Ruth Ann Soden, age 73, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on July 19, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, creativity, and unwavering love for those she held dear.
Born on October 5, 1952, in Maryland, Ruth had a gentle spirit and a caring heart that made people feel welcome wherever she went. Throughout her life, she lived in Maryland, Kentucky, South Carolina, and eventually Dothan, Alabama, where she built lasting friendships and became a faithful member of Ridgecrest Church. Her faith was an important part of her life and gave her strength through every season.
Ruth spent many years working in retail, where her warm smile, dependable nature, and genuine care for others made her a familiar and friendly face. She believed in working hard, treating people with kindness, and finding joy in the simple blessings of life.
More than anything, Ruth loved her family. She was a devoted mother who found her greatest happiness in her children and treasured every moment she spent with them. Her sons, Chris Soden and James “Robby” Soden (Maram), were the pride of her life. She also carried the memory of her beloved daughter, Anna Soden, in her heart every day after Anna’s passing. The love Ruth had for her family never wavered.
She found joy in creative pursuits that reflected her patient and thoughtful nature. Ruth loved cross-stitching, cooking, and sharing the things she made with those she loved. She especially enjoyed entering her handmade creations and recipes in local fair competitions, including the National Peanut Festival, where she took great pride in showcasing her talents. Whether preparing a meal, working on a cross-stitch project, or cheering on her family, Ruth poured love into everything she did.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Chris Soden and James “Robbie” Soden and his wife, Maram; her mother, Clarene Richardson; her brother, Doug Richardson and (Cathy); her sister, Sandra Richardson; her brothers-in-law, Richard Soden and (Saundra), Randy Soden, and David King; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Willis; her beloved daughter, Anna Soden; her father, Herbert Richardson; and her sister, Linda King.
Ruth will be remembered for her gentle heart, her quiet strength, and the way she made everyone around her feel loved and cared for. She never sought recognition, but her kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her. The memories she created, the love she shared, and the faith she lived by will continue to comfort her family and friends in the days ahead.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Chuck Locke officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Following the service, Ruth will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Helen Eileen Barreca, lovingly known as Eileen, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, in Iowa, during their nightly Rosary with her husband and oldest daughter. Born on June 8, 1938, in Scotland, she lived a life marked by faith, devotion, kindness, and grace.
She was a beloved Christian woman whose gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her, and she will be remembered as a loving, faith-filled, and gentle soul.
Eileen came to the United States at the age of 17, bringing with her the courage and hope that would shape the rest of her life.
While working at a bank in New York, she met the love of her life on a blind date, and that meeting began a marriage that would last for 64 beautiful years. Her husband’s military service meant that their family moved often, but wherever they went, Eileen created a home filled with warmth, order, and love. Eventually, they settled in Dothan, Alabama, where they built a lasting life together and raised their family with deep devotion.
Eileen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose family was the center of her world. She is survived by her husband Nicholas of 64 years; 4 daughters: Jeannine (Terry) Timp of Winthrop, Aileen Barreca of Enterprise, Alabama, Helene (Kinch) Gaede of Fayetteville, North Carolina and Colleen Barreca of Dothan, Alabama; 7 grandchildren: Siobhan (Nick) Rivera, Christina (Jergen) Teslow, Connor Gaede, Hunter (Julianna) Gaede, Luke Gaede, Julia Gaede and John Paul Barreca; 2 great-grandchildren: Louis Teslow and Quinton Gaede; Her sister’s daughter: Diane Hill; and many Godchildren.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother: Ann Jane (Patrick) Ferguson, mother: Ellen Ferguson, sister: Anna (Joe) Dunn, uncle: Henry Ferguson, aunts: Mary (Willy) Lamb, Cathy (Tom) Cronin, Anne (Patrick) Byrnes, in-laws: Lucille and Vincent Barreca, great-grandchildren: Terijo Timp, Frances Allison Teslow, Teresa Lucille Gaede, Maria Rafael Gaede, John Marie Gaede and Joseph Giosetta Gaede.
Eileen dedicated many years of service to others through her work and her church. She taught second grade and prepared children for First Holy Communion and Reconciliation at several Catholic churches over the years, sharing her faith and patience with generations of young children. When her husband opened Wiregrass Total Eye Care Clinic, Eileen worked alongside him and their daughter for more than 20 years as the office manager. Her steady presence, strong work ethic, and kind manner helped make the clinic a welcoming place for countless patients and families.
