Marilyn H. Harr, age 85 of Olive Hill, KY, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, KY, after a brief illness.
She was born August 20, 1939, in Morehead, KY, a daughter of the late Allie Russell Hargett and Effie Marie Evans Hargett.
For over 45 years, Marilyn served the Carter County School System, where she taught 5th grade for ten years and served as a central office administrator for more than 35 years, retiring as Director of Federal Programs. Her ability to make learning fun and meaningful left a lasting impact—several of her former students followed in her footsteps, becoming teachers because of the joy she brought to their school experience.
Marilyn loved to frequent thrift stores and antique stores, collecting meaningful pieces over the years that she proudly displayed in her home. She was a member of Soldier Church of God and found joy in both her church family and singing in the choir.
In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Arnie Jean “A.J.” Harr. She was also preceded in death by her two brothers and two sisters-in-law, Allie Russell Hargett Jr. and his wife Barbara, Earnie Lee Hargett and his wife Janie, and one brother-in-law, Herman Butts.
Marilyn is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Drs. Shannon Harr and Dalia Smith-Harr of Olive Hill. She is also survived by two sisters and a brother-in-law, Fern Butts of Olive Hill, and Lyda Russell and her husband Dan of Lexington. She leaves behind special friends Dayton Porter, Delores Thomas, and Barbara King, as well as a special neighbor, Jeff Brown. In addition, Marilyn is remembered by many extended family members and friends who will deeply miss her.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 31st at 1:00 PM at Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, KY, with Rev. Dan Russell, Rev. Tippy Price, and Brother Byron Hargett officiating. Burial will follow in the Hargett Cemetery in Olive Hill, KY.
Friends and family may visit Saturday, May 31st from 11:00 until the time of funeral service at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West Highway US 60, Olive Hill, KY.
Pallbearers are Keith Hargett, Dennis Hargett, Anthony Hargett, Scott Fultz, Ryan Russell, and Alex Russell. Honorary pallbearers are the Soldier Church of God ladies as well as Joann Smith, Barbara King, Sherry Stamper, Aline Petitt, Roxanne Wagoner, Rosalee Thomas, and Deanna Hargett.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Marilyn’s memory to Community Hospice Care Facility, 2330 Pollard Road, Ashland, KY 41101.
Globe Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family of Marilyn H. Harr.
The following individuals were arrested and booked into the Carter County Detention Center over the past week. This list includes local arrests only. It does not include federal inmates being housed at or transported through the detention center.
Taylor Tabor, 25, of Thibodaux, LA, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of endangering the welfare of a minor, arrested and booked May 19.
Charles Burnett, 27, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with no visible injury, arrested and booked May 19.
Toni Kiser, 46, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, and failure to produce an insurance card, arrested and booked May 19.
Lorey Lowe, 60, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on a charge of fourth degree assault with minor injury, and violation of a Kentucky emergency protection order/domestic violence order, arrested and booked May 20.
Thomas Leslie, 68, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on a probation violation for a felony offense, and a probation violation for a misdemeanor offense, arrested and booked May 20.
Paul Marcum, 45, of Olive Hill, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of second degree criminal abuse of a child 12 or under, arrested and booked May 21.
Shawn Perry, 50, address unavailable, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of public intoxication on a controlled substance (excludes alcohol), and third degree criminal trespass, arrested and booked May 21.
Scotty Skaggs, 57, of Limestone, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on charges of theft by unlawful taking or disposition of items valued between $1,000 and $10,000, and being a persistent felony offender, arrested and booked May 22.
Jordan Pennington, 26, of Prestonsburg, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of second degree manslaughter, and first degree promoting contraband, arrested and booked May 22.
Michael Salyers, 39, of Ashland, arrested by Boyd County Jail, on two counts of failure to appear, arrested and booked May 23.
William Fomby, 28, of Louisville, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, controlled intake, charges unavailable, arrested and booked May 23.
Darrel Anthonty, 20, of Louisville, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, controlled intake, charges unavailable, arrested April 3, booked May 23.
Libryant Knox, 24, of Cincinnati, OH, arrested by Jefferson County Detention Center, controlled intake, charges unavailable, arrested and booked May 23.
Joshua Pugh, 34, of Campbellsville, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, controlled intake, on charges of third degree terroristic threatening, arrested July 12, 2024, booked May 23.
Thomas Dawes, 25, of Richmond, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, controlled intake, charges unavailable, arrested and booked May 23.
Thomas Blackburn, 42, of Russel Springs, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, controlled intake, charges unavailable, arrested May 1, booked May 23.
Bobby Barker, 65, address unavailable, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on four counts of failure to appear, arrested and booked May 25.
Gerald Porter, 42, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a probation violation (for a felony offense), arrested and booked May 25
Kenneth Lambert, 39, of Argillite, arrested by Carter County Jail, weekender, arrested and booked May 25.
All of the charges listed are arrest charges only, and do not indicate an indictment or a conviction for the charges in question. All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Information is compiled from publicly available sources, but may not be comprehensive.
FRANKFORT— With spring in full bloom across Eastern Kentucky and the landscape shifting toward warmer and longer days, and the people are preparing for the work ahead. This time of year reminds us that while one season ends, another begins. Although the 2025 Regular Session concluded in March, back in Frankfort, the work on behalf of Kentuckians does not pause. The way the legislature proceeds will look quite different.
Since adjourning the session, it has been a particularly busy time in the district—from graduations, to agriculture events, to groundbreakings, from finalizing long-awaited projects to celebrating new investments in our district. Several notable events occurred across the district over the past month, including two exciting ribbon cuttings, spotlighting the value of local partnerships and public investment in our schools.
At Cannonsburg Elementary, students, educators, families, and local leaders gathered to celebrate the reopening of the school following a two-year, $11.8 million renovation. With expanded classrooms, a new cafeteria and library, upgraded safety infrastructure, and long-overdue facility improvements, this project marks a significant step forward for education in the region. The majority of the funding—over $7 million—was awarded through state investment, reinforcing the importance of our shared commitment to public education. When students took the stage to thank us, it was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
That same day, I joined community leaders at Boyd County High School for the ribbon cutting of the new Career and Technical Center, which is another critical investment in our region’s future. This facility will offer students hands-on training and career preparation in a range of fields, equipping them with the tools they need to pursue opportunities right here at home. I was proud to support this project alongside Boyd County Schools and local government partners. Together, these efforts reflect our determination to invest in infrastructure that uplifts students, strengthens families, and builds the foundation for long-term economic growth throughout the district.
