Obituaries – April 2026

Feb. 18, 1961 – April 15, 2026

Mr. Timothy George Gal, 65, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on April 15, 2026, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House.

Mr. Gal was born on Feb. 18, 1961, in Gary, Indiana, to the late George Gal, Jr. and Mary Ann Cottrell Gal.

Mr. Gal spent his life working as a self-employed carpenter. He enjoyed the outdoors and had a passion for fishing, hunting, and boating.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Heather Ann Gal; and his brothers, Kenneth Gal and Dennis Brookover.

He is survived by his childhood sweetheart, Renee Gal, of Hobart, Ind.; his son, Timothy Scott Gal, of Murray; his stepdaughter, Jessica Poludniak, of Hobart, Ind.; and his brother, Gary Gal (Jill) of Princeton, Ky.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory, downtown Murray, is entrusted with caring for his family.

March 16, 1927 – April 15, 2026

Mr. Clyde Allen “Tooter” Rowland, age 99, of Almo, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Lakeway Nursing Home in Benton, Ky.

Mr. Rowland was born in Almo on March 16, 1927, to the late Reuben E. Rowland and Lottie P. (Allen) Rowland. Mr. Rowland worked at Tappan prior to becoming the owner and operator of Rowland Trucking. He was a member of the Bethel Community Church, a member of the Woodmen of the World, Murray Chapter, a Gideon and was a 1946 graduate of Almo High School.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Rowland was preceded in death by one sister, Mavis Schroader; one brother, Robert Rowland; one stepson, Ronald Gossum; and by one step granddaughter, Rhonda Laws.

He is survived by his wife, Lavonia (Nanny) Rowland, of Almo, whom he married on March 19, 1976; one daughter, Barbara Lee and husband Terry, of Murray, Ky.; two sons, Steve Rowland and wife Charlotte, of Murray, and Bobby Rowland and wife Melissa, of Almo; one sister, Judith Lamb, of Murray; one stepdaughter-in-law, Shirley Gossum, of Wingo; six grandchildren, Amanda Darnall and husband Brian, Teresa Gore and husband Shawn, Renae Overbey and husband Jimmy, Brad Rowland, Stacey Lee, and Michelle O’Bryan and husband Tyson; two step grandchildren, Karen Jackson and husband Mark, and Todd Gossum and wife Kelli; 17 great grandchildren; as well as 10 great great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, April l7, at 3 p.m. at the Bethel Cemetery. Bro. Danny Pruitt will officiate, and burial will follow. There will be no public visitation.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Bethel Cemetery Fund, Att. Judith Lamb, 718 Fairlane Dr., Murray, KY 42071 or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

May 5, 1956 – April 14, 2026

Mr. Gary Eugene Page, 69, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at his home.

Mr. Page was born on May 5, 1956, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Donald Eugene Page and Lavinia Jo (Skaggs) Page. They lived in Tonawanda while in New York before moving to Richmond, Virginia. From there, they came to live in Murray where Donald was maintenance engineer with Vanderbilt Chemical. Gary was a 1974 graduate of Murray High School. He retired from Kenlake Foods in 2011 and was most recently a private contractor for Multi Skill Training since 2014. Together Gary and Carolyn were the first Scentsy consultants in the state of Kentucky and top-level earners with Scentsy since 2007. Mr. Page was a member at the New Concord Church of Christ and was president of the Murray RC Modelers.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Rebecca Crawford; as well as one brother, Timothy David Page.

Survivors include his wife Carolyn Jeanette (Wilford) Page, of Murray; one daughter, Amy Ann Hale and husband Brandon, of Murray; one son, Jeffrey Eugene Page and wife Jill, of Greenville, Ky.; one sister, JoAnn Potter, of New Concord, Ky.; one brother, Donald Terry Page and wife Lisa, of McKenzie, Tennessee; as well as four grandchildren, Sawyer Mac Page, Savannah Brooke Page, Sophie Grace Page and Sadie Carroll Hale.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, April 20, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Russ Crosswhite and John Dale officiating. Burial will follow in the Murray Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 5–8 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Bread of Life Humanitarian Effort, PO Box 162, Melber, KY 42069.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

Feb. 11, 1944 – April 13, 2026

Ms. Patricia Rosella Smith, 82, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital.  

