Obituaries

Recent Obituaries

Maria Elana Shull

Maria Elana Shull

Jun 22, 2025

Maria Elana Shull, 58, of Gilbert, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, just one week shy of her 59th birthday. Maria was born on June 29, 1966, in Columbia, SC, to Elaine Cornicelli Smith and James Woody Shull. With a profound dedication to her work, Maria excelled in her career as a data entry specialist with the SC Department...

John Anthony Denoma

John Anthony Denoma

Jun 20, 2025

John Anthony Denoma, 74, of Pelion, South Carolina, passed away on June 20, 2025. Born on December 30, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, he was a son of the late Morley "Jack" Denoma and Evelyn Ruth Head Denoma. John proudly served his country in the United States Army for over six years, including deployments to Vietnam and Korea, where he served...

Betty Irean Balder

Betty Irean Balder

Jun 16, 2025

Betty Irean Balder, 87, of Leesville, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025. Born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Clarence Elmer and Jennie Harper Hisler. She enjoyed going to the Flea Markets and birds. Surviving are her devoted husband of 71 years, Dean Lowell Balder, Sr.; children, Dean Lowell Balder, Jr., Brenda Sue Tylke...

Ruth Wingard White

Ruth Wingard White

Jun 15, 2025

Ruth Wingard White, 98, of Hendersonville, NC, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Born on February 18, 1927, in Lexington County, SC, she was a daughter of the late Neely B and Bessie Keisler Wingard. Ms. White was a member of First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, NC, and the Patience Sunday School Class. She enjoyed...

Barbara M. Watson

Barbara M. Watson

Jun 14, 2025

Barbara Barham Watson, 73, of Batesburg, South Carolina, was called home by her Heavenly Father on June 14, 2025. Born in Big Spring, Texas, on April 9, 1952, she was a daughter of the late J W and Vounzell Nichols Barham. Barbara dedicated over 40 years of her life to the medical field, serving many years as an administrator for...

Helen Lucille Robertson Player

Helen Lucille Robertson Player

Jun 13, 2025

Helen Lucille Robertson Player, 94, of Saluda, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025. Born in Saluda County, Helen was the daughter of the late Johnie and Ella Pauline Edwards Robertson. She retired from DuPont, where she was a lab technician. A devoted member of Richland Springs Baptist Church, Helen served faithfully as a GA teacher and sang in...

Sandra Whitman Hartley

Sandra Whitman Hartley

Jun 13, 2025

Sandra Whitman Hartley, 82, of Batesburg, passed away peacefully on June 13th, 2025. Born in Lexington County, she was a daughter of the late George L. and Gertye Padgett Whitman. Sandra's life was a testament to love, dedication, and the nurturing of family, friends, and her community. Throughout her life, Sandra was dedicated to her work as a Cafeteria Manager...

John Costa Rita Jr.

John Costa Rita Jr.

Jun 11, 2025

John Costa Rita, Jr., 83, of Saluda, lovingly known as “Pineapple” or “Mr. Pineapple,” passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Born in Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii, he was the son of the late John Costa Rita, Sr. and Otilla Figueroa Rita.

After the unexpected passing of his father when John was only four, he and his sisters were raised by their...

George Bruce Amick

George Bruce Amick

Jun 9, 2025

George Bruce Amick, 86, of Leesville, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025. Born in Gilbert, SC, he was the son of the late Clayburn and Eva Rosabell Frick Amick. He was the devoted husband of the late Barbara Ann Oxner Amick, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage filled with love, patience, and unwavering dedication.

Bruce loved God, his...

Hordric Havird Jr.

Hordric Havird Jr.

Jun 8, 2025

Hordric Havird Jr., 68, of Batesburg, passed away on Sunday, June 8th, 2025. Born on August 14th, 1956, Hordric lived a life characterized by quiet strength and resilience. Hordric was preceded in death by his beloved spouse, Bridgett Havird, with whom he shared a life filled with love, companionship, and many cherished memories. Bridgett's passing left a void that was...

