SAMMY RAY SMITH
1943-2007
ANTWERP – Sammy Ray Smith, 64, of Antwerp, passed away Friday, July 20, while serving his community in an accident involving an ambulance and semi-truck.
Sam was born on June 5, 1943, in Harts, W.Va., the son of the late Elza and Alice (Crittenden) Smith. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard. He worked as a tire builder at BF Goodrich, Woodburn, retiring in 1997. He was a 30-year veteran of the Antwerp Fire and EMS departments.
Sam will be sadly missed by his wife Anna Faye (Cottrell) Smith, whom he married Nov. 11, 1967, and his son, Michael Ray Smith of Antwerp.
Sam was preceded in death by his sisters, Kathleen Dillion, Belva, Mary and Joyce Smith; and brothers Henry, William, Paul and Elza Jr.
You are invited to participate in his funeral service at 1 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Antwerp Local Schools, 303 S. Harrmann Road, Antwerp, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. He will be laid to rest at Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp.
Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. Thursday, July 26 at the school.
Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, is in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Sam Smith Memorial Fund, c/o Antwerp Exchange Bank, P.O. Box 727 Antwerp, OH 45813.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

HEIDI McDOUGALL
1975-2007
ANTWERP – Heidi L. McDougall, 31, of Antwerp, passed away Friday, July 20, while serving her community in an accident involving an ambulance and semi-truck.
Heidi was born Aug. 4, 1975, in Paulding, the daughter David Hunt and Deborha Wilkinson. On Oct. 3, 1998, she married Matthew McDougall, who survives. She was a member of Cecil Presbyterian Church, Antwerp Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary & Antwerp EMS for 8 years, being their first and only paramedic. Heidi worked at Paulding County Hospital and as a paramedic at M&M Medivan, Defiance.
Heidi will be sadly missed by her husband; five children, Samantha Spangler, Abbey McDougall, Harold Spangler, Kenny Mansfield and Andy McDougall, all at home; her mother, of Columbia City, Ind.; stepparents, Norman and Barbara Thomas of Payne; three sisters, April Speaks of Antwerp, Gina Wilkinson-Workman of Van Wert, and Michelle Birk of Churubusco, Ind.; a brother, John Thomas of Worstville; and grandparents, Wanda Hunt of Antwerp and Kenny Thomas of Paulding.
She was preceded in death by her father; and grandparents, Shirley Eagleson, David Wilkinson and Maureen Thomas.
You are invited to participate in her funeral service at 1 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Antwerp Local Schools, 303 S. Harrmann Road, Antwerp, with the Rev. David Meriwether officiating. She will be laid to rest at Rochester Cemetery, Cecil.
Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. Thursday, July 26 at the school.
Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, is in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the children of Heidi McDougall, P.O. Box 452, Antwerp OH 45813.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

KELLY RAGER
1981-2007
ANTWERP – Kelly J. Rager, 25, of Antwerp, passed away Friday, July 20, while serving her community in an accident involving an ambulance and semi-truck.
Kelly was born Nov. 2, 1981, in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Ed and Joan (Gordon) Zuber. On Aug. 26, 2000, she married Benjamin Rager at the First Baptist Church of Antwerp. Kelly was a hairstylist at Shear Headlines Hicksville, a member of the Antwerp EMS Squad for the past year and was enrolled at Brown Mackie College for Nursing. She would have graduated in October 2007. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Antwerp and Antwerp EMS.
Kelly will be sadly missed by her husband, Ben; two daughters, Aubree and Kaitlyn; her mother, of Hicksville; her father and stepmother, Ed and Dotttie Zuber of Huntington; a sister, Brandy Sullivan of Hicksville; and a grandfather, Duane Gordon of Hicksville.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charlene Gordon, and Christine and Richard Zuber.
You are invited to participate in her funeral service at 1 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Antwerp Local Schools, 303 S. Harrmann Road, Antwerp, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. She will be laid to rest at Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp.
Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. Thursday, July 26 at the school.
Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, is in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Aubree & Kaitlyn Rager, P.O. Box 452, Antwerp OH 45813.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

RAY ZIELKE
1927-2007
PAULDING – Ray A. Zielke, age 80, died Tuesday, July 17, at his residence.
He was born July 6, 1927 in Paulding County, the son of Paul F. and Bertha L. (Mabis) Zielke. In 1953 he married Maxine C. Ankney, who preceded him in death on July 24, 1994. On Oct. 4, 1997, he married Loretta G. (Mobley) Crawford, who survives. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Federal Mogul of Van Wert in 1993.
He was a member of First Christian Church in Paulding, the Kiwanis, Senior Center Steering Committee, Paulding County Farm Board, and was a lifetime member of Defiance Eagles.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta Zielke, Paulding; two sons, Jim (Donna Zielke of Convoy) Zielke, Paulding, and Jerry (Michelle) Crawford, Antwerp; two daughters, Linda (Rusty) Gamble of Van Wert, and Debra (Robert) Shipman, Paulding; a brother, Wayne (Mary Jane) Zielke, Antwerp; a sister, Marietta (Frank) Harper, Paulding; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by an infant child; two brothers, Carl and Alvin Zielke; and a sister, Clara Dye.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday July 21, at First Christian Church, Paulding, with Pastor Greg Bibler officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding, with military graveside services provided by VFW Post 587. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Briceton, Paulding Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice, Paulding County Senior Center, or First Christian Church Building Fund.

ROBERT BARNES
1930-2007
PHOENIX – Robert Greeley Barnes, “Bob” or “BB,” a former resident of Paulding, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, June 26 at Phoenix.
He was born Nov. 18, 1930, at Hartford, Conn., the son of Robert W. and Marjorie (Hayes) Barnes. Bob attended school at Paulding and Coldwater, Mich. He was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy in 1953 and fulfilled his first dream of flying fighter jets. He served on a destroyer during the Korean War, and was a fighter jet pilot in the Naval Air Service. He then went on to pursue his second dream and lifelong journey to find a solution for resolving conflict in the world through peaceful means. Bob pursued this quest through the U.S. State Department’s foreign aid program in Central America, Boeing Corporation, and ultimately academia, after receiving a Ph.D. in world politics and international business at the University of Washington. Bob’s last post was at the American University in Cairo, Egypt, teaching American management techniques to Egyptian businessmen.
Bob was known by those who loved him, as a man with a huge heart, always reaching out to help those in need. Bob was a spiritual man who believed in living his life according to the Golden Rule.
Surviving are his wife, Patricia; and two children, Melinda and Chris.
A celebration of Bob’s life was held on Friday, June 29, at the First United Methodist Church of Phoenix.
Memorial donations can be made to Arizona Interfaith Movement.

SARAH ELLIOTT KELLER
1917-2007
GROVER HILL – Former Grover Hill resident Sarah Melinda (Stahl) Elliott Keller, age 89, died Monday, July 16 in Santa Rosa, Calif., where she had been a resident for 30 years.
She was born Sept. 17, 1917 in Grover Hill, the daughter of Harvey and Anna Stahl. She was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, J. Bruce Elliott, and her husband of 15 years, Arthur Scholp. In 1992, she married Harry Keller, who survives. She was previously employed as a factory worker, a newspaper advertiser in Ohio and owner of the Village Cobbler in Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Santa Rosa where she was active in the church choir and Women’s Society and was a member of Sweet Adelines International.
Also surviving are her daughter, Jadine (Charles) Stenger, Santa Rosa; three grandchildren; nine stepchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at Zion United Methodist Church, Grover Hill, with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial will be in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church Music Fund, 1551 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa, Calif.

Services held for former builder, businessman
EARL UTTERBACK
1925-2007
PAULDING – Earl E. Utterback, age 82, died at 11:33 a.m. Friday, July 20, at Paulding County Hospital.
He was born March 22, 1925 in Paulding County, the son of Clyde W. and Mary (Outland) Utterback. On Oct. 22, 1949 he married Marilyn Jump, who survives. He was owner of the former Paulding Lumber and Construction Company for 36 years.
He was a member of Paulding United Methodist Church, Paulding; Flat Rock Lodge #580 F&AM, Payne; 32 Degree Mason Scottish Rite Valley of Toledo; Paulding Lions Club; and Chamber of Commerce, Paulding. He was a graduate of Bowling Green State University, where he was a member of the SAE Fraternity. He taught and coached at Payne High School from 1948-49, and was a charter member of the Auglaize Golf Course.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn J. Utterback, Bonita Springs, Fla.; three daughters, Tam (Jim) Stoller and Sue (Butch) Helle, both of Paulding, and Kay (Kevin) DeLong, New Haven; a son, Timothy, Columbus; two brothers, Harry Utterback of Paulding, and the Rev. John (Nila Jean) Utterback, Tipton, Ind.; and seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a brother, George Utterback; and a sister, Margaret Lightbourne.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 24 at Paulding United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is handling arrangements.
Donations may be made to Paulding Hospital Home Health Care; Paulding United Methodist Church; or Lions Club Seeing Dog Program.

BARBARA LANDON
1933-2007
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Barbara B. Landon, 74, of Monroeville, Ohio, died Sunday morning, July 15, at the University of Utah Hospital, from injuries she received in a three vehicle accident on Utah Interstate 215.
She was born June 17, 1933 in Paulding, the daughter of Walter and Louise (Curtis) Barrett, who both preceded her in death. She was a Paulding High School graduate and a 1955 graduate of Earlham College in Richmond, Ind. She received her Masters Degree in 1956 from the Indiana University and was employed as a librarian at the Monroeville Elementary School. Prior to that she was a librarian at the Lima Public Library.
She was a member of the Congregational Community United Church of Christ in Monroeville, where she had served on the church council as treasurer. She was also a member of the Sally DeForest DAR, where she served as treasurer and regient, the vice president of the Monroeville Library Friends, and the School Employee Federal Credit Union where she had served on the Board of Directors as secretary. She had also served on the Monroeville Village council, Firelands Historical Society, and the Goldwing Riders, Chapter K2, where she was the Chapter Director.
Surviving are her husband of 50 years, George A. Landon; a brother, Richard Barrett of LaGrange, Ind.; a niece, Linda (Rob) Owen of Edwardsburg, Mich.; two nephews, Rick Barrett and James (Jodi) Barrett, both of Lafayette, Ind.; great-nieces; great-nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 23, at the Pfeil Funeral Home, Monroeville Chapel, with the Rev. Dr. Wayne Chasney officiating.
On Tuesday, July 24, the body was taken to the Prospect United Methodist Church, where family received friends until time of services at 11 a.m. The Revs David Hoffman and Wayne Chasney officiated. Burial was in the Prospect Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Congregational Community United Methodist Church of Christ, 29 Chapel St., Monroeville, Ohio or to the Monroeville Public Library, 34 Monroe St., Monroeville, Ohio, 44847.

ARMELDA WELLS
1947-2007
HICKSVILLE – Armelda Wells, age 60, died Friday, July 20, in a vehicle accident in Paulding County, Ohio as she was being transported to the Paulding County Hospital.
She was born April 1, 1947 in Pineville, Ky, the daughter of Guital and Arizona (Madon) Gibson. On July 31, 1969, she was united in marriage to Robert Wells, who also passed away on July 20. She was a member of Foundation of Life Church – Bryan. She was a homemaker and enjoyed volunteering at the CMH Auxiliary Bargain Box in Hicksville.
Surviving are five daughters: Barbara (Merle) Waldron of Antwerp, and Lois (Nick) Laney, Amanda (Richard) Fields, Kala Wells (fiancé, Andrew Scott) and Kelly Wells (fiancé, Tony Noto), all of Hicksville; two sons, Jonathan (Heather) of Fort Wayne and Timothy of Hicksville; 17 grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; one great-stepgrandchild; five sisters, Marie Wilson, Dean Mason, Sara Roberts and Tavi Van Winkle, Chris Johnson; and five brothers, Thurman, Willis, Hargest, Robert Gene, and Ralph Gibson, all of Kentucky.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister; one grandson; and one great-stepgrandchild.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, July 27 at Smith & Brown Funeral Home, Hicksville, with Pastors Randy Stone and Thurman Mason officiating. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery in Paulding County.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 26 and after 10 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Smith & Brown Funeral Home.

ROBERT WELLS
1943-2007
HICKSVILLE – Robert Wells, age 64, died Friday, July 20, in a vehicle accident in Paulding County as he was being transported to Paulding County Hospital.
He was born May 11, 1943 in Louisville, Ky., the son of Lonard and Amy (Dowell) Wells. On July 31, 1969, he was united in marriage to Armelda Gibson, who also passed away on July 20. He was a member of Foundation of Life Church – Bryan. He was self-employed as an escort vehicle service for oversize loads.
Surviving are five daughters: Barbara (Merle) Waldron of Antwerp, and Lois (Nick) Laney, Amanda (Richard) Fields, Kala Wells (fiancé, Andrew Scott) and Kelly Wells (fiancé, Tony Noto), all of Hicksville; two sons, Jonathan (Heather) of Fort Wayne and Timothy of Hicksville; 17 grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; one great-stepgrandchild; and a sister, Mary Wilkenson of Kentucky.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; two brothers; one grandson; and one great-stepgrandchild.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, July 27 at Smith & Brown Funeral Home, Hicksville, with Pastors Randy Stone and Thurman Mason officiating. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery in Paulding County.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 26 and after 10 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Smith & Brown Funeral Home.

