REV. ROBERT KINNEY 1911-2010
VAN WERT – The Rev. Robert R. Kinney, age 98, of Van Wert, died at 5:05 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6 at Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born Dec. 12, 1911 in Broughton, the son of Edwin M. and Amanda Veshti (Upp) Kinney. He was a retired pastor, having served for 35 years at numerous Methodist churches around the area. Surviving are four daughters, Barbara (Robert) Wolfrum of Van Wert, Anita (Roger) Webb of Springdale, Ark., Bonnie (Ray) Barger of Bluffton, Ind., and Linda (Toby) Thomas of Ohio City; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a daughter-in-law, Kay Kinney of Wauseon.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Edith Kempher Kinney in 1969; his second wife, Helen Metzger Kinney, in 2006; a son, Roger; two sisters, Glenna Kinney and Helen Mees; a brother, Ward; and one grandchild.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 11 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial was in Sherman Cemetery, Paulding County.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to afghc@embarqmail.com

RONALD WILLIAMS 1942-2009
LAS VEGAS – Ronald R. Williams, age 67, died Dec. 13 in Las Vegas.
He was born in 1942 in Paulding County.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date in Middle Creek Cemetery, Washington Township. Arrangements were handled by Hites Funeral Home, Henderson, Nev.

TONYA BIGHAM
FORT WAYNE — Tonya Rose Bigham, 52, of Fort Wayne, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009 following a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Van Wert, she married Jay D. Bigham on June 18, 1977 and he survives. They moved to Fort Wayne, where they shared their life and raised a family together. She was employed by Lincoln Financial Group for 28 years, where she made many lifelong friends. She was a regular attendant of Crossview Church in Grabill. She spent the last few years loving being a grandma and spending time with her family and friends.
Her abundance of love for her family and her friends will always be remembered. Her will to live was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. We take comfort in knowing that she is now in the arms of the Lord, cancer-free and in peace with the loved ones that have passed before her.
Also surviving are a son, Erik L. Bigham of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Stacie N. Bigham of Fort Wayne; a granddaughter, Kylie Nicole Bigham of Fort Wayne; three brothers, Clint Galloway of North Fort Myers, Fla., Mark (Penny) Price of Payne and Karl (Melva) Price of San Antonio; and four sisters, Stephonie (Jon) Stewart of Crossville, Tenn., Kim (Ed) Woodard of North Fort Myers, Fla., Tamera (Tom) Bartz of Grover Hill and Bernetta (Scott) Geise of Ft. Jennings.
She was preceded in death by her father, Harold B. Price; and mother, Myrna R. Young.
“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” -Phil 4:13.
Memorial services were held Saturday, Jan. 2 at Crossview Church, in Grabill. Arrangements were made by Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services.
Preferred memorials are to the Kylie Bigham Trust Fund or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.

JOSEPH OTT 1911-2010
ANTWERP — Joseph Henry Ott, 98, of Antwerp, died at 6:20 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at the Antwerp Manor House Assisted Living.
He was born June 12, 1911 in Payne, the son of Henry  and Anna  (Papenbrock) Ott. On Nov. 9, 1935, he married Marie Meyer, who preceded him in death on Nov. 28, 1986. He worked at Payne Co-op and was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish and Knights of Columbus.
He will be sadly missed by his son, Chuck (Bev) of Hamilton, Ind.; grandchildren, Rhonda (Joe) Friend of Cecil, Renee (Brian) Dirrim of Edgerton, JaCee (Bob) Franz  of Hamilton, Ind. and Randy of Antwerp; seven great-grandchildren; and  four great-great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Antwerp. Burial will be in Maumee Cemetery.
Hours of visitation will be from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, with a Catholic vigil at 7:30 p.m. Viewing hours are also available from 9-9:30 a.m. Saturday at Dooley Funeral Home.
Preferred memorials are to the church or Antwerp Branch Library.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

JEANNE BRYAN 1933-2010
PAULDING – Jeanne J. Bryan, 77, of Paulding, passed away at 9:54 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, at  her residence.
She was born Jan. 1, 1933, in Defiance, the daughter of Dorothy (Ehrman) and Chester Raymond Butler, who both preceded her in death. On June 9, 1951, she married Robert Bryan, who preceded her in death on May 21, 1998. She was a homemaker and member of  Paulding Church of Christ.
She will be sadly missed by her children, Robert Jr. and Julia, both of Ocklawaha, Fla., and David and Michael, both of Paulding; five brothers, Raymond, Earl, Carl, Ernest Richard and Gary, all of Washington; five sisters, Sharon Kelley of Idaho, Patricia Escabar and Sandy Heilman, both of Washington, Linda Edwards of Fort Wayne and  Cheryl Smead of Oregon; three grandchildren, Cassidy and Cody Bryan and Thomas Beaulaurier; and three great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by two brothers, Allen and David Butler; and two sisters, Emma Place and Rita Searl.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at the  Paulding Church of Christ. Dooley Funeral Home of Antwerp and Payne is in charge of the arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the church. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

JERROLD BOUNDY
1936-2010
LARGO, Fla. – Jerrold E. “Jerry” Boundy, 73, of Columbus and Largo, Fla., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at Hospice House Woodside, Pinellas Park, Fla. He was born Nov. 3, 1936 in Paulding, the son of Harold and Maxine (Peeper) Boundy. He was an investment real estate broker, having owned his own business, Focus Health Care, of Worthington. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Paulding.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jo-Ann; a son, Jerrold Scot, of Pennsylvania; two daughters, Cathy (Michael) Keller of Roseville, Calif. and Beth (Tim) Tabor, Gahanna; two stepsons, Kevin (Randy) McClure of Lewis Center and Scott (Teresa) McClure of Gambier; a stepdaughter, Debbi (Scott) Butterbaugh, Cowpens, S.C.; two brothers, John (Leah) of St. Charles, Mo. and Mitchell (Romaine) of Paulding; a sister, Judith (Glen) Pryor of Dallas; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Memorial services were held Saturday, Jan. 16 at Moss-Feaster Funeral Home, Largo, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to The Church @ 85, 85 E. Wilson Bridge Road Suite A, Worthington OH 43085.

veteranDON STARRY 1944-2010
ANTWERP – Donald R. Starry, 65, of Antwerp, died at 9:20 pm, Thursday, Jan. 14, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 29, 1944, in Antwerp, the son of Pearl (Hoover) and Earl  Starry, who both preceded him in death. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam; was a member of Antwerp VFW Post 5087 and worked at Uniroyal Goodrich, Woodburn.
Surviving are two sons, Charles (Denise) of Antwerp and Craig (Sherry) of Sherwood; two daughters, Christine (Alan) Carnahan of Stryker and Linda (Rob) Shipman of Payne; a brother, Richard of Antwerp; one sister, Marge Proxmire of Paulding; 12 grandchildren; and five  great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a sister, Helen Oller; and a brother, Harold.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 18, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp. 
Memorials are to Dooley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 452, Antwerp, 45813. 
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

VETERAN: ELMER SPROW 1922-2010
PAULDING: Elmer W. Sprow, age 87, died Monday, Jan. 18 at The Gardens of Paulding.
He was born June 15, 1922 in Paulding County, the son of Oscar and Anna (Jacob) Sprow. On Dec. 12, 1947 he married Kathryn Anne Williamson, who preceded him in death on May 5, 1991. He was the owner of Sprow Realty and Motel, retiring in 1981; a WWII U.S. Navy veteran; and a life member of Paulding VFW Post 587.
He is survived by a daughter, Vicki (David) Hunt, Defiance; two sons, Steve (Jane) Sprow and Mike (Vicki Rae) Sprow, both of Paulding; a brother, Dan (Carolyn) Sprow, Benton, Tenn.; and a sister, Alverta Clark, Clearwater, Fla.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and special friend, Mildred LaLonde, Defiance.
He also was preceded in death by a son, Brock R. Sprow; three brothers, Don, LaVon and Edward Sprow; and a sister, Delores Thomas.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial will be in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding, with military graveside rites accorded by VFW Post 587.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22 and one hour prior to services on Saturday at Den Herder Funeral Home.
Preferred memorial donations are to Paulding VFW Post 587.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

HENRIETTA MOWERY 1920-2010
CELINA — Henrietta Anna Mowery, 89, of Celina, died at 11:04 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at the Celina Manor.
She was born Sept. 30, 1920, in New Bremen, the daughter of Julius and Amanda (Blumhorst) Luedeke. She was a 1938 graduate of New Bremen High School. On Sept. 26, 1943, she married Eugene “Bogie” Mowery, who preceded her in death on Feb. 23, 2006. She was a homemaker and was retired from Celina Insurance Group. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Celina and the Ladies Grace Circle of the church.
Surviving are three sons, Dave (Kathy) of Sylva, N.C., Steve of Celina, and Charles of Fairborn; a daughter, Ruth (Jerry) Long of Celina; a daughter-in-law, Sally Mowery of Paulding; two sisters-in-law, Josephine McEvoy of Celina and Dee Dee Luedeke of Tennessee; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a son, Henry “Hank” Mowery, in 2008; a sister, Bernadine Fledderjohn; and six brothers, Arnold, Lester, Elmer, Andrew, Ferd and Edward Luedeke. Services were held Monday, Jan. 18, at W.H. Dick and Sons Funeral Home in Celina, with pastor Paul Baglien officiating. Burial was in the German Protestant Cemetery in New Bremen. Preferred memorials may be directed to the Mercer County Crippled Children and Adults Fund or St. John Lutheran Church Organ Fund. Online condolences may be sent to dick.hellwarth@verizon.net

veteran THOMAS MYERS1929-2010
HAVILAND — Thomas George Myers, 80, died Sunday, Jan. 17, at Van Wert County Inpatient Hospice.
He was born April 21, 1929, in Paulding County, the son of Lewis H. and Wilhelminia C. (Gombert) Myers. On Dec. 31, 1954, he married Janet Colleen Keysor, who survives in Haviland. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean War, and a self-employed farmer, retiring in 1994. He was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church where he served on the church counsel and the building committee.
Also surviving are four sons, Jerry (Holly) Myers, John (Camille) Myers and Rick Myers, all of Haviland, and Mark (Gaye) Myers of Payne; two sisters, Joan (Wilbur) Eddy of Van Wert, and Caroline (Robert) Smith, Convoy; and seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Lewis and Maurice Myers.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 20 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Paulding with the Rev. Mike Harper officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services on today at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to Scott EMS or the Paulding County Food Pantry.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

BILLIE JO JOHNSON 1973-2010
OAKWOOD – Billie Jo Johnson, 36, of Oakwood, died at 4:21 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 at Triumph Hospital, Lima.
She was born June 13, 1973 in Defiance. She was a homemaker.
Surviving are her father and stepmother, David L. and Gaye Johnson of Mouthcard, Ky; her mother and stepfather, Wendy (Bland) and Charles Sharp Jr., of Grover Hill; a son, Dalton Johnson, at home; maternal grandmother, Betty (Glenn) Plotts of Paulding; six brothers, David (Robin) Johnson II of Oakwood, Jeremy Johnson of Mouthcard, Ky., Mark Ramey of Oakwood, Aaron (Tamara) Sharp of Cloverdale, Allen Sharp of Oakwood and Anthony (Jana) Sharp of Cloverdale; and two sisters, Cheri Sharp of Gilboa and Corlette (Ben) Martin of Continental.
Services were held Friday, Jan. 22, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood with Pastor Jimmy Wright officiating. Burial was in Hedges Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhotne.com

veteran: GLENN MONROE 1945-2010
PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. – Glenn E. Monroe, 64, of Paradise Valley, Ariz., passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Jan. 19 while working in California.
He was born Dec. 20, 1945 in Paulding, the son of Herbert and Dorothy “Millie” Monroe. A 1963 graduate of Paulding High School and 1967 graduate of Muskingum College, he attended Paris Sorbonne University in France, was a 1974 graduate of Ohio State Law School, received his masters of law degree in 1978 from the University of Virginia and was a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel.
He presently was a partner with Perkins Coie in Los Angeles; and formerly a partner with Howrey & Simon, Los Angeles, from 1996-98; partner with Bryan Cave LLP in Phoenix and Irvine, Calif. from 1980-96; adjunct professor (government contract law) at George Mason University School of Law in Fairfax, Va. in 1987;  trial attorney for the Department of the Army, Office of the Chief Trial Attorney, Board of Contract Appeals, Falls Church, Va. 1979-80; assistant professor (business law) at the University of Virginia School of Law, 1978-79; chief of the career management office, Judge Advocate General’s School, Reserve Affairs Department, 1974-76.
Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Dolly, of Paradise Valley; two daughters, Stephanie (Chris) Wilson and Lara Monroe; two grandchildren, Alyssa and Mackenzie; his father, Herb Monroe of Paulding; and a brother, Robert Monroe.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m. today, Jan. 27, at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. Messinger Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial service will be held at noon today at the First Presbyterian Church in Paulding with Pastor Dave Meriwether officiating.
Please visit www.messingermortuary.com to sign the guest book or to write the Monroe family a condolence.

ALICE CRUTCHFIELD 1928-2010
LATTY – Alice M. Crutchfield, age 85, died Tuesday, Jan. 26 at her residence surrounded by family.
She was born March 28, 1928 in Paulding County, the daughter of James C. and Lula (Vena) Goings. On July 21, 1952, she married Ernest C. Crutchfield Sr., who preceded her in death. She was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Antwerp. She retired from Dana Weatherhead. Her true joys came from participating in the Bible Education Work Ministry and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by six daughters, Barbara (Earnest) Eubanks of Dillsburg, Pa., Roberta Hardman of Paulding, Patricia (Tyrone) Ingol of Lima, Mary Alice Crutchfield of Fort Wayne, Margaret Ann Crutchfield of Latty and Allison Smith, Payne; three sons, Ernest of Latty, Albert (Darlene) of Fort Wayne and Patrick of Paulding; a brother, Richard Goings, Paulding; 18 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She also was preceded in death by a son, James Crutchfield; an infant grandson; six brothers, Cecil, Leo, Howard, Roy, Ray and Robert Goings; and a sister, Evaline Goings.
A memorial service was held Sunday, Jan. 31 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Antwerp. A private burial at Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill, will take place at a later date. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Worldwide Work of Jehovah’s Witness or Paulding County Visiting Nurses & Hospice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

HELEN KNOTTS 1911-2010
GROVER HILL — Helen L. Knotts, 98, formerly of Grover Hill, died at 12:20 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1, at the Van Crest Healthcare Center in Van Wert.
She was born Sept. 30, 1911, in Pendleton, Ind., the daughter of Clyde W. and Hazel N. (Wynant) Bright. On Nov. 4, 1929, she married Forest Knotts, who preceded her in death on May 27, 1992. She was a housewife and a member of the former Grover Hill Church of Christ in Grover Hill, where she had been the pianist and organist for over 20 years. She was also a former member of the Ladies Aide of the church.
She is survived by four daughters, Beverly (Dave) Thomas of Van Wert, Judith Stabler of Convoy, Carole Mansfield of Antwerp, and Kathleen (Terry) Armstrong of Clayton, Ind.; 18 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Carolyn J. Petty of Mesa, Ariz.; and a daughter-in-law, Gladys Knotts of Broughton.
She also was preceded in death by a son, James Knotts, and an infant son, Gene E. Knotts; and three sisters, Frances Hedges, Marjorie Reams and Rebecca Bulman.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial will be in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials may be directed to the family or a charity of the donor’s choice.

MARY WATERS
1924-2010
FORT WAYNE – Mary Millen Waters, 86, died Friday, Jan. 22, at her home.
She was born April 2, 1924 in Youngstown, the daughter of Edward and Rosemarie McCambridge. She was a medical secretary at Lincoln Life Insurance for 24 years before retiring.
She is survived by her son, Edward (Holly) Millen of Whitehall, Ohio; sisters, Rosemary Budrovic and Winnie Kindig; three grandchildren, Shawn (Irene) Millen, Derrick (Tara) Millen and Moffette (Mark) Rice; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Linwood Millen, in 1975; second husband, Ralph Waters; a son, Linwood Millen II; a sister, Joan Schumman; and a brother, Jimmy McCambridge.
Per Mary’s request, there were no services. She was entombed at Covington Memorial Gardens.
Preferred memorials are to Diabetes Association. 
To send online condolences or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.covingtonmemorial.com

MARJORIE OVERMYER 1918-2010
DEFIANCE – Marjorie H. Overmyer, 92, of Defiance, passed away and entered eternal life on Saturday, Feb. 6, at Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice, Defiance.
She was born Jan. 10, 1918 in Spencerville, Ind., the daughter of Clarence and Anna (Dunham) Keener. On Nov. 14, 1941, she married Donald L. Overmyer, who preceded her in death in 1972. She was employed by the Keenan Hotel in Fort Wayne and then worked as an assembler at General Electric in Fort Wayne. She continued her work at BF Goodrich, where she built fuel cells. She had also worked as a security guard for Pinkerton Security and was a waitress at the Vagabond Restaurant. She also managed the family farm.
Surviving are her three sons, Mike “Terry” (Darlene M.) Overmyer of Cecil, Todd Overmyer of New Orleans and Tim Overmyer of Defiance; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jack “Bill” (Violet) Keener of Fort Wayne and Lydall (Phyllis) Keener of Kinderhook, Mich.; four sisters, Kathleen (Glen) Hall of Mendotta, Ill., JoAnne (Robert) Klotz of New Haven, and Bonnie Jeremy and Jody Abbott, both of California.
She also was preceded in death by a son, Tom; three brothers, Leland, Paul and Wellman Keener; and two sisters, Ruby Waddington and Eloise Tyjetcek.
Joint memorial services for Marjorie H. Overmyer and her son, Tom Owen Overmyer (who preceded her in death by three days), were held Monday, Feb. 8, at Riverside Community Church. with Donna Stutzman officiating. Interment will be at a later date. Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home in Sherwood was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice, 06817 State Route 66 North, Defiance OH 43512.

LAURABELLE STEMEN 1920-2010
GROVER HILL – Laurabelle Stemen, age 90, died Sunday, Feb. 7 at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne.
She was born Jan. 19, 1920 in Continental, the daughter of David Leslie and Sarah Marie (Bell) Gambrel. On Nov. 23, 1938 she married Therlo V. Stemen, who preceded her in death on March 15, 1980. She attended Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Grover Hill VFW Post 2873 Auxiliary and was employed as a sales clerk by the former Goddard’s Store and McClure’s Maramart, Grover Hill. She is survived by two sons, Vernon (Linda) Stemen of Monroeville, Ind. and Richard (Paulette) Stemen, Payne; a brother, Rex (Cleo) Gambrel, Hicksville; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 at Den Herder Funeral Home, with Pastor Pat Holt and Jammie Hughes officiating. Burial will be in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill.
Visitation will be from 2:30-8 p.m. today, Feb. 10 and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the funeral home in Paulding.
Memorial donations may be made to Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

ELIZABETH PEPPER 1957-2010
PAULDING – Elizabeth Ann Pepper, 52, died Saturday, Feb. 6, at her residence.
She was born Nov. 28, 1957 in Defiance County, the daughter of Richard and Janet (Lewis) Slocum. On July 15, 1978, she married Richard G. Pepper, who survives. She worked as a nurses aide for 22 years.
She is also survived by her father, Richard Slocum, Defiance; a son, Kristopher Pepper, Midland, Mich.; and three sisters, Lori Slocum and Nancy (Jon) Adams, both of Defiance, and Tami (Kent) Miller of Ayersville.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, Feb. 10 at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with visiting hours available one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Live Oak Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elizabeth Ann Pepper family for medical expenses.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

THELMA YENSER 1922-2010
PAYNE — Thelma Denene Yenser, 87, died Wednesday, Feb. 3, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born April 29, 1922, in Haviland, the daughter of William Harold and Kathryn Viola (Matthews) Zartman. On July 16, 1938, she married Bernard “Barney” Yenser, who preceded her in death on Nov. 13, 1994. She was a homemaker.
She is survived by a son, Merl Yenser of Payne; two daughters, Linda (Gene) Edwards of Payne and Barbara (Tom) Rahrig of Novi, Mich.; four brothers, Lennis Zartman and Dean Miller, both of Payne, Bill Zartman of Antwerp and Larry (Carol) Zartman of Sherwood; four sisters, Olive Dinger, Edith Mills, Hilda Lyons and Genevieve Hoaglin, all of Payne; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a son, Darrel; three sisters, Thiea and Emma Zartman and Kathryn Fegley; and four brothers, Emmett, John, Harold Jr. and Wesley Zartman.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Revs. Jim Ayers and Rick Grimes officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to The Dallas Lamb Foundation Home.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com
veteran

JOHN REEB 1916-2010
ANTWERP — John Reeb, 93, of Antwerp, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Hicksville.
He was born June 10, 1916, in Antwerp, the son of Sue (Willit) and Ray  Reeb. In 1964, he married Sarah Marie Roberts, who preceded him in death in 2004. He was a mechanic at Leinard Chevrolet, Antwerp and proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was a life member of Antwerp VFW and American Legion posts.
Surviving are a son, Rudie of Antwerp; three grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Tom; and two brothers, Richard and Hilton.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 6, at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to V.E.T.S.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

CHERYL SMITH 1971-2010
MELROSE — Cheryl L. Smith, 38, of Melrose, died at 4:20 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Defiance area Inpatient Hospice.
She was born Feb. 20, 1971, in Paulding, the daughter of Lawrence “Butch” and Judy (Carlisle) Densmore, who survive in Oakwood. On Feb. 12, 1994, she married Michael Smith, who survives in Melrose. She had been a clerk at the Morning Star Convenience Store in Melrose for 15 years. She was a member of the Melrose United Methodist Church and she enjoyed being active in her daughters’ lives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Alyssa, Amber and Allison (Ally), all at home; a brother, Bradley Densmore of Auburn, Wash.; a sister, Lisa Densmore of Findlay; and grandmothers, Dorothy Carlisle of Paulding and Methel Densmore of Melrose.
She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Gerald Carlisle and Delmar Densmore; a stepdaughter, Amy Smith; an aunt, Erma Weller; and an uncle, Arby Densmore.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at the Melrose United Methodist Church with the Rev. Eileen Kochensparger officiating. Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery, Paulding County. Hours of visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today, Feb. 10, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood and one hour prior to services at the church.
Preferred memorials may be directed to the Defiance Area Hospice or to the American Cancer Society.

