It is the convention of this publication, as of our inauguration in January 2026, to print obituary notices for any Helen or greater White County resident whose family, estate, or personal pre-mortem instructions specify that notice should be taken in the pages of Bavarian Brainrot. The notices printed below, with one exception, are drawn from the White County Coroner's monthly public notice (posted January 23, 2026). Coverage language is submitted by family.

We list, in chronological order of death:

Ruth Ellen Hammond, 91, of Cleveland. Died December 26, 2025, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville, of complications of congestive heart failure. Ruth was born August 14, 1934, in Rabun County, Georgia, and had lived in White County since her marriage to the late Dexter Hammond in 1957. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Cleveland, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Helen Garden Club (she served as secretary, 1978-1982). She is survived by her son, Dexter Hammond Jr. (Cleveland); her daughter, Ellen Hammond Prestwick (Atlanta); seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A graveside service was held January 2 at Hammond family plot, Yonah Memorial Gardens.

Gunther Walter Kreitz, 78, of Helen. Died January 3, 2026, at home, of natural causes. Gunther was the second son of Heinrich and Anna Kreitz, owners of the original Heinrich's Cuckoo Emporium (1204 Bruckenstrasse), and the elder brother of current proprietor Wilhelm Kreitz. He was a retired civil engineer (Georgia Department of Transportation, 1972-2008). He is survived by his wife, Martha (Helen); his brother, Wilhelm (Helen); his son, Kurt Kreitz (Atlanta); and four grandchildren. Private funeral at family's request; a public memorial service is planned for late spring.

Mrs. Lillian Birdie Swaggerty, 87, of Sautee. Died January 7, 2026, at Sunset Manor, Cleveland, following a brief illness. Mrs. Swaggerty ran the Swaggerty family pecan orchard (Sunlight Hollow Road) from 1962 through 2004. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Swaggerty-Toccoa (Sautee); three grandchildren; and a great- granddaughter. Services were held January 12 at Sautee Presbyterian Church; memorial contributions to the Nacoochee Valley Methodist Home.

Private First Class (U.S. Army, Ret.) Edgar Maitland "Mitt" Willis, 83, of Helen. Died January 11, 2026, at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Atlanta, of complications related to a stroke. Mr. Willis served in the U.S. Army from 1960 through 1966, including a tour in Vietnam. He was a lifelong resident of Helen and a member of American Legion Post 411. He is survived by his wife, Anna; four children; nine grandchildren; and eleven great- grandchildren. Services January 17 at First United Methodist Church of Helen; interment at Helen Cemetery with full military honors.

[Initials: J.W.], 74, of [redacted per deceased's standing instruction]. Died January 14, 2026, at home. The deceased's September 2024 signed pre-mortem instruction, notarized by Mr. Owen Trelow of Cleveland, directs in full:

"Upon my death, please do not name me in Bavarian Brainrot's obituary page, should that publication exist at the time of my death. My objection to this is personal. I have discussed it with my family. They understand. I have nothing against the publication or its staff. I simply do not want my name there. If this publication exists and is preparing my obituary, please print my initials only. You may, if you wish, print the paragraph you are now reading as a separate note. I will pay, from my estate, the standard obituary-notice fee. I have included it in my will."

We honor the request. J.W. was a lifelong resident of White County and is survived by a family that has, per the executor, asked also for privacy. We have not printed the initials of surviving family members.

Mr. Rutherford "Ford" Pettibone, 68, of White Springs. Died January 18, 2026, at home, of a heart attack. Mr. Pettibone was the founder of Pettibone Auto Body (Duncan Bridge Road) and a longtime member of the White County Youth Baseball Association board. He is survived by his wife, Doreen; three children; and four grandchildren. Services January 22 at First Baptist of White Springs.

This publication offers its condolences to all families listed above, and to the unnamed family of J.W.

— Edmund Crowe, Editorial Page Editor