RITA TRIANA
1950-2007
LEIPSIC — Rita Triana, 56, of Leipsic, died at 12:36 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, at the St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
She was born May 22, 1950, in Paulding, the daughter of Guadalupe and Atanasia (Trevino) Rodriquez, who both preceded her in death. On May 21, 2004, she married Alberto Triana, who survives in Leipsic. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Leipsic. She was a homemaker and her favorite things to do were dancing, crocheting and cooking.
Also surviving are two sons, Robert Flores of Cincinnati, and Fernando Flores of Leipsic; three daughters, Tomasita (Felipe) Martinez and Tanya (Roberto) Guardado, both of Leipsic and Michelle (Onasis) Becerra of Washington, Ind.; one brother, Ramiro (Bernadine) Rodriquez of Paulding; a sister, Elida (Jesse) Guerra of Eugene, Ore.; and eight grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a son, Joseph Maodonado.
Services were held Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Leipsic, with Deacon Tom Niese officiating. Burial was in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Leipsic.
Memorials may be sent to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.lovefuneralhome.com.

DELORES BAUMLE
1925-2007
PAYNE – Delores M. Baumle, age 81, died Tuesday, Jan. 2, at Paulding County Hospital.
She was born Oct. 24, 1925, in Paulding County, the daughter of Raymond and Edith (Papenbrock) King. On May 4, 1946 she married John P. Baumle, who survives. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne, where she was a member of the Altar Rosary Society. She was formerly Benton Township clerk and was employed as a BMV clerk in Payne. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary #297, Payne.
Also surviving are a son, Kevin Baumle, Payne; two daughters, Diane (Warren) Bissell Jr. of Payne and Lisa (Nick) Burgei of Ottoville; a brother, Leroy “Bud” King, Payne; six grandchildren; and a great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Michael Baumle; a brother, Robert King; and a sister, Ruth Batt.
Services were held Saturday, Jan. 6 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

LAWRENCE BIDLACK
1925-2007
HILLIARD — Lawrence R. Bidlack, 81, of Hilliard, formerly of Paulding and Pandora, died Jan. 3 in the Mill Run Care Center in Hilliard, following an extended illness.
He was born Dec. 18, 1925, in Oakwood, the son of Lawrence L. and Alice P. (Gettal) Bidlack. He served in the U.S. Navy at the end of WWII. On Dec. 10, 1949, he married Patricia Lee, who preceded him in death in 1982. In 1984, he married Evelyn Gene George, who survives. He worked at the Lima Ford Plant as a maintenance electrical engineer until retirement and then made his home in and around Columbus. He was a member of the Bluffton United Presbyterian Church.
He is also survived by two sons, Mark of Lima, and John (Sharma) of Fort Jennings; a brother, William of Oakwood; two sisters, Jean Winners of Fort Wayne and Margaret (Fred) Freiss of Sylvania; and four granddaughters.
Also preceding him in death were three sisters, Mabel Robinson, Kathryn Reimschussel and Melva Mumma.
Graveside services were held Monday, Jan. 8, at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Bluffton, Ohio. Tidd Funeral Home in Hilliard was in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Bluffton Presbyterian Church, 112 North Main St., Bluffton, Ohio, 45817.

MARILYN MAGGERT
1940-2007
GROVER HILL — Marilyn Maggert, 66, Grover Hill, died at 2:40 a.m., Jan. 4, at the Lakeland Nursing Home in Angola, Ind.
She was born Oct. 28, 1940, in Van Wert, the daughter of Harley and Elizabeth Mason, who both preceded her in death. In 1957, she married William J. Maggert. She was a homemaker.
Surviving are two sons, Kenneth (Sharon) Maggert of Fremont, Ind. and Rick (Mary) Maggert of Butler, Ind.; a daughter, Pamela (Keith) Adkins of Fort Wayne; three brothers, Floyd (Kay) Mason of Van Wert, Doyt (Arlene) Mason of Tenn., and Roger Mason of Findlay; three sisters, Helen Powers of Alvordton, Ohio, Shirley (Loie) Goble of Findlay, and Iona Mason of Cecil; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Dean and Carlos Mason; and a sister, Nina Milliken.
Graveside services were held Monday, Jan. 8, with the Rev. Dennis Coates officiating. Love Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood were in charge of the arrangements. The services and burial was in the Hedges Cemetery in Broughton.
Online condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com.

VIOLET McCLURE
1916-2007
GROVER HILL – Violet M. McClure, 90, of Grover Hill, died at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3.

EVERETT MILLER
1936-2007
PAULDING – Everett R. Miller, age 70, died at 3:12 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
He was born on April 17, 1936 in Brown Township, Paulding County, the son of Ralph T. and Avis M. (Horner) Miller. On June 21, 1959, he married Donna J. Pease, who survives. He was employed by Johns Manville Corporation, retiring in 1998 after 39-1/2 years. He was a member of the Junction Methodist Church, AMVETS Post #1991 Defiance, and Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics & Allied Workers.
Also surviving are his mother, Avis Miller, of Paulding; a daughter, Karen (Denny) McVay, Paulding; two sons, Roger (Shelly) Miller of Convoy, and David (Janice) Miller of Bryan; six grandchildren, Jason (Kristi) Miller of Delphos, Jennifer and Jordan Miller, both of Convoy, Courtney Miller of Bryan, and Joseph and Marcus McVay, Paulding; and a great-granddaughter, Mckenna Miller, Delphos.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 8, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Revs. Pat Shepard and Michael Saylor officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund or the Junction Methodist Church.

EMMA NOFFSINGER
CONTINENTAL — Emma R. Noffsinger, 96, of Continental, died Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007.

JACKIE PARRISH
1935-2007
DEFIANCE – Jacqueline A. “Jackie” Parrish, age 71, of Defiance, died at 11:22 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1, at Mercy Hospital of Defiance.
She was born Nov. 24, 1935 in Defiance, the daughter of Grandville and Letha (Gessner) Frederick. On April 23, 1955 she married Harold P. Parrish, who preceded her in death March 18, 2004. She had worked in advertising at the Crescent-News and was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Surviving are five sons, Dale of Cecil, Doug of Paulding, Dave of Lucasville, and Dennis and Don, both of Defiance; a daughter, Denise (Isaac) Lee of Latty; a sister, Helen (Kenneth) Steingass of Ayersville; 12 grandchildren, six stepgrandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, Kenneth, Glen and Charles Frederick.
Services were held Friday, Jan. 5 at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance with the Rev. David R. Koenig officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

GLEN THIELE
1951-2007
ANTWERP — Glen Howard Thiele, 55, of Antwerp, died Tuesday, Jan. 2.

JAMES BUERKLEY
RICHMOND. Va. — James “Jim” Edward Buerkley, 74, formerly of Payne and Van Wert, died Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006.
He was born in Payne, the son of Sam and Bernice Burkley, who both preceded him in death. He retired from Rockwell Automation, where he had served as a global account manager.
Surviving are his wife, Betty Riggenbach Buerkley of Richmond, Va.; two sons, John E. (Kim) and Christopher (Dana); four grandchildren; and four sisters, Evelyn Thompson of Paulding, Zela Buerkley of Fort Wayne, Dorothy (Joe) Duvall of Toledo, and Donna (Herb) Pancake of Convoy.
Also preceding him in death was a son, Stephen; two brothers, Marion and Sam;and a sister, Jane Miller.
Memorial services were held on Jan. 8, at the Discovery United Methodist Church in Richmond.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

JAMES GEORGE
2007
ANTWERP – James Caden George, son of James and Sara George, was stillborn on Monday, Jan. 8.

RAYMOND HECK
1923-2007
PAYNE — Raymond G. Heck Sr., 83, died at 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, surrounded by his loving wife and children at the St. Joseph Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born April 11, 1923 in Payne, the son of Joseph and Kathryne E. (Ditlinger) Heck. On Oct. 14, 1950, he married Catherine J. Pepe, who survives in Payne. He was a WWII U.S. Army Air Corps veteran. He was employed by General Electric retiring in 1982 after 40 years of service. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne, American Legion Post #297, Payne, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society and Fort Wayne Antique Historical Car Society. He also retired from farming.
He is survived by his wife, Catherine J. Heck, Payne; four sons, John and Bill Heck, both of Antwerp, Randy (Mary) Heck of Sand Springs, Okla. and Raymond (Pam) Heck Jr., Payne; seven daughters, Dawnita (Don) Smith of Fort Wayne, Cheryl (Steve) MacDougall of Red Bud, Ill., Colleen (Bruce) Summerfield of Hoagland, Ind., Joanne (Harold) Warren of New Haven, Cindy (Kurt) Michael of Sylvania, Vicki (Ed) Baucom of Payne, and Jackie (Harold) McDougle, Paulding; a brother, Everett (Barb) Heck, Payne; a sister, Beatrice Ankenbruck, Marion, Ind.; 18 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, David W.; a daughter, Bernadette J. Heck; a brother, John; and two sisters, Helen Seidler and infant sister Mary Catherine Heck. Services were held Saturday, Jan. 13, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery, Payne. American Legion Post #297 provided military graveside services. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Educational Fund; Caring and Sharing Food Pantry of Paulding County; or to Masses.

MARIAN SCANTLEN
1912-2007
DEFIANCE – Marian L. Scantlen, age 94, died at 12:10 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14 at Laurels of Defiance.
She was born March 11, 1912 in Williams County, the daughter of Joseph P. and Mina L. (Hyatt) Clark. In 1930, she married Donald “Paul” Scantlen, who preceded her in death in 1992. She was a homemaker and attended Cornerstone Church of God, and was a member of WCG at the church. Surviving are four sons, Donald (LaDonna) and Russell (Carolyn) of Defiance, George (Ellen) of Hicksville and Robert (Irene) of Ney; two daughters, Shirley Stevens of Defiance and Linda Hull of Fort Wayne; a brother, Robert (Midge) Clark of Stryker; and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Dunn; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 17, at Cornerstone Church of God in Defiance, with the Rev. Dr. John McFarland officiating. Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery, Paulding County. Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the Kidney Foundation or SIDS.

PHYLLIS BANDY
COLUMBUS – Phyllis R. Bandy, 57, resident of New York City, N.Y. and former resident of Columbus, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007.
She was a chef for Merrill Lynch at the World Financial Center in New York City. Among her many volunteer activities, she prepared food for the 9/11 rescue workers.
She is survived by her mother, Martha Bandy; brothers, Erwin (Sandy) Bandy and Frank Bandy; sisters, Carol Davis and Ellen (Bill) Homeister; nieces and nephews, Melanie Bandy, Jason Bandy, Jessica Bandy, Bryan Willis and Daniel Willis; and special aunt and uncle, Keith and Karen Young.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at Schoedinger North Chapel, 5554 Karl Road, Columbus, where the family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the time of service.
Contributions in her memory may be made to CancerCare National Office, 275 7th Ave., New York NY 10001.
Visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences.

ROBERT DOSTER
1939-2007
COLUMBUS GROVE – Robert L. Doster, age 67, died at 7:14 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 at Grant Hospital in Columbus.
He was born Feb. 21, 1939 in Van Wert, the son of Lester “Spot” and Kathryn (Densmore) Doster. He married Marilyn Kittle, who survives. He had been a truck driver, working with the AMA Materials Co. in Van Wert. He enjoyed all sorts of sports, and was an avid NASCAR fan, especially following Jeff Gordon. He was an Atlanta Braves fan, and enjoyed collecting John Deere toy tractors and toy trains.
Also surviving are a son, Robert (Linda) Doster of Continental; two daughters, Katherine Doster and Rebecca (Larry) Higginbotham, both of Columbus Grove; two brothers, Paul (Pat) Doster of Paulding and Don (Phyllis) Doster of New Haven; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 24 at Hartman Sons Funeral Home in Columbus Grove. Burial will be in Hedges Cemetery near Broughton. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

DOROTHY GREEN
1929-2007
WOLCOTTVILLE, Ind. – Dorothy E. Green, 77, a former resident of Blackman Lake, died at 11:20 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12 at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne, where she had been a resident since September 2005.
She was born Jan. 14, 1929 in Paulding, a daughter of Elia F. and Rachel (Dix) Sontchi. She graduated from Paulding High School. From 1958 until 1969 she was employed at Weatherhead in Antwerp. On June 28, 1969 she was united in marriage to William E. Green, who preceded her in death on Sept. 11, 2002. They made their home in Wolcottville until 1994 when they moved to Blackman Lake.
Surviving are three daughters, Sandy (Jim) Bowers of Antwerp, Pamela Stevens of Topeka and Paula (Mike) Martz of Wolcottville; a son, David Michael (Pat) Maberson of Fort Wayne; a stepson, Ronald (Julie) Green of Corunna; two stepdaughters, Diane (John) Anderson of Van Wert and Donna (Steve) Lippi of Cavette, Ohio; 19 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Homer Sontchi of Defiance.
She also was preceded in death by two brothers, George Sontchi and Ed Sontchi; and two sisters, Florence Gelbuda and Marie Lehman.
Service were held Monday, Jan. 15 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, Ind. with Pastor Mike Schneider officiating. Burial was in Greenhill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Dallas Lamb Activities Fund or Paulding County Hospice.

