Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Margaret Richey Arrington (Nee Meredith), a resident of Edgewater MD for over 65 years passed away on July 23, 2019.  She was born on October 6, 1930, in Washington DC to the late Aaron A. and Elsie Hall Meredith.

Growing up in Washington DC, she graduated from McKinley Technical High School in 1948.  After High School, she worked in the Accounting Division at the National Geographic Society.  She married Howard 
“Reds” Arrington the same year on November 6th. They moved to Selby on the Bay where they raised their three daughters; Donna Clay of Greensboro, Bonnie Pellicot of Edgewater, and Sherri Hennen of Mayo.

Margaret was a neighborhood correspondent for the Evening Capital Newspaper from 1956 to 1967, worked as an assistant in the office of Dr. Sylvia M. Lim, and retired from the YMCA Camp Letts as the office manager.

She was proud of her ties to Washington, DC. Her grandfather was appointed Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing by President Harrison and President McKinley making him the only person to serve as Director twice.  Her husband (d.2007) was employed at the White House during the Truman to Carter Administrations.  She and Reds were invited by the Presidents to attend many White House events.  Margaret documented each occasion with photographs, detailed writing, and scores of souvenirs and gifts that she proudly displayed.

A dream came true for Margaret when her written stories were accepted for publication in “The  Anthology of Original Work, District Lines”, Volume I and II.  She spent countless hours researching, creating, and maintaining family tree information.  In a story she penned titled, “My Cousins”, she wrote that she had 59 first cousins (she knew and spent time with most of them), 150 first cousins, once removed, 280 second cousins, and 176 third cousins.  She ended the story with, “Not bad for an only child.”

She was Mimi to seven grandchildren; Jesse, Carrie, Travis, Tyler, Russ, Meredith, and Jacklyn, eleven great-grandchildren; Skye, Leah, Michael, Marin, Remy, Raylyn, Calen, Scotty, Gabe, Isaac, and Wesley who loved her and loved being with her because they knew something interesting and fun was sure to happen.  Always up for a new adventure, she never hesitated to say, “Let’s Go!”

Friends may call at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Thursday, August 1, 2019, from 4 to 7 pm.  The family will receive guests at Mayo United Methodist Church, 1005 Old Turkey Point Rd., Edgewater MD on Friday, August 2, 2019, from 9:30 am until her memorial service begins at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mayo United Methodist Church. 

Online guestbook available by visiting the link on this page.

On Monday, July 22, 2019; the beloved mother of Erin L. (Kimberly) Washington, aunt of Stephen Boyd; lifelong friend of Robert Johnson, II and devoted relatives Willie and Cynthia Dinkins. She is also survived by other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Connie’s Life Celebration on Friday, August 2, 2019 from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Highland Park, 6801 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to CinderellaFoundation.org

John Bechtel Ringer, 75, a 39 year resident of Alexandria, VA and previously of Ft. Washington, MD passed away at Mt. Vernon Hospital on July 22, 2019 after a five month battle with cancer. Born on October 10, 1943 in Freeport, NY to the late Heloise Waters and Adolf George Ringer, Jr., John received his Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University in 1966 and his master's degree from the Rhode Island Institute of Technology in 1971. After graduating from Penn State, he worked for the Central Intelligence Agency and then as a systems analyst doing contract work for the federal government He was a Volunteer Fire Fighter in Alexandria, VA and an avid fan of the Washington Capitals. John also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events. In addition to his parents John was preceded in death by his daughter, Anna Catherina Ringer. He is survived by his daughters, Beverly Cauley of Davidsonville, MD and Bonnie Carroll of Lawrenceville, NJ; two siblings, George Ringer of Los Altos, CA and Ruth Ann Petroff of Menomonee Falls, WI and six grandchildren, Jack, Gavin and Owen Cauley, Liam, Erin and Molly Carroll. A celebration of John's life will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2019 from 2 to 4 pm at the Union Street Public House, 121 S. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Men's Home, themenshome.org or VCS Cancer Foundation, PO Box 194, Herndon, VA 20172. On line condolences may be made by visiting the link on this page.

Michael Lewis Howard, "Mike", a resident of Millsboro, DE and previously of Edgewater, MD for over 45-years, died on Sunday, July 21, 2019, at Anne Arundel Medical Center following a short battle with cancer.  He was 71.  Born November 29, 1947, in Benham, KY, to the late Andrew and Ruth L. Howard, he attended Valparaiso Technical Institute in Valparaiso, IN  and New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) in New York, NY.  Mike worked for Precision Doors and Hardware.  He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing & crabbing, and spending time with his family.   Mike is survived by his wife of 49-years, Terri Howard; two children, John (Lynette) Howard of Severn, MD and Renee (Eric) Mundell of Pasadena, MD; and three grandchildren, Gage Howard, Reese Howard, and Nick Mundell.  Friends are invited to celebrate Mike's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Saturday, August 3, 2019, from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Hemophilia Foundation, ATTN: Development Department, 7 Penn Plaza, Ste. 1204, New York, NY 10001.

