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Obituaries – January 2025

The obituaries below are sourced from local funeral homes – Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation ServicesImes Funeral Home & Crematory and J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services – and are updated by 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays. To read the full obituary, please click on the decedent’s name.


Jessie Catherine Miller Cook

May 3, 1925 – Jan. 31, 2025

Jessie Catherine Miller Cook, 99, of Hazel, KY went home to be with the Lord on January 31 at the Forum at Brookside in Louisville, KY.

Visitation will be at Westport Road Baptist Church in the Chapel (9705 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40241) on Monday, February 10, 2025 from noon till 4pm, with a Celebration of Life at 4pm. On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 there will be a visitation from 2pm till 4pm at Imes Funeral Home (311 N. 4th St, Murray, KY 42071) with a private burial service in the Murray Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Jessie be made to Scarlet Hope, a Christian ministry that Regina has served with for many years. Giving envelopes will be available at both locations or donations in memory of Jessie can be sent to Scarlet Hope, 2305 Sycamore Street, Louisville, KY 40206 or sent through their website Scarlet Hope.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Jordan Matthew Dowdy

April 25, 1990 – Jan. 31, 2025

Mr. Jordan Dowdy, 34 of Murray, KY, passed away Friday, January 31, 2025, at his home.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, February 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home in Murray, KY with Rev. Richard Dowdy, Lori Dowdy, and Tiffany Dowdy officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Hicks Cemetery, Murray, KY.

Friends may visit with the family Friday, February 7, 2025, after 12:00 noon until the funeral hour at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray, KY 42071.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jordan’s name to Murray-Calloway County Special Olympics, c/o Laura Miller 1537 Wiswell Road West, Murray, KY 42071.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Dowdy. 


Gary L. Crass

Aug. 6, 1953 – Jan. 30, 2025

Mr. Gary L. Crass, age 71, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 7, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 6, 2025, 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 Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

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


James I. “Jim” Shutt

Sept. 21, 1930 – Jan. 31, 2025

Mr. James I. “Jim” Shutt, age 94, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Murray Calloway County Hospital.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, February 7, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Keith Inman and Bro. Boyd Smith officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Friday, February 7, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Madisonville, Kentucky with Bro. Rodney Vincent and Bro. Jim McMurtrie officiating. 

Those who cannot be in attendance, the funeral service will be live streamed on the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/j.h.churchill.home/

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the First Baptist Church, 203 South Fourth Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

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


Wanda Lafayee Vaughn

July 6, 1942 – Jan. 31, 2025

Ms. Wanda Lafayee Vaughn, age 82, of Mayfield, Kentucky, passed away Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Green Acre Nursing and Rehab.

No public services will be held at this time. 

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


Glenn Foster

March 3, 1930 – Jan. 30, 2025

Mr. Glenn Foster, age 94, of Puryear, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2025, at his home.

Per Glenn’s request no public services will be held.

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


Danny F. Taylor

Dec. 12, 1943 – Jan. 27, 2025

Mr. Danny F. Taylor, age 81, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away, Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky. 

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Greg Wortham officiating. Burial will follow in the Hicks Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. 

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-9959.

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


John M. Loftis

Feb. 1, 1949 – Jan. 26, 2025

Mr. John M. Loftis, age 75, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, Kentucky. 

There will be no public visitation or service. 

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


Howell R. Clark

Aug. 9, 1926 – Jan. 25, 2025

Dr. Howell R. Clark, age 98, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Hickory Woods Senior Living Community in Murray.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with John Dale and Steven Hunter officiating. Burial will follow in the Murray Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. 

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Howell and Rebecca Clark Scholarship, checks made payable to the MSU Foundation, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

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


Billy Joe Wolford

Aug. 16, 1940 – Jan. 25, 2025

Mr. Billy Joe Wolford, age 84, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the Sugar Creek Baptist Church with Bro. Phillip Bazzell officiating. Burial will follow in the Sugar Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the Sugar Creek Baptist Church.

