Dearest Friends,



It is with great sorrow to inform you that our beloved mother and friend Susan Tarlton passed away peacefully in her home in Hickory NC on Thursday morning January 22nd. In recent months she greatly missed posting her personal accounts and successes with her ALS treatments as well as reading all of your good wishes. Regrettably, her admirable fight ended on Thursday January 22nd quietly in her sleep. Susan’s daughter Lisa and daughter-in-law Sue were by her side. And although we miss her terribly and her passing was somewhat unexpected, we are grateful that she can now rest from her fight and is indeed in a better place. Susan would also appreciate us sharing the fact that her last evening with us was one of fun, family and great conversation that was topped off with a rare Martini. A treat she hadn't enjoyed in over four years. She decided on this occasion (and many others!) enough with the ‘rules.’

We loved her optimism.She was an inspiration. All of our lives, she instilled in us that "Attitude is life."



We would like to note that mom’s experience with this disease has been nothing but inspirational for us as well. Although we will miss her terribly, perhaps her message will endure. We can learn and grow from this. Susan’s positive attitude, hope and unwavering determination to fight to the end have taught us the strength of the human spirit. She still lives with us of course and her spirit is and always will be alive in our hearts. Her life is a testament to what is really important – family, friends, love, hope and determination.



A true ‘Southern Lady,’ Susan Tarlton was born in 1937 in Columbus, GA, the daughter of the late Julius Pinkey “JP” and Susan Elizabeth Chappell Smith. She was a charter member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Susan had an illustrious career at Boyles Furniture for more than 25 years. She had a dynamic personality with an incredibly positive outlook on life that touched everyone who knew her. She was an elegant and fashionable lady to the very end who loved sailing, riding motorcycles, and entertaining. Although a staunch Republican, she was very proud to vote for Barack Obama in November. She was a devoted friend and very dedicated to her family. Susan was a very strong and independent woman as she faced her illness head on for five years. She battled her disease with determination and courage, undergoing stem cell therapy abroad and opting to try non-traditional ALS treatments. Be her side throughout this journey was Margaret Ward, to whom the family owes their deepest gratitude. The WFUBM (Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center) Center was also very supportive in her medical endeavors and in gratitude to their program, she has donated her body to ALShttp://email.secureserver.net/pcompose.php research.



In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Julia Smith Hendrix. Susan is survived by Horace Greene, with whom she shared her life for the past 11 years; a son, Vernon Tartlton and wife Sue of Hickory; two daughters, Lisa Tarlton O’Hair and husband Dana of Hickory; and Mary Jane Tarlton and husband Neil Deutch, of New York City; Jim Tarlton, Max Tarlton and grandson Dixon C. O’Hair all of Hickory; and two granddaughters, Lily Chappell O’Hair of Hickory and Rose Chappell Deutsch of New York City, NY; her step grandchildren, David, Elizabeth, Caroline and Will Mathison of Hickory.



There will be a gathering of friends and family from 3:00 to 6:00 pm on Sunday, January 25th at the home of Lisa and Dana O’Hair. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are made to Palliative Care Center & Hospice of Catawba, 3975 Robinson Rd. Newton, NC 28658. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com.Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Susan Chappell Smith Tarlton.

ST. LOUIS: Julius Weissman


01/25/2009

Julius Weissman, who in his 50s co-founded a dance costume company in St. Louis that makes costumes and shoes for girls nationwide, died Friday (Jan. 23, 2009) of kidney disease at a hospice in Boca Raton, Fla., where he had been living for 15 years. He was 92.

Mr. Weissman grew up in St. Louis, graduated from Soldan High School and St. Louis University and worked as an accountant before becoming a partner of the former Stein Egg and Poultry Co. during the 1950s. He married Rose Lebowitz of St. Louis in 1944.

In 1960, the Weissmans turned her hobby of making dance costumes into a business, Weissman's Dancewear, at 6505 Delmar Boulevard in the University City Loop. They rented costumes and sold shoes then began making them for sale through dance teachers and studios. The company became a national catalogue business in 1966.

The company expanded through moves three times, moving in 2004 to the St. Louis Marketplace at 6750 Manchester Avenue. Now called Weissman's Dancewear Solutions, it employs 700 people in manufacturing and sales of costumes for girls in ballet, jazz, tap and lyrical dance recitals and competitions.
The Weissmans were longtime residents of Olivette. Rose Weissman died in 1991.