Marilyn Jean Corder

Marilyn Jean Corder

Jun 6, 2025

Marilyn Jean Corder, 79, of Batesburg, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025. Born in Batesburg, South Carolina, she is a daughter of the late M.C. “Amos” and Jewell Senterfeit Heyward. She was the devoted wife of the late Carlisle Vance “C.V.” Corder.

Marilyn was a member of Providence Baptist Church of Gaston, where she was recently baptized by her pastor,...

Ronald Corder

Ronald Corder

Jun 4, 2025

James "Ronald" Corder, 83, of Lexington, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025. Born on April 1, 1942, he was the son of the late Jack and Virginia Whitlock Corder. Ronald was a devoted member of Ebenezer Southern Methodist Church and previously served as a deacon at Sunnyside Baptist Church, where he dedicated much of his time and energy to...

Linelle Sue Hite

Linelle Sue Hite

May 31, 2025

Linelle Sue Hite, 72, of Batesburg, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2025. Born on January 7, 1953, in Columbia, South Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Jacob Ravenelle Gantt and Gwendolyn Hall Lucas. Her passion for life was evident in her love for over-road truck driving, a career she embraced wholeheartedly. Known for her adventurous spirit, she was...

Earline McCary Ricard

Earline McCary Ricard

May 30, 2025

Gwendolin "Earline" McCary Ricard, 79, of Leesville, SC, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2025. A beloved mother, grandmother, and devoted community member, Earline lived a life marked by compassion, faith, and service to others. Born in Edgefield, South Carolina, Earline was a proud graduate of Strom Thurmond High School. She enjoyed a successful 30-year career with Honeywell, where...

Waitus Dean Bedenbaugh, Sr.

Waitus Dean Bedenbaugh, Sr.

May 29, 2025

The world became dimmer on May 29, 2025, with the passing of Waitus “Dean” Bedenbaugh, Sr. Born on January 23, 1955, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Wilbur and Margarete Bedenbaugh, Dean was truly larger than life. With his charismatic personality, exciting—sometimes exaggerated—stories, and magnanimous spirit, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Though a proud longtime resident of Leesville,...

Callie Rose Gantt

Callie Rose Gantt

May 26, 2025

Callie Rose Gantt, 82, of Batesburg-Leesville, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 26, 2025. Born on December 25, 1942, he was a son of the late Levi and Minnie Lee Quattlebaum Gantt of Batesburg-Leesville. Callie dedicated many years of his life to Sears Roebuck and Company, where he worked as a skilled and trusted service technician until...

Steven Carl Gratzer

Steven Carl Gratzer

May 26, 2025

Steven Carl Gratzer, 76, of Columbia, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025. Born on July 19, 1948, in Butte, Montana, he was a son of the late George and Dolly Heelstone Gratzer.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Steve dedicated his life to service, first to his country and later to his community as a teacher and librarian. He attended Western...

Nicholas Robert Bottini

Nicholas Robert Bottini

May 22, 2025

With deep sorrow and immeasurable love, we announce the passing of Nicholas Robert Bottini, who left us far too soon on May 22, 2025. Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on September 25, 1986, Nick was a beacon of light, warmth, and unwavering kindness in the lives of all who knew him.

Nick made his home in Swansea, South Carolina, where he...

Paula Dean Gunter

Paula Dean Gunter

May 21, 2025

Paula Dean Cannon Gunter, 75, of Gilbert, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Born in Parrish, Florida, Paula was the daughter of the late William Paul Cannon and Ethel Dean Parrish Cannon. She dedicated 22 years of service as a beloved school bus driver for Lexington School District 1 in Gilbert. Paula had a deep love for horses...

Anne Sanders

Anne Sanders

May 19, 2025

Anne Brandt Sanders, a beloved resident of Leesville, SC, passed away peacefully at the age of 68, on Monday, May 19, 2025. Born on April 14, 1957, in Haines City, Florida, she was a daughter of the late Joe Fred and Dora Wanda Walter Brandt. Anne was a vibrant soul, cherished by her family, friends, and community. A devoted member...