Arrangements are incomplete at this time at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

July 25, 1933 – April 13, 2026

Mr. Charles D. Outland, 92, of Murray, Kentucky passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at his home.

Mr. Outland was born in New Concord, Ky., on July 25, 1933, to the late Rev. Lon Outland and Nellie (Parker) Outland. He retired from Murray State University in 1997 and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Murray. He retired from the Army ROTC as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1993.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary E. Outland; one daughter, Lynne (Outland) Fenner; as well as his son, Charles “Mike” Outland.

Survivors include one daughter, Dr. Beth (Outland) Jones (Bill), of Chesterfield, Missouri; son-in-law, Roger Fenner, of Kingston Springs, Tennessee; brother-in-law, Bill Webb (Denise LaBelle), of Bonita Springs, Florida; five grandchildren, Dr. Maryann Fenner, of Kingston Springs, Tenn., Dr. Amanda Jones, of Tampa, Fla., Nathaniel Jones (Lauren), of St. Louis, Mo., Paul Fenner (Catey), of Brentwood, Tenn., and Caroline Wibbenmeyer (Paul), of Cotopaxi, Colorado; as well as one great-grandchild, Hayden Fenner, of Brentwood, Tenn.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Keith Inman and Bro. Boyd Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Outland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12-2 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Lynne Outland Fenner Memorial Nursing Scholarship, Murray State University, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray, KY 42071.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

March 30, 1956 – April 12, 2026

Mr. Calvin Gibson, 70, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, at his home.

Calvin was born on March 30, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Howard Gibson and Yvonne Gibson. He had worked at D & W Auto supplies, Carquest, and was currently employed with Bumper to Bumper. He was of the Church of Christ faith.

Survivors include his wife, Janie Gibson, of Murray, Ky.; two sisters, Teresa Page, of Puryear, Tennessee, and Jane Humes and husband Gary, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin; also one niece and three nephews.

Services for Calvin are being planned for a later date.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com. J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

May 28, 1947 – April 12, 2026

Mr. Lal “Butch” Edward Elliott, Jr., 78, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital.

Butch was born on May 28, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Lal Edward Elliott, Sr., and Mary Kathern (Croft) Elliott. He graduated from Murray State University in 1970 with a degree in chemistry and mathematics. While at Murray State University he was also in ROTC. He retired as a meat supervisor for Food Giant Grocery Store. Butch was a member of the South Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, the Tri-M Sunday School Class and the Treasure of Men’s Group.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, S.C. Doom; brother-in-law, Kenny Doom; and great-nephew, Reed Tribble.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 54 years, Belinda Kay (Doom) Elliott, of Murray; they married on Sept. 18, 1971, in Tiline, Ky.; one sister, Debbie Key (Elliott) Enoch and husband Bobby, of Madisonville, Ky.; mother-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Doom, of Paducah, Ky.; sister-in-law, Marsha Metzger and husband Joe, of Ledbetter, Ky.; one brother-in-law, Gary Doom and wife Jennifer, of Smithland, Ky.; three nieces, Bridgette Thompson and husband Brent, Desiree Puckett and husband Larry, and Sheri Tribble and husband Danny; five nephews, Stephen Enoch and wife Debbie, Kenan Enoch and wife Stephanie, Brian Doom and wife Jennifer, Nathan Metzger and wife Lacey, and Joshua Metzger and wife Rebekah; eight great nieces and nephews; as well as five great-great nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday, April 16, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. David Allbritten and Pastor Shani Campbell officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., April 16, at the New Union General Baptist Church Cemetery in (Lola) Salem, Ky. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 16, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the South Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Building Fund, 5671 Crossland Rd., Hazel, KY 42049, or the New Union General Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 726 New Union Church Rd., Salem, KY 42078.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

Sept. 20, 1940 – April 11, 2026

Mr. Gerald West, 85, of Hazel, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Lakeway Nursing and Rehabilitation in Benton, Ky.