Mr. Weissman retired from active management when he moved to Florida but was chairman emeritus on his death. His son, Howard Weissman of Clayton, is company president and his granddaughter, Lauren Kerner of Clayton, is executive vice president.

In addition to his son and granddaughter, among the survivors are two sisters, Rita Bunn of St. Louis and Lorraine Portnoy of Plano, Texas; a great-granddaughter; and a companion, Harriet Finn of Boca Raton.

Visitation will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Congregation B'nai Amoona, 432 South Mason Road, Creve Coeur, followed by a funeral service there at 2 p.m. Interment will be at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road, Chesterfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, St. Louis Regional Chapter, 2258 Weldon Parkway, St. Louis, Mo. 63146.

Mitchell’s long battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease ends
By Charlie Smith
Staff Writer
Monday, January 26, 2009 12:11 PM CST
Mitch Mitchell inspired many in the Greenwood community through his courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.


The Pillow Academy Lady Mustangs, for one, could always count on him for support and encouragement at every game, home and away.

“He was such a fighter, such an inspiration to all the girls,” Head Coach Durwin Carpenter said. “He came to all the games and was always so positive.”

Last year, the junior high team — which Mr. Mitchell’s daughter, Devin, played on — dedicated their season to him. This season the varsity squad had worn red armbands in at least one game in his honor and also had written scriptures of hope and prayer for him on their forearms.

Mr. Mitchell, 47, died Sunday at Greenwood Leflore Hospital, secure in the promises of God, according to his pastor, the Rev. Jim Phillips of North Greenwood Baptist Church.


“It was just really a sweet release to know that he was well and in heaven,” Phillips said.

Mr. Mitchell, who worked at the John Deere dealership in Lexington, first started showing symptoms of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in October 2005.

“He just really started stumbling. It started in his left foot,” Phillips said.

The progressive neurological disease spread up to his legs, chest, arms and hands, confining him to a wheelchair. A wireless cell phone in his ear became his lifeline.



“His mind was clear to the very end, which was so great,” Phillips said.

It was remarkable to observe his family’s love for him, the pastor said. His wife, Karen; daughter, Devin; son, Colby; parents Billy and Ellen Mitchell; and brother, Scott, cared for him until the end.

Mr. Mitchell, on his part, saw the opportunity to provide light-hearted moments for his caregivers.

“He kept them laughing,” Phillips said.



Everyone who knew him was grateful for the time to reminisce with him before his passing, he said.

“He’s been an inspiration to all of us. God doesn’t always give you closure like we’ve had with Mitch,” he said.

Wilson and Knight Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family requests memorials be made to North Greenwood Baptist Church and no flowers.

JOHN MORGAN BLANKUSH
A lifelong educator, 54, of Bloomington, Minn.


A lifelong educator, 54, of Bloomington, Minn., passed away due to ALS (Lou Gehrig 's Disease) Jan. 22, 2009.
John is survived by wife, Jan; son, Joe (fiancée Johanna Harvey); daughter, Jess (fiancé Mark Theisen); grandson, Eli John Blankush Theisen; sisters Mary Kay (James) Brown, Peg (William) Sweeney, and Rose (Jacob) Zimmerman; "brother", Tom Thatcher; together with relatives; "the gang"; students and many friends.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in First Memorial Funeral Chapel, 7110 France Ave. S, Edina, MN. Visitation 30 minutes prior to service. Contributions to the John Blankush Memorial Music Scholarship to benefit students at Denfeld High School in Duluth, should be directed to the family. First Memorial Funeral Chapel (952) 924-4900.

Thomas G. Webber
January 28, 2009
[IMG][/IMG]
OAK HARBOR: Thomas G. Webber, 71, of Center St., Oak Harbor died

Sunday, January 25, 2009 at Bethesda Care Center in Fremont, OH after a short battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease.

He was born July 1, 1937 in Morris, IL to Eugene and Izet (Keating) Webber. He was a 1955 graduate of Morris High School. Thomas served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959. Thomas was employed at Securitas as a Security Guard. He was also a life long Salesman at the Sears Catalog Store in Fremont and an Automobile Salesman for Vern Miller Chevrolet in Oak Harbor which later became Al Baumann Auto Group. Thomas was a proud friend of Bill W. and member of A.A. since 1984. He loved baseball, football, being outdoors, going to casinos and was a life long Chicago Cubs fan.

