Patricia Sturgis Sims, 85, passed away on March 25, 2024, with her husband Michael D Sims by her side in West Chester, Pennsylvania after moving from Aiken, SC where they lived for the last 18 years.  Pat was born on June 29, 1938, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Howard and Angeline Sturgis. She was an only child. After graduating Southwest High School in Atlanta, she attended the University of Georgia. She married her high school sweetheart Michael D. Sims in 1958 while he was attending Georgia Institute of Technology. Together they raised a family who cherished the guidance, generosity and support always provided to them.

Pat is survived by her husband Michael and three children: Jennifer Borum, Melissa Riles and Michael David Sims Jr; five grand children Sarah Borum, Steven Borum, Abigail Sims, Luke Sims, and Grace Sims.

Pat enjoyed travelling, visiting with her children and grandchildren at beaches in Bethany Delaware, Pensacola Florida, and Sunset Beach North Carolina. She had a life-long passion playing bridge and earned several Life Master awards. Pat was a kind loving and caring wife, mother and friend who will always be with us in our hearts.

Services will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at St. Monica’s Church in Berwyn, Pennsylvania.

Sara Patterson Wampole 86, passed away peacefully Monday February 26, 2024.  Sara was born in Statesville, NC and grew up in Concord, NC. After  graduating from Queens College in Charlotte NC, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she worked as a first grade teacher and met her late husband Nevin C. Wampole. In the late 1960s, the Wampole family settled down in Latrobe, Pennsylvania on the “Ridge” where they would raise their two sons David and John.

In 1991 she would move to Aiken, South Carolina where she would live her next 33 years.  Her dedication and love for people and horses led her to spend most of these years as a volunteer in many activities within the community.  Her charitable endeavors are endless for certain.  She led walks for Hitchcock Woods, maintained bluebird boxes, taught water aerobics, and became the photographer for the Star program.  She was a long time member of the Aiken Driving Club and one of the first volunteers for Senior Net.  She was an avid duplicate bridge player and life master .  She was the greatest mother, nanna, and friend anyone could ever ask for.  She will be forever missed.  

She is survived by her sons David and John and her two granddaughters  Samantha and Hailey, her sister Emily,  and brother John and many nieces and nephews .  

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society (www.donate.cancer.org), the Hitchcock Woods Foundation (www.hitchcockwoods.org), or the SPCA Albrecht Center For Animal Welfare (letlovelive.org)

A visitation to celebrate Sara's life will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM Friday, March 8, 2024, at SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC

Mr. Charles Michael Herbst, 73, passed away Friday, December 29, 2023.  Charles was born in Sturgeon Bay, WI, son of the late Ralph E. and Alvina M. Christoferson Herbst. He had been a resident of Aiken for over 35 years, and was formerly on the Aiken Design and Review Board, and was a longtime member of the Aiken Duplicate Bridge Club. He was also a Nuclear Engineer, having worked as a nuclear designer at the Savannah River Site and numerous other nuclear sites nationwide. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Rapp Herbst; sister, Patti Herbst, Panama City, FL; cousins, Daniel (Kathy) Christoferson, Lou Ann (Alan) Behling, Steve (Audrey Forslund) Christoferson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Sweeney; cousins, Karen Johnson and Kim Christoferson; and Aunt Patsy and Uncle Clyde Christoferson. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 16, 2024. in the funeral home chapel, with visitation afterwards. A private interment will follow in Bethany Cemetery. SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC

Rose Marie Coldiron, 96, widow of the late Robert Edward Coldiron passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Aiken Regional Medical Center. Born in Corry, PA on August 6, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Joseph & Kathryn Martowitz Elchnski. She was a parishioner at St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Aiken. She loved to play bridge but her most favorite times were those when she was spending time with her family. Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Duane & Marjorie Coldiron of Aiken, daughter, Reni Coldiron of Aiken; a brother and sister-in-law, Ted & Mary Lou Elchynski of Cincinnati, OH; a sister, Caroline Oaks of Carlsbad, CA and 4 grandchildren, Bonnie Coldiron, Becky Coldiron, Derek Kenstad & Anders Kenstad; and 1 great-grandson, Jacob. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Coldiron was preceded in death by one sister, Helen Rohner and 2 brothers, Tom Elchynski & Charles Elchynski. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 11:00am at the Historic St. Mary help of Catholic Church, Park Ave SE, Aiken, SC 29801 with The Very Rev. Father Richard Wilson as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Good Shepherd Cemetery & Mausoleum, 43124 Seventieth Street West, Lancaster, California. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary Help Of Christians Church, 203 Park Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801. 

