Orville Ross Flora

ORVILLE ROSS FLORA, age 105, of Somerville, Ohio, died on Sunday, March 23, 2008 at Woodland Country Manor. Born on June 24, 1902 in Camden, Ohio, son of late Ervin Elmer & Hannah Jane "Tiny" (Ross) Flora. Orville was a farmer in Preble County for many years. He owned and operated a slaughter house for 17 ½ years and worked as a butcher for several local groceries. He retired in 1966 from Shawnee School System after 46 & ½ years as a School Bus Driver. When Orville first took over his dad's school bus route, he drove a horse drawn hack for 15 months for Camden Local Schools. He then used his own school buses for several years before Camden Local Schools began owning them. He was a member of the Grace Community Brethren Church in West Alexandria, Ohio where he served as a Deacon and a Sunday School Superintendent. A special thanks to all the caregivers, nurses, and staff at Woodland Country Manor & Dr. James Thomson who have helped us during this difficult time.

Preceded in death by his 1st wife Hazel (Woltz) Flora in 1971; 2nd wife, Rachel Deaton (Shank) Flora in 1997; son, Charles L. Flora in 2007; grandchildren, Alex Flora in 1954 and Pam Combs in 2001; sisters, Marie Cupp, Susie Cupp, and Mabel Kerns.

Survived by his children & spouses, Naomi Tapalman of Camden, Ohio, Gordon & Janet Flora of Camden, Ohio Carol & James Tharaldson of State College, Pennsylvania, Kenneth O. & Carol Anne Flora of Franklin, Ohio, Roger E. & Judy Flora of Lake Elsinore, California and Sue Flora of Eaton, Ohio; step children & spouses, Jim & Emily Shank of Eaton, Ohio, and Carol & Larry Colclasure of Middletown, Ohio; 16 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; 12 great great grandchildren and two expected this year; numerous nephews, step nephews, nieces, step nieces, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2008 at Nein - Barnes Funeral Home - 249 North Main Street - Camden, Ohio with Rev. Harold Paul Combs and Rev. Greg Jackson officiating. Internment will be held at Fairmount Cemetery in Camden, Ohio. Family will receive friends on Thursday, March 27, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Grace Brethren Community Church - 3110 U.S. Route 35 East - West Alexandria, Ohio 45381. Condolences may be sent to the family via the Web site at www.barnesfuneralhome.com