Thomas is survived by his loving daughter, Charlene (Anthony) Lopez, Fremont, OH; brother, Patrick (Peg) Webber, Morris, IL; nephews, Paul and Perry Webber, Morris, IL; great niece and nephews, Tyler, T.J., Keegan, Collin and Nicholas Webber and pals, Rusty and Brutus.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Warren and Timothy Webber.

Visitation: Friday from 2 to 8 pm at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home & Crematory, 425 E. State St, Fremont, OH.

Service: Saturday, January 31, 2009, 10:30 am at the funeral home with

Fr. William Pifher officiating.

Memorials: To the family.

Online Condolence: www.wonderlyhorvathhanes.com

RICHARD VALORE, 64

Operations manager liked days at the beach
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Staten Island Advance


STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Richard P. Valore, 64, of Annadale, a retired operations manager, died Sunday in Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, N.J., of Lou Gehrig's disease.

Born in the Bronx, he also lived in South Brunswick, N.J., before relocating to Annadale 17 years ago. He had been living with his daughter in Old Bridge, N.J., for five months.

Mr. Valore had a 40-year career as an operations manager for Advest Inc., Manhattan. He retired in 2001.

He was a member of the Cashiers' Association of Wall Street.

A U.S. Army veteran, he was stationed in Germany during the late 1960s.

Mr. Valore loved going to the beach, and he enjoyed photography and traveling.

"He was a great husband, father and pop-pop," his family said.

Surviving are his wife of 21 years, the former Toni Jean Trello; his daughter, Nicole Bonavita; his father, Paul Valore; two grandsons, and his former wife, the former Beverly Raskin.

The funeral service will be tonight at 8 in the Old Bridge (N.J.) Funeral Home. Arrangements include cremation.

Nurse was honored for work at Camp Superkids
Diane Delores Jones, who died from ALS, exhibited love and strength whether caring for her five nieces and nephews, emergency room patients or children with asthma.

By TIM HARLOW, Star Tribune

Last update: February 1, 2009 - 2:15 PM


Strength. Caring. Love. Faith. Those were the attributes that nurse Diane Delores Jones exhibited whether caring for her five nieces and nephews, emergency room patients or the children with asthma who attended a summer camp put on by the American Lung Association.

She also was fearless and showed determination and spunk as she battled Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - also called Lou Gehrig's disease - for 12 years, said her mother Delores, of Champlin.

Jones died Sunday at Mount Olivet Careview Center in Minneapolis from the disease that weakens and eventually destroys motor neurons, but she far surpassed the average life expectancy of those with ALS, which is 3 to 5 years, according to the ALS Association.

Jones, 56, of Minneapolis, spent many hours tending to patients in emergency rooms at Fairview and Minneapolis Children's hospitals. For 25 years, she took vacation time to volunteer as the head nurse at Camp Superkids, a summer camp for children ages 7 to 14 with asthma held in Loretto, Minn. She recruited doctors, respiratory therapists, nurses and pharmacists who also volunteered their time, said Penny Gottier Fena, executive director of the American Lung Association Minnesota chapter.

"She was very bright, very personable and the kind of leader people were loyal to, but most of all she was committed to those kids," Gottier Fena said. "I think some of the happiest times she had was there. We had a Superkids family and she was the linch pin for that."

Her efforts at Camp Superkids was recognized in 1999 when KARE-TV presented her with an Eleven Who Care award.

"I think Diane had 100 people there, doctors, nurses, camp associates, friends and family," said Jones' mother, Delores. "It was a really fabulous night."

Those who worked with her thought highly of her, too.

"She was smart, well-trained, thoughtful, conscientious, caring, professional and a competent leader," wrote Dr. Steven Weisberg, who worked with Jones at Camp Superkids.

Jones left her touch on her south Minneapolis neighborhood. She had a large garden of perennials and propagated plants and shared them with neighbors in the vicinity of 58th Street and Upton Av. S., said Jones' brother, David, of Spring Lake Park.

"I think it spread across south Minneapolis."

Jones liked to travel, liked Christmas and took her nephews and nieces to the annual holiday show on the eighth floor at Dayton's (now Macy's) in downtown Minneapolis. She rarely missed the State Fair, and on a typical year would go three times, David said.

"She was a State Fair devotee," he said. "She liked mini donuts and corn dogs. And she'd find a good bench and people watch."