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

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


William Victor “Bill” Starkey

Feb. 23, 1946 – Jan. 23, 2025

Mr. William Victor “Bill” Starkey, Sr., age 78, of Paris, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Jackson General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Bro. Kerry Shopher and Bro. Tom Winchester will officiate, and burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in the Olive Branch Cemetery in Cottage Grove, Tennessee. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. 

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Gideons International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, Tennessee 37214.

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


Nicholas Tanner Sharp

Oct. 3, 2002 – Jan. 23, 2025

Mr. Nicholas “Nick” Sharp, age 22, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Old Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. till 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can go to the Humane Society of Calloway County, 607 Poplar Street, suite A1, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

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


Joseph “Joe” Creel

Jan. 25, 1965 – Jan. 23, 2025

Mr. Joseph “Joe” Benjamin Creel, age 59, of Murray, Kentucky, formerly of Knoxville and Madisonville, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Dr. Lon Shoopman officiating. Burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Those who cannot be in attendance, the funeral service will be live streamed on J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/j.h.churchill.home/

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741.

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


Jimmy Dan “JD” Paschall

Dec. 21, 1945 – Jan. 22, 2025

Mr. Jimmy “JD” Paschall, 79 of Murray, KY, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at his home.

A funeral service honoring the life of Mr. Jimmy Dan Paschall is set for 12 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Imes Funeral Home, 311 North 4th Street, Murray.  Burial with military honors will follow at Paschall Cemetery in Henry County, TN.

His family welcomes visitors from 10 am until 12 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Imes Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to VFW Post 6291, 926 South 12th Street, Murray, KY 42071.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Jack Hartley Hollister

Dec. 7, 1928 – Jan. 21, 2025

Mr. Jack Hartley Hollister, 96 of Murray, KY, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at his home.

To honor Jack’s wishes, no public services will be held. Burial will take place in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Hollister.


Harold Wallace Dixon

Nov. 29, 1948 – Jan. 17, 2025

Mr. Harold Dixon, 76 of Murray, KY, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025, at Tennova Healthcare Clarksville, Clarksville, TN.

To honor Harold’s wishes, no public services will be held.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Dixon. 


Riley Ramsey

June 17, 1949 – Jan. 18, 2025

Riley C. Ramsey, 75, of New Concord, began a joke on Earth and finished it in heaven. He passed away Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by his loving family.

A celebration of life will be held from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 1 in Community Room B at the Calloway County Public Library, 710 Main St., Murray, KY 42071. The event will offer friends, family and members of the community an opportunity to share a story or tell a dad joke.

Donations in Mr. Ramsey’s memory may be directed to the Friends of the Calloway County Public Library at callowaycountylibrary.org/friends-of-the-library.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Leslie Michelle Wessel

May 14, 1974 – Jan. 19, 2025

Leslie Michelle Wessel, 50, of Smithville, Tennessee passed away peacefully at her home on January 19, 2025.

A celebration of Leslie’s life will be held on Thursday, January 23, at Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by a service at 6:00 p.m. with Bro. Issac Gray officiating.

She will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony on Saturday, January 25, in Murray City Cemetery, Murray, Kentucky. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, January 24, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Murray.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Hope Center in Mayfield, Kentucky, Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and the American Cancer Society. 

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


Laura Jeanette Carson

Feb. 21, 1963 – Jan. 16, 2025

Ms. Laura Jeanette Carson, 61 of Murray, KY, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Alive Hospice, Nashville, TN.

A memorial service will be conducted Friday, January 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th Street, Murray, KY, with Jarrod Martin officiating.

Friends may visit with the family from 12:00 noon until the funeral time, at the funeral home.

Her family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Murray-Calloway County Animal Shelter, 81 Shelter Lane, Murray, KY 42071.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Ms. Carson. 


Tony N. Hughes

Dec. 23, 1954 – Jan. 19, 2025

Mr. Tony Hughes, 70 of Murray, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at his home.  

A private family burial will take place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.


