohio, with Pastor Mickey Maynard officiating. Burial will follow in Vinton Memorial Park with full Military Grave Side Rites conducted by Vinton American Legion Post 161. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 21 at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton.

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Mary M. (Stewart) Holley
Jun 20, 2013 | 53 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mary M. (Stewart) Holley, 89, of Lancaster, Ohio and formerly of Point Pleasant, W.Va., died Saturday, June 15, 2013, in Lancaster.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crow-Hussell Funeral Home.

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Despite search, Yoczik case still a mystery
by Staff Report,
GDTnews@civitasmedia.com
Jun 20, 2013 | 0 views | 0 0 comments | 0 0 recommendations | email to a friend | print

GALLIPOLIS — After nearly three months of extensive searching by land, air and boat, local law enforcement say no new clues have been uncovered as to the whereabouts of a missing Gallia County woman.

Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning reported Tuesday that the search for Sharon Yoczik, 68, has continued since her reported disappearance on Friday, March 22.

According to Browning, Yoczik was initially reported missing March 22 by her husband who returned home to find her missing from their residence on Neighborhood Road. Investigators received information that the missing woman was spotted walking along Ohio 7 near the intersection with Ohio 218 on the Thursday evening before her reported disappearance.

A search with canine assistance along this portion of the Ohio River yielded a pair of eyeglasses along the riverbank believed to have belonged to Yoczik. Browning reported that the eyeglass prescription, as well as the type of eyeglasses, were later matched by a local optometrist to the eyeglasses worn by Yoczik.

The eyeglasses have remained the only reported trace of Yoczik uncovered by police since her disappearance.

Due to this evidence and other factors, the sheriff stated that, along with ground searches near her home, the multi-agency search for Yoczik has continued along the Ohio River south of Gallipolis with the help of countless volunteers.

However, despite extensive ground searches, blood hounds, helicopters, organized volunteers and even help from organizations like the National Underwater Rescue and Recovery Institution, Yoczik’s whereabouts remain a mystery.

“We have been using every possible investigative resource to locate Sharon, including Ohio BCI [Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification] and volunteer search teams, and thus far, have not located her,” said Browning. “We need information from the community if they know anything that could help our case.”

Yoczik has been described by investigators as a white female, five feet, two inches tall and approximately 120 pounds. She has blue eyes and grey hair.

Browning further encouraged property owners near the Ohio 7/Ohio 218 area to check around their property lines for possible clues to Yoczik’s disappearance.

Anyone with information about Yoczik is encouraged to contact Gallia County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers immediately at (740) 446-1221 or the tip line at (740) 446-6555.

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Horton E. Thomas
Jun 20, 2013 | 2510 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Horton E. Thomas, 83, died June 8, 2013.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Woodlands Assisted Living Facility at 2469 Kimberly Parkway East, Columbus, Ohio, 43232.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gideons.

Comments
(0)
Comments-icon Post a Comment
No Comments Yet
Jack A. Ratliff
Jun 20, 2013 | 52 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Jack A. Ratliff, 87, of Gallipolis, and formerly of Vinton, Ohio, died at his residence on June 18, 2013, after a short battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, at the Deer Creek Freewill Baptist Church, Vinton, Ohio, with Pastor Mickey Maynard officiating. Burial will follow in Vinton Memorial Park with full Military Grave Side Rites conducted by Vinton American Legion Post 161. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 21 at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton.

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Mary M. (Stewart) Holley
Jun 20, 2013 | 53 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mary M. (Stewart) Holley, 89, of Lancaster, Ohio and formerly of Point Pleasant, W.Va., died Saturday, June 15, 2013, in Lancaster.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crow-Hussell Funeral Home.

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Despite search, Yoczik case still a mystery
by Staff Report,
GDTnews@civitasmedia.com
Jun 20, 2013 | 0 views | 0 0 comments | 0 0 recommendations | email to a friend | print

GALLIPOLIS — After nearly three months of extensive searching by land, air and boat, local law enforcement say no new clues have been uncovered as to the whereabouts of a missing Gallia County woman.

Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning reported Tuesday that the search for Sharon Yoczik, 68, has continued since her reported disappearance on Friday, March 22.

According to Browning, Yoczik was initially reported missing March 22 by her husband who returned home to find her missing from their residence on Neighborhood Road. Investigators received information that the missing woman was spotted walking along Ohio 7 near the intersection with Ohio 218 on the Thursday evening before her reported disappearance.

A search with canine assistance along this portion of the Ohio River yielded a pair of eyeglasses along the riverbank believed to have belonged to Yoczik. Browning reported that the eyeglass prescription, as well as the type of eyeglasses, were later matched by a local optometrist to the eyeglasses worn by Yoczik.

The eyeglasses have remained the only reported trace of Yoczik uncovered by police since her disappearance.

Due to this evidence and other factors, the sheriff stated that, along with ground searches near her home, the multi-agency search for Yoczik has continued along the Ohio River south of Gallipolis with the help of countless volunteers.