TOM OVERMYER 1954-2010
DEFIANCE – Tom Overmyer, 55, of Defiance, formerly of Antwerp, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 25, 1954, in Fort Wayne, the son of Marjorie H. (Keener) and Donald L. Overmyer. He was previously employed at S.K. Handtool and Freightway Systems.
Surviving are his mother, Marjorie, of Defiance; his children, Kari and Travis, both of Fort Wayne, Trinity of West Lafayette, and Case, Mariah and Ty, all of Antwerp; and three brothers, Terry “Mike” of Cecil, Tim of Defiance and Todd of New Orleans.
Preceding him in death were his father, Donald Overmyer; and an infant son, Erich.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 8, at Riverside Family Center. Dooley Funeral Homes of Antwerp & Payne was in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

ROBERT FLINT
DANIELSVILLE, Ga. – Robert Clifford “Bob” Flint, 76, died Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, at his residence.
Born in Paulding, he was the son of the late George Russell and Florence (Baker) Flint. He was a retired accountant and plant manager.
Survivors include five sons, Kenneth L. (Dannette) Flint of Commerce, Robert D. Flint, David R. (Sandi) Flint and Rick A. (Amy) Flint, all of Danielsville, and Dennis W. (Kim) Flint of Nicholson, Ga.; a brother, Russell (Donna) Flint, Paulding; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Katie (Steele) Flint.
Funeral services were held Sunday, Jan. 31, at Grove Level Baptist Church with the Revs. Eric Tyson and Doug Duke officiating. Burial was at Flint Family Cemetery in Danielsville. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Commerce Wrestling Club, or Commerce Parks and Recreation Dept.

FRANCES KAY MILLER
1940-2010
PAYNE — Frances Kay Miller, 69, of Payne, died at 11:50 pm, Saturday, Feb. 13, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born March 2, 1940, in Payne, the daughter of Margaret Alice (Fisher) and Cecil Mansfield, who both preceded her in death. On July 8, 1961, she married James C. Miller, who survives. She was a member of the Payne American Legion Post Auxiliary and the Payne Church of the Nazarene.
Also surviving are three sons, Randy of Payne, Philip (Dawn) of Haviland and Rodney (Merrill) Miller, of Payne; one daughter, Kathie (Steve) Wobler of Payne; five brothers, Charles (Janice), Walt, and Bruce (Marla) Mansfield, all of Payne, Morris (Kathryn) Mansfield of Shingle Springs, Calif. and Mike (Faith) Mansfield of Helena; a sister, Sara (Randy) Higgins of Defiance, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Rex and Bart Mansfield; a sister, Zoe Bostwick, and a grandson, Joshua.
Services were private. Dooley Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials are to James C. Miller.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

GRACIE PUCKETT
1929-2010
AULANDER, N.C. — Gracie Mae Cullipher Puckett, 80, of Aulander, N.C. died Friday, Feb. 12, at her home.
She was born Sept. 20, 1929, in Bertie County, the daughter of Walter Cullipher and Mattie Farless Cullipher. She was the wife of the Johnnie Puckett, who preceded her in death. She was a homemaker and a member of Colerain Baptist Church. She enjoyed dancing and bird watching.
Surviving are a son, Dan (Rita) Puckett of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Cynthia (Charles) Barriga of Aulander; two brothers, Melvin Cullipher of Aulander and Hezzie Cullipher of Emporia,Va.; two sisters, Brenda Cullipher of Aulander and Linda Dearborn of Racine, Wisc.; and grandchildren, Bridget Puckett, Ryan Puckett and Alex Barriga.
A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., today, Wednesday, Feb. 17, at the Ashley Memorial Chapel at Garrett-Jones Funeral Home in Ahoskie.
The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to University Hospice, PO Box 272, Ahoskie, NC, 27910.
Family and friends may send condolences and sign the online register at www.garrettjonesfh.com.

GERALD “BUTCH”
BLYTHE
VAN WERT — Gerald “Butch” Blythe died at 6 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at his residence.
He was born Dec. 4, 1945, in Toledo, the son of Joseph and Cydonia “Donie” (Jewell) Pratt. He married Sharon Watson, who survives in Van Wert. He was retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation where he was employed for many years. He also umpired and coached youth baseball for many years and was a member of Van Wert Victory Church.
He is survived by his father, Joseph, of Scott; two sons, Jeffrey L. of Cecil and Gregory R. (Heather) Blythe of Van Wert; four daughters, Lori A. (Allen) Farris of Cloverdale, Rhonda S. (Steve) Merkle and Dawn M. Blythe, both of Van Wert, and Amy M. Enoch; five brothers, James M. Blythe of Toledo, Dennis “Buck” Pratt of Ottoville, Stanley Pratt of Scott, Howard J. Blythe of Tucker, Ga. and Kenneth Blythe of Houston; four sisters, Beverly “Babe” Phillips of Green Cove Springs, Fla., Joan Tope of Paulding, Rocksanna Daniels of Broughton and Debbie Blythe-Alvey of Livingston, Texas; seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Cydonia Pratt; his biological father, J.R. Blythe; an infant son, Mark Alan Blythe; two sisters in infancy, Judy and Joyce; and a brother, Robert Blythe.
Services were held Sunday, Feb. 14, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Darrel Ramey officiating. Internment will be at a later date.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Van Wert Victory Church.

SHEILA HEATON
1955-2010
PAULDING – Shelia L. Heaton, 54, formerly of Pennville, Ind., died Wednesday, Feb. 10, at Paulding County Hospital.
She was born Dec. 3, 1955, in Paulding County, the daughter of Vaughn and Florence (Funk) Sanderson. In 1994, she married Greg Heaton, who preceded her in death in 2009.
She is survived by her father, Vaughn (Helen Scarborough) Sanderson, Paulding; two sons, Joel Sanderson of Portland, Ind. and Darrin (Carly) Sanderson of Bryant, Ind.; two sisters, Jacquie (Jay) Covill of Rensselaer, Ind. and Dale (Ron) Bendele of Paulding; three brothers, Dewey (Kathy) Sanderson and Rod Sanderson, both of Paulding, and Vern (Tonya) Sanderson of New Haven; a half-brother, Gene (Tracy) Ruger of Van Wert; and one granddaughter, Inara Sanderson.
She also was preceded in death by her mother, Florence.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Rose Hill Church of God, Paulding, with calling one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Latty Township. Den Herder Funeral Home of Paulding is in charge of the arrangements.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Shelia’s memory to Den Herder Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

JUAN RANGEL
1927-2010
PAULDING — Reverend Juan Rangel, 83, of Paulding, died at 6:01 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born Jan. 27, 1927, in Zapata, Texas, the son of Romulo and Frances (Gonzalez) Rangel. On March 12, 1949, in Edcouch, Texas, he married Julia Castillo, who survives. The Rev. Rangel was a retired ordained minister with the Spanish American Council of Faithful Pentecostal Churches. In his retirement, he became a traveling minister within the church until the time of his death.
He also retired from General Motors in Defiance in 1979 and was a member of U.A.W. Local #211 in Defiance.
Also surviving are his children, Rebecca (Ernesto) Campos, of Bryan, Fran (Ambrosio) Pedraza of Defiance, Eva Ferrell of Bryan, Josue (Maria) Rangel and David Rangel, both of Archbold, Sara (Dennis) Morhart of Hicksville and Ruben Rangel of Montpelier; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Severino Rangel, of Merced, Calif.
He was preceded in death by two infant daughters, Irene and Delia Ann Rangel; five brothers, Ramon, Asencion, Pablo, Perfecto and Marcelino Rangel, and three sisters, Socorro Contreras, Teresa Alvarado and Lala Rivera.
Services were held on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at the First Brethren Church in Bryan with the Rev. Rosie Perez officiating. Krill Funeral Home in Bryan was in charge of the arrangements. Interment was in Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan.
Memorials in the name of Reverend Juan Rangel may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to and the online register signed at www.krillfuneralservice.com

MELVIN STOLLER
1921-2010
HAVILAND – Melvin August Stoller, age 88, died Tuesday, Feb. 9 at Country Inn Enhanced Living Center, Paulding, where he had been a resident the past week.
He was born May 9, 1921 in Paulding County, the son of Emil and Anna (Laukhuf) Stoller. He graduated from Latty High School in 1939 and business school in Lima. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving in the Pacific Theater. On Aug. 16, 1964, he married Irene Josephine Funk, who survives. He was a member of Latty Apostolic Christian Church. He was a lifetime farmer and a Sunday School teacher.
Also surviving are six sisters, Elizabeth (Roscoe) Waters, Marie (Jack) Moore and Eunice (Roger) Gerber, all of Paulding, Lorine (Myron) Hackenjos of New Haven, Nathalia (Allan) Getz of Eureka, Ill. and Anna Lou (Earl) Grimm of Dunlap, Ill.; a sister-in-law, Irma (Millard) Stoller of Paulding; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Millard Stoller; and a sister, Lillian (William) Eisenmann.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 13 at Latty Apostolic Christian Church. Burial was in Latty Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

veteran
REV. DALE BASS
1933-2010
PAYNE — Rev. Dale Bass, 76, of Payne, died Saturday, Feb. 13, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 6, 1933, in Osborn, the son of Amanda June (Sharp) and Martin VanBuren Bass, who both preceded him in death. On Sept 27, 1952, he married Donna Phelps, who preceded him in death on March 23, 2004.
He served in the U.S. Army as a Corporal in the Korean War and was a member of the NRA. He was a  pastor of  the Church of the Nazarene.
He will be sadly missed by two daughters, Gale (Paul) Imboden of Payne and Ramona (Mark) Price of Antwerp; a son, Thomas (Stacy) of Marion, Ind.; grandchildren, Adam, Karen, Benjamin, Christopher, Jasmine, Zechariah Sabrina, Gavin and Jilayne; five great grandchildren; five sisters, Kay of Payne, Jewel Kurtz of Van Wert, Faith Mansfield of Helena, Julene Crawford of Payne, and Joy Gibson of Jackson, Mich.; and three brothers, Paul and Marty of Florida and Warron of Hamden.
Also preceding him in death was a daughter, Debra Jane and a granddaughter, Cynthia Dawn Imboden.
  Services were held at the Edgerton Wesleyan Church on Thursday, Feb. 18. Arrangements were made by Dooley Funeral Home in Payne.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com
 

DORCAS KLINKER
1924-2010
FORT WAYNE – Dorcas N. Klinker, 85, passed away Thursday, Feb. 25 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.
She was born Oct. 31, 1924 in Fort Wayne. She worked as an assembler with General Electric for 43 years, retiring in 1985. She was a member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church.
Surviving are her brother, Earl (Marcia) Klinker of Fort Wayne; a sister, Orpha G. Erickson of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two nieces and two nephews; and three great-nieces and four great-nephews.
Services were held Monday, March 1 at D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, with the Rev. Ken Christy officiating. Graveside services were held at Cooper Cemetery, Paulding.
Memorials may be made to the Pilgrim Holiness Church or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.
To sign the online guest book, go to www.mccombandsons.com

ALICE FOUST
1925-2010
ANTWERP – Alice P. Foust, age 84, died at 6:10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born March 21, 1925, in Jackson Township, the daughter of Paul B. and Ruth L. (Phillips) Holtsberry. On Sept. 19, 1941, she married Orlando F. Foust, who preceded her in death on Nov. 29, 2005. She was a homemaker and a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Antwerp.
Surviving are two daughters, Anita (Ray) Friend of Antwerp and Cathy (John) Hess of Cecil; two sons, Terry (Janet) Foust and Steven (Elaine) Foust, both of Antwerp; three sisters, Ramona Fillman of Paulding, Clara Marie Moden of Cecil and Ruth Elaine Underwood of Van Wert; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Holtsberry.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, March 3, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Alice’s son-in-law, John Hess, will officiate. Burial will be in Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to services.
Preferred memorials may be given to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2937 U.S. Route 24, Antwerp OH 45813 or The American Heart Association.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

GEORGE SAXTON JR.
1972-2010
VAN WERT — George H. Saxton Jr., 38, died at 10:48 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born Feb. 27, 1972, in Paulding, the son of George H. Sr. and Karen (Wells) Saxton, who both survive in Van Wert. On Sept. 15, 2001, he married Theresa Ashbaugh, who survives in Van Wert. He was employed by Schlemmer Farms Trucking in Convoy and was an avid bowler.
He is also survived by a son, Raymond Saxton; two daughters, Ciera and Brianna Saxton, all of Van Wert; a stepdaughter, Jenni (Jesse) Higbie of Lima; his maternal grandmother, Violet Wells of Van Wert; his mother-in-law, Bonnie Ashbaugh of Van Wert; a brother, Chad E. Saxton of Van Wert; three sisters, Tammie (Jeff) Etchey of Hicksville, Kendra (Ronald) Grishaber of Van Wert, and April (Jeremy) Henry of Woodburn; and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, March 3, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert, with Pastor Tom Cover officiating. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.
Preferred memorials may go to the family of George Saxton.

RICHARD YANT
OAKWOOD – Word has been received that Richard Yant, 66, of Oakwood, died Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 while visiting Mazatlan, Mexico.
Arrangements are pending at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance.

CLARA BELLE BANKS
1913-2010
ANTWERP – Clara Belle Banks, 96, of Antwerp, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26 at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home. 
She was born Sept. 14, 1913, in Antwerp, the daughter of Clyde  and Frances (Clemmer) Quaintance. She married Ray Robert Banks, who preceded her in death in 1960. She worked at Antwerp Local Schools and was a member of Antwerp United Methodist Church.
Surviving are two daughters, Joan Baker and Penny (Larry) Ryan of Antwerp; two sisters, Bertha Zuber of Antwerp and Dorothy Roth of Grabill; 18 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and 50 great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a daughter, Karen Walley; three sons, Barry, Kim and Nick Banks; two sisters, Lois Haynes and Mabel Thimlar; and a brother, Robert Quaintance.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 2 at Antwerp United Methodist Church. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Dallas Lamb Foundation or the church.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

ESTHER MOTT
1918-2010
NEWBORN, Ga. – Former Paulding resident Esther Mott, age 91, died Friday, Feb. 9 at her daughter’s home in Newborn, Ga.
She was born April 10, 1918 in Cecil, the daughter of Erie L. and Ollie E. (Hutchinson) Hull. She married Earl Comadoll, who died in April 1946. She married Maynard L. Mott, who preceded her in death on Jan. 29, 1989. She was a homemaker.
Surviving are three sons, Ted Comadoll of Largo, Fla., Ned Mott of Tarpon Springs, Fla. and Keith (Becky) Mott of Monroeville, Ind.; a daughter, Ruth (Wayne) Comadoll Sams of Newborn, Ga.; 12 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by two sons, Nick (Sandy) Mott and David Mott.
In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held. Wheeler Funeral Home in Covington, Ga., was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Caring & Sharing Food Pantry in Paulding or a charity of the donor’s choice.

veteran DONALD ENGLISH
1925-2010
ANTWERP – Donald C. English, 84, of Van Wert, died Saturday, Feb. 27, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 17, 1925, in Ashtabula, the son of Minnie Elva (Hoover) and Roy  English.
He served in the U.S. Marines as a corporal in WWII and was a  foreman at Dana Weatherhead,  Antwerp.
Surviving are his daughter, Robin Lee Wright of Van Wert; two sons, Paul of Van Wert and Donn of Antwerp; a brother, Bernard of Oakwood; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Butler; and four brothers, Cloyd, Floyd, Raymond and Gerald.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 3, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with viewing one hour prior to his service. Burial will be in Maumee Cemetery.
Memorials are to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

veteran:RONALD WILLIAMS
1942-2009
HAVILAND – Word has been received that former Paulding County resident Ronald R. Williams, age 67, died Dec. 12, 2009 in Las Vegas.
He was born Oct. 1, 1942 in Haviland, the son of Schuyler and Mary Pearl (Rowe) Williams. He was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran and a mechanic.
Surviving are three brothers, Robert Williams of Haviland, Dennis Williams of Dayton and Paul Williams, Columbus; and two sisters, Evelyn Harrison of Indianapolis and Vera McGee, Lima.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James and Donald Williams; and two sisters, Juanita Morning and Betty Robinson.
Graveside services will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, March 6 at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Grover Hill, with military graveside rites. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

BEVERLY DECKER
1952-2010
OAKWOOD — Beverly J. (Dills) Decker, 57, of Oakwood, died at 9:21 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
She was born Nov. 7, 1952, in Van Wert, the daughter of James and Rowena (Moran) Dills, who both preceded her in death. On Jan. 6, 1996, she married James W. Decker, who survives in Oakwood. She had formerly worked for Pandora Manufacturing Inc. and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Continental.
She is also survived by two daughters, Tara (William) McMonigal and Tonya (Edward) Garlock; three stepsons, Glenn, Charles and Edward Decker; a stepdaughter, Sandra Weide; 35 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Tonya Scott; and two sisters, Connie Sulfridge and Barbara Dills.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 27, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Brent Gibson officiating. Burial was in Monroe Cemetery in Continental.
Condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

JOHN KESLER
1940-2010
OAKWOOD – John R. Kesler, 69, of Oakwood, died at 6:23 p.m. Thursday, March 4, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born May 4, 1940, in Dupont, the son of Gerald and Ashley (Bibler) Kesler, who both preceded him in death. On Feb. 4, 1977, he married Debbie Grindstaff, who survives in Oakwood. He was a lifelong farmer and owned Kesler Farms. He was a member of the Dupont Church of the Brethren, Farm Bureau, Belgian Draft Horse Association, and a Brown Township trustee. He enjoyed woodworking and especially making furniture. He also loved camping with his family and friends.
Also surviving are four sons, Dave (Patsy) and Bob (Tina) Kesler, both of Oakwood, Bill (Melissa) of Arthur, and Denny (Karen) McVay of Paulding; two daughters, Doreen (Rex) Andrews and Abby (Kevin) Hornish of Oakwood; three brothers, Lee (Marge) and Stanley (Karen), both of Florida, and Claud (LaDonna) of Dupont; two sisters, Marjorie Hazelton of Continental and Marvel Warren of Nevada; and 16 grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Eric Kesler; and a brother, Charles Kesler.
Services were held Monday, March 8, at the Twin Oaks United Methodist Church in Oakwood, with the Revs. Terry Porter and Jeffrey Mullinix officiating. Burial was in the Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials may be directed to the Oakwood Library Association.
Online condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

DOUGLAS WOODBURN 1955-2010
NORMAL, Ill. – Douglas Glenn Woodburn, 54, of Normal, Ill., formerly of Paulding, died at 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at Camp Mekokiko, Hawaii, while on a church mission trip.
He was born Oct. 25, 1955 in Kenton, the son of Gilbert Wesley and Lois Emma Livingston Woodburn, who both preceded him in death. On Feb. 24, 1988, in Columbus, he married Judy Ronan, Ph.D, who survives in Bloomington. He was a graduate of Paulding High School, Denver Automotive Technical School, and received a bachelor’s degree in rural sociology and master’s degree in student personnel and higher education administration from the Ohio State University and earned several certificates in computer technical support. He held many jobs over the years. Most recently, he was employed by Novell Inc.
  He was very active in 4-H, including holding leadership positions as a youth. He was a member of the Ohio State Alumni Association, and was a huge Buckeye fan. He was a very active and committed member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington, including involvement in PAWS (Pets Are Working Saints), Stephen Ministry, Marriage 101, the Chancel Choir and missions work.
Also surviving are three sisters, Dianne (Greg) Gerber, Lynda (Charles) Shafer and Pam (Ed) Puralewski; nieces and nephews, Sarah (Joel) Esala, Allison (Chad) Irving, Michael Shafer, Dwight Shafer and Rebecca Puralewski; and great-nephew Asher Esala.
A celebration of life service was held Friday, March 5, at Wesley United Methodist Church, Bloomington, with the Rev. Vaughn Hoffman officiating. Calvert and Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington was in charge of the arrangements. Inurnment will be at a later date.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church Missions, OSU Athletic Scholarships, Camp Mekokiko or to 4-H of Paulding County.

RICHARD YANT 1943-2010
OAKWOOD — Richard L. “Dick” “Polo” Yant, 66, of Oakwood, died Monday, Feb. 22, in Mazatlan, Mexico.
He was born Dec. 6, 1943, in Defiance, the son of O. Lavern and Alice M. (Robinson) Yant. On Sept. 30, 1967, he married Christine M. Lauro, who survives. He was a U.S. Navy DT3 veteran, serving in Vietnam. He was employed by GM in Defiance; was a caddy then an assistant golf pro for Kettenring Golf Course in Defiance; and also was a chauffeur for Loretta’s Limousine then Premier Limousine.
He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Junction, later the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Paulding, and UAW Local #211. He enjoyed retrieving golf balls from local golf courses and spending winters in Mazatlan.
He is also survived by his mother, Alice Yant of Defiance; two sons, Aaron (Sara) of Champaign, Ill. and Eric of Holgate; a daughter, Brenda (Drew) Munger of Paulding; six grandchildren, Ashley and Jared Yant, Ian and Alyson Munger, and Caleb and Megan Yant; three brothers, John of Columbus and Thomas and Robert (Roxan) of Defiance; three sisters, Dorothy (Mehdi) Kajani of Philadelphia, Peggy (Robert) Thatcher of Evans, Ga., and Pamela (Michael) Seibenick of Defiance; a brother in spirit, David (Rita) Iliff and their children, David and Sarah Iliff; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close family friends.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Services were held Monday, March 8, at the Divine Mercy Church in Paulding with Fathers David Tscherne and Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery in Defiance, where military rites were conducted by VFW Post 3360. Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, the Vineyard Church in Mazatlan, or to the donor’s choice.