Mary E. Barrow

Nov. 1, 1937 – Jan. 18, 2025

Ms. Mary E. Barrow, age 87, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Calvert City Nursing Home and Rehab.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Elm Grove Cemetery. Rev. Martin Severns will officiate, and burial will follow. No public visitation will be held.

Expressions of sympathy can go to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

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


William Tazz Futrell

Feb. 28, 1968 – Jan. 17, 2025

Mr. William Tazz Futrell, age 56, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025, at his home.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Bro. Joe Vance will officiate. Burial will follow in the South Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy may go to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-9959.

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


Richard Hornsby

Dec. 19, 1950 – Jan. 15, 2025

Mr. Richard Hornsby, 74 of Murray, KY, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at his home.  

To honor his request, no services will be scheduled.  

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Hornsby.


Virginia Brooks Stroud

Aug. 1, 1929 – Jan. 17, 2025

Mrs. Virginia Brooks Stroud, 95, of Murray, departed this earth on Friday, January 17, 2025.

To honor the wishes of Mrs. Stroud, there will be no funeral service.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Murray Memorial Gardens.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for her family.


Jerry Linn Adams

April 21, 1953 – Jan. 16, 2025

Mr. Jerry Linn Adams, 71 of Hazel, KY passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House.

His family welcomes visitors from 10 am – 12 pm on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Imes Funeral Home, 311 North 4th Street, Murray.

Mr. Adams will be laid to rest at South Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 1959 State Route 94 West, Murray, KY 42071.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.


Roy Thorn

Nov. 11, 1945 – Jan. 14, 2025

Mr. Roy Thorn “Pop”, 79 of Almo, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at his home.

A private graveside service will be held at Murray City Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Murray Calloway County Animal Shelter, 81 Shelter Ln Murray, KY 42071.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Phyllis Anne Reeder

Oct. 20, 1933 – Jan. 13, 2025

Mrs. Phyllis A. Reeder, 91 of Murray, passed away on January 13, 2025 at Oakview Rehab in Calvert City, KY.  

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 pm on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Mt. Runn Baptist Church in Whitestown, IN.  Burial will follow at Mt. Runn Baptist Cemetery.

Her family welcomes visitors from 11 am until 12:30 pm at Mt. Runn Baptist Church.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for her family.


Daniel Leatherwood

Nov. 6, 1945 – Jan. 11, 2025

Daniel Irving Leatherwood, “Danny” and “Dan,” was born in Waynesville, North Carolina to Irving and Polly Leatherwood on November 6th, 1945. He passed away on Saturday, January 11th, 2025, in Murray, Kentucky. 

A memorial service will be held at 12 pm on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 602 S. 16th Street, Murray, KY 42071.

In lieu of flowers, he would be delighted to receive donations for the Tuscola High School Football Program, C/O Tuscola High School, 564 Tuscola School Road, Waynesville, North Carolina 28786.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.


Monika Gabrielle Haack Walston Tipton

Aug. 10, 1948 – Jan. 12, 2025

Mrs. Monika G. Tipton, 76, of Murray, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Murray Calloway County Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at the Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home, 1804 Highway 121 Bypass North, Murray.  Richie Clendenen will officiate.

Her family welcomes visitors from 1 pm until 3 pm at the Heritage Chapel.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Marcella’s Kitchen, PO Box 272, Benton, KY 42025 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Lou Jean Pierce

Feb. 22, 1953 – Jan. 8, 2025

Mrs. Lou Jean Henson Pierce “Gensy”, age 71 of Louisville, formerly of Murray, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Norton Brownsboro Hospital, Louisville, KY.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home in Murray, KY with Rev. Kory Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Kirksey Baptist Church Cemetery, Kirksey, KY.

Friends may visit with the family after 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17. 2025 until the funeral hour, at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 South 4th Street, Murray, KY.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Pierce.


Teddy Ruth Day

May 9, 1935 – Jan. 9, 2025

Teddy Ruth (Ball) Day, born May 9, 1935 in Burdine, KY died January 9, 2025 at Dover Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Georgetown, KY.