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave SE, Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 649-6234.

Mrs. Phyllis Gillespie Pellarin, age 95, of Aiken, SC, beloved wife for 63 years of the late Daniel J. Pellarin, passed away peacefully at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA, on May 19, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Cuthbert Iost Gillespie and Lena Baldwin Gillespie, of Goshen, NY; and the middle child of seven, all of whom preceded her in death.

Sadly, Phyllis suffered a fatal injury while doing what she loved, traveling to Boston to visit family and museums, and to smell the blooming lilacs. She is survived by Jill Pellarin, of Lynn, MA; Judy Pellarin and her husband, Andy Stern, of Greensboro, NC; Daniel Jean Pellarin Jr. and his wife, Sally, of Charlotte, NC; eight grandchildren: Lisa Crippen and Brion Pellarin, Soren Gabrielsen and Mara Cohen, Erin and Kelsey Pellarin, and Tyler and Wyatt Pellarin; and nine great-grandchildren: Allison, Megan, and Caitlin Panik; Eli Ferguson and Devin Pellarin; Emma and Zoey Cohen; Sage Meriyah; and Ari Pellarin. All loved her dearly and were in turn dearly loved by her, as was her little dog, Holly.

Phyllis was born in Goshen, NY, on October 10, 1927, and grew up there. After graduating Goshen High School, she worked as a lab technician in Goshen and then New York City while waiting for her fianc?, Dan, to return from Occupied Japan, where he served in WWII. Education was all important to Phyllis and Dan; she helped him through Lafayette College and then moved with him to Aiken, where he worked for his entire career as a nuclear research physicist at the Savannah River Plant. In those early Aiken years, Phyllis was the first woman in the Aiken Band, a flautist in an otherwise all-male group; acted in the Aiken Community Theater Playhouse; and was president of the Town and Country Club and the Wildwood Garden Club.

At age 37, Phyllis began college, graduating in just 5 years as valedictorian of the University of South Carolina, all while continuing to be a mother, homemaker, and chauffeur in a busy home. After getting a master's degree in social work, Phyllis worked as a social worker for the Children and Youth Clinic at the Medical College of Georgia; as director of counseling for Planned Parenthood of East Central Georgia; and then as the executive director of the Aiken Area Council on Aging.

In her professional life, Phyllis held many high-level positions and was on a number of boards, advisory committees, and task forces-too numerous to elucidate. But among them, she was a delegate in 1981 to the White House Conference on Aging; a Region IV representative to the National Homecaring Council; a board member of the Croft House; president and chair of the Board for the USC-Aiken Alumni Association; and chair of the Aiken County Commission for the Handicapped. Phyllis was also named Business Woman of the Year in 1983.

In retirement, Phyllis and Dan traveled the world extensively, visiting 85 countries, fulfilling a lifelong dream. And when she lost Dan, her high school sweetheart, she continued her full life, playing bridge several times a week (she was a silver life master); participating in two book clubs; and volunteering for the past 15 years at the Aiken Association for University Women (AAUW) Book Fair. Phyllis was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Aiken, for 66 years, where she once taught Sunday School, was a circle leader, and sang in the choir. She was a board member and liaison for the Center for Lifelong Learning classes, and she enjoyed and patronized the symphony, opera, and theater. "Mama/Grand/GG" loved visiting and spending holidays with her family in North Carolina, and rented a beach house at Ocean Isle, NC, for 35 years, where her extended family gathered every summer. She was so loved by her family and her dear friends and will be greatly missed.
A service will be held at a later date, and memorials in Phyllis's memory may be made to the AAUW; the First Presbyterian Church, Aiken; or the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare.
 

James “Jamie” Christopher Knudsen died May 9, 2023, at his home in Aiken SC, surrounded by his family following a period of declining health.