Please take a moment to sign the family's online guestbook by visiting the link on this page.

Vernon Jacob “Butch” Smith III, age 67, a 35-year resident of Annapolis, MD, passed away at his home on July 21, 2019.   He was born on October 3, 1951 in Frederick, MD to the late Elsie and Vernon J. Smith, Jr.  After high school, Butch became a roofing and construction contractor.  He was a member of Bay Area Community Church in Annapolis.  Butch enjoyed golfing, fishing, watching sports, playing the guitar and studying the bible.  He loved his fur babies and, most of all, the time he spent with his family.  Butch is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Georgia; two sons, Vernon “Jake” Smith IV of Frederick, Vernon Michael Smith of Severna Park, MD, Dawn Marie Shugars of Thurmont, MD, Elizabeth Ann Tolson of Lothian, MD and Cara Suzanne Trent of Millersville, MD; four grandsons, Tyler Price, Troy Martin, Jayden O’Brien and DJ Trent; eight granddaughters, Katie Shugars, Adriana Smith, Desiree Smith, Brittani Smith, Breanna Smith, Arie Trent, Lexi Martin and Malaya O’Brien; and many brothers and sisters including Jason Smith to whom Butch was particularly close.  Friends are invited to celebrate Butch’s life with his family on Thursday, July 25 from 12 p.m. until his funeral service begins at 1 p.m. at Bay Area Community Church, 884 Chesterfield Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.  Burial will be private.

Online condolences and tributes may be offered by accessing the link on this page.

The Sadler Family is saddened by the death of Sandy Sadler on July 20, 2019, from lung and heart issues. Sandy was born September 4, 1940, in Montgomery, WV. She and her husband, Don Sadler, were married for 61 years. They moved to Maryland in 1966 to manage a sales team with Sarah Coventry Jewelry. They rose from conducting jewelry parties to managing hundreds of outstanding salespeople. In 1984 Sandy began a new career as a real estate agent with Merrill Lynch Realty/Chris Coile. She stepped back into management and, for over 30 years, built several successful sales teams with leading companies. Sandy understood that agents were the reason the offices and companies succeeded, and she supported and helped them in every way she could. Bonds were created that lasted her lifetime. Sandy loved to write notes and letters. She wanted to encourage and uplift her agents, friends, and family with her positive thoughts. Sandy’s heart and soul were her husband, Don, her son, Donnie, and her family. She loved them so much and was very proud of them and their accomplishments. She and Don followed them in sports, rarely missing a game. Sandy and her agents not only led their markets in business, but they gave countless hours and generous support to their community. They participated in the Pasadena Parade and collected food for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and Toys for Tots, and gave the University of Maryland toys and items for entertaining children. They donated school supplies, adopted families at Christmas and hosted Safety and Fingerprinting events. Sandy was preceded in death by her mother, Madeline Wellander; her stepfather, Herbert Wellander; her father, George Kessler; her brother, Herbert Lincoln Wellander; and granddaughter, Krista Flannery. She is survived by her husband, Charles Don Sadler; her son, Charles (Carrie) Don Sadler Jr.; grandchildren, Charles (Cara) Clinton Sadler II, Daniel Paul Sadler, Kara Flannery, Chelsea Asplen, and Charles Allewalt; her stepmother, Bette Kessler; her sister, Denise (Gary) Ross and her children Celena (David) Tooley, Christa (Jay) Hawley and Daniel J. Fragale; a brother, Steve Kessler; great-grandchildren, Keaton, Logan, Shaylah, Bodhi; nephew, Beau (Amanda) Nickerson;  great-niece, Emma Rose; and many cousins. Friends are invited to celebrate Sandy's life on Friday, July 26 from 11 am until her memorial service begins at 2 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 211 East Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 or Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122.
Online guestbook available by visiting the link on this page.