Her life in Dothan was also marked by service to her community and steadfast commitment to her beliefs. Eileen volunteered at the Wiregrass Emergency Pregnancy Center and was active in the pro-life movement, always guided by her deep faith and compassion for others. She prayed the Rosary every day, as Mary called us to do for our children. Her spirituality was not just a part of her life, but the foundation of it, and she lived as a woman who was truly holy, faith-filled, and devoted to God.
Eileen also brought beauty and joy into the lives of those around her through her many gifts and interests. She enjoyed vacationing to New York to visit family, and she treasured those visits and the memories they created. She was a master gardener, a gourmet cook, and a gracious hostess who made others feel welcome and cared for. She loved cross stitch, and she approached every task with elegance and quiet excellence. Her home, her table, and her presence reflected the beauty of her spirit.
Those who knew Eileen will remember her as beautiful, kind, and sweet, with a heart that was always open to others. She loved her family deeply and lived each day as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and unconditional love. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the faith she shared, and the many lives she touched with her gentle and loving presence.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11am on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in the St. Columba Catholic Church Chapel in Dothan, Alabama. A viewing will be held prior to the mass from 9:45am to 10:45am at St. Columba in the Church. Eileen will be laid to rest in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Following the services, there will be a reception at Sunset Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Burse Club (for our Seminarian’s in the Mobile Archdiocese) to: Vocations Office
400 Government St.
Mobile, Al 36602
To send a sympathy card to Nicolas Barreca, Mail To
#203 505 Enterprise Dr SW
Independence IA 50644
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
DOTHAN… Diane Howse, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at her home. She was 75.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00am Friday, August 7, 2026, at Evergreen Presbyterian Church in Dothan with Pastor Chris Herrin officiating.
Mrs. Howse was born in Long Beach, California, to the late Dean Howard Kirby and Norma Jane Reitz Kirby. She attended local schools before earning an Associate of Arts degree from Long Beach Community College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master of Science in Library Science from Florida State University.
Mrs. Howse lived in Enterprise, Alabama, and Tallahassee, Florida, before making her home in Dothan, Alabama, where she resided for the past 37 years. She was a faithful member of Evergreen Presbyterian Church.
She devoted her career to education, serving for many years as a media specialist with the Dothan City School System. Through her work, she supported generations of students and educators, sharing her love of learning and literature with those she served.
Surviving relatives include her husband William “Bill” Howse; daughters, Marian Howse and Eileen Stoufflet; two grandchildren; several other loving family members and friends.
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Mrs. Jackie Parrish went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 19, 2026. She was 74.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home in Geneva, AL with Rev. Joe Johnson and Hospice Chaplain Adam Carlee officiating. Burial will follow in Weeks Chapel Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m. Flowers will be accepted.
Jackie was born on September 17, 1951 in Geneva County to the late Rev. Roy Ray and Jeannette Blair Weeks. She was one of eleven siblings. She graduated from Kinston High School and married Emmett Parrish on May 28, 1971.
Jackie devoted her life to serving Christ and faithfully sharing his love with others. Her unwavering faith in his word guided her life. With a true servant’s heart, she devoted herself to helping and caring for others. She found joy in serving, giving, and being there for her family and friends, reflecting the love of Christ in the way she lived each day. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed cooking and crocheting and was known for her famous sourdough bread.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Sue Miller; Martha Weeks and Vickie Jones; brother, Danny Weeks and infant brother, Timothy Ray Weeks.
Jackie is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Emmett Parrish of Kinston; son, Richie Parrish (Kristi); grandson, Levi Parrish; granddaughter, Charleigh Grace Parrish, all of Newton; sisters, Nancy (Glen) Jones of Goodman; Ellen (Don) Odom of Hacoda; brothers, Mike (Jessie) Weeks of Kinston; Larry (Dewanda) Weeks of Opp and Jimmy Weeks of Kinston; aunt, Frankie Wyrosdick of Elba; one brother-in-law, Edsel Bonds (Rita) of Samson; one sister-in-law, Peggy Mullis (Jeff) of Alma, GA, and many special cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Enhabit Home Hospice nurses, Sarah and Alicia, for the compassion, care, comfort and dignity they provided during Jackie’s final days.
Serving as pallbearers will be Taylor Weeks, Levi Parrish, Tyler Jones, Dusty Weeks, Terry Miller and Michael Richardson.
Annette Cherry, passed away on July 17, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama, at the age of 90.
Born on January 29, 1936, in Dothan, Alabama, Annette was the daughter of the late John Skipper and Lois Snell Skipper and carried the values of her upbringing throughout her life. She was a longtime and faithful member of Smyrna Baptist Church, where her presence reflected her quiet strength, steady devotion, and sincere love for the Lord. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and it guided the way she lived each day with grace, humility, and compassion.