HELEN MURRAY
1924-2007
PAYNE – Helen I. Murray, age 82, died Tuesday, July 24, at Paulding County Hospital, Paulding.
She was born July 29, 1924 in Payne, the daughter of Harry “Bill” and Grace (Purk) Foust. On May 6, 1950 she married William L. Murray, who preceded her in death on July 31, 1964. She retired as an administrative assistant from HWI Do-It-Best Corporate Offices, New Haven, in 1989. She was a former president of the Payne American Legion Post #297 Ladies Auxiliary.
She is survived by two daughters, Jan Murray, and Judy (Marvin) Litzenberg, both of Payne; two brothers, Leo Lyon of Albany, Ind., and Robert (Marjorie) Foust, Payne; and three grandchildren, Zachary, Erin and Seth Litzenberg, all of Payne.
She also was preceded in death by a brother, Lyman “Bud” Lyon.
Funeral services were held Friday, July 27 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Payne, with the Rev. Amy Haines officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Payne Library or Paulding County Hospital Home Health Care.

PAUL STRAHLEY
1940-2007
PAULDING — Paul D. Strahley, 67, died at 2 a.m. Friday, July 27, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born March 25, 1940 in Paulding County, the son of Waldo G. and Edna G. (Gorman) Strahley, who both preceded him in death. On Jan. 22, 1958, he married Sharon J. Leslie, who survives. He was a manager for the Grover Hill Grain Company and a member of Paulding VFW Post #587.
He is also survived a son, Kevin (Lori) Strahley, Denver, Colo.; two daughters, Kim (Ron) Phlipot of Paulding, and Andrea Strahley of Toledo; two brothers, Bill (Martha) Strahley and Charles (Cara Lou) Strahley, both of Paulding; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his children and grandchildren, especially his great-granddaughter, Autumn.
Also preceding him in death were three brothers, George, Clarence “Bud” and Robert.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, July 31, at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paulding with Pastor Mary Beth Smith Webb officiating. Burial will be at St. Paul Cemetery at a later date. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding was in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Paulding County Hospital Home Health Care.

JANICE DELONG
1938-2007
PAULDING — Janice A. DeLong, 68, of rural Paulding, died Monday, July 30, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding.
She was born Oct. 25, 1938, in Paulding County, the daughter of Jack and Betty (Williamson) Fox, who both preceded her in death. On Nov. 1, 1957, she married Harvey E. DeLong, who preceded her in death on March 1, 1972. She was a bus driver for the Wayne Trace School System, retiring in 1996. Surviving are two sons, Kevin (Laura) DeLong, Paulding, and Jonathan DeLong of Indianapolis; a brother, Richard (Janice) Fox of Illinois; a sister, Jackie Biedlingmaier of Annapolis, Md.; and three grandchildren, Alexis Francis of Piqua, Ohio, and Lindsay and Brock DeLong of Paulding. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, Aug. 3, at the Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill with Bo Chrisman and Kevin DeLong officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Fellowship will be held at 2 p.m. at the Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding is handling the arrangements. Preferred memorials may be made to the Zion United Methodist Church.

RICHARD WARNER
1921-2007
PAULDING — Richard “Dick” Walter Warner, 86, died at 1 a.m. Monday, July 30, at the Laurels of Defiance in Defiance.
He was born July 7, 1921 in Williams County, the son of Ernest and Lucille (Myers) Warner. On December 26, 1978, he married Norma M. Tipsword Haney Warner who survives.
He retired in 1983 from the Paulding County Highway Department. He was a deputy for the Paulding County Sheriff Department and Paulding Police Department. He was a salesperson for the former Phlipot Ford Dealership and was the owner and operator of Dick’s Bike Shop in Paulding. He is also survived by a son, Terry (Susan) Warner of Defiance; two daughters, Jeannette (Richard) Nye of Taylorsville, Georgia and Judy Schwanke of Hampstead, N.C.; two step daughters, Becky (Donald) Gipple of Toledo, and Tracy (Jeff) Phlipot of Paulding, Ohio. two stepsons, Jeff (Deb) Haney of Grover Hill and Tim Haney of Savannah, Ga.; 11 grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; 22 great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Maxine Hawkins of Edgerton, Ohio and Phyllis (Kenneth) Mack of Bryan.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Warner and a sister, Audrene Free.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 3, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with Mr. Neil Myers officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery Paulding, Ohio. Calling at the Den Herder Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 2 and Friday morning from 11 a.m. until service time. Memorials are to be made to the Walter Richard “Dick” Warner Family.

JOSEPHINE HUGUENARD
1919-2007
PAYNE — Josephine “Jo” Huguenard, 87, formerly of Payne, died July 16, in Panama City, Fla.
She was born Sept. 18, 1919, the daughter of John W. and Anna B. (Schall) Linder.
Surviving is her husband of 60 years, Robert Huguenard; her children, Judy, Mary, Diana, Jean, Jane, Joseph, John, James, Thomas, Robert, Charles and William and their families; five sisters, Genevieve Wilson, Sister Helen Linder, and Sister Jean Linder, all of Tiffin, Ohio, Rosemary Perrine and Theresa Baumle, all of Payne; and two brothers, Maurice of Fort Wayne and James of Payne.
Preceding her in death were three sisters, Catherine Gonya, Marie Linder, and Rita Linder.
Services were held Wednesday, July 18, at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Panama City. Burial was in the church cemetery.

JOSEPH MOTYCKA
CONTINENTAL – Joseph F. Motycka, 91, died at 12:15 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11.

LOTTIE CARDER
1941-2007
DUPONT – Lottie Ellen Carder, 66, died at 1:23 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9

WARREN ANSPACH
1925-2007
AVON PARK, Fla. – Former Oakwood resident Warren W. Anspach, age 82 died Friday, Aug. 10 at his residence.
He was born May 15, 1925, in Allen County, Ohio, the son of Walter and Iva (Berry) Anspach. On Dec. 13, 1944, in Austin, Texas, he married Helen Harmon, who preceded him in death in May 6, 1992. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the 10th Mountain Ski Division Headquarters Company 2nd Battalion 9th Infantry Regiment. He was a former superintendent for the Paulding County Ohio Department of Transportation. He was a member of Auglaize Chapel Church of God in Oakwood, F&AM Lodge #570 in Continental, Scottish Rite Valley of Toledo, Gideon’s International, VFW Post #587 in Paulding, and American Legion Post #341, Oakwood. He is survived by a daughter, Gloria Ropp, Avon Park, Fla.; a son, Glenn (Sue) Anspach, Van Wert; two sisters, Evelyn Bowyer of Cleveland, and Mary Alice Augsburger, Lima; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by brothers Ralph, Stanley, Wayne and Oscar Anspach; and a sister, Sarah Keith. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 17 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Greta Ehlers officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, with military graveside services. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., with Masonic services at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 16, and one hour prior to services on Friday at Den Herder Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Nurse On Call, Avon Park, Fla., or Hope Hospice, Sebring, Fla.

EUGENIA FETTER
1918-2007
BRADFORD — Eugenia Amanda Fetter, 88, of Greenville, Ohio, formerly of Bradford, Ohio, died Sunday, Aug. 19, at Sterling House in Greenville.
She was born Oct. 17, 1918, in Pointe Peele Island, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Rev. H. Clarence and Marie (Johnson) Colliflower. She was a 1936 graduate of Bradford High School and a 1939 graduate of White Cross Nursing School in Columbus. She was a registered nurse for over 30 years at the Piqua Memorial Hospital. She was a member of the Greenville Missionary Church and was always active in numerous choirs. She also played a vital role in the Fetter Inc. Hog operation in Bradford. She is survived by her two sons and daughter-in-laws, Jack and Karen Fetter of Grover Hill, and Jim and Karen Fetter of Arcanum, Ohio; three grandchildren, Heath and Trish Fetter of Wilmington, Ohio, Jamison and Stephanie Fetter of Adrian, Mich., and Amanda (Fetter) and Chad Lower of Grover City, Ohio; five great-grandchildren, Heath Lawson Fetter Jr., Tyson Fetter, Brook Fetter, and Ethan and Jack Lower; numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Lawson W. Fetter, who died in 1999. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 23, at the Greenville Missionary Church, 1110 North Broadway, with the Rev. Gary Oser and her son, Jack Fetter, officiating. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. Thursday, until time of the funeral. Interment will be in the Harris Creek Cemetery in Bradford, Ohio. Bridges Stocker-Fraley are in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials may be sent to the Youth for Christ Teen Camp Scholarships, Box 111, Defiance, Ohio, 43512.

JAMES HILL
1968-2007
PAULDING – James H. Hill, 39, died Sunday, Aug. 12.

BOBBI McVEY
1953-2007
ANTWERP – Roberta “Bobbi” McVey, 54, of Antwerp, died Sunday, Aug. 12.

CHARLES SCHWELLER
1921-2007
OTTOVILLE – Charles J. Schweller, age 85, died Tuesday, Aug. 14.

DR. HAROLD SMITH
1923-2007
VAN WERT – Dr. Harold C. Smith, age 84, of Van Wert, died at 11:51 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14 at Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born May 29, 1923 in Paulding County, the son of Jason and Lucy (Pond) Smith. On March 15, 1952, he married Hannah “Anne” Roley, who survives. He attended a one-room country grade school in Paulding County, and had attended Ohio Northern University and Ohio Wesleyan University. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and Ohio State University, and received his medical degree from OSU. He served his internship at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Columbus. Dr. Smith practiced medicine, with a specialty in family practice, in Van Wert from 1956 until his semi-retirement in May 1993. He also was county health commissioner and medical director of the Van Wert County Health Department from 1976 until his retirement on Jan. 1, 1999. He was a member of the Van Wert County Medical Society, Van Wert County Hospital, Ohio State Medical Association, Academy of Family Practice, First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, Van Wert Elks Lodge BPOE #1197, Van Wert Men’s Garden Club, a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, and had served with numerous civic and environmental organizations. Also, he served as a U.S. Naval officer in the Pacific Theater of operations during WWII. Also surviving are a daughter, Deborah (William) Smith Kelly of Van Wert; a stepson, John A. (Deborah) Lloyd, D.D. of Clearwater, Fla.; grandchildren, Katherine and Thomas Kelly of Van Wert; and stepgrandchildren, Elizabeth A. Iovino and J. Andrew Lloyd of Clearwater, Fla., and Michael (Wendy) Kelly of Wilmington, N.C. He was preceded in death by a brother, Olen; and two sisters, Francis Smith Marshall and Ruth Smith Iler. Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Rev. Paul Miller and John A. Lloyd, D.D. officiating. Private family burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert, at a later date. Military graveside services will be conducted by Van Wert American Legion and the VFW. Preferred memorials are to Dr. Harold C. Smith Medical Scholarship Fund, c/o Van Wert County Foundation. On-line condolences may be sent to agfhc@earthlink.net

EUNICE SMITH
1922-2007
WEST CHESTER, Ohio – Former Paulding County resident Eunice H. Smith, age 85 died Sunday, Aug. 19, at Chesterwood Village Retirement Community, West Chester. She was born June 19, 1922 in Paulding, the daughter of William and Blanche (Doster) Rhoad. On June 27, 1947 she married Clare E. Smith, who preceded her in death on Jan. 14, 2004. She was a school teacher at Paulding Exempted Village Schools for 30 years and a member of Paulding United Methodist Church, Paulding.
She is survived by three sons, David (Kem) Smith of Lubbock, Texas, Ronald (Mary Ann) Smith of West Chester, and Jerold (Sue) Smith, Shaker Heights; a brother, Donald (Isobell) Rhoad of Livonia, Mich.; a sister, Barbara Anne (Eddie) Shuherk, Cromwell, Ind.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Richard Rhoad; and a sister, Elizabeth Ashton.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 at Paulding United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial will be in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today, Aug. 22 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding; and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

PENNY WENDT
1958-2007
CECIL – Penny Wendt, 49, Cecil, died Sunday, Aug. 12.

IRENE GRAHAM
CENTERVILLE, Ohio — Irene D. Graham, 101, of Centerville, Ohio, died Aug. 25, 2007.
She was born in Payne, the daughter of Wesley and Inez Deerwester. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by two daughters, Ann L. Grimes, and Marilyn (Philip) Morse; a sister, Eliene Cox of Payne; eight grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles W. Graham; a daughter, Betty; and a son, Charles Jr.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, at the Lehman Cemetery in Payne.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420.

