Ballard-Carlisle Historical and Genealogical Society

Ballard-Carlisle Historical and Genealogical Society Dedicated to keeping the history of Ballard and Carlisle Counties available for future generations.

03/22/2026

Jessica Patton Rudy, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on March 18, 2026.

Born on September 3, 1983 in Louisville, Jessica had a great personality-warm, funny, and always ready with a smile. She loved being with family most of all, especially her daughter Maddie, who she’d take anywhere just to see her happy.

She worked in administration for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but her real work was serving others. With a servant’s heart, she heard the cry of the needy-volunteering at Hope Unlimited and Beyond Uganda, even traveling on a mission trip last year. She loved Jesus deeply, lived it every day, and was a faithful member of Heartland Church.

She enjoyed the beach, Lyon County basketball, and quiet moments with Maddie. Above everything, she was kind, outgoing, and a hard worker.

Jessica is survived by her husband of 20 years, Steven Rudy; her daughter whom she adored, Maddie Sue Rudy; her parents, Jackie and Vicki Patton of Eddyville; her twin brother, Josh Patton of Eddyville; her father and mother-in-law, Jack and Jeanette Rudy; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Heartland Church with Pastor Russ Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Kenton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Heartland Church.

Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donation to: Beyond Uganda, 1400 Husband Rd, Paducah KY 42003.

03/19/2026

Shirley Dawn DePriest Roland, of Kevil, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Metropolis Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Metropolis, Illinois. Born in Paducah, on September 1, 1943, she was the daughter of George William and Eufama (DePriest) Ford.

A longtime member of New Liberty Methodist Church, Shirley served as a youth leader for many years. She was a talented seamstress, volunteered at His House in La Center, loved animals, and enjoyed browsing thrift stores.

She is survived by her two sons, John Roland of Kevil, and Jason Roland of Reidland; five grandchildren, Chris Roland, Reed Roland, Kaylee Roland, Carter Roland, and Brady Reeves; two great-grandchildren, Ceder Rae Roland and Ayden Roland; and several cousins.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Doris Lynn Simmons, and her parents.

Visitation will be Friday, March 20, 2026, 12:00 p.m., at Morrow Funeral Chapel in La Center, KY. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with John Roland officiating.

Interment will be at New Liberty Methodist Church Cemetery.

03/19/2026

Nancy Morten Henley, of Bardwell, Kentucky, passed peacefully to her eternal life on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Affectionately known as “Lou Lou,” she was born October 26, 1943, to L. Curtis and Fannie Morten.

A graduate of Hickman County High School, she attended Draughon’s Business College and Paducah Community College. She was a certified Kentucky Municipal Clerk and an International Institute Certified Clerk. She retired as Bardwell City Clerk in 2002. Along with her husband, they were the owners of The Hut Dining Room in Bardwell. A woman of faith, she was a member of Arlington Methodist Church.

Nancy was an active member of her community and previously served on the PADD Board of Directors, secretary for the Bardwell Fire Department, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and Order of the Eastern Star. For over forty years she spent the majority of her time in basketball gyms and at baseball diamonds following her husband’s and children’s coaching and playing careers. She enjoyed traveling throughout North America with her late mother and sisters and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jimmy Henley; a daughter, Mylene Cromwell (Doug); a son, David Henley (Cindy); and three grandsons, Cole Cromwell, Clay Cromwell, and Jordan Henley.

Visitation will be held at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the service time of 1:00 p.m. lwith Bro. Keith Osborne officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Bardwell.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to, St. Jude children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38129.

03/19/2026

Billy Jewell Simmons, of Paducah, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Passion & Purpose Homecare in Almo, Kentucky. Billy was born on March 26, 1942, in Clinton, KY, to William “W.E.” and Nona Batts Simmons.

Billy retired after a fulfilling career at the Goodyear Tire Company and was of the Methodist Faith. Billy's love for history and the tradition of antique tractors shone brightly through his participation in the Purchase Area Antique Tractor Club. Perhaps one of the most endearing aspects of Billy's routine was his longtime membership in the Hardees Breakfast Club. There, he found camaraderie and friendship over shared meals and conversations. Billy took great pleasure in mowing; the hum of the engine and the scent of freshly cut grass were comforts that he looked forward to with each passing season.