THOMAS CARNAHAN 1984-2010
PAULDING — Thomas Ray Carnahan, 25, of Paulding, died at 8:08 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
He was born June 15, 1984, in Paulding, the son of Bryan and Brenda (Aldrich) Carnahan, who both survive in Grover Hill. He was a desk clerk at the Holiday Inn Express in Van Wert and a member of A.S.P.C.A.
He is also survived by his committed partner, Heidi Dix of Paulding; a sister, Shannon Carnahan of Grover Hill; maternal grandparents, Jerry and Carolyn Aldrich of Sebring, Fla.; paternal grandparents, Walter and Ellen Carnahan of Oakwood; maternal great-grandmother, Irene Ford of Grover Hill; and four nieces and nephews, Taylor, Cierrah, Trae and Autumn.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, March 16 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood with Pastor Pat Holt officiating.
Preferred memorials may be directed to the Ronald McDonald House or Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

ROSA ENGLISH 1923-2010
OAKWOOD — Rosa Fern English, 86, died at 8:05 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice.
She was born March 15, 1923, in Putnam County, the daughter of Earl and (Prowant) Etter. On April 28, 1943, she married Bernard L. English, who survives in Oakwood. She was a graduate of Continental High school and Lima’s Cosmetology School. She was the owner of Fern’s Beauty Shop in Oakwood and was a homemaker. She attended the Dupont Church of the Brethren.
She is also survived by a son, Bernard English Jr. of Oakwood; two daughters, Sheryl English of Oakwood and Pamela (Lewis) Renollet of Pemberville; a sister, Joyce (Orval) Schroeder of Kalida; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Mazie Lucille Drummer, Lila Rieke and Nona Fickle.
Services were held Saturday, March 13, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental, with the Rev. Terry Porter officiating. Burial was in the Prairie Chapel Cemetery, Continental.
Memorial donations may be directed to Defiance Inpatient Hospice or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

JENNIE MAE GREEN
FORT WAYNE – Jennie Mae (Hartwig) Green, 89, was called home to be with her Lord on Thursday, March 11, 2010 in Fort Wayne.
Born in Briceton, she worked as a waitress with Norton’s and Dick’s Diner but most of her life was a homemaker. She was a member of the Fort Wayne Turners, active in the PTA and a Cub Scout Leader who enjoyed arts, crafts and ceramics. Jennie Mae enjoyed life very much, her family and grandchildren were a very important part of her life. She was greatly loved by her family.
She is survived by her husband, Neil “Skip” Green of Fort Wayne; a son, John Green of Fort Wayne; seven daughters, Georgianna (Weldon) Adkins of Haviland, Sandra (Meyer) Biller-Wright of East Haven, Conn., Judy (Robert) Chinn of Anaheim, Calif., Vickie (Jerry) Ruiz of Riverside Calif., Pamela Porter of Warsaw, and Paulette (Gene) Smith and Cindy (Sam) Leto, both of Fort Wayne; a stepdaughter, Linda Jean Boyd of Sauk Village, Ill.; a very dear friend, Shirley (Gary) Myers of Fort Wayne; 24 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three daughters, Carolyn Patterson, Sharon Scoles and Lela Ruby.
Services were held Monday, March 15 at D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, Fort Wayne with Chaplain Karen Kosberg officiating. Burial was in Concordia Cemetery Gardens, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be made to the Fort Wayne Turners or Parkview Hospice. To sign the online guest book, go to www.mccombandsons.com

JUANITA HARP 1926-2010
OAKWOOD – Juanita Mae Harp, age 83, of Oakwood, went to meet her Lord on Friday, March 12 at her residence with her family by her side. She was born Oct. 29, 1926, in Madison County, Ky., the daughter of Maurice and Gracy (Garrett) Masters. On May 10, 1961, she married John Randall Harp, who survives. She worked for Dickie Tent Factory in Oakwood and Irving Air Shute in Kentucky. She was a member of Twin Oaks United Methodist Church, Oakwood, was a former Girl Scout leader and a member of the Red Hats of Paulding County. Also surviving are a daughter, Crystal Lee of Summerset, Ky.; three sons, Charles Delano “Bud” Wilson of Haviland, Jerome “Pete” (Connie) Wilson of Cloverdale, and Garrnet Dean Wilson of Paulding; one stepson, John Randall Long; a foster daughter: Rose Steele; a sister, Gypsy (Thomas) McGee of Portage, Mich.; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Gloria Ann Wilson; two granddaughters, Joyce Thompson and Charity Lynn Wilson; a grandson, Roy Jason Wilson; a great-grandson, Billy Dean Buell; a son-in-law, Raymond Lee; and two sisters, Drumenda Dugens and Burdetta Moody. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 16 at Twin Oaks United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jeff Mullinix officiating. Burial was New Rochester Cemetery, Cecil. Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Paulding County Hospice.
Condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

BRETT KUTZLI 1952-2010
GROVER HILL – Brett Kutzli, 57, of Grover Hill, formerly of Antwerp, died Thursday, March 11 at Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born July 24, 1952 in Fort Wayne, the son of the Lawrence and Jane (Cowell) Kutzli. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. He was a handyman, but had worked at Cooper Farms.
Surviving are a son, Wesley of Arizona; a sister, Shannon (Al) Sudholtz of Sherwood; two brothers, Steven (Karen) and Gregory (Deb), both of Grover Hill; and his grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; a son, Jonathan; and a brother, Ronald.
Services will be held at a later date. Dooley Funeral Homes of Antwerp & Payne is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

EVERETT PLUM 1933-2010
ANTWERP — Everett “Red” Plumb, 76, of Antwerp died Thursday, March 11, at the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.
He was born May 31, 1933, in Roselms, the son of Ray  and Alice (Pratt) Plumb. In March 1958, he married Polly Speck, who survives. He served in the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War and was retired from Dana Weatherhead, Antwerp. He was a member of Antwerp American Legion, life member of Antwerp VFW and enjoyed time with his friends on the CB radio and at the Bears Den.
He is also survived by a daughter, Patty (Herb) Bittinger of Huntertown, Ind.; two sons, Burl (Diane) Bittinger of Marion, Ind. and Dave (Karen) Plumb of Wrentham, Maine; two sisters, Marge Rhode of Chicago and Kathy Eager of Harlan, Ind.; two brothers, Frank and Don, both of Fort Wayne; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Nancy Plumb and Martha Leiter.
Services were held Monday, March 15 at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp. 
Preferred memorials are to the V.E.T.S. Memorial project.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

MICHAEL REINHART 1948-2010
PAULDING – Michael W. Reinhart, age 61, died Saturday, March 13 at his residence.
He was born July 31, 1948 in Quebec, Canada, the son of Ralph W. and Isabel M. (McMichael) Reinhart. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in Germany. He was the owner/operator of the Brune Printing Company in Paulding and was a member of the Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, Paulding. He is survived his mother, Isabel (Joe) Rodriguez, Paulding; three sisters, Marcy (Mike) Iler of Paulding, Jean Saldana of Toledo and Joyce Petrila, White Bear Lake, Minn.; a stepsister Joyce (Tom) Cammack, Flint, Texas; seven nieces, Macy, Morgan, Miranda and Molly Iler, Andrea Saldana Annette Christiansen and Michelle Marcotti; five nephews, David Marc and Jason Saldana, Shane Begley, Michael Petrila and Trey Cammack. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph, in 1997.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today, March 17, at the Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, Paulding with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial will be in Bethel-Forder Cemetery, Cecil, where Paulding VFW Post #587 will accord military rites. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements,
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Paulding Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

MILDRED STOLLER 1920-2010
PAULDING – Mildred I. Stoller, age 89, died Wednesday, March 10 at Country Inn Enhanced Living Center, Paulding.
She was born May 7, 1920 in Marshall County, Ind., the daughter of Daniel and Anna (Wuthrich) Germann. On Jan. 4, 1948, she married Louis D. Stoller, who preceded her in death on June 5, 1994. She was a member of Latty Apostolic Christian Church and a volunteer for the Latty Apostolic Christian Church World Relief. She was a homemaker and was employed as an RN for Paulding County Hospital for 36 years, retiring in 1980. She is survived by a son, Jim (Tam) Stoller, Paulding; a daughter, Dixie Thomas, Fort Wayne; a daughter-in-law, Shirley Stoller, Paulding; a brother, Kenneth German, Bremen, Ind.; a sister-in-law, Donna Germann, Elkhart, Ind.; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by a son, Mark Stoller; two brothers, Robert and Harold Germann; and a sister, Florence Stoller. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 13 at the Latty Apostolic Christian Church with church clergymen officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to Apostolic Christian Church World Relief or Community Healthcare Professionals & Hospice of Paulding County. Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

MILDRED WANNEMACHER 1924-2010
PAYNE — Mildred M. Wannemacher, 85, of Payne, died Wednesday, March 10, at Florida Hospital Celebration Health in Kissimmee, Fla.
She was born Dec. 25, 1924, in Payne, the daughter of Aloysius and Irene (Elliott) Schmidt. On Feb. 4, 1942, she married Richard Wannemacher, who survives. She was a homemaker, who enjoyed her family and friends. She was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish.
She is also survived by four daughters, Nancy (Bill) Woodring and Sue (Jerry) Zielke, both of Antwerp, Donna of Alvordton, and Pat Wobler of Edgerton, Ind; two sons, Dick (Sue) and Tom (Lou Ann) Wannemacher, both of Payne; a brother, Richard (Joan) Schmidt of Payne; 14 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren. A sister, Rose Ann Derck, preceded her in death. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, March 16, at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery. Dooley Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Divine Mercy Catholic School.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

BILLIE WEBSTER 1940-2010
PAULDING — Billie F. Webster Sr., 69, died at 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 19, at the St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo.
He was born Sept. 10, 1940, in Hampshire, Tenn., the son of Waldo Webster and Sammie Dot Yarbrough Jordan. On April 7, 1996, he married Dionicia R. Dunakin, who survives. He was a millwright at GM Powertrain of Defiance, retiring in 2009 following 45 years of service. He was a member of UAW 211.
Also surviving are five sons, Cassius (Victoria) Webster of Mt. Morris, Mich., Steven (Melissa) Davenport of Paulding, Keith Webster of Lima, Eric (Dawn) Davenport of Columbus and Daniel Sparkman of Lima; two stepsons, Brandon and Michael Schlueter, both of Paulding; an adopted son, Ashton “Packy” Webster of Lima; a daughter, Michele Webster of Lima; an adopted daughter, Lena Elaine (Michael) Springer of Lima; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two brothers, William (Sue) Jordan of Lima and Kenneth (Lena) Jordan of Flint, Mich.; four sisters, Carrie Dansby, Debra (Myles) Smith and Joyce Jordan, all of Lima, and Annis (Harry) Washington of California.
He also was preceded in death by his parents; a son, the Rev. Billie Webster Jr.; and a brother, Lewis Webster.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 25, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding.
Hours of visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today, March 24 and one hour prior to services Thursday morning.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

veteran: L.C. NORTHCUTT 1929-2010
BRYAN – L.C. Northcutt, 80 years, of Bryan, died Friday, March 19 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born Dec. 8, 1929 in Savannah, Tenn., the son of William and Sarah Lee (Prater) Northcutt. He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. On Aug. 14, 1954 in Angola, he married Patricia Ann Hays, who survives. He was a supervisor for Johns Manville in Defiance for 38 years, retiring in 1991. He attended New Hope Community Church in Bryan. He was a member of the Defiance Fish and Game Club and formerly had been a member of the Oakwood Community Development Group. He had been a blacksmith, working in the tri-state area, and formerly showed Quarter Horses and collected old cars. He was fond of his Plymouth Prowler.
Also surviving are a son, Dan Northcutt of Bryan; a daughter, Lisa (Terry) Schultz of Lincoln, Del.; a granddaughter, Mandy (Chad) Merritt of Paulding; and two sisters, Willie (Loy) Hopper of Defiance and Lela Armour of Henderson, Tenn.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Curtis, James and Bernis Northcutt; and a sister, Lillian Seltzer.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 23 at Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home in Bryan with Pastor Clarence Zimmerman officiating. Interment was in Evansport Cemetery.
Memorial tributes may be given to the Williams County Humane Society.
Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com

JOHN MARTINEZ 1950-2010  
PAYNE – John Contreras Martinez, 60, of Payne, left to be with the Lord at 10:07 a.m. Sunday, March 21, at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center. He is walking the streets of glory today.
He was born Feb. 3, 1950 in Fort Wayne, the son of Michael and Mary (Contreras) Martinez. On Sept. 24, 1986 he married Sharon Fulmer, who survives. He had worked at Meridian in Grabill, Ind.
Also surviving are a son, John (Heather); two stepchildren, Carrie (Jack) Poling and Kevin Cox; two sisters, Veronica (Eduardo) Ovalle and Linda Martinez; three brothers, Joe (Jeanie), Guadelupe (Donna) and Rocky; and 10 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
His memorial service is at The Rock Church, 20763 SR 637, Oakwood, at 11 a.m. Friday, March 26, with calling two hours prior.
Visitation is also from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Dooley Funeral Home, Payne.
Preferred memorials are to Dooley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 452, Antwerp OH 45813.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

ROSA FERN ENGLISH 1923-2010
OAKWOOD — Rosa Fern English, 86, died at 8:05 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, at the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice.
She was born March 15, 1923, in Putnam County, the daughter of Earl and Lala (Prowant) Etter. On April 28, 1943, she married Bernard L. English, who survives in Oakwood. She was a graduate of Continental High School and Lima’s Cosmetology School. She was the owner of Fern’s Beauty Shop in Oakwood and was a homemaker. She attended the Dupont Church of the Brethren.
She is also survived by a son, Bernard English Jr. of Oakwood; two daughters, Sheryl English of Oakwood and Pamela (Lewis) Renollet of Pemberville; a sister, Joyce (Orval) Schroeder of Kalida; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Mazie Lucille Drummer, Lila Rieke and Nona Fickle.
Services were held Saturday, March 13, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental, with the Rev. Terry Porter officiating. Burial was in the Prairie Chapel Cemetery, Oakwood.
Memorial donations may be directed to Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

JOHNNY COYLE 1952-2010
OAKWOOD — Johnny L. Coyle 57, of East Alton, Ill. died at 7:05 p.m. Monday, March 15, at Alton Memorial Hospital in Illinois.
He was born June 16, 1952 in Logan County W.Va., the son of Richard and Mavis (Cassidy) Coyle. On Dec. 30, 1993, in Wood River, he married Mary A. Williams, who survives in East Alton. He retired in 2007 following eight years of service as a laborer for Federal Steel and 10 years as a tanker man for Adams Land Marine. Also surviving are two stepdaughters, Toni Gamblin of Rosewood Heights, Ill. and Sarah (Chad) McCoy of Wood River, Ill.; two stepsons, Derek Winship of East Alton and Jason (Jamie) Winship of Rosewood Heights, Ill.; six step-grandchildren, David Hall, Tiffani, Erin and Kristen Gamblin, and Luke and Josi McCoy; and a brother, John (Nancy) Terrill of Rolla, Mo. Services were held Friday, March 19, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood. Burial was in the Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood.
Preferred memorials are to BJC Hospice, One Memorial Drive, Alton IL 62002. Condolences amy be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

NORMA BODENBENDER 1939-2010
CONTINENTAL – Norma J. Bodenbender, 71, of Continental, died at 6:55 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
She was born March 9, 1939, in Junction, the daughter of Justus and Esther (Cotterman) Nickols. She was a homemaker and a member of the Free Christian Church of God in Continental. Surviving are a son, Bruce (Rita) Bodenbender of Cecil; three daughters, Shirley (Kevin) Spain of Batavia, Linda (Mark) Kimmel of Continental and Diane (Eric) Lyons of Kalida; two foster daughters, Debbie (Sam) Cabral of Florida and Connie Humphreys of Defiance; a son-in-law, Mark Frankart of North Creek, Ohio; three brothers, Richard (Jan), Everett (Joyce) and Charles (Marcie) Nickols, all of Paulding; 15 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a daughter, Brenda Frankart. Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 24, at the Free Christian Church of God in Continental, with the Rev. James Fry officiating. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.

JERRY WEIBLE 1936-2010
PAULDING – Jerry E. Weible, age 73, died Wednesday, March 24 at his residence.
He was born May 12, 1936 in Paulding County, the son of Justus and Alice (Freeland) Weible. On Dec. 30, 1959 he married Mary Frampton, who preceded him in death in 1996. He was employed for 36 years by Johns Manville of Defiance, retiring in 1999. He was a member of the former Steel Steeds Motorcycle Club of Paulding and the National Rifle Association.
He is survived by five sons, Craig (Pam) of Van Wert, Bradley and Kirby, both of Defiance, Jeff of Paulding and Shawn of Edgerton; a brother, Larry (Louise), Defiance; four sisters, Kathleen Burton of West Liberty, Ky., Justine Karnes of Defiance, Colleen Roberts of Arizona and Lorine Ross of Broughton; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife. Graveside services were held Saturday, March 27 at Hedges Cemetery, Jackson Township. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made in Jerry’s memory to Den Herder Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

BEVERLY CARSTEN 1938-2010 
FORT WAYNE – Beverly S. Carsten, 71, of Fort Wayne, passed away at 7:20 a.m. Monday, March 22 at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.
She was born Aug. 13, 1938 in Logansport, Ind., the daughter of Morris and Sarah (Brower) Stamper. She had worked in human resources at UTC in Huntington, Ind. and in fund-raising at the Saint Joseph Health Foundation. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and a member of the 9-12ers Tea Party Movement. Surviving are a daughter, Nancy (Jim) Glass of Payne; two sons, Daniel (Janet) of St. Louis and Michael (Monica) of Sidney, Maine; a brother, Billy Stamper of Columbus, Ind.; a sister, Cindy Stamper of Indianapolis; and five grandchildren Nicholas, Noah and Saylor Glass and Jace and Nathaniel Carsten. She was preceded in death by her parents. A memorial service was held Friday, March 26 at Dooley Funeral Home in Payne. Preferred memorials are to the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.  Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

BEULAH WELLER 1917-2010
OAKWOOD – Beulah W. Weller, age 92, died Wednesday, March 24 at the Laurels of Defiance in Defiance.
She was born Oct. 13, 1917 in Washington Township, Paulding County, the daughter of James and Amelia (Stork) Shafer. On Sept. 12, 1934, she married Delphos E. Weller, who preceded her in death on June 10, 2009. She and her husband lived on the Weller Family Farm, which was established in 1847, where they were lifelong farmers. She was a member of the Twin Oaks United Methodist Church in Oakwood, where she was a Sunday School superintendent and active with the children’s programs. She was also the owner/operator of the former Hill Top Beauty Shop in Oakwood and was previously employed by the former Grizzly Manufacturing, Paulding. She was a 4-H adviser and helped start the Paulding County Senior Center. She is survived by three sons, Richard (Connie) of Defiance and Frank and Douglas (Bonnie), both of Oakwood; three sisters, Estella Frost and Pauline Tracy, both of Defiance, and Marianne (William) Baringer, Ayresville; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. She also was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Erma Weller; a granddaughter, Kendra Weller; four brothers, Albert, Jeffrey, Wilbur “Hike” and Robert Shafer; and two sisters, Florence Sheets and Mildred Shafer.
Funeral services were conducted Monday, March 29 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding with the Rev. Terry Porter officiating.
Preferred memorials are to Gideon’s International or to the Paulding County 4-H. Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

CLIFFORD JONES JR. 1946-2010 Paulding Clifford M. Jones Jr., age 63, died Thursday, March 25 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne. He was born Sept. 19, 1946 in Lima, the son of Clifford and Myrtle (Worline) Jones Sr. He was a machine operator for the former Dietrich Industries of Hicksville ad was a veteran oh the U.S. Army. Surviving are two daughters, Rachel (Dean) Ploughe and Sarah Gamble, both of Fort Wayne; two sons, Adam E. Jones of Grove City and Elijah M. Jones of Paulding; two brothers, Paul (Carolyn) Jones of Latty and Marty (Jane) Jones of Paulding; and three grandchildren, Dale and Dean Ploughe and Autumn Gamble.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and an infant grandson, Daniel James Ploughe.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, March 31, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Paulding VFW Post #587 will conduct military rites at the funeral home. Visitation will be held one hour before services today.
Memorials may be made to Clifford M. Jones Jr. Family. Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

BEULAH  ESCHBACH
1924-2010
PAYNE – Beulah L. Eschbach, 85, of Payne, passed away Friday, April 2 at Paulding County Hospital.
She was born Sept. 24, 1924, in Payne, the daughter of Homer  and Mary  (Overmeyer) Zartman. On Nov. 20, 1942, she married Norman Eschbach, who survives. She was a group leader at Magnavox Fort Wayne, where she was a member of the Quarter Century Club. She was also a devout member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish and its Altar Rosary Society.
Also surviving are two daughters, Ruth Eschbach and Judy (Ray) Lyons, both of Payne; two sons, Bill (Mary “Teen”) of Louisville, Ky. and Bob (Kim) of Fort Wayne; nine grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were 15 siblings. Her Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, April 6, at  Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Payne,  with Very Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery. Dooley Funeral Home, Payne, was in charge of arrangements.Preferred memorials are to masses or Divine Mercy School.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

EDWARD JOHNSTON JR. 1967-2010
CECIL – Edward P. “Eddie” Johnston Jr., 42, died Wednesday, March 31, at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born Nov. 28, 1967 in Paulding, the son of Edward P. and Helen (Bodell) Johnston Sr. He was formerly employed by Progressive Logistics Services, New Haven.
He is survived by his father, Edward Johnston Sr., of Cecil; his stepfather, Joseph Bear, of Cecil; five sisters, Cathy and Caryn Johnston and Cheri (Larry) Ray, all of Paulding, Candy (Mike) Minck of Grover Hill and Cindy (Scott) Rosebrock of Defiance; a special friend, Toni Doster of Paulding; and many nieces and nephews as well as an unlimited number of friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen (Johnston) Bear, in 2008.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 3 at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Eddie’s memory to Den Herder Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

BETTY HARRIS 1943-2010
MESA, Ariz. – Former Paulding County resident Betty C. Harris, 66, passed away at 2:16 p.m. Friday, March 5, at her residence in Mesa, Ariz.
She was born June 9, 1943 in Birmingham, Ala., the daughter of Walter and Dorothy (Watson) Wells, who both preceded her in death. In 1965, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding, she married John H. Harris Sr., who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, John “Jack” Harris Jr. of Columbus and Michael Harris of Corning N.Y.; a daughter, Shannon (Harris) Branham of Mesa, Ariz.; her grandchildren, Nicholas, John (Alex), Morgan, Jackie, Marlena, Adelle and Marlon (Zeke); a brother, Walter Wells of Paradise Valley, Ariz.; a sister, Brenda (Wells) Vappie of Mesa, Ariz.; and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held March 11, at Mariposa Gardens Cemetery Chapel in Mesa.

