Obituaries

Branson Aaron Lankster, Jr., who was known to all as “Bear”, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at his home in Wilmore, Kentucky. He was born on September 8, 1947 in Corbin, Kentucky to Branson Sr. and Nadine Mitchell Lankster. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lucille Estes Lankster; daughters, Brandie Tatro (Quint), Paige Mattox (Matt); and adored grandchildren, Camryn Reese Mattox, Joshua Guepson Tatro, Matthew Tucker Mattox, Andrew Isaiah Tatro, and William Aaron Tatro. Other survivors are his brothers, James (Florence), Jerry (Barbara), David “Ben” (Darlene) Lankster; sister, Quinetta Hendrickson; and three generations of...

Dr. Gary L. Steenbergen, 65, passed away at his home in Corbin, Kentucky, on Sunday, August 25, 2024. Born January 23, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan, he was the son of the late Edwin and Pauline Steenbergen. In addition to his father and mother, Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Earlene Snyder Steenbergen; daughter, Stephanie Steenbergen; and brother, Michael Hubbard. He was a member of Dorthae Pentecostal Church. Gary was a life-long learner who proudly earned his Doctorate of Education. He was a retired professor with KCTCS where he was also an advisor of VICA. He had a variety of interests: Scout Master of Troop 457, President of the Gideons, and...

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Vanover Harmon, a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. Rita passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024, in Lexington, KY, at the age of 59. Rita was born on November 21, 1964, to Bobby and Doris Vanover in Williamsburg, KY. She was a dedicated health care professional in the nursing industry and touched the lives of many with her compassionate care and kind heart. She leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to her family and profession. Rita is survived by her companion, Ronnie Harmon; her children, Daniel Powers, Jonathan (Brandy) Vanover and Gregory (Tiffany) Powers, Julie Harmon,...

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Wilkie Otis Davis, a beloved husband, veteran, and skilled welder from Williamsburg, KY. Wilkie was born on October 12, 1940, and peacefully departed on Friday, August 16, 2024. Survived by his loving wife of over 65 years, Virginia Davis, Wilkie was a dedicated soldier, having served in the Army during the Vietnam War. His commitment extended beyond his military service, as he pursued a career in welding in Ohio until his retirement. Wilkie’s passion for the outdoors led him to enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending serene moments in nature. The funeral services for Wilkie Otis Davis will include a public viewing...

Claude Blaine Benfield, 64, of Lily, KY, went peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Friday, August 16, 2024. Born in London, KY, Blaine was the son of Donald Lawrence and Anna Ruth Benfield, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Michelle; children, Barbara Money (Tracey Pennington), Natasha Money (Cassie Hale), Shawn Money (Shonna); three grandchildren; siblings, Larry Benfield (Brenda), Sabrina Cobb (Rodney), twin sister Claudette Cox (Tom), and Allen Benfield (Jennifer); father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Jackie Peters; special friends, Joshua Frazier and Terra Elliott; his four-legged best friend, Nicholas, which he so lovingly referred to as “his boy”; also his grandpuppies, and...

Sandra (Cotner) Lamb Chambers, age 61, of Williamsburg, Kentucky passed away Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Beech Tree Manor. She was born September 17, 1962 in Louisville, Kentucky. Sandra is preceded in death by her father, Gerald Cotner; mother, Lena (Caddell) Cotner; brothers, Edward Caddell, Gerald Wayne Cotner, and Thomas Calvin Cotner. She is survived by her husband, Robert Lamb Chambers; son, Rodney Lamb and wife Norma; stepson, Jeremy Lamb; daughter, Leanna Lamb and Jason; grandchildren, Justin Brown and Tab Bolton, Dalton, Aiden, Alexis and Kira Lamb; great-grandchildren, Braydn Teague, McKenna Bolton, Bransyn Brown, and Maebree Bolton; brother, Larry Cotner; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her...

Jack Armstrong, age 78, of Rockholds, KY, passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024 at his home. He was born May 11, 1946 in Carrollton, GA, to the late Paul and Mary Nell Williams Armstrong. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Darlene Pilitary; and a brother, Ronnie Armstrong. He is survived by his wife, Janice Armstrong of Rockholds, KY; two children, Andy Armstrong (Susie) of Rockholds, KY, and Mary Walters (Shannon) of Lily, KY; six grandchildren, Skyla Walters, Skyler Walters, Miranda York, Christian Barker, Dylan Householder, Kendra Householder; two sisters, Debbie Moore of Lakeland, FL, and Jennifer Armstrong of Lakeland, FL; many nieces, nephews, and a...

Rena Marie Lanham Leto, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend died in Lodi, Ohio on August 17, 2024 after a period of declining health. She was 79 years old. Rena was born in Cincinnati, OH and raised in Corbin, KY. She moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1967 and married her first husband Joseph Catron, also from Corbin, KY, in 1968. Rena and Joe share two daughters. Rena worked as a teacher, then a principal, for the Berea City School District in Berea, OH for most of her professional career. She obtained her Master’s and Ph.D. from Kent State University. After 35 years in education, she retired to pursue her many...

Kathy (Marlow) McClanahan, age 65, of Jellico, Tennessee passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at her home. She was born September 18, 1958, in Tackett, Tennessee. Kathy is preceded in death by father, Dee Marlow; mother, Mary (Eastridge) Marlow; brothers, Thurman, Arlie, Herman, Woodrow, Lester, Leslie and Jerry Marlow; sister, Velma (Marlow) Webb; neice, Brenda Marlow; daughter, Whitney McClanahan; and grandson, Peyton Leon Hinkle. She is survived by husband, David McClanahan; son, Josh Malicoat; daughters, Samantha Richards, Jessica Brandenburg and husband Keith; grandchildren, Brent Malicoat, Walker Malicoat, Alyssa and Lauren Brandenburg, Grant Richards, Kahlan Richards, and Ava Davis; sisters, Lois Lemarr and husband Roy, Vina Moore and husband Clarence, Wilma Coroner, Melissa...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles Lee, JR, who peacefully left this world on August 13, 2024. Born on November 16, 1949, in Williamsburg, KY, Charles was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Charles was a dedicated business operator who took pride in being self-employed. His hard work and dedication set an example for those around him. He leaves behind a lasting legacy that will be remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving spouse, Brenda Lee; mother, Roxie Lee; daughters, Stacey Abbott, Carey (Dan) Sanchez-Kahn and Jennifer Lee; grandchildren, Hayley Abbott, Houston Abbott, Cade Hendrickson, Nichols...