On July 20, 2019, Sotirios “Chris” Christoforou passed away unexpectedly. Chris was a very religious man who was a major force in the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, raising funds for its many organizations, and was in charge for several years of preparing food for the Greek Festival. Chris was also a leader in the Cypriot community, helping and guiding many immigrants. In addition, Chris and his wife Maroulla, “Maria” established the John Christoforou Memorial Golf Tournament in memory of their son, raising funds for the Children’s Cancer Society and many local charities. Chris was also a member of the Annapolis AHEPA and the Masonic Lodge.
Born in Cyprus on Oct. 1, 1947, Chris was raised by his grandparents following the death of his mother when he was three years old.  In his youth, he spent time between England and Cyprus where he met and married his wife Maria.  Following their marriage, they moved to England where he began his career in the restaurant business.  Chris and Maria came to America from England in 1971, settling in Annapolis to raise their family.
Chris worked first at Rookies in downtown Annapolis as an English butcher and was loved by many for his outgoing friendly nature.  He went on to work at Mike’s Crab House, a family establishment, managing the Country Store which he credited as the foundation of his later success. 
 In his spare time, Chris enjoyed playing golf and was considered one of the best putters with a terrific short game. Chris loved music and there was always a Greek or Cypriot CD playing in his car or at home. Chris was also a soccer enthusiast and was a lifelong fan of the Chelsea Football Club. He played the sport professionally during his youth in England.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters whom he adored.
Chris and Maria established the famous Chris’s Charcoal Pit which they ran for over 40 years and still bears his name. Together they were an American success story who came as immigrants and worked very hard for their family, church, and community leaving a legacy of love and generosity.
Chris is survived by his wife of 54 years, Maria; 2 daughters, Lola Nagel (Alan) and Athena Batholomew (Jason); granddaughters, Anna, Olivia and Sophia.  He was preceded in death by his beloved son, John.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 24 at 11:00 a.m., at Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD. Interment St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to benefit the orphanage at Saint Basil Academy, 79 Saint Basil Road, Garrison, NY 10524 or online at  www.stbasil.goarch.org.

Online guestbook available by visiting the link on this page.

Phyllis Ann Krankowski, age 60, of Annapolis, MD, passed away suddenly at her home, with her parents by her side, on July 18, 2019 after a four decades long battle with Crohn’s Disease and its ensuing complications. 

Phyllis was born on March 4, 1959, in Washington, D.C. , the first daughter and third child of six children born to Felix and June (née Schultz) Krankowski of Annapolis, MD.

Phyllis graduated from Friendly High School in Fort Washington, MD in 1977, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from The University of Maryland in 1981, as well as a Master of Arts degree in Hospital Administration from The George Washington University in 1984. 

She worked in Human Resources for the Safeway Corporation and later as a Marketing Specialist for Safeway Corporation until she retired in 2019.

Phyllis enjoyed her work, as well as walking, running, baking delectable creations, and spoiling her nine nieces and nephews. She faced her health challenges stoically, with courage and faith. She never waivered in her commitment to her work, nor did she ever surrender her sweet disposition, her kind heart, or her thoughtfulness, which she lovingly bestowed upon all the members of her family and friends. She was beloved and admired, and will be deeply mourned and missed by all. 

Phyllis is survived by: her parents, Felix and June Krankowski; her four brothers and one sister: Stephen Douglas Krankowski, David Krankowski, Glen Krankowski (Helen Livanios), Blair Krankowski, and Janis (née Krankowski) Williford (Jerry Williford); her seven nieces and nephews: Eric Krankowski, Jake Krankowski, Ryan Krankowski, Austin Krankowski, John Livanios, Jessica (née Williford) Auman,  and Lauren (née Williford) Kron and her aunt Shirley (nee Schultz) McIntosh (Charles McIntosh).

She was predeceased by her two nephews, David Krankowski and Daniel Krankowski. 

She was a faithful member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church of Annapolis, MD, and previously a member of St. John Catholic Church of Clinton, MD .

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. , at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Interment will follow immediately thereafter at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 West Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD 21035. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phyllis’ memory to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation, 733 3rd Ave, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017 
or online at www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/donate/honors-and-memorials. 


Condolences may be made by clicking the Memory Wall link on this page.

Friends are invited to celebrate Jack's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Sunday, July 21 from 12 pm until his funeral service begins at 1 pm. Interment, with military honors, will be at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD on Tuesday at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122. Condolences may be made by clicking the Memory Wall link on this page.

Martin James “Marty” Loftus, 87, passed away on July 17 in Edgewater, MD.  Born on May 12, 1932 in Chicago, IL, Marty was one of eight children born to the late Joseph P. and Margaret Mary Loftus.  As a veteran of the Korea War he served with the U.S. Army 523rd Engineers.  Marty a graduate of Gonzaga College High School, earned a Bachelor of Science degree through studies at Georgetown University and the University of Maryland.  He retired from a 35 year career at Armco Steel Corp. Baltimore Works and later founded Chesapeake Marine Drive Corp.  Marty enjoyed sailing, golfing, painting, fishing, hunting and refinishing antiques.  

