LOUISE GARY
1916-2006
PAULDING – Margaret Louise Gary, 90, died at 8:50 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
She was born Jan. 25, 1916, in Fisk, Mo., the daughter of Henry and Isola (Brown) Wininger. In 1969, she married Eugene W. Gary, who died in 2003.
She retired in 1989 as matron of the former Paulding County Home. She was also active in the Paulding County Democratic Party, Paulding Grange, Ohio County Home Association and a member of the Paulding First Christian Church.
Surviving are a son, Alan Wood, Orlando, Fla.; a stepson, Kirk Gary, Montgomery, Texas; two stepdaughters, Jane Volk, Jackson, Mich. and Bettie Lindman, Holland, Mich.; three grandchildren; 10 stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and 12 great- stepgrandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Lyndle Bea Smith in 1999; two sisters, her twin Lorene, and Lois; and seven brothers, Roscoe, Austin, Raymond, Edward, Harold, Dale and Pete.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. today, March 1 at the First Christian Church in Paulding. Pastor Ted Lindman will officiate. Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery.
Calling will be one hour before the services at the church.
Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to First Christian Church of Paulding or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

THOMAS KING
1950-2006
GROVER HILL – Thomas F. King, 55, Grover Hill, died at 3:05 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
He was born in Pikeville, Ky. on June 16, 1950 the son of Charles and Vertie (Bartley) King. On September 25, 1976, he married Sandra Lynn (Porter) King who survives.
He worked at the former Dana-Weatherhead of Antwerp for 27 years. He was affiliated with the Church of Christ in Christian Union of Mandale and Pioneer Christian Ministries of Paulding. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Pikeville, Ky.
Surviving are his wife, Sandra, Grover Hill; a son, Mark King, Columbus; his mother, Vertie King, Antwerp; a sister, Judy Rehan, Roseville, Mich.; three brothers, Richard King, Roseville, Mich., Robert “Creed” Smallwood, Antwerp, and James Smallwood, Hoagland, Ind.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles; and a son, Thomas A. King in 1995.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Pastor J.C. Collins and Pastor Charles Oliver officiated. Burial was in the Little Auglaize Cemetery, Melrose.
Preferred memorials are to Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity or Pioneer Christian Ministries.

EUGENE MOWERY
1918-2006
CELINA – Eugene A. Mowery, 88, Celina, died at 12:07 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

FAITH OVERMYER
TAYLOR
1947-2006
OHIO CITY – Faith C. Gillett Overmyer Taylor, 58, died 12:50 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at her home.
She was born March 22, 1947, in Paulding County, the daughter of Andrew and Viola (Cotterman) Gillett.
She is survived by a son, Donald (Penny) Overmyer, Sherwood; two daughters, Tammie (Keith) Shultz of Eaton, and Anna (Jim) Perry, Ohio City; three brothers, Andrew (Ruth Ann) Gillett Jr. of Van Wert, Leroy (Barb) Gillett of Bryan, and Johnie Gillett, Chula Vista, Calif.; four sisters, Bernita Verfaillie and Hulda Carlisle, both of Paulding, Roberta (Kenneth) Norling of Oakwood, and Lula (Dick) Miller, of Indiana; and three grandchildren, Kristian and Darlene Overmyer of Sherwood, and Dana Shultz, of Eaton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Lydia Price; and a grandson, Cody Shultz.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 2 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Matt Braun officiating. Burial will be at a later date.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today, March 1, and from 9 a.m. until time of services on Thursday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials may be made in memory of Faith C. Taylor, c/o Den Herder Funeral Home, 1000 W. Wayne St., P.O. Box 27, Paulding, OH 45879.

RICHARD GRAF
1937-2006
OAKWOOD – Richard L. Graf, 68, of Five Span addition, rural Oakwood, died at 7:21 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22 in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born April 11, 1937 in Toledo, the son of the late Walter and Marie (Bowman) Graf. On Oct. 24, 1959, he married Virginia J. McNamara, who survives. He was a truck driver, retiring from Thomas Keller Trucking, and had also worked for Webb Brothers as a truck driver.
Also surviving are two sons, Tony Graf of Brandon, Fla., and Mark (Debbie) Graf of Oakwood; two daughters, Cathy (Doug) Gross of Paulding and Susan (Jeff) Lang of Sylvania; three sisters, Marge (Elwood) Huffman of Waterville, and Lois Kile and Jean (Clarence) Meyer, both of Defiance; and seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Thelma Oser and Ruthann Johanns. One grandson is deceased.
Services were held Sunday, Feb. 26 in the Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home, Defiance, with Deacon Don Meyer officiating. Burial was in Sherman Cemetery, Paulding County.
Suggested memorials are to the donor’s choice.

ROBERT
MARSHALL
1927-2006
LIMA — Robert D. Marshall, 79, died at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
He was born Feb. 20, 1927, in Jackson Mich., the son of Ernest W. and Doris M. (Weeks) Marshall. On Dec. 3, 1948, he married Virginia M. (Moore) Marshall, who survives in Lima. They were married 57 years. He was a 1944 graduate of Defiance High School and a veteran of WW II where he was a Signalman Medic and served in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He was an Atomic Bomb veteran of Bikini Atoll in 1946, and a member of the Atomic Veteran and Naval Club. He also helped on the U.S.O. Shows and National Variety Shows, where he was emcee for the big bands.
He was employed as a graphic artist for Baldwin-Hamilton of Lima, American Lincoln of Bowling Green, besides other private offices in Centerville and Dayton, Ohio. He retired at age 70.
He is also survived by a daughter, Bonnie Jo Parker of Manhattan Beach, Calif.; a brother, Richard Marshall of Dayton; a sister, Betty Fisher of Spring Arbor, Mich.; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were a brother, William K. Marshall; and a sister, Bonnie Jean Marshall.
Services will be conducted at 3 p.m., Thursday, March 2, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with calling hours one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding, where military rites will be conducted.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

DORIS VERFAILLIE
1931-2006
PAULDING – Doris May Verfaillie, age 74, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Paulding County Hospital.
She was born on Aug. 14, 1931, in Continental, the daughter of Morey and Lucy (Hazelton) Goldsberry. On Jan. 28, 1954, she married Andrew “Andy” Verfaillie, who preceded her in death on July 16, 1984. She was employed by the former Zeller Corporation, Defiance, retiring in 1991, after 25 years. She was previously employed by the former Grizzly Manufacturing, and was the owner/operator of the former Bobby Dee Beauty Shop, both of Paulding. She was a member of American Legion, Continental, VFW Post #587 Auxiliary, and Paulding Eagles Post #2405 Auxiliary.
She is survived by a son, Robert Verfaillie, Paulding; a daughter, Deanna (Thomas) Rhonehouse, Paulding; two grandchildren, Brad and Jason Pastor, and a great-granddaughter, Halley Pastor.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Elizabeth Forney, Hulda Brinkman, and twin sister Fay Dempsey; and four brothers, Norvel, Bill, Henry and Ramon Goldsberry.
Funeral services were Friday, Feb. 24, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with David Dooley officiating. Burial was in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Paulding EMS or the Paulding County Senior Center.

DEWAIN FRESHWATER
1918-2005
PAULDING — Dewain Freshwater, 87, died at 9:50 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home.
He was born June 30, 1918, in Paulding County, the son of Alonzo “Lonnie” and Lois D. (Franklin) Freshwater. On July 21, 1941, he married Kathleen Maxene Schaffner, who preceded him in death on May 12, 2000. He retired from the Lafarge Corporation, formerly General Portland Cement Company in Paulding, in 1980, as a truck driver, following 25 years of service.
He was a veteran of WW II, serving in the U.S. Army. He was a staff sergeant with Company C 1874th Engineers Aviation Battalion, where he was a construction foreman and a rifle expert. He was awarded the Victory Medal Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal and Meritorious Unit Award. He was a member of the Paulding VFW Post #587.
Surviving are a daughter, Kim (Dan) Sutton of Paulding; a son, Rex Freshwater of Marion, Ohio; a brother, Larry (Sharon) Freshwater of Minneapolis; a sister, Donna Jean (Russell) Flint of Paulding; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Howard Freshwater; and two sisters, Lola Laukhuf and Isabel Holtsberry.
Services were held Monday, Dec. 19, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Jack Berry officiating. Burial was in Cooper Cemetery, Paulding, with military rites being conducted by Paulding VFW Post #587.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding VFW.

MARILYN MOUSER SNIDER
GAHANNA – Marilyn Rae Mouser Snider, age 73, loving mother of Harold F. “Fred” Cook, Jr. and Schuyler “Scott” Mouser Cook; dear grandmother of Tamara Lynn McCartney, Paige Dawn Tubbs, Claire Lyn Cook and Karen Elizabeth Cook; great-grandmother of Shane and Cassandra McCartney; beloved mother-in-law of Julia Cook and Cassandra Cook; dear sister of Eleanor Sickles and Lelia Sunday; aunt of many beloved nieces and nephews, died Dec. 16, 2005 in Cleveland.
She was preceded in death by parents, Dr. Ray H. and Lelia Mouser of Paulding; and beloved husband, Robert E. Snider.
Marilyn was a longtime and devoted member of Mifflin Presbyterian Church, Gahanna, and prior to 1969, of Paulding Presbyterian Church, Paulding, and a staunch Democrat.  In addition to unshakable devotion and service to her family, and church, and friends, and students, she was awarded the Living Faith Award by Metropolitan Area Church Council in 1991.  Her life has been a gift to all of us and she will be missed by those she leaves behind.
A memorial service in celebration of her life was held Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Mifflin Presbyterian Church, Gahanna, with a reception at the church thereafter. Schoedinger Northeast Chapel, Gahanna, was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mifflin Presbyterian Church or to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association-Central Ohio Chapter, 3380 Tremont Road, Columbus, OH 43221 in Marilyn’s memory.

MARY DIDION - 1925-2005
ANGOLA, Ind. — Mary L. Didion, 80, of Angola, died at 2:25 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Parkview Memorial Hospital.
She was born Feb. 6, 1925, in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Chester and Grace (Wilcox) Shenfeld. She married Wesley Henshaw, who preceded her in death. The then married Albert Didion, who also preceded her in death. She was a homemaker and a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church.
Surviving are two daughters, Sheryl (Gene) Cox of Payne and Sherri (Al) Harrington of Fremont, Ind.; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four brothers, Jerry and Larry Shenfeld, both of Fort Wayne, Chester Shenfeld of Wabash, Ind. and Frank Shenfeld of Columbia City, Ind.; two sisters, Williamette Clark and Betty Piezak, both of Fort Wayne; and a sister-in-law, Norma Shenfeld, also of Fort Wayne.
Also preceding her in death were a daughter, Grace Charlene Sloan; two brothers, Dick and Wallace Shenfeld; and a sister, Alma Cox.
Services were held Friday, Dec. 23 at Klaehn, Fahl, & Melton Funeral Home Wayne Street Chapel in Fort Wayne. Burial was in Covington Memorial Gardens.
Preferred memorials are to the Ronald McDonald House.

PASCUAL BARAJAS - 1921-2005
PAULDING — Pascual M. Barajas Sr., 84, of Paulding, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, at his residence.
He was born Oct. 5, in Foster, Mich., the son of Antonio D. and Eusebia (Morales) Barajas. On Feb. 24, 1949, he married Antonia Ordaz, who preceded him in death Jan. 19, 1999. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in WWII, where he was awarded the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. He was employed by Powertrain in Defiance, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the D.A.V. Post #36, Defiance.
He is survived by three sons, Pascual M. (Gloria) Barajaz Jr. of Findlay, Antonio (Joyce) Barajas, Paulding, and Luis Barajas, Hicksville; five daughters, Linda (Lauro) Sanchez, Lillian (James) Genero, Elizabeth (Charles) Murray, and Sonya (Richard) Geckle all of Paulding, and Mary Jane Clifton of Mich.; four brothers, Antonio M. Barajas of Port Huron, Mich., Luis M. and Gilbert Barajas, both of San Antonio, Texas, and Armando M. Barajas of LaPeer, Mich.; six sisters, Angela Barajas of Capac, Mich., Lupe Torres of Flint, Mich., Maria Davila, Rosa Rodriguez and Mary Helen Trevino, all of San Antonio, Texas, and Isabel Guzman of Port Huron, Mich.; 29 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Augustine O. Barajas; and a brother, Augustine M. Barajas.
Services were held Dec. 23, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding, where military graveside services were conducted by the V.F.W. Post #587. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Masses, American Red Cross, or the Salvation Army.

ARNOLD THORNELL - 1923-2005
CONVOY — Arnold F. “Tony” Thornell, 82, died at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born Sept. 5, 1923 in Convoy, the son of Walter C. and and Mary (Tatman) Thornell. He was a lifetime farmer and implement dealer. He was also an avid softball player.
Surviving are a son, Maurice (Linda) Thornell of Convoy; two daughters, Maureen King of Fort Wayne and Jone (Mick) Boroff of Scott; two brothers, Robert (Mae) Thornell of Paulding and Myron (Donna) Thornell of Convoy; a sister, Rachael Hunter of Sarasota, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Melissa Foley, Chad Thornell, Storm Mercer, Heidi Measley, Ebony Carcione-Wilkes, Jeremy Boroff and Heath Boroff; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma M. Thornell who died on Dec. 2, 2005; and a brother, Earl Thornell.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Dec. 28, at Gearhart, Mack, & Jurczyk Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Steve Waterman officiating, with calling hours one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Dealey Cemetery in Paulding County.
Preferred memorials are to the Sugar Ridge Church of God or the PSA3 Nutritional Program (Meals on Wheels).

DENNIS WYATT - 1940-2005
CAIRO, Ohio — Dennis R. Wyatt, 65, of Cairo, died at 11:32 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Shawnee Manor Nursing Home in Lima.
He was born July 16, 1940 in Paulding, the son of Fred and Lois “Edith” (Wistner) Wyatt, who both survive in Latty. He had worked at the former Chrysler-Amplex Plant in Van Wert and the Lima Tank Plant in Lima until his retirement. He was then employed for three years at Auto Zone in Van Wert. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Spencerville American Legion and VFW posts. He enjoyed restoring older cars and attending drag races and swap meets.
Also surviving are a son, Aaron (Angie) Wyatt of Cridersville; two daughters, Denise (DeWayne) Keehn of Cridersville and Kendra (David) German of Van Wert; a stepson, Matt Foust of St. Marys; a sister, Clara Rose (Ray) Hussey of Defiance; 11 grandchildren, Angelle Wyatt, Heather Quinn, Matthew and Taylor Mayer, Austin and Kylie Keehn, Misty (Lance) Ryan, Chris (Dawn) German, Tyler German and Christopher Foust; and four great-granddaughters.
Services were held Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home with the Rev. James Howell officiating. Burial was in the Middle Creek Cemetery in Grover Hill. Preferred memorials are to the Van Wert and Allen County Special Olympics.

WALTER JORDAN - 1918-2005
PAULDING — Walter M. Jordan Sr., 87, died Sunday, Dec. 25, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding.
He was born July 28, 1918, in Fort Wayne, the son of Guy Walter and Marcella (Carr) Jordan. On Aug. 27, 1939, he married Leona M. Herron, who survives in Paulding. He was employed in the maintenance department at Blue Creek Schools, where he retired in 1969. He was also employed by Bunn Heating and Air Conditioning in Paulding.
Also surviving are a daughter, Joyce Truitt of Paulding; three sons, Reginald (Sharon) Jordan of Fort Wayne, Bruce (Brenda) Jordan of Defiance, and Paul (Lewisene) Jordan of Lafayette, Pa.; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Bessie M. Jordan; a son, Walter Jordan Jr.; a granddaughter, LaTonja Deram Jordan; and three sisters, Gwendolyn Rogers; Dorthea Huckleby, and Elizabeth Jordan.
There will be no hours of visitation or funeral services. Den Herder Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

BARBARA BURK
1937-2005
PAYNE – Barbara Beth Burk, age 68, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne.
She was born Feb. 17, 1937 in Payne, the daughter of Ira “Jiggs” and Florence (Olwin) Buerkley. On Feb. 7, 1954, she married Lendell P. Burk, who survives. She was a homemaker and a faithful member of St. Jacob United Church of Christ, Payne.
Also surviving are a son, Ronald Burk, Payne; two daughters, Rita (Harry Jr.) Molitor of Paulding and Ruth Ann (Larry) Peterson of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren, Michael, Sara, Adam and Cassie; and a great-grandchild, Jayden.
Preceding her in death were her parents; a brother, Tony Buerkley; a daughter, Rhonda; and a grandson, Zebulon.
Services were held Saturday, Dec. 31, at St. Jacob United Church of Christ, Payne, with the Rev. James Langham officiating. Burial was in the Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Donations may be made to the church memorial fund or Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund.

R. DEAN DAVIS
1930-2005
PAYNE — R. Dean Davis, 75, died at 9 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 29, at the Lady Lake Specialty Care Center, Lady Lake, Fla.
He was born April 8, 1930, in Paulding County, the son of James H. and Leona Pearl (Merica) Davis, who both preceded him in death. On April 13, 1952, he married Sally J. Ahr, who survives in Payne. He was a lifetime farmer, retiring in 1991. He was also employed at the former International Harvester Truck Manufacturer in Fort Wayne, retiring from there in 1982. He was a member of The Church of Christ, in Payne, where he served as a deacon. He was a former board member and former president of the Payne Equity Exchange Company in Payne. He was also a member of the Flat Rock Lodge #580 F.&AM and past patron of the O.E.S. Hesperian Chapter of Payne.
Also surviving are a daughter, Laura (Dennis) Cottrell of Payne; a son, Jim (Bobbi) Davis of Reynolds, Ind.; one brother, Leo (Caroline) Davis of Payne; three sisters, Ruth (Fritz) Knoplauch of Woodburn, Ind.; Esther Fisher of Scott; and Mildred Noneman of Paulding; 5 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Lela Pauline Davis and Eloise Webb.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 5, at the Payne Church of Christ in Payne, with Minister Doug Nolan officiating. Burial will be in the Lehman Cemetery, Payne.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-9 p.m., today, Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Den Herder Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church. Masonic memorial services will be conducted at 8:30 p.m., Wednesday evening.
Preferred memorials are to the Payne Church of Christ New Sign Fund or the Woodburn Indiana Christian Children’s Home.

EARL GERARDOT
1913-2005
MONROEVILLE — Earl J. Gerardot, 92, a former New Haven resident, died at 10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 30, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home where he had resided since 2003.
He was born Sept. 3, 1913, in Jackson Township, Allen County Indiana, the son of Alfred and Mary (Dager) Gerardot. On Jan. 25, 1938, in the St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church, rural New Haven, he married Bertha E. Emenhiser, who survives in Payne. The couple would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this January. He retired as a farmer in 1956, due to a disability. He was a member of the St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church in rural New Haven.
Also surviving are three daughters, Doris A. (Kenneth) Reinhart of Antwerp, Sandra K. Waldron of Van Wert, and Joan l. (Jerry) Zimmerman of Dandridge, Tenn.; two sons, Dale J. (Nelle) Gerardot, of Woodburn and Gary E. (Kris) Gerardot of Payne; a sister, Dorothy Sitcler of Payne; 14 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Bernard and Sylvester Gerardot; two sisters, Virginia Gerardot and Mildred Voirol; a grandson, James Waldron; and a son-in-law, Harry Waldron.
A prayer service will be held at 9:20 a.m., today, Wednesday, Jan. 4, at the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Jacob’s Chapel in Monroeville, Ind., followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the St. Louis Catholic Church in Besancon, New Haven, with Father Stephen Colchin officiating. Burial will be in the S. Louis Catholic Cemetery, Besancon.
Preferred memorials are to the Masses at the church.
You may sign the guest book and obtain complete obituary information by going to www. zwickjahn.com.

ROY CLUTS
PAULDING – Roy Cluts, of Paulding, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006. Arrangements are pending at Den Herder Funeral Home.

ED REYNOLDS
1917-2006
ANTWERP – Edward L. Reynolds, age 88, of Antwerp, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Paulding County Hospital.
He was born Sept. 21, 1917, in Payne, the son of Charles and Ida (Bickers) Reynolds. He served in the U.S. Navy in WWII. On Aug. 30, 1958, he married Wilma Kanisza, who preceded him in death Dec 10, 2004. He worked as a welder at Fruehauf Trucking, and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Antwerp and Antwerp VFW Post 5087 and American Legion Post 253.
Ed will be sadly missed by his daughters, Elizabeth Martin of Toledo and Judy Bitz of Fort Wayne; son, John Reynolds of Tucson, Ariz.; stepdaughters, Donna Fry of Woodburn, Patricia Brennan of New Haven, Cheryl Taylor of Liberty Center, and Vicki Litzenburg of Paulding; stepsons, Homer Richard Brooks of Defiance, Randy Brooks of Antwerp and Keith Stiebling of Defiance; sisters, Frances Brooks of Paulding and Rita Lambert of Antwerp; brother, Jim Reynolds of Aurora, Ill.; 36 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were sisters, Theresa Hammer and Kathryn Swann and brothers Leo Reynolds and Bernard Reynolds.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, Jan. 7 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Antwerp, with Father Thomas Oedy and Deacon Robert Nighswander officiating. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery with military honors. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials to the charity of the donor’s choice and condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

ROY E. CLUTS
1921-2006
PAULDING – Roy E. Cluts, age 84, died Monday, Jan. 2, at the Brookview Healthcare Center, Defiance.
He was born Jan. 16, 1921, in Payne, the son of John E. and Sarah M. (King) Cluts. On April 8, 1943, he married Maxine Adamski, who survives. He was a member of St. Jacob United Church of Christ, a sergeant in the U.S. Army Corps, serving during WWII, and a transportation supervisor for Paulding Exempted Village Schools, retiring in 1973. He was a member of the Flat Rock Lodge #580 F&AM, American Legion #297 of Payne, Paulding VFW Post #587, Mizpah Shrine of Fort Wayne, Scottish Rite Valley of Toledo, O.E.S. Hesperian Chapter of Payne, and former owner/operator of Cluts Sales & Service.
Also surviving are a daughter, Pamela Young, Paulding; a brother, Harry Cluts, Payne; a sister, Dorothy Wannemacher, Payne; and a granddaughter, Stephanie Young, Toledo.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert Cluts; and an infant sister.
Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 6, at the St. Jacob United Church of Christ, Payne, with the Rev. Jim Langham officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery. American Legion Post #297 conducted military graveside rites. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to St. Jacob United Church of Christ or Payne Flat Rock Lodge #580 F&AM.

ELAINE HASCH
1947-2006
DEFIANCE — Elaine Marie Hasch, 58, of Defiance, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, at the Toledo Hospital in Toledo.
She was born April 12, 1947, in Paulding County, the daughter of Donald C. and Regina B. (Sinko) Taner. On Jan. 6, 1973, she married Terry Hasch, who survives. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding.
Also surviving are her mother, of Paulding; a daughter, Merri E. Hasch, Paulding; and a brother, D. Mark Taner of Paulding.
She was preceded in death by her father in 1989.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 9, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Paulding County.
Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

MABEL PENTON
1915-2005
AMHERST, Ohio — Mabel M. (Gunderman) Penton, 90, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2005.
She was born Jan. 4, 1915, in Paulding.
Surviving are a sister, Ruth Riley; a brother, Richard Gunderman; and a very good friend, Debbie Peters, who took care of Mabel’s daughter, Phyllis.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore; a daughter, Phyllis; a son, Phillip; a sister, Ferne; and a brother, Paul.
Memorial services were held Saturday, Dec. 31, at Victory Baptist Temple in Amherst Township.

MARILYN BALDWIN
1943-2006
OAKWOOD— Marilyn L. Baldwin, 62, of Oakwood died Monday, Jan. 2. Heitmeyer Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

GERALD KEMERER
1919 - 2006
ANTWERP – Gerald M. Kemerer, age 86, of Antwerp, passed away at 4:08 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 at Paulding County Hospital.
He was born Feb. 21, 1919, in Hicksville, the son of Oliver O. and Mary M. (Booth) Kemerer. He served in the U.S. Army in WWII. Gerald was a farmer and retired from Edgerton Locker, Edgerton, Ohio as a meat cutter. He was a member of Antwerp VFW Post 5087 and he was a Mason.
He will be sadly missed by his son and daughter-in-law, Hal and Kim Kemerer of Antwerp; a daughter-in-law, Elaine Kemerer of Antwerp; six grandchildren, Kenneth, Lori, Casey and Colt Kemerer, Shari McKibben and Renee Tarlton; and five great-grandchildren, Caitlin Bolick, Emily, Andrew and Joshua McKibben and Marcus Tarlton.
He was preceded in death by a son, Gary; and brothers, Robert and Harold (Gerald’s twin that died in infancy).
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 11, at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville.
In his memory, contributions may be made to 1st Baptist Church of Antwerp.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

MARIE GORDON
1911-2006
PAYNE — Marie B. Gordon, 94, died at 5:37 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born July 20, 1911, in Payne, the daughter of Eugene and Clara (Ternet) Sullivan. In 1943, she married Norman E. Gordon, who preceded her in death in 1972. She attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, for one year, then transferred to the National College of Education in Evanston, Ill. where she graduated in 1932. She taught school at the Paulding Exempted Village Schools for 36 years, retiring in 1976.
She was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Payne, a life member of the National Education Association, Ohio Retired Teachers Association, Paulding County Retired Teachers Association, and Delta Kappa Gamma (honorary teachers society). She belonged to the Sorosis Bridge Club, traveled the world, and was very active in her church.
Surviving are a daughter, Nan (Denny) Leslie of Sedalia, Colo.; two granddaughters, Christine (Bruce) Summers of Davenport, Iowa and Missy (Lon) Roush of Castle Rock, Colo.; and three great-grandchildren, Lauren and Lindsey Roush and Scott Summers.
Also preceding her in death were two sisters, Beatrice Levicki Lemon and Katherine Ann Bresnahan.
Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 10, at the St. John the Baptist Church in Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund.

PAUL HANEY
1929-2006
MANSFIELD – The Rev. Paul Russell Haney, 76, of Mansfield, died Monday, Jan. 16, at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital.
He was born July 8, 1929, in Paulding, the son of Nutie A. and Mable G. (Fitzgerald) Haney. He had resided in the Mansfield area since 1991 and retired from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) having served at Southside Christian Church and First Christian Church of Mansfield. He also served as a minister in Shenandoah, Lisbon, Geneva, Lordstown, Bluffton-Beaverdam, and Shreve. He did his undergraduate work at Defiance College, received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education at Bluffton College, and a Bachelor of B.D. & M.Div. Graduate School of Theology from Oberlin College.
The Rev. Haney was a 32-degree Mason, Valley of Canton, a member of the Garfield Masonic Lodge 528 of Shreve, the Johnny Appleseed Woodcarvers and was an avid golfer.
Surviving are three daughters, Connie (Gary) Oswalt of Mansfield, Kathy (Larry) Nickell of Waycross, Ga., and Julie (Mark) Gilson of Sevierville, Tenn.; two sons, Gary (Cathy) Haney of Clinton and Mark (Suzette) Haney of Warren; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Herbert (Lois) Haney of Cocoa, Fla. and Owen (Kathy) Haney of Springfield; one sister, Leahdeanne (Richard) Gunderman of Paulding; and two sisters-in-law, June Taylor and Barnetta Sutton both of Paulding.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Marie Sutton Haney on Sept. 4, 2005; a grandson; and a great-granddaughter.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 at First Christian Church, Mansfield, with the Rev. Sharon Kiesel officiating. Wappner Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements. Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today, Jan. 18, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, Mansfield.
Friends may call at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Paulding prior to the 3 p.m. Thursday graveside service in Live Oak Cemetery in Paulding.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Mansfield.
Condolences may be left at the guest registry at www.wappner.com

WILLIAM HEISS
1942-2006
PAULDING — William “Bill” Donald Heiss, 63, died Saturday, Jan. 14 in Paulding County.
He was born Sept. 28, 1942, in Monroe, Mich., the son of Donald and Eileen (Stumpmier) Heiss, who both preceded him in death. He married Sally Chapman on June 27, 1964, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in South Rockwood, Mich. She survives in Paulding. He received an associate degree in Forestry at Michigan Tech University, a BA degree in business at Aquinas College and did graduate work in forestry work at Duke University. He was a forester and later became woodlands manager for Packaging Corporation of America in Manistee, Mich. He moved to Paulding in 1999. He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church of Briceton, a member of the Paulding Fish and Game Club, Antwerp Conservation Club, Manistee Lion’s Club and the Lion’s Club of Paulding.
He is also survived by two daughters, Jodie (Jay) Schmidt of Payne and Jill (Lee) Miller of Rockford, Mich.; a sister, Diane (Terry) Brey of Flat Rock, Mich.; and four grandchildren, Emma and Allie Schmidt and Kate and Grace Miller.
Also preceding him in death was a grandson, Wesley William Miller.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Briceton, with Pastor Joe Allen officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Hours of visitation will be from 4-9 p.m. today, Jan. 18, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and one hour prior to services at the church.
Preferred memorials are to the Scott Fire Department EMS Unit or to St. John Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.

