Area Obituaries
Claude Benjamin “Ben” Wirth, age 77 of rural Lawrenceville, passed away Friday, September 22, 2023, at Aperion Care of Bridgeport. He was born August 13, 1946, in Lawrence County to Lillian Pearl Wirth. Ben was married to Patricia “Pat” J. (Thomas) until she preceded him in death in October of 1998. He later married Beverly (Holloway) until her passing in August of 2016. After graduating from Bridgeport Township High School, Ben served in the United States Army from 1964-1967 in Germany. Upon returning home, he worked some odd jobs before landing in the oilfield, where he found his passion, drilling for oil. Ben was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed hunting…especially bird hunting, fishing, and camping. He was an outdoorsman. Surviving family includes: five daughters- Tamela Hager and husband David, Pamela Aldridge and husband Kevin, Elizabeth Sottile and husband Sal, Kimberly Crouch, and Patti Ash and husband Guy; three step-children- Alan York and wife Tiffany, Jodi Ayres and husband Kevin, and Nicole Wissing and husband Joe; six grandchildren- Brandy Smith, Bradley Hager, Ashley Tewell, Ryan Tewell, Nichole Ash, and Guy Ash; five step-grandchildren- Dalton York, Haley York, Kyle York, Quentin Ayres, and Denise McDonald; six great-grandchildren-Marian Smith, Karson Hager, Jayley Akers, Jase Akers, Ozdyn Ash, and Emibelle Ash; and seven step-great-grandchildren- Keith York, Karleigh Hill, Kendrix York, Blakely Ayres, Amelia McDonald, Hudson Ayres, and Kayson York. He was preceded in death by: his mom- Lillian Wirth; his wives- Pat and Beverly; and one son- Jimmy Medlen. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the Cunningham Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home as well. Burial will take place in Bridgeport City Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Lawrence County Cancer Resource Center and Wig Shoppe directly or through the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.