He was preceded in death by his wife of 21 years, Mary Jermyn Loftus; his companion of 32 years, Judith Karen Pyrah and a brother, Joseph Loftus.  Marty is survived by his son, Martin Tiernay (AliceAnne) Loftus of Crownsville, MD; his daughter, Janet Loftus (Raul) Martin of Edgewater, MD; three brothers, Greg (Diana) Lyon-Loftus of Waynesboro, PA, C. Michael (Claire) Loftus of Bethany Beach, DE and John C. (Eileen) Loftus of Frankford, DE; three sisters, Katherine (Ron) Boucher of Catonsville, MD, Judy Hunter of Madison, WI and Joan (Richard) Brown of Kensington, MD; two grandsons, Christian Loftus and David (Rebecca) Martin; five granddaughters, Jenifer Martin, Kasey Martin, Christina (Mike) O’Connell, and Marissa Loftus; and seven great-grandchildren.  

A Memorial Mass will be offered on Monday, July 22, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Road, Edgewater, MD.  Private burial.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122.  On line condolences may be given by using the memory tab on this page.

Family, friends and students are invited to celebrate Lucinda's life at a memorial service on Thursday, July 25, 2019, at 2 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Charity Water, 40 Worth Street, Suite 330, New York, NY 10013 or online at <a href="https://www.charitywater.org/">https://www.charitywater.org/</a>.

Online condolences may be made by using the link on this page.


James Paul “Jim” Coulter, 66, of Arnold, MD died July 16 after a courageous battle with cancer.  He was the son of the late Edward and Raphael Coulter of Pinellas Park, FL.  He spent his childhood in Greenbelt, MD and graduated from Parkdale High School.  Jim began his career at the Washington Post as a press operator, rising to crew chief and eventually retiring as a buyer in the Purchasing Department. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Sylvia Filipovic Coulter; daughters, Carolyn Ward (Jeff) of Stevensville, MD and Lauren DeMunda (Todd) of Viera, FL; stepdaughter, Samantha Boardman (Frank) of Shrewsbury, MA and grandchildren, Violet and Charlotte DeMunda, Garrett and Aubrey Ward, and Ellie Boardman.  He was preceded in death by brothers, Wayne and Bruce Coulter (Debbie). Also surviving are two sisters, Mary Ellen Woolard (Joe) of Brooksville, FL and Patricia Lowry (S.L.) of Mechanicsville, VA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A lifelong Marylander, Big Jim enjoyed Nationals baseball, observing the wildlife in his backyard, and making his famous spaghetti sauce.  Most importantly, he loved his grandchildren and spoiling them as only Granddaddy could do.  He will be dearly missed by everyone whose lives he touched.  Messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the Memory Wall link on this page.

In loving memory of 
Voron Erich Xarya
September 20, 1973 - July 16, 2019

On Tuesday July 16, 2019 Voron Xarya, loving husband and partner, and father of one child, passed away at the age of 45. 

Voron, aka John Erich Langsdorf, was born September 20, 1973 in Manassas VA to John and Bonnie (Miller) Langsdorf. He attended the Air Force Academy and went on to work in litigation support. Voron was a member of the Ordo Templi Orientus and practiced Thelema. He attended mass of the Gnostic Catholic Church at William Blake Lodge in Baltimore MD.

Voron had many passions, among them astrology, vexillology, anime, occultism and symbology, kayaking, foreign language, and a wide variety of many other interests. He was part of the DC Goth/Industrial/freak scene and attended the SCA event Pennsic as a member of both Die Fledermaus and Kindermaus. He touched many lives across many social groups and will be dearly missed by friends, family, and chosen family. 

Voron was preceded in death  by his elder brother, John Henry Langsdorf Jr. he is survived by his wife Tauna Sahve Xarya neé Smith, his child Xerxes Israel Orion Sebastian Xarya, his parents John and Bonnie, his siblings Leah LuAnn McCormick neé Langsdorf, John Brien Langsdorf, Sara DiAnn Reaves neé Langsdorf, Erin LeAnn Cleary neé Langsdorf, John Peter Langsdorf, and Karl Scott Taylor Jr., several cousins, nieces, nephews, and chosen family. 

On Saturday August 17, 2019 there will be a visitation at 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm. and the service will be at 1:00 pm. at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill MD

A wake and reception will follow at the residence of Billy & Ashley Madero, 1908 Rainbow Dr. Silver Spring MD, 20905. (Burtonsville/Cloverly)

All are welcome to attend. 


Memorial service will be held at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Saturday, July 20 at 3 pm. Condolences may be made by clicking the Memory Wall link on this page.

