Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Mrs. Linda Jo Ivey Cruit, age 68, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, January 5, 2026. Funeral services for Mrs. Cruit will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 10, 2026, from Ozark First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Brian Presley officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends Saturday in the Church from 9:30 A.M. until service time.
Linda was born on January 1, 1958, to Cecil and Mildred Ivey. She lived a life devoted to her family, her work, and caring for others. She was known for her steady presence, strong work ethic, and deep love for her children and grandchildren. She was also an avid Alabama fan, always showing her team spirit with pride. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Glen Robert Cruit, and her father, Cecil Ivey.
She is survived by her mother, Mildred Ivey; her sister, Phyllis Sexton (Joe); her sons, Jason Cruit, Jeremy Cruit (Danielle), and Joshua Cruit (Kristen); and her grandchildren, Aaron Hart (Clare), Noah Cruit (Emma), Emily Byrd (Logan), Finley Cruit, Conner Cruit, Camdyn Cruit, Isaiah Cruit, Bryson Cruit, and Cross Cruit. She is also survived by one soon-to-be great-grandchild and two special nieces, Brandi Clark (Michael) and Brooke Sexton.
Linda dedicated many years of service to Dale Medical Center Home Health, where she worked as Office Manager until her retirement in 2022. Her commitment, professionalism, and compassion left a lasting impact on those she worked with and served.
Above all, Linda will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and daughter. Her faith was certain and unshakable, providing assurance and peace to her and to those who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Curtis Gene Machen, a devoted family man and a pillar of his community, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 90. Born on July 5, 1935, in Sondheimer, Louisiana.
Curtis is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Imogene Machen, and their four daughters, Jeannie Tarvin, Cynthia Henson, Lisa Rambaran, and Cathy Machen. He was a cherished grandfather to Michael (Melinda) Tarvin, Benjamin (Jena) Tarvin, Katherine (Eric) Buneta, Terrance (Danielle) Henson, Cody Henson, Tamara (Robert) Trujillo, and Sierra Rambaran. His legacy continues through his brothers, Richard Machen and William James “Buddy” Machen, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Curtis proudly served his country as a member of the US Army for more than 20 years, a period during which he exemplified courage and dedication. Following his military service, he continued his commitment to public service with the Louisiana State Public Service Commission as an Enforcement Officer, a role he filled with passion and integrity for another two decades. After retiring, Curtis settled in Dothan, where he remained an active and respected figure in the community.
A man of faith, Curtis was a long-standing member of the Honeysuckle Road Church of Christ. Curtis’s love for the outdoors was profound, and he found great joy in deer hunting, an activity that allowed him to appreciate the beauty of nature and the simplicity of quiet moments. Curtis also was an auctioneer, he enjoyed buying, selling and bartering.
Curtis will be remembered as a hardworking and dedicated man. His courage in the face of adversity, his unwavering commitment to his family and country, and his hard work made a lasting impact on all who knew him. His absence will be deeply felt, but his memory will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Curtis’ life will be held at 2 pm Friday, January 9, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Stuart Tullis officiating. Curtis will be laid to rest with military honors at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 1-2 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Honeysuckle Road Church of Christ.
OZARK…Mr. Carl B. Aley, a resident of Ozark, died early Monday morning, January 5, 2026, at his home. He was 95.
In keeping with the wishes of the family, there are no public services planned at this time. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ozark-Dale County Humane Society, PO Box 2502, Ozark, Alabama 36361.
Mr. Aley, the son of the late Edward Aley and Daisy Popple Aley, was born and raised in Central, New York, where he built the foundation of a life filled with hard work, kindness, and quiet determination. In 2004, he made Ozark his home, bringing with him the same steady spirit and gentle nature that everyone who knew him cherished.
He spent many years working for Fisher Guide General Motors in Syracuse, New York, before retiring. Earlier in life, he worked as a chauffeur for the Prosperity Company, driving through the streets of Syracuse with the same reliability and care he showed in all parts of his life. He also poured his energy into running Aley’s Mini Mart, a small business that he and his wife owned and operated with pride.
Service to others was a thread that ran through his life. During his time in Arizona, he worked the “Gleaning Program,” a food pantry in Safford that helped make sure families in need had something to put on their tables. It was work that reflected his generous heart and his belief in lending a hand wherever he could.
Mr. Aley had a way of finding joy in simple things. He collected milk bottles—a hobby rooted in his younger days when he delivered milk for McMahons Dairy in Central Square, New York, and came to appreciate the stories those old bottles carried. He loved camping, being outdoors, and spending time woodworking, creating things with his hands that were built to last, much like the relationships he formed throughout his life.