Looking toward June, legislators will soon return to Frankfort as we enter what is known as the Interim Joint Session. This phase of the legislative calendar is not a break from duty. It is a period of deeper focus before the next session commences. This is when lawmakers review past legislation, examine pressing issues, and study the policy decisions that shape everyday life across the Commonwealth.
For me, this interim is a time to listen, ask better questions, and prepare. With a 60-day budget session on the horizon in 2026, the work we do over the next several months will influence how we invest in education, health care, public safety, and rural economic opportunity. This is where the foundation is built. I plan to take an active role in that process.
During the regular session, the General Assembly debates and votes on bills. The pace is fast and decisions move quickly. The interim slows that pace down. It gives us time to look closely at the effects of laws already passed and to gather information about the challenges ahead.
Interim committees meet jointly with members of both the House and Senate. They hear from experts, review data, and consider testimony from Kentuckians affected by state policy. This is when ideas are refined. This is when better policy begins to take shape.
I serve on five Interim Joint Committees. These are not ceremonial roles. Each committee meets regularly to consider real issues that affect families, workers, and communities across the Commonwealth. Below is a summary of the work ahead.
Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture
In our part of the state, agriculture is more than a job. It is a way of life. This committee focuses on farm safety, conservation programs, food systems, and rural economic development. We also review policies involving crop insurance, disease control, and livestock health. I will be watching closely how recent changes in funding affect access to grants and loans that support small and family-owned farms. This includes attention to the administration of the Tobacco Master Settlement funds and the role of the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy. Rural prosperity begins with smart investment in agriculture, and I will continue to advocate for that.
Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue
This committee reviews how Kentucky raises and spends public dollars. We examine budget forecasts, tax structures, and state investments in infrastructure, education, and health services. Every policy depends on how the budget is constructed. This interim will be critical in shaping the next biennial budget. I will continue pushing for equitable funding across regions and fairness in state resource distribution. The needs of rural communities deserve full consideration.
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary
The justice system involves real people and serious decisions. This subcommittee reviews funding for the courts, public defenders, corrections, and law enforcement. I will focus on access to justice in rural areas. That includes ensuring our courthouses are funded, our victims are supported, and our mental health services for justice-involved individuals are not overlooked. Budgeting for justice requires more than numbers. It requires a commitment to fairness and dignity.
Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children
This committee focuses on services that help Kentuckians meet their basic needs. That includes support for children and adults in crisis, nutrition programs, foster care, and child protection. These services are essential in rural areas where access can be limited by geography, staffing shortages, or weak infrastructure. I will work to ensure federal dollars are used effectively and that state policies meet the real-world needs of families in my district.
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
Kentucky’s future depends on responsible management of our natural resources. This committee reviews issues tied to water systems, utilities, environmental protections, and energy development. I continue to support a balanced approach. We must protect our land and water while also recognizing the role of energy and natural resource jobs. Flood mitigation and water infrastructure investment will be key issues in this interim. I will be a strong voice for smarter, forward-looking policy in these areas.
In addition to interim joint committees, I serve on several statutory committees established under Kentucky law or authorized as permanent subcommittees of the Legislative Research Commission. These committees meet regularly to review complex financial, infrastructure, and agricultural matters. Their proceedings are open to the public and the press.
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee
This committee is tasked with reviewing how state dollars are spent on capital construction and public infrastructure. That includes oversight of emergency repair accounts, the leasing or purchase of state-owned properties, and bond issuances for both state government and local school districts. I will continue to monitor how capital investments are allocated and whether they are serving the long-term needs of our communities.
2026–2028 Budget Preparation and Submission Committee
As Kentucky prepares for the biennial budget, this committee plays an important role in setting the framework for how agencies draft and submit their spending plans. The committee provides guidance on budget instructions, formats, and requirements, ensuring consistency and accountability across government. This work will help shape the foundation of the 2026 budget session, and I intend to approach it with the seriousness it deserves.
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee
This committee reviews the use of Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement funds, with a focus on agricultural development, public health, and early childhood investments. We evaluate grants and loans issued by the Agricultural Development Board and examine how those resources are being used to diversify farm income, support rural communities, and advance long-term planning for Kentucky agriculture. I remain committed to preserving the original intent of these funds and ensuring they reach the people and programs they were designed to help.
The legislative process works best when people are involved. Interim Joint Committee meetings are open to the public. They are also streamed online and archived for review. Anyone can watch, read, or participate.
You can visit http://www.legislature.ky.gov to find the full 2025 Interim Calendar. The site includes meeting schedules, live stream links, and documents from past discussions. You can also contact my office to share your views, ask questions, or get help with a specific issue.
Over the next few months, these issues will be a focus, and listening to constituents to hear what is working and what is not, is vital to how we move forward on them. That feedback shapes how I serve. Being a public servant means showing up, following through, and carrying local voices into every conversation in Frankfort. Whether we are talking about roads, rivers, classrooms, or courtrooms, the goal is good policies that serve the people where they live.
The interim session may not make the headlines, but it is where thoughtful work begins. I look forward to continuing that work with care and with the same commitment I brought to the regular session.
You can visit legislature.ky.gov to find the full 2025 Interim Calendar. The site includes meeting schedules, livestream links, and documents from past discussions. You can also contact my office directly to share your views, ask questions, or get help with a specific issue. I can be contacted by email at SD18@cm.kylegislature.govor through the General Assembly Message Line at 1-800-372-7181. Kentuckians with hearing loss can use Kentucky Relay by dialing 711.
Being a state senator means showing up. It means following through. It means carrying local voices into every conversation in Frankfort. Whether we are talking about roads, rivers, classrooms, or courtrooms, the goal is the same: good policy that serves people where they live.
