Melba Puckett, 89, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at 1:10 p.m. at Vancrest of Ada.
She was born on Feb. 21, 1931, in Floyd County, Kentucky to the late Lonzo and Josie (Prater) Ousley. On Sept. 11, 1948, Melba married Carl Puckett and he survives in Ada.
Melba was a homemaker. She attended the Lonesome Valley United Baptist Church.
Ada High School graduate Sydney Hartford is among several Ohio State-Lima student scholars recognized this week for scholarly work, overall achievement and service to the campus.
She received the university’s theatre department award. Her citation follows:
Sydney tackled her work on stage, in the classroom, and behind the scenes with equal amounts of talent, hard work, humility, intelligence and dedication.
Ada’s favorite “Don” celebrates his 84th birthday on April 28. “Don” Traxler is at Vancrest Ada, not able to have any visitors, as Vancrest is in a lockdown. Help him celebrate by sending him an email at [email protected] or call him at 419-957-9383.
Don doesn’t remember this interview he and I had in 2004. At the time I was a freelance writer for a Ohio Democrat publication. My beat was northwestern Ohio. Don was a natural fit for this publication. The article follows with some minor updates.
This sign at the driveway entrance of Vancrest of Ada says it all: Heroes work here." The retirement home is in a lockdown except for staff members during the current COVID-19 situation in Ohio.
The Kenton Hardin Health Department is reporting their 24th confirmed case of COVID-19. The Ohio Department of Health's site can provide more information at coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Ohio's confirmed cases: 16,128
Confirmed deaths: 757
Number hospitalized: 3,340
Age range: 1-106
Median age: 51
Males: 57%
Females: 43%
