All Obituaries

Albert Richard Varhola was born June 26, 1924 in Portsmouth, Ohio to John and Veronika (Verna) Slivkanich Varhola. He died April 6, 2024 in his home, still sharp, fit, and very much in charge to his last day.   He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Verna, his wife of 22 years, Betty, his beloved daughter Gina Marie, brother Rudy, sister and brother-in-law: Irene and Hugh Knowles and all of his many dear friends from St Mary’s Class of 1942.   Albert served in...

Tammy Lee Hurst, 66, of Wheelersburg, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at SOMC Hospice.  She was born December 16, 1957, in Portsmouth, to the late John D. and Nellie (Lyons) Fisher. Tammy was a 1976 graduate of Portsmouth East High School, Scioto County Joint Vocational School, and Shawnne State University where she earned a bachelor's degree in Natural Science with a concentration in biology, geology, and mathematics.  She loved nature and taking rides down old country...

Mary (Meisel) O’Neil, of Portsmouth, Ohio, born on September 28,1928, passed away on April 1, 2024. She was born in Portsmouth to the late Benjamin and Caroline (Walter) Meisel. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Paul O’Neil and her sister Dorothy Goldcamp. Mary leaves behind her daughters Nancy Blaha (John) and Carolyn Bryan (Bob), her three grandchildren Greg Blaha, Emily Blaha and Eric Blaha, and four great grandchildren. Mary was a...

Mark William Doll, 68, of Huntington, formerly of Portsmouth, died Monday, April 1, 2024. He was born July 9, 1955 in Portsmouth to the late William E. and Wilma (Fugitt) Doll. Mark was a graduate of Notre Dame High School class of 1973, served four years in the United States Air Force, where he worked as security detail and received the Air Force Commendation Medal. Mark earned both his COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) and a Bachelors degree from Shawnee State University and...

Christopher Lee McKinley, 44, of Portsmouth, died Thursday, March 28, 2024 at SOMC. He was born January 28, 1980 in Portsmouth, to the late, James E. Ferguson and Roxann (McKinley) Ferguson of Portsmouth. Chris was a graduate of Portsmouth High School, Class of 1998, he loved to play cards and considered himself a gamer. He worked as a Laborer on cooling towers. Chris was such a fun-loving, energetic, and joyful person to be around. He enjoyed rooting for his favorite teams, Michigan...

David “Pete” Saltsman, 75, of Dublin, formerly of Portsmouth, died Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at his home. He was born March 21, 1949 in Portsmouth, to the late Robert and Jean (Flannigan) Saltsman. Pete was a veteran of the United States Navy.  Pete worked at Big Sandy Furniture for over 30 years and later joined the team at Glockner Chevrolet. He was a huge Ohio State fan, loved to garden, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic...

Mindy Lynn Grooms, 44, of Portsmouth, died Sunday, March 24, 2024 at SOMC. She was born May 29, 1979 in Portsmouth to Rickey Grooms of Ironton and Kelly Coppock of Portsmouth. Mindy had a big personality and was full of life. She loved music and loved to dance. Mindy was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mike and Sue Evans, Rosie and Carlos Harr, David Grooms, and Shannon Worthington, Sr., an uncle, James Worthington, and an aunt, Terry Adams. She was also preceded in death by her...

Jeffrey L  Berry, 70, of Portsmouth passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Southern Ohio Medical Center.     Jeff is survived by two children, William “Bill” Berry of Portsmouth and Bridgette Berry of Cincinnati, a brother, Jim (Linda) Berry, of Lancaster and the mother of his children, Mary Ellen Berry.  He had numerous nieces and nephews who were proud of him and loved their “Uncle Jeff”.   He also had many great friends through...

Patty Jane Taylor, 66, of Portsmouth, died Sunday, March 4, 2024 at SOMC Hospice. She was born July 10, 1957 in Portsmouth, to the late William and Goldie (Fisher) Taylor. Patty loved Arts and Crafts, particularly painting and she enjoyed watching Days of Our Lives and The Walking Dead. Patty is survived by her son Michael Benner of Portsmouth, a sister, Karen Taylor (Charles Miller) of Coshocton, OH, and she also leaves behind her cat, Paws. Services will be private and are under the...

Bonnie Kay Bertram, 75, of Portsmouth, died Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Bridgeport Nursing Home. She was born March 29, 1948 in Columbus to the late Jess and Leona (Trimmer) Benner. Bonnie worked as an office manager at several different places and was a member of The First Apostolic Church in Portsmouth. She also enjoyed playing Bingo and Texas Hold’em Poker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Bertram, a brother, Darrel Benner, two...