The interim session may not make the headlines, but it is where thoughtful work begins. I look forward to continuing that work with care and with the same commitment I brought to the regular session.
Tiny American flags fluttered in the breeze at public and private cemeteries, covering the ground like spring flowers. We should be humbled by the sight of so many red, white and blue symbols of personal courage and patriotism.
Not all of them mark the grave of someone killed in combat but each one does mark the final resting place of someone willing to die for their country…our country. Special thanks go to those who plant the little flags in memory of departed comrades and loved ones.
Many of us attended Memorial Day events this week and no doubt noticed with sadness that the number of World War II veterans grows smaller each year. We are losing hundreds of them each day. Most have reached their 90s.
Men who shouldered a rifle now carry a cane. Men who drove trucks, landing craft and tanks now steer a two-wheeled walker. Men who flew in airplanes and sailed in ships now ride in wheelchairs.
Men who stood ramrod straight now struggle to stand fully upright. Men who could see like an eagle now are lucky to see at all.
Women who nursed the wounds of war now receive nursing care. Women who fed the warriors now struggle to feed themselves.
The World War II vets are not much older than those who fought in Korea. They are followed by those who went to Vietnam…to the Gulf War…to Iraq and Afghanistan…many for multiple tours of duty as the fight against terrorism drags on and on.
One might wonder where we find these gallant men and women who wear our nation’s military uniforms. We find them right here at home in what President Ronald Reagan so aptly described as “the freest society man has ever known”.
They don’t serve for money or medals. They serve to defend the birthright of freedom we all share as Americans. To each, we gratefully say thank you for keeping us free.
If you are going to take out a tree, it is important to do it properly to reduce sprouting and recurrence because black cherry trees have a propensity to sprout from the cut stump and roots.
The quickest way to reduce or eliminate sprouting is to properly use herbicides that are labeled for controlling black cherry in pasture or fencerows. These herbicides are systemic, meaning they will travel throughout the plant and have the potential to kill all or a portion of the root system so that sprouting is reduced or eliminated.
You can apply herbicides in one of two methods – foliar spray or “cut stump” applications.
Many herbicides are labeled for foliage application of brush and trees if the trees are small enough to allow spray coverage of all or a large majority of the leaves. This technique involves spraying a diluted concentration of herbicide to cover the foliage.
Foliar applications work best after trees have fully leafed out until one or two weeks prior to leaf fall. The treated tree should remain in place until all the foliage has browned, ensuring that the herbicide has entered the root system. Check product labels for restrictions on pasturing and entry into treated areas. Generally, livestock should not be allowed access to areas where trees have been sprayed until the trees have been removed or wilting foliage is no longer present.
For larger trees, “cut stump” treatment is an effective method for preventing regrowth. Several herbicides, including some with glyphosate, triclopyr, and dicamba, are labeled for stump applications. After cutting the tree, immediately apply a concentrated herbicide solution to the fresh stump, following label directions. Timing is crucial—apply the herbicide within an hour to maximize effectiveness. If the stump has been cut for several weeks, recutting at least two inches down to expose fresh, live wood can improve absorption.
This method generally presents less environmental risk than foliar spraying, as it targets only the intended plant with minimal overspray or unintended exposure. However, caution is necessary in cases where root grafting could transfer herbicide to nearby cherry or ornamental trees. It is possible that the treated cherry trees may be root grafted to an adjacent black cherry or ornamental/cherry tree. Instances have been documented where a herbicide has moved from a treated tree to another of the same species or genera through a root graft. While this is not a high probability, in areas where other cherry trees are present, you should consider mechanical removal of the tree.
If you do not want to use herbicides, you can expect sprouting, and you’ll probably have to cut several times to exhaust the food supply to the roots which could take several years.
For more information contact your Carter County Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Upcoming Events:
Senior Farmer’s Market Vouchers – Call 474-6686 on May 28th to schedule an appointment to pick up your card. To register for a card you’ll need to provide name, address, birthday, and income information.
Ag Advancement Council – June 2nd @ 6:00 PM
Ag Development Board – June 2nd @ 7:00 PM
Little Sandy Beekeepers Association – June 3rd @ 6:30 PM; Topic – Making Chapstick from Beeswax; Speaker: Morgan Murphy
Luka Black showcasing his new book. (Photo by Katie Barker, Carter County Times)
By Katie Barker
Carter County Times
First graders at Olive Hill Elementary School (OHES) had their book reveal last Thursday, where they got to showcase their newly published books to friends and families. Each class wrote their own book, with each student having a page in it. The book tells what each student wants to be when they grow up and why they want to have that career. Some students said they wanted to be cops, veterinarians, teachers, football players, and for one student president.
“I want to be president when I grow up. We had to draw a picture and write about what we wanted to be. So, I drew me as president,” Luka Black said.
Each student’s writing was accompanied by a picture that showcased what they wanted to be. Chelsea Carter is one of the first grade teachers at OHES and she explained how proud she and the other teachers were of all the students.
“Our students have worked so hard on writing and illustrating their aspirations of what they want to become one day,” Carter said. “I am so proud of all of these amazing authors and illustrators.”
Families and friends were able to go around to each student to see what they wrote and ask them to read it to them. They were able to see and hear the goals these first graders have when they get older, as well as the talents they have now.
Each student was presented with a certificate saying that they are now a published author along with a copy of their newly published book. Contact us at news@cartercountytimes.com
Willa Flannery wants to be an Empower Athletic Coach when she grows up. (Photo by Katie Barker, Carter County Times)
Each child received a copy of the Caldecott Medal winning book, “I Can Be Anything! Don’t tell me I can’t,” a copy of their own published book, and a published author certificate. (Photo by Katie Barker, Carter County Times)
Luka Black showcasing his new book. (Photo by Katie Barker, Carter County Times)
Local business owners work together to load vans with donated supplies as part of a community-wide relief effort for tornado survivors in Laurel County. (Photo by Miranda H. Lewis, Carter County Times)
Miranda H. Lewis
Carter County Times
Last Friday marked one week since a deadly tornado ripped through several communities in Kentucky, leaving devastation in its wake. Seventeen people lost their lives in Laurel County alone. As the sun rose on May 17, the people of Carter County were already rallying—not only with words, but with action.
