Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Aiken South Carolina & Surrounding Areas.

Stephane "Steve" J. Whitlock

Stephane "Steve" J. Whitlock

Feb 24, 2026

STEPHANE J. WHITLOCK, 68, passed away unexpectedly February 24, 2026 at home.

Born in Châtellerault, France, Steve was a son of the late Lelton and Francoise Bascans Whitlock. His formative years were spent in Arab, Alabama, where he graduated from Arab High School in 1976. Over the past eight years, Steve was a supervisor at Emerson in Aiken, South Carolina, where...

Ernest Dale Hepler

Ernest Dale Hepler

Feb 24, 2026

Ernest Dale Hepler, aged 67, passed away on February 24, 2026. Born on October 23, 1958, he filled his years with kindness, friendship, and a deep love for life. Friends and family often described him as a true example of kindness and companionship, always eager to make new friends and engage with those around him.

Ernest cherished gatherings, feeding off the...

Lee Alexander Davidson

Lee Alexander Davidson

Feb 21, 2026

Lee Alexander Davidson, 86, passed away peacefully at home in Aiken, South Carolina on February 21, 2026. Born in Bryan, Ohio, he was the son of the late Frank and Edith Davidson of Fairborn, Ohio. Surviving are his wife, Katherine Davidson; daughter, Anne Roberts (Elton) of Montana; son, John Davidson of Florida; sister-in-law, Nancy Davidson of Ohio; and several cousins,...

Bryce Robert Oldham

Bryce Robert Oldham

Feb 20, 2026

Bryce Robert Oldham, born on October 8, 1940, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, passed away on February 20, 2026, in Aiken, South Carolina. He lived a life dedicated to service and commitment to others.

Mr. Oldham served his country honorably in the Air Force. Following his military service, he became a valued member of the Charlotte, North Carolina, Fire Department, where...

John Edward Maldonado

John Edward Maldonado

Feb 20, 2026

AIKEN, SC - John Edward Maldonado, born January 13, 1954, in California, passed away Friday, February 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, excellence, music, and deep love for his family.

As the son of a United States Air Force serviceman, John spent his early years traveling the world. His childhood included relocating to France, where French became his first language....

G. Ashford Milner III

G. Ashford Milner III

Feb 19, 2026

G. Ashford Milner III, 79, passed away Thursday morning, February 19, 2026, at Silver Bluff Grove Memory Care in Aiken.

A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Ash was the son of the late George Ashford Milner, Jr. and Vivian Gillispie Milner. He was the owner of Milner Super Gas & Trucking. 

Golf was one of his passions. Ash played for years...

La Verne M. Smith

La Verne M. Smith

Feb 15, 2026

La Verne M. Smith passed away peacefully Sunday, February 15th, 2026, with her daughters at her side. Beloved mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and loving friend to all who knew her.

The family will greet friends at 2 pm, Friday February 20th, at Talatha Baptist Church, 361 Talatha Church Road, Aiken, SC, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3 pm. Pastor Jordan...

Jimmy "Jim" Jay Minear

Jimmy "Jim" Jay Minear

Feb 10, 2026

Mr. Jimmy (Jim) Minear, 97, passed away Tuesday evening, February 10, 2026 following a brief illness.

He was born in 1928 in Casey, IL to Carl J. and Pearl McDaniel Minear. Jim was interested in aviation at an early age and earned his pilot’s license at sixteen. After serving in the Navy, he earned his Aircraft and Engine mechanics license and...

Peggy J. Gurske

Peggy J. Gurske

Feb 7, 2026

Peggy Jo Gurske age 72, of Aiken, South Carolina passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her husband Richard and the gentle whinnies of the horses and pets she adored. She was born on November 23, 1953 in Marshall Texas.

Peggy loved riding and taking care of their array of horses,competed in horse shows and rode...

Andrew (Andrea) P. Giannopoulos

Andrew (Andrea) P. Giannopoulos

Feb 7, 2026

Mr. Andrew P. Giannopoulos, 95, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Andrew was born in Sparta, Greece, son of the late Panagiotis and Starvroula Vasilakou Giannopoulos. Andrew came to the United States in 1952, and owned and operated restaurant businesses in New York before relocating to Aiken, SC. He liked to play bingo and attend various functions at the Holy Trinity...