Jamie was born November 12, 1949 in Philipsburg, PA, the son of The Rev. Canon H. Peter Knudsen and Mildred (Benson) Knudsen, the third of three boys in the family. He attended public schools in Philipsburg and attended the College of William & Mary. He enlisted in the Air Force, serving at Edwards Air Force Base in Edwards, CA.

Following discharge from the Air Force, Jamie enrolled at Penn State University, graduating with a degree in Religious Studies. He married Raina Marie McKrell in 1978, and they began their married life in Philipsburg, where Jamie and a business partner ran a bar/restaurant. Their daughter Margaret “Molly” Knudsen was born in State College. Jamie enjoyed singing in a barbershop group and participating in amateur theatre.

Later in his career, Jamie served as a Purchasing and Contract manager for the Department of Energy. He was a tinkerer, and enjoyed doing home repairs and restoration. Homes in Virginia, West Virginia and South Carolina all benefited from his handyman abilities. He was also a superb amateur photographer, specializing in natural scenes and wildlife native to South Carolina.

Jamie was an active member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, singing in the choir and serving on various leadership bodies. Jamie is survived by Raina, his wife of 45 years, his daughter Margaret “Molly” and her wife Gillian Drury, Richmond, VA; his sister-in-law The Rt. Rev. Chilton R. Knudsen, Cantonsville, MD; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, at 10 am on Tuesday May 16, 2023. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Air Force. The service will be live streamed on the church website www.staaiken.org. A reception with the family will be held following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 1630 Silver Bluff Rd. Aiken, SC 29803, or to the Albrecht Center of the SPCA 199 Willow Run Rd, Aiken, SC 29801.

The family of Jamie Knudsen thanks Gentiva Hospice for their care for Jamie and family in his last days. Arrangements are in the care of COLE FUNERAL HOME 1544 UNIVERSITY PARKWAY (118 BYPASS) AIKEN, SC 29801. Please sign the online registry at www.colefuneralhomeinc.net.

Jay was born in Philadelphia to older parents.  He attended a private Jewish School and College and his college class had less than 25 students.  Jay’s specialty was numbers, so he became a CPA working for a major firm in the Philadelphia area.  His field of expertise was Non-Profit organizations.  After he retired, he continued to do tax returns.  Also, in his retirement he continued to teach classes representing the firm for those accountants that needed accreditation to continue in the profession.

He, his wife and daughter lived outside of the city of Philadelphia where they had acreage and horses.  His wife, Judy, was quite involved in the equestrian community, ultimately becoming a dressage judge.  After retirement they moved to Aiken, living in a horse community south of Cedar Creek. 

The family loved Jack Russell Terriers and had 5 when he first joined the Aiken Bridge Club.  In later years they enjoyed their German Shepard Annie and their French Bulldog Molly.

We all will remember his hearty laugh and gentle ways. He was a master at the bridge table attaining gold life master status.  He was a great partner and would frequently let you know how the hand could have been bid or played better.  A teacher – always a teacher…

We will miss him tremendously.

AIKEN - Randolph Bruce Cousins, 81, of Aiken, South Carolina, and formerly of Penn Yan, New York, passed away peacefully at his home on April 26, 2023. The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Trinity Hospice and Cumberland Village staff for their assistance with providing support and comfort to Bruce and his family. Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Aiken on Sunday May 21st at 2:00. Private inurnment will be in the church's columbarium.
Bruce was born on October 25, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York to Carrie Royals Cousins and Randolph Brandis Cousins. His father died while Bruce was quite young, a profound experience that led to his future career choice. He wanted to be a funeral director to help and support other families through some of their most difficult times.
Bruce graduated from the American Academy of Funeral Service in 1961. He served in the U.S. Army and Reserves from 1962-1968. In 1974, he and his wife Anne moved their young family to Penn Yan, New York to purchase Weldon Funeral Home. He enjoyed serving the community for the next 20 years. Bruce was active in many civic organizations including; Rotary, The Elks Lodge, and the American Legion.
Bruce and Anne enjoyed a long and healthy retirement. They traveled extensively together and with friends. They never missed the birth of a grandchild and made many memories with their loved ones.
Bruce is survived by the love of his life Jean Anderson "Anne" Cousins, daughters Kim (Richard) Abney, Kari (Joseph) Passafume, and Karla (John) Holly. Grandchildren Joseph (Amanda) O'Conor, Jennifer (Ethan) Lamont, Anthony (Bailey) Passafume, Matthew (Sophia) Abney, Kacie Abney, Lila Holly, and John Holly. Great grandchildren Kensleigh, Rhett, Joseph, Ella, and Chloe. He was predeceased by his parents and great-grandchildren Warren Anthony and Amelia Noel Passafume.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the First Presbyterian Church of Aiken, 224 Barnwell Ave., NW, Aiken, SC 29801.
SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC
Visit the online guestbook at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com

