Class Notes

Judith Virginia Anderson was born on April 20, 1944 and passed away on April 15, 2019.

Nancy Hooven Barr, 78 of West Haven died Easter Sunday morning, April 9, 2023 at the Grimes Center in New Haven. She was the wife of William K. Barr, aka “Railroad Bill.” They were married for fifty years. She was born on September 20, 1944 in Trenton, New Jersey. She was the daughter of the late James and Dorothy Hooven. In addition to her husband, she is survived by brothers Lynn Hooven of Macon, Georgia, Ralph Hooven of Lambertville, New Jersey and a sister Jane Glass of Elk Ridge, Maryland.
Mrs. Barr graduated with a degree in education from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. She later taught for several years in public schools in New Jersey and later in the City of New Haven. She later began a career in accounting, insurance and real estate. Her most recent position was Chamberlin Insurance in West Haven.

Mrs. Barr was an active member of the Golden Rod Chapter, #34 of the Order of the Eastern Star of Annawon Lodge. She rose through the chairs and served as Chapter Worthy Matron several times. She was also elevated to the position of Grand Worthy Matron of the State of Connecticut, where she oversaw all Eastern Star State chapters of AF&AM affiliations.

She was a communicant of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in West Haven, where she sang in the choir.

Eric Llewellyn Bergman formerly of Bethlehem, PA passed away at home on May 16, 2019. He had suffered from Parkinson's Disease since being diagnosed in 2011. He was the husband of Sylvia Sue Bergman with whom he shared almost 53 years of marriage. Born in Bloomington, Illinois to Kathleen and Allen Bergman on July 25, 1944, he was raised in Champaign, Illinois. He graduated from Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee in 1966 and received a MA in history from the University of Tennessee in 1971. Eric and Sue moved to Pennsylvania in 1972 and raised their five children in Bethlehem. Eric retired from the Commonwealth of PA Department of Public Welfare in 2002 and continued working as a teacher's aide in Southern Lehigh School District and at Stabler Arena as an usher. A 2005 convert to Catholicism, Eric was a founding member of St. Thomas More Parish in Scranton.SURVIVORS: In addition to his wife, Eric is survived by his children Christine Duryea (Robert), Eric II (Kristina), Rebecca Huffman (Philip), David (Jane), Sarah Kaczor, thirty-six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Kenneth (Champaign, IL) and James (Louisville, KY). He was pre-deceased by his parents and brothers, Kenneth Eric, Carl, and David.SERVICES: A Solemn High Requiem Mass will be offered at 9 A.M. on Saturday May 25, 2019 at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, 116 Theodore Street, Scranton, PA 18508. Calling hours will be held on Friday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 and also on Saturday morning from 8:30 A.M. until time of the Mass in the church. Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery in Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church.

Sherry Bonham, beloved sister, aunt, and friend to many, died on Sunday. Born June 7, 1944, she came into the world weighing two pounds, surprising everyone with her strong will to live and thrive.

After earning her BA degree in English from Maryville College, and a master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, she began a career in teaching.

Sherry was a master gardener, lover of games, a teacher, avid reader and adventurer who traveled to all seven continents. In Africa, she climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and rafted the Zambezi River, trekked in Nepal, climbed Machu Picchu in Peru, visited all 50 United States, Antarctica, New Zealand, and Australia.

Sherry was the oldest sister of Penny Piper, Marygray Hunter and Woody Proffitt. She taught her siblings and family how to be bold, brave, and live your life by facing your fears and exploring the world. An excellent cook, wonderful storyteller, and creative designer, she attracted many people to her circle in life and was loved by her family, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her cat.

ROSE HILL, Va. – Dwight Campbell, 76, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2020 after an extended illness. Dwight was a long-time resident of Rose Hill, VA. He was a graduate of Thomas Walker High School and he received his Bachelor Degree from Maryville College and his Master’s Degree from Union College. He was also a U.S. Air Force Veteran. Dwight taught History and Government for 35 years at Thomas Walker High School and Lee High School. He was a member of the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Middlesboro, KY. He was a member of the Maryville College Choir, the Concert Choir at Lincoln Memorial University and the Chancellery Choir at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Dwight was preceded in death by his mother and father, Emma and Ralph Campbell. He is survived by his cousins, Anna Kate Baines of Kingsport, TN, Thelma Smith of Kingsport and Rita Denton of Morristown, TN. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, at Lee Memorial Gardens in Pennington Gap, VA, with Rev. Preston Mitchell and Rev. Ray Moore officiating. A memorial service will also be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 11, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Middlesboro, KY with Rev. Aelred Dean officiating. Online condolences may be sent by visiting, www.RobinetteFuneralHomes.com. Robinette Funeral Home of Jonesville, VA is serving the Campbell family.

