Obituary: During he early 2000s, John Fisher-Smith read short commentaries on JPR’s “Jefferson Daily” about place and value, called “Reflections.” He loved singing with the Peace Choir, and the group’s pilgrimage to Hiroshima, Japan, in 2006 was one of the highlights of his elderhood. A celebration of John’s life will take place at Temple Emek Shalom on April 6, welcoming all who wish to join at 1:45 p.m.

Obituary: Jean Alayne Francis of Ashland died on Dec. 30 at the age of 81. In July 1999, Jean and her husband Chick retired to Ashland, where they purchased a great house in the mountains with spectacular views from their wraparound deck. They lived happily there for 25 years.

Obituary: Caroline Kirkman, 95, died Nov. 12, 2024, almost 10 years to the day after her late husband of 62 years. Her memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 11 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ashland, 1615 Clark Ave. (at the corner of Walker Avenue and Siskiyou Boulevard).

Mark Freeman, a longtime Southern Oregon reporter who spent nearly four decades covering the region’s environmental and outdoors news, will be remembered for his quick wit, unbridled sense of humor and unwavering dedication to his craft. Freeman, a longtime Medford resident and former reporter for the Mail Tribune, died of cancer on Saturday, Dec. 21. He was 60.

Obituary: Ruth Bell Alexander, 80, a pioneering women’s health advocate, writer, and community leader, died Dec. 4 in Ashland. In 2005, Ruth Alexander was elected to the Ashland School Board, where she served two terms as a vocal advocate for equitable education and student engagement. She organized the whole town into a one-week television hiatus called “No TV Week” in the early 1990s.

Obituary: It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia “Patti” Ann Metz (Seely), a devoted mother, friend, and pillar of the Rogue Valley community in Southern Oregon for the past 44 years. On Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, Patti left us at the age of 86, after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those she cherished.

Obituary: Donald Richard Montgomery passed peacefully on Nov. 27, 2024, aged 94, at his home in Ashland, Oregon. He became Director of Ocean Services at NOAA, and he authored several articles and co-authored a book about the Surveyor spacecraft. His work took him around the world, from Kenya, Australia and the South Pacific, to the arctic regions of Iceland, Greenland and Norway.

Obituary: Patricia Jean Romeo, 96, died Oct. 21. She and her late husband formerly owned a bed and breakfast in Ashland, where she served on the board of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. A memorial service will be held Dec. 28 in Denver, Colorado.

Obituary: Eileen Slowikowski, an Ashland and Talent resident of more than 50 years, passed peacefully at home on Nov. 25, 2024, with her family at her side. Eileen was 93 years old. In honor of Eileen’s life, smile at a stranger, help someone in need, or have a party. And don’t forget the hors d’oeuvres.

Obituary: Sheila Waldorf Filan passed away Nov. 12 at the age of 84. During her years in Ashland, Sheila Filan was active in Siskiyou Aikikai drumming, the Ashland Food Pantry, sewing and gardening groups. She taught in the fiber arts department at SOU.