What began as a heartfelt effort by MaKaylen Genung of The Olive Branch Market in Olive Hill quickly grew into a county-wide mission of compassion. Genung, moved by the news of the tragedy, organized a donation drive that would go on to impact hundreds of families in Laurel County. She was joined by small business owners, farmers, and residents alike, all contributing whatever they could to help people they had never met.
“From the time I started the market, I knew that I wanted our mission to be around serving our community,” Genung said. “The night of the tornado, I had been up all night, watching the live feeds and weather alerts… Not only because it was in our home state, but one could tell from the reaction of several meteorologists that this would be catastrophic come daylight. I didn’t know exactly how at the time, but immediately knew we had to step in and help in some way.”
Among the first to answer the call was Emily Baier, owner of BaierHaus in Grayson.
“Emily had reached out to me, letting me know she was eager to help in any way she could,” Genung recalled. “She’s a fellow businesswoman with a similar faith-based mission, and I knew her location would be a perfect way to join efforts and get both ends of the county hand in hand with gathering goods… She went above and beyond, extending hours for donation drops, and even going on her own run to load her truck bed up the morning of our journey.”
BaierHaus quickly became a hub for donations, alongside other generous small businesses including Lewis Land and Cattle Farm, Events by Beck Balloons & Gift, Whimzi Works, Silver Spur Ink, Rudy Fest, and A & K Pools. These businesses not only collected and organized physical donations but also helped pack and prepare items for delivery.
In addition to the local efforts, individuals from both nearby and out of state contributed monetary donations and essential relief supplies—totes, tarps, contractor bags, baby formula, hygiene items, protein snacks, and more. After consulting contacts in London, Genung learned what was most needed:
“The top needs were non-perishable foods, totes, and tarps for property cleanup and distribution,” she explained. “I also knew that along with itemized donations, I wanted to be serving food on-ground—letting these survivors know they weren’t in this alone, while being able to assist with any direct needs.”
By Thursday night, the team had received nearly $4,000 in monetary donations, 70 cases of water, 25 totes of supplies, and enough food to prepare over 600 lunches.
“Olive Hill always exceeds my expectations any time there is a need, no matter how big or small,” Genung said. “The initial response on social media was overwhelming and far exceeded outside of our surrounding counties due to the sharing of our town’s people. Just in four days, we raised close to $4,000 in donations alone—and nearly doubled that when counting all items donated. People from neighboring counties told me they’ve never seen a community step up like Olive Hill does.”
On the morning of delivery, Genung posted:
“We have three vans that have been filled to the brim, prayed over, & heading to London, Kentucky to spread the love of Carter County to our fellow holler folk.
“Along with donations and our people, these vans are also filled with a ton of emotion, as we head to grounds that are full of complete devastation that we’ve never witnessed firsthand. Please continue to pray for our journey, & that God will land us where He needs us most today.”
Upon arrival in Laurel County, Genung was directed to Sunshine Hills—an area described as one of the hardest hit.
“There was no preparing,” she said. “I stood in the middle of this exact neighborhood, by myself, with my sleeping one-year-old in our van. Seeing single shoes, toys, and pages of books in the rubble—knowing these were homes of families just like mine, just five days prior.”
Despite the destruction, the compassion of survivors left a lasting mark.
“I grieve every night for these people, and all that’s left to still mend in their lives,” she said. “Survivors, who had just lost everything they’d worked their entire lives for, were asking if it were too much to take a lunch and a tote. Nothing will truly open your eyes more than the complete gratitude of a survivor of a tragedy.”
The team fed over 600 meals to displaced families, first responders, and weary individuals sheltering in emergency centers or sleeping in vehicles. The response reaffirmed Genung’s belief in the importance of showing up.
“When interviewed by WSAZ,” she said, “they asked me why we were joining such efforts, being two hours away from the worst hit areas. I told them, ‘Kentucky is Kentucky, and I know they’d do the same for us.’”
“Moments like these are reminders that small town support comes from within, and that’s why we’ll continue to support ours in all that we do,” she continued. “My people were the definition of olive branches this past week—spreading hope to God’s people; to our neighbors.”
Gabe Lewis of Lewis Land and Cattle echoed that sentiment:
“In the midst of devastation, we witnessed overwhelming compassion. The strength of our small towns was on full display,” he said. “This is the spirit of Appalachia—quiet, kind, and full of love in action.”
For Baier, the experience became deeply personal. She remembered the prayer over donations before departure and a heartfelt moment with a former Laurel County resident now living in Grayson:
“She said, ‘My new town is helping my hometown,’” Baier said. “We hugged, cried, and just stood there in that gratitude. It was beautiful.”
What started as a grassroots effort in two small towns turned into something much larger—a living testimony of what it means to be Kentucky Strong. The residents of Olive Hill, Grayson, and beyond didn’t just send supplies. They sent love, dignity, and the assurance that Laurel County is not alone.
As Genung wrote:
“Kentucky proud, until we are Heaven bound. Keep praying for our people.”
And as Carter County proved—when hearts are full and hands are willing, even the smallest towns can move mountains.
Have you ever prayed for something and then anxiously waited for the answer to come the same day?
Something we will learn from the Word of God is to be specific with our requests. Do not generalize your prayer requests by asking for breakthrough or open doors. Ask for breakthroughs in a specific area. Scripture says, “If you say to THIS mountain be removed, it will be moved.” Name that mountain or whatever you want God to do for you, so that when the answers come you will know for sure that this is what you prayed for.
Get Bible verses for each request. Without the Word of God, your prayer is a religious exercise. Take time to find Bible verses that align with your prayer requests. Don’t rush to pray. Word preparation is key. God honors His Word and He is moved when you pray according to His will.
“This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us,” 1 John 5:14.
Pray by faith, believe what you pray for. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. When you pray, believe that you have received your answer even before you have it in your hands. Do not doubt your own prayers. Do not try to figure out how God will do it. Do not limit God with your thoughts or feel that it’s too difficult for God to do. With God all things are possible. Have this mindset when you go to God in prayer.
