In Matter of Reaper v. James, 08ca20 (1-13-2009)

DECISION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY

{¶ 1} Petitioner-appellant, Deborah Dean Reaper ("Reaper"), appeals the judgment of the Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas, Probate-Juvenile Division, which granted custody of her minor granddaughter, M.R., to the child's father, respondent-appellee, William James, Jr. ("James"). For the following reasons, we affirm.

{¶ 2} On April 9, 2004, Reaper's daughter, Sheila, gave birth to M.R. Sheila had custody of M.R., and Reaper often assisted with the child's care. On December 14, 2006, Sheila died in her sleep, in M.R.'s presence. Reaper filed a motion for temporary…