WANDA COPSEY
1933-2004
ANTWERP — Wanda Lee Copsey, 70, of Antwerp, died Saturday, Jan. 3, in Antwerp.
She was born Sept. 11, 1933, in Estep County, Ky., the daughter of Raymond and Juanita (Arey) Presley. She was an employee of Dana Weatherhead in Antwerp, and more recently worked as a waitress at Baby Boomers in Hamilton, Ind. She was a social member of the Antwerp VFW Post 5087 Auxiliary.
Surviving are her mother, Juanita Presley of Hamilton, Ind.; three sons, Dan Bradley of Fishers, Ind., Randy Grogg of Auburn, Ind., and Joe Copsey of Antwerp; two daughters, Deb Woodard and Lori Lucas, both of Antwerp; 13 grandchildren; four brothers, Jake, Charles and Gary Presley, all of Hamilton, and Glen Presley of Angola; and four sisters, Ada Ruth Sanxter of Hamilton, Emma Jean Mocstas of Albuquerque, and Nita and Donna Sprenger of Amherst, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond; and a sister, Olive Kay Presley.
Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with the Rev. Jim Evans officiating. Burial was in the Hamilton Cemetery in Hamilton, Ind.
Preferred memorials are to the Antwerp VFW Auxiliary or Paulding Hospice.

GLEN LEE
1909-2004
VAN WERT — Glen Alfred Lee, 94, of Van Wert, died Friday, Jan. 2, at the Haven of Help Adult Care Center in Van Wert.
He was born Sept. 19, 1909, in Benton Township, Paulding County, the son of Steven N. and Delta (Anspaugh) Lee. On May 26, 1933, he married Gladys Ivalou Hunter, who preceded him in death on July 2, 2000. He retired from Wayne Pump in Fort Wayne in 1973, following 38 years of service as a welder. He attended the United Church of Christ in Fairview, then later at Convoy United Brethren in Christ Church, where he served 13 years a superintendent, chairman of trustees for four years, and a board member for many years. He was also janitor at both churches for approximately 15 years.
Surviving are two daughters, Carole (Gary) Peck of Redmond, Wash., and Arlene Roberson of Dayton; three grandchildren, Doug Peck of Bothell, Wash., Kim A. Hammon of Haines City, Fla., and Kelly Laukhuf of Ohio City; and six great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were two brothers, Clarence “Bill” Lee, and an infant brother; and two sisters, Dorothy M. Death and Florence E. Lee.
Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Cowan and Son Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Robert Shook officiating. Burial was in the Blue Creek Cemetery in Blue Creek Township.
Preferred memorials are to the American Heart Association.

JAMES
NIER
1928-2004
CONTINENTAL —James E. “Red” Nier, 75, of Continental, died at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Calvary Manor Nursing Home in Ottawa.
He was born July 12, 1928, in Weston, Ohio, the son of Clarence and Mildred (Merrill) Nier. He was a graduate of Oakwood High School, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. He was retired from the Continental Water Works, was a lifetime member of the Continental American Legion, a lifetime member of the Grover Hill VFW and a member of the National Quarter Pony Association.
Surviving are a daughter, Wendy Stephey of Paulding; a sister, Dorothy Plowman of Baltimore; and two grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; two infant sons, James Orville and Melvin Lloyd; and a brother, Clarence Nier.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 7, at the Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental, with Legion Chaplin Bill Bellman officiating. Burial will be in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery North Creek, with military graveside rites by the Continental American Legion.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of services.
Preferred memorials are to the Continental Co-Op Food Pantry.

MARGIE WOODCOX
1910-2004
ANTWERP — Margie Irene Woodcox, 92, of Antwerp, died Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Hicksville.
She was born March 15, 1910 in Peru, Ind., the daughter of Frank and Ida (Mapes) Cattin. On Dec. 5, 1932, she married John Basil Woodcox who preceded her in death on Feb. 26, 1985. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Antwerp.
Surviving are two sons, William (Bill) of Antwerp and Jerry of Deming, N.M.; a daughter, Linda Downs of Montpelier; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and four great-stepgrandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a son, Dennis; a brother, Ora Cattin; and a sister, Mary Bowerman.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 7 at the Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with the Rev. Don Leckrone officiating. Interment will be in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.
Preferred memorials are to the First Presbyterian Church in Antwerp.

DANNY
BREWSTER
1953-2004
COLUMBUS — Danny Allen Brewster, 50, died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004 at his residence in Columbus.
He was born Jan. 1, 1953, the son of Cecil Clyde and Helen (Louis) Brewster. A veteran of the Marine Corps, he managed a business in Columbus and was a member of the AMVETS.
Surviving are three sons, Kevin, Jason and Danny; three stepchildren, Samantha and Misty Sturm and Shawn Beavers; three brothers, Cecil “Butch” (Anna) Brewster of rural Cecil, Kenneth Brewster of Columbus, and Randy (Brenda) Brewster of Roanoke, Va.; a sister, Linda (Mark) Walker of Durban, South Africa; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by both his parents.
Jerry Spears Funeral Home in Columbus was in charge of arrangements. Burial will be held at a later date.

J. EARL
BELCH
1916-2004
COLUMBUS GROVE — J. Earl Belch, 87, of Columbus Grove, died at 1:12 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5, in the Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born July 19, 1916, in Columbus Grove, the son of Joseph and Mary (Hofferbert) Belch. In 1941, he married Ruth Miller, who preceded him in death in 1984. He graduated from Cincinnati School of Pharmacy in 1940, and was the president of Columbus Grove Telephone Company until 1988. He owned race horses and was a member of the Ohio Harness Horse Association, U.S. Trotting Association, the former Columbus Grove United Methodist Church, and a life member of Lima Elks Lodge 54, VFW and American Legion posts. He was a Kentucky Colonel since 1977 and a U.S. Army veteran, serving in WWII as a master sergeant in the general hospital unit in Manila, Philippines.
Surviving are two daughters, Earlene (Ron) Winner of Paulding and Jane (Tom) Gettman of Columbus Grove; a special friend, Garnet Smith of Sherwood; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Also preceding him in death was a sister, Janet Moser.
Services were held Friday, Jan. 9, at the Hartman Sons Funeral Home in Columbus Grove, with the Rev. Gary Ginter and Dr. Sean Altstaetter officiating. Burial was in the Altstaetter Cemetery in Columbus Grove.
Preferred memorials are to the Columbus Grove School’s scholarship fund.

ELSIE BENNETT
1918-2004
DEFIANCE — P. Elsie Bennett, 85, of rural Continental, died at 7:45 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Harborside Nursing Care Center in Defiance.
She was born Sept. 10, 1918, in Paulding County, the daughter of Frank and Rebecca (Ditto) Weaver. She retired from GTE in Ottawa following 30 years of service. She was a member of the Paulding Eagles Auxiliary, Paulding County Genealogy Society, Paulding County First Families, a former Cub Scout den mother in Continental, and was a Phillips Quarter Century member.
Surviving are four sons, Roger of Bryan, Larry of Defiance, Paul of Continental, and Everett of Defiance; two sisters, Thelma Shisler of Oakwood and Bessie Strope of Mission, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were two brothers, Arthur and Virgil Weaver; and three sisters, Mary Packer, Caroline Shock and Frankie Weaver, who died in infancy.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 12, at the Blue Creek Church, with the Rev. Donald Baer officiating. Burial was in the Bowholtz Cemetery in Paulding County. Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home in Defiance was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Putnam County Visiting Nurses or the Putnam County Hospice.

GLADYS CLARK
1918-2004
PAYNE — Gladys L. Clark, 85, of Payne, died at 1:53 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home.
She was born Oct. 14, 1918 in Payne, the daughter of George and Nora (Little) Burris. On July 12, 1969, she married Archie Clark, who survives. She was a retired beautician, a member of the St. Jacob’s United Church of Christ, and the Hesperian Chapter 2821 OES, both in Payne.
Also surviving are a daughter, Anne Bond of Payne; three stepsons, Art of Minnesota, Bob of Bensonville, Ill., and Bill Clark of Lombard, Ill.; three stepdaughters, Ruth Clark of Atlanta, Barbara Rush of Wisconsin Dells, and Sandy Cork of Whitewater, Wis.; a brother, Ray Burris of Florida; four sisters, Marjorie Powless of Tallahassee, Fla., Esther Caryer of Wren, Alice Fleck of Angola, Ind., and Jeanette Waltmire of Van Wert; 29 grandchildren; and 58 great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death was a son, Eddie Snellenberger in 1967.
Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 13 at St. Jacob’s United Church of Christ in Payne with the Rev. Jim Langham officiating. Burial was in the Wiltsie Cemetery in Payne. Slade Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the St. Jacob’s United Church of Christ in Payne.

RUBY CLEMENS
1919-2004
PAULDING — Ruby C. Clemens, 84, died at 2:55 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at the Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Dec. 1, 1919, in Paulding County, the daughter of Harry L. and Ada B. (Guilliam) Riley. She retired from the former Pawnee Plastics Company in Paulding, attended the Paulding County Senior Center, and helped with the Paulding County Cancer Society.
Surviving are two daughters, Martha Baughman of Paulding and Barbara Peck of Continental; three sons, Donald, Tom and Harvey C. Clemens, all of Paulding; a brother, Clyde Riley of Defiance; 14 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were a brother, Louis Riley; and four sisters, Mildred Trindle, Florence Wagner, Beatrice Wheeler, and Maxine Proxmire.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial will be in the Hedges Cemetery in Paulding County.
Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. today, Jan. 14 at Den Herder Funeral Home, and from 8 a.m. until time of services on Thursday.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Senior Center.

BLOSSOM CRABTREE
1914-2004
ANTWERP — Blossom “Boots” Crabtree, 89, of Antwerp, died at 10:25 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Paulding County Hospital.
She was born Sept. 6, 1914, in Leo, Ind., the daughter of Samuel and Minnie (Bradbury) Clem. In 1949, she married Leo Crabtree, who preceded her in death in 1972. She was a clerk at the Otto Ehrhart Museum, had worked at Syncro in Hicksville, General Electric in Fort Wayne, and was a lifetime member of the Antwerp VFW Post 5087 Auxiliary.
Surviving are a son, Jack Howell of Fort Wayne; two daughters, Marlene Stoddard of Fort Wayne and Helen Powell of Hicksville; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were 11 brothers and sisters.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 14, at Dooley Funeral Home, with the Rev. Max Begley officiating. Burial will be in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

DORIS HOWELL
1916-2004
PAULDING — Doris P. Howell, 87, died at 2:09 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Paulding County Hospital.
She was born Aug. 22, 1916, in Paulding County, the daughter of Lawrence and Grace (McCullough) Stanton. She was employed by SK Tool Company in Defiance for 25 years, and was a member of the Paulding Church of the Nazarene.
Surviving are her husband, Floyd “Buck” Howell of Paulding; four daughters, Rita and Sandra Howell and Genelta Levos, all of Paulding, and Jeanetta Woquelet of Fort Wayne; two sons, John Lehman of Angola, Ind. and Clayton Howell, of Paulding; two sisters, Katherine Finnegan of Melrose and Irene Wyatt of Marion, Ind.; 20 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were a daughter, Joann Howell; and two brothers, John and Harold Stanton.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 14 at the Paulding Church of the Nazarene, with visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Church of the Nazarene.

ONDELEA KEEZER
1924-2004
PAULDING — Ondelea Keezer, 79, of Paulding, died at 2:49 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 11 at the Paulding County Hospital.
She was born July 24, 1924, in Melrose, the daughter of Orin G. and Rosa A. (Fisher) Workman. In May 1943, she married Carl H. Keezer, who survives in Paulding. She was a homemaker, a member of Junction Christian Bible Church, a member of the Farm Bureau and was a former 4-H adviser.
Also surviving are a son, C. Alan (Pat) Keezer of Oakwood; two daughters, Bonnie (Charles) Schwiger of Mansfield and Carol (Michael) Baker of Canton, Mich.; two sisters, Donelda Keck of Melrose and Eunice Deatrick of Defiance; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were six brothers, Arthur, Harold, Bernard, Lenion, Leon and Raymond Workman; and three sisters, Navarro Bowman, Colneta Varner, and Berniece Ross.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Patrick Shepard officiating. Burial will be in the Sherman Cemetery in Oakwood. There will be no visitation hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or the Paulding County Hospital.

