Bonnie Jean Crabtree, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at her home in Stanton, Kentucky. She was born on Wednesday, November 3, 1948, in Winchester, Kentucky, to the late Courtney Roberts and the late Zola Neal Roberts. Bonnie cherished her family above all else, dedicating her life to ensuring their happiness and success. As a devoted wife and a loving sister, she embodied the spirit of commitment and care. A proud member of the Clay City First Church of God, Bonnie was known for her warm-hearted nature and her ability to connect with anyone she met. A graduate of Powell County High School in 1966, she went on to spend 25 fulfilling years as the Dining Room Manager at Natural Bridge State Park. There, Bonnie not only showcased her exceptional organizational skills but also created a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Her vibrant personality and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know her. In addition to her parents, Bonnie is preceded in death by her husband, Shirley Clayton Crabtree; her daughter, Shirlene Crabtree; two sisters, Linda Thorpe and Pearlene Brewer; and two brothers, Charles Roberts and Dagwood Roberts. She is survived by two sons, Charlie (Leanne) Crabtree and Travis (Stacie) Crabtree, both of Stanton; three sisters: Rachel Drake, Phyllis McIntosh, and Vickie Asch, all of Stanton; two brothers, Courtney (Geanne) Roberts, Jr., of Germantown, Ohio, and J.C. (Judy) Roberts, of Dayton, Ohio; six grandchildren: Amy Jordan, Samantha Crabtree, Alexandria Crabtree, Mackenzie Crabtree, RaeLynn Crabtree, and Lakota Crabtree; and two great-grandchildren, Emma Jordan and Zola Jordan. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton, Kentucky. Funeral services, officiated by Bro. Brad Epperson will be held at the funeral home at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Burial will be held at Sissy’s Garden Cemetery in West Bend, Kentucky, with Lawrence Crabtree, Carlton Drake, Timmy Frazier, Rick Roberts, Charles “Punkin” Drake, Gary Asch, Jr., Christopher Jordan, Neal Hamilton, Larry Drake, and Gary Asch, III serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Lonnie Crabtree, Kimberly Crabtree, Chester Crabtree, Ruby Crabtree, Geraldine Puckett, Jean Crabtree, the nieces and nephews of the Roberts and Crabtree families, and the past co-workers at Natural Bridge State Park. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hearne Funeral Home of Stanton.
Ressie Pruitt Dotson, age 90, of Clay City, Kentucky, passed away on January 4, 2026, at the Bluegrass Hospice Center, U.K. Good Samaritan Hospital, in Lexington, Kentucky. She was born July 6, 1935, in Paw Paw, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Bradley Pruitt and Lilly Whitt Pruitt. Ressie was a homemaker and a member of the Church of God for 63 years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Dotson; two brothers, Ervin Pruitt and Hollie Pruitt; two sisters, Vesta May and Gracie Pruitt; and a great-grandson, Tristan Dotson. Ressie is survived by four sons: Herman Dotson of Clay City, Sherman (Diane) Dotson of Winchester, Sanford (Colleen) Dotson of Owingsville, and David (Becky) Dotson of Paris; two daughters: Reta Faye (Otto) Young of Owingsville, and Edna Rhea (Ted) Horne of Bean Station, Tennessee; twelve grandchildren: Jerry (Bobbie) Dotson, Ryan (Tresa) Dotson, Candra (Bill) Foley, Jessica (Wallace) Borders, Jonathan (Darlene) Young, Brandon (Jessica) Wolford, Josh (Jeana) Dotson, Adam (Emily) Dotson, Jennifer (Daniel) Geddes, Amber (Keegan) Carpenter, Blakely Dotson, and Chris (Laura) Ferrell; seventeen great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; and two special friends, Brenda Farmer and Evaline Dotson. Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and from 12:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton, Kentucky. Funeral services, officiated by Bro. Ryan Dotson will be held at the funeral home at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, January 9, 2026. Burial will be held at Stonegate Cemetery in Stanton with Jonathan Young, Josh Dotson, Ryan Dotson, Brandon Wolford, David Dotson, Christopher Ferrell, and Adam Dotson serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer is Jerry Dotson. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hearne Funeral Home of Stanton.