JOSEPH BUERKLE
ANTWERP – Joseph Buerkle, 29 of Antwerp, died suddenly Monday, Jan. 23, 2006 in Dekalb Memorial Hospital, Auburn, Ind. Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp is in charge of arrangements.

PAUL LENTZ
1922-2006
PAYNE — Paul Wesley Lentz, 83, died at 3:40 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born March 16, 1922, in Paulding County, the son of Otto and Esther (Birkhold) Lentz. On Aug. 3, 1941, he married Doris I. Cryer, who preceded him in death on Aug. 8, 2002, following 61 years of marriage. He was a lifetime farmer in the Payne area, a member of the St. James Lutheran Church, Wayne Trace Athletic Boosters, Flat Rock Masonic Lodge #580, Paulding County Township Association and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2556 of Hicksville.
He is survived by two daughters, Paula (Mike) McKinney of Bradenton, Fla. and Sylvia Price of Calgary, Alberta Canada; a son, Ken (Barbara) Lentz of Payne; a sister, Edna Donnell of Indianapolis; a brother, Robert (Donna) Lentz of Maumee, Ind.; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Larry Lynn Lentz in 1950; a brother, Ordian; and a sister, Zola Doering.
Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 25, at St. James Lutheran Church in Payne, with Pastor Joseph Allen officiating. There will be visitation one hour prior to the services at the church.
Burial will be in the Lehman Cemetery in Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the St. James Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in Payne.

MARY SCHULTZ
1909-2006
AUSTIN – Mary M. Schultz, 96, a former Paulding County resident, died Jan. 23, in Austin, Texas at the home of her daughter.
She was born June 26, 1909 in Paulding County, the daughter of Harvey and Adah Rosetta (Snell) Gordon. She attended the Armstrong School in Crane Township, and Antwerp High School. In 1933, she married George R. Miller in Cecil. In 1945, they moved to Churubusco, Ind. and she owned and operated Mary’s Beauty Shop in Churubusco during the 1950s. In 1967, she moved to Florida and resided there until returning to Fort Wayne, in 1996. She was a member of the United Methodist Church.
She is survived by three sons, Robert (Janet Meyer) Miller of Albion, Ind., Harry (Sandra Dafforn) Miller of Copperas Cove, Texas, and Kenneth (Carol Ladig) Miller of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Carol Miller Schuster of Austin; a sister-in-law, Irene (Fred) Gordon of Fort Wayne. She also left 21 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were husbands George R. Miller in 1964, Vaughn J. Laymon in 1970 and Clarence E. Schultz in 2001; a daughter, Shirley A. (Miller) Powell in 1993; a great-grandson, John Paul Mallane in 2003; three brothers, William E. Gordon, Forrest H. Gordon and Fred E. Gordon; and a sister, Flora Ione (Gordon) Franks.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Sheets and Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco, Ind. Friends may call at the funeral home from 9-11 a.m. the day of the service. Burial will be in the Rochester Cemetery in Cecil, Paulding County.

JENNIE WOOTON
1920-2006
PAULDING – Jennie Elizabeth Wooton, 85, died Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
She was born April 5, 1920, in Evansport, Ohio, the daughter of Herman and Mary E. (Coy) Frank. On Sept. 23, 1939, she married Robert L. Wooton, who preceded her in death on Sept. 14, 2003. She was a nurse for the Paulding County Hospital in the OB Department, and a geriatric nurse for the former Total Care Nursing Home, Paulding. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Paulding and its CWS (Christian Women’s Society), the American Legion Auxiliary Post 117 of Defiance, the Paulding Bunco Club, a Girl Scout leader and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a co-founder of the Paulding County Senior Center and Paulding County Mental Health Board. She was an avid bingo player.
She is survived by three sons, Dale (Becky) Wooton, Barberton, Ohio, Robert (Kim) Wooton, Terra Haute, Ind, and Mark (Joan) Wooton, Paulding; two daughters, Pam (Jim) Adamski, Aurora, Ill., and Tamara (Gary) Boroff, Grover Hill; three brothers, Leland, Kenneth and Donald Frank, all of Stryker; a sister, Rose English, of Ney; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a son, Larry Wooton; four brothers, Charles, Eugene, Ronald and Richard Frank; and a great-grandson, V. Stone Carnall.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the First Christian Church, Paulding, with Pastor Paul L. Biery officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Donations may be made to Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund.

JUAN ARELLANO
1930-2006
OAKWOOD — Juan Perez Arellano, 75, Oakwood, died Tuesday, Jan. 31. Heitmeyer Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

JAMES BARNES
1921-2006
PAULDING — James W. Barnes, 84, formerly of Fort Wayne, died at 5:20 p.m. Friday, Feb., 3, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding, where he was a resident.
He was born Dec. 19, 1921, in Jackson Township, the son of Herbert M. and Elizabeth (Geyer) Barnes Sr. He was a 1940 graduate of Paulding High School and later graduated from Defiance College with a bachelor’s degree in education and a bachelor of arts degree in music. He taught band and choir for 2 1/2 years at four different schools at a time.
He was a rehabilitation therapist for the former Indiana State School in Fort Wayne, retiring in 1988, following 23 years of service. He was also the manager for the former Paulding County Aid for the Aged.
He was a member of the Paulding United Methodist Church for 62 years. He was also a member of Flat Rock Masonic Lodge #580 F&A.M. of Payne and the Scottish Rite Mizpah Temple of Fort Wayne. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Choir for 30 years, and was a recipient of the 50-year 32nd Degree Masonic Meritorious Achievement Award.
He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Beth (Tom) Rose of Toledo, John Bissell and Jim (Patti) Bissell, all of Paulding, Carol (Gar) Gross of Merritt Island, Fla., Bruce Barnes of Columbus, and David (Debbie) Barnes of Oak Harbor, Ohio; and an aunt, Anita Schilb, of Paulding.
Preceding him in death were a sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Bissell; a brother, Herbert Barnes Jr.; and his stepmother, Besse Davis Barnes.
Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, Feb. 8, at the Paulding United Methodist Church with Pastor Jack Berry officiating. Hours of visitation will also be one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding United Methodist Church, Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund, or the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses /Hospice.

DOROTHY CHESTER
1908-2006
PAULDING — Dorothy F. Chester, 97, died Sunday, Feb. 5, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born Sept. 12, 1908, in Paulding County, the daughter of Albert W. and Mary (Yoder) Stores. On April 12, 1930, she married Carl E. Chester, who preceded her in death on July 15, 1975. She was employed at the Brune Printing Company, retiring in 1974. She was a graduate of Bowling Green State University. She was a former teacher at Payne Elementary School, and had been employed at the Paulding County Treasurer’s office, and the former A.S.C. office of Paulding County. She was a former 4-H adviser for many years and was a genealogy enthusiast.
Surviving are two daughters, Mary Jane (John) Englehart and Rowena (William) Bashore, both of Paulding; four grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at noon today, Feb. 8, at St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding, with Pastor Mary Beth Smith-Webb officiating.
Hours of visitation will be from 11 a.m.-noon today, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to the Dallas Lamb Activity Fund.

JAMES COOPER
1935-2006
HICKSVILLE — James Louis Cooper, 70, a former resident of Sherwood, died at 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 5, at his residence in Hicksville.
He was born Sept. 8, 1935, in Defiance County, the son of Richard N. and Clarissa I. (Bentley) Cooper, who both preceded him in death. On Feb. 12, 1956, he married Ellen R. Obenland, who survives in Hicksville. He was a heavy equipment operator for LaFarge Corporation, retiring in 1994, following 37 years of service. He attended the St. John Lutheran Church in Sherwood.
Also surviving are two sons, Robert Cooper of Edgerton, Ohio and Cory Cooper of Sherwood; two daughters, Kris (Dan) Rosebrock of Hicksville and Jamie (Jacob) Strahm of Defiance; a brother, Jerry (Janet) Cooper of Wauseon, Ohio; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Janet Anderson, in 1991; three brothers, Allen, Richard, and Jack; and two sisters, Viola Jean Holt and Nora Lee Jeese.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Sherwood, with the Rev. Robert D. Eble officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Hours of visitation will be from 3-9 p.m., today, Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and one hour prior to services at the church.
Preferred memorials may be made to the St. John Lutheran Church, Sherwood or to the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses/Hospice.

FLORENCE STOLLER
1916-2006
HAVILAND — Florence Elizabeth Stoller, 89, died at 7:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 5, at her residence, following an extended illness.
She was born Feb. 20, 1916, in Marshall County, Ind., the daughter of Daniel and Anna (Wuthrich) Germann. On Jan. 4, 1948, she married William W. Stoller, who preceded her in death on Oct. 12, 2001. She was a member of the Latty Apostolic Church of Latty, Ohio. She was a homemaker and a registered nurse for 30 years, retiring in 1980 from the Paulding County Hospital.
She is survived by a daughter, Darlene (Stephen) Mason of Knoxville, Tenn.; two sons, Bill (Barbara) Stoller of Paulding and Bob Stoller of Haviland; a sister, Mildred Stoller of Paulding; a brother, Kenneth Germann of Bremen, Ind.; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were two brothers, Robert and Harold Germann; and a granddaughter, Megan Powell.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., today, Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Latty Apostolic Christian Church, Latty, Ohio, where the church clergymen will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials are to the Apostolic Church World Relief Fund or to the Paulding Area Visiting Nurses/Hospice.

GLEN L.
GOELTZENLEUCHTER
1927-2006
PAULDING – Glen L. Goeltzenleuchter, age 78, died Monday February 6, 2006, at the Convoy Care Center, Convoy.
He was born March 27, 1927, in Paulding County, the son of Vern and Frannie (Bolinger) Goeltzenleuchter. On Oct. 30, 1948, he married Myrtle E. Boroff, who preceded him in death on June 23, 1985. He was a WWII Navy veteran. He was employed by General Motors, retiring in 1989, after 38 years. He was a member of Latty Methodist Church, Moose Lodge #2094 of Defiance, Paulding Eagles Lodge #2405, and the Paulding County Historical Society. He served as town marshall of Latty and on the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department Reserves.
He is survived by a son Rex (Toni) Goeltzenleuchter, Defiance; three daughters, Glenna (Paul) Stabler of Payne, Nancy (Rick) Mabis of Antwerp, and Joy Goeltzenleuchter, Convoy; 15 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Bob, Morris, Bill, John and Vincent; and a sister, Ruth Jewell.
Services were held Friday, Feb. 10, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Jim Edwards officiating. Burial was in Paulding Memorial Cemetery, with military graveside services.
Donations maybe made to the American Cancer Society, PARC Lane Training Center or First Baptist Church of Antwerp.

REV. PAUL UPOLE
1917-2006
BRADNER – The Rev. Paul L. Upole, 88, of Bradner, Ohio, died Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Convoy Care Center in Convoy.
He was born Oct. 19, 1917 in Garrett County, Md., the youngest son of the late Richard and Fannie (Schaffer) Upole. He married Virginia Hemmings on June 10, 1942 in Crellin, Md.; they shared 53 years of matrimony before she passed away Oct. 30, 1995. The two met at God’s Bible School, where Paul was pursuing his degree in the ministry and continued his education at West Virginia Wesleyan College. He served churches in both the West Virginia and West Ohio Annual Conference and retired after 46 years of faithful service.
Surviving are four sons, Paul L.D. Upole of Payne, James Stephen Upole of Wauseon, the Rev. Joseph L. Upole of Brooklyn, N.Y., and the Rev. Phillip L. Upole of Manchester, Ohio; five daughters, Violet (Jerry) Cass of Mecosta, Mich., Anna (Bill) Kuhn of Cincinnati, Ruth Burkey of Bowling Green, Susan (James) Hilgemann of Fort Wayne, and Beth (Greg) Bollenbacher, Payne; one brother, Thomas Upole, Oakland, Md.; 32 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Darius, Richard and Marshall; three sisters, Mary Cross, Gussie Sines and Iva Phipps; two sons-in-law, Jerry Cass and Wayne Keyes; one grandson, Thomas Hilgemann; and two great-grandchildren, Drew Tudor and Jessica Nutter.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Bradner United Methodist Church with the Rev. Zedda Myers officiating. Burial took place in Bradner Cemetery, Bradner. Barndt Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

COLLEEN CARNAHAN
1962-2005
BOISE, Idaho — Colleen Anette Carnahan of Boise, Idaho, a Paulding County native, died Dec. 27, 2005.
She was born July 29, 1962, the daughter of Bill and Betty Carnahan of Oakwood.
Surviving are her father, Bill Carnahan; a brother, Douglas Carnahan; a niece, Katie Carnahan, and a nephew, Justin Carnahan, all of Oakwood.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Carnahan.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Feb. 25, 2006, at the Oakwood United Methodist Church with Pastor Mike Brown officiating. Burial will be in the Sherman Cemetery immediately following the memorial service.

KATHERINE DANGLER
1908-2006
PAULDING — Katherine D. Dangler, 97, died at 8:50 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, where she was a resident.
She was born Aug. 24, 1908, in Pierceton, Ind., the daughter of Clyde and Anna (Adams) Woodring. On Nov. 15, 1929, she married Bernard L. Dangler, who preceded her in death Feb. 15, 1970. She was a bookkeeper for St. John’s Tire Service of Paulding, retiring in 1988. She had also worked for the Paulding County Clerk of Courts, the Paulding County Carnegie Library, and as a bookkeeper for the former Dangler Drainage Tile Co.
She was the oldest member of the First Presbyterian Church of Paulding, where she served as an elder and a former president of the church women’s group. She was a 50-year member of the former Paulding O.E.S. Corona Chapter #95 where she served as Worthy Matron in 1953. She was a charter member of the Know Your Neighbor Club, serving for 71 years.
Surviving are a daughter, Betty (Russell) St. John of Paulding; three sons, Earl Dangler of Beverly Hills, Fla., Jerry Dangler of Palm Harbor, Fla., and Chris Allan Dangler of Lexington, Tenn.; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were two brothers, George and Ronald Woodring.
Services were conducted Saturday, Feb. 18, at the First Presbyterian Church in Paulding, with the Rev. David Meriwether officiating. Burial was in the Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding was in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Paulding or the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund in Payne.

JAMES PANICO
1951-2006
ANTWERP – James E. Panico, age 54, of Antwerp, passed away at 3:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
Jim was born on Oct. 27, 1951, in Hicksville, the son of Andy and Barbara L. (Bedor) Panico of Antwerp. On Nov. 12, 1988, he married Judy Smalley, who survives. He worked in maintenance at Atwood Mobile Products, Antwerp. He was a 1969 graduate of Antwerp High School. He attended St. Paul Lutheran Church, Paulding. Jim was a Buckeye and Tigers fan who enjoyed golf, fishing and bowling.
He will be sadly missed by his wife, Judy, and parents, Andy and Barbara, all of Antwerp; a daughter, Stacie Lovellette of Auburn, Ind.; two sons, Michael and Timothy Panico, both of Antwerp; three stepsons, Greg Billman of Newville, Ind., Doug Billman of Bryan and Brian Billman of Decatur, Ind.; a sister, Andrea Panico of Fort Wayne; and granddaughter, Mary Cate Panico.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 20 at Antwerp United Methodist Church with Rev. Mary Beth Smith-Webb officiating. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp.
In his memory, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

EILEEN RICKORD
1922-2006
The mother of Kathleen Scott of Paulding, Eileen M. Rickord, 83, of Decatur, Ind., died Sunday, Feb. 12, at her residence.
She was born March 23, 1922, in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Joseph and Isabell Strebig Smith. On Nov. 30, 1943, she married John H. Rickord, who preceded her in death June 17, 2004. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Marys of the Assumption Catholic Church in Decatur, the Rosary Society, Harvest House, and was president of N.C.C.W.
Other survivors include four sons, Steven, John, and Bernard, all of Decatur, and Edward Rickord of Hawaii; five other daughters, Margaret Pogue, Joan Rumple, Nancy Hamilton, and Rose Burge all of Decatur, and Mary Lou (Donald) Van Camp of Ossian; 23 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a son, Daniel; a daughter, Janet K. Smith; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother; and two sisters.
A prayer service was held Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the Haggard and Sefton Funeral Home in Decatur, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church. Burial was in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Decatur.
Preferred memorials are to the church’s Improvement Fund of Family Hospice of N.E. Indiana.

ROBERT CARNAHAN
1918 – 2006
OAKWOOD – Robert J. Carnahan, 88, died at 5:45 p.m. Sunday, March 5 at the Defiance Regional Medical Center.
He was born July 8, 1917, the son of Jay and Eva (Ladd) Carnahan. On March 31, 1939, he married Nina M. Arnold, who survives in Evansport. He was a retired farmer.
Surviving are three sons, Clarence (Cathy) Carnahan, Defiance and Gene Carnahan and Richard (Sue) Carnahan, both of Oakwood; two daughters, Velma (Ron) Shock and Bonnie (Delbert) Hoop, both of Evansport; a sister, Alta Rae Kirk, Fort Wayne; 17 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; eight great-stepgrandchildren; and five great-great-stepgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, John Keith Carnahan; a daughter, Mary Jane Elizabeth Carnahan; two brothers, Rev. Clarence Carnahan and Manfred Carnahan; and four sisters, Louise Hosler, Mazie Fruchey, Fae Heath and Delilah Belle.
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today, March 8, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood and from 10-11 a.m. Thursday at the church.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 9 at the Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Oakwood with Pastor Michael Brown officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Heitmeyer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s or speech therapy.
Condolences may be sent to: www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com.

LORAN FILLMORE
ANTWERP – Loran Fillmore, 47, of Antwerp, died Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2006, at Medical College of Ohio, Toledo. Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp was in charge of the arrangements.

HERMAN FOSTER
ANTWERP — Herman F. Foster, 75, of Antwerp, died Thursday, March 2, 2006, at Harborside of Defiance. Dooley Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

THOMAS HOWARD
1938-2006
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Thomas Wade Howard of Concord, died at 6:33 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, in Hunter Woods Nursing Home in Charlotte, N.C.
He was born Oct. 25, 1938, in Stanly County, the son of Jesse Earl and Mary Chloe Crisco. He was an auto mechanic for Mobile in Charlotte, N.C.
Surviving are his wife, Margaret G. Howard of the Hunter Woods Nursing Home; three sons, Bobby Joe Howard of Charlotte, Dale Howard of Gainesville, Ga., and Neal Howard of Monroe; five brothers, Homer G. and Charles Howard, both of Monroe, Gary Howard of Wingate, Melvin Howard of Marshville, and Keith Howard of New Salem; two sisters, Polly Robinson of Paulding and Viola H. Smith of Oakboro; 11 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Also preceding him in death were two brothers and a sister.
Funeral services were held Jan. 31 in Hartsell Funeral Home Chapel in Midland, with the Rev. J.L. Tallant Jr. officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Garden in Mint Hill.

RALPH LAYMAN
1937-2006
CECIL — Ralph E. Layman, 68, died at 5:05 p.m. Friday, March 3, at Defiance Regional Medical Center where he had been a patient for one day.
He was born Sept. 22, 1937, in Defiance County, the son of Virgil and Wava (Driver) Layman, who both preceded him in death. He was a truck driver for Bekins Van Lines of Hillsdale, Ill. for 15 years, retiring in 1981. He was a member of the Teamsters Drivers Union and the National Rifle Association.
Surviving are two sons, Brian E. Layman of Marysville, Wash. and Matt (Amy) Layman of Reno, Nev.; a daughter, Tami (Joel) Sevilla Layman, also of Reno, Nev.; three brothers, John (Gwen) Layman of Defiance, Paul (Lila Mae) Layman of Lindale, Ga., and Floyd (Janis) Layman of Ney; and seven grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a daughter, Laura Layman; and a brother, David Layman.
Services were held at 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 7, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial will be at a later date at Live Oak Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

EVELYN PHLIPOT
1928-2006
CECIL — Evelyn Louise Phlipot, 78, died at 1:20 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, at her residence.
She was born Feb. 11, 1928, in Lucas County, the daughter of Walter and Virginia (Jarrad) Gotsth. On Jan. 12, 1971, she married Robert P. Phlipot, who survives in Cecil.
Also surviving are three sons, Von (Sharon) Hadley of Findlay, John (Patty) Phlipot of Sherwood, and William (Roberta) Phlipot of Ayersville; two daughters, Cindy Johnston of Mount Pleasant, Mich., and Margaret (Doug) Talbott of Oakwood; a half-sister, Paula (Jim) Forkin of Las Vegas; 17 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was receded in death by her parents; and a daughter, Sharon Rowe.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 4, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with Pastor Joe Allen officiating. Burial was in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery, Paulding.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the American Heart Fund.

CYNTHIA RADCLIFFE
1943-2006
PIONEER — Cynthia D. “Cindy” Radcliffe, 62, died at 1:51 p.m. March 3, in Williams County, Ohio.
She was born Sept. 8, 1943, in Watts Flatts, N.Y., the daughter of Claud and Ina J. (Crowell) Yager, who both preceded her in death. She was a 1961 graduate of Jewell High School. On June 29, 1974, she married Ernest G. Radcliffe, who survives. She attended Northwest State Community College in Archbold, and recently earned an associates degree as a quality control engineer. She was a quality engineer at Trim-Trend in Bryan and Spencerville, and for Midwest Stamping in Edgerton until 2003. She was a member of the Pioneer American Legion Post #307 Auxiliary.
Also surviving are two daughters, Wendy (Terry) Euster of Mt. Vernon, Ohio and Kasey L. Radcliffe and Bob Lehman of Paulding; a son, Kenny (Roxanne) West of Pioneer; two stepdaughters, Susan (Charles) Griffis of Monroe, Mich. and Jane (Kim) Tageson of Erie, Mich.; a stepson, Timothy J. Radcliffe of Bryan; one sister, Claudia (Marion) Isaman of Frontier, Mich.; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a sister, Judy Corwin in 1983.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., today, Wednesday, March 8, at Thompson Funeral Home in Pioneer, with Pastor Stephen E. Smith officiating. Internment will be in the Floral Grove Cemetery in Pioneer.
Preferred memorials are to the Pioneer Fire Department, Williams County E.M.S. Medic #7.

NELSON STOLLER
1922-2006
PAULDING — Nelson H. Stoller, 83, died at 7:10 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at the Paulding County Hospital. where he had been a patient for two days.
He was born May 12, 1922, in Paulding County, the son of Herbert W. and Leah L. (Laukhuf) Stoller. On July 11, 1940, he married Deloris M. (Holmes) Stoller, who survives in Paulding. He was a truck driver for 37 years, retiring from E.W. Bohren Trucking of Woodburn, Ind.
He is also survived by two daughters, Shirley (Robert) Cramer, and Leah Ann Hart; a son, Larry (Nancy) Stoller, all of Paulding; three brothers, Justus (Ruby) Stoller and Willis (Elaine) Stoller, both of Paulding, and Ernest (Dean) Stoller of Fort Wayne; three sisters, Velma Williams of Fort Wayne, Pauline (Howard) Weiland of Bay City, Mich., and Ruth (James) Reinhard of Bluffton, Ind.; nine grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Tuesday, March 7, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Rev. Ray Sinn officiating. Burial was in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery in Paulding.
Preferred memorials may go to the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund.

JOHN
WARNER
1929-2006
PAULDING — John E. Warner, 76, died Wednesday, March 1, at his sister’s home in Paulding.
He was born April 7, 1929, in West Unity, the son of Hercie Ray and Etelka (Dotterer) Warner. He served in the United States Navy from 1949-1953. He retired in 1964 from the R.A.C. Company of Alaska as a telegraph operator.
He is survived by a brother, Ned Warner of Paulding; two sisters, Pauline (Rex) Boroff of Paulding, and Evelyn Hoffman of Bryan; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Private family services were held. Burial was in the Floral Grove Cemetery, Pioneer. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding was in charge of the arrangements.

EVELYN RINEBOLT
1918 – 2006
PAULDING – Evelyn Pearl Rinebolt, 87, died at 2:55 a.m. Monday, March 13, at the Country Inn Enhanced Living Center, Paulding.
She was born November 19, 1918, in Paulding County, the daughter of Charles and Emma (Lehman) Vance. In 1939, she married Arthur “Ray” Rinebolt.
She is survived by her husband, Ray Rinebolt, Paulding; a son, David Rinebolt, Paulding; three daughters, Patricia Miller, Las Vegas, Nev., Janet (Joe) LaFountain, Paulding, and Sandra Forgette, Toledo; a brother, Jack Vance, Paulding; four sisters, Emmalou Mantle, Corunna, Ind., Mae Barrett, Fla., Lavina Huffman, Sheffield Lake, and Faye Fritzing, Decatur, Ind.; seven grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren; and twelve great-great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Hugh “Bus” Vance and Charles “Dick” Vance; two sisters, Ruth Tinlin and Hazel Vance; and two infant sisters.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 16 at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial will be in Hedges Cemetery, Paulding.
Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, and 9 a.m. until the time of services Thursday at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding.
Donations may be made to the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice or American Cancer Society.

MAXINE BAUER
1914-2006
OAKWOOD — Maxine Daub Bauer, 91, died at 1:04 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at the Defiance Regional Medical Center.
She was born Dec. 7, 1914, in Continental, the daughter of Mallie and Mary (Donaldson) Daub. On Nov. 19, 1938, she married Robert W. Bauer, who preceded her in death on Jan. 25, 1994. She was a homemaker.
She was a member of the Cornerstone United Methodist Church, in Oakwood, a member of the Umatilla United Methodist Church in Umatilla, Fla., a member of the Sharon Grange in Putnam County, the Paulding County Farm Bureau, charter member of the Busy Neighbors Home Extension Club, and a charter member of the Pollyanna Club of Continental. She was also a member of the International Flying Farmers since 1957, which includes memberships in Ohio and Florida. She was the Ohio Flying Farmer Queen in 1971, Ohio Flying Farmer Woman of the Year in 1980, Florida Flying Farmer of the Year in 1990, International Flying Farmer of the Year in 1991 and Ohio Flying Farmer Teen Advisor.
She is survived by two sons, Donald (Norma) Bauer of Oakwood, and Ronald (Patricia) Bauer of Louisville, Tenn.; a daughter, Mary (James) Mowery of Continental; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Services were held Saturday, March 11, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Michael Brown officiating. Burial was in the Sherman cemetery in Oakwood.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com.