JAMES KOCHENOUR
1929-2004
PAULDING — James H. Kochenour, 74, of Paulding, died at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at his residence.
He was born June 16, 1929, in Paulding, the son of Elmer and Lila (Edwards) Kochenour. On June 20, 1951, he married E. Berniece Reighter, who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean War. He retired from Schwerman Trucking in 1986, after 30 years of service, and was previously employed by Charles Kauser Excavating, Jay Dangler Excavating, Todd Excavating, and the Paulding County Senior Center as a driver for Meals on Wheels. He was a life member of Paulding VFW Post 587.
Also surviving are two sons, Bob Kochenour of Paulding and Bill (Amy) Kochenour of Oakwood; a daughter, Kathy (Mike) Thompson of Paulding; two sisters, Emogene Kochenour and June Koenig; 18 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Newton Kochenour, and a sister, Mildred Crowl.
Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 13, in the First Presbyterian Church in Paulding with the Rev. David Meriwether officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery in Paulding. Paulding VFW Post 587 conducted military graveside services. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Senior Center.

HENRY SPITNALE
1934-2004
CLOVERDALE — Henry Ephriam Spitnale, 69, of Cloverdale, died at 9:42 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
He was born Nov. 28, 1934, in Cloverdale, the son of Ross and Vesta (Prowant) Spitnale. On May 16, 1959, he married Judy Morris, who survives. A 1954 graduate of Continental High School, he retired from the Norfolk Southern Railroad in 1992, following 37-1/2 years of service. He was also the retired owner and operator of Spitnale Rides and Concessions. His passion and hobby was the family business of kiddie rides, cotton candy, and sno cones at area fairs and festivals. He was a lifetime member of the Delphos Eagles, member of the Antique Farm Machinery Association of Findlay and New Haven, and a member of the Mandale Church of Christ in Christian Union.
Also surviving are four daughters, Connie (Pete) Wilson and Sally Spitnale, both of Cloverdale, and Nancy (Christopher) Schultz and Mary (Derin) Beaverson, both of Bellefontaine; four grandchildren; and two brothers, George Spitnale of Continental, and Dale Spitnale of Oakwood.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and a brother, Jake.
Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 13 at the Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental, with the Rev. Don Rogers officiating. Burial was in the Cascade Cemetery in Cloverdale.
Preferred memorials are to the Kalida EMS or the Continental Library.

NELLIE COVEY
1915-2004
HAVILAND – Nellie M. Covey, 88, Haviland, died at 9:20 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, at the Convoy Care Center in Convoy.
She was born Feb. 5, 1915 in Paulding County, the daughter of Jay and Ara M. (Reid) Gunderman. In 1941, she married Thomas T. Covey, who died in 1993. She retired from Blue Creek School and also worked at the Haviland Post Office. She was a member of Country Chapel United Methodist Church in Haviland. She was very active in the United Methodist Women, was an avid reader and loved genealogy. She was a member of the D.A.R. and was active with the Van Wert YWCA.
Surviving are one son, James T. (Ruth Ann) Covey of Van Wert; one daughter, Celesta (Robert) Oberlin of Stryker; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by four brothers, Forrest, Harry, Walter and Donald Gunderman; and one sister, Ruby Buchman.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Jan. 21, at the Country Chapel United Methodist Church, with the Pastor Deborah Frysinger officiating. Burial will be in the Blue Creek Cemetery in Haviland. Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Preferred memorials are to the church or donor’s choice.

PAUL REDLINGER
1915-2004
SCOTT — Paul A. Redlinger, 89, of Scott, died at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding.
He was born Jan. 1, 1915, in Convoy, the son of John Samuel and Cora (Denig) Redlinger. On June 19, 1937, he married Lela Evelyn Youtsey, who preceded him in death on Aug. 27, 1986. He retired from Federal Mogul in Van Wert, following 43 years of service.
Surviving are a sister, Mary Mills of Belleville, Mich.; a friend, Helen Pastor of Latty; and several nieces and nephews.
Also preceding him in death were an infant daughter; two brothers, Harry Lewis Redlinger and John Robert Redlinger; and a sister, Agnes Greulach.
Services were held Saturday, Jan. 17, at Cowan and Son Funeral Home in Van Wert, with Pastor Rob Ratliff officiating. Burial was in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Convoy.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

BRIAN BAKLE
1980 - 2004
PAULDING – Brian Allan Bakle, 23, died at 7 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, at the University of Chicago Hospital, Chicago, where he had been a patient since Dec. 31, 2003.
He was born Jan. 28, 1980 in Paulding, the son of Lawrence Allan and Joyce Ann (Seibert) Bakle, who survive. He was employed by the Payne Equity Exchange of Payne. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Paulding, a member of the Paulding Eagles #2405, and a student of Northwestern College, Lima.
Also surviving are his maternal grandparents, Gerald and Jane (Brockert) Seibert of Lima; an aunt, Nancy Seibert of Webster Grove, Mo.; and many aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Clayton Bakle in 1998; and his paternal grandparents, Vaughn O. and Ottillia M. (Johanns) Bakle.
Services were held Friday, Jan. 16, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Marrow Foundation or Leukemia Research Foundation.

GAYLORD HAWKINS
1907 - 2004
PAULDING – Gaylord Homer Hawkins, 96, died at 3:50 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, in the Waterman Memorial Hospital, Eustis, Fla.
He was born March 13, 1907, in Morenci, Mich., the son of Homer G. and Jenny May (Maude) Hawkins. On Aug. 9, 1941, he married Catherine M. Long, who preceded him in death on June 28, 1989. He worked for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and then Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, retiring in 1959. He then worked for the Napoleon Light and Power Plant, operating the steam boilers powering the electrical generators. He also was a retired farmer and member of the First Christian Church, Paulding.
Surviving are three sons, Lowell (Sharon) Hawkins of Edina, Mo., Harold (Kathleen) Hawkins of Bristolville, and Neal (Jean) Hawkins of Fostoria; one daughter, Beverly Hawkins of Dallas; three brothers, Lloyd Hawkins of Inverness, Fla., Alva Hawkins of Hemmitt, Calif., and Donald Hawkins of Bryan; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by two brothers, Dale Hawkins and A. Delbert Hawkins; a sister, Sylvia Bailey; two grandsons, Steven Lowell and Stephen Corey; and a great-grandson, William Hawkins.
Services were held Saturday, Jan. 17, in the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding with the Rev. David Meriwether officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to Kentucky College Scholarship Fund or to the First Christian Church, Paulding.

CLARE SMITH
1917-2004
PAULDING — Clare Eugene Smith, 86, a former resident of Paulding, died at 12:50 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Chesterwood Village Nursing Home in West Chester, Ohio.
He was born Nov. 30, 1917, in Paulding, the son of Harley and Emma (Myers) Smith. On June 27, 1947, he married Eunice H. Rhoad, who survives. He was a former typesetter for Brune Printing Company in Paulding. He was a WWII Army Air Corps veteran, a lifetime member of the John Paulding Historical Society, and a member of the Paulding United Methodist Church.
Also surviving are three sons, David (Kem) Smith of Lubbock, Texas, Ronald (Mary Ann) Smith of West Chester, Ohio, and Jerold Smith of Shaker Heights, Ohio; a sister, Doris (William) Scott of Van Wert; five grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
Preceding him in death was a brother, Earl Smith.
Services were held Monday Jan. 19, at the Paulding United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jack Berry officiating. Burial was in the Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the Paulding United Methodist Church or the John Paulding Historical Society.

MARY SAYLOR
1915-2004
PAULDING — Mary Saylor, 88, of Paulding, died at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the home of a daughter, in Payne.
She was born Oct. 1, 1915, in Harlan County, Ky., the daughter of Howard and Sally (Howard) Edds. On Feb. 17, 1934, she married Arthur Saylor, who preceded her in death in 1994. She was a member of the Convoy Baptist Church in Convoy.
Surviving are three sons, Lennis, Lehman and Dennis Saylor, all of Payne; three daughters, Lois (Don) Greninger of Payne, Vivian (Duane) Copsey of Iola, Kan., and June (Karl) Bredemyer of Fort Wayne; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; five brothers; and four sisters.
Also preceding her in death were a grandchild; two great-grandchildren; seven brothers; and three sisters.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. today, Jan. 21, at the Payne Church of the Nazarene, with the Revs. Terry Brock, Bud Wall and Michael Harper officiating. Burial will be in the Wiltsie Cemetery in Payne. Slade Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Hospital Home Care Services.

RICHARD JOHNSON
1937-2004
PAULDING — Richard A. Johnson, 67, died at 5 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at Parkview Memorial Hospital.
He was born March 26, 1937, in Paulding County, the son of Harry A. and Eunice (Sonnigsen) Johnson. He married Patricia Mohr, who survives. He was a self-employed farmer.
Also surviving are two sons, Robert (Mary Beth) Johnson of Elyria, Ohio and William (Angela) Johnson of Paulding; two daughters, Joanne (David) Piper of Bryan, and Krista (Scott) Cramer of Hicksville; a brother, Doyle Johnson of Paulding; four sisters, Betty Layman, Carol Straley and Judy Etzler, all of Paulding, and Jean Rieke of Sherwood; and 10 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Steven R. Johnson in 1984.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 26, at the Calvary Bible Church in Paulding, with Pastor Tim Franklin officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery in Paulding. Arrangements were made by Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding.
Memorial donations may be made to Calvary Bible Church to The Steven Johnson Memorial Fund.

MILDRED GONYA
1917-2004
PAYNE — Mildred J. Gonya, 86, of Payne, died at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Oct. 6, 1917, in New Haven, Ind., the daughter of Frank and Julia (Ehinger) Voirol. She was a homemaker, and a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Payne, and the Altar and Rosary Society.
Surviving are a son, Jerrold (Karla) Gonya of Kenosha, Wis.; two daughters, Rosalind (Allen) Ort of Monroeville and Marilyn (Leonard) Zuber of Payne; seven grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice, in 1995.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 26, at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Slade Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to St. John’s School Endowment Fund or the American Diabetes Association.

SANDRA PARRETT
1949-2004
PAULDING — Sandra Marie Parrett, 54, of Paulding, died at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, as a result of injuries from an auto accident.
She was born April 2, 1949, in Newark, N.J., the daughter of Andrew and Viola (Wnek) Vigliotti, who both preceded her in death. She was employed as a nurses aide at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, and a member of the Paulding Church of the Nazarene.
Surviving are a daughter, Jennifer Parrett of Toledo; three sons, Greg (Rachel) Parrett and Dan and David Parrett, all of Paulding; and a sister, Andrea Spilios of New Hampshire.
Services were held Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Paulding Church of the Nazarene. Burial was in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund or the Paulding Church of the Nazarene Church Group.

