MARY MANSFIELD
1925-2003
PAULDING — Mary H. Mansfield, 77, formerly of Continental, died at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding.
She was born Sept. 6, 1925, in Leipsic, the daughter of David L. and Anna E. (Medley) Sigler. On April 26, 1947, she married Ralph Mansfield, who preceded her in death in 1995. She was a homemaker and a member of the Melrose United Methodist Church. Surviving are a daughter, Deanna Gasaway of Clarksville, Tenn.; a sister, Phyllis Cass of Continental; four grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a son; six sisters; and three brothers.
Services were held Monday, March 10 at the Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood. Burial was in the Monroe Cemetery in Continental. Preferred memorials are to the Melrose United Methodist Church.

MICHAEL HAYNES
1930-2003
BRADENTON, Fla. — Michael Francis Marion Hanenkratt Haynes, 72, died March 1, at the Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, Fla. He was born Nov. 28, 1930 in Paulding County. He was a retiree of International Harvester in Fort Wayne, after 30 years of service as a supervisor. He moved to Manatee County Fla. in 1978, and retired from the Manatee Convalescent Home following 15 years of service. He was a WWII Air Force veteran, a member of VFW Post #2488 of Palmetto, Moose Lodge 2188 of Anna Marie Island, and a member of the Peace Lutheran Church.
Surviving are his wife, Linda Lou Haynes; a stepdaughter, Deena Burnham of Grand Rapids, Mich.; a stepson, Jeffery Claus of Largo, Fla.; and two sisters, Marilyn Jean Niese of Leipsic and Marlene Victoria Lindeman of Bradenton.
Services were held Thursday, March 6, at the Peace Lutheran Church. Kicliter Funeral Home in Palmetto was in charge of the
arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the Peace Lutheran School, 1611 30th Ave. W., Bradenton, Fla.

LEE HUGHES
1930-2002
LECANTO, Fla. — Word has been received of the death of Lee J. Hughes, 72, of Lecanto, Fla., who died Sept. 21, 2002 at Surrey Place Convalescent Center. He had resided there for the past six years.
He was born June 20, 1930, in Oakwood, the son of Don and Gladys (Kohart) Hughes. He was a lifelong resident of Paulding County until he moved to Florida 20 years ago. A U.S. Marines veteran of the Korean War, he was a telephone lineman for the Oakwood and Grover Hill telephone companies, a dynamite blaster for the Paulding Cement Company, and a farmer. He restored antiques, and antique cars and tractors. He always had horses.
Surviving are a daughter, Kelli (Norm) Bear; and a son, Kent (Kim) Hughes; five grandchildren, Jeff Bear, Jennifer Bear, Chris Hughes, Mike Bear, and Cody Hughes; a sister, Shirley Poling; several cousins; nieces and nephews; an uncle and his second wife, who resides in Florida. Wilder Funeral Home in Homosassa, Fla., was in charge of arrangements.

DELBERT BAXTER
1918-2003
PAULDING — Delbert “Del” F. Baxter, 84, died Thursday, March 6, at Brookview Healthcare Center, Defiance.
He was born April 1, 1918 in Latty, the son of William Floyd and Emma M. (Driefke) Baxter. In 1946, he married Edythe F. Yoder, who survives. A 1936 graduate of Latty High School, he was a WWII veteran, a 2nd Lieutenant and B-24 bomber pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a farmer for 25 years and was employed as an industrial engineer at Grizzly Manufacturing, Paulding, retiring in 1980 after 29 years. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Briceton, Gideons International and John Paulding Historical Society. Also surviving are one son, William (Julie) Baxter, North Manchester, Ind.; one daughter, Ruth Ann (James) Covey, Van Wert; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by infant twin sisters, Edith and Edna Baxter.
Services were held Monday, March 10 at St. John Lutheran Church, Briceton, with Pastor Joseph Allen officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding, with military graveside services by Paulding VFW Post #587. Arrangements were made by Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Preferred memorials are to St. John Lutheran Church, Gideons International or John Paulding Historical Society.

MAYBELLE DICKERHOOF
1917-2003
VAN WERT — Maybelle Dickerhoof, 86, of Van Wert, died Sunday, March 9 at the Sara Jane Living Center in Delphos.
She was born July 4, 1917, in Mark Center, the daughter of Jesse H. and Nora B. (Apple) Ebersole. In 1938, she married Loren Dickerhoof, who preceded her in death in 1976. For a number of years she owned and cooked at Lone Tower Restaurant in Cecil. She is survived by a son, Larry Dickerhoof of Van Wert; two daughters, Judy (Steve) Reznikov of Harlan, Ind., and Sherry (Greg) Subler of Delphos; a sister, Ocie Miller of Fort Wayne; a daughter-in-law, Sally Dickerhoof of Delphos; a son-in-law, Bob Jackson of Harlan; 13 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a son, Max Dickerhoof; a daughter, Mary Jean Jackson; a brother, Mylo Ebersole; one great-grandchild; and a great-great-grandchild.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. today, March 12 at Rice-Burr Funeral Home, Sherwood, with visitation one hour prior to services, with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Sherwood Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Alzheimer’s Association.

FREEMAN BOGER
1923-2003
ANTWERP — Freeman T. Boger, 79, of Antwerp, died at 4:32 p.m. Friday, March 7, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne. He was born Aug. 1, 1923, in Harlan, Ind., the son of Grover and Orpha (Smith) Boger. He married his wife, Betty Jean, in 1946, and she preceded him in death in 1996. He was a WWII Army veteran. He was employed at the Dana Corporation in Angola, then moved to the Antwerp plant with a total of 36 years of service.
He was a member of the Antwerp American Legion Post #253, a charter and lifetime member of the Antwerp VFW Post #5087, and a member of the Antwerp Masonic Lodge. He had also been an Antwerp firefighter and EMT and was formerly on the board of directors of Gen Fed Credit Union in Antwerp.
Surviving are three daughters, Sandra Richards and Sharon Lothamer, both of Antwerp, and Beverly Miller of Butler, Ind.; a brother, Alvin Boger of Coldwater, Mich.; two sisters, Ursula Lynn of Coldwater, Mich., and Kathleen Jetmore of Syracuse, Ind.; eight grandchildren; seven grandchildren; three step grandchildren; and five step great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Dean; one brother; and two sisters.
Services were held Tuesday, March 11, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp. Preferred memorials are to the Antwerp EMS or the American Heart Association.

CATHERINE KILLION
1937-2003
PAULDING — Catherine Elizabeth (Bates) Killion, 65, died at 1:35 a.m., Sunday, March 9, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
She was born Oct. 4, 1937, in Isabella, Tenn., the daughter of Claude and Florence Bates. On June 15, 1955, she married Carl Vernon Killion, who survives. A long-time resident of Paulding, Catherine had been a vital part of the community for many years. Most recently, she was the owner and operator of both Catherine’s Village Shoppes on the square in Paulding, and Maid to Order, a janitorial and maintenance business. Previously, she had worked for the Paulding County Hospital, Paulding Progress, and National Stone Company, Defiance. For many years, she was active in the sports booster program at Paulding High School, a tremendous cheerleader and supporter of the baseball program.
Also surviving are three sons, Michael (Machelle) and Douglas (Tere), both of Plano, Texas, and David (Lisa) of Wake Forest, N.C.; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three brothers, Calvin (Marilyn) Bates of Mooresburg, Tenn., Edwin Bates of Lake Worth, Fla., and Bob Bates of Lakes Wales, Fla; and four sisters, Polly Eller of Ft. Meyers, Fla., Patsy Hatmaker of Baneberry, Tenn., Reba White of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Jeanie Farrow of Jefferson City, Tenn.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 12, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Rev. Jack Berry officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Visitation is today from 8 a.m. until time of services.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Home Health Care.

BRANDY FLYNN
1987-2003
PAULDING — Brandy Jo Flynn, 15, of Paulding, died at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 10, as the result of a traffic mishap in Paulding.
She was born March 11, 1987 in Toledo, the daughter of Danny R. and Jenifer J. (Kimmel) Flynn. She was a freshman at Paulding High School.
Surviving are her mother, Jenifer Flynn of Paulding; her father, Danny Flynn of East Dublin, Ga.; a sister, Danielle Flynn, Paulding; a maternal grandmother, Judy (Robert) Dix of Paulding; maternal grandfather, Edwin Kimmel Jr. of Scott; maternal great-grandmother, Joyce Kimmel of Paulding; and paternal grandmother, Ivadelle Hawk of Dublin, Ga.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, James Flynn; paternal step-grandfather, Max Hawk; and great-grandparents Edwin Kimmel Sr., Orvall and Dalie Glass and Calvin and Flora Vaughn.
Services were held Friday, March 14, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Hedges Cemetery, Jackson Township. Preferred memorials are to the Brandy J. Flynn Family.

JOHN COREY
1915-2003
GROVER HILL — John Corey, 87, of Grover Hill died at 10:10 a.m. Monday March 17, at the Van Crest Health Care Center in Van Wert.
He was born Sept. 9, 1915, in Akron. On Aug. 29, 1940, he married Mary J. Miller, who preceded him in death in 1965. On Aug. 23, 1966, he married Betty Dimock, who preceded him in death in 1991. He was the owner/operator of Corey Hardware in Grover Hill, and was previously employed at Aero Corp. in Bryan, and Grizzly Manufacturing in Paulding. He attended the DuPont Church of the Brethren. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Surviving are a daughter, Linda (Jerry) Scarbrough of Grover Hill; three grandchildren, Laurie Janka, Kerry Laudick and Corey Scarbrough; and six great- grandchildren, Levi and Joel Elston, Kelly and Janey Janka, and Laine and Grant Laudick.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Terry Porter officiating. Burial will be in the Middle Creek Cemetery in Grover Hill.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today, March 19.
Preferred memorials are to the Grover Hill EMS or Dupont Church of the Brethren.

ROBERT DERCK
1935-2003
HAMILTON, Ind. — Robert E. Derck, 67, Hamilton, Ind., died at his son’s home in Hamilton.
He was born April 13, 1935, in Antwerp, the son of Francis and Galen (Carr) Derck. He was employed by International Harvester, Fort Wayne and then Ohio Art, Bryan. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.
Surviving are three sons, Raymond of Baltimore, Md., Robbie of Edon, and Derk of Hamilton, Ind.; four daughters, Theresa Stultz of Hamilton, Ind., Angela Hancock and Madonna Ali, both of Fremont, Ind., and Dolphin Ramanathan of Angola; two brothers, George of New Haven and John of Columbus; six sisters, Ruth Derck, Anne Wiedeman, Jean Reinhart, Mary Donut, Linda Pendergrast and Lucinda Knight, all of Antwerp; 19 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one son, Randy; and a half-brother, Thomas Cottrell.
Services were held Saturday, March 22 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Antwerp. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery with graveside military honors by Antwerp VFW Post #5087. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the family.

VIOLET FULK
1913-2003
PAULDING — Violet “Vi” Mae Fulk, 89, died Tuesday, March 18, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne, where she had been a resident for two years.
She was born in Tully Township of Van Wert County on May 10, 1913, the daughter of Kirk and Elva (Reed) Whitman. In 1930, she married Floyd A. Fulk, who died in 1951. She was a cook at the former Paul & Millie’s/Harry’s Lunch/Jim & Jane’s for 25 years.
Surviving are four sons, William (Edna) Fulk of Paulding, Earl (Ruby) Fulk of Bryan, Tom Fulk of Defiance and Jim Fulk of Toledo; five daughters, Joyce (Harold) Dangler of Bryan, Shirley (Paul) Cramer, Diane Foor and Betty (John) Clark, all of Paulding, and Nancy (Richard) Burditt of Hamilton, Ind.; one sister, Helen MacDonald of Bluffton, Ind.; 20 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Wilma Jean Fulk; a son John; two brothers, Art and Lawrence Whitman; two sisters, Alice Corbin and Gertie Grace; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Services were held Friday, March 21 at the First Christian Church in Paulding with the Rev. Susan Taylor officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne.
Preferred memorials are to Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne or Paulding County Senior Center.

DON BRUCKART
1923-2003
CECIL — Don C. Bruckart, 79, Cecil, died on Tuesday, March 18 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born Aug. 21, 1923, in Crane Township, the son of Perry and May Ida (Kopp) Bruckart. He was employed as a machinist. He served in the U.S. Army in the occupation of Japan after WWII and also served in the Korea Conflict. He was a member of Antwerp VFW and American Legion posts.
Surviving are two sisters, Doris and Lois Bruckart, both of Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services were held Friday, March 21 at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with the Rev. David R. Meriwether officiating. Burial was at Rochester Cemetery in Cecil.
Preferred memorials are to American Diabetes Association.

EVELYN LANTZ
1922-2003
MANSFIELD – Evelyn Maxine Castor Lantz, 80, of Mansfield, died Saturday, March 22, in MedCentral Mansfield Hospital following a long illness.
She was born April 20, 1922 in North Baltimore, the daughter of Melville and Juanita (Parsons) Patterson. For 30 years she worked as a registered nurse in hospitals and in private duty, taking time off to raise her children. She later worked as a factory nurse for Hartman Electric in Mansfield. Through the 1970s, she worked as a secretary with First English Lutheran Church in Mansfield. On Aug. 14, 1982 she married John J. “Jim” Lantz, who survives. She was a member of Lexington Presbyterian Church and was a collector of cow and angel figurines. She enjoyed reading a good mystery and tending her flower gardens, but she most enjoyed lavishing attention to her poodle Crystal.
Also surviving are a son, Robert D. (Janet) Castor of Lexington; a daughter, Tami J. (Joseph) Bassin of Mansfield; two step-daughters Teri (Wally) Daniels of Cecil, and Cheryl K. Peters of Angola, Ind.; four grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Arthur (Mary) Patterson of North Baltimore.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Castor, in 1978; a brother, Dwight Patterson; and a step granddaughter. Services were held Tuesday at Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, with Pastor Jack Sharp and the Rev. Cloyd Kress officiating.
Preferred memorials are to the American Lung Association.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com

ELMO ELLIOTT
1921-2003
ANTWERP — Elmo L. Elliott, 81, of Antwerp, died at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at the Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Hicksville.
He was born Oct. 24, 1921, in Antwerp, the son of George and Mae (Hissong) Elliott. He was a WWII veteran. On Dec. 31, 1951, he married Ellen Maxine Ish, who survives. He was employed 31 years at Grizzly Manufacturing, and more recently retired from Dietrich in Hicksville. He was a member of the Antwerp VFW Post #5087.
Also surviving are a daughter, Judy Hull of Hicksville; one sister, Marcellene Noll of Antwerp; five grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Gilbert and Norbert.
Graveside military services were held Tuesday, March 25, at the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp. Dooley Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

BRUCE JOHNSTON
1947-2003
ANTWERP — Bruce L. Johnston, 55, of Antwerp, died at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at Lutheran Hospital.
He was born Dec. 22, 1947 in Defiance, the son of James A. and Betty (Crawford) Johnston. On May 17, 1980, he married Lori Pugh, who preceded him in death in 1998. He was employed at Defiance Metal Products.
Surviving are a daughter, Jodi Barker of Antwerp; a sister, Sandra Ryerson of Arizona; and two grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 26 at Dooley Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Burial will be in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.

BRANDY FLYNN
In the obituary for Brandy Flynn, which was published March 19, the name of her stepfather, William E. Hicks, was omitted.