Malcolm Frederick Uhl, Jr., “Mickey”, 71, a resident of Annapolis, passed away on July 14, 2019 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis. Mickey was born on November 14, 1947 in New York to the late Malcolm and Dorothy Uhl, Sr. Mickey earned a Masters degree in Mathematics from UMBC. Mickey served his country in the United States Army. He was a retired video game designer who enjoyed gaming, gardening and bird watching. Mickey is survived by his siblings, Robert T. Uhl of Pasadena, Barbara C. Gill of Edgewater, George D. Uhl of Ellicott City and Melanie L. Estes of Annapolis. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at 10:45am at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd., Ridgely, MD 21660. Online condolences may be made at KalasFuneralHomes.com.

Alecia Marie King (Hazer) also known as “Lisa” found eternal peace on July 14, 2019, at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center unexpectedly. Alecia was born September 20,1960 in Washington, DC to William D and Corrine Hazer, who preceded her in death. Alecia was the sixth child out of eight children. Three of her brothers preceded her in death Christopher, Clyde, and William Hazer. 

Alecia was raised and educated in Washington D.C. before moving to Prince George’s County, Maryland where she started her twenty year career as an Insurance Agent working for Gebco Insurance and Roadway Insurance. Alecia was a remarkable Mother to her three daughters and a phenomenal Grandmother to her nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Spending time with them was her passion and delight. She touched people wherever she went and was known for her sweet, soft, and gentle voice and her outgoing, loving personality and was so easily loved by all who knew her. 
Shortly before her passing she was so overjoyed by her first trip to Ocean City that she made plans to return for her birthday. She was so pleased by the little things in life as long as it involved her spending quality time with her family. 

She is survived by her three daughters Shondell Hazer, Azia Geter-Tripplett and Felicia Bidgell. Nine Grandchildren Alecia Hazer, Creshaunda Hazer, Dayshia Lucas, Allen Gray III, Margaret Gray, Angel Bidgell, Timothy Tripplett Jr, Jacob Hazer and Adrian Bidgell. One granddaughter in law Ciarra Lucas, and two great grandchildren.  Three surviving brothers David, Melvin and Eric Hazer, and her only sister Tammy Hazer-Brooks. Also left to mourn her is her beloved dog Gibby, As well as a host of other family and friends. 

Friends are invited to celebrate Alecia's life on Saturday July 20, 2019 from 11:00 am until her service begins at 11:30 am at the Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island, Edgewater. A repast will follow from 1 to 3 pm at the American Legion, 1707 Forest Drive, Annapolis. On line condolences may be given by using the memorial tab on this page.

On July 14th, 2019 Ricky B. Talkington, 64, of Fort Washington, MD passed away. Rick was born on May 25, 1955 in Washington D.C. and was the youngest of three children born to late Robert Talkington and Charlotte Moneymaker. 
In his early childhood Rick had an affinity towards mechanics. After school, Rick would continue his passion for engineering by working for METRO as an HVAC Mechanic. He retired in 2017 after 38 years of service. Rick was married to the love of his life Carol (Foltz) Talkington for 39 years. Together they had one son, Robert B. Talkington of Bryans Road, MD. Rick was also the step father to Carol’s five children of which he would enjoy family gatherings. 
Rick was a hard worker, but it was the simple things in life that gave him the greatest pleasure. In his spare time Rick could be seen tinkering in his tool shed, building windmills, or tending to his garden which he took great care and pride in. He enjoyed fishing on the Chesapeake every year with his friend Todd Johnston and favorite boys Robert Talkington and Chris Lesefske. 
His family will miss his stories and appreciation for home cooked meals. Robert and his wife have six children who treasured their “Papaw” dearly. Their fondest memories with Rick are the visits to the family home, picking tomatoes and vegetables from the garden, and swinging on the playset that Rick and Carol maintained just for those occasions. 
Rick is survived by his Wife, Carol Talkington, and children Robert Talkington (Michelle Talkington), Randy Heiston, Zurich Heiston, Rhonda Heiston, Rod Heiston, and Royce Heiston, He also leaves behind Chris Lesefske and grandchildren Alorah, Kaleb, Braiden, Dillon, McKenzie, and Riley. He will be missed by his two nieces and nephew. Rick was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings. 
Services for Ricky Talkington will be held on Monday, July 22, 2019 at 11 am, with the closed viewing beginning at 10 am. Memorial services will be located at Grace Gospel Worship Center on 5819 Kirby Road, Clinton, MD 20735. Interment will directly follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Waldorf, MD.