CAROL HARMON
1959-2004
DEFIANCE — Carol Ann Harmon, 44, of Defiance, died at 11:04 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at her residence in Defiance.
She was born April 7, 1959, in Defiance, the daughter of Glenn and Rena (Clark) Coressel. On May 12, 1979, she married Curtis B. Florence, who preceded her in death in 1996. On Oct. 2, 1999, she married Bruce E. Harmon of Defiance, who survives. She was the manager of Ayersville Carryout, a member of the Ayersville Athletic Boosters, and a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Also surviving are two sons, Curtis B. Florence II of Hicksville and Christopher Florence of Defiance; a daughter, Nicole K. Florence of Defiance; a stepson, Aaron P. Harmon of Bowling Green; her mother, Rena L. Coressel of Defiance; a brother, Charles G. Coressel of Indianapolis; four sisters, Diane (Mike) Burkhart and Elaine (William) Warren, both of Defiance, Sue (Mark) Keegan of Edgerton, Ohio, and Gin (Dean) Layman of Ney; and a grandson.
Also preceding her in death were her father, Glenn A. Coressel; and a sister, Patricia Coressel.
Services were held Friday, Jan. 23, at the Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance, with Father Tim Kummerer officiating. Burial was in the Riverview Memory Gardens in Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to the Defiance County Hospice or to the Highland Township Fire Department.

JOYCE HULL
1942-2004
CONTINENTAL — Joyce Ann Hull, 62, of Continental, died at 11 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Toledo Hospital.
She was born April 17, 1942, in Defiance, the daughter of Howard Edward and Isabel (Bussing) Schultz. On Feb. 17, 1960, she married Robert Hull. She was a homemaker, and a life member of the AMVETS Auxiliary and a life member of the VFW Auxiliary, the Eagles and Moose, all located in Defiance, and a member of the Continental American Legion Auxiliary.
Surviving are a son, David V. (Mary) Hull of Continental; four daughters, Christina (Dwayne) Johnson of Defiance, Roberta Kay (Lee) Agness and Shari (Lonnie) Schlosser, both of Paulding, and Barbara A. (Eric) Maag of Continental; two brothers, Howard Schultz and Don Schultz, both of Defiance; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at the Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental, with Pastor Tim Tracy officiating. Burial was in the Monroe Cemetery in Continental.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

DONALD JACKSON
1933 - 2004
CECIL – Donald R. Jackson, 70, of Cecil, died at 7:45 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at his residence.
He was born Nov. 2, 1933 in Fort Wayne, the son of Jay and Tina (Bakle) Jackson. On Jan. 29, 1955, he married Lois Ann Maass, who preceded him in death in 1989. He was a plant supervisor at Johns-Manville in Defiance, where he had been employed 35 years. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cecil, Paulding Eagles, and a social member of Paulding VFW Post 587.
Surviving are a daughter, Brenda Temple of Payne; two sons, Mike of Stryker and Steve of Mark Center; two brothers, Jay of Antwerp and Robert of Ayersville; and five grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers, John, Paul and Joseph; and four sisters, Ruth Dysinger, Violet Noneman, Pauline Shong and Alice Miller.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Antwerp, with the Rev. Herman Scherger officiating. Burial will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Cecil.
Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. today, Jan. 28, and from 9-9:30 a.m. Thursday at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp. A Catholic vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. today.
Preferred memorials are to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

CATHERINE GONYA
1913-2004
PAYNE – Former Payne resident Catherine B. Gonya, 90, of Warsaw, Ind., died at 6:25 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at St. Anne Home in Fort Wayne.
She was born Aug. 21, 1913 in Payne, the daughter of John and Anna (Schall) Linder. On Jan. 7, 1936 she married Bernard Gonya, who preceded her in death in 1968. She was a clerk in the Kosciusko County, Ind., treasurer’s and auditor’s offices, and was a former member of Sacred Heart Church and its Altar & Rosary Society.
Surviving are three sons, Bill (Mary) Gonya of Payne, Bob (Sally) Gonya of Fairfield, and Mike (Louise) Gonya of Leo, Ind.; four daughters, Marianne Clark of Richmond, Ind., Kathleen (Phil) Fry of Columbia City, Ind., Carol (Stan) Swartz of Warsaw, Ind., and Nancy (Tom) Barker of Pierceton, Ind.; two brothers, Maurice (Vi) Linder of Fort Wayne, and Jim (Pat) Linder of Payne; seven sisters, Genevieve Wilson, Sister Jean Linder, Sister Helen Linder, and Rita Linder, all of Tiffin, Josephine (Bob) Huguenard of Panama City, Fla., and Teresa Baumle and Rosemary (Harold) Perrine, both of Payne; 35 grandchildren; and 75 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a son, John; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and a sister, Marie Linder.
Services were held Friday, Jan. 30 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Slade Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to St. John’s School Endowment Fund or St. Anne Home.

ROGER RUDER
1923-2004
CECIL – Roger P. Ruder, 80, of Cecil, died at 12:35 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Community Hospital of Williams County in Montpelier.
He was born March 11, 1923 in Montpelier, the son of Wilhelm and Julia Anna (Boff) Ruder. In 1953, he married Norma J. Welker, who preceded him in death in 1998. He was a U.S. Army veteran and retired in 1985 from Zeller Corp. He was a member of the Jewell American Legion.
Surviving are four sons, Paul of Orrville, Jerry of McClure, Randy of Broughton and Willie of Cecil; four daughters, Kathryn (Thomas) Reis of Palm Bay, Fla., Sharon (Jack) Smith of Paulding, Reba Fockler of Sherwood, and Retha (David) Croad of Jackson, Mich.; 18 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Norman; a daughter, Linda Wilson; a great-grandchild; eight brothers, Albert, Edwin, Eugene, Willis, Basil, Raymond, George and Myron; and two sisters, Olga Minnig and Silva Hancock.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 2, at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance, with the Rev. Daniel Douglass officiating. Burial was in Evansport Cemetery, Defiance County, with military graveside rites performed by VFW Post 3360.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

JOHN J.
PLUMMER-BRECKLER
1983-2004
DUPONT – John J. Plummer-Breckler, 20, of Dupont, died Thursday, Jan. 29, at his residence.
He was born Aug. 15, 1983 in Lima, the son of William Plummer and Linda Breckler.
Surviving are his father, of Bowling Green; his mother, of Dupont; a paternal grandmother, Cecile Plummer, Defiance; four half-brothers, Curtis, Bradley, Travis and Jerome McClish, all of Eustis, Fla.; two sisters, Jennifer Bowers of Oakwood and Brenda Breckler of Dupont; and a half-sister, Justine Branham, Cloverdale.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Plummer-Breckler; maternal grandparents John and Leona Breckler; and paternal grandfather, James Plummer.
Services were held Saturday, Jan. 31 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental, with the Rev. Paul Carder officiating. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, Dupont.
Preferred memorials are to the family.

ELSIE WYATT SCOTT
1919-2004
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Elsie Emelia Wyatt Scott, 85, of Cape Girardeau, Mo., a former Paulding resident, died Feb. 1, 2004, at the Saint Francis Medical Center, in Cape Girardeau.
She was born Dec. 10, 1919, in Canada, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ornoiro D’Augustine. She had previously owned a bowling alley/diner, bar, nightclub, hotel, two restaurants, and sold cosmetics. She was a volunteer at a hospital where she made Cuddly Bears for children, and a volunteer cook at the Bread Basket in Sanford, N.C. She was a member of the St. Ambrose Catholic Church and Daughters of St. Ambrose.
Surviving are a grandson; two granddaughters; a stepdaughter, Abbi (Mel) Kruse of Tulsa, Okla.; and several great-grandchildren, cousins, and special friends.
Preceding her in death were a son, Herbie Wyatt; and a daughter, Lydia Wyatt.
A memorial service will be held in Paulding at a later date. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

CARL KEEZER
1922 - 2004
PAULDING – Carl H. Keezer, 82, of Paulding, died at 4:08 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1 at The Laurels in Defiance.
He was born Jan. 3, 1922 in Paulding, the son of Herbert and Leta (Brown) Keezer. In 1943, he married Ondelea Workman, who died on Jan. 11. He was a retired farmer and carpenter and was a member of Junction Christian Bible Church, Farm Bureau, Paulding Eagles, a past board member of Arthur Mutual Phone Co., past president of the Paulding County Fairboard, and a former 4-H adviser.
Surviving are a son, C. Alan (Pat) Keezer of Oakwood; two daughters, Bonnie (Charles) Schwiger of Mansfield and Carol (Michael) Baker, Canton, Mich.; a sister, Mildred Peter, Hicksville; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by a sister, Laverne B. Moats; a half-sister, Mae Roehrig; and a half-brother, Ward H. Keezer.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Patrick Shepard officiating. Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood.
Preferred memorials are to Junction Christian Bible Church of Paulding County Hospital.

BERTIE TAYLOR
1924-2004
OAKWOOD — Bertie Taylor, 79, of Oakwood, died at 5:25 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the Laurels of Defiance.
She was born Nov. 2, 1924, in Melrose, the daughter of Benjamin and Cynthia (Ackerman) Miller. On July 29, 1944, she married Leland Taylor, who preceded her in death on Jan. 5, 1998. She was the former owner of Taylor Funeral Home in Oakwood. She was a member of the Oakwood United Methodist Church, and was affiliated with both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in Oakwood, a past member of the Oakwood EMS which she helped start, as well as the Boy Scout Friendship Jamboree, which included 14 states.
Surviving are a son, Jim (Renee) Taylor of Oakwood; a sister, Evelyn Plummel of Muskegon, Mich.; and a grandson, Bret Lee Taylor of Paulding.
Also preceding her in death was a granddaughter, Andrea Taylor.
Services were held Friday, Feb. 6, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Robert Merriman officiating. Burial was in the Sherman Cemetery in Oakwood.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

DANIEL SINN
1946-2004
PAYNE — Daniel Frederick Sinn, 57, of Payne, died at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding.
He was born June 19, 1946, in Paulding, the son of Dan E. and Nellie E. (Zeltwanger) Sinn. On Feb. 4, 1987, he married Goldie Guyton, who survives. He was an accountant for the Paulding County Hospital, an owner/operator for NAPA in Payne, and Marathon Oil in Grover Hill.
Also surviving is a stepson, Tommie R. Lytle of Payne; a stepdaughter, Tammie J. (Darryl) Varner of Ottawa; a sister, Paula (Ray) Haab, of Milford, Ind.; and five step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services were held Friday, Feb. 6, at the Latty Apostolic Church with the church clergymen officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

GENEVIEVE RIFE
1925-2004
PAULDING — Genevieve R. Rife, 78, of Paulding, died at 6 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at her residence.
She was born June 17, 1925, in Paulding County, the daughter of Charles F. and Rose (Carrier) Noneman. On Oct. 26, 1946, she married Albert Rife, who preceded her in death March 3, 2002. She was an assistant librarian for the Paulding Carnegie Library, retiring in 1994, following 25 years of service. She was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Paulding, CLC of St. Joseph, VFW Post 587, Eagles Auxiliary 2405, and the American Legion of Continental.
Surviving are two sons, Roger (Nancy) Rife of Swanton and Jeffery (Cindy) Rife of Fort Wayne; two daughters, Alice (Mark) Fasman of St. Louis, and Barbara (Frederick) Koch of Paulding; a brother, James Noneman of Paulding; two sisters, Agnes Heimann of Paulding and Mildred Siebenick of Defiance; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were six brothers, Bill, Bernard, Frank, Ernest, Arthur and Charles Noneman; and two sisters, Leona Berg and Mary Daeger.
Services were held on Saturday, Feb. 7, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Paulding, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Masses or to Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

WESLEY BLAND
1956-2004
MELROSE — Wesley C. Bland, 48, of Melrose, died at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at the Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born Jan. 31, 1956, in Paulding, the son of William J. and Betty (Ward) Bland. He was an Air Force veteran, and was a former electrician for J&D Electric in Ozark, Mo.
He is survived by his mother, Betty Bland of Charloe; a son, Jeremy Roethlisberger of St. Albans, W.Va.; five daughters, Katie Bland of Continental, Stacey Thrasher of Melrose, Melissa Rassman of Kalida, Aimee (Todd) Rittenhouse of Mandale, and Sarah Thrasher of Oakwood; eight grandchildren; maternal grandmother, Cora Ward of Defiance; a brother, Robert G. Bland of Oakwood; and two sisters, Wendy (Chuck) Sharp of Grover Hill and Sheila (Ed) Merriman of Oakwood.
Preceding him in death was his father, William J. Bland.
Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood with Charles Howard officiating. Burial was in the Hedges Cemetery in Hedges.
Preferred memorials may be made to the family.