JEAN FRIEND
1935-2003
ANTWERP — Jean Ruth Louise Friend, 67, died Wednesday, March 26, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born April 29, 1935, in Cumberland, Wis., the daughter of Leonard and Hazel (Smith) Kallsen. On Feb. 6, 1954, she married Richard Friend, who survives. She was employed as a secretary at Uniroyal Goodrich for 16 years. She was a member of the VFW Post 5087, the Methodist Women 4th Circle, a volunteer at the Bargain Box in Hicksville, a previous Sunday school teacher, and a Girl Scout leader.
Also surviving are two sons, Harry Joe and Jon Friend, both of Antwerp; a daughter, Deb Karallus of Leo, Ind.; two brothers, Carl Kallsen of Fort Wayne, and Lee Kallsen of Antwerp; a sister, Ronnie Shipman of Antwerp; two half-brothers, Jack Kallsen of Cumberland, Wis., and Len Kallsen of Little Falls, Minn.; three half-sisters, Florence Foust, Carole Severson, and Eva Grubar, all of Cumberland, Wis.; and two grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were her parents; and a grandson.
Services were held Saturday, March 29 at Antwerp United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gregory Swann officiating. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery. Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

LAURETTA PEFFLEY
1923-2003
ANTWERP — D. Lauretta Peffley, 79, of Antwerp, died at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at the Bluffton Regional Medical Center in Bluffton, Ind.
She was born Dec. 29, 1923, the daughter of Roy and Bernice (Skinner) May. On Dec. 30, 1959, she married Charles “Junior” Peffley, who preceded her in death in 1982. She was a homemaker, and a member of the VFW Auxiliary Post #5087.
Surviving are four sons, Timothy, Jonathan, William and Bradley Peffley, all of Antwerp; a daughter, Cindi Shull, Antwerp; a brother, Harold May of Ossian, Ind.; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Also preceding her in death were two brothers, Virgil May and Wilson May.
Services were held Friday, March 28 at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with the Rev. Max Begley officiating. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Crippled Children’s Society.

KENNETH WHITE
1917-2003
PAULDING — Kenneth E. White, 85, died at 1:01 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born July 3, 1917, in Springfield, Ohio, the son of Henry Val and Louvisa (Setty) White. On Nov. 15, 1949, he married Louise Ann Johnson, who died in 1987. He was a graduate of Lima Central High School and Ohio Northern University. He was a member of the United States Army Air Corps, serving in WWII. He was employed by the B.&O. Railroad as a conductor, and also was a medical technologist at Paulding Hospital, retiring in 1980 after 22 years. He was a member of Paulding United Methodist Church, Widow’s Son’s Lodge #571 F&AM, Royal Arch Masons, Scottish Rite Valley of Toledo, and Mizpah Temple, Fort Wayne.
Surviving are three sons, Doug (Pam) White of Bryan, Brett White of Paulding, and Dr. Kenneth White of Lima; two daughters, Jeanene Aukerman of Fairborn, Ohio, and Jackie Miller of Columbus; a companion, Lucy Miller; two sisters, Bernice Wellbaum Frey and Berneta Offenbacher, both of Lima; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were eight brothers, Herbert, Cecil, Herschel, Wallace, Ralph, Phillip, Howard and Kermit.
Services were held Saturday, March 29 at Den Herder Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jack Berry officiating. Burial was in the Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to the American Diabetes Foundation or to Mizpah Shrine, Fort Wayne.

CLAIR FORREST SR.
1923-2003
TIFFIN — Clair March Forrest Sr., 79, of Tiffin, died at 9:45 p.m., Tuesday March 25, in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo.
He was born April 6, 1923, in Wood County, the son of Clair L. and Eunice (March) Forrest. In 1947, he married Martha Ann Zeis, who survives. He was a 1940 graduate of Paulding High School, and a graduate of Bowling Green State University. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Vanderbilt Law School. He practiced law in Tiffin for 35 years. He also taught at Gumpton Jones Mortuary College in Nashville, and Tiffin University. He served as an Army Paratrooper in the 13th Airborne Division-European Theater during WWII. He was affiliated with Trinity United Church of Christ, a member of the Seneca Bar Association, Pioneers Auto Club, Tiffin Jaycees, Downtown Coaches, Disabled American Veterans, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. His special interests were his family, antique cars, his farm and Forrest Woods in Paulding County, and numerous civic, political, and hobby associations.
Also surviving are three sons, Clair March (Linda) Forrest Jr. of Tiffin, Lynn Sherwood (Marissa) Forrest of Columbus, and Kirk Wesley (Anne) Forrest of California, Md.; two daughters, Anne E. Forrest-Martin of Tiffin, and Lisa Sue Forrest (Christopher) Heim of Mason, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; two brothers, Robert A. of Hicksville, and George L. of Tiffin; and two sisters, Jean White of Fort Wayne, and Janice Mollica of Granville.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Dallas Don Forrest; and a sister, Lois Stevenson.
Services were held Saturday, March 29, in the Turner-Engle Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dr. Louis H. Dorsch officiating. Burial was in the Greenlawn Cemetery, where the United Veterans Council held a graveside service.
Preferred memorials are to the Seneca County Veterans Association, Trinity United Church of Christ, or the donor’s choice.

JESSE VARNER
1916-2003
SHREVE — Jesse M. Varner, 87, of Shreve, Ohio, died Friday, March 28, at the Wooster Community Hospital.
She was born March 23, 1916, in Oakwood, the daughter of William Clifford and Fannie E. (Bidlack) Lloyd. On April 10, 1938, she married Virgil O. Varner, who preceded her in death in 1996. Along with her husband, she farmed most of her life, did bookkeeping for their gas station, and managed their apartment buildings. She was a member of the Shreve United Methodist Church.
Surviving are three sons, Harry (Judy) Varner of Shreve, Harvey (Kathy) and Hugh (Cathy) Varner, all of Wooster; three daughters, Hazel (Del) Nirode of Oak Creek, Wis., Hattie (Larry) McConkle of Mansfield, and Helen (John) Farvel of Boxford, Mass., 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Gale Lloyd of Stryker.
Also preceding her in death was a son, Henry; a daughter, Hilda Mae Wachtel; infant twins, Hope and Honey; one sister, Grace Bingman; and a brother, Leo Lloyd.
Services were held Monday, March 31 at Schlabach Funeral Home in Shreve with the Rev. Bill Lawson officiating. Burial was in the Oak Grove Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Shreve United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 525, Shreve, Ohio, 44676.

EDGAR DIX
1915-2003
PAULDING — Edgar E. Dix, 88, a former resident of Silver Springs, Fla., died Wednesday, March 26 at his daughter’s residence in Seymour, Ind.
He was born Feb. 21, 1915, the son of Edwin and Mary (H Hardesty) Dix. On Oct. 30, 1937, he married Marjorie Teeple, who survives. He retired as plant superintendent for the former Grizzly Manufacturing in Paulding, following 30 years of service. He was a charter member of the Eagles Lodge, and the Loyal Order of the Moose.
Also surviving are three sons, Ron Dix of Paris, Tenn., James Dix of Cecil, and Roger Dix of Paulding; a daughter, Linda (William) Barker of Seymour, Ind.; a brother, Clyde Dix of Paulding; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Roger Lee, and Jerry Edgar Dix; four brothers, James, Lloyd, Lewis and Virgil Dix; and a sister, Fanny Beltz.
Services were held Saturday, March 29, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, with the Rev. Wayne Goldsmith officiating. Burial was in the Live Oak Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

JAMES EITNIEAR
1933-2003
DEFIANCE — James R. Eitniear, 70, Defiance, died on Wednesday, April 2, in Defiance.
He was born March 24, 1933, in Defiance, the son of Forest R. and Eva A. (Harmon) Eitniear. In 1953, he married Nancy A. Brewer, who survives. A Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was employed from 1954-1995 at the Defiance Crescent News, where he was director of advertising. He was an Ohio DECA alumnus and a member of Defiance Elk’s Lodge, Defiance VFW, and Trinity United Methodist Church in Defiance.
Also surviving are three daughters, Kathy (Sidney) Weber of Delphos, Cindy (Wayne) Newman of Defiance and Becky (James) Bidlack of Greenwood, S.C.; two brothers, Robert of Paulding and Bernard of Sun City, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Connie Jo Eitniear.
Services were held Saturday, April 5 at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance with Dr. Roger Braun officiating. Burial was in Riverview Memory Gardens, Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to Hospice/The Caring Way of Defiance or Senior Citizens.

JOSEPH SANCHEZ
1944-2003
PAULDING — Joseph L. Sanchez, 58, of Paulding, died at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at his residence, following an extended illness.
He was born July 19, 1944, in Paulding, the son of Lewis and Mary (Range) Sanchez. On Nov. 11, 1986, he married Wanda Osborne, who survives. He was a 1962 graduate of Paulding High school, and a U.S. Army veteran. He retired in 2002 from G.M. Powertrain, after 39 years of service. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Paulding, UAW Local #211, and an avid Cleveland Indians and Browns fan.
Also surviving are his mother; seven sons, Dennis Coburn of Defiance, Butch Coburn of Grover Hill, William Coburn of Fort Wayne, Mark Coburn of Butler, Ind., Bruce Coburn in Ohio, Scott Coburn of Michigan City, Ind., and Noah Thacker of Panama City, Fla.; two daughters, Penny Harrison of Fort Wayne, and Sheila Coburn of California; four brothers, James, David, Patrick and Gilbert Sanchez, all of Paulding; three sisters, Delores Sanchez of Continental, Antonia Reid of Antwerp, and Theresa Sanchez of Paulding; 17 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Preceding him in death were his father; a son, Gregory Thacker; and two sisters, Rebecca and Mary Sanchez.
Services were held Thursday, April 3, at Den Herder Funeral Home, with Pastor Tom Dooley and Toby Miller officiating. Burial was in the Brunersburg Cemetery in Defiance, with graveside military services.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

TREY DANIELS
2002-2003
COLUMBUS GROVE — Trey Tyler Daniels, 6 months, Columbus Grove, died on Tuesday, April 1 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo.
He was born Oct. 4, 2002, in Lima, the son of Ricky Daniels and Michele Boden of Columbus Grove.
Surviving are his parents; half brother, Conner Daniels of Columbus Grove; maternal grandparents, Joe and Kathy Boden of Ottawa; paternal grandmother and step-grandfather, Cindy and Claude Girardot of Columbus Grove; maternal great-grandmother, Pauline Boden of Ottawa; and paternal great-grandmother, Justine Daniels of Paulding.
He was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Rick Daniels; maternal great-grandfather, Paul Boden; paternal great-grandfather, Swanson Daniels; and maternal great-grandparents, Donald and Virginia Harman.
Services were held Monday, April 7 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Ottawa. Burial was in Harman Cemetery, Gilboa.
Preferred memorials are to the family.

LUCILE BENSCHNEIDER
1914-2003
PAYNE — Lucile Benschneider, 88, Payne, died Wednesday, April 2 at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born May 7, 1914, in Antwerp, the daughter of Jerry and Minnie (Pugh) Overmyer. In 1932 she married Ervin Benschneider, who preceded her in death in 1992. She was a homemaker, and a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Hesperian Chapter 281 O.E.S., and the Payne Grange.
She is survived by one son, Don Benschneider of Payne; one brother, Harold (Bud) Overmyer of Hicksville; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by one son, Richard, who died in 1997.
Services were held Tuesday, April 8 at St. James Lutheran Church in Payne with the Rev. Joseph Allen officiating. Burial was in Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne. Slade Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to St. James Lutheran Church.

JANIE PHLIPOT
1946-2003
DEFIANCE — Janie M. Phlipot, 56, died at 8:25 a.m., Sunday, April 6, in her residence.
She was born Aug. 16, 1946, in Defiance, the daughter of Glen and Norma (Burkhart) Relyea. In 1968, she married Richard Phlipot, who survives. She was employed at Elder Beerman for 15 years as an assistant department manager in retail sales, and also worked at Stop and Shop, and Zeller Corporation. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and bowled in many women’s leagues at Holiday Lanes.
Also surviving are three daughters, Tammy (Anthony) Lockmiller and Danielle Phlipot, both of Defiance, and Michelle (Chad) Brown of Erie, Mich.; her mother, Norma Relyea of Defiance; three brothers, Patrick, Michael and Timothy Relyea, all of Defiance; five sisters, Virginia Relyea, Cecelia Relyea and Ann (Kurt) Bachellor, all of Defiance, Norma Jean (Paul) Appel of Edgerton, Ohio, and Dolores (Leonard) Cereghin of Arizona; and three grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her father, Glen Relyea; a daughter, Nichole Lynn Phlipot; and two sisters, Theresa and Mary Carleen Relyea.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, April 9, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Defiance, with Father Tim Kemmerer officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to Caring Way Hospice or St. Marys Building Fund.

JOSEPH BENNETT
1919-2003
PAULDING — Joseph F. Bennett, 83, died at 1 a.m. Friday, April 4, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
He was born June 4, 1919, in Zanesville, the son of Walter and Mary (Bell) Bennett. On Dec. 29, 1945, he married Mary (Betty) E. Hall, who survives. He was a WWII Army veteran, and a plant superintendent for Anchor Hocking in Zanesville, retiring in 1979 after 42 years of service. He was a life member of Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Catholic Church Council 3584 in Paulding, VFW Post 587 of Paulding, and American Legion Post #297 in Payne.
Also surviving are two sons, Walter (Carol) Bennett of Sydney, Ohio, and Michael (Pam) Bennett of Anna, Ohio; a daughter, Linda (Luke) McCain of Paulding; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Walter and Frank Bennett.
Services were held Monday, April 7, at Den Herder Funeral Home. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding, where military services were conducted by Paulding VFW Post 587.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding or Payne EMS, or to the donor’s choice.

ISAAC THOMAS
1913-2003
PAULDING — Isaac R. Thomas, 89, died at 11:52 a.m. Sunday, April 6, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
He was born Oct. 15, 1913, in Paulding County, the son of Riley and Betty (Foltz) Thomas. On March 17, 1936, he married Mabel M. Essex, who preceded him in death in 1993. He was a farmer, retiring in 1988 after 50 years. He was a member of the Paulding United Methodist Church, John Paulding Historical Society, and a former Paulding Exempted Village school board member.
Surviving are four sons, Joseph (Marjorie) Thomas of New Haven, Steven (Bonnie) Thomas of Lancaster, Pa., David (Cathy) Thomas of Houston, and William (Nylice) Thomas of Paulding; a daughter, Alice (Carl) Good Lawson of Paulding; a brother, Kenneth Thomas of Paulding; three sisters, Sarah Renollet of Paulding, and Louise Hanenkratt and Betty Lou Goyings, both of Palmetto, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Richard Lee; four brothers, Walter, Leo, John and Edward; and a granddaughter, Mariah Kathleen Thomas. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 10, at Paulding United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jack Berry officiating. Burial will be in the Live Oak Cemetery.
Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. today, April 9, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, and one hour prior to services at the church. Preferred memorials are to the Paulding United Methodist Church or to the John Paulding Historical Society.

