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Here are the latest obituaries and notices as provided by the funeral homes serving Cookeville, Baxter, Monterey, Sparta, Gainesboro and Livingston.
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Obituaries For Tuesday, December 3
Duane Earl Schiller, age 90, of Crossville, passed away at his home on December 1, 2024. No services are planned. Survivors include wife, Donna Jean Schiller; children, Lori Bakken (Curtis Olson) and Judy Stronach (Douglas); 2 grandchildren, Nicholas Bakken and Amanda Bakken; 2 great grandchildren, Kolten and Luke Bakken.
Donna Lee Looker, age 66 of Dodson Branch, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at her residence in Dodson Branch Community at the age of 66. Family has chosen cremation with no services scheduled. She was born December 12, 1957 in Maine. She was the daughter of August Schimenek. Mrs. Looker was a registered nurse. Survivors include her sons, Steven Anthony Looker and Joseph Albert Looker both of Cookeville; grandchildren, Sienna Avalee Luna and Gregory Oscar Rollins. Memorials may be made to the Putnam County Humane Society.
Patricia Carole Wheeler Wells, age 77 of Bloomington Springs, passed away Friday, November 29, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. She chose cremation. A private family interment in the Wheeler Family Cemetery, Dry Fork Rd. Granville TN will be held at a later date. She had been a residence of NHC in Cookeville for almost four years. Carole was born in Jackson County on February 11, 1947, to William C. Wheeler and Marjorie Dawes Wheeler. She was a retired office manager for GenRe Insurance in Atlanta, Georgia. She was of the Presbyterian faith. She was an avid reader and public television viewer. She enjoyed working in her flower garden and had a passion for the English cottage style of decorating. Carole is survived by: her cousin and caregiver, Jackie W. Wheeler, of Cookeville; sister, Beverly Alexander of Maui, Hawaii; nephew, Madison Alexander of Las Vegas, Nevada; and a host of cousins and friends. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to the Wheeler Cemetery Fund; 2403 West Broad St.; Cookeville TN 38501.
Mr. James “Jim” Howard Keefer, age 91 of Overton County, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 28, 2024 at his residence. The family has chosen to honor Jim’s final wishes and have selected cremation. Jim was born Sunday, September 24, 1933, in Evanston, Illinois to the late Howard and Ruth Keefer. Jim graduated from St. George High School in Evanston, Illinois, and from the University of Illinois with a Bachelors Degree in Science. He served in the United States Navy as a Radarman for four years. He is survived by his wife Karen and his five children: Fran Keefer, James Keefer, William Keefer, Cathy Knupp, and Susan O’Conner. Jim is also survived by his eleven grandchildren and his three great grandchildren as well. Travelling was his hobby later in life especially in a motor-home, he spent several years in Florida.
Funeral Services for Lorretta Jean Phillips, age 48, of the Hanging Limb Community, will be conducted on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 1:00 PM from The Chapel of Goff Funeral Home. Rev. Jeff Monday will officiate with interment to follow in the George M. Phillips Cemetery. Mrs. Phillips was born on Thursday, September 9, 1976, in Wichita, Kansas, to Debbie Smith Elrod of Sparta, Tennessee, and James Hensley of Sparta, Tennessee. Mrs. Phillips passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Phillips worked with Cumberland Container in customer service. She loved music, singing, traveling, cooking, was an artist and was happy with life. She was a loving wife, mother, and daughter. She is survived by her husband, Cortes Phillips of the Hanging Limb Community; daughter, Tessa Benjamin of Cookeville, TN; step sons, Elijah Phillips of the Hanging Limb Community, Levi (Jeannette) Phillips of Algood, TN; mother and step father, Debbie and Arnold Elrod of Sparta, TN; father and step mother, James and Libby Hensley of Sparta, TN; sister and brother-in-law, Barbie and Tracy Tollison of Sparta, TN; brother and sister-in-law, Phillip and Christy Hensley of Quebeck, TN; step sister, Jayne Guy of Sparta, TN; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Earl and Louise Phillips of the Hanging Limb Community. The family will receive friends at Goff Funeral Home on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
