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Obituaries

RUSSELL EARLIWINE JR.

Russell Martin Earliwine Jr., 53, of Bethesda, Ohio, died October 30, 2025, in Liza’s Place, Wheeling, West Virginia. He was born on August 25, 1972, a son of Carol Joan Hatcher Earliwine and the late Russell M. Earliwine Sr. Russ was the IT Manager of Denny’s Restaurant for over 30 years. He was a member of the Warnock Community Presbyterian Church. Russ enjoyed gardening and was an avid reader. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his loving aunt Elizabeth June Davidson Cochran and many other aunts, uncles and cousins. Russ is survived by his loving ...

OPAL RITTS

Opal Marie (Morris) Ritts, 62, of Martins Ferry, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Country Club Retirement Center. She was born on July 22, 1963, in Bellaire a daughter of the late George W. and Annabelle M. (Moore) Morris. Opal attended Our Lady of Lebanon Church, retired after 40 ...

BETTIE RAE MATTERN

Bettie Rae Mattern of Wintersville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, at the Valley Hospice North Care Center. She was born on March 2, 1943, the eldest daughter of the late James Sr. and Agnes Cash. Along with her parents, Bettie was preceded in death by her son, Tobby ...

JOSEPH STEWART

Joseph Christian Stewart passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Wheeling Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on August 28, 1960 in Martins Ferry, Ohio where he lived his whole life except for a short stay in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Homer and Freda Stewart and his brother, Matthew Stewart, all of Martins Ferry, Ohio. He is survived by his two daughters: Christian (Michael) Goddard and their children Trey, Claire and Grace; Jacy (Brandon) Woodie and their son, Jack. Joe is also survived by his fiance of 27 years. Diana ...

FRANCIS “JAKE” WELLS

Francis “Jake” Elwood Wells, a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, in Bellaire, Ohio, at the age of 93. Born on January 15, 1932, in Belmont County, Ohio, he lived a life marked by dedication to his family and service to his country. Francis served honorably as a member of the United States Air Force and Korean War Veteran, demonstrating a commitment to duty that he carried throughout his life. Following his military service, he worked as a laborer for Ormet. He was preceded in death by his father Clarence Wells, mother ...

JOHN KOLESAR

Msgr. John C. Kolesar, a Diocese of Steubenville priest retired from active parish ministry, died Oct. 28 at the age of 86. He was born April 13, 1939, in Unionport, Ohio, a son of the late John Charles and Mary Helen Skolosh Kolesar. Msgr. Kolesar began his education at Anderson Elementary ...