MARTY COTTRELL
1952-2003
BRYAN — Marty C. Cottrell, 51, of Bryan, died Sunday, April 6, at Community Hospitals of Williams County-Bryan emergency room.
He was born Feb. 22, 1952, in Antwerp, the son of Estel and Delores (Quisno) Cottrell. He was employed in the processing department at General Tire in Bryan. He had served in the U.S. Army, and the Ohio Army National Guard as a Military Police officer. He was a member of the Bryan Fraternal of Eagles 2233.
Surviving are his father, Estel (Karen) Cottrell of Antwerp; his mother, Delores (Ned) Garver of Bryan; three daughters, Angela (Eric) Villalovos of Wauseon, Jessica Cottrell of Pioneer, and Courtney Cottrell of Bryan; a stepson, Steven Breeding of Wauseon; one brother, Kevin Cottrell of Huntsville, Mo.; two sisters, Tonya Cottrell and Tammy Brown, both of Antwerp; and six grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 10 at the Oberlin-Ford Funeral Home in Bryan. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today, April 9.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

HOWARD FREDERICK
1918-2003
DEFIANCE —Howard A. Frederick, 84, died at 12:35 p.m. Monday, April 7, at his residence in Defiance.
He was born Nov. 26, 1918, in Paulding County, the son of Amos and Emma (Bennett) Frederick. On Nov. 1, 1941, he married Mary Frances Sebring, who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran, and a retired carpenter and farmer. He was a 50-year member of Carpenters and Joiners Union Local 1581 of Napoleon, and a member of Junction Christian Bible Church in Junction. Also surviving are four daughters, Barbara (Gene) Vogel and Kathy Handy, both of Defiance, Carol (Jack) Hernandez of Fort Wayne, and Nona (Joe) Baker of Decatur, Ind.; four sons, Gary (Judy) Frederick of Oakwood, and Dennis (Sue), Gregory (Pam), and Kenny (Marianne) Frederick, all of Defiance; 27 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were four sisters, Helen Knoop, Doreth Long, Mae Richardson and Betty Doty; three brothers, Harold, Richard and Henry Frederick; a granddaughter; and a step-granddaughter.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Gene Yenser officiating. Burial will be in the Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood.
Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. Thursday, April 10, and from 9 a.m. Friday until time of services.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

ERNEST FARRIS
1927-2003
GROVER HILL — Ernest Farris, 75, died at 5:35 a.m. Monday, April 7, at the Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born Aug. 3, 1927, in Harts, W.Va., the son of Millard and Nila (Dingess) Farris. He married Lola R. Workman, who survives. He was an auto body mechanic for Bob Dunn, Van Wert, and a coal miner for Island Creek Coal Company.
Also surviving are three sons, Clifford of Harts, W.Va., Cledith (Rita) Farris of Grover Hill, and Ernest Jr. (Linda) of Payne; a daughter, Linda (Keith) Miller of Grover Hill; three brothers, George of Harts, W.Va., Charles of Bryan, and Journey Farris of Grover Hill; two sisters, Virginia Rakes of Defiance, and Donna Hoit, Grover Hill; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Lewis; and a sister, Bonnie Smith.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 10 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial will be in the Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today, April 9, at the funeral home, and one hour prior to services.
Preferred memorials are to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

ISAAC STAHL
1920-2003
GROVER HILL — Isaac James Stahl, 82, died Tuesday, April 8, in Paradise Oak Quality Care Center, Cloverdale.
He was born June 28, 1920, in Grover Hill, the son of Henry and Maude (Ashenfelder) Stahl. In 1946, he married Florice M. Cotterman, who died in 1985. He was a retired labor foreman for ODOT, retiring in 1985 after 30 years. He was formerly employed at Oakwood Oil Company and Paulding County Highway Department.
Surviving are three sons, Ronald (Ellen) Stahl of Grover Hill, Jerry (Carolyn) Aldrich of Seibring, Fla., and Roger (Rowena) Aldrich of Paulding; three daughters, Clarice (Rolland) Ice of Findlay, Velma (Greg) Bidlack of Tracey, Calif., and Janice (Gail) Rhees of Oakwood; three sisters, Wilma Porter of Paulding, Opal Fry of Delphos, and Coral Cocke of Hicksville; 22 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were an infant son, Tommy Lynn Stahl; two brothers, George and Woodrow; three sisters, Alice Strahley, Ida Moore and infant sister, Helen; a grandson, Mark Bidlack; and a great-grandson, Austin Tritsch.
Services were held Saturday, April 12 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Grover Hill with William Sherry officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses Association.

GEORGE BALDWIN
1907-2003
PAULDING — George Baldwin, 96, died Friday, April 4, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home.
He was a former resident of the Paulding County Home, where he gardened, raising flowers and vegetables.
He was born Jan. 11, 1907, the son of Thomas and Frances (Burkmier) Baldwin.
Surviving are many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were six brothers, Ezra, John, Joseph, Fred, Thomas and William Baldwin; and a sister, Elizabeth Kinze.
Services were held Monday, April 14, at Den Herder Funeral Home. Burial was in the Rochester Cemetery in Cecil.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

BARBARA CASTO
1949-2003
CECIL — Barbara J. Casto, 53, died at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 13, in her residence.
She was born July 10, 1949, in Wheeling, W. Va., the daughter of Francis I. and Theresa (Pomorski) McMahon. On July 15, 1967, she married John E. Casto, who survives. She was employed by Plastic Corporation in Bryan, and Stokely Canning Plant formerly in Paulding.
Also surviving are her parents; two daughters, Michelle (Michael) Lyons of Fort Wayne, and Cassandra Casto of Celina; four brothers, Paul (Barbara), Francis (Lynn), Joseph and Jeffrey McMahon, all of Wheeling, W.Va.; two sisters, Rita (Danny) Mullins of Hicksville, and Diane (Greg) Hinerman of Roan Mountain, Tenn.; and seven grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were paternal grandparents, Thomas McMahon and Wilda Ridle; and maternal grandparents, Anna and Walter Pomorski.
Services were held Tuesday, April 15, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Roy Nelson officiating. Burial will be at a later date.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses/Hospice.

ELEANOR LaFOUNTAIN
1923-2003
CONTINENTAL — Eleanor “Becky” LaFountain, 80, Continental, died on Tuesday, April 15, at Defiance Hospital.
She was born March 7, 1923, in Alliance, the daughter of Harry and Pearl (Johnson) Mitchell. She married Thomas LaFountain, who preceded her in death. She was retired and had been previously employed at the former Lucky Lounge Bowling Alley in Continental.
She is survived by three sons, Garry (Dorothy) LaFountain of Paulding, Mike LaFountain of Johnstown, Pa., and Steve (Tina) LaFountain of McComb; one daughter, Sandra Chilcote of Fort Wayne; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Thursday, April 17, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental with the Rev. Greg Wack officiating. Burial was in Monroe Cemetery, Continental.
Preferred memorials are to the American Heart Association.

JOHN WILKIN
1923-2003
MIDDLE POINT — John W. Wilkin, 79, Middle Point, died on Tuesday, April 15 in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born Aug. 19, 1923 in Van Wert County, the son of William Henry and Ernestine “Tena” (BeVard) Wilkin. In 1942, he married Ruth J. Swartz, who survives. He was employed for 33 years at General Motors Central Foundry, Defiance, retiring in 1981, and operated a grocery store with his wife in Wetzel for 15 years. He owned and trained race horses for 40 years.
He was a 1941 graduate of York High School, a member of United Auto Workers Local #211, Defiance, a member of Van Wert Count Harness Horse Association, and associated with Zion Christian Union Church.
Also surviving are three sons, John Wayne “Butch” (Trudy) Wilkin of Grover Hill, Larry G. (Carol) Wilkin of Van Wert, and Roger Lynn Wilkin of Middle Point; two daughters, Lyla Kay (James) Caris and Joyce A. (Ron) Weck, both of Paulding; one sister, Anna E. Buettner of Van Wert; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Sylvester Wilkin; and one sister, Ruby G. Rager.
Services were held Saturday, April 19 at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert with the Rev. Joseph D. Harr officiating. Burial was in King Cemetery in Washington Township, Van Wert County.
Preferred memorials are to the American Diabetes Association.

EDDIE BROWN
1929-2003
LAS VEGAS — Edgar Simon “Eddie” Brown, 73, former resident of Antwerp and Paulding, died Wednesday, April 9, in Las Vegas.
He was born Dec. 14, 1929 in Cleveland, Okla., the son of John W. and Ruth F. (Simonton) Brown. He graduated from Antwerp High School in 1948 and served in the Marines during the Korean War. For many years, he owned and operated a restaurant in the former Barnes Hotel in Paulding. He also had been a security guard at a mining facility in Nevada.
He is survived by two sisters, Barbara Hill and Mary Ann Clark, both of Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bill; and two sisters, Maxine Watson and Evelyn Salisbury.
There were no services. Garden Memorial Funeral Home, Las Vegas, was in charge of arrangements.
Services held for local centenarian

FAY SCABROUGH
1902-2003
GROVER HILL — Fay P. Scarbrough, 100, died at 11:10 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at the Van Crest Healthcare Center in Van Wert, where he was a resident.
He was born Dec. 11, 1902, in North Star, Mich., the son of Ed and Myrtle (Burkett) Scarbrough. On Oct. 24, 1924, he married Gladys L. Wistner, who preceded him in death in 1995. He was a farmer, worked in several factories, and for the State of Ohio. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, a sports enthusiast, an avid ball player, and loved bowling and horse racing.
Surviving are four sons, Gene (Nova), John, Jerry (Linda), and Gail (Krista) Scarbrough, all of Grover Hill; three daughters, Pat (Dan) Ward of Midland, Mich., Carol Bryant of Lima, and Marge (Don) Stahl of Grover Hill; 25 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and 24 great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were five brothers, Lawrence, Rex, Ralph, John D., and Glenn Scarbrough; one grandchild; and a great-grandchild.
Services were held Saturday, April 19, at the Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial was in the Middle Creek Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Grover Hill EMS.

INEZ BIDLACK
1923-2003
DEFIANCE — Inez M. Bidlack, 79, of Defiance, died at 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at the Laurels of Defiance.
She was born May 25, 1923 in Paulding County, the daughter of Burton and Edna G. (Skiver) Millard. In 1942, she married Martin Bidlack, who preceded her in death in 1983. She was a homemaker/domestic, and a member of North Mt. Zion Church in rural Defiance.
Surviving are a daughter, Margery “Jean” Bidlack of Defiance; three sons, Ed and Donald Bidlack, both of Continental, and Richard Bidlack of Defiance; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were her parents; and two sons, Larry Bidlack, and Gary Bidlack, who died at birth.
Services were held Saturday, April 19, at North Mount Zion Church, with the Revs. Gerald Ringenberg and Brent Gibson officiating. Burial was in the North Mt. Zion Cemetery in Putnam County. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance is in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

PHILLIP DUDGEON
2001-2003
DELPHOS – Phillip D. Dudgeon, 18 months, died the morning of Sunday, April 20, at his residence.
He was born Oct. 25, 2001 in Fort Wayne, the son of Brian and Jennifer (Mullen) Dudgeon, who survive. He had chubby little cheeks and an ornery grin. He loved to play with his tools.
Also surviving are a brother, Corey, at home; maternal grandparents, Dan and Diana Mullen of Delphos; paternal grandmother, Linda Hartsock, Delphos; paternal great-grandparents, Ruth and Don Hartsock, Delphos; maternal great-grandmothers, Wanda VanMeter and Mary Mullen, both of Delphos; four uncles; and seven cousins.
He was preceded in death by a grandfather, Phillip Dudgeon; and two great-grandfathers, Dale VanMeter and James Mullen.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25, at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel, with the Rev. Dave Howell officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. today, April 23, and Thursday at Harter and son Funeral Home, Delphos.

JUANITA SPEISER
1930-2003
SHERWOOD – Juanita C. Speiser, 72, Sherwood, died Saturday, April 19 at her home.
She was born May 11, 1930, in Defiance, the daughter of Ray and Ethel (LaPree) Hohenberger. In 1961, she married LaVon Speiser, who survives. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and Auglaize Village Historical Society, and was a cook and cashier at Vagabond Village.
Also surviving are two sons, Leon Elling of Sherwood and Alan Swary of Weston; two daughters, Cathy (Vincent) Bennett and Beth Hasch of Cecil; a brother, David Hohenberger of Dundee, Mich.; two sisters, Joyce (Robert) Romes and Sharon (Ronald) Drewes of Holgate; and six grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were a son, Stanley Elling; and a sister, Joan Ward.
Services will be at 11 a.m. today, April 23, in Rice-Burr Funeral Home in Sherwood, with the Rev. Donald Luhring officiating. Burial will be in Sherwood Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the family, or Jason Hasch College Fund c/o Cathy Bennett.

CHARLES JOHNSON
1915-2003
VAN WERT — Charles R. “Cy” Johnson, 87, Van Wert, died Tuesday, April 22 in Lincolnway Nursing Home, Middle Point.
He was born Sept. 21, 1915 in Ridge Township of Van Wert County, the son of Frank Clifford and E. Orah (Burgner) Johnson. In 1943, he married Virgil L. Shrider, who died in 1985. In 1987, he married Betty Lou Linninger, who died in 1999. He was an US Army Veteran of WWII. He owned and operated Johnson & Medford Welding in Van Wert, and was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Van Wert, and Van Wert American Legion Post 178.
Surviving are three stepsons, Bob, Tom and Jim Rhoades, all of Van Wert; and six step-grandchildren.
Services were held Thursday, April 24 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert with the Rev. Joe Wilck officiating. Burial was in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point. Graveside services were conducted by the Van Wert American Legion and VFW Posts. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

RUTH LAUB
1914-2003
HICKSVILLE — Ruth Laub, 88, Hicksville, died Sunday, April 20, in Hickory Creek of Hicksville.
She was born Aug. 9, 1914, in Putnam County, the daughter of Almon and Sarah (Purnell) Mullet. In 1942, she married Richard Laub, who survives. She graduated from Defiance College in 1940 with a bachelor of science degree in education and was a home economics teacher in Grover Hill, Continental and Hicksville schools. She was a member and children’s coordinator at Grace United Methodist Church in Hicksville, a member of America’s Association of University Women, Ohio and Defiance County Retired Teachers’ Associations and a past president of Hicksville American Legion Auxiliary.
Also surviving are twin sons, Jerry of Springfield and Jack of Vancouver, Wash.; a sister, Mary Mullet of Defiance; and four grandchildren. Preceding her in death were a brother, Rolland Mullet; and four sisters, Dr. Sevilla Mullet, Madge Petereit, Lois McKibben and Emma Mullet. Services were held Thursday, April 24 at Grace United Methodist Church in Hicksville with Pastor Greg Inboden officiating. Burial was in Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville.
Preferred memorials are to the church.

SHARON HUEBNER
1948-2003
LAURENS, S.C. — Sharon K. Huebner, 55, Laurens, S.C., died Sunday, April 20, at Geauga Community Hospital in Chardon, Ohio. She was born Feb. 21, 1948 in Columbus, the daughter of Donald M. and Florence J. (Roth) Huebner. She graduated from Parma High School, attended Cleveland State University and worked as a chemical engineer in Toledo. She was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church in Laurens, S.C.
Surviving are her father, of Laurens, S.C.; two brothers, Max (Victoria) Huebner of Concord and Eddy (Rita) Huebner of North Royalton; two nieces, Jodi (Carlos) Marquez and Sandra Huebner, both of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; five nephews, Christopher (Dawn) Crowell of Springville, N.Y., Eric Crowell of Mentor, and Shane, Jonathan and Nick Huebner, all of North Royalton.
She was preceded in death by her mother.
Services were held Saturday, April 26 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert with the Rev. Jerry Rayl officiating. Burial was in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.
Preferred memorials are to Atonement Lutheran Church, 413 Farley Ave., Laurens, S.C. 29360.

ERNEST MOSIER
1918-2003
VAN WERT — Ernest E. Mosier, 84, Van Wert, died Wednesday, April 23 in St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
He was born May 10, 1918 in Jackson Township, Van Wert County, the son of Lemuel and Myrtle (Dunlap) Mosier. In 1946, he married Ida M. (Myers) Mosier who survives. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army in WWII in European Theater and British West Indies. He retired in 1981 after 35 years at Borden’s Cheese Company in Van Wert, was a member of the Van Wert American Legion and VFW posts, and associated with North Union United Methodist Church in Van Wert.
Also surviving are one son, Donald E. (Susan) Mosier of Convoy; four daughters, Paulette (Ron) Ross of Fort Wayne, Joan (Ron) Rank of Van Wert, Susan (Mike) McClure of Convoy, and Connie (Mike) Hart of Scott; one brother, Lemuel (Carol) Mosier Jr. of Van Wert; three sisters, Margaret Clay, Frances Sherrick and Emmagene Anderson, all of Van Wert; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were four brothers, Everett, Rolland, Lawrence and Harold Mosier; and one sister, Berniece Miller.
Services were held Saturday, April 26 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, with the Revs. James Howell and Paul Miller officiating. Burial was in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point. Military graveside services were performed by the Van Wert American Legion and VFW posts.
Preferred memorials are to North Union United Methodist Church or Scott EMS.

