November 24, 2005

OBITUARIES

Neetahnah Erin Neal

Neetahnah Erin Neal was struck and killed by a vehicle the evening of Saturday, Nov. 12. She was 13.

She lived with her mother and stepfather, Beverly and Daniel Rodgers just outside Yellow Springs.

Neetahnah was born on Oct. 17, 1992. She was a special gift to her family and friends. She was adopted when she was 2 1/2. Her life, to that point, had been very troubled. However, from that moment forward, her life was hill of love.

There was much in Neetahnah that was older and wiser than her 13 years. She had an innate ability to comprehend life's complexities and knew how to respondThe people she love& were constantly in her thoughts as she tried to figure out just what they might need from her and how she could make them happy. She tended her relationships, not with words, but with deeds - through artwork phone calls, emails, and by using her skills or money to make or buy things for those she loved. Other than her "boys," Cairn Terriers Bobby and Lucky, she would have given away anything she had if she felt that another person would find .pleasure in the gift. Although she did not give In order to receive, she was blessed with thoughtful friends and appreciated those who loved her.

Neetahnah always knew she held a special place in the heart of her Nation, The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. She also knew she had responsibilities to her people. While In Oklahoma for burial, Neetahnah continued to fulfill her responsibilities. People came together for her to ensure she was sent on, her journey in the most correct way possible. She continued her role as leader and participant in her culture.

She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, John Bright; her young niece, Kirsten; and all of her grand parents.

She is survived by her mother and stepfather, her father, John Neal of Xenia; her older sisters, Jodie Mahrenholz of Lawrenceville, Ill., and Suzanna Bright of Vincennes, Ind., and their children, as well as several aunts and uncles.

The Miami Nation vill honor Neetahnah at the annual pow wow In June. She will be the Princess for the event with another young woman dancing for her. The Nation has set up a special fund, "Neetahnah's Friends," which will assist young people in attending language camps, workshops and other activities they might otherwise be unable to afford. Contributions can be made to Neetahnah's Friends, The Myaamia Foundation, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 1326, Miami, 0 K 74-955.

Neetahnah's family and friends will gather for an informal time of remembering,sharing, and comforting on Sunday, Nov. 27, at 2 p.m., in her home.

Jonathan W. Coffey

Jonathan W. Coffey of Yellow Springs died Saturday, Nov. 12, in Miami Valley Medical Center in Dayton. He was 25.

He was born March 11, 1980, in Xenia, the son of Robert E. and Barbara E. (Pitts) Coffey. He was a former employee of Antioch Publishing. He attended Yellow Springs High School and Wright State. He was an avid musician.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Albert and Josephine Pitts.

He is survived by his parents, who ,live in Yellow Springs; his son, Nathan Wesley Coffey of Fairborn; a sister, Ginnifer M. Coffey-Davis of Rome, Ga.; two nephews, Trevor Nared of Yellow Springs and Tyrone "JR" Nared of Rome, Ga.; cousin, Tiffany Pitts-Doyle of Rome, Ga.; paternal grandmother, Ruth Coffey of Xenia; and a host of aunts, uncles and other cousins.

Services were held Friday, Nov. 18,

at Central Chapel AME Church, with interment following in Valley View Cemetery in Xenia. PorterQualls Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Steven Lovejoy

Steven Lovejoy of Jamestown died Sunday, Nov. 13, at Greene Memorial Hospital in Xenia. He was 55.

He was born Oct. 2. 1950, in Dayton, the son of Vernie and Frances (Lovejoy) Williams. He worked as a machine operator at American Builder. He enjoyed antiquing cars, collecting Old West memorabilia and spending time with his grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his mother, his wife, Debra, and one sister and one brother.

He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Brian Brown of Jamestown; Ids son, Daniel Lovejoy of Jamestown; three grandchildren, Levi, Garrett and Clint Brown of Jamestown; three brothers, John Williams of Washington Court House, Fred Williams and David Williams both of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Nov. 17, at Powers Funeral Home in Jamestown. Steven was buried in Glen Forest Cemetery.