ELMER HINSCHLAGER1922-2007
PAULDING — Elmer S. Hinschlager, 84, of Paulding, died Tuesday, Jan. 16, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
He was born Oct. 29, 1922, in Trilby, Ohio, the son of Theodore and Ruby (Sturm) Hinschlager. On Dec. 20, 1947, he married Mary Young, who survives, in Paulding. He was employed by Aero Corporation, retiring in 1987. He was a WWII Navy veteran, where he was stationed in the Solomon Islands and Admiralty Islands of the South Pacific.
Also surviving are three daughters, Janet (Carl) Knippen of Delphos, Karen Brown of Mendon, and Carol (Gene) Stallings of Marysville, Ohio; two sons, Robert (Rebecca) Hinschlager of St. Mary’s, Ohio, and Charles (Theresa) Hinschlager of Sherwood; 14 grandchildren; five step grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Rudolph and Willard Hinschlager; and a sister, Florence Macaro.
Services were held Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Rev. Robert Eble officiating. Burial was in the Rochester Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Paulding Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice.

MABEL LINN
1906-2007
PAULDING — Mabel I. Linn, 100, died at 2:36 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding.
She was born July 8, 1906, in Paulding County, the daughter of George and Rose (Haney) Baker. On June 3, 1924, she married Claude L. Linn, who preceded her in death on Dec. 9, 1989. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Christian Church in Paulding.
She is survived by nieces and nephews.
Also preceding her in death was a daughter, Edna Mae Ross who died in 1946; four brothers, Lester, Roy, Elmer, and Russell Baker; and three sisters, Hazel Klinker, Mildred Linn, and Florence Flint.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the First Christian Church in Paulding, with the Rev. David Everton and Jim Stinehelfer Jr. officiating. Burial was in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding handled the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the First Christian Church Building Fund.

DAMIAN MARTINEZ
2007
PAULDING — Damian Oswaldo Martinez was stillborn at 9:44 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, at the Paulding County Hospital.
He was the son of Amber M. Menzie of Paulding and Oswaldo Martinez Jr. of Garrett, Ind., who both survive.
Also surviving are grandparents, Cecilia Menzie of Paulding, Jim (Jana) Menzie of Fort Wayne, Oswaldo (Antonia) Martinez Sr. of Garrett, Ind., Rose Marie Gonzales of Paulding, Jim (Vicki) Menzie of Defiance, Rebecca Menzie of St. Louis, Mo., Janice Jackson of Fort Wayne, Consuelo Sanchez of Paulding, Sofia Ramires, Isalas Martinez, Jesus Muniz, and Florencia Frausto.
He was preceded in death by the following grandparents, Alfonso Gonzales Sr., Trinadad Tapia, Aurora Composano, Jesse Gonzales Sr., Mary Jane Scoles, William Jackson, Genevieve Gump, Janet Fritz, Anselmo Vallejo, and Javier Ramires.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 24, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial will be in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery, Paulding.

CLARA MILLER
1911-2007
OAKWOOD — Clara R. Miller, 96, of Oakwood, died at 11:40 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at The Laurels in Defiance.
She was born Jan. 4, 1911, in Saginaw, Mich., the daughter of Sewell and Eva Mary (Sauve) Beaulieu. On July 18, 1936, she married Raymond Miller, who preceded her in death on Aug. 25, 1995. She retired as a secretary for Grant’s Insurance in Oakwood. She was a member of the Paulding Senior Center, Defiance Lady Elks, N. Joy Club, and the Euchre Club of Oakwood. In 1993, Clara and her husband, Ray, were named Mr. and Mrs. Oakwood.
Surviving are a son, Eugene R. (Ann) Miller of Oakwood; a daughter, Eva Marie (Dean) Wellman of Defiance; six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Alfred Beaulieu; and two sisters, Laura Beaulieu and Philomene Rose.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 25, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Junction with Father G. Allan Fillman officiating.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., today, Wednesday, Jan. 24, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood. Burial will be in the Evansport Cemetery in Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Senior Center.
Online condolences may be sent to www.lovefuneralhome.com.

EDWARD SMITH
1941-2007
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Edward Warren Smith died Thursday, Jan. 18, at the Battle Creek Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence.

GERALD BIRKHOLD
1922-2007
DEFIANCE — Gerald “Gerry” J. Birkhold, 84, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, at his residence.
He was born Nov. 25, 1922, in Paulding County, the son of Oscar and Mae (Franks) Birkhold. He married Margaret E. Papenbrock, who survives in Defiance. He was a WWII Coast Guard veteran. He was retired from General Electric of Fort Wayne and was a member of the American Legion Post #297. Also surviving are two daughters, Linda (Gene) Richhart, Harlan, Ind., and Cindy (Leroy) Tyas of Van Wert; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Fred and Leroy; and an infant sister, Marie.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 27 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in St. John the Baptist Church Cemetery, Payne, with military graveside services conducted by American Legion Post #297. Donations may be made to Hospice.

EULA PETERS
1911-2007
SANDUSKY — Eula Lucinda (Fuller) Peters, 95, of Sandusky, passed away early Thursday morning, Jan. 25, at her residence.
She was born Feb. 14, 1911, in Oakwood, the daughter of James E. and Lily M. (Mumea) Fuller. On Dec. 28, 1937, she married William A. Peters, who preceded her in death in 1987. She was a graduate of Cleveland East High School and Bowling Green State University. She had been employed as a teacher for approximately 36 years, 22 years with Sandusky City Schools, Sycamore Elementary, until her retirement in 1974.
Her various honors included a listing in Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America and a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar.
She was a member of St. Stephen United Church of Christ, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, American Legion Auxiliary Post #83 in Sandusky, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and Order of Eastern Stars, Leading Star Chapter, in Newton Falls, Ohio.
She is survived by a daughter, Patricia (Peters) Vorhees of Sandusky; a grandson, William F. Vorhees of New Albany, Ohio; a niece, Karen Haaser of Defiance; and two nephews, James (Linda) Dening of Mt. Pleasant, Mich. and James Lazzaro of Henderson, Nev.
Also preceding her in death was a sister, Velma Marquardt; and one brother, Riley E. Fuller.
Services were held Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Groff Funeral Home in Sandusky, with the Rev. Robert Patton of St. Stephen United Church of Christ officiating. Cremation will follow with private services held at a future date at Prairie Chapel Cemetery in Oakwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Stein Hospice Service Inc., 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870. Condolences may be sent to www.grofffuneralhomes.com.

JAMES SMALLEY
1927-2007
PAULDING — James Nelson Smalley, 79, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
He was born Dec. 7, 1927 in Paulding, the son of Nelson and Pearl (Ross) Smalley, who preceded him in death. On Dec. 19, 1954, he married Martha M. Russell, who survives in Paulding. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He was employed by Schwermann Trucking, Paulding, retiring in 1983 and was a member of Teamsters Union Local #908.
Also surviving are two daughters, Myra and Myrna Smalley of Paulding.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Arl Smalley; and two sisters, Dorothy Layton, and Elena Wallar.
Funeral services were Friday, Jan. 26 at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pat Shepard officiating. Burial was in the Cooper Cemetery, Paulding. Donations may be made to Junction Bible Christian Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.

MARY WALTERS
1918-2007
SHERWOOD – Mary Margaret (Diehl) Walters, peacefully passed away early on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at Harborside Healthcare of Defiance. She was 88.
She was born Jan. 24, 1918, in Mark Township of Defiance County, a daughter of the late Emmet and Elva (Platter) Diehl. She graduated from Mark Center High School. On Dec. 26, 1936, she married Claron “Bob” Walters who passed away Dec. 12, 1997.
She was a member of the Mark Center Methodist Church and a member of the United Methodist Women’s Organization, holding the office of vice-president for many years. She was also a member of the Mark Township Grange, the Town and Country Garden Club and was secretary of the Mark Center Educational Club.
She is survived by three sons and two daughters, Paul and wife DeDra, John and wife Ruby, and Ed and wife Deb, all of Hicksville, Janice and husband Virgil Hoene of Sherwood, and Sue and husband Kenneth Young of Paulding. She is also survived by 17 loving grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren who all affectionately called her Grandma Mary and Grandma Great. She is also survived by her loving sister, Hazel and husband Darrell Jones of Mark Center. She also was preceded in death by two brothers, the Rev. Terry Diehl and Robert Diehl; and three sisters, Lorene Wesche, Irene Diehl and an infant sister. Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 26, in the Burr Funeral Home & Crematory of Sherwood with the Revs. Thomas Graves and Clarence Zimmerman officiating. Burial was in Sherwood Cemetery.
Gifts in loving memory of Mary Walters may be directed to the Mark Center Methodist Church or an organization of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family and the on-line guest book may be signed at www.burrfh.com

CHARLES CLARK
1934-2007
PAULDING: Charles L. Clark, age 72, died Thursday, Feb. 1, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
He was born May 26, 1934 in Defiance County, the son of Avery and Laura (Underwood) Clark. On March 18, 1958, he married Betty Miller, who survives. He was a employed by Winzeler Stamping, Montpelier, retiring in 1993. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and a life member of VFW Post #587, Paulding.
Also surviving are six children, Rick (Sue) Clark of Vermontville, Mich., Terry Clark of Pikeville, Ky., Marsha Sherick of Holland, Ohio, Randy Metz of Pennsylvania, Denise (Frank) Vorac of Aberdeen, Md., and Bill (Janet) Reynolds of Edgerton, Ohio; a sister, Edna Mae (Harold) Cooley of Bryan; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Samuel, Gene and Burl Clark; and a sister, Betsy Ann Watson. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Paulding United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, where Paulding VFW Post #587 will provide military rites.
Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the Charles Clark Family in care of Den Herder Funeral Rome.

FLORENCE EHRESMAN
1924-2007
PAYNE – Florence “Flossie” Ehresman, age 82, died Thursday, Feb. 1, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Oct. 18, 1924 in Leo, Ind., the daughter of Orville and Flora (Ferguson) Platt. On June 22, 1948, she married Robert Ehresman, who preceded her in death in 1982. She was employed by Superior Linkage in New Haven, retiring in 1986.
Surviving are a son, Tony (Andrea) Ehresman of Payne; four daughters, Vickie (David) Denton of Huntington, Ind., Cheryl (Allan) Bute, Terrie Ehresman and Jodie Baumle, all of Payne; two sisters, Audrey (Jim) Suffridge of Fort Wayne, and Mabel; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by her stepmother, Vivian Platt; and seven sisters.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 6 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Dave Dignal officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Memorial donations may be made to Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund.

IDELL FANT
1919-2007
PAULDING – Idell Fant, age 87, died at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 at her residence.
She was born on Sept. 10, 1919 in Selma, Ark., the daughter of Wade and Ida (Suber) Johnson. In 1981 she married Wilton “Lightning” Fant, who preceded her in death on Nov. 5, 1996. She was a nurse’s aide at the former Total Care Nursing Home, Paulding, and was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Antwerp. She is survived by a daughter, Jackie Fant, Paulding; four brothers, Theodas (Martha) Johnson of Defiance, Preston (Maple Lee) Johnson of Columbus, Oscar (Joann) Johnson and Joe Lee (Pearlene) Johnson, both of San Diego; three sisters, Alean Miles of Antwerp, and Annie Lee Clark and Johnnie V. McGhee, both of Omaha, Neb. She also was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Antwerp. Burial will be at a later date in Rochester Cemetery, Paulding County. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding is handling arrangements. The family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice.

RUTH ANNA FOLEY
1914-2007
LEO, Ind. – Former Paulding resident Ruth Anna Guingrich Foley, age 92, died Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the University Park Nursing Home, Fort Wayne. She was born Feb. 7, 1914, in Champaign County, Ill., the daughter of Frank and Theresa (Scheurich) Reinhart. On Feb. 18, 1975 she married Frederick J. Foley, who preceded her in death on Sept. 9, 1998. She was formerly employed by William Sinn Accounting, Paulding.
She is survived by three sons, Ronald (Emily) Guingrich of Leo, Harry Guingrich of Coldwater, Mich., and Monte (Kathy) Guingrich of Delaware, Ohio; a daughter, Sharon (Robert) Minnich, Fort Wayne; three stepchildren: Gary Foley of Elida, Ramona Bostic of Convoy, and Patricia Putman of Fort Wayne; a brother, Leonard Reinhart, Palmetto, Fla.; a sister, Christine Arend, Wauchula, Fla.; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and many stepgrandchildren and great-stepgrandchildren. She also was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Barbara Nickerson; five brothers, Herbert, James, Raymond, Ralph and Lawrence Reinhart; and two sisters, Mary Bradley and Edna Meyers.
Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 2, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in Convoy IOOF Cemetery, Convoy. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the National Alzheimer’s Foundation.