Robert Stephen Gordon, age 74, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Stanton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Stanton, Kentucky. He was born on Thursday, August 23, 1951, in Danville, Kentucky, to the late Robert E. Gordon and the late Ruth Swain Gordon. Steve worked as a compliance officer at Whitaker Bank. He was an active and dedicated member of the Clay City Lions Club and the Beechfork Golf Club, where he embraced every opportunity to connect with his friends. As a former member of the U.S. Army Reserves, Steve carried a strong sense of duty and discipline into all aspects of his life. He cherished the time spent golfing and fishing. Steve’s love for nature shone through in his meticulously tended flower beds, a testament to his nurturing spirit. In the world of sports, he was a devoted supporter of Kentucky Basketball, passionately cheering for his team while also enjoying the thrill of Powell County Pirate Sports. Whether it was the excitement of a game or the camaraderie of competing in fantasy football leagues, Steve’s enthusiasm for sports overflowed. With a sharp mind for numbers and an impressive attention to detail, he approached challenges with a level of focus that set him apart. Steve’s faith played a vital role in his life; he found solace and joy in attending church and expressing his love for the Lord through singing. Family was everything to Steve, and he prioritized staying connected with loved ones, always fostering those precious relationships. He was a true embodiment of love, friendship, and passion for life. Steve is survived by his wife, Patty Gordon of Stanton; one son, Cheyenne Gordon of Richmond; one daughter, Autumn (Jimmy) Murray of West Bend; one step-son, Marty Smith of Stanton; two brothers: Mike Gordon of Harrodsburg, and Jerry (Sharon) Gordon of Culloden, West Virginia; one sister: Cathy (Eddie) Flinchum or Winchester; five grandchildren: Maddie Murray, Ethan Murray, Daria Gordon, Steven (Kori) Smith, and Brooklynn Smith; and two great-grandchildren: Atticus Smith and Lucas Hamilton. Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton, Kentucky. Funeral services, officiated by Bro. Raymond Tipton and Bro. Greg Webb will be held at the funeral home at 2:00 P.M., immediately following the visitation. Burial will be held at Stanton Cemetery in Stanton, Kentucky, with Ethan Murray, Steven Smith, Junie Hutchinson, Jimmy Murray, Craig Gordon, Matt Gordon, and Chris Gordon serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Dick Fain, Bimbo Wallace Reed, Ronnie Hall, Ron Rousey, Steve Hale, Derek Merion, Jimmy Adams, Lonnie Morris, William Lyons, Charlie Reed, and Steve Bentley. The family requests donations made to Stanton Christian Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hearne Funeral Home of Stanton.
Geraldine Crabtree Puckett, age 80, widow of Cecil Thomas “Tom” Puckett, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Baptist Health in Corbin, Kentucky, surrounded by her family. She was the oldest of four children, born in a cabin in Bowen, Kentucky, on July 24, 1945, to the late Charlie Crabtree and the late Lovel Spangler Crabtree. She helped raise her three younger brothers, whom she loved dearly. At a very early age, Geraldine began babysitting and doing housework for local friends. She went on to work various jobs and made many life-long friends from Sylvania and Parker Seal. Geraldine’s favorite job was teaching adult education. She thoroughly enjoyed going into the homes of her students and preparing them for their GED. Later in life, Geraldine enjoyed working at Walmart, greeting individuals, while sometimes singing with them and other times sharing the Gospel. That is, when she wasn’t running shoppers down when they were trying to steal items. Geraldine had no fear, only determination! Her final job was as a caregiver. Geraldine loved this because she felt blessed to serve others in their homes, where she became like family to them. Geraldine was loved by everyone who came into contact with her. With her beautiful smile, unstoppable energy, warm personality, and great sense of humor, she quickly made others feel comfortable and loved. Geraldine loved people and thrived when she was able to share that love and affection. She filled each room with her energy and loving presence. She truly never met a stranger. Geraldine had a servant’s heart and loved nothing more than cooking for her family as well as everyone else she invited into her kitchen. When sitting at her table, you quickly found yourself surrounded by some of the best home cooking you could find anywhere, and not just a few dishes. Geraldine felt like everyone needed two or three meats, five or six sides, a couple of salads, and some type of bread, and don’t forget the three or four desserts. She was known for her delicious chicken n’ dumplins that were often requested of her. Geraldine welcomed everyone to her table and would adopt them as her own. Singing was another love of hers. She took great pleasure in sharing the love of God while traveling to churches and singing with her husband, Tom, and their friends. Geraldine’s faith was very important to her, and she grew closer and closer to the Lord as time went on. Her faith grounded her, and she was an inspiration to many. Geraldine’s heart was her family. Her daughters were the center of her life, that is, until her two handsome grandsons came along. They melted her heart and became the apples of her eye. Geraldine was a wonderful mother and grandmother who always put her children and grandchildren before herself. She was definitely and completely their biggest fan. Geraldine also loved her brothers, sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces. She