A graveside service for Ralph Dana Knighten, of Cullman, Alabama will be 4:00 P.M. Sunday, August 1^st at Garden City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. at Hanceville Funeral Home.

 

Mr. Knighten was born on April 18, 1955 to The Late Ralph and Sally Knighten in Norfolk, Virginia and died at the age of 66 at Cullman Regional Medical Center in Cullman, Alabama.

 

Survivors include his two sons, Benjimin Dana Knighten and Clinton Samuel Knighten (Marshell D.); grandchildren, Juliana and Olivia Knighten; nieces and nephews, Heather Koch, Wendy Moore and Chad Moore; and mother of his children, Mary Alice Sandlin.

 

In addition to his parents, Mr. Knighten was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Moore.

Funeral services for Betty Joyce (Nichols) Baker will be 6:00 P.M. Saturday, July 31 at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Fairview West Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Saturday prior to the service.

 

Mrs. Baker was born on December 1, 1934 in Cullman, Alabama to Gilbert and Georgia (Brown) Nichols. She died at the age of 87 at her residence in Hanceville on July 26, 2021.

 

Survivors include her children, Denise Foucha Hudgen (Thomas), Greg Baker (Rhonda), Debbie Komater (Paul) and Donna Jordan (Victor); grandchildren, Danielle Stacey (Jason), Nicholas Komater (Ai), Lauren Dennis and Joseph Foucha (Ashley); great grandchildren, Lana Dennis, Liam Foucha, Logan Foucha and Emery Grace Foucha; and a sister, Ann Pugh (Charlie).

 

Mrs. Baker was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Baker and grandson, Robert Dennis.

Funeral services for Spencer William (Cherokee) Cockrell, 73, of Cullman will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 29, 2021 at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Hopewell Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home on Thursday prior to the service.

CORRECTION

A visitation for Edna M. Cole, 83, of Hanceville, Alabama will be 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Hanceville Funeral Home.

Mrs. Cole was born on August 31, 1937 to Albert and Ovella (Johnson) Vaughn. She died at her residence surrounded by her family on July 25, 2021.

A visitation for Edna M. Cole, 83, of Hanceville, Alabama will be 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Friday, July 30, 2021 at Hanceville Funeral Home.

Mrs. Cole was born on August 31, 1937 to Albert and Ovella (Johnson) Vaughn. She died at her residence surrounded by her family on July 25, 2021.

Funeral services for Sara Ann Higginbotham, 64, of Baileyton will be 4:00 P.M. Thursday, July 29, 2021 at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Locust Fork, AL. Visitation will be at Hanceville Funeral Home from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Thursday prior to the funeral service.

 

Mrs. Higginbotham is survived by her children, Wesley Risner, Keith (Cindy) Risner and Dana Smith; grandchildren, Tyler Gauge Risner, Abigail Risner, Carson Smith, Jasmine Smith and Madison Smith; sisters, Sandra (Paul) Johnson, Catherine Weems, Louise (Jack) Sullins and Juanita (Wayne) Tidmore; and a host of nieces and nephews.

 

Mrs. Higginbotham was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Gertrude (Gaither) Higginbotham.

Ronald Earl Gudgen (Ron), 78, of Cullman, AL passed away Saturday, July 17, 2021.

 

Ron was born in Birmingham, AL on November 15, 1942. He graduated from Marion Military Institute & served as a Captain in the United States Army. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Business Administration. He had a successful career in technology, starting in programming, then moved to sales and eventually sales management. Upon early retirement, he purchased and successfully operated Mallard Point Marina on Smith Lake for 20 years.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ernestine Gudgen.

 

He is survived by his wife, Norma Heaton Gudgen, his children Jason Gudgen (Karen), Ashlee Gudgen Dill (Kevin), Joshua Gudgen (Michelle) and grandchildren Jessica, Jacob, Nathan, Ryan, A.J. and Katie.

 

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 21st, 2021 at the Hanceville Funeral Home in Hanceville, AL. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial and graveside service will follow at the Forest Hills Cemetery in Birmingham, AL at 1:30 p.m.

 

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project @www.supportwounedwarriorporject.org or by phone, 1-855-448-3997.

Funeral services for Gail B. Kretzschmar, 63, of Arab will be 3:00 P.M. Monday, July 19^th at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Garden City Cemetery. Reverend Greg Stone will be officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. until service time on Monday at the funeral home.