EDNA SUTTON
1917-2004
GROVER HILL — Edna W. Sutton, 86, of Grover Hill, died at 6:05 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, at her residence.
She was born March 11,1917, in Van Wert county, the daughter of John H. and Celia (Agness) Blythe. On Sept. 27, 1940, she married Ralph Sutton, who survives. She was a homemaker and a 1934 graduate of Hoaglin Jackson High School, a member of the Auglaize Chapel Church of God, was a former church pianist and an avid quilter.
Surviving are two sons, Jon Ralph (Karen) Sutton of Clyde and Brent (Carole) Sutton of Amelia Court House, Va.; a daughter, Vicki (Mike) Brown of Grover Hill; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and five great-stepgrandchildren.
Preceding her in death were a brother, Verlin Blythe; and a granddaughter, Korene Wyatt.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Auglaize Chapel Church of God in Oakwood, with the Rev. Raymond Matson officiating. Burial will be in the Middle Creek Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today, Feb. 11, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert, and one hour prior to services at the church.
Preferred memorials are to the Community Health Professionals or to the church.

JUDY GOINS
1943-2004
SCOTT – Judy E. Goins, 60, of Scott, died at 1:27 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, at Van Wert County Hospital in Van Wert.
She was born April 22, 1943 in Van Wert, the daughter of Virgil L. and Ilo (Gipe) Hines. On June 11, 1961, she married Jerry D. Goins, who survives. She was a homemaker and a member of the Woodburn American Legion Auxiliary.
Also surviving are three sons, Jerry Jr. of Van Wert, Jeffrey of Wedowee, Ala., and Joseph (Sheila) Goins of Convoy; two brothers, Richard (Arlene) Hines of Union City, and Bernard (Vivian) Hines of Elida; two sisters, Barbara (Keith) Beams of Van Wert and Nancy (Bill) Winters of New Haven; and seven grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; two daughters, Shelly Renee and Julia Kay, in infancy; two sisters, Doris Satterfield and Deboratha Ann Hines; and one grandchild.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert, with Pastor Dave Ray officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point. Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. today, Feb. 11.
Preferred memorials are to Thomas Edison School.

DONALD PARKS
1942-2004
DEFIANCE — Donald G. Parks, 61, died at 12:10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9, in the Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus.
He was born May 10, 1942, in Van Wert, the son of Fred and Mary (Pharis) Parks. On Jan. 26, 1987, he married Linda Kay Koenig, who preceded him in death Dec. 14, 1992.
Surviving are four sons, Kelly Parks of Defiance, Doug Roop of Payne, Scott Roop of Sylvania, and Rick Roop of Ohio City; a daughter, Stacey Cox of Lebanon, Ohio; and one sister, Bonnie Dunlap of Van Wert.
He also was preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Visitation is from 12:30-2 p.m. prior to services.
Preferred memorials are to the family.

FRED GIDEON
1921-2004
FORT WAYNE – Fred R. Gideon, 82, of Fort Wayne, died Thursday, Feb. 12, at his residence.
He was born Aug. 31, 1921 in Pike County, Ind. A Navy veteran of World War II, he received his master’s degree from Indiana University, and was a professor at Purdue University, teaching at IPFW and retiring in 1988.
Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Peg; two sons, Jack Gideon of Harlan, Ind., and Jon Gideon of Paulding; three daughters, Barbee Gideon and Jill McNeal, both of Fort Wayne, and Sam Gideon of Austin, Texas; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Elzey Patterson Rodak Home for Funerals in Fort Wayne. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding County.
Preferred memorials are to the Fred R. Gideon Scholarship Fund.

DORTHY MOLITOR
1927-2004
ANTWERP – Dorthy Jean Molitor, 76, died at 12:40 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in her Antwerp home after an extended illness.
She was born Oct. 10, 1927 in Harrison Township, Paulding County, the daughter of Waldo and Edna (Keating) Witt. On May 16, 1946, she married Harry W. Molitor Sr., who survives. She was a 1946 graduate of Antwerp High School, a homemaker, a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Payne, the Altar Rosary Society of the church, Paulding County Hospital Auxiliary, and a full-time “granny.”
Also surviving are three sons, Mike (Donna) Molitor and Pat (Sue) Molitor, both of Antwerp, and Harry (Robin) Molitor Jr., Paulding; three daughters, Monica (Ed) Etter of Fort Wayne, and Rita (Bob) Burkley and Ann (Stan) Feasby, both of Payne; a sister, Marilyn (Earl) Peters, Antwerp; 23 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; and a grandson, Zeb Molitor.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 16 in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Father William Martin and Deacon Donald Coughlin officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are for Masses or to Paulding Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice.

WILLIS FRIEND
1917-2004
ANTWERP – Willis S. “Woody” Friend, age 86, of Antwerp, died at 7:25 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Convoy Care Center, Convoy.
He was born Dec. 3, 1917, in Antwerp, he was the son of Harry and Delia (Peffley) Friend. In 1946, he married Maggie Swann, who preceded him in death in 1995. During World War II, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He was a machinist at Dana Weatherhead Antwerp and was a member of Antwerp VFW and American Legion posts. He also had served on Antwerp Village Council and Antwerp Fire Department.
Surviving are two sons, Sam and Bill Friend, both of Antwerp; two brothers, Richard and Jim, both of Antwerp; a sister, Janet DeLong, Antwerp; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren;
He also was preceded in death by four brothers, Derwood, Robert, Budd and Williard; two sisters, Clarice Friend and Betty Humbarger; and one grandson.

WILMA PRICE
1952-2004
PAULDING — Wilma A. Price, 51, of Paulding, died at 9:50 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Community Hospital of Williams County in Bryan.
She was born Nov. 4, 1952, in Paulding, the daughter of Gilmore and Lydia (Gillet) Price, who preceded her in death.
She is survived by a son, Joseph Aufenthie of Bowling Green; a sister, Gilda (John) Beatty of Defiance; and a brother, O’Neal (Debra) Price of Oakwood.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, Feb. 17 in the Sherman Cemetery in Oakwood. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the family.
ces were held Saturday, Feb. 14 at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with the Rev. Gregg Swann officiating. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp with military graveside rites performed.
Preferred memorials are to Antwerp Branch Library or the charity of the donor’s choice.

GEORGE JENKINS
1934-2004
DEFIANCE — George L. Jenkins, 70, of Defiance, died at 2:18 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Van Crest Health Care Center in Van Wert.
He was born Feb. 7, 1934, in Paulding, the son of Roy and Wanda (Zielke) Jenkins. He was retired from General Motors Company in Defiance.
Surviving are his wife, Mary; a son, Don Jenkins of Silver Lake, Ind.; a stepdaughter, Lisa Harmon of Defiance; two brothers, Charles Rodman of Haviland and Jimmy Daulton of Galion, Ohio; and one sister, Alice Gordon of Tacoa, Ga.
Preceding him in death were a daughter, Christine; and a son, Lowell.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 16, at Slade Funeral Home in Payne, with the Rev. Joseph Allen officiating. Burial was in the Blue Creek Cemetery, Haviland.
Preferred memorials are to the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Briceton.

RICHARD STOCKMAN
1931-2004
RIDGEVILLE CORNERS — Richard C. Stockman, 72, of Ridgeville Corners, died Monday, Feb. 9, in Florida Hospital Waterman, Eustis, Fla.
He was born Nov. 17, 1931, in Henry County, the son of Carl and Edna (Meyer) Stockman. On May 29, 1955, he married Irene Orthwein, who survives. He was a 1945 graduate of St. John School, Freedom Township, a 1949 graduate of Liberty Center High School, and a 1954 graduate of Ohio State University. He served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force, and was owner-operator of the Behrmann Burial Services in Ridgeville Corners from 1976 until his retirement in 1998. He was also the past purchasing agent at ITT Higbea in Archbold, and was a former teacher in the Deshler and Jewell school districts. He was a past member of the Ridgeville Volunteer Fire Department, a member and past president of the Defiance Chapter Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America. He also was a past clerk for Ridgeville Corners Water and Sewer District, the editor of the Ridgeville Township newsletter, and a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Napoleon. He also was active in various churches as a former church officer serving as deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and a choir member for 20 years.
Also surviving are two sons, Mark (Christine) of Paulding, and Brent (Karen) Stockman of Renton, Wash.; a daughter, Gwen (Vicar Gary) Richard of Zanesville; a brother, Robert Stockman of Alto, Mich., 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and an infant sister, Joanne Stockman.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 14, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Napoleon, with the Revs. Norm Koy and Peter Marcis officiating. Burial was in the St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery in Ridgeville Corners. Snyder-Wesche Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the church, Filling Home of Mercy, or to the donor’s choice.

MARJORIE GAUT
1907-2004
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – L. Marjorie Gaut, 96, of Southfield, Mich., died Tuesday, Feb. 10.
She was born June 1, 1907 in Thompsonville, Mich., the daughter of Horace E. and Anna (Helmer) Cummins. She was a retired school teacher from Detroit Board of Education. She was active in MOMS - Mothers of Men in Service.
Surviving are a son, Mack (Marilyn) Gaut of Plymouth, Mich.; two daughters, Marianne Desjardins of Southfield and Martha (Dennis) Leyshock of Farmington Hills, Mich.; a sister, Tressa Barns; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin; and one grandchild.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Newburg United Methodist Church in Livonia, Mich. Arrangements were made by Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, Plymouth.
Preferred memorials are to the church.

LULA MAE GRUETER
1918-2004
PAULDING — Lula Mae Grueter, 85, died at 10:50 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne, where she had been a resident for eight years.
She was born May 5, 1918, in Putnam County, the daughter of Charles and Ola Mae (Leidy) Smith. She married Floyd “Buck” Howell of Paulding. On Feb. 16, 1946, she married Richard B. Grueter, who survives. She was a homemaker and a sales clerk for the former Cassel’s Hardware and Appliance Store and the former five and dime store, both in Paulding. She also was a member of the First Christian Church in Paulding.
Also surviving are two sons, Larry (Kathy) Grueter of Richland, Mich. and Clayton (Margery) Howell of Paulding; two daughters, Genelta (Leonard) Levos of Paulding and Judy Donnett of Bryan; a sister, Genelta Nartker of Kalida; 15 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were three brothers, Charles, Lawrence and John Smith; and two sisters, Lenore Shaner and Beulah Betts.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Feb. 18, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Visitation is today from 8 a.m. until time of services.
Preferred memorials are to the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund.