Billy is survived by his wife, Gloria Baldree Simmons of Paducah; his son, Greg (Beth) Simmons of Boaz, KY; his daughter, Renea (Bruce) Akin of Gilbertsville, KY; his two grandchildren, Louesa (Kevin) Song and Laura (Steven) Scales; his four great-grandchildren, Daniel Scales, Quinn Scales, Marlowe Song and Peter Song; his two brothers, Richard (Marian) Simmons of Paducah and John Paul (Ruby} Simmons of Gallatin, TN; his two sisters, Joyce (Ben) Gargis of S. Fulton, TN and Girlene (Eugene) Murphy of Paducah; and several nieces and nephews.

Billy was preceded in death by his grandson, Christopher Akin; his two brothers, Doyce Simmons and Artie Simmons; his four sisters, Mary Helen Watts, Shirley Myatt, Marcella Moore, and Guynell Fay; and his parents.

There will be no public services. Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah is in charge of all arrangements.

03/19/2026

Roger “Bubba” Patterson, of Kevil, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the home of his son in Barlow, Kentucky. He was born on November 13, 1952, in Paducah, Kentucky, to the Everett and Dorothy Mae (Stevens) Patterson.

Mr. Patterson was an Army veteran of the Vietnam era and an avid outdoorsman who greatly enjoyed goose, duck, and deer hunting. He also spent many years serving as a hunting guide. Above all, he was devoted to his family and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Violet (Elrod) Patterson of Kevil; two sons, Michael Lance Patterson of West Paducah and Roger Clay Patterson (Brittney) of Barlow; one daughter, Jackie Marie Bowling (Mike) of Paducah; seven grandchildren, Brandon Patterson, Tyler Patterson (Amber), Anitra Kay Willings, Skyler Able Bowling, Grace Patterson, Gabriel Patterson, and Noah Sherwood; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Anitra Patterson, and a sister, Diane Patterson Perkins.

No services are planned at this time.

03/13/2026

Patrick Sherman Hutchins, of Kevil, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Baptist Health Paducah. Patrick was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 16, 1943, to Sherman Edward Hutchins and Iretta McCauley Hutchins.

Pat was a certified HVAC Technician and worked for 30 years at the United States Enrichment Corporation. He was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in La Center. Patrick served his country in the United States Marine Corps.

Pat’s second home was spending time at Current River, boating, and hosting family gatherings, which always brought him great joy. Patrick enjoyed fishing and hunting with his dogs.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Joan Sickmann Hutchins; two daughters, Cathleen Hutchins of Paducah, and Stephanie Ransom of Kevil; two sons, Theodore S. (Monica) Hutchins of Paducah, and Bradley (Erin Mobley) Hutchins of Paducah; one sister, Judy Huskey of St. Charles, Missouri; one brother, John (Mindy) Hutchins of Lonedell, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Natalie Hutchins, Samantha Lindley, Reese Hutchins, Ally Hutchins, Sebastian Hutchins, Brody Ransom, Kyler Hager, Mason Ransom and Mateo Hutchins; two bonus grandchildren, Reagan Mobley and Ella Mobley; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding in death were his parents and one brother, Stephen Hutchins.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with the Rosary to be held at 6:30 p.m.

Memorial service will be held Monday, March 16, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in La Center with Rev. Jude Okeoma officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery with Military honors.

Expression of sympathy may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 624 Broadway, La Center KY 42056.

03/13/2026

Leonard Lynn Lawler, of Paducah, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN. He was born December 3, 1967, to Neil and Judith Ann (Kinsey) Lawler.

Lynn worked construction for many years as a carpenter. He was currently employed at Genova Pipe in Paducah. In his pastime, he enjoyed fishing.