JEANNE ELOISE THORNILL ULRICH
Oxon Hill, MD
January 16, 1940 – July 14, 2019

Mathematician, Artist, Elite Athlete, Community Activist, Cancer Survivor, Beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother.  

Jeanne passed away after a long and difficult struggle with Multiple System Atrophy, a form of Parkinson’s Disease.  She touched many lives through her myriad pursuits, and never failed to impress her friends with the focus and energy she brought to every endeavor.  A fearless crusader for cycling, integrated schools and communities, education, anti-smoking, community parks and the preservation of open spaces, she believed that individuals can make the most impact in their own community, and proceeded to do just that after she and her husband, Peter, settled in Oxon Hill in 1967.  Informed by faith that we are stewards of God’s creation, she was an early champion of the environmental movement, living in accordance with her ideals and instilling a love of the outdoors and nature in her children.  With her husband, she grew her own fruits and vegetables, avoiding pesticides, and eschewed a car for work, commuting the 5 miles to the Naval Research Laboratory on her bicycle for years, rain or shine.  Her early advocacy for safe cycling and public hiker-biker trails led her and a few neighbors to establish the Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club in 1972. The club thrives to this day with over 400 members and hundreds of rides each year including the annual century ride (100 miles) in Charles County that attracts about 800 riders each Labor Day.

Jeanne was introduced to synchronized swimming at Mary Washington College. Later she competed in Masters competitions (over age 25), winning medals at national and international competitions. She also completed many long-distance open-water swimming events, like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Swim. Taking up distance running in her mid-30s, she competed in her first marathon, DC’s Marine Corps Marathon, in 1978.  She went on to complete another 35 marathons over the years, including five Boston Marathons, and countless other races at shorter distances. A new sport, the triathlon, became popular in the 1980s that would play to all of her strengths in swimming, biking and running. In spite of contracting cancer and the subsequent removal of her left calf in April of 1984, she qualified in June of the same year for the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona, Hawaii at which she took third place in the 40-44 age group. She returned to the Ironman competition two more times, taking a second in the 45-49 age group in 1988 and winning the 50-54 age group in 1990 after a second surgery to remove a recurrence of the tumor in 1989. She was determined to conquer the disease.  Jeanne continued to compete in road races and triathlons right up to the time when first symptoms of the Parkinsonism appeared in 2012.

The daughter of David Wooster Taylor, a Navy fighter pilot, and Virginia Wood Feineman, Jeanne was born in Portsmouth Virginia in 1940, and, like most military families, moved frequently. Her father took part in raids against German-occupied Norway in the early years of WW2 but then was killed tragically in the crash of a fighter plane he was testing off the coast of Rhode Island in 1944. After her father’s death, the family, which now included her brother Dave, moved to California to be near Virginia’s parents. In 1946 Virginia married Daniel Whitfield Thornhill, also a Naval officer. Another brother, Daniel Bruce Thornhill, was born in 1948.  After her stepfather returned from the Korean war, the family moved to Virginia where Jeanne attended high school at Washington-Lee in Arlington and Stratford Hall in Danville for her senior year. Jeanne matriculated to Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, graduating with a BA in a double major of Mathematics and Physics, class of 1961.  She began working at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), where she met a young Naval Officer and scientist, Peter Ulrich.  They were married at The Washington National Cathedral in June of 1963, and the family moved to Boston, where her husband was working towards a PhD in physics at MIT. Their son, Peter, was born in Boston in 1964. Jeanne got a chance to use her considerable mathematical skills at a time when the country was mobilized to put a man on the moon. The MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, now named the Draper Laboratory, was under contract to NASA to develop software for a computer that would guide the Apollo astronauts to the moon. Jeanne was hired to write the software to solve the navigation problem for the Trans-Lunar Injection maneuver utilizing celestial navigation. After the successful completion of the moon flights in 1972, Jeanne was awarded an official commendation, signed by Charles Stark Draper, for her contributions to the Apollo Program. While much of the computation in those days was checked and supported by human “computers” with slide rules, Jeanne was an early pioneer in using digital computers for simulation.  When the family returned to the Washington area in 1967, settling in Oxon Hill, she returned to NRL as a programmer on the large mainframe computers there.  From the early batch programs stored on punched tape and cards, to the high performance Cray parallel-processing super-computers of the 1980s and 90s, she mastered every new development. In 1969, a daughter Diana Cynthia was born on July 18 as the Apollo 11 spacecraft raced to the moon. Jeanne named her daughter for both the Roman and the Greek goddess of the moon. Two years later, Jeanne returned to NRL to continue her work in software development and computational support services to a wide variety of scientific research projects.  She retired from government service in 1995.