RITA SNODGRASS
1923-2007
PAULDING – Rita I. Snodgrass, age 84, died at 2:15 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at her residence.
She was born March 10, 1923 in Fostoria, the daughter of Edmund and Corinne (Bisner) Lonsway. On Sept. 23, 1944 she married Robert D. Snodgrass, who preceded her in death on June 10, 2001. She was employed by Paulding Exempted Village Schools as a teacher’s aide for 16 years, retiring in 1990. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding, where she was active in the Little Flower Story Club. She was a CCD teacher and Eucharistic Minister at the church and was a volunteer at Paulding County Hospital.
She is survived by two sons, Robert Jr. “Bob” (Joyce) Snodgrass of Cecil, and Jon Snodgrass, Paulding; five daughters, Mary Ann (Ron) Foltz, Cindy (Bob) Iler, and Jane (Marty) Jones, all of Paulding, Linda (David) Reinhart of Bryan, and Karen (Rick) Fitzwater, Defiance; three brothers, Gene Lonsway of Ashland, Don Lonsway of Charlotte, N.C., and Gerry Lonsway, Hendersonville, Tenn.; a sister, Erma McGrain of New Riegel; 19 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Lonsway; five sisters, Kathryn Opp, Norma Lehman, Lucille Yeager, Joan Wolph and Marie Elehert; and a great-grandchild, Maria Faith Foltz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10 a.m. today, Aug. 29, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. G. Allen Fillman officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Masses; Paulding Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

PATRICIA STULTS
1930-2007
PAULDING – Patricia L. Stults, age 76 died 3:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at Paulding County Hospital, Paulding.
She was born on Oct. 20, 1930 in New Bavaria, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph and Genevieve (Long) Dietrick. On July 21, 1956 she married John C. Stults, who preceded her in death on Feb. 17, 1999.
She was a clerk for the Paulding County Commissioners, for 20 years, retiring in 1997. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding, where she served as Eucharistic Minister, a 50-year choir director, usher and greeter. She was a member of Totus-Tuus Lady’s Prayer Group, American Cancer Society, Right-To-Life for Paulding County, and VFW #587 Auxiliary.
She is survived by two sons, Ed (Pam) Stults of Muncie, Ind., and David Stults, Costa Mesa, Calif.; two daughters, Gennie Stults of Maumee and Suzie Plummer, Edgewood, N.M.; a sister, Rosemary Kappel, Paulding; and three granddaughters, Libby, Katie and Maggie.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Norbert and Bill Dietrick; and a sister, Doris Widmer.
A Mass of Christian burial was conducted Monday, Aug. 27 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial was in Cooper Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Masses or to the American Cancer Society.

FAITH PRATT
PAULDING — Faith (Addis) Pratt, 73, Paulding, died Monday, Aug. 27.

GLENN FOUST
1925-2007
CECIL — Glenn Bryan Foust, 82, died at 3:40 a.m. Friday, Aug. 31, in Defiance.
He was born Feb. 20, 1925, in Convoy, the son of Jennings B. and Gertrude E. (Taylor) Foust. On Sept. 6, 1945, he married Ruth V. Woodring, who survives. He was a member of Cecil First Presbyterian Church, where he was a past elder, a 1943 graduate of Antwerp High School, a WWII US Army Veteran, a retired farmer, Crane Township Clerk for 32 years, and a past Agricultural Stabilization Committeeman.
He is also survived by two sons, Marvin (Margaret) Foust, Oregon, Ohio and Jerry Foust, Cecil; two grandchildren, Lisa (Steve) Dickens, Oregon, and Michael (Nicole) Foust, San Diego, Calif; and two great-grandchildren, Reece and Emily Dickens, Oregon.
Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. David Meriwether officiating. Burial was in Rochester Cemetery with military graveside rites. Donations may be made to Cecil First Presbyterian Church, Cecil, Ohio.

JENNIS CLAYBAUGH
1951-2007
PAYNE — Jennis J. “J.J.” (Lilliedahl) Claybaugh, age 55, died at 12:37 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Van Wert County Hospital.
She was born Sept. 18, 1951, the daughter of Joseph and Louise (Mead) Lilliedahl, who both preceded her in death. On Aug. 9, 1980 she married Alan R. Claybaugh, who survives. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, Van Wert Manor Chapter in Van Wert.
She is also survived by a daughter, NiKole “Nikki” T. Hainline of Fort Wayne; one son, Matthew Stout, of Delphos; one stepson, Gregory (Katie) Claybaugh, of Fort Wayne; a brother, Dennis (Linda) Lilliedahl, Columbia City, Ind.; two sisters, Colleen (Danny) Endicott and Robin (Walter) James, both of Payne; three grandchildren, Cody A. Stout of Van Wert, Rachel J. Hainline, Greenville, and Zachary A. Jividen, of Payne.
She also was preceded in death by a son, Andy “Opie” Stout in 2000.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today, Sept. 5, at the Payne Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Michael Harper officiating. Burial will be in Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Arrangements are being made by Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jennis “J.J.” Claybaugh in care of Den Herder Funeral Home Paulding.

PHYLLIS DOLAN
1942-2007
JUPITER, Fla. — Former Van Wert resident Phyllis K. (Finnegan) Dolan, 65, died Friday, Aug. 24, at the Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter, Fla.
She was born March 8, 1942 in Van Wert, the daughter of Harve E. and Martha G. (McCullough) Ellsworth. She was a 1960 graduate of Van Wert High School. She was a former employee of the Van West County Hospital, the Magnavox Corp. in Fort Wayne, and Paint Beach Precision Moldings. In 2004, she retired from Walkabout Computers. She is survived by two sons, Jeffery B. Dolan and David M. Dolan, both of Jupiter, Fla.; and one aunt, Inella Finnegan, of Paulding. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial will be in Blue Creek Cemetery, Haviland. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today, Sept. 5, at the funeral home and also one hour prior to services on Thursday. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to VFW Post 4141, Del Ray Beach, Fla., or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

PHYLLIS FINNEGAN DOLAN
1942-2007
Phyllis Finnegan Dolan was born March 8, 1942, to Harve and Martha (McCullough) Finnegan of Latty, both deceased. A sister and brother also preceded her in death. She is survived by two sons, Jeffery and David, both of Jupiter, Fla.; and also aunts, Inella Finnegan, Paulding, June Brown, Melrose, and Marie McCullough and Uncle Harold McCullough of Oakwood; and a host of cousins.
Services were held Thursday, Sept. 6, at Den Herder Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial was in Blue Creek Cemetery, Haviland.
Editors note: This obituary is being rerun due to incomplete information received by the Progress.

KENNETH NICHOLS
PAULDING — Kenneth Nichols, 72, died Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007.

GLENN GATTSHALL
1928-2007
GROVER HILL — Glenn Owen Gattshall, 78, a lifetime resident of Grover Hill, died at 11:33 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, at the Colonial Nursing home in Rockford, Ohio. He was born Sept. 13, 1928, in rural Grover Hill, the son of Harry and Hazel (McClure) Gattshall, who both preceded him in death. He was a lifetime rural resident of Grover hill, had been a farmer, car salesman, and a factory worker.
He is survived by a son, Bruce (Terry) Gattshall of Van Wert; a stepdaughter, Lisa (Rick) Cashel, Van Wert; three stepgrandchildren, Danielle (Miguel) Drewery of Fort Wayne, Patrick (Michelle) Gorman of Van Wert, and Megan Gorman of Lancaster, Ohio; two great-stepgrandchildren, Gabrielle Perkins and Melody Gorman; and a sister, Betty Miller of Grover Hill.
He was also preceded in death by his wife, Marcia Jean (Painter) Gattshall; and two brothers, Charles and Berman Gattshall.
Services were held Sept. 8, at the Middle Creek Church, Grover Hill, with the Rev. Bill Sherry officiating. Internment was in the Middle creek Cemetery. Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert was in charge of the arrangements.

CARLYLE “BUD” PIO
1912-2007
PAYNE – Carlyle W. “Bud” Pio, 95, died Tuesday, Sept. 4 at Paulding County Hospital. He had been a patient there for six days.
He was born May 30, 1912 in Payne, the son of William and Myrtle (Skinner) Pio. He spent his childhood in Payne and the last year of his life. He was the founder of Pio Markets in Fort Wayne. In 1937, he bought a meat market from Don Hall. In 1944, he opened a second store on South Calhoun Street and changed the name at that time from Hall’s Market to Pio’s Market. He opened a third store on State Street. He sold the Calhoun Street business in 1977 to his son-in-law, Don Gorney.
He spent some of his retirement years at Pretty Lake in northeastern Indiana and Avon Park, Fla. He was a private pilot and a charter member of the First Flying Club at Smith Field in Fort Wayne and was a charter member in the Fort Wayne Aviation Museum.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Genevieve (Jones) in 1977 and his son-in-law Don Gorney in 1977.
Surviving are daughters Barbara Gorney, Fort Wayne and Sue Kratzman, Corunna, Ind., seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; an older sister, Cecile Neuenschwander, Payne; a brother, Robert Pio, Avon Park, Fla.; and an uncle, Russell Skinner, Fort Wayne.
Services were held Sunday, Sept. 9 at Covington Memorial Gardens in Fort Wayne.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the EEAA Chapter 2 Young Eagles.

NONA ASHBAUGH
1931-2007
VAN WERT — Nona Reta Ashbaugh, 75, Van Wert, died Tuesday, Sept. 4.

PASTOR ROBERT PARKER
1956-2007
MELROSE — Pastor Robert E. Parker, 51, of Melrose, died at 6:25 a.m. Sept. 6, at his mother’s residence in Aurora, Ohio.
He was born Sept. 4, 1956, in Cleveland, the son of Stephen and Diane (Cooper) Parker. On June 9, 1976, he married Darlene Halagan, who survives in Melrose. He was the pastor at the Melrose United Methodist Church, Haviland Country Chapel in Haviland, and the Latty Friends Church in Latty. He was a former pastor at Ringgold United Methodist Church in Circleville, and the Port Williams United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Ohio.
He was a member of the Christian Motorcyclist Association, Lima Chapter, and the Kairos Prison Ministry.
Also surviving are a son, Robert E. Parker Jr. and a daughter, Amanda L. Parker, both of Melrose; his mother, Diane (William) Parker Bell ; stepmother, Marlene Parker of Westlake, Ohio; father and mother-in-law, Nicholas and Patricia Halagan of Oakwood; three brothers, Stephen Parker of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Thomas (Melisa) Parker of Tallmadge, Ohio, and John James (Linda) Parker of Holland, Mich.; three sisters, Lisa (Rod Hanze) Parker, Karen (Stephen) Parker Feld of Portsmouth, N.H., and Emily (Frank) Sarka of Cleveland; a sister-in-law, Nickie (Tom) Alhman of Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Stephen Parker; and a sister, Jennifer Parker.
Services were held Monday, Sept. 10, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Van Wert, with Pastors Kevin Patton, Bruce Armine, Tim Burden and Tom Tumblin officiating. Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials may be sent to Riders in the Spirit, Christian Motorcyclists Association.

GENE CARNAHAN
1941-2007
OAKWOOD — Gene Leon Carnahan, 66, of Oakwood, died at 12 p.m., Monday, Sept. 10, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 2, 1941, in Ayersville, the son of Robert and Nina (Arnold) Carnahan. He was an inspector at the GM Company, retiring after 35 years of service. He was also engaged in farming. He was a member of Local 211 and the Fellowship Club-AA.
He is survived by a son, James (Nancy) Carnahan of Oakwood; four daughters, Bonnie (Michael) McAbee of Van Wert, Shelly (Dan) Clark of Hillsboro, Ohio, Jeannie (Eric) Wagner of Holgate, and Sandra (Andy) Manon of Leipsic; his mother, Nina Arnold Carnahan of Evansport, Ohio; ex-wife, Sandra Dotson Carnahan to whom he was married for 23 years; 13 grandchildren, Haley, Cameron, Ashley McAbee, Carrie Combs, Josh, Jessica, and Erin Clark, Andy, Aaron, Allison, Allyssa, and Aiden Wagner, and Kiersten Manon; two brothers, Clarence (Cathy) Carnahan of Ayersville and Richard (Sue) Carnahan of Oakwood; and two sisters, Velma (Ronald) Shock and Bonnie (Delbert) Hoop, both of Evansport, Ohio. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 13, at the St. John United Church of Christ in Defiance, with the Rev. Dr. William Nirote officiating. Burial will be in the Sherman Cemetery, Paulding County. Hours of visitation will be from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m., today, Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Mast-Mock-Hoffman-Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, and one hour prior to services at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Defiance Area AA.

EARL DANGLER
1930-2007
Earl C. Dangler of Beverly Hills, Fla., passed peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at his home, after a courageous four-month battle with cancer.
Earl was born on Feb. 16, 1930 in Paulding, the son of the late Bernard and Katherine (Woodring) Dangler. He was owner/operator of the former Dangler Plumbing and Heating, Paulding.
He is survived by his wife Eileen, Beverly Hills, Fla.; seven children, Christy (Larry) Wilson of Atlanta, Carol (Tom) Riggenbach of Augusta, Ga., Daniel (Paulette) Dangler of Aspen, Colo., Diane (Steve) Sholl of Atlanta, Bruce (Kathy) Dangler of Van Wert, Brenda (Mark) Hill of Paulding, and Mike (Kathi) Dangler, Atlanta; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty (Russell) St. John, Paulding; and two brothers, Jerry Dangler of Palm Harbor, Fla. and Allan (Oneida) Dangler, Lexington, Tenn.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Ellen (Daniels) in 1994, and his second wife Marie (Blouin) in 1998.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 at the First Presbyterian Church in Paulding. Burial will be at St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 21 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Citrus County, Inc.