BILLY HUEPPELSHEUSER
1973-2003
HICKSVILLE — Billy Gene Hueppelsheuser, 30, died at 2:50 p.m. Friday, April 25, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, where he had been a patient for one week.
He was born Jan. 17, 1973, in Hicksville, the son of Roy and Loretta (Harp) Hueppelsheuser. He had been employed at Bohn Aluminum in Butler, Ind. for six years.
Surviving are his mother, Loretta (Ronald) Gipple of Hicksville; his father, Roy Hueppelsheuser of Bryan; two brothers, Joe and Rodney Baxter, both of Paulding; and one sister, Misty Mattern of Hicksville.
Preceding him in death were his grandparents; and two brothers, Larry and Henry Thomas Baxter Jr.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, April 30, at Den Herder Funeral Home, with visitation from 8 a.m. until time of services. Burial will be in Paulding Memorial Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the Billy Gene Hueppelsheuser family.

KENNETH HUBLER
1923-2003
FORT WAYNE – Kenneth P. Hubler, 80, died Thursday, April 24, at the Hospice Home of Northeast Indiana in Fort Wayne.
He was born March 18, 1923 in Fort Wayne. He was a U.S. Army master sergeant in WWII and the Korean War and a ham radio operator. He was a retired auto mechanic.
Surviving are a stepson, Greg Armstrong of Chambersburg, Pa.; a stepdaughter, Kathy Murphy of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; two sister-in-laws, Velma Albert of Paulding, and Mary Jane Hubler of Fort Wayne; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, E. Icadore Hubler in August 2000; two brothers; and a sister.
Services were held Monday, April 28, at McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home in Fort Wayne, followed by graveside services at the Wiltsie Cemetery in Payne.
Preferred memorials are to the Visiting Nurses Service’s Hospice Home.

MARY MEEK
1911-2003
PAULDING — Mary Kathryn Meek, 91, died at 11:35 a.m. Friday, April 25 at Brookview Healthcare Center in Defiance.
She was born July 25, 1911, the daughter of Howard and Charlotte (Wallace) Brubaker. In 1935, she married Herbert E. Meek, who preceded her in death in 1992. She was a school teacher for Paulding Village Exempted schools, retiring in 1976, after 22 years of service. She was a member and organist of Paulding Presbyterian Church, an organist for the First Christian Church, Paulding Women’s Club, Paulding County Retired Teachers Association, and the National Retired Teachers Association.
Surviving are a daughter, Rebecca (Bill) Hurtig of Cecil; two granddaughters; and a great-granddaughter.
Services were held Tuesday, April 29, at the First Presbyterian Church in Paulding, with the Rev. David Meriwether officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery in Paulding. Arrangements were made by Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to the First Presbyterian Church Music Department.

DONNA McCLURE
1927-2003
LEIPSIC — Donna R. McClure, 76, of Leipsic, died at 6:10 a.m. Sunday, April 27, in her residence.
She was born March 3, 1927, in Putnam County, the daughter of Manford and Cora (Varner) Bobenmyer. On May 4, 1946, she married Norval Don McClure, who survives. She was a clerk for Whites Drugstore, a bus driver for the Leipsic Schools, and a homemaker. She was a member of the St. John Mennonite Church in Pandora.
Also surviving are a daughter, Karen (George) Lloyd of Pandora; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Marilyn Hamilton of Pandora, Norma Smith of Arcadia, and Evelyn (Richard) Scheele of Defiance.
Preceding her in death were two brothers, David Bobenmyer and an infant brother.
Services were held Tuesday, April 29, at Love Funeral Home in Leipsic, with the Rev. Rennie Burrus officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Pandora.
Preferred memorials are to the Putnam County Council on Aging.

DICK FARR
1937-2003
ANTWERP — Dick Farr, 65, of Antwerp, died at 8:10 a.m. Monday, April 28, at his residence.
He was born Nov. 17, 1937, in Portland, Ind., the son of James and Lillian (Copper) Farr. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, and worked for over 30 years as a machinist at Uniroyal Goodrich in Woodburn, retiring in 1999. He was a member of Antwerp VFW Post #5087, and the Antwerp American Legion Post #253, who will offer graveside military honors.
Surviving are two sons, James and Richard Farr, both of Antwerp; two daughters, Sandy Salkeld of Fort Wayne, and Lisa Ladd of Celina; his mother, Lilian Farr of Fort Wayne; three sisters, Carol Maurice of Antwerp, and Barbara Farr and Judy Listenburger, both of Fort Wayne; and eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Services will be held Thursday, May 1, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial will be in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp, with graveside military rites conducted by the VFW and American Legion. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today, April 30.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Area VNA/Hospice Program.

ANGELA VIERS
1986-2003
CECIL — Angela Marie (Godsey) Viers, 17, died at 8:41 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, as the result of an automobile accident on the Paulding-Defiance County Line Road.
She was born March 23, 1986, in Bryan. She was the daughter of Roger and the late Patty (Cooper) Simpson. She was a junior at Vantage Vocational School in Van Wert, specializing in childhood development.
Surviving are her stepfather, Roger Simpson, of Cecil; two sisters, Nicole Hartman of Bethel Spring, Tenn., and Babette (Terry) Reiter of Hicksville; grandparents, Richard and Karen Cooper of Silver Springs, Fla., and Billie and Franklin Williams of Chandler, Ariz.; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She also was preceded in death by grandparents George W. and Betty (Barlow) Simpson. Services were held Saturday, May 3, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

PATTY SIMPSON
1958-2003
CECIL – Patty L. Simpson, 44, died at 8:41 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, as the result of an automobile accident on the Paulding-Defiance County Line Road.
She was born July 31, 1958 in Lima, the daughter of LaVon and Billie (Moore) Cooper. On Dec. 6, 2002, she married Roger L. Simpson, who survives. She was the sales manager and marketing director for the Montpelier Auto Auction of Montpelier. She was a member of the Tribal Council of the Chicahominy Nation and the American Indian Council of the Chicahominy Nation.
Also surviving are her mother, Billie (Frank) Williams of Chandler, Ariz.; her father, Richard (Karen) Cooper of Silver Springs, Fla.; two daughters, Nicole Hartman of Bethel Spring, Tenn., and Babette (Terry) Riter of Hicksville; two sisters, Cherie Viers of Bryan and Diane Ortiz of Casa Grande, Ariz.; three brothers, Richard and Randy Cooper, both of Bryan, and James Spurlin of Fort Wayne; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Angela Marie (Godsey) Viers; and a brother, John Spurlin Jr. Services were held Saturday, May 3, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

MARY FOUST
1921-2003
SCOTT — Mary Arlene Foust, 81, Scott, died Monday, April 28 in the Van Wert Hospital.
She was born Dec. 28, 1921 in Paulding County, the daughter of Virn F. and Bertha I. (Hoover) Sanderson. In 1940, she married Delmar D. Foust, who died in 1991. She worked many years at Dana Weatherhead in Antwerp, and was a member of Country Chapel United Methodist Church in Haviland and also a member of the women’s society of the church.
Surviving are three sons, Cecil (Brenda) Foust of Convoy, Jean W. (Judy) Foust of Van Wert, and Jerry W. (Marylin) Foust of Venedocia; two daughters, Rosemary (Dan) Todd of Atlanta, and Cheryll (Louis) Miller of Defiance; 10 grandchildren; one step-grandchild; eight great-grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by an infant brother.
Services were held Friday, May 2 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert. Burial was in Blue Creek Cemetery, Haviland. Preferred memorials are to the church’s elevator fund.

NORBERT BRINKMAN
1917-2003
CONTINENTAL — Norbert A. Brinkman, 85, of Continental died at 6 a.m., Friday, May 2, at Putnam Acres Care Center in Ottawa.
He was born May 19, 1917, in Defiance, the son of Harry and Dorthea (Yetter) Brinkman. On Jan. 27, 1941 he married Mildred Ordway, who preceded him in death in 1982. He was a WWII Army veteran, and was formerly employed by Zeller’s in Defiance, the Continental and Dupont tile mills, and had a self-employed garbage route for 15 years. He was a member of the Free Christian Church of God. Surviving are twin daughters, Marilyn (Ted) Ramey of Sherwood, and Marjorie (Herman) Carnahan Hein of Lima; a special friend, Doris Brecht; six brothers, Alvin and Lester, both of Defiance, Bob of Holgate, Lee of Hamler, Donald of Coldwater, Mich., and Carl Brinkman of Waco, Texas; two sisters, Annabelle Buenger of Hamler, and Leola Sliverthorne of Evansport, Ind.; six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. Also preceding him in death were a brother Art Brinkman; a sister, Deloris Keller; and two granddaughters.
Services were held Monday, May 5 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental with the Rev. James Fry officiating. Burial was in the Monroe Cemetery in Continental where military rites were conducted by the Continental American Legion.
Preferred memorials are to the Putnam Acres Care Center or to the donor’s choice.

LUCILLE BOLLINGER
1909-2003
ROCKFORD — Lucille A. Bollinger, 94, of Rockford, died at 11:45 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at Maplewood of Shane’s Village in Rockford. She was born Feb. 14, 1909, in Rockford, the daughter of Luther and Maude (Brookhart) Adams. On Aug. 26, 1929, she married Vilas Bollinger, who preceded her in death in 1991. She attended the Rockford United Methodist Church, and had lived in the area all her life. Surviving are a son, Richard (Alice) Bollinger of Berne, Ind.; four daughters, Esther (Denton) McMahn of Huntsville, Ala., Miriam (Donald) Baer of Paulding, Martha (Robert) Bruns of Rockford, and Sharon (Gary) Kimmel of Celina; 16 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great- grandchild.
Also preceding her in death were a son, Robert; two grandsons; and a great-great-granddaughter.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, May 7, at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, with Pastor Mike Berne officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Rockford. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services.

ROBERT FORREST
1920-2003
HICKSVILLE — Robert A. “Bob” Forrest, 82, of Hicksville, died at 8:20 a.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. He was born May 5, 1920, in Portage, Ohio, the son of Clair and Eunice (March) Forrest. On July 20, 1946, he married Jean Major, who survives. He was a member of the Army Air Corps during WWII, serving under the 780th Air Material Squadron as a Technician 4th grade in Tunisia, Italy and North Africa. He was employed as a machinist at International Harvester, retiring in 1981 after 36 years of service. He was a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church in Cecil.
Also surviving are a son, Dr. Todd R. Forrest of Toledo; two daughters, Kay Morhart of Woodburn, and Jan Manuguerra of Medina, Ohio; a brother, George Forrest of Tiffin; two sisters, Jean White of Fort Wayne, and Janice Mollica of Granville, Ohio; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Clair and Dallas Forrest; and a sister, Lois Stevenson.
Services were held Tuesday, May 6, at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Cecil, with Pastor Charles Schmunk officiating. Burial was in the Bethel Cemetery, Cecil. Preferred memorials are to Ohio Veterans Home or Defiance VFW Post #3360.

ROBERT POULTER
1929-2003
CECIL— Robert James Poulter, 74, of Cecil, died at 7 a.m. Friday, May 2.
He was born Jan. 3, 1929, in Akron, the son of Harold and Lola (Thompson) Poulter. On Oct. 15, 1950, he married Mary Louise Kidwell, who preceded him in death in 2001. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving as a supply sergeant during the Korean Conflict. He was a teacher and administrator for several school systems, retiring in 1983.
He was a member of the Paulding VFW Post #587, Paulding Lions Club, and the United States Power Squadron, Cooley Canal Yacht Club of Toledo. He also was a life member of National Power Squadron, a life member of U.S. Power Squadron, a life member of Ohio Education Association, and a life member of the National Education Association.
Surviving are two daughters, Cynthia (Benjamin) Hall of Neon, Ky., and Marjorie (Tom) Goyings of Harlan, Ind.; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren; and several step-great-great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Gordon Lee.
Services were held Tuesday, May 6, at Den Herder Funeral Home with Pastor Doug Davies officiating. Burial was in the Rochester Cemetery, Cecil, where Paulding VFW Post #587 held military graveside rites.
Preferred memorials are to the Educational Fund of the United States Power Squadron or to the donor’s choice.

DAVID PAXTON
1910-2003
ANTWERP — David “Charlie” Paxton, 92, of Antwerp, died at 10:35 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at Laurels of Defiance.
He was born Dec. 27, 1910 in a houseboat in Junction, the son of August and Sara (Mapes) Paxton. He married Leona Cooper in 1960, and she preceded him in death in 1987. He was the manager of the Antwerp Equity Exchange for 37 years, and a member of the Antwerp Church of Christ.
Surviving are two daughters, Juanita Boyce of Defiance and Wanda Gordon of Bryan; a son, Ted Paxton of Defiance; one brother, Louis Paxton of Paulding; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were four brothers, John, Robert, Wilbur and Willie Paxton; a half brother, Budd Carr; and a half-sister, Susie Carr. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 8, at the Antwerp Church of Christ, with Robert Knowton officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Defiance.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today, May 7, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, and one hour prior to services at the church. Preferred memorials are to the Antwerp Church of Christ or Hospice the Caring Way.

DICK BROWN
1920-2003
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Word has been received that Paulding County native Richard “Dick” Brown, 82, died on Sunday, April 27. He was born Dec. 24, 1920 in Paulding, the son of Brudder “Boots” and Verdi Brown. He was a 1939 Paulding High School graduate and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Surviving are his wife, LuVern, of Fort Collins; a son, Gary, of Oklahoma; two grandsons; and one great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by a son, Douglas.
No funeral services were held.