However, despite extensive ground searches, blood hounds, helicopters, organized volunteers and even help from organizations like the National Underwater Rescue and Recovery Institution, Yoczik’s whereabouts remain a mystery.

“We have been using every possible investigative resource to locate Sharon, including Ohio BCI [Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification] and volunteer search teams, and thus far, have not located her,” said Browning. “We need information from the community if they know anything that could help our case.”

Yoczik has been described by investigators as a white female, five feet, two inches tall and approximately 120 pounds. She has blue eyes and grey hair.

Browning further encouraged property owners near the Ohio 7/Ohio 218 area to check around their property lines for possible clues to Yoczik’s disappearance.

Anyone with information about Yoczik is encouraged to contact Gallia County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers immediately at (740) 446-1221 or the tip line at (740) 446-6555.

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(0)
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Horton E. Thomas
Jun 20, 2013 | 2510 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Horton E. Thomas, 83, died June 8, 2013.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Woodlands Assisted Living Facility at 2469 Kimberly Parkway East, Columbus, Ohio, 43232.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gideons.

Comments
(0)
Comments-icon Post a Comment
No Comments Yet
Jack A. Ratliff
Jun 20, 2013 | 52 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Jack A. Ratliff, 87, of Gallipolis, and formerly of Vinton, Ohio, died at his residence on June 18, 2013, after a short battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, at the Deer Creek Freewill Baptist Church, Vinton, Ohio, with Pastor Mickey Maynard officiating. Burial will follow in Vinton Memorial Park with full Military Grave Side Rites conducted by Vinton American Legion Post 161. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 21 at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton.

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Mary M. (Stewart) Holley
Jun 20, 2013 | 53 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mary M. (Stewart) Holley, 89, of Lancaster, Ohio and formerly of Point Pleasant, W.Va., died Saturday, June 15, 2013, in Lancaster.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crow-Hussell Funeral Home.

Comments
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Despite search, Yoczik case still a mystery
by Staff Report,
GDTnews@civitasmedia.com
Jun 20, 2013 | 0 views | 0 0 comments | 0 0 recommendations | email to a friend | print

GALLIPOLIS — After nearly three months of extensive searching by land, air and boat, local law enforcement say no new clues have been uncovered as to the whereabouts of a missing Gallia County woman.

Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning reported Tuesday that the search for Sharon Yoczik, 68, has continued since her reported disappearance on Friday, March 22.

According to Browning, Yoczik was initially reported missing March 22 by her husband who returned home to find her missing from their residence on Neighborhood Road. Investigators received information that the missing woman was spotted walking along Ohio 7 near the intersection with Ohio 218 on the Thursday evening before her reported disappearance.

A search with canine assistance along this portion of the Ohio River yielded a pair of eyeglasses along the riverbank believed to have belonged to Yoczik. Browning reported that the eyeglass prescription, as well as the type of eyeglasses, were later matched by a local optometrist to the eyeglasses worn by Yoczik.

The eyeglasses have remained the only reported trace of Yoczik uncovered by police since her disappearance.

Due to this evidence and other factors, the sheriff stated that, along with ground searches near her home, the multi-agency search for Yoczik has continued along the Ohio River south of Gallipolis with the help of countless volunteers.

However, despite extensive ground searches, blood hounds, helicopters, organized volunteers and even help from organizations like the National Underwater Rescue and Recovery Institution, Yoczik’s whereabouts remain a mystery.

“We have been using every possible investigative resource to locate Sharon, including Ohio BCI [Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification] and volunteer search teams, and thus far, have not located her,” said Browning. “We need information from the community if they know anything that could help our case.”

Yoczik has been described by investigators as a white female, five feet, two inches tall and approximately 120 pounds. She has blue eyes and grey hair.

Browning further encouraged property owners near the Ohio 7/Ohio 218 area to check around their property lines for possible clues to Yoczik’s disappearance.

Anyone with information about Yoczik is encouraged to contact Gallia County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers immediately at (740) 446-1221 or the tip line at (740) 446-6555.

Comments
(0)
Comments-icon Post a Comment
No Comments Yet
Horton E. Thomas
Jun 20, 2013 | 2510 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Horton E. Thomas, 83, died June 8, 2013.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Woodlands Assisted Living Facility at 2469 Kimberly Parkway East, Columbus, Ohio, 43232.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gideons.

Comments
(0)
Comments-icon Post a Comment
No Comments Yet
Jack A. Ratliff
Jun 20, 2013 | 52 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Jack A. Ratliff, 87, of Gallipolis, and formerly of Vinton, Ohio, died at his residence on June 18, 2013, after a short battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, at the Deer Creek Freewill Baptist Church, Vinton, Ohio, with Pastor Mickey Maynard officiating. Burial will follow in Vinton Memorial Park with full Military Grave Side Rites conducted by Vinton American Legion Post 161. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 21 at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton.

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Mary M. (Stewart) Holley
Jun 20, 2013 | 53 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mary M. (Stewart) Holley, 89, of Lancaster, Ohio and formerly of Point Pleasant, W.Va., died Saturday, June 15, 2013, in Lancaster.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crow-Hussell Funeral Home.

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