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

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Terry Joe Curtis

Sept. 24, 1952 – Jan. 7, 2025

Mr. Terry Joe Curtis, age 72, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital.

No services are scheduled at this time

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


Robert Owen Fowler

April 28, 1937 – Jan. 8, 2025

Mr. Robert Owen “3 Bob” Fowler passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital, Paducah, KY.

Visitation will be held at Sharpe Missionary Baptist Church, 9181 Scale Road, Benton, KY on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 5:00 pm. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the church on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Chris Moore officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the Briensburg Cemetery, 892 Briensburg Road, Benton, KY. Friends and family are encouraged to dress casually.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Sunrise Children’s Services, 300 Hope Street, Mt. Washington, KY 40047.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. 


Susan Joan Govern

March 26, 1962 – Jan. 7, 2025

Mrs. Susan Joan Govern, age 62, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray, Kentucky.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Jordan Roach officiating. Burial will follow in the Murray Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sunday, January 12, 2025, 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 Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

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


Jean Wheatley

June 22, 1941 – Jan. 5, 2025

Jean (Hurt) Wheatley, 83, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the Anna Mae Owen Hospice House with her daughter, Catherine, by her side.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Murray, Kentucky with Rev. Keith Inman and Rev. Boyd Smith officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Murray, Kentucky. 

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Anna Mae Owen Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

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


Carol Innes

June 10, 1936 – Jan. 6, 2025

Mrs. Carol Innes, 88, of Murray, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025 at Murray Calloway County Hospital.

Graveside services are set for 1:30 pm on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Temple Hill Cemetery.

Her family welcomes visitors from 12 pm – 1pm on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Imes Funeral Home, 311 North 4th Street, Murray.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Opal Giltner

Sept. 29, 1929 – Jan. 4, 2025

Mrs. Opal Louise Denker Giltner, 95, of Murray, Kentucky, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Passion and Purpose Home Care Assisted Living.

A private family service will be held, with John Dale officiating. Mrs. Giltner will be entombed at Murray City Cemetery.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to St. Jude’s.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Danny A. Brame

Jan. 20, 1953 – Jan. 5, 2025

Mr. Danny A. Brame, age 71, of Kirksey, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025, at his home.

A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy may go to the Mt. Olive Cemetery Fund, 893 Kendall Road, Mayfield, Kentucky 42071.

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


Robert Eugene “Jack” Hightower

July 18, 1939 – Jan. 3, 2025

Robert Eugene “Jack” Hightower passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025 at Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House. 

A private interment will be held Tuesday January 7, 2025 in Sidney, Arkansas.

Imes Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.


John A. Brittain

Sept. 3, 1948 – Jan. 2, 2025

Mr. John Brittain, age 76, passed away at his home on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Ricky Stewart officiating. The burial will follow in the Barnett Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105, or the Calloway County Humane Society, 607 Poplar St. # A, Murray, KY. 42071.

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


Josephine Benson

May 10, 1935 – Jan. 1, 2025

Mrs. Josephine “Jo” (Leathers) Benson, age 99, of Murray, Kentucky passed away, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the Passion and Purpose HomeCare Assisted Living for our SENIORS in Almo, Kentucky.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Rev. Jim Stahler will officiate, and the burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. 

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Humane Society of Calloway County, Suite A, 607 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071

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


Naomi Jane Garland

March 16, 1940 – Jan. 1, 2025

Mrs. Naomi Jane (Chadwick) Garland, age 84, of Kirksey, Kentucky, passed away, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Spring Creek Healthcare in Murray, Kentucky.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with John Dale officiating. Burial will follow in the Coldwater Church of Christ Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. 

In lieu of flowers and because of Jane’s love for animals, expressions of sympathy can be made to the Murray-Calloway County Animal Shelter, 81 Shelter Lane, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

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


Bensenhaver shares a personal connection to President Carter

By Amye Bensenhaver

I was privileged to become acquainted with President Carter’s personal executive secretary, Susan Clough, while she and my father resided at Louisville’s Treyton Oak Towers.