Lynn is survived by his father, Neil Lawler of Paducah; two sons, Dakota Lawler (Ashley) of Louisville, and Austin Lawler of Paducah; two brothers, Todd Lawler and his twin brother, James Glenn Lawler, both of Paducah; a sister Renee Adams (Jeff) of Russellville, KY; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Judith Kinsey Lawler.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, 2:30 p.m., at Oscar Community Cemetery with Brother Letoun Bledsoe officiating.

03/05/2026

Cecilia "Faye" Tilford Smith, of Kevil, walked into the arms of Jesus on March 1, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Baptist Health Paducah. She was born on April 22, 1944, to Howard and Aline Barrow Tilford in Oscar, KY.

Faye obtained her nursing degree from Paducah Junior College and spent the majority of her career working for Gynecology Associates of Paducah. She and her late husband, Charlie, enjoyed years of fishing at Kentucky Lake and Lake Okeechobee Fl. Faye loved the sun, UK basketball, and had the privilege of seeing Elvis in concert three times. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of La Center.

Faye loved her family and was heavily involved in the upbringing of her only grandchild, Cody. Known by him as "Ganmama,” she and Charlie, "Gabo,” devoted their retirement years to Cody's wellbeing as his legal guardian and spent the rest of their lives providing for his every want and need.

She is survived by her grandson, Cody Newton of Kevil; a sister, Carol Cooper of Kevil; a stepdaughter, Cathy Smith (Trish) of Rome, GA; a nephew, Jeff Gough (Vicki) of La Center; and cousins, Gary Tilford of Paducah, and Karen Griffin (Alex) of Bardwell.

Faye was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Charlie Smith; her son, Tony Newton; and her parents.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, after 10am at Morrow Funeral Chapel in La Center with memorial service beginning at 11am with Rev. James Ouderkirk officiating. Interment will follow at La Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations in memory of Faye to First Baptist Church of La Center Youth Ministry, PO Box 239, La Center KY 42056.

03/05/2026

Robert Todd Dillow, of Kevil, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday morning, February 28, 2026.

Born July 30, 1969, Todd was a man whose quiet presence spoke volumes. Though he preferred simple company and few friends, his heart was full of love, kindness, and deep care for others. Those who knew Todd will remember his laughter, his stories, and the way he made ordinary moments special. He loved Nascar and all kinds of music.

Todd was a member of Bandana Baptist Church and was saved and baptized in 1978. While he wasn’t a regular churchgoer, he held a steadfast faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his mother, Cindy Giles of Kevil; his brother, Joe Paul Northington of Kevil; a niece, Josie Northington; a nephew, Jace Northington; his stepfather, Bobby Paul Northington Kevil; his half-sister, Faith Ann Northington of Kevil; his half-brothers Justin Harris and Kevin Dillow; and his aunt, Lynda Dillow Alley.

Todd was preceded in death by his son, Michael Dillow; his father, Ken Dillow; his maternal grandmother, Shirley; and his great-grandmother, Nina.

No services are scheduled at this time. Morrow Funeral Chapel in La Center is handling arrangements.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Dillow can be made to American Heart Association, Ohio Valley Affiliate, 333 Gutherie Street, Suite 207, Louisville KY 40202.

03/05/2026

Jeanette Alexander Meadors, of Bandana, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Mercy Health Lourdes in Paducah surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 6, 1945, in Paducah to James and Imogene (Freeman) Alexander.

Jean met the love of her life, Jim, while they were working together at Michael Hardware Store in downtown Paducah. What began as a workplace friendship quickly grew into a beautiful love story. Jean and Jim were blessed with 60 wonderful years of marriage, building their life together on a strong foundation of faith in Jesus Christ and devoted service to their community of neighbors and friends.

Jean was a proud graduate of Ballard Memorial High School and Draughon's Business College, accomplishments that prepared her for a dedicated and successful career. She devoted 25 years of her professional life to TVA, where she served as a supervisor in the Center of Emissions Research. Her leadership, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence earned her the respect of colleagues and friends alike. After retiring from TVA, Jean continued serving others by working as a loan officer at C-Plant Federal Credit Union in La Center.