Ronald Brian Cheek, age 73, of Richmond, Indiana, died Sunday, February 5, 2017, at his home. Born March 29, 1943, in Richmond, Indiana, to Harry and Eleanor Borridaile Cheek, Ron was a 1961 graduate of Richmond High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Maryville College. Ron was a supervisor for the Richmond Sanitation District. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. Ron enjoyed his Bible study, reading, and spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include his son, Brian (Twana) Cheek of Centerville, Indiana; grandchildren, Nathan and Brynna Cheek; sister, Michele (Charles) Beard of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; nieces; nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial gathering for Ronald Brian Cheek was Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at First United Methodist Church. Private burial at Crown Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Memorial contributions may be made to: Gideon International for the Memorial Bible Fund, P.O. Box 1092, Richmond, IN 47375. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Eugene Boone Dixon passed away on November 19, 2021 surrounded by family and in the peace of his wooded home. Gene was a renaissance man of modern times as a respected attorney, generous servant to his community, reflective outdoorsman, accomplished athlete, outstanding chef, and beloved family man.

Gene was born in McMinn County and went on to graduate from Everett High School in 1961. He chose to attend Maryville College where he studied Education and wrestled, a tallent he later tried to pass along to his children and grandchildren. Gene was a proud Scot alum, graduating in 1966. Gene then attended the University of Tennessee for Law School, where he graduated in 1972.

While at Maryville College, he met and married his lifelong love and wife, Diane Wood Dixon. They planted their roots in Alcoa and Maryville where they chose to raise their 3 children and where Gene practiced law for 48 years at Koella and Dixon Attorneys.

His love of the outdoors took Gene on many trails, memorable campouts, and summers by the water as a camp lifeguard in New England. One of his favorite ways to spend time outdoors was through Scouting. Not only did Gene earn his Eagle Scout and the Silver Beaver Award, but he supported both of his sons through similar pursuits. On many afternoons and weekends, Gene could be found outside in one of two places: in his garden where he loved cultivating herbs, flowers, and produce or at a local fishing hole. Anyone who knew Gene knew he loved to fish. Gene could always be found with a fly rod in his car, and some of his greatest adventures involved fishing trips to the Bahamas, Mexico, and Labrador. Though, he would probably tell you his favorite outdoor adventures were with his grandsons on his “Hobbit Trails” that he lovingly built through the woods on his property.

Gene was known and loved for being funny, gentle, and genuine. He enjoyed hosting friends for Trivial Pursuit nights, bonfires, or to cheer on his favorite football teams – the Vols and Titans. He was a joy to have in the kitchen – pouring his heart and soul into a recipe and playing great music as he whipped up a sauce or cut homemade pasta noodles. You could always count on Gene to give to community members in need – through his generosity, time, and his legal services. Gene was proud to serve on the Girls Club Board of Directors, actively participate in the Blount County Bar Association, attend First Baptist Church of Maryville, and host gatherings for the alumni of Everett and Maryville College.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Avery Dixon, and by his son, William Boone Dixon. He is survived by his wife Diane, sister Ann Hammontree (Jerry), son Dr. Brandon Dixon (Mary Davis), daughter Emily (Mohit Pise), daughter-in-law Sarah (Troy Galyon) and four adoring grandchildren Abel, Ezra, Nyle, and Edie to whom he was affectionately known as “Duckie” thanks to Gene’s playful duck voice he would use with them as babies.

Mary Ann Eiff, 78, of Athens, went home to be home with the Lord on October 31, 2022. She held both FAA pilot and A&P mechanic ratings, earned a bachelor’s degree from Maryville College and a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. As an aircraft mechanic, she worked for Air Illinois Airlines, Southern Illinois University Flight program and American Trans air Airlines.