LYLE
LANDERS
1931-2004
MELROSE — Lyle E. (Gene) Landers, 72, of Melrose, died at 12:47 p.m., Monday, Feb. 16, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born Sept. 7, 1931, in Shelby County Ohio, the son of Thurman and Emma Mae (Morfoot) Landers, who both preceded him in death. In 1951, he married Dolores Fellers, who preceded him in death on Oct. 26, 1991. He was a US Army veteran, serving in the Korean Conflict, and was a truck driver for Schwerman Trucking, retiring in 1992. He was also a member of the Oakwood American Legion, a life member of the Ottawa VFW, the Moose Lodge of Defiance, and the Eagles in Paulding.
He is survived by two sons, Greg of Oakwood and Steve Landers of Grover Hill; a companion, Ramona Slabie of Melrose; two brothers, Charles of Crestline and Jan Landers of Maine; a sister, Sharon Valentine of Porta Rico; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were two brothers, Monte and Timmy Landers; and a sister, Laina May.
Hours of visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today Feb. 18; from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood; and Friday, Feb. 20, one hour prior to services at the church. A service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m., Thursday evening by the Ottawa VFW.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 20, at the Melrose United Methodist Church in Melrose, with Pastor Robert Parker officiating. Burial will be in the Little Auglaize Cemetery in Melrose, with a military graveside service by the Oakwood American Legion and the Ottawa VFW.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

JAMES
BAKER
1934-2004
VAN WERT — James Russell Baker, 70, of Van Wert, died at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 11, at his residence.
He was born Jan. 14, 1934, in Latty Township in Paulding County, the son of Roy G. and Helen Marie (Balliet) Baker. On June 25, 1966, he married Carolyn S. Myers, who survives. He was a 1952 graduate of Latty High School and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He was a member of Calvary Evangelical Church, was a Sunday School teacher for many years, and was involved in Boys Brigade and bus ministries.
Also surviving are three daughters, Sara (Mike) Daugherty of Minnesota, Martha (William) Graves of Middlebury, Ind., and Joanna “Joni” (Rev. John) Pierce of Salem, Ohio; a son, Jonathan R. (Melinda) Baker of Columbus; a brother, Carlos Baker of Van Wert; three sisters, Betty (Earl) Burgoon and Gladys M. Schnepp, both of Haviland, and Dorothy (Larry ) Sidle of Van Wert; and 11 grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; two infant brothers, Alvin and Donald; and a sister, Mabel L. Black.
Services were held Sunday, March 14, at Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert, with Pastors Neil Hammons, Raymond E. Feeck and John Pierce officiating. Burial was in the Cooper Cemetery in Paulding County. Cowan and Son Funeral Home in Van Wert was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Shoebox Ministry of Calvary Evangelical Church or the American Heart Association.

HAROLD
HILL
1930-2004
ANTWERP — Harold D. “Bud” Hill, 74, of Antwerp, died at 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 9 at his residence.
He was born Aug. 8, 1930, the son of Roy and Beatrice (Onstott) Hill. He served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant during the Korean War. In 1956, he married Marilyn Wilson, who preceded him in death in 1979. He was employed as a meat cutter at Goldnetz IGA in Hicksville and Grim’s Locker in Sherwood. He was a member of the Antwerp VFW Post 5087 and American Legion Post 253, AMVETS, Antwerp Village Council and the Paulding County Veteran Service Office.
Surviving are a son, David of Antwerp; a brother, Michael Tyler of Fort Wayne; and three sisters, Janie McEllis of Merrillville, Ind., and Patricia Moore and Catherine Tobin, both of Fort Wayne.
Also preceding him in death were his parents; and a brother, Jack Tyler.
Services were held Friday, March 12, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp with military honors.
Preferred memorials are to the American Diabetes or American Heart Association.

CALVIN
JOHNSON
1921-2004
ANTWERP — Calvin B. Johnson, 82, of Antwerp, died at 11:27 p.m. Friday, March 12, at his residence.
He was born April 19, 1921, in Fort Wayne, the son of Boyd and Esther (Bohen) Johnson. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. In 1942, he married Bethel Sands, who preceded him in death in 1998. He was retired from Dana Corporation, a member of the Antwerp VFW Post 5087, and the American Legion Post 253.
He is survived by a daughter, Lynn McNabb of Antwerp; and a grandson, Mike McNabb, Antwerp; two sisters, Betty Coles of Lehigh Acres, Fla. and Patty Kennedy of LaGrange, Ind.; and a brother, Boyd Johnson of Middlebury, Ind.
Also preceding him in death was a brother, Robert.
Services were held Tuesday, March 16, at Dooley Funeral Home. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Hospice.

JENNIE KEMP
1912-2004
HAVILAND — Jennie C. Kemp, 91, of Haviland, died at 3 a.m. Monday, March 8, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born March 15, 1912, in Haviland, the daughter of Jesse and Dolly Anne (Comadoll) Kemp. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Briceton, and retired from the General Electric Company in Fort Wayne, following 30 years of service.
She is survived by several cousins.
Preceding her in death were two brothers, Peter and Marwood Kemp.
Services were held Thursday, March 11, at the Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Joe Allen officiating. Internment was in the Middle Creek Cemetery in Grover Hill.
Preferred memorials are to the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Briceton.

BRUCE
LONGARDNER
1939-2004
ANTWERP — Bruce Edward Longardner, 64, of Antwerp, died at 11 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 17, 1939, in Allen County, Ind., the son of John K. and Leona (Roberts) Longardner. On Sept. 23, 1961, he married Colleen Murphy, who survives. He served in the U.S. Army from 1963-1965, and was a diamond die finisher at Luginbill Wire Die. He enjoyed the outdoors, bike riding, and was a NASCAR fan.
Also surviving are two sons, Curtis (Rebecca) of Englewood, Ohio and Craig (Sonja) Longardner of Farmland, Ind.; a daughter, Denise (Robert) Glasser of New Haven; a sister, Carol Bordner of Leo, Ind., and five grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers, John, Kenneth, and Richard; and one sister, Diane Longardner.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at the Payne Church of Christ, with Pastor Richard Phelan officiating. The family will be receiving friends at 1 p.m. until time of services. Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp is handling the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding Hospice, Cancer Services of Allen County Indiana, or Project Mercy.

ALMA MOSIER
1924-2004
GROVER HILL — Alma F. Mosier, 79, of Grover Hill, died at 3:18 a.m. Thursday, March 11, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
She was born April 26, 1924 in Dupont, Ohio, the daughter of Raymond and Ruby (Matson) McClish. On April 26, 1946, she married Charles A. Mosier, who survives. She was a homemaker, and a member of Bethel United Methodist Church until its closing, and a current member of the First Baptist Church in Van Wert.
Also surviving are two sons, Charles Junior (Betty) and Carl W. (Carolyn), both of Grover Hill; two daughters, Shirley (Dave) Dawson of Wapakoneta and Brenda (Dan) Nanz of Grover Hill; a sister, Phyllis (Tom) Tegenkamp of Dupont; 11 grandchildren; nine stepgrandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; two brothers, Cloris and Gene McClish; and two sisters, Evelyn Rummel and Zada Dorsett.
Services were held Monday, March 15, at the First Baptist Church in Van Wert, with Pastor Steve A. Robinson officiating. Burial was in the Riverview Cemetery in Defiance. Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the church.

TIMMY STAHL
1960-2004
MELROSE — Timmy Rex Stahl, 43, of Melrose, died at 1:55 p.m. Friday, March 12, at the Defiance Regional Medical Center in Defiance.
He was born April 15, 1960, in Paulding, the son of George E. and Ramona R. (Place) Stahl. On July 29, 1978, he married Theresa D. Akers, who survives. He was an Antwerp Police Officer, and a carpet installer for Flooring Outlet in Defiance. He was a member of the Mt. Zion Church in Grover Hill, a former mayor of Melrose, and a member of the Broughton Coon Hunters Club.
Also surviving are three sons, Timmy George Ray Stahl and Cody Robert Stahl, both of Melrose, and Josh Everett (Jeni) Stahl of Victorville, Calif.; three daughters, Brittny, Myranda and Sarah Stahl, all of Melrose; his mother, Ramona Stahl of Melrose; two brothers, Danny of Grover Hill and James of Oakwood; two sisters, Dianna Clemens of Paulding and Debrah Levington of Payne; and a half-brother, Tom.
He was preceded in death by his father, George E. Stahl.
Services will be held at noon today, March 17, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dave Prior officiating. Burial will be in the Little Auglaize Cemetery in Melrose. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood is in charge of the arrangements. Viewing will also be held at the church one hour prior to services.
Preferred memorial contributions are to be made to the family.

JAMES SWABLY
1938-2004
COPEMISH, Mich. – James Daniel Swably, 65, of Copemish, Mich., died at 11:06 p.m. Friday, March 12, at the Munson Regional Center in Traverse, Mich.
He was born Oct. 26, 1938, in Bristol, Pa., the son of Otto and Florence (Spivy) Swably. On March 26, 1984, he married Esther M. Bair, who survives. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was a journeyman machinist, based in Detroit.
Also surviving are his stepmother, Mary Alice Swably of Tiffin; two daughters, Leah Fulmer of Grover Hill and Lillian (Steven) Williams of Corunna, Ind.; a son, Jesse (Donna) Swably of Decatur, Ind.; two stepchildren, Tina (Jody) Howell of Grover Hill and Jerry (Vicki) Mann of Auburn, Ind.; 16 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two half-brothers; and two half-sisters.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. today, March 17, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial will be in the Middle Creek Cemetery in Grover Hill. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. until time of services, today, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Copemish Michigan EMS or to the James D. Swably family.

HARRY L. ANDERSON
1912 - 2004
ANTWERP – Harry L. Anderson, 91, Antwerp, died Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Snow Valley Center, Lisle, Ill.
He was born Feb. 25, 1912, the son of Benjamin and Bertha (Patee) Anderson. In 1936, he married Anna Louise Bakle, who preceded him in death in 1986. He served the U.S. Army in WWII in India, Burma and China with the 1880th Combat Engineers, building the “Burma Road.” He was employed at General Electric in Fort Wayne for 43 years. A former Antwerp Village councilman, he was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Antwerp, Antwerp VFW and American Legion posts, GE Quarter Century Club, and 1880th Combat Engineer Aviation Veterans Association. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, sports, and his granddaughters.
Surviving are son, Steve of Naperville, Ill.; granddaughters, Emily, Elizabeth and Lucy Anderson; two brothers, Maurice of New Haven and Richard of Fort Wayne; and sister, Hilda Gerardot of Paulding.
He also was preceded in death by brothers Benjamin, John, Maynard and Herbert; and sisters Thelma Townsend, Dulanna Brooks and Nancy Myers. Services were held Friday, Feb. 20 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Antwerp. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp, with military honors. Dooley Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the church.

LYLE LANDERS
1931-2004
MELROSE — Lyle E. “Gene” Landers, 72, of Melrose, died at 12:47 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born Sept. 7, 1931, in Shelby County Ohio, the son of Thurman and Emma Mae (Morfoot) Landers, who both preceded him in death. In 1951, he married Dolores Fellers, who preceded him in death on Oct. 26, 1991. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean Conflict, and was a truck driver for Schwerman Trucking, retiring in 1992. He was also a member of the Oakwood American Legion, a life member of the Ottawa VFW, the Moose Lodge of Defiance, and the Eagles in Paulding.
He is survived by two sons, Greg of Oakwood and Steve Landers of Grover Hill; a companion, Ramona Slabie of Melrose; two brothers, Charles of Crestline and Jan Landers of Maine; a sister, Sharon Valentine of Puerto Rico; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were two brothers, Monte and Timmy Landers; and a sister, Laina May.
Services were held Friday, Feb. 20, at the Melrose United Methodist Church in Melrose, with Pastor Robert Parker officiating. Burial was in the Little Auglaize Cemetery in Melrose, with a military graveside service conducted by the Oakwood American Legion and the Ottawa VFW.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

WILLIS FRIEND
1917-2004
ANTWERP – Willis S. “Woody” Friend, age 86, of Antwerp, died at 7:25 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Convoy Care Center, Convoy.
He was born Dec. 3, 1917, in Antwerp, he was the son of Harry and Delia (Peffley) Friend. In 1946, he married Maggie Swann, who preceded him in death in 1995. During World War II, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He was a machinist at Dana Weatherhead Antwerp and was a member of Antwerp VFW and American Legion posts. He also had served on Antwerp Village Council and Antwerp Fire Department.
Surviving are two sons, Sam and Bill Friend, both of Antwerp; two brothers, Richard and Jim, both of Antwerp; a sister, Janet DeLong, Antwerp; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren;
He also was preceded in death by four brothers, Derwood, Robert, Budd and Williard; two sisters, Clarice Friend and Betty Humbarger; and one grandson. Services were held Saturday, Feb. 14 at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with the Rev. Gregg Swann officiating. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp with military graveside rites performed.
Preferred memorials are to Antwerp Branch Library or the charity of the donor’s choice.