When my Dad introduced Susan to me as Jimmy Carter’s secretary, I was skeptical. Returning to his apartment, I checked sources and confirmed that Susan had not only worked with Carter in his four years in the White House, but during his tenure as Georgia’s governor. The President had summoned Susan, a divorced mother of two, to Washington to serve in his administration.

Photo provided

Susan was genuine, engaging, and open to my endless questions about the President and her experiences in the White House. To my great joy, she embraced my increasingly lonely Dad as a friend and equal in spirited discussion and debate. They complimented each other in a unique way.

As my Dad’s health declined, he required hospitalization and higher levels of personal care at Treyton Oak. Susan regularly reached out to express concern for him and support for me. Her hugs and encouraging words were a comfort to both of us.

I anticipated my Dad’s death much like the nation anticipated President Carter’s death — an equally dreaded but desired inevitability. When death came for my Dad on a cold Sunday afternoon in January, grief interrupted my plan to reach out to the handful of Treyton Oak residents and employees who had become our friends to share the news.

A few days after my Dad’s death, I called the front desk at Treyton Oak to ask to speak with Susan. The person on the other end of the phone explained to me that Susan was dead. She had died one week before my Dad.

Her obituary offered additional insight into the woman my Dad and I came to know under the most extraordinary circumstances:

“She was an integral part of the [Carter] administration and contributed in many ways, apparent to those who read the Camp David Accords. Susan was keenly intelligent. She was humble, dedicated, and tireless. She valued everyone she met, from waiters, servers and secretaries to kings, prime ministers and ambassadors. She expected the same from all and gave the same to all—honesty and respect.”

That shared commitment to service, love of country, and egalitarianism bound Susan and my Dad in a late life, and all too brief, friendship.

This excerpt from a Carter interview should eliminate any lingering doubt about Susan’s contributions and her remarkable role in history: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19gkPUkRyd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

One week to the day after Susan’s death, death came for my Dad. Just shy of one year to the day after Susan’s death, it came for President Carter.

Three lives – that oddly intersected – well lived.


Amye Bensenhaver is a co-director of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition.

Hospital board still considering options for CEO search

MURRAY – At today’s Murray-Calloway County Hospital Board of Trustees meeting, Board Chair Steve Owens advised that no decisions have been made regarding how to proceed with the search for a new top executive after the candidate initially selected declined the contract offered earlier this month.

After current CEO Jerry Penner officially announced his retirement in July, the board decided to form an internal committee to conduct the candidate search instead of hiring a third party. Trustee Amy Futrell chaired the search committee, which included Owens, Vice Chair Summer Cross, Chief of Staff Dr. Nicholas O’Dell and Trustee Dan Renick.

Over 150 people applied for the position which Penner has held since April 2011. The search committee narrowed the pool to 10 candidates and interviewed them via Zoom. Five were selected for in-person interviews, but one withdrew their application over salary concerns. In October and November, the four remaining candidates were interviewed by the full board.

In a special called meeting on Dec. 5, the board unanimously voted to offer the position to Tonda Haigler, who currently serves as system vice president of ambulatory services for Baptist Health of Central Alabama. One week later, the board announced that Haigler did not accept the offer.

“Over the past several months, through the course of numerous meetings and discussions, with input from the medical staff, directors, and public; it was felt that Tonda was the best candidate to lead the hospital,” Owens stated in the press release. “An agreement was drafted and discussed with her, and after receiving assurance from Tonda that she would accept the position if offered, the public vote was held. Just as we felt that Tonda was the best choice to lead our facility, her current employer felt the same and she has since informed us she will not be leaving her current employer.”

The release further advised that the board would determine “how to proceed with a renewed search” at the next board meeting.

“We’ve not actually finalized our method of moving forward yet,” Owens said in today’s meeting. “I did ask Mr. Penner to look into the cost and availability of search firms. I think he looked at three of them. We have not decided to do that, but if we were to, this is what it would cost.”