Say what you will do with your answer. Tell God why the request is important and what you will do with it. Is it to help yourself or for others? Is it to help in the household of God? What you are seeking for, is it to the glory of God? Be open and tell God what you will do with the answer you seek for. He is your Father and He wants you to share things with Him, whatever it is.
Avoid negative self-talk. Between the time you pray and when you get your answer, watch what you say! Do not talk against what you prayed for. Instead thank God for answers to your prayers. Remember that you are snared or taken by the words of your mouth. So, guard your mouth. It is vital that you speak only the end result, and what you desire! Speak as if every word you say will come to pass. If you aren’t speaking faith, then don’t speak at all.
Forgive others. When you bear a grudge or are unforgiving, God will not hear your prayers. If someone sins against you, go and settle with the person. Do not hide sins in your heart so that your prayers will not be hindered. As Jesus has forgiven your sins, learn to forgive others.
We have learned that God’s timing certainly isn’t our timing. God is not bound by a clock or calendar. After we pray, we must patiently wait with thanksgiving and praise. When you pray the right way, you will see the answers to your prayers manifest.
Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
This story was first published in The Daily Yonder on May 21, 2021 and is is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
While their friends are cannonballing into the city pool this weekend, my sons will spend the day in an Eastern Kentucky cemetery, placing flowers on the graves of relatives they never knew.
We are going back home on Decoration Day — a folk tradition practiced by generations of Appalachians and Southerners dedicated to visiting cemeteries where their families are buried to clean and decorate their graves, and often to attend a religious service and dinner on the cemetery grounds.
Like most who grew up in Eastern Kentucky, I’ve been practicing various rites of Decoration Day all my life. I loved the reunions, playing with my cousins, and filling plates of food and desserts. Although, I admit: I have often seen the other parts of Decoration Day as an unnecessary effort, one I had little interest in carrying on. What good was there in spending money on artificial flowers for people who would never know you made the gesture?
Yet this year, something changed. Perhaps it was turning 40, or the reckoning of the pandemic, or both, that made Decoration Day seem urgent and important not only to observe, but to pass down to my children.
As my perspective changed, my interest grew and sent me seeking answers, both historical and personal, about the cultural tradition, its origins, and why I felt a sudden urge to drag my three children to a cemetery on their first week of summer vacation.
What Is Decoration Day?
In Ohio, the streets of my small town are lined with tiny American flags. Living near a military base, with many active-duty and retired U.S. Air Force neighbors, I am keenly aware of the reverence paid to Memorial Day. Each year, I’d find myself asking my friends, “We always called it Decoration Day. We decorated everyone’s graves. Did you?” The answer was, with rare exception, no. Secretly, I worried if somehow I had incorrectly celebrated a patriotic holiday. Was this the same as not knowing I needed to illuminate a flag at night or take it down in the rain? Did we get this wrong? Had we expanded it selfishly to include everyone when we should have been only honoring those who died in battle?
Jabbour’s thorough exploration of Decoration Day relieved me of my concerns and filled me with a new appreciation for history and rituals.
Decoration Day, Jabbour wrote, actually inspired Memorial Day, pre-dating any post-Civil War celebration in the South or North. Before the war, Appalachians and Southerners were already practicing what they called Decoration Day, also called “a decoration,” which involved an annual “cleaning of community cemeteries, decorating them with flowers, and holding a religious service in the cemetery, often with ‘dinner on the ground.’” Families spent weeks leading up to Decoration Day making buds and petals from bright crepe paper, cleaning the cemeteries.
His research also softened my other silent concern that Decoration Day was tied up in celebrating the Confederacy. Jabbour explains that two early and unrelated celebrations of the Confederate dead — one in Charleston, South Carolina, and the other in Petersburg, Virginia — both using the word “decoration” and both using flowers, led Jabbour to conclude that organizers of the events each drew upon an existing tradition.
After reading Jabbour’s book, I called my grandmother, with whom I had tagged along to the cemetery, reunions and flower-buying expeditions. It was she who had carried the duty of Decoration Day to me, and I wanted to know why.
‘I was kindly like your youngins‘
One question from me about Decoration Day transports my grandmother back to her childhood — and ties me to the generations that came before me.
“Can you tell me what you remember about Decoration Day?”
“From the old days?”
“Yes.”
“It used to be a big day for people. When I was a little girl, my grandma would start in her spare time … and make crepe paper flowers. She usually made them out of bright red and turquoise and bright pink and white crepe paper. They would make a bud, and cut out petals, and take a knife to the petal and scrape the end of it to make it lay down and curl. They would have their wire, and put that bud on the end of the wire, and start with the little petals and tie them on.
“It was about two-and-a-half miles to that cemetery. Grandpa would always walk, and grandma would be on the horse. She would have a basket full of fried chicken, maybe fried pies, and cake, just food like that. And me, I was always running. We cut through the hills instead of going on the main road … we’d come down so far out of that hollow and then cut through the hill. When you go through the hills there’s wild honeysuckle, the prettiest orange, and as you go up through there, there are pine trees … and it smells like pine all the way through there. It was where grandma’s babies were buried, ones who died when they were born, and her son who died when he was 21. They’d sing, decorate graves, and talk, a lot of them hadn’t seen each other in a month or a few weeks.
“They had a preacher; he always, at least to me, preached too long. I would get so hot and tired that I just wanted to hurry up and get gone. …
“I’ll be honest with you, I was kindly like your youngins, I never was still. As far as standing around and watching what everybody did, I just sure didn’t. But I do remember decorating the graves. I think it’s important to decorate.”
Hearing her stories made it clear: Decoration Day, for me, was the remembering, linking myself and my children to the generations before us.
As I grow older, and as a pandemic has brought the fragility of life into clear focus, I’m buoyed by the remembering, by the traditions that connect the present, future, and past. To quote Alan Jabbour, “At the deepest spiritual level, a decoration is an act of respect for the dead that reaffirms one’s bonds with those who have gone before.”
And so today, my children will carry the flowers over the hillside to the graves of their great-grandfather, great-great grandparents, and other relatives.
We’ll make sure to place a small bouquet on the stone of my grandfather’s little brother, who died as an infant.