Mr. West was born on Sept. 20, 1940, in Graves County, Ky., to the late Harold West and Margaret Rhodes James. Gerald was a retired truck driver, a Navy Veteran of the Korean War and was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in by a son, Ronald Boyd West, and brother, Randy West.

Survivors include his wife, Pat West, of Hazel; they married Dec. 28, 1988, in Murray; two daughters, Michele West, of Mayfield, KY., and Pam Deitz of Benton; four sons, David West, of Mayfield, Christopher West, of Sedalia, Ky., Jason West and wife Charlotte of Mayfield, and Bruce Moore, of Coloma, Michigan; 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Per Gerald’s request there will be no public services.

The family request that expressions of sympathy go to Humane Society of Calloway County, 607 Poplar St., Suite A1, Murray, KY42071 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

Feb. 7, 1942 – April 10, 2026

Mrs. Delois Pospishel, 84, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on April 10, 2026, at Spring Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Murray.

Mrs. Pospishel was born Feb. 7, 1942, in Charleston, Missouri, to the late Charles Francis Davis and Alda Belle Washburn. She retired from Western Electric, where she worked in telephone repair.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Pospishel; and two brothers, Charles Edward Davis and Chester Wayne Davis.

She is survived by one brother, Billy Gene Davis, of Jacksonville, Florida; and two sisters, Delila Whitehead and Mary Francis Murphy, of Wisella, Minnesota.

Mrs. Pospishel will be interred at Murray City Cemetery.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory of Murray, Kentucky will oversee arrangements.

Oct. 4, 1948 – April 7, 2026

Mrs. Sally Ann Carpenter, 77, of New Concord, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House.

Mrs. Carpenter was born on Oct. 04, 1948, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Tony Grill, Sr., and Irene (Miller) Grill. She retired as a cafeteria worker at Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw and was of the Lutheran Faith. Mrs. Carpenter was an avid gamer.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Scott Emerson Carpenter; two sisters, Angela Shafer and Laura Grill; as well as one brother, Tony Grill, Jr.

Survivors include one daughter, Rachel Ellen Fisher and husband Larry, of Dover, Delaware; one sister, Patricia Guttowsky and husband Jerry, of Murray; as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be no public services or visitation held at this time.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, KY 42071.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

Dec. 8, 1950 – April 7, 2026

Mr. Glenn D. Hughes, 75, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at his home.

Mr. Hughes was born on Dec. 8, 1950, in Murray to the late James E. Hughes and Dortha (Henry) Hughes. He was a 1973 Murray State University graduate having earned a bachelor of scence degree in radio and T.V. communications. Mr. Hughes was a retired communications specialist. He was a member of the South Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church and the Tri-M Sunday School Class.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia (Tabers) Hughes, of Murray; they married on June 8, 1974, in Murray; two sons, Jamie Hughes and wife Buffy, of Mayfield, Ky., and John O. Hughes and wife Rachel, of Murray; one sister, Sandra Stone, of Murray; six grandchildren, Micah Hughes, Abigail Hughes and fiancé Bryce Lawson, Hannah Hughes, Chloe Hughes, Leah Hughes, and Maya Hughes; as well as his travel buddies, Debbie and Roger Dick.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Monday, April 13, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Rev. Shani Campbell will provide scripture and prayer at the end of visitation.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar St., Murray, KY 42071.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

Sept. 27, 1942 – April 6, 2026

Ms. L. Wanda Osbron, 83, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray.

Ms. Osbron was born on Sept. 27, 1942, in Murray, to the late Jay Warren and Mary Elizabeth (Brandon) Warren. She retired as a sales clerk at Rite Aid and was a member of the Westside Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Johnny Warren.