veteran  PAUL SMITH 1918-2010
CECIL – Paul R. Smith, 91, of Cecil, passed away Thursday, April 1 at Manor House Assisted Living, Antwerp.
He was born April 12, 1918, near Cecil, the son of the late Myrtle (Stultz) and Charles Smith. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of sergeant and earning the Bronze Star during World War II in the South Pacific. On April 3, 1948 at St. Mary Church in Antwerp, he married LaVonne Bissell, who preceded him in death July 16, 1999. He was a lifetime farmer in Cecil who was still active and enjoyed his flower and vegetable garden. He was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, Sherwood VFW Post and the First Families of Paulding County. Surviving are three daughters, Carol (Doug) Baker of Oakwood, Kathy (Tony) Wilson of Paulding and Marilyn Smith, of Cecil; four sons, Denny (Pat) of New Haven, Don (Karen) of New Bremen, and Doug (Judy Panico) and Dave, both of Cecil; two sisters, Ruth Smith and Grace Light, both of Antwerp; a brother, Richard of Antwerp; two sisters-in-law, Holly Garmyn of Defiance and Roma Stronach of San Diego; and nine grandchildren. Paul also was preceded in death by his brother, Ivan.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, April 5 at Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, Antwerp, with the Very Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Cecil. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding Hospice, Manor House Activity Fund or V.E.T.S. Memorial Project.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

KATHRYN KUNKLEMAN 1927-2010
CORNELIUS, N.C. – Kathryn Lippott Kunkleman, of Cornelius, N.C. died Friday, April 2.
She was born March 3, 1927 in Payne, the daughter of Arthur P. and Cora (Ribley) Lippott. She graduated as salutatorian of Payne Village High School, and went on to spend two years at Ohio Northern University. She served as secretary to the president of the university during that time. Her next adventure was as a secretary at Standard Oil Company, which later became Esso and then EXXON. Twenty years later she continued her education at UNCC and later received her North Carolina real estate brokers license.
On Aug. 24, 1950 she married Robert Elsworth Kunkleman, who preceded her in death 35 days ago. Together with longstanding and trustworthy partners, Bob and Kathryn created and built successful businesses Wellworth Realty, Lake Norman Storage, and Metrolina Mini Storage. Surviving are three children, Deborah (Randall) Baker of Matthews, N.C., and Gregory (Jill) Kunkleman and Daniel (Lisa) Kunkleman, both of Charlotte, N.C.; and five grandchildren; one stepgrandchild; and a sister-in-law, Joanne Lippott and nephew Mark Lippott of Elwood, Ind. She also was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Clarence Lippott; two sisters, Nellie Foreman and Mary Trevey; and her stepmother, Barbara Gunn. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 6 at Providence Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, N.C. Raymer Funeral Home, Huntersville, N.C. was in charge of arrangements.  Memorials may be sent in lieu of flowers to Hospice of Charlotte.

veteran: GERALD ZARTMAN 1949-2010
GARRETT, Ind. – Gerald L. Zartman, 60, of Garrett, formerly of Fort Wayne, died Thursday, April 1 in Payne.
He was born Sept. 23, 1949 in Fort Wayne. He retired from BF Goodrich after 35 years and was U.S. Army veteran.
Surviving are his mother, Jean Zartman of Payne; six sons, Barry (Christina) of Auburn, Ind., Anthony (Patricia) and Michael, both of Fort Wayne, Barney (Jocelyn) of New Port Richey, Fla., Gary (Beth) and Gabriel, both of Garrett, Ind.; three daughters, Anna (Robert) Mills and Theresa Zartman, both of Butler, and Maggie Zartman, Fort Wayne; his former wife, Marianne Zartman of Fort Wayne; a brother, Terry (Margie), of Payne; two sisters, Debra (Stan) Pratt of Scott and Julie (Kevin) Hirschey of Dallas; and 19 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dean W. Zartman.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. today, April 7 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4643 Gaywood Ave., Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne. Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Preferred memorials are to Masses.

MARY ANN STEWART
ATHENS, Ga. – Mary Ann Ball Stewart, 75, formerly of Auburn, Ind., died Thursday, April 1, 2010.
She was the daughter of Walter and Elsie Ball, who both preceded her in death. She was married to David Leigh Stewart, who also preceded her in death. Survivors include a son, David Stewart of Chapin, S.C.; a daughter, Sheryl Tuggle of Arnoldsville, Ga.; one brother, Ronald Ball of Auburn; and three grandchildren, Nick, Alex and Jack Stewart.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 5, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment was in Auburn, Ind. Lord and Stephens, West, was in charge of arrangements. Flowers are optional. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

ERVIN
BRUNE
1924-2010
MANSFIELD – Ervin L. Brune, age 86, of Mansfield, died Thursday, April 1 at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital.
He was born Jan. 12, 1924 in Paulding, the son of Oltie and Cora (Snyder) Brune. He served in the U.S. Army in WWII and then graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in architecture. He designed and built his own home. He was a member of First English Lutheran Church. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and woodworking.
Surviving are his wife, Martha, whom he married in 1951; two sons, Douglas (Rhonda) and Kenton (Sloan); two brothers, Allen of Decatur, Ind. and Morris of Paulding; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Henry, Paul and Richard.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 5 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors in Mansfield with the Rev. Cloyd Kress officiating. Military graveside services at Mt. Zion Cemetery were conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail.
Preferred memorials are to First English Lutheran Church.

JAMES
CASE
1925-2010 
PAYNE – James B. Case, 84, of Payne died Thursday, April 8, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home.
He was born June 28, 1925, in Cedarville, Ind., the son of Olive (Stapleton) and Harry  Case. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. In 1947, he married Marianne Miller, who survives. He worked 40 years at Rea Magnet Wire  and was an active member of the Payne Fire & EMS until he was 70. He also was a member of the Payne Church of the Nazarene.
Also surviving are three daughters, Cindra Sue (Russell) Coy of Ney, Debra Case of Payne and RaChelle (Andy) Partlow of Troy; two sons, Dennis (Irene) of King William, Va. and Jeffrey (Rebecca) of Lee Summit, Mo.; a brother, Donald (Barbara) of Fort Wayne; 13 grandchildren; and 14  great- grandchildren.
Services were held Monday, April 12 at the Payne Church of the Nazarene. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery. Dooley Funeral Home in Payne was in charge of the arrangements. 
Preferred memorials are to the church or Paulding Hospice.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

ROBERT FOLLAS
1929-2010
VAN WERT – Robert P. “Wheaties” Follas, 80, of Van Wert, died at 5:25 a.m. Saturday, April 10, at the Inpatient Hospice Center in Van Wert.
He was born Oct. 12, 1929, in Marion Township, Delphos, the son of Orwell and Bessie (Bowman) Follas. On Nov. 17, 1957, in Elida, he married Marlene Stemen who survives in Van Wert. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1947-49. He received certification in television service and as a technician from the Chicago Trade Institute. He worked in Elida, Lima and Van Wert for over 30 years repairing televisions. He then worked at Aeroquip and retired in 1993.
He attended the First Methodist Church in Van Wert and was an avid bike rider. He rode in the first 12 Great Ohio Bike Adventures (GOBA), the Hilly Hundred in Bloomington, Hancock Horizontal Hundred in Findlay, the WYCOHIBTO in Wyandot County and the Tour of Scioto River Valley.
Also surviving are four daughters, Amy (Jay) Prichard and Jodi (Paul Brummette) Wallenhorst, both of Van Wert, Lori Traxler of Edgerton, Ohio, and Lynn (Mike) Bouillon of Convoy; four brothers, Dale of Yuba City, Calif., Elbert (Grace) of San Jose, William (Sue) of Paulding and Donald of Arlington; two sisters, Pat (John) Kirkendall and Connie (Gary) Plummer, both of Elida; 11 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 17, at the Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Combined units of the Van Wert American Legion and VFW Post will conduct military services.
Hours of visitation will be from 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday at the Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home.
Preferred memorials may be directed to the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.
Condolences may be sent to agfhc@embarqmail.com

ETHEL GROSS
1917-2010
DEFIANCE – Ethel Kriebel Gross, age 92, died Monday, April 5 at her residence.
She was born Nov. 2, 1917 in Lansdale, Pa., the daughter of Leidy S. and Wilhelmina (Wismer) Kriebel. On May 31, 1943, she married John F. Gross, who preceded her in death on Aug. 31, 1982. She was a registered nurse for many metro Cleveland area hospitals. She was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, Defiance.
She is survived by a daughter, Bernice (Jeff) Schmidt, Defiance; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She also was preceded in death by a brother, Wismer Kriebel; two sisters, Ruth W. Kriebel and Gwendolyn Burch; a brother-in-law, Frank J. Gross; and a sister-in-law, Helen R. Burke.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, April 16 at St. John United Church of Christ, Defiance, with the Rev. Dr. William R. Nirote officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to St. John United Church of Christ; Friends of Feline of Defiance; or the Paulding County Dog Shelter.
Online condolences may be made to www.denherderfh.com

WYONA KIEF
1924-2010
HICKSVILLE – Wyona Kief, 85, of Hicksville, died Saturday, April 3, at Hickory Creek Nursing Home, Hicksville.
She was born Aug. 18, 1924, the daughter of Elsie (Oplinger) and Henry Stickney. She was a homemaker, who will be sadly missed by her husband, Richard; a daughter, Carol; her grandchildren; and stepchildren.
Private services were held at Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville. Arrangements were made by Dooley Funeral Home.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

EUGENE WATERMAN
1927-2010
HARRODSBURG, Ky. – Eugene A. Waterman, age 83, died Wednesday, April 7 at the Harrodsburg Health Care Center, where he was a resident.
He was born Feb. 26, 1927 in Hooper, Neb., the son of Albert and Katherine (Lamberty) Waterman. On Dec. 2, 1961, he married Marilyn L. Miller, who preceded him in death in 2001. He was a mechanical engineer with IBM for 22 years and later was a CAD draftsman with Sylvania for 10 years. He also taught blueprint and shop mathematics at Central Kentucky Vocational School and Blackburn Correctional Institute and was an active member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
He is survived by two daughters, Marianne (Phillip) Franz and Pamela Callahan, both of Harrodsburg, Ky.; a son, Andrew Waterman, Lexington, Ky.; one sister, Katherine Lucas, Westfield, Ind.; and four grandchildren.
Funeral services were Saturday, April 10 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Cooper Cemetery, Paulding.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Heritage Hospice Inc. of Danville, Ky.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

NANCY MOSIER
1927-2010
PAULDING – Nancy M. Mosier, age 83, died Wednesday, April 14 at the County Inn Enhanced Living Center, where she was a resident.
She was born Jan. 13, 1927 in Oak Hill, the daughter of John and Dovie (Scarberry) Craft. On Jan. 10, 1948 she married Bice E. Mosier, who survives. She was a homemaker and an avid gardener and was employed by Dana Weatherhead. She was a member of the Antwerp United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the United Methodist Women.
Also surviving are three daughters, Jan (Byron) Rasey of Antwerp; Victoria (Joseph) Kemerer of Hicksville and Susan Gladieux, Perrysburg; two sons, John (Teresa) of Antwerp and Steven (Kathy) of Ludington, Mich.; one sister, Ruby Nern, Antwerp; two brothers, Tom (Louise) Craft of Payne and Roger (Karen) Craft of Texas; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Mildred Fulk, Lessie McCain and Mabel Howard; and six brothers, Lowell, Dewey, Ben and Ray Craft and two infant brothers.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 17 at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Blue Creek Cemetery, Haviland.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Country Inn Enhanced Living Center Activity Fund, the Friedreich Ataxia Research Alliance, or to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

ALLEN BAKOWSKI
1961-2010
MELROSE – Allen Joseph “Hooter” Bakowski, 48, died Thursday, April 15.
He was born Aug. 16, 1961.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 23 at Melrose United Methodist Church. Heitmeyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A casual potluck will be held following services.

veteran: DEAN MOHR 1924-2010
OAKWOOD – Dean L. Mohr, 86, Oakwood, died at 12:55 a.m. Monday, April 12 at the Gardens of Paulding.
He was born Feb. 29, 1924, in Van Wert, the son of Ira and Maude (Geckler) Mohr. On Dec. 24, 1942, he married Phyllis J. Burt, who preceded him in death on Nov. 28, 2007. He retired in 1980 as a supervisor for Ford Motor Company in Lima, and had been a farmer early in life. He was a member of Twin Oaks United Methodist Church in Oakwood and Oakwood American Legion. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and had coached Little League baseball.
He is survived by a daughter, Susan A. (Dennis) Ramge of Oakwood; a son, Steven D. (Gisela) Mohr of Oakwood; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Paul George Mohr; and two sisters, Mildred McClure and Mary Brown.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 16 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood, with the Rev. Jeffrey Mullinix officiating. Burial was in Prairie Chapel Cemetery, Oakwood, with military rites by the Oakwood American Legion.
Preferred memorials are to Twin Oaks United Methodist Church.
Condolences can be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

veteran LARRY JERGER 1939-2010
BRYAN — Larry George Jerger, 70, of Bryan, died at 7:55 a.m., Sunday, April 18, at the Kobacker House Hospice in Columbus.
He was born June 2, 1939, in St. Joseph Township in Williams County, the son of Raymond and Florence (Fritch) Jerger, who both preceded him in death. On Dec. 12, 1970, he married Janet M. Strayer, who survives.
He was a 1957 graduate of Fairview High School (Farmer) and a U.S. Army veteran serving in Viet Nam. He was the owner operator of a Pepsi Distributorship for 25 years, delivering in Paulding County. He retired from Washington Township, Defiance County, in 2002, following 16 years of service. He was also a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Bryan and a member of the Bryan Eagles Lodge.
Also surviving are two sons, Kim (Tracy) Jerger of Middletown and James (Kristi) Jerger of Hilliard; a daughter, Teresa (Steve) Schroeder of Edgerton, Ohio; two sisters, Joan Kimpel of Hicksville and Madalyn (Forrest) Dietrich of Ney; a brother, Jerald Jerger of Swanton; and seven grandchildren, Abigail and Alex Jerger, Nicholas, Maryn, and Rolen Jerger, and Cameron and Kendra Schroeder.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 23, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Father Jim Halleron officiating.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-8 p.m., with a scripture service at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 22, at Thompson’s Funeral Home in Pioneer, Ohio. Burial will be in Riverside in Montpelier where graveside rites will be conducted by the Montpelier Vets.

HELEN CLUTS
1925-2010
PAYNE – Helen Cluts, 85, of Payne, died at 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born March 8, 1925, in Convoy, the daughter of Edith (Black) and William  McCollum. On Feb. 9, 1946, she married Harry Cluts, who survives. She was a  homemaker, a member of Saint Jacob’s United Church of Christ and the Payne American Legion Auxiliary.
She is also survived by a daughter, Vickie (John) Beecher; a grandson, Matthew (Richelle) Wells; and great-granddaughters, Abby and Emma, all of Lafayette, Ind.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Betty; and a brother, Walter McCollum.
Services were held Saturday, April 24, at Saint Jacob’s United Church of Christ with the Rev. James Langham officiating. Burial was in the Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne. Dooley Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials are to the church.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

veteranLEO
“BOZE”
JEWELL
1942-2010
GROVER HILL – Leo L. “Boze” Jewell, 67, of Grover Hill, took his last breath and went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at 8:20 a.m. Saturday, April 24. He is now walking the streets of gold with his Savior.
He was born Oct. 8, 1942 in Paulding, the son of Lester Leo and Mildred (Slattman) Jewell, who both preceded him in death. He worked at Porter’s Auction, Grover Hill. He was a member of the Bible Baptist Church in Grover Hill and Flat Rock Creek Festival. He was a US Army veteran.
  Surviving are a son, Timothy (Jeannie) Jewell of Grover Hill; two special granddaughters, Jessica Louise Jewell and Michelle Autumn Jewell; two sisters, Shirley Schaffer of Grover Hill and Patsy Knox of Challmette, La.; and many nieces and nephews.
He also was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Jewell.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, April 28, at the Auglaize Chapel Church of God in Oakwood with Pastor Patrick Holt officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites conducted by the Grover Hill VFW. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the family.
Online condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

BRENDA COX
1953-2010
PAULDING – Brenda Jo Cox, age 56, of Peru, Ind., died Friday, April 23, at Paulding County Hospital.
She was born Aug. 27, 1953 in Terra Haute, Ind. On Dec. 3, 2007, she married Robert E. Cox, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Brooky (Randy) Tressler of Paulding; her stepchildren, Christina Hicks and Bobby Dennis, both of Paulding, and Grace Banks, Darla Payton and Donald Cox, all of Fort Wayne; and 14 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband, Billie Black, in 1996.
Services were held Tuesday, April 27, at the Pentecostal Church of God in Paulding, with Pastor Tony Echols officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
The family requests memorial contributions in memory of Brenda Jo Cox to be made to Den Herder Funeral Home, P.O. Box 27, Paulding OH 45879.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

LADONNA POLING
1922-2010
CONVOY – LaDonna R. Poling, 87, of Convoy, died at 10:25 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, at the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.
She was born Dec. 6, 1922, in Paulding County, the daughter of Minor and Hazel (Bailey) Long. On Aug. 28, 1948, in Latty, she married Marvin L. Poling, who preceded her in death on Dec. 13, 1996. She was a homemaker and had worked several years at the Crestview North School. She was a member of the Sugar Ridge Church of God in Convoy.
Surviving are a daughter, Jeanne (David) Rosendahl of Fort Wayne; a son, James (Jane) Poling of Convoy; a brother, Russell Long of Latty; grandchildren, Kelly (Pete) Caldwell, Jackie Rosendahl and Bryce Poling; and great-grandchildren, Sonora and Maya Caldwell and Jamison Poling.
She also was preceded in death by two sisters, Louise Williamson and Norma Thornell; and two brothers, Kenneth and Gene Long.
Services were held Sunday, April 25, at the Sugar Ridge Church of God in Convoy with the Rev. Steve Waterman officiating. Burial was in the Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Alspach, Mack and Jurczyk Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Convoy EMS or the Sugar Ridge Church of God.

SONIA PEEPER
PAULDING – Sonia Peeper, age 92, died Monday, April 26 at her home. Arrangements are pending at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding.

MARILYN BELL
1929-2010
ANTWERP – Marilyn J. Bell, 81, of Antwerp, passed away Sunday, April 25, at Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center.
She was born Jan. 26, 1929 in Defiance, the daughter of the late Virl and Bessie (Baker) Speiser. On Oct. 29, 1948, she married Merton Bell, who preceded her in death Aug. 14, 2002. She retired from Sheller-Globe and was a member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church of Antwerp and the Antwerp VFW Auxiliary.
Surviving are two daughters, Janice (Mike) Casper of Bryan and Cindy of Antwerp; a son, Kevin of Bryan; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by two sons, Robert and Keith; a grandson, Robby; a sister, Delores Stein; and two brothers, Lloyd and Max Speiser.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 29 at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with the Rev. Byron Adams officiating. Burial will be in Six Corners Cemetery.
Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today, April 28 at Dooley Funeral Home, and also one hour prior to services on Thursday.
Preferred memorials are to the PC Workshop.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

DEBORAH JENKINS
1953-2010
PAYNE — Deborah Jean Jenkins, 57, of Payne, died Monday, April 19, as a result of injuries received in a motor vehicle accident.
She was born March 7, 1953, in Paulding, the daughter of  Jean (Johnston) and Howard Young. On April 20, 1976, she married Allen Jenkins, who survives. She worked for 20 years at Union State Bank in Payne and nine years at Gordon Tool in Payne. She was a member of the Ohio Master Gardeners of Paulding County and the Payne Church of Christ.
  She is also survived by her mother, Jean Young; a sister, Karen Neff; and a brother, John (Patty) Young, all of Payne.
She was preceded in death by her father, Howard Young.
Services were held Friday, April 23, at the Payne Church of Christ in Payne with the Rev. Dan Staifer officiating. Burial was in the Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Dooley Funeral Home, Payne, was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Ohio Master Gardeners of Paulding County or Lynn Mansfield Dog Rescue Efforts.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

veteran:FREELAND
ADKINS
1922-2010
PAULDING – Freeland Adkins, 87, died Saturday, April 24, at the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.
He was born Oct. 21, 1922, in Harts, W.Va., the son of Isaiah and Leota (Caldwell) Adkins. On Oct. 16, 1945, he married Lelia Campbell, who preceded him in death in 1997. On March 14, 1998, he married Pauline Dunham, who survives. He was an U.S. Army veteran, serving during WWII. In 1984, he retired from GM Powertrain in Defiance following 18 years of service and was the pastor for the former Freewill Baptist Church in Cecil. He attended the Paulding Church of the Nazarene.
He is also survived by a son, Kenneth (Marsha) Adkins of Defiance; a daughter, Donna (Bob) Hawkins of Hudson, Mich.; a stepson, Gene Dunham of Urbana; a stepdaughter, Alice Dunham, Paulding; one brother, George Adkins, Jericho, Tenn.; two sisters, Florence Hissaw of Mississippi and Brookie Spence of Celina; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by four brothers, Amos, Albert, Tilman and Herbert Adkins; and four sisters, Garnet and Ivie Adkins, Ann Vance and Easter Mitchell.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, April 28, at the Paulding Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Kim Semran officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Paulding Memorial Cemetery, where Paulding VFW Post #587 will accord military graveside rites. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Church of the Nazarene or to the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

veteran:

GLEN
RIGGENBACH
1926-2010
PAULDING – Glen Allen Riggenbach, 84, died Wednesday, April 28 at Vancrest Nursing Center, Van Wert.
He was born Feb. 21, 1926, in Latty, the son of the late Elmer and Sadie (Stoller) Riggenbach Sr. On May 24, 1947, he married Maxine B. Tope, who preceded him in death on April 27, 2001. A WWII Navy veteran, he was owner/operator of the former Riggenbach Builders, retiring in 2003 after 50 years.
Surviving are a son, Tim Riggenbach of Van Wert; two grandchildren, Jesse (Marissa) Riggenbach and Karley (Brandon) Davis; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Clarence of Venice, Fla.; and four sisters, Florence Treece of Florence, Ala., Lila Miller of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Carol Tarr and Lorena Steffen, both of Bluffton, Ind.
He also was preceded in death by a daughter, Sally Ann; six brothers, Elmer Jr., Everett, Mervin, Ersel, Vern and infant Orville; and four sisters, Eleanor Tope, Arlene Carnahan, Melvine Zink and Myrna Moser.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 3 at Paulding Church of Christ with Jerry Riggenbach officiating. Burial was in Blue Creek Cemetery, Haviland, with military graveside services accorded by Paulding VFW Post 587. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Vancrest Nursing Center Activity Fund.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