They’ll listen to our stories as we walk around the cemetery, and I hope, feel connected to the people who came before them.
They will get hot, tired, and bored.
Like their great-grandmother 80 years before them, they will want us to hurry up and get gone.
Alivia Wagoner proudly stands beside Faith’s Blessings the community food pantry she designed and built to serve Olive Hill residents in need. (Submitted photo)
Miranda H. Lewis
Carter County Times
In a small corner of Olive Hill, nestled between the city park and the utilities building, a simple wooden box stands tall with a powerful message: Take what you need, leave what you don’t. It’s called Faith’s Blessings, and it was built with heart, vision, and a deep desire to help by 17-year-old Alivia Wagoner, who will soon begin her senior year at West Carter High School.
Alivia’s passion project was born out of a long-held concern for the well-being of those in her community struggling with food insecurity.
“Growing up I never personally struggled with knowing where my next meal would come from, but I knew many people who did,” Alivia said. “Food bonds people, forms childhood memories, and reminds us of home. So, when I saw others struggle with access to food, it broke my heart. That concern drove me to look for a way to help, and I created Faith’s Blessings.”
The pantry’s location is no accident. Placed thoughtfully within a five-minute walk from a low-income housing community, it’s accessible to those who need it most. Its name carries a personal significance, too.
“I chose the name Faith’s Blessings from a mix of my own middle name, ‘Faith,’ and the intention of the project—to bless those in need,” Alivia shared.
The design and construction of the pantry was a family and community effort. Alivia credits her father, Jason Wagoner, with helping bring her vision to life.
“During the design and building process I had help from my dad, who guided me through the construction of the blessing box,” she said. “I also had help during the installation from David Skinner and Craig Utley.”
The project was funded through a combination of anonymous donations, a GoFundMe campaign, and building materials provided by generous local donors. With community backing from the start, it’s no surprise that the pantry has already begun to thrive.
“The community has been very responsive to the pantry—from those donating food to those in need using the pantry,” said Alivia. “It’s maintained by me and stocked with help from charitable donations from community members. Non-perishables are preferred, but fresh foods are also appreciated.”
The pantry operates on a simple yet powerful principle: take what you need, leave what you don’t. This exchange of generosity and dignity is exactly what Alivia hoped to inspire.
“The most rewarding moment for me was checking the pantry a few days after it was implemented and seeing new foods that had been placed inside, and others that had been there a few days before were gone,” she recalled. “To know that someone had taken and someone else had given warmed my heart. To see the cycle of kindness I hoped to start flourish in real time was such a rewarding moment.”
Faith’s Blessings is more than a food pantry. It’s a symbol of what one person can do when led by compassion and purpose. For Alivia, it’s also a way to encourage others to take action, no matter how small it may seem.
“I hope that this project encourages someone else to be the change that they want to see. Though it may feel small, those small changes add up to make a big difference.”
To Alivia, kindness is more than just a word, it’s a lifestyle.
“Kindness to me is thinking of others, lending a helping hand, and showing love to others,” she said. “Faith’s Blessings is the epitome of kindness to me—acknowledging the needs of those struggling and doing what we can to help them.”
Seeing the pantry being used and supported by her neighbors has been an affirming experience.
“When I see people in my community using or contributing to the pantry, it makes me proud to be from such a loving, kind community,” she said. “It also gives me hope that people are still kind in a world that often forgets about others.”
Looking ahead, Alivia plans to continue her journey of helping others through a career in healthcare.
“I plan to go to Morehead State, majoring in biology, and then pursuing further education in a career in medicine,” she said.
Alivia’s pantry may be small in size, but its impact is immeasurable. Faith’s Blessings stands as a beacon of generosity, a symbol of hope, and a reminder that true change begins with compassion—and the courage to act on it.
Barry Webb, of the Webbville Fire Department Board, addresses fiscal court concerning the emergency siren in Willard. (Photo by Charles Romans, Carter County Times)
By: Charles Romans Carter County Times
The Carter County Fiscal Court voted to remove Gimlet Creek Road from the county maintenance schedule during their regular May meeting. FIVCO informed the court that the grant they had applied for, based on House Bill 723, had been awarded. The grant will pay the $500,000 matching funds for the EDA Grant for the Autism Center if the EDA Grant is awarded. The Genesis CBDG Grant was also discussed, and a public hearing will be held on June 2, 2025.
Barry Webb of the Webbville Fire Department discussed the emergency siren at Willard with the fiscal court, and shared concerns about its operations.
“The fire department used to test that siren every Wednesday to make sure it was working,” Webb said. “In the past little over a year the department was notified that the siren was put on a radio frequency and was tested by radio once per week. But that’s never happened there.”
Webb said he wasn’t sure if it was outdated or bad equipment, but even when the fire department responds to a call, he noted, it is difficult to get in contact with dispatch. He said that there are apps for the phones, which help with the initial response, but once the fire fighters are on a call they face challenges with enough service to communicate. There are instances, he said, where they can pick up another county’s dispatch then get transferred to Carter County.
Another issue Webb brought before the court was that Willard is in the Webbville fire district, which is based in Lawrence County, but covers Carter County down to the pallet mill at John’s Run.
“We have never received any funding from Carter County at all,” Webb said. “We were always told by the fire commission that we weren’t in Carter County, but we are now.”
Webb said they had recently set up administrative offices, a training center, and substation in Willard. He said roughly 30 percent of their calls went to Carter County. (Editor’s note: Carter County Fiscal Court has voted in past years to distribute funds to the Webbville FD, along with the other fire departments that operate within the county. Webb may have been discussing direct disbursements from the fire commission funds rather than county funds.)
In other business, Carter County Clerk Mike Johnston told the fiscal court that maintenance upgrades – which are good for around 5 years – were scheduled to update the drives in the county’s voting machines. The fiscal court voted to spend roughly $12,000 required to satisfy the recommended maintenance upgrades, going beyond the bare minimum (roughly $8,000) the county was required to perform in order to secure an accurate election process. County voting machines include a battery back up in the event of power failure.