Survivors include one daughter, Lori Barnett and husband Eugene, of Murray; one sister, Vicki Wilson, of Murray; three grandchildren, Matthew White and wife Alyshia and Zach White and wife Whitney, all of Hazel, Ky., and Justin Barnett, of Murray; as well as 11 great grandchildren, Colby White, Caden White, Bradley Kelso, Syndey Alvarez, Mackenzie Bray, Lilyonna Sholar, Caleb White, Crider White, and Kayslee White, Ryder Barnett and Kaven Barnett.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Sammy Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow in the Sinking Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m., Thursday, April 9, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar St., Murray, KY 42071.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

Jan. 26, 1964 – April 6, 2026

Bro. Ronnie Burkeen, 62, of Dexter “Hico,” Kentucky, was called home on Monday, April 6, 2026, peacefully in his sleep.

Bro. Burkeen was born on Jan. 26, 1964, in Calloway County, Ky. He was a 1982 graduate of Calloway County High School. After nearly 40 years of service as an electrical lineman, Bro. Ronnie retired from the Murray Electric System and was recently working as the “hostess with the mostess” at the Dinner Bell Restaurant in Aurora, Ky.

Bro. Burkeen started his journey in the ministry of Christ in 2013 and served at Russell Chapel United Methodist Church until 2021. Bro. Ronnie has proudly served Coles Campground Church and Cherry Corner Baptist Church for the past five years.

He was a past member and chief of the D.E.S Rescue Squad and was a 34-year member of the Temple Hill Masonic Lodge and Alford Masonic Lodge, having been a past master of both lodges.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Aaron and Virginia Burkeen; paternal grandparents, Homer and Ela Burkeen; his father-in-law, David Bogard; as well as his sister-in-law Susan Bogard.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Lisa (Bogard) Burkeen, of Hico; they married on August 3, 1984, in Calloway County, sharing a lifetime of true love and memories over 41 years; two sons, Josh Burkeen (Ashley), of Killdeer, North Dakota, and Jordan Burkeen (Danyelle), of Murray, Ky.; parents, Jimmie and Patricia Burkeen, of Dexter; sister, Lavonda Russell, of Murray; mother-in-law, Joyce Bogard, of Murray; as well as five grandchildren, Addyson Grace Burkeen (19), Aubrey Janielle Burkeen (13), Maddox Carver Burkeen (9), Landry Ann Burkeen (5) and Colt David Burkeen (1).

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 11, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Martin Severns and Rev. Richard Burkeen officiating. Burial will follow in the Palestine Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m., Friday, April 10, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A masonic service will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, April 10, at the the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Palestine Cemetery Fund, c/o Karen Brandon, PO Box 1553, Murray, KY 42071.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

March 19, 1942 – April 5, 2026

Mrs. Dorothy Rogers, 84, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, April 5,2026, at Hickory Woods Senior Living Community in Murray.

Mrs. Rogers was born on March 19, 1942. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Carl S. Rogers, and son, Lynn Carl Rogers.

Dorothy was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Murray and was a volunteer with the Murray-Calloway County Senior Center. She was an educator and homemaker and a loving wife and mother to her husband and son. Dorothy is a longtime resident of Murray. In her later years, she resided at Brookdale assisted living and the Gardens at Hickory Woods Senior Living Community. During her stays at each community, Dorothy received wonderful personal care from their staff and her sitters.

Survivors include her guardian and friend, Amy Roos, of Murray.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Rev. Jim Stahler will officiate. Visitation will be held from 12-1 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can go to the First United Methodist Church, 503 Maple St., Murray, KY 42071, or to the MSU Foundation c/o Music Department Scholarship for Voice, 106 Development Center, Murray, KY 42071.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Jan. 15, 1962 – April 5, 2026

Mr. Tim Graham, 64, of Dexter, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at his home.

Mr. Graham was born on Jan. 15, 1962, in Murray, Ky., to the late Jerry Graham and Janice (Staples) McCuiston. He worked in the construction industry.

Survivors include two sisters, LaDon Haley Berlin, of Evansville, Indiana, and Kristi Hopkins and husband Chris, of Murray; one niece, Emily Don Hopkins, of Murray; three nephews, Adam Haley, of Springfield, Illinois, Jason Haley, of Evansville, and Zachery Hopkins of Murray; one great niece, Audrey Haley, of Paducah, Ky.; as well as one great nephew, Weston Haley of Okawville, Ill.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A private family service will be held.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Humane Society of Calloway County, 607 Poplar St., Suite A1, Murray, KY 42071.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

May 19, 1957 – April 3, 2026

Mr. Michael Gene Brandon, 68, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Marshall County Hospital in Benton, Ky.

