Alice S. Ritchie
June 8, 1938 - August 21, 2024
Alice Saulnier Ritchie was born on June 8, 1938 in New York City where she grew up in the Morningside Heights neighborhood on the Upper West Side. At 86, she died of pancreatic cancer in Chestertown Maryland. Alice was the daughter of Raymond J. Saulnier and Estelle Siegel.
She is survived by her three children Sarah Clark Stuart, Warren Clark III (Johanna Phillips-Clark), and Hope Elizabeth Clark (Craig McSparran) and four grandchildren Marina Estelle Stuart, Emily Dillon Clark, Amelia Flora Stuart and John Christian Clark. She was married to Lyell H. Ritchie, who died in 2004, for 25 years. She was previously married to Warren Clark, Jr., who died in 2018. She was predeceased by her brother, Mark M. Saulnier. She is survived by her sister in law Elizabeth Topper and cousin Mary Elizabeth Williams, and many devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and stepchildren.
Alice graduated from Northfield School for Girls in 1956 and attended Vassar College from 1956-1958 where she studied economics. She earned a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from George Washington University in 1971, a Masters in Library Science from Catholic University in 1973 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1985. She practiced as an Assistant Public Defender for Talbot County and a Deputy State’s Attorney for Kent County.
After 1996, she had a solo practice as a family law attorney and was a Panel Attorney for the Office of Public Defender, CINA division and a Criminal Defense panel attorney. For ten years she was a staff Attorney for the Child Advocacy Project of the Eastern Shore (C.A.P.E.S.). She was also appointed as a Child’s Attorney by the Circuit Courts of Kent and Wicomico County to represent children in domestic or adoption cases. Additionally, she was an attorney for the Kent County Board of Zoning Appeals, Rock Hall Board of Appeals, Betterton Board of Zoning Appeals and Millington Planning Commission.
Alice was a member of the Maryland State Bar Association, MSBA Peer Review Committee of the Attorney Grievance Commission, Past Chairman of the Judicial Nominating Committee for District 2, and Past Chairman of the Kent County Ethics Commission. An active member of the Chestertown community, she was President of the Kent County Library Board of Trustees, Recording Secretary of the Foundation of the Kent County Library, a Board member of the Kent County United Way and Mid Shore Pro Bono, Member of the Vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Member of Chestertown RiverArts Board and an Historical District Commission member.
She found great joy in quilting, hook rug making, creating fine art, playing bridge and tennis, playing and watching golf, reading the New York Times and listening to WAMU, her favorite public radio station. She was an avid reader of fiction and mysteries. Later in life, she rekindled her love for making art and participated in the Chestertown RiverArts studio tours where she displayed her works in pastel. She relished vacations and holidays with her family and traveled extensively with friends and family upon her retirement in 2011. She had a passion for food and cooking and loved exploring cultures and cuisines when living in Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Egypt and Sri Lanka throughout her two marriages.
Alice resided in Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, and abroad before she and Lyell settled on Maryland’s Eastern Shore at Cedar Lane Farm off Broad Neck Road. She lived there for 30 years before moving in 2016 to Chestertown’s Queen Street where she shared her renovated home with her beloved dog, Leo. She enjoyed many summers over six decades on Mason’s Island in Mystic, Connecticut with her children, grandchildren and extended family.
Her children thank the dedicated staff of Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, Smilow Cancer Center, Mystic Fire Department, Heron Point’s Willow Brooke Court Skilled Care Center and Compass Hospice for their care of Alice during her battle with cancer.
Russell Allen DeVilbiss
April 6, 1948 - August 23, 2024
Russell Allen DeVilbiss, age 76 of Centreville, Maryland, passed away on August 22, 2024 at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton after a long struggle with diabetes and complications from a fall.