He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War, carrying that sense of duty and honor with him long after his service ended.
Mr. Aley was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Clark Aley, with whom he shared many years of companionship, laughter, and love. He was also preceded in death by his faithful dog, Tipper. Those who knew him will remember him as a steady, humble, and good-hearted man—someone who worked hard, cared deeply, and left the world a little better than he found it.
Surviving family members include, Lois Aley Baisch (Kevin), Ozark, Carl M. Aley (Karen), Bridgeport, New York, Lynn AleyHowe (Steve), Ozark, and Donna Baumee (William), Liverpool, New York; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Connie McCall Marsh, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, in Geneva, Alabama. She was born on September 29, 1946, in Lancaster, South Carolina.
Connie’s journey began as the daughter of Connie B. and Dorothy Carolyn Jordan McCall, and she grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donnie Marsh, her parents, and her siblings Chucky McCall, Eugene Trant, Cuffie McCall, Carolyn Lolley, Vickey Dawson, and Artie May Starnes.
Connie’s spirit lives on in the hearts of her four devoted children: Hoss Pate (Missy) of Geneva, AL, Mark Pate (Beverly) of Murphy, NC, Angie Holland (Gary) of Geneva, AL, and Roger Yarbrough (Tracey) of Geneva, AL. Her love also extends to her 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way, two great-great-grandchildren; and her brother, Bobby Trant (Mellissa) of Geneva, AL.
Throughout her life, Connie was a faithful member of Midway Church, where she found great solace and community. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her daily practice of reading the Bible and her joy in attending church services. Connie’s genuine and sweet spirit was a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.
Connie’s passion for her family was unparalleled. She cherished every moment spent with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Her presence at family gatherings will be deeply missed, but the memories she created will be treasured forever.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
Marjorie Helen Wellman Anthony, age 95, a longtime resident of Sarasota, FL, and more recently of Westville, FL, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026. Born on September 15, 1930, to the late Percy and Sadie Fowler Wellman, Marjorie grew up surrounded by a host of siblings, whose memories she cherished throughout her life.
Marjorie’s enduring legacy is perhaps best captured through the eyes of her family, particularly her beloved husband of 71 years, Charles Anthony. Together, they built a life full of love and commitment. She is also lovingly remembered by her caring daughter, Karen Larocca, and son-in-law Charles. Her grandson, Charles Bachand, his wife Christine, and her four great-grandchildren, Alyse, Leah, Isabella, and Anya. Marjorie’s joy expanded with the arrival of three cherished great-great-grandchildren, who brought her immense happiness in her final years. Her memory will also be held dear by her numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, who were all touched by her sweet presence.
Known affectionately as Nana, Marjorie was the heart of her family. Her love for them was profound and expressed in countless, often understated ways.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
Edward Orne Boyd, a cherished soul known for his kindness and gentle spirit, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on January 3, 2026, in Louisville, Alabama. Born on June 29, 1955, Edward’s life was a testament to the joy and warmth he brought to those around him.
Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Boyd and Mary Lightfoot Boyd, and his brothers, Pat Boyd and Gene Boyd. His memory will be forever held in the hearts of his loving family. He is survived by his daughters, Terri Boyd, Carlina Bright (Chris Childs), and Kelly Boyd; his grandchildren, Whitney Mills, John Bowden, Haley Bowden, Blake Childs, Marley Childs, Katelynn Eddins, Madison Eddins, and Tanner Eddins; and four great-grandchildren; significant other, Betty Danford, with whom he shared 25 beautiful years, his sisters, Linda Dollar and Agnes Trawick, and his brother, Rhett Boyd, will also cherish his memory.
Edward’s life was one of constant motion and enjoyment. He had a passion for being on the go, whether it was listening to music, spending time with his children and grandchildren, whom he loved to playfully tease, or engaging in his many interests. An avid fisherman, he found peace at the beach and on the water. His love for motorcycles, working in his yard, and simply being outside reflected his jolly nature. Edward was a laid-back, simple man who never complained, preferring to live life with a smile.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, where friends and family will gather to honor the life of a man who was the epitome of kindness and gentleness.
Edward’s legacy is not only in the love he shared but also in the example he set. His ability to find joy in the simple things, to cherish every moment with his loved ones, and to approach life with a laid-back attitude will continue to inspire all who knew him. Edward Orne Boyd will be deeply missed, but his light will continue to shine in the lives of those he touched.