MARIA FAITH FOLTZ
2007
PAULDING — Maria Faith Foltz, age 12 hours, died Saturday, Feb. 3, at Dupont Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born in Paulding, the daughter of Steven A. and Rose Ann (Dietrich) Foltz, who both survive in Paulding.
Also surviving are two sisters, Emily and Ava Foltz, Paulding; grandparents, Ron and Mary Ann Foltz and Gus and Dorothy Dietrich; great-grandparents, Rita Snodgrass, Juliet Schlatter and Naomi Foltz, all of Paulding, and Clarence and Bess Dietrich of Silverton, Ore.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Connor Reagan Dietrich; and great-grandfathers, Richard Schlatter, Earl Foltz and Bob Snodgrass.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 5, at the Junction Apostolic Christian Church. Burial was in Dotterer Cemetery in Junction.
Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

ROBERT GRUETER
1915-2007
PAULDING – Robert B. Grueter, age 91, died Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne.
He was born Feb. 23, 1915 in Covington, Ky., the son of Joseph and Margaret (Laker) Grueter. On Feb. 16, 1946 he married Lula Mae Smith, who preceded him in death on Feb. 14, 2004. He was employed by the former Defiance Screw Machine Products, retiring in 1981 after 30 years. He was a WWII U.S. Army veteran and a member of the First Christian Church in Paulding and the U.A.W.
He is survived by two sons, Larry (Kathy) Grueter of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Clayton (Marjorie) Howell, Paulding; two daughters, Genalta (Leonard) Levos of Paulding, and Judy Donnett of Bryan; 15 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by his foster parents, George and Gertrude Laker; and infant brothers.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 3 at First Christian Church, Paulding. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Paulding Area Visiting Nurses Association.

RUBY JOHNSON
1910-2007
TAMPA, Fla. — Ruby L. Johnson, 96, of Tampa, formerly of Paulding County, died Jan. 19, at Arden Court in Tampa, Fla.
She was born July 2, 1910, in Blue Creek Township, Paulding County, the daughter of John and Elsie Keyser. On Aug. 25, 1932, she married Roy S. Johnson, who preceded her in death in 1997. She taught Sunday School for 25 years at the Paulding Methodist Church and graduated from the Bethel Bible Series. She was a member of the Christ Methodist Church in Bradenton, Fla., the Bayview Reading Club, a 50-year member of the Eastern Star and a past worthy matron. After retirement, she resided in Pictown Estates, Bradenton, Fla., where she was quite active.
She is survived by two daughters, Mary Ann (Don) Martin of Tampa, Fla. and Elsie (Tom) Stahl of Fort Meyers, Fla.; a son, Roy M. (Peggy) Johnson of Clive, Iowa; a nephew, Samuel Franklin of New Haven, Ind.; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Also preceding her in death was a daughter, Raedeane; two brothers, Ray and Thurman; a sister, Helen Franklin; and a grandson, Eric Martin. A memorial celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Toale Brothers Chapel in Bradenton.
Preferred memorials are to Lifepath Hospice, 3010 W. Azeele St., Tampa, Fla., 33609.

ALFRED JUSTINGER SR.
1922-2007
PAULDING — Alfred D. Justinger Sr., 84, of Paulding, died at 5 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding.
He was born March 7, 1922, in Paulding County, the son of Alfred J. and Esther Mae (Brown) Justinger. In 1941, he married Ruth Sierer, who preceded him in death in 1990. He was employed by Duerk and Shasteen Construction Company and at Serricks, and a laborer for the Norfolk and Southern Railroad, retiring in 1986.
He is survived by four sons, Jerry (Linda) Justinger and Terry Justinger, both of Defiance, Mark (Kim) Justinger of Paulding, and Jeffery (Karen) Justinger of Antwerp; four daughters, Jana Higley of Bryan, Nancy (Larry) Manifold of Camden, Mich., Sue (Lowell) Shisler of Oakwood, and Denise (Robin) Trauterman of Antwerp; five half sisters, Leona (Chuck) Bender of Fort Wayne, Margorie Stebbens of New Jersey, and June Williams and Elmira (William) Newport, both of Palm Coast, Fla., Dorothy (Donald) Miller of Toledo; two half brothers, Edward (Elaine) Gloor of Hillsdale, Mich. and Vane Gloor of Gainesville, Fla.; 24 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren. Also preceding him in death were two sons, Alfred Justinger Jr. and Donald Justinger; a brother, Donald Justinger; and a half brother, Russel Gloor. Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance, with Father Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund.

WANDA ROSENBROCK
1924-2007
DEFIANCE — Wanda G. Rosenbrock, 82, of Defiance, died at 12:05 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at her residence.
She was born June 2, 1924, in Paulding, the daughter of Ralph and Eva (Dowell) Hanenkratt. On Feb. 6, 1953, she married Robert J. Rosebrock, who preceded her in death on Feb. 2, 2005. She was a graduate of Paulding High School and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She was employed at Campbell Soup and at the Colonial Coin Laundromat. She was a homemaker-domestic.
She is survived by a son, Mark Rosebrock of Defiance; a daughter, Natalie Miller of Genora, Ill.; a sister, Celeste (William) Scheurich of Paulding; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was also preceded in death by a son, Richard Rosebrock; a daughter in infancy; two brothers, William and Ralph Jr. Hanenkratt; a sister, Esther Wilkinson; and a brother and a sister in infancy.
Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance, with the Rev. Joe Chrisman officiating. Burial will be in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery in Paulding. Preferred memorials are to the Caring Way Hospice of Defiance County.

BETTY CORNELIUSSEN
1921-2007
LADY LAKE, Fla. — Betty Lorene Corneliussen, 86, of Lady Lake, Fla., died Tuesday, Feb. 6.
She was born Jan. 5, 1921, in Arthur, the daughter of Floyd and Sarah (Deatrick) Andrews. She was married to Ernest Corneliussen, who survives in Lady Lake. Prior to moving to Florida, she and her husband owned and operated a gas station/grocery store for 16 years. She also helped co-organize and direct a community park in Charloe. In 1961, she moved to Florida, where she and her husband co-owned and managed the Gulf Station in Lady Lake, Fla. In 1963, she built, co-owned and operated the Chevron Station from 1963-1981. She was a member of the Lady Lake V.F.W, Post #587 and the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Leesburg, Fla. She loved to read and was very active with her children during their school years. Also surviving are three sons, Gene of Eustis, Fla., and Rick and Dennis of Ocala, Fla.; four daughters, Nylice Thomas of Paulding, Margene Hopper of Belleview, Fla., Lorene Sasser of Lady Lake, and Tammy Goddard of Tampa, Fla.; 23 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 10, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Leesburg, Fla, with Dr. Richard E. Barbour officiating. Burial was in the Lady Lake Cemetery in Lady Lake, Fla. Beyers Funeral Home in Lady Lake was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Hospice of Lake and Sumter, 12300 Lane Park Road, Tavares, Fla., 32778.

RICHARD DAVIS
1928-2007
VAN WERT — Richard R. “Dick” Davis, 78, of Van Wert, died at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Van Crest Health Care Center in Van Wert.
He was born Nov. 8, 1928, in Latty, the son of Vernie and Florence M. (Hill) Davis, who both preceded him in death. He owned and operated the Century Bar in Van Wert from 1959-1978, and had also been employed by the Areoquip Corporation for 10 years. He owned and trained standard bred race horses and was a member of the U.S. Trotting Association. He also loved attending county fairs.
Surviving are a son, Jeffery (Shawnne) Davis of Van Wert; two daughters, Kathy (Brian) Clark of Blissfield, Mich. and Sue (Barry) McDowell, Van Wert; and six grandchildren, Amanda and Matthew Clark, Codi Webster, Garrett McDowell, and Bailey and Allie Hall.
Also preceding him in death was a brother, Donald “Tink” Davis; and a sister, Floris Marker.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Feb. 14, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, with the Rev. Greg Leigh officiating. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

JOSEPH DAVIS
1918-2007
GROVER HILL – Joseph David Davis, age 88, died Sunday, Feb. 11 at Paulding County Hospital.
He was born June 18, 1918 in Paulding County, the son of Howard O. and Mary Maude (Kohn) Davis. On Nov. 7, 1958 he married Norma May Ruble, who preceded him in death on July 9, 2002. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was a retired farmer, past board member of ASCS office, and a charter board member of the former Grover Hill Grain Co. He enjoyed gardening, farming, livestock, being a father, and was an avid OSU Buckeye Fan and sports watcher on television.
He is survived by a son, Howard (Julia) Davis, Lima; a daughter, Brenda (Randy) Crawford, Paulding, a brother, James O. Davis, and a sister, Kathryn Gunderman, both of Grover Hill; and three grandchildren, Thomas Davis of Dayton and Megan and Brad Crawford, both of Paulding.
He also was preceded in death by five sisters, Frieda Stahl, Nellie Gunderman, Mary Davis, Zoetta Hunter, and Marjorie Bidlack.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today, Feb. 14, and from 9 a.m. until time of services on Thursday at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding.
Donations may be made to Hawthorn Court Activity Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.

RUTH MEDAUGH
1915-2007
PAULDING — Ruth M. Medaugh, 91, died Sunday, Feb. 11, at the Community Hospital of Bryan.
She was born Nov. 3, 1915, in Antwerp, the daughter of Harry K. and Eva M. (Johnson) Harris. On Nov. 2, 1947, she married Robert M. Medaugh, who preceded her in death on June 20, 1996. She was a retired teacher for Paulding, Napoleon, and Whitehouse school systems, and was a former legal secretary for Bill Hunt. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Paulding, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Corona Chapter #95. She is survived by a daughter, Stephene R. Medaugh, Ann Arbor, Mich.; three grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and five stepgreat-grandchildren. Also preceding her in death were two sisters, Harriet Horney and Dorothy Hooker; and a stepgrandson, Raymond Yeary. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb.16, at the First Christian Church, Paulding, with the Rev. Fred Schuman officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Visitation will be from 2-4:30 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Donations may be made to the First Christian Church.

ALICE MILLER
1907-2007
PAULDING – Alice Jennie Miller, age 99, died Monday, February 12, 2007, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
She was born on Aug. 17, 1907 in Paulding, the daughter of Charles P. and Myra (Bosworth) Hale. On Oct. 11, 1927 she married Claude R. Miller, who was killed in action in WWII on July 31, 1943. She was previously employed as a secretary by the former Paul Spriggs Law Office, Fort Wayne National Bank, Grizzly Manufacturing and the Columbia Sugar Beet Factory. She was the oldest living baptized member of the First Christian Church, Paulding. She was a lifetime member of the TWASI Secretary Club, Fort Wayne and Deborah Circle of the church.
She is survived by three sons, Claude Hale (Frances) Miller of Great Falls, Mont., Harold John Miller of Marion, Ind., and Robert J. (Shirley) Miller, Paulding; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a brother, Walter C. Hale; a sister, Zella Fullmer; and an infant sister, Myra Hale.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at First Christian Church, Paulding, with Pat Shepard officiating. Burial will be in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16 at Den Herder Funeral Home, and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church or Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund.

ERIC RETTIG
1977-2007
CECIL — Eric C. Rettig, 29, died Wednesday, Feb. 7, at the University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville, Ky., as a result of injuries sustained in an accident. He was born Aug. 15, 1977, in Bluffton, Ohio, the son of Donnie and Lynne (Mootz) Rettig. On May 9, 1998, he married Monica Lee Coil, who survives in Cecil. He was employed as the service manager for Terex Advance Mixer of Fort Wayne, Ind.
He is also survived by a son, Gage S. Rettig; two daughters, Taylor N. Rettig and Hannah L. Rettig, all of Cecil; his father, Donnie Rettig, Leipsic; three sisters, Heather (Ronnie) Lowe, Amanda Rettig, and Arianna Kohlhorst, all of Harts, W.Va.; and his grandmother, Sylvia Rettig, Leipsic.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lynn Rettig; and grandparents, Vivian and Charles Mootz and Ralph Rettig. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, Feb. 14, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. James Edwards officiating. Burial will be in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until time of services today. Donations may be made to the children of Eric Rettig.

BEULAH REYNOLDS
1917-2007
OAKWOOD — Beulah Reynolds, 89, died Sunday, Feb. 11 at Paradise Oaks Healthcare Center.

LOUISE YANCEY
1925-2007
OAKWOOD – Louise Yancey, age 81, died at 7:12 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9.

MAE DEAN BARKER
1924-2007
PAYNE – Mae Dean Barker, age 82, died Thursday, Feb. 15.

JASON HEIFNER
1977-2007
PAULDING – Jason M. Heifner, age 29, died Thursday, Feb. 15, from injuries sustained in a snowmobile/truck accident.
He was born March 31, 1977 in Port Clinton, Ohio, the son of Martin and Judy (Marysz) Heifner. He was employed by Baughman Tile Company, Paulding. He was a member of Paulding Gun Club and was an avid hunter.
He is survived by his father, Martin L. (Patricia) Heifner, Paulding; his mother, Judy Cole of Marietta; fiancée, Somer Bullinger, Paulding; two brothers, Martin L. Heifner Jr. of Oakwood and Aaron Poole, Columbus; four sisters, Tonia Heifner of Ashland, Stacey Cole and Mandi Heifner, both of Marietta, and Audrey Laughlin of Shelby; and grandmothers, Thelma Heifner of Delta and Stella Marysz of Marblehead.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Warren Heifner and Eli Marysz. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial will be in Hedges Cemetery, Broughton. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, and one hour prior to services on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

ELMER KLINGER JR.
1926-2007
DEFIANCE – Elmer R. Klinger Jr., 80 years, of rural Defiance, died at 1:10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the emergency room of Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers, Bryan. He was born July 20, 1926, near Convoy, the son of Elmer R. And Evelyn Belle (O’Bryant) Klinger Sr. On June 27, 1968, he married Mona C. Bailey in Van Wert County, and she survives. He was employed by International Harvester, Fort Wayne, for over 30 years, retiring in 1975. He was an active member and participant at Auglaize Village in Defiance, the Maumee Valley Steam Show, the Flat Rock Creek Festival in Paulding and the Van Wert Old Fashioned Farmers. Elmer owned his own sawmill. He also pressed his own apples and made his own cider and molasses. Elmer trusted in the good Lord and his sorghum molasses all his life, taking both each and every day.
Also surviving are five daughters, Ruby (Dan) Leininger of Flagstaff, Ariz., Ruth (Rex) Rinker of Van Buren, Robin Miles of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Ramona and Kelly Jo Klinger, both of Ney; one son, Elmer R. (Laurie) Klinger III of Portland, Ore.; a stepdaughter, Carol (Andy) Bilbado of Defiance; two stepsons, Mike (Cheryl) Bergman of Sherwood and Rob (Faye) Bergman of Ney; 21 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Roy (Sue) Klinger of Phoenix, and Rowland (June) Klinger of Marion, Ind.; three sisters, Ruby (William) Miller of Grove City, Rachel (Joe) Wyandt of Haviland, and Naomi (Don) Rice of Niceville, Fla. He was preceded death by his parents; one daughter, Patricia Ann Klinger; five sisters, Rea and Pauline Klinger, Ruth Crabill, Rose Miller and Evelyn Coyne; and one brother, Robert Klinger. There will not be any visitation or services. Krill Funeral Service, Bryan, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials in the name of Elmer R. Klinger Jr., may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the family. Condolences may be left and the guest register signed at www.krillfuneralservice.com

PATTY MEEKS-BLAND
1938-2007
OAKWOOD - Patty Meeks-Bland, age 68, died at 7:40 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16.