SHIRLEY DAVIS
1935-2010
VAN WERT – Shirley A. Davis, 74, of Van Wert, a wonderful wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother and stepgrandmother, died at 8:10 a.m. Tuesday, April 27 at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.
She was born Aug. 22, 1935, in Van Wert, the daughter of Richard and Marguerite (Lewis) Bell. On March 11, 1983, she married Ray B. Davis, who survives in Van Wert.
She retired from Federal Mogul in Van Wert, after 25 years of service. She also had worked at Van Wert Council on Aging and owned and operated Ray’s Furniture in Van Wert. She was a member of Van Wert Moose, American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary.
Also surviving are her children, Cindy (Mike) Wamsley of Colorado Springs, Colo., Greg (Becky) Jenkins, Chris (Bill) Spoor and Sandy (Ralph) Eversole, all of Van Wert; a daughter-in-law, Jan Jenkins of Van Wert; her stepchildren, Mike (Janelle) Davis and Randy (Rose) Davis, both of Decatur, Ind.; 12 grandchildren; eight stepgrandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-stepgrandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Rick Jenkins; a stepdaughter, Sandy Little; three grandchildren; a brother, Harry Bell; and a sister, Mildred Hayes.
Services were held Friday, April 30 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, with the Rev. Tim Burden officiating. Burial was in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point.
Preferred memorials are Van Wert Area Visiting Nurses or Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.
Condolences may be sent to agfh@embarqmail.com

SONIA PEEPER
1917-2010
PAULDING – Sonia M. (Velkoff) Peeper, age 92, died Monday, April 26 at her home.
She was born July 21, 1917 in Chicago, the daughter of Matodi and Louise (Beck) Velkoff. The family moved to Fort Wayne, where Matodi opened St. Joseph Hospital radiology department. She attended Southside High School, graduating in 1936, and attended Parsons School of Art and Design in New York. Upon graduation in 1939, she came back to Fort Wayne where she met and married John H. Peeper of Paulding, who preceded her in death in 1966.
Upon his death, Sonia went back to school at Defiance College and earned her BA degree, cum laude. In 1970, she was hired as director of the Paulding County Welfare Department, retiring in 1985. She was an active member of many social service boards. She was instrumental in developing Paulding County Mental Health Agency to serve county residents. She opened Westside Stories, a paperback buy-sell-trade business in 1986. She operated her business until her health forced her retirement. She still actively continued to support her community through membership on many boards and committees until her health would no longer let her. She was a member of First Christian Church of Paulding.
Surviving are a son, John E. Peeper of Paulding; two daughters, Marilou Schrimshaw of Coppell, Texas and Melissa (John) Munger of Paulding; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; and a brother, Dr. Cy Velkoff, of Warriors Mark, Pa.
She also was preceded in death by a brother, Henry R. “Hank” Velkoff.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 1 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Greg Bibler officiating. Burial was in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding County Dog Shelter or Community Health Professionals of Paulding and Hospice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

JUEL CASPER
1937-2010
CECIL – Juel “Callie” B. Casper, age 72, died Sunday, May 2, at her residence.
She was born Aug. 12, 1937, in Letcher County, Ky., the daughter of Watson and Frances (Adams) Blair. On Dec. 8, 1956, she married John F. Casper, who preceded her in death in 1999. She was formerly employed at Dana Weatherhead and Custom Repack in Bryan.
She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth A. Rhodes of Sherwood and Stachie Hankinson of Cecil; three sons, John C. (Beverly) Casper of Defiance, Walter J. Casper of Cecil and Robert S. (Rita) Casper of Grover Hill; a nephew, Jeffery Blair of Oakwood; a sister, Una Stickel of West Jefferson; one brother, Shade Blair of Cecil; 19 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Ina Blair and Reathie Adams; two brothers, John and James Blair; and two grandchildren, John C. Casper Jr. and Kelly L. Casper.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 6, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial will be in Rochester Cemetery, Cecil.
Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. today, May 5, and one hour prior to services on Thursday.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Paulding Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

veteran:
JEROME HARTMAN
1923-2010
BRYAN – Jerome J. “Jake” Hartman, 86, of Bryan, died Wednesday, April 28, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 1, 1923, in Antwerp, the son of John H. and Kathryn (Bulach) Hartman. On Jan. 26, 1946, he married Hilda V. Wehrle, who survives. He was a lifelong farmer and a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bryan. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in China during World War II, and he was a member of the West Unity American Legion Post #669 and Bryan Amvets Post #54.
He was active in the building of St. Patrick’s first church building, was a member of Bryan Knights of Columbus Council #1915. He was a member of the Bishop Rappe Assembly of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, of which he was a past Faithful Navigator and assistant to the state officers. He also was a member of the Bryan Moose Lodge, a former member of the Farm Bureau Council, a 4-H adviser and was a charter member of the 1566 Investment Club.
Also surviving are a son, Richard (Kathy) Hartman, of San Antonio, Texas, two daughters, Rebecca (Lonny) Wilson of Paulding and Linda (Allen) Flesher of Bryan; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Marcella Stark of Edgerton; and a stepsister, Mary Catherine Reinhart of Bryan.
He was preceded in death by a son, Robert, in 1997; a brother, Francis Hartman; two half-brothers, Roy and John Hartman; and a stepsister, Clara Marie Jerger.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, May 5, in St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father James Halleron officiating. Interment will follow in Shiffler Cemetery with graveside military rites. Krill Funeral Home in Bryan is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the St. Patrick School Angel Fund or to St. Patrick Church.
Condolences may be sent to and the online register may be signed at www.krillfuneralservice.com

JAMES PUMPHREY
1945-2010
CECIL – James D. “Jim” Pumphrey, 64, of Cecil, died at 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 27 in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born June 12, 1945, to Merle Pumphrey. He was the son of Tom and Fay Pumphrey. Jim touched everyone in his own way. He was a DOOer – “Director of Operations.” He had strong hands and a strong, soft heart. He will be loved and missed forever. Ford Forever.
Surviving are his wife, Sandi; six children, Cannina (Kelly) Lee of Paulding, Jamie (John) Merriman of Oakwood, Jim (Tanya) Pumphrey of Cecil, Lori (Adam) Pumphrey of Cecil, Casey (Thor) Etter of Cecil and Joni Jones, Churchville, W.Va.; three grandsons, Thor James Stroker Etter of Cecil, and Josh and Jared Jones, Churchville, W.Va.; five granddaughters, Summer Pumphrey of Cecil, Autumn Hughes of Antwerp, Jordyn and Ally Jo Merriman of Oakwood and Civil Pumphrey, Cecil; four brothers, Bud Pumphrey of Massillon, Frank Pumphrey of Clarksburg, W.Va., Roger Pumphrey of Wooster, W.Va., and Johnny Ware of Ireland, W.Va.; and three sisters, Oleta Hasselswert of Defiance, Betty Mae Donaldson of Oakwood and Peggy Byrad, Chester, W.Va.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Merle Ware; stepfather, Laris Ware; his parents, Tom and Fay Pumphrey; three brothers, Donald Ware, Paul Pumphrey and infant Roy Thomas Pumphrey; three sisters, Ethel Sprouse, Mary Bonnett and Jo Ann Russell; and his wife, Donna Pumphrey.
Services were held Saturday, May 1 at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance.
Condolences may be left at www.HCSFuneralHome.com

TERESA BROWN
1949-2010
DEFIANCE – Teresa Lynne Brown, 60, died Saturday, May 1, at Community Health Professionals of Defiance Inpatient Hospice.
She was born Nov. 30, 1949, in Columbus, the daughter of Robert Leroy and Alberta (Brown) Rowe. She was a member of Mountain Bell of San Francisco, Oakland Medical Center AIDS Task Force of Oakland, Calif., Fort Wayne Indiana AIDS Task Force and a volunteer at Defiance Regional Medical Center.
She is survived by her mother, Alberta Rowe of Defiance; two brothers, Larry (Rose) Rowe of White Lake, Mich. and Robert (Diania) Rowe, Sterling Heights, Mich.; and three sisters, Margaret Ann (Lavon) Ross of Adrian, Mich., Constance Sullivan of Fort Wayne and Nancy (Patrick) Okley of Toledo.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Graveside services were conducted Saturday, May 8 at Middle Creek Zion Baptist Cemetery, Washington Township, Grover Hill, with Donna Stutzman officiating. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, handled the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

CLARENCE CARNAHAN
1939-2010
DEFIANCE – Clarence R. Carnahan, 70, died Saturday, May 8, at the Community Health Professionals of Defiance Inpatient Hospice.
He was born Dec. 8, 1939, in Defiance, the son of Robert and Nina (Arnold) Carnahan, who both preceded him in death. On Aug. 15, 1959, he married Catherine Gray, who survives. He retired in 1996 from GM Powertrain in Defiance following 34 years of service. He was also formerly employed at the Stoller Honey Farm and was a member of the UAW.
He is also survived by a daughter, Karen (Ed) Kemper of St. Louis; four sons, David (Rikki) Carnahan and Keith (Sherry) Carnahan, both of Ayersville, Dennis Carnahan of Holgate, and Jerry Carnahan of Sacramento, Calif.; two sisters, Velma (Ronnie) Shock and Bonnie Hoop, both of Evansport; a brother, Dick (Sue) Carnahan of Oakwood; six grandchildren, Brianna, Cody, Madeline, Nicholas, Shawn and Elizabeth Carnahan; a stepdaughter, Danielle; and one great-stepgrandson, Kayden.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Gene and John Carnahan; and a stepson, Devon Carlton.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 11, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding with Pastor Jeff Mullinix officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Community Health Professionals of Defiance Inpatient Hospice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

ROMA FREY
1916-2010
PAULDING – Roma I. Frey, age 94 died on her birthday, Wednesday, May 5, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born May 5, 1916 in Wanatah, Ind., the daughter of Bert J. and Ann B. (Campbell) Frey. She was a teacher for Paulding Exempted Village Schools, retiring in 1978. She was a member of First Christian Church in Paulding, Paulding County Retired School Teachers, and Friends of the Paulding County Library.
She is survived by a cousin, Tom Powell of Brookville.
She was preceded in death by a brother, J. Burdette Frey.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 7, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Greg Bibler officiating. Burial was in Paulding Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

DEBRA HANEY
1965-2010
GROVER HILL – Debra D. Haney, age 44, died Thursday, May 6 at her residence.
She was born Aug. 5, 1965 in Allen County, Ohio, the daughter of Gerald and Ruth (Golliver) Combs. On July 15, 1986, she married Jeffrey R. Haney, who survives. She was a homemaker and attended Harvest Field Pentecostal Church of God, Scott.
Also surviving are her father, Gerald Combs, Paulding; her mother, Ruth (Tom) Andrew, Florida, Ohio; two children, Dylan R. and Mackenzie D. Haney, both of Grover Hill; and three brothers, Dennis (Kelly) Combs of Paulding, Dan (Linda) Combs of Whitehouse and Derick Whitman, Panama City, Fla.
She was preceded in death by a son, Ethan Haney, in 1991; and her stepfather, Jerry L. Whitman.
Funeral services were held Sunday, May 9 at Wayne Trace High School, Haviland, with Pastor Terry Martin officiating. Burial was in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Debra’s memory to Jeffrey R. Haney, 18730 Rd. 24, Grover Hill OH 45849.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

ADAM McNEELY
OAKWOOD – Adam McNeely, 26, of Oakwood, died Sunday, May 9, 2010. Arrangements are incomplete at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood.

MABEL SMITH
1915-2010
ANTWERP – Mabel M. Smith, 94, formerly of Antwerp, passed away Friday, May 7 at the Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.
She was born May 22, 1915 in Archbold, the daughter of Welden  and Lizzie  (Short) Pursel. On April 11, 1942 in Indiantown Gap, Pa., she married Lyle Smith, who preceded her in death in 1972. She was a homemaker who lived most of her life in Fulton County. She was the oldest living Golden Star Mother in Ohio and a lifetime member of the Antwerp VFW Auxiliary. She also loved to crochet.
Surviving are five daughters, Betty (Ronald) Figgins of Hicksville, Mary (Wayne) Applegate of Auburn, and Elaine (Rick) Wiegman, DeAnn (William) Smith and Pat Smith, all of Fort Wayne; three sons, Larry (Carolyn) of Sutherlin, Ore., Ronald (Carole) of Moline, Ill. and Jerry (Sharon) of Fort Wayne; 20 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a son, Allen; stepmother, Lorene; and brothers, Orville, Roscoe and Paul Pursel.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 10 at Antwerp United Methodist Church. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of arrangements.
  Preferred memorials are to the family in care of Pat Smith.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

MAHLON THOMPSON
1918-2010
GROVER HILL – Mahlon E. Thompson, 91, of Grover Hill, died at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, May 4 at Vancrest Healthcare Center, Van Wert.
He was born Oct. 19, 1918, in Van Wert County, the son of Alfred E. and Bessie (Adams) Thompson. He married Antha Rose McClure, who died in 1955. In 1957, he married Helen (Sink) Noggle, who died in 2006. He was a lifetime member of the Zion Christian Union Church and had also attended Roselms Christian Church. He was a lifetime farmer in Jackson Township, Van Wert County.
Survivors include four sons, Jerry (Vivian) Thompson of Grover Hill, Vic (Ellen) Thompson of Sun City, Fla., and George (Sue) Noggle and Eddie (Ruth) Noggle, both of Van Wert; three daughters, Scheryl Reidenbach of Lima, Shelbyan (Larry) Tribolet of Middle Point and Gayle Noggle of Van Wert; 19 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a stepsister, Rosalee Sholl of Oakwood.
He also was preceded in death by a son, Randy; one brother, Vernon; and two sisters, Ruth Priddy and Manota Edwards.
Services were held Saturday, May 8 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with the Revs. Paul Miller and Mark McKay officiating. Burial was in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to agfhc@embarqmail.com

JAMES WATKINS
1941-2010
FORT WAYNE – James P. Watkins, 68, of Fort Wayne, died Friday, May 7, at his residence.
He was born July 8, 1941, in Van Wert, the son of Calvin G. and Lucille R. (Rose) Watkins. He was a graduate of Van Wert High School and attended Defiance College and Miami University in Oxford. He retired from Contech in Auburn, Ind. and had also worked at the National Seal in Van Wert. He was a member of the American Cavy Breeders Association.
Surviving are his mother, of Van Wert; a daughter, Chelsea Watkins of Payne; two brothers, David (Angela) Watkins of Van Wert and Gregory Watkins of Columbus; and a niece, Shawn (Mike) Hayes of Louisiana.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Private family services will be held. Alspach-Gearhart-Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

BRISTOL McGARVEY
2010
PAULDING – Bristol Lynne McGarvey was stillborn Monday, April 26, 2010 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She is survived by her parents, Brent and Chelsie (Cox) McGarvey, Paulding; a sister, Reagan McGarvey, Paulding; paternal grandparents, Danny and Jane McGarvey, Grover Hill; and maternal grandparents, Jack and Renee Cox, Payne.
Private graveside services were held Saturday, May 1 at Wiltsie Cemetery in Payne with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, handled arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

MICHAEL HARTZELL 1965-2010
OAKWOOD – Michael John Hartzell, 44, of Oakwood, died at 5:20 p.m. Thursday, May 13 at the University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo.
He was born Sept. 2, 1965 in Defiance, the son of Victor and Helen (Thrasher) Hartzell Jr. On May 14, 1988, he married Sandra Keck, who survives in Oakwood. He was a tool and die maker at W.C. Woods in Ottawa. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Defiance.
Also surviving are his parents, of Defiance; three daughters, Elise Love, Katelyn Laurel and Hailey Marie, all at home; three brothers, Raymond (Debra) and Lawrence (Ann), both of Defiance, and Matthew (Mary Jo) of Mansfield; two sisters, Mary (Scott) Baker and Theresa (Fred) Rosebrock, both of Defiance; and his in-laws, Keith and Colleen Keck of Oakwood. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Austin Michael James Hartzell.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 17 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood with Fr. John Stites and Pastor Dan Deeter officiating. Burial was in Little Auglaize Cemetery, Melrose. Memorials may be made to the family for the children’s education.
Condolences can be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

ADAM McNEELY 1983-2010
OAKWOOD – Adam L. McNeely, 26, of Oakwood died Sunday morning, May 9 at Whispering Pines Apartments in Paulding.
He was born June 20, 1983 in Defiance, the son of Steve and Kimberly (Lake) McNeely. He was attending school at ITT in Fort Wayne.
Surviving are his father and stepmother, Steve and Sandy (Adams) McNeely of Oakwood; his fiancé, Kylee Zizelman of Paulding; a son, Brayden McNeely of Paulding; a future stepson, Devyn Zizelman of Paulding; his grandmothers, Margaret Fellers of Norman, Okla. and Barbara Garrett of Coble, Mo.; maternal step-grandmother, Erlene Strait of Defiance; a brother:, Shannon (Ruth) Bidlack of San Diego; three sisters, Rachel (Jason) Dunn of Van Wert, Cynthia Teegarden of Cloverdale and Brittany McDonald of Defiance; and five nephews and two nieces.
His great-grandparents Henry and Gail Rose raised him and they are deceased. Also preceding him in death were his mother and his grandfathers.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 14 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood, with Pastor Terry Porter officiating. Burial was in Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood. Memorials may be made to Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood, to help with funeral expenses.
Condolences can be made to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

veteran: MICHAEL KAISER 1952-2010
OAKWOOD – Michael E. Kaiser, 57, of Oakwood, died at 10:30 p.m. Friday, May 14, at Paulding County Hospital.
He was born Sept. 28, 1952, in Ironton, the son of Herman and Inez “Genieve” (Dement) Kaiser. He was formerly married to Janis Joseph VanVlerah of Oakwood. He was a U.S. Army veteran and retired from General Motors in Defiance following 35 years of service. He retired from the Oakwood EMS and the Oakwood Fire Department, where he served as assistant chief, and was still active in both. He had formerly worked with the Auxiliary Sheriff’s Dept. in Paulding County and was a member of Defiance’s Amvets, Eagles and VFW. Surviving are two daughters, Cindy Ripke and Mindy (Miguel) Hernandez, both of Oakwood; a brother, Don Kaiser of McClure; a sister, Barb (Jim) Good of Napoleon; and seven grandchildren, Briana, Breck, Bailey and Caleb Ripke, and Trey, Braden and Mylee Hernandez; and a former son-in-law, Brian Ripke. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Chuck Kaiser. Services will be held at 1 p.m. today, May 19, with hours of visitation one hour prior to services at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Stan Harmon officiating. Burial will be in the Prairie Chapel Cemetery in Oakwood.
Preferred memorials are to Oakwood Fire Department or EMS.

veteran: CLYDE SCHALL 1933-2010
OAKWOOD – Clyde Edward Schall, age 77, of Oakwood, died Tuesday, May 11 at the Toledo Hospital after a long illness surrounded by his family.
He was born April 3, 1933, the son of John and Myrtle (Powell) Schall in Fostoria. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the Markab AD-21 as a MR 2 machinist. While serving in the Navy, he was stationed at Newport, R.I. He retired from Spangler Candy as a machinist. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and he will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Lorraine (Dresch) Schall; daughter, Sheri (Peter) Ansted of Perrysburg; and three grandchildren, Robb of Perrysburg, Tim of Lexington, Ky. and Mallory (J. Michael) Newman of Houston.
Preceding him in death was a daughter, Patty Sue Schall. Services will be private. Burial will be held at a later date. Newcomer Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Toledo is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Assistance Dogs of America (A.D.A.I.), 8806 State Route 64, Swanton OH 43558. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.NewcomerToledo.com

HAROLD ESCHBACH 1928-2010
PAULDING – Harold J. Eschbach, 81, died Wednesday, May 12, at the Gardens of Paulding.
He was born June 10, 1928 in Fort Wayne, the son of Peter J. and Lena M. (Geyer) Eschbach. On July 23, 1949, he married Ruth G. Caryer, who survives. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, a self-employed farmer, and a 20-year Paulding Township maintenance employee.
Also surviving are two sons, Ron (Marsha) Eschbach of Antwerp and Larry Eschbach, Sandusky; two daughters, Marianne (Joe) Riley, Land-O-Lakes, Fla., and Linda (Tom) Riley, Kalamazoo, Mich.; a brother, Norman Eschbach, Payne; a sister, Delores Brown, Pontiac, Mich.; four grandchildren, Megan Riley, Nathan Eschbach, Kim (Chris) Clemons and Kari (Ron) Johnson; and seven great-grandchildren, Caitlin and Andrew Eschbach, Karlie, Spencer and Madison Clemons, Hailey and Hannah Johnson. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Alvin and Raymond Eschbach; and two sisters, Lucile Fatchett and Marcella Greely. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, May 15 at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. David Meriwether officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding, at a later date. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Donations may be made to Gardens of Paulding Activity Fund or the First Presbyterian Church.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

CARRIE COTTERMAN 1931-2010
PAULDING — Carrie Geneva Cotterman, 79, died Thursday, May 13, at Van Wert Inpatient Hospital Center.
She was born April 7, 1931, in Paulding County, the daughter of Fredrick P. and Bessie Mae (Leslie) Hartwig, who both preceded her in death. On June 5, 1949, she married Richard L. “Bud” Cotterman, who survives. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Briceton. She was employed by Paulding County Hospital as a housekeeper for 24 years, retiring in 1992. Also surviving are two sons, Randy (Crys) Cotterman of Paulding and Gary Cotterman of Murray, Ky.; a daughter, Elaine (Roger) Sierer of Paulding; two brothers, Fred (Louise) Hartwig of Van Wert, and Ray (Wilma) Hartwig of Haviland; four sisters, Mary Gray and Florence Sanderson, both of Paulding, Deanna (Robert) Adkins of Oakhill and Frieda (Ralph) Hammons of Cloverdale; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Richard Hartwig; a sister, Jennie Mae Green; and two granddaughters. Funeral services were conducted Monday, May 17 at St. John Lutheran Church, Briceton. Burial was in Hedges Cemetery, Jackson Township in Paulding County. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding was in charge of the arrangements.
Donations may be made to the St. John Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderth.com

veteran: WILLIAM FOLLAS
1925-2010
PAULDING – William I. Follas, age 85, died Tuesday, May 18 at Paulding County Hospital.
He was born Feb. 1, 1925 in Van Wert County, the son of Orwell and Bessie (Bowman) Follas. On Dec. 28, 1950, he married Carol Sue Maxon, who survives. He was a WWII and Korean Army veteran, serving as sergeant and first lieutenant. He was employed as a teacher for Antwerp, Grand Rapids, Paulding, Payne and Stryker schools for 37 years and substitute teacher for 20 years. He coached basketball, golf, baseball and football and was an athletic director. He also was a bus driver, drivers education teacher and industrial arts teacher. He was a member of Paulding United Methodist Church, Lions Club, Paulding VFW Post #587 and Stryker American Legion.
Also surviving are two sons, Daniel (Kathy) of Indianapolis and Evan (Deb) of Fishers, Ind.; two daughters, Marsha (Jim) Henderson of Paulding and Billie Sue (Tim) Lengacher of Leo, Ind.; three brothers, Dale and Elbert (Grace), both of California, and Donald of Arlington; two sisters, Patsy (John) Kirkendall and Connie (Gary) Plummer, both of Elida; a sister-in-law, Marlene Follas, Van Wert; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Bob “Wheaties” Follas.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, May 22 at Paulding United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial was in Paulding Memorial Cemetery with military graveside rites accorded by VFW Post #587. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to Paulding High School Athletic Department or Paulding United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