Russell was born on April 6, 1948 in Blue Island, Illinois to Kenneth and Betty DeVilbiss, and was the eldest of two sons. He graduated in 1966 from Dwight D. Eisenhower High School in Blue Island. Russell received his bachelor’s degree in music education in 1970 from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. At Augustana, he met his future wife, Vickie Ryberg. They married in 1972 and would raise three sons together. After briefly serving as a high school band director in Iowa, Russell enlisted in the United States Navy, relocating to Annapolis, Maryland and joining the Naval Academy Band as an oboist. In his more than 20 years of service as a military musician, he performed internationally, directed the academy’s Ceremonial Band, and achieved the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer due to his vital management of the large wind ensemble’s preparation and travel logistics. Following his retirement from the Navy in the mid-1990s, Russell worked in a variety of information technology and office support positions, most recently with the Betts & Holt Law Practice in Washington, DC. His lifelong passion for music never stopped, and he continued directing and performing in local ensembles in his retirement years before moving to Centreville.
Russell was a proud veteran with an inherent belief in service and hard work. He reveled in both the arts and information. He was an avid and voracious reader, a record collector, a classic film buff, and a sports fan. Russell enjoyed visiting historic sites, museums, and cultural attractions when he traveled. An astute armchair observer of both television and life, his stoic demeanor belied a quick wit backed by a wealth of wisdom. Russell was a devoted husband to Vickie for more than 50 years, always putting the needs of family above his own. He was a dedicated father, a man of honesty, humor, and humility who gave his three sons a steady, daily example of how to be honorable and respectful men. He was a proud, joyous, and attentive grandfather. He will be missed.
He is survived by his wife Vickie; two sons, Andrew and Chad; two daughters-in-law, Andrea and Cheryl; two grandsons, Miles and Sven; one brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Gail. He was preceded in death by his son, Brian.
David Lee Price
February 16, 1941 - August 23, 2024
David Lee Price, 83, of Easton, Maryland, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, at University of Maryland Shore Health at Easton following a brief illness to be met at the heavenly gates with open arms by his son, Tommy.
David was born February 16, 1941, in Easton to Maurice and Eleanor (Aiken) Price. Following graduation in 1963 from Easton High School he went to serve his country in the United States Army becoming a cryptographic operator spending his time in Germany.
On May 25, 1968, David married his wife of 56 years Betty L. Brandow of Wittman. Later becoming a Maryland State Trooper, David was assigned to Salisbury and Centreville, finishing his career in 1987. At this time David was determined to pursue a lifelong dream of owning a carwash. Price’s Car Wash was established in 1987 and was a great success.
David supported his grandchildren with their sports or showing their animals at the 4-H fair. He enjoyed watching the ocean with a Landshark beer from the deck of the beach house, feeding his squirrels at home and watching them and (of course) listening to his country music, especially if it was his Uncle Mel Price singing. David also enjoyed farming with a local farmer awhile and enjoyed every minute of it.
David is survived by his wife, Betty, his daughter Heather Price Handzo and her husband Eric. Grandsons Tommy and Tyler Price and Mason Handzo and granddaughter (PopPop’s Princess) Paige Handzo. Daughter-in-law Terri Price. God Child Amy Ford Brown and husband Jason and their children Olivia, Adam and Anna. A very favorite sister-in-law Elizabeth Stinton and brother-in-law Buddy Brandow and wife Vivian.
David was preceded in death by his son SGM Tom Price US Army, his parents, and a sister Jeanette Herrmann.
Walter F. Trice Jr.
February 3, 1946 - August 23, 2024
Walter F. Trice, Jr., of Trappe, passed away on August 23, 2024. He was born February 3, 1946, in Duquesne, PA to Walter Trice and Dorothy Baker Trice.
Upon graduating high school, Walter joined the Air Force and served in the Vietnam war. After his discharge, he held jobs as a technical artist as well as a driver for Greyhound Bus. Most of his career was spent as a real estate agent in Easton, MD.
Walter was a member of Knights of Columbus, and he enjoyed collector cars.