WILLARD ETZLER
1914-2006
VAN WERT — Willard H. Etzler, 91, died at 6:40 p.m. Monday, March 6, at Van Crest Health Care Center, in Van Wert.
He was born July 16, 1914, in Harrison Township in Van Wert County Ohio, the son of Adolpf and Elizabeth (Muntzinger) Etzler. On June 25, 1938, he married Doris Kathleen Schmidt, who preceded him in death on July 5, 2002. He was a 1932 graduate of Convoy-Tully High School. He retired from Borden’s Foods in Van Wert, following 34 years of service. He was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Convoy, where he served as former secretary, held various offices, and was involved in the church’s Lutheran Layman League.
He is survived by three sons, Stanley A. Etzler of Fort Wayne, Ronald D. Etzler of Payne, and Wayne K. (Marleen) Etzler of Decatur, Ind.; eight grandchildren, Mike Lee, Doug Etzler, Steve Etzler, Mark Etzler, Kara Whitman, Kim Coomer, and Any Hobbick; and 23 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a daughter-in-law, Marilyn Etzler; four brothers, Leonard H. “Jack” Etzler, Paul Etzler, Lorenz Etzler, and Clifford A. Etzler; and two sisters, Adela Hofmann and Esther Yoder.
Services were held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 10, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Convoy, with the Rev. Michael Saylor officiating. Burial was in the Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery in Harrison Township, in Van Wert County. Cowan and Son Funeral Home in Convoy was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Redeemer Lutheran Hour of Worship.

HAROLD
FREY
1930-2006
SCOTT — Kenneth Harold Frey, 75, of Scott, died unexpectedly Friday, March 10, at his winter home in Apollo Beach, Fla.
He was born March 21, 1930, in Van Wert County, the son of Elmer and Lydia (Keith) Frey, who both preceded him in death. On June 10, 1952, in Grover Hill, he married Jacqueline Welch, who survives. He was a 1949 graduate of Hoaglin Jackson High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a retired farmer.
He was a member of the Van Wert Masonic Lodge and a former member of the Wayne Trace Local Board of Education, Scott Lions Club, and the Grand Victory Church. He was the former director of the Scott Equity Exchange. He enjoyed many Florida winters playing cards, shooting pool and bowling with friends.
Also surviving are a son, Kent (Sabrina) Frey of Scott; two daughters, Roxanne (Nicholas) Steele of Convoy, and Donna Miller of Madison, Ala.; a sister, Ruth Mohr of Van Wert; and his grandchildren, Tyler and Laney Steele, Dustin, Anna and Ryan Frey, and Nathan Miller.
He was also preceded in death by a sister, Saralene Ashton; and a brother, Garold Frey.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today, March 15, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 16, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, with the Rev. Don Ricard officiating. Burial will be in the Mohr Cemetery, rural Van Wert.
Preferred memorials are to the Scott Fire and EMS or to the donor’s choice.

MICHAEL LEE
PAULDING — Michael L. Lee, 46, a former Paulding County sheriff, died Monday, March 13, at his residence.
He was born Dec. 3, 1959, in Fort Wayne, the son of Harold Dean and Marilyn (Ruger) Lee. On April 28, 1998, he married Cathy Harper Lee, who survives in Powell, Ohio. He was a graduate of Wayne Trace High School and Indiana Wesleyan University. He was an American Electric Power account supervisor for Wackenhut Security. He was the former director for the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services and chief of the the Bureau of Adult Detention Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. He was a former sheriff of Paulding County, serving from 1989-1992. He was a former assistant varsity football coach for Wayne Trace High School.
Also surviving are three sons, Brad Lee, Bryan Lee and Andrew Lee, all of Westerville; two daughters, Miah Harper and Calista Harper, both of Powell; his father, Ron Etzler of Payne; two brothers, Doug (Vicky) Etzler of Payne and Chris (Stacie) Etzler of Lima; two sisters, Kara (Bruce) Whitman and Kim (Larry) Coomer, both of Payne; his grandmother, Myrtle Lee, of Payne; and nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his father, Harold D. Lee in 1959; his mother, Marilyn Etzler in 2001; and his grandparents, Raymond and Helen Ruger, Robert Lee, and Willard and Doris Etzler.
Services were held Saturday, March 18, at the Edgerton Wesleyan Church in Edgerton, Ind. Burial was in the Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, was in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the Mexican Children’s Refuge, P.O. Box 1064, Weslaco, Texas, 78599.

PHYLLIS BLUBAUGH
1941-2006
OTTAWA — Phyllis J. “Tink” Blubaugh, 64, died at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 19 at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
She was born June 24, 1941, in Lima, the daughter of Robert H. and Mable M. (Felkey) Stover, who both preceded her in death. She married Marvin Warnimont. On May 13, 1968, she married Lloyd Blubaugh, who survives in Ottawa. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the Pandora Church of Christ. She enjoyed listening to her husband’s music, playing cards, spending time with friends and family, playing hogshoes, and riding motorcycles.
Also surviving are five daughters, Laura (Ron) Mansfield, Patricia (Harold) Warnecke and Peggy (Doug) Lusk, all of Ottawa, Tammy Walker of Lafayette, Ind., and Wendy Sharp of Oakwood; a sister, Marlyn Johns of Miller City, Ohio; six grandchildren, Dustin Mansfield, Dana Walker, Luke Mansfield, Jodi Lusk, Kyle Sharp and Amy Lusk; and one great-grandchild, Kolby Saltzman.
Also preceding her in death were a son, Victor Warnimont; three daughters, Jody Warnimont, Tina Marie and Amy Lou Blubaugh; and a brother, Robert Stover Jr.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 23, at Love Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Steven Holbrook and David Wilson officiating. Burial will be in the Harman Cemetery, Ottawa.
Preferred memorials are to the family for funeral expenses.

PAULINE FRIEND
ANTWERP – Pauline D. Friend, 84, of Antwerp, died Thursday, March 16, 2006 in her home. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of arrangements.

PATRICK HALKER
1956-2006
COLUMBUS GROVE — Patrick Michael Halker, 50, of Columbus Grove, died at 1:09 p.m. Saturday, March 18, in Columbus.
He was born March 14, 1956, in Kalida, the son of Ray and Esther (Smith) Halker, who survive in Columbus Grove. He married Vickie Kulman, who survives. He attended St. Anthony’s School and graduated from Columbus Grove High School in 1975. He had worked in the telephone industry all of his life and was previously an outside plant manager with the Alltel Corporation, based in Paulding. He was a member of the Columbus Grove Eagles and the Indian Lake Moose Lodge. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed boating, was a great Ohio State fan, and finally a Dallas Cowboy football fan. He had been an exceptional athlete in high school and continued to enjoy playing in various charity basketball games.
He is also survived by two sons, Ryan (Jamie) Halker of Van Wert, and Todd (Nicole) Halker of Paulding; two brothers, Bill (Lois) Halker of Ottawa and Sam (Anne) Halker of Lima; four sisters, Jean Neifer of Findlay, Cheryl (Dan) Risser and Lisa (Andy) Stechschulte, all of Columbus Grove, and Sandy (Gerry) Knueven of Glandorf; and a grandson, Joshua.
Services will be held at 10 a.m., today, March 22, at St. Anthony’s Church in Columbus Grove, with the Rev. Ron Warnimont officiating. Burial will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Columbus Grove. Hartman Sons Funeral Home in Columbus Grove is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the college fund of his grandchild.

WILLIAM KLINGSHIRN
1962-2006
GROVER HILL — William E. Klingshirn, 44, of Grover Hill, died at 2:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 14, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
He was born Feb. 16, 1962, in Lima. Keith and Marilyn Fruchey of Grover Hill are his foster parents. He was formerly employed by Campbell Soup in Napoleon and he attended Middle Creek United Methodist Church in rural Grover Hill. He enjoyed communicating with his friends on his computer.
Surviving are a brother, Richard (Sherry) Klingshirn, of Etna Green, Ind.; and his foster sisters, Beverly Sulfridge of Van Wert, Dianna (Ron) Jewell of Grover Hill, Sandra Thompson of Defiance, and Melissa (Joe) Martinez of Ohio City; and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held Saturday, March 18, at Middle Creek Church, Grover Hill, with the Rev. William Sherry officiating. Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

BETTY SCHMIDT
1927-2006
PAYNE — Betty L. Schmidt, 78, departed to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, early Sunday morning, March 19, at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Sept. 20, 1927, in Portland, Ind., the daughter of Lee and Frances Axe. On Sept. 16, 1950, she married Paul James Schmidt. They were married over 55 years. After having 11 children, she turned her life over to Jesus. Since then, she spent the remainder of her life here on earth sharing the love of Jesus to others and teaching her family to always turn to Him for everything.
She is survived by her husband, Paul J. Schmidt of Payne; her mother, Frances Axe of Portland, Ind.; her 11 children, Mark (Jo) Schmidt of Alamonte Springs, Fla., Kim (Robin) Schmidt of Toledo, Steve Schmidt, Nancy (Mike) Hicks and Tyler (Kris) Schmidt, all of Payne, Dave (Helen) Schmidt of Elkhart, Ind., Lynn (Brenda) Schmidt of Salem, Ohio, Julie (Jim) Schneider of Convoy, Ohio, Randy (Kathy) Schmidt and Heidi (Rob) Simmons all of Muncie, Ind., Cindy (Dave) Rahig of Liberty Center, Ohio; a brother, Bob (Sherry) Axe of Portland, Ind., 31 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her father, Lee Axe; and a sister, Ruth Axe Newton Cook.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., today, Wednesday, March 22, at the Slade-Den Herder Funeral Home in Payne, with hours of visitation two hours prior to services.
Memorial contributions may be made in Betty’s memory in care of Den Herder Funeral Home.

STANLEY UNDERWOOD
1958-2006
SWANTON — Stanley J. Underwood, 47, died Wednesday, March 8, in Hospice of Northwest Ohio, following a lengthy illness.
He was born July 20, 1958, in Hicksville, the son of George and Marjorie (Hobeck) Underwood, who both survive. He graduated from Antwerp High School in 1976. He graduated from ITT in Fort Wayne in 1978, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. He was employed for 26 years for the former Reliance Electric, now part of Rockwell Automation, as a field service electrical engineer. He retired in 2004 due to disability. For many years, he enjoyed participating in the annual Bike to the Bay to benefit the Muscular Sclerosis Society.
He is also survived by his wife, Mary Lou; three daughters, Andrea Girrell and Erica and Chelsea Underwood; two brothers, Dr. Daniel (Jaci) Underwood of Hicksville and Royce (Carolyn) Underwood of Swanton; a sister, Connie (Scott) Sampson of Gahanna; his grandmother, Dorothy Hobeck of Paulding; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; and brothers and sister-in-laws.
Services were held Saturday, March 11, at Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home with the Rev. Duane A. Kemerly officiating. On Sunday, March 12, additional hours of visitation were held at the Antwerp United Methodist Church with interment following at the Maumee Cemetery.
Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

DELBERT VAN VLERAH
OAKWOOD — Delbert W. Van Vlerah, 69, Oakwood, died Friday, March 17, 2006. Heitmeyer Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

ROBERT BAUER
1916-2006
VAN WERT – Robert J. Bauer, 89, Van Wert, died at 12:12 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 16, 1916 in Van Wert County, the son of Arthur and Marie (Schmidgall) Bauer. On April 2, 1938, he married Mildred Fiock, who preceded him in death on Feb. 8, 1982. On April 5, 1986, he married Mary Hitchcock, who died on Aug. 2, 2005. A lifelong farmer in Van Wert County, he was a member of Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert, member and past president of Union Township School Board, former director of the Scott Equity Exchange, formerly served on the Paulding County-Van Wert Area Committee of the Farmer’s Home Administration; a past officer of the former St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (currently Redeemer Lutheran Church) in Convoy, and a former supervisor for the Van Wert Soil & Water Conservation Department. He was selected as Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1959.
Surviving are his children Rosita (Harry) Nothstine of Derby, Kan., and Shirley (Ronald) Schumm of Van Wert; two stepchildren, Dianne (James) Atkins of Port Richey, Fla., and Melva (David) Lupton of Oconomowoc, Wis.; two brothers, Herbert (Betty) Bauer of Ohio City and Arthur (Jeannie) Bauer of Van Wert; three sisters, Lucille (William) Hulwick of Littleton, Colo., Florence (Graydon) Stuckey of Van Wert, and Gloraine (John) Stelzer of Defiance; four grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and eight great-stepgrandchildren.
Services where held Saturday, March 25 at Gearhart, Mack & Jurczyk Funeral Home in Convoy, with the Rev. Raymond Feeck officiating. Burial was in Convoy IOOF Cemetery.

LAURENCE HAINES
1957-2006
PAULDING — Laurence (Larry) E. Haines, 48, formerly of Edwardsburg, Mich. and South Bend, Ind., died Wednesday, March 22.
He was born Nov. 11, 1957. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for 25 years, working for Preston Trucking Company and later for U.S.F. Holland as a truck driver. He enjoyed bowling, golfing with family and friends, Nascar, drag racing, and tractor pulls. (passed down to his children and grandchildren.) He also enjoyed woodworking (anything he could make with his hands) and spending time with grandchildren.
Surviving are his wife, Cynthia (Cindy Christians) of Paulding; three daughters, Toni (Ed) Hartman of Elkhart, Ind., Angela (Adam) Aumack of Fort Benning, Ga., and Kelli Haines of Elkhart; grandsons, Austin Aumack and Gavin McClure; granddaughters, Emylie Aumack and Hannah McClure; his parents, Roger and Darlene Haines of Avon Park, Fla and Edwardsburg, Mich.; two brothers, Dale (Val) Baumer Haines of Niles, Mich. and David (Rhonda) Haines of Edwardsburg, Mich.; two sisters, Roxanne (Pat Klowetter) Haines and Lisa (John) Sult, both of South Bend, Ind.; many nieces and nephews and friends; parents-in-laws Mildred (Ray Arent) Christians of Benton Harbor, Mich. and William Christians of McMinville, Tenn.;and brother-in-laws, David (JoAnne) Christians of Benton Harbor, Mich. and Kenneth (Sandy Robinson) Christians Sr. of Benton Harbor.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Bryce Eugene Dixon; maternal grandfather, Peter Engeseth; maternal step-grandfather, Al Buysse; paternal grandparents, Paul and Mildred Haines; and a brother-in-law, Darrell (Jimmy) Christians.
Hahn’s Funeral Home in Mishawaka was in charge of arrangements. A memorial service is being planned in the Paulding area at a later date.
Preferred memorials may be made to St. Rita’s Medical Center or Hope Cancer Center of Northwest Ohio, both of Lima, or to the donor’s choice.

ROBERT HULL
1941-2006
CONTINENTAL — Robert Doyle Hull, 64, of Continental, died at 1:15 a.m. Friday, March 24, at Calvary Manor Nursing Home in Ottawa.
He was born Dec. 13, 1941, in Continental, the son of Robert Dale and Josephine Minerva (Moran) Hull, who both preceded him in death. On Feb. 27, 1960, he married Joyce Hull, who preceded him in death on Jan. 22, 2004.
He was retired from General Motors in Defiance. He was a member of the Moose Lodge #2094 in Defiance, Eagles #372 in Columbus Grove, and the American Legion #0541 in Continental.
Surviving are a son, David Vincent (Mary) Hull of Continental; four daughters, Christina Mary (DWayne) Johnson of Defiance, Roberta Kay (Lee) Agness and Shari Jo (Lonnie) Schlosser, both of Paulding, and Barbra Ann (Eric) Maag of Continental; a sister, Carolyn Snavely of Kalida; 14 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were two brothers, Ronald and Douglas Hull; and a sister, Marilyn Baldwin.
There will be no visitation hours and private funeral services will be held at a later date. The arrangements are being handled by Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Home Health.
Online condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneral home.com

JOSEPH MORRISON
1953-2006
PAULDING – Joseph E. “Indian” Morrison, age 53, died 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
He was born Jan. 18, 1953, in Defiance County, the son of James R. and Suzanna (Workman) Morrison. He was previously employed by Haviland Tile Products, Haviland.
He is survived by a daughter, Tara Morrison of Fort Wayne; two brothers. Jerry (Lisa) Morrison of Argyle, Texas, and Jeffrey Morrison, Auburn, Ind.; two sisters, Sue (Tim) Thompson of Paulding, and Julie Stemen, Grover Hill; and a grandson.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Jim Morrison.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 25, at the Paulding United Methodist Church with Pastor Jack Berry officiating. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.

KATHERINE SCHILB
2006
Katherine Schilb, 88, of Antwerp, died Tuesday, March 21, at Paulding County Hospital. Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp is in charge of the arrangements.

DARRYL VANCE
1935-2006
PAULDING – Darryl Duane Vance, 70, died at 4:45 p.m. Friday, March 24, at the Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, in Tucson, Ariz.
He was born April 20, 1935, in Paulding, the son of Cloyce and Elizabeth (Frucey) Vance, who both preceded him in death. On Nov. 15, 1953, he married Shirley A. Huebner, and she preceded him in death on April 27, 2002. He was a machinist for Dana Weatherhead, Antwerp, retiring in 1996, following 30 years of service. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Paulding, where he was an elder; Loyal Order of the Moose in Bryan; and VFW Post #587 Auxiliary.
He is survived by two daughters, Marsha (Kenny) Adkins of Defiance, and Kelly (Harry) Ricker, Paulding; three sons, Kevin (Holly) Vance, Dennis (Sandi) Vance, and Brian (Gina) Vance, all of Paulding; two sisters, Donna (Myron) Thornell of Convoy, and Dolores White of Bowling Green; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Mooneen Ringenberg, of Tucson.
Also preceding him in death were a granddaughter, Christie Ann Estle; a brother, Wendell Vance; and a sister, Valera Riley.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 31, at the First Christian Church, Paulding, with the Rev. Paul L. Biery officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.
Donations may be made to the First Christian Church, Paulding.

DANA CLIPPINGER
1973-2006
PAULDING — Dana Alan Clippinger, 33, died at 1:30 a.m., Saturday, April 1, at the Heartland of Waterville in Waterville, Ohio, where he had been a patient for one week.
He was born Jan. 4, 1973, in Paulding, the son of Fred and Altha “Sam” (Eash) Clippinger. He married Penny Bussard, who survives in Paulding. He was previously employed by E&R Trucking of Middle Point and the former Plummer Trucking of Latty. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Paulding, a member of the Co-Ed Church Softball League, and the Paulding Men’s Softball League.
Also surviving are his father, Fred (Nickie) Clippinger of Whitehouse; his mother, Altha “Sam” Clippinger of Paulding; two sons, Dakota and Nick Clippinger, both at home; two brothers, Robert (Kristy) Clippinger of Fort Wayne and Corey Clippinger of Paulding; and three sisters, Sonya Ballard of Tennessee and Jodi Mallory and Robin Blankie, both of Whitehouse.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Jeff Clippinger and his grandparents.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 6, at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Paul Biery officiating There will be visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding are in charge of the arrangements.
Donations may be made to the Dana Clippinger family.

CLIFFORD COOK
1949-2006
OAKWOOD — Clifford E. Cook, 56, of Oakwood, died at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at the V.A. Hospital in Indianapolis.
He was born Dec. 8, 1949, the son of Clarence and Christina (Leonard) Cook, who both preceded him in death. He was a machinist and press operator at Oren Elliot in Edgerton, Ohio, until he became disabled in 2002. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Van Wert, a Vietnam Navy veteran where he was a radar tech on the U.S. Jonas-Ingram, serving in Kuwait, Bahrain and Greenland. He was a graduate of Sam’s Technical School in Fort Wayne and a graduate of Northwestern Business College Auto Diesel in Lima.
Surviving are a brother, Joseph Cook of Defiance; and a sister, Victoria (Nick) Spencer of Oakwood.
Also preceding him in death was a sister-in-law, Betty Cook.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 4, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Tim Burden officiating. Burial was in the Blue Creek Township Cemetery, Haviland, with graveside services conducted by the Oakwood American Legion.
Preferred memorials are to the American Lung Association.

ANNA MATSON
1913-2006
OAKWOOD — Anna Matson, 92, Oakwood, died Thursday, March 30. Heitmeyer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

BETH SMITH
1964-2006
DEFIANCE – Beth E. Smith, age 41, of Defiance, died Friday, March 31. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, is in charge of arrangements.

WALTER ANDREWS
1912-2006
OAKWOOD — Walter Andrews, 93, of Oakwood, died at 4:25 a.m. Friday, April 7, at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo.
He was born July 31, 1912, in Arthur, Ohio, the son of John and Cora (Kleinhen) Andrews. In 1938, he married May Lucille Frankart, who preceded him in death in 1984. On Dec. 19, 1987, he married Helen E. Rieke Heller, who survives in Oakwood. He was a lifelong farmer, and a lifetime member of Bethel Christian Church in Arthur. He was a member of the Paulding County Farm Bureau, an active supporter of the Paulding County 4-H program, and numerous organizations in his community.
He is also survived by two stepsons, Ron (Jennie) Heller of Defiance, and Don (Cheryl) Heller of Indian River, Mich.; a stepdaughter, Dianne (David) Stouffer of Paulding; two sisters, Dorothy Knoop of Defiance and Zylpha Shisler of Cloverdale; six stepgrandchildren; four great-stepgrandchildren; and Paul (Deb) Adams of Oakwood, who was like a son to Walter.
Also preceding him in death were three brothers, Miland, Vern and John Andrews; and a sister, Donelda Andrews Searles.
Services were held Tuesday, April 11 at the Bethel Christian Church in Arthur, with Pastor Christopher Baker officiating. Burial was in the Sherman Cemetery in Oakwood. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Bethel Christian Church. Online condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

EVELYN BAKER
1917-2006
HOOVER, Ala. – Evelyn Baker, age 88, of Hoover, Ala., died Saturday, April 1.
She was born June 1, 1917 near Payne, the daughter of Sherman L. and Edith M. Miller. On July 19, 1940, she married Roy Baker of Deming, N.M. They resided in Fort Wayne and Louisville before moving to Tuscaloosa, Ala. in 1946. She lived there until 1995.
She is survived by her son, Calvin Baker of Hoover, Ala.; a sister, Helen Major of Antwerp; two sisters-in-law, Betty Miller of Woodburn, Ind. and Verna Roach of West Covina, Calif.; and various nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; and her brother, Homer Miller of Woodburn.
Graveside services were held Saturday, April 8, at Mt. View Cemetery in Deming, N.M.
Preferred memorials are to the Alzheimer’s Association or the donor’s local animal shelter.

LARRY HAINES
1957-2006
PAULDING — Former Edwardsburg, Mich., and South Bend resident Laurence “Larry” E. Haines, 48, died Wednesday, March 22, in Lima.
He was born Nov. 11, 1957, in Dowagiac, Mich., the son of Roger and Darlene (Engeseth) Haines. On March 7, 1998 in South Bend, he married the former Cynthia “Cindy” Christians.
She survives, along with three daughters, Toni (Ed) Hartman and Kelli Haines, both of Elkhart, and Angela (Adam) Aumack of Fort Benning, Ga.; four grandchildren; his parents, Roger and Darlene Haines of Avon Park, Fla.; maternal grandmother, Mildred Buysse of Mishawaka; two brothers, Dale (Val Baumer) Haines of Niles, Mich., and David (Rhonda) Haines of Edwardsburg; two sisters, Roxanne (Pat Klowetter) Haines of South Bend and Lisa (John) Sult of South Bend; parents-in-law, Mildred (Ray Arent) Christians of Benton Harbor and William Christians of McMinville, Tenn.; brothers-in-law, David (JoAnne) Christians and Kenneth (Sandy Robinson) Christians Sr., both of Benton Harbor.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Bryce Eugene Dixon; maternal grandfather, Peter Engeseth; maternal step-grandfather, Al Buysse; paternal grandparents, Paul and Mildred Haines; and a brother-in-law, Darrell (Jimmy) Christians.
Larry enjoyed bowling and golfing with family and friends. He loved NASCAR, drag racing and tractor pulls. He enjoyed woodworking, building things with his hands and spending time with his grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 15 at Payne Church of the Nazarene. Visitation with family starts at 2:30 p.m., and the service will follow at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Carol Tumbleson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Rita’s Medical Center or Hope Cancer Center of Northwest Ohio, both of Lima.

ALVADA HAZELSWART
ANTWERP – Alvada Hazelswart, 77, of Antwerp, died Saturday, April 8. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, is in charge of arrangements.

ANTHONY JOHANNS
1953-2006
NORTH ADAMS, Mich. — Anthony Paul “Tony” Johanns, passed away March 24, at the Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz.
He was born Oct. 4, 1953, in England, the son of Charles Eugene and Frances Therese (Ochmanek) Johanns. He graduated from Paulding High School in 1971 and from ITT Tech in Dayton in 1973. He was employed for the Teleflex Corporation in Hillsdale for ten years, and also enjoyed farming for many years. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hillsdale.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, MariAnn Johanns; two daughters, Laura Mae Johanns of Jonesville and Candace Elaine Johanns of North Adams; a grandson, William Matthew of Jonesville; three brothers, Michael (Tamara) Johanns and Gregory Johanns, both of Paulding, and Keith (Cindy) Johanns of Dublin, Ohio; and a sister, Karen (Rick) Varner, also of Paulding.
Services were held March 30, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hillsdale. Hampton-Kurtz Funeral in North Adams was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the American Diabetes Association.

WAYNE NEWSOME
1980-2006
DEFIANCE — Wayne E. “Fred” Newsome of Defiance, died at 8:50 p.m., Saturday, April 8, at the Toledo Hospital, as a result of injuries received in an automobile accident.
He was born May 31, 1980, in Lima, Ohio, the son of Wayne E. and Shelley (Weisenberger) Newsome Sr., who survive in Oakwood. On Nov. 4, 2000, he married Jennifer G. Morris, who survives in Defiance. He was employed by Chicago Bridge and Iron as an assistant foreman. He was a member of the Continental Missionary Baptist Church.
He is also survived by two children Logan and Landon Newsome, both at home; a sister, Mindy Newsome of Oakwood; and grandparents, John and Julia Weisenberger of Oakwood and Hobart and Sharon Newsome of Melrose.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mildred Newsome.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m., today, Wednesday, April 12, and one hour prior to services at the church.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 13, at the First Church of God in Defiance, with the Rev.’s Rick Rufenacht and Jonathan Hall officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery, Defiance. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home are in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the children.

BERMAN ROSS
1915-2006
OREGONIA, Ohio — Berman E. Ross, 91, of Oregonia, Ohio and a former Grover Hill resident, died Sunday, April 9.
He was born April 7, 1915, in Grass Lake, Mich., the son of Clifford and Ina (Endsley) Ross. He was a U.S. Army veteran, and a graduate of the Ohio State University. He retired from the university in 1973, following more than 30 years of service as a County Extension Agent. Following his retirement he spent another 30 years as an auctioneer.
He is survived by his wife of the past seven years, Ruth (McDaniel) Ross of Oregonia; a son, John D. (Barbara) Ross of Hilliard, Ohio; two daughters, Kathy (John) Shay of North Highland, Calif. and Sandy Ross of Columbus, Ohio; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mozelle; two brothers, Paul and Harold Ross; and a sister, Merle Matthews.
Hours of visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, April 13 with Masonic services at 8:30 p.m., at the Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home in Lebanon.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, April 14 at the Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Hughes and Chaplain Steve Craft officiating. Interment will follow in the Miami Valley Memory Gardens.
Preferred memorials are to the Heritage Baptist Building Fund or to the Alzheimers Association.