Graveside Services for Mrs. Frances Marie Smith-Holt, age 82 of Livingston, will be held Tuesday, 2pm, at Hatcher Hall Cemetery, where we invite family and friends to gather in remembrance of her remarkable life. A Celebration of Life service will follow on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the First Christian Church, starting at 2 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. Frances was born on January 24, 1942, to Arnold Van Smith and Agnes Sells Smith, growing up as the youngest and last surviving child in a lively household of nine. From her early years, she showed an adventurous spirit and a fierce determination. She graduated from Livingston Academy in 1960 and went on to attend the University of Tennessee, where her dreams began to take shape. In 1962, she bravely moved to Indiana, where she met the love of her life, John “Jack” Heldenbrand. Together, they created a warm and loving home for their three children—Jennifer, Melissa, and the late John. Frances dedicated herself to her family, nurturing their dreams while also pursuing her own. Her compassion for others led her to complete her LPN training, and she worked tirelessly in hospitals and doctor’s offices, earning the love and respect of her colleagues and patients alike. In 1985, Frances embraced a new chapter as a Subway franchisee, where she poured her heart into serving her community for 21 years. But her creativity truly blossomed as she ventured into her own business, Custom Slip Covers and More, upon returning to Tennessee. Friends and family fondly remember her beautiful handmade home décor items, each crafted with love and care. Frances’s legacy lives on through her loving husband, Billy Joe; her daughters, Jennifer Zervas and Melissa Heldenbrand; her cherished grandchildren, Aryn Marie Schounce, Alecia Proefrock, Spencer Proefrock, Levi Holt (and wife Caroline), Lucas Holt (and wife Liz), C.J. Ramsey, and Jayce Monroe (and wife Eric); and her precious great-grandchildren, Atticus and Henry Zuckerman, Luca, Abel, Lettie, Laramie, Bonnie Rose, Will, and Tucker. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society, honoring her spirit of generosity and compassion for those in need.
Celebration Of Life for Tony Lee Quarles, age 69 of Baxter, will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 3:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Warren officiating. He passed from this life on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Extended Family Care, LLC in Manchester, Tennessee. Tony was born Wednesday, October 26, 1955, in Muncie, Indiana, and he was the son of the late Arnold Lee Quarles and the late Lucille June (Bollinger) Quarles. Tony was a loving son, brother, father, uncle, and friend. He loved to gamble especially at the dog and horse tracks. He was loved by those who knew him and he will be greatly missed. Tony is survived by his daughter, Melissa Clark and her husband, Thomas; 4 Grandchildren, Bradley, Nicholas, Zachary, and Ashley; 2 Brothers, Darryl Lynn Quarles and his companion, Lora Roberts, and Jerry Quarles and his wife, Charlotte; Sister, Tangie Pigman and her husband, Randy; 3 Special Nephews, Darryl St. George, Dylan Quarles, and Jordan Quarles; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 1:00 pm until the time of service at 3:00 pm at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.
Funeral Services for Sherrie Ann Flatt, age 66 of Putnam County, will be at 1 PM Wednesday December 4 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at Algood City Cemetery. Sherrie Ann passed away Saturday evening, November 30 at her home. Visitation will be from 11 AM until 1 PM.