Mary Ann was a pioneer in the field of women in aviation and taught as a professor in Aeronautical Engineering Technology at Purdue University before her retirement. While at Purdue she coached the first colligate flight team to win the prestigious Air Race Classic (Powder Puff Derby) women’s cross country air race. She was a founding board member of Women in Aviation International and served as the organization’s Scholarship chair, awarding over a million dollars in scholarships to aspiring future aviation professionals as the organization grew to its present size of over 15,000 international members. Mary Ann earned a Silver Beaver award for her longtime service to the Boy Scouts Egyptian Council, also serving as a leader of High School aged Scouts under an Aviation, a Search and Rescue and later a Sailing Explorer Post. She was awarded the 2004 Leadership Award at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Oshkosh Fly-in, which was presented to her by Harrison Ford, for her long history of encouraging and enabling young people in pursuit of aviation careers. In retirement she was a member of the McMinn County Amateur Radio Club with the amateur callsign W8MAE. Mary Ann was dedicated to the growth and education of youth and adults alike, and especially enjoyed helping individuals that strive to break the stereotypical boundaries.

Surviving her are her husband of 56 years, Dr. Gary Eiff; daughter, Christina (Mark) Ridings; son, Paul (Gloria) Eiff; granddaughter, Kimberly Bruce; grandsons Austin Ridings, Logan Privette, Byron Eiff, Corben Eiff; and two great-grandsons.

(Roy) Wayne Frey of Concord died on December 17th at age 77. He was born in Birmingham Alabama to (Joel) Raymon Frey and Sarah Bozeman Frey, now deceased.

He attended schools in Tarrant, AL where he grew up, graduating from Tarrant High School in 1962. From there, Wayne enrolled at Maryville College in Maryville, TN where he earned a B.A in philosophy. While at Maryville, Wayne met his future wife, Jean Reynolds of Canonsburg, PA and the two were married, shortly after their graduation, in June of 1966.

Wayne and Jean moved to Princeton, NJ where Wayne enrolled at Princeton Theological Seminary for a four-year study plan where he earned a Masters degree. As part of his education, he was offered a year’s internship with the WVA Mountain Project in the Great Coal River Valley in WVA and pastored three small country parishes while there. Many sweet memories and good friends were made there.

After graduation from seminary, a teaching opportunity arose when Wayne was offered a position as an instructor and chaplain at Colby-Sawyer College in New London NH. This was our introduction to what turned out to be our home state from then on and we couldn’t have chosen a better place to start our New England life.

The early 1970s found us in Concord, where we have lived ever since. Wayne was employed as director of NH’s Program on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Concord.

Becoming increasingly intrigued with computers and their function, Wayne took some courses in computer science in the early 1980s, earning an additional Masters degree and then deciding to explore his career potential further by accepting a position with the State of NH as a computer programmer. A position with Chubb Life America followed, then some years at AIG in Manchester, NH.. Finally he moved on to Fidelity Investments Corp. in Boston. When their IT department transferred to NH, Wayne happily relinquished the daily bus ride to Boston for the much shorter commute to Merrimack, NH. He spent many successful & fulfilling years there as Senior Technical Analyst, which turned out to be his true calling after all. Wayne retired from Fidelity in 2016.

He had a lot of fascinating adventures, though, on the way to Fidelity, so he had no regrets. His life in Concord held wonderful opportunities such as becoming a long-time member of the Concord Chorale; a singer in the quartet Chanson, a group of close friends; as well as a member of the choir of the UU Church of Concord where he was a church member since 1974.

Wayne made many dear friends along the way who were endeared by his down-to-earth, genuine nature and sincerity. He is deeply missed by all.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean Reynolds of Concord, his brothers Lloyd Frey (wife Cynthia) of Phenix City, AL and Paul Frey (wife Carol) of Norcross, GA, four nephews, five nieces, and numerous grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Reynolds of Pittsburgh, PA and Lorie Reynolds of El Dorado Springs, CA., and an abundant number of friends who loved him.