ILAJEAN BOROFF
1946-2006
OAKWOOD — Ilajean Boroff, 59, Oakwood, died Sunday, April 16. Heitmeyer Funeral Home are in charge of the arrangements.

RICHARD BREWER SR.
1917-2006
OAKWOOD — Richard Donald Brewer Sr., 88, of Oakwood, died at 1:30 a.m. Friday, April 14, at his residence.
He was born Nov. 20, 1917, in Defiance, the son of Guy and Alta (Thien) Brewer. On July 27, 1946, he married Jean McNally, who preceded him in death on Feb. 11, 2003. He was an Army Corps veteran serving as a mechanic in Goose Bay, Labrador, during WWII. He retired as a millwright with General Motors in Defiance.
He was a member of the Melrose United Methodist Church, Wesleyan Class of the United Methodist Church, Defiance VFW and U.A.W. Local 211.
Surviving are two sons, Richard Brewer Jr. (Nancy Campos) of Defiance and Daniel (Ethelyn) Brewer of Paulding; six daughters, Margaret “Peg” (Jack) Schlosser of Uniopolis, Ohio, Kathleen (Walter) Clark of Paulding, Diann Pratt of Ocala, Fla., Nancy (James) Weisenburger of Oakwood, Barbara (Barry) Brown of Melrose, and Marsha (William) Bledsoe of St. Joe, Ind.; 19 grandchildren; 4 stepgrandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death was a sister, Edith Franks.
Services were held Monday, April 17, at the Melrose united Methodist Church with the Rev. Bob Parker officiating. Burial was in the Little Auglaize Cemetery in Melrose. Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood, was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Oakwood EMS.

BLAINE OKULEY
1930-2006
CONTINENTAL — Blaine A. Okuley, 76, of Continental, died at 12:15 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, at the Laurels of Defiance.
He was born Feb. 9, 1930, in Continental, Ohio, the son of Arthur W. and Mary J. (Clear) Okuley, who both preceded him in death. On Aug. 9, 1949, he married Anita R, (Etter) Okuley, who survives in Continental. He was the retired owner of Okuley’s Pharmacy in Continental. He was a member of the St. John’s Catholic Church in Continental, a member of the Continental Community Club, Development Corporation of Continental, Lions Club, and a member of the Sky Bank Board.
Also surviving are two sons, Kim (Suzanne) and Travis (Kieu) Okuley, all of Continental; two daughters, Connie (John) Basinger of Van Wert and Tana (Dave) DeMoss of Powell; a daughter-in-law, Jan Okuley, of Continental; a sister, Daphna (Robert) McKibben of Continental; 16 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Reggie Okuley; and a daughter, Tamyra Okuley
Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 17, at the St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Cloverdale, with Father Robert Kill officiating. Burial was in the Monroe Cemetery in Continental. Heitmeyer Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred donations may go to the St. John’s Building Fund, Parkinsons Foundation, or to the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome. com.

EVELYN PLATZ
OAKWOOD – Evelyn F. Shisler Platz, 87, Oakwood, died Saturday, April 15, 2006. Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood, was in charge of arrangements.

PAIDEN SHANER
2006
SHERWOOD — Paiden Cole Shaner, two months old, died at 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 12, at Defiance Regional Medical Center in Defiance.
He was born Feb. 1, 2006, in Defiance, the son of Thomas and Lacey (Shaffer) Shaner who survive in Sherwood.
Also surviving are a brother, Alexzander Shaner of Sherwood; maternal grandparents, Eddie and Karen Shaffer of Melrose; paternal grandparents, Denis and Paulette Shaner of Paulding; uncles and aunts, Eric (Talitha) Shaner of Blooming Prairie, Minn., Brandy (Thomas) Kelly of Cloverdale, Misty (Bob) Brittig, Oakwood, Lesa (Mike) Shilder, Paulding, Heather Shaffer, Antwerp, Lindsey Shaffer of Melrose; and many cousins.
Services were held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 18, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Rev. Kim Semran officiating. Burial was in the Blue Creek Cemetery, Haviland.
Memorials may be made in Paiden’s memory c/o Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, Ohio.

HELEN SLEESMAN
2006
ANTWERP — Helen Sleesman, 87, Antwerp, died Wednesday, April 12. Dooley Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

WALTER YENSER
1933-2006
PAULDING — Walter Henry Yenser, 73, died at 8:15 p.m., Monday, April 10, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 20, 1933, in Paulding County, the son of Charles and Matilda (Klima) Yenser, who both preceded him in death. On Jan. 7, 1956, he married Deloris I. Boroff, who preceded him in death on Aug. 21, 2000. He retired from G.M.. Powertrain in Defiance in 1999, following 48 years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Paulding, and a member of the U.A.W. #211.
Surviving are two sons, Jeffery (Cindy) Yenser of Weston, Ohio and Joseph (Linda) Yenser of Defiance; two daughters, Dorrean (Barry) Vance of Paulding and Waldean (Joseph) Webber of Bryan; four sisters, Amy Noffsinger of Continental, Emma “Katie” Brown of Defiance, Viva Brown of Nappanee, Ind., and Evelyn Schlegel of Paulding; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Jeremy Yenser; two sisters, Lucy Schmunk Dangler and Virginia Doster; and two brothers, William Yenser and Gale Yenser.
Services were held Friday, April 14, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Charles Schmunk officiating. Burial was in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the First Christian Church, Paulding or to the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

REBECCA REICHERT
1953-2006
PAYNE — Rebecca Ann “Becky” Reichert, 53, of Payne, formerly of Van Wert, died at 10:16 p.m., April 23, at her residence.
She was born Feb. 14, 1953, in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Harold D. and Anna (Wiegmann) Harshman. She was a 1971 graduate of Ohio City-Liberty High School. She was medically retired from Sonoco (Grief Brothers) in Van Wert and formerly employed at the V.F.W. in Van Wert.
She is survived by her mother, Anna Harshmann of Payne; Chris Reichert of Van Wert, father of the children and the love of her life; a son, Joshua (Sommer) Reichert of Van Wert; a daughter, Sarah Reichert, also of Van Wert; two brothers, James W. (Kristy) Harshman of Ohio City, and Harold W. (Laura) of Willshire, Ohio; five sisters, Lorelei (Glenn) Gandy of Paulding, Tina Harshman, of Fort Wayne, Julie (Juan) Pedraza of Fort Wayne, Anna Morehead and Mildred (Thomas) Holmes, both of Payne; four grandchildren, Dalton J. Reichert, Hannah R. Reichert, Holden W. Reichert, and Shaun M. Frantom; and 29 nieces and nephews.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., today, Wednesday, April 26, at Cowan and Son Funeral Home, located at 616 South Washington, Van Wert.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 27, at Cowan and Son with the Rev. Joseph Allan of the St. James Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in the Highland Park Cemetery in Fort Wayne.
Preferred memorials are to the family or to the donor’s choice.

JOAN STRABLE
1932-2006
CECIL — Joan Strable, 74, of Cecil, died at 5:15 a.m. Friday, April 21, at Parkview Hospital, in Fort Wayne.
She was born March 24, 1932, in Defiance, the daughter of Vincent and Lucille (Zipfel) Batt, who both preceded her in death. On Sept. 24, 1949, she married Eugene F. “Sport” Strable, who survives in Cecil. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding and Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Auxiliary.
She is also survived by three daughters, Melody (Gary) Hurtig and Gloria (Robert) Craig, both of Cecil, and Diane (Steve) Wetli of Antwerp; six brothers, Vincent (Mary Kay) Batt, Tom (Joanie) Schlosser, Ron (Tina) Hiler, all of Defiance, Dick (Eleanor) Schlosser of Sun City, Ariz., John (Carol) Schlosser of St. Mary’s, Ohio, and Mike (Alice) Schlosser of Seattle, Wash.; three sisters, Sue (Grant) Neimann of Lancaster, Ohio, Mary Ann (Ralph) Reed of Galion, Ohio, and Barb Schlosser of Defiance; and six grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a son, Mark Strable; and siblings, Donald and Bobbie Batt, Louie Schlosser, Peggy Knappe and Linda Emerling.
Services were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 25, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in St. Stephens at the Bend Cemetery, Defiance. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

DAVID L.
BURTCH
1927-2006
FORT WAYNE - David L. Burtch, 79, Fort Wayne, beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather, passed away Wednesday, April 26 in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, after a short illness.
He was born Jan. 4, 1927 in Paulding, where he lived until his high school graduation. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy toward the end of World War II. After the war, he moved to California, where he met and married Marcella Colvin, a native of Fort Wayne. After residing in California a number of years, they relocated to Fort Wayne in 1992. He was a member of Risen Savior Lutheran Church.
Survivors include his wife, Marcella, son David, daughter Emily, daughter-in-law Susan, son-in-law Brian, and grandchildren Jessica, Katherine, Martin, Samantha and David, all of California; brothers Charles and Karl and sisters-in-law Helen and Joanne, and sisters Barbara and Sally, all of Paulding; brother Thomas and sister-in-law Dorothy of Rockford; and sister Janet of Elkhart, Ind.; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Services were held Saturday, April 29 at Risen Savior Church in Fort Wayne, followed by a graveside service and luncheon in Paulding. D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the church or Daybreak Children’s Shelter.

ELNORA LANGHAM
1920-2006
BERNE, Ind. – Elnora Langham, 85, of Berne, Ind., passed away at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at Chalet Village in Berne.
She was born May 17, 1920 in Adams County, Ind., the daughter of Joseph and Magdelena (Hirschy) Cook. On Sept. 2, 1943, she married Harold “Breezy” Langham, who preceded her in death in 1990. She was a homemaker and had been employed at Berne Overall Co., later the Nussbaum Novelty Co., and was a former nurse’s aide at Swiss Village. She was a member of First Missionary Church in Berne, and had been active in the church’s ladies society, and had assisted her husband with Sunday School visitation.
Surviving are a son, the Rev. James (Joyce) Langham of Payne; a sister, Frances Bailey of Berne; and three grandchildren, Julie, Sandi and Jason Langham.
Also preceding her in death were siblings Herman, Clyde, Chester and Elvina Cook; and a grandchild, Kimberly Sue.
Services were Monday, May 1, at Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home in Berne, with the Revs. Jerry Flueckiger, James Langham, Gareth Wiederkehr and Walter Bailey officiating. Burial was in M.R.E. Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to St. Jacob’s Church in Payne and Family Hospice of N.E. Indiana.

MILDRED NONEMAN
1914-2006
PAULDING — Mildred Evelyn Noneman, 91, died at 4:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, at the Country Inn Enhanced Living Center, Paulding.
She was born June 28, 1914, in Payne, the daughter of James and Pearl (Merica) Davis. On Oct. 7, 1933, she married Ernest J. Noneman, who preceded her in death on Aug. 14, 1994. She was previously employed as a nurse for the Paulding County Hospital. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding.
Surviving are two sons, Mark (Lynn) Noneman of Fort Wayne and David (Janet Hagleberger) Noneman of Woodburn; a daughter, Kathy (Daniel) Smith of Broomfield, Colo.; a brother, Leo (Caroline) Davis of Payne; two sisters, Ruth (Fritz) Knoblauch of Woodburn and Esther Fisher of Scott; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a son, James; siblings, Dean Davis, Eloise Webb and an infant sister, Lela.
Services were held Saturday, April 29, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

LAWRENCE CROMLEY
1920-2006
ANTWERP – Lawrence L. Cromley, 85, of Antwerp, passed away Friday, May 5, in Coldwater, Mich.
He was born July 30, 1920, in Antwerp, the son of William J. and Lenora (Leeth) Cromley. He served in the U.S. Army in WWII. On Oct. 17, 1943, he married Helen L. Schmunk. She passed away March 31, 1985. He was employed as a design analyst at International Harvester in Fort Wayne. He was a member of Antwerp United Methodist Church,  Antwerp American Legion Post 253, VFW Post 5087, Coldwater Elks and was a Mason. He also served on the Antwerp School Board, Antwerp Village Council and park board.
He will be sadly missed by sons,  Barry of Baton Rouge, La.; Keith of Miami, Fla.; daughters,  Vicki Leokuk of Coldwater, Mich., Dixie  Vail of Antwerp, and Nancy Lichty of Antwerp; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
His sisters, Iris Viancour, Addie Wetli and Ethel Gaisford, and a granddaughter have passed away.
You are invited to participate in his funeral service at 11 a.m. today, May 10, at Antwerp United Methodist Church with the Rev. Michael Schneider officiating and military honors from VFW Post 5087.
Preferred memorials may be sent to the Foundation Fighting Blindness P.O. Box 17279 Baltimore, Md., 21297-0495, the Arthritis Foundation or the church.

KEVIN EBEL
1978-2006
VAN WERT — Kevin L. Ebel, 27, of rural Van Wert, died at 10:40 a.m. Thursday, May 4, at his residence.
He was born Oct. 18, 1978, in Lima, the son of Lyle and Debra (Wurst) Ebel, who both survive in Grover Hill. He had attended Wayne Trace High School and Vantage Vocational School. He was formerly employed at Ebel’s Butcher Shop in Grover Hill.
He is also survived by two sons, Joshua and Jared at home, and his fiancé, Kameron Young of Van Wert.
Services were held Monday, May 8, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home with the Rev. Don Rogers officiating. Burial was in the Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.
Preferred memorials are to his children.

FLOYD HOWELL
1918-2006
PAULDING — Floyd “Buck” Howell, 87, died at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 3.
He was born June 21, 1918, in Paulding County, the son of Stanley and Wreatha (Tabler) Howell. He married Doris Perl Stanton, who preceded him in death Jan. 10, 2004. He was a self-employed horse trainer for 50 years and a member of the United Thoroughbred Trainers Association.
Surviving are two sons, Clayton (Marjorie) Howell of Paulding and John (Mildred) Lehman of Angola, Ind.; four daughters, Rita Howell, Sandra Howell and Genelta (Leonard “Sam”) Levos, all of Paulding, and Janetta Woquelet of Fort Wayne; 20 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were four brothers, Stanley, Forest, Edwin and Virgil Howell; and two sisters, Avanelle Temple and Edna Black.
Services were held Saturday, May 6, at the Paulding Church of the Nazarene, with the Rev. Kim Semeran and David Dooley officiating. Burial was in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

JAMES MAYS
1936-2006
OAKWOOD — James C. Mays, 70, of Oakwood, died at 8:15 p.m. Friday, May 5, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 24, 1936, in Olive Hill, Ky., the son of Russell and Ottie (Jackson) Mays, who both preceded him in death. On July 15, 1957, he married Mary F. Schwartzengraber, who survives in Oakwood. He retired from G.M. Powertrain in Defiance on Jan. 1, 2002.
Also surviving are two sons, Marvin Mays of Defiance and James Mays Jr. of Lakewood, Ohio; two daughters, Mary Ann Shepherd of Cecil and Donna (Bruce) Bailey of Defiance; a sister, Ione Meade of Ky.; two brothers, Stoney Mays of Dupont and Dan Mays of Olive Hill, Ky.; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Russell Jr., Paul, Frank, and Manual; and six sisters, Dora, Nora, Fay, Barbara, Lou and Nioka.
In honoring the wishes of James, there will be no visitation or services. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Home Health Care of Paulding County. Online condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com.

ROBERT McCULLOUGH
1925-2006
OAKWOOD — Robert L. “Toot-Toot” McCullough, 81, of Oakwood, died at 3:15 a.m. Tuesday, May 2, at the Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born Feb. 23, 1925, in Jackson Township, Paulding County, the son of George Aaron and Teresa Rose (Slattery) McCullough. On Sept. 22, 1956, he married Mary Lou Eisaman, who survives. He was employed by the Norfolk and Western Railroad, formerly the Nickel Plate, retiring in 1986.
He is also survived by a daughter, Jennifer DeSoto of Continental; two sisters, Inella Finnegan of Paulding and June Brown of Melrose; two brothers, Warren McCullough of Lima and Harold “Harry” McCullough of Oakwood; and two grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were three sisters, Martha Traxler, Maxine McCullough, and Methel Aldrich; and two brothers, Wayne McCullough and Gerald McCullough.
Services were held Friday, May 5, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Rev. Bob Parker officiating. Burial was in the Sherman Cemetery in Charloe.
Donations may be made to the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund or the Paulding County Senior Center Van Fund.

HARRY PROCTOR
OAKWOOD — Harry Proctor, 63, of Oakwood, died Monday, May 1, at the Laurels in Defiance.

MARY WELLS
1915-2006
GARRETT, Ind. — Mary Geraldine “Gerry” Wells, 90, died March 21, at her daughters home in Garrett, Ind., as a result of pneumonia.
She was born April 9, 1915, in Bowling Green, the daughter of Clark H. and Carrie (Carson) Landis. On May 24, 1936, in Bowling Green, she married Gaylord E. Wells. During their marriage, they lived in Toledo, Van Wert, Paulding and Defiance. Gerry was a life guard at Klingers Beach outside of Paulding for several summers and worked at Moore’s Clothing Store in Paulding for several years. After moving to Defiance, they managed Rosewood Manor Apartments until 2001. Gerry then moved to the Leipsic Retirement Village. Her husband, Gaylord, died of lung cancer on Dec. 14, 1983.
Surviving are a son, Gene L. and Diana Wells of Bolivia, N.C.; a daughter, Sue and Charles Atkison of Garrett, Ind.; a grandson, David D. Atkison, of Butler, Ind.; a granddaughter, Deborah J. and Rick Jenkins of Kendallville, Ind.; a stepgranddaughter, Kayla Jenkins; a stepgrandson, Danny Jenkins; a great-grandson, Stephen R. Knott; and three great-granddaughters, Kathleen N. Knott, Christina L. Knott, and Bryanna Y. Jenkins.
There will be a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Independence State Dam Park on Ohio 424. Thomas Funeral Home in Garrett, Ind. is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

DENNIS
COTTERMAN
1947-2006
PAULDING — Dennis W. Cotterman, 58, died Friday, May 12, at the Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo.
He was born Sept. 24, 1947, in McComb, the son of David and Alberta (Nichols) Cotterman. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Vietnam, where he earned the Purple Heart. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Defiance.
He is survived by a brother, Ronnie Cotterman of Oakwood; two sisters, Sharon Crampton and Sheila Crates, both of Paulding; a half-sister, Donna (Rex) Stahl of Grover Hill; and several nieces and nephews.
There will be no visitation or funeral services. Burial will be at a later date. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding is in charge of the arrangements.

KITTY KEELER
HEIMANN
PAULDING — Agnes “Kitty” Keeler Heimann, 84, of Paulding, died May 11, 2006.

MARGERY LEINARD
ANTWERP – Margery Leinard, 100, of Antwerp, died Monday, May 15, 2006. Dooley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

CARL RAGER
1909-2006
PAYNE — Carl H. Rager, 97, died at 11:35 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Convoy Care Center, following a short illness.
He was born March 14, 1909, in Peoria, Ill., the son of Gustau and Maria (Miller) Rager. On Feb. 2, 1941, he married Louise L. Bertsch, who preceded him in death on Dec. 6, 2003. He was a member of the Latty Apostolic Christian Church and a life long farmer.
He is survived by a son, Walter (Sharon) Rager of Toledo; two daughters, Eileen (Dick) Whitman and Sharon (Robert) Parady, both of Payne; three sisters, Lillian (John) Schlatter of of Latty, Marie (Harold) Steffen of Decatur, Ind., and Freda (Walter) Rehklau; 11 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were five brothers, Eli, William, Roy, Albert and Charle Rager; five sisters, Rose Zeltwanger, Anna Rager, Caroline Zeltwanger, Elsie Schlatter and Maria Rager; and a grandson, Keith Rager.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, May 17, at the Latty Apostolic Church in Latty, with hours of visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Apostolic Christian Home for the Handicap, Morton, Ill. or the Latty Apostolic Christian Church ALMS Fund, Latty, Ohio.

WILLIAM
TERNET
FORT WAYNE— William J. “Bill” Ternet, 70, died Tuesday, May 9, at his residence in Fort Wayne.
He was born in Fort Wayne. He retired from Falstaff Brewery. He was a U.S. Army veteran, a member of the V.F.W. Post #857 Men’s Auxiliary and a former member of the Teamsters Union.
He is survived by a son, Leslie S. (Teresa) Ternet of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Theresa P. (Mark) Durre of Huntington, Ind.; a brother, James A. (Lee) Ternet of Sequim, Wash.; seven grandchildren; and a special friend, Phyllis Swank of Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Ternet in 2002; four brothers; and three sisters.
Services were held Saturday, May 13, at Mungovan and Son’s Memorial Chapel in Fort Wayne, with the Rev. Alvin Beggs officiating. Burial was in the Highland Park Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the V.F.W. Post #857 and a military honors program.
Preferred memorials may go to the V.F.W. Post #857.

CHARLES
LANGMEYER
1936-2006
PAYNE — Charles E. Langmeyer, 69, died at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born June 25, 1936, in Cloverdale, the son of Ed and Mollie (Horstman) Langmeyer, who both preceded him in death. On Aug. 6, 1960, he married Joyce A. Hohenbrink, who survives in Payne. He was employed by B.F. Goodrich/Uniroyal in Woodburn, Ind. where he retired in 1997. He was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Payne, the Knights of Columbus #3617 of Payne, American Legion Post 297 in Payne and was a former member of the National Guard.
Also surviving are two sons, Kevin (Ann) Langmeyer of Bloomsburg, Pa. and Gregg Langmeyer of Payne; a daughter, Cindy (Michael) Thompson of Payne; two sisters, Marlita (Jerome) Koester of Burnsville, Minn. and Alice Tobens of St. Mary’s Ohio; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian burial was held Monday, May 22, at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding was in charge of the arrangements.
Donations may be made to the St. John the Baptist Catholic School or to Masses.

RITA LINDER
1921-2006
PAYNE — Rita R. Linder, 84, died at 6:25 p.m., Sunday, May 21, in Tiffin.
She was born Oct. 24, 1921, in Payne, the daughter of John W. and Anna B. (Schall) Linder. She was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Payne and was a self-employed hairdresser.
Surviving are two brothers, James (Pat) Linder of Payne and Maurice (Violet) Linder of Fort Wayne; six sisters, Rosemary (Harold) Perrine and Theresa Baumle, both of Payne, Josephine (Robert) Huguenard of Lynn Haven, Fla., Genevieve Wilson, Sister Helen Linder, and Sister Jean Linder, all of Tiffin; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Catherine Gonya and Marie Linder.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today, May 24, at Den Herder Funeral Home with a rosary service at 7 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 25, at the St. John the Baptist Church in Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Masses.

THEODORE
SCHOCKOME
FORT WAYNE – Theodore E. Schockome, 73, died Sunday, May 14, 2006 at Beverly Rehab & Specialty Care Center in Fort Wayne.
Born in Grand Rapids, Mich., he was a warehouse supervisor for HWI for 30 years, also a glass cutter for Taylor Products in Payne for 10 years. He was a member of Eagles Lodge in Paulding.
Survivors include son, Ted Schockome of Arcola; daughters, Sherry Mullins of Huntington, Mary Barbier of Fort Wayne, and Sandy Thompson of Defiance; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and brothers, Jim Campbell and Joe Campbell, both of Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; and brother, Art.
Graveside services were held Thursday, May 18 at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. D.O. McComb & Sons Foster Park Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Beverly Rehab Center.

MARY SLAUGHTER
ANTWERP – Mary L. Slaughter, 66, of Antwerp, died Thursday, May 18, 2006 at Paulding County Hospital. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of arrangements.

MARGARET WINTERS
1913-2006
Margaret Pearl Winters, age 92, of Bryan, passed away Monday, May 23, at the Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers of Bryan.
Margaret and her twin brother, Furl, were born on October 12, 1913 in Grover Hill to John and Ethel (Edwards) Sanderson. On February 28, 1935, she married George W. Winters who preceded her in death on Nov. 20, 1994.
She was homemaker who loved to crochet, was an avid fisherman, and gardener, and she grew both flowers and vegetables. She was a member of the Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill and the Williams County Senior Center in Bryan.
She is survived by one daughter, Anna Louise (Ronald) Schad of Bryan; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren; her twin brother, Furl, of Van Wert; and a sister, Betty Dunlap, of Ayersville.
Also preceding her in death were a son, Glen Winters; a granddaughter, Teresa Heller, and five brothers, Kenneth, Clyde, Harold, Paul, and John Sanderson.
Services for Margaret Pearl Winters will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 25, at the Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill, with Pastor Bo Chrisman officiating. Burial will follow in the Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill. The family will receive friends from 3-8 p.m., today, Wednesday, May 24, at the Burr Funeral Home and Crematory in Bryan, and one hour prior to services at the church.
Gifts in loving memory of Margaret may be given to the Zion United Methodist Church or the Williams County Senior Center, Buffalo Road, Bryan, Ohio.
Condolences may be sent to the family and the on-line guest book may be signed at www.burrfh.com.

KARL ERICKSON
PAYNE – Karl W. Erickson, 53, of Payne, passed away May 23, 2006 while on vacation. He is survived by his wife, Carol Wannemacher Erickson. Services are pending.

TERESA DONNELL
ANTWERP – Teresa Donnell, 68, of Antwerp, died Saturday, June 3, 2006, in her home. Arrangements are by Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp.

LEON WEAVER
1915-2006
WAUSEON — Leon E. Weaver, 93, Wauseon, died Sunday, June 4. Edgar-Grisier Funeral Home in Wauseon are in charge of arrangements.

DENNIS COTTERMAN
PAULDING – Dennis W. Cotterman, age 58, died May 12, 2006. Military graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 15, at Hedges Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is handling arrangements.

KARL ERICKSON
1952-2006
PAYNE – Karl W. Erickson, 53, passed away Tuesday, May 23, while in San Francisco. A celebration of Karl’s life will be held on June 17 at the home of Tony and Carol Wannemacher, 6561 Co. Rd. 106, Payne, beginning at 3 p.m.
Karl was a gifted artist, delighting many of us with his impromptu sketches, political cartoons and T-shirt designs, as well as adorning many businesses with his unique signs.  Born in Bakersfield, Calif., on Aug. 7, 1952, he moved to Jackson’s Hole, Wyo., in the late 1970s.  On Sept. 10, 1988, Karl married Carol Wannemacher.
Avid ParrotHeads, Karl and Carol left Wyoming in 2000, moving to Key West, Fla., where Karl continued to pursue his artistic talents. Of generous heart, in 2001, when his mother-in-law’s health declined, he suggested they move to Ohio to provide her in-home care.
When Karl realized his life was nearly done, he showed no fear, for he said he was ready for the next great adventure. On April 29, he and Carol embarked on Karl’s Farewell Tour, traveling over 4,000 miles before his current journey came to an end in San Francisco.
Karl was a life-loving man who will be greatly missed.  He is survived by his wife and best friend, Carol; his sister, Carol, brothers, David, Dan and Jim, and numerous nieces and nephews in California and Nevada, as well as his Ohio family, countless friends and three fine kitty cats.
Preferred memorials are to Oncology Care at the Defiance Regional Medical Center, 1200 Ralston Ave., Defiance, OH, 43512.