Annette was known by those who loved her as a deeply loving person, and that word truly captured the spirit of her life. She had a gentle way about her that made others feel welcome and cared for, and she gave of herself freely to those around her. Her heart belonged first and foremost to her family, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She especially adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy and pride. Her love for them was steadfast and unconditional, and she found great happiness in watching their lives unfold.
A woman of simple pleasures and enduring interests, Annette was an avid reader who enjoyed the comfort and companionship found in a good book. She also loved crocheting, and she took particular delight in making doilies, each one a reflection of her patience, skill, and care. Her handiwork was more than a pastime, for it was an expression of the warmth and thoughtfulness that defined her character. Through her hobbies, she created beauty and left behind tangible reminders of her gentle spirit.
In addition to her parents, Annette was preceded in death by her son, Michael Yance; her brother, Haywood Skipper; and her sister, Betty Spivey.
Annette is survived by her husband, Charles Cherry; her son, Philip Yance (Marjorie); her step-children, Gregory Cherry (Patricia), Beverly Sorensen (Johnny), and Charlotte Smith (John Paul); her grandchildren, Blake Yance (Jessica), Mallorie Petrusson (Justin), Stephen Yance, David Yance, Jessica Yance, Jonathan Sorenson, Carli Welch, Caroline Croom, Alenia Blissett, and Weston Cherry; her great-grandchildren, Weston Yance, Emory Yance, Nolan Petrusson, Claire Petrusson, Carter Yance, Cameron Yance, Stella Yance, A’Marie McGuffie, Maleah Mostella, Myles Mostella, McKensie Mostella, Hattie Cherry, Evie Cherry, Theodore “Teddy” Cherry, Caleb Sorensen, Skylar Welch, Scarlet Welch, Liam Croom, and Lawson Croom; numerous other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at Smyrna Baptist Church with Reverend Jonathan Sorensen officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 AM, Tuesday, one hour prior to the service at the church.
Benjamin McDaniel Coale, known to many as Ben, passed away on July 18, 2026, in Ashford, Alabama, at the age of 50.
Born on October 19, 1975, in Birmingham, Alabama, Ben lived a life marked by devotion to family, faith, hard work, and service to others. He was a proud son, father, brother, uncle, coach, businessman, and friend whose presence brought warmth, laughter, and steadiness to those around him. Ben was preceded in death by his father, Mark Coale, and he is survived by his son, Webb Coale; his mother, Jane Parker (Jimmy); his sisters, Dana Taylor (Andy), and Betsy Watson (Jeff); the mother of his son and friend, Olivia Love; his nephew, Caleb Watson; and numerous cousins and friends who will cherish his memory.
Ben graduated from Zion Chapel High School and later attended Troy State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. He valued education and carried that same sense of purpose into every part of his life. His career reflected his strong work ethic and his willingness to serve others. Before becoming the proud owner of Playmaker Teamwear and Ben’s Bread, he served as a football coach at Pike County, where he helped lead his teams to two state championships while also teaching science. Ben approached each role with dedication, integrity, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
His involvement in the community was equally meaningful. Ben was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Chamber of Commerce, where he built friendships and supported the people and places he cared about. He was known for being kind-hearted and generous, and he had a way of making others feel welcome and appreciated. Whether he was working, coaching, or spending time with family and friends, Ben carried himself with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
Ben was a family man in every sense of the word. He loved being a father to Webb and treasured the time they spent together. Some of the happiest moments in his life were the simple ones, including trips with his son and their regular Sunday visits to Waffle House. He was a great dad, son, brother, and uncle, and those roles were among the greatest honors of his life. His family meant everything to him, and he made sure they knew it through his love, loyalty, and steady presence.
Those who knew Ben will remember his wit, his great sense of humor, and the easy way he could lighten a room. He had a quick smile and a personality that left people laughing long after the conversation had ended. He enjoyed watching football, golfing, and spending time with the people he loved. He was baptized in Brewton, and his faith was an important part of his life. His beliefs guided him and reflected the kindness and generosity he showed to others each day.
Ben’s life was a testament to the value of hard work, family, and friendship. He gave generously of himself and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will live on in the lessons he taught, the lives he touched, and the love he shared so freely. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will remain a source of comfort and strength to those who loved him.
The family and friends of Benjamin Coale will forever remember his devotion, his humor, and his unwavering love for those closest to him. His life was one of purpose and heart, and his memory will be treasured always.
A celebration of Ben’s life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 2pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Lucas Tribble officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 22 from 5pm until 7pm at the funeral home.