WILLIAM GASKILL
1963-2004
PAULDING — William Dale Gaskill, 40, of Paulding, died at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 13, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Maumee.
He was born April 27, 1963, in Fort Wayne, the son of William H. and Bonnie L. (Walters) Gaskill. He was a self-employed landscaper and a member of the Paulding Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his mother, Bonnie L. Bernard of Paulding; two sons, Derk Anthony Gaskill and William Dale Gaskill, both of Louisiana; a daughter, Brittney Marie Gaskill, Louisiana; a brother, Anthony Bernard of Antwerp; and three sisters, Tina (Tim) Neer of Paulding, Cheryl (Tim) Kelly of Fort Wayne, and Toni (William) Katschke of Hicksville.
Preceding him in death were his father; a sister, Kathy Gravant; and his grandparents. Services were held Saturday, Feb. 21 at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial was in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to a charity of the donor’s choice.

NELLIE SANDERSON
1912-2004
GROVER HILL — Rosa A. “Nellie” Sanderson, 92, of Grover Hill, died at 9:35 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Brookview Health Care Center in Defiance. She was born Feb. 6, 1912, in Paulding County, the daughter of John and Myrtle (DeCamp) Wistner. On Sept. 27, 1930, she married Furl L. Sanderson, who preceded her in death Sept. 26, 1973. Surviving are three son, James (Sharon) Sanderson of Huber Heights, Ohio, Larry Sanderson of Fort Wayne, and Glen Sanderson of Grover Hill; a daughter, Mary (Paul) Brandehoff of Oakwood; two sisters, Edith (Fred) Wyatt of Grover Hill and Virginia Gudakunst of Van Wert; a brother, Gale Wistner of Grover Hill; 18 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Janice Barnes; several brothers and sisters; a great-grandson; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Roselms Christian Church, with the Rev. Don Rogers officiating. Burial was in the Middle Creek Cemetery in Grover Hill. Memorials may be made to the Roselm Christian Church.

MARION FULK
1954-2004
DALLAS, Ga. — Marion “Fran” Fulk, 50, of Dallas, Ga., died Monday, Feb. 16.
He was born Feb. 12, 1954, in Ohio, the son of the late George Richard Fulk and Dorothy Ann Fulk-Gibson. He was a resident of Marion County Florida until 1986. Surviving are a son, Christopher Fulk of Ocala, Fla; his mother and stepfather, Albert and Dorothy Ann Fulk-Gibson of Silver Springs, Fla.; a sister, Ginger (Ricky) Hamby of Dallas, Ga.; a stepsister, Carol Gibson of Florida; three brothers, Richard of Defiance, Russell of Payne, and Kenneth of Buchanan, Ga.; two stepbrothers, Jerry Gibson of Ohio and Jimmy Gibson of Dallas, Ga.; one granddaughter; and nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held Saturday, Feb. 21 at Clark Funeral Home in Hiram, Ga., with Greg Walker officiating.

LUCILLE DANGLER
1936-2004
SHERWOOD — Lucille K. Dangler, 67, of Sherwood, died Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Community Hospital of Williams County.
She was born Nov. 19, 1936, in Paulding County, the daughter of Charles and Matilda (Tillie) Yenser. In 1954, she married Jerry L. Schmunk, who preceded her in death in 1981. In 1988, she married DeLoss Dangler, who survives. She was employed as a waitress for over 30 years, and worked at the Crescent-News in Defiance until her retirement.
Also surviving are six daughters, Mickie Butler of Sherwood, Darlene Kimple of Hicksville, Dawn Brown of Bryan, Deann Mearse of Edon, and Deb Dangler and Denise Knecht of Edgerton; four sons, Charles Schmunk of Sherwood, James Schmunk of Wauseon, DeLoss Dangler Jr. of Edgerton and Douglas Dangler of Virginia Beach, Va.; 29 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Virginia.
Services were held Friday, Feb. 20 at the Burr Funeral Home and Crematory in Sherwood, with the Rev. Charles Schmunk officiating. Burial was in the Sherwood Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to Cancer Assistance of Williams County.

LEE CARR
1942-2004
FREMONT, Mich. — Lee A. Carr, 61, of Fremont, Mich., died Thursday, Feb. 12, at Gerber Memorial Health Services in Fremont.
He was born Nov. 6, 1942, in Antwerp, the son of Harry and Florence (West) Carr. In 1991, he married Pamela Katschke, who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran, and was retired from Wal-Mart. He was also a life member of Hesperia VFW Post 3245, a member of Fremont Moose Lodge 1555, an assistant scout master with Boy Scout Troop 1139, and attended the First Baptist Church in Fremont.
Also surviving are a son, Gary, at home; two daughters, Felicia and Nena, at home; a foster son, Rick Hildabrand of Muskegon; and one brother, Wayne Carr of Antwerp. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mary Ann Carr.
Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Kroeze Funeral Home in Fremont, with Pastor Ken Pierpont officiating.
Preferred memorials are to Fremont Boy Scout Troop 1139’s Jamboree Fund.

VIOLA McGAHARAN
1921 - 2004
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Viola M. McGaharan, 82, of St. Petersburg, Fla., died Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the St. Petersburg General Hospital.
She was born Feb. 4, 1921 in Cecil, the daughter of Thomas William and Mittie (Breece) Shaw. She had moved to St. Petersburg from Cecil in 1979, where she had retired as a clerk with the U.S. Postal Service. She was a member of the Altar Society and Rosary Society at Immaculate Conception Church in Cecil, and the Holy Cross Catholic Church and its Ladies Society in St. Petersburg.
She is survived by three sisters, Emma Baldwin and Florence LaPoint, both of Toledo, and Angela McGaharan of St. Petersburg.
Services were held Friday, Jan. 30, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Entombment was in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, St. Petersburg. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes and Cremation Tribute Center-Bobbit Chapel handled the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

HELEN PASTOR
1932-2004
LATTY — Helen Irene Pastor, 71, died at 2:50 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at her residence in Latty.
She was born April 3, 1932, in Van Wert County, the daughter of Louis and Goldie (Johns) Long. In 1950, she married Louis G. Pastor Jr., who preceded her in death on Feb. 22, 1979. She retired from Van Wert Federal Mogul in 1992, following 41 years of service.
Surviving are two sons, Michael Pastor of Latty and Terry Pastor of Paulding; a daughter, Connie (Tommy) Sulfridge of Paulding; several brothers and sisters, five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; several brothers and sisters; and a special friend, Paul Redlinger of Scott.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 23, at Den Herder Funeral Home with the Rev. David Dooley officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Area Visiting Nurses/Hospice or to the donor’s choice.

IDA YOH
1917-2004
ALGOMA, Wis. — Ida B. Yoh, 87, of Algoma, Wis., died Friday, Feb. 13, in her residence.
She was born Feb. 3, 1917, in Continental, the daughter of George and Ella (Moyer) Stuttler. She worked as a cook in a hotel for many years and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Algoma.
Surviving are three sons, Donald Yocklin of Algoma, Wis., Andy Yocklin of Missouri, and Bill Yocklin of Washington; four daughters, Carol Glasco of Missouri, Rita Yocklin of Arizona, Kay Wood of Indiana, and Mary Ann Yocklin of Massachusetts; four sisters, Annette Jex of Van Wert, Joyce Kimmel of Scott, Mary Waldron of Hicksville, and Bonnie Harmon of Bryan; three half-brothers, Arthur and Frank Yochum, both of Hicksville, and Patrick Yochum; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her second husband, Bill Yocklin; a daughter, Linda Yocklin; a son, George Yocklin; and two brothers, Henry and Raymond Stuttler. Burial will be at a later date. Schinderle Funeral Home in Algoma handled the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Donald Yocklin family in Algoma, Wis.

NORMAN HOWARD JR.
1928 - 2004
ANTWERP – Norman Howard Jr., 76, of Antwerp, died at 6:52 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24, at his residence.
He was born Jan. 14, 1928, in Muncie, Ind., the son of Norman and Ida Leona (Henizer) Howard. On Oct. 20, 1956, he married Arlene Joan Nichols, who preceded him in death on Feb. 24, 1979. He served in the U.S. Army as a corporal in the Signal Corp. In 1982, he retired as machine operator at International Harvester. He also had worked at I.T.T.-Aerospace/Optical Div. and Magnavox, Fort Wayne.
He had been a member of Antwerp Village Council, Community Improvement Corp. and the Antwerp Chamber of Commerce, served as vice-president of Paulding County Litter and Waste Management, was Boy Scout member and leader and worked in the Federal Assistance Food Program. Surviving are two sons, Steve Provines of Antwerp and Mike Provines of Auburn, Ind.; two sisters, Carol Rush of Gas City, Ind. and Treva Tracey of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Elizabeth McDonald, Ellen Caylor and Buelah Litmer; a half-brother, Hugh Herron; and a half-sister, Esther Blakbeker. Services were held Friday, Feb. 27, at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with the Rev. Don Leckrone officiating. Burial was in Eddy Cemetery, Hamilton, Ind. Preferred memorials are to Antwerp EMS.

STELLA JACKSON
1923-2004
PAULDING — Stella P. Jackson, 80, of Paulding, died at 12:41 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at her son’s residence.
She was born May 3, 1923, in Manville, N.J., the daughter of Benjamin and Dora (Baja) Lazowsky. In 1946, she married William C. Jackson Sr., who preceded her in death in 1986. She was employed at Dana-Weatherhead Corporation in Antwerp for 26 years, retiring in 1986. She was also a homemaker and a member of the Paulding Eagle Post #2405 Auxiliary, the Paulding VFW Post #587, and attended the Paulding Church of the Nazarene. Surviving are five sons, James (Sherry) Jackson and Kirkwood Jackson, both of Paulding, Earl (Gemaldin) Jackson of Thermopolis, Wyo., Dennis (Jill) Jackson of Defiance, and John Jackson of Grabill, Ind.; a daughter, Brenda Walls of Paulding; 18 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by two sons, Claude Jackson in 1976 and William C. Jackson Jr. in 1991; a daughter, Nancy Jackson, in 1961; six brothers; and one sister. Services were held Tuesday, March 2, at the Paulding Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor David Dooley officiating. Burial was in Cooper Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Area Visiting Nurses/Hospice.

HENRIETTA BAUMANN
1929-2004
MANSFIELD — Henrietta J. Baumann, 74, of Mansfield, formerly of Paulding, died late Monday, Feb. 23, at Mansfield Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness.
She was born Nov. 9, 1929, in Paulding, the daughter of Henry and Lena (Suttor) Manz. She was a 1947 graduate of Paulding High School. On June 7, 1987, she married Elmer Gerber, who preceded her in death in 1990. On Nov. 19, 1995, she married Obed Gerber, who preceded her in death in 1999. On July 22, 2001, she married Adam Baumann, who survives. She worked as a legal secretary for 25 years for attorney John F. DeMuth, and worked 10 years with Weaner, Hutchinson, Zimmerman, and Bacon in Defiance. She was a member of the Illinois Avenue Apostolic Christian Church and was baptized July 10, 1949.
Also surviving are a sister, Madeline Manz, Paulding; two brothers, Eli (Evelyn) Manz and Ben (Carolyn) Manz, both of Paulding; eight stepsons, Jake Baumann of Mansfield, Don (Mary) Gerber, Earl (Pat) Gerber, and E. Lee (Jenny) Gerber, all of Decatur, Ind., Carroll (Louise) Gerber and Lester (Rosemary) Gerber, both of Bluffton, Ind., Paul (Mary Jo) Gerber of Craigville, Ind. and Dale (Carol Ann) Gerber of Ossian, Ind.; four stepdaughters, Carolyn (Dave) Roberts and Lois (Harry T.) Gerber, both of Bluffton, Pauline (Larry) Gerber of Fort Wayne, and Roseann (Gary) Ringger of Decatur; 48 stepgrandchildren; 128 great-stepgrandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and an aunt, Louise Manz of Cissna Park, Ill. Also preceding her in death were her parents; a stepdaughter, Kathleen Clough; and three stepgrandchildren, Byron Aschliman, Stacey Fiechter and Sue Ellen Gerber. Services were held Friday, Feb. 27 at the Apostolic Christian Church on Illinois Ave. in Mansfield. A committal service was held Feb. 27 at the Apostolic Christian Church in Junction. Burial was in Dotterer Cemetery in Junction.
Preferred memorials are to the World Relief Fund in care of the church.