RALPH
GILLETTE
1920-2006
WAPAKONETA – Ralph L. Gillette, 85, of Wapakoneta, died at 1:24 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, at Auglaize Acres.
He was born Sept. 17, 1920 in Paulding County, the son of O.B. and Viola (Lee) Gillette. On Sept. 16, 1943, he married Velma R. Pond, who preceded him in death July 28, 1998.
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he was a farmer and agribusinessman. He owned and operated the St. Johns Feed & Grain Co. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie #691 of Wapakoneta, and the Auglaize County Democratic Club. His hobbies included yard work and the outdoors.
Surviving are four children, Rhea D. Creviston, R. Leslie Gillette, Ronald (Jill) Gillette and Cheryl (Richard “Mike”) Byrne, all of Wapakoneta; 14 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and a sister, Colleen Walker of Celina.
He also was preceded in death by two sisters, Geraldine Muzzillo and Bonnie McGowen.
Services were held Saturday, May 27 at the Long & Folk Chapel in Wapakoneta with the Rev. G. Richard Bell officiating. Burial was in Blue Creek Cemetery, Paulding County.

JUANITA GOBLE
1918-2006
PAYNE — Juanita D. Goble, 87, died at 2:08 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born Aug. 12, 1918, in Benton Township, Paulding County, the daughter of Russell and Ursula (Anderson) Finkhousen. On July 11, 1937, she married Graydon L. Goble, who preceded her in death on Dec. 2, 1992. She was a U.S. Postmaster for the Village of Payne for 25 years, retiring in 1978. She was a member of the First Church of Christ where she was a church organist and a member of the Ladies Society. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Hesperian Chapter #281 of Payne.
Surviving are three daughters, Sharon Goble of Cincinnati, Carol Jones of Fort Wayne, and Ursula (Darwin) Riley of Paulding; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were an infant son; a brother, Chester Finkhousen; and a granddaughter.
Services were held Monday, June 12, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with Pastor Stacey Popejoy officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne.
Preferred memorials may be made to the Woodburn Christian Children’s Home in Woodburn, or to the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund, Payne.

DALE WILSON
1939-2006
CECIL — Lorenza “Dale” Wilson, 67, of Cecil, died at 3:48 a.m. Saturday, June 10, at the Paulding County Hospital.
He was born March 10, 1939, the son of Dale L. and Margaret Ruth (Lootens) Wilson. He was a retired teamster driver for Schwerman Trucking.
He is survived by his companion of 20 years, Maggie Dix; his children, Brenda (Ken Heishman) Thomas of Findlay, Robyn Wilson of Lima, Bradley (Cynthia) Wilson of Waynesfield, and Charles Robinson of Fostoria; two brothers, Richard D. Wilson of Tucson, Ariz. and Darrel Wilson of Rome, Ga.; two sisters, Sondra Cain of Sanford, Fla. and Peggy Pegg of Bluffton, Ohio; 17 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Services were held Tuesday, June 13, at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home. Burial was in Benton Ridge Cemetery. Coldren-Crates Funeral Home in Findlay was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be sent to www.coldrencrates.com.

LURA WYATT
1909-2006
DELAWARE – Lura E. Wyatt, age 97, of Delaware, formerly of Fort Wayne, passed away Wednesday evening, June 7, at the Cherith Nursing Center at Willowbrook.
She was born March 9, 1909 in Grover Hill, the daughter of William Henry and Clara (Stemen) Wyatt. She was a retired corporate secretary for General Electric and after retirement, worked for Homebound Meals in Fort Wayne. She was a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church of Fort Wayne, the Quarter Century Club of General Electric, the Independent Association of Administrative Professionals TAWAS Chapter since 1947, the Partizan Chapter of the Elex Club of General Electric, and a member of the Alpha Nu Chapter of the Pi Omicron National Sorority.
She is survived by a nephew, E. Gene (Linda) Scarbrough of Lewis Center; a niece, Clara Rose (Ray) Hussey of Defiance; a brother, Fred (Edith) Wyatt of Grover Hill; a sister, Ruby Scarbrough of Delaware; and other great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew, Dennis Wyatt.
Services were held Monday, June 12 at the Rodman Neeper Funeral Home, Delaware. Graveside services followed at Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill
Contributions in her memory may be made to Plymouth Congregational Church, 501 W. Berry St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802, or to Willowbrook Christian Village, 100 Willowbrook Way South, Delaware, OH 43015.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.RodmanNeeper.com

CAROL MILLER
ANTWERP – Carol Miller, 63, of Antwerp, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2006 in Fort Wayne. Arrangements were by Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp.

THELMA HARP
1914-2006
PAYNE – Thelma L. Harp, age 92, died at 1:30 a.m. Monday, June 19, at her son’s residence.
She was born Jan. 27, 1914, in Paulding County, the daughter of Frank and Myrtle (Harris) Snyder. On Aug. 1, 1935, she married Oscar H. Harp, who preceded her in death on March 24, 1986.
She is survived by a son, Allen (Michele) Harp, Payne; a daughter, Betty (John) Shafer, Paulding; two grandsons; three stepgranddaughters; six great-grandchildren and a great-stepgrandchild.
She also was preceded in death by four brothers, Alvie, Paul, Carl and Gale; and two sisters, Grace Rummel and Blanche Thornell.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, June 22, at the Payne Church of the Nazarene. Burial will be in Lehman Cemetery.
Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. today, June 21, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice, or Payne Church of the Nazarene.

JAMES BAARLAER
1961-2006
DEFIANCE — James Douglas Baarlaer, 45, died at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at Mercy Hospital in Defiance.
He was born Jan. 22, 1961, in Cincinnati, the son of James B. and Ellen (Marnell) Baarlaer. He was employed by Credit Adjustments Inc. of Defiance.
He is survived by his father, James B. Baarlaer of Stanwood, Wash.; two brothers, Richard (Heather) Baarlaer of Dayton and David (Clare) Baarlaer of Houston, Texas; two sisters, Laura (Neil) Baker of Oakwood and Barbara (Greg) Lehmicke of Stillwater, Minn.; nieces and nephews, Nathan Baker, Andrea Fry, Jason Baker, Lorelle Baker, Joshua Lehmicke, Gregory Lehmicke, Bridget Baarlaer and Jacob Baarlaer.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen Baarlaer.
A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1, at the Faith Baptist Church in Defiance, with Pastor Jerry Davis and Brother Gene Osborne officiating.
Hours of visitation will be from 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday at the church.
Burial will be at a later date.
Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood is in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Gideons.
Condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

NORA NULF
1921-2006
PAULDING — Nora M. Nulf, 84, died at 5:15 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Nov. 28, 1921, in Cincinnati, the daughter of Robert and Nora (Hirschbach) Whitefoot. On Nov. 29, 1968, she married Philip E. Nulf, who preceded her in death in 1994. She was a corporal in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. She was a member of the St. James Lutheran Church in New Haven.
Surviving are two sons, Robert (Marilyn) Heckman of Hixon, Tenn. and Thomas (Kim) Heckman of Columbia City, Ind.; a daughter, Margaret (Rick) English of Paulding; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, June 28, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding with David Williamson officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery in New Haven, where military graveside rites will be performed.
Donations may be made to the Nora M. Nulf family.

LAVON ZUBER
1915-2006
ANTWERP – Lavon Zuber, 91, of Antwerp, died Wednesday, June 21, in Fort Wayne. Dooley Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

JUANITA LONG
1921-2006
PAULDING — Juanita A. Long, 85, died at 3:25 a.m., Thursday, June 29, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
She was born Jan. 24, 1921, in Paulding County, the daughter of Charles and Revah (Clemens) Taner. On June 23, 1943, she married Russell L. Long, who survives. She was a member of the Friends United Methodist Church in Latty, where she served as secretary, and she was a member of the United Methodist Women’s Club.
Also surviving are a son, James R. (Stephanie) Long of Haviland; three daughters, Linda Prill of Gainesboro, Tenn., Marilyn (Darrel) Rhoad of Scott, and Barbara (Gene) Gribble of Oakwood; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Dale, Donald, and Robert Taner; and two sisters, Dorothy Mees and Mildred Stafford.
Services were held Saturday, July 1, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with Pastor Deb Frysinger officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Donations may be made to the Friends United Methodist Church, Latty.

GOLDIE BENNETT
1931-2006
DEFIANCE — Goldie Ida Bennett, 75, of Defiance, died at 11:02 a.m. Friday, July 7, at the Defiance Regional Medical Center.
She was born Feb. 17, 1931 in Defiance, the daughter of William W. and Christina (Parmenter) Ball, who both preceded her in death. On Nov. 18, 1950, she married William L. Bennett, who preceded her in death on Sept. 25, 1989. She was a former employee of Dinner Bell Foods, retiring in 1978. She was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church and a member of the U.A.W. #211 Retiree Club.
Surviving are two sons, David Bennett and Ronald (Jackie) Bennett; two sisters, Sylvia (Dean) Young and Dolena (Carroll) Bergman, all of Defiance; three grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and a brother-in-law, Mike Bennett.
Also preceding her in death were a son, Rex Allen Bennett; six brothers, Roy, Pete, Torrence, Nelson, Junior and Martin Ball; and a sister, Mary E. Ball.
Services were held Tuesday, July 11, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance, with the Rev. Donald L. Luhring officiating. Burial was in the Riverview Cemetery, Defiance. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the St. John Lutheran Church or the Defiance County Senior Center.

ROBERT DIEHL SR.
1916-2006
HICKSVILLE — Robert E. Diehl Sr., 90, died Monday, July 3, at Harborside Healthcare in Defiance.
He was born Jan. 22, 1916, in Mark Township, Defiance County, the son of Emmet and Elva (Platter) Diehl. He married Marian Eileen Allen on Dec. 18, 1934, in Fort Wayne, and she survives. He was a member of the Mark Center United Methodist Church.
Bob loved sports. He was the captain of the 1934 Mark Center High School basketball team that lost to the Waterloo Wonders in the Ohio Class B state finals. He coached the Mark Center Little League team in the Four Square Conference that included Sherwood, Ney and Farmer. He also coached the Jericho Road boys softball team in a Hicksville league. He was also an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team.
A man of the earth, he was a farmer and cattle dealer. He also operated a milk route, delivering Mark Center area farmer’s milk to Defiance Milk Products and the Defiance Dairy. Later, he drove a Swift and Company semi-trailer truck, hauling ice cream from Defiance to as far as New York City.
He also loved horses and often competed in heavy weight horse pulling contests with his Belgians. After retirement, he owned and trained pacers well into his seventies.
Also surviving are two sons, Robert Edwin, Jr. (Rita) of Cadillac, Mich. and Jim (Nancy) of Rochester, Minn.; two daughters, Sharon (Steve) Sierer of Oakwood and Mary Ann Eck of Auburn, Ind.; two sisters, Mary Walters of Sherwood and Hazel Jones of Mark Center; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two grandchildren; a brother, Terry; and two sisters, Irene Diehl and Lorene Wesche.
Services were held Friday, July 7, at Smith and Brown Funeral Home in Hicksville with the Rev. Tom Graves and Pastor Bob Parker officiating. Burial was in the Forest Home Cemetery in Hicksville.
Preferred memorials are to the Harborside Activity Department.

JOYCE JEWELL
1945-2005
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Joyce E. (Flint) Jewell, 59, a former Paulding County resident, died Oct. 12, 2005 at Memorial Hospital in Pembroke Pines, Fla.
She was born Dec. 29, 1945, in Latty, the daughter of Leo and Martha (McDougal) Flint, who both preceded her in death.
Surviving are two daughters, Tona Morhart (Mike) Hornbostel of Fort Wayne and Joette Jewell (Kyle) Fox of Payne; two sisters, Leah (John) Boundy of St. Charles, Mo. and Betty (Don) Vogel of Angola, Ind.; two brothers, Dale (Sue) Flint of New Haven, Ind. and Daniel (Laurie) Flint of Fort Wayne; and six grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were two brothers, Theodore and Wilbur Flint.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 15 at Hedges Cemetery, Paulding County. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

LILLIAN GRIFFITH
1930-2006
OAKWOOD — Lillian A. Griffith, 76, Oakwood, died Saturday, July 8. Heitmeyer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

MAY LUCE
1918-2006
NORTH PORT, Fla. — May Pearl Luce, 88, formerly of Paulding, died Sunday, July 2, at the Pine Brook Rehab-Nursing Center in Venice, Fla., where she had resided for three years.
She was born March 18, 1918, in Indianapolis, the daughter of William and Lena May (Techenbrock) Moiser. On Jan. 21, 1942, she married Floyd Raymond Luce, who preceded her in death on Nov. 25, 1988.
She is survived by two sons, John R. Luce of North Port, Fla. and William (Ann) Luce of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Janette Rae Barneclo of Indianapolis; a sister, Doris Warfield of Venice, Fla.; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a granddaughter, Dawn Axsom.
Services were held Saturday, July 8, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial was in the Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to the choice of the donor or to hospice.

WILLIAM MARCH
1950-2006
PAULDING — William J. “Bill” March, 56, died Wednesday, July 5, at his residence.
He was born Jan. 2, 1950, in Paulding County, the son of Levere “Bud” and Patricia D. (Manley) March. He was a self-employed exterminator and a U.S. Marine serving during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a member of the VFW Post #587, Paulding, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2405, Paulding.
He is survived by his father, Levere (Helen V.) March of Defiance; a sister, Sheila (Dave) Moore of Paulding; and a niece, Tracey (Michael) Stahl, also of Paulding.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia D. Proxmire; his stepfather, Darell Proxmire; and a nephew, Brian Moore.
Services were held Monday, July 10, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

GLEN PATE
1923-2006
VAN WERT — Glen L. Pate, 83, of Van Wert, died at 1:50 a.m. Saturday, July 8. Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

LYDIA SEIDERS
1911-2006
PAULDING — Lydia B. Seiders, 94, formerly of Fort Wayne, died Friday, June 30, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born July 9, 1911, in Paulding County, the daughter of Bert and Effie (Rider) Keith. On Dec. 9, 1933, she married Franklin J. Seiders, who preceded her in death Aug. 9, 1978. She was a homemaker and a member of the former St. Paul United Methodist Church of Fort Wayne, where she was also a member of the United Methodist Women Society.
Surviving are a daughter, Rosalie (Richard) Todd of Paulding; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a brother, Clarence Keith.
Services were held Monday, July 3, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with Pastor Gene Yenser officiating. Burial was in the Ridge Cemetery, Van Wert County.
Preferred memorials are to the Dallas Lamb Foundation home in Payne.

MARTHA SIMINDINGER
1927-2006
GROVER HILL — Martha Verdene Lehman Simindinger, 79, of rural Grover Hill went to be with her Lord at 11:40 a.m. Monday, July 3, at the Van Wert County Hospital.
She was born Jan. 3, 1927, in Van Wert, the daughter of Elza and Pearlie (McMichael) Pease, who both preceded her in death. She married Paul Smith, who preceded her in death. She married Donald J. Lehman, who preceded her in death on Jan. 31, 1992. She married Kenneth I. Simindinger, who survives. She taught piano lessons for many years and played for several churches, most recently the First Friends Church in Van Wert.
She is also survived by a son, David (Brenda) Smith of Van Wert; a daughter, Marty (Brett) Gardner, Van Wert; stepchildren, Danny (Judy) Lehman of Springfield, Diane (Dick) Jenkins of Elida, Dave (Judy) Lehman of Texas, Dennis Lehman of Tenn., Debbie (Mark) Ainsworth of Ohio City, Virgil (Theresa) Simindinger of Van Wert, Jerry Simindinger of Cloverdale, Terry Simindinger of Grover Hill, and Gale (Lisa) Simindinger of Van Wert; a sister, Virginia Ewersen of Port Clinton; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were two daughters, Mary Ann Smith and Donna Kay Lehman; and a brother, Erwin Pease.
Services were held Friday, July 8, at Cowan and Son Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Keith Stuck of the First Friends Church officiating. Burial was in the Middle Creek Cemetery, near Grover Hill.

LINDA SNEIDER
1943-2006
PAULDING — Linda L. Sneider, 63, died at 4 a.m. Saturday, July 8, at the Laurels of Defiance.
She was born Jan. 10, 1943, the daughter of John C. and Virginia (Bashore) Smith, who both preceded her in death. In 1965, she married John David Sneider, who preceded her in death in 2000. She was a homemaker and attended the Bible Baptist Church in Grover Hill.
Surviving are two daughters, Virginia Sneider of Paulding and Margaret (Dale) Austin of Defiance; three brothers, Richard (Chris) Smith of Killen, Ala., John David Smith and James (Cheryl) Smith, both of Defiance; and two grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, July 12, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with Pastor Pat Holt officiating. Burial will be in Cooper Cemetery, Paulding.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

DONNA TEMPLE
1920-2006
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Donna F. (Stoller) Tempel, 86, passed away on Thursday, July 6.
Donna was born May 30, 1920, in Paulding, the daughter of Samuel and Forrest (Collins) Stoller.
Donna resided in Scottsdale, Ariz. since 1962. During her life, Donna held many titles; however, the one she treasured most was wife and mother. In 1939, she married John E. Tempel, who preceded her in death.
Donna is survived by their three children, James (Barbara) Tempel of Douglas, Ariz., Jeanette (Raymond) Thomas of Tempe, Ariz., and Marlyn Tempel of Paulding; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
As a longtime member of the St. Daniel’s Catholic Church in Scottsdale, a Memorial Mass was held there on Tuesday, July 11. The arrangements were made by the Messinger Indian School Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of the donor’s choice.

BERTHA WILSON
1911-2006
PAYNE — Bertha G. Wilson, 95, died at 3:42 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at the Paulding County Hospital.
She was born March 30, 1911, in Payne, the daughter of A.J. and Eva (Pepiot) Wannemacher. On Dec. 27, 1932, she married Duward R. Wilson, who preceded her in death on Nov. 2, 1996. She was a sales clerk for L.S. Ayres and the former Wolf & Dessauer. She was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Payne.
She is survived by two daughters, Beverly Amstutz of Payne and Marilyn (Charles) Mills of Jacksonville, Tenn.; a son, Philip (Linda) Wilson of Huntertown, Ind.; two sisters, Mary Litzenberg, Payne and Sister Germaine Wannemacher of Tiffin; two brothers, Richard (Mildred) Wannemacher and Robert (Dorothy) Wannemacher, both of Payne; 16 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were six brothers, Herman, Louis, John, Alphons, Charles and Bernard Wannemacher; four sisters, Sharon and Eva Wannemacher, Helen McBain and Teresa Trabel; and a grandchild, Steven Wilson.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, July 8, at St. John the Baptist Church in Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the St. John the Baptist Church Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Home Health Care.

EILEEN HUEBNER
1912-2006
PAYNE — Eileen M. Huebner, 94, died at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born May 9, 1912, in Paulding County, the daughter of Earl and Grace (Wald) Preston. On Nov. 29, 1941, she married Paul J. Huebner, who preceded her in death on March 24, 1999. She was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Briceton and was a beautician in Payne and Paulding for ten years.
Surviving are three sons, Earl (Tina) Huebner of Antwerp, Lynn (Judy) Huebner of Van Wert, and John Huebner of Payne; a brother, Clayton (Imogene) Preston of Ligonier, Ind.; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a sister, Wilma Simon.
Services were held Monday, July 17, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Briceton, with the Rev. Joseph Allen officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding was in charge of the arrangements.
Donations may be made to the St. John Lutheran Church in Briceton.

VELVA LINN
NEW HAVEN — Velva Mildred Linn, 92, of New Haven, died Friday, July 14, 2006, at the Harborside Healthcare in New Haven.
The Paulding native was a member of the First Christian Church in Fort Wayne.
Surviving are a sister, Mabel Linn of Paulding; and nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Carl D. Linn, in 1993.
Services were held Tuesday, July 18, at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home in New Haven. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to the First Christian Church, 6116 South Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, Ind. or to Heartland Hospice, 1315 Directors Row, Fort Wayne.

ALICE WOLFORD
1933-2006
HAVILAND – Alice L. Wolford, age 72, died Monday, July 10, at the Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, Ga.
She was born Aug. 4, 1933, in Paulding County, the daughter of Forrest “Peck” and Naomi (Grubaugh) Williamson. On Dec. 1, 1957, she married Dwight R. Wolford, who survives in Haviland. She was a graduate of Bowling Green State University, majoring in music and a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority. She was a former music teacher for the Ohio City Liberty Schools, Williams County Elementary School System, Ayersville School System, and the Delphos Jefferson School. She was an avid goat raiser.
Also surviving are two sons, Richard Craig Wolford of Broughton, and John David Wolford, Kennesaw, Ga.; three sisters, Leah A. (Robert) Smith of Payne, Lois A. Williamson of Toledo, and Joan E. Wallace, Dundee, Mich.; two nieces, Marilyn (Roger) Johnson of Archbold, and June Wallace, Munith, Mich.; a nephew, Terry Smith, Payne; and three great-nieces, Jennifer Bowman, and Janell and Jessica Smith, Payne.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services were held Friday, July 14 at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Pleasant View Cemetery, Haviland.
Preferred memorials are to the National Diabetes Foundation.

CHARLES DUNHAM SR.
1914-2006
PAULDING — Charles W. Dunham Sr., 92, died at 4:15 a.m., Monday, July 17, at the Paulding County Hospital.
He was born June 8, 1914, in Paulding County, the son of Walter H. and Minnie (Byrd) Dunham. In 1938, he married Laura (Schlatter) Dunham who preceded him in death on Sept. 25, 1998. He was a member of the Latty Apostolic Christian Church, a self-employed fuel distributor and farmer.
Surviving are four sons, Walter (Opal) of Van Wert, Dale (LaBeth) of Grand Rapids, Mich., Byron (Jody) and Charles (Debra) Dunham Jr., of Haviland; two daughters, Lydia Doershler of Payne and Elizabeth Dunham of Fort Wayne; a brother, Delmar (Wilma) Dunham of Britton, Mich.; two sisters, Helen Beech, of Mich. and Kathryn Lucas of Paulding; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were four sisters and four brothers.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-9 p.m., today, Wednesday, July 19, at the Latty Apostolic Christian Church Fellowship Hall and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 20, at the Latty Apostolic Christian Church in Latty. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding are in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred donations may be made to the Gideon’s International or Apostolic Christian World Relief.

JUNIOR AL WILLIAMS
1924-2006
OAKWOOD — Junior “Al” Williams, 81, of Oakwood, died at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, July 16, at his residence, following a brief illness.
He was born Dec. 24, 1924, in Oakwood, the son of Alonzo and Emma (Grimes) Williams. On May 3, 1947, he married Helen (Harris) Williams who survives in Oakwood, and was his partner for 59 years. He was a WW II Army veteran, where he was stationed in Japan and New Guinea from 1943-1946. He retired from General Motors in 1987.
He was a life member of the Paulding V.F.W. Post #587, a member of the American Legion Giltz Brown Post #341, and a member of the Local Union #211.
He was a former council member and fireman of Oakwood. He coached girls softball for 15 years and was a member of the Free Christian Church of God in Continental.
He is also survived by two daughters, Dian (Dan) Okuly of Defiance and Tonda (Jack) Colwell, Mich.; four grandchildren, Jeff (Hope) Okuly and Steve (Kim) Spangler, all of Ayersville, and Angie Knoll and Chris Colwell of Muskegon, Mich.; six great-grandchildren, Cassie, Danielle, and Samantha Okuly and Allison Weber, all of Ayersville, and Zack and Kara Knoll of Muskegon, Mich.; a step great-grandson, Matthew Spangler of Adrian, Mich.; two brothers, Harold (Ruth) Williams and Carl (Nancy) Williams, both of Oakwood; two sisters, Gladys Klein of Defiance and Joyce (Bill) Buchanan of Belleview; and two special friends, Alycia and Brandon Adkins.
Preceding him in death were three brothers, Glen, Bill, and Richard Williams; and three sisters, Mary Copsey, Grace Thrasher, and Lucille Williams.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., today, Wednesday, July 19, at the Free Christian Church of God in Continental with the Rev. James Fry officiating, with visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Prairie Chapel Cemetery in Oakwood with military rites performed by the Oakwood American Legion and the Paulding V.F.W. Post #587. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood are in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Hospice or to the donor’s choice.

JOAN ANSPAUGH
1948-2006
EDON – Joan H. Anspaugh, 57, of rural Edon, died Tuesday afternoon, July 18, in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, following an illness.
She was born Sept. 3, 1948 at Bryan, the daughter of Anna B. (Mach) and Richard E. Anspaugh. She was a lifelong area resident. A 1966 graduate of Edon High School, she also was a graduate of Elkhart Institute of Technology in Elkhart, Ind. She retired in 1999 as medical records director at Paulding County Hospital, where she had been employed for 30 years. An active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Edon, where she had served on the Church Council, she also was a member of the Friendship Circle, Mary-Martha Society, Altar Guild and Women of the Church. She had volunteered as a reading mentor with the Edon Schools.
Surviving are four sisters, Shirley Anspaugh and Carol (Ric) Brandt, both of Edon, Helen (Gary) Crudele of Stow, and Linda (John) Clark Jr. of Bryan; seven nephews, Scott (Rosie) Brandt of Angola, Adam (Amy) Brandt of Edon, Matthew Brandt of Blakeslee, Jeremy Anspaugh of Montpelier, and Benjamin, Jesse and Casey Clark, all of Bryan; and three great-nieces and three great-nephews, Kaitlyn, Sarah, Ryan, Kyle, Levi and Alea.
She was preceded in death by her father in 1983, her mother in 1995, and a brother Norman in 1986.
Services were held Friday, July 21, in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Edon with the Rev. Clayton J. Bailey officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Montpelier. Wilson-Geesey Funeral Home in Montpelier was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the church.

RAYMOND GRAY
1921-2006
PAULDING: Raymond A. Gray, 84, died at 6:52 a.m. Sunday, July 23, at the Paulding County Hospital.
He was born Dec. 5, 1921, in Payne, the son of Sharon “Sherm” C. and Nora S. (Lehman) Gray. On Dec. 15, 1947, he married Vera Marie Hill, who survives in Paulding. He was a W.W.II Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He was also a member and a deacon of the First Christian Church, Paulding, a truck driver for Schwerman Trucking, retiring in 1981, and a member of Paulding V.F.W. Post #587.
Also surviving are a daughter, Ruth Ann (Carl) Lemmerbrock, Harper, Texas; a sister, Caroline Goodwin, Hillard, Ohio; and a grandson, Christopher W. (Kristine) Waaland, of Tuscaloosa, Ala.
He was preceded in death by a son, William Gray; and three brothers, John, Clifford, and Clarence Gray.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, July 26, with visiting hours one hour prior to services at the First Christian Church, Paulding. Jim Stinehelfer Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding with military graveside rites provided by V.F.W. Post #587. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding is in charge of the arrangements.
Donations may be made to the First Christian Church, Paulding.

ELAINE SCHLEGEL
1928-2006
CECIL – Elaine P. Schlegel, age 78, died at 2:25 a.m. Tuesday, July 18, at the Laurels of Defiance.
She was born Feb. 20, 1928, in Riverside, Calif., the daughter of Pete and Mary (Miranda) Garbani. On May 11, 1945, she married Vurlaon “Bill” Schlegel, who preceded her in death in 2001. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding, was a bus driver for the Paulding Exempted Village School System, and a former treasurer of P.E.R.I. of Paulding County.
She is survived by three sons, Larry (Ellen) Schlegel of Paulding, Sonny Schlegel of Cecil, and Butch (Amy) Schlegel, Defiance; two brothers, Leo Garbani, Temecula, Calif., and Pete Garbani, Canyon City, Colo.; 14 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Gloria Whited; two grandsons; and a great-granddaughter.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, July 21, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding County Senior Center or Paulding Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice.

