WEDNESDAY MAY 1 2024 THE STATE 15A Sumter, South Carolina Sandra B. Smith, 70, widow of Paul H. Smith, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the home of her son. Born December 8, 1953, in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Wallace Benen- haley, Jr. and the late Ruth Mertis Ray Benenhaley.
She was a member of Springbank Baptist Church. She retired from the Adminis- tration, having worked at the VA Hospital in Columbia, the VA Clinic in Sumter, and the VA Clinic in Florence. Survivors include two children, John R. Pitt- man, Jr. (Winter) of Sumter and Christina Keels of Dal- zell; grandchildren, Wesley Pittman, Windsor Pittman Murphy (Jacob), Addison Young, Trenton Keels, and Keatan Keels; and a brother, Ronnie Benenhaley (Joann).
A funeral service will be held at 12 Noon Wednes- day at Springbank Baptist Church with the Rev. Steve Miller officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Andy Hood, Mike Conte, John (Bubba) Benenhaley, Daniel Benenhaley, Jimmy Hood, and Ethan Benenhaley. The family will receive friends from 11 A.M.
to 12 Noon Wednesday at Spring- bank Baptist Church and oth- er times at the home of her son. Memorials may be made to Springbank Baptist Church, P.O. Box 159, Dalzell, SC 29040. The family would like to give a special thanks to Gen- tiva Hospice, Connie Williams and Kristin Lesesne for their loving care. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Cremato- rium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.
Sandra Smith December 8, 1953 April 28, 2024 Gaston, South Carolina Uva Asbill Dailey went to her Heavenly Home on Sun- day, April 28, 2024. Visitation and Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, May 1st at Thompson Funeral Home in Lexington, SC. Visitation is from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the Funeral service will be- gin at 2:00 PM, followed by burial at Hilltop Community Church in Gilbert, SC. Uva loved the Lord and was to when God called her home. Her life was a sweet testimony and exam- ple to all who knew her of what it means to be a loving mother and a child of God.
She was the youngest daugh- ter of the late Pace Asbill and Minnie Victoria Holley As- bill. She always wanted oth- ers to know that loved the Lord and she loved her Survivors include her son Kevin E. (Karen) Dai- ley; daughter Jan Hollene Dailey (Ronald) Smith; son Marlin L. (Fran) Dailey; ten grandchildren; and sev- en great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Nelson E.
Dailey of 54 years, two brothers, and six sisters. She will be for- ever loved and missed by her family and so many friends! The family would like to ex- tend a special thank you to Rapha Residential Care and to Three Oaks Hospice of Columbia. Uva Dailey August 2, 1939 April 28, 2024 Charlotte, North Caroli- na Dallas Duane Ebel, a beacon of kindness and love, passed away peacefully surrounded in love by his sis- ters and father on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the age of 50. passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his memory will forever be cherished. His legacy of kindness and love will continue to inspire and guide us in the days ahead.
Born in Red Bank, New Jersey, Dallas was known for his unwavering kindness, genuine care, and infectious laughter. He approached life with a warmth and empathy that endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Dallas was a graduate of Irmo High School, Irmo, South Carolina (Class of 1992). He continued his ac- ademic journey at Wake For- est University, Winston Sa- lem, North Carolina (Class of 1996), where he developed a passion for Dallas excelled in his ca- reer in asset management through his dedication, vi- sion, and ability to build meaningful connections. He began his career path at Bank of America, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for his future success.
Dallas then contin- ued to at BlackRock and most recently, Ramirez Asset Management, where his leadership and expertise were invaluable assets to the organizations. Dallas had a remarkable gift for bringing people to- gether. He was a true rela- tionship connector, always fostering bonds between family members, friends, and colleagues. His ability to create and nurture these con- nections enriched the lives of countless individuals. Dallas is survived by his father, Dallas Ebel his twin sister Duffy-Marie Ben- gel (Scott), his younger sister Kerrianne Hartell (Matt), and his nephews, Hayden and Oliver Hartell, along with numerous cousins.
Their memories of Dallas will for- ever be cherished, as will his impact on their lives. A memorial service to celebrate life will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 4:30 pm at My- ers Park United Methodist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina. In lieu of the fam- ily requests that donations be made to Wake Forest University at go.wfu.edu/ DallasEbel to a needs-based scholarship in mem- ory. Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Fu- neral Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606.
Online condo- lences can be shared at www. kennethpoeservices.com. Dallas Duane Ebel, Jr. December 8, 1973 April 25, 2024 Pageland, South Car- olina Ernestine Cato Blakeney passed away on Friday, April 26th at The Manor in Florence SC, where she had been a resident the past six months. A lifelong Pagelander, she was born on May 30, 1929, and was the daughter of the late Val Verdie and Vera Hicks Cato.
Mrs. Blakeney was a grad- uate of Pageland Central- ized High School and co*ker College (University). She was a retired school teacher, having taught English and French for 36 years in Lake View, Union County NC, Buford, and tral High Schools, with the French Christmas Program being an annual highlight for her students! She was an advisor to the Yearbook and the 1963 Tiger Yearbook was dedicated to her and her teaching buddy, Mrs. Bet- ty Ballard. Mrs.
