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Thank you, God, for guiding this jury in the right direction. These families should never have had to fight for damn near a decade just to get the justice they so deserved—while mourning the unimaginable loss of these girls. But today, I am deeply thankful they don’t have to fight anymore.

Rest in peace to my angelic childhood friend Kylie and beautiful Bella. 💕🪽🪽

Today our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of a life taken far too soon—an event that has shaken our hometown to its core. In moments like these, words often feel small in the face of such deep grief. And yet, it is in these very moments that we must cling to one another—to hope, to faith, and to love. He would have wanted that.

We may never fully understand why tragedies like this happen. But we can hold on to the truth that love never dies. The spirit of the one we lost lives on—in the memories we cherish, the laughter we once shared, and the profound way he touched our lives. He was a man of deep faith, and over the years, we had many meaningful conversations that reflected his belief in something greater. Though gone from this earth, his light has not gone out—it has simply moved beyond our sight.

In times of sorrow, we are reminded that faith is not about having all the answers; it is about trusting that, even in heartbreak, God is near. We believe He is now wrapping His arms around the family, giving them strength for each new day and offering a comfort that surpasses all human understanding.

Let us come together as a community—not only in mourning, but also in love. Let us lift one another up, offer our prayers, speak words of kindness, and remind each other that none of us grieves alone. May we honor his soul by carrying his light forward—in the way we live, in how we love, and in how we care for each other. He would have wanted that.

Though we walk through the valley of shadows, we will not lose faith. For even in the darkest nights, the promise of a brighter dawn remains. May God’s peace, which passes all understanding, rest on every heart that is hurting tonight.

I will miss you, my dear friend. 🙏❤️

Jessie Janes Smith
December 13, 1937 – August 19, 2019

Jessie Janes Smith passed away peacefully on August 19, 2019, at her Reflections Assisted Living home in Lancaster after a valiant struggle with the little-known brain disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration.

Jessie was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and was a proud graduate of Centralia High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics from Ohio University in Athens. Jessie and her beloved husband Ivan celebrated 60 years of marriage just weeks before her passing on August 1, 2019.

Together, they raised four wonderful children: Suzanne (Thomas) Clareson of Westerville, Amy (Eberhard) Kriege of Lengerich, Germany, Ivan (Julie) Smith III of Westerville, and Jason (Kristin) Smith of New Rochelle, NY. Jessie was also a loving grandmother to nine grandchildren: Liana and Henry Clareson, Jan and Mustefa Kriege, Eleanor and Campbell Smith, and Tyler, Wesley, and Avery Smith.

Jessie dedicated her life to teaching home economics at West Jefferson and Logan Elm High School. She was a strong pillar at home during the years of the family’s consulting business and later became a partner with Ivan in their medical claims management business.

Known as a wonderful wife, mother, and homemaker, Jessie was affectionately remembered as “everyone’s second mom.” Her outstanding culinary skills left lasting memories, like the chili she made before the MHS/LHS game in October 1992. Jessie was talented in canvas embroidery and watercolor painting. From her youth involvement in 4-H to her adult dedication to teaching homemaking skills, Jessie touched many lives. She was also an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, serving faithfully on the altar guild.

Visiting hours will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Friday, August 23, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, and on Saturday, August 24, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. The Saturday visitation will be followed by a Christian service of Burial of the Dead at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) at www.theaftd.org or by calling 1-866-507-7222.

Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon her.

Sad news to share — Ivan Smith, LFYC’s “Number One Fan,” has passed away.

We will honor Ivan at both of our main concerts this season, with a special tribute during our concert on April 25, 2026, at 3 p.m. We will also be inviting alumni to join us for this heartfelt remembrance.

Please save the date — more details to come.

Ivan will be greatly missed. His legacy lives on through our music and the countless lives he touched.

Patsy Lee White, 76, passed away peacefully at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A private ceremony to celebrate Patsy’s life will be held at a later date.

My sweet mom has gained her angel wings.

I’m deeply grateful for the caring staff at The Village at Cook Springs, where she was recently admitted to hospice care, and for Compassus Hospice. Special thanks to my neighbor, who was on call and came to deliver the news of her passing in person—such a kind and compassionate gesture.

I couldn’t have asked for better care.

Mom is now at peace, dancing with my daddy in Heaven…

So sad to share this news. Bruce was a good man— a fun-loving cousin to Luke and a wonderful godfather to Kayden. We will miss him deeply.

Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Oil City News thanks Ochs Law Firm for their support of our free obituary service.

To order a free or custom obituary, please visit our obituaries page and follow the link provided.

Thank you for helping us honor and remember loved ones with dignity and care.

Words can’t express how much this news has hit me. 😭

We would literally message every other day, checking in on how life was treating us. You were always just a call away.

You’ve left us with so many memories—from middle school to high school, and then to us becoming parents, riding this crazy roller coaster called life together. 😭

Thank you for being you. For always being there for everyone. I just wish you knew how many people could’ve been there for you when you needed it most—but only God knows why things happen the way they do.

Rest in peace, Carnalito. 😭
I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it to your viewing, but my heart is with your family. Gone too soon. 💔

Cheryl Ann (Bear) Brothers Obituary

Cheryl Ann (Bear) Brothers will lie in state at her family home and will be laid to rest at the Bear family cemetery in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on Friday, August 29.

The traditional Native service will begin at 9 a.m., followed by graveside services.