Johnston also presented the fiscal court with a check for $42,000 for the balance of the clerk’s settlement. The settlement left roughly $2,000 in that particular account to satisfy any county bills that had not been satisfied.
County Judge Executive Brandon Burton suggested to the court that those particular funds be returned to the clerk’s office. The funds, he suggested, might be used for the clerk’s office to hire another staff member to assist in the office’s operation, especially in the Olive Hill office. The court voted to not accept the clerk’s settlement.
The fiscal court also voted to begin the process of extending Finch Lane (County Road 1540) 2.06 miles. A bid was also accepted for a Kubota Excavator from State Equipment in the amount of $97,800 with a four-year extended warranty, and including a trade in of the existing Kubota excavator being replaced by the county. The extended warranty adds $4,200 to the purchase price. The court also voted to accept road bids until June 9.
In a separate, special meeting, the court voted to approve the 2025 budget. The court also held the second reading of the 2026 budget. The 2026 budget can be voted on in the June 2025 meeting.
Last week we put out a call – not for the first time – seeking submissions from moderate centrist and conservative columnists. We received several responses to our social media posts from folks expressing interests. But, unfortunately, that’s about as far as it went.
Some asked about the requirements, then never responded. Some provided promising samples, then thought better of attaching their name to anything political that could potentially impact future career or social interactions. Others lost interest as soon as they found out none of our columnists are paid positions.
That’s the thing about our columnists that we love, even (or especially) when we don’t agree with them; they’re passionate professionals in the writing field, and they’re sharing what they share out of a real love for our community, our society, and our state. Often, those opinions and passions aren’t even political. But when they are, it draws the attention of folks whose own partisan passions have been ignited by their rhetoric.
So, to balance our center left Independent contributor, and our regular contributor who openly identifies as a Democrat, we’re asking for contributors who identify as conservative, center-right, or centrists. It doesn’t have to be very often at all. Even one column per month would add some interesting perspective and alternate views. And it doesn’t always have to be political. In fact, it’s important to me, personally, that we have places outside politics to connect. It’s the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down, so to speak.
So, this is our plea – once again – for someone to share this important point of view. To begin building bridges on our opinion page. To do, in print and in our communities, what we complain about folks failing to do in D.C. To engage, honestly and openly, and with respect; especially when we disagree.
I’m in Barcelona for work this week, and everyone wants to talk about Trump. Last week it was Dublin, before that London. We’ve cut up chatting about music, hoisting drinks as musicians ripped through traditional ballads in Ireland, but the conversation always comes back to the same thing: “We used to look up to America.”
I met a guy who played the market in the Cobblestone in Dublin; he told me he was appalled at how the bond market was doing in between traditional Irish music. I met French folks in London who said they were scared to visit the U.S. because they didn’t know what would happen to them on our soil. And once my south side of Chicago accent comes out here in Barcelona, I have been asked what it’s like to live “there” – as if being an American is now a soiled enterprise.
For many of you, you’ll shrug: what does a snail-eating Frenchman matter? Or who cares what they believe in England? And for the most part, that assumption is correct; who cares? But it does tarnish the caveat, the cool of being an American, that the whole world is looking at us in revulsion. If you had to ask most folks, they’d rather have more friends than enemies, but lately, it feels like we cheer the opposite.
I haven’t seen rampant homelessness. I haven’t seen people complaining about going to the doctor because, for the most part, it’s free over here. And before you come at me with speculation on country size, yadda, yadda, none of these countries are financing two wars for other countries to feed a brutal machine that spits people out. I don’t know who I’ll meet next while over here. But when I tell them I’m a journalist, everyone has something to say to me. I’ve heard, “I love Americans. I hate your government.”
And you know what? That’s how most of us feel, too.
So, you get up excited about pulling out the rakes, charging up your weed eater, and gathering soil and seeds, and then you look outside, and… it’s raining.
Yep, that seems to be the way things go these days. Now you have to take whatever time you have between storms to actually try to do some gardening. I have had the same issue this spring waiting for a sunny day to take out weeds and mow the lawn, but there are things you can do inside to prepare for planting while you wait for the weather to cooperate. These tips will help give you the satisfaction of working in your garden any time you want.
Set aside an area on a porch, or in a basement, or even space in your kitchen for having pots, potting soil, seeds, and plants. I realize this won’t get the yard ready for planting, but allowing seeds and plants to get started will make things much easier when going to plant them in the ground.
Use the internet to search out planting guides to give you the answers to what to plant and when.
Organize your garden tools. It’s important to look for a space where you can hang the right size hooks and shelves to help keep everything together and easy to access.
When there has been a break from the rain, I have been doing some weed whacking and even when it does get cloudy I look outside and see the blooms on my blackberry bush, on my Golden Gal, and that my Crepe Myrtle is actually growing into a tree.
It’s such a wonderful time of year, so play in some dirt, whether you are inside or out. It’s so amazingly liberating.
The Carter County Ambulance Board reported its income for the month of April at $368,75.94, which was $69,665.40 more than budgeted and $69,665.94 more than the same month of the previous (2024) year. Expenses for the month were reported as $348,068.46, and $71,267.46 more than budgeted and $55,882.68 more than the same month the previous year.
The monitors purchased by the ambulance board were $48,850, and that amount was included in the financial report. Payroll expenses represented 68 percent of expenses, or $245,280.51, which was $15,280.51 more than budgeted, and $18,614 more than the same period the previous year. Unscheduled overtime for the month of April was .84 percent, decreased from the previous month’s 1.59 percent. The year-to-date percentage of unscheduled overtime was 4.5 percent. This includes a correction in unscheduled overtime reported for the month of March 2025.
Director Tim Woods told the board that he had been presented with a great opportunity to purchase a vehicle for the ambulance service. Woods said that one of their part-time paramedics, who served as the Emergency Management contact in Boyd County, made him aware of some vehicles that department intended to eliminate. This gave Woods the opportunity to purchase a 2015 Interceptor that was in good condition with 86,000 miles on the odometer.
Woods told the board that the Explorer he drives daily has an odometer reading of 207,000 miles and the pickup driven by Mike Wears has 228,000 miles on its odometer.