Walter is survived by his three children Jennifer, Adam and Alex Trice and two grandchildren, Henry and Emma Trice
Margaret Wagner Frampton
September 21, 1931 - August 23, 2024
Margaret (Peggy) Wagner Frampton passed away peacefully at Talbot Hospice House on Friday, August 23, 2024. She was 92. She was born in Easton on September 21, 1931 to John G. Wagner, Jr. and Irene Mansfield Wagner. The family moved to Harrisonburg, Va. in 1935. Peggy graduated from Harrisonburg High School in 1949.
After graduation, she returned to Easton and worked as a secretary at the law office of John-Clarence North. She then worked for Maryland Credit Finance Corp.
Following her marriage to James Caulk Frampton on March 31, 1951, they were blessed with the birth of two children, Edward and Mary. She was employed by the USDA Grading Office in Easton and retired after 30 years.
She then volunteered as administrative assistant at Talbot Hospice, at the front door and kept records and sent letters of condolence to the bereaved.
After her husband’s death on December 19, 2012, she continued to volunteer at Hospice until 2020.
She is survived by her son Edward of Ocean City, daughter Mary (Ron) McCarty, grandchildren Melissa (Dr. Erik) Higginbottom and Sarah (Kenneth) Kusinitz, four grandchildren, Grant and Chad Higginbottom and Rebecca and Evelyn Kusinitz, all of Easton. She is also survived by her brother Phillip L. Wagner and sister Elizabeth Evans, both of Virginia, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by brothers John R., Dr. Thomas E., G. Albert, and Kenneth E. Wagner.
John Edward Crovo
March 30, 1939 - August 24, 2024
John Crovo, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on August 24, 2024, in Easton, MD. He was born on March 30, 1939, in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Northeast Washington and Hyattsville, MD. He attended Benjamin Franklin University in Washington D.C. John was the son of John and Ivy Crovo and cherished his two sisters, Judith Kelly Sheahin and Patricia Miller.
John married the love of his life, Ruth Crovo, on May 17, 1958, after first meeting at Stewart Jr. High School. Together, they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children: Andrew (Sandra) Crovo, Kelley (Daniel) DuBois, and Patrick (Dawn) Crovo. Family was the cornerstone of John’s life, and he took immense joy in his role as a father and grandfather to his grandchildren: Kaitlyn (Patrick) Girskis, Carleigh (Micah) Freeman, Christopher (Ashley) Crovo, Connor DuBois, Brayden Crovo, Samantha Crovo, and Casey DuBois, as well as his 12 great-grandchildren.
John proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1961. He had a successful career as the vice president of sales and marketing at JL Clarke, later owning and operating an income tax business, and eventually becoming the president of Watermark Communications. Known for his kindness and compassion, John was a friendly man who made friends everywhere. He dedicated much of his time to volunteering, particularly with the Avalon Foundation and St. Vincent de Paul, believing wholeheartedly in the importance of community service. John sang in the Bay Country Chorus, a local barbershop style singing group that performed at many senior centers throughout the community.
In his younger years, John was passionate about sports, playing softball and golf, and he enjoyed coaching his children in various activities. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Delton R. Locklear
November 21, 1937 - August 24, 2024
Delton R. Locklear of Chester, MD passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024, at the age of 86. Mr. Locklear was born on Nov 21, 1937 in Robeson County, NC to the late Russell and Leola Locklear.
Delton was drafted by the United States Army and stationed in Bad Hersfeld, Germany. He served 6 years in the field artillery regiment as a sharpshooter. After being honorably discharged and settling in Maryland, Delton began a long career in drywall installation with Maryland Applicators, Inc., eventually owning his own business, Hywatha Company, Inc.
Delton was an avid deer hunter, who never missed an opportunity to share a good hunting story. He also enjoyed gardening, loved to cook and could be known for his canned peppers and barbeque. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Kent Island and Woodhaven Free Will Baptist in Michigan. He was also a very proud member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
Delton is preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Jane Scott and Lucy Higgins; and 2 brothers; John C. Locklear and Bobby Locklear.