Razmic S Gregorian “Greg” died Monday, September 19, 2022 at his home surrounded by his children, Alexis Gregorian Horan of Cary NC and Razmic S. Gregorian, Jr. of Cambridge, MA.  His wife of 50 years, Feaster Roof Gregorian, died ten years before him.  He is survived by his children, Razmic and Alexis; his grandchildren, Matthew Horan and Olivia Grace Horan of Cary, NC, two sisters, Sonya Hilton (age 101) and Hermione Martin (age 91), both of London, UK.  Six nieces and nephews, a goddaughter, 16 great nieces and nephews, and a burgeoning number of great-great nieces and nephews knew and loved him as “Uncle Greg” who always noticed them and made them feel heard, seen, and included. 

Born in 1924 in Calcutta, India to Armenian parents (Martyrose and Ripsy Gregory) from Julfa-Isfahan, Persia (now Iran), he was educated at the Armenian College of Calcutta and St Xavier’s College, University of Calcutta.  He excelled in track, rugby, and soccer.    He immigrated to the United States in 1947 to attend UCLA, earning among the first PhDs in Organic Chemistry awarded by that university.  He lettered in soccer while at UCLA, primarily playing right wing. 

His career was in Organic and Polymer Chemistry at a variety of major companies, including MW Kellogg, WR Grace, United Merchants and Manufacturers, and Air Products.  A constant theme of his work was to reduce environmental impact and improve safety.  Notable contributions included energy efficient fabric and carpet dying using foam as a carrier medium, flame retardant cotton fabrics, and pressure sensitive water-based adhesives. 

He met his wife Feaster at an inauguration party for President John F Kennedy in Washington, DC, wearing a red cape, a black beret, and a goatee.  His wife would later joke that she had thought he must have been a refugee.  He became a naturalized US citizen later in 1961.  Upon accepting a job with United Merchants in 1968 as Director of Research in Langley, SC, he relocated the family to Aiken.  Baptized in the Armenian Apostolic Christian Church in Calcutta, he became a member alongside his wife at St Paul Lutheran Church in Aiken. 

Greg spoke often of his pride in being an American and his sense of wonder when he first arrived in the United States.  He often said, “I never dreamed that such a place could exist, where you could become anything you wanted to be.  I thought I was living in a fairyland, compared to the strictures and prejudices of the British Empire in India.” 

He was a lifelong learner and was constantly curious about the world at large.  He loved teaching and shared his knowledge of gardening, music, art, science, and science fiction with friends, family, and caregivers.  His children hope they have mastered his curry recipe.  He was active in the seniors' Sunday School class at St Paul and a frequent lector, a service he took quite seriously:  in 30 years three Bibles fell apart due to his diligent study of its content cover to cover.  An avid traveler, he visited six continents in his life, making two trips to Europe in his 90s to visit his sisters and explore new places.  He was an excellent bowler well into his 60s and an avid golfer.  Later in life, he became passionate about bridge and poker.  He was a 33^rd degree Mason and served as Lodge Master in Aiken for several years, where enjoyed assisting younger men joining the lodge with their studies and assignments.   

A service of Christian Burial will take place at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Aiken, SC on Monday, September 26 at 11 am. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.  Interment will be held at 3:00 at St Stephen’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, 119 North Church St., Lexington, SC 29072. 

Alan Irwin Brooks, age 88, died August 3, 2022, at Hospice Inn of New York, following a brief illness.  Mr. Brooks was born November 30, 1933, in Philadelphia, PA to the late Milton and Estelle Brooks. He grew up in Philadelphia, PA and graduated from Central High School in 1951. He received his undergraduate degree from Lehigh University in 1955 and then enlisted in the US Army from 1956 until 1958. He received his master's degree from Temple University. Mr. Brooks worked as a System Analyst for Sperry Univac for twenty-eight years, and later worked for Burroughs Corporation, and retired from Unisys. He retired to Aiken, SC in 1999 and became a member of Congregation of Adath Yeshurun Synagogue. He was very involved with the synagogue where he was the treasurer. Mr. Brooks was a Life Master and Duplicate Bridge player. He was part-time director of American Contract Bridge League for over fifty years and retired at age eighty-eight as their oldest director. He was a member of the 50+ Men's Club.
 