JANET MILLER
1955-2007
VAN WERT — Janet M. Miller, 51, of Van Wert, died at 10:45 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at the St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
She was born Sept. 14, 1955 in Van Wert, the daughter of Robert and Betty (Ashbaugh) Tracy, who survive in Grover Hill. On May 27, 1977, she married Mark Steven Miller, who survives. She was a RN at the Van Wert County Hospital for over 30 years.
Also surviving are one son, Matthew, and two daughters, Traci and Carlee, all of Van Wert; two brothers, Floyd (Shirley) Tracy and Gary Tracy, both of Van Wert; one sister, Roxana (Lonnie) Lytle of Grover Hill; and one grandchild, Aiden.
She was preceded in death by one brother, Lloyd Tracy; and one granddaughter, Kaleigh.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial was in Middle Creek Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

DAVID MOTT
MONROEVILLE, Inc. – David M. Mott, 61, of Monroeville, died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007, at home.
He retired from Navistar in 2000 after 33 years of service as an engineer. The avid pilot was a member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Assoc.), SAL (Sons of the American Legion) Post 420, and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3164.
He is survived by his wife, Betsy of Monroeville; a daughter, Dana (Dennis) Cretsinger of Angola; two sons, Larry (Gina) Mott of Leo, Ind. and Gary Mott of West Palm Beach, Fla.; a stepson, Abe (Kari) Wallis of Fort Wayne; brothers, Ned Mott of Tarpon Springs, Fla., and Keith (Becky) Mott of Monroeville; his stepmother, Esther Mott of Conyers, Ga.; a stepsister, Ruth (Wayne) Sams of Conyers, Ga.; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Nick Mott; father, Maynard Mott; and mother, Delma Cooper-Mott, all of Paulding.
Memorial services were held Monday, Feb. 19 at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, New Haven.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home and the International Whooping Crane Foundation.

JOHN SCOTT SR.
1921-2007
PAULDING — John Franklin Scott Sr., 85, Paulding, died Monday, Feb. 12.

ALICE LEWIS
1933-2007
ANTWERP – Alice Lucile Lewis, 73, of Antwerp, died Tuesday, Feb. 20.

JOHN MOLITOR SR.
1924-2007
PAYNE – John M. Molitor Sr., age 82, died Tuesday, Feb. 20 at his residence.
He was born Dec. 5, 1924 in Paulding County, the son of Rudolph J. and Honora E. (Coughlin) Molitor. On Oct. 6, 1951, he married Leona A. Laker, who survives. He was a WWII U.S. Army Air Force veteran. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne, a retired farmer and a life member of the American Legion Post #297, Payne. Also surviving are two sons, John (Julanne) Molitor Jr., Payne, and Bruce (Lorraine) Molitor, Mount Gilead; four daughters, Mary (Chris) Reinhart of Paulding, Dr. Jean (John Osinski) Molitor of Maumee, Kay (Byron) Stoller of Paulding, and Carol Molitor, Payne; a brother, Harry Molitor Sr., Antwerp; 13 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Tyler McClure.
A Mass of Christian burial was conducted Monday, Feb. 26 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery, Payne. American Legion Post #297 conducted military graveside services. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Masses, Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice, or Paulding County Hospital Foundation.

DOLORES MYERS
1936-2007
CONTINENTAL – Dolores E. Myers, 71, of Continental, died Thursday, Feb. 22.

MARY SCHAEFER
1915-2007
PAYNE — Mary Elizabeth Schaefer, 91, died Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine.
She was born March 13, 1915, in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Turchan) Letso. In 1939, she married Leo P. Schaefer, who preceded her in death in 1980. She was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Payne.
She is survived by two sons, Joseph (JoAnn) Schaefer of Lakeland, Fla. and Richard (Bertha) Schaefer of Urbana, Ohio; a daughter, Jane Ann Schaefer of Convoy; four sisters, Margaret Brown of Cleveland, Anne Riddle of Parma, Ohio, Elizabeth Lowery of West Millgrove, Ohio, and Dorothy Pelton of Findlay; three brothers, Pete Letso of Utah, Steve Letso of North Las Vegas, Nev., and George Letso of Baltimore, Md.; five grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a sister, Leona Tomasik; six brothers, John, Joseph, Edward, Richard, Michael and Andrew Letso; a great-grandson, Nathaniel Wade; and a great-granddaughter, Madison Faith Schaefer.
Services will be held at noon today, Feb. 28, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial will be in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery, Payne.
Hours of visitation will be from 9 a.m.-noon, with a rosary service at 11 a.m., today, prior to services.
Donations may be made to the Veteran’s Service or to Masses.

JAKE ZARTMAN
1926-2007
ANTWERP – Wesley “Jake” Zartman, 80, of Antwerp, died Wednesday, Feb. 21.

CHARLES STRAYER
1938-2007
ANTWERP – Charles William Strayer, 68, Antwerp, died Monday, Feb. 26.

RALPH SCOTT
1925-2007
EDGERTON, Ind. – Ralph W. Scott, age 81, died at 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 2, at the Harborside Health Care Center in New Haven.
He was born Sept. 21, 1925 in Edgerton, Ind., the son of Hugh M. and Bessie I. (Nuttle) Scott. On Feb. 20, 1953 he married Lena M. Ramsey, who preceded him in death April 11, 1994. He retired in 1987 from Dana Spicer Axle Division of Fort Wayne after 30 years of service.
Surviving are two sons, Robert Scott of Fort Wayne and David (Laurie) Scott of Grover Hill; one daughter, Judy (David) Scott of St. Marys; one sister, Charlotte Beck of Wilcox, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by two brothers, Delbert and Norman Scott; and two sisters, Juanita Hohenberger and Marvel Harris.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, March 6, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery Payne.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

MARY ANN WAGNER
1931-2007
GROVER HILL – Former Grover Hill resident Mary Ann Wagner, age 75, died Saturday, Feb. 24.

ZACHARY AREND
1988-2007
OAKWOOD – Zachary H. Arend, age 18, died 6 a.m. Friday, March 9, at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Ga., as the result of his injuries from the Bluffton University bus crash on March 2, 2007.
He was born April 30, 1988 in Paulding County, the son of Dana L. and Caroline A. (Miller) Arend. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding. He was a student at Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio, where he was a pitcher for the baseball team, and was a 2006 graduate of Paulding High School, where he participated in varsity baseball, football and basketball. He was also a member of Ottawa Legion Post 63 baseball team. Surviving are his parents Dana L. and Caroline A. Arend; three sisters: Estee, Olivia and Allison Arend, all of Oakwood; grandparents, Eugene and Ann (Kohart) Miller, Oakwood; special friend, Rachelle Farley, Paulding; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Herman and Eloise (DeLong) Arend.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted 10 a.m. Friday, March 16, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery, Charloe. Visitation will be from 3:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 14; and 1-9 p.m. Thursday, March 15 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. In lieu of flowers, throws/afghans, statuary, etc. the Zachary Arend family requests that all donations be made to the Zachary Arend Scholarship Fund or masses only.

ROBERT ANGELI
ANTWERP — Robert Angeli, 64, died Saturday, March 10, 2007.

BONNIE LOU BIRKHOLD
1933-2007
PAYNE – Bonnie Lou Birkhold, age 74, died Tuesday, March 6, at her residence.
She was born Jan. 8, 1933 in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Fred and Opal (McDougal) Frye. On July 21, 1953, she married Harlan “Fred” Birkhold, who preceded her in death on Nov. 20, 2005. She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Payne. She was formerly employed by General Electric of Fort Wayne and as a cook for Howard Johnson, Fort Wayne. She is survived by a daughter, Cathy (Max) Moss, Harlan, Ind.; three sons, Fred (Kim) Birkhold of Bryan, David (Vickie) Birkhold, Montpelier, and Van Birkhold, Fort Wayne; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by a sister, Juanita Clouser; and a brother, Dean Frye.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 13 at St. James Lutheran Church, Payne, with Pastor Joseph Allen officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Donations may be made to St. James Lutheran Church Ladies Group or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

ALEJANDRO GONZALES
1981-2007
PAULDING — Alejandro S. “Bubba” Gonzales Jr., 25, died Thursday, March 8, at his residence.
He was born March 25, 1981, the son of Alex S. and Delores C. (Rios) Gonzales.
He is survived by his father, Alex S. Gonzales Sr., Paulding; two sisters, Jessica A. Acosta, and Melinda Gonzales, both of Paulding; four half brothers, Mark Gonzales, Paulding, Robert Gonzales, Tampa, Fla., James Gonzales, and Joe Gonzales, both of San Antonio Texas; and two half sisters, Cynthia and Caroline Gonzales also of San Antonio, Texas. He was preceded in death by his mother, Delores Gonzales. Funeral services were held Monday, March 12, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery, Paulding. Donations may be made to Masses or Den Herder Funeral Home in memory of Alex Gonzales Jr.

CARLA LERO
1950-2007
PAULDING — Carla Dee Lero, 56, died Friday, March 9, at Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born July 28, 1950, in Bluffton, Ohio, the daughter of Carless D. and LaDonna J. (Burkle) Smith, who both preceded her in death. On Sept. 13, 1974 she married Mark Lero, who survives in Paulding. She was formerly employed by Rite Aid Pharmacy, Paulding, as a cashier. She was a member of First Christian Church in Paulding, Paulding Baseball/Softball Association and the Fish and Game Club.
She is also survived by a son, Josh (Carrie) Lero, Paulding; two daughters, Jennifer and Janelle Lero, also of Paulding; and two grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a sister, Kay Lorraine. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 14, at First Christian Church, Paulding, with Dave Dooley officiating. Burial will be in Live Oak Cemetery at a later date. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to the American Red Cross or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

FRANCIS OLWIN
1925-2007
PAYNE – Francis W. Olwin, age 81, of Payne, passed away at 9:22 p.m. Thursday, March 8 at Paulding County Hospital.
Born on Sept. 4, 1925, in Payne, he was the son of the late Fred and Virtle (Radenbaugh) Olwin. On Sept. 15, 1945, Francis married Georgia Scott, who survives. Francis was a farmer, who loved his family, grandkids, and his cats. He loved to fish, work in the yard and travel. He was a member of Antwerp United Methodist Church & Flat Rock Masonic Lodge #580 F&AM, Payne.
He will be sadly missed by his wife, Georgia; daughter and son-in-law, Kathie and Terry Kipfer; sons and daughters-in-law, Gene and Diane, Dan and Ann, and Dale and Shannon of all of Payne; sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and L.J. Pursifull of Newport News, Va.; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Francis was preceded in death by a son, Johnny Fred; and a grandson, Scott Francis.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 13 at Antwerp United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Michael Schneider officiating. Burial was in Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of arrangements.
In his memory, contributions may be made to the church, Paulding Hospital Home Health, or American Heart Association.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

EUGENE ROEHLING JR.
WOODBURN — Eugene Roehling Jr., 75, of Woodburn, died Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He is loved by and leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Carolyn; daughters, Lisa Roehling and Allison (Bob) Sauter; sisters, Carolyn (Henry) Moehring and Debra (Robert) Killian; grandchildren, Lisa Nicole (Steven) Jackson, Danny, Chris and Jacob; and great-grandson, Aydan.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Roehling. There were no services. Burial was in Covington Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were by Covington Memorial Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Woodburn Volunteer Fire Department.
You may sign the guestbook and offer condolences at www.covingtonmemorial.com.

