GANELL B. COOK

DACUSVILLE — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ganell B. Cook of Dacusville, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother, who left this world on Christmas evening, Dec. 25, 2025, at the age of 94.

In addition to her parents, William Carlos and Clara Belle Hightower Barbare, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Lewis (Junior) Cook; her two sisters, Vannie Collins and Lillie Mae Bailey; and her two brothers, William (Bill) and Tom Barbare.

Gay, as she preferred to be called, was born April 20, 1931, in Travelers Rest. Mrs. Cook worked most of her life at Monaghan and Dunean Mills. She retired after 12 years from the Greenville County Courthouse, where she was a bailiff, at the age of 80.

Gay is survived by her two daughters, Terry Cook and Scarlett (Cookie) Cook Barbare; son-in-law Billy ‘Boy’; two grandchildren, Heather Earnest Lowery (John) and Chris Earnest (Michelle); five great-grandchildren, Robbin Lowery (Kevin), Jordan Lowery, Justin Lowery (Adara), Christyn Earnest Brown (Jake and her service dog, Beasley) and Trey Earnest (Mikayla); and six great-great-grandchildren, Vivienne, Grey, James, River and Juniper Ganell Lowery and Easton Vincent.

More than anything, Gay loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She never met a stranger and could always find a deal when shopping. She loved to cook and no matter how flat her biscuits ended up, they were the absolute best in the world!

Funeral services were held at an earlier date by Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Northwest, with burial in Graceland Cemetery, West.

The family would like to sincerely thank Interim Hospice and Freedom Homecare for the love and care they gave their mother.

 

RUBY RAMEY

SIX MILE — Ruby Ramey, 86, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at Edisto Post Acute.

Born on May 21, 1939, in Pickens, Ruby was the beloved daughter of the late Jess Samson Ramey and Thessie Cornelia Chapman Ramey. She devoted many years of her life to Alice Manufacturing, where she worked faithfully as a weaver before retiring.

Ruby was a loving and devoted mother to her three children, and her life was marked by strength, resilience and an unwavering work ethic. She knew the value of hard work, having spent countless hours helping in the fields and chopping wood, never shying away from what needed to be done. Despite a life of labor, Ruby found joy in caring for her family, especially through her gift for cooking, which brought comfort and warmth to those she loved.

Ruby is survived by her son, James Ramey of Pickens, and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Ramey was predeceased by a son, Don Ramey; a daughter, Cornelia Ramey; brothers, Earl Jackson Ramey, Hubert Ramey and Ray Ramey; and a sister, Azilee Blankenship.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Ramey family.

 

BOBBIE CHAPMAN

LIBERTY — With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Bobbie Chapman, who left us peacefully on Dec. 31, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born on July 12, 1933, in Liberty, she was the widow of Earl “Mutt” Chapman and a daughter of the late John Gaston and Zoy Gillespie Medlock.

Bobbie dedicated her professional life to the School District of Pickens County, where she lovingly served as the librarian at Liberty Middle School for many years. Her passion for books and learning inspired countless students and helped create a nurturing environment for young minds to flourish. She was not just a librarian; she was a guiding light, sharing her love of reading and knowledge with everyone who crossed her path.

A proud member of East Side Baptist Church, she was actively involved with the Golden Gems, forming lifelong friendships and celebrating life’s joys with her church family. With a warm smile and a heart full of love, she shared her talents in cooking and sewing, often bringing people together with her delicious meals and handcrafted gifts.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Steve Chapman (Sandra); three grandchildren, Brian Chapman, Stephanie Hendershott and Matthew Chapman; and her great-grandchildren, Haile, Cameron, Colin and Callie.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Earl Jackson “Jackie” Chapman Jr. and Larry Dean Chapman; a sister, Clara M. Shephard; and three brothers, JP Medlock, Thomas Gaston “Junior” Medlock and William Ray Medlock.

Family and friends were invited to celebrate Bobbie’s life at a funeral service held on Jan. 2 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. She was laid to rest beside her husband at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

The family wishes to honor her spirit by remembering the joy she brought to our lives and the love she freely gave. She will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the East Side Baptist Church, Capital Improvement Fund, 920 Anderson Drive, Liberty SC 29657.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

RODERICK ALVAREZ ‘RICK’ MOORE

PICKENS — Roderick Alvarez “Rick” Moore, 76, loving husband to the late Jo-Ann Wilbanks Moore, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Born on July 4, 1949, in Oconee County, Roderick was the beloved son of the late John Thomas Moore and Ethel Marie Wilson Moore. A dedicated and hardworking man, he took great pride in his career as a heavy equipment operator, a trade he truly loved and one that reflected his strong work ethic and skill.