In addition to his parents, Mr. Brooks was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Regina Stein Brooks.  Survivors include a daughter, Toni Racahelle Newman (Alan), East Northport, Long Island, NY; a son, Chad Frederic Brooks (Gloria), Newburgh, NY; and three grandchildren, Miller Daniel, Sophia Brooke, and Edward Grey.  Graveside services, with Military Honors, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 5, 2022, at Sons of Israel Cemetery, located at the corner of Laurens & Hampton Ave (enter Bethany Cemetery), with Sharon Preston officiating.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Congregation of Adath Yeshurun Synagogue, 154 Greenville St., NW, Aiken, SC 29801.  The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.  Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com

Dorothy Helen Ham Veasey, age 90, entered into rest Saturday, January 1, 2022, at her home.  Mrs. Veasey was born December 19, 1931 in Lamar, SC to the late Henry and Beulah Ham. She remade her home in 1981 after she and her family were transferred back to Aiken, SC for SRS. She later worked for The City of Aiken's Vocation Rehabilitation Department. Mrs. Veasey was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Life Master of the Aiken Duplicate Bridge Club, and Houndslake Country Club. She loved the Lord and had a gift for her love of people.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of fifty years, Richard Baldwin Sr.  Survivors include two sons, Richard Baldwin Veasey Jr. and Jason Allan Veasey.  The family will receive friends Friday, January 7, 2022, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In September, we lost our revered club manager. Ron was a very special person although he thought of himself as just a simple guy. For nearly 6 years as manager, he dedicated himself to making the club the “best bridge club on the planet” by encouraging people to be kind to one another. His work ethic was unsurpassed, and his leadership was based on involving the members in decision making and valuing their input. Although he was a laid-back guy, he did not hesitate to confront issues when necessary. He loved and respected the game of bridge and was happy to impart his expertise to anyone who approached him with problems or questions about the game.

I was privileged to be his wife for almost 50 years, and he never failed to delight me with his sardonic sense of humor, his X-rated nursery rhymes and his insistence that a jelly donut was a bismarck.

Mr. Jon Reid Bohning, age 79, entered into rest on May 12, 2021.  Reid was born on June 5, 1941 to the late Carl and Muriel Bohning.  He loved life and travel. He enjoyed reading, playing the piano, golfing, and bridge. He retired as the vice president of Gabor Insurance Services.  Reid is survived by his beloved wife of forty-three years, Marilyn; his son, Jeffrey Scott Bohning; his stepson, Steven Cumbo (Jamie Len); his grandson, Briggs Cumbo; and a brother-in-law, James Drachenberg (Dottie).  A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 20th at St. Mary Help of Christians Church, Fairfield St., with The Very Rev. Father Gregory Wilson as celebrant. Final prayers and commendation will follow in the church columbarium. The family will receive friends following the service in Mother Theresa Hall.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary Help of Christians Church building fund.  

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements. 

Annie Lynne Howell Hawkins, 80, widow of the late James Oliver Hawkins, passed away Saturday evening, March 20, 2021 at the Aiken Regional Medical Facility following an illness.  Born in Aiken, SC on March 13, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Wilbur Gay and Nora Alice Kibler Howell. Mrs. Hawkins spent 54 years of her life as an educator in Aiken, SC. She spent 36 years at Aiken High School as a mathematics teacher, followed by Aiken Preparatory School and retiring in 2017 from Mead Hall. She was a member of the Aiken Bridge Club.  Surviving are a daughter, Brenda Lynne Pou of Aiken; a grandson, Zane Pou of Aiken; a brother, Wilbur Gay “Bill” Howell, Jr. of Aiken and her beloved cat, Finley. The family will receive friends at the Hawkins residence at a time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. 

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave. SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234) has charge of arrangements.