He leaves behind two daughters, La-Donna Locklear of Greensboro and Leola Trusso (Bryan) of Stevensville; 3 brothers, Rev. Lloyd Locklear of Michigan, Dwayne Locklear and Micheal Oxendine of North Carolina; 6 grandchildren, Chastity Stubbs (Justin), Holli Ramsey, Cheyenne Lee, Cameron, Kaylee, and Caleb Trusso; and 5 great grandchildren.
Louis Anthony Galasso
September 1, 1930 - August 25, 2024
Louis Anthony Galasso, affectionately known as Uncle Louis, passed away peacefully at home on August 25, 2024. He was surrounded by his devoted wife, Lucille, and his children, Greg and Mark, along with their spouses, Suzy and Valentine. Louis is also survived by his six beloved grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Louis came from a large family, being one of nine siblings. He is remembered fondly by his only surviving brother Richard and his wife, who live in New Jersey. As a proud U.S. Marine, Louis was known for his warmth, his passion for the outdoors, and love to feed others, both joys passed on to his sons and many others.
In 1975, Louis moved his family from New Jersey to Maryland. After retiring, he settled in Chincoteague, VA, before returning to Grasonville, MD, to be closer to his family for five years.
Gary Edward Clough
September 17, 1946 - August 25, 2024
Gary Edward Clough, 77, of Cambridge, MD, died Sunday, Aug 25, 2024, in Baltimore, MD following a lengthy hospitalization and a seventeen year battle against the effects of exposure to Agent Orange.
He was born in Albany, NY in 1946 to Joseph and Dorothy Clough. Gary graduated from the Albany Academy as Captain in 1965 and attended the University of Denver prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1967. In 1970, Gary completed a one-year assignment with the Brown Water Navy in Binh Thuy, Vietnam. He returned from the war to complete his education at Rosary Hill College in Amherst, NY earning a BS in Business and Economics. Gary was the owner of Future Builders Supply, Inc. in Hurlock, MD, and a long-time supporter of the local community sponsoring high school extra-curricular and athletic activities, and volunteering as a member of the American Legion Post No. 243 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Federalsburg Post 5246.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathleen Lennon Clough; his children: Julie Lennon Griffin (Sean) of Kingston, NY, Gavin Hughes Clough (Cerra) of Leesburg, VA, and Catherine Elizabeth Clough (Steven Salay) of Buffalo, NY; seven grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy: Michael, Liam, Maeve, Ceili, Aidan, Maren, and Isabella; his sister Gail Alcott (James); Lennon sisters and brothers Liz McCue (Michael), Janice Herrmann (Richard), Thomas (Maria), Mike, Kevin, John, Edward and Sean (dec.); dear friend from his youth, Dr. Peter Aufsesser and college friends Richmond and Mary Jo Hubbard; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
Guy Crawford Willey Jr.
June 8, 1934 - August 26, 2024
Gordon L Callahan
June 13, 1930 - August 27, 2024
Gordon Lee Callahan of Easton Maryland passed away peacefully on August 27 2024 in Pasadena, MD. He was 94 years old.
He was born on June 13, 1930 at Easton Memorial Hospital. He was the son of Thomas Carroll Callahan and Francis Lydia White. He had a brother, William Edward Callahan (Shirley) and 4 Nephews. He also had a half-brother, Carroll Callahan and a half-sister, Lelia Dulin.
Gordon attended the one-room School in Wye Mills for 4 years and then transferred to the Centreville school system and graduated from Centreville High School in 1947. He married Mary Bell Shawn on February 14, 1953 where they settled in Easton and raised a son and daughter.
Gordon began he career working for Royer & Barto, an appliance and electronics store in Easton, where he sold many of the first ever Television sets, with a seven-inch screen, that were available to the public in Easton. He then had a long successful 40-year career with the Easton Utilities, working in the Meter and Engineering departments and after taking college courses at Chesapeake College, he became Business Manager for the Easton Utilities until his retirement in 1992. Gordon eventually found his favorite job, working at Hog Neck Golf Course for 11 years. He also served in the Maryland National Guard in Easton for 9 years. He was an avid Orioles and Ravens fan and loved playing golf, traveling and visiting with friends and family. His hobbies over the years were hunting, boating, fishing and crabbing, bowling and golfing. One of his favorite past times was enjoying walking throughout the town of Oxford, MD and spending time with his Grandchildren.
