Edith Simons Hanson, 91, of Madison died Monday, March 23, 2009. She was born October 22, 1917 in Warren County to Daniel and Annie Parham Simons. She married Hugh Carroll Hanson on July 27, 1940. Mrs. Hanson was a member of Madison Baptist Church. She loved to cook for her family and enjoyed her flower gardens and singing. She was also a great basketball player in her youth.

Edward Richard “Ricky” Wilbanks, 61, of Madison died Friday, March 13, 2009 at Athens Regional Medical Center. He was born April 14, 1947 in Morgan County to Robert Lee Wilbanks Sr. and Dorothy Schell Wilbanks. He was disabled but still enjoyed fishing and working at his computer.

Henry Usher Almand, 61, of Madison died Friday, March 13, 2009. He was the son of Henry and Aslee Armour Almand. He was born November 18, 1947 in Morgan County. He married Shirley Long on July 10, 1964. They made their home in Madison. Mr. Almand owned and operated Henry’s Fast Lube in Covington. He enjoyed drag racing and building muscle cars.

Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Thrasher Baldwin, 95, of Madison, died March 11, 2009. She was born October 27, 1913 in Atlanta. She was the daughter of Barton Edmonds Thrasher and Hattie Belle Quillian Thrasher. She was a graduate of Decatur High School and Agnes Scott College. She was an accomplished pianist having studied at the Atlanta Conservatory of Music and Agnes Scott College.

Olen L. Wells Sr., 78, of Newborn died Monday, March 9, 2009 at Abbey Hospice Respite Center in Social Circle.
He was born March 25, 1930 in Rockdale County to the late Charlie Golden and Louise Smith Wells.

Ronnie Mitchem, 52, died March 1, 2009 at Athens Regional Hospital. He was born February 4, 1957 to Clara and Emmitt Mitchem. He was educated in Morgan County Public Schools. Following graduation he was employed by the University of Georgia at the Experiment Station in Eatonton.