MICHAEL SCHERER
1949-2007
PAULDING – Michael R. Scherer, age 58, died Thursday, March 8, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 10, 1949 in Kenosha, Wis., the son of Richard and Helen (Drinkwine) Scherer. He married Virginia E. Adkins, who survives. He was employed by SK Hand Tools, Defiance. He was formerly employed by Spartech, Paulding, and Johnson Motors, Waukegan, Ill. He was a former caretaker for Auglaize Village, Defiance. He was a member of Broughton Council, and the U.A.W.
Also surviving are his mother, Helen Peura, Oxford, Wis.; a son, LEE Scherer, Zion, Ill.; two daughters, Kari (Mike) Lakins of Linderhurst, Ill., and Jessica (Tom) Myra, Salem, Wis.; a sister, Julie (Greg) Sinnen, a stepbrother, Karl Peura Jr., and a stepsister, Cindy Peura, all of Kenosha; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard; stepfather, Karl Peura; and his grandparents.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 13 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Jerry Davis officiating. Memorial and burial will be at a later date in Oxford, Wis. Donations may be made to the family.

DOROTHY GOELTZENLEUCHTER
1946-2007
DEFIANCE — Dorothy J. Goeltzenleuchter, 60, of Defiance, died at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 12, at her residence in Defiance.
She was born July 23, 1946, in Paulding, the daughter of Darwin and Viola (Tipsword) Sherry, who both preceded her in death. In 1969, she married Rolland E. Goeltzenleuchter, who preceded her in death in 2003. She was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Defiance and a member of the Ladies Aid at the church. She was a telephone operator for the United Telephone Company.
She is survived by an adopted daughter, Dianna (Phillip) Mayer of Defiance; three brothers, Larry Sherry of Defiance, Jess (Janet) Sherry of Van Wert, and Darwin (Pam) Sherry of Payne; two sisters, Bonnie (Don) Posey of Defiance and Brenda Jerome of Van Wert; and three grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a brother, Norman Sherry. Services were held Thursday, March 15, at Faith Baptist Church in Defiance, with the Rev. Dr. Jerry R. Davis officiating. Burial was in Sherman Cemetery, Paulding. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

HENRY HOOK
1927-2007
PAYNE – Henry J. Hook, 80, of Payne, passed away at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 14 at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne.
Born March 5, 1927, in Payne, he was the son of the late Henry  and Ida (Hoop) Hook. On June 28, 1947, Henry married Gloria Bowers, who survives. He served in the U.S. Army in WWII.  Henry worked at International Harvester, had been mayor and police chief of Payne, and also served on the Payne Village Council and the Paulding County Democrat Committee. He was the union steward and vice president of UAW Local 57.
He will be sadly missed by his wife, Gloria; daughter,  Wendy (Larry) Zuber of Antwerp; four sons,  Kerry (Jody), Rick (LeeAnn), Jeffrey and Chad all of Payne; a brother, Ned (Doris) Hook of New Haven; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Maxine Gillenwater, Dora Oberly, Violet Martz, Catherine Hook, Phyllis Stevenson and Pearl Childs; and brothers, Fred, Chuck and Clarence. Funeral services were held Monday, March 19 at Payne Church of the Nazarene with the Revs. Michael Harper and Amy Haines officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne, with military honors. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of arrangements. In his memory, contributions may be made to Payne Church of the Nazarene or Paulding County Sheriff Reserve.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

HOWARD MAWER
1917-2007
PAULDING – Howard B. Mawer, age 89, died at 6:53 p.m. Friday, March 16, at Paulding County Hospital.
He was born April 12, 1917 in Wood County, Ohio, the son of George C. and Lulu V. (Ducat) Mawer. On Oct. 16,1938, he married Vera Alice Pope, who survives. He retired in 1997 as the owner/operator of Ducat’s Dry Goods and Ready Wear of Paulding. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during WWII. He had been an insurance agent for National Life and Accident, he managed Kroger Stores in Toledo and worked for the Champion Spark Plug Company of Toledo.
He was a chartered member of the Calvary Bible Church of Paulding, and a member of Gideons International and Youth for Christ. He was a Boy Scout troop leader in Haskins, Ohio. He was an avid Detroit Tiger baseball fan.
Also surviving are three sons, Larry (Carol) Mawer of Paulding, Kent (Jacqueline) Mawer of Elkhart, Ind., and Mark (Lisa) Mawer of Acworth, Ga.; a daughter, Marcia (James) Simcox of Plumsteadville, Pa.; 20 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Gerald and Daniel Mawer; and two sisters, Mary Lou Mawer and Frances Scheerer.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, March 21 at Calvary Bible Church Paulding, with the Rev. Charles Ashman officiating. Burial will be in Beaver Creek Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Ohio. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be one hour before services at the church.
Preferred memorials are to Gideons International.

RALPH RICKENBERG
1946-2007
DEFIANCE — Ralph A. Rickenberg, 60, of Defiance, died at 3:53 p.m. Thursday, March 15, at the Defiance Regional Medical Center.
He was born Dec. 1, 1946, in Napoleon, the son of Alfred and Viola (Wieland) Rickenberg, who both preceded him in death. He was employed by General Motors in Defiance, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Defiance, U.A.W. 211, Moose, Eagles, and AmVets #1991. Surviving are four daughters, Sheri Baker of Defiance, Shonda Huerta, Defiance, Tiffany Rickenberg of Alcester, S.D., and Tanya Rickenberg, Defiance; a brother, Richard (Ilonka) Rickenberg of Florida, Ohio; a godchild, Jason Rickenberg; various nieces and nephews; and six grandchildren, Makayla, Meredith and Logan Baker, Jaime Rey and Logan Baker, and Bricetin Stiltner.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Henry Rickenberg.
Services were held Tuesday, March 20, at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance, with the Rev. Donald L. Luhring officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Defiance. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of Defiance.

MARINELL SIGLEY
1943-2007
PAULDING – Marinell Sigley, age 64, died Sunday, March 18 at her residence.
She was born Jan. 8, 1943, in Paulding County, the daughter of William E. “Al” and Mary Emogene (Staley) Wolfle. On July 10, 1976 she married Arthur Lee Sigley, who preceded her in death on Nov. 13, 2002. She was a member of Paulding United Methodist Church. She was employed by Mirror Tech, Paulding, and previously employed by D.H. Lee Drug Store. She was a member of VFW Post 587 Auxiliary and Eagles #2405 Auxiliary. She is survived by a sister, Jeanne Ann (Pudge) Myers, Paulding; two brothers, Timothy Wolfle of Paulding, and Joseph Wolfle, Grove City, Ohio; and nieces and nephews. She also was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, William and David Lee Wolfle.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 22, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Ben Lowell officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today, March 21, and from 9 a.m. until time of services on Thursday, at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice.

RUTH STRAUCH
1913-2007
PAULDING – Ruth Elizabeth (Baker) Strauch, age 93, died at 5:35 p.m. Thursday, March 15 at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
She was born Aug. 31, 1913, in Augusta, Ga., the daughter of George and Nannie (Wells) Baker Sr. In 1947, she married Hans Jacob Strauch, who preceded her in death in 1954. She moved from Augusta to Paulding in 1978.
She worked in the Hollingsworth Candy Company and Fort Gordon PX in Augusta, Ga. She worked in a drugstore in Baltimore, Md., where she met Hans, who was a pharmacist there. She also worked many hours volunteering in the kitchen at Paulding County Senior Center. Her joy was riding with her “bud,” Jim Kochenour, delivering meals to the shut-ins. She loved being with her family, especially the children, her family at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, singing, traveling and playing bingo.
She is survived by a son, George Strauch, Bothell, Wash.; a daughter, Ruth (William) Snodgrass, Paulding; five stepsons, Joseph (Rose-Marie) Strauch of Parksville, Md., John (Annette) Strauch of Hunt Valley, Md., Paul (Lynn) Strauch of Gustine, Calif., William (Sami) Strauch of Riverdale, Ga., and Karl (Lee) Strauch, Baltimore, Md.; three stepdaughters, Carita (Edward) Rowland of Anchorage, Alaska, Margaret (Donald) Jackson of Ingram, Texas, and Theresa (Ralph) Angelillo of Edison, N.J.; two grandchildren, Erica (Doug) Habern of Paulding and Randy (Crystal) Brooks of Hicksville; 41 step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, Rylan and Myranda Brooks and Samantha, Savannah and Stephanie Habern; 69 step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles (Pat) Baker, Nottingham, N.H.; five sisters, Evelyn Jackson of Decatur, Ga., Earline Elliott of Hephzibah, Ga., Doris Grant of North Augusta, S.C., Juanita Wolpert of Cantonment, Fla., and Betty (Charles) Patterson, Beech Island, S.C.; 20 nieces; and nine nephews. Also preceding her in death were a stepdaughter, Marie Martin; two step-grandsons, Anthony Strauch and Charles Scantlen Jr.; one step-great-grandson; three brothers, George Jr., Harold and James Baker; a nephew, Tommy Baker; and a niece, Nancy Strauch.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 19, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Drew Gardner officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Pallbearers included William Snodgrass, Doug Habern, Roger Gardner and Nigel Hogan.
Memorial donations may be made to Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund or the Emmanuel Baptist Church Children’s Department.

LARRY VAN TILBURG
1949-2007
GROVER HILL — Larry L. Van Tilburg, 57, died Sunday, March 11.

GALE WISTNER
1910-2007
GROVER HILL – Gerald Rayburn “Gale” Wistner, age 96, died at 4:25 a.m. Thursday, March 15 at Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.
He was born July 18, 1910 in Van Wert County, the son of John E. and Myrtle (DeCamp) Wistner. On Jan. 14, 1933, he married Marcele Harpster, who preceded him in death Dec. 4, 1984. A retired farmer in Latty Township, he attended Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill and was a former member of the Grover Hill Village Council.
Surviving are three sons, John R. (Cora) Wistner of Haviland, and Gerald Rodney (Judy) Wistner and Maurice R. (Cheryl) Wistner, both of Grover Hill; two daughters, Naomi R. (Paul H.) Bidlack and Ona R. (Ray) Volk, both of Grover Hill; two sisters, Virginia Gudakunst of Van Wert and Edith (Fred) Wyatt of Country Inn, Paulding; 15 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were five half-brothers, Thomas, Oscar, Vernon and Clarence Wistner and Dewey Gillespie; four sisters, Gladys Scarbrough, Ethel Etter, Geneva Welch and Nellie Sanderson; and five half-sisters, Pearl Tribolett, Bess Freshwater, Hazel Fortman, Rylma Marks and Esther Fish. Services were held Saturday, March 17 at Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill, with Pastor Bo Chrisman officiating. Burial was in Middle Creek Cemetery, Washington Township. Pall bearers were Dan Bidlack, Steve Bidlack, David Volk, Brad Volk, Eric Wistner, Kelly Wistner, Brent Waggoner and Rex Welch. Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the church or the Grover Hill Fire Department.
Expressions of sympathy may be e-mailed to cowanfh@yahoo.com

JAMES ADAMS
1925-2007
SCOTT – James L. Adams, 81, died Monday, March 26.

DARLENE BLAIR
1936-2007
PAULDING — Darlene J. Blair, 71, Paulding, died Sunday, March 25.

ROSE MARIE FARLING
1915-2007
WOODBURN — Rose Marie Farling, 91, of Woodburn, died Friday, March 23, at her residence.
She was born Aug. 24, 1915, in Chicago. She was married to Dr. Doyt Farling, who preceded her in death. She loved her family and friends, and was always looking forward to the next get-together. Surviving are a daughter, Ellen (William) Commack of Fort Wayne; one son, Richard Farling of Toledo; a daughter-in-law, Dianna Farling, of Payne; a granddaughter, Kim (Monte) Brenneman of Woodburn; and great-grandchildren, Samantha, Joshua, Shaina and Sophia Rose Brenneman. She also was preceded in death by two sisters, Loretta and Nancy.
Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. today, March 28, at the Woodburn Missionary Church in Woodburn. Family will receive friends from 11-11:30 a.m. at the church, prior to the funeral. Burial will be in the Lehman Cemetery in Payne. Hockemeyer Funeral Home, Harlan, Ind., is in charge of the arrangements. Preferred memorials may go to the Hope Crisis Network.

BETTY JOHANNS
Betty L. Randall Johanns, 79, of Marysville and Paulding died Monday afternoon, March 26, in Paulding following a brief illness. Arrangements are being completed by Ingram Funeral Home, Marysville.

JOHN LORTIE
1916-2007
NEW HAVEN — John B. Lortie, 90, of New Haven, died at 5:03 a.m. Sunday, March 25, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born April 29, 1916, in Jackson Township, the son of Francis F. and Bertha I. (Leonard) Lortie. On April 30, 1938, he married Celeste C. Coonrod, at the St. Louis Catholic Church in Besancon. She survives in New Haven. The couple would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary next month. John retired from Hardware Wholesalers, following 22 years of service. He also farmed for over 20 years. He was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, Besancon. He is also survived by three sons, David B. (Judy) Lortie of Columbia City, Thomas L. (Linda Sue) of Woodburn, and Patrick M. (Terri) Lortie of Antwerp; two daughters, Linda E. (Phillip) Lee of South Whitley, Ind. and Janine C. (Daniel) Foellinger of Fort Wayne; two brothers, Dominic C. Lortie of Butler, Ind. and Paul E. Lortie of Monroeville; a sister, Mary Ann Kreger, of Churubusco; 23 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, John Francis Lortie; a daughter, Victoria M. Kumfer; three brothers, Adrian, Dallas and Earl Lortie; and one sister, Shirley Kamp.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., with a prayer service at 9 a.m., Thursday, March 29, at the St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church in New Haven, with the Father Stephen Colchin officiating.
Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m., and a Rosary Service at 8 p.m., today, March 28, at Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home Jacobs Chapel, Monroeville, Ind. Preferred memorials are to the Masses to the St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church or the St. Louis Academy.