RUTH ANN JONES
1954-2007
FORT WAYNE — Ruth Ann (Knudson ) Jones, 53, of Fort Wayne, died at 11:10 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the Goshen General Hospital, following an extended illness with cancer.
She was born March 26, 1954, in Fort Wayne, the daughter of William A. and JoAnn (Downing) Knudson, who both preceded her in death. She graduated from Northside High School in 1972. She was employed at Duplex for 20 years. Following that she worked for the Goshen Community Schools Administration where she did bookkeeping. She loved to sew, cook and bake and she collected bears.
Surviving are a son, Jonathan E.C. Jones of Chicago; two brothers, Arthur (Judith) Knudson of Fort Wayne and Thomas (Julie) Knudson of Auburn; a half brother, Kenneth (Helen) Priest of Seattle, Wash.; and an adopted sister, Sandy LeMieux of Paulding.
Graveside services were held Monday, Sept. 17, at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn, Ind., with Pastor Michael Harper of the Payne Church of the Nazarene officiating. Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home in Goshen, Ind. was in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to the Center for Cancer Care in Goshen.

MILDRED McNAMARA
1911-2007
PAYNE — Mildred E. McNamara, 95, died at 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, at the Paulding County Hospital, Paulding.
She was born Nov. 10, 1911, in Roanoke, Ind., the daughter of Charles W. and Aileen (Christy) Smaltz. She was employed by the Allen County Indiana Children’s Home retiring in 1978.
She is survived by a son, Randall (Linda) McNamara, Payne; a sister, Norma Boeckel, Southbury, Connecticut; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Runyan; and a great granddaughter.
Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding with the Rev. Joe Allen officiating. Burial was in Glenwood Cemetery, Roanoke, Ind.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dallas Lamb Activity Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.

MARY JANE PLESCHER
1924-2007
PAYNE — Mary Jane Plescher, 82, died Monday, Sept. 10, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born Sept. 19, 1924 in Delphos, the daughter of Emmet and Emma (Warnecke) Bockey. She married James F. Plescher who preceded her in death on November 13, 1978. She retired from National Seal in Van Wert in 1989 after 25 years of service. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne, a volunteer at Parkview Hospital Gift Shop, an avid bingo player and a supporter of her grandchildren’s activities.
She is survived by a son, Tony (Olivia) Plescher of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Deb (Dave) Mielke of Latty; four brothers, Charles (Lou) Bockey and Ralph “Pete” (Beverly) Bockey, both of Spencerville, Don (Linda) Bockey, and Mike (Berta) Bockey, both of Delphos; two sisters, Shirley Bockey, Delphos, and Jeanette (Cy) Miller, Raleigh, N.C.; seven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Ann Treece in 2003; and two sisters, Margie Bockey and Betty Beining.
Funeral services were conducted Thursday, Sept. 13 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne. Burial was in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Payne Library.

MARV SCHUETTE
1931-2007
WAUSAU, Wis. – Marv Schuette, co-founder and CEO of Wausau Homes, died at his home Friday, Sept. 14, with his wife, Ruth, by his side. He was 75.
Born Oct. 27, 1931, Schuette still was active in the family-owned company, headquartered in Rothschild, and was at work on Thursday. He joined the business, started by his brothers Clifford and Earl in 1938 as Schuette Lumber Co., in 1954. What began as a sawmill, has now grown into Wausau Homes, a privately owned family company with more than 600 employees who work in nine plants that serve 600 builders in 23 states.
He and Wausau Homes has been a strong supporter of community programs, including Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, United Way and Habitat for Humanity.
Schuette and his company have provided jobs and donations to the Paulding area as well as for the Wausau, Wis. area. The Schuette family has contributed generous donations for the skate park, playground, numerous donations to the fairgrounds, and building supplies for Habitat for Humanity homes.
Schuette leaves behind his wife and three children, Tom in Wausau, and Jay Schuette and Sara Friedele, both in Illinois. All are involved in the Wausau Homes business.

JOANN YBARRA
FORT WAYNE – JoAnn Ybarra, 58, died Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007 at her home in Fort Wayne.
Born in Paulding, she retired in 2002 from Lincoln Life Insurance Company with 33 years of service. JoAnn was a loving and caring daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She will be greatly missed.
Survivors include a sister, Suzanne (Ron) Slone of Fort Wayne; a brother, Frank (Fumi) Ybarra of Columbia, S.C.; a nephew, Elias (Susan) Ybarra, and grandnieces, Grace and Gabrielle, all of Indianapolis; a niece, Carla (Bill) Ybarra-Dawson of Fishers, Ind.; a lifelong friend, Sally Ybarra; a sister-in-law, Rita Ybarra; and her beloved pet cat Lucy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleofas and Marina Ybarra; and a brother, Jose Ybarra.
Mass of Christian Resurrection will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 2120 S. Harrison St., Fort Wayne, with graveside services at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Live Oak Cemetery in Paulding. Arrangements are being made by D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, Fort Wayne.
Preferred memorials are to the American Diabetes Association.

THE REV. RAYMOND MATSON
1931-2007
OAKWOOD – The Rev. Raymond M. Matson, age 75, died at 4:59 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born Oct. 11, 1931 near Continental, the son of Elwood and Jennie (Reynolds) Matson. On June 29, 1952 he married Mary Bair, who survives. He was an U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was the minister of Auglaize Chapel Church of God, Oakwood for 40 years, retiring in 2000. He was a maintenance mechanic at B.F. Goodrich in Woodburn, retiring in 1994 after 32 years of service. He was a lifetime farmer. He is survived by his wife, Mary Matson, Oakwood; a daughter, Becky (Ron) Geren, Continental; four sons, Steven Matson of De Bary, Fla., David (Donna) Matson of Paulding, Michael (Theresa) Matson, Continental, and Mark Matson of Terre Haute, Ind.; a sister, Dorothy (D. Allen) Hornish, Oakwood; 15 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a granddaughter, Marla Matson.
Funeral services were conducted Monday, Sept. 24, at the Auglaize Chapel Church of God, Oakwood. The Revs. Bill Miller, Robert Merriman and Christopher Baker officiated. Burial was in Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood, where military graveside services were conducted. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to: Bethel Christian Church in Arthur, Ohio, or Gideon’s International.

FLORENCE KAROLYI
1927-2007
PAYNE – Florence K. Karolyi, age 80, died Monday, Sept. 17, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born April 30, 1927 in New Haven, the daughter of Frank and Georgia (Miller) Papenbrock. She was employed by Magnavox of Fort Wayne, retiring in 1951. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne.
She is survived by three sons, Frank Karolyi, and Daniel (Emily) Rabb, both of Payne, and Louis Karolyi, Howell, Mich.; a daughter, Kathleen (Randall) Lee, Paulding; a brother, Joseph Papenbrock, Elyria; two sisters, Evelyn Kee of Fort Wayne, and Margaret Birkhold, Defiance; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; seven sisters; and five brothers. Funeral services were held Friday, Sept. 21 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Masses or Paulding Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice.

JUNE MARIE LONG
1918-2007
PAYNE — June Marie Long, 89, died Monday, Sept. 24, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation home in Payne.
She was born June 10, 1918, in Adrian, Mich., the daughter of Ralph and Geraldine Negus. She married Orville Long, who preceded her in death on Nov. 24, 1974. She was a member of the Payne Church of the Nazarene, and was employed by Hardware Wholesalers of Fort Wayne, retiring in 1980, following 20 years of service. She is survived by two sons, Ralph of Antwerp and Timothy (Elizabeth Wolverton) Long of Fort Wayne; a stepson, Donald (Jean) Long of Rainbow, Texas; a stepdaughter, Marietta (Carl) Riley of Payne; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon D. Long. Services will be held Friday, Sept. 28, at the Payne Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Mike Harper officiating. Burial will be in the Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne. Hours of visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 27 and one hour prior to services at the church. Den Herder funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Preferred donations may be made to the Dallas Lamb Activity Fund.

JOHN FORWERCK
1970-2007
CONVOY — John Ritchey Forwerck, 36, of Convoy, died at 12:56 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 23, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne.
He was born Nov. 30, 1970, in Van Wert, the son of Shirley (Lane) Forwerck, who preceded him in death. On Aug. 5, 2000, he married Melissa Lyn (Carlisle), who survives in Convoy. He was a 1989 graduate of Van Wert High School, and a member of the Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert. He was a computer tech and was currently employed at Braun Industries, Inc. in Oakwood. He is also survived by a son, Jacob Forwerck at home; a daughter, Jorja Forwerck also at home; two brothers, Ben E. Lane of Butler, Ind. and Michael L. Forwerck and family of Ohio City; his grandmother, Mary Alice Turner of Texas; three uncles, Gary, James, and Bill Lane; his mother-in-law, Rose Carlisle, his father-in-law, Rojelio Riojas, both of Convoy; and a brother-in-law, Josh (Elaine) Carlisle of Paulding. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m., today, Wednesday, Sept. 26, with visitation hours from noon until time of services at the Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert. Pastor W. Clark Williman will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Ridge Township, Van Wert. Cowan and Son Funeral Home in Van Wert is in charge of the arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the family.

REBECCA KIPFER
1922-2007
PAYNE — Rebecca A. Kipfer, 85, died Wednesday, Sept. 26, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne. She was born Sept. 3, 1922, in Payne the daughter of John and Hattie (Bowers) Sprague. She married Herbert Kipfer on June 1, 1947, who preceded her in death in1991.
She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne and was previously employed by Bissell’s Grocery Store, Payne. She is survived by 12 children, six sons, Terry (Kathie) Kipfer, Jack (Myra) Kipfer, Chuck (Deb) Kipfer, Tom (Patti) Kipfer, and Don (Marlene) Kipfer all of Payne, and Mike (Cindy) Kipfer of Fort Wayne; six daughters, Christine (Bud) Adams, Paulding, Linda (Denny) Oyer, Woodburn, Ind., Sharon (Dorsey) Ranker, Tiffin, Connie (Darriel) Suffel, Defiance, Mary (Bob) Hornic, Delphos; and Barb (Todd) McNamara, Melbourne, Fla.; thirty two grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and a sister, Velma (Gayle) Shutt of Van Wert. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Roberts and Cemantha Cluts.
A Mass of Christian Burial was conducted at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 29, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne, with Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Donations may be made to: Masses or The Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund.

JUDITH CROWELL
1942-2007
PAULDING — Judith L. “Judy” Crowell, 65, died Saturday, Sept. 29, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Jan. 3, 1942, in Decatur, Ind., the daughter of Carl and Sophie (Racozy) Roberts. On July 28, 1982, she married James R. Crowell, who survives in Paulding. She was employed by Paulding County Job and Family Services for 15 years. She was a member of the First Church of God in Defiance.
Also surviving are two daughters, Peri (Mike) Miranowski of Aurora, Colo., and Margo Smith of Los Angeles, Calif.; a son, Christoper Smith of Eugene, Ore.; five stepchildren, Richard (Monica) Crowell of Albuquerque, N.M., Kathy (Steve) Keller of Coldwater, Mich., Kimberly (George) Moss and Scott (Zulena) Crowell, both of Defiance, and Amy (Jamey) Ball of Big Fork, Mont.; one sister, Patty (Lowell) Gehm of Rockford, Ohio; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a sister. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Rev. Rick Rufenacht and Rev. Larry Kennedy officiating. Burial was in the Live Oak Cemetery in Paulding.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the First Church of God in Defiance.

MILDRED DANGLER
1917-2007
PAULDING — Mildred M. Dangler, 90, died Sunday, Sept. 30, at Hawthorn Court Nursing home in Paulding.
She was born May 25, 1917, in Napoleon, the daughter of Carl and Josephine (Reichert) Walters. On Jan. 1, 1938, she married Virgil Dangler, who preceded her in death in 1985. She was a member of the Calvary Bible Church in Paulding.
She is survived by a son, Rex (Sue) Dangler of Cecil; a daughter, Joanne (Phillip) Howerton of Middletown, Ohio; a brother, Donald Walters, Napoleon; one sister, Betty (Chuck) Wells of Clearwater, Fla.; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was an infant daughter, April Ann, who died in 1939.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 4, at Den Herder Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles F. Schmunk officiating. Burial will be in the Live Oak Cemetery in Paulding. Hours of visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., today, Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Den Herders in Paulding. Donations may be made to the S.P.C.A. in Fort Wayne.

ELIZABETH EISERLE
1913-2007
PAUL,DING — Elizabeth Eiserle, 93, died Friday, Oct. 5, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
She was born Nov. 19, 1913, in Akron, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Kari) Keim. On July 20, 1935, she married Frank Eiserle Jr., who preceded her in death in 1976. She was a member of Paulding Church of the Nazarene, and retired from the former Grizzly Manufacturing in Paulding.
She is survived by two sons, Paul (Jackie) Eiserle of Paulding and David (Deborah) Eiserle of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Helen Sigley, Defiance; a daughter-in-law, Velma Eiserle, White Lake, Mich.; a sister, Katherine (Ned) Wolf, Fort Wayne; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a son, Ken Eiserle; an infant sister; and a foster brother, John Corey.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, Oct. 9, at the Paulding Church of the Nazarene with Pastors Kim and Cindy Semran officiating. Burial was in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding was in charge of the arrangements.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Paulding Church of the Nazarene.