Penner advised that he had heard back from two of the three firms he contacted. As for the timeframe, one firm estimated it would be four months until they could begin the recruitment process, and the other estimated six months. He further advised that the cost for the firms to conduct the search would be approximately one-third of the first-year’s salary of the new chief executive.

Calloway County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes asked that the firms’ satisfaction and retention rates be a factor in the selection process. “Once they place a CEO and that particular board accepts, then what’s the longevity of tenure (we can expect)?”

“That would be interesting for us to look at,” Penner replied. “They did mention that if – and each of them have not had huge history with this – but they also have a guarantee so if, for some reason, a person doesn’t work out after a year, then they’ll restart the search for you at no cost to us. So, there is some guarantees that go along with that as opposed to going, ‘Sorry you spent your money, and we didn’t hit home.’ But those are far and few (between). But I did not get a retention rate. I can find out.”

Penner added that one of the firms has “history” with at least one other healthcare organizations in the state. “So, there are some potential references we could reach out to and see how those searches went for that organization when they found their CEO.”

With that, the discussion concluded, and the board went into executive session related to personnel matter. No action was taken following the executive session.

McElmurray names God in 12 ways, invites readers to add their own (OPINION)

In her newest book, “I Could Name God in Twelve Ways,” writer Karen Salyer McElmurray invites readers to accompany her on a journey that begins with deep roots in Kentucky and branches out across the world, moving back and forth in time with ease. On the title page, presumably in her own handwriting, McElmurray has scrawled the word “essays,” but the writings also qualify as memoir, meditations, travelogues, teaching tools, and life lessons. Readers can take their pick, as this enthralling assemblage can be read in sequence, in random sections, from front-to-back, back-to-front, and any order in between.

McElmurray likens her renderings to “word quilts…blue and somber.” Like a quilt, the individual pieces can be admired for intricate design and rich details, as well as the meticulous stitches that hold them all together. The essays provide endless opportunities to reflect on the many ways the author names God, with readers encouraged to do their own exploring.

The first paragraph of the first essay, “Blue Glass,” beckons the reader with a description of hands, the lifeline breached by an x-shaped scar and the shape of a half-moon. Right away, there are angles and curves to consider. Where to begin?

We are in an unidentified breakroom where is a tall man in a track suit takes in the paper pajamas the narrator wears and remarks she must be new to 1 North.

The second paragraph takes us back to the night before, the emergency room, an Ativan-filled IV, and someone shouting, “Oh my God, oh, my God,” as nurses talk about a patient with delirium tremens. McElmurray Imagines, “an empty Four Roses whiskey bottle lying in a ditch beside some abandoned house.”

“I begged them to admit me,” she says.

All this happens on page one. By the end of that first essay, the reader trusts McElmurray’s deft lead, following her into a childhood that, in her words, “had nearly eaten me alive.” We also delve into her medical history and her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease. Along the way are encounters with other associates on 1 North, a trek that lands “somewhere between meanness and beauty.”

“If we are lucky,” McElmurray adds, “we learn to ride through that country, all the windows down and the wind in our faces, telling us we are alive.”

With an overture that stirring in the first essay, this reader could not resist hitching a ride. As a result, I read “I Could Name God in Twelve Ways,” straight through in one sitting. Even now, weeks later, it tops the stack on my bedside table so I can flip through the pages randomly before I go to sleep, stopping to reread a word, a sentence, or even a whole essay that captures my fancy and colors my dreams.

The other night I re-read the piece titled, “The Land Between,” in which water is the metaphor that propels McElmurray’s recollections of famous authors, favorite films, and limnology, the study of inland aquatic ecosystems. She reflects on the way entire towns have been flooded to create manmade lakes, displacing residents who have lived on the land for generations, much like former residents of what is now Land Between the Lakes in western Kentucky.

“All stories are water, really,” McElmurray declares.