 

Survivors include her husband, Randall A. Kretzschmar; son, Dustin A. Kretzschmar; daughter, Kelley L. Kretzschmar (Michael); grandchildren, Cassidy Kretzschmar and Elaina Tomas; father, Gerald Brown; mother, Francis (Barton) Bagwell; sister, Dianne Cornelius (Jim); brothers, Randy Brown (Lynn) and Raymond Brown (Judy); sister-in-law, Nina Kretzschmar Lawrence (David); brother-in-law, Mike Kretzschmar (Donna); nieces and nephews Christi Ballard (Curt), Jamie Warmack (Josh), Stephanie Brown, Michael Brown (Beth) Jeremy Lawrence (Georgia), Nichole Keel (Jason), Beth Swindle (Matt) and Jeff Johnson; great nieces and nephews, Jack Ballard, AnnaLee Ballard, Rowan Warmack, Silas Warmack, Finlee Warmack, Axl Brown, Easton Keel, Hayden Keel, Brentley Keel, Ginger Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Kenzie Swindle, and Kelsie Swindle.

 

Pall Bearers will be Curt Ballard, Jack Ballard, Michael Brown, Michael Felipe Tomas, Justin Bourne and Josh Campbell.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family of Mrs. Kretzschmar asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Graveside services for Ronald Howard Motes, 74, of Cullman, Alabama will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 21^st at Hopewell Cemetery in Hanceville.

 

Mr. Motes is survived by his daughter, Melia Motes; 2 sons, Chad Motes and Keith Motes; 4 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and partner, Rhonda Motes.

 

Mr. Motes was preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Melba (Jackson) Motes; and 2 brothers, Rick Motes and Roger Motes.

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A Funeral Mass for Ilene T. Ramirez, 71, of Hanceville, Alabama will be 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 16, at Christ the King Monastery in the Simcoe Community. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Thursday, July 15, at Hanceville Funeral Home. A rosary service will be held in the funeral home chapel beginning at 5 P.M. on Thursday evening during visitation.

Mrs. Ramirez will lie in state at Christ the King from 9:00 A.M. until service time on Friday morning.

Christ The King Monastery is located at 5060 Co Rd 1635, Cullman, AL 35058.

Mrs. Ramirez is survived by her husband, Jesse Ramirez; daughter, Adrian (Scott) Fischer; step-children, Helen Ramirez, Oscar Ramirez and Anita Maria Graft; grandchildren, Adelyn Stella, Shai, Anita, Patrick James, Sean, Joseph, Sebastian, Christopher, Alexander and Isabella; great grandchildren, Brody and Emily; brother, Conrad Jr. (Susan Torres) Gonzales; and a daughter-in-law, Rebecca Hamilton.

Mrs. Ramirez was preceded in death by her parents, Conrad Sr. (Mary Fajardo) Gonzales; brother, Edward Gonzales; and a sister, Carol Gonzales.

A Funeral Mass for Ilene T. Ramirez, 71, of Hanceville, Alabama will be 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 16, at Christ the King Monastery in the Simcoe Community. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Thursday, July 15, at Hanceville Funeral Home. A rosary service will be held in the funeral home chapel beginning at 5 P.M. on Thursday evening during visitation.

Christ the King Monastery is located at 5060 County Road 1635, Cullman, Alabama 35058

 

Mrs. Ramirez is survived by her husband, Jesse Ramirez; daughter, Adrian (Scott) Fischer; step-children, Helen Ramirez, Oscar Ramirez and Anita Maria Graft; grandchildren, Adelyn Stella, Shai, Anita, Patrick James, Sean, Joseph, Sebastian, Christopher, Alexander and Isabella; great grandchildren, Brody and Emily; brother, Conrad Jr. (Susan Torres) Gonzales; and a daughter-in-law, Rebecca Hamilton.

 

Mrs. Ramirez was preceded in death by her parents, Conrad Sr. (Mary Fajardo) Gonzales; brother, Edward Gonzales; and a sister, Carol Gonzales.

Funeral services for Robin Hitt Dyer, 57, of Hanceville Alabama will be 12:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Hopewell Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M until service time at the funeral home.

 

Robin Hitt Dyer was worn July 1, 1964 and died on July 11, 2021.

 

Mrs. Dyer was preceded in death by her son, Jacob Wayne Reese; mother and father, Morris and Lucille Hitt.

 

Mrs. Dyer leaves behind her husband, Danny Ray Dyer; mother-in-law, Judy Dyer; daughter, Ashley (Clay) Tankersley; and two sons, Adam Marion and James Dyer; grandchildren, Noah Pederson, Addison Reese Tankersley, Char-Lee Grace Tankersley, Landon Dyer, Mason Dyer and Greyson Dyer; a sister, Judy (Raymond) Willoughby; 2 brothers, Amiel (Pat Collins) Hitt and Tony (Christy) Hitt; and best friend, Dana Hyatt.