Sally was born in New York City, New York on March 30, 1943. Her father and mother moved the family upstate to High Falls some years later and they lived in an old Huguenot stone house called Shadow Lawn. As a child, she rode horses, swam in the river behind her house, snuck into Mohonk- a private retreat and played sports with the area kids. Grandmother and grandfather were here as well as her parents and her older brother, Bruce. She developed a strong desire to become a nurse.  

Sally went to Kingston High School, graduated, then went to Denison University in Ohio for two years and finally got her RN degree at Columbia University- School of Nursing. She married Michael Hasbrouck, a high school sweetheart. He got a job in Denver and Sally was willing to follow him and spent an extremely important time there making deep friendships. However, she and Michael separated after many years. 

Sally continued her education at The University of Colorado in Denver and obtained her Masters degree in Nursing and Adult Nurse Practitioner. Over time she became the Associate Director of Nursing at the Denver Visiting Nurse Service. Sally did not linger and knew that she wanted the top position in her field so she put a resume out across the country and was offered the leadership of the Rochester Visiting Nurse Service after an unusual interview marred by her plane being late and some other things going awry.  

Sally loved her pets, animals, birds, especially bluebirds, traveling, reading, dining, cooking, playing bridge, antiques, home designs, and watching British shows, The Royal Family and more. Sally received a Diamond Certification from the GIA and worked for Floyd & Greene for a number of enjoyable years. She played golf for a while and played it pretty well. Sally loved playing hand and foot with the neighbors and 500 with friends. She enjoyed Aiken and all it had to offer. She hired a young person by the name of Cody Anderson to take care of her dog when she went on trips. She had met him at Woodside serving as a waiter. She would meet, and demanded to meet him, again at the end.

Sally was a go-getter with tremendous energy. She chose medicine as a career to help people. Unfortunately for her, medical care became a big part of her own life; especially the last couple of months. Her brother, Bruce, died in the middle of this time period and Sally never got a chance to truly mourn his loss. They passed away within three months of each other.

There is no more pain and no more false hopes for Sally of things to come. On her desk there is a statement to herself- “One of these days” is today! She did not want things to stagnate and left undone. In a note in the safe she listed things Bob should do if she passes. At the bottom she wrote, “I love you- you’ll be fine!” She would want to thank all of you for your love and support, especially during the last months.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Ruffner; and her brother, Bruce Ruffner.

She is survived by her beloved husband of thirty-seven years, Robert C. Leiter.

Bonnie Daryl Fabian, age 77, passed away at Aiken Regional Medical Centers on Wednesday, April 17, 2019.  Bonnie was born on August 6, 1941 in Chicago, IL, to the late Adele Marie Anderson and the late G. Arthur Schmitt. Bonnie grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and throughout her life was a dedicated Army wife and mother.  Bonnie graduated from Culver Stockton College in Canton, MO, and worked at Pure Oil and Chicago Title and Trust.  Bonnie and Peter were married May 13, 1967.  Over the years, they lived in 9 different states across the eastern US, and Bonnie was always involved in local community activities and organizations including Newcomers Club, Junior League, Ladies Club, and Hospital Auxiliary.  In Aiken, Bonnie was an avid bridge player and enjoyed her weekly involvement with the Aiken Duplicate Bridge Club.  Her twin grandchildren, Randi and Peter, brought her great joy.  Bonnie was a member of St. Mary Help of Christians Church and the Cedar Creek Ladies Club. Bonnie is survived by her husband, Peter Jerome Fabian; daughters, Michelle Fabian Simmons (Karl) of Berkeley, CA and Nicole Fabian Tye (Sean) of Deerfield, IL and two grandchildren, Randi Lyn Tye and Peter Anderson Tye.  A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Monday, April 29, 2019 at the old historic St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Park Ave., with The Very. Rev. Gregory Wilson as celebrant.  Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare of Aiken, SC.

The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Regina Brooks, age 77, passed away Friday evening, March 15, 2019 at her home. Ginny, a loving wife, daughter, mother, and grandmother was born in Philadelphia, PA on August 10, 1941 to Herman and Lenore Stein. She attended local schools in the Philadelphia area and graduated from Temple University with a degree in Home Economics. While growing up she was considered a tom boy and participated in a number of sports, especially tennis.  After College she worked for Philadelphia Electric Company demonstrating the advantages of cooking on electric appliances and during this time honed her skills as a gourmet cook. All during her a life everyone always looked forward to being invited to her home for a truly gourmet dinner.  