“The vehicles are getting older,” Woods told the board. “One of the things I’m looking at is a possible restructure of how we do things. I’m seriously considering taking supervisors off the road and putting them in a supervisor’s vehicle.”
The vehicle in question is one currently driven by Boyd County Emergency Management, and Woods said that the vehicle was offered to him for $5,000.
“I think it would be a good addition,” Woods said.
The high mileage of the other two vehicles currently in use could result in engine failure at any time for either of those vehicles. Similar vehicles, based upon research by Wears, could have a price tag in excess of thirty thousand dollars.
Moving on to ambulances, Woods reported that the number seven vehicle had experienced engine failure. Woods said he had priced a replacement engine, but he thought the amount was exceedingly high.
“But even if we put an engine in it, that is the vehicle that has had problems with the AC and had been in the shop with those issues at least five times,” Woods said. “We do have a ‘bone yard.’ But putting an engine in with a lot of miles on a vehicle that has other problems doesn’t make much sense.”
“We looked at remounting,” Woods added.
The price on that would be about $185,000 or $234,00 depending upon which bid they accepted, if they chose to do so. Both bids included eliminating the top mounted AC system that had caused trouble and necessitated frequent repairs. Purchase of a new truck through Crestline would start at approximately $189,000 for a two-wheel drive or approximately $234,000 for a four-wheel drive.
The board also revisited the proposed increases in 911 billing rates. Director Woods said that 911 had suggested a raise in rates due to four separate raises in Medicare allowances. Woods was advised that if certain legislation passed in the State of Kentucky, and the board raised their prices by that full amount, it would be essentially raising rates from $850 to $1,800 and give customers a substantial ‘sticker shock.’ Woods said he didn’t want to be below the state average, but that he also didn’t want to increase the cost beyond what county residents could afford.
Roger Lee Carper, 71 of Grayson, Kentucky passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at his residence.
Roger was born on Sunday, September 6, 1953 in Grayson, Kentucky, son of the late Frank Carper and Laura Messer Carper. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one sister, Janet Skaggs, Carter City, three brothers, James Carl Carper, Bill Carper, and John David Carper, one sister in law, Mary Carper and two brothers in law, Dallas Claxon and Robert Williams.
Roger is survived by his wife of 47 years, Pat Parker Carper, two sons, Zachary (Hannah) Carper of Ashland and Derrick (Kem) Carper of Columbus Ohio, three grandchildren, Laurie, Quinton and Kellen. Also surviving, two brothers, Lovell (Debbie) Carper, Michael (Elsie) Carper both of Grayson and one sister, Shirley Williams, Cannonsburg, Kentucky, one brother in law, Robert Skaggs and one sister in law, Dottie Carper.
Roger was retired from CSX Railroad, Russell, Kentucky. He was a member of the Carter Christian Church.
Roger enjoyed watching the Kentucky Wildcats in person or on TV but his biggest enjoyment was spending time with his grandchildren.
At his request a private memorial service will be held at a later time.
Donations may be made to Hospice Care Center, 1480 Carter Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky, 41101.
Grayson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Roger Lee Carper.
Gary Phillip Hanshaw, age 76, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Friday, May 23, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Thursday, July 22, 1948, in Carter County, Kentucky, a son of the late Stirl and Dorothy Bledsoe Hanshaw.
He enjoyed farming, taking care of all his farm animals and dogs, going to the beach, fishing, hunting, family get together’s and spending time with his children especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Ollie Janie Middleton Hanshaw; one brother, Donald Ray Hanshaw; three sisters, Lena Hanshaw, Jean Hanshaw and Audrey Hanshaw.
Gary is survived by one son, Phillip Dewayne (Lanny) Hanshaw of Olive Hill, Kentucky; one daughter, Audria Lynn Lewis of Olive Hill, Kentucky;
5 grandchildren, Zachary (Emily) Lewis, Shannon (Travis) Barker, Kayleigh (Brian) Wagoner, Nathaniel Hanshaw, Cade Oppenheimer; 8 great grandchildren, Landon, Allie, Emma and Willow Lewis; Raelynn, Layla, Ensley and Navey Barker special friends, John Paul and Ruby Middleton, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Kenny Mauk and Brother Bobby Day officiating. Burial will follow in the Binion Cemetery, in Elliott County.
Friends may visit from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and after 9 a.m., Wednesday, May 28, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.
Zachary Lewis, Cade Oppenheimer, Nate Hanshaw, Landon Lewis, Brian Wagoner, Travis Barker, Matthew Bowling and Billy “Pee-Wee” Williams will serve as pallbearers.
Jeff Layne, Dallas Middleton, Carlos Middleton and Larry Knipp will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Gary “Phillip” Hanshaw.
Garnet Louise Kilgore Butler, age 82, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Uk-St. Claire Healthcare Center in Morehead, Kentucky, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Sunday, November 8, 1942, in Fitch, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Leonard and Eva Thomas Kilgore.
Garnet was a member of Rose Ridge Apostolic Church for 44 years and loved going to church. She enjoyed singing, going to yard sales and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Donald Ray Butler; one daughter, Brenda Alexander; one brother, Doug Kilgore; three sisters, Nanna Naomi Kilgore, Shirley Webb and Judy Mauk.
Garnet is survived by one son, Donald (Karen) Butler of Olive Hill, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Jeff (Jessica) Alexander, Tabitha (Winston) Grissam, David Stillwell, Eric Stillwell; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Granville (Linda) Kilgore of Alger, Michigan, Ernie Kilgore of Camp Dix, Kentucky; two sisters, Jewell (Lowell) Webb and Sharon (Johnny) Pennington all of Olive Hill, Kentucky, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.
Funeral services will be held 12 noon, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Rose Ridge Apostolic Church, 1102 Rose Ridge, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Johnny Pennington officiating. Burial will follow in the Kilgore Cemetery, on Rose Ridge in Olive Hill, Kentucky.
Friends may visit after 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 27, 2025, until the service hour at Rose Ridge Apostolic Church.
James Perry, Davey Stillwell, Jeff Alexander, and Andrew Alexander will serve as pallbearers.
Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Garnet Kilgore Butler.