DEBORAH DAEGER
1951-2004
PAYNE — Deborah K. Daeger, 52, of Payne, died at 5:25 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, in Fort Wayne at the Hospice Home of Northeast Indiana.
She was born July 8, 1951, in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Carl and Margaret (Fechner) Litzenberg. She was employed at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne. Surviving are two daughters, Heather Beerer of Fullerton, Calif. and Leslie Krebs of Payne; a brother, Leonard Litzenberg of Fort Wayne; a sister, Nancy Gamble of Austin, Texas; a half-sister, Jan Phillips of Fort Wayne; and two grandchildren, Christian and Zachary Krebs, both of Payne. Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 3, at the St. John the Baptist Church in Payne. Burial will be in the Lehman Cemetery in Payne, at a later date. Slade Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Hospice Home of North East, Indiana.

ROSS HOBBS
FORT WAYNE — Ross T. Hobbs, 78, of Fort Wayne, died on Thursday, Feb. 26.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, serving in the Pacific. He is survived by a daughter, Laura J. Lowen; a son, Billy J. Hobbs; a brother, Clyde Hobbs; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Devona J. Hobbs; and a brother, Walter Hobbs. Services were held Monday, March 1, at the D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home in Fort Wayne. Burial was in Covington Memorial Gardens.

LEROY SMITH
1931-2004
DEFIANCE — Leroy J. Smith, 72, of Defiance, died Sunday, Feb. 29, at the Defiance Regional Medical Center.
He was born Dec. 24, 1931, in Paulding County, the son of Clarence and Mildred (Foltz) Smith. On June 4, 1955, he married Elizabeth Herr, who survives. He was employed by Dinner Bell Foods for 42 years, and also worked at Sauder Woodworking for two years. He was a life member of the VFW Post #3360, a member of the Eagles, American Legion, and the AMVETS Post #1991.
Also surviving are three sons, Mark of Stryker, Jeff of Paulding, and Scott Smith of Mark Center; and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a stepfather, Winston Ellerbusch.
Services will be held at 1 :00 p.m. today, March 3, at the Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance, with Father Dennis Walsh officiating. Burial will be in the Riverview Memory Gardens in Defiance, with military graveside services performed by the VFW Post #3360.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

VIRGIL OTT
1917-2004
DEFIANCE — Virgil F. Ott, 86, of Defiance, died at 11:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Brookview Healthcare Center in Defiance.
He was born Oct. 14, 1917, in Jewell, the son of Harry and Blanche (Rath) Ott. In 1936, he married Delores Dull, who preceded him in death in 2003. He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance, was a school bus driver for Paulding Exempted Village Schools for 11 years, the owner of Otts IGA Store in Oakwood for 17 years, superintendent of Oakwood Water Works four years, and worked for Aschbacher’s Carpentry in Defiance for 12 years. He was a life member of the Defiance Eagles and was a past trustee. He was also president of Oakwood Homecoming. Surviving are a son, Chuck (Sharon) Ott of Melrose; a daughter, Cheri (Al) Griffiths of Paulding; a brother, LaVern “Pete” Ott of Defiance; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were three sons, Bill Ott and two infant sons; a granddaughter, Julie Lynn Ott; two brothers, Wilbur and Walter “Bud” Ott; and two sisters, Florence Mekus and Evelyn Ott. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday March 5, at the Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance, with the Rev. Donald L. Luhring officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Defiance.
Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. Thursday, March 4 at the Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home.
Preferred memorials are to the Brookview Nursing Home Activities Fund or St. John Lutheran Church.

RICK SCHROEDER JR.
1961-2004
ANTWERP — Rick E. Schroeder, 42, died Saturday evening, Feb. 28, as a result of an auto accident in Paulding County.
He was born Sept. 13, 1961, in Defiance, the son of Richard and Esther (Bleich) Schroeder Sr., who both survive. On Feb. 10, 1986, he married Robbie G. Coplen, who survives. He was employed by Schroeder Associates for 22 years, and was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Antwerp. He is also survived by a son, Ricky III; two daughters, Alisha and Kylee Schroeder, all of Antwerp; two brothers, Charles (Mitchell) Schroeder of Auburn and Samuel (Jane) Schroeder of Mobile, Ala.; one sister, Jacqueline Davis of Atlanta, Ga.; and his maternal grandmother, Eleanor Bleich of Sacramento, Calif.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 6, in the old Antwerp High School gymnasium. Burial will be in the Sherman Cemetery in Oakwood. Hours of visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Friday, March 5, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, and one hour prior to services at the old Antwerp High School on Saturday.

DONALDINE EAKINS
1922-2004
OAKWOOD — Donaldine Eakins, 81, of Oakwood, died at 1:50 a.m. Wednesday, March 3, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne, where she was a resident. She was born April 9, 1922, in Paulding County, the daughter of Dean and Joy (Bupp) Lighthill. On Aug. 29, 1942, she married Wesley “Carson” Eakins, who preceded her in death Feb. 25, 1999. She was a homemaker and a member of the Melrose United Methodist Church.
Surviving are a son, Ron (Linda) Eakins of Oakwood; a daughter, Patricia Ann (Leonard “Bob”) Moyer Jr. of Paulding; and five grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were an infant son, Daniel; and two great-granddaughters. Services were held Friday, March 5, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Rev. Bob Parker officiating. Burial was in the Prairie Chapel Cemetery in Oakwood. Preferred memorials are to the Dallas lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund or Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

MARGARET KLENDER
1924-2004
ANTWERP — Margaret Eileen Klender, 79, of Antwerp, died Friday, March 5, at Defiance Regional Medical Center.
She was born Dec. 31, 1924, in Defiance, the daughter of Othe and Anna (Lehman) English. On Oct. 23, 1948, she married Kenneth E. Klender, who survives. She was employed for 31 years at International Harvester in Fort Wayne in materials management. She was a member of the Antwerp United Methodist Church, where she had taught Sunday School for 40 years, Jacob Stemple Chapter of Daughters of 1812, Paulding County Chapter Ohio Genealogy, First Families of Paulding and Defiance Counties, Crane Farm Women’s Club, 4-H advisory committee, and Cecil Community and Pomona Granges. Also surviving are a daughter, Sandra Knuth of Antwerp; one brother, Bernard English, Defiance; two sisters, Virginia Herr and Gloria Weisenburger, both of Defiance; and two granddaughters, Jennifer and Marya Knuth, both of Antwerp.
Preceding her in death was a brother, Roland. Services were held Tuesday, March 9, at the Antwerp United Methodist Church with the Rev. Greg Swann officiating. Burial was in the Poplar Ridge Cemetery in Defiance. Dooley Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

MARIAN DUNCAN
FORT WAYNE — Marian Frances Duncan, 98, died March 5, 2004, at Golden Years Homestead in Fort Wayne.
She was born in Paulding, and was a telephone operator with Wolf and Dessauer, General Telephone Company, and Wayne Knitting Mills. She was a member of the First Christian Church, and enjoyed cooking, sewing, and selecting flowers from the garden. She also loved cats.
Surviving is a daughter, H. Carolyn Buckmaster of Fort Wayne.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Raymond Benjamin Duncan; and a sister, Helen Marie Fisher.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 10, at the D.O. McComb and Sons, Pine Valley Park Chapel, 1320 E. Dupont Road in Fort Wayne. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. in the Cooper Cemetery in Paulding, where a graveside service will be conducted.
Preferred memorials are to the SPCA or Heartland Hospice.

FRANCIS BAKER
1914-2004
CONVOY — Francis D. Baker, 90, of Convoy, died at 11:10 a.m. Sunday, March 7, at the Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.
He was born Feb. 6, 1914, in Paulding County, the son of John Andrew and Mintie T. (Hover) Baker. He married Norma A. Dibert, who preceded him in death in 1972. On March 12, 1974, he married Lois I. (Feasby) Myers, who survives in Convoy. He was a machinist, a farmer in Tully Township, and was retired from the Payne Equity. He was a member of the Sugar Ridge Church of God.
Also surviving are a son, William D. (Veena) Baker of Fremont, Calif.; a daughter, Betty J. (Albert) Taylor of rural Van Wert; two stepdaughters, Bonita (Ollen) Jones and Judy Motycka, both of Convoy; two stepsons, Tommy Meyers of Paulding and Gerald Gene Myers of Lexington, Ky.; a brother, Harold (Marjorie) Baker of Van Wert; a sister, Wilda Meyers of Monroeville; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; 14 stepgrandchildren; 23 great-stepgrandchildren; and six great-great-stepgrandchildren.
Also preceding him in death was a daughter, Linda J. Thompson in 1971; three brothers, Roy, Delmar and Russell Baker; and three sisters, Myrtle Feasby, Nellie Beezley and Dorothy Gibson.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 10 at the Cowan and Son Stainfield Memorial Home in Convoy, with the Rev. Steven G. Waterman officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Lehman Cemetery, Benton Township, Paulding County.
Preferred memorials may be made to the Sugar Ridge Church of God or the Alzheimer’s Association.

CORY McMILLAN
1974-2004
DEFIANCE — Cory Allan McMillan, 30, of Defiance, died at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 17, at his residence.
He was born Jan. 24, 1974, in Paulding County, the son of Sidney H. and Mary Lou (Kochel) McMillan, who survive. He was self-employed in the auto salvage business.
Also surviving are a daughter, Desiree Becca McMillan of Wauseon; two sisters, Rebecca (Matthew) Salinas of Paulding and Diana (Edwin) Yoh of Oakwood; grandmothers, Waneta Kochel of Defiance and Nellie McMillan of Trammel, Va.; and five nieces.
He was preceded in death by grandfathers, Ralph Kochel in 1989 and Guy McMillan in 1961.
Services were held Monday, March 22, at the Rock Church with Pastor Bobby Branham officiating. Burial was in Hedges Cemetery in Paulding County. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding was in charge of the arrangements.

HAROLD PARRISH
1936-2004
DEFIANCE — Harold P. Parrish, 68, of Defiance, died at 2:55 a.m., Thursday, March 18, at his residence.
He was born Jan. 4, 1936, in Paulding County, the son of Paul and Bessie (Thrasher) Parrish. On April 23, 1955, he married Jackie Frederick, who survives. He was a machine chief at Manville and retired in 1999 following 40 years of service. He worked as ground maintenance at Defiance High School the past five years. He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church, a social member of the Paulding VFW and Paulding Eagles.
Also surviving are five sons, Dale of Cecil, Doug of Paulding, Dave of Portsmouth, Ohio, and Dennis and Don, both of Defiance; a daughter, Denise Lee of Latty; his mother, Bessie Parrish of Paulding; three brothers, Dan Parrish of Edmond Okla., Bill Parrish of Edgerton, Ohio, and Howard Parrish of Edon; two sisters, Shirley Kinner of Defiance and Marilyn Iott of Deerfield, Mich.; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father,
Services were held Monday, March 22, at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance, with the Rev. Donald L. Luhring officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to Hospice/Caring Way of Defiance or to the church.