CLARENCE HELLE
1924-2007
PAULDING – Clarence Helle, 82, died Tuesday, Oct. 2, at his residence in Paulding.

WILLIAM ROWE
1930-2007
PAULDING – William C. Rowe, age 77, died Sunday, Oct. 7, at Defiance Inpatient Hospice, Defiance.
He was born Aug. 14, 1930 in Latty, the son of Harley and Susan (Williams) Rowe. He formerly was employed by Superior Coach, Lima, and Boeing Aircraft, Columbus. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict.
He is survived by a son, Dana Rowe, Paulding; three daughters, Teresa Rowe, Paulding, Pamela (Alfrado) Vilaboy, Miami, and Cindy (Charles) Walker, Atlanta; four sisters, Esther Connor of Paulding, Agness Tucker and Barbara Jones, both of Lima, and Sharon Vasquez, Victoria, Texas; 16 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Shelly Taylor and Kimberly Rowe; six brothers, James, Richard, Charles, Rivola, Robert and Roger Rowe; and six sisters, Shirley Floore, Beulah Rowe, Ruth Davis, Wilma Hill, Olive Townsend and Geneva Woodruff.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, Oct. 10 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial will be at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Grover Hill, with military graveside services.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

HELEN RAGER
1917-2007
PAULDING – Helen A. Rager, age 90, died at the Van Crest Health Care Center in Van Wert on Sunday, Oct. 7.
She was born on Sept. 10, 1917 in Paulding County, the daughter of Harry and Madge (Stouffer) Smith. She was married to Ben Rager, who preceded her in death in 1972.
Helen loved the farm, often working beside her husband, Ben. She was known for her baking especially her sugar cookies, which she shared with many friends and family. Helen took great pride for years baking pies, cookies, bread and making noodles for the First Christian Church in Paulding, where she was a member. Helen traveled to many parts of the world including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Russia, and throughout the United States.
She is survived by three daughters, Patricia (Randall) Taylor of Bolivar, Ohio, Brenda (Edward) Turnbell of Findlay, and Barbara (James) Grogan of Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.; two grandchildren, Michael Turnbell and Lisa Rife; two great-grandchildren, Lauren and Abigail Rife; and two sisters, Maxine Reinhart of Payne and Julie Sinn of Paulding.
She also was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Smith and a sister, Donna Crone.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 at First Christian Church, Paulding with the Rev. Gregory Bibler officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. today, Oct. 10, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church.
The family requests that memorial donations be given to Hospice, 1159 Westwood Dr., Van Wert, OH 45891; The First Christian Church, P.O. Box 330, Paulding, OH 45879; or St. Paul Cemetery Fund.

EMMA AMES
1911-2007
PAULDING – Emma V. Ames, age 96, died Thursday, Oct. 11 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born Sept. 12, 1911 in Paulding County, the daughter of Frederick and Clara (Baumert) Zielke. She married Roy S. Ames, who preceded her in death in 1988. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Briceton.
She is survived by two daughters, Joan (Richard) Schmidt of Payne, and Judy (Robert) White, Berwyn, Pa.; a son, Jerry (Barbara) Ames, Aurora, Colo.; seven grandchildren, Jill (Tedd) Porter, Jim (Terese) Schmidt, Jay (Jodie) Schmidt, Craig (Julie) White, Trisha (Brian) Tuttle, Scott Ames and Sean (Abby) Ames; and 11 great-grandchildren, Kieran Porter, Andrew, Anna, Sophia, Emma and Allie Schmidt, Chance and Somer White, Brendan and Trevor Tuttle and MaKayla Ames.
She also was preceded in death by a brother, Albert Zielke; and two sisters, Alice Vincent and Wanda Jenkins.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 16 at St. John Lutheran Church, Briceton, with the Rev. Joe Allen officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the church.

HILEN COE
1918-2007
PAULDING – Hilen J. Coe, age 89, died Wednesday, Oct. 10, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne.
He was born on April 18, 1918 in Paulding County, the son of Charles and Mary Almeda (Franklin) Coe. On Aug. 21, 1945 he married Lucile A. Smitley, who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII, serving in England. He was a retired farmer, and also retired from Hardware Wholesalers, Fort Wayne.
He is survived by his wife, Lucile Coe, Paulding; two daughters, Marjorie (Craig) Rupp of Bryan, and Mary (Randy) Bussing, Paulding; two sons, Charles (Paula) Coe, Paulding, and Michael (Nancy) Coe, Defiance; one sister, Isabelle Koehlinger Mobley, Antwerp; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Don, Clayton, Lewis and Cecil Coe; one sister, Zona Hanenkratt; and one great-grandson.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Oct. 13, at Den Herder Funeral Home, with the Rev. David Meriwether officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (Northwest Ohio Chapter) or to the First Presbyterian Church, Paulding.

L.J. PURSIFULL
1920-2007
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – L.J. Pursifull, 87, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was called to eternal rest Thursday, Oct. 11.
He will be fondly remembered and cherished by family and friends. L.J. was born in Pineville, Ky. on Aug. 31, 1920.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 65 years, Pauline “Polly” Pursifull; daughter, Sharon Anne Winter of Newport News; son, Krieg Phillip Pursifull, DDS and wife, Montreo of Floyd, Va.; two granddaughters, Leigh-Ann Dryden Pursifull of Anderson, S.C. and Karen Emily (Jamie) Radford and great-grandson, Philip Mathew Radford of Christiansburg, Va.; sister-in-law, Georgia Scott Olwin and numerous nieces and nephews of Payne. Also surviving are special friends, Jeff Williams of Hampton and his two beloved puppies, Precious and Princess.
A memorial service will be held at a later date as well as the burial in Payne. Cremation Society of Virginia, Newport News, is assisting the family.
Friends may sign the online guest register at www.cremate.org and www.legacy.com.

MIRIAM SMITH
1917-2007
APPLETON, Wis. – Former Paulding, Ohio resident, Miriam K. Smith, 89, died Wednesday, Oct. 10, at Brewster Village, Appleton, Wis.
She was born Dec. 20, 1917 in Paulding, the daughter of Ozro and Stella (Huston) Straley. She was a teacher for Paulding Exempted Village Schools, a member of Paulding United Methodist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma, Paulding County Retired Teachers Association; and the Order of the Eastern Star.
She is survived by two daughters, Bev (Michael Vance) Smith of Appleton, and Sue (Bob) Ramos, Canton, Ohio; a brother, Huston Straley, Findlay; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Straley.
Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 15 at Paulding United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial was in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to Paulding United Methodist Church.

MARK
STOLLER
1951-2007
PAULDING – Mark L. Stoller, age 56, died at 3:09 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, as the result of a farm tractor accident.
He was born June 23, 1951 in Van Wert County, the son of Louis D. and Mildred I. (Germann) Stoller. On Jan. 26, 1975 he married Shirley R. Steffen, who survives.
He was a farmer and co-owner and operator of Louis D. Stoller and Sons Inc. of Paulding. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a member of the Latty Apostolic Christian Church. He was a board member of the Paulding County Habitat for Humanity and Paulding County MRDD.
Also surviving are his mother, Mildred Stoller of Paulding; two daughters, Steffenie (Wesley) Merillat of Holland, Ohio, and Summer (Travis) Banks of Paulding; one son, Gabriel Stoller of Sunbury; one brother, James (Tamera) Stoller of Paulding; one sister, Dixie Lee Thomas of Fort Wayne; and four grandchildren, Autumn, Sierra, Evan and Avah.
He was preceded in death by his father, Louis D. Stoller, in 1994.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Latty Apostolic Christian Church. The church clergymen will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be at the church from 2-9 p.m. today, Oct. 17, and on Thursday morning one hour before services.
Den Herder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Paulding County Habitat for Humanity or a charity of the donor’s choice.

ESTHER BEGLEY
1907-2007
PAYNE — Esther Begley, 100, died at 11:10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at her residence.
She was born May 11, 1907 in Lechter County, Ky., the daughter of Willie and Clara (Collins) Callahan. On June 19, 1921, she married Julius C. Begley, who preceded her in death in 1950. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Payne.
Surviving are three daughters, Coteal Lee of Silver Springs, Fla., Mildred (Gene) Schoenauer, Payne and Diane Farling of Paulding; five sons, Paul (Ruby) Begley of Corbin, Kentucky, James (Jean) Begley of Titusville, Fla., Arnold Begley of Dothar, Ala., David (Linda) Begley of Payne, and Bruce (Jeanet) Begley of Cape Canaveral Fla.; three sisters, Ruth Napier of Hyden, Ky., Erma Smith, Ash, N.C. and Lillian Evans of Mineral Springs, N.C.; 36 grandchildren, 81 great-grandchildren and 29 great-great grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were, a son, Michael, three daughters, Lorene Gordon, Bernadyne Rogers and Barbara Guyton; a grandson, Sean Gordon; and a granddaughter, Felica Begley.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Payne, with Pastors Amy Haines and Max Begley officiating. Burial will be in Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery, Forders Bridge, Cecil Ohio.
Calling hours will be from 2-8 p.m., today, Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, and Thursday morning one hour prior to services at the church.
Memorials may be made to St Paul United Methodist Church, Payne.

JAMES
HOISINGTON
1937-2007
PAULDING – James R. Hoisington, 70, Paulding, died Tuesday, Oct. 16.

ORLANDO “MIKE”
LOPSHIRE
1930-2007
PAYNE — Orlando J. “Mike” Lopshire, 77, died at 12:31 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
He was born June 23, 1930, in Paulding County, the son of Orlando M. and Madeline H. (Hook) Lopshire. On June 1, 1950, he married Arlette Ann (Burley) Lopshire, who survives in Payne.
He was a lifetime farmer, retiring in 1999. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Payne.
He is also survived by three sons, Jim (Sylvia) Lopshire of Paulding, Ernie (Donita) Lopshire of Payne, and David (Sue) Lopshire of South Whitley, Ind. a brother, Pete Lopshire of Coldwater Mich.; four sisters, Pat Yenser of Payne, Judy Puckett of N.C., Linda Lee of Payne, and Nancy Wobler of Antwerp; six grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 24, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial will be in Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne EMS or the Antwerp EMS.

JOHN RHODES
1913-2007
VAN WERT – Former Paulding resident John H. Rhodes, age 94, died at 6:05 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at Van Wert Manor, Van Wert.
He was born Feb. 17, 1913 in Van Wert, the son of John J. and Bertha (Gilbert) Rhodes. On Feb. 26, 1937 he married Violet Smith, who preceded him in death on Sept. 10, 2000. He was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paulding, a retired truck driver, and a member of Teamsters Union #414.
He is survived by a son, Jerry L. (Dorothy Jean) Rhodes, Paulding; and a grandson, Jon (Sue) Rhodes, Paulding.
He also was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth E. Berle.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Oct. 20 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Mary Beth Smith Webb officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paulding, or Van Wert Manor Activity Fund.

RAY RINEBOLT
1915-2007
PAULDING – Arthur “Ray” Rinebolt, age 92, died Tuesday, Oct. 16, at Country Inn Living Facility, Paulding.
He was born Jan. 10, 1915 in McComb, the son, of George B. and Ethel M. (Williams) Rinebolt. In 1939, he married Evelyn P. Vance, who preceded him in death on March 13, 2006. He was a foreman for the Nickel Plate Railroad. He was a member of the Broughton Fox Club.
He is survived by a son, David Rinebolt, Paulding; three daughters, Patricia Miller of Henderson, Nev., Janet (Joe) LaFountain of Paulding, and Sandra Forgette, Toledo; a sister, Waneta Kochel, Junction; seven grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by a great-grandson; three brothers, Harry, Dick and Dean Sierer; two sisters, Ellen Manson and Irene Justinger, and two infant sisters.
Funeral services were conducted Friday, Oct. 19, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Hedges Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Country Inn Enhanced Living Center Activity Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.

ROBERT TREAT
1925-2007
PAULDING: Robert D. “Bob” Treat, age 82, died at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23,at his residence.
He was born Jan. 3, 1925 in Payne, the son of Dee Eric and Audrey (Smith) Treat. On Jan. 16, 1947 he married Helen L. Schaefer, who survives. He was a WWII U.S. Army veteran. He retired from International Harvester in 1983; was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Payne, Payne American Legion Post #297, Paulding VFW Post #587; a life member of the AMVETS Post #1991 of Defiance, and the Flat Rock Lodge #580 F&AM, Payne. He also is survived by four children, Dee E. (Rita) Treat of Payne; Tony (Patti) Treat of New Haven, Peggy (Brad) Brown of Paulding, and Bill (Jill) Treat, Paulding; a sister, Cathryn Whetstone, Payne; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death a brother, Marion Treat. Funeral services were conducted Monday, Oct. 29 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Payne, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Payne American Legion #297 or Paulding Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice.

