James Howard McDowell, 92, of Cromwell, CT, a former Portsmouth resident, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Masonicare at Greenridge Place in Rocky Hill, CT. He was born in South Shore, KY, on November 8, 1933, to the late William Morton and Emily Susan Barker McDowell.    A 1952 graduate of the former McKell High School, Jim was a Christian and had worked at the former Williams Manufacturing Co., and as a switchman at Empire-Detroit Steel Corp. until ...

           Michael Joseph Carty, 70, of Portsmouth, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at his home.  He was born on April 3, 1955, in Huntington, WV, to the late Robert Joseph and Floreine Mae Massie Carty.     Mike was a welder, having worked in Columbus, and he was a 1973 graduate of Portsmouth High School and the Scioto County Joint Vocational School.  A disabled veteran, Mike served with the Marine Corps ...

   Dr. Eugene John Valentine passed away on February 15, 2026, at the Southern Ohio Medical Center Hospice Center in Portsmouth, OH. He was born on May 12, 1940, in Detroit, MI, the son of Ruth Emma Townsend and Eugene John Valentine, Sr.    He is survived by his wife of forty years, Anne Ellen Nickerson; his brother and sister-in-law, Fred Townsend Valentine and Carol Valentine; two sons, Daniel Valentine and Michael Valentine; a niece and nephew, Catherine Valentine ...

   Marilyn Louise Mercer, 85, of Portsmouth, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Hill View. She was born in Portsmouth on April 12, 1940, to the late Stanley Arthur and Elsie M. Allen Webb.    A 1959 graduate of Portsmouth West High School, Marilyn had worked at the former Williams Manufacturing Co. and then enjoyed being a full-time wife, mother, and homemaker. She attended First Christian Church and was a member of the Red Hat Society. Marilyn was also an SOMC ...

Jeffrey Duane Smith was called home on March 18, 2026.  Born September 9, 1951 in Chillicothe, OH, Jeff led a life of service, love of family, and devotion to God.  We will miss him deeply but take comfort knowing he is at peace and whole once again. Jeff grew up in rural Chillicothe with his parents and sister, Sharon.  When he was just 16, his mother passed away from leukemia, which led to the development of an especially close relationship between Jeff and ...

   David Raymond Thacker, 78, of Lucasville, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the SOMC Hospice Center surrounded by his family. He was born on February 21, 1948, in Portsmouth to the late Arlene Elizabeth Weaver Speakman and Raymond Homer Thacker.    David attended South Webster Schools and joined the Army, having served during the Vietnam Era. He was a true patriot, who loved his country and respected other veterans. David enjoyed watching the news and ...

       Mary Elizabeth “Merle” Sanford, 80, of Portsmouth, got her wings to fly home on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, KY, with her family at her side. Mary was born on October 12, 1945, in Osaka, VA, to the late Cleophas and Helen Harrison Greene Robinson (Roberson).    A 1963 Portsmouth High School graduate, she had been the coordinator of the Community Action Organization of Scioto County Day Care ...

Derrik Dwayne Richard Tabor, 42, of Portsmouth passed away on March 7, 2026, in Portsmouth, Ohio.  He was born on August 16, 1983, to the late Kristi Jo Jennings and Dwayne Eugene Tabor.Derrik was a 2002 graduate of Portsmouth East High School.  He was an avid football and basketball fan, with the Cincinnati Bengals being his favorite football team.  Although he faced his own demons, he never lost his deep love for his family.  Derrik was a Certified Nurse Assistant ...

      Kierstyn Kay Canter, 56, of Columbus, went to be with her Lord and Savior in heaven on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the SOMC Hospice Center in Portsmouth with her devoted mother by her side.    Born on July 22, 1969, in Portsmouth, she was the daughter of Janis Elaine Lyon Waller of Portsmouth and Paul Michael (Teresa) Canter of Gallipolis. Kierstyn was the valedictorian of the Clay High School Class of 1987. While in high school, Kierstyn worked her ...

Marilyn “Sue” Keaton, 89, of Pickerington, OH passed away on Saturday March 7, 2026, in Canal Winchester, OH. Sue was born in South Shore, KY on July 15, 1936, to parents Elijah Boutain and Hazel Ruby Clary Lowe. A 1954 graduate of Portsmouth High School, Sue enjoyed being a homemaker and full-time wife, mother, and grandmother. On June 12, 1959, she married Milton “Wayne” Keaton in Portsmouth, and the couple enjoyed many wonderful years and trips to the beach ...