JEAN SMALLEY
1922-2007
PAULDING – Jean I. Smalley, age 84, died Sunday, March 25 at Paulding County Hospital.
She was born Aug. 26, 1922 in Lucas County, Ohio, the daughter of Oswald T. and Marion I. (Grabach) Schmidt. On Feb. 6, 1942 she married Ralph H. Smalley, who preceded her in death on Oct. 20, 1996. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Paulding, and attended Calvary Bible Church, Paulding. She was a 20-year deputy recorder for Paulding County, a clerk for Judge Hitchcock in Common Pleas Court, and worked for various attorneys in Paulding.
Surviving are three sons, R. Douglas (Rhonda) Smalley and Kevin Smalley, both of Paulding, and David (Kathy) Smalley of Indianapolis; two daughters, Carol (Larry) Mawer of Paulding and Cynthia (John) Brady of Westerville; 15 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a son, Charles Smalley; and a brother, James Watts.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 30 at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding with Bud Larimore officiating. Burial will be in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding. Visitation will be from 2:30-9 p.m. Thursday, March 29 and one hour prior to services on Friday.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding Area Visiting Nurses Home Health Care.

VIOLA SMITH
1921-2007
FORT WAYNE — Viola M. Smith, 85, died Friday, March 23, at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born May 2, 1921, in Defiance. She was currently employed by Harbor Side Healthcare of New Haven, Ind., and was a former sales clerk for L.S. Ayres for eight years. She was a member of the Wapakoneta Church of the Nazarene, Wycliffe Bible Translators, and was past president of the Missionary Society of the Church of the Nazarene.
She is survived by a daughter, Brenda M. Smith of New Haven; four sisters, Margaret Gable of Kentucky, Helen Jean Hardesty of Paulding, Majorie Ann Rhoden of South Webster, Ohio, and Olieta Bouldrey of Fairbury, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd M. Smith; five sisters, Bertha Louth, Rosetta Odern, Louise Underwood, Emma Bell Bumpus, and Gertrude Kaylor; and two brothers, Otto and George Bumpus.
Services were held Monday, March 26, at Grace Point Church of the Nazarene, with the Rev. Ward Lewis officiating. Burial was in the Highland Park Cemetery. D.O. McComb and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Wapakoneta Church of the Nazarene.

CHARLES WHITAKER
1937-2007
PINCKNEY, Mich. — Charles L. Whitaker, 69, of Pinckney, Mich., died March 2, following an extended illness.
He was born Nov. 7, 1937, in Van Wert, the son of William and Helen (Walls) Whitaker, who both preceded him in death. He graduated from Ypsilanti High school in 1954. On Oct. 13, 1964, he married Elizabeth Gilbert, who preceded him in death March 24, 1997. He was employed by SBC Ameritech for 45 years, retiring in 2001. He is survived by a son, Charles (Martha) Whitaker of Webberville, Mich.; two daughters, Shannon (Randy) Prime of Romulus, Mich. and Heather Whitaker of Whitmore Lake, Mich.; and eight grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a daughter, Kimberly; and a son, Jeremy. Services were held March 6, at the Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel in Ypsilanti. Burial was in Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, Mich.

DICK YENSER
1934-2007
HAVILAND – George Richard “Dick” Yenser, age 72, died Sunday, March 25.

JOANN YOUNG
JoAnn Autz Young, age 79, of Paulding, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 24, 2007.
JoAnn is survived by her eight children, Linda Zultz, Peggy (James) Rhoades, Kathleen (Mike) Reigleman, Thomas (Jolene) Young, Stephen (Kim) Young, Christine (Junior) Hounshell, Matthew Young and Roberta (Colton) Danberry; grandchildren, Heather, Timothy, James, Michael, Joseph, Nathaniel, Jason, Thomas, Patrick, Angela, Amanda, Jack, Katlyn, Jessica and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Brittani, Krysten, Joshua, Samantha, Brendon, Reilly, Reagan, Morgan and Brooke; great-great-grandchildren, Caden and Baby Brother; and a sister, Geraldine (Michael) Eshelman.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas; and a grandson, Brandon. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 28 at Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel, 6440 S. High St., Columbus. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Columbus. Egan-Ryan Funeral Home, Columbus, is in charge of arrangements.

EDNA BIDLACK
1915-2007
PORTAGE, Mich. — Edna L. Bidlack, 91, died Monday, April 2, at the Laurels of Galesburg, Mich. She was a former resident of Fort Wayne.
She was born May 15, 1915, in Cloverdale, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (McMichael) Claypool. She retired in 1977 from the Fort Wayne Indiana Newspapers Inc. where she was a compositor for 25 years. She is survived by a daughter, Pamela (Randy) Hitchcock of Kalamazoo, Mich.; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Guilford “Bud” Claypool.
Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today, April 4, at Middle Creek Cemetery Grover Hill. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are to the donor’s choice.

AMANDA EANES
1982-2007
PAYNE – Amanda Moriah Eanes, age 25, died Saturday, March 24, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, as a result of an accident at Taylor Made Glass Products, Payne. She was born Feb. 9, 1982 in Hattiesburg, Miss., the daughter of Walter W. and Belinda A. (Clark) Eanes. She was employed by Taylor Made Glass, Payne. She is survived by her father, Walter Eanes, Hodgen, Okla.; her mother, Belinda (John) Leatherwood, Niceville, Fla.; her daughter, Jasmine Lynn Mattson, Payne; her fiancé, Adam L. Mattson, stationed in San Diego, Calif.; and two half-sisters, Lora G. Eanes and Dawn M. Eanes, both of Mississippi. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 31, at Payne Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Mike Harper officiating. Burial will be in Lehman Cemetery, Payne, at a later date. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Donations may be made to the Jasmine Lynn Mattson Trust.

BETTY JOHANNS
 1927-2007
PAULDING – Betty L. Randall Johanns, 79, of Marysville and Paulding, died Monday afternoon, March 26, in Paulding following a brief illness.
Betty was born June 2, 1927 in Clark County to the late Floyd L. and Thurza I. Forbeck Patton. She was married June 14, 1951 to James C. Randall, who preceded her in death March 27, 1995. On July 24, 1999, she married Paul W. Johanns, who survives. Since their marriage, she has resided in Paulding as well as keeping her residence in Marysville.
She was retired after 30 years of service at the OM Scott & Sons Company. She was a longtime member of the Marysville First United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, and was very active and proud of her involvement with the annual church rummage sales. She was also a member of the Scotts 20 Year Club, the Red Hat Society, and, in recent years, had also attended the Paulding United Methodist Church. She had a wonderful caring personality and will be missed by family and friends alike. Other survivors include Paul’s children, Jan (Phil) Stump and Connie (Jim) Smith, both of Wilmington, N.C., Carol (Doug) Holland of Oak Grove, Mo., Barb King of Hicksville, Phil (Cheryl) Johanns of Portland, Ind., Dick (Jackie) Johanns of Paulding, Gary (Pam) Johanns of Jackson, Mich.; 22 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; sisters, Martha M. Green of Marysville and Jean Cramer Woodring of Paulding; brothers, Waldo (Jean) Patton and Lawrence (Wilma) Patton, both of Marysville; a sister-in-law, Ruth Patton of West Mansfield; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Richardson of Marysville; and numerous nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews; and wonderful friends. She also was preceded in death by a sister, Juanita Richardson; and a brother, Roger Patton. Private family services were held Friday, March 30 at Ingram Funeral Home, Marysville, with the Rev. Richard Teller officiating. Burial followed at Oakdale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Marysville First United Methodist, the James Cancer Hospital, or the American Heart Association.

JOHN KOCH
1919-2007
PAYNE — John W. Koch, 87, formerly of Payne, died Saturday, March 31, at the Saint Anne Home and Retirement Center in Fort Wayne.
He was born Aug. 23, 1919, in Paulding County, the son of Wilhelm H. and Mary A. (Schaefer) Koch. On Jan. 8, 1949, he married Bernardine M. Nix, who survives in Fort Wayne. He was a retired self employed beekeeper. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during WWII.
He was a former president of the Beekeepers Association, a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Payne, Holy Name Society, a third and fourth degree Knight of Columbus, and a member of the Payne American Legion Post #297.
He is also survived by two sons, Brendan (Peggy) Koch of Parma, Ohio, and Jerome (Marlene) Koch of Huntsville, Ala.; a daughter, Rita Phillips of Costa Mesa, Calif.; two brothers, Vitus (Ruth) Koch of Auburn, Ind., and Benjamin (Josephine) Koch of Fort Wayne; two sisters, Hedwig “Heddy” Moeller and Margaret Moeller of Albion, Ind.; and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Daniel, Carl, Justus, and Rudolf Koch; and a sister, Catherine Koch.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 10. at the St. John the Baptist Church in Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial will be in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery in Payne.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. Monday, April 9, at Den Herder Funeral Home, with a Knights of Columbus service at 7:30 p.m., and a Rosary service at 8 p.m. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

JOHN MITCHELL
1984-2007
TOLEDO – John C. Mitchell, age 22, died Thursday, March 29 in Bowling Green.
He was born July 17, 1984 in Paradise, Calif., the son of John M. and Tippi S. (Turpin) Mitchell.
He is survived by his father, John M. Mitchell, Eugene, Ore.; his mother, Tippi S. Turpin, Paulding; a daughter, Tatyana Carr Mitchell, Kansas; a stepfather, Russell Armstrong, Paulding; three sisters, Connie M. Snyder of Cottage Grove, Ore., Sherri A. Linn of Paulding, and April Mitchell, Eugene, Ore.; grandparents, Gary Turpin of Los Gatos, Calif., Mary Label of Leesburg, Fla., John Mitchell of Sacramento, Calif.; aunts, Wendy Hooper of Aliso Viejo, Calif., and Cindy Facha of Rockland, Calif.; a stepgrandparent, Martin Hudak of Chico, Calif.; nieces and nephews, Sammy and Gavin Ostrander, and Porter Snyder, all of Cottage Grove, Ore., and step-aunt, Michelle Porter, Chico, Calif.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Sandy Hudak, Dolores and Charles Witzke.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 6 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Jim Stinehelfer Jr. officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Visitation will be 4:30-8 p.m. Thursday, April 5 and one hour prior to services on Friday, at the funeral home.
Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

FRANCIS ROSS
1915-2007
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. – Francis W. Ross, age 91, of Columbia City, Ind. died at 1:19 p.m. Sunday, April 1, at Parkview Whitley Emergency Room, Columbia City.
He was born on July 29, 1915 at Crane Township, Paulding County, the son of William Henry and Edith Mae Woodring. He graduated from Paulding High School with the Class of 1931. On Jan. 6, 1936 he married Ruth O. Birkhold, who survives. In 1945, he and his family moved from Ohio to Columbia City, where he has resided ever since. He was employed at Montgomery Ward in Columbia City and for over 22 years he was a factory worker for Phelps Dodge, Fort Wayne. His memberships include, Grace Lutheran Church, Eagles Lodge #1906, Elks and Moose Lodge, all of Columbia City. Also surviving are two daughters, Mary Joan Boschet of Columbia City and Betsy R. (Jack L.) Thompson of Albion, Ind.; one son, John F. (Laura) Ross, Columbia City; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Walter Ross, Antwerp. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Clarence, Arl and John Ross. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. Eagle’s twilight memorial service today, April 4, at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at the funeral home with Dr. C. James Cress of Grace Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be at South Park (Original) Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Ross to Grace Lutheran Church, Columbia City. To send family condolences, sign the guest register or to light a memorial candle, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.

LINDA VANCE
1949-2007
PAULDING — Linda D. Vance, 58, of Paulding, died Friday, March 30, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Jan. 22, 1949, in Paulding, the daughter of Harley and Leona (Stultz) Elston, who both preceded her in death. On Jan. 20, 1968, she married Robert E. Vance, who survives in Paulding. She was previously employed by Pawnee Plastics in Paulding.
Also surviving are two sons, Barry (Dorrean) Vance and Rob (Rachel) Vance, both of Paulding; a daughter, Nancy (Taylor) McDonald of Baton Rouge, La.; three brothers, Ed (Mildred) Elston and William (Martha) Elston, both of Payne, and Don (Gertrude) Elston of Antwerp; five sisters, Mabel Jenkins, Shirley (Howard) Kilpatrick, and Waneta Sanders, all of Payne; Jean (Richard) Fraley of Antwerp, and Pamela (John) Mattes of New Haven, Ind.; and nine grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a son, Mark Vance, in 1970.
Services were held Tuesday, April 3, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with Pastor Mike Harper officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Preferred memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

CARL AYRES
1913-2007
BRADENTON, Fla. — Dr. Carl E. Ayres, 94, Bradenton, Fla., died Monday, April 2.

