Obituaries

In Loving Memory of Roger Smith
July 28, 1945 — April 18, 2026
Hollis "Roger" Smith was born on July 28, 1945, in the heart of the Bluegrass State—Somerset, Kentucky. Growing up in Pulaski County during the post-war era, Roger was shaped by the values of hard work, community, love for family, and the rugged...

James R. Hood, age 77, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed from this life on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at the Jean Waddle Care Center.
James was born on February 17, 1949 to the late Charles Hood and Maxine Phillippi Hood in Somerset, Kentucky.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a Vietnam...

William Davis Brush (Bill) passed away April 4, 2026 after a brief illness. He is preceded in death by his wife, Opal Sue Brush (Grant), his son, Dirk Brush, and his mother, Helen Brush. He is survived by his son, Gary (Kari) Brush, his grandchildren Erin Brush, Elizabeth (Fitsum) Seyoum, Josephine Brush, and Ryan...

Rodney Lyle Ballenger, 72, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed away on April 6, 2026.
Born on January 7, 1954, and raised in Russell Springs, Kentucky, Rodney lived a life defined by hard work, resilience, and generosity. He spent many years serving his community through his role as Assistant Executive Director at Lake...