NORMA LOTHAMER
1931-2010
ANTWERP – Norma J. Lothamer, 79, of Antwerp, passed away at 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, May 19 at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home.
She was born April 27, 1931 in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Glen Charles and Bertha (Langston) Jones. She was valedictorian of her class in 1949 at Elmhurst High School, Fort Wayne. In 1952, she married Rollie Lothamer, who preceded her in death in 1994. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America, the Red Hat Society and a life member of Antwerp VFW Post 5087 Auxiliary. Along with working at Dana Weatherhead, she always stayed active in her community with with the election board and chamber of commerce. Surviving are a daughter, Maria (Larry) Miller, Antwerp; three sons, Rick (Sheila) and Steve, both of Antwerp and Tim (Darlene) of Payne; a brother, Charles (Marilyn) Jones of Antwerp; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. 
Also preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Betty Harpel and Phyllis Blevins; and a grandson, Caden George.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 24 at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Antwerp, with Deacon Robert Nighswander officiating. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the V.E.T.S. Memorial project.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

PAMELA JACOBS
FORT WAYNE – Former Antwerp resident Pamela Kim Jacobs, age 54, of Fort Wayne, died at home Friday, May 21, 2010.
She was born in Flint Mich., the daughter of the late Herman and Christine (Peffley) Rickard.
She will be sadly missed by her companion, Doug Hoaglin of Fort Wayne; two sons, Nathan Bowker of Butler, Ind. and Nick Bowker of Fort Wayne; a sister, Penny Young of Defiance, a brother, Richard Rickard of Bryan; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
She also was preceded in death by a sister, Cheryl King-Wilhelm.
Memorial services were held Tuesday, May 25 at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

PAT SHEPARD 1954-2010
OAKWOOD – C. Patrick “Pat” Shepard, age 55, died Monday, May 17 at Triumph Hospital at St. Rita’s, Lima.
He was born June 21, 1954 in Urbana, the son of Charles V. and Thelma M. (Dunham) Shepard. On Oct. 20, 1979, he married Rose Potts, who survives. He was formerly employed by Phillips in Ottawa and served as pastor for 15 years at Junction Bible Christian Church, Church of God in Willshire for two years, and was minister of music at Rose Hill Church of God and Auglaize Chapel Church of God. He was a graduate of Kentucky Bible Institute, Jackson, Ky. Also surviving are his father and stepmother, Charles and Marjorie Shepard, Cloverdale; a daughter, Stephanie (Jason) Roberts, Paulding; a brother, Michael Shepard, Mobile, Ala.; three half-brothers, Howard LaVern (Marilyn) Shepard of Dupont, Fredrick (Rachelle) Shepard of Cloverdale and Forrest (Carrie) Shepard, Lima; and a half-sister, Esther (Kevin) Brown, New Sharon, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his mother. Funeral services were held Friday, May 21 at Rose Hill Church of God with Pastors David Noel and Ron Hofacker officiating. Burial was in Sherman Cemetery, Charloe. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Donations may be made in memory of Pat to Den Herder Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

veteran: LEWIS RENOLLET JR. 1924-2010
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Lewis Doran Renollet Jr., age 86, joined our Lord and Savior on Monday, May 10 after battling cancer.
He was born March 22, 1924 in Paulding, the son of Lewis Doran and Mae Ruth (Fockler) Renollet. He was an Army hero, surviving the Battle of the Bulge in WWII. He married Donna Rae Bashore, who preceded him in death. Lewis is remembered as an avid sports fan, playing basketball, baseball and football. He enjoyed bowling and gardening until the age of 84. He retired from General Portland in 1987 with over 30 years of service as an electrician. He was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled Veterans, American Legion and United State Bowling Congress. He was honored to serve as a Republican Party Committeeman and Emerald Township Trustee. He attended Riverside Church in Fort Myers. He is survived by his sister, Anna Blanche Ankney; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou and Sara Renollet; three daughters, Pamela Sue (Darwin) Wampler of Garrett, Ind., Patti Kay (Frederick) Snyder of Fort Myers and Laura Ann Renollet, Tampa, Fla.; a son, Gary (Janet) of Stillwater, Okla.; and his Schnauzer and faithful companion, Sheena. Grandpa will always be loved and dearly missed by his 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard, Theodore and Irvin.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 28 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with burial in Renollet Cemetery, Emerald Township.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society or Hope Hospice. Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfuneralhome.com

EILEEN WHITE JOHNSON 1927-2010
PAYNE – R. Eileen White Johnson, 82, died 4:38 p.m. Tuesday, May 18 at the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center, Defiance.
She was born Oct. 14, 1927 near Columbus Grove, the daughter of Grover and Carrie (Roberts) Nichols. On Oct. 13, 1946, she married Earl White, who preceded her in death. On Aug. 26, 1977, she married Howard Johnson, who died March 31, 2008. She owned Eileen’s Beauty Shop in Oakwood for 29 years. She was a member of Twin Oaks United Methodist Church, Oakwood, the United Methodist Women, Continental Order of Eastern Star, and the Past Matrons Club. She is survived by her children, David (Norma) White of Cuyahoga Falls, Susan (Clement) Skehan of Willoughby and Devin (Teal) White of Payne; four grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Lawrence Nichols of Alma, Texas. She also was preceded in death by a grandchild; a sister, Helen Amstutz; and three brothers, Carl, Paul and Orrin Nichols. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 22 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood with the Rev. Julia Ronngren officiating. Burial was in Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood. Preferred memorials are to the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center, Defiance. Condolences can be made to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

veteran:CLARENCE GRAY
FORT WAYNE — Clarence “Ed” E. Gray, 63, died Friday, May 21, 2010 at his residence. He was raised in Paulding.
He was an Army veteran serving in the Vietnam War. He was employed as a machinist at General Electric for 30 years.
He is survived by his wife, Rose Gray of Kendallville, Ind.; two daughters, Lisa (Tyrone) Patterson of Texas and Tammey (Troy) Dunn of Kendallville; a son, Richard (Tracy) Gray of Fort Wayne; a brother, Danny (Brenda) Gray, South Dakota; a sister, Barb (Rick) Jones and an aunt, Caroline (Dave) Goodwin, both of Ohio; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Gray Sr. and Donna Brown; a grandson, Cody Dunn; and his stepfather. Services will be held at 1 p.m. today, May 26, at Covington Memorial Funeral Home, located at 8408 Covington Road. Calling hours will be held one hour prior to services. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Army and the Woodburn American Legion Post. Preferred memorials may are to Heartland Hospice, Noble County, or American Cancer Society. To send online condolences or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.covingtonniemorial.com
veteran:

DOYLE HARTZOG 1932-2010
PAULDING – Doyle R. Hartzog, age 78, died Thursday, May 20 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, Fla.
He was born April 9, 1932 in Lima, the son of Verl V. and Ruth I. (Foster) Hartzog. On June 3, 1951, he married Ruth A. Burgess, who preceded him in death on Aug. 18, 1994. On March 27, 2008 he married Lenore A. (Kennedy) DeMeo, who survives. He was president of Hartzog Lumber Company, retiring in 2004. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Paulding United Methodist Church. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Club in Van Wert, VFW Post #587 and Eagles Aerie #2405. Also surviving are two daughters, Lisa Ford of Bend, Ore., and Lori (Joe) Hartzog-Massaro, Del Ray Beach, Fla.; four stepchildren, Giuseppe DeMeo, Lori Corbett, Lisa Browning and Giovanni DeMeo; two grandchildren, Nicholas Thomas Pappas and Christine Anne (Todd) Turner; nine stepgrandchildren, Amber, CJ, Gage, Brooke, Kaylene, Chase, Lily Jo, Daisy Jo and Giuseppe Jr.; and a sister, Sharon (Darwin) McClure, Grover Hill. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Steven. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, May 26 at Paulding United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Den Herder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation or Cleveland Clinic – Infectious Disease.
Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com

MARY BURGESS 1916-2010
PAULDING – Mary Louise Burgess, age 94, died Thursday, May 27 at the Gardens of Paulding.
She was born March 23, 1916, in Mount Vernon, the daughter of Floyd C. and Esta J. (Shoults) Stephens. On June 22, 1935, she married Norman C. Burgess, who preceded her in death on Aug. 8, 2001. She was employed by Sears, retiring in 1957. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Paulding. She is survived by a daughter, Jacqueline (Sidney) Walker of Paulding; four grandchildren, Tracy Gunderman of Antwerp, Corey Walker and Chris Walker, both of Paulding, and Chad Walker of Independence, Ky.; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Stephens; and a sister, Helen Grassbaugh. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, June 4, at the First Christian Church, Paulding, with the Rev. Greg Bibler officiating. Burial will be in Paulding Memorial Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is handling arrangements. There will be visitation one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Donations may be made to First Christian Church. Online condolences may be made to www.denherderfh.com

BRENT BURKHEIMER 1970-2010
VAN WERT – Brent A. Burkheimer, 39, of Van Wert, died at 8:04 a.m. Wednesday, May 26, in the Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born Nov. 5, 1970, in Van Wert, the son of Cloyd M. “Stoney” and Patricia E. (McCune) Burkheimer. He was a 1989 graduate of Van Wert High School and a 1993 graduate of Ohio Northern University in Ada, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial technology. He graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1999 with a master’s degree in public administration. He was an industrial arts teacher at Jay County Schools in Portland, Ind. He had also been a substitute teacher in the Elida and Lima City School District.
He had formerly coached football at Lima Senior High School, Bluffton University and Defiance College. He was a former head football coach at Paulding High School and was an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan. Services were held Sunday, May 30, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory in Van Wert with the Rev. Paul Hamrick officiating. Burial was in Kossuth Cemetery, Kossuth, Ohio.
Preferred memorials are to the family. Online condolences may be sent to agfhc@enbarqmail.com

DONALD BURT 1923-2010
Donald Burt, 86, passed away Sunday, May 30 at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Born Nov. 15, 1923 in Melrose, he graduated from Oakwood High School and earned a bachelors degree from Ohio State University. He worked as an accountant and secretary-treasurer with Don R. Fruchey Inc. for 33 years, retiring in 1984. He was a longtime member of Saint Joseph United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 47, the Mad Anthony Corvair Club and was a 32nd degree Mason. Don served over three years during WWII as a radioman in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed golf, tennis and bowling and loved to watch Ohio State football and basketball, the Chicago Cubs and NASCAR. Surviving is his wife of 58-1/2 years, Carol Burt; a son, Terry (Jeanne) Burt; a daughter, Jill (John) Burt-Sciole; grandsons, Joshua (Kathryn) Burt, Michael (fiance Nicole Thomas) Burt and Nicholas Sciole, all of Fort Wayne; nephews, Richard Thompson Jr., William Thompson and Ronald Burt all of Ohio; niece, Janis Thompson of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reid and Bertha Burt; a sister, Claudine Thompson; and two brothers, Robert and Clyde Burt. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 3 at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Chapel, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, with the Rev. Shannon Stringer officiating. Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. today, June 2, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Saint Joseph United Methodist Church or the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. To sign the online guest book, go to www.mccombandsons.com

LAWRENCE DECKER 1935-2010
VAN WERT — Lawrence E. “Bud” Decker, 74, of Convoy, died Sunday, May 30, at the Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born Dec. 24, 1935 in Scott, the son of Leon and Grace (Krugh) Decker. He married Phyllis Johnson, who survives in Convoy. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines. Also surviving are his children, Vicki (Dick) Rice of Scott, Kevin (Lisa) Decker of Van Wert, Rodney (Sarah) Decker of Noblesville, Ind.; and Angel Johnson of Fort Wayne; a sister, Ireta (Don) Hutchison of Scott; and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Calling hours and service times will be set at a later date. Arrangements are by Gearhart, Mack & Jurczyk Funeral Home & Crematory in Convoy. Condolences may be sent to agfhc@embarqmail.com

ED GARLOCK SR. 1962-2010
GROVER HILL – Ed T. Garlock Sr., 47, of Grover Hill, died at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, May 29, at the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.
He was born Aug. 24, 1962, in Clawson, Mich., the son of Edward and Jean (Weaver) Garlock. On April 1, 1998, he married Tanya Scott, who survives in Grover Hill. He worked as a machinist at Eaton in Van Wert and had been a truck driver. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He is also survived by his mother, of Ottoville; his children, Edward Garlock Jr. of Bryson City, N.C., and Bryan and Erica, Garlock, both at home; five sisters, Diane (Kenneth) Bendele of Ottoville, Judy (Hugh) Hughes of Commerce, Mich., Jeannie (Marty) Rhodes of Monroe, N.C., Tracy Garlock of Cloverdale and Janet (Dan) Kwaiser of Saginaw, Mich.; seven nieces; six great-nieces; eight nephews; and six great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edward; a brother, Michael Garlock; and a nephew, Nathan Bendele.
A Mass of Christian burial was held Tuesday, June 1, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ottoville, with Father John Stites officiating. Burial was in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ottoville, with military graveside services conducted by Ottoville VFW and Ft. Jennings American Legion. Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood was in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Van Wert Inpatient Hospice. Condolences may be sent to www.lovefuneralhome.com

BOBBY OWENS 1937-2010
OAKWOOD – Bobby Gene Owens, 72, of Oakwood, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 27, at Toledo Hospital.
He was born June 1, 1937, in Hellier, Ky., the son of John and Ample (Skeens) Owens. He married Ruby Ratliff on Sept. 24, 1955, in a barbershop in Grundy, Va. by William Jisser, and she survives. He served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1955. He worked 12 years in the Virginia coal mines before relocating to Defiance, where he retired from General Motors Powertrain following 41 years of service. He was a loyal member of Voice of Life Ministries, Ayersville, and Local 211 UAW, Defiance.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. His love of bluegrass and country music was evident in his skillful ability to play guitar, banjo and the harmonica. He played in numerous bands throughout his lifetime. He has touched many people’s lives in so many different capacities and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Also surviving are six children, Ron Owens of Oakwood, Carol (Don) Delarber of Continental, Gary (Misty) Owens of Defiance, Trish (Bud) Crowl of Paulding, Jeff (Kris) Owens of Paulding and Melissa (Keith) Paschall, Oakwood; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lucille Turner of Clintwood, Va. and Fayetta Owens of Bowling Green, Tenn.; and four brothers, Robert and James Owens of Haysi, Va., Johnny Owens of Maryland and Stuart Owens of Sherwood. Preceding him in death were his parent; two brothers, G.D. and Thomas Owens; one sister, Mary Lou; and one daughter, Joyce Starr. Services were held Monday, May 31 at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with Pastor Terry Hawkins of Voice of Life officiating. Burial was in Sherman Cemetery in Charloe, where graveside services were conducted by VFW Post 3360. Condolences may be left at www.HCSFuneralHome.com

JOSEPH POTTER 1983-2010
CECIL – Joseph Allen Lee Potter, 26, died Friday, May 28, in a farming accident.
He was born July 19, 1983, in Bryan, the son of James Allen and Mickie Sue (Schmunk) Potter. He was a self-employed farmer. He was a 2002 graduate of Fairview High School, where he played football for eight years. He was a member of Defiance Eagles #372. He loved the music group “Widespread Panic” and was an avid fan of Harley motorcycles and John Deere tractors.
He is survived by his father and stepmother, James Allen and Mary (Hageman) Potter, Defiance; his mother and stepfather, Mickie (Schmunk) and Greg Butler, Sherwood; a sister, Jessica (Eric) Demaline, Napoleon; a special friend, Chelsea Arnett, Hicksville; a stepbrother, Nathan (Gerial) Butler, Bryan; a stepniece, Aubrianna Butler; step nephew, Grason Butler; paternal grandparents, John and Freda (Hillman) Potter, Sherwood; maternal stepgrandmother, Marie Hageman, Defiance; maternal stepgrandparents, Max and Karen (Osenbaugh) Oberkiser, Bryan, and Dan and Nancy Butler, Fort Wayne; uncles, Curt (Danette) Potter of Cecil, Charles (Bev) Schmunk of Sherwood and James (Tammy) Schmunk of Wauseon; and friends, Carl and Charlotte Gallup, Russells Point. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Jerry Schmunk and Lucille (Yenser) Dangler; maternal stepgrandparent, DeLoss Dangler; and paternal stepgrandfather, Red Hageman. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 4, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding with Pastor Charles Schmunk officiating. Burial will be in Rochester Cemetery, Cecil. Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and from noon until time of services on Friday at the funeral home. Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

MONTA ROSS 1920-2010
ANTWERP – Monta Lee Ross, 89, of Antwerp, passed away at 10:05 a.m. Tuesday, May 25 at Paulding County Hospital.
She was born Sept. 24, 1920 in Butler, Ind., the daughter of Carl and Eva (Mock) Stell. On July 27, 1938, she married Leo Ross, who survives. She was a homemaker and babysitter. Also surviving are a daughter, Kathleen (Sam) Rice of Antwerp; two sons, Robert (Marilyn) of Butler, Ind. and Dick (Carolyn) of Antwerp; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jane Houser. Funeral services were held Friday, May 28 at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with Brian Wilcox officiating. Burial was in Butler Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the Kidney Foundation of Ohio or Leukemia Society of Indiana. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

CHARLES SICKAFUS 1922-2010
Charles R. Sickafus, 87, a former Paulding resident, died on Thursday, May 20 in Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington, Ky.
He was born July 23, 1922, in Warsaw, Ind. He graduated in 1941 from Paulding High School, where his father, Glenn G. Sickafus, was the band director for many years. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was the official photographer for the 95th Infantry Division during deployment in the European theater of operations. He attended Morehead State University in Kentucky, graduating in 1948 with a degree in music education. He did graduate work at the University of Colorado, receiving a master of music education degree in 1950.
After teaching for five years in Mansfield, he moved to the Washington, D.C. area, teaching instrumental music for 26 years in suburban Montgomery County, Md. His instrumental groups at the county’s Northwood and Springbrook High Schools consistently garnered prizes and trophies for the schools. During that period he also did critic teaching for the University of Maryland and Catholic University, retiring in 1982. He was a longtime member of National Presbyterian Church in Washington. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Sickafus. Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Lexington, Ky., is in charge of funeral arrangements. Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 465 E. High Street, Lexington KY 40507.

CLIFFORD THRASHER 1950-2010
JUNCTION – Clifford N. “Shorty” Thrasher, 60, of Junction, died at 2:15 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at his residence, surrounded by his family.
He was born April 6, 1950, in Defiance, the son of Russell and Beverly (Brown) Thrasher, who both preceded him in death. On Feb. 18, 1994, he married Teresa McCoy, who survives in Junction. He worked for Buckeye Pellets in Defiance, was a member of the Defiance Moose Lodge and loved NASCAR. Also surviving are his children, Stacey Thrasher of Paulding, Missy Thrasher Rassman of Continental, Aimee (Todd) Rittenhouse of Grover Hill, Jason Gilbert of Stryker, Sarah (Danny Joe) Halter of Oakwood and Kari Thrasher of Junction; 14 grandchildren; and two brothers, Virgil Thrasher of Oakwood and Edward (Debrah) Thrasher of Melrose. He also was preceded in death by a brother, Russell Thrasher, Jr. Funeral services will begin at noon today, June 2, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood, with the Rev. Bobby Branham officiating. Hours of visitation will be one hour prior to services. Burial will follow in Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to www.lovefuneralhome.com

JOURNEY FARRIS 1931-2010
GROVER HILL – Journey “Pa Pa” Farris, age 78, of Grover Hill, died at 5:53 p.m. Tuesday, June 1 at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.
He was born Oct. 16, 1931 in Harts, W.Va., the son of Millard and Nila (Dingess) Farris. On June 21, 1954, he married Freda F. Adkins, who survives. He worked as an auto body repairman for almost 35 years. He loved old country and bluegrass music and had helped organize weekly jam sessions in Grover Hill Park and the old Opry House in Melrose. He was very close with his grandchildren.
Also surviving are his children, Phil (Robbin) Farris of Van Wert, Journey Farris Jr. of Balaton, Minn., Joyce (Ken) Bland and Beverly (Steve) Bussing, both of Paulding, and Barbara (Steve) Landers of Grover Hill; a brother, Charles (Marita) of Bryan; two sisters, Vergie (Frank) Rakes and Donna Hoitt, both of Defiance; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; eight great-stepgrandchildren; and three great-great-stepgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Lewis, Georgie and Ernest; and a sister, Bonnie Smith.
Services were held Saturday, June 5 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert with the Rev. Pat Holt officiating. Burial was in Pleasant View Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center. Condolences may be sent to agfhc@embarqmail.com

GUS DIETRICH 1950-2010
PAULDING – August L. “Gus” Dietrich, age 60, died Thursday, June 3 at Van Wert County Hospital, Van Wert.
He was born April 10, 1950 in Elgin, Ill., the son of Clarence and Mildred (Liebig) Dietrich. On Oct. 6, 1974, he married Dorothy Schlatter, who survives. He was employed in the office of Haviland Drainage Products for 23 years. He became a member of Elgin Apostolic Christian Church on Dec. 1, 1967.
Also surviving are his father, Clarence (Betty) Dietrich, Silverton, Ore.; a son, Sam Dietrich, Texas; two daughters, Rose (Steve) Foltz of Paulding and Amy (Max) Delgado of New Haven; a brother, James (Joan) Dietrich, and a sister, Carol (Greg) Wackerle, both of Silverton, Ore.; and four grandchildren, Ava and Silas Foltz and Elijah and Stephen Delgado.
He was preceded in death by his mother; a sister, Kathy Strahm; and two grandchildren, Connor Reagan Dietrich and Maria Faith Foltz.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 7 at the Junction Apostolic Christian Church. Burial was in Dotterer Cemetery, Auglaize Township. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials made to Apostolic Home for the Handicap, Morton, Ill.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

REBECCA HAWKEY 1954-2010
OAKWOOD – Rebecca Marie Hawkey, 55, of Oakwood, died at 5:08 p.m. Friday, June 4, at Mercy Hospital of Defiance.
She was born Oct. 12, 1954, in Lima, the daughter of Keith and Colleen (Jennings) Keck. On Jan. 4, 1975, she married Gary Hawkey, who survives in Oakwood. She was a nurse at The Laurels of Defiance and retired from Paulding County Hospital.
Also surviving are her parents, of Oakwood; two sons, Jeremy of Arthur and Jeffrey of Franklin, Mass.; a daughter, Jennifer of Fort Wayne; four sisters, Deborah (Jacob) Okuley of Continental, Marcia (Dennis) Cline of Defiance, and Cheryl (Bob) Thrasher and Sandra Hartzell, both of Oakwood; her mother-in-law, Phyllis Hawkey of Paulding; three brothers-in-law, Doug (Deb) Hawkey of Hicksville, and Randy (JoLane) Hawkey and Kelvin (Lynne) Hawkey, both of Fort Wayne; three sisters-in-law, Mary (Charles) Wann of Hicksville, Brenda Taner of Paulding and Jo (Steve) Daeger of Pierceton, Ind.; and her two dogs, Lacy and Teddy.
She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Tom Hawkey; and a brother-in-law, Mike Hartzell.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 8 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood with Fr. John Stites officiating. Burial was in Little Auglaize Cemetery, Melrose.
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

ROSE MARIE MOORMAN 1936-2010
Rose Marie Moorman, age 73, died at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 1 at the Van Wert Hospice Inpatient Center, Van Wert.
She was born Oct. 7, 1936 in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Edward and Bertha (Young) Ross. In 1972, she married Joseph A. Moorman, who survives. She retired after 17 years of service from The National Seal of Van Wert. She was an avid reader and enjoyed making crafts.
Also surviving are two daughters, Jean Marie Carver of Edgerton, Ind. and Jan Rose Lawson of Fort Wayne; a sister, Vivian Snyder of Fort Wayne; a brother, James (Mary) Ross of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a brother Frank Ross.
A funeral service was held Thursday, June 3 at Dooley Funeral Home in Payne with the Rev. Joseph Allen of St. James Lutheran Church officiating. Burial was in Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne, Ohio.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Visiting Nurses.