NICOLE BATT
1975-2007
OAKWOOD — Nicole Sue “Nicky” Batt, 31, of Bowling Green, formerly of Defiance, died Monday, April 2, as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident which occurred Sunday morning in Henry County.
She was born Nov. 19, 1975, in Paulding, the daughter of Jim and Bonnie (Strable) Batt, who survive in rural Oakwood. She was a 1994 graduate of Paulding High school and a student at Bowling Green State University. She was to graduate May 5 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics. She had worked multiple internships in Dietetics. She was former manager of Cashland and had worked in food service for 13 years.
She is also survived by a sister, Belinda (Kent) Laney of Defiance; a brother, J.J. Batt of Oakwood; two nieces and a nephew.
Services were held Friday, April 6, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Junction, Paulding County, with Father John Stites officiating. Interment was in the Sherman Cemetery, Paulding County. Lawson Roessner Funeral Home in Defiance was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

CARL BOK
1986-2007
OAKWOOD – Carl David “C.D.” Bok, age 20, died Wednesday, April 4.

MAXINE HILL
1921-2007
PAULDING – Maxine Hill, age 86, died Saturday, April 7, at Van Crest Health Care Center, Van Wert.
She was born Jan. 14, 1921 in Latty, the daughter of O. Lewis and Mildred (Bimer) Neal. She was a member of First Christian Church, Paulding, Paulding Eagles Post #2405 Auxiliary, and Paulding VFW Post #587 Auxiliary. She was employed by SK Wayne Tool Company, Defiance, retiring in 1976. She was also previously employed by VFW Post #587 for eight years, and the former Grizzly Manufacturing in Paulding for 17 years.
She is survived by two daughters, Beverly (Robert) Dillery of Phoenix and Leisa Gustafson, Tomahawk, Wis.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Myron “Mick” Hill; two brothers, Rexford and Kermit Neal; and a sister, Lelah Neal. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, April 11, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding at a later date. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of services today at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

MAXINE HILL
1921-2007
PAULDING – Maxine Hill, age 86, died Saturday, April 7, at Van Crest Health Care Center, Van Wert.
She was born Jan. 14, 1921 in Latty, the daughter of O. Lewis and Mildred (Bimer) Neal. She was a member of First Christian Church, Paulding, Paulding Eagles Post #2405 Auxiliary, and Paulding VFW Post #587 Auxiliary. She was employed by SK Wayne Tool Company, Defiance, retiring in 1976. She was also previously employed by VFW Post #587 for eight years, and the former Grizzly Manufacturing in Paulding for 17 years.
She is survived by two daughters, Beverly (Robert) Dillery of Phoenix and Leisa Gustafson, Tomahawk, Wis.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Myron “Mick” Hill; two brothers, Rexford and Kermit Neal; and a sister, Lelah Neal. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, April 11, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding at a later date. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of services today at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

WANDA MILLER
1918-2007
PAULDING – Wanda G. Miller, age 88, died Tuesday, April 3, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
She was born July 10, 1918, in Grover Hill, the daughter of Ora G. and Iva L. (Stores) Uhlenhaker. On July 10, 1938, she married Virgil F. Miller, who preceded her in death on Aug. 31, 2006. She is survived by four daughters, Myrna (Norman) Cook of Paulding, Diana (Robert) Eisel of Findlay, Marlene (Don) Hartwick of Plano, Texas, and Nylice Lawson of Bear, Del.; 10 grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and two step-great-great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a brother, Philip. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 7 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial was in Paulding Memorial Cemetery, Paulding.
In lieu of flowers, throws/afghans, statuary, etc., the Wanda Miller Family requests that all donations be made only to Gideon’s International; Paulding United Methodist Church Children’s Department; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

HARRY SHRIDER
1928-2007
PAULDING — Harry F. Shrider, 78, died Saturday, April 7, at Paulding County Hospital.
He was born Oct. 1, 1928, in Harlan, Ind., the son of Ralph and Mabel Edith (Gray) Shrider, who both preceded him in death. On July 1, 1961, he married Rose Marie Foust, who survives in Paulding. He was employed by Dana Weatherhead for 37 years, retiring in 1989. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Payne, a life member of the D.A.V., Columbus, Ohio, and the Yankee Motorcycle Club of Defiance. He is also survived by a son, Dean, of Stryker; and three grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were two brothers, Harvey “Ed” and William “Bruce” Shrider; and a sister, Jean Shrider.
Services were held Tuesday, April 10, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial was in the Blue Creek Cemetery, Paulding County.

PENNY BELL
1960-2007
ANTWERP – Penny Marlene Bell, age 46, died Friday, April 13.

RUBY CONLEY
1941-2007
CECIL – Ruby Elizabeth Conley, age 65, died Sunday, April 8.

HARRY SHRIDER
PAULDING — A memorial service will be held for Harry Shrider at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 21, at the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Payne.

ROY POORKER
1935-2007
PAYNE – Melroy E. “Roy” Poorker, age 71 died Sunday, April 8 at his residence.
He was born on Oct. 2, 1935 in Milaca, Minn., the son of George and Hilda (Howe) Poorker. On March 16, 1957 he married Audrey Campbell, who survives. He was owner/operator of Roy’s Refrigeration, Payne, retiring in 2002. He was previously employed by Beloit Foundry, South Beloit, Ill. for 35 years. He loved hunting, fishing, and the Green Bay Packers.
Also surviving are a son, Roy (Suzanne) Poorker, Woodbridge, Va.; a daughter, LaVerne (Ray) Craft, Gandeeville, W.Va.; 4 grandchildren, Audrey-Lynn Tesch, Roy, Scott and Christopher Poorker; and a great-granddaughter, Kelsey Blevis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Louis Gossick and James Poorker; and a sister, Pauline Cummings.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 13 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.

CARLOS ROGERS
1910-2007
TIFFIN – Carlos Doyt Rogers, 97, formerly of Scott, died at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, at Bellevue Hospital, Bellevue, Ohio.
He was born March 2, 1910 in Swanton, the son of Roy and Minnie (O’Day) Rogers. On Aug. 31, 1935 he married Wilma Fox, who preceded him in death on June 24, 2002. He retired from National Seal in Van Wert in 1975 with 22 years of service, and General Electric in Fort Wayne with 11 years of service. Surviving are one daughter, Sandra J. (Morris) Colter of Tiffin; two sisters, Mildred (Kent) Giessler of Decatur, Ind. and Pauline Shook of South Carolina; two grandchildren, Cheryl (Tom) Wahl of Tiffin and Mark (Janie) Colter of Tennessee; and three great-grandchildren, Sara Wahl of Tiffin and Matthew and Elise Colter of Tennessee. He also was preceded in death by four brothers, Donald, Willis and Jack Rogers, and in infancy Francis Rogers; and five sisters, Marita Goeltzenleuchter, Opal Rodenour, Della Zulch, Princess Martz, and in infancy Louella Mae Rogers.
Funeral services were held Thursday, April 12 at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert with Pastor Bernie Dickson from the Fostoria Nazarene Church officiating. Burial was in the Blue Creek Cemetery, Paulding County. Preferred memorials may be made to the Kidney Foundation.
Expressions of sympathy may be e-mailed to: cowanfh@yahoo.com

FURL SANDERSON
1913-2007
VAN WERT – L. Furl Sanderson, 93, of Van Wert, died at 2:35 a.m. Saturday, April 14 at VanCrest Health Care Center.
He was born Oct. 12, 1913, in Paulding County, the son of John E. and Ethel Ann (Edwards) Sanderson. On March 15, 1935, he married Dola Arminda Caris, who preceded him in death on Sept. 28, 1997. He retired from Continental Can Company (Greif Bros.) in Van Wert, Jan. 2, 1976. He was a member of Zion Christian Union Church, Grover Hill.
Surviving are five sons, Leo (Marcia) Sanderson and Dana (Sheila) Sanderson, both of Van Wert, Donald Sanderson of Rome City, Ind., and Tom (Carol) Sanderson and Bill (Charlene) Sanderson, both of Van Wert; a sister, Betty Dunlap of Ayersville; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by five brothers, Clyde, Harold, Kenneth, Paul and John Sanderson; a twin sister, Pearl Winters; and one great-grandson. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, April 18, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert. The Revs. Paul W. Miller and Mark McKay will officiate. Burial will be in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill.
Preferred memorials are to Zion Christian Union Church or VanCrest Activity Fund.
Expressions of sympathy may be e-mailed to cowanfh@yahoo.com.

RUTH SCHAUFELE
1915-2007
DEFIANCE — Ruth L. Schaufele, 91, of Defiance, died at 7:15 a.m. Monday, April 16, at the Laurels of Defiance.
She was born Nov. 8, 1918, in Paulding, the daughter of Charles and Pearl (Hayes) Potts. On Sept. 16, 1937, she married Robert E. Schaufele, who preceded her in death in 2005. She was a housewife and a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Defiance, a WELCA member, a former member of Eastern Star, Defiance Hospital Auxiliary, a former member of United Church Women, and a charter member of the Cotillion Dance Club.
She is survived by a son, Philip (Marty) Schaufele of Defiance; two daughters, Judy (Gerald) Mekus of Sherwood and Carolyn (James) MacMillan of Stratford, Ontario, Canada; a sister, Elsie Emerling of Defiance; and three grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were five brothers, Lawrence, John, Floyd, Robert, and Walter Potts; and a sister, Esther Larimore.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 19, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Defiance, with the Rev. Robert McNamara officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery, Defiance.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-8 p.m., today, Wednesday, April 18, at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to the Zion Lutheran Church or to Multiple Sclerosis.

DIANA STOLLER
1946-2007
SPRINGPORT, Mich. — Diana Jean (Dull) Stoller, 60, was swept lovingly into her Heavenly Father’s arms at 10:45 p.m., Friday, April 13, at her home in Springport, Mich. Her loving husband, Rev. Keith Stoller, pastor of the Grace Baptist Church of Springfield, held her in his arms as she succumbed to complications of diabetes and end stage renal failure. Her husband was supported and encouraged by critical assistance from Great Lakes Hospice of Jackson, Mich.
She was born Oct. 21, 1946, at the Paulding County Hospital, the daughter of Eugene and Lorna Dull of Scott, who both preceded her in death. She lived in rural Mercer County and Paulding County, as well as S.C. during her growing up years.
She graduated along with her husband, Keith, from Blue Creek Local High School in 1964. Her vocational preparation included International Business College in Fort Wayne, as well as Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo.
She ably served many full time and part time employers as secretary, sales manager, and administrative assistant during her working years. While living in Lansing, Mich., she was active in community affairs, serving on the Greater Lansing Housing Commission, as well as President of the Riverpoint Neighborhood.
Born again in March 1975, she served conscientiously and sacrificially as a pastor’s wife while they ministered to congregations in Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. she was gifted with a beautiful singing voice and was a blessing whenever she communicated the gospel in song. She is survived by Keith, her husband of more than 40 years; a daughter, Marci (Craig) Merrill; a granddaughter, Katrina Merrill, all of Michigan Center, Mich.; a sister, Maurice Hudson of N.C.; three brothers, Steve Dull of Ind., Jack (Rhonda) and Rick (Tammy) Dull, all of Ohio; nine nieces; six nephews; and her loving pets, Peaches and Little Bit.
Also preceding her in death were an infant son, Brian Keith; a sister, Lora Jean Mathews of San Paulo, Brazil; and a granddaughter, Sophie Merrill.
Her life will be celebrated in a memorial service at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, April 18, at the Liberty Baptist Church in Van Wert with Rev. Jim Burns, the pastor, officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Her body will be interned at the Blue Creek Township in rural Paulding County.
Liberty Baptist Church is making arrangements for a dinner, following the graveside service. Local arrangements are being ably handled by Cowan and Son Funeral Home in Van Wert.
Those desiring to honor her life with a preferred memorial gift may do so to either: Gideon Bible Society, Grace Baptist Church, Springport, or New Tribes Missions, Sanford, Fla., which is designated for Bible translation work.

KATHRYN WALTZ
1919-2007
VAN WERT — Kathryn Waltz, 87, of Van Wert, died Friday, April 13.

FRED WYATT
1913-2007
GROVER HILL — Fred D. Wyatt, 93, died at 7:52 a.m. Friday, April 6, at the Van Wert County Hospital. He was a resident of the Country Inn, near Paulding. He was born Sept. 18, 1913, in Grover Hill, the son of William H. and Clara D. (Stemen) Wyatt. On Feb. 23, 1935, he married Lois E. Wistner, who survives at the Country Inn. He was a lifetime farmer in Latty Township and a truck driver for G.H. Voigt, Defiance. He was a member of the Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill, and was an avid bowler.
Also surviving is a daughter, Clara Rose (Ray) Hussey of Defiance; a sister, Ruby Scarbrough of Delaware, Ohio; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by a son, Dennis Ray Wyatt; and a sister, Laura Wyatt.
Services were held Tuesday, April 17, at the Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill, with the Rev. Bill Sherry officiating. Burial was in the Middle Creek Cemetery in Washington Township, Paulding County. Cowan and Son Funeral Home in Van Wert was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to go to the Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill.
Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to cowanfh@yahoo.com.

ELMO
GIBSON
1921-2007
FORT WAYNE – Elmo J. Gibson, 85, died Monday, April 16, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born June 14, 1921 in Van Wert, the son of Harley and Carrie (Douglas) Gibson. He was a maintenance engineer with Dana Corporation for 33 years, retiring in 1980. He was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and was a member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #82, Wayne Lodge #25, F&AM, the Scottish Rite and Parkview Senior Club.
Survivors include his wife, Jean L. Gibson of Fort Wayne; and nephews, Dennis Williams of Payne and David Williams.
He was preceded in death by an infant son and daughter; and a sister, Helen Williams.
Services were held Thursday, April 19 at at D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, with the Rev. Phillip R. Emerson officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne, with military graveside services.
Preferred memorials are to the Allen County Heart Association.