KATHERINE PRICE
1918-2003
EDGERTON, Ohio – Katherine R. Price, 84, Edgerton, Ohio, died at 11:15 p.m. Sunday, May 4, in Hicksville Community Memorial Hospital, where she had been a patient since Thursday.
She was born July 17, 1918 in Jackson Township in Paulding County, the daughter of Charles and Christine (Swary) AuFrance. She married Jess W. Price on April 11, 1939 in Paulding and he proceeded her in death in 1989. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Edgerton, the Rosary Altar Society and the Catholic Ladies of Columbia, Paulding council. Surviving are two daughters, Rita (Harley) Hobeck, Edgerton, and Patsy (Thomas) Kelly, Oakwood; one brother, Joseph AuFrance, Defiance; one sister, Edna Price, Paulding; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by three sisters, Frances Bullock, Elizabeth Parrish and Marie DeVers.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 8, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Thomas Oedy officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Edgerton. Visitation will be in the Krill Funeral Home in Edgerton from 2-8 p.m. today, May 7. A scripture service will be held at 8 p.m. today. Preferred memorials are to the Edgerton EMS or to the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at Pricefamily@krillfuneralservice.com

JOHN BAKER
1932-2003
HAVILAND — John Marshall Baker, 70, died Tuesday, May 6 at Van Wert County Hospital in Van Wert.
He was born Sept. 14, 1932, in Haviland, the son of Elmer and Thelma (Rodman) Baker. In 1951, he married Clarice Jean Bell, who survives. He retired from Lafarge Corporation, Paulding, after 37 years of employment.
Also surviving are two daughters, Vicki Coomer of Fort Wayne and Kathy Knittle of Van Wert; two brothers, Glen (Joyce) Baker of Haviland and Elmer (Cheryl) Baker Jr. of Payne; six sisters, Erma Pratt, Carolyn Goins, Tonnie (George) Searfoss and Rose Marie Maples, all of Haviland, Joann (Roger) Barker of Defiance, and Nellie (Jerry) Harman of Van Wert; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Other family members include Cathy and Jeff Gerdes, Craig Gerdes, and Christa Gerdes, all of Wichita, Kan. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, John Daniel Baker.
Services were held Saturday, May 10 at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial was in Blue Creek Cemetery in Haviland. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

ETHEL ANKNEY
1923-2003
CECIL — Ethel M. Ankney, 79, of Cecil, died at 5:45 a.m. Friday, May 9, in her residence.
She was born May 21, 1923 in Defiance county, the daughter of Ralph and Bertha (Arend) Grew. She married Forest Ankney in 1944, and he preceded her in death in 1996. She had formerly worked as a cook at the Vagabond Restaurant. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Junction, a member of the Airstream Club, and the National Western Square Dance Club. Surviving are a son, Vernon Ankney of Hicksville; four brothers, Clair Grew of Van Wert, James Antoine of Defiance, Edward Antoine of Cecil, and Carl Antoine of Paulding; two sisters, Mary (Robert) Saylor of Churubusco, Ind. and Marilyn (Richard) Minck of Sherwood; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a sister, Lucille Hammon; and a brother, Joseph, who died in infancy.
Services were held Monday May 12 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Junction, with Father Herman Scherger officiating. Burial was in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery. Lawson-Roessner was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Hospital Home Health.

HELEN DILLING McNEAL
1926-2003
PAYNE —Helen Dilling McNeal, 77, of Payne, died Sunday, May 11, at the Convoy Care Center.
She was born Jan. 29, 1926, in Monroeville, Ind., the daughter of Carl and Minerva (Louden) Baumert. She married Delbert Dilling, who preceded her in death in 1961. She married Paul McNeal, who preceded her in death in 1997. She was a homemaker, and a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Payne.
Surviving are a son, Arthur Dilling of Nashville, Tenn.; a daughter, Sandra Patterson of New Haven; two brothers, LeRoy Baumert of Ruskin, Fla. and William Baumert of New Haven; a sister, Doris Doty of Woodburn; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, May 14, at the St. James Lutheran Church in Payne, with the Rev. Joseph Allen officiating. Burial will be in the Lehman Cemetery in Payne. Slade Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Payne EMS or to the church.

JANE STARR
1928-2003
ANTWERP — Jane A. Starr, 74, of Fort Wayne, died at 4:15 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born May 22, 1928 in Redfield, S.D., the daughter of William and Clara (Gulbranson) Ames, who preceded her in death. On Sept. 30, 1948, she married John K. Starr, who preceded her in death in 1997. She was a bookkeeper for New Haven Wire and Cable Company, and a member of the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Antwerp.
Surviving are two daughters, Marilyn Curl of Fort Wayne, and Jeannine Kozar of Federal Way, Wash.; two sons, Shane Starr of Moore, S.C., and Paul Starr of Fort Wayne; two sisters, Dorothy Robinson of Minneapolis, and Mona Ruark of The Dalles, Ore.; two brothers, Paul Ames of Huron, S.D. and Milford Ames of Long Beach, Calif.; and nine grandchildren.
Services were held Monday, May 12 at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with Pastor Thomas Eggold officiating. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp. Preferred memorials are to the Jane Starr Memorial Fund at Heritage Park, 2002 Heritage Park Drive, Fort Wayne, Ind., 46805.

GLORIA DeLAET
1928-2003
FORT WAYNE — Gloria J. DeLaet, 74, of Fort Wayne and Mesa, Ariz., died Saturday, May 10, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born Dec. 14, 1928 in Fort Wayne. She was the previous owner of the Colony Dress Shops and a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church.
Surviving are her husband, William C. DeLaet, Fort Wayne; a son, David W., Fort Wayne; two daughters, Debbie Howard of Fort Wayne, and Diane Gallagher of Long Valley, N.J.; a sister, Marge Witte of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Betty DeLaet and a cousin, Harry Phlipot, both of Paulding.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., today, May 14 at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, with calling hours one hour prior to services. D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

LEONARD ZARTMAN
1915-2003
PAYNE — Leonard A. Zartman, 78, died Thursday, May 8, in the Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born June 7, 1915, in Haviland, the son of Wesley and Laura (Gibson) Zartman. He was a retired farmer.
Surviving are a daughter, Cara Hicks of Payne; a sister, Gay Elledge of Germfask, Mich.; four grandchildren; and eight grandchildren. Preceding him in death were two sons, Ray and James.
Services were held Monday May 12, at the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Payne, with the Revs. Amy Haines and Paul Miller officiating. Burial was in Wiltsie Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Convoy Care Center Activity Fund.

BILL LAMB
1928-2003
PAULDING — Bill Lamb, 75, died at 11:50 a.m. Friday, May 9, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 20, 1928, in Paulding County, the son of George and Lilly (Harmon) Lamb. On July 24, 1954, he married Jacqueline Stair, who survives. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, serving as a Fireman Second Class. He was a member of U.A.W. #211, a life member of Paulding VFW Post 587, Paulding Eagles #2405, Moose Lodge of Defiance, American Legion of Continental, and Pheasants Forever of Paulding County.
Also surviving are a son, Michael Lamb, Paulding; a daughter, Jo Ellen (Robert) Price, Paulding; four sisters, Donibel Burnett, Georgia Williams, Margaret Bauer, and June Burke, all of Defiance; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and a brother, Richard Lamb.
Services were held Tuesday, May 13, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Rev. Susan Taylor officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery at a later date.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Area Hospice.

LaDONNA BURGEI
1915-2003
CLOVERDALE — LaDonna Burgei, 87, of Cloverdale, died at 9:25 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the Paradise Oaks Quality Care Center in Cloverdale. She was born Aug. 15, 1915, in Kalida, the daughter of John and Frances (German) Schnipke. She married Leo W. Burgei on April 17, 1940, and he preceded her in death in 1978. She was a homemaker and has worked in housekeeping at the Paradise Oaks Quality Care Center when it first opened. She enjoyed quilting and crocheting.
Surviving are three sons, Norbert (Sharon) Burgei of Kalida, and Ronald (Donna) and Roger (Theresa) Burgei, both of Cloverdale; four daughters, Lucille (Norbert) Klima of Payne, Betty (Edward) Pohlman of Delphos, Joyce (Michael) Rode of Fort Wayne, and Mary (Gerald) Renner of Cloverdale; 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Sister Xavier Schnipke of Dayton, Coletta Schimmoeller of Fort Jennings, and Jean Byrnes of Ottoville; and three brothers, Alfred Schnipke of New Cleveland, Ohio, and William and Thomas Schnipke, both of Kalida.
Also preceding her in death were four brothers, Isadore, Melitus “Lee”, Donald, and Vincent Schnipke.
Services were held Tuesday, May 13 at the St. Barbara Catholic Church in Cloverdale with Father Robert Kill officiating. Interment was in the St. Barbara Catholic Church Cemetery.

LAURETTA BROOKS
1908-2003
PAYNE — Lauretta Brooks, age 94, died Monday, May 12, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born Oct. 31, 1908 in Chandler, Ind., the daughter of Josephine and Jennie (Fisher) Brooks. She was a retired school teacher from Columbus Grove Local Schools, and a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and Hesperian Chapter 281 Order of the Eastern Star, both in Payne. There are no immediate survivors.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Josephine Brooks.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 16, at Slade Funeral Home, Payne, with the Rev. Amy Haines officiating. Burial will be at Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne. Visitation is after 5 p.m. Thursday. An Eastern Star service will be at 8 p.m. Thursday.

RUTH CLINTON
1918-2003
ANTWERP – Ruth Clinton, 84, of Antwerp, died at 9:09 a.m. Monday, May 12, at Community Memorial Hospital in Hicksville.
She was born June 15, 1918 in Cincinnati, the daughter of Bert Harry and Esther (Martin) Major. In 1940, she married Vernon Clinton, who preceded her in death in 1964. She had been a bookkeeper at Quisno’s Plumbing, Heating & Electric in Antwerp, and previously had worked at North American Van Lines and Montgomery Ward in Fort Wayne. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Antwerp and the Antwerp American Legion Post 253 Auxiliary.
Surviving are a son, Rex Clinton, Hamilton, Ind.; a daughter, Paige Zuber, Antwerp; a sister, Jean Forrest, Hicksville; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were two brothers, Jack and Bert Major; and two sisters, Peggy Major and Helen Welling.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 15, at the First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Charles Kamp officiating. Burial will be in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp. Visitation is from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. today, May 15, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, and one hour before services at the church.
Preferred memorials are to the church.

DALE KADESCH
1920-2003
PAULDING – Francis Dale Kadesch, 82, died at 11:42 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
He was born June 11, 1920 in Paulding County, the son of Frank and Goldie (Hoover) Kadesch. On June 11, 1942, he married Aletha Dangler, who survives. He was a lifetime resident and farmer of Paulding County. He was employed at Johns-Manville in Defiance for 20 years, retiring in 1978. He was a member of the Glass Bottle Blowers Association. He was a member of the Paulding First Christian Church and a former Pythian Lodge member.
Also surviving are a daughter, Sharon (Richard) Kepler of Bryan; two sons, Gary (Linda) Kadesch of Defiance and Ronnie (Vicki) Kadesch of Paulding; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Services were held Saturday, May 17, at the Paulding First Christian Church with the Revs. Jack Berry and Susan Taylor officiating. Burial was in Cooper Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the church building fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.

ROBERT MOORE
1919-2003
ANTWERP – Robert C. “R.C.” Moore, 83, of Antwerp, died at 1:58 p.m. Wednesday, may 14, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born July 20, 1919 in Hicksville, the son of Ray A. and Lenora Mae (Weeks) Moore.In 1975, he married Bonnabell Lee, who preceded him in death in 1996. He was an Army veteran of World War II, and was a self-employed mason. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Antwerp and Hicksville American Legion.
Surviving are two stepsons, Butch Babcock of Antwerp, and Mike Babcock of San Diego.
Services were held Saturday, May 17, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Burial was in Greenlawn Memorial Park in Fort Wayne.
Preferred memorials are to the church or Hospice of Paulding VNA.

CARL GUYTON
1923-2003
PAULDING — Carl L. Guyton, 80, of Haines City, Fla., formerly of Paulding, died at 1:50 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Mariner Help of Winter Haven, where he had been a patient for three days.
He was born Jan. 5, 1923, in Toledo, the son of Frank and Blanche (Wilson) Guyton. On March 15, 1946, he married Maxine Caldwell, who preceded him in death in 1997. On Aug. 29, 1998, he married Bernadette McCullough, who survives. He was a manager for 15 years for the Winthrop Apartments of Bowling Green, retiring in 1986. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of WWII, serving with the 20th Air Corps Battalion (Flying Tigers) in the China, Burma, and India Theater of operations. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Haines City, Fla., a former member of the Paulding United Methodist Church, and a lifetime member of the Paulding VFW Post 587.
Also surviving are three daughters, Rita (Robert C.) Matthias of Van Wert, Bobbie (Paul) Schoen of Smithton, Ill., and J. Roseann (Rick) Eitniear of Las Vegas; a son, Carl (Cathy) Guyton Jr. of Castalia, Ohio; two stepdaughters, Pat Osborn of Defiance, and Robin Deatrick of Fort Wayne; nine grandchildren; several step grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several step great-grandchildren; five sisters, Helen Shong and Barbara (Larry) Procunier, both of Defiance, Ilean (Earl) McClain of Paulding, Esther (Arnie) Bland of Melrose, of Defiance, and Shirley (Elton) Reneau of Findlay; a half-sister, Marsha Gorman of Wallingford, Ky.; and three stepsisters, Joyce Varner of Tucson, Ariz., Barbara Richards of Paulding, and Carolyn Beldon of Defiance.
Also preceding him in death were an infant brother; a brother, Robert Guyton; and a stepson, Terry Deatrick.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, May 21, at the First Christian Church in Paulding, with the Rev. Susan Taylor officiating. Burial will be in the Paulding Memorial Cemetery, where the Paulding VFW Post 587 will conduct military graveside rites. Den Herder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church.
Preferred memorials are to the Make a Wish Foundation or the Margaretta Township Fire Department in Castalia, Ohio.

GAYLORD KREISCHER
1924-2003
VAN WERT — Gaylord C. “Fritz” Kreischer, 78, of Van Wert died at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at his residence.
He was born July 16, 1924, in Van Wert County, the son of Lawrence W. and Edith R. (McClure) Kreischer. He was a retired postal worker from the Lima Ohio Post office, and was also a railway mail clerk for 20 years. He was a WWII veteran serving in the United States Army, and received the Purple Heart. He was a member of the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, the VFW and the American Legion posts of Van Wert, and a former member of the Experimental Air Craft Association.
Surviving are seven brothers, Ralph (Helen), James and Max (Janet), all of Van Wert, Gerald (Dixie) and Harold (Sherry), both of Ohio City, Larry (Linda) of Convoy, and Ronnie (Linda) of Lexington Ohio; three sisters, Barbara (Robert) Bashore of Paulding, Marcile Pennell of Idaho Springs, Colo., and Audrey Harter of Ridgecrest, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held Saturday, May 17 at the Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, with Pastor Kenyon Kaehr officiating. Burial was in the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery, rural Van Wert.
Preferred memorials are to the Salvation Army or to the donor’s choice.

SUSAN MARTIN
1942-2003
VAN WERT — Susan Vivian Martin, 60, died Wednesday, May 14, in her residence.
She was born June 21, 1942, in Lima, the daughter of David and Wilma (Rowe) McGee. She was previously employed by Teleflex in Van Wert, retiring in 1992.
Surviving are her companion, Herman J. Eddins of Van Wert; two sons, Lee (Paula) Martin and Jai Martin, both of Lima; two daughters, Stacey (Lynn) Owens of Cleveland and Ida (Danny) Howard of Las Flores, Calif.; a brother, Donald Tim McGee, of Cleveland; a sister, Jennifer (Juan) Rodriguez, Paulding; and seven grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Services were held Monday, May 19, at Den Herder Funeral Home, with the Rev. Bill Watson officiating. Burial was in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Grover Hill.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

EUGENE GARY
1916-2003
PAULDING — Eugene W. Gary, 86, Paulding, died Tuesday, May 20 at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding.
He was born Nov. 9, 1916, in Grover Hill, the son of James and Elizabeth (Kirkpatrick) Gary. He retired in 1989 as the superintendent of the former Paulding County Home. He was a member of the Paulding County Democrat Party, precinct committeeman for Crane Township, served 12 years on the Paulding County Election Board, past president of the Kiwanis Club, past president of the Ohio County Home Association, Grand Master of the Paulding Grange, certified licensed administrator for nursing homes of Ohio. He worked on the Paulding County Cancer Drive for many years and was a member of the First Christian Church of Paulding.
Surviving are his wife, M. Louise; two daughters, Jane Volk of Jackson, Mich. and Bette (Ted) Lindman of Holland, Mich.; one son, Kirk (Marie) Gary of Montgomery, Texas; one stepson, Alan Wood of Orlando, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Florin and Guy Gary; five sisters, Marie Uhlenhaker, Emma Sutton, Blanche Clevenger and two infant sisters.
Services were held Friday, May 23 at the First Christian Church in Paulding with the Rev. Susan Taylor officiating. Burial was held in Sherman Cemetery in Brown Township, Paulding County. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to First Christian Church or the donor’s choice.