Mr. Brandon was born on May 19, 1957, in Murray, to the late Junior Brandon and Willodean (Lee) Brandon. He was a 1975 graduate of Marshall County High School and was a member of the Palestine Church. Mr. Brandon worked for both Town and Country Motorsports and Dwain Taylor Cheverolet GMC in the parts departments.

Survivors include two sisters, Karen Brandon, of Murray, and Sharon Bybee and husband Buddy, of Murray; one niece, Jessica Grogan and husband Seth, of Hazel, Ky.; one nephew, Josh Bybee and wife Mallory, of Murray; as well as two great nieces Emma Grogan and Hadlee Bybee; and two great nephews, Clay Grogan and Hudson Bybee.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Ronnie Burkeen officiating. Burial will follow in the Palestine Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

June 22, 1970 – March 31, 2026

Lauri Guin Thomas, 55, of Stewart, Tennessee, passed away on March 31, 2026, at St. Thomas Ascension Midtown Hospital in Nashville, Tenn.

Lauri was born in Columbus, Mississippi, on June 22, 1970, to Larry Guin and Nita Guin. She graduated from Calloway County High School and attended Murray State University. In the summer of 1991, she married Kevin Lane Thomas of Stewart, Tenn.

Tragically, in 1993, she was diagnosed as having myotonic muscular dystrophy. In spite of the progressive disease, she was able to continue a normal life for many years, raising her family and enjoying life. Eventually, the disease progressed to the point that she needed a walker and other assistance. Her health became increasingly precarious, with respiratory issues like Covid, the flu, and pneumonia being constant threats.

But, despite her declining health, she maintained her positive attitude toward life and always found the humor in events surrounding her. She laughed easily and often, and was a delight to be around and engage in conversation. Her capacity to enjoy life despite her medical problems amazed all around her.

Lauri was preceded in death by her mother, Nita Johnson Guin, of Murray.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin Lane Thomas; one son, Patrick Thomas; one daughter, Lexie (Jacob) Cox; and three grandchildren, Trey, Nash, and Zepplyn Cox, all of Stewart, Tenn. She also leaves behind her father, Larry Guin, and her step-mother, Betty Guin, of Murray; and two sisters, Kacey Guin of Tacoma, Washington, and Ashlee (Bryan) Hopkins of Murray. Special thanks also go out to her loving caregiver, Danyelle Barton.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home in Murray, Kentucky, is in charge of her cremation. At this time, no public services are planned, although a small, family-oriented memorial service may be held later.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at www.mda.org.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

May 9, 1928 – April 2, 2026

Mrs. Janette (Farmer) Giles, 97, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Spring Creek Healthcare in Murray.

Mrs. Giles was born on May 9, 1928, to the late John Farmer and Carter Lee (Whitnel) Farmer. Mrs. Giles worked as an artist and craftswoman.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Giles was preceded in death by her husband, Burie H. Giles; and by one son, Lee Giles.

Mrs. Giles is survived by one daughter, Jenny Wood and husband Jackie of Almo, Kentucky; six grandchildren, Michael Wood, Amy Saalwaechter, LeeAnn Giles, John Giles, Elvin Giles, and Elissa Giles; as well as 21 great grandchildren.

A memorial graveside will be held on Tuesday, April 7, at noon in the chapel at Murray Memorial Gardens. Te’Heshia Richardson will officiate and burial will follow.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com.

The J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.

Nov. 25, 1944 – April 2, 2026

Mr. Steve Everett Givens, 81, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital.

Mr. Givens was born on Nov. 25, 1944, in Henderson, Kentucky, to the late Ralph Givens and Cordie Cobb.

A private entombment will take place at Murray Memorial Gardens.

Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Mr. Steve Givens by visiting www.imesfh.com and posting your tributes and memories.

