Appalachian Ohio Nurse Honor Guard

01/19/2026

Members of AONHG at two recent Honor Services.
Founder, Phyllis Guisinger
Co-Founder, Barb Bartlett
Anne Berry

01/19/2026

Roxanna Jane Mathias
June 9, 1940 — January 9, 2026
Roxanna Jane Mathias, 85, of Lancaster, passed away on January 9, 2026, at The Springs at Wyandot Trail. She was born to the late Ivan and Mary Davidson on June 9, 1940.
Roxanna graduated from Grant Hospital School of Nursing in 1961 and from Ohio University in 1984. She became a registered nurse at Fairfield Medical Center in 1962, where she worked for 45 years. Roxanna held many positions at the hospital but ultimately retired as the manager of Risk Management after being named “Risk Manager of the Year for Ohio” by the Ohio Society for Healthcare Risk Managers. Throughout her life, Roxanna loved art and focused her talent on oil painting. She studied under Robert Warren and took many opportunities to display her paintings throughout Lancaster and central Ohio.
She is survived by her children, Susan (Victor) Collins and James (Patty) Mathias; grandchildren, Bryan (Megan) Collins, Camden (Jaclyn) Collins, Jennifer Collins, Jamie Lynn (Oliver) Cook, Montana (Kyle) Beatty, Nathan (Mandy) George, and Amanda Frost; several great-grandchildren; brother, James (Jackie) Davidson; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her grandson, Christian Collins; sister, Diana Snell; and her parents.
Services will be held on January 14, 2026 at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home Chapel, 405 N. Columbus St., Lancaster, OH 43130. Visitation will be held from 2:00pm-4:00pm followed by the funeral at 4:00pm. The service will be officiated by pastor Evan Saunders. Burial will take place at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Bladensburg, OH, at a later date. Nurse Honor Guard service held by AOHNG prior to funeral service.
Service performed by Darlene Mahaffey, Pat & John Warneke and Maryanna Sutton.

01/19/2026

The Appalachian Ohio Nurse Honor Guard performed a “Living Tribute Service for Billie Stebelton at Fairhope Hospice, Pickering House in Lancaster, Ohio on Saturday. Dec. 20th, 2025.
Billie was a Nurse who practiced at various facilities and medical offices in Fairfield County until she retired. Billie graduated from Central Ohio Technical College and was a graduate of Lancaster High School.
Members of Billie’s Family were present as members of our Honor Guard performed a tribute to her for her years of service as a Nurse. She was presented with a white rose and gifts honoring her. Billie enjoyed the service and was pleased to have fellow Nurses at her side honoring her for her service.
The Appalachian Nurse Honor Guard is a nonprofit organization made up of local nurses whose mission is to recognize and honor the everyday heroes who dedicate their lives to the nursing profession.

A Living Tribute is a celebration of our Nurse Colleague and their nursing journey, as well as to offer our wishes and hope for comfort and peace in the days ahead.

Nursing is a calling, a lifestyle, a way of living.

Billie,

We remember you and your years as a nurse, by the difference you have made during those years by stepping into people’s lives...by special moments.
Your caring heart, compassion, guidance, support and medical skills have been a
blessing to the medical field.
You gave comfort where there was pain.
Courage where there was fear.
Hope where there was despair.
Acceptance when the end was near, always with a gentle touch of tenderness,
patience, and love.
The white rose symbolizes all that nursing stands for...Comfort, kindness, gentleness, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty. We present this in appreciation for being our colleague.

Service provided by:
Phyllis Guisinger
Barb Bartlett
Anne Berry
Mary Kunkler

01/19/2026

Ruby Bush
February 7, 1945 - December 14, 2025
Ruby (Smyers) Bush (80), joined the love of her life and soulmate, Raymond C. Bush on December 14, 2025 surrounded by her family.
Ruby was born on February 7, 1945 in Hocking County to the late Effie (Blacksten) Smyers and Judson O. Smyers. She was the youngest of five children.
Ruby married Ray in 1977 after only knowing him for six months. She said it was “love at first sight.” She often said “Twenty years was not enough, but it was the best time of my life.”
She was an LPN and worked for the local hospital until her retirement in 1992. She continued to care for loved ones when they were sick and needed her the most. Ruby was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Lancaster.
Ruby was an avid animal lover. She loved her “fur babies.” She included them on cards and referred to them as “The Zoo.” She spoiled her faithful companions Sophie and Bandit the past few years.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ruby was preceded in death by her sister, Florence Shaffer and brothers, Harold (Mary) Smyers, Darley Smyers, John Smyers, and sister-in-law, Maxine Smyers.
Ruby is survived by loving step-children, Michael Bush, Robert (Judy) Bush, Mary Miller, and granddaughter, Maya Miller (Kaleb Arnett). She is survived by special sisters-in-law, Angela Smyers, Opal Smyers, several cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was blessed to have good friends Sue Gurile, Zora Minor, Diana Gugel, and Missy Carpenter in her life.
Ruby is also survived by her “second family,” with whom she spent the holidays, family dinners, and birthday celebrations. This includes her nephew, Michael (Tamara) Shaffer, Christina Metzger (Mckenzie and Mason), Michael Shawn (Katie) Shaffer, and Ashley (Zack) Marlatt (Rory and Finn). She always said Michael was like a son to her.
The family would like to thank the staff at Main Street Terrace and Fairhope Hospice and Palliative Care for the amazing care, kindness, and support provided to Ruby and the family.
The Appalachian Ohio Nurse Honor Guard to perform a memorial~tribute service at the start of the funeral service.