CATHERINE HECK
1931-2007
PAYNE – Catherine J. Heck, age 75, left this world at her residence in Payne on April 20, 2007 at 2:45 p.m. and was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus and her beloved husband, Raymond.
She was born July 16, 1931 in Allen County, Ind., the daughter of Bernard A. and Vivian L. (Miller) Pepe. On Oct. 14, 1950, she married Raymond G. Heck, who died Jan, 10, 2007. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where she was very active belonging to the choir, CLC and Altar/Rosary Society, Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Auxiliary, Paulding County Senior Center and Paulding County Hospital Benevolent Society. She volunteered for St. Patrick’s Church Mission in Fort Wayne Indiana. She belonged to Harvest House of New Haven, and Medugorje Prayer Group.
Surviving are four sons, John Heck of Antwerp, Randy (Mary) Heck of Sand Springs, Okla., Raymond (Pam) Heck of Payne, and Bill Heck, Antwerp; seven daughters, Dawnita (Don) Smith, Fort Wayne, Cheryl (Steve) MacDougall of Red Bud, Ill., Colleen (Bruce) Summerfield of Hoagland, Ind., Joanne (Harold) Warren of New Haven, Cindy (Kurt) Michael of Sylvania, Vicki (Ed) Baucom of Payne and Jackie (Harold) McDougle, Paulding; a brother, Donald Pepe of Fort Wayne; a sister, Helen (Roger) Green of Fort Wayne; 18 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; one son, David; one daughter, Bernadette; one brother, Louis Pepe; and one sister, Virginia Hunsberger.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. today, April 25 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Church Cemetery, Payne.
Memorial donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Educational Fund, Masses, or Hospice of Paulding County.

DARREL SANDERSON
1942-2007
HILLIARD – Darrel R. Sanderson, age 65, Hilliard, formerly of Bloomville, died Tuesday, April 17, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.
He was born Jan. 30, 1942 in Paulding, the son of Harold and Flossie (Mobley) Sanderson. On June 24, 1961 in Grover Hill, he married Nancy J. Ditto, who survives in Hilliard.
He retired in 2003 from the Stansley Quarries in Genoa, where he was employed as quarry superintendent. He was formerly employed as the superintendent at Hanson Aggregates in Bloomville for many years. He was the original owner of the Dairy Depot in Bloomville.
Mr. Sanderson attended the Northwest Bible Church of Hilliard and was very active with their VBS program, was a former member of the Bloomville Lions Club, and was very active with the Hilliard Senior Center. He was an avid coin collector, loved fishing and hunting, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Falynne, Reid, Ethan and Taylor Kagy; Austin, Brandon and Paige Brookes; Lauren, Jacob and Lucas Stacy; and Sarah, Nicole, Madeline and Kaitlyn Ziemba.
Also surviving are four daughters, Deborah (Troy) Kagy and Kelly (Scott) Brookes of Bloomville, Angela (Dan) Stacy of Hilliard, and Valerie Ziemba of Stow; a son-in-law, Karl Ziemba of Avon Lake; his mother, Flossie Cory of Van Wert; a sister, Ruthann (Robert) Thompson of Grover Hill; 14 grandchildren; and his dog Izzy.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 21, at the Bloomville United Church of Christ, with Pastor Dennis George officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bloomville. Lindsey-Olds Funeral Home, Bloomville, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House, National Parkinson’s Foundation, or to the American Heart Association

FRANK WARNER - 1933-2007
PAULDING – Frank D. Warner, age 74, died at 11:40 p.m. Friday, April 20, at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, where he had been a patient for one week. He was born March 4, 1933 in Paulding County, the son of Lowell G. and Lillie M. (Sittsworth) Warner Sr. On July 14, 1955, he married Loretta Jean Hagen, who preceded him in death Dec. 30, 2001. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean Conflict. In 1991, he retired from GM Powertrain of Defiance as truck driver, after 37 years of service. He attended the First Christian Church of Paulding, Ohio. He was a life member of the Paulding VFW Post #587.
Surviving are one son, Dewayne Warner of Paulding; two brothers, James Warner of Toledo and Anthony Warner of Fort Wayne; three sisters, Patsy Hagen of Alma, Mich., Pearl (Beau) Duncil of Upper Sandusky and Thelma (Mark) Sherer of Toledo; and nieces and nephews.
He also was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Debra Warner in 1961; one son, Rusty Warner in 1980; one brother, Lowell Warner Jr.; and one sister, Carolee. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at the Den Herder Funeral Home Paulding. Burial will be in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding. Paulding VFW Post #587 will conduct military graveside rites. Visitation will be today, April 25, from 2:30-9 p.m. at the funeral home and from 9 a.m. Thursday until service time. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

THOMAS ZACHRICH - 1948-2007
Zac, 59, was an inspiration to all who knew him. He’s a former Defiance and St. Petersburg, Fla. resident and businessman, who passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 15, at his new residence in Paulding.
Zac was born March 31, 1948 in Defiance Hospital, the son of Richard Paul and Mary Catherine (Welsh) Zachrich. He attended Tinora High School, started on their 18-1 championship baseball team, and graduated in 1966. He served his country in the U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored “Spearhead” Division in Germany during the Vietnam War Era with an honorable discharge. He traveled through many of the European countries.
He owned several Defiance businesses during the 1970s; two were the Tom Tom Club and Crazy Zac’s. His smile, personal greeting and conversations turned customers into friends when they came to these popular places to have a good time, listen and dance to the live music including, Tommy James and the Shondells, the Associations, the Sherrill’s.
While working at the club, Zac injured his back, a hematoma developed that damaged his spinal cord. After surgery Zac had a positive attitude about being a paraplegic, that he was fortunate to have use of his hands and arms. He adjusted to a new lifestyle in a wheelchair, and without concession continued doing the things he wanted, such as becoming a licensed pilot, skydiving, scubadiving in the ocean, and barnstorming the country while competing in National Wheelchair Billiards, Rollers and Pro Bowlers Tournaments. Zac was always with a smile, telling a story, traveling, and most of all he loved people. He helped many to overcome perceived disadvantages and disabilities in order to achieve and fulfill their true potential. He had a world of friends who played with him, laughed with him, and loved him. Zac had a remarkable life and lived it to the fullest. Zac was also a member of the Defiance VFW and AMVETS.
He is survived by his mother, Mary Catherine Zachrich of Paulding; longtime friend and confidant Patty Sprow and goddaughter Paige Sprow, Paulding; his former wife, Beverly (Cupp) Zachrich, Bryan; two sisters, Mary Jane (Steven) Clark of Paulding and Nancy Jean (Ken) Brotsche of Homosassa, Fla.; four brothers, Richard Lee (Sherri) Zachrich of Holgate, Harry Joseph (Sandra) Zachrich of Fort Wayne, David Paul (Joyce) Zachrich of Dublin, Ohio, and Arthur Paul (Valerie) Zachrich, Grand Prairie, Texas; six nieces; nine nephews; nine great-nieces; and three great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Paul Zachrich in 1966; and niece Talitha Mara Reynolds-Brotsche in 2005.
A Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, April 21 at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home, Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to DASH (formally Easter Seals), Make A Wish Foundation, or a Trust Fund for Paige Lee Sprow (for more information, contact Danielle K. Smith).

BRIAN ALBRIGHT - 1974-2007
PAULDING – Brian Craig Albright, age 32, died at 3:22 a.m. Friday, April 27, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.
He was born on Sept. 21, 1974 in Fostoria, the son of Kevin F. and Nancy S. (Ross) Albright. On Feb. 7, 2005 he married Brittney M. Goldfuss, who survives in Van Wert. He was a deliveryman for Marco’s Pizza of Defiance, Paulding County MRDD Workshop and participated the Paulding County Special Olympics. Also surviving are his parents, Kevin and Nancy Albright of Paulding; and his sister, Krystal Albright of Paulding.
His was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Elouise (Rodman) Albright and William and Bernice (Workman) Ross.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial will be in Blue Creek Cemetery, Haviland. Visitation is from 2:30-8 p.m. today, May 2 and from noon until service time on Thursday.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

DOROTHY MOHR - 1911-2007
VAN WERT — Dorothy L. Mohr, 95, of Van Wert, died Thursday, April 26.

ARLENE TYAS - 1921-2007
VAN WERT – Arlene Mae Rhoad Tyas, 86, died on Friday, April 27, at Convoy Care Center following a brief illness.
She was born on March 25, 1921 in Paulding County, the daughter of John and Gertrude Gantt Rhoad. Arlene and her eight siblings grew up on the farm of her birth located south of Paulding in Blue Creek Township. She graduated in 1939 from Latty School. Following graduation she worked at housekeeping in Paulding for two years and for a short time at Magnavox in Fort Wayne.
Arlene and Roy Tyas were married on Dec. 4, 1942. Together they raised three children: Paul Leroy (Cynthia) Tyas of Van Wert, Floyd (Carolyn) Tyas of Van Wert, and Margaret (Richard) Miller of Convoy. Arlene was a full-time homemaker along with providing a helping hand for her husband on the Tyas family farm located on John Brown Road in Union Township.
Roy died in June 2001, and Arlene remained on the family farm until July 2005 when she moved to the Country Inn enhanced living facility located just a mile north of where she was born. She very much enjoyed her time at the Country Inn getting to know the residents and staff at her new home. Arlene was a member of Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert, and cherished the many years of worship, learning and fellowship shared with her brothers and sisters in Christ there. She also is survived by two brothers, John Rhoad of Fort Wayne and Gene (Mary) Rhoad of rural Haviland. Arlene will be missed by her children; six grandchildren, Daniel Miller, Susan Hughes, Jeannie Miller, Jennifer Daugherty, Jason Tyas and Christopher Tyas; and by 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Floyd Rhoad, Kenneth Rhoad, twin brother Arlo “Buddy” Rhoad, and Doyle Rhoad; and by two sisters, Donna Rhoad Wilson and Enid Rhoad Learned. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, May 2 at Calvary Evangelical Church, 10686 Decatur Road, Van Wert, with calling one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Raymond Feeck will officiate, assisted by the Rev. Jason Tyas. Burial will be in Scott Cemetery, Scott. Pall Bearers will be Daniel Miller, Jordan Miller, Brad Hughes, David Daugherty, Christopher Tyas and Mark Adams. Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, is in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Calvary Evangelical Church, the Country Inn or Scott EMS. Condolences may be emailed to: agfhc@earthlink.net

ALBERT WALTERS - 1916-2007
GROVER HILL — Albert W. “Bill” Walters, 90, died at 2:24 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at the Lima Memorial Hospital in Lima, shortly after admission. He was born Nov. 29, 1916 in Paulding County, the son of Charles and Flora V. (Fast) Walters. On June 27, 1964 he married Vera Gwendolyn Whitehurst, who survives. He was employed by Magnavox of Ft. Wayne retiring after 37 years of service in 1982. He was a member of the Paulding Eagles Post #2405 He is also survived by a stepson, Carlos D. Brooks, of Auburn, Ind.; four step grandchildren; two half-brothers: Charles Mosier of Grover Hill, and Bice Mosier of Paulding; a brother-in-law, Clarence Sanderson of Van Wert; nieces and nephews, Carolyn and John Craine, Charles and Gloria Sanderson, Carol and Curt Proffitt, Cleona and Frank VanVororhis, Clayton and Liz Sanderson, Craig and Cindy Sanderson, Florence McClish, Don Biederman, Ralph Biederman, Robert and Sharon Mosier, Gary and Diane Mosier, Louise and Mike Pohlman, Janice and Byran Rasey, Steve and Kathy Mosier, John and Teresa Mosier, Susan Gladieux, Vickie and Joe Kemerer, Charles and Betty Mosier Jr., Brenda and Dan Nantz, Shirley and Dave Dawson, and Carl and Carolyn Mosier.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Biederman Slusser and Clara Maye Sanderson; a half brother, Elmer Mosier; and a nephew, Carl Clarence Sanderson. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 28, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Don Rogers officiating. Burial was in Blue Creek Cemetery, Paulding County. Donations may be made to Grover Hill EMS or American Heart Association.

DR. HAROLD WILKIN - 1924-2007
VAN WERT — Dr. Harold E. Wilkin, 82, of Van Wert, died at 3:41 a.m. Monday, April 30, at the Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born May 1, 1924, in Spencerville, the son of Vernon and Nellie (Bice) Wilkin. On Aug. 4, 1946, in Venedocia, he married Natalie J. Morgan, who survives in Van Wert. He was a WWII U.S. Army veteran, serving in the European Theater as a combat engineer in the 247th Combat Engineer Unit. He was also involved with the Omaha Beach D-Day Invasion.
He was a graduate of the Ohio State University School of Veterinarian Medicine. He was still practicing veterinarian medicine at his office in Van Wert, which he had started in 1955. He was a member of the Spencerville American Legion, Van Wert VFW, Van Wert Elks, a former member of the Van Wert Kiwanis Club, where he served as a past president and former lieutenant governor of District Two.
He was also a member of the Ohio Veterinarian Medical Board, serving as president in 1989. Wilkin was also the recipient of the 2006 Research Council of Top Veterinarians in America. He was an instrument rated airp