CLEOTA HARSHMAN
1911-2007
PAYNE – Cleota Ines Harshman, age 96, died Monday, Oct. 22 at Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born Jan. 8, 1911 in Monroeville, Ind., the daughter of Peter and Minnie A. (Lesh) Dager. She married A.F. “Cy” Harshman, who preceded her in death in 1987. She was a homemaker.
She is survived by a brother, Edward Dager, New Haven; a sister, Leona Anspach, Fort Wayne; and many nieces and nephews.
She also was preceded in death by four brothers, Floyd, Ralph, Harlon and Byron Dager.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Oct. 27, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

JOHN PHIPPS
1956-2007
PAYNE – John P. Phipps, died Sunday, Oct. 21 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
He was born June 13, 1956 in Defiance County, the son of John W. and JoAnn (Winans) Phipps. On Aug. 15, 1980 he married Crisann E. Doster, who survives. He was a self-employed truck driver. He was a member of the Harley Owner’s Group.
Also surviving are his parents, Jack and JoAnn Phipps, Payne; three sons, Josh R. Schoenauer of Antwerp, John W. Phipps of Hicksville, and Joseph P. Phipps, Payne; two sisters, Cathy (Ron) Schoenauer of Payne, and Margaret (Rick) Schilb, Van Wert; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jayden Phipps.
Funeral services were conducted Friday, Oct. 26 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Payne with Pastors James Edwards, Paul Miller and Amy Haines officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

NAOMI FOLTZ
1914-2007
PAULDING – Naomi M. Foltz, age 93, died Monday, Oct. 22 at Paulding County Hospital.
She was born May 16, 1914, the daughter of William and Margaret (Ashley) Stair. On Aug. 26, 1934 she married Earl L. Foltz, who preceded her in death on Nov. 25, 1993. She retired from the former Grizzly Manufacturing, Paulding, in 1976. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Paulding. She is survived by two sons, Robert E. (Nancy) Foltz, and Ronald R. (Mary Ann) Foltz, both of Paulding; 10 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She also was preceded in death by a son, Donald; two brothers, Loyd and Jack Stair; three sisters, Gladys Doster, Jane Pease and Ninia Sheets; and a great-granddaughter, Maria Faith Foltz. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Oct. 27, at the First Christian Church with Pastor Gregory Bibler officiating. Burial was in Hedges Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church.

MARIE SESLAR
1918-2007
NEWBERRY, S.C. – Former Fort Wayne resident B. Marie Seslar, age 88, died Saturday, Oct. 27 at her residence.
She was born Dec. 5, 1918 in Payne, the daughter of William E. and Goldie G. (Nesbitt) Lyons. On July 10, 1937, she married Luther Seslar, who preceded her in death in 1998.
She is survived by three children, Marla (Richard) Larrabee, Newberry, S.C., Merlin Seslar of Churubusco, Ind., and Burl (Derice) Seslar, Naples, Fla.; two brothers, Harold Lyons and James (Judy) Lyons, both of Fort Wayne; six grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and three great-stepgrandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and William D. Lyons; and three sisters, Dorothy Woods, Ganelle Sisco, and infant Emma Lyons. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. today, Oct. 31, and one hour prior to services on Thursday.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Tri-County, 13795 CR Koon Highway, Newberry SC 29108; or Alzheimer’s Association of South Carolina, 4124 Clemson Blvd., Anderson, SC 29621.

STEPHEN MEUSSLING
1948-2007
PAYNE — Stephen Lee Meussling, 59, passed away on Oct. 29 at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne after a courageous battle with leukemia. Steve was born May 31, 1948, in Fort Wayne, the son of the Rev. Herbert A. Meussling and G. Vonne Sitcler. As a minister’s son, Steve spent his childhood in several different communities including: Napoleon, Holgate, Niles, Mich., and Payne.
He was a 1966 graduate of Payne High School and a 1971 graduate of Lakeland College where he earned a degree in philosophy. Steve married the love of his life, Bette Jean Tambone on Aug. 19, 1972 and shared 35 years of a beautiful marriage.
Throughout his life, Steve worked primarily as a salesman, but also spent many years managing the family farm in Payne. Steve was an avid reader, gardner, history buff, ice and inline skater, and musician. He was fluent in German and had a passion for knowledge.
Everyone who knew Steve, loved him, his true interest in others, his keen sense of humor, and his engaging personality. Most of all, Steve loved his family and always made them his first priority. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Reverend Herbert A. Meussling. He is survived by his mother, Dr. Vonne Meussling of Terre Haute, Ind.; his loving wife, Bette Tambone Meussling of Payne; his four children, Dr. Jeremy (Sarah) Meussling of Bowling Green, Ohio, Greta (Sheldon) Meussling Faworski of Kalamazoo, Mich., Hanna (Kurt) Meussling Becker of Ashland, Ohio, Tresa Meussling of Payne, Ohio; and his two beloved grandchildren, Bonham Faworski and Nyla Meussling, who will always have a very special guardian angel.
He is also survived by his three siblings, Mark Meussling of Fort Wayne, Vonne (Tom) Barnett of Indianapolis, Ind., and Todd (Sandi) Meussling of Naperville, Ill., as well as many nieces and nephews who loved their “Uncle Steve.” He will be greatly missed by all, including his beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Lucy. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 1, at St. Jacob’s United Church of Christ in Payne, Ohio.

FRANK LEINARD
1935-2007
ANTWERP – O. Frank Leinard, 72, Antwerp, died Tuesday, Oct. 30.

HELEN LAWSON
1919-2007
PAYNE – Helen C. Lawson, age 88, died Thursday, Nov. 1, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne.
She was born Aug. 4, 1919 in Paulding County, the daughter of Rudie and Osie (King) Roberts. She married Robert Lawson, who preceded her in death in 1985. She was a member of St. Jacob United Church of Christ, Payne; American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Payne; Harrison Township Grange; and was an avid bingo player.
She is survived by three sons, Jack (Caroline) Lawson, and Allen (Karen) Lawson, both of Payne, and Bill (Janet) Lawson, Fort Wayne; and four grandchildren, Timothy and Terry Lawson, Payne, Katie Lopez of Fort Wayne, and Bob (Lisa) Treat, Ann Arbor, Mich. She also was preceded in death by two brothers, Leroy and Harry Roberts; and three sisters, Marie Reeb, Leona Longardner and Betty Shipman. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Nov. 3, at St. Jacob United Church of Christ, with the Rev. James Langham officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jacob United Church of Christ.

ROBERT LANEY SR.
1943-2007
HICKSVILLE – Robert “Joker” Laney Sr., 64, died on Sunday, Nov. 4 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born Sept. 15, 1943 in Antwerp, the son of James and Olive (Swann) Laney. On Jan. 24, 1963, he married Lynne Hanna, who survives. He was retired from Dietrich Steel Co. in Hicksville where he was a foreman. He was a lifetime member of Paulding Eagles Aerie #2405 and was a CB radio hobbyist. Also surviving are three daughters, Donna Osmun, Lorretta Conley, and Lorraine (Dave) Anderson, all of Hicksville; seven sons, Michael (Maggie) of Pompano Beach, Fla., Robert Jr. (Deb), David, and Greg, all of Hicksville, James (Chellie) of Harlan, Ind., Steve (Susan) of Antwerp, and Rick (Amanda) of Arlington, Va.; 21 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; eight brothers, William, Donald, George (Betty), Richard and Kenneth, all of Hicksville, Larry (DoraMae) of Cecil, James Jr. (Earline) of Paulding, and Daniel of Spencerville, Ind.; five sisters, Doris (George) Clemmons of Continental, Mary Smith and Sue (Gary) Mansfield of Hicksville, Claris Jean Robinson of Urbana, and Maxine McMullen, Antwerp.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandchild; two brothers; and two sisters. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8 at Smith & Brown Funeral Home, Hicksville. Brian Wilcox of Coburn Corners Church of Christ will officiate. Burial will be at Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today, Nov. 7 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Parkview Hospital Foundation & Hospice the Caring Way of Defiance.

RONALD McBRIDE SR.
1947-2007
PAULDING – Ronald A. McBride Sr., 60, died Saturday morning, Nov. 3.

CORNELIA HENRY
1949-2007
PAYNE – Cornelia Ann Henry, age 58, died Monday, Nov. 5, at Paulding County Hospital.
She was born on July 16, 1949 in Demopolis, Ala., the daughter of Sam and Ruby (Bossie) Jones. On Oct. 6, 1995 she married Alvin R. Henry, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Christopher Fluker of Defiance, and Jimmy Kemp Jr., San Juan, Puerto Rico; two daughters, Carolyn Kemp of Defiance, and Debra Rowser, Demopolis, Ala.; three brothers, Walter and Roger Jones of Demopolis, and John Hamlet, Atlanta; three sisters, Annie Mae Jones, Ann Jones and Joanne Jones, all of Demopolis; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Samuel Jones Jr.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 10 at John the Baptist Church in Gallion, Ala. Burial was in the church cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of local arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN
1974-2007
CONTINENTAL – Benjamin R. Leatherman, age 32, died Wednesday, Nov. 7 at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, following an extended illness. He was born Dec. 30, 1974 in Paulding County, the son of Gary and Karen (Akers) Leatherman. He graduated from Paulding High School in 1993. He is survived by his father, Gary Leatherman, Douglasville, GA.; his mother, Karen (Jerry) Brown, Lynchburg, Ohio; his grandmother, Jessie M. Leatherman, Oakwood; his grandfather, Jacob Akers, Lynchburg; a son, Jacob Leatherman, Englewood, Tenn.; a twin sister, Tammy (Troy) Weller, Oakwood; a brother, Nickolas (Michelle) Leatherman, Cecil; a half-sister, Alycia Leatherman, Monroe City, Ind.; nieces, Leva and Amelia Weller, and Mattaya and Julia Leatherman; nephews, D. Payton Weller, and Riley Benjamin Leatherman; aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Beryl Leatherman; and grandmother, Julia Akers.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Nov. 10 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Robert Merriman officiating. Burial was in Little Auglaize Cemetery, Melrose. Memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

SALLY COON
1922-2007
FORT WAYNE – Sally Ann Coon, age 85, died Tuesday, Nov. 6, at her residence.
She was born Oct. 9, 1922 in Paulding County, the daughter of James and Esther (Schmidt) Burtch. She graduated from the Lucas County Hospital School of Nursing in 1943 and practiced as a registered nurse for the 16 years prior to her marriage. On Sept. 13, 1959 she married Melvin T. Coon, who preceded her in death on Nov. 22, 1993. She was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paulding. She was a former member of Zion Lutheran Church in Lafayette, Ohio where she taught Sunday School for over 20 years.
She is survived by a daughter, Kathryn Coon, Fort Wayne; a son, James (Mary) Coon, Monroe, N.C.; two brothers, Karl (Joan) Burtch, Paulding, and Thomas (Dorothy) Burtch, Rockford; two sisters, Barbara Rhoad, Paulding, and Janet Choler, Elkhart, Ind.; two sisters-in-law, Helen Burtch, Paulding, and Marci Burtch, Fort Wayne; and many nieces and nephews.
She also was preceded in death by three brothers, James, Charles and David Burtch.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Nov. 10 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paulding, with the Rev. Mary Beth Smith-Webb officiating. Burial was in Memorial Park, Lima. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paulding.

SAMUEL FRANKLIN
1917-2007
PAULDING – Samuel E. Franklin, age 90, died Thursday, Nov. 8 at his residence.
He was born Oct. 17, 1917 in Payne, the son of Samuel and Charlotte (Gray) Franklin. On Nov. 24, 1955, he married Helen R. Keysaer, who preceded him in death on April 5, 2004. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was a member of Paulding United Methodist Church, a retired farmer, a member of VFW Post #587 in Paulding, and was a former Benton Township employee.
He is survived by a son, Edward Franklin, New Haven; and two brothers, Robert (Helen) Franklin of Payne and John Market, Sidney.
He also was preceded in death by three sisters, Maude Martin, Kathryn Waltz and Donna McGrinnis.
Funeral services were conducted Monday, Nov. 12 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Joe Allen officiating. Burial was in Blue Creek Cemetery, Haviland with military graveside services provided by VFW Post #587.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

GLORIA HOOK
1925-2007
PAYNE – Gloria Marie Hook, 82, Payne, died Monday, Nov. 5.

RICHARD HAKE
1927-2007
FORT WAYNE – Richard Hake, age 80, died Saturday, Nov. 10.

EARL PHLIPOT
1937-2007
PAULDING – Earl E. “Zeb” Phlipot, age 69, died at 7:10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 at his residence after an extended illness.
He was born Nov. 29, 1937 in Paulding County, the son of Raymond and Hazel (Copsey) Phlipot. On Jan. 31, 1959 he married Norma Jean Butler, who survives. In 2002, he retired as supervisor from Herbert E. Orr Manufacturing of Paulding. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Paulding and was a member of the Paulding VFW Post #587.
Also surviving are two daughters, Deborah (Mike) Farquhar of Paulding and Diane Fogle of Hicksville; two sons, Everett (Jil) Phlipot of Stuart, Fla. and Alan Phlipot of Paulding; four grandchildren, Christopher Phlipot, Riley Phlipot, Adam Phlipot and Madison Farquhar; two brothers, Harold (Dorothy) Phlipot and Jerry (Margaret) Phlipot, both of Paulding; four sisters, Laura Pease of Paulding, Dorothy (Bill) Alt of Gahanna, Christine (Roman) Laker of Cecil, and Helen (Curt) Coil of Traverse City, Mich.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Howard and Lawrence Phlipot and a infant brother; and two sisters, Ruth Schneider and Mabel Phlipot. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. today, Nov. 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Visitation will be at the church one hour before services. Den Herder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice.

