Melba J. Mefford
Melba J. Mefford, 92, of Springfield passed away Sunday, January 29, 2012. She was born February 6, 1919 in Gallipolis, Ohio the daughter of John R. and Goldie (Gordon) Jackson. Mrs. Mefford was a farmer all her working life and was a member of the International Pentecostal Church of Christ. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law Richard L. and Tommie Mefford, and Raymond L. and Rebecca Mefford, all of Springfield; one daughter Fonda Alltop of Piketon, Ohio; a son-in-law Dale Warner of Springfield; sixteen grandchildren; fifty-three great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur T. Mefford in 2010; three sons Donald, Ronald and Eddie Mefford; one daughter June Warner; four brothers Robert, Woodrow, Ferman and John R. Jackson, Jr.; five sisters Nellie Saunders, Ernestine Whip, Velma Nichols, Elouise Jackson and Margaret Saunders; one grandson Adam Mefford. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 PM. in the RICHARDS, RAFF & DUNBAR MEMORIAL HOME. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10:00 AM. in the International Pentecostal Church of Christ with Pastor Richard Blevins officiating. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.richardsraffanddunbar.com.


Walter Kleeman Stewart

Walter Kleeman Stewart of Pembroke Pines, Florida died Monday, January 30, 2012 six days before his ninety fourth birthday.  He was born in Clark County, Ohio to Jesse and Margarete (Nave) Stewart.  He served his country in the United States Army  from 1942 to 1946. He was an administrator of Springfield City Hospital, Ohio for a number of years, and was subsequently the administrator of hospitals in Lancaster, Ohio as well as Pomeroy, Ohio.  Walter was an avid tennis player and golfer, but his true joy was duplicate bridge.  He became a Life Master in the early eighties, and retired to South Florida so he could enjoy his avocations year round. He was a long time member of the Grand Slam Bridge Club and continued to actively play bridge until his death. Surviving are his children, Synda(John) Buhacevich and Scott (Ginny).  He was very proud of his grandchildren, Devin (Jennifer) Slegeski, Rob and Phil Stewart. Nothing gave him more pleasure than being the great grandfather to Piper Stewart and Jade, Grant, and Paige Slegeski.  He was preceeded in death by his sister Esther, his parents, and his brother Charles. There will be a memorial service Saturday, February 4, 2012 at two o’clock at the RICHARDS RAFF & DUNBAR MEMORIAL HOME, 838 East High Street, Springfield, Ohio.  Memorial contributions may be made to The First Baptist Church of Springfield, Ohio. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.richardsrafanddunbar.com.