DALE VANCE
1921-2006
PAULDING — Dale C. Vance, 85, of Paulding, died Sunday, July 23, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding.
He was born June 30, 1921, the son of Oscar and Matilda (Leidy) Vance. On Oct. 14, 1942, he married Marie W. Knapp, who preceded him in death on Oct. 6, 2000. He was employed by the Paulding Highway Department, retiring in 1986, and was previously employed by the former Phlipot Garage. He was a member of the Friends United Methodist Church in Latty.
Surviving are three sons, Robert (Linda) Vance, Bill (Patty) Vance, and David Vance, all of Paulding; three daughters, Connie Starkey and Patty (Bill) Darrow, both of Bryan, and Janet (Bill) Lawson of Fort Wayne; a brother, Gene Vance of Paulding; 16 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Tom Vance; three brothers, Ray, Harlin and Bob Vance; a sister, Olive Delong; one grandson; and two great-granddaughters.
Hours of visitation will be from 4-9 p.m. today, July 26, and one hour prior to the services, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 27, at Den Herder Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery in Paulding.
Donations may be made to the Friends United Methodist Church, Latty.

ESTHER NICKOLS
1917-2006
PAULDING — Esther Marie Nickols, 89, died Monday, July 24, at the Calvary Manor Nursing home in Glandorf.
She was born Feb. 14, 1917, in Scott, the daughter of Clarence and Clemmie (Lemmons) Cotterman. On Jan. 18, 1937, she married Justus W. Nickols, who preceded her in death on June 8, 1981.
Surviving are three sons, Richard (Janis) Nickols and Chuck (Marcy) Nickols, both of Paulding and Everett (Joyce) Nickols of Oakwood; a daughter, Norma Bodenbender of Cloverdale; 18 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by three brothers, David F. Cotterman, twin brothers, Ray and Roy Cotterman; and a granddaughter, Brenda Frankart.
Services were held Friday, July 28, at the Paulding Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Kim Semran and Pastor James Fry officiating. Burial was in the Hedges Cemetery, Paulding County. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Donations may be made to the Paulding Church of the Nazarene.

LYNN PRICE
1937-2006
BREVARD, N.C. – Lynn Price died Sunday, July 23, in his home after a long illness.
He was born Aug. 28, 1937 in Paulding, the son of Don and Edna Price.
A graduate of Wittenberg University, he began his career in marketing in Fort Wayne with Reddi-Wip. After seven years, he began a 25-year, six-state regional management career with Carnation (Nestle) Company, which took his family to Monroe, Mich., where they resided for 33 years. He and his wife retired to Brevard in 2002. He was active in Scouting as a boy, a father and a grandfather. He earned Scouting’s highest rank, the Eagle Scout award, and continued his active participation, first as a Cubmaster and then as a Scoutmaster.
He was very active in his local Lutheran churches, serving on councils and as the social ministry coordinator. The churches were well-served by his renowned organizational skills. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years.
He was an avid outdoorsman all his life. It must also be noted that he was a true dog lover, who will be missed greatly his his companion Maggie, a black Lab. He volunteered many years as a pet therapist in a local nursing home.
Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Roberta Stickler Price of Brevard; two sons, Commander David Price (USNR) and his wife Stephanie of Saranac, Mich., and Lt. Col. Jeffrey Price (USAF) and his wife Sherry of Lakeridge, Va.; one daughter, Leigh Ellen (Michael) Theres of Middletown, R.I.; seven grandchildren, Miriam, Judith and Abigail Price, Andrew and Austin Price, and Olivia and Nicholas Theres; a sister, Jeannine (Lloyd) Lehman of Van Wert; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bart and David; and an infant daughter, Jennifer.
A memorial service will be held Monday, Aug. 7 at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Brevard, with the Rev. Richard Handschin officiation.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society, or to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

HERMANN WIEBE
DEFIANCE – Hermann Wiebe, 83, died Saturday, July 29. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance was in charge of arrangements.

DORIS BIDDLE
1932-2006
ANTWERP — Doris Ann Biddle, 73, of Antwerp, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 1, at her residence.
She was born Oct. 16, 1932, in Ripley, Ohio, the daughter of Henry and Ruby (Bradford) Minton, who both preceded her in death. In 1960, she married Joe Biddle, who preceded her in death on Jan. 28, 1993. She retired from Meijers in Fort Wayne, where she served as a loss prevention officer. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Antwerp and a member of the Antwerp American Legion Auxiliary Post #253.
She will be sadly missed by two daughters, Charlene Geyer of Antwerp and Sheryl Roth of Fort Wayne; a son, Joseph Biddle of Suwanee, Ga.; a stepdaughter, Patricia Rush of Fort Payne, Ga.; two sisters, Linda Doyle of Aberdeen, Ohio and Eileen Sexton of Russellville, Ohio; two brothers, Denver Minton of Belleair Bluffs, Fla. and Ronnie Minton of Ripley, Ohio; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Jane Minton and Marlene Doyle.
Services were held Saturday, Aug. 5, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, where the Rev. Jim Edwards officiated. She was laid to rest at the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.
Preferred memorials are to the Antwerp First Baptist Church.
Online condolences may be sent to www.dooleyfuneralhome.com.

SHIRLEY KILLIAN
1954-2006
HICKSVILLE – Shirley (King) Killian, age 52, died at her home Tuesday, Aug. 1.
Shirley was born Feb. 12, 1954 in Fort Wayne, the daughter of William R. and Mary (Fry) King. On June 18, 1983, Shirley was united in marriage to Derrill Killian, who survives. She graduated from Wayne Trace High School with the class of 1972. She earned her bachelor of music degree from Heidelberg College in 1976 and in 2002 she earned her master’s of education in classroom technology from Bowling Green State University. She was the music teacher in the Central Local School District focusing on the elementary music program.
She was a member of the St. Jacob’s United Church of Christ, Payne. She was very involved in the Ohio Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, being awarded the Outstanding Junior in 1985, the Colonial Dames XVII Century, being awarded the Outstanding Junior, Daughters of 1812 and Daughters of the Civil War. Shirley was active in the Huber Opera House restoration, the Paulding and Hicksville Historical Society and served as a 4-H adviser for the Hicksville Go-Getters Club. She was a member of the N.E.A. and a genealogist.
Also surviving are her mother, Mary, of Payne; two sons, Warren of Ada and Anthony of Columbus; a brother, Bruce (Laura) King of Pemberville; and her mother-in-law, Kathryn Killian of Hicksville.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents; her father; a brother, Robert; a sister, Diane, and an infant sister.
Services were held Saturday, Aug. 5 at St. Jacob’s United Church of Christ in Payne, with the Rev. James Langham officiating. Private burial will take place at Six Corners Cemetery, Hicksville. Smith & Brown Funeral Home, Hicksville, was in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.

NANCY OLDS
1953-2006
CONTINENTAL – Nancy J. Olds, 53, died at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, at her residence.
She was born June 30, 1953 in Auburn, Ind., the daughter of Raymond and Mary Alice (Camp) Olds. She was a member of the Continental United Methodist Church.
Surviving are three brothers, Bob (Sharon F.) Olds of North Creek, Tom (Sharon S.) Olds of Continental, and Jerry (Gingeretta) Olds of Paulding; and several nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew, Tommy Olds Jr.
Services were held Monday, Aug. 7, at Continental United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Greg Wack officiating. Burial was in Center Cemetery in Leipsic. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations will be applied toward the funeral.
Condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

MARYLENE “JO”
TAYLOR
1921-2006
ANTWERP – Marylene Taylor, age 85, of Antwerp, passed away Thursday, Aug. 3 at the residence of her daughter.
She was born on Jan. 30, 1921, in Delphos, the daughter of the late William and Dora (Overmeyer) Matzen. Her husband Ralph passed away on Oct. 9, 2005.
Marylene graduated from Delphos Jefferson High School in 1939. She worked as a clerk at the dry cleaners and post office. She enjoyed sewing and polka dancing and was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Antwerp.
She is survived by her daughter, Ellouise “JoJo” and son-in-law Alvin Copsey of Antwerp; a granddaughter, Joyce; four great-grandchildren; sisters Valera Beacon of Celina, and Ethel Noble of Medin, Mass.; and a brother, Carl Matzen of Lima.
She also was was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Josette; sisters Thelma Matzen, Irene Matzen, Esther Sites and Irma Doctor; and brothers Vernon, Kenneth and Wilber Matzen.
Services were held Monday, Aug. 7 at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with Deacon Robert Nighswander officiating. She was laid to rest at Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp.
Memorial contributions may be made to Paulding Hospice or the Antwerp EMS.
Condolences may be left at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com.

MAUDE TUOHY
1912-2006
DEFIANCE — Maude A. Tuohy, 93, Defiance, died Friday, Aug. 4. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

DORIS BIDDLE
1932-2006
ANTWERP — Doris Ann Biddle, 73, of Antwerp, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 1, at her residence.
She was born Oct. 16, 1932, in Ripley, Ohio, the daughter of Henry and Ruby (Bradford) Minton, who both preceded her in death. In 1960, she married Joe Biddle, who preceded her in death on Jan. 28, 1993. She retired from Meijers in Fort Wayne, where she served as a loss prevention officer. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Antwerp and a member of the Antwerp American Legion Auxiliary Post #253.
She will be sadly missed by two daughters, Charlene Geyer of Antwerp and Sheryl Roth of Fort Wayne; a son, Joseph Biddle of Suwanee, Ga.; a stepdaughter, Patricia Rush of Fort Payne, Ga.; two sisters, Linda Doyle of Aberdeen, Ohio and Eileen Sexton of Russellville, Ohio; two brothers, Denver Minton of Belleair Bluffs, Fla. and Ronnie Minton of Ripley, Ohio; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Jane Minton and Marlene Doyle.
Services were held Saturday, Aug. 5, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, where the Rev. Jim Edwards officiated. She was laid to rest at the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.
Preferred memorials are to the Antwerp First Baptist Church.
Online condolences may be sent to www.dooleyfuneralhome.com.

PATRICIA McINTIRE
1927-2006
PAULDING – Patricia McIntire, 78, of Paulding, died at 2:40 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, at her home.
She was born Aug. 25, 1927 in Van Wert, the daughter of Walter and Ilo (Boroff) Conley. She married Vernon McIntire, who preceded her in death.
Surviving are a daughter, Beverly Vogel; a son, Ken Haines; a sister, Donna Martz; two brothers, Marion and Dale Conley; two grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Ilo Conley and Betty Shobe; and two brothers, Walter Conley Jr. and Clarence Conley.
Services were held Saturday, Aug. 12, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert. Internment was in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding County Hospice-The Caring Way.

MICHAEL FILLMAN
1953-2006
THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. — Michael J. Fillman, 52, of Thermopolis, Wyo., died Saturday evening, Aug. 12, at the Hot Springs County Community Hospital in Thermopolis, following a long battle with cancer.
He was born Aug. 30, 1953, in Defiance, the son of Bill and Monica (Justinger) Fillman, who both survive in Defiance. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1971, where he played tuba in the band and was the wrestling manager.
In 1981, he moved to Thermopolis, Wyo. In December of 1981, he married Helen Bachellor of Defiance, who survives in Thermopolis, Wyo. To this union Adele was born in 1984 and Agusta in 1986, who also survive, in Thermopolis.
He was employed on the oil rigs for approximately 21 years, and also worked for SST, CAZA, Neighbors, Barnhart and various other oil companies. He was a member of the St. Francis Catholic Church in Thermopolis. He enjoyed fishing, reading, cooking and telling a tall tale.
Also surviving are two brothers, the Rev. G. Allan Fillman of Paulding and Pat (Martha) Fillman of Sherwood; a sister-in-law, Greta (Tom) Porter of Defiance; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, William.
Services were held Thursday, Aug. 17, at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Thermopolis, with Father Dennis Cloonan officiating. A rosary was recited Aug. 16, at the church. A memorial mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 24, at St. Isadore Catholic Church at The Bend.

VIRGINIA GRAHAM
1924-2006
PAYNE — Virginia “Lamb” Graham, 81, died at 8:55 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Aug. 19, 1924, in Payne, the daughter of Otto G. and Cecile R. (Lamb) Henschen. On July 7, 1942, she married Charles M. Graham, who preceded her in death on Feb. 1, 1999.
She is survived by a son, Larry (Brenda) Graham of Payne; two daughters, Catherine A. (Phillip) Steffen of Churubusco, Ind., and Sharon (Mark) Coovert of Indianapolis; a brother, John (Jane) Henschen of Payne; and six grandchildren.
Services were held Tuesday, Aug. 22, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with Don Coughlin officiating. Burial was in the Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Donations may be made to the Payne EMS.

MAX MERCER
1927-2006
CONVOY — Max Crawford Mercer, 78, of Convoy, died at 7:50 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born Dec. 23, 1927, in Ridge Township, Van Wert County, the son of James L. and Roberta A. (Crawford) Mercer. He attended the Ohio City Liberty High School. On May 27, 1945, he married Ilo Shindeldecker, who survives. They had recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.
He was a retired farmer and the co-owner of Village Granary in Convoy. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Middle Point, where he served as council president, a 14 year member of the Van Wert County Fairboard, Farmers Mutual Insurance Board, and was a member of Van Wert Camp of Gideon’s International, Farm Bureau Council 3A.
Also surviving are two sons, Richard L. (Beverly) of rural Ohio City and Donald B. (Evelyn) Mercer of Antwerp; two daughters, Diane E. (Robert) Coleman of Findlay and Barbara (Steve) Wilson of Convoy; a brother, Kenneth L. Mercer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Max C. Mercer on March 31, 1996.
Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 21, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Middle Point with Thomas L. Cover officiating. Burial was in Ridge Cemetery in Van Wert County. Cowan and Son Funeral Home in Van Wert was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Gideon’s or to Trinity Lutheran Church.

LILLIE TROTTER
1917-2006
PAULDING — Lillie Trotter, 88, died Friday, Aug. 11, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born Oct. 10, 1917, in Hope, Ark., the daughter of Maple Graves.
Surviving are a son, Curtis Lawrence of Defiance; grandchildren, Jackie (Lawrence) Summerville of Fort Wayne, Amanda Lawrence of Paulding, Marsha Lawrence, Dayton, and Romerol Lawrence of Defiance; a step-grandson, Mike Wright of Paulding; and seven great-grandchildren of Paulding and Defiance.
She was preceded in death by a grandchild, Equilla Lawrence.
There will be no visitation or services. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is handling the arrangements.

MONICA WILSON
1932-2006
PAULDING — Monica L. Wilson, 73, died Sunday, Aug. 20, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Aug. 31, 1932, in Paulding, the daughter of George W. and Louise “Sal” Reinhart, who both preceded her in death. On Jan. 26, 1952, she married Richard A. Wilson, who survives. She graduated from Paulding High school in 1950 and was the owner/operator of the former Polar Cone Drive Inn for 18 1/2 years. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church.
She was a member of the Paulding Exempted Village School Board for two terms, Paulding County Hospital Board for two terms, Paulding County Board of Elections, Paulding County Democratic Party Chairman, and a volunteer for Paulding County Hospital.
Also surviving are four sons, Bill (Suzy) Wilson of Troy, Ohio, Tony (Kathy) Wilson of Paulding, Mike (friend, Michael Greene) Wilson of Berkley, Calif., and Nick Wilson of Chicago; four daughters, Annette Wilson of Boston, Rita (Michael) Gray, Columbus, Suzanne Serrato of Toledo, and Amy (friend, Tim Harrison) Wilson of Fort Wayne; two brothers, Robert (Rosie) Reinhart of Paulding and Fred (Carol) Reinhart of Tallahassee, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Bev Reinhart of Tempe, Ariz; 11 grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
Also preceding her in death were a sister, Martha Wilhelm; two brothers, John J. and Stephen G. Reinhart; and an infant brother.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., with a rosary service at 8 p.m., today, Wednesday, Aug. 23 at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 24, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial will be in the Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding.
Preferred memorials may be made to the Bill Gates Foundation or to the Paulding County Hospital Foundation.

KAY BAKER
1937-2006
PAULDING – Kay L. Baker, age 68, died Tuesday, Aug. 22, at the Lutheran Hospital of Indiana.
She was born Sept. 22, 1937, in Bad Axe, Mich., the daughter of Ewald E. and Vera E. (Decker) Beyer. On April 12, 1975, she married David J. Baker, who preceded her in death on Sept. 30, 1983. She was the 1955 valedictorian for Pigeon High School, Pigeon, Mich. She was a secretary-bookkeeper-receptionist for Cook-Troth-Burkard Law Firm, Paulding, retiring in 2002, after 25 years. She was a member and treasurer of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paulding, where she was also a member of the Rachel Circle,
She is survived by a son, James Siewert, Pigeon, Mich.; two daughters, Beth (Les) Swartzendruber of Bay Port, Mich., and Stacie (companion, Mark Harris) Siewert, Haviland; a brother, Jerry (Linda) Beyer, Bay Port, Mich.; a sister, JoAnn (Alvin) Abbot, Pigeon, Mich.; and 10 grandchildren, Stephanie Kretzschmer, Kellie, Michael, Jeremy, Courtney and Cpl. Nicholas Siewert, Justin, Brandon and Janelle Swartzendruber, and Aaron Harris.
She also was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 25 at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Pastor Mary Beth Smith Webb officiating. Burial was in Paulding Memorial Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to St. Paul Evangelical Church or the Rachel Circle.

HELEN  DAEGER
1918-2006
PAULDING – Helen L. Daeger, age 87, of Paulding, passed away at 3:05 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, at Hawthorn Court, Paulding.
Born in Continental on Nov. 26, 1918,  she was the daughter of the late Corbin and Clara (Anderson) Sullivan. She was a homemaker and a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding. She had been a volunteer at Paulding County Hospital.
She will be sadly missed by her daughter,  Mary Ellen (Jerry) Walk of Antwerp; sons,  Michael (Marilyn) Daeger of Sun City, Fla. and  Randy (Pam) Daeger of Paulding; a daughter-in-law, Ann Waldman of Paulding; sisters, Mary Elizabeth Hiltner of North Creek and Jeanie Plummer of Ottawa; a sister-in-law, Eloise Sullivan of Continental;
10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Dick; a brother, Roy Sullivan; and a great-grandson Bo Chamberlain.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, Aug. 26 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. She was laid to rest at Pleasant Grove  Cemetery, Paulding. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of arrangements.
In her memory, contributions may be made to the Bo Hunter Chamberlain Scholarship Fund or Paulding County Senior Center.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

RALPH “BUD”
HANENKRATT
1925-2006
PAULDING – Ralph R. “Bud” Hanenkratt, 80, died Monday, Aug. 21 at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne.
He was born Sept. 12, 1925 in Paulding County, the son of Ralph Cress and Eva Lenore (Dowell) Hanenkratt. On May 11, 1947, he married Mary Louise Vandenbrouck, who preceded him in death on Sept. 15, 2004. He was a member of the former Immaculate Conception Church, Cecil. He was a WWII Navy veteran, serving in the Pacific. He established and operated Hanenkratt Plumbing and was an avid modeler of airplanes and boats.
Surviving are four sons, Michael (Barbara) Hanenkratt of Tampa, Fla.,David (Marcia) Hanenkratt of Bryan, Cress (Karen) Hanenkratt of New Haven, and Kevin (Beverly) Hanenkratt of Paulding; a daughter, Karen Vance, Bryan; two sisters, Celeste (William) Scheurich of Paulding and Wanda (Robert) Rosebrock, Defiance; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by a brother, William; a sister, Esther Payne; an infant brother, Ralph; and an infant sister, Rose Marie.
A memorial service was held Friday, Aug. 25, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Live Oak Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Disabled American Veterans or the American Cancer Society.

SYLVIA LAMBERT
1925-2006
OAKWOOD — Sylvia Lambert, 80, Oakwood, died Sunday, Aug. 27. Heitmeyer Funeral Home was in charge of local arrangements.

MENTRA ROSS
1928-2006
VAN WERT – Mentra H. Ross, age 78, died at 12:55 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at Lima Memorial Hospital.
She was born Aug. 6, 1928 in Scott, the daughter of Earl and Bernice (Waller) Beech. She had worked at the former Weatherhead Corp. in Antwerp and the United Telephone Co. in Van Wert. She was a member of the former Van Wert Eagles Aerie 886 Auxiliary, Van Wert VFW Auxiliary 5803, and American Legion Auxiliary 178, and was an avid crocheter and noodle maker.
Surviving are her children, Lester “Butch” (Sandy) Fisher of Van Wert; Diana Mace of Van Wert; Brenda (Kevin) Welker of Van Wert; and Beth (Larry) Offerle of Broughton; a brother, Harold (LuAnn) Beech of Scott; 13 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Charles Mace; a brother Hobart Beech; and a sister, Donna Foust.
Services were held Thursday, Aug. 24 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial was in Scott Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to agfh@bright.net.

NOLEN SHAFFER
1927-2006
OAKWOOD — Nolen E. Shaffer, 78, of Oakwood, died at 8:40 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, at Lima Memorial Hospital.
He was born Sept. 10, 1927, in Paulding County, the son of Lee and Loma (Clear) Shaffer, who both preceded him in death. On Sept. 18, 1948, he married Edna M. Klingler, who survives. He was employed by the Dana Weatherhead Corporation in Antwerp and was also a farmer. He was a member of the Auglaize Chapel Church of God, Defiance VFW #3360, Defiance Moose #2094, AmVets #1991, and the Defiance Eagles #372.
Also surviving are four sons, Danny N. (Julie) Shaffer of Melrose, Jerry (Kimberly) and Ronnie Shaffer, both of Grover Hill, and Jimmy Shaffer of Paulding; a daughter, Peggy Carnahan, also of Grover Hill; one brother, Raymond Shaffer of Melrose; two sisters, Violet Harman of Oakwood and Mildred Sherry of Payne; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Ray Shaffer; and a brother, Lloyd Shaffer.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Aug. 30, at the Auglaize Chapel Church of God, with Pastor Stan Harmon officiating. Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com.

JOHN ZARTMAN
1937-2006
PAYNE — John Edward Zartman, 69, died Friday, Aug. 25, at his residence in Payne.
He was born Aug. 24, 1937, in Latty, the son of Harold W. and Viola C. (Matthews) Zartman Sr., who both preceded him in death. He retired from Taylor-Made Glass as a supervisor of maintenance, following 40 years of service.
He is survived by a son, Brian (Jenny) Zartman of Paulding; two grandchildren, Brandon and Madison Zartman, also of Paulding; six brothers, Harold (Margie) Zartman Jr. of Payne, Wesley Zartman of Hicksville, Bill (Edith) Zartman of Antwerp, Larry (Carol) Zartman of Sherwood, Lennis Zartman and Dean (Jeanette) Miller, also of Payne; and six sisters, Katherine Figley, Denene Yenser, Hilda Lyons, Olive Dinger, Genevieve Hoaglin, and Edith Mills, all of Payne.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Ervin Zartman and two sisters, Theia and Erma Zartman.
Services were held Tuesday, Aug. 29, at the Payne Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Michael Harper officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Payne EMS.

EVELYN ALLENSWORTH
1916-2006
PAULDING – Evelyn M. Allensworth, 90, of Paulding, died Thursday, Aug. 31, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
She was born Jan. 22, 1916, in Bowling Green, the daughter of Joyce and Erba (Cline) Shuman. In 1935, she married Alden F. “Doc” Allensworth, who preceded her in death on May 2, 1996. She was a member of the Paulding United Methodist Church, and the United Methodist Women Club.
She was a sales clerk for the former Cassel Jewelry Store, Paulding, member of the former Corona Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star #95, Paulding, a charter member of the John Paulding Historical Society, and the Friends of the Library, Paulding.
She is survived by a son, John (Diane) Allensworth, Snellville, Ga; two granddaughters, Elaine (Steven Meyers) Allensworth, Chicago, Ill, and Elizabeth (Brian) Winters, Madison, Ind.; and three great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a brother, Arnold Shuman.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 5, at the Paulding United Methodist Church, Paulding, with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. An Eastern Star service was held Monday evening.
Burial was in the Memorial Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding was in charge of the arrangements.
Donations may be made to the Friends of the Library; Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund; or Paulding United Methodist Church.

VIOLET ROBINSON
1911-2006
CHANDLER, Ariz. – Violet Robinson died Aug. 22 in Chandler, Ariz.
She was born Nov. 1, 1911, the daughter of Isaac Wesley and Ella (Wyatt) Wartenbe of Hicksville. After her marriage on Sept. 21, 1928 to Frank Noneman, widowed father of Edward and Virginia, they lived in Paulding, where their five other children were born. She was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church while living in Paulding.
A talented and award-winning artist in oil, Violet painted many beautiful landscapes inspired by the farms, rivers and seasonally changing trees of Ohio, and after moving to Arizona in 1982 near her beloved Superstition Mountains, she mostly painted Southwestern scenes. Her artistry is greatly admired and her paintings are in homes all across America. Violet also played the piano until recent years and always liked to sing. She was known to have a keen sense of humor and was sharp mentally to the very end.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Frank Noneman, in May 1961; and her second husband of 23 years, Bill Robinson in February 1987.
Violet was welcomed into our heavenly home by her son, Master Sgt. Robert Paul Noneman, Paulding County’s first Korean war casualty (March 1951) and her daughters, Phyllis Ann Potts (October 1963) and Virginia Ruth Burns (November 2002).
Surviving are children Edward (Edith) Noneman of California, John (Gloria) Noneman of Dallas, Rose Mary Carnahan of Chandler, Ariz., Kerilyn (Lewis) Erne of North Carolina, the children and grandchildren of her deceased daughters Phyllis and Virginia, and stepchildren Tom Robinson of Hedges, JoAnn Fitzwater of Continental, and Kenneth (Judy) Robinson of Paulding.
Bunker University Chapel in Mesa, Ariz., was in charge of arrangements.

VIOLET ROBINSON
1911-2006
CHANDLER, Ariz. – Violet Robinson died Aug. 22 in Chandler, Ariz.
She was born Nov. 1, 1911, the daughter of Isaac Wesley and Ella (Wyatt) Wartenbe of Hicksville. After her marriage on Sept. 21, 1928 to Frank Noneman, widowed father of Edward and Virginia, they lived in Paulding, where their five other children were born. She was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church while living in Paulding.
A talented and award-winning artist in oil, Violet painted many beautiful landscapes inspired by the farms, rivers and seasonally changing trees of Ohio, and after moving to Arizona in 1982 near her beloved Superstition Mountains, she mostly painted Southwestern scenes. Her artistry is greatly admired and her paintings are in homes all across America. Violet also played the piano until recent years and always liked to sing. She was known to have a keen sense of humor and was sharp mentally to the very end.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Frank Noneman, in May 1961; and her second husband of 23 years, Bill Robinson in February 1987.
Violet was welcomed into our heavenly home by her son, Master Sgt. Robert Paul Noneman, Paulding County’s first Korean war casualty (March 1951) and her daughters, Phyllis Ann Potts (October 1963) and Virginia Ruth Burns (November 2002).
Surviving are children Edward (Edith) Noneman of California, John (Gloria) Noneman of Dallas, Rose Mary Carnahan of Chandler, Ariz., Kerilyn (Lewis) Erne of North Carolina, the children and grandchildren of her deceased daughters Phyllis and Virginia, and stepchildren Tom Robinson of Hedges, JoAnn Fitzwater of Continental, and Kenneth (Judy) Robinson of Paulding.
Bunker University Chapel in Mesa, Ariz., was in charge of arrangements.