LOIS WILLIAMSON 1924-2010
VAN WERT — Lois L. Williamson, 86, died at 9 p.m. Friday, June 11 at the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.
She was born May 18, 1924, in Cavett, the daughter of Rollo and Grace (Miller) Taylor. On Sept. 26, 1949, she married Wilbur Williamson, who survives. She retired from Federal Mogul Corporation in Van Wert following 43-1/2 years of service. She was a member of the Van Wert American Legion, VFW Post and Van Wert Moose Lodge auxiliaries, and the Defiance Eagles Auxiliary. Also surviving are a brother, Vondale Taylor, and a sister, Lillian Saam, both of Van Wert.
She was preceded in death by eight brothers and three sisters. Services were held Tuesday, June 15, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Tim Burden officiating. Burial was in Taylor Cemetery, Van Wert County. Preferred memorials are to the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.

CAROL JONES 1942-2010
FORT WAYNE – Carol K. Jones, age 68, died Friday, June 11 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born May 3, 1942 in Allen County, Ind., the daughter of Graydon L. and Juanita D. (Finkhousen) Goble. On Dec. 17, 1966, she married Jon W. Jones, who preceded her in death on June 27, 1985. She was a 1960 graduate of Payne High School and a 1963 graduate of the St. Rita’s School of Nursing of Lima. She was a retired registered nurse for Parkview Hospital and Fort Wayne Surgical Center. Surviving are a daughter, Jenifer (Tim) Wirts of Payne; a son, Mike (Teresa) Jones of Convoy; two sisters, Sharon Goble of Cincinnati and Ursula (Darwin) Riley of Paulding; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; and her loyal pet Penny.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, David. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, June 16, at the Countryside Chapel United Methodist Church, 6072 Mentzer Church Rd., Convoy, with calling one hour before services. Pastor Wayne Karges will officiate. Burial will follow at the Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements. Preferred memorials are to Allen County Indiana ASPCA, or the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Attn: Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas TX 75265-0309. Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

FLORICE PENNER 1911-2010
DEFIANCE – Florice P. Penner, 99, died Thursday, June 10, at The Laurels of Defiance.
She was born April 28, 1911 in Goodwin, the daughter of Thomas H. and Fay (Burt) Albin. In 1934, she married Forest Penner, who preceded her in death in 1977. She was a school teacher who taught at Rose Hill and other one-room school houses, Melrose, Oakwood, and Defiance City Schools at Spencer and Anthony Wayne, retiring in 1973. She was a member of the Twin Oaks United Methodist Church in Oakwood, a member of the church choir, United Methodist Women, S.P.I. Class, OEA, NEA and Defiance County Retired Teachers. She also was a member of the Oakwood Euchre Club. Surviving are a son, Terry (Betty) Penner of Defiance; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and four great-stepgrandchildren. Also preceding her in death were two brothers, Carl and Ted Albin; and a sister, Maxine Simmons.
Services were held Monday, June 14 at the Twin Oaks United Methodist Church in Oakwood with Tom Penner officiating. Burial was in the Little Auglaize Cemetery, Melrose. Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance was in charge of the arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the Twin Oaks United Methodist Church.

GEORGIA MILLS 1957-2010
PAYNE – Georgia K. Mills, 53, of Payne, went to be with the Lord, at 10:05 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, at her residence.
She was born April 10, 1957, in Paulding, the daughter of George and Edith (Zartman) Mills. She worked at Kwik Lok in New Haven. She was a member of the ALS Association and the Payne Church of the Nazarene, but was raised in the Edgerton Wesleyan Church. Surviving are her mother; Edith; a daughter, Stephanie Jahn of Fort Wayne; two sons, Bobby Ditto of Payne and Jimmy (Kera) of Antwerp; a sister, Lee Ann (Rick) Hook of Payne; two brothers, Bob and Dick Mills of Crawfordsville, Ind.; and a grandson, Ethan Jahn. She was preceded in death by her father, George; and a sister, Sandra Marie.
Services were held Saturday, June 12, at the Payne Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Mike Harper officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the ALS Association or the church. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

JAMES GOINGS 1929-2010
PAULDING – James G. Goings, 81, died Tuesday, June 8, at Paulding County Hospital.
He was born April 22, 1929 in Van Wert County, the son of Charles C. and Icy M. (Dorman) Goings. On Sept. 9, 1948, he married Viola J. Carnahan, who preceded him in death in 2006. He was a self-employed carpenter and worked at the Oakwood Lumber Company where he retired in 1991. He also worked at the Auglaize Stone Quarry for 20 years. Surviving are three daughters, Linda (Ben) Watson of Paulding, Marsha (Robert) Bland of Oakwood and Sandy (Steve) Hubert of Fort Wayne; a son, Jerry (Debra) Goings of Cloverdale; a stepsister, Barbara (Norman) Tritch of Cecil; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, eight stepgrandchildren; and 26 great-stepgrandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a son, James A. Goings; a daughter, Mary Jane Goings; a brother, Charles Goings Jr.; and a stepsister, Claris Saylor.
Funeral services were held Friday, June 11, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Robert Merriman officiating. Burial was in the Sherman Cemetery in Charloe. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to The Gardens of Paulding Activity Fund.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

MARK SCOUTEN 1964-2010
ANTWERP – Mark A. Scouten, 45, of Saint Joe, Ind., died at 4:37 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, at Lutheran Hospital.
He was born Aug. 12, 1964, in Paulding, the son of Linda (Powell) West and Gerald Scouten. He graduated from Antwerp High School in 1982 and he was a foreman at Vulcraft. He was a professional body builder and also enjoyed canoeing and basketball.
He is survived by a son, Adam, of St. Joe; a stepson, Jason (Lindsay) Wilson of Concord, N.C.; his mother, Linda West, Antwerp; father and stepmother, Jerry and Lana Scouten of Antwerp; a sister, Heather VanWagner of Fort Wayne; and two brothers, John of Berne and David of Fort Wayne.
Services were held Saturday, June 12 at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

KAY GEORGE 1956-2010
PAULDING — Kay E. George, 53, died Monday, June 7, at St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo.
She was born Oct. 31, 1956, in Navarro Texas the daughter of Torrence L. and Betty Lou (Unger) George. She was a self employed social worker; behavior intervention specialist for Northwest Ohio Community Action and an investigator for Child Protective Services of Paulding County.
She was a volunteer for the Bull Massive Reserve Association and a volunteer at Hawthorn County Nursing Home bringing her therapy dog “Gem”.
Surviving is her mother, Betty Hanenkratt, Defiance; and two brothers, Mikeal (Gina) George of Clyde and James George.
She was preceded in death by her father, Torrence; grandparents, James and Florence (Ludwig) Unger; and stepfather William B. Hanenkratt.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 22 at Den Herder Funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Memorial donations can be made to the funeral home to cover funeral expenses. Online donations may made to www.denherderfh.com.

CECILE NEUENSCHWANDER 1909-2010
PAYNE – Cecile L. Neuenschwander, 100, formerly of Fort Wayne, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Friday, June 11, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home.
Cecile was born Nov. 4, 1909 in Payne, a daughter of William and  Myrtle (Skinner) Pio. She was a  seamstress at Fort Wayne Tailoring and a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne. Surviving are two daughters, Donna (Glen) Schmidt of Payne and Jeannine Strombeck of Venus, Fla.; a brother, Robert (Lela) Pio of Fort Wayne; 11 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands, John Deeter and Wilmer “Jeff” Neuenschwander; and a brother, Carlyle Pio. 
Graveside services were held Friday, June 18 at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. Dooley Funeral Home, Payne, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

CURTIS ADAMS 1918-2010
PAULDING – Curtis E. Adams, age 92, died Thursday, June 10 at the CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice.
He was born April 27, 1918, in Paulding County, the son of William and Minnie (Grimes) Adams. On June 20, 1946, he married Emogene G. Underwood, who preceded him in death in 2003. He worked for 33 years at the former Grizzly Manufacturing, Paulding, retiring in 1980. He was a member of the Paulding VFW Post 587 and the Paulding Eagles 2405. He was an avid bowler and sports enthusiast. He is survived by three daughters, Sandy Parrish, Lynn (James) Nutter and Kelly (Tony) Ankney, all of Paulding; two sons, Jerry (Joann) Adams of Paulding and Tony Adams of Oakwood; two sisters, Fanny May (Alvin) Long of Oakwood and Reva Hammon of Jewell; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He also was preceded in death by a brother, A. Rex Adams. Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 15 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Cooper Cemetery, Paulding. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Defiance Hospice Auxiliary. Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

MICHAEL BARTON 1942-2010
OAKWOOD – Michael T. Barton, 68, of Oakwood, died 12:02 a.m. Wednesday, June 16 at his residence. He was born Jan. 25, 1942, in Toledo, the son of Marion and Margaret (McKellips) Barton. On March 16, 1970, he married Patsy Pratt, who survives. He was retired from General Motors in Defiance. He loved antique and classic cars, horses and watching professional wrestling.
Also surviving are a son, Kevin (Crystal) Barton of Defiance; a grandson, Jacob Barton of Ney; three brothers, Bob (Roberta) Barton and Gary (Jo Anne) Barton, both of Defiance, and Greg (Sally) Barton of Napoleon; and three sisters, Pat Metz of Defiance, Toni (Dean) Froelich of Indiana, and Peggy (Francis) Wobler of Payne. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Keith and Ed Barton; and a brother-in-law, Russell Metz. Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 22 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood with the Rev. Terry Brock officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Memorials may be made to the family. Condolences can be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

DONNA DANGLER 1925-2010
PAULDING – Donna M. Dangler, 84, died Monday, June 14, at The Gardens of Paulding.
She was born Dec. 28, 1925, in Paulding County, the daughter of Leo and Bessie (Grimes) Rife. In 1945, she married Daniel J. Anderson, who preceded her in death on Nov. 12, 1954. In 1960, she married Nolan G. Dangler, who preceded her in death on Aug. 24, 1977. She was a member of VFW Post #587 Auxiliary and Eagles #2405 Auxiliary, and was a volunteer for the Bargain Bin in Paulding. She is survived by two daughters, Gina (Tom) Connin of Antwerp and Lori (George) Stein of Houston, Texas; a stepdaughter, Lonna Osmond, Worthington; a brother, Jack Rife, Warsaw, Ind.; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a son, Phillip Anderson; a stepson, Gene Dangler; two sisters, Patricia Etter and Gloria McGill; two brothers, Albert and Eugene Rife; and a step grandson, Rick Dangler. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, June 19, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Cooper Cemetery in Paulding. Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society or Paulding County Hospital Foundation. Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

GENA LANTOW 1966-2010
PAYNE – Gena Renee Lantow, 44, formerly of Payne, died of an apparent heart attack Saturday, June 12 in Dothan, Ala.. She was born March 28, 1966, in Defiance, the daughter of Tom and Martha (Pessefall) Lantow, who both preceded her in death. She graduated from Wayne Trace High School in 1984 and later moved to Dothan, Ala., where she was employed by CVS Pharmacy.
Surviving are a brother, Chad (Kris) Lantow of Latty; her stepfather, Arnold Begley, and a stepbrother, Shane Begley, both of Dothan; and two nieces, Sarah and Kati Lantow and a nephew, Tom Lantow, all of Latty. She also was preceded in death by her grandparents, Francis and Opal Pessefall and Jack and Betty Lantow. Holman Funeral Home in Ozark, Ala. was in charge of the arrangements. A beachside memorial service will be held at Panama City, Fla. at a later date.

ESTHER DEMPSEY 1914-2010
VAN WERT – Esther M. Dempsey, 95, went to be with her Lord at 2:20 a.m. Saturday, June 19, at the Van Wert Manor Nursing Home in Van Wert. She was born Aug. 23, 1914, in Convoy, the daughter of Irvin and Amy (Painter) Cox. On Dec. 24, 1932, she married John W. Dempsey, who preceded her in death on April 22, 1986. She was a lifelong resident of Van Wert County and was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Van Wert and a member of the J.O.Y. Club of the church. Surviving are two sons, Donald (Sue) Dempsey of Convoy and Maurice (Mary Ellen) Dempsey of Virginia Beach, Va.; five daughters, Beverly (Larry) Schoonover, Gretna (Don) Stevens and Johnette Waltmire, all of Van Wert, Saundra Schwinnen of Defiance, and Linda (Terry) Neer of Paulding; 43 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were three daughters, Helen Osting, Nellie Schabbing and Mary Dempsey; four brothers; and two sisters. Services will be held at 10 a.m. today, June 23, at the First Baptist Church in Van Wert, with the Rev. Steven Robinson officiating. There will be visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery in Middle Point. Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Preferred memorials amy go to Community Health Professionals Visiting Nurses, to the church or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

LEOTA DAVIS 1919-2010
PAULDING – Leota E. Davis, 90, of Paulding, passed away at 5:54 p.m. Monday, June 14, at The Gardens of Paulding. Leota was born Nov. 24, 1919 in Antwerp, the daughter of Sid and Ethel (Laney) Carr. On Oct. 19, 1940, she married Ted Davis, who preceded her in death on Oct. 24, 1978. A 1937 graduate of Antwerp High School, she had been a clerk at G.C. Murphy in Defiance and was a member of the Antwerp Presbyterian Church and the Antwerp VFW and American Legion auxiliaries. Surviving are two daughters, Billie (Gene) Starkey of Bethel Park, Pa. and Margaret (Howard) Johnson of Paulding; two sons, Richard (Mary) of Paulding and Tom (Sandy) of Defiance; two sisters, Jenny McCoy of Monroeville, Ind. and Rosie Rhoades of Ligonier, Ind.; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Dull and Edith Zartman; and two brothers, Sidney and Virgil Carr.
Her funeral services were held Friday, June 18 at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding Area VNA and Hospice.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

WILLIAM KIRACOFE 1930-2010
VAN WERT – William D. “Bill” Kiracofe, age 79, of Van Wert, died at 10:20 p.m. Sunday, June 20, at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice. He was born Nov. 13, 1930 in Van Wert County, the son of Thomas and Cleo (Rickard) Kiracofe. On April 12, 1952, he married Dora Myers, who preceded him in death. He retired from Borden Cheese and Central Insurance Co., both in Van Wert, and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Surviving are two sons, Roger (Brenda) and Dennis (Keri), both of Van Wert; two daughters, Jill (Michael) Karcher of Van Wert and Joyce (Bradley) Mills of Haviland; a sister, Betty (Don) Brennan of New Haven; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Marilyn Johnson of Decatur, Ind.
He also was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Nancy, in infancy; and two grandchildren.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 25 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert with the Rev. Tim Burden officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City.
Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, June 24. Preferred memorials are to Van Wert Inpatient Hospice or Trinity United Methodist Church.

JOSHUA SCHNEIDER 2010
PAULDING – Joshua Ryan Schneider died shortly after birth on June 19 at the Dupont Hospital in Fort Wayne. Surviving are his parents, Michael D. and Jodi D. (Ifft) Schneider of Paulding; three brothers, Joel, Lathan and Thad, and a sister, Lynelle, all of Paulding; grandparents, Jim and Sandra Schneider and Larry and Shirley Ifft, all of Fairbury, Ill.; maternal great-grandfather, Elmer Ifft, Fairbury, Ill.; and paternal great-grandparents, Earl and Esther Gerber of Forrest, Ill.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Levi John Schneider; maternal great-grandparents, Noah and Emma Gerber and Emma Ifft; and paternal great-grandparents, Al and Gladys Schneider.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, June 23, at Dotterer Cemetery, Junction, with church clergymen officiating. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding is in charge of the arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Apostolic Christian Timber Ridge, Morton, Ill.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

KAY GEORGE 1956-2010
PAULDING – Kay E. George, 53, died Monday, June 7 at St. Vincent Hospital, Toledo.
She was born Oct. 31, 1956 in Navarro, Texas, the daughter of Torrence L. and Betty Lou (Unger) George. She was a self-employed social worker, behavior intervention specialist for Northwest Ohio Community Action and investigator for Child Protective Services of Paulding County. She was a volunteer for the Bull Mastiff Rescue Association and a volunteer at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, bringing her therapy dog “Gem.” She is survived by her mother, Betty Hanenkratt of Defiance; and two brothers, Mikeal (Gina) George of Clyde and James George.
She also was preceded in death by her father; grandparents, James and Florence (Ludwig) Unger; and stepfather, William B. Hanenkratt. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, June 22, at Den Herder Funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date.Memorial contributions may be made in Kay’s memory to Den Herder Funeral Home.Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

RUBY GATES
1906-2010
FORT WAYNE – Ruby E. Gates, age 103, passed away Saturday, June 19 at The Towne House Retirement Center in Fort Wayne, where she had been their oldest resident.
She was born July 17, 1906, the daughter of George and Nola (Gordon) Dunakin, at home near Cecil. She graduated from Mark Center High in 1925. She worked for a number of years as a beautician at Wolf and Dessauer Department Store in Fort Wayne. On Jan. 3, 1941, she married John R. Gates, with whom she shared her life until his death in 1972. She was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, Fort Wayne Women’s Club, Orchard Ridge Country Club and the Daughters of the Nile.
Surviving are her niece, Jayne (Frank) Beeler of Anderson, Ind., and nephews David (Karen) Dunakin of Yorba Linda, Calif., Harley (Jacki) Dunakin of Paulding and Douglas (Micki) Dunakin of Antwerp.
She also was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Burgoyne; a brother, Charles Dunakin; a niece Hope Ann Boden; and a nephew, Charles Dunakin.
A graveside service was held Wednesday, June 23 at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne, with Pastor Carole Green officiating. Arrangements were by D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.mccombandsons.com

WAYNE LEE
1953-2010
BRICETON – Wayne Allan Lee, age 56, died Sunday, June 20 at Paulding County Hospital.
He was born July 9, 1953 in Paulding, the son of Don W. and Olive C. (Leeth) Lee. On Nov. 26, 1972, he married Barbara E. Grindstaff, who survives. He was employed for 37 years by Spartech Plastics, Paulding. He was a member of the former Haviland Baptist Church. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, woodworking, playing corn hole and listening to music. He coached Pee Wee League, enjoyed playing softball, drag racing, hunting and fishing and was an avid John Deere collector.
He also is survived by his father, of Briceton; three children, Angela Gamble of Ottoville, Wayne A. (Mariam) Lee Jr. of Chesapeake, Va. and Isaac (Denise) Lee, Briceton; 10 grandchildren: Chelsea, Olivia, Faith, Grace, Tricia, Monicia, Wayne III, Jaylynn, Brookelynn and Mason; two sisters, Rose (Keith) Wilhelm of Broughton and Brenda (Bill) Reichard, Paulding; and many cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother; and grandparents Russel and Mable Lee and Lafie and Olive Leeth.
Funeral services were held Thursday, June 24 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Ron Johnson officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

SHERRI  RUFFING
1957-2010
ANTWERP – Sherri L. Ruffing, 53, of Antwerp, passed away at 1:03 p.m. Saturday, June 26, 2010 at her residence.
She was born May 2, 1957, in Hicksville, the daughter of the late Julian  and Sheila (Ehrhart) Hicov. On Feb. 1, 1986, she married Thomas Ruffing, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Justin and Brandon; a brother, Dale Hicov; and three sisters, Sonya Herber, Sandra Stewart, both of Antwerp, and Debbie Trausch of Edgerton.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. today, June 30 at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

BARBARA  BOVINE 1932-2010
ANTWERP – Barbara E. Bovine, 78, of Antwerp, formerly of Fort Wayne, passed away Wednesday, June 30 at Manor House Assisted Living.
She was born April 9, 1932 in Fort Wayne, the daughter of the late Edward  and Mary (Betley) Moore. She attended Ball State University for two years. She was a member of the PBA, having won 13 bowling championships in Fort Wayne, and enjoyed playing bridge. Surviving are three sons, Gary of Fort Wayne, Eric of Denver and Bradley (Susan) of Antwerp; a sister, Betty Lou Stabler, Fort Wayne; a brother, Edward (Melanie) Moore, Fort Wayne; and three grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Lougher. Services will be held at a later date. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