 

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

On Friday, July 9^th, 2021 David Edward McNeal passed away at the age of 55. He was born on June 10^th, 1966 to Tommy and Janice McNeal.

 

David was a lifelong resident of Cullman County. He retired from Alfa Insurance and was self-employed until the present. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Church Cullman, AL.

 

David was known and loved by many. He had a passion for the unconventional. He loved the outdoors, hunting, team roping, playing the guitar and spending time with his friends. He was a free spirit and lived life on his own terms. He loved his mother, dad, children and brother and professed his love for Jesus Christ.

 

David is survived by his mother, Janice Whitaker McNeal; father, Tommy McNeal; sons, Colby (Kristee) McNeal and Lukas McNeal; brother, Darrell (Sherrie) McNeal; nieces, Katie (Josh) Bagby and Sullivan Grace Bagby; nephews, Clint (Alexandra) McNeal and Briggs William Bagby.

 

If you knew David, then you have your own story to tell. He was a fortunate man to have so many friends to share life with. He loved and treasured you all.

 

Visitation will be form 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 13^th, 2021 at Hanceville Funeral Home with a funeral service at 11:00 A.M. A graveside service will follow at Hopewell Cemetery. 492 County Road 582, Hanceville, AL.

Funeral services for Eric Scott Robertson of Hanceville, Alabama will be 12:00 P.M. Friday, July 9, 2021 at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Good Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home prior to the funeral service.

 

Mr. Robertson was born on June 1, 1978 to Donny and Phyllis (Luna) Robertson. He died at the age of 43 on July 6, 2021 at UAB in Birmingham. 

 

From Cullman County Sheriffs Office, along with Hanceville PD and Cullman PD, Mr. Robertson served a total of 19 years in law enforcement. In 2019 he opened his own business, Black Widow Auto Sales. Aside from his career, Eric was a man of his word and would lend out a hand to anyone in need. He was a loving husband, father and friend to all.

 

In addition to his parents, Mr. Robertson is survived by his wife, April Robertson; children, Ezra Robertson, Ayden Robertson, Kai Reid and Cade Reid; brother, Ryan (Amanda) Robertson; and grandmother, Inez Chapman.

 

Mr. Robertson was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leonard (Mary Ann) Luna and Homer Robertson.

Funeral services for Eric Scott Robertson of Hanceville, Alabama will be 12:00 P.M. Friday, July 9, 2021 at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Good Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home prior to the funeral service.

 

Mr. Robertson was born on June 1, 1978 to Donny and Phyllis (Luna) Robertson. He died at the age of 43 on June 6, 2021 at UAB in Birmingham.

 

Between Hanceville City, Cullman City and Cullman County Police Departments, Mr. Robertson served a total of 19 years in law enforcement. He later went on to become a car salesman. In 2019 he opened his own business where he held the position of owner and operator of Black Widow Auto Sales. Aside from his career, Eric was a man of his word and would lend out a hand to anyone in need. He was a loving husband, father and friend to all.

 

In addition to his parents, Mr. Robertson is survived by his wife, April Robertson; children, Ezra Robertson, Ayden Robertson, Kai Reid and Cade Reid; brother, Ryan (Amanda) Robertson; and grandmother, Inez Chapman.

 

Mr. Robertson was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leonard (Mary Ann) Luna and Homer Robertson.

Funeral services for James "Jimmy" Douglas Putman of Hanceville will be 7:00 P.M. Thursday, July 8, 2021 at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be on Friday, July 9, 2021 at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home on Thursday prior to the service.

 

Mr. Putman was born on April 17, 1946 in Nashville, TN and died at the age of 75 on July 7, 2021 in Birmingham, AL. He entered the United States Marines in April of 1966 and served his country as Sergeant for 3 years before being honorably discharged.

Funeral services for Calvin L. Terry of Hanceville, Alabama will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 10, 2021 at Hanceville Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Hopewell Cemetery in Hanceville. Visitation will be prior to the service on Saturday beginning at 12:00 P.M.

 

Mr. Terry was born on August 21, 1949 in Cullman to H.L. and Johnnie (Thompson) Terry. He died at the age of 71 on July 6, 2021 at Cullman Regional Medical Center.