HELEN THOMAS
1915-2006
OAKWOOD — Helen E. Varner Thomas, 91, died at 11:22 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, at the Country Inn Enhanced Living Center, Latty.
She was born May 6, 1915, in Oakwood, the daughter of Walter C. and Melvia (Wolff) Harmon. On Jan. 11, 1936, she married Fred E. Varner, who preceded her in death on July 30, 1942. On Feb. 18, 1946, she married David Thomas who preceded her in death Nov. 2, 1970. She was a clerk for Risley’s Drug Store of Oakwood for 25 years, retiring in 1976. She was a member of the Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Oakwood.
She is survived by a daughter, Barbara Ott of Findlay; a son, Fred “Bill” (Linda) Varner of Paulding; a stepson, Donald (Jean) Thomas of Continental; a step daughter, Thelma Thomas of Fort Wayne; 11 grandchildren; four step grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; five step great- grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Also preceding her in death was a son, Roger Varner; a grandson, Ronald Varner; and two half-brothers, Floyd Harmon and Bernard Brown.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Oakwood, with Pastor C. Michael Brown officiating. Burial will be in the Sherman Cemetery in Oakwood.
Hours of visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., today, Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses/Hospice, Country Inn Enhanced Living Center, or the Cornerstone United Methodist Church.

JOSEPH WHITE
1979-2006
OAKWOOD — Joseph White, 27, Oakwood, died Friday, Sept. 1. Heitmeyer Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

LAWRENCE MIELKE
ANTWERP — Lawrence A. Mielke, 85, died Friday, Sept. 8, 2006 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

DANA RODRIQUEZ
1955-2006
PAULDING — Dana F. Rodriquez, 50, died at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Sept. 25, 1955, in Defiance, the daughter of William and Frieda A. (Bostater) Emerling, who both preceded her in death. In 1990, she married George C. Rodriquez Sr., who preceded her in death in 1996. She was a welder at Midwest Stamping for fifteen years and a member of the Paulding Eagles.
She is survived by two sons, Corey and Troy Rodriquez, both of Paulding; a granddaughter, Ashlin Marie Rodriquez; three brothers, Ronnie Emerling of Defiance, Dick of Paulding, and Darwin of Covington, Ky.; and two sisters, Gloria Hostettler and Cheryl Johnson, both of Defiance.
Also preceding her in death were two brothers, Leonard Eugene Emerling and Larry Dean Emerling.
Services were held Tuesday, Sept. 12, at the Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance, with the Rev. Ronald Hofacker officiating. Burial was in Hedges Cemetery, Paulding County.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

JEFF STOUT
ANTWERP — Jeff Stout, 50, of Antwerp, died Friday, Sept. 8, 2006 at his residence.

JOHN TAYLOR
ANTWERP — John M. Taylor, 63, of Antwerp and Greenville, Tenn., died Friday, Sept. 8, 2006 at his son’s residence.

BRANDON BERMEJO
1983-2006
PAULDING — Brandon J. Bermejo, 23, died Monday, Sept. 11, at his residence.
He was born Aug. 11, 1983, in Paulding, the son of Timothy P. and Lisa A. (Martinez) Bermejo, who survive. He was a graduate of Paulding High School and was employed at Spartech Plastics in Paulding.
Also surviving are a brother, Devan Bermejo, Paulding; a sister, DeLeona Miller of Indiana; maternal grandparents Nick and Lupe Martinez and paternal grandparents Jesse and Ernestine Moreno, all of Paulding; and his girlfriend, Melissa Bassler and son, Kaden Bassler, also of Paulding.
Services were held Friday, Sept. 15, at the Den Herder Funeral Home with Deacon Rosalio Martinez officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Memorials may be sent to the Melissa Bassler Family in care of Den Herder Funeral Home.

IRIS GALLAGHER
1907-2006
PAULDING – Iris Free Gallagher, age 99, departed this life Sunday, Sept. 17.
She was born June 26, 1907, in York Township, Fulton County, Ohio, the only child of Ira and Octavia (Miller) Free. A 1925 graduate of Wauseon High School, she met her future husband, Glenn A. Gallagher, when they opposed one another in a debate contest.
She received a bachelor of arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1929, where she was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, and did post graduate work at Bowling Green State University and Adrian College. She then began her 35-year teaching career in Mansfield.
She married Glenn in 1932, and they spent more than 54 years together before his death in 1986. They had one son, Paul. The couple moved to Paulding in 1934 to open the Iris Bake Shop on the south side of the square, which soon became an important part of her life for 56 years. She taught school at Latty High School (principal for 3 years) and then for 30 years taught literature and various other subjects at Paulding High School, where she organized the Paulding High School Honor Society and served as its advisor and coached school plays.
Always the educator, she also found time to organize the Paulding Woman’s Club in 1935, and was a member of the Bay View Reading Club and the Paulding Book Review Club. She served as president of the Music Mothers’ Club in 1949, and since retirement had been a member of the Paulding County Retired Teachers Hall of Fame. After retirement from teaching she was director of the Paulding County Carnegie Library for five years. She was a life member of the John Paulding Historical Society.
In 1939, she became a member of the Corona Chapter Number 95, Order of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron five times, Deputy Grand Matron in 1954, Grand Representative of Virginia in Ohio 1966-1969, and Aide to the Most Worthy Grand Matron in 1976.
She was a member of the Paulding United Methodist Church for many years and also a member of the United Methodist Church in Rollin Center, Mich., where she spent most weekends at a lake home. She served as organist at both churches for a total 65 years.
She embarked on a lifelong love of world travel on July 1, 1932, when she set sail with a group of fellow teachers on the White Star Liner “Olympic,” sister ship of the “Titanic,” for an extended tour of Europe. Her last overseas trip was made when she was 89, and in her lifetime she visited 75 countries on seven continents. For her 93rd birthday she went on a 10-mile scooter ride. In 2001, she was named grand marshal of the John Paulding Days Parade.
She is survived by her son, Paul Gallagher of Paulding, and every student she mentored and encouraged to excel.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. today, Sept. 20, at Den Herder Funeral Home with the Rev. Craig Pillow officiating. Eastern Star services will be held at the same time. Burial will be in Zion Cemetery, Fulton County.
Donations maybe made to John Paulding Historical Society.

ZYLPHA SHISLER
1918-2006
OAKWOOD — Zylpha Shisler, 87, died at 10:15 a.m., Monday, Sept. 18, at the Paradise Oaks Quality Care Center in Cloverdale.
She was born Nov. 14, 1918, in Arthur, the daughter of John and Cora (Kleinhen) Andrews. She was a 1936 graduate of Oakwood High School. On March 14, 1942, she married Delbert Shisler, who preceded her in death Oct. 30, 1994. She retired in 1974 from a mink ranch that she operated with her husband for 27 years.
She was a member of the Cornerstone United Methodist Church, member of OMBA, Defiance Historical Society, New and Better Method Club, charter member of the Black Swamp Audubon Society, John Paulding Historical Society, and a life time member of the Putnam County Historical Society.
She is survived by a sister, Dorothy Knoop of Defiance.
Also preceding her in death were four brothers, Walter, Miland, Vern, and John Andrews; and a sister, Donelda Searles.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Terry Porter officiating. Burial will be in the Prairie Chapel Cemetery, Oakwood.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-8 p.m., today, Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood.
Preferred memorials may be sent to the Oakwood E.M.S., Oakwood Library, or the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com.

LARRY AuFRANCE
1946-2006
OAKWOOD – Larry E. AuFrance, age 60, died at 6:44 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Medical University of Ohio from heart complications due to diabetes.
He was born March 10, 1946 in Paulding County, the son of Louis and Dorothy (DeLong) AuFrance. In 1968, he married Vicki Fulmer. He was a tow motor driver, life insurance salesman, and the former owner/operator of V&L Motors and Parts. He was a member of the Oakwood Arbor 759 and the Free Christian Church of God, Continental.
He is survived by his wife Vicki AuFrance, Oakwood; A daughter, Tami AuFrance, Oakwood; A son, Robert AuFrance, Forest City, Iowa; and A sister LaDonna (Bill) Carpenter, Oakwood.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Andy R AuFrance in 1988.
Funeral services were Monday, Sept. 25, at the Free Christian Church of God, Continental, with the Rev. James Fry officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

RAYMOND
MULLEN
1927-2006
SCOTT — Raymond E. Mullen, 79, Scott, died Tuesday, Sept. 19.

JERRY NOLL
1927-2006
ANTWERP – Charles Gerald Noll, 78, Antwerp, died Tuesday, Sept. 19.

CARL SHANER
1917-2006
OAKWOOD – Carl E. Shaner, age 88, died Tuesday, Sept. 19, at his residence.
He was born Oct. 14, 1917, in Paulding County, the son of Fred and Grace (Kipfer) Shaner. In 1939, he married Martha “Kate” Winters, who preceded him in death on Sept. 7, 1997. He was a WWII Army veteran and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was employed by General Electric of Fort Wayne, retiring in 1977, after 35 years. He was a member of the Antwerp VFW Post #5087, and the National D.A.V.
He is survived by two children, Julia Michael, of Columbus, and Rex (Catherine) Shaner, of Antwerp; a sister, Anabet Cotterman of Van Wert; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.
He also was preceded in death by three brothers, Ralph, Richard and Jack Shaner.
Services were held Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. VFW Post #5087 provided military services. Burial was in Hedges Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund.

MAUDIE FUNK
1918-2006
GRAND RAPIDS — Maudie F. Funk, 88, Oakwood, died Thursday, Sept. 28.

PHILIP PERL
1949-2006
OAKWOOD — Philip L. Perl, 57, died Saturday afternoon, Sept. 30, at his residence in Oakwood.
He was born May 26, 1949 in Paulding, the son of the late Richard Perl and Fannie Shafer of Van Wert. On Aug. 31, 1996, he married Jennifer Pessefall, who survives. He was employed at the Dilly Door Company for 16 years and was previously a horse trainer from 1965-1990 throughout the country. He was a member of the Cornerstone United Methodist Church of Oakwood.
Also surviving are four sons, Michael Harris of Rochester, N.Y., Craig (Erin) Harris of Genesseo, N.Y., Logan C. and Carsen P. Perl, both at home; two daughters, Teresa (Don) Michaels of Homer City, Pa. and Alivia Perl, at home; five brothers, Robert (JoAnn) Perl of Paulding, Gail (Judy) Perl of Van Wert, Paul (Bert) Perl, Dave (Doris) Perl and Rich (Marsha) Perl, all of Paulding; two sisters, Melody (Denny) Peffley of Butler, Ind. and Phylis Perl of Nicholasville, Ky.; and five grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Willard, and a sister, Nancy Perl.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Oct. 4, at the Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Oakwood with the Rev. Mike Brown officiating. There will be visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will follow at the Sherman Cemetery in Brown Township. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home, Defiance, is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be directed toward the education fund of Logan, Carsen and Alivia Perl.

DEAN
POLLARD
1924-2006
HICKSVILLE — Dean A. Pollard, 82, died at 4:05 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at his residence.
He was born June 28, 1924, the son of Grover C. and Lovina (Long) Pollard. He was a WWII Navy veteran serving aboard the U.S.S. Helm from April 1944 to February 1946. He was a heavy equipment supervisor for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, retiring in 1986. He was a member of the Paulding VFW Post #587, Paulding F.O.E. #2405, and Bryan Moose Lodge 1064.
He is survived by a son, Charles (Karen) Pollard of Paulding; three daughters, Beverly (Allen) Grant of Bryan, Marsha (Charles) Hill and Diane (Kenny) Wolfrum, both of Sherwood; two sisters, Altha Reighter and Kathryn Shrider, both of Paulding; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Wayne and Ronald Pollard; and a sister, Alice Philpot.
Visitation hours will be from 2-9 p.m. today, Oct. 4, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Paulding Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Harold Suman officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Defiance Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice or to the Paulding Church of the Nazarene.

LINDA PRAUL
1954-2006
HICKSVILLE – Linda Kay Praul, age 51, died Monday, Sept. 25, at Community Memorial Hospital, Hicksville.
Linda was born Dec. 23, 1954 the daughter of Maurice and Goldie (Kadesch) Bidlack in Paulding. She was a 1973 graduate of Paulding High School. On Oct. 10, 2000, she was united in marriage to Allen Praul, who survives. Linda was employed at Cooper Industries in Hicksville. She enjoyed working in the yard, gardening, baking and was a collector of cows. She loved spending time with her family.
Also surviving are a son, Jeff Wappelhorst, Hicksville; and two sisters, Carolyn (Larry) LaRue of Steele, Ala., and Marilyn (John) Jackman of Defiance.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, David Bidlack.
There is no funeral service scheduled. Smith & Brown Funeral Home, Hicksville, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.

NINA MYERS
1919-2006
DEFIANCE — Nina B. Myers, 86, of Defiance, died at 9:51 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Brookview Healthcare Center in Defiance.
She was born Nov. 20, 1919, in Coldwater, Mich., the daughter of W. Ray and Alva (Peppers) Burch. In 1936 she married Wayne Myers, who preceded her in death in 1984. In 1986 she married Sam Houston who also preceded her in death in 1996. She was a waitress at the Flamingo Restaurant and the Vagabond Restaurant. She was a member of the Paulding Senior Center and the Nazarene Church in Paulding.
Surviving are two sons, Wayne Myers Jr. of Defiance and Steven F. “Floyd” Myers of Lancaster, S.C.; two daughters, Sue (Jerry) Hatfield of Carl Junction, Mo. and Ann May of Paulding; two brothers, Siebert and Frank; and three sisters, Neva, Genevieve and Mildred; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a son, David Myers who died in infancy; and two grandchildren.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 5 at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 6 at the Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home, Defiance, with the Rev. Dan Cook officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the choice of the donor.

DONALD PIERCE
2006
ANTWERP — Donald Pierce, 60, Antwerp, died Sunday, Oct. 1.

DOROTHY BARNES
1934-2006
PAULDING — Dorothy M. Barnes, 72, died Tuesday, Oct. 3, at Brookview Healthcare Center in Defiance.
She was born July 27, 1934, in Continental, the daughter of Ottis and Mabel (Mansfield) Purdue, who both preceded her in death. On April 15, 1954, she married Charles G. Barnes, who survives in Paulding. She was a member of the Melrose United Methodist Church.
She is also survived by two daughters, Brenda (Dean) Weasel of McClure and Tina (Donald) Bright of Amberg, Wis.; two sons, Christopher Barnes of Paulding and Leo Barnes of Goshen, Ind.; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Services were held Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with Pastor Robert Parker officiating. Burial was in Sherman Cemetery, Paulding County.
Preferred memorials are to be made to the Melrose United Methodist Church or to the donor’s choice.

SARAH BAIR
1920-2006
BRYAN — Sarah E. Bair, 86, of Bryan passed away Friday, Oct. 6, at the Community Hospital and Wellness Center of Archbold.
She was born Jan. 17, 1920, in Findlay, the daughter of Paul and Barbara (Poe) Barkimer. she married Samuel J. Bair who preceded her in death on Oct. 26, 1972. She was a homemaker and a member of the New Hope Community Church in Bryan, where she was a part of the Women’s Missionary Fellowship.
She is survived by three daughters, Miriam Oswalt of Swanton, Elaine (Michael) Worman of Industry, Ill., and Marilyn Guilford of Hicksville; two sons, Carl (Phyllis) Bair of St. Petersburg, Fla. and Neil Bair of Bryan; two sisters, Martha Riley of St, David, Ariz, and Naomi Weaver of Plainville, Mich.; a brother, Keith Barkimer of Albuquerque, N.M.; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a son, Jerry Bair.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., today, Wednesday, Oct. 11 at the New Hope Community Church, with the Rev. George Kreger officiating. Burial will follow at 3 p.m., at the Sherman Cemetery near Charloe. Burr Funeral Home and Crematory are in charge of the arrangements.
Gifts in loving memory of Sarah E. Bair may be given to the new Hope Community Church, Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers Hospice Program, the Community Pregnancy Centers in Bryan or an agency of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family and the online guestbook may be signed at www.burrfh.com.

THOMAS JACKSON
1931-2006
SHERWOOD — Thomas F. Jackson, 74, died Sunday, Oct. 8.

MARY WIRICK
1923-2006
BEAVER DAM, Wis. — Mary E. Wirick, 83, of Beaver Dam, Wis. and formerly of Palmer, Alaska, died Saturday, Oct. 7, at her residence.
She was born June 17, 1923, in Antwerp, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Nagy) Luliak. On Dec. 6, 1941, she married Robert W. Wirick, who preceded her in death. She was a member of St. Katherine Drexel Parish in Beaver Dam, Wis. She was the “best cook” and enjoyed painting and doing crafts.
Surviving are her children, Judy(Clem) Neher of Beaver Dam, MaryLou (Dave) Birkmire of Mo., Patrick (Linda) Wirick of Ohio, Rita (Jay) Miller of Ind., and Peg Simon also of Ohio; a brother, John (Andrea) Luliak of Fla.; a sister, Helen Richardson of Ohio; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
She was also preceded in death by two sisters; and a grandson, Andrew Neher.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., today, Wednesday, Oct. 11 at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, Wis., with the Rev. Father John Schreiter officiating.
Hours of visitation will be at 10 a.m., today, one hour prior to services. Inurnment will be at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaver Dam, Wis.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Hillside Hospice Care of Dodge Health Foundation, 711 S. University Ave., Beaver Dam, Wis., 53916.

PETE CARNAHAN
1929-2006
PAULDING — F. Paul “Pete” Carnahan, 77, passed away at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born Aug. 2, 1929, in Oakwood, the son of Frank and Gail (Stouffer) Carnahan, who both preceded him in death. He moved to Paulding in his early years.
In 1949 he married Bernice “Buzz” Boham who survives. He always worked in heavy equipment, mostly operating a bulldozer for Mid Central Operating Engineers. He retired in 1994 working on Interstate 469 bypass in Indiana. He served as Paulding County Sheriff from 1969-1972 and was an active member of the Paulding United Methodist Church.
He is survived by a son, Jerry (Pauline) Carnahan of Wichita, Kan.; a daughter, Vicki (Ron) Kadesch of Paulding; seven grandchildren, Jason Carnahan, Paulding, Nathan, Luke and Katie of Wichita, Liza Scanland of Seattle, and Kody and Kassi Kadesch of Paulding; 11 great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Ann Freshwater, Elizabeth (Gene) Goodenough and Eleanore (Don) Fellers, all of Paulding, and Dorothy Lothamer, Fort Wayne.
Also preceding him in death were five sisters, Evelyn Andrews, Avilda Williams, Laura Marvin, Jesse Stauffer and Sara English.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at the Paulding United Methodist Church, Paulding, with Pastor Ben Lowell officiating. Burial will be in Paulding Memorial Cemetery, Paulding, at a later date.
Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and one hour prior to services on Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the Pete Carnahan family requests memorials may be made to Paulding United Methodist Church Fellowship Building Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.

WILLIAM CROW
1923-2006
PAYNE — William H. Crow, 83, Payne, died Sunday, Oct. 8.

HELEN SOBIECK
1932-2006
SHERWOOD — Helen Ruth Sobieck, 74, died at 6:32 a.m., Friday, Oct. 13, at the Defiance Regional Medical Center.
She was born Feb. 9, 1932, in Paulding County, the daughter of Robert and Wilma (Smith) Goodenough, who both preceded her in death. On July 2, 1949, she married William W. Sobieck, who survives. She was employed by Dana Weatherhead for 20 years, retiring in 1991.
Also surviving are two daughters, Helen Jean (Jim) McGlaughlin, Hicksville and Sandra Sue (Richard) Conley, Defiance; three sons, William D. Sobieck and Kelley Dean Sobieck, both of Sherwood, and Richard E. Sobieck of Knightsville, Ind.; two sisters, Doris Edwards of Fontana, Calif and Phyllis (Larry) Retcher of Holgate; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Roberta.
Services were held Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with Pastor Kathleen Riley officiating. Burial was in the Rochester Cemetery, Cecil.
Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

ROSE MARY YOH
1930-2006
PAULDING – Rose Mary Yoh, age 76, died at 6:40 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Paulding County Hospital.
She was born March 19, 1930, in Defiance County, the daughter of George C. and Margerite (Steel) Bussing. On May 16, 1947, she married Robert E. Yoh, who survives. She was a homemaker.
Also surviving are two sons, Jerry Yoh, Oakwood, and Robert L. Yoh, Defiance; two daughters, Mary Jo (Conrad) Mansfield, Paulding, and Susan Yoh (Henry Dobbelaere), Oakwood; four brothers, Michael Bussing of Fayette, Richard and Paul Bussing, Defiance, and George Bussing, Paulding; four sisters, Shirley Andrew of Napoleon, Pat Miller of Sherwood, Carol Brown of Oakwood, and Pam Shawver, Paulding; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Robert Bussing; a sister, Betty Jean Blevens; infant sister, Janet Kay Bussing; and a granddaughter, Dawn Smith.
Funeral services were conducted Monday, Oct. 16, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood.
Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

MARCUS ASHBA
1958-2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The family of Marcus Ashba mourns his passing.
Born Aug. 16, 1958 to Opal and Jack Ashba in Anderson, Ind., he entered into rest Sept. 30, surrounded by his family.
He was formerly employed at General Electric and worshipped at Genesis Church. He was a 1977 graduate of Wayne Trace High School.
He was the loving husband of Meg Ashba; devoted father to Zechariah, Elijah, Josiah, Isaiah, Brianna, and Olivia Ashba.
His memory will be cherished by his mother, Opal Ashba; his brother, Andrew Ashba all of Woodburn; and a sister, Cheryl Saylor of Haviland.
He will be reunited in the presence of our Heavenly Father with his dad, Jack Ashba.
Services were held Oct. 3, at Genesis Church in Bloomington, with pastor Dave Woodcock officiating. Interment was in the Valhalla Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the Genesis Church, 801 East SR 45/46 Bypass, Bloomington, Ind.
Online condolences may be sent to www.forevercare.org.

TWYLAH FITZWATER
1913-2006
DEFIANCE – Twylah E. Fitzwater, 93, Defiance, died Tuesday, Oct. 17.

RUTH PORTMAN
2006
WOODBURN — Ruth G. Portman, 97, of Woodburn, died Tuesday, Oct. 17 at the Dallas Lamb Foundation in Payne.
She was born in Payne to William and Estella Price. She was a member of the Westwood Fellowship Church, a charter member of the Maumee Valley Home Economics Club, and the Woodburn Quest Club.
She is survived by her children, Lois Windemuth of Louisville, Ohio, Stanley Portman of Fort Wayne, six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Portman; a son, David Portman; and four brothers, Homer F., Trenton O., John N., and Kenneth H. Price.
Services were held Friday, Oct. 20, at the E. Harper and Son Funeral Home in New Haven. Burial was in the Mennonite Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Dallas Lamb Foundation.

DORIS MERICLE
1931-2006
PAULDING – Doris A. Mericle, 74, died at 6:50 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23 at Mercy Hospital in Defiance.
She was born Dec. 27, 1931, in Paulding, the daughter of William and Mabel (Graham) Reinhart. On Jan. 17, 1951, she married David Beltz, who died in Korea on May 29, 1951. In 1953, she married M.L. “Pete” Mericle, who preceded her in death on June 11, 2003.
She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding. She was a sales clerk for the former Lynallin Stores in Paulding, and owner/operator of the former East Side Market in Paulding. She was employed by McDonald’s of Paulding for 10 years, and assisted the assistant activity director at the Laurels of Defiance.
She is survived by four sons, Mike (Debra) Mericle of Paulding, and Kristofer, Patrick and Jerry (Marsha) Mericle, all of Fort Wayne; four daughters, Janice (David) Kaylor of Antwerp, Ronni Sue Mericle of Hicksville, Mary Ann (Jimi) Powell of Paulding, and Kathleen (Greg) Mericle-Adkins of Cecil; a sister, Elladean (Pete) McVay of Leesburg, Fla., 18 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Vernon and Howard Reinhart.
Funeral services were Friday, Oct. 27 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding with the Rev. Herman Scherger officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Paulding County.
Donations may be made to the Laurels of Defiance Activity Fund or St. Joseph Catholic Church.

CHUCK BURTCH
1924-2006
PAULDING — Charles B. “Chuck” Burtch, 82, died at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
He was born March 12, 1924, in Paulding, the son of James and Esther L. (Schmidt) Burtch. In 1951 he married Ruth Ann Roth, who preceded him in death in 1965. In 1969, he married Helen R. Weisheit, who survives. He was a veteran of the Merchant Marines. He was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Church, Paulding, where he served on the church council, was past president of the Men’s Group, and superintendent of Sunday School.
He was employed by the State of Ohio as district manager of the Department of Taxation, retiring in 1984. He served on the Paulding Cemetery Board, was a member of PERI and was a member and past chairman of the Paulding County Republican Party.
Also surviving are four sons, Charles (Trish) Burtch Jr. of Fishers, Ind., Steven (Lynn) Burtch, Great Falls, Mont., David (Ingrid) Burica, McCall, Idaho, and Timothy Burica, of New York City; two daughters, Cynthia (Tim) Burtch-Fraser of Van Wert and Cathleen Scott of West Chester, Ohio; two brothers, Tom (Dorothy) Burtch of Rockford and Karl (Joan) Burtch of Paulding; three sisters, Sally Coon and Barbara Rhode, both of Paulding, and Janet Choler of Elkhart, Ind.; nine grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were two brothers, James and David Burtch.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 at St. Paul Evangelical Church, Paulding, with the Rev. Mary Beth Smith Webb officiating. Burial will be in Paulding Memorial Cemetery.
Visitation will be 2-9 p.m. today, Nov. 1, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Gideon’s International, or to St. Paul Evangelical Church.

ELSIE LONG
1915-2006
PAULDING — Elsie Long, 90, died at 9:35 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at her residence.
She was born on Nov. 11, 1915, in Milford, Ind., the daughter of Silas and Priscilla (Kaiser) Riggenbach. On Jan. 29, 1948, she married Arthur (Guy) Long, who preceded her in death on Feb. 1, 1995. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Christian Church, Paulding, and the Christian Women’s Fellowship.
Surviving are two sons, David A. (Nancy) Long of Paulding and Paul R. (Helen) Long of Monroeville, Pa.; a daughter, Joyce (Glen) Stewart of Nashville, Tenn.; a sister, Ethel Cave of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren and two step-grandchildren; John-Paul Stewart, Seattle, Wash., Pamela and Jennifer Long, both of Monroeville, Pa., David J. Long of Bowling Green, Ohio, Jamie Long of Paulding, and Richey and Vickie Vega of Pittsburgh, Pa.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Earl and Richard Riggenbach; and a sister, Ruth Paulus.
Services were held Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the First Christian Church in Paulding, with the Rev. David Meriwether officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding was in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

OTTIS BARTLEY
1935-2006
OAKWOOD — Ottis R. Bartley, 71, of Oakwood, died at 1:30 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 5, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
He was born June 14, 1935, in Pike County, Ky, the son of Orville B. and Delores M. (Clevenger) Bartley, who both preceded him in death. In 1956, he married Carolyn Spangler of Paulding and they later divorced. On Jan. 4, 1984, he married Beverly Tipton of Defiance and they later divorced.
He was retired as a laborer from the Dana Corporation in Antwerp. He was a member of the Pleasantview Missionary Baptist Church in Junction, the Moose Lodge of Defiance, a social member of the VFW in Grover Hill, a member of the Eagles in Defiance, and a social member of the Continental American Legion.
He is survived by five sons, Jeffery and Bronson Bartley both of Cloverdale, Orville Bartley of Grover Hill, Zane and Eugene Bartley, both of Oakwood; three daughters, Deona Kniesley of Defiance, Cheryl Roznovsky of Richmond, Ind., and Delores Bartley of Oakwood; five brothers, Roger D. Bartley of Defiance and Orvil Jr., James A., Jerry R. and Howard B. Bartley, all of Continental; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Allen Bartley; a great-granddaughter; and a brother, Robert E. Bartley.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Pleasantview Missionary Baptist Church in Junction, with Pastor Terry Brock officiating.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today, Nov. 8, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Dupont.
Preferred memorials may go to a charity of the donor’s choice.