Margaret Blaine Gross, 68, of Hagerstown, MD died Thursday, April 11, 2013, at her home while under the care of Hospice of Washington County. Peg, as she liked to be called, was the daughter of the late Margaret Lindsey Gross and William H. Gross of Charleston, W.Va. Peg earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in applied music (organ) from Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn., and a master of social work degree from West Virginia University. She was a licensed clinical social worker-certified and a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers. An accomplished musician on cello, piano and organ, she pursued graduate studies at Union Theological Seminary School of Sacred Music in New York City. She had a long career as organist, assistant organist and choirmaster in numerous churches, including St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charleston. In her youth, she also was a member of the Charleston Youth Symphony. She was employed as a social worker by numerous agencies in West Virginia. After her move to Maryland, she worked for the Maryland Department of Corrections at the Maryland Correctional Training Center and Roxbury Correctional Institution, where she was a social worker and counselor. She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Hagerstown and a member of the Order of the Daughters of the King. She served the church and the order in many capacities, including chair of the Organ Restoration Committee for a major restoration of the organ in the early 1990s. She loved being a part of the choir. She is survived by numerous cousins, including Emma Lynne Reynolds of Philippi, W.Va., Frieda Crewdson of Tampa, Fla., and Alicia G. Tyler of South Charleston, W.Va. She also is survived by her longtime caregiver, Vicki Jenkins. It was her wish to be cremated. A memorial service was held Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at 4 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 101 S. Prospect St., Hagerstown. Her ashes will be interred in the columbarium at the church. The family requested the omission of flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the music program at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Greg Hallen, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s first videographer and who was known throughout the department for his attention to detail, passed away peacefully Sept. 19 at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne after a hard-fought two-year battle versus cancer. He was 74. Greg was born Jan. 25, 1945 in Darby, Pennsylvania and graduated from Roxborough High School in Philadelphia in 1963. After earning a biology degree from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, where Greg was a competitive javelin thrower on the track team, he joined the U.S. Air Force. Greg served as an officer at F.E. Warren and Vandenberg Air Force bases for 12 years attaining the rank of captain, which included being a missile combat crew commander and earning several excellence awards. He retired from the Game and Fish in June 2010 as the video coordinator after a decorated 29-year career. He was honored as the department’s “Communications Division Employee of the Year” in 1986 and co-recipient of the 2002 “Services Division Employee of the Year.” He also earned several awards from conservation organizations for his video productions and custom photo-processing. He was a passionate fly-angler and diligent fly-casting instructor at Game and Fish workshops. “Greg was always willing to help make my job easier,” says Al Langston, Game and Fish supervisor/co-worker and good friend. “Whether it was providing coverage of Game and Fish projects or assisting with Cheyenne Fishing Day, he could be counted on. He was very skilled with a fly rod and instructed many students both privately and at public activities.” Greg was an expert knife sharpener and aficionado of custom knives. He was also a patron of the Crown Bar where many friends enjoyed his insights and conversation. Before joining the Game and Fish, Greg studied at the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California and the Sun Valley Center of the Arts and Humanities in Idaho. “The instructional videos and video news stories Greg produced were always of the highest quality,” Langston adds. During his final trek at the hospital and hospice, Greg was almost always in the company of Game and Fish friends. He passed away with two fellow retired Game and Fish Information and Education colleagues at his side. Greg is survived by three siblings in the Philadelphia area: Patricia Brennan, Gloria Donahue (Dan) and Charles “Chick” (Linda) Hallen, four nieces and nephews and his beloved cat, Torri. He was preceded in death by his mother Theresa, father Charles and step-father Kenneth Roberts. Private family services were held in October.

Mary Hanson, age 77, of Nashville, TN, formerly of Greenview, IL, passed away on October 21, 2022 peacefully at home with her daughters.

She was born November 11, 1944 in Louisville, KY the daughter of George & Margaret Massie Simpson.

Mary wed Robert L. Hanson on August 26, 1967 in Louisville, KY.

Mourning her passing are her daughters, Stephanie (Craig) Boaz, Lucy Hanson Schrage, and Anne Hanson Mambungu; granddaughter, Maggie Schrage, and three grandsons, Zane Schrage, Wyatt Schrage, and John Boaz; sisters, Mardi Simpson Crosser, Jessie Simpson Jackson, and sister-in-law Carolyn Hanson Bell; nephews, Rob (Amy) Crosser, Mike (Adrienne) Crosser; nieces, Jessica Jackson, Shandi (Jeff) Hilliard, Heather (Aaron) Burris; and many great nieces,
nephews, and beloved bonus family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Robert L. Hanson; parents George and Margaret Simpson, and bonus mom Martha Tarry Simpson; brother-in-law Don Crosser; and nephew Joe Crosser.

Mary was a graduate of Shelby County High school ’62 in Kentucky; a proud alum of Maryville College ’66 Maryville TN, and attended Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY.

Mary held employment until her retirement at The State of Illinois Comptrollers Office, and also enjoyed working for Gloria Jeans Coffee, and Greenview Community Schools.