Graveside Services for Lisa Qualls Blankenship, age 63 of Sparta, will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Oak Lawn Memorial Cemetery. She went to be with the Lord on November 30, 2024, peacefully in her home. Lisa was the youngest of 3 children born to Ted and Berniece Qualls. Being the only girl, with two older brothers, she grew up tough and rowdy, with a heart of gold. She was a 1979 graduate of White County High School. Lisa furthered her education by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. She was a nurse at White County Hospital for several years, then finished out her career as the nurse at Thomas Industries in Sparta. In 1979, Lisa gave birth to a son, Aaron Qualls, who was her entire world. After his passing in 1996, Lisa dreamed of the day she would be reunited with Aaron. Lisa found comfort in talking with family members daily and her favorite hobby, bass fishing with her best friend, Sue Hillis. They spent many evenings on the water, laughing, reminiscing and, of course, catching fish! Lisa was married to Sparta Police Investigator, Harold Blankenship and gained 3 step children. Lisa also loved road trips. She and Sue embarked on many adventures from the mountains to the beach and everywhere in between, acquiring many great stories and many memories. She leaves behind one brother Rick Qualls and wife Cindy of Cookeville, special sister Sue Hillis, two uncles Rodger McCann (Carolyn) and Lyndon McCann, nieces Robynn Nash, Jessica Starnes, Angie Hale and Jennifer Qualls, one nephew Jonathan Qualls, step daughter Kim Watts, step son Steven Blankenship, bonus son Nick Hillis, several great nieces and nephews and many very close cousins.
Memorial Services for Susan Kay Lee, age 75 of Cookeville, will be at 3:00 PM on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Presley Funeral Home. On Thursday, November 28, 2024, Susan Kay Lee passed at home in Cookeville peacefully, surrounded by love and laughter. Born Tuesday, January 25, 1949 in Mount Clemens, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Albert Fields and the late Shirley Judd Fields. She was the middle of five children. Susan is remembered for her faith in God, fierce love of family, deep appreciation for music, impeccable fashion sense, and intelligence and quick wit. She was a believer in the labor of love, working long hours at the law office of Andrew S Wentworth and then again at home to make sure her family was well-fed and fully cared for. She was a talented cook, and her family’s favorite recipes are Swiss steak, hoe cakes, and fried potatoes. As part of a musical family, she could sing anything from the 1940s to the 2000s and played the piano beautifully. Effortlessly elegant and classy, Susan never had a hair out of place, always had the perfect jewelry on—like her homemade guitar pick earrings—and wore Chanel No. 5. Susan was fierce, young at heart, and the center of entertainment for anyone who knew her. She was particular and orderly, well-showcased during the holiday season by her house, which rivaled the perfection of designer magazines. She went all-out creating an atmosphere of cheer and fun for the holidays, from Easter to Independence Day to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. In all that she did, Susan was detail-oriented. She was well-read and passionate about literature and grammar to the point of perfection. Above all, Susan was a comfort and confidant to many people and would share the burden of anyone in need. She took care of others until the end of her life. Susan mentioned countless times that her children were the best thing she ever did. Susan was honored to be a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, niece, and friend. She will be dearly missed. Surviving are daughter, Rebecca (David) Greene of Cookeville; son Christopher Merlin (Stacy) Lambert of Etna, OH; 4 grandchildren; 4 siblings Alberta Faye Harris of Loveland, OH, James (Sheila) Fields of Sardinia, OH, Patrick (Diane) Fields of Cookeville, Gwendolyn (John) O’Brien of Maineville, OH. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Presley Funeral Home.