Faith was the cornerstone of Jean’s life. She was a member of Providence Baptist Church, a church deeply rooted in her family’s history. Her parents and generations before her were faithful and founding members, leaving a legacy of devotion that Jean proudly carried forward. She was involved in leading women’s Bible studies and mentoring young adults and married couples, always encouraging others in their walk with Christ.

Jean had a generous and giving spirit, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Her joyous laughter could fill a room and brought warmth and comfort to everyone who knew her. Jean’s legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Meadors of La Center; two sons, Erik Meadors (David) of Nashville, and Tim Meadors (Mary) of Cave City, KY; four grandchildren, Jordan Tyler Meadors, Blake Hadley, Summar Hadley, Meghan Meadors; and eight great grandchildren, Noah, Bailey, Addi, Andi, Matthew, Jayden, Lilly and Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, beginning at 11am at Morrow Funeral Chapel in La Center followed by memorial service at 1pm with Rev. John Meadors and Rev. Neil Eidson officiating.

Interment will follow at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery.

03/05/2026

Carol Denise Clark DeJarnatt, of Bardwell, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at her home. Denise was born in Paducah, Kentucky, on December 13, 1950, to Dennis and Sue Carol Clark.

After retiring from Harris Engineering, Denise worked with the Carlisle County School System in the cafeteria. Being with the children every day was a blessing for Denise and she loved her time with them. She was a member of Zoar Missionary Baptist Church in Cunnigham.

Denise and her husband, Larry, enjoyed keeping horses and riding was one of her favorite past times. She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who was willing to talk with anyone about anything.

Denise is survived by her husband, Larry DeJarnatt of Bardwell; her daughter, Kim (Mike) Todd of Bardwell; her son, Klint “DJ” DeJarnatt of Cunningham; a sister, Melissa (Bobby) Green of Bardwell; two grandchildren, Hannah (Tyler) Wildharber and Ethan (Erika) Todd; three great-grandchildren, Elli Wildharber, Bryar Wildharber, and Sutton Todd; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Phillip Clark, and her parents.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, 1:00 pm, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell with Bro. Lee Hammel officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Cunningham.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the service time of 1:00 pm on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Bethlehem Cemetery, in care of Denver Hammonds, Jr., PO Box 533, Cunningham KY 42035.

03/05/2026

Robbie McGowan Upshaw, of Paducah, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. She was born in Carlisle County, Kentucky, on December 9, 1929, to Robert A. and Euva K. McGowan.

She moved to Alton, Illinois, in 1948, where she worked at Brooks Ice Cream and Alton Box & Board, then to McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis. Having moved back to Paducah in 1977, Robbie worked for Hardy, Terrell & Boswell Attorneys for 17 years until her retirement in 1998.

Robbie married Edward Burrell Upshaw on May 25, 1985. They enjoyed 37 years of marriage until he passed away at age 100 in 2022. Robbie had been a member of Lone Oak First Baptist Church since July of 1989.

She is survived by two stepsons, Wayne “Buddy” Upshaw (Mary Ann) of Paducah and Timothy Upshaw (Claire) of Kingsport, TN; five step grandchildren, Ben Upshaw, Matt Upshaw, Julie Hanks, Bryan Upshaw and Amy Upshaw; 13 step-great grandchildren; 12 nieces and nephews; and two step children from a previous marriage, Vickie Wonderlich of West Alton, Missouri and Chris Herring of Port Richey, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Wilbur Gene McGowan of Paducah and Paul McGowan of Lovelaceville; her sisters, Dorothy Watters of Lovelaceville and Sue Duncan of Lowes; and her parents.

Services will be held at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Revs. Dan Summerlin & Bob Martin officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the service time. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Expression of sympathy may be made to Lone Oak First Baptist Church, 3601 Lone Oak Rd, Paducah KY 42003; Star Fish Orphan Ministry, 1000 Broadway, Paducah KY 42001; Family Service Society, 1225 Broadway, Paducah KY 42001; or to a charity of your choice.

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PO Box 279, 257 N 4th Street
Wickliffe, KY
42087

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