She is survived by Alan, her husband of 53 years, a son Chad Brooks (Gloria) of Newburgh, NY, a daughter Toni Newman (Alan) of East Newport, NY, and 3 grandchildren, Miller, Sophia, and Eddie Newman. She is also survived by her sister, Phyllis Levitan and nephews Paul and Richard Levitan, and niece Terri Katzenstein. Most of all she will be dearly missed by her faithful pet dog, Greta and her true love, Katie, her driving carriage pony.  In Philadelphia, while her children were growing up she retired from working to be a stay at home mother but was always very active in charitable organizations especially Deborah Hospital and Brandeis University. When her children became older, she went back to part time office work but then in the 1980's completely changed course and after extensive study became a successful insurance agent for Metropolitan Insurance Co. This career ended when she suffered a serious illness affecting her lungs and as a result her stamina. This also ended her athletic activities but to keep her husband company while he played and directed duplicate bridge games, she devoted herself into learning the game and over the next 30 years she became a very skillful bridge player and 2018 just before her latest illness made it impossible to play successfully, retired from playing as a silver life master in the American Contract Bridge League.  In 1999 Ginny and Alan moved from Phila. to Aiken, SC where once again Ginny joined a number of organizations and at the same time found a new activity in which she could participate - carriage driving. She bought all the necessary items - a pony, carriage, trailer, a pickup truck and all the traditional; attire, took lessons and became totally involved in the sport. As in the past she also became very involved in organizations, specifically the American Assoc. of Univ. Women (AAUW) where she was one of the organizers and hardest workers in promoting their annual book fair. She also participated in the Town and Country Club and the Newcomers Club, but most importantly was very active in the Adath Yeshurun Synagogue. Since she was a person who wanted to be totally involved, she became an officer of the driving club and at the synagogue she was president of the sisterhood and secretary on the board of the congregation. She became very adept on the computer and was the publisher of very beautiful newsletters for at least 3 of these organizations.  

Ginny contracted a rare neurological disease in 2016 which eventually led to her death, but her smile and friendly spirit was never diminished. She was very loyal to her many friends and her bright outlook on life never wavered because of this marvelous attitude it is safe to say she had many, many friends.  There will be a graveside funeral service on Tuesday afternoon at 2PM at the Sons of Israel Cemetery - Hampton Ave. and Laurens St. (behind Bethany Cemetery).  Contributions in her memory can be made to Encompass Hospice Care at 37 Varden Dr., Aiken, SC 29803 or to Congregation Adath Yeshurun, P.O. Box 543, Aiken, SC 29802.

He was born July 4^th, 1935 in Welch, West Virginia, the first of four sons to Carl Stinson Mullins and Era Hinkle Mullins. He grew up in Bluefield, West Virginia and after graduation from high school served three years in the United States Marine Corps of which he was very proud.  He earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from West Virginia University in 1960. His first position as an engineer was with Shell Oil Company in the production of crude oil in west Texas. He left that position to work for DuPont at various locations in Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina and South Carolina ending his DuPont career where he transitioned to the Westinghouse Savannah River Company. He retired in September of 1993.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Lynn H. Mullins, daughter Michelle M. Esbenshade (husband Tom) of Fredericksburg, VA, son Michael B. Mullins of Nampa, ID, brother Richard “Moon” Mullins, (friend Karren LaHue) of the Villages, FL, brother Randolph Mullins (wife Pam) of Wellington FL and granddaughter Caroline Esbenshade of Melbourne, Australia. His spouse’s children, Mark and Marcia Rubini, Toledo, OH, Brad and Julie Rubini, Toledo, Oh, Karla Chesser, Toledo, Oh, and Gail (Christian Tapernoux) Rubini, Eden Prairie, MN.  He was preceded in death by his first wife of thirty years, Carolyn P. Mullins, brother David C. Mullins and daughter-in-law, Laura Mullins.  He enjoyed golf, tennis, pickleball, duplicate bridge, recreational poker (win or lose a thimble of blood), and many Elderhostel trips in and out of the US. In his later years, he said what got him out of bed in the morning was an active interest in world economics and the stock market.