MARCELLA HECK 1927-2010
PAULDING – Marcella “Jake” F. Heck, age 82, died Friday, July 2 at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne.
She was born Dec. 14, 1927 in Broughton, the daughter of Clyde and Mary (Head) Cotterman. On July 29, 1946, she married Norman E. Heck, who survives. She was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish of Paulding. She retired in 1988 from the former Dana-Weatherhead Corporation of Antwerp after 23 years of service.
Also surviving are a daughter, Cathy (Rob) Gross of Paulding; two sons, Terry (Monica) Heck of Paulding and Rick (Myra) Heck of Sherwood; a brother, Richard “Bud” Cotterman of Paulding; a sister, Darlene Good of Paulding; 14 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra Ann Heck in 2003; a son, Rodger Heck in 1953; and a sister, Elsie Cotterman. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. today, July 7, at the Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, Paulding, with calling one hour before services at the church. The Rev. G. Allan Fillman will officiate. Burial will be in Hedges Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund, Paulding Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice or Masses. Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

veteran: LAVERN “BUD” WARD 1927-2010
PAYNE – LaVern A. “Bud” Ward, age 83, died Saturday, July 3 at The Gardens of Paulding.
He was born Jan. 23, 1927 in Wolf Lake, Ill., the son of William and Zora (Smith) Ward. On Jan. 24, 1952 he married Avoneal “Billie” Griggs, who preceded him in death in 1992. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving during World War II and retired from GM Powertrain, Defiance in 1988 after 25 years of service. He attended the Antwerp Baptist Church. He is survived by two sons, Gary (Debra) Ward of Payne and Kenneth (Jane) Ward, Demorest, Ga.; one sister, Dolly Achembach, Cairo, Ill.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by an infant son, Kenneth; four brothers; and two sisters. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 8 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial will be in Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne, Ohio. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today, July 7 at the Den Herder Funeral Home. Also, visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Thursday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

HOMER SANDERS JR. 1944-2010
ANTWERP – Homer J. Sanders Jr., 66, of Antwerp, died at 5:15 a.m. Monday, July 12, at his residence.
He was born in Antwerp, Ohio on May 9, 1944, the son of  Homer J. Sr. and Julia Belle (McCreery) Sanders. On Dec. 12, 1964, he married Karen Heck, who survives. He was the owner at Sander’s Auto Rebuilding, Antwerp. He enjoyed watching bald eagles and writing photo journals in the West Bend News about local Eagle sightings.
Also surviving are his mother, Julia, of Antwerp; two sons, Homer J. III and Roger (Sondra), both of Antwerp; four sisters, Sandra Williams of Ossian, Ind., Joyce Metro of Fort Wayne, Paulette Jennings of Corunna, Ind. and Wilma Milan of Metropolis, Ill.; three brothers, Michael of Edgerton, Kevin of Cecil and Kim of Livonia, Mich.; and six grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. today, July 14 at Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp,  with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to V.E.T.S. Memorial, P.O. Box 724, Antwerp OH 45813.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

WAVA COLLEY 1962-2010
PAULDING – Wava Jean Colley, age 47, died Monday, July 12 at her home after a long battle with cancer.
She was born Sept. 26, 1962 in Paulding, the daughter of Paul and Margie (Funkhouser) Hill. On Nov. 28, 1980, she married John Colley, who survives. She was previously employed by the Paulding County Engineer’s Office and was a daycare provider for many years.
She also is survived by her parents, Paul and Margie Hill, Paulding; three daughters, Jaclyn, Samantha and Kelly Colley, all of Paulding; her grandmother, Thelma Hill, Paulding; four sisters, Brenda (Jerry) Smith and Kim (Ron) Garrity, both of Paulding, and Terri (John) Coulon, Archbold; and Laurie Hill, Hamilton, Ind.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Waveland Hill and Wendell and Eva Funkhouser.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 16 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, July 15 at the funeral home and one hour prior to services on Friday.
Memorial donations may be made to Paulding Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice or CHP Van Wert Inpatient Hospice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

FAE THOMAS 1924-2010
VAN WERT – Former Grover Hill resident Fae B. Thomas, age 86, died Monday, July 12 at VanCrest Health Care, Van Wert.
She was born June 15, 1924 in Cloverdale, the daughter of Clarence Ray and Flossie Jane (Shirey) Miller. On Oct. 12, 1944, she married John E. Thomas, who preceded her in death on June 27, 1991. She was a graduate of Continental High School. She was employed by General Electric of Fort Wayne, retiring in 1986. She was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Grover Hill, and Grover Hill VFW Post #2873 Auxiliary.
Surviving are two daughters, Darlene Roth of Rockford and Jane (John) Gudakunst, Paulding; a brother, John (Adrie) Miller, Pandora; two sisters, Ruth Korte of Lima and Jessie Morris, Pandora; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a great-great grandson.
She also was preceded in death by a brother, Clarence Miller; and two sisters, Jean and Velma Miller.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 15 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Paul Bunnell officiating. Burial will be in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill. Visitation will be from 3:30-8 p.m. today, July 14 at the funeral Home, and one hour prior to services on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Grover Hill EMS.
Online condolences may be made to www.denherderfh.com

RUTH BAKER 1916-2010
CECIL – Ruth Baker, 94, of Lakeland, Fla., formerly of Cecil, passed away at 5:05 a.m. Monday, July 12 at Florida Presbyterian Home, Lakeland, Fla.
Ruth was born Jan. 2, 1916, in Cecil, the daughter of Frank and S. Edna (Gordon) Young. She was a teacher in Antwerp and a school principal in Toledo. Her husband, Thomas, preceded her in death on March 25, 1994. She was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lakeland.
She was buried in Rochester Cemetery, Cecil. Dooley Funeral Homes of Antwerp and Payne was in charge of arrangements.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

veteran: FRANCIS KOENN 1920-2010
PAULDING – Francis H. Koenn, age 90, died Tuesday, July 6 at St. Anne Home, Fort Wayne.
He was born June 23, 1920 in Paulding County, the son of Lawrence and Clemence M. (Grew) Koenn. On Dec. 1, 1945, he married Mabel Claire Hickman, who preceded him in death on Jan. 25, 2006. He was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, Paulding. He was ordained as a deacon on Aug. 16, 1980 and served for 30 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #3584 of Paulding, a self-employed farmer, a U.S. Army veteran, served on the First National Bank of Paulding Board of Trustees, and served as a Crane Township Trustee for two terms.
He is survived by 10 children, Mary Ellen Koenn of Morgan Town, W.Va., Larry (Diana) Koenn of Alaska, Marg (John) Scott of Hillsdale, Mich., Dan (Linda) Koenn of Franklin, Tenn., Marti (Larry) Overmyer of Payne, Madonna (John) Tritle of Valparaiso, Ind., Monica (Mark) Mays of Tipp City, Jim (Alayna) Koenn of Auburn, Ind., Jerry (Julie) Koenn of Delta and Marcia (Steve) Pesicek of Wooster; a brother, Ted (Madonna) Koenn of Cecil; 28 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Virgil and Rosalie Koenn.
A Mass of Christian Burial was conducted Saturday, July 10 at Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, Paulding, with the Rev. G. Alan Fillman officiating. Burial was in Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery, Cecil. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations may be made to Masses, the Caring and Sharing Food Pantry, or the Community Health Professionals of Paulding/Hospice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

veteran: PAUL H. BIDLACK 1932-2010
GROVER HILL – Paul H. Bidlack, 78, died at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, at his residence surrounded by his family.
He was born April 23, 1932, in Putnam County, the son of Wesley and Dottie (Winchester) Bidlack, who both preceded him in death. On July 27, 1952, he married Naomi R. Wistner, who survives in Grover Hill. He attended Oakwood High School and was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean War. He had been employed by Brookside Dairy, Community Gas and Oil, Aeroquip and then was a rural letter carrier for over 30 years, retiring in 1997. He then worked at Stoller Honey and Insource Technologies in Paulding.
He was a member of Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill, where he had served as a trustee and in other positions. He was a life member of the VFW Post #2873 in Grover Hill and had served as vice commander.
Also surviving are two sons, Dan (Vicki) Bidlack of Van Wert and Steven J. (Angela) Bidlack of Payne; five grandchildren, Stacey (Tom) Hoenie, Adam Bidlack, Sarah (Andrew) Messman, Jay Bidlack and Renee Bidlack; and a great-granddaughter, Mia Hoenie.
Also preceding him in death were three brothers, Marlin Newton, Maurice Clinton and Harold Bidlack and a sister, Beulah Reynolds.
Services were held Saturday, July 17, at Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill with the Rev. Dr. Paul Bunnell officiating. Burial was in Middle Creek Cemetery in Paulding County, where military graveside services were conducted by VFW Post #2873 of Grover Hill. Cowan Funeral Home in Van Wert was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Zion United Methodist Church or to CHP Hospice.

KARL COLLINS1992-2010
CONTINENTAL — Karl B. “Benji” Collins, 18, of Continental, died at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 15, at his sister’s residence in Hamler.
He was born June 27, 1992, in Lima, the son of Karl Miller and Tracy Carpenter Hoeppner. His father and stepmother, Karl and Mary Jo Miller survive and reside in Continental. His mother, Tracy, survives and she resides in Salinas, Kan.
Benji was a student at Continental High School and Vantage Vocational School. He loved to paint and draw and he touched the hearts of everyone he knew.
Also surviving are his brothers and sisters, Zach Gilbert of Payne, Christopher “Woody” Gilbert of Grover Hill, Gary Lewis of Arthur, Ben Lewis of Grover Hill, Nikki Collins of Hamler, Misty and Jessee Miller, both of Continental; his grandparents, Wilma Carpenter of Oakwood, Russell Carpenter of Georgia, and Don and Ruth Taylor of Oakwood; and a very special friend, Brandy Yoh. Services were held Tuesday, July 20, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood with the Rev. Stan Harmon officiating.
Preferred memorials are to the family.
Condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

VERA APFEL 1915-2010
PIONEER – Vera P. Apfel, 94, of Pioneer, died Monday morning, July 19, at Country Inn Assisted Living in Paulding.
She was born Sept. 2, 1915 in Brown Township, Paulding County, the daughter of A. Ray and Edna M. (McClure) Bidlack. On Sept. 27, 1938, she married Conrad J. “Cooney” Apfel, who preceded her in death in 1978. She retired from Waldron Industries, formerly American Heating, Warming & Ventilating. Earlier, she worked at Ohio Art in Bryan. She was a member of the Pioneer United Methodist Church and the Rebekah Lodge #426.
Surviving are a daughter, Norma Jene Modan of Adrian, Mich.; two brothers, James E. Bidlack and R. Paul Bidlack, both of Grover Hill; three sisters, Emma R. (Henry) Rosengarden of Leipsic, Mary A. (Raymond) Hoverman of McComb and Edna M. (Dale) Spitnale of Oakwood; six grandchildren; several great- and great-great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She also was preceded in death by three grandsons; three brothers, Clarence, John and Marion Bidlack; and two sisters, Dorothy Thompson and Irene Blythe.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 22 at the Pioneer Methodist Church with the Rev. Michael Raypholtz officiating. Burial will be in Floral Grove Cemetery, Pioneer.
Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. today, July 21 at Thompson Funeral Home in Pioneer.
Preferred memorials are to Pioneer U.M. Church or Pioneer EMS.

DAVID HEAD 1939-2010
PAULDING – David Leroy Head, 71, died Sunday, July 18 at the Paulding County Hospital.
He was born June 4, 1939 in Paulding County, the son of George and Iva R. (Robeson) Head, who both preceded him in death. He was a self-employed heavy equipment operator and a partner in the former Head Brothers Construction. He attended Emmanuel Baptist Church in Paulding.
He is survived by three daughters, Diana (John) Elston of Payne, Donna (Jerald) Brezovacki of Convoy and Julie (Ron) Gloor of Melrose; a brother, Ralph (Lois) Head of Oakwood; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his life partner, Linda Akers of Paulding.
He is also survived by Linda’s family, including her children, Randall (Becky) Akers of Napoleon, Teresa Stahl of Melrose, Melinda Sherry of Lexington, Ky, Steven (Mary) Akers of Oakwood, and Shawn Akers of Fort Wayne; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and Linda’s siblings, Patricia (Harold) Hurley of Burgin, Ky, Louise Justus of Grundy, Va., Charles (Marylou) Lively of Wapakoneta, and Leona (Carl) Bartley of Paulding; and her mother, Nancy Lively, also of Paulding.
He also was preceded in death by a son, David Lee Head; two brothers, Harvey and Lester Head; and a sister, Lucille Parson.
Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 22, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with Pastor Drew Gardner officiating. Burial will be in Rochester Cemetery in Cecil.
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today, July 21, at Den Herder Funeral Home, and one hour prior to services on Thursday.
Memorial donations may be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

HELEN AHLERSMEYER 1917-2010
Helen M. “Mel” Ahlersmeyer, 92, died Saturday, July 10, in Lafayette, Ind.
She was born July 28, 1917, in Latty, the daughter of Clyde and Rosetta (Rhoades) Ropp. After graduation, she moved to Fort Wayne, where she worked at Fort Wayne Knitting Mill before marrying Ralph Ahlersmeyer on Aug. 18, 1944. She devoted her life to her family and was involved in her children’s activities including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, band and choir.
Surviving are a daughter, Sue Ellen Ahlersmeyer of Fort Wayne; two sons, Larry (Betsy) Ahlersmeyer of New Castle and Scott (Lauren) Ahlersmeyer of Lafayette; five grandsons; and one sister, Arlene Simpson of Nappanee, Ind.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Ralph W. Ahlersmeyer; five brothers, Cleo, Glen, Jerry, Earl and Vernie Ropp; and two sisters, Irene Mees and Christina Crawford.
Services were held Wednesday, July 14, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in Fort Wayne, with Pastor Steve Ensley officiating. Burial was in Concordia Cemetery Gardens. Carnahan-Baidinger & Walter Funeral Home, Spencerville, Ind. was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be directed to Friends of Scouting.

LEONA MOORE 1946-2010
OAKWOOD – Leona M. Moore, 63, of Oakwood, died 4:05 p.m. Sunday, July 18 at The Toledo Hospital.
She was born Aug. 28, 1946 in Defiance, the daughter of John and Leona (Thomas) Breckler. On Oct. 15, 1962, she married Lawrence E. Moore, who preceded her in death Aug. 3, 1999. She was an activities assistant at The Meadows of Kalida and owner of the former L&L Restaurant in Oakwood for 16 years.
Survivors include two daughters, Cindy (David) Justus-Dangler of Cloverdale and Stacy Moore of Oakwood; a son, Kevin Moore of Oakwood; four grandchildren; a brother, John Breckler of Oakwood; and a sister, Linda Plummer of Dupont.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Martin Moore; a daughter, Tammy Moore; three grandchildren; a sister, Carolyn Moore; and a brother, Larry Breckler.
Funeral Service will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 22 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood with the Rev. Stan Harmon officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Chapel Cemetery, Oakwood.
Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today, July 21 and one hour prior to services Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

BERNIECE KOCHENOUR 1930-2010
PAULDING – E. Berniece Kochenour, age 80, died Tuesday, July 20 at The Gardens of Paulding.
She was born Feb. 13, 1930 in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Walter and Elsie (Perkins) Reighter. On June 20, 1951, she married James H. Kochenour, who preceded her in death on Jan. 8, 2004. She was formerly employed as a florist by Fancy Petals, Kirchers Flowers and Gormans Flower Shop, retiring in 2005.
She is survived by two sons, Bob (Pam Beck) Kochenour, Paulding, and Bill (Amy) Kochenour, Oakwood; two daughters, Kathy (Mike) Thompson and Sue (Tim) Thompson, both of Paulding; 20 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by two brothers, Floyd and Earl Reighter; and two sisters, Blanche Schaadt and an infant sister.
Funeral services were held Saturday, July 24 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Memorial donations may be made to The Gardens of Paulding Activity Fund.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

veteran:CLOYD HOCKEN-BERRY 1930-2010
SCOTT — Cloyd Richard Hockenberry, 79, of Scott, died at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at The Country Inn Living Center in Latty.
He was born Aug. 24, 1930 in Scott, the son of Leslie Pearl Hockenberry and Alta Fae Adams. He graduated from Haviland-Scott High School and was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Korean War. On Aug. 15, 1954, he married Janet Mohr, who survives at the Country Inn in Latty. He began as a farmer and then was a longtime appliance serviceman for Mohr’s of Scott. He attended Mt. Pleasant Church and was a member of Calvary Evangelical Church. He was also a volunteer fireman for the Scott Fire Department.
Also surviving are his mother, Alta Fae Hockenberry of Pleasant Lake, Ind.; a daughter, Jill (Jeff) Allen of Pacifica, Calif.; two sons, Jack (Marjorie) of Shelby Township, Mich. and Les (Lori) Hockenberry of Haviland; a sister, Connie Kauffman of Pleasant Lake, Mich.; five grandchildren, Caleb (Tifanie) Kreischer, Matt (Anne) Hockenberry, Scott, Kylie, Kent, Aaron and Kacee Hockenberry; and a great-grandchild, Jaxon Hockenberry.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Hockenberry; and a brother, Charles Hockenberry.
Services were held Sunday, July 25, at the Mt. Pleasant Church with Pastor Bill Barnett officiating. Burial was in the Scott Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Grover Hill honor guard of VFW Post #2873. Cowan Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials may be made to the Mount Pleasant Church Bible Ministries or Scott Fire Department.
Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to cowanfh@yahoo.com

JACOB AKERS 1914-2010
LYNCHBURG, Ky. – Jacob Alvis Akers, age 96, of Lynchburg, died Monday morning, July 19 at his home.
He was born March 25, 1914 in Liggin, Ky., the son of Henry C. and Amanda (Tackett) Akers. He had been engaged in coal mining and later worked in construction. He was a member of the Little Bethel Old Regular Baptist Church in Sligo, Ohio.
He is survived by six sons, Joseph C. of St. Petersburg, Fla., Gary L. of Belfast, Jerry D. of Lebanon, Ky., David W. of Gaines, Pa., Jacob D. of Lynchburg and Keith A. of Clearwater, Fla.; five daughters, Daneen Stergis of Milford, Lillian G. Elking and Sheila Newkirk, both of Hillsboro, and Patricia A. Tong and Karen L. Brown, both of Lynchburg; 43 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Holbrook Akers on Aug. 11, 1998, two daughters, Anita Blaylock and Sharon Akers; one grandson, Benjamin Leatherman; one great-granddaughter, Cinnamon Elking; one great-grandson, Devon Dabe; one brother, Joe E. Akers; and one sister, Gladys Dobbs.
Services were held Friday, July 23 at the Little Bethel Old Regular Baptist Church in Sligo, Ohio. Burial was in the Lynchburg Masonic Cemetery. Turner & Son Funeral Home in Hillsboro was in charge of arrangements. For more information or to send condolences to the family please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc

JEVIN CALVERT 1977-2010
ADA – Jevin Jay Calvert, 32, of Ada, died at 12:10 p.m. Saturday, July 24, at his residence.
He was born Aug. 3, 1977, in Lima, the son of William L. and Jeanne (Bennett) Calvert, who both survive in Oakwood. On May 26, 2001, he married Jennifer A. Smishko, who survives in Ada. He was a 1996 graduate of Wayne Trace High School, where he was named valedictorian. He graduated from Ohio Northern University, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. He was employed as an engineer-system integrity leader for the Marathon Oil Company in Findlay. He was a certified professional engineer.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ada, where he served as a deacon and a former trustee. He was also a member of Sigma Theta Epsilon Christian Fraternity and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He was a member of the Findlay Men’s Hockey League and the Marathon Volleyball League.
Also surviving are three daughters, Tessa, Alison and Erin Calvert, all at home; two brothers, Jed (Melissa) Calvert of Oakwood and Jared Calvert of Alexandria, Ky.; his maternal grandmother, Grace McClure of Leipsic; and his father and mother-in-law, Michail and Julia Smishko of Orrville. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Bethany Calvert; maternal grandfather, Homer Bennett; and paternal grandparents, Leonard and Ruth Calvert. Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, July 28, at English Chapel at Ohio Northern University in Ada, with Pastor Jack Duffy officiating. Hours of visitation will be available one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Ada. Hanson-Neely Funeral Home in Ada is in charge of the arrangements. Preferred memorials may be directed to a memorial fund to benefit his children or to Cancer Patient Services, 1800 North Blanchard St., Suite 120, Findlay OH 45840.
Condolences may be sent to hansonneely@wcoil.com

BEVERLY SHULL 1929-2010
ANTWERP – Beverly J. Shull, 80, of Antwerp, passed away Wednesday, July 21 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born on Aug. 5, 1929 in Fort Wayne, the daughter of the late William and Edith Clemens. On July 4, 1963, she married Don Shull, who preceded her in death on Dec. 4, 2006. She worked at her family’s restaurants in Fort Wayne. She was a lifetime member of Antwerp VFW Auxiliary.
Surviving are two daughters, Sandy Creasey of Cincinnati and Cathryn Hamil of Florida; four sons, Dick of Antwerp, Jim of Bryan, Mark (Maggie) of Defiance and Greg (Tonya) of Cecil; 19 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by a son, Jerry; and a sister, Joan.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 26 at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the V.E.T.S. Memorial, P.O. Box 724, Antwerp. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

JERRY KNAPP 1942-2010
FORT WAYNE – Former Paulding resident Jerry D. Knapp, age 68, died Sunday, July 25 at his residence.
He was born Feb. 22, 1942 in Paulding County, the son of DeVon “Bud” and Donna (McClain) Knapp. He was previously employed by Spectemp in Antwerp as a glass cutter, and was an avid NASCAR racing fan. He is survived by his mother, Donna McNeil, Winter Park, Fla.; four daughters, Renee Lynn (Justin) Rase of Fort Wayne, Jennifer Ann (Gregory) Taylor of St. Louis, Laura (Steve) Donaldson of Paulding, and Lisa (Wayne) Thornburg, Memphis; a son, Randy Smith, Defiance; four brothers, Dan (Darlene) Knapp of Latty, Denny (Sue) Knapp of Paulding, Bill (Kelly) McNeil of Winter Park and Jim (Jodi) McNeil, Ottawa Lake, Mich.; two sisters, Judy Knapp of Toledo and Janice (Bob) Christensen of Marble Head; six grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his father. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 30 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, July 29 at the funeral home and one hour prior to services on Friday.
Memorial donations may be made to Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, 301 West Superior, Fort Wayne IN 46808.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com