Jan. 24, 1988 – March 29, 2026

Ms. Shranda Christine Milam, 38, of Kevil, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Shranda was born on Jan. 24, 1988, in Detroit, Michigan, to Shannon Milam and Jessica (Bohannon) Milam.  

She was preceded in death by her father, Shannon Milam; two brothers, William “Billy” Milam, Shannon Milam, Jr.; one sister, Shavonne Milam; grandparents, Cleo and Dawn Milam, Ella Milsap, HB and Evelyn Bohannon.  

Those she leaves behind include four children, Zaryan Watson, Zoe Compton, Z’ariel Compton, Zella Watson, all of Kevil; her mother and stepfather, Jessica Milam Jackson (Paul Jackson), of New Concord, Ky.; a brother, Charles Milam (Christine), of New Concord; two stepchildren, Kristen and Preston Compton; her grandfather, David Milsap and a multitude of family and friends who loved her.

Her family will hold a visitation from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, at Imes Funeral Home, 311 N. 4th St., Murray.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for her family.

Feb. 23, 1944 – March 29, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for her life that we announce the peaceful passing of Barbara Ann Eckenrode, lovingly known as “Barb,” “mom”, “Bobbie,” and “Grammy” on March 29, 2026. Born on February 23, 1944, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Barb was a woman of resilience, warmth, and unwavering love. She passed away at Murray-Calloway County Hospital, surrounded by the family she cherished, after a courageous battle with cancer, which spanned nearly two decades, and a brief bout with pneumonia.

Barb was the beloved daughter of Dorothy and her stepfather, Winston Johnson, and her biological father, Ralph Chase, all of whom predeceased her. She was also preceded in death by some of her siblings and cherished in-laws, including Robert and Dorothy Eckenrode, brothers-in-law Raymond Eckenrode and Neil Fairbanks and sisters-in-law Kathleen (Eckenrode) Wall and Rae Ann Unger.

A devoted wife of 60 years, Barb married the love of her life, Richard Eckenrode, on March 26, 1966, in Duluth, Minnesota. Their enduring partnership was a testament to unconditional love and commitment, with Richard standing by her side as her dedicated caregiver and driver throughout her illness, tirelessly ensuring she received the care she needed.

Barb was mom to Sue Eckenrode and Rick (Evelyn) Eckenrode, and grammie to six grandchildren: Marissa (Eric) Armstrong, Daniel Eckenrode, Steven (Taylor) Skifter, Zoe Eckenrode, Lacianne Skifter, and Robbie Eckenrode. Her legacy of love extends to her three great-grandchildren, Autumn, Eisley, and Ewan Armstrong, who brought her great joy.

An alumna of Northwestern High School in Maple, Wisconsin, Class of 1962, Barb’s early career as a waitress at Jim’s Diner in Duluth, Wisconsin, highlighted her knack for hospitality and her vibrant spirit. After marrying Richard, she became a devoted homemaker, crafting a warm and nurturing home filled with love and laughter.

Barb’s interests were as diverse as they were endearing. She found joy in true crime stories, easy crossword puzzles, and the art of Jumble puzzles, delighting in unscrambling letters to reveal hidden words. She loved researching the stock market and engaging in spirited discussions about politics. Her devotion to her beloved soap operas was well-known, and she was notably disappointed when “The Guiding Light” concluded. She also claimed she was really a ‘leap baby’ and only had a birthday every 4 years, making her younger than her children at one point. Before illness took over, Barb cherished her daily two-mile walks with Karen Fish, and the dogs, and treasured conversations on her landline, even when she missed half of what was said.

Fiercely protective, selfless, and generous, Barb’s defining characteristic was her unwavering love for her family. Her overprotective nature was a testament to her deep commitment to their well-being and happiness. Her kindness extended beyond her family, touching the lives of her brother-in-law Gary Wall and many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, and her dear friend, Karen.

In accordance with her wishes, a private family event will be held to honor Barb’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude’s or the ASPCA, two organizations close to Barb’s heart.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at the Murray-Calloway Cancer Center and Critical Care Unit and the supportive neighbors, friends and family who checked in throughout Barb’s illness. Your kindness, prayers, and care meant the world to her.