Mary’s musical talents were many and diverse. A natural musician from early childhood, Mary greatly enjoyed sharing her faith and ministry of music through arranging songs for HIS choir, senior Choir, and bell choir performances as well as various duets and accompaniments. For many years Mary dearly enjoyed sharing in music leadership with Alice Miller, Janice Ishmael, and Donna Simmering at the Greenview United Presbyterian Church. In addition to her musical talents, Mary had the beautiful gift of prayer and was lead to lift others up whatever their circumstances might have been.

Barbara Lou Fitch Hughes of Moore Haven, Florida passed away on June 26th 2023. She was born in Orlando, Florida on April 30th 1944. Barbara is a graduate of Plainfield High School in New Jersey, as well as a graduate of Maryville College located in Maryville, Tennessee, earning her Bachelor’s degree in education. On August 5th 1967, Barbara married her college sweetheart Norman “Sonny “ Hughes. She worked for the Glades County School District as a teacher, media specialist/librarian. Barbara was a member of the Christian Church of Moore Haven. She had a passion for reading as well as an assortment of crafts including, quilting, cross-stich, crocheting, painting, and scrapbooking. Barbara is survived by her husband; children: Sunny Austin, Scott (Michele) Hughes; grandchildren: Savannah Austin, Gage Austin, Slade Austin, Dominic Hughes, Alana Hughes, Blade Hughes, Brianna Hughes, Jackson Hughes and great granddaughter, Aviana; brother, David (Maureen) Fitch; nieces and nephews: Christina, Ryan, Matthew and Joseph. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Richard and Agnes Fitch; Brother John Fitch; and son, Mario Hughes.

Stanford White ‘Stan’ Long, 76, of New Ipswich, NH, and formerly of Hatboro, PA, died unexpectedly on October 2, 2020 in Jaffrey. Stan was born in May 1944, in Greeneville, TN, son of the late Maurice and Dimple (Sorrell) Long. A true Southern gentleman, he graduated from Everett High School and Maryville College in Maryville, TN while spending summers at Nature’s Classroom formerly known as Sargent Camp in Peterborough, NH at the base of Mt Monadnock. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and Grandaddy, band booster, football coach, school board president, dance & theatre dad, choir member, church elder, bluegrass guitar player, family cheerleader, animal lover, substitute teacher, life of the party, textile industry exec, ultimate TN Vols fan, Maryville College football player, Sargent Camp counselor, Lazy Boy chair lover, expert Dad Joke teller, a kind soul and an exceptional hugger. He loved his native Tennessee with a fierce loyalty. Originally a dog lover, he finally succumbed to the feline charms of Emma and Otis, too. Most recently, Stan belonged to the New Ipswich Zoning Board of Adjustment, Heritage Commission, Deering Community Church and a Steering Committee Member of MIP (Monadnock Interface Project). Stan is survived by his wife, Sally A. Carll-Long of New Ipswich; his children Erick Long and husband Christopher Montella of Santa Clarita, CA; Chris Long and wife Heidi of Ambler, PA and Kate Dixon and husband Mike of Morehead City, NC and his step-children Jason Tamulen and wife Shawna of Winchendon, MA and Josh Tamulen of Sterling, MA as well as, his beloved grandchildren Tanner, Sorrell, Morgan, Hunter, Sophie, Logan, Aidan, Kaitlyn and Ayla. Services were held privately at the request of the family.

Marty Miller, age 73, of Maryville, passed away on July 25, 2018, at her home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Orla A. Miller and Margaret Miller. Marty graduated from Grandview High School in Columbus, Ohio, in 1962, and from Maryville College with a degree in elementary education. She continued her education to receive a master’s degree in speech and theater from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Following graduation, Marty taught at various institutions, including the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in the Communication Department. Marty loved music, theatre, dancing, and traveling. Most recently, she was a member of the choir at First United Methodist Church in Maryville. Survivors include her husband, John Wehrmeyer; daughters, Jenny Jenkins, Julie Mayer (Jade), Katie Jenkins (Shawn); son, David Jenkins (Tara); and father of her children, Ron Jenkins; brother, Bob Miller (Judy).