Howard Loton Rasmussen

Howard Loton Rasmussen

Feb 7, 2026

HOWARD LOTON RASMUSSEN, 71, beloved husband of Ljudmilla Sheveljova Rasmussen, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026 in Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center in Augusta.

A native of New York City, Howard was son of the late Dr. Loton Horton Rasmussen and Emma Larsen Rasmussen. He proudly embraced his Norwegian heritage, honoring Viking ancestry inherited from both sides of his family. He...

Barbara Senterfeit Arthur

Barbara Senterfeit Arthur

Feb 5, 2026

AIKEN, SC - Mrs. Barbara Senterfeit Arthur, 63, beloved wife of Neal Eugene Arthur, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026. 

Services will be private.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801

Michelle Lynn Burns

Michelle Lynn Burns

Feb 4, 2026

Michelle Lynn Burns, beloved wife of Daniel James Eidson, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

My Michelle.  Michelle was extraordinary, beautiful, kind, intelligent, graceful, with that southern charm.  She carried herself with a quiet elegance that people don't forget.  She was radiant, the kind of woman who contained multitudes.  She loved music of every genre, art, cooking, fashion, football and old...

Stephen John Gavin

Stephen John Gavin

Feb 4, 2026

STEPHEN JOHN GAVIN, 80, beloved husband of Brenda Osgood Gavin, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026 in Piedmont Augusta Hospital after years of bravely battling heart disease. He was born in East Millinocket, ME, the son of the late John and Lillian Powers Gavin.

An exceptional student, Steve graduated as Valedictorian from Garrett Schenck High School in 1964, where he excelled...

Noah Joseph Bloese-Bueno

Noah Joseph Bloese-Bueno

Feb 3, 2026

AIKEN, SC - Noah Joseph Bloese-Bueno, born on May 8, 2004, in Conyers, GA, passed away on February 3, 2026. 

He was a creative soul who loved making music on his computer and had just embarked on an exciting journey of starting a clothing design company with friends. Noah was also passionate about building things, showcasing his hands-on abilities and creative...

Tate Barlow Molony

Tate Barlow Molony

Feb 3, 2026

Tate Barlow Molony, age 25, of Aiken, SC, passed away on February 3, 2026. A lifelong resident of Aiken, Tate was the son of Billy Molony and Vanessa Sterling. He was known for his kind spirit and big heart, cherishing his family and friends.

Tate was an avid supporter of Clemson sports, a passion that resonated throughout his life and was...

Kent Tillman Sapp

Kent Tillman Sapp

Feb 2, 2026

Kent Tillman Sapp, 59, Trenton, SC passed away on February 2, 2026 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Kent was born Sept. 3, 1966 to Ronald and Carol (Osmundson) Sapp in Boulder CO. Kent grew up in rural Leonard, ND where he helped his beloved stepfather Lloyd (deceased) with some farming and went to school until 9th grade. He...

Paul "Dub" W. Bankes

Paul "Dub" W. Bankes

Feb 1, 2026

Paul William “Dub” Bankes passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, without much fanfare. He hopes y’all had a better day. Dub had a great life, a wonderful wife, Ruth, a few good friends, many acquaintances, loving parents (now deceased), and a couple of great dogs in his time.

Dub grew up in Middletown, PA, the son of William H. and Charlotte...

Shirley Schneider Powell

Shirley Schneider Powell

Jan 30, 2026

Shirley Schneider Powell, 97, widow of Charles Perry Powell, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, in the comfort of her home. 

Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Shirley was the daughter of the late Ervin Schneider and Margaret Wilk Schneider. She spent much of her early life in Saginaw and in East Tawas, Michigan, where her family built a cherished log...

Ruth M. Davis

Ruth M. Davis

Jan 29, 2026

VIRGINIA “RUTH” MATTHEWS DAVIS

Virginia Ruth Matthews Davis, known as Ruth, passed away peacefully in her home on January 29, 2026, in Aiken, South Carolina, at the age of 93. Born on July 15, 1932, in Tifton, Georgia, Ruth lived a life marked by adventure, resilience, joy, and a deep connection to her family and those around her.