Along with her mother and son, Jones is survived by another brother, Doug, of Andover.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 50th Street and Knox Av. S., Minneapolis.



http://www.startribune.com/local/387...D3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

Russell H. Schrank

Print this page E-mail this article Russell H. Schrank age 66 of Oshkosh, died at his home after a five year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) on Saturday, January 31, 2009. He was born on June 23, 1942 to Ferdinand and Doris (Turner) Schrank. On May 29, 1976 he married Judy Meilahn.

A dedicated tax accountant, Russell worked out of his home; this allowed him to be where it was most important to him, with his family. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was trustworthy, joyful and giving. Russell put other's needs before his own. He was an active member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. He served his country as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army. Russell loved to cook and was always up for a good time; when it came to entertaining he was, "The Grill Guy."

Surviving Russell is: his wife, Judy; daughter, Jessica Lynn (Christopher J.) Guetzkow; grandsons, Brendon R. and Jacob R.; mother-in-law, Carole Meilahn; siblings: Allyn (Karen), Richard (Billie), Keith (Sharon), Janice, Cheryl (Jim) LaFontaine, and Donna (Hans) Czipri; brother-in-law, David (Rindy) Meilahn; "adopted" son, Jay (Kathy) Wolfgram; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Russell in death are: his twins, James H. and Jeanette K.; his parents, Ferdinand and Doris; brother, Donald Schrank; sister, Sharon Schrank; and father-in-law, Wesley Meilahn.

Funeral services for Russell will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2009, at Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels, 1025 Oregon Street. A time for visitation and sharing memories will be held at the funeral chapel on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in Lake View Memorial Park. Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.com to send online condolences to the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association.

Special thanks to all the hospice's nurses who have cared for Russell.

Seefeld Funeral and

Cremation Services

Anthony N Patriarca -- Johnston

Anthony N. Patriarca, 80, of Johnston, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, February 2, 2009. He was the beloved husband of Florence M. (Kielbasa) Patriarca. Born in Cranston, he was the son of the late Gaetano and Rose (Scungio) Patriarca.

Anthony was employed by Mine Safety Appliances of Esmond until his retirement. He was a United States Navy Veteran.

Besides his wife of 59 years, he leaves a son, Paul J. Patriarca; seven daughters, Pamela Raposa and her husband David Raposa, Sr., Paula Boling and her husband Richard Boling, Phylis Montgomery, Pauline Mousseau and her husband Ted Mousseau, Patricia, Paulette and Patrice Patriarca; a brother, Gaetano Patriarca; a sister Arlene Pullen; eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Phyllis DeSimone and Susan McGarry.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Church, George Waterman Rd., Johnston. Visiting hours respectfully omitted. Burial with Military Honors will be in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston. In Lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Home and Hospice Care of RI, 169 George St., Pawtucket, RI 02860 or to ALS Association, RI Chapter, 2915 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886. Condolences at Maceroni.com

JOSEPH PATRICK LAURENT
Joseph Patrick Laurent, 41 of Luray, Virginia died on Jan.

Joseph Patrick Laurent, 41 of Luray, Virginia died on Jan. 30, 2009 at Page Memorial Hospital, in Luray.

He was born in Duluth, on Sept. 4, 1967 to parents Hermis and Kathleen Laurent of Cloquet.

He graduated from Proctor Senior High School, in June 1986. Shortly after he graduated Joe moved from Proctor to Luray, Virginia working as a painter. Joe changed jobs in Luray several times and worked for eight years as a maintenance person for Page Memorial Hospital in Luray before being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2003.

Joe loved to fish and hunt, spending a lot of time in the outdoors with his son, Joseph Jr.. He also enjoyed music, singing, playing guitar, and collecting baseball cards. Joe touched the lives of many people, making many friends who treated him like family throughout his illness.

Joe is survived by his son, Joseph Laurent, Jr. of Stanley, Va.; his parents, Hermis and Kathleen Laurent of Cloquet; his sisters, Cheryl (Dan) Larson of Saginaw and Angela (Ben) Urban of Cloquet; and his brothers, Harold Laurent, Michael (Debbie) Laurent, both of Cloquet, and James (Terri) Laurent of Honolulu, Hawaii; and numerous nephews and nieces and was expecting his first grandchild in June.

FUNERAL SERVICE: will be held in Luray, Virginia on Feb. 5. A gathering for family and friends will be held at the Solway Town Hall Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the ALS Association, Minnesota Chapter, 333 N. Washington Ave, Suite 105, Minneapolis, MN 55401.