She was also a talented, award-winning artist. Her pastel and charcoal portraits faithfully captured not just the likenesses, but also the emotions of her subjects.  She produced them at church fairs, art festivals and on commission, largely through word of mouth.  Hundreds of lucky families now proudly display a Jeanne Ulrich original in their homes. She was a signature member of the Potomac Valley Watercolorists, The Art League Gallery in Alexandria and The Mattawoman Creek Art Center in Marbury, Maryland. 
Not content with her sports and artistic endeavors, Jeanne was also active in her church, St John’s Episcopal, Broad Creek, where she served on the vestry several times and on two Rector Search Committees.  Her parties for the choir, on the occasion of church high holy days or after special oratorio performances, were legendary. She was an avid reader of science fiction and mysteries, enjoyed Gilbert and Sullivan performances, and when looking for yet another challenge, you might find her busily translating Newton’s Principia from the Latin or solving the Rubik’s Cube. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and tried to instill civic pride in her charges with hands-on activities designed to teach about the history of our region, such as taking them to Smoot Bay, which is now National Harbor, to test water quality, or the time she led a group of scouts through the woods of Oxon Hill Manor to locate and map the Addison family graveyard, where the first president of the United States under the Articles of Confederation, John Hanson, was buried. Her zeal for preserving the historical site led her to oppose several iterations of plans to commercially develop the area, and through her efforts contributed to the delay of construction for nearly 30 years. The old cemetery was ultimately surrounded by a casino, outlet mall and resort. This was a great disappointment to her, and she was relieved that the remains of those buried at the threatened site have since been reinterred at St. John’s.

In late 2012, her health began to decline, and after extensive testing it was determined that she had contracted a rare form of Parkinson’s Disease. Its wasting effects slowly took over her body, but her mind remained clear to the end.  Notwithstanding the bodily insults, she remained a role model for us all, facing the pain and indignities with fortitude and unfailing good humor. 

Hinc illae lacrimae

She is survived by her husband, Peter Bonner Ulrich, children: Peter (spouse Amy) Ulrich and Diana (Alistair) Kean, Grandchildren: Taylor Ulrich, Henry Ulrich, Isla Kean, Findlay Kean, Daniel Ulrich and Rory Kean, brothers: David (Jane) Thornhill, Daniel (Katherine) Thornhill, three nephews and six nieces. 
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jeanne's life at a memorial service Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 10 a.m. at St John's Episcopal Church, 9801 Livingston Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744. Interment will be at St John's immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jeanne Thornhill Ulrich Memorial Fund at St John's Episcopal, Broad Creek. https://stjohnsbroadcreek.org




On Sunday July 14, 2019 devoted husband of Jennie Thomas and father of Karen Thomas transitioned to his heavenly home.  He is survived by brothers, George Jr., Wallace, Harold, and sisters Annie Thomas and Helen Boswell, sisters-in-law Maggie, Ida, Rosa and brothers-in-law Clinton Jr. and Willie James and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  The family will receive friends at Ebenezer AME Church, 7707 Allentown Road, Ft. Washington, MD on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. Viewing will be held at 10 a.m. and Service at 11 a.m. Interment Fort Lincoln Cemetery. 

Dexter Gerald “Jerry” Nuckels, of Long Neck, DE passed away peacefully on July 13, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was born to Henry Clarence Nuckels and Alta Mae Looney, on July 6, 1939 in Grundy, VA. Jerry graduated from Council High School and went on to work for Western Union, the CIA, Bache & Co., Merrill Lynch, the Washingtonian, and the Annapolis Capital Gazette. He served in the Army on both active and reserve duty during the Vietnam War.

He was married to Joann Fletcher in 1966; while the marriage ended, they remained close friends. Jerry is survived by his daughter Brenda Medvid, son-in-law Ed Medvid, and grandchildren Catie and John. His sister-in-law Pauline Coleman Nuckels, loving nieces and nephews Kathy, Diane, Janine, John, Kevin, Carolyn, and Debra, grandnieces Krystalyn and Audrey, and a grandnephew Andrew also survive him. Close extended family include Jim, Cachy, and Nicole. His parents and his five brothers and sisters, Ed, Dee, Estil, Ann, and Lorene, preceded Jerry in death.

Services will be held at Kalas Funeral Home, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 on Saturday, July 20, 2019 with a viewing from 9 to 11 a.m. and funeral immediately following at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, MD.   

