August 16, 2007

OBITUARIES

Eliza Riggs

Eliza “Granny” (Noble) Riggs of Fairborn died Friday, Aug. 10, at Hospice of Dayton. She was 84. She was born March 20, 1923, in Perry County, Ky., to the late Jake and Nancy (Combs) Noble.

Eliza worked at WPAFB during World War II, rebuilding airplane starters; she retired from Fairborn City schools after 16 years. She is a lifetime member of the American Legion.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 42 years, James W. Riggs; brothers, Elbridge, Henry and Kelly Noble and sisters, Lecritia Noble, Laura Murray, Sallie Ann Williams, Judy Cochran and Peggy Long.

She is survived by five daughters and sons-in-law, Mary and Shelby Brinson of Hillsboro, Nancy Riggs and Robert Hartman of Fairborn, Jeanie and Buddy Moore of Jamestown, Diana Riggs of Yellow Springs and Zola Caroline Ivers of Dayton; three sons and daughters-in-law, Ronnie and Stephanie Riggs of Kettering, Billy and Merleene Riggs of Xenia, and James Riggs of Fairborn; a sister, Pearlie Neace of Middletown; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and special caregiver, Melissa Davis.

Services were held Wednesday, Aug. 15, at Morris Sons Funeral Home, Fairborn. Burial followed in Byron Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.morris-sons.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Dayton. The family wishes to thank everyone at Hospice of Dayton.

Rodger Jenkins

Rodger Clinton Jenkins died Saturday, Aug. 4, following a brief illness. He was 84.

He was born June 28, 1923, in Springfield, Ohio, to Roy C. and Fern A. (Sparrow) Jenkins. Rodger graduated from Olive Branch High School in 1942 and was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran.

He spent a majority of his life as a farmer and could always be found tending his apple trees, grapes and his garden. In later years, he worked at Morgal Machine Tool Company and helped his wife babysit his grandchildren.

He enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends from Elderly United, going to shows at the Clifton Opera House, being involved in their church, Bethel Lutheran, the Clifton Historical Society, Clifton Senior Citizens and spending time with family. He was known for his sense of humor and calmness in times of stress.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles; sister, Phyllis; and infant sisters, Esther and Charlotte.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bertha (Green) Jenkins; sister, Dora Ella Kimball; three children and their spouses, Linda and Jim Maurer, Rodger and Trish Jenkins and Sam and Sue Jenkins; grandchildren and their spouses, Ben and Emily Maurer, Jamie and David Ryan, Jason and Gail Jenkins, Zach and Casey Jenkins and Christy, Sammy and Marty Jenkins; four great-grandchildren, Benjamin Maurer, Alex, Hanna and Andrew “Charlie” Ryan; numerous nieces and nephews and a family he loved as his own, Linda and Larry Sloan, Kevin (Ala) and Scott.

A funeral service honoring his life was held Thursday, Aug. 9, at Bethel Lutheran Church. A private graveside service was held for the family. The family requests donations be made in lieu of flowers to Bethel Lutheran Church or a favorite charity.

Dr. Louis Schwab

Dr. Louis Schwab of Yellow Springs died in Green Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, Aug. 8.

Per his request, his remains were cremated. No memorial service has been planned, however a memorial concert celebrating Dr. Schwab’s life is being planned for February 2008 in Covington, Ky.

A full obituary will be published in next week’s News.