DORA BRADBURY
ANTWERP — Dora Jean Bradbury, 66, Antwerp, died Tuesday, Oct. 31.

WALTER WALLS
1916-2006
CONTINENTAL — Walter Walls, 90, of Continental, died Wednesday, Nov. 1.

MICHAEL YEARLING
1947-2006
PAYNE – Michael C. Yearling, age 59, died Saturday, Nov. 4.
He was born Feb. 24, 1947, in Paulding, the son of Carl E. and Betty G. (Gernhardt) Yearling. On Aug. 4, 1973, he married Eunice Keifer, who survives. He was a self-employed farmer. He was a member of Westview Alliance Church, Fort Wayne, where he was a trustee, and a member of the Farm Bureau.
He is survived by his mother, Betty G. Yearling; his wife, Eunice Yearling; a daughter, Jana Yearling; brother, Jack Carl Yearling, all of Payne; and a sister, Ann (Gregg) Kroen, Maitland, Fla.
He is preceded in death by his father.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at the Westview Alliance Church, 9804 Illinois Road, Fort Wayne. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. at Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be from 2-5 and 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at St. James Lutheran Church, Payne, and one hour prior to services at the Westview Alliance Church on Friday.
Donations may be made to Westview Alliance Church.

DANIEL VIELMA
1953-2006
DEFIANCE — Daniel Vielma, 53, died Nov. 6, at the Defiance Regional Medical Center from injuries sustained in a auto-truck accident.

LEONARD MOYER SR.
1917-2006
OAKWOOD — Leonard R. Moyer Sr., 89, died at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 9, at Harborside Healthcare in Defiance.
He was born May 11, 1917, in Bellevue, Ohio, the son of Elmer and Nellie (Pickering) Moyer. On Jan. 29, 1941, he married Betty J. (Schall) Moyer and she preceded him in death on May 16, 1997. He was a maintanence foreman for Allied Mills in Fort Wayne for 32 years. He was a WWII Army Staff Sergeant in Battery C257th Field Artillery Battalion. He was in the Battle of the Bulge receiving four bronze stars. He was a member of the Oakwood American Legion.
He is survived by a son, Leonard “Bob” (Pat) Moyer Jr. of Paulding; a daughter, Carol (Ronald) Shawver, also of Paulding; four sisters, Dolly Auck of Hicksville, Nina DeVore of Temperance, Mich., Ellen Felkey of Hanover, Mich, and Lydia Cole of Sylvania; five grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
Also preceding him in death were two great-granddaughters, Brandi and Shalisa Moyer; four brothers, Ernest, Ray, Lloyd, and an infant brother, Floyd Moyer; and three sisters, Daisy Poole, Ruby Brickner, and an infant sister, Odessa Moyer.
Services were held Monday, Nov. 13, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood. Burial was in the Sherman Cemetery in Oakwood, where military rites were performed by the Oakwood American Legion.
Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

LORETTA HOEFFEL
1911-2006
BUCYRUS — Loretta Hoeffel, 93, of Bucyrus, formerly of Defiance, died at the Mansfield Med Central Hospital on Sunday morning.
She was born Dec. 7, 1911, in Paulding, the daughter of Thomas and Mamie McGrath. On Nov. 26, 1936, she married Clare A. Hoeffel, who preceded her in death on June 2, 1982. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Defiance, and a member of the Kettering and Auglaize Country Clubs. She was a homemaker and enjoyed playing Bridge and traveling.
Surviving are two sons, Paul (Marcia) Hoeffel of Bucyrus and Lee Hoeffel of Geneva, Ohio; a step-sister, Christine (Bud) Laker of Paulding County; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were three brothers, Harry, Charles, and Leo McGrath; and a daughter-in-law, Elaine Hoeffel.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1 p.m., today, Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Defiance, with the Rev. Tim Kummerer officiating. Burial will follow at the Riverside Cemetery in Defiance.
Hours of visitation will be from 11 a.m. until noon at the Mast-Mock-Funeral Home in Defiance.
Memorials may be directed towards a charity of the donor’s choice.

MARLENE ANN
THOMPSON
1936-2006
PAULDING — Marlene Ann Thompson, 70, died at her residence at 4:00 a.m. Monday, Nov. 13.
She was born on July 25, 1936, in New Knoxville, the daughter of Bernard and Olga (Schroer) McCullough, who preceded her in death. On Nov. 22, 1986, she married Robert S. Thompson, who survives.
She worked at Huntington Bank, Pepsi Cola, and later retired from the Paulding County Courthouse. She graduated from New Knoxville High School in 1954. She enjoyed cooking and collecting elephants.
Surviving are three daughters, Sharon McClintock of Ada, Janet (Randy Trayer) Watkins of Ada and Traci Hughes of Spencerville; a son, Brett (Sally) McClintock of Waynesfield; six stepdaughters, Vickie (Larry) Pearce of Stillwell, Kan., Sandy (David) Yahl of St. Marys, Betty (Terry) Terhark of Findlay, Betsy (Ron) Coelho of Lima, Donna (J.R.) Wood of Spring Lake, Mich. and Susan (Randy) Wicker of St. Marys; 22 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bernard “Barney” (Marge) McCullough and Bill (Joanie) McCullough of Florida.
Also preceding her in death were two brothers, John McCullough and Melvin McCullough; and a sister, Phyllis Endicott.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 17, at the Bayliff and Eley Funeral Home, Wapakoneta. Burial is to follow at the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta.
The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m., Thursday at the Bayliff and Eley Funeral Home, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta.
Memorials may be directed towards a charity of the donor’s choice.

EVA GRUNDEN TEMPLE
1914-2006 OAKWOOD — Eva (Grunden) Temple, 92, of Oakwood, died at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Laurels in Defiance.
She was born Aug. 18, 1914, in Paulding, the daughter of Grover and Myrtle (Franklin) Klinger. She married Axel Grunden, who preceded her in death in May 1962. She later married Jack Temple, who also preceded her in death. She was retired from the General Motors Company in Defiance and she was a member of the Dupont Church of the Brethren.
She is survived by a son, Glen (Connie) Grunden of Grover Hill; two daughters, Lois (Chet) Thomas of Oakwood and Phyllis (Fred) Merritte of Paulding; a stepdaughter, Robin Temple of Defiance; a brother, Glen Klinger of Oakwood; one sister, Edna Shaffer of Oakwood; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one stepgrandchild; and two great-stepgrandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a brother, Alva Klinger; and two sisters, Beatrice Link and LaVon Adams.
Services will be held at 10 a.m., today, Wednesday, Nov. 22, at the Dupont Church of the Brethren, with the Rev. Doug Price officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul’s Cemetery in Briceton. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Dupont Church of the Brethren.
You may send online condolences to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com
veteran

MARVEL HARRIS
1909-2006 HAVILAND — Marvel L. Harris, 97, died at 5:55 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the VanCrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.
She was born Feb. 10, 1909, in Continental, the daughter of Hugh and Bessie (Nuttle) Scott. On March 30, 1932, she married Walter Harris, who preceded her in death on Nov. 3, 1991. She was a nurse’s aide at the former Van Rue Castle Nursing Home and a cook at the former Haviland-Scott School. She was also a member of the Air Defense Command Ground Observer Corps.
Surviving are three sons, Terry (Jill) Harris of Haviland, Doyle (Jane) Harris of Van Wert, and John (Mary Ann) Harris of Rockford; a sister, Charlotte Beck of Prescott, Ariz.; a brother, Ralph Scott of Edgerton, Ind.; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were two sons, Donald and Gordon Harris; a daughter, Mary Lou Webster; two brothers, Delbert and Norman Scott; and a sister, Juanita Hohenberger.
Services were held Tuesday, Nov. 21, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial was in the Lehman Cemetery, Payne.
Preferred memorials are to the Scott EMS.

HAROLD ELSTON
1930-2006 PAULDING — Harold C. Elston, 76, died Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born April 19, 1930, in Washington Township, Paulding County, the son of Jesse M. and Myrtle C. (Reed) Elston, who both preceded him in death. On July 22, 1950, he married Jane R. Castle, who survives. He was a lifetime farmer.
Also surviving are two sons, Rick (Karen) Elston, Oakwood, and Steve (Connie) Elston, Paulding; two daughters, Marsha Smith, Paulding, and Pamela (Keith) Myers, Oakwood; a sister, Minota Bidlack, Fort Wayne; 16 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 20 at the Den Herder Funeral Home, with Pastor Earl Chapman officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Paulding.
Donations may be made to American Red Cross or Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.veteran

MARION BIDLACK
1930-2006 GROVER HILL — Marion R. Bidlack, 76, of Grover Hill, died at 9:17 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at his residence.
He was born July 9, 1930, in Roselms, the son of Aaron and Edna M. (McClure) Bidlack. On June 2, 1951, he married Doris W. Bowling, who survives in Grover Hill. He was a retired farmer and a retired laborer from the B.F. Goodrich Company in Woodburn, Ind. He was a U.S. Army veteran, stationed at Eilson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska.
He was a member of the Roselms Christian Church, a member of the United Steel Workers Local #715 in Woodburn, former member at Turkey Fort Dance Club, the Grover Hill VFW Post #2873 and a member of the Farm Bureau.
Also surviving are three sons, Mark (Helen) Bidlack of Paulding, Dean (Betty) Bidlack of Continental, and Todd (Karen) Bidlack of Delphos; a daughter, Jill (David) Bauer of Grover Hill; two brothers, Jim (Connie) Bidlack and R. Paul (Shirley) Bidlack, all of Grover Hill; four sisters, Vera Apfel of Pioneer, Emma (Henry) Rosengarten, Leipsic, Mary (Ray) Hoverman of McComb, and Edna Mae (Dale) Spitnale of Oakwood; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and John Bidlack; and two sisters, Dorothy Thompson and Irene Blythe.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 22, at the Roselms Christian Church in Roselms, with Pastor Gary Church officiating.
Burial will be in the Middle Creek Cemetery with military rites performed by the Grover Hill VFW. Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to a charity of the donor’s choice.

EDITH DURRE
1909-2006 HICKSVILLE – Edith M. Durre, age 97, died on Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne.
She was born on Aug. 13, 1909 in Payne, the daughter of Conrad and Wilhelmina (Zielke) Yearling. She graduated as valedictorian of the Payne High School Class of 1926. She married Edward E. Durre on April 10, 1929. He preceded her in death on May 9, 1962. She was a librarian at Johnson Memorial Library in Hicksville; was member of St. John Lutheran Church in Hicksville, where she was a member of the church council and the L.C.W.; and the Acme Club. She also participated in drama and Charleston dance contests.
She is survived by two daughters, Linda (Harold) Towsley of New Haven, and Carole (the late Max) McDonald, Hicksville; two sons, John (the late Mary Lou) Durre and Ted (Janet) Durre, both of Hicksville; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three brothers and four sisters.
Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 27 at St. John Lutheran Church, Hicksville, with the Rev. Daniel Fugate officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Smith & Brown Funeral Home, Hicksville, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to St. John Lutheran Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

PATSY KELLY
1966-2006 OAKWOOD — Patsy J. Kelly, 62, of Oakwood, died at 3:50 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, at the Paulding County Hospital.
She was born Feb. 13, 1944, in Paulding, the daughter of Jess and Katherine (AuFrance) Price, who both preceded her in death. On July 16, 1966, she married Thomas P. Kelly Sr., who survives in Oakwood. She was a homemaker and a member of C.L.C. at Paulding Council #129.
Also surviving are three sons, Patrick W. (Denise) Kelly of Oakwood, James T. (Tonya) Kelly of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Thomas P. (Brandy) Kelly Jr. of Cloverdale; a sister, Rita Hobeck of Edgerton, Ohio; and five grandchildren.
Services were held Monday, Nov. 27, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Carol Retcher officiating. Burial was in the Prairie Chapel Cemetery, Oakwood.
Preferred memorials are to the Oakwood EMS.
Condolences may be sent to www.lovefuneralhome.com

ALVIN KLOPFENSTEIN
1917-2006 PAULDING – Alvin C. Klopfenstein, age 89, died at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006 at the Country Inn Enhanced Living Center, Paulding. He was born on Aug. 12, 1917 in Paulding County, the son of Edward and Emma (Stoller) Klopfenstein. On Feb. 18, 1950, he married Ellen E. Martin, who survives.
He spent his entire lifetime farming, retiring in 1990. He was a member of the Latty Apostolic Christian Church of Latty. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving during World War II.
Also surviving are two daughters, Ruth (Craig) Stoller of Haviland and Joyce Klopfenstein of Paulding; three sons, Wayne (Carol) Klopfenstein of Peoria, Ill., Lee (Desma) Klopfenstein of Van Wert, and Roy (Deborah) Klopfenstein of Haviland; 25 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Aldean Price, Van Wert; and two brothers, Marvin (Mary) Klopfenstein of Scott and Raymond (Catherine) Klopfenstein of Paulding.
He was preceded in death a son, Larry Klopfenstein; three brothers, Harold and Floren Klopfenstein and an infant brother, Gene; and two sisters, Frances Laidig and an infant sister, Mabel.
Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 27, at the Latty Apostolic Christian Church with church clergymen officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Military graveside rites were conducted by Paulding VFW Post #587. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Morton Home for the Handicap, Morton, Ill.; Apostolic Christian World Relief; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

HELEN BISSELL
1923-2006 PAYNE – R. Helen Bissell, age 83, died Thursday, Nov. 30, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne.
She was born July 5, 1923 in Emerald Township, Paulding County, the daughter of Elmer and Stella (Keck) Devers. On Dec.. 30, 1944, she married Warren H. Bissell Sr., who preceded her in death on Oct. 27, 2001. She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Payne. She was co-owner/operator of the former City Market of Payne, for 35 years, retiring in 1985.
Surviving are a son, Warren H. (Diane) Bissell Jr. of Payne; two daughters, Shelly (Patrick) Brady of Payne and Sally Bissell of Liberty Center; three brothers, Herbert Devers of Port Charlotte, Fla., Richard Devers of South Carolina, and Glen Devers of Piqua; four sisters, Irene Bashore of Paulding, Dean Wilson of St. Petersburg, Fla., Edith Grimes of Defiance and Peg Brown of Anacortes, Wash.; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by five brothers, Ronald “Roy,” Paul “Ray,” Charles, James “Pete” and Robert Devers; and two sisters, Ruby Zartman and infant sister Donna Lillian Devers.
Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 4 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Payne with the Rev. Amy Haines officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the church or Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund.

INEZ KAISER
1926-2006 DEFIANCE — Inez “Ginny” Kaiser, 80, of Defiance, died Sunday, Dec. 3.

NORA MILLER
1920-2006 GRABILL, Ind. — Nora “Jane” Miller. 85, of Grabill, departed on her “Big Trip,” on Sunday, Dec. 3.
She was born Dec. 31, 1920 in Payne, the daughter of Samuel and Berniece Burkley. She was a graduate of the Payne High School class of 1935. She was a longtime member of Taylor Chapel United Methodist Church of Fort Wayne. She retired in 1974 after 12 years with Goodwill Industries. She also transported Amish families in the Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio area, and she was a devoted mother.
Fondly known as the “Peanut Brittle Lady,” she loved making her special recipe during the holidays for family and friends. She was also a Grabill craft vendor for over 30 years.
She is survived by two sons, Larry Miller of Woodburn and Gary (Paula) Miller of Hicksville; four daughters, Bonnie (Don) Van Allen of Grabill, Jo Ann (Michael) Downey of Harlan, Ind., Carol (Bob) Hesse of Woodburn, and Darlene (John) Miller of Grabill; a brother, Jim Burkley of Richmond, Va.; four sisters, Evelyn Thompson of Paulding, Donna Pancake of Convoy, Zela Buerkley of Fort Wayne, and Dorothy Duvall of Toledo; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Art Miller, in 1973; two sons, Darrell in 1939, and Jerry in 1943; and a daughter, Patti in 1944; a step daughter, Mildred Jullirette; two brothers, Marian and Sam Burkley; and a companion of 25 years, Norman Barrett.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., today, Dec. 6, at the D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home with calling one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Highland Park.
Preferred memorials may go to the Taylor Chapel United Methodist Church or Mt. Zion Church in Pleasant Lake, Ind.

GARY KNICELEY
1940-2006 PAULDING — Gary L. Kniceley, 66, died at 10:53 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, following a brief battle with lung cancer.
He was born June 20, 1940, in Detroit, the son of Jack and Evelyn (Leath) Kniceley, who both preceded him in death. On Sept. 14, 1966, he married Lee Conley, who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during Vietnam. He worked at Uniroyal Goodrich in Woodburn serving as a union representative, and holding many different positions. He retired in 1998. He was also a member of the Paulding VFW Post #587 and Paulding Eagles #2405.
He is also survived by a son, Kris (Marie) Kniceley of Antwerp; one daughter, Tammy (Bruce) Sholl of Oakwood; a brother, James Penwell, Upper Sandusky; two sisters, Connie Mundy and Sue (Clyde) Taylor, both of Upper Sandusky; and five grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were his stepfather, Alex Penwell; and a brother, Michael Penwell.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Dec. 13, at the Rose Hill Church of God, Paulding with Pastor Ron Hofacker officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of the arrangements.
There will be visitation at the church one hour prior to services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Disabled American Veterans, or the Rose Hill Church of God.

NOAH LONG
1924-2006 CELINA – Noah Gene Long, age 82, of Celina, died at 8:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Briarwood Manor in Coldwater.
He was born Aug. 2, 1924 in Paulding County, the son of Minor L. and Hazel M. (Bailey) Long. On May 22, 1948, he married Doris Howe, who survives in Celina. He was a 1942 graduate of Latty High School and a U.S. Army veteran. He was a tool and die maker, retired from New Idea.
Also surviving are children Jane and Tom Gross of Coldwater, Gary and Kathy Long of Westerville, and Mark and Lynn Long of Ashburn, Va.; a brother, Russell Long of Paulding County; a sister, LaDonna Poling of Convoy; and seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, David Long; a brother, Kenneth Long; and two sisters, Louise Williamson and Norma Thornell.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 at Cisco Funeral Home in Celina, with the Rev. Robert Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Mercer Memory Gardens. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. today, Dec. 13.
Preferred memorials are to Channel 44.

ORVILLE RILEY
1920-2006 PAULDING — Orville P. Riley, 86, died Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding.
He was born March 8, 1920, in Paulding County, the son of Roscoe and Margaret (Lehman) Riley. On Sept. 27, 1937, he married Valera Vance, who preceded him in death on Oct. 26, 2004. He was a member and deacon of the First Christian Church in Paulding, and a lifelong farmer. He was a member of the Blue Creek Grange and Paulding County Landmark Board. He was a former Paulding Township trustee for 22 years.
He is survived by a son, Darwin (Ursula) Riley of Paulding; two daughters, Karen (Delmar) Schwab of Payne and Marlene (John) Stoller of Everett Wash.; one brother, Robert (Ruth) Riley of Paulding; a sister, Donna Mae (Cecil) Stuart of Mingo Junction, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were two brothers, Tom and Bill; and a grandchild, Renee Riley.
Services were held Monday, Dec. 11, at the First Christian Church. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials may go to the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund or to the First Christian Church Building Fund.

BEVERLY BARDEN
1927-2006 PAULDING – Beverly Ann Patterson Barden, age 79, died Friday, Dec. 15, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding.
She was born Nov. 9, 1927 in Lyons, Ohio, the daughter of Flossie and Frank Patterson.
In 1946, she married Richard Setty, who preceded her in death. She had worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in Toledo for 18 years in personnel-administration. She was a church organist for more than 30 years. For the last 10 years, she had lived in Bradenton, Fla., where she was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. She loved music, and was very involved in her church.
Surviving are a daughter, Claudia (Doug) Nutter of Continental; two brothers, Raymond (MaryJane) Patterson of Bradenton, Fla.,  and Jim (Betty) Russell, Lyons; three sisters, Delite Gillen and Carol Stidham, both of Morenci, Mich., and Joyce Blair, Weston, Mich.; five grandchildren, Troy St. John, Nathen Nutter, Amber Nutter, Tammy Setty and Lori Setty; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a son, David Setty.
Services were held Tuesday, Dec. 19 at Wiegel Funeral Home in Metamora, Ohio, with Pastor David Lutz officiating. Burial was in Lyons Cemetery.

HELEN CASERTA
PAULDING – Helen Caserta, 79, of Paulding, died Tuesday, Dec. 12.

VIOLA GOINGS
1930-2006 PAULDING — Viola Jean Goings, 76, died at 5 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Jan. 20, 1930, in Paulding County, the daughter of Rill L. and Ida V. (Bowsher) Carnahan, who both preceded her in death. On Sept. 9, 1948, she married James G. Goings, who survives in Paulding. She was a homemaker.
She is also survived by three daughters, Linda (Ben) Watson of Paulding, Marsha (Robert) Bland, of Oakwood, and Sandy (Steve) Hubert of Fort Wayne, Ind.; a son, Jerry (Deb) Goings of Cloverdale; two sisters, Luella (Joe) Kosch of Continental, and Lillian (Ronald) Bruns of Napoleon; six grandchildren; eight step grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and 25 step great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a son, James Goings; a daughter, Mary Jane Goings; and a brother, Harold Carnahan.
Services will be conducted at 11 a.m., today, Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. There will be calling hours one hour prior to the services.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses or to the American Cancer Society.

MONTE HILDUM
1941-2006 ANTWERP – Monte J. Hildum, 64, of Antwerp, died Sunday, Dec. 10.

MARGARET IRWIN
1918-2006 PAULDING – Margaret M. Irwin, age 88, died at 1:52 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Jan. 30, 1918 in Cairo, Ohio, the daughter of Charles and Lilly (Fox) Wood. On Sept. 30, 1940, she married Brice A. Irwin, who preceded her in death in 1965. She was a homemaker and had worked at the TB Hospital in Lima, and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office in Lima as a matron and assistant cook. She had resided at Hawthorn Court in Paulding for the past 12 years, and was the president of the resident council. She had been very active at the nursing home, where she was known affectionately as “Aunt Margaret” by the staff, her friends and relatives.
Surviving are two grandchildren, Bruce (Loretta) Loecher of Ypsilanti, Mich., and Tammy Loecher of Tucson, Ariz; several nieces and nephews; and two great-stepgrandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a daughter, Janice Quinn; three brothers, Elmer, Allen and Paul Wood; and three sisters, Mable Rasor, Annabelle Fowler and Alice Hoffman.
Services were held Saturday, Dec. 16 at Harman Sons Funeral Home in Columbus Grove, with Pastor Rich Rakay officiating. Burial was in Cairo Eastside Cemetery in Cairo.
Preferred memorials are to Hawthorn Court Activities Council.

RON KUTZLI
1946-2006 ANTWERP — Ron Kutzli, 60, of Antwerp, died Wednesday, Dec. 13.

NEVIL SIZEMORE
1950-2006 ANTWERP – Nevil Sizemore, 56, Antwerp, died Friday, Dec. 15.

DARRELL MARCH
1941-2006 DEFIANCE – Darrell G. March, 65, of Defiance, died at his residence on Wednesday, Dec. 20.
He was born April 23, 1941 in Defiance County, the son of Vernon J. and Helen (Bodenbender) March. He was a former employee of the Schroeder Builders in Defiance and was a member of the Auglaize Emerald Township Fox Club and the Defiance AMVETS. He was in the Ohio National Guard.
Surviving are two sons, Michael (Tia) March of Carbonado, Wash., and James (Julie) March of Paulding; a daughter, Deb (Scott) Burkey of Deshler; seven grandchildren; three brothers, L.A. “Bud” (Helen) March and Marvin (Marion) March of Defiance, and Irvin (Katie) March of Reading, Mich.; a sister, Marvelle Wilhelm of Paulding; and a special friend, Joyce Johnson of Defiance.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gene; and a sister, Bernice Bayliss.
Services were held Saturday, Dec. 23 at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance with the Rev. Deb Berry officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to the Auglaize Emerald Township Fox Club or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

ANDREW TILLEY
1934-2006 CECIL – Andrew J. Tilley, age 72, died Monday, Dec. 18, at Van Wert Manor in Van Wert.
He was born May 2, 1934 in Pineville, W.Va., the son of Otto and Lillie (Easter) Tilley. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and was employed by Johns Manville Corp., Defiance, retiring in 1986.
He is survived by his companion, Clara M. Moden, Cecil; her three daughters, Kay (Fred) McBroom of Defiance, Carol (Ray) Finfrock of Paulding, and Jill (Ruben) Rodriquez of Fort Wayne; brothers and sisters; eight grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services were held Thursday, Dec. 21 at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial was in Hedges Cemetery with military graveside services provided by Paulding VFW Post 587.
Preferred memorials are to Van Wert Manor Activity Fund.

EDITH KING
1906-2006
NEW HAVEN — Edith M. King, 100, of New Haven, formerly of Fort Wayne, died Thursday, Dec. 21 at Harborside Healthcare.
Born in Payne, Ohio, she retired as head cook from Gardner’s Colonial Restaurant in 1957.
She had been a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Surviving are children Delores (John) Baumle, Leroy A. “Bud” King both of Payne; sisters, Florence Karolyi of Payne, Evelyn Kee of Fort Wayne, Margaret Birkhold of Defiance; brother, Joe Papenbrock of Elyria; 11 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Raymond King in 1980; daughter, Ruth Batt; son, Robert King; grandson, Michael Baumle; and siblings, Harry, Vera, Agnes, Winifred, Leo, Jimmy, Betty, Janice, Ervin, Frank, and Ruth.
Services were held Tuesday at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 Indiana Hwy 930 E, New Haven. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery in Payne.
Preferred memorials are to St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen.

WARREN McCULLOUGH
1920-2006
LIMA — Warren G. “Cobb” McCullough, 86, of Lima, formerly of Melrose, died at 11:45 p.m., Dec. 25, in the Defiance Regional Medical Center in Defiance.
He was born July 15, 1920, in Elida, the son of George and Theresa (Slattery) McCullough. On Aug. 11, 1984, he married Dorothy Hook, who survives in Lima. He retired from General Motors in Defiance, following 32 years of service. He was a member of the Melrose United Methodist Church, U.A.W. Local #211, and the Paulding Eagles.
Also surviving are four sons, Gary, Randy, and Mark (Rita) McCullough all of Continental, and Darl (Nancy) McCullough of Ayersville; a daughter, Cheryl (Dave) Thornton of Bryan; two step daughters, Joyce Ruffner of Lima and Karen (Robert Hatcher; a brother, Harold (Marie) McCullough of Oakwood; two sisters, June Brown of Melrose, and Inella Finnegan of Paulding; 16 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two daughters, Theresa and Laura McCullough; one sister, Methel Guyton; three brothers, Robert, Wayne, and Gerald McCullough; and three grandsons.
Services were held Friday, Dec. 29, at the Melrose United Methodist Church with Pastor Bob Parker officiating. Burial was in the Mendon Cemetery in Mendon, Ohio. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Melrose United Methodist Church.
On line condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com.