Gordon is survived by his son, Gary Martin Callahan (Emma) of Pasadena, Md.; daughter, Shawn Lynne Lewis (Brian) of Bishopville, Md.; and grandchildren Christopher Brandon Callahan (Brandy) of Mechanicsville, MD. and Rachael Makenzie Lewis of Bishopville, Md. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Bell.
Frances Ann Ruff
January 11, 1945 - August 28, 2024
Frances Ann Ruff of Marydel, MD passed away on Aug. 28, 2024 at the Barnett Hospice Center in Centreville, MD. She was 79.
Frances was born Jan. 11, 1945 in Chestertown, MD the daughter of the late Silas Weller and Elsie Brinsfield Weller. She attended Sudlersville High School. Frances married at age 18 and spent most of her life as a homemaker raising her family. Frances was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses and she enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, reading, cooking and baking but most of all spending time with her grandchildren and her great grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Joe Ruff of Marydel, MD, daughter Nancy Ruff Stammer of Marydel, MD, son Joey Ruff (Wanda) of Kennedyville, MD, son Bruce Ruff (Kelli) of Barclay, MD, daughter, Sandy Ruff Appel (Mark) of Sudlersville, MD, seven grandchildren, Angel Devine (Doug) of Greensboro, MD, Ashley Stammer (Tavis) of Chestertown, MD, Jodi Ruff (Brandon) of Smyrna, DE, Aaron Ruff (Angelina) of Barclay, MD, Paige Ruff of Barclay, MD, Shayla Waddell (Jeremy) of Millington, MD, Morgan Henckel of Sudlersville, MD, and five great grandchildren, Leah, Taylynn, Bailee, Brantley and Haylie.
Beverly Ann Flynn
March 10, 1947 - August 28, 2024
Beverly Ann (Rudbeck) Flynn was born in Washington, DC on March 10, 1947. She grew up in Temple Hills, Maryland, and attended Surrattsville Senior High School, graduating in 1965. After high school, Beverly worked in two different medical practices, attaining the role of Office Manager at each. In 1989, she began working for the Prince George’s County Government, first as an Account Clerk in the County’s Print Shop and then as a Budget Aide for the Prince George’s County Health Department.
In September of 1999, Beverly married the love of her life, Carey Patrick Flynn. In 2004, Beverly and Carey decided to leave their home in Clinton and begin building their dream home in Ocean City. Together, they enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, cheering on their beloved Washington Redskins, and spoiling CJ and Molly, their beloved Havanese dogs.
On August 28, 2024, at the age of 77, Beverly died peacefully at The Barnette Center of Compass Regional Hospice in Centreville, Maryland.
Beverly is survived by her son, David Lloyd; daughter-in-law, Kara Kerr Lloyd; and grandchildren Alicia, Jordan, and Scott Lloyd. She is also survived by several in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Carey Flynn; parents Carl “Rudy” Rudbeck, Jr. and Elizabeth “Betty” (Byrne) Rudbeck; and brother Carl “Buddy” Rudbeck, III.
Patricia Lynn Barila
August 14, 1946 - August 29, 2024
Patricia Lynn "Patty" Barila passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024 at the age of 78.
She was born on August 14, 1946, in San Diego, CA, the daughter of the late Jack and Evelyn Porter. She later graduated from Annapolis High School with the class of 1964.
She is survived by her loving husband, Bernard "Bernie" B. Barila, III and her son, John Kevin Kirkpatrick and his wife Missy Kirkpatrick, as well as a granddaughter, Rachael Kirkpatrick.