 

Survivors include his children, Jackie (Garry) Gause, Angela Reed, and Josh (Kim) Terry; grandchildren, Tiffany Harper, Josh (Summer) Reed, Grayson Gause, Kendall Gause, Kielynn Terry, Bella Terry, and Briceton Terry; sister, Mendi (Mike) Patton; brother, Greg (Wendi) Terry; and friend, Carrie Crawford.

 

In addition to his parents, Mr. Terry was preceded in death by his wife, Anita Terry; and sister, Judy Terry.

Add-on to obit

Funeral services for Alma Ruth Gartman will be 12:00 P.M. Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Mt. Zion Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Reverend Greg Bailey will be officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday prior to the service beginning at 11:00 A.M.

Mt. Zion Church is located at 638 County Hwy 10, Blountsville, AL 35031.

Mrs. Gartman was born to Vernon and Elsie Holcomb on March 26, 1931 in Blount County, Alabama. She died on June 30, 2021 at the age of 90 in Green Pond, Alabama.

Ruth was known as "Granny" to most all who knew and loved her. She gave her life to Christ when she was a teenager and served Him faithfully all her life. She was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt, Sister and friend. Sometimes you meet people that leave footprints on your heart forever; Granny was that person. She taught by example how to overcome disappointments and tragedy by trusting in the Lord and His will for her life. She once said, "After having polio before I even started school, I learned to live every day and hope for tomorrow." Granny was persistent with her strength and determination even during the journey of Alzheimer's. Her motto through it all was, "Today is today and gone, but yesterday still hangs on."

Survivors include her daughters, Darlene Franklin (Jack) of McCalla and Becky Englebert (Donnie) of Green Pond; grandchildren, Wesley Key (Kelly), Amanda Hines (Tim), Lara Brewer (Chuck), Brittany Mills (Paul), Kayla Cornelius (Calan); great grandchildren, Carson, Cohen, Eden, Julie, Loralei, Wyatt, Ruthie, Sipsey, Addison and Olivia.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gartman was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gartman; children, Rhonda Kay, Anita Birkhimer and Diane Key; grandchildren, Bradley Franklin, Brooke Franklin, Erik Birkhimer; sisters, Nadene Hitt, Jewel Hitt, Virginia Little, Mary Elizabeth and Gevena Bailey.

The family of Mrs. Gartman would like to send a special 'Thank You' to Amedysis Hospice and caregivers, Terri, Lillie, Fran and Kay for their love, care and support during this difficult time of transition.

Funeral services for Alma Ruth Gartman will be 12:00 P.M. Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Mt. Zion Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Reverend Greg Bailey will be officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday prior to the service beginning at 11:00 A.M.

Mt. Zion Church is located at 638 County Hwy 10, Blountsville, AL 35031.

Mrs. Gartman was born to Vernon and Elsie Holcomb on March 26, 1931 in Blount County, Alabama. She died on June 30, 2021 at the age of 90 in Green Pond, Alabama.

Ruth was known as "Granny" to most all who knew and loved her.  She gave her life to Christ when she was a teenager and served Him faithfully all her life.  She was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt, Sister and friend.  Sometimes you meet people that leave footprints on your heart forever; Granny was that person.  She taught by example how to overcome disappointments and tragedy by trusting in the Lord and His will for her life.  She once said, "After having polio before I even started school, I learned to live every day and hope for tomorrow."  Granny was persistent with her strength and determination even during the journey of Alzheimer's.  Her motto through it all was, "Today is today and gone, but yesterday still hangs on." 

Survivors include her daughters, Darlene Franklin (Jack) of McCalla and Becky Englebert (Donnie) of Green Pond; grandchildren, Wesley Key (Kelly), Amanda Hines (Tim), Lara Brewer (Chuck), Brittany Mills (Paul), Kayla Cornelius (Calan); great grandchildren, Carson, Cohen, Eden, Julie, Loralei, Wyatt, Ruthie, Sipsey, Addison and Olivia.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gartman was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gartman; children, Rhonda Kay, Anita Birkhimer and Diane Key; grandchildren, Bradley Franklin, Brooke Franklin, Erik Birkhimer; sisters, Nadene Hitt, Jewel Hitt, Virginia Little, Mary Elizabeth and Gevena Bailey.

Funeral services for Rondle Black of Hanceville, AL will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church in Hanceville. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday, July 2, 2021 at Hanceville Funeral Home.

 

Survivors include his mother, Estelle (Tolbert) Black; daughter, Heather Black; siblings, Faron Black, Arlin Black, Elaine Campbell and Gala Rice; and a host of nieces and nephews.

 

Mr. Black was preceded in death by his father, Curtis Black.

 

Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church is located at 3561 County Road 8, Hanceville, Alabama 35077