Blakeney was a Junior or Senior Class sponsor and worked on many Senior Proms. As a member of First Baptist Church of Pageland for 71 years, she taught the Beginner Sunday School Class with the Cald- well Girls, was actively in- volved in the Winsome Sun- day School class and served in a variety of other capaci- ties. She actively supported the Pageland Watermelon Festival as the host and was the Grand Marshall of the parade in 2009 along with Mrs. Betty Ballard. She was a charter member of the Pageland Historical Society, with much of her free time spent researching family genealogy, especially Captain John C.
Blakeney lineage. Mrs. Blakeney was also a member of the Amer- ican Legion Auxiliary and a supporter of high school ath- letics. Ever concerned about others, family or friends, she spent many hours helping those in need. She enjoyed opening her home to students who came by for extra tutor- ing, even though they some- times her to the chagrin of her husband, Check, who did the clean- up.
She and Check loved traveling with their family and spent many happy hours in Franklin, NC at the Cher- okee Sapphire Mine. She is survived by her daugh- ters: Andrea Hill (Wayne) of Timmonsville and Lori Bellamy (Robert) of Myrtle Beach; Grandsons: Blakeney Kyle Hill (Amanda) of Fort Worth, TX and Louis Wayne Hill (Whitney Blue) of Florence, SC; Great-Grandson: Con- rad Fraser Hill of Florence, whom she particularly loved. Nieces: Patti Taylor Hinson, Denise Blakeney Pettit, Di- ane Blakeney Bonner, and Donna Blakeney Joye; Great nieces and nephews and numerous cousins; Special cousins: Myra Cato Coffey and Rhonda Cato Graves. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Robert Louis Blak- eney, sister, Sue Cato Taylor, brother-in-law Dr. Billy C.
Blakeney and sister-in-law Patricia Griggs Blakeney. The family would like to ex- press special thanks to Mar- tha Smith, Joann Chambers, Jackie Johnson, Joann Cow- an, Larry Lockhart, Hearts and Hands and The Manor in Florence for their exception- al care and dedication to Mrs. Blakeney. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 2nd from p.m. at Baumgart- ner Funeral Home, 708 W.
McGregor Street, Pageland. Funeral services will be Fri- day, May 3rd at 2:00 p.m., First Baptist Church of Page- land, 203 W. Pigg Street, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Pageland, PO Box 126, Pageland, SC 29728 or to High Point Baptist Church, 16 High Point Church Pageland, SC 29728. Ar- rangements are entrusted to Baumgartner Funeral Home (www.baumgartnerfh.com) of Pageland, South Carolina.
Ernestine Cato Blakeney May 30, 1929 April 26, 2024 Obituaries Obituaries Share Your Condolences, Thoughts Memories Online legacy.com/obituaries/thestate THESTATE.COM Irmo, South Carolina Deacon Malcolm Walters, Sr passed on April 25, 2024 in Columbia, SC. He is sur- vived by his wife of 66 years Ethel Waters Walters; sons, Dr. Walter Louis Walters, Dr. Malcolm Walters, Duane Walters; daughter, Dwanna Walters; sister, Hel- en Brewton; grandchildren, Brandon Eichelberger, Mal- colm J. Walters, III, Nicho- las Walters, Duane Walters, cousin, Margaret Washington; and a host of other loving relatives.
Services will be held Fri- day, May 4, 2024 at 12 p.m. at Zion Baptist Church, 801 Washington Street, Colum- bia, SC, with burial at a later date. Malcolm Walters, Sr. September 8, 1935 April 25, 2024 Mebane, North Caro- lina Connie Weaks, Constance Sue Ratledge, age 88, passed away on April 26, 2024 at home surrounded by family. Connie was born on Au- gust 19, 1935 to George and Eva Ratledge in Woodleaf, NC.
After graduating from Woodleaf High School, she went on to study English at Catawba College. After grad- uation, she began a teaching career that lasted 17 years. In 1955, she met Chester Arthur Weaks Jr of Blair SC, and they wed in 1956. Connie and Chester had two children, James and Blake. After Connie and retirement to Surf City NC, Connie spent her time doing crafts, amazing cross-stitch work, Church work at Chap- el by the Bay, and hosting her beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Hannah.
She be- came known, affectionately, as Beach Nannie. Connie is predeceased by her son Blake, sister Betty Godbey, half-brother Ward Ratledge, and half-sisters Ai- leen and Irma Ratledge. She is survived by her husband Chester, son James and wife Wendy, grandchild Ryan and wife Kirsten and their daughter Elena, grandchild Hannah, nieces Susan Thom- as and Patricia Duff, nephew George Ratledge, niece Ale- sia Weaks, and son wife Julie. A funeral service will be held at 2PM on Monday, May 6, 2024 at Lowe Funer- al Home Chapel in Burling- ton, NC by Rev. Rod Chaney with a private burial to fol- low.
