A Minnie Mouse statue, as well as one of a butterfly and other decorations sat beneath the bench.
Hannah Gilley grew up on Hackworth Hill and her relatives lived in a handful of the homes along a narrow lane.
Gilley, 20, was well known in the community.
“All the kids knew her,” said Janie Purtee, an employee at The Depot in nearby Otway, where the funeral service was held. “Anytime a young person like that …”
Gilley was the fiancee of Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden. They were among the eight people killed April 22 west of Piketon. Ruger Lee Rhoden, Gilley’s 6-month-old son, was found unharmed next to his mother.
On Saturday, the Botkin Hornback Funeral Home barred media from attending the funeral service.
“That’s not going to happen. They want their privacy,” said a man who identified himself as an employee of the funeral home.
People at The Depot and those leaving the funeral home had no comment about the recent events that have kept the area on edge. Two little girls walking out of the funeral home wore T-shirts emblazoned with the words, “In Memory of Hannah Gilley.”
About 3:15 p.m., a long procession of cars pulled away from the funeral home for the drive to the cemetery.
Gilley is also survived by her parents, her stepfather, four brothers, two sisters and three of her four grandparents.
Scioto County Sheriff Marty Donini was part of the security detail at the funeral home.
“We’re just here as a courtesy to make sure nothing does occur,” he said. “We’re not expecting any issues.”
Donini expressed sympathy for the families and shock at the seriousness of the case.
“It’s a sad situation. It’s a tragedy. Eight victims. It’s unheard of.”
A benefit is to be held in Hannah Gilley’s memory Friday from noon to 6 p.m. at Beril’s Bar & Grill in Piketon.
Loyd Gilley, a great uncle, recalled watching her get on and off the school bus years ago.
“She was a beautiful young girl,” he said. “She was raised about a mile up the road from me.”
Gilley said the family had no other information about the case.
“All we know is what we heard on the news,” he said.
Hannah was the granddaughter of Loyd’s brother Donald Ray Gilley.
“He’s in such a state,” Loyd Gilley said, adding that his brother’s wife also was beyond words.
“ They just don’t like to talk about it,” he said.
Gilley said he never got to see Hannah’s 6-month-old son and called on authorities to catch the killers.
“I think it’s terrible. I think they ought to be caught. Somebody ought to have to pay for that.”
There were no developments announced Saturday in the criminal investigation.
Six members of the Rhoden family are to be buried Tuesday.
About the Author