Arthur Vincent Tate
January 6, 1959 - August 30, 2024
Madlyn "Madge" Ewing Wooters
September 10, 1930 - August 31, 2024
Madlyn “Madge” Ewing Wooters , 93, of Queenstown, MD, died at Compass Hospice in Centreville, MD on August 31, 2024 from complications from dementia.
Madge was born in Easton, MD, on September 10, 1930 to Marie V. Tyler and Francis Adams Ewing. She grew up on the family farm in Easton with ten siblings Francis, Alton, Paul, Bessie, Bunny, Bobby, Jim, Gene, David and Susie. Her favorite sport was basketball, which she got to practice daily before school by catching a ride on the morning milk wagon at 6 am as it passed the farm.
After graduation, she married William E. Wooters on December 3, 1950. She served as the Register of Wills for Queens Anne’s County for 18 years, retiring in 1986. Madge was a Member of the Register of Wills Association, an Executive on the Democratic Women’s Club of Queen Anne’s County, a member of the Memorial Hospital Association, the Queen Anne’s County Historical Society and a parishioner and member of the Alter & Rosary Society and choir of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Queenstown. She was also a member of the Daughters of Revolution.
Madge, “Nana”, is survived by her four sons, Don (Clay), Billy (Mary Ann), Craig (Lucretia), and Mark (Kelley), and seven grandchildren: Melissa (Dave), Brian (Amanda), Danielle, Michael, Sarah, Kasen, and Wren. Three great-children also survive her: Maddox, Paisley, and Delaney.
Sharon Lee O'Hagan
August 22, 1953 - August 31, 2024
Sharon Lee O'Hagan (nee Pultz) passed away on August 31, 2024.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, James O'Hagan, Sr., their children Amy O'Hagan, Katie O'Hagan (JJ Kinder, Jr.), Shari O'Hagan (David Burns, Jr. ) & James O'Hagan, Jr. (Loree). Their grandchildren Kylan O'Hagan - Schuster, Sean Burns, Roman Noble & Jameson Noble. A sister, Sandra Gresham, brothers Steven Pultz Sr., Michael Pultz Sr. She is preceded in death by her parents Rufus Pultz, Sr. & Beverly Shifflett, her brothers Rufus Pultz, Jr. & Gary Pultz. & sister Denise Gubisch. She is survived & loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws & friends.
Donald William Thistlewood
August 17, 1945 - September 1, 2024
Donald William Thistlewood passed away on September 1, 2024, at the age of 79, at Tidal Health Nanticoke Hospital. Born on August 17th, 1945, Donald was known for his kind, loving, and humorous nature, bringing joy to those around him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Thistlewood, and his cherished children, Donna May and Candy Pinder.
Donald's presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Dennis Craig Hager
November 30, 1942 - September 3, 2024
Dennis Craig Hager, affectionately known as Denny, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on September 3, 2024. Born on November 30, 1942, in Baltimore, MD, Denny lived a life filled with warmth, laughter, and dedication.
Denny moved to Kent Island in 2012, where he continued to enjoy his retirement surrounded by the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. A devoted husband to his beloved wife, Sandy, for nearly 59 years, Denny was a cherished father to sons, David Craig and Patrick Donald, and a proud father-in-law to Julee and Jennie. He is also survived by Kelly O’Donnell, David’s loving partner. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he was a doting grandfather to his three granddaughters, Madison, Delaney, and Aubrey and Madison’s wonderful fiancé, Devante.
Denny was well-known for his warm demeanor and his signature greeting, “Hi Hon,” which reflected his true Baltimore charm. He spent many years driving a delivery route for Baltimore Uniform Company, where he was a familiar and friendly face.
He was one of seven children born to George and Louise Hager, and he carried the values of family and joy with him throughout his life. Denny's love for a good time and his ability to make those around him smile were hallmarks of his character.
Denny is survived by his wife Sandy, his sons, his daughters-in-laws, his granddaughters, and his sister, June Kroll (nee Hager). He is preceded in death by his 4 brothers and 1 sister. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.