Funeral Services for Bobby Tollette Parham, age 96 of Cookeville, will be held at 11am, Friday, December 6th from the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Homes with Bro. Ronnie Erwin and Pastor Tim Miles officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Algood City Cemetery, with Jackie Farris, Ray Able, Jim Jernigan, Jeff Hunter, Richard Carey and Grady Stewart serving as pallbearers. The revered professor and dedicated military servant passed away on November 28, 2024 at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville. Born on July 12, 1928, in Franklin County, Tennessee, Bobby’s early years spent in the Sequatchie Valley were foundational in shaping a life dedicated to education, agriculture, and community service. Bobby’s educational journey began in Crossville, Tennessee, where he completed high school before earning degrees from Louisiana State University (LSU) and Tennessee Tech University (TTU). His commitment to agricultural education propelled him into a distinguished career as a Professor of Agriculture at Tennessee Tech University. For over 30 years, he imparted his knowledge and expertise in animal science and pre-veterinarian courses, inspiring countless students to pursue careers in agriculture and veterinary medicine. His passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom; he also coached the rodeo team at Tennessee Tech, sharing his love for the sport with students and fostering their skills. In addition to his academic achievements, Bobby served honorably in the U.S. Army for 34 years, retiring as a full bird Colonel. His military service included an occupational duty in Japan following Hiroshima and teaching officer training in the Army Reserves, a testament to his leadership and commitment to service. Bobby was a man of deep faith, actively attending Willhite Baptist Church in Cookeville, where he taught Sunday school until he reached the age of 90. His contributions to his community extended beyond education and military service; he was an avid enthusiast of restoring antique John Deere tractors and raising quarter horses, reflecting a strong connection to his agricultural roots. His love for rodeo was a notable aspect of his personality, showcasing his adventurous spirit and commitment to traditional American values. Bobby is survived by his beloved wife, Deanna Florida Parham, and his son, Michael David Parham of Cookeville. He is also survived by sister in law, Vivian Petry of Algood, nephews, Ricky and Mark Warner of Ohio, Kyle Crawford of Algood, and great nephew, Bradley Jewell of Westmoreland. His legacy is cherished by those who knew him and will continue to inspire future generations. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4-7pm and again on Friday from 9am until the time of service at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to the BT Parham Scholarship Fund at TTU.
Memorial Services for Carol Denton Gibbons, age 87 of Cookeville, will be held Friday at 2:00 pm at Crest Lawn Funeral Home. She passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at home with family in Murfreesboro. She was born on Sunday, July 18, 1937 in Carthage, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Sam A Denton and the late Johnnie Mai McClanahan Denton. She is survived by her 2 sons, Dal Gibbons and wife, Dede and Eric Gibbons and wife, Karen; sister, Kay Evitts; and brother-in-law, Steve Evitts; 3 grand-daughters, Katie, Ally, and Mai; niece, Kelly Evitts Becker and her family; and nephew, Jason Evitts. A proud native of Smith County Tennessee, strong in her faith, with a great love of her family and blessed with abundant friendships. She will be missed. The family will be receiving friends on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm.
Graveside Services for Mr. Richard Dwight Cooper, age 60 of Indianapolis, Indiana, will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Beaty Cemetery in Monroe. Military Honors will be provided by the Overton County Veterans Honor Guard, and Bro. Dereck Copeland will officiate. Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate his life at the graveside. Born on July 18, 1964, to Anna Ruth Smith Cooper and the late Lester Allen Cooper, Richard was a man of integrity and quiet strength. A 1982 graduate of Decatur Central High School, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Richard loved the outdoors, often found with a fishing pole in hand, and cherished every moment cheering on his grandson from the sidelines. Above all, he was a family man who found his greatest joy in the company of loved ones. Richard leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth. Surviving him are his daughter, Leslie Cooper (fiancé Kevin), and son, Harmon Cooper (wife Tara); his devoted mother, Anna Ruth Cooper; his beloved grandchildren, Bianca, Cheyenne, Tyler, Charlotte, Chanlee, and Deakin; and his brothers, Johnnie Cooper and Tommy Cooper (wife Kathy). He also leaves behind cherished aunts, Betty Louise Story, Judy Choate, and Hallie Armstrong, uncle, Howard Smith, and extended family. He joins in peace his father and brothers, Darb and Bill Cooper, who preceded him in death.