She tells about a 1952 Ford sedan being raised from the bottom of Lake Lanier, the skeletons of two women inside. Delia Mae Parker Young and Susie Roberts had been missing since April 1958. For decades, their disappearance had been a topic of speculation, but the discovery of their remains spawned an explanation:

“How that night in 1958 Susie and a companion drove to a local roadhouse, the Three Gables, where they enjoyed a few drinks. How they filled Susie’s car up at a gas station and left without paying. How a watch found in the Ford sedan, all those years later, was set at 11:30.”

In every essay, McElmurray’s sentences plunge below the surface, sink in the mud, rise to the top, sometimes floating peacefully after being buffeted about by rough currents. Always a teacher, she challenges readers to create their own accounts of a certain slant of light just before dawn.

In her imagination, she creates a house, a boat just beyond the dock, and a father and daughter fishing.

“The girl is laughing. They’re playing music. Patsy Cline. ‘I Fall to Pieces.’”

As the girl trails her fingers along the surface, the author urges the rest of us to, “See how she looks down into the still water, wondering how far they reach, whether there is such a place, the faraway bottom of a lake.”

Pathos and peace, repression and redemption, mortality and memory, are just some of the concepts Karen Salyer McElmurray explores in her essays. With grace and good will, she delivers on her promise to name God in twelve ways, inspiring readers to engage in a courageous search of their own.

constance alexander

Recipient of a Governor’s Award in the Arts, Constance Alexander has won numerous grants, awards, and residencies for her poetry, plays, prose and civic journalism projects. She is also a founding board member of The Murray Sentinel and currently serves as our board secretary.

Contact her at constancealexander@twc.com.

Weekly Public Meeting Schedule (Dec. 23, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025)

Between Christmas next week and New Year’s Day the week after, the public meeeting schedule is a bit sparse – there are two meetings on Monday, and that’s it – so we decided to stick them together in one post. Of course, if any special called meetings are called between now and then, we will update this post.


Monday, Dec. 23

  • The Murray-Calloway County Hospital Board of Trustees Finance Committee will meet at 11:30 a.m., and the full MCCH Board of Trustees will meet at noon. Both meetings will be held in the hospital’s Garrison Boardroom and via Zoom (call 270-762-1102 for Zoom connection details). See agendas for both meetings below.


There are no other regularly scheduled meetings through Jan. 3.

Press release: KYTC closes KY 280 Panther Creek bridge for repairs

PADUCAH, Ky. (Dec. 20, 2024) – As a safety precaution, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 1 has closed Panther Creek Bridge at the 11.021 MM on KY 280/Speaker Trail in Calloway County after it was damaged due to flash flooding.

KYTC bridge inspectors found one of the bridge approaches had extensive erosion damage when portions of Calloway County received five inches of rain over a 72-hour period.

Repair efforts started today and are expected to continue for several days.

KYTC District 1 will provide timely updates.

The average daily traffic count on KY 280 is approximately 294 vehicles per day.

Public Meeting Schedule (Dec. 16-20)

Monday (Dec. 12):

– The Calloway County Fiscal Court will hold a work session at 8 a.m. at the Miller Courthouse Annex. See agenda.


Wednesday (Dec. 14):

– The Murray-Calloway County Hospital Board of Trustees Investment Committee will meet at 8 a.m. in the hospital’s Garrison Boardroom and via Zoom (call 270-762-1102 for Zoom connection details). See agenda.

– The Calloway County Fiscal Court will meet at 9 a.m. at the Miller Courthouse Annex. See agenda.


Thursday (Dec. 15):

– The Calloway County Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. at the Board Office.

Press release: Calloway tobacco farmers encouraged to register barns

The Calloway County E-911 Communications Center is launching a new program to better assist our responders, community, and farmers in the event of needing an emergent response. This program will gather information, such as locations of their tobacco barns, number of barns on the property, and other information from local farmers to provide first responders with vital information prior to arrival.