Eileen F. Allen, 75, a resident of Edgewater and previously of Mt. Rainier and New Carrollton, MD, passed away on July 13, 2019.  She was born on October 20, 1943 in Washington, DC to the late Stephen and Florence Liston.  She graduated from Regina High School in Hyattsville, MD and went to work for the machinist union.  After her marriage, Eileen devoted her life to making a comfortable home for her husband and children, and supporting them in their pursuits.  Eileen was a member of St. Mathias Catholic Church.  She was an avid fan of the Redskins, Orioles and Maryland Terps and she enjoyed spending time at her home in Delaware.  Most of all, Eileen loved spending time with her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, Eileen was preceded in death by her brother, David Liston and sister, Mary Holland.  She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Robert Allen; two children, Stephen (Megan) Allen of Crownsville, MD and Nancie Allen of Edgewater; four grandchildren, Collette Denton, Ryan Flett, Brianna and Madison Allen; and two great-grandchildren.
Friends are invited to celebrate Eileen’s life with her family on Thursday, July 18 from 4 to 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.  Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, July 19 at 11 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD.  Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Washington, DC, 1800 M Street, NW, Ste. B50 North, Washington, DC 20036.
On-line condolences may be offered by accessing the Memory Wall tab at the top of this page.


Hazel Sherman Fentress, 97, a resident of Heritage Harbour in Annapolis, MD, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 13 at her son's home in Friendship, MD. Hazel was born on January 26, 1922 in Worcester, MA to the late William and Agnes Sherman, and at age 11 went to live with her grandparents in Hingham, MA after her parents passed away. She graduated from Hingham High School and, on a scholarship, attended Chandler College in Boston, MA. During the summers, Hazel worked at the State House in Boston. Her federal government career began in 1941 with a competitive appointment to the then War Department in Washington, D.C., which then carried over to the Air Service Command at Tinker Field in Oklahoma City, the Naval Air Station in New Orleans, and to the Military Air Transportation Service at Andrews AFB in Clinton, MD. Her last position was at the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy in Alexandria, VA, managing the newly established office under the command of Rear Admiral Odale Waters as the head of the Policy and Procedure Branch. Over the course of her career, she received 17 Outstanding and High-Performance Awards, and was also awarded the emblem for Civilian Service. She retired in June 1973. On January 26,1944, Hazel married Albert D. Fentress, who passed away on Valentine's Day in 1994. She and her husband spent many years in Clinton, MD raising family, in West Virginia on a farm raising Hereford cattle, and in Colonial Beach, VA enjoying life.  She spent many happy hours fishing for crabs in the summer and eels in the winter with Albert. Time in Colonial Beach was well spent; Hazel often puttered around her hobby room painting ceramics and reading in her hot tub, ate blue crabs on the back porch with a beer, or played cards with family. Her house was always full around the holidays. After her husband passed, she moved to Heritage Harbour in Annapolis, where she gained new neighbors and many great friends - too many to name, but those that are in her heart know their names would be here. Hazel was a member of the Women's Auxiliary for both Clinton and Silver Hill Volunteer Fire Departments.  She also was a member of the Women's Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Moose Lodge. In the past, she was the Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and was involved with the Civil Air Patrol, she was a substitute teacher, and was active in the Heritage Harbour community groups. Hazel most enjoyed reading and was never without a book by her side, in her walker, on her nightstand, in her car, and other places. She also spent over 50 years in ceramics, even winning the top ceramicist award ("The Freddy") three times, making her a bona fide professional. She dabbled in oil painting, quilting, crafts, scrapbooking, and even took time for a little bit of traveling. She was an avid and sharp card player, attended Dining Club dinners, and played mahjongg. Hazel never passed up a chance to go to the casino to play her favorite slot machines, nor a long afternoon with a dozen steamed crabs and a beer. Hazel is survived by her children, Richard Sr. and Cheryl Fentress of Friendship, MD and Darlene Fentress of Upper Marlboro, MD; eight grandchildren: Abigail, Michael, Shannon (Brandt), Sheri, Yvette, Anne, Richie Jr, and Mattie (Katie); as well as many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Joseph in 2018, Michael in 2003, and William in 1992. Friends are invited to celebrate Hazel's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Sunday, July 21 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm, where her funeral service will held on Monday, July 22 at 12 pm. Interment will follow at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD.  Condolences may be made by clicking the Memory Wall link on this page.

Obituaries

Margaret Arrington

Karen Robinson

Constance Washington

John Ringer

Michael Howard

Vernon Smith

Sandy Sadler

Sotirios Christoforou

Phyllis Krankowski

John Sanford

Martin Loftus

Lucinda Edwards

James Coulter

Voron Xarya

Joan Henderson

Malcolm Uhl

Alecia King

Ricky Talkington

Jeanne Ulrich

Judge, Dr. Willie Thomas

Dexter Nuckels

Eileen Allen

Hazel Fentress

Melaine Longus