Survivors include his daughters, Tina Moore of Easley and Tammy Wilson (Ashley) of Liberty; grandchildren, Darrian Mitchell (Allie) and Austin Moore (Anjelica); great-grandchildren, Rayne, Kayden, Crimson, Lei and Lucas; niece, Hazel; nephew, Michael; special friend, Wanda Stansell; and best friend, Dan Koon.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Moore was predeceased by his sister, Martha Peay.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 6 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rick’s honor may be made to Wounded Warrior Project by mailing P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or by visiting support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Daddy,

Memories are treasures no one can steal. Death leaves a heart ache no one can heal. God gave us the strength to fight the blow, but what it was to lose you no one will ever know. A million times we have needed you. A million times we have cried. If love alone could have spared you, you would have never died. A precious heart stopped beating. Two smiling eyes at rest. God broke our hearts to prove that He only takes the best.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Moore family.

 

FRANKIE ANN MOODY BATES

PICKENS — Frankie Ann Moody Bates, 79, loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away in her home on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.

Mrs. Bates was the daughter of the late Frank Moody and Sarah Moody, and the wife of the late Charles Lafate Bates. She worked at Dunean Mill, Griffin Radiator, Champion Aerospace and Reliable Sprinkler. She enjoyed reading, knitting and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her daughters, Teresa Annette Ramey of Easley, Elizabeth Christine Whitlock (Barry) of Six Mile and Rebecca Lee Bates of Easley; her son, Charles Lafate Bates II (Duane) of Gray Court; her grandchildren, Toby J. Mullinnix (Amber), Joshua N. Mullinnix, Michael A. Mullinnix, Sarah A. Mullinnix, Elizabeth J. Whitlock, Phillip Bates, Brittany Bates, F. Blake Bates and Catlin S. Devall; and her great-grandchildren, Sebastian Mullinnix, Skyler Mullinnix and Payton Mullinnix, Huxley Mullinnix, Miles Mullinnix, Hudson Mullinnix and Millie Mullinnix and Ivy Elizabeth Parfitt.

She was predeceased by her parents; her half-sister, Sarah Cortez Mauldin; her husband, Charles “Charlie” Bates; her daughter, Mary Catherine Bates; her grandson, Jeremy Michael Whitlock; and her son-in-law, Isaac Ramey.

Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Jan. 10 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens, with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Bates family.

DELMA ROPER

EASLEY — Delma Roper, 77, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at Fleetwood Post Acute in Easley.

Born on July 21, 1948, in Pickens County, Delma was the beloved son of the late Elbert Roper and Viola Chapman Roper. He was of the Baptist faith and lived his life with a strong sense of joy and character. By trade, Delma worked as a textile worker and painter, taking pride in his work. Known for his lively personality, he was truly a character who loved to make others laugh. In his free time, Delma enjoyed shooting pool, riding around, taking in the sights and always finding happiness in the simple pleasures of life.

Survivors include his daughters, Crystal Orr (Tim) of Easley and Cynthia Lawrence (David) of North Carolina; grandchildren, Christian Merritt, Olivia Orr, Michael, Davin, Christian, Benjamin, Andrew, Gabriel and Noah; great-grandchildren, Crawford Merritt, Robert Jr., Michael, Anthony and Luca; brother, John Roper (Cynthia); sister, Judy Patterson; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Roper was predeceased by a grandson, Robert; and his siblings, James Roper, J.D. Roper, Juanita Meinders, Burnette Roper, George Roper, Francis Hawkins, Darcus Roper, Doyle Roper, Margaret Roper, Martha Posey, Debra Fortescue and Pearl Roper.

The family will hold a graveside service in Bethlehem Methodist Church cemetery in Pickens that will be announced at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Roper family.

 

RONALD WILLIS

SIX MILE — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Clyde Willis, a beloved husband, brother and friend, who departed this life on Dec. 26, 2025, at the age of 74.

Born in Anderson, he was a son of the late James Franklin and Dorothy Lee Howard Willis.

Ronald spent his life in the beautiful small town of Six Mile, where he became an integral part of his community and a cherished member of the Six Mile Church of God of Prophecy.

He was a man of many passions. He had a profound love for music that resonated through every interaction he had. Whether it was playing the piano, singing or sharing music with others, his joyful spirit brought happiness to those around him. Ronald particularly enjoyed visiting Pruitt Nursing Home, where he delighted residents with his musical talents and warm smile, leaving a trail of joy in his wake.

In addition to his musical gifts, Ronald was a skilled woodworker who found joy and relaxation in crafting beautiful pieces. However, above all, he treasured time spent with his family on camping and fishing trips.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 32 years, Theresa Willis; his children, Pamela Bishop, Krissey Dodson, Danielle Willis, Jennifer Myers, Russell Willis, Joseph Doonan, Kevin Post, Joey Doonan and Russell Hunt; and his siblings, Rev. Dewayne Willis, Doris Gilstrap and Deloris Hughes, who defined his life and brought him immeasurable happiness.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Rev. Michael Willis; a son, Jimmy Doonan; and a daughter, Renee Hunt.

Funeral services to celebrate Ronald’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 7 at Six Mile Church of God of Prophecy.  He will be laid to rest with his parents at the Six Mile Church of God of Prophecy cemetery.

In this difficult time, we reflect on the memories of a man who brought light to everyone he encountered. Ronald’s warmth, generosity and creativity will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of his family and friends. We invite all who knew him to join us in honoring his life and the love he shared with us all.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.