Funeral Services for Marilyn “Maxine” Hooper, age 79 of Cookeville, will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 12:00 pm from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with Bro. Dewayne Kress officiating. Interment will follow in Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. She passed away at her home on Friday, November 29, 2024. Maxine was born Wednesday, November 28, 1945, in Ripley, Tennessee, the daughter of the late William Louis Crowder and Mary Elizabeth (Sneed) Crowder Griggs. Maxine was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, Grandma, Great-Grandma, aunt, and friend. Family was her life, and she enjoyed spending every moment with them. Maxine was loved by those she knew, and she will be greatly missed. Maxine is survived by, 2 Children, Robbie Fletcher and Dean Eller and his wife, Rachel; 8 Grandchildren, Brian Lee McGinniss, Brandon Hugh McGinniss, Ashley Walton and her husband, John, Jessica Haston, Sarah McLeod and her husband, Austin, Alexis Farris and her husband, Brandon, Laura Taylor and her husband, Gavin, and Jake Wedeking; 9 Great-Grandchildren, Daisha McGinniss, Ellie McGinniss, AJ Allen, Griffin Walton, Carson Farris, Paisley Farris, Harper McLeod, Mason McLeod, and Connor McLeod 2 Brothers, Cecil Crowder, and Donnie Crowder; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.
Memorial Services for Dr. Daniel Joseph Swartling, age 64 of Cookeville, will be held at Sunday 2pm at the Stonecipher Lecture Hall in the Lab Science Commons at Tennessee Tech University. He was born on September 3, 1960, in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, and passed away peacefully on November 21 2024, at the NHC of Cookeville. He leaves behind a legacy shaped by a profound passion for chemistry, a dedication to education, and a spirit deeply rooted in his Christian faith. Dan’s educational journey began early in life, ignited by a fascination with chemistry that took hold when he received his first chemistry set at the age of twelve. He immersed himself in the subject, conducting chemical demonstrations as early as seventh grade. He graduated from Winona High School in 1978 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Winona State University in 1985. His pursuit of knowledge continued at the University of North Dakota, where he was awarded a PhD in chemistry in 1989. His professional career commenced as a research assistant in the department of medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy at Purdue University from 1989-1990. Following this, he served as a research associate at the Ben May Institute for Cancer Research at the University of Chicago from 1990 to 1992. Dan was honored to be a Camille and Henry Dreyfus fellow at Southern Methodist University from 1992 to 1994. In August 1994, he joined the faculty of Tennessee Tech University, where he devoted his career to education and mentorship. Renowned for his teaching and service, he was awarded two of Tennessee Tech’s highest honors, one for outstanding faculty in teaching and one for professional service. He taught a variety of courses including General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Environmental Organic Chemistry, inspiring countless students along the way. Beyond academia, Dan was a passionate supporter of TTU Sports, particularly enthusiastic about women’s soccer, basketball, and volleyball, alongside men’s basketball, baseball, and football. His vibrant personality earned him multiple nicknames, reflecting his diverse interests and playful spirit: Santa Dan, Dan the Motorcycle Man, Dan the Botanist-especially fond of orchids and miniature plants-Dan the Glass Blower, Rebel Dr. Dan, Dan the Balloon Artist, Jewelry Maker, and Mad Man Dr. Dan. A visitation in honor of Dan will be held on Sunday December 8, from 1-2pm. In lieu of or in addition to flowers, a memorial scholarship fund is being established at Tennessee Tech University in Dan’s name, to help fund the education of future Chemistry majors.
A Celebration of Life for Bonnie Faye Fox, 71 of Sparta, will be Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 2:00PM at Sparta Civic Center. She passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital in Sparta, while surrounded by family. Born Sunday, December 28, 1952 in Spencer, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late J.W. Felton and the late Cleatis Baker Felton. Bonnie was a loving mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her extended family, playing games of all kind. Bonnie was the shining light of our lives and will be dearly missed. Surviving are Daughter Kimberly Ann (Gregory) Watts of Sparta; Son, Steven (Trish West) Blankenship of Sparta; Grandchildren Olivia Watts, Bonnie Jean Blankenship, David Blankenship, Scott Blankenship, Seth Blankenship, Shane Blankenship, and Stephanie Blankenship, all of Sparta; Siblings Mary Richardson of Cookeville, TN; James (Liz) Felton of Sparta, TN; Brenda (Dale) Bray of Doyle. TN; and Linda (Larry) Farley of Sparta.