adored them all. Until her final day, when Jesus escorted her to her Heavenly home on January 13th, 2026, Geraldine maintained her amazing sense of humor; not even dementia could steal that away. She loved to make people laugh and didn’t care to make any face or dance move to accomplish that. Geraldine’s smile and laugh were contagious. She lived her life big and vibrant for all to see and for all to feel blessed having known her. Geraldine attended Clay City First Church of God before moving to Corbin and joining Frankfort Baptist Church. In addition to her parents and husband, Geraldine is preceded in death by two step-children, Sheila Denise Frymyer and Tonja G. Puckett; one brother, Shirley Clayton Crabtree; one sister-in-law, Bonnie Jean Roberts Crabtree; and a niece, Shirlene Crabtree. She is survived by two daughters: Tammra (Chris) Routson of Findlay, Ohio, and Larrietta (Bill) Elliotte of Corbin; three step-children: Tommy (Susan) Puckett, Tammy Puckett, both of Clay City, and Jed (Tammy) Puckett of Stanton; two brothers: Chester (Ruby) Crabtree of Stanton, and Lonnie (Kimberly) Crabtree of Bowen; three sisters-in-law: Joan Hall, Gearlene (Lenwell) Pasley and Maxine O’Hair, all of Clay City; two grandchildren: Christopher Routson, of Toledo, Ohio, and Reed Elliotte of Corbin; six step-grandchildren: Brandi (Nick) Kleem, Jeremy (Haley) Elliotte, Tara Puckett, Travis Puckett, Laryn Puckett, and Krana Puckett; three step-great-grandchildren: Cameron McIntosh, Lily Dailey, and Anna Kate Elliotte; nine nephews: Charlie (Leanne) Crabtree, Donavan (Ingrid) Crabtree, Travis (Stacie) Crabtree, Lawrence (Sarah) Crabtree, Chester Ray Crabtree, Willie Crabtree, Brandon Crabtree, Avery (Jamie) Crabtree of Lexington, and Brad Lee Crabtree; numerous great nieces and nephews; and a special caregiver, Stephanie Smith of Corbin. Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton, Kentucky. Funeral Services, officiated by Bro. James Hodge and Bro. Brad Epperson will be held at the funeral home at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Special singing will be provided by Reed Elliotte, The Walkers, James Hodge, and The Crabtree Boys. Burial will be held at Sissy’s Garden Cemetery in West Bend, Kentucky, with Chester Ray Crabtree, Donavon Crabtree, Greg Crabtree, Lawrence Crabtree, Travis Crabtree, Reed Elliotte, Gary Spurrell, and Christopher Routson serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Avery Glen Crabtree, Brad Lee Crabtree, Brandon Crabtree, Charlie Crabtree, Willie Crabtree, Jean Crabtree, Stephen Harrison, Betty Taulbee, and Hugh Reed. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hearne Funeral Home of Stanton.
Nancy Ellen Witham Rose, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Stanton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Stanton, Kentucky. She was born on Saturday, January 23, 1943, in Kewanna, Indiana, to the late Frank B. Witham and the late Margaret Witham. Nancy worked as a compassionate dietitian at a nursing home in Winchester and later dedicated a significant portion of her life to her work at Powell Manufacturing, where she excelled as a factory employee. With a deep appreciation for the outdoors, Nancy found joy in fishing, often spending tranquil days by the water. She was also an exceptionally talented seamstress, creating beautiful quilts that she lovingly crafted as gifts for friends and family, each stitch reflecting her warmth and creativity. Family was at the heart of Nancy’s life; she adored spending time with her grandchildren, cherishing every moment and creating lasting memories. Her love for her family was boundless, and she made it a priority to support and nurture them. A devoted member of the Full Gospel Lighthouse Church, Nancy found great fulfillment in her faith and the community it provided. She also had a passion for cooking, filling her home with the delightful aromas of her favorite recipes, often sharing her culinary creations with loved ones. Nancy’s life was a tapestry of love, skill, and devotion, woven together by her many interests and relationships. In addition to her parents, Nancy is preceded in death by two sons, Donald Ray Coots and Christopher David Coots; two stepsons, Tony Keith Rose and Darrell Wayne Rose; her siblings: Robert Lee, William Samuel, James Melvin, and JoAnne; and one great-grandchild, Landon Chase Taylor. She is survived by her husband, William Rose of Stanton; four sons: Rickie Allen Witham of Clay City, Thomas Michael Coots of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Jerry Lee Coots and Jeffrey Wayne Coots, both of Asheville, North Carolina; one stepson, Timothy Brandon (Megan) Rose of Stanton; one daughter, Beth (Albert Jr.) Ellen Gray of Phoenix, Arizona; two stepdaughters, Conchita Ann (Danny) Everman of Clay City, and Charlotte (Darwin) Wolfe of Jeffersonville; a host of grandchildren; a special great-granddaughter, Kaydee Dunaway; and a host of additional great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton, Kentucky. Funeral services, officiated by Bro. Sammy Faulkner will be held at the funeral home at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Burial will be held at West Bend Cemetery in Clay City, Kentucky, with Danny Everman, Darwin Wolfe, Todd Rogers, J.D. Dunaway, Logan Rogers, and Dakota Rose serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Pam Boggs, Dorothy Ambrose, Gladys Patton, and the staff of Stanton Nursing Center. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hearne Funeral Home of Stanton.
John K. King, age 77, of Upper Cane Creek Road, Stanton, Kentucky, passed away at his home on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
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