BETTY LOU ANKNEY
1925-2003
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Betty Lou Ankney, 77, died at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at Medical Center of Bowling Green, Ky.
She was born June 8, 1925 in Antwerp, the daughter of Harry and Viva Curtis. She was a homemaker and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
Surviving are five sons, Roger of Toledo, Jesse of Montpelier, Curt of Angola, Ind., Larry of Bowling Green, Ky., and Doug of Pound, Va.; a daughter, Linda Mercer of Bowling Green, Ky.; a sister, Helen Keating of Antwerp; 16 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Services will be at 11 a.m. today, May 28, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with Pastor Charles Schmunk officiating. Burial will be in the Bethel Cemetery, Cecil.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

MARY FREDERICK
1922-2003
DEFIANCE – Mary F. Frederick, 80, of Defiance, died at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 25, at her residence.
She was born July 23, 1922 in Centreville, Mich. On Nov. 1, 1941, she married Howard A. Frederick, who preceded her in death April 7, 2003. She was a homemaker and a former nurses aide at Leisure Oaks Nursing Home for seven years. She had been a 4-H leader and was a member of Junction Bible Christian Church.
Surviving are four sons, Gary H. (Judy) Frederick of Oakwood, and Dennis R. (Sue), Gregory I. (Pam) and Kenny L. (Marianne) Frederick, all of Defiance; four daughters, Barbara (Gene) Vogel and Kathy Handy, both of Defiance, Carol (Jack) Hernandez of Fort Wayne, and Nona (Joe) Baker of Decatur, Ind.; a sister, Dorothy Lakies of Flint, Mich.; 27 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were her parents, Jay Rodgers and Leta Hurst; her adoptive parents, Tolly and Catherine Sebring; and two granddaughters.
Services will be at 2 p.m. today, May 28, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with Pastor Pat Shepherd officiating. Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood. Visitation is today from 10 a.m. until time of services.
Preferred memorials are to the church improvement fund or Paulding County Hospice.

GEORGIA ENGLEHART
1924-2003
PAYNE — Georgia Englehart, 79, died at 11:20 a.m., Saturday, May 24, at her residence, following an extended illness.
She was born March 30, 1924, in Paulding County, the daughter of George and Mabel (Parrish) Baughman. On June 30, 1941, she married Carl L. Englehart, who preceded her in death on Aug. 8, 1970. She was formerly employed by the Bowser Corporation and Magnavox Corporation, both in Fort Wayne; and the Dana Weatherhead Corporation in Antwerp. She retired in 1993 as a chiropractic assistant for Dr. David R. Hughes of Paulding. She attended the St. Jacob United church of Christ in Payne.
Surviving are two daughters, Dorothy (Paul) Treece of Hamilton, Ind., and Beverly (Norbert) Bacon of Port Charlotte, Fla.; a son, Carl “Duke” (Vicky) Englehart of Edgerton, Ohio; a brother, Keith “Dewey” Baughman of Paulding; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a sister, Clara Howell.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., today, May 28, at the Den Herder Funeral Home with the Rev. Jim Langham officiating, with visitation from 8 a.m. until time of services. Burial will be in the Lehman Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses Association/ Hospice, or St. Jacob United Church of Christ in Payne.

JEREMY CARLISLE
1977-2003
PAULDING – Jeremy Lynn Carlisle, 26, died at 4:22 p.m. Sunday, May 25, from injuries sustained in an automobile-motorcycle accident.
He was born April 7, 1977 in Paulding County, the son of Ronald and Susan (Youtsey) Carlisle. He was a self-employed general construction worker.
Surviving are his parents, a fiancée, Jodi Lee Perl; a stepson, Ethan Lynn Perl; three brothers, Bob (Sue Ann) Carlisle of Broughton, David (Dawn) Carlisle of Paulding, and Rodney (Jada) Carlisle, Bryan; two sisters, Candace Caple of Antwerp and Darlene Youtzy of Van Wert; grandmothers Dorothy Carlisle of Paulding and Clara Mae Youtsey of Latty; and many uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by grandfathers Gerald “Gib” Carlisle and Charles “Chuck” Lewis Youtsey Sr.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 30, in the First Christian Church, Paulding, with the Rev. Susan Taylor officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, and one hour prior to services Friday at the church. Preferred memorials are to the Jeremy Lynn Carlisle Family.

ANN ROSE BALSER
1943-2003
ANTWERP — Ann Rose Balser, 59, of Antwerp, died at 7 a.m. Thursday, May 29, at her residence.
She was born Oct. 2, 1943, in Paulding, the daughter of Lewis L. and Helen M. (Longstreth) Elston. On June 26, 1965, she married Jerry Balser, who survives. She was employed as an X-ray technician for 35 years, and was a member of the Antwerp United Methodist Church.
Also surviving are a son, Wade of Cleveland; a daughter, Sheila Hilton of Antwerp; one brother, Lewis Elston of Middle Point; three sisters, Bonnie Clemens and Maxine Treece, both of Paulding, and Carolyn Roth of Tilton, Ill.; and four grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; a son, Scott Balser; and a sister, Ruth Stoller.
Services were held Monday, June 2, at the Antwerp United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gregory Swann and the Rev. Thomas Ketzler officiating. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp. Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp was in charge of the arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the Antwerp United Methodist Church or Hospice of the Paulding Area VNA.

DeVONA HOBBS
1927-2003
FORT WAYNE — DeVona J. Hobbs, 76, Fort Wayne, died Friday, May 23, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Fort Wayne.
She is survived by her husband, Ross T. Hobbs, who is formerly from Paulding County; a daughter, Laura J. Lowen; a son, Billy R. Hobbs; a sister, Delores Hammer; two brothers, John E. and James C. Sherwood; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Friday, May 30, at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home in Fort Wayne.
Memorials are to Brenneman Missionary Church, Faith United Church of Christ or Miller’s Merry Manor.

ANNA HOOK
1921-2003
COCOA, Fla. — Word has been received that Anna (Luliak) Hook, 82, a former Payne resident, died at 4:45 p.m. March 21, at the Mariner Health Care Center Nursing Home in Titusville, Fla., where she was a resident.
She was born Nov. 24, 1921, in Cecil, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Naggy) Luliak. She graduated from Payne High School in 1939. She married Clarence J. Hook, who survives in Cocoa, Fla.
Also surviving are a daughter, Beverly (Ray) of Cocoa, Fla.; two sons, Donald (June) of Fort Wayne, and Larry (Sandy) of Murphy, N.C.; two sisters, Mary of Wisconsin and Helen of Van Wert; a brother, John Jr. of Florida; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Cards and letters may be sent to P.O. Box 286, Sharpes, Fla., 32959.
The family requests a Catholic Mass be said at any Catholic Church in her remembrance. Services today for former Olympian

HENRY OLSEN
1915-2003
HICKSVILLE — Henry Olsen, 87, of Antwerp, died at 8:40 a.m., Monday, June 2, at Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Hicksville. He was born July 7, 1915, in Syracuse, N.Y., the son of Peter and Victoria (Stempeski) Oszewski. He married Ruth Thompson in 1942, and she preceded him in death in 1997. He served in the U.S. Army in WWII. He was a speed skater in the 1932 Olympics at Lake Placid, and changed his name from Oszewski to Olsen, due to fame from his Olympic competition. He was employed as an open district manager for Denny’s Restaurants, and a member of the Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Antwerp. Surviving are two daughters, Pam Alford and Barbara Epley, both of Antwerp; and two granddaughters.
Also preceding him in death were a brother, Wesley; and two sisters, Pauline Leja and Virginia Grennel.
Hours of visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m., today, June 4, at Dooley Funeral Home. Services will be at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Antwerp, with the Rev. Herman Scherger officiating.
Preferred memorials are to Hospice The Caring Way of Williams County.

MARK TEETS, M.D.
1952-2003
DEFIANCE – Mark D. Teets M.D., age 52, of Defiance, died 8:42 p.m. Friday, May 30, at the Paulding County Hospital.
He was born on April 19, 1952 in Uniontown, Pa., the son of Edgar R. and Goldie M. (Burkholder) Teets. On June 16, 1973, he married Sally Sue Wiesenmayer, who survives.
He was a 1973 graduate of the University of Cincinnati and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1978. Saginaw Cooperative Hospital of Family Practice Residency Saginaw, Michigan 1978 to 1981. His professional experience included Spencerville Family Physicians of Spencerville from 1981-1991; Mark D. Teets M.D. Inc. from 1991-2000; Oakwood Medical Center in Oakwood from 2000-2003. He was a Fellow of Academy of Family Practice. Dr. Teets had past affiliations with Lima Memorial Hospital and St. Rita’s Medical Center both of Lima, Wilson Memorial Hospital of Sidney, and Upper Valley Medical Center of Troy.
He was serving as Chief of Staff Paulding County Hospital since 2002, and was director of Occupational Health at the hospital.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Sidney.
Also surviving are his parents, Edgar and Goldie Teets of Sidney, Ohio; two sons, Aaron Douglas Teets of Chandler, Ariz. and Nathan Ryan Teets of Indianapolis; one daughter: Erica Elaine Teets of Columbus; two brothers, Edgar B. Teets of Okeana, Ohio and Benjamin R. Teets of Sidney.
Services services will be held at 11 a.m. today, June 4, at the First Presbyterian Church of Paulding, with the Rev. David Meriwether and Rev. Joseph Pumphrey officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Point Cemetery, Pasco, Ohio.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services, from 10-11 a.m. today at the church.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding County Hospital Foundation or the Antwerp EMS.

FRIEDA DIX
PAULDING — Frieda D. Dix, Paulding, died Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Feb. 5, in Payne, the daughter of Charles and Louise (Schiener) May. In 1958, she married Clyde Dix, who survives. Also surviving are four daughters, Dorothy M. Moreno, Beverly D. Apple and April R. Dix, all of Paulding and Michelle R. Thompson of Ayersville; two sons, Larry M. Dix of Paulding and Charles L. Dix of Stryker; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; five sisters, Donna Zielke, Delta Wallen, Beula May and Stella Boyd; three brothers, Harry, Charles and Paul; and one grandchild. Services were held Friday, June 6 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paulding with the Rev. Mary Beth Smith-Webb officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Slade Funeral Home, Payne was in charge of arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the family.

ERIC HORG
1984-2003
CECIL — Eric Lynn Horg, 18, died Wednesday, June 4 at his residence.
He was born Oct. 13, 1984 in Lima, the son of Debra Kay Horg. He was a member of the PARC Lane Pals 4-H Club in Paulding and the Ohio Special Olympics.
Surviving are his mother, Debra of Cecil; one sister, Louise Horg of Cecil; five uncles, Kenneth W. Horg of Continental, Dennis A. Horg of Mark Center, Ronald R. Horg of Cleveland, Michael L. Horg of Greensprings, and Larry L. Horg of Archbold; and one aunt, Lori J. Phelps of Jacksonville, Fla.
He was preceded in death by four uncles.
Services were held Friday, June 6 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home. Burial was in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill.
Preferred memorials are to PARC Lane School.

JAMES
DALTON SR.
1919-2003
NEY — James A. Dalton Sr., 84, Ney, died Tuesday, June 3, at Park View Nursing Center in Edgerton.
He was born March 10, 1919, in Scioto County, the son of George and Nellie (Zorles) Dalton. In 1938, he married Anna Rath, who survives. He worked at Portland Cement Co., Paulding, was a member of Ney Church of God and a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine during World War II.
Also surviving are two sons, Gerald of Melbourne, Fla., and Greg, of Bryan; two daughters, Mary Ann Bowman of Sherwood and Irene Chase of Defiance; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were a son, James Jr.; three brothers, Willard, John and Woodrow; two sisters, Faye Wilburn and Marie Brooks; and two grandchildren.
Services were held Friday, June 6 in Ney Church of God with the Rev. Douglas Nolt officiating. Entombment was in Riverview Memory Gardens mausoleum in Defiance. Mast, Mock, Hoffman was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to a charity of the donor’s choice.

KALEIGH BARNES
2001-2003
NAPOLEON — Kaleigh Joann Barnes, 17 months of Napoleon, died June 4, in Henry County Hospital.
She was born Dec. 19, 2001 in Napoleon, the daughter of Matthew Miller and Christy Barnes, who survive.
Also surviving are grandparents, Richard and Jody Barnes of Napoleon and Mark and Janet Miller of Grover Hill; great-grandparents, Doyle and Mary Barnes of Ocala, Fla., Patricia Small of Napoleon, Ronald Miller, and Robert and Betty Tracy of Grover Hill; and great-great-grandfather, W.E. Miller of Milbury.
Preceding her in death was a great-grandfather, John Small; and a great-grandmother, Carlotta Miller.
Services were held Monday, June 9, in Walker Mortuary in Napoleon with the Father Dan Borgelt and the Rev. Kevin Patton officiating. Burial was in the Forest Hill Cemetery, Napoleon.
Preferred memorials are to the Henry County Help Me Grow.

WILLARD NONEMAN
1910-2003
BRYAN — Willard G. “Bill” Noneman, 93, of Bryan, died Sunday evening, June 8, at the Harborside Health Care Center in Bryan. He was born Feb. 28, 1910 in Bay City, Mich., the son of Charles F. and Rose (Carrier) Noneman. On April 27, 1935, he married Julia Ann Stauffer, who preceded him in death in 2000. He came to Bryan in 1930 as manager of the Western Union Telegraph, retiring after 43 years of service. He was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bryan, Loyal Order of Moose #1064, and Knights of Columbus Bryan Council #1915 of which he was a past Grand Knight.
Surviving are two sons, John (Pat) of Kent, Conn., and Tom (Ellen) Noneman of Bryan; a daughter, Ann (Charles) Harrison, Bryan; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, James Noneman of Paulding; and three sisters, Mildred (Richard) Seibenick of Defiance, and Agnes Bohner and Genevieve (Albert) Rife, both of Paulding.
Also preceding him in death were four brothers, Arthur, Frank, Bernard and Ernest Noneman; and two sisters, Mary Daeger and Leona Burg. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. today, June 11, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bryan with the Rev. Charles Ritter officiating. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. today at the Rice- Burr Funeral Home in Bryan. Burial will be in the Brown Cemetery in Bryan.
Preferred memorials are to the St. Patrick Catholic Church.

ROLLAND
GOELTZENLEUCHTER
1945-2003
DEFIANCE — Rolland Eugene Goeltzenleuchter, 57, of Defiance, died at 8:20 p.m. Monday, June 9 in St. Rita’s Hospital in Lima. He was born July 4, 1945, in Paulding County, the son of Mary “Jane” (Font) Yenser, who preceded him in death. He attended Emerald School, and graduated from Oakwood High School in 1964. In 1969, he married Dorothy Sherry, who survives. He served in the United States Army for two years, and was employed at Precision Products in Defiance. He was a member of UAW Local 638, the VFW, and the Faith Baptist Church in Defiance.
Surviving are his stepfather, Gale Yenser; two sisters, Patsy (Donald “Gene”) Link and Opal Yenser, both of Defiance; two brothers, Mark Yenser of Continental, and Steve Yenser of Defiance; and nieces and nephews.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. today, June 11, at the Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home, and one hour prior to services at the church. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 12, at the Faith Baptist Church, with Jerry Davis and Bill Sherry officiating. Burial will be in the Sherman Cemetery in Paulding County.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

DORIS MORHART
1919-2003
HICKSVILLE — Doris G. Morhart, 84, died Monday, June 9 at DeKalb Memorial Hospital in Auburn, Ind.
She was born June 8, 1919, in Mark Township of Defiance County, the daughter of Henry and Clara (Fleischer) Polk. In 1935, she married Donald W. Morhart, who died in 1986. She was employed at Ohio Art, Crook Miller, Yellowstone Restaurant, and Sherwood Restaurant. She was a member of the Antwerp Baptist Church and the Hicksville Eagles Auxiliary.
Surviving are two daughters, Louise Grant of Southfallsburg, N.Y. and Donna Snyder of Auburn, Ind.; two sons, Jack Morhart of Fort Wayne and Jerry Morhart of Oakwood; 15 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were two sisters, Hazel Beltz and Bernice Lenz; one brother, John Polk; and one grandchild.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, June 11 at Bethel Cemetery, Cecil with Pastor Lathan Snyder officiating. Brown Funeral Home in Hicksville was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Hicksville Unit Crippled Children and Adult Society.