David Nuchols, age 82, of Maryville, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, September 1, 2021. He loved his country and his church. He served in the United States Army for 4+ years and the Army Reserve for over 25 years as a Master Sargent. David was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Preceded in death by: Parents, John & Verna Nuchols; Brother, Sidney Eugene (Gene) Nuchols; Son, David Michael Nuchols. Survivors include Wife of 58 years, Jo Dean Nuchols; Son, Bryan Nuchols; Daughter & Son-in-law, Jodi & Frank Self; Grandson, Daniel Daws. Tuesday, September 7, 2021 the family will receive friends at First Baptist Church Maryville sanctuary from 3:00 until 5:00 PM, with the funeral service immediately following at 5:00. A reception will be held in the Family Life Center following the service. Graveside Service will be at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Grandview Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com

Jean Reynolds passed away on July 4, 2023, in Concord, New Hampshire.

Florence Rollwagen was born on April 13, 1944 and passed on Saturday, February 1, 2014. Florence was a resident of Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Dr. Lewright Browning Sikes, age 68, died Tuesday, September 25, 2012 after a lengthy illness. Dr. Sikes was born in Rutherford County, TN in 1944, and was the son of the late McCulloch Hord and Judith Browning Sikes. Dr. Sikes received his B.A. degree from Maryville College and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Tennessee of Knoxville. He was a Professor of History at Middle Tennessee State University for 26 years. He was the author of The Public Life of Pierce Butler (1979), the editor of Nick Hardeman: A Civil War Novel (1993) and the author of articles and/or reviews in The Georgia Historical Quarterly, The Tennessee Historical Review, The North Carolina Historical Review, The Journal of the Early Republic, The Journal of American History, and Boarder States: Journal of the Kentucky-Tennessee American Studies Association. He presented and/or critiqued papers for many organizations, including The Southeastern American Society for Eighteenth Century Studies and the Society of Historians of the Early American Republic. Dr. Sikes was the recipient of several grants from The National Endowment for the Humanities and Middle Tennessee State University. His field of interest was Colonial and Early National America. His retirement gift of 160 rare books to the MTSU library was the core of the start-up collection of books for the Special Collections unit of the University Library. Dr. Sikes was a professional musician and performed with many organizations, including the Nashville Symphony Chorus, the Nashville Opera, the Jackson Tennessee Symphony, and a number of churches in Tennessee. Dr. Sikes is survived by his two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Sikes of Hendersonville and Parri (Todd) Thurman of Knoxville; granddaughters, Camilla Marie Thurman and Karenna Pearson Thurman; sisters, Judith (Scott) Farrell, Mary McCullough German, Lucy Karnes, Martha Felker and Jane (Richard) Renner. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Comprehensive Care Center Foundation in Nashville, TN in memory of Dr. Sikes.

Celia C. Tiffany, of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the age of 78. Cherished daughter of the late Raphael John and Virginia Rose Tiffany. Dear sister of Virginia C. Tiffany and Jean Anne (Charles) Closz; loving aunt of David, Beverly, Rosemary, and Katharine Semon and Patrick and Aaron Closz; and great aunt of several.

Celia was a faithful member of Christview Christian Church. She graduated in 1966 from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee with a bachelor’s in science in Mathematics. Celia was also a member of the Gem and Mineral Club and editor of the “Geode”. She was a computer programmer, computer user support, and technical writer/editor for McDonnel-Douglas from April of 1970 to January of 1991. Celia was a rockhound, a science fiction fan, an avid reader, and was active in fantasy gaming. She was a caretaker for her parents for many years. Celia was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Diane Kline Tylka, 79, of Bonita Springs, Florida (formerly of Mt. Lebanon, PA), went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Diane, daughter of Russell and Thelma Kline, was born in Washington, DC on May 24, 1944.

Diane graduated from Maryville College with a degree in elementary education. She ventured on to teach 33 years in Mt. Lebanon School District. After retirement, Diane instructed student teachers at Waynesburg University and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.
She was a member of Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs and enjoyed singing in both choirs. In addition, Diane loved walking, exercising in the pool, and making new friends. She was always up for adventure and was an avid skier in her younger years. Assuming the role of the family’s travel agent, she booked many trips to tropical and interesting sightseeing destinations around the world. She adored her family and always enjoyed spending time with them.

Diane was predeceased by her husband, Thomas J. Tylka and is survived by her loving children, Matthew Tylka (Greta) of Venetia, PA; and Jennifer Welty (Douglas) of Ligonier, PA. She was “Nana” to her grandchildren: Elena, Bryson, Kate, and Daniel.