National & International Obituaries

One of the first county clerks to issue same sex marriage licenses has died. Clela Rorex called herself an "accidental activist" but was an important figure in the fight for LGBTQ civil rights.

Mary Ogden's children and granddaughter remember her through the lullaby "Baby Boat," which meant a lot to all of them. Ogden died from COVID-19 in 2020, not long after her 100th birthday.

Mark Shields, the longtime commentator known for his weekly political analysis and sense of humor, has died at the age of 85, PBS NewsHour confirmed.

Shannon Hunt remembers mechanic Scott "Scooter" Stewart of Shiloh, Ill., who died from COVID. She calls him her "bonus dad."

"We get so stuck on categories and labels that you completely miss the point of really beautiful, authentic forms of art," Stabille told Jazz Night in America in 2015.

Hall's many roles included parts in Midnight Run, Hard Eight, Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and he was known for one of the most powerfully funny guest appearances on Seinfeld.

Black is being remembered for his commentary on a wide range of issues — from Thanksgiving turkeys to children's names to the Supreme Court — from the perspective of a Western farmer and rancher.

Cruise's instrument, a voice of such intense calm it could be unsettling, made her a natural collaborator of director David Lynch — and, later, new-wave icons The B-52s.

No details on when or how John Such died were immediately available. A publicist for Bon Jovi didn't immediately respond to messages.

Yuli Wexler, a Soviet refusenik, economist and friend of NPR, has died at 74.