01/19/2026

Mary Josephine "Punk" Arnold Obituary

Mary Josephine “Punk” Arnold, aged 80 of Logan, Ohio, passed away at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Born October 18, 1945 in Ottertail County, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Irene (Bartels) Kidder.
During life, Mary worked as an LPN at Hocking Valley Community Hospital for 28 years as well as at Homestead Care and Rehabilitation Center in Lancaster, Ohio. She was a proud member of St. John Church in Logan, Ohio. Mary loved reading and working in the garden, especially her flowerbeds.
Mary is survived by her sons, Mark (Christy) Arnold of Lancaster, Ohio and Christopher (Iris) Arnold of Ashville, Ohio; daughters, Jeannette (Mike) Kline of Lancaster, Ohio and Tara Martin of Logan, Ohio; 12 grandchildren, Nick Arnold, Cameron Arnold, Nicole Dennis, Derek Kline, Amanda Breon, Christina Smith, Ashley Fortkamp, Zach Vanhorn, Brittany Owens, Mattie Nance, Kelsey Nance, and Stephanie Bentley; 20 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bob (Linda) Kidder and Randy Kidder; and sister Kris (Mike) Ingvalson.
Besides her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Terrance M. Kidder.
A Christian Vigil Service officiated by Deacon Matthew J. Shaw will be held at the Roberts Funeral Home in Logan, Ohio at 7 PM on Monday, December 15, 2025.
Visitation will be held from 5 PM until time of service on Monday, December 15, 2025.
The Appalachian Ohio Nurse Honor Guard to perform a memorial~tribute service Monday evening.

01/19/2026

The Appalachian Ohio Nurse Honor Guard was privileged to be able to be a part of 7 tribute services in the year 2025.
Our group has performed 1 service this year (2026).
AONHG was founded in 2021 by Phyllis Guisinger, Founder and Barb Bartlett, Co-Founder.
The group has performed 34 services to date.
Each service that we are asked to participate in is always a honor and a humbling experience.
As we enter into a new year we would love to grow our group to increase our service area. If you are a retired or hold an active LPN, RN, or APRN license and feel called to service please contact us for more information. We will hold one meeting quarterly for the remainder of the year, held locally in Logan. We do ask that you attend at least one meeting and attend at least 1-2 services per year. We would love to connect with you.
Please contact any of the following for more information or send a message via messenger:
President/Founder: Phyllis Guisinger #740-603-5455
Co-Founder: Barb Bartlett #740-216-0004
Treasurer: Debbie Kennard #740-503-4349
Secretary: Anne Berry #740-590-8285

11/08/2025

The Appalachian Ohio Nurse Honor Guard was honored to pay tribute to a wonderful Nurse who was young in years yet impacted so many. Her legacy will always be remembered. Thank you to the family, friends and funeral home that welcomed us so warmly today. We are deeply grateful to be able to pay tribute and honor our fellow Nurse colleagues.

11/08/2025

Andrea Nicole Sherman
Nov. 23, 1984 - Oct. 29, 2025

Andrea was born on November 23rd, 1984, in Columbus, Ohio, to Debra and Charles Sherman III. She grew up in Centerburg, Ohio, and was a 2003 graduate of Centerburg High School. She was a 2009 graduate of Mt. Carmel School of Nursing with a bachelor's degree in nursing. She worked at Mt. Carmel East Hospital until she started her nursing career at The James Hospital. She truly dedicated her whole life to health care and working with her 12th floor James family.
She will be remembered for her love of sewing, shopping, going on trips with her mother and friends, and her beautiful, playful, and kind smile.
Andrea is survived by her mother, Debra Sherman; sister, Roxanne Bowling; niece, Lindsey Padgett; uncle, Allen Stewart (Susie); as well as many extended family members and friends who loved her deeply.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles B. Sherman III.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. At Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, 650 W Waterloo St., Canal Wi******er, OH 43110, with a celebration of life to follow at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m. The family invites all who knew Andrea to attend and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Fairhope Hospice of Lancaster, Ohio, who provided compassionate care for Andrea and loving support to her mother. Donations can also be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter.

DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, Pickerington, has been entrusted with helping the family through this difficult time. Online condolences can be made at www.spencefuneralhome.com

11/08/2025

Rita Lynn Baughman
August 3, 1953 — October 14, 2025

Rita Lynn Baughman, 72, of Nelsonville, was called to the Lord, surrounded by family, on October 14, 2025. She was born on August 3, 1953, in Nelsonville, the only daughter of the late Bernard and Roberta (Taylor) Carter. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Robert “Bob” Baughman.Rita was a 1971 graduate of Nelsonville-York High School and was a proud member of the marching band throughout her time there. She enjoyed returning to support the Nelsonville-York band when her children were in school. After high school, she attended Hocking College, then known as Tri-County Technical Institute, and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. Rita worked many places before her retirement, including Kimes Nursing and Rehab Center, Logan Healthcare, Doctors Hospital, and local doctors’ offices.Rita and Bob married on September 27, 1975. They were excited to be able to plan a big celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary this year.
Rita loved to travel. It was a dream of hers to travel to Alaska, and one that she was thankfully able to make a reality recently. Sometimes she liked to stay closer to home, taking the family on annual trips to Pymatuning State Park, which her kids remember fondly. When Rita traveled without her family, she was known to bring back a little gift or knick-knack for just about everyone. Giving gifts was one of the ways she showed her unwavering love to everyone around her.When she was relaxing at home, Rita enjoyed crocheting or reading a good book. On Ohio State game days, though, she could be found cheering on her team from the living room. She loved playing cards every week with her “card ladies”.Rita’s biggest hobby was being a wonderful mother to her three children, Robert (Patricia) Baughman, Rebecca (Jared) Bunting, and Randy (Sierra Paige) Baughman, who survive. In addition to her husband and children, Rita is survived by her grandchildren, Ross Baughman, Camden Bunting, and Carter Bunting; brothers, Donald E. (Kimberly) Carter, Gary M. (Barbara) Carter, and Roger D. (Lisa) Carter; a large extended family who loved her dearly; and very special neighbors of over 50 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Roberta Carter.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St., Nelsonville, with Pastor Yahreen Collins officiating and services by the Hocking County Nurse Honor Guard.

Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Nelsonville. Family and friends may visit from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm Friday and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.

11/08/2025

Appalachian Ohio Nurse Honor Guard Service's in 2025:

D. Elaine Hart December 17, 1945 — February 19, 2025

D. Elaine Hart, 79, of Logan, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Fairfield Medical Center, Lancaster. Elaine was born on December 17, 1945, in Logan, the daughter of the late Aaron G. and Jennie Mae (Altman) Norris. She was the widow of the late Gerald Ray “Jerry” Hart.Elaine worked as a registered nurse for many years. She worked at Hocking Valley Community Hospital in Logan and retired from Doctors Hospital in Nelsonville.Elaine is survived by her son, Tyler R. (Tammie) Hart of Canal Wi******er; daughters, Vangii D. Hart of Carbon Hill, Tamii E. (Joe) Cramer of Logan, Karii M. (Shawn) Shields of Rockbridge, and Michelle (Doug) Jeffrey; grandchildren, Brandy Hart, Jacob Vorhees, Derek Hart, Seth Cramer, Joey Cramer, Abby Gray, Greyson Hart, Ian Shields, Josie Shields, and Kristy Keirns; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; brother, Terry Lee Norris of Logan; and sister, Virginia G. Mingus of Rockbridge.Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Selma Phillips, Imogene Bownes, Karen Wood, and Dee White; and brothers, William Norris, Stanley Norris, and Frank Norris.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Cardaras Funeral Home, 183 E. Second St, Logan with Pastor Alex Feldman officiating. Interment will be in New Fairview Memory Gardens, Rockbridge.
Family and friends may visit from 5 to 8 pm Monday at the funeral home.
The Appalachian Ohio Nurse Honor Guard will be holding a memorial service in honor of Elaine and her many years of service.

11/08/2025

The Appalachian Nurse Honor Guard Services performed in the year 2025:

Mary Alice Warren
October 30, 1944 — January 17, 2025
Mary Alice Warren, 80, of New Lexington, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025, at Select Specialty Hospital in Newark. She was born October 30, 1944, in Millfield, daughter of the late Herschel and Velma (Jackson) Smith. Mary was the widow of the late Danny Junior Warren.
Mary worked in the outpatient surgery department at Doctors Hospital for 40 years. She attended Asbury United Methodist Church.
Mary is survived by her sons, Danny C. Warren of Nelsonville, Kevin H. (Deanna) Warren of Nelsonville, Christopher (Andrea) Warren of New Lexington, and Conner Lee Warren of Nelsonville; daughters, Lori Lynn Leedy of Barlow and Kendra Marie Warren of New Lexington; many grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Nancy O'Nail of Nelsonville, Linda Smith of Nelsonville, and Barbara Lanning of Glouster; and her dog, Max.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Donna Wolfe and Judy Winchell; brother, Herschel “Buddy” Smith; and grandson, Travis Cunningham.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St, Nelsonville. Family and friends may visit from 1 to 4 pm Friday at the funeral home.
The Appalachian Ohio Nurse Honor Guard performed a tribute service at the beginning of the service for Mary to honor her many years of service in the field of Nursing in Athens, County.

11/14/2024