The family will receive friends from 1:15 1:45 prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of please consider a donation to Sav- ing Grace animal shelter, https://savinggracenc.org/. To watch the service and to sign online condolences, please visit www.lowefuner- alhome.com. Connie Weaks August 19, 1935 April 26, 2024 Amis, Dorothy Jean, 91 Chapin, SC Apr 24 Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel Bailey, Nell Derrick, 96 Newberry Apr 28 Temples-Halloran Funeral Home Blakeney, Ernestine Cato, 94 Pageland Apr 26 Baumgartner Funeral Home Burnett, Gerald Wyman, 84 Lexington, SC Apr 28 Caughman-Harman Funeral Home Lexington Chapel Dailey, Uva, 84 Gaston Apr 28 Thompson Funeral Home, Lexington Ebel, Dallas Duane, 50 Charlotte Apr 25 Kenneth W. Poe Funeral Cremation Service Hadley, Edwin Morse, 88 Columbia Apr 26 Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel Hall, Kim 69 Columbia Apr 25 Temples-Halloran Funeral Home Kelly, Eddie 87 Columbia Apr 28 Barr-Price Funeral Home of Lexington Mack-Brown, Sharon 59 Columbia Apr 25 Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home Marsh, John, 88 Hopkins Apr 28 Thompson Funeral Home, Columbia Parks, Terry 62 Columbia Apr 26 Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home Patterson Jefferson, Maggie, 95 Columbia Apr 25 Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home Sanders, Linda 69 Columbia Apr 28 Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home Smith, Sandra, 70 Sumter Apr 28 Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Walters, Malcolm, 88 Irmo Apr 25 Funeral Home Ward, Sidney Hugh, 86 West Columbia Apr 28 Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington Weaks, Connie, 88 Mebane Apr 26 Lowe Funeral Home Crematory OBITUARY INDEX Bold listings indicate expanded obituaries View and place obituaries at thestate.com Contact our obituary at 803-771-8452 or NAME, AGE CITY DEATH ARRANGEMENTS trailer.
worked out as well as it possibly could Danton said. just about being quiet, working them gentle and not get- ting Still, he said, trains you for wrangling Kristine Keltgen said she had bought the zebras from a farm in Washington state and was hauling them on Interstate 90 on Sunday to the petting zoo she runs in Anaconda, Montana, when saw that the latch on the trailer was loose. Keltgen said that when she stopped on a highway exit in North Bend to fix the latch, the zebras ed happened really she said in an interview Monday. As the animals began scampering through traffic and onto residential streets, dozens of police officers and neighbors, along with the Dantons, rushed to the scene. control showed up to help, police showed up, and every neighbor showed up to help or just look at the zebras be- cause not every day you get zebras in your neigh- said Megan Four zebras escaped from a trailer on a highway exit in Washington state Sunday, leading dozens of residents, police officers and volunteers to join in an effort to corral them.
Among them was a per- son with particular ex- pertise in wrangling loose animals: David Danton, of Mount Vernon, Washing- ton, who worked for nearly 15 years as a rodeo clown and rodeo bullfighter. He and his wife, Julie Danton, had been driving home from a cattle drive in eastern Washington when they stopped to help police and neighbors capture the zebras in North Bend, Washington, about 30 miles east of Seattle. was kind of divine intervention we hap- pened to be in the exact spot and had the know- Julie Danton said. David Danton said he built some makeshift gates out of rope, metal panels and a garden hose, and got two of the zebras to run into a pen on a horse farm. Then, he said, he helped build an out of metal panels to usher the zebras safely into a large Dammann, a North Bend resident who runs a ken- nel-free dog boarding and doggy day care business.
She said she raced to the area after seeing a post about the zebras on a com- munity Facebook page. While the Dantons helped corral two of the zebras on a horse farm, residents nearby helped shoo a third zebra into a fenced-in yard and then shut the gate, Dammann said. was kind of a fab- ulous group effort, which is what you do Dam- mann said, whether the lost animal in question is a dog, a cat or a zebra. North Bend, what you Whitney Blomquist ran to her front porch after seeing the zebras on her security camera. Three were outside her home, she said, wandering near an RV.
looked right at me and walked right toward Blomquist said. think have to go to an African safari to be with zebras, and here I am standing on my front porch, and 10 feet away from me. It was just Keltgen said she was incredibly grateful that so many strangers helped her capture three of the zebras, and she was hoping the fourth would still be found. It was still on the loose Monday, she said. met some of the best people you could possibly Keltgen said.
was a negative experience that turned out to be very positive. We just have to get our last zebra back, and we will be all Blomquist said she was keeping her eyes open. keep looking at my cameras every time they go she said. just aware out Rodeo clown steps in after zebras break free on highway BY MICHAEL LEVENSON NYT News Service Washington State Patrol via NYT A photo provided by the Washington State Patrol shows one of the four zebras that escaped from a trailer Sunday on a highway exit off Interstate 90 in North Bend, Wash. One zebra was still on the loose after dozens of people helped corral the animals..