Every year we receive multiple calls advising that a barn may be on fire from people who are unaware of the fire curing process. Many that aren’t from the area may not be aware that fire curing tobacco is a common practice in Western Kentucky. This process produces a light-colored, or white, smoke to be produced and expelled from a barn. Several barns throughout the county are close to roadways and able to be seen, resulting in many of the “false alarm” phone calls we often receive.

White smoke escapes from the vent of a tobacco barn. (JESSICA PAINE/The Murray Sentinel)

The 911 Communication Center is requesting that all farmers fill out a registration form that is located at the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, 701 Olive St., or by printing it off from the Calloway County website (callowaycountyky.gov and click “Forms”). Once filled out the form can either be sent to the e-mail listed on the bottom of the form or dropped off at the Sheriff’s Office.

The information that you will provide will be used to create a map that is designed to show where these tobacco barns are located along with all other information provided attached. This will be used when receiving a call to better identify who the barns belong to, surrounding structures, and better informing responders of the area to respond more efficiently. The information will also help both the Dispatch center and the Fire Department in making contact with the property owner in the notification process of any damages that have been caused due to a fire.

We would like to thank all that participate and hope to see a significant positive effect from this in all future Tobacco seasons. The center is always looking for ways to improve itself and the dispatchers that keep it running. We would like to thank the Community for their help in getting this program running and responders for their patience as we are beginning and working through any issues that may come forward in this process.


Related coverage: Just because there’s smoke, doesn’t mean it’s a fire

Press release: MCCH restarts CEO search after Haigler declines offer

MURRAY, KY – Murray-Calloway County Hospital’s (MCCH) Board of Trustees met tonight in Executive Session to discuss the CEO search.

As you all know, the board selected Tonda Haigler at last Thursday’s public meeting to succeed Jerry as the next CEO.  Over the past several months, through the course of numerous meetings and discussions, with input from the medical staff, directors, and public; it was felt that Tonda was the best candidate to lead the hospital.  An agreement was drafted and discussed with her, and after receiving assurance from Tonda that she would accept the position if offered, the public vote was held.   Just as we felt that Tonda was the best choice to lead our facility, her current employer felt the same and she has since informed us she will not be leaving her current employer.  At the next board meeting on December 23, the board will determine how to proceed with a renewed search,” stated Steve Owens, Chair of the Board of Directors.

It’s official: New Glendale Road storm siren is up and running

MURRAY – For the first time in more than a year, the storm siren on Glendale Road sounded today.

After failing to sound during quarterly tests last December and March, the city decided to replace a storm siren located on Glendale Road that had problems off and on for years. The old siren was removed and new hardware installed in July, but the unit remained unfunctional until yesterday, when the long-awaited technician arrived to complete the installation.

“What we were doing today was the final install on the Glendale Road siren,” Murray Police Chief Sam Bierds told The Sentinel yesterday. “We’ve had everything in; we just had to finish up the wiring. So, the contractor came down, put the wiring in, put the batteries in. The batteries have to charge in the box for 24 hours before we run the test.”

The siren was tested at shortly after 3 p.m. and worked as expected.

The City of Murray owns four storm sirens located within the city limits – one on the south end of  Doran Road; one in the Village Medical parking lot on Glendale Road; one near the entrance of Riviera Courts, a mobile home park on U.S. 641 N; and one at the Murray-Calloway EMS building (formerly Fire Station 1) downtown, which is the only one of the city’s sirens that is activated manually.  

The Glendale Road siren is not the only one in town to have problems in the past year. The siren outside Riviera Courts, which also has not sounded during a quarterly test since last December, again did not sound during the quarterly test last Friday.

“That’s just something we’ve been running down with the technician,” Bierds said. “I may be reaching out to a different company to see if, maybe, a different set of eyes can try to figure out what’s going on. We can get it functional and then the failure just moves. So, we fix one part, and it will work; then another part will fail. And it may be another case, too (like the Glendale Road siren), where it starts to ‘nickel and dime’ us to the point where we want to buy a whole new system for it. We’re just going to have to figure that out at the City Hall level how we’re going to move forward on that.”

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