LaRETA VAUGHN
1938-2007
PAULDING – LaReta Vaughn, age 69, died 4:14 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne.
She was born July 8, 1938 in Pineville, Ky., the daughter of Prentice and Florence (Williams) Begley. In 1984, she married Robert Vaughn, who preceded her in death in 1985. She retired from Johns Manville, Defiance and was a cook for the Paulding Kiwanis.
She is survived by her stepmother, Isabelle Begley, Hazard, Ky.; five children: Johanna Vaughn, Columbia, S.C., Jim (Karen) Bradford and Bradley Bradford, both of Paulding, Jeanette (George) Fischer of Defiance, and Missy Beckman, Clearwater, Fla.; four stepsons, Kim and Dana Schooley, Florida, and Tyrone Vaughn, Austin, Texas, and Burr Vaughn, Florida; six sisters, Betty Lynch of Barton, Fla., Nancy Massey of Florence, Ky., Carol Coats of Cincinnati, Darlene Blair and Mary Ann Ebersole of Hazard, Ky., and Michell Begley, Oklahoma City, Okla.; four brothers, Larry Begley, Bobby Begley and John Begley, all of Hazard, Ky., and Willie Begley, Paris, Ky.; nine grandchildren; many stepgrandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many great-stepgrandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, LaReta Jean Vaughn; and a stepgranddaughter, Bobby Springer.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15 at Calvary Bible Church, Paulding, with Pastor Tim Franklin officiating. Burial will be in Paulding Memorial Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today, Nov. 14 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church. Memorial donations may be made to Paulding Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice.

DOROTHY MERRITTE
1920-2007
OAKWOOD – Dorothy Ruth Merritte, age 87, died Monday, Nov. 12, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
She was born Aug. 11, 1920 in Melrose, the daughter of William John and Marie Velma (Wilson) Finnegan. On Nov. 23, 1945, she married William C. Merritte, who preceded her in death on June 25, 1983. She retired from Dana Corporation in 1981 and was a former member of Melrose United Methodist Church and Auglaize Chapel Church of God, Oakwood.
She is survived by a daughter, Glenda (Jeff) Ferris, Paulding; a son, Dennis Merritte, Melrose; two brothers, Ed Finnegan, Oakwood, and Paul Finnegan, Defiance; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Dorothy Elaine; three brothers, Harold “Hap” Finnegan, Dale Finnegan, and infant Forest Finnegan; and three sisters, Violet Vance, Irene Doster and Ilene Doster.
Funeral services were conducted Friday, Nov. 16 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Bob Merriman officiating. Burial was in Little Auglaize Cemetery, Melrose. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund.

GLORIA HOOK
1925-2007
PAYNE – Gloria Marie Hook, 82, of Payne, passed away at 12:10 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, peacefully at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne.
She was born on Oct. 6, 1925, in Fort Wayne. the daughter of the late Garrett and Elsa F. (Ladd) Bowers. On June 28, 1947, Gloria married Henry Hook, who died March 14, 2007. Gloria was a homemaker, who enjoyed her family, ceramics, sewing and gardening and was a member of Payne Church of the Nazarene.
Gloria will be sadly missed by her daughter, Wendy (Larry) Zuber of Antwerp; sons, Kerry (Jody), Rick (LeeAnn), Jeffrey and Chad, all of Payne; a sister, Ruby Hannefeld of Woodburn; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Sisters Geraldine Oddou and Janet Brinneman and brothers Jack, Bob, Monty and Ernie Bowers have passed away.
Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 9, at Payne Church of the Nazarene, with the Rev. Mike Harper officiating. She was laid to rest at Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of arrangements.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the church.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

DOYLE SANDERSON
1922-2007
PAULDING — Doyle J Sanderson, 85, died at 4:10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home.
He was born Aug. 24, 1922, in Paulding County, the son of Dewey and Gladys (Myers) Sanderson. He was a graduate of Grover Hill High School. In 1945, he married Esther Florence (Hartwig) Sanderson, who survives in Paulding. He was a lifelong farmer, a member of the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Paulding, where he served on the church council and as a choir member.
He was a member of the Paulding County Republican Committee, a Jackson Township trustee for three terms, and a member on the Paulding Soil and Water Conservation Board. He worked at the Paulding Lumber Company, Paulding County Highway Department, hauled fuel for Consumers Oil Company of Paulding, and worked at the Baughman Tile Mill, Paulding. He was an avid deer hunter and woodworker, and also restored antique tractors.
Also surviving are two sons, Dennis (Cheryl) Sanderson of Paulding and Delmar Sanderson of Willoughby, Ohio; a sister, Hilda (Paul) Cummings of Lima; a brother, Vaughn (Jean) Sanderson of Broughton; four grandchildren, Craig (Ranae), Kurt, Brett, and Carrie Sanderson; and two great-grandchildren, Logan and Ethan Sanderson.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Rev. Mary Beth Smith Webb officiating. Burial was in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Research Foundation, the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

WILLIAM REYNOLDS
1961-2007
PAULDING — William A. Reynolds, 46, died Saturday, Nov. 17.
He was born May 3, 1961, in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Leo R. and Velma M. (Booher) Reynolds, who both preceded him in death. He was a U.S. Army veteran and worked as a carpet and flooring installer. He was a member of the Paulding Eagles Lodge and the Grover Hill VFW Post #2873.
He is survived by three brothers, James (Kay) Reynolds of Paulding, Steven Reynolds of Texas, and Michael (Marsha) Reynolds of Wisconsin; and a sister, Bonnie Reynolds of Wisconsin.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Nov. 21, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with Pastor Michael Harper officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made in William’s memory in care of Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding.

HARRIET STRALEY
1934-2007
VAN WERT — Harriet L. Straley, 73, of Van Wert, died at 4:47 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19, at the Lima Memorial Health Center.
She was born May 30, 1934, in Paulding County, the daughter of Russell and Minnie (Leslie) Lamb, who both preceded her in death. She married Richard Davis, who preceded her in death. In 1980 she married Fred Swander Straley, who preceded her in death on June 1, 1982.
She attended Latty High School. She retired from the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. She was a member of the Convoy United Methodist Church, member of the Van Wert Genealogy Society, member of the Paulding County Genealogy Society, and was a volunteer at the American Red Cross for many years.
She is survived by a son, Jeff (Shawnne) Davis of Van Wert; two daughters, Sue (Barry) McDowell, also of Van Wert, and Kathy (Brian) Clark of Blissfield, Mich.; two sisters, Mapha Schaadt of Cecil and Phyllis Hanselman of Hailey, Idaho; and four grandchildren, Mandy Clark, Matt Clark, Codi (Cody) Webster Feasby and Garrett McDowell.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 23, at the Cowan and Son Funeral Home in Van Wert. The Rev. Gregory Leigh of the Convoy United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Cooper Cemetery, Paulding County.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today, Nov. 21.
Preferred memorials are to the Convoy United Methodist Church or to the American Red Cross.

DONALD HAUNHORST
1916-2007
DELPHOS — Donald J. “Bud” Haunhorst, 91, died at 9:10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, at Van Crest of Delphos.
He was born Jan. 30, 1916, in Landeck, Ohio, the son of Edward and Philmenn (Schwinnen) Haunhorst. On Sept. 30, 1939, he married Gertrude Nagel, who survives in Landeck.
He was employed at the Western Stone company for 48 years, serving as vice president and general manager for 20 years. He was a very talented musician, playing the piano, accordion and the harmonica fluently. He loved to polka dance and was considered a “One Man Band” by many. He spent a great part of his life entertaining family and friends with music and dancing.
He was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Landeck and was a member of the Eagles Post #471.
Also surviving are a daughter, Jeannie (Don) Schweller of Paulding; three grandchildren, Todd (Stephanie) Schweller, Lisa (Tony) Clinton, and Amy Wirts, all of Paulding; and five great-grandchildren, Lyndi and Julia Clinton, Claire and Jack Schweller, and Grace Wirts.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold J. “Pete” Haunhorst.
Services were held Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the St. John the Baptist Church in Landeck, with Father John Fleck officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Harter and Schier Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials may be made to the Delphos Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

BONNIE JEAN RAMMEL
1959-2007
CELINA – Bonnie Jean (Link) Rammel, age 48, died Wednesday, Nov. 21.

MICHELE SCHAEFER-PARR
FORT WAYNE – Michele A. Schaefer-Parr, 57, beloved wife of Keith B. Parr Jr., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007 at Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.
Michele spent her formative years in the Payne area, graduating from Payne High School, and continued her education in Chicago at the Rae Vogue School of Art. In addition to working at Cunningham Optical One for 35 years, she was an avid miniature sculptor and mixed-media artist, with her work being published in several national magazines. Her work will also be published next year as part of a book about art.
In addition to her husband Keith, she is survived by her mother, Lorraine Schaefer of Payne; a sister, Antonette (Rex) Goeltzenleuchter of Defiance; brothers, Vincent (Carol) and Scott (April), both of Payne; parents-in-law, Keith Sr. and Joan Parr of Berne, Ind.; brother-in-law, Wilson (Pam) Parr of Fort Wayne; sisters-in-law, Frances (Loren) Brinneman and Melissa (Scott) Skinner, both of Berne; grandparents-in-law, Bert and Martha Parr of Berne; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Norman Schaefer.
Funeral Mass was Saturday, Dec. 1 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Payne. Burial was in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Payne. D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice Home of Fort Wayne or Goshen Hospital Oncology Department.

JIM WILLIAMSON
1939-2007
ANTWERP — James E. Williamson Sr., 68, Antwerp, died Wednesday, Nov. 28.

WILLIAM DAVIS SR.
1939-2007
GROVER HILL – William C. Davis Sr., 68, of Grover Hill, died Thursday, Nov. 29.

DOROTHY HALL
1937-2007
OAKWOOD — Dorothy Jean Hall, 70, of Oakwood, died at 11:58 p.m., Nov. 30, at Mercy Hospital in Defiance.
She was born June 26, 1937, in Oakwood, the daughter of Cecil and Ethel (Bidlack) Bradford, who both preceded her in death. In 1956, she married George J. Hall, who preceded her in death. She was a graduate of Oakwood High School and the Wayne County General Hospital and Northwest Technical College for licensed practical nurses.
She was formerly employed by the Wayne County General Hospital in Waynesboro, Tenn., Leisure Oaks Nursing Home, Glenwood Nursing Home in Defiance, and retired from the Defiance County Home, following 30 years of nursing. She was a member of the Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Oakwood.
She is survived by a son, Virgil (Randi) Hall of Ney; two daughters, Brenda (Tom) Graf of Bartlett, Ill. and Laurie Hall (fiancé, Bruce) of Defiance; two brothers, Rollin Bradford of Oakwood and Robert Bradford of Roanoke Rapid, N.C.; a sister, Betty Stoller of Oakwood; three granddaughters and a grandson.
Also preceding her in death was a brother, Dick Bradford.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., today, Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Twin Oaks United Methodist Church in Oakwood, formerly the Cornerstone Church, with Pastor James Nathan officiating. Burial will be in the Prairie Chapel Cemetery, in Oakwood. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

PHYLLIS MOHR
1924-2007
PAULDING — Phyllis J. Mohr, 83, Oakwood, died Wednesday, Nov. 28.

HELEN ASHBAUGH
1924-2007
LAKE TOWNSHIP, Ind. — Helen Ashbaugh, 83, of Lake Township, died Friday, Nov. 30.

CHARLENE SCHLEGEL
1941-2007
PAULDING — Charlene M. Schlegel, age 66, died Thursday, December 6, 2007 at the Osceola Regional Medical Center, Kissimmee, FL.
She was born April 22, 1941 in Defiance County, OH, the daughter of Wilbur and Kathryn (Feeney) Baldwin. On October 22, 1960 she married Vaughn Kenneth Schlegel, who survives. She was employed by Teleflex, Van Wert, retiring in 1999. She was a member of Paulding Church of the Nazarene, and president of the Paulding County Hospital Auxiliary.
She is survived by her husband, Vaughn Schlegel, Paulding; three sons, Kent (Marcia) Schlegel, Wapakoneta, OH, Kevin Schlegel, Lagrange, IN, and Seth Schlegel, FL; two daughters, Lori (Jeff) Densmore, Kissimmee, FL and Donna (Jason) Wiseman, Melrose, OH; two brothers, M.E. “Gene” (Donna) Baldwin, Defiance, and Guy (Shirley) Baldwin, Paulding; three sisters, Ellen (Dana) Reed and Mary (Bill) Ellison, both of Defiance, and Linda (Ricky) Spears, Oakwood; and 10 grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding with Rev. Kim Semran officiating. Burial will be in Hedges Cemetery, Paulding.
Visitation will be 2 – 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 and one hour prior to services on Friday at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding.
Donations may be made to Paulding Church of the Nazarene, Paulding County Senior Center, or Paulding Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice.