ISABELLE HOLTSBERRY
1925-2004
PAULDING — Isabelle P. Holtsberry, 78, died at 10:50 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, at the residence of her son in Westerville, after an extended illness.
She was born Aug. 3, 1925, in Sherwood, the daughter of Alonzo (Lonnie) and Lois D. (Franklin) Freshwater. On Dec. 25, 1945, she married Robert F. Holtsberry, who survives. She was a case manager for the agents for the Paulding County Department of Human Services for 32 years, retiring in 1985. she was a member of the First Christian Church in Paulding, and the Christian Women’s Fellowship of the First Christian Church, the Order of Eastern Star the former Paulding Corona Chapter 95, and VFW Post 587 and FOE Aerie 2405 Auxiliaries, both in Paulding.
Also surviving are a daughter, Linda Begley of Windermere, Fla.; two sons, Robert L. (Ann) Holtsberry of Westerville and Dennis Holtsberry of Coco Beach, Fla.; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a sister, Donna Jean (Russell) Flint of Paulding; and two brothers, DeWain Freshwater of Paulding and Larry A. Freshwater of Minneapolis.
Preceding her in death were a brother, Howard Freshwater; and one sister, Lola Laukhuf.
Services were held Saturday, March 20, at the First Christian Church in Paulding, with Robert Holtsberry officiating. Burial was in the Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to the First Christian Church Building Fund.

WILMA PORTER
1924-2004
GROVER HILL — Wilma Faye Porter, 80, of Grover Hill, died at 6:54 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, at the St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
She was born March 16, 1924, in Grover Hill, the daughter of Henry and Maud (Ashenfelter) Stahl. On Oct. 25, 1941, she married Nolan Porter, who preceded her in death in 1993. She was a homemaker, a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, the Ladies Aide Society, and a very active Sunday School teacher.
Surviving are two sons, Terry (Sheila) Porter of Continental and Michael (Donna) Porter of Paulding; a daughter, Linda (Gary) Gerken of Paulding; two sisters, Opal Fry of Delphos and Coral Cocke of Hicksville; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were four brothers, Ike, Woodrow, George and Henry Stahl Jr.; and four sisters, Ida Moore, Alice Straly, Helen Stahl and Maxine Stahl.
Services were held Saturday, March 20, at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill, with Pastor Dave Prior and Pastor Terry Porter officiating. Burial was in the Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Mt. Zion Building Fund.

ETHELYN SIGLER
1924-2004
ANTWERP — Ethelyn Mae Sigler, 79, of Antwerp, died at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, at the Paulding County Hospital.
She was born June 4, 1924, in Cecil, the daughter of Wesley and Emma (Gordon) Stuart. She married William Sigler, who preceded her in death in 2001. She was a homemaker, ran a second-hand store out of her home and enjoyed cooking, quilting, gardening, and being a mom.
Surviving are six sons, Robert Glassey of Los Angeles, Stuart Glassey of Antwerp, Keith Glassey of Rocky Mount, N.C., Kenneth Glassey of San Francisco, Peter Glassey of Ossian, Ind., and Joel Sigler of Garrett, Ind.; four daughters, Linda Nycom and Karen Winebrenner, both of Fort Wayne, Billie Odom of Morris, Ill. and Sherri Silver of Leo, Ind.; a brother, Eddie Stuart of Payne; three sisters, Iva Wise and Donna Vandenberg, both of Fort Wayne, and Etta Belle Winters of Chesterton, Ind.; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a brother, Owen Stuart; and two sisters, Ellen Nettle and Juanita Kauser.
Services were held Friday, March 19, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with the Rev. David Meriwether officiating. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Hospital.

MARTHA PENNINGTON
1921-2004
PAULDING — Martha E. Pennington, 82, of Paulding, died at 5:25 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, where she had been a resident for three weeks.
She was born Dec. 22, 1921, in Michigan, the daughter of Fenton and Laura (Scott) Doty. On March 3, 1959, in Kalamazoo, she married Marvin E. Pennington, who preceded her in death Dec. 30, 1989. She was a cook for Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding, and a cook for the former Kaufman’s Restaurant and the Paulding County Home. She attended the Lost Creek Emmanuel Missionary Church of Farmer.
Surviving are seven sons, Jeremy Kennedy of Bryan, Marvin D. (Connie) Hagerman and Richard Pennington, both of Wahoo, Neb., and Larry Wright, Terry Wright, Michael Pennington and Greg Pennington, all of Paulding; six daughters, Susan Negley of Nebraska, Carol (Dave) Pilmore of Pioneer, Sandra Schroeder of Montpelier, Cheryl Kennedy of Paulding, Dawn Baker of Defiance, and Erica (Todd) Crowl of Hicksville; 33 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a grandson, Kenneth Pennington; four brothers, Virgil, Floyd, Arthur and Chester Doty; and a sister, Francis Butcher.
Services were held Friday, March 19, at the First Presbyterian Church of Paulding, with the Rev. Max Masters officiating. Burial was in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund.

LOUISE FENTER
1927-2004
EVANSPORT — Louise C. Fenter, 76, of Evansport, died at 9:20 p.m. Friday, March 19, in Dilworth Center, Montpelier.
She was born Dec. 5, 1927, in Defiance County, the daughter of Everett Sr. and Erma (Cordts Auten) Fair. In 1946, she married Leon Fenter, who preceded her in death in 1994. She was a bender at Strydel and Fulton Tubing and a member of Bryan Eagles Aerie 2233 Auxiliary and the International Association Machinists Union.
Surviving are three sons, William and James of Bryan and Richard of Payne; three daughters, Mary (Donald) Wills of Archbold, Diann (Clifford) Elston of Paulding, and Linda (Kevin) Underwood of Bryan; 17 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a daughter, Joyce Phillips; a brother, Everett Fair Jr.; and a sister, Betty Myers.
Services will be held today, March 24, at the Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance, with the Rev. Roger Blough officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery, Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to the Tiffin Township Fire Department.

TERRY KNEPPER SR.
1946-2004
PAYNE — Terry Edward Knepper Sr., 57, of Payne, died at 7:54 a.m. Sunday, March 21, at the Paulding County Hospital.
He was born July 28, 1946, in Fostoria, the son of Virgil and Mildred (Guisinger) Knepper, who preceded him in death. He was employed as a tow truck driver.
Surviving are two daughters, Dawn Knepper of Payne and Leann Mann of Leetonia, Ohio; a son, Terry Knepper Jr. of Payne; and seven grandchildren.
The arrangements are incomplete at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

BONNIE SISCO
1931 - 2004
OAKWOOD – Bonnie J. Sisco, 72, of Oakwood, died at 10:35 a.m. Monday, March 22 at Defiance Regional Medical Center.
She was born Oct. 17, 1931 in Waterloo, Ind., the daughter of Emmett P. and Faun (Eckenrode) Smith. In 1961, she married Albert W. Sisco, who preceded her in death in 1991. She was a restaurant manager and a member of St. John Lutheran Church and Auglaize Country Club.
Surviving are a son, William Smith of Sherwood; two daughters, Janet (Roel) Valle and Judith Andrews, both of Oakwood; two brothers, Lester Smith of Hamilton, Ind. and Richard Smith of Howard, Colo.; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Virgil, Evan and Morris Smith; and three sisters, Florence Bennett, Lucille Worthington and Fanella Smith.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 25 at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance, with the Rev. Donald Luhring officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.
Visitation is from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. today, March 24.
Preferred memorials are to St. John Lutheran Church

DURWARD KECK
1915-2004
OAKWOOD — Durward C. Keck, 89, of Oakwood, died at 2:05 p.m. Friday, March 19, at Putnam Acres Care Center in Ottawa.
He was born March 17, 1915, in Melrose, the son of Clyde and Elsie (Switzer) Keck. On March 14, 1942, he married Donelda Workman, who survives. He graduated from Oakwood High School in 1932, where he was a member of Oakwood High School’s first football team, a star basketball player, and an outstanding baseball pitcher. He coached his sons in little league and pony league baseball. He retired from farming in Leipsic in 1981. He then moved back to his home farm located south of Melrose. He was a member of the Melrose United Methodist Church and he was active in the Leipsic Methodist Church, a 4-H leader for many years, a former Kiwanis member, and a former Brown Township trustee.
Also surviving are two sons, Dannie (Darlin) Keck of Marion, Iowa and Gary (Marty) Keck of Leipsic; five grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Preceding him in death was a sister, Elsie Mae.
Services were held Tuesday, March 30, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Bob Parker officiating. Burial was in the Sherman Cemetery in Oakwood.
Preferred memorials are to the Melrose United Methodist Church.

DONNA BASS
1932-2004
PAYNE — Donna I. Bass, 71, of Payne, died at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, at her residence.
She was born Nov. 20, 1932, in Shelby County, the daughter of Marion E. and Cleo Belle (Dean) Phelps. On Sept. 27, 1952, she married the Rev. Dale Bass, who survives. She was a homemaker, and a member of the Payne Church of the Nazarene and the Missionary Society.
Also surviving are two daughters, Virginia Imboden of Payne and Ramona Price of Antwerp; a son, Thomas Bass of Marion, Ind.; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Debra June Bass; two sisters; and a brother.
Services were held Saturday, March 27, at the Payne Church of the Nazarene. Burial was in Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne.
Preferred memorials are to the family.

GERALD COMFORT
STUART, Fla. — Gerald “Jerry” G. Comfort Jr., 52, died Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Nursing Home in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Born in Pittsburgh, he was a resident of Stuart, Fla. for the past 22 years. He was the son of Gerald and Rosemarie (Rosenburger) Comfort. In 1984, he married Loraine K. Hanenkratt of Paulding, who survives. He was a local painting contractor in Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach and Indian River counties in Florida. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
Also surviving are two sons, Benjamin and Maxwell Comfort, both of Stuart, Fla.; and three sisters, all of Pittsburgh.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Lance.
Arrangements were handled by All County Funeral Home in Stuart.

IRENE KOCH
1919-2004
PAULDING — Irene C. Koch, 84, died at 9:55 p.m. Sunday, March 28, in the Paulding County Hospital.
She was born Dec. 27, 1919, in New Haven, Ind., the daughter of Charles and Alberta (Corneil) Sarrazine. On Nov. 20, 1941, she married Daniel J. Koch, who preceded her in death Jan. 16, 1994. She was a homemaker, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding, a former member of the Cecil Immaculate Conception Church and the churches’ Altar Rosary Society, and a member of the Catholic Ladies of Columbia. She was a former member of Crane Township Farm Womens Club, John Paulding Historical Society, former member of Cecil Grange, and the matron of the former Eaton Children’s Home.
Surviving are five sons, Michael (Judith) Koch of Holgate, Thomas (Regina) Koch of Antwerp, Frederick “Fritz” (Barb) Koch of Paulding, Andrew (Wendy) Koch of Stryker, and Ken (Mary) Wagner of New Castle, Ind.; five daughters, Rose (Forrest) Munger of Paulding, Alberta (Gary) Elkins of Cecil, Ruth (Donald) Johnson of Defiance, Kathy Koch of Defiance, and Frances Koch of Paulding; a sister, Gertrude Rorick of New Haven, Ind.; 24 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a son, Charles Koch; four brothers, Alvin, Edward, Julian and Norman Sarrazine; and a sister, Martha Monnier.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 1, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial will be in the St. John’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Payne.
Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. today, March 31, with Rosary services at 8 p.m, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Visitation also will be held from 9-10 a.m. at the church on Thursday.
Preferred memorials are to the Masses, Paulding County Hospital Home Health Care, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., or the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund.

JOHN
PARENT
2004
NEW HAVEN — John Franklin Parent, 84, of New Haven, died Thursday, April 10, at Parkview Memorial Hospital.
The Paulding native retired in 1975 as superintendent at Irmscher and Sons following 10 years of service. He was a WWII Air Corps veteran, and a member of New Haven United Methodist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Faye; two daughters, George-Anna Spriggs of Cary, N.C., and Elora (Phillip) Houser of Jackson, Mich.; a son, Harry (Kathy) Parent of New Haven; a sister, Lois E. Augspuger of Woodburn, Ind.; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death was his first wife, Violanda, in 1975; a daughter