MERVIN MERICLE
1927-2003
PAULDING — Mervin L. “Pete” Mericle, 76, formerly of Paulding, died Wednesday, June 11, at the Laurels of Defiance.
He was born April 15, 1927, in Grover Hill, the son of George and Dora Mae (Smith) Mericle. In 1953, he married Doris A. Reinhart Beltz, who survives. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding; a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict; a chief dispatcher for Schwerman Trucking, Paulding, retiring in 1982; a life member of VFW Post 587; and a former Paulding County Veterans Service Officer, retiring in 1999.
Surviving are his wife, of Defiance; four sons, Mike (Deb) Mericle of Paulding, Kris Mericle of Gloucester, Mass., Pat (Sandie) Mericle of Fort Wayne, and Jerry (Marsha) Mericle of Huntertown, Ind.; four daughters, Janice (Dave) Kaylor and Ronni Sue Mericle, both of Hicksville, Mary Ann (Jimi) Powell of Paulding, and Kathy (Greg) Mericle-Adkins of Cecil; 16 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Mahlon Mericle.
Services were held Friday, June 13 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Paulding. VFW Paulding Post 587 conducted military graveside services. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Masses to St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Defiance County Hospice Society, or to the Laurel Auxiliary Fund.

EVA MITCHELL
1967-2003
CECIL — Eva May Mitchell, 36, died at 8:09 a.m. Thursday, June 12, in the Toledo Hospital.
She was born May 16, 1967 in Paulding, the daughter of Terry and Carol (Mann) Mitchell. She was a homemaker and a member of Cornerstone Church of God, Defiance.
Surviving are her parents, Terry Mitchell and Carol Cisco, both of Cecil; twin sons, Justice and Austice Mitchell, of Cecil; two sisters, Teri Ann Mitchell of Cecil, and Dale Sue Mitchell Openlander of Napoleon; maternal grandmother, Virginia Mann of Camden, Mich.; and a fiancé, Jeff Priester of Montpelier.
She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Chemin and Eva (Luderman) Mitchell, and maternal grandfather Carl Mann. Services were held Tuesday, June 17, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding. Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

ANNA MAE CUNNINGHAM
1932-2003
DUPONT — Anna Mae Cunningham, 70, of Dupont, died at 6:40 p.m. Saturday, June 14, in her residence.
She was born Nov. 11, 1932 in Rice, Ohio, the daughter of George and Adrian (Ranes) Wagner, who preceded her in death. On Feb. 15, 1952, she married Robert Earl Cunningham, who survives. She was a homemaker, and a former member of the Dupont United Methodist Church.
Also surviving are a son, Carl George Cunningham of Kalida; two sisters, Dorothy Worline and Helen Howard, both of Dupont; three grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were eight brothers, George and Robert Wagner, Albert, John, and Charlie Grant, Raymond Wagner, and infant twins; four sisters, Edna O’Hare, Aldora Snyder, Georgia Taylor, Freda Wagner, and Millie Newsome.
Services will be held at 1 p.m., today Wednesday, June 18 at the Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental, with the Rev Paul Carder officiating. Burial will be in the Monroe Cemetery in Continental.
Preferred memorials are to the family.

THELMA MINES
1909-2003
LATTY — Thelma Ruth Mines, 93, died at 8:30 a.m. Friday, June 13, in the Van Wert Manor Nursing Home, where she had been a resident for six months.
She was born Nov. 17, 1909 in Washington Township, the daughter of Arthur and Gertrude (Gaines) Phillips. On Oct. 31, 1931, she married John William Mines, who preceded her in death in 1987. She was a homemaker, attended Zion Baptist Church in Latty, and was a former member of Paulding First Baptist Church.
Surviving are two daughters, Evelyn (Robert) Goings of Latty, and Ruth A. Williams of Paulding; two brothers, Alvin Phillips of Latty, and Arthur Phillips Jr. of Lima; four sisters, Mary Middlebrook of Mansfield, Rose Ann Dent and Faye Miles, both of Lima, and Louise Phillips of Atlanta; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a son Justus “LeRoy” Mines; three brothers, Herbert, James and William Phillips; and two sisters, Juanita Greenwade and Pauline Young.
Services were held Tuesday, June 17 at the Den Herder Funeral Home with the Rev. Levi Collins officiating. Burial was in the Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Grover Hill.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

MARVIN MARTIN SR.
1949-2003
CONTINENTAL – Marvin Lloyd Martin Sr., 54, Continental, died on Tuesday, June 17, at his residence.
He was born May 30, 1949, in Lima, the son of Howard and Rhea (Zickefoose) Martin. In 1967, he married Janet Wells, who survives. He was retired from Precision Products after 34 years of service. He was a member of the Defiance County Coon Hunters Club, and his hobbies were fishing and hunting.
Also surviving are four sons, Marvin Martin Jr. of Continental, and Kenneth (Robin) Martin, Benjamin Martin and Daniel Martin, all of Cloverdale; one daughter, Tammy (Ron) Geckle, Cloverdale; two brothers, Delbert Martin of Cloverdale and William Martin of Continental; two sisters, Juanita Wheeler of Oakwood and Grace McLaughlin, Cloverdale; 13 grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gerald Martin; one brother, Dennis Martin; and one sister, Evelyn Meyers.
Services were held Saturday, June 21, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Continental, with the Rev. Jerry Mauldin officiating. Burial was in Monroe Cemetery, Continental. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

MARY SCHMITZ
PAULDING – Mary Eva Schmitz, age 96, died Tuesday, June 17, 2003, in Sebring, Ohio.
She was the daughter of John and Carrie (Heilman) Buchman of Paulding. She was the wife of the late Lawton Frederick Henry “Pat” Schmitz. She was a devoted railroad wife and lived in many cities along the way including, Westfield, N.Y., Conneaut, Lima, and Bellevue, Ohio. Mary and Pat enjoyed retirement in New Port Richey, Fla.
Surviving are son, James (Lela) Schmitz, of North Benton; two daughters, Beatrice (John) Butler-Hancock of Altoona, Wis. and Patricia Wise of Lakeland, Fla.; 16 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and 30 great-great-grandchildren.
She also preceded in death by a son, John D. Schmitz, and an infant son, Paul; a daughter, Mary Lou Reilly; two brothers, John Buchman and Harley Buchman; a sister, Ada Kwascigroh; and a grandson, Eugene Wise.
Services were held Saturday, June 21, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Paulding. Interment was at Live Oak Cemetery in Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Organ Fund, Immaculate Conception Church, 434 Western Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43609 or to the Miverva Lion’s Club, P.O. Box 232, Minerva, Ohio, 44657.

DOROTHY WOODS
1915-2003
PAYNE – Dorothy G. Woods, age 87, died 4:20 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne, where she had been a patient for three months.
She was born Oct. 29, 1915, in Paulding, the daughter of Edward and Grace (Nesbitt) Lyons. In 1936, she married Daniel H. Woods, who died in 1991. She was a homemaker.
She is survived by three sons, Paul (Gwendolyn) Woods of Woodburn, Glenn (Rhonda) Woods of Fort Wayne, and Richard (Rita) Woods, Huntington Beach, Calif.; a daughter, Marilyn (Joseph) Lawlor, Rudyard, Mich.; two brothers, Harold Lyons and James (Judy) Lyons, both of Fort Wayne; a sister, Marie Seslar, Fort Wayne; 17 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a son, Lloyd Woods; two brothers, Donald and William Lyons; two sisters, Ganel Cisco, and an infant sister; and a great-grandson, Nicholas Woods.
Services were held Saturday, June 21, in the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Elwin Hall officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne.
Donations may be made to Dallas Lamb Activity Fund or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

RAYMOND TIMMA
PAYNE — Raymond D. Timma, 84, of Payne, formerly of Fort Wayne, died Thursday, June 19, 2003, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. The Crestline, Ohio, native retired after 30 years as an enameler and quality controller at Rea Magnet Wire. The WWII U.S. Army veteran was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Payne.
Surviving are his wife, Mildred; a daughter, Rebecca Stair of Fort Wayne; a stepdaughter, Carol Ludwig of Clover, S.C.; a stepson, Paul Ludwig of Payne; a brother, Kevin Timma of Fort Wayne; two granddaughters; two stepgrandchildren; and three stepgreatgrandchildren.
Services were held Monday, June 23, at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, New Haven. Burial was in Covington Memorial Gardens with military graveside services by American Legion Post 377, Woodburn.
Preferred memorials are to St. James Lutheran Church, Payne.

PATRICIA MASON
1951-2003
OAKWOOD — Patricia Kay “Pat” Mason, 51, of Oakwood, died at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, June 19, in the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born June 25, 1951, in Van Wert, the daughter of Earl and Margaret (Stutz) Miller. On Nov. 18, 1968, she married Gary L. Mason, who survives. She was a personnel manager for Wal-Mart in Bryan.
Also surviving are two sons, Gary Mason Jr. of Oakwood, and Edward Mason of Defiance; six brothers, Billy (Karen) of Cape Coral, Fla., Jimmy (Cindy) and Gary (Deb) Miller , both of Van Wert, Ronald Miller of Fort Wayne, Michael (Mary) Miller of Valley Center, Kan., and Marvin Miller of Sandusky; one sister, Marcia (Brian) Pancake of Van Wert; and two grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Services were held Tuesday, June 24, at Den Herder Funeral Home, with Pastor Robert Merriman officiating. Burial was in the Little Auglaize Cemetery in Melrose. Preferred memorials are to the Children’s Miracle Network.

DALE DONLEY
1957-2003
OAKWOOD — Dale Allen Donley, 45, of Oakwood, died at 5:30 a.m., Sunday, June 22, at his residence.
He was born July 30, 1957, in Defiance, the son of Curtis and June (Eisaman) Donley. On Aug. 16, 1975, he married Nancy Mast, who survives. He was a journeyman at Johns Manville in Defiance, and a lifelong farmer. He was a member of Johns Manville Quarter Century Club Local #51, a member of the National Hunting Club, a devoted husband, loving father, and wonderful grandfather. He was also a second dad to many others.
Also surviving are a daughter, Angel (Ed) Hernandez of Oakwood; three sisters, Donna (Johnny) Lantow of Wyoming, Linda (Paul) Curtis of Mark Center, and Jane (Doug) Williams of Rossford; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., today, June 25, at the Oakwood United Methodist Church, with Pastor Michael Brown officiating, with visiting hours one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery in Oakwood.
Preferred memorials are to the family.

OLIVE LYON
1909-2003
PAYNE — Olive I. Lyon, 93, a former resident of Quincy, Mich., died at 6:35 a.m. Monday, June 23, at Horn Nursing Home in Wooster. She was born July 13, 1909, in Antwerp, the daughter of Sidney and Goldie (Ludwig) Taylor. She married Lyman Bud Lyon, who preceded her in death in 2001. She was a homemaker.
Surviving are a daughter, Mary O. Hanlon of Wooster; a sister, Dora Bercaw of Hicksville; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation hours will be after 4 p.m. today, June 25, at Slade Funeral Home in Payne.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 26, at the Wiltsie Cemetery, with Deacon Donald Coughlin officiating.
Preferred memorials are to Hospice of Wayne County.

JONATHAN HOBBS
2003
PAULDING — Jonathan Adam Levi Hobbs was stillborn Friday, June 13, at Parkview Hospital.
He was the son of Bobbie Jean Doster and Joshua Adam Hobbs of Paulding, who survive.
Also surviving are a half-sister, Kaylee Hobbs, Van Wert; maternal grandmother, Lisa Doster, and maternal stepgrandfather, Terry Morrow, both of Paulding; and paternal grandparents, Vernon and Elizabeth Hobbs, of Venedocia.
Preceding him in death were his maternal great-grandparents, Kenneth and Roberta Shellenbarger.
Services were held Monday, June 30, at the Harvest Field Pentecostal Church of God, Scott, with Pastor Terry Martin officiating. Burial was in the Junction Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the family.

WILBUR ALLEN
1950-2003
GROVER HILL — Wilbur “Bill” M. Allen, 53, died at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at the Van Wert County Hospital, where he had been a patient for three days.
He was born June 7, 1950, in Medina, the son of Wilbur Sr. and Patricia Jane (Speaker) Allen. On Oct. 15, 1990, he married Lorinda Rybczynski, who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Vietnam Conflict, and a member of the Baptist Church in Grover Hill. He was a truck driver for Morrow Bulk, Millbury, Ohio, retiring in 1993, after 28 years of service.
Also surviving are three sons, Jon A. and Andrew M. Allen, both of Grover Hill, and Billy Barber Jr. of New London; two daughters, Jessica Cousino and Crystal Allen, both of Grover Hill; his stepfather, Howard Barber Sr. of Pelham, Texas; two brothers, Rex Barber of New London, and Skip Barber of Houston; six sisters, Venice Swaggart of Wooster, Pat Goff, Lori Daisy and Cheryl Templeton, all of Willis, Texas, and Mary Lou Barber and Donna Lee Fulkner, both of Naples, Fla.; and three grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his father, Wilbur Allen Sr.; and his mother, Patricia Speaker Powery.
Services were held Saturday, June 28, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Pat Holt officiating. The Paulding VFW Post 587 conducted military rites. Burial will be in Clarksville Cemetery in Wooster at a later date.
Preferred memorials are to the Wilbur Allen family.

RUTH MCMICHAEL
1912-2003
ANTWERP — Ruth B. McMichael, 91, of Antwerp, died at 8:09 p.m., June 26, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born June 15, 1912, in Mark Center, the daughter of Byron and Mary Bryan. In 1939, she married John Gaylord McMichael, who preceded her in death. She was employed at Dana Weatherhead for seven years.
Surviving are six sons, Donald Rickles of Sherwood, Byron McMichael of Los Angeles, Calif., Jimmy McMichael of Cecil, Olen, Larry, and Dennis McMichael, all of Antwerp; a daughter, Dinah Collins of Antwerp; two step daughters, Isabella Reinhart (Joe) Rodriquez of Paulding, and Marciel (Wayne) Gordon of Cecil; a brother, Lewis Bryan of Sherwood; a sister, Polly Hamrick of Hoagland, Ind.; 31 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a stepson, Robert McMichael.
Services were held Monday June 30 at the Paulding Church of the Nazarene, with the Rev. Keith Sarver and Max Begley officiating. Burial was in the Bethel Cemetery in Cecil. Dooley Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Paulding Church of the Nazarene, or to the donor’s choice

.BEULAH STOLLER
1911-2003
OAKWOOD — Beulah Mary Stoller, 91, died at 12:35 a.m., Saturday, June 28, at Harborside Healthcare Center in Defiance.
She was born Sept. 12, 1911, the daughter of William E. and Eunice Christman. On Jan. 11, 1933, she married Roy C. Stoller, who preceded her in death on Dec. 6, 1994. She was a homemaker, and a member of the Latty Apostolic Christian Church, Latty.
Surviving are two sons, Dennis (Joyce) Stoller of Defiance, and Jerry (Mary) Stoller of Bryan; three daughters, Brenda (James) Mullen of Oakwood, June (Richard) Stillwell of Fountain Valley, Calif., and Sharon (Darwin) Bodenbender of Salem, Ore., 16 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a son, Dallas Stoller; three grandchildren, Cindy, Darrin, and Randal Stoller; a great- grandchild, Tanner Martin; two brothers, Edward and Justus Christman; and two sisters, Helen Christman, and Dorothy Riggenbach.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., today, Wednesday, July 2, at the Latty Apostolic Christian Church, with the church clergymen officiating. Visitation will also be one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. DenHerder Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the Latty Apostolic Christian Church New Building Fund.