LEVI CAIN JR.
1909-2007
PAULDING – Levi “Cowboy” Cain Jr., age 98, died at 11:55 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne.
He was born Dec. 6, 1909 in Paulding, the son of Levi and Lola (Jackson) Cain. On March 5, 1982 he married Elsie Cain, who survives. He was a millwright for GM Powertrain, Defiance, retiring in 1973, and was an avid pool player at the local pubs.
He also is survived by two sons, Douglas Keith (Beverly) Cain of Fort Wayne and Wayne “Boogie” (Alice) Cain, Fostoria; three daughters, Leona Mae (Harvey) Brown of Ohio City, Phyliss Melvina Baxter of Paulding, and Debra Bess Cain, Fort Wayne; stepchildren, Hester Jackson and Nonnie Perry, both of Paulding, Mattie Davis, Pearl (George) Harris, James Davis, all of Fort Wayne, and Lucy Price and Rashell Hogan, both of West Point, Miss.; and many grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Johnnie Cain; three daughters, Patricia Wells, Karen Rau and Janice Salter; a a stepson, Roy Davis; and five brothers, Lorenzo, Earl, Lyle, Howard and Orville Cain.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Dec. 15 at Den Herder Funeral Home. Burial was in Rochester Cemetery, Cecil.
Donations may be made in memory of Levi Cain to Den Herder Funeral Home.

WALTER FRUCHEY
1932-2007
GROVER HILL — Walter Keith Fruchey, 75, Grover Hill, died Thursday, Dec. 13.

EULA SHAFFER
1936-2007
VAN WERT – Former Payne resident Eula M. Shaffer, age 71, died Wednesday, Dec. 19 at Van Wert Manor, Van Wert.
She was born Feb. 16, 1936 in Payne, the daughter of Eth H. and Gladys (Trop) Miller. On Oct. 1, 1971, she married Lloyd S. Shaffer, who preceded her in death on July 2, 1992. She was formerly employed as a secretary for Paulding County Senior Center, and was a member of the VFW Auxiliary of Defiance. She is survived by a son, John E. (Sandy) Dix, Paulding; two daughters, Sue (Dave) Kimmel of Rockford and Ellen (John) Wycuff, Celina; a brother, Dean (Jeanette) Miller, Payne; two sisters, Doris Rodocker of Altoona, Fla., and Eva (Don) Barnes, Casa Grande, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.She also was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral Services will be at a later date. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to Van Wert Manor Activity Fund or Paulding County Senior Center.

CHRISTINE JOHNSON
1967-2007
CONTINENTAL — Christine M. Johnson, 40, of Continental, died Dec. 20.

PAULINE YENSER
1922-2007
OAKWOOD — Pauline Ruth Yenser, 85, of rural Oakwood, died at 3:24 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 20. She died in the home where she was reared, where she had cared for her parents until their deaths, and where she had resided nearly her entire life.
She was born Sept. 13, 1922, near Osseo, Mich., the seventh child of Anna and Delos Frederick. Her mother and a sister, Mary, died when she was five weeks old, and she was reared by her mother’s sister, Sarah Adelia (Della) and Charles H. Shock as their foster child.
She was a 1940 graduate of Oakwood High School. She attended Manchester College and earned degrees from Defiance College and Saint Francis College in Fort Wayne. On April 26, 1941, she married Herald Hayes Yenser, who preceded her in death on March 29, 1991.
She was a lifetime member of Defiance Church of the Brethren. She was a teacher in Paulding Middle School from 1959 until 1990. She taught English, reading, writing and spelling to sixth graders and also taught some seventh grade classes. In addition to teaching, she enjoyed gardening and reading mysteries. She is survived by a son, Herald Eugene (Gene) (Helen) Yenser of Oakwood; three daughters, Adelia Ann (Dennis H.) Sorge of West Lafayette, Ind., Sandra (Jerry) Brightbill of Tonasket, Wash., and Paula Howell of Lafayette, Ind.; three sisters, Florence Fee and Isabel Smith of Hillsdale, Mich. and Marie Rose of Osseo, Mich.; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services were held Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Defiance Church of the Brethren, with the Rev. Richard Neuwirth officiating. Burial was in the Sherman Cemetery, Paulding County. Mast-Mock-Hoffman-Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorial contributions may go to the Paulding County Hospice, 250 Dooley Drive, Paulding, Ohio, 45879.

WILBUR LOGAN
1916-2007
PAYNE – Wilbur C. Logan, age 91, died at 6:27 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21 at Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born Sept. 2, 1916 in Van Wert County, the son of Guyn and Alta (Bedwell) Logan. On Jan. 15, 1947 he married Dorothy C. Hougendobler, who preceded him in death in 1997. He was an owner/operator truck driver for 25 years, retiring in 1979.
He is survived by a son, Guyn Logan of Warsaw, Ind.; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a companion and caregiver, Kim Kennedy, Tampa, Fla. He also was preceded in death by a son, Steve, in 1985.
Funeral services were Monday, Dec. 24 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.
Memorial contributions may be made in Wilbur’s memory in care of Den Herder Funeral Home.

PAUL CULLER
1932-2007
SHERWOOD – Paul F. Culler, age 75, of Sherwood, passed away Friday, Dec. 28, at the Hicksville Memorial Hospital in Hicksville.
He was born on March 7, 1932 in Defiance County, the son of Alvin and Gladys (Dowd) Culler. On Dec. 23, 1955 in Paulding, he married Lucile Brown, who survives. Paul was a bulk loader at Lafarge in Paulding prior to his retirement on March 31, 1994. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean War. Paul was a member of the Mark Center Methodist Church and the Sherwood VFW.
Also surviving are two daughters, Penny (Bruce) Russell of Oakwood, and Cheryl and (Bruce) Caris of Sherwood; a daughter-in-law, Marcia Culler of Bryan; four grandchildren; a brother, Donald (Gayle) Culler of Springfield, Ohio; a sister, Eleanor Miller of West Unity; and a sister-in-law, Sylvia Culler of Edon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Robert Culler; and a brother, Stanley Culler.
Memorial services for Paul F. Culler will be held at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 2, at the Burr Funeral Home & Crematory, Sherwood, with Jim Stinehelfer and the Rev. Tom Graves officiating.
Memorial contributions may be given to 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

GERARD DOBBELAERE
1923-2007
OAKWOOD – Gerard Remy Dobbelaere, age 84, affectionately known as “Paps,” and a longtime resident of rural Oakwood, died unexpectedly Monday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, at the Paulding County Hospital.
A lifetime farmer, he was a retired ironworker having been employed with Don R. Fruchey, Johns Manville and Casade in New Haven, among others. He also formerly owned and operated the Auglaize Marine Supply in Oakwood with his brother Henry. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Junction. Born to Belgian immigrants, he first attended school in Tontogany where he still only spoke in Flemish, and then attended Melrose and Oakwood schools after the family moved to a farm just west of Melrose. Like many others, he frequented the Fort Brown Skating Rink and it was there he met the love of his life, Elvene Keck, to whom he was married on April 22, 1946. His father died shortly after his marriage and Gerard helped his mother with the family farm and taking care of his younger brothers and sisters.
Gerard was a loving and humble man who possessed a tremendous devotion to his wife and family. They loved to play cards and travel and were fortunate to visit many places, usually with one of their brothers, sisters or friends. They also wintered in Florida for numerous years having spent the last 15 in Haines City, Fla. Paps loved to read, loved to share stories on most topics and enjoyed a good laugh and a good hug. He will be remembered as an extremely hard working, intelligent and gentle man who will be missed beyond measure.
He was born Aug. 27, 1923 near Maumee, just yards away from the site of Fallen Timbers, to Belgian immigrant parents, Julius and Marie (Vynckier) Dobbelaere.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Elvene (affectionately known as “Nan”); his children, Sue (Bob) Brown and David “Bud” (Kris) Dobbelaere, both of Oakwood; four grandchildren: Deedi (Mike) Miller, Cory Dobbelaere, Derric (Dee) Brown, and Darsi (Mark) Everson; five great-grandchildren, Ellie, Estee and Aiden Miller, Noah and Leah Brown; four brothers, George (Dottie) of Defiance, Morris (Viola) of Oakwood, Bob (Connie) of Camden, Mich. and Harry (Sue) of Oakwood; a sister, Doris (Erv) Richman of Wolcottville, Ind.; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Streicher of Defiance; many nieces and nephews and his church family. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Heidi; a great-grandson, Evan; his brother, Paul; an infant sister, Mary Louise; and many other relatives.
Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 28 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding, with Fr. David Tscherne officiating. Burial was in Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood. Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Oakwood Library, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to: www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

JOHN HEATH
1918-2007
FORT WAYNE – John R. Heath, age 89, died at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25 at the Bethlehem Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Fort Wayne.
He was born March 17, 1918 in Paulding County, the son of Raymond R. and Ida (Powell) Heath. On May 31, 1942, he married Mary E. Sinn, who preceded him in death on Dec. 9, 2002. He taught at schools in Grover Hill and Latty before retiring from the Fort Wayne public schools system at Shambaugh Elementary School. He was a member of Christ’s Church in Georgetown, Fort Wayne, where he was an Adult Sunday School teacher.
Surviving are two sons, Bradley K. Heath of Churubusco, Ind. and J. Daniel (Yvonne) Heath of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Kristi (John) Bennett of Auburn, Ind.; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Helen Treece of Briceton.
He also was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Heath and Kathryn Robinson.
Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 28 at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding with the Rev. Erick Riddle officiating. Burial was in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill.
Preferred memorials are to Alzheimer’s Research.

GRACE McCAGUE
1913-2007
OAKWOOD – Grace McCague, age 94, died at 8:25 a.m. Friday, Dec. 28 at Defiance Inpatient Hospice.
She was born Nov. 11, 1913 in Oakwood, the daughter of the late Rev. Charles Roberts and Elsie (Brown) Pratt. On Dec. 24, 1931 she married John McCague, who proceeded her death Oct. 6, 1992. She was a homemaker and a member of the United Methodist Church in Oakwood.
She is survived by two sons, Dana McCague, Fort Wayne, and Richard McCague, Oakwood; a daughter, Dian Adkins, Oakwood; two brothers, Joe Pratt, Scott, and Albert Pratt, Oakwood; two sisters, Elnor Runion, Woodville, and Alma Rhodes, Grover Hill; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-stepgrandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a stepfather, Roy Pratt; two sons, Raymond and Philip McCague; a grandson, Terry McCague; five brothers, David, Jason, Rolland, Paul and Delmar Pratt; and five sisters, Ida Wyatt, Edna Pratt, Norma Showalter, Alice Fulmer and Bonnie Guilford.
Funeral services were conducted Monday, Dec. 31 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood. Pastor Jim Nathan and Paul Carder officiated. Burial was in Prairie Chapel Cemetery, Oakwood.
Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia Foundation of Defiance.

ELIZABETH JEAN (E.J.)
MORRIS
1983–2007
FORT WAYNE – Elizabeth Jean (E.J.) Morris, age 24, passed Thurs., Dec. 27 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.
Born in Fort Wayne, she was student of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Her major was Teaching and Special Education. She graduated from Snider High School in Fort Wayne in 2002. She loved music and played piano, saxophone, clarinet and bassoon.
She was a member of North Park Community Church Youth Group, OPA Sorority and attended Shoaff Park Baptist Church.
Survivors include parents Douglas A. and Barbara J. Morris, Fort Wayne; a brother, Douglas A. Morris II, Fort Wayne; many aunts, uncles, and cousins from Buffalo, NY, Bowling Green, KY and Northwest Ohio.
She was preceded in death by grandparents David and Pearl Morris, Buffalo, NY; and Clarence and Marjorie Helle, Paulding.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 5 at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne. Pastor Tom Niccum and Pastor Scott Qualls officiating. Calling is from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9pm Friday, Jan. 4 at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Paulding, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Shoaff Park Baptist Church Youth Group.

JOHN “TOM”
ROBINSON
1944-2007
PAULDING – John Thomas “Tom” Robinson, age 63, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, at his residence.
He was born Aug. 11, 1944 in Lima, the son of William and Margaret (Patterson) Robinson. On Oct. 20, 1973 he married Rita Dysinger, who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Vietnam Conflict. He was employed by Braun Industries, Van Wert.
Also surviving are a daughter, Jennifer Ann Robinson, Paulding; a brother, Kenneth (Judy) Robinson, Paulding; and a sister, Jo Ann (Phil) Fitzwater, Continental.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
There is no visitation or funeral services. Burial will be at a later date. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is handling arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

DENNIS SAYLOR
1944-2007
PAYNE – Dennis B. Saylor, age 63, died at 8:02 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29 at his residence after an extended illness.
He was born Jan. 5, 1944 in Middlesboro, Ky., the son of the Rev. Arthur and Mary (Edes) Saylor. On July 14, 1986 he married Penny Conley, who survives. He was currently employed as a supervisor for Triple Crown Rail Transportation Systems of Fort Wayne. He previously was employed by B.F. Goodrich Tire in Woodburn for 25 years. He was a member of the Payne Church of the Nazarene and the Paulding Gun Club.
Also surviving are two sons, Brian (Marian) Saylor and Zachary Saylor, both of Payne; three daughters, Christina (Scott) Kushion of Laingsburg, Mich., Nicole (Eddie) Worrell of Fort Wayne and Jenelle Wagaman of Payne; a so