Published: May 08, 2007 08:23 pm         

May 9, 2007 obituaries

Ronald D. Sweetland

May 4, 2007

Ronald David Sweetland, 78, of Crossville, passed away May 4, 2007. Funeral services were conducted May 8 from the chapel of Hood Funeral Home, with Pastor Jeremy Arnall officiating.

Mr. Sweetland was born in 1928 in Burlington, VT, the son of Burt Eugene and Ina Mae Sessions Sweetland.

He was a member of the Crossville Seventh-day Adventist Church. He graduated from Peter's School of Watchmaking in Washington, DC, and later owned his own business in Vermont, specializing in the repair of antique watches and family heirlooms. His expertise was sought out several times for some very high profile tasks.

His employment in Washington led to him being asked to perform work for the State Department and the Smithsonian Institute, where he had the opportunity to meet Secretary of State Dean Rusk and Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black. The two most interesting projects were working on the Yale University Collection of Clocks and the Vermont Historical Clock, which stood 12 feet tall.

He also held a license in real estate in Connecticut, Maryland and Vermont, and was a member of the Crossville Noon Rotary Club. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who brought joy and laughter to all those around him and will be greatly missed my many.

Survivors include his wife, Loraine of Crossville; daughter and son-in-law, Dale Jeanie and Gary Bettis of Peachtree City, GA; grandchildren, Jason Bettis, Matthew Bettis and Brandi Orbin; and great-grandchildren, Tyler Grant Bettis, Regan Jane Orbin and Benjamin Grant Orbin.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy L. Hynes; and brother, Robert Eugene Sweetland.

Hood Funeral Home and Crematory, LLC was in charge of the arrangements.

www.hoodfuneralhome.com



Elizabeth J. Watkins

June 19, 1928 — May 5, 2007

Elizabeth Jane Watkins, 78, of Crossville, passed away May 5, 2007. Funeral services were conducted May 8 at First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. John Halliburton and the Rev. Ron Pulley officiating. Burial was in Crossville City Cemetery.

Mrs. Watkins was born June 19, 1928, in Georgetown, OH, the daughter of Norbert Cullen and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Hendrick.

She was a secretary and of the Methodist faith.

Survivors include her husband, Tom Watkins of Crossville; daughters and sons-in-law, Rebecca and Danny Dominador of Ontario, CA, Arlene and Melvin Hooper of Hilliard, OH, Darlene Watkins of Wayne, MI and Beverly and Carey Preston of Hanburg, MI; sons and daughters-in-law, Robert Lee and Carol Arthurs of Ann Arbor, MI and Timothy Cullen and Alana Arthurs of Sandy, UT; sister, Margaret Cullen Campbell; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Jack Ramon Arthurs and Gary Arthurs; brother, Jack Russell Hendricks; and granddaughter, Thyia Arthurs.

Bilbrey Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of the arrangements.