JUDY PLOTTS
1941-2003
PAULDING — Judy Kay Plotts, 62, died at 8:14 a.m. Sunday, June 29, at her residence.
She was born June 4, 1941 in Melrose, the daughter of William J. and Beatrice (Stahl) Mason. On April 5, 1958, she married Glen L. Plotts, who survives. She was a floral designer for Kircher’s Flowers in Paulding, a member of Little Auglaize Church of God, Oakwood, and formerly was employed by Grizzly in Paulding.
Also surviving are two sons, Robert Laffin of Peru, Ind., and William (Donna) Plotts of Cecil; a daughter, Brenda (Dan) LaFountain of Paulding; one brother, Gary Mason of Oakwood; two sisters, Mary (Albert) Monroe, Paulding, and Carol (Richard) Martin of Camden, Mich.; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were her parents; a son, Michael Plotts; a brother, Billy Mason; and a sister, Shirley Mason.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 3, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial will be in Paulding Memorial Cemetery, Paulding.
Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m., today, July 2, and from 8 a.m. until time of services Thursday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Services held for former commissioner, school board member
CHARLES MILLER
1919-2003
GROVER HILL — Charles W. Miller, 83, formerly of Grover Hill, presently residing in Lady Lake Fla., died Friday, July 4, at Parkview Hospital, where he had been a patient for one day.
He was born Aug. 23, 1919, in Jackson Township, Van Wert County, the son of Charles J. and Velma (Ashbaugh) Miller. On Sept. 18, 1939, he married Barbara Ann Funk, who survives. He was a truck broker for AMA Trucking and Trico Trucking, retiring in 1987. He was a former Paulding County commissioner, serving two terms from 1979-1987. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge in Middle Point, a lifetime member of the Van Wert Elks #1197, a former Grover Hill School Board member and a Paulding County School Board member for eight years, a member of the Horseman’s Association and the United States Trotters Association, and attended the Church of Christ in Lady Lake, Fla.
Also surviving are a daughter, Marlene J. Yahn of Ohio City; three sons, Wayne (Donna) Miller of Gulfport, Miss., Kent (Gloria) Miller of Lady Lake, Fla., and Kevin Miller of Haviland; two sisters, Eloise Shaw of Grover Hill and Delores Sanderson of Reading, Mich.; a brother, Arlie Miller of Winter Haven, Fla.; a half-brother, Ralph Ashbaugh, of Van Wert; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were a sister, Kathryn Dotson; two brothers, Ernest and Robert Miller; and a granddaughter, Victoria Renee Yahn. Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, July 9, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Middle Creek Cemetery in Grover Hill.
Visitation is today from 8 a.m. until time of services. Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

FRANK WETLI
1942-2003
PAYNE — Frank D. Wetli, 60, of Payne died Saturday, July 5, at the Paulding County Hospital.
He was born Nov. 20, 1942, in Fort Wayne, the son of Gerald and Florence (March) Wetli. on Oct. 14, 1972, he married Beckey Ringler, who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam, and retired from Sears in Fort Wayne. He was a member of the St. John the Baptist Church and the American Legion Post #297, both in Payne.
Also surviving are a son, Adam Wetli of Columbus; a daughter, Sarah Wetli of Payne; and a sister, Suzanne Yenser, also of Payne. Services will be held at 11 a.m., today, July 9, at the St. John the Baptist Church in Payne. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the Payne EMS or the Masses.

DR. H.E. TOMLINSON
1935-2003
VAN WERT — Dr. H.E. “Doc” Tomlinson, 68, of Van Wert died Sunday, July 6 at Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born March 2, 1935, in Payne, the son of the late Rev. H.J. and Alice (Holmes) Tomlinson. His wife of 48 years, Jane (West) Tomlinson, survives. Doc loved his work, opening his practice in Van Wert in 1969. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany from 1957-59, graduated from Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa, in 1968, and was eagerly anticipating the birth of his first grandchild this fall.
Also surviving are two sons, Dr. Michael E. Tomlinson of Kansas City, Kan. and Jeffrey D. (Amy) Tomlinson of Van Wert; and two sisters, Carolyn Joan (Lester) Sherer and Helen Griffis, both of Haviland. Private family services were held with arrangements by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert. Preferred memorials are to Van Wert Centurion’s Club or First United Methodist Church Food Bank c/o Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home.

MARTHA LUCAS
1928-2003
OAKWOOD — Martha L. Lucas, 75, Oakwood, died Monday, July 7 at Medical College of Ohio Hospital in Toledo.
She was born March 4, 1928, in Logan, W.Va., the daughter of Clifford and Katie (Shepard) Lunsford. In 1946, she married Thurman Lucas, who survives. She was a homemaker.
Also surviving are two sons, Marvin of Archbold and Clifford of Defiance; a daughter, Hazel Henman of Defiance; two brothers, William Lunsford of Fayetteville, N.C. and James Lunsford of Defiance; a sister, Mrs. Julius (Frances) Maynard of Fayetteville; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; and a brother, Sydney Lunsford.
A prayer service was held Thursday, July 10 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Defiance. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Preferred memorials are to a charity of the donor’s choice.

CLYDE DILYARD
1925-2003
CECIL — Clyde LeRoy Dilyard, 78, Cecil, died on Monday, July 7, in Brookview Healthcare Center in Defiance.
He was born June 30, 1925, in Hudson, Mich., the son of Marion and Florence (Davis) Dilyard. In 1945, he married Beulah Gezelman, who survives. He was a retired housepainter and roofer, a member of IOOF Lodge #145, Onsted, Mich., and a U.S. Army veteran, serving during World War II from 1942-1946. Also surviving are six daughters, Donna (Robert) Haack of Ball Ground, Ga., Ila (Albert) VanSteenkiste of Jasper, Mich., Ida (Benny) Warren of Quincy, Mich., Joy Johnson of Cecil, Rebecca Blaine of Carlisle, Pa., and Candy Hunter of Addison, Mich.; two brothers, Jack of Addison, and Jim Pate of Minnesota; three sisters, Mary Carr of Morenci, Mich., Betty Fitch of Dundee, Mich., and Vena (Dale) Gripman of Howell, Mich.; 27 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were three sons, Clyde Jr., William, and Meredith; four brothers, Rex, Donald, Ray, and Pearl; and three sisters, Helen Cramer, Carolyn Dilyard, and Evelyn Shadbolt Mansfield. Services were held Thursday, July 10 in Brown-VanHamert Funeral Home in Addison, with Pastor Keith Porter officiating. Military rites were accorded by Hannan-Colvin Post 180, American Legion, Hudson. Burial of his ashes was on Monday, July 14, in Maple Grove Cemetery, Hudson.

ANDREW KEMLER
1982-2003
VAN WERT — Andrew J. “Andy” Kemler, 21, of Hoaglin Center Road, Van Wert, died early Saturday morning on July 5.
He was born Jan. 30, 1982 in Van Wert, the son of Wayne and Karen (Dutton) Kemler, who survive. He was a 2000 graduate of Lincolnview High school, and a graduate of Owens Technical College with a degree in landscaping and turf management. He was employed as a landscaper at Elite Naturescapes in Delphos. While in high school, he was involved with wrestling and track, and was recognized as an FFA State and American farmer. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Van Wert. Also surviving are two brothers, David (Marla) Kemler and Scott (fiancée Anna Flick) Kemler, all of Van Wert; one sister, Tina (Jason) Vodika of Orrville; paternal grandmother, Wilma Kemler of Van Wert; maternal grandparents, Robert and Luella Dutton of Convoy; maternal great-grandmother, Vesta Dutton, Convoy; a niece, Natalie Vodika; a nephew, Ethan Kemler; and several relatives in Paulding County.
Preceding him in death was his grandfather, Howard Kemler.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-8 p.m., Thursday, July 17, at the Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert; and one hour prior to services at the church. Services will be held at 10:30 Friday, July 18, at the First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, with the Revs. Dillion Staas and Paul Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Mohr Cemetery in rural Van Wert County.
Preferred memorials are to the Lincolnview Athletic Boosters Club.

ESTILL RASH JR.
1936-2003
ANTWERP — Estill L. “Junior” Rash Jr., 67, Antwerp, died at 11:30 p.m. Monday, July 14, at his residence.
He was born May 2, 1936 in Bluefield, W.Va., the son of Estill Sr. and Allie (Pruett) Rash. In 1961, he married Tommi Flores, who survives. He was a member of the Antwerp congregation of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and worked 22-1/2 years at GM in Fort Wayne and nine years at GM in Defiance.
Also surviving are one daughter, JoAnn F. Coughlin of Antwerp; three brothers, Tom and Kenny Rash, both of Fort Wayne, and George Rash of Indianapolis; four sisters, Mary Helen Courtner of Rome City, Ind., Kathleen Boylen and Katherine Jones, both of Fort Wayne, and Phyllis Yager of Oregon; and two grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Services were held Saturday, July 19, in the Kingdom Hall. Dooley Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

SHELVA SCHOONOVER
1936-2003
HAVILAND — Shelva J. Schoonover, 66, died at 5:25 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, at her residence.
She was born Dec. 12, 1936, in Delphos, the daughter of Sylvester and Marcile (Raymond) Brabant, who both preceded her in death. On Sept. 4, 1954, she married Frank R. Schoonover, who survives. She was employed at the Delphos Equity many years ago, and also worked at Van Wert Manufacturing for many years. She attended the Trinity Friends Church in Van Wert, was active in the church youth group, and had been a volunteer at the Paulding County Hospital.
Also surviving are a son, Pastor Michael (Wanda) Schoonover of Glendore, Calif.; three daughters, Melody (Frank) Thompson of Columbia City, Ind., Julie (Bruce) Diment of Convoy, and Shawn (Michael) Fickert of Middle Point; one brother, Richard (Marilyn) Brabant of Delphos; two sisters, Betty (Franklin) Hawk of Defiance and Dorothy (Bud) Martin of Wapakoneta; 11 grandchildren; one step grandchild; and two great-grandchildren.
Services were held Saturday July 19, at the Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert. Burial was in the Blue Creek Cemetery in Haviland. Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Visiting Nurses/ Hospice Program.

JERRY GRUBAUGH
1941-2003
SANTO DOMINGO — Jerry B. Grubaugh, 61, died Sunday, July 19, in the Santo Domingo Republic.
He was born Sept. 3, 1941, in Van Wert County, the son of Ray and Grace M. (Mohr) Grubaugh. He was a 1959 graduate of Convoy Union High School, graduated summa cum laude Phi Beta Kappa from Ohio State University in 1963, and cum laude Harvard Law School in 1966. He practiced law in Chicago until 1986, when he moved to Dominican Republic and owned and operated a small hotel in the colonial part of Santo Domingo. He later joined the law firm of Oficina Marranzini. He also wrote articles for the Santo Domingo News. He also had represented the United States at the World Bank Conference when it was held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
He is survived by his father, Ray Grubaugh of Van Wert; and a brother, Ric (Susie) Grubaugh of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by his mother Grace Grubaugh; and grandparents, Clark T. and Effie (LaVeck) Grubaugh and Walter and Desi (DeLong) Mohr.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., today, Wednesday, July 23, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Mary Ann Tomlinson officiating. Burial will be in the Scott Cemetery in Scott, Ohio.
The family requests no flowers or donations, only your prayers and thoughts.

GLADYS CHASE
1901-2003
NEW LONDON — Word was received of the July 13 death of former Ney resident Gladys Ethyl (Rose) Chase, 101, of New London. She was born Nov. 4, 1901, in Paulding County, the daughter of Mark and Ella Rose. She received a teaching certificate from Defiance College and taught for one year. In 1923, she married Floyd Chase, who died in 1972. She was the head of the cafeteria at New London Schools and taught third grade for 21 years in New London Elementary School.
Surviving are three daughters, Anita (Harpster) Wonder of Hot Springs Village, Ark., Joyce (Harlan) Huestis of New London and Gloria (Edwin) Aluzas of Claremont, Calif.; two sons, Mark of Norfolk, Va., and Stuart of New London; 29 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; six great-step grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and three great-great-step grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a daughter, Yvonne Stantz; a son, Norbert; a brother, Clayton Rose; a half-sister, Georgia Hetrick Shuler; a half-brother, Orville Hetrick; and a grandson.
Services were held Monday, July 21, in Eastman Funeral Home, New London with the Rev. Edwin Aluzas officiating. Burial was in Poplar Ridge Cemetery, Defiance County.

MILDRED YOUNG
1912-2003
OAKWOOD — Mildred A. Young, 90, formerly of Oakwood, died at 5:37 a.m. Thursday, July 24, at the Paradise Oaks Health Care Center, where she had been a resident since 1998.
She was born Sept. 5, 1912 in Brown Township, Paulding County, the daughter of Alva and Margaret (Stephen) Benedict. On Feb. 9, 1935, in Defiance, she married Donald N. Young, who preceded her in death on Aug. 7, 1999. She was a homemaker, a member of the Oakwood United Methodist Church, and a member of the church’s Friendship Class.
Surviving are a niece, Ann Fredrick of Dayton; and a nephew, Jim Corkwell of Hicksville.
Also preceding her in death were a brother, Everett Benedict; and two sisters, Pauline Hanson and Ruth Arnold.
Services were held Saturday, July 26, at Den Herder Funeral Home. Burial was in the Prairie Chapel Cemetery in Oakwood.
Preferred memorials are to the Oakwood United Methodist Church.

PAUL COMMERS
1919 - 2003
OAKWOOD — Paul Arnold Commers, 83, Oakwood, died at 5:05 a.m. Saturday, July 26 at Laurels of Defiance.
He was born Aug. 27, 1919, in Crane Township, Paulding County, the son of Ben and Ruth (Tolene) Commers. In 1971, he married Maude (Fornety) Simpson, who died in 1980. In 1990, he married Ruth (Simpson) Breedlove, who died in 1999. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving as a tail gunner in a B-17 aircraft. He was an electrician for 36 years for Indiana-Michigan Electrical until his retirement. Surviving are a daughter, Bonnie Weller, Oakwood; three sons, Jerry Simpson of California, Ronnie Breedlove of Paulding, and Tommy Breedlove, Brookville, Fla.; a sister, Florence Carpenter, Adrian, Mich.; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a daughter, Dean Borg; three sons, Gerald, William and John; and a brother, Richard.
Services will be at 2 p.m. today, July 30 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Bob Parker officiating. Burial will be in Rochester Cemetery, Cecil, where military rites will be conducted by Paulding VFW Post 587. Visitation is from 8 a.m. until time of services today. Preferred memorials are to Paulding County Hospice Society or the Paulding County Senior Center Meals on Wheels.

BERNARD PEFFLEY
1937 - 2003
HICKSVILLE — Bernard R. Peffley, 66, Hicksville, died at 11:15 a.m. Friday, July 25 in his home.
He was born March 22, 1937, in Paulding County, the son of Garner and Golda (Jordan) Peffley. In 2002, he married Linda Pancake, who survives. He was a maintenance coordinator for the Village of Hicksville, and a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Antwerp. Also surviving are a daughter, Kelly of Bradenton, Fla.; and a sister, Beatrice Lyons, Waterloo, Ind.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a son, Jerry; six brothers