Ruth’s Favorites & Passions

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Local Obituaries for Aiken South Carolina & Surrounding Areas.

Stephane "Steve" J. Whitlock

Stephane "Steve" J. Whitlock

Feb 24, 2026

STEPHANE J. WHITLOCK, 68, passed away unexpectedly February 24, 2026 at home.

Born in Châtellerault, France, Steve was a son of the late Lelton and Francoise Bascans Whitlock. His formative years were spent in Arab, Alabama, where he graduated from Arab High School in 1976. Over the past eight years, Steve was a supervisor at Emerson in Aiken, South Carolina, where...

Ernest Dale Hepler

Ernest Dale Hepler

Feb 24, 2026

Ernest Dale Hepler, aged 67, passed away on February 24, 2026. Born on October 23, 1958, he filled his years with kindness, friendship, and a deep love for life. Friends and family often described him as a true example of kindness and companionship, always eager to make new friends and engage with those around him.

Ernest cherished gatherings, feeding off the...

Lee Alexander Davidson

Lee Alexander Davidson

Feb 21, 2026

Lee Alexander Davidson, 86, passed away peacefully at home in Aiken, South Carolina on February 21, 2026. Born in Bryan, Ohio, he was the son of the late Frank and Edith Davidson of Fairborn, Ohio. Surviving are his wife, Katherine Davidson; daughter, Anne Roberts (Elton) of Montana; son, John Davidson of Florida; sister-in-law, Nancy Davidson of Ohio; and several cousins,...

Bryce Robert Oldham

Bryce Robert Oldham

Feb 20, 2026

Bryce Robert Oldham, born on October 8, 1940, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, passed away on February 20, 2026, in Aiken, South Carolina. He lived a life dedicated to service and commitment to others.

Mr. Oldham served his country honorably in the Air Force. Following his military service, he became a valued member of the Charlotte, North Carolina, Fire Department, where...

John Edward Maldonado

John Edward Maldonado

Feb 20, 2026

AIKEN, SC - John Edward Maldonado, born January 13, 1954, in California, passed away Friday, February 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, excellence, music, and deep love for his family.

As the son of a United States Air Force serviceman, John spent his early years traveling the world. His childhood included relocating to France, where French became his first language....

G. Ashford Milner III

G. Ashford Milner III

Feb 19, 2026

G. Ashford Milner III, 79, passed away Thursday morning, February 19, 2026, at Silver Bluff Grove Memory Care in Aiken.

A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Ash was the son of the late George Ashford Milner, Jr. and Vivian Gillispie Milner. He was the owner of Milner Super Gas & Trucking. 

Golf was one of his passions. Ash played for years...

La Verne M. Smith

La Verne M. Smith

Feb 15, 2026

La Verne M. Smith passed away peacefully Sunday, February 15th, 2026, with her daughters at her side. Beloved mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and loving friend to all who knew her.

The family will greet friends at 2 pm, Friday February 20th, at Talatha Baptist Church, 361 Talatha Church Road, Aiken, SC, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3 pm. Pastor Jordan...

Jimmy "Jim" Jay Minear

Jimmy "Jim" Jay Minear

Feb 10, 2026

Mr. Jimmy (Jim) Minear, 97, passed away Tuesday evening, February 10, 2026 following a brief illness.

He was born in 1928 in Casey, IL to Carl J. and Pearl McDaniel Minear. Jim was interested in aviation at an early age and earned his pilot’s license at sixteen. After serving in the Navy, he earned his Aircraft and Engine mechanics license and...

Peggy J. Gurske

Peggy J. Gurske

Feb 7, 2026

Peggy Jo Gurske age 72, of Aiken, South Carolina passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her husband Richard and the gentle whinnies of the horses and pets she adored. She was born on November 23, 1953 in Marshall Texas.

Peggy loved riding and taking care of their array of horses,competed in horse shows and rode...

Andrew (Andrea) P. Giannopoulos

Andrew (Andrea) P. Giannopoulos

Feb 7, 2026

Mr. Andrew P. Giannopoulos, 95, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Andrew was born in Sparta, Greece, son of the late Panagiotis and Starvroula Vasilakou Giannopoulos. Andrew came to the United States in 1952, and owned and operated restaurant businesses in New York before relocating to Aiken, SC. He liked to play bingo and attend various functions at the Holy Trinity...

Howard Loton Rasmussen

Howard Loton Rasmussen

Feb 7, 2026

HOWARD LOTON RASMUSSEN, 71, beloved husband of Ljudmilla Sheveljova Rasmussen, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026 in Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center in Augusta.

A native of New York City, Howard was son of the late Dr. Loton Horton Rasmussen and Emma Larsen Rasmussen. He proudly embraced his Norwegian heritage, honoring Viking ancestry inherited from both sides of his family. He...

Barbara Senterfeit Arthur

Barbara Senterfeit Arthur

Feb 5, 2026

AIKEN, SC - Mrs. Barbara Senterfeit Arthur, 63, beloved wife of Neal Eugene Arthur, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026. 

Services will be private.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801

Michelle Lynn Burns

Michelle Lynn Burns

Feb 4, 2026

Michelle Lynn Burns, beloved wife of Daniel James Eidson, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

My Michelle.  Michelle was extraordinary, beautiful, kind, intelligent, graceful, with that southern charm.  She carried herself with a quiet elegance that people don't forget.  She was radiant, the kind of woman who contained multitudes.  She loved music of every genre, art, cooking, fashion, football and old...

Stephen John Gavin

Stephen John Gavin

Feb 4, 2026

STEPHEN JOHN GAVIN, 80, beloved husband of Brenda Osgood Gavin, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026 in Piedmont Augusta Hospital after years of bravely battling heart disease. He was born in East Millinocket, ME, the son of the late John and Lillian Powers Gavin.

An exceptional student, Steve graduated as Valedictorian from Garrett Schenck High School in 1964, where he excelled...

Noah Joseph Bloese-Bueno

Noah Joseph Bloese-Bueno

Feb 3, 2026

AIKEN, SC - Noah Joseph Bloese-Bueno, born on May 8, 2004, in Conyers, GA, passed away on February 3, 2026. 

He was a creative soul who loved making music on his computer and had just embarked on an exciting journey of starting a clothing design company with friends. Noah was also passionate about building things, showcasing his hands-on abilities and creative...

Tate Barlow Molony

Tate Barlow Molony

Feb 3, 2026

Tate Barlow Molony, age 25, of Aiken, SC, passed away on February 3, 2026. A lifelong resident of Aiken, Tate was the son of Billy Molony and Vanessa Sterling. He was known for his kind spirit and big heart, cherishing his family and friends.

Tate was an avid supporter of Clemson sports, a passion that resonated throughout his life and was...

Kent Tillman Sapp

Kent Tillman Sapp

Feb 2, 2026

Kent Tillman Sapp, 59, Trenton, SC passed away on February 2, 2026 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Kent was born Sept. 3, 1966 to Ronald and Carol (Osmundson) Sapp in Boulder CO. Kent grew up in rural Leonard, ND where he helped his beloved stepfather Lloyd (deceased) with some farming and went to school until 9th grade. He...

Paul "Dub" W. Bankes

Paul "Dub" W. Bankes

Feb 1, 2026

Paul William “Dub” Bankes passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, without much fanfare. He hopes y’all had a better day. Dub had a great life, a wonderful wife, Ruth, a few good friends, many acquaintances, loving parents (now deceased), and a couple of great dogs in his time.

Dub grew up in Middletown, PA, the son of William H. and Charlotte...

Shirley Schneider Powell

Shirley Schneider Powell

Jan 30, 2026

Shirley Schneider Powell, 97, widow of Charles Perry Powell, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, in the comfort of her home. 

Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Shirley was the daughter of the late Ervin Schneider and Margaret Wilk Schneider. She spent much of her early life in Saginaw and in East Tawas, Michigan, where her family built a cherished log...

Ruth M. Davis

Ruth M. Davis

Jan 29, 2026

VIRGINIA “RUTH” MATTHEWS DAVIS

Virginia Ruth Matthews Davis, known as Ruth, passed away peacefully in her home on January 29, 2026, in Aiken, South Carolina, at the age of 93. Born on July 15, 1932, in Tifton, Georgia, Ruth lived a life marked by adventure, resilience, joy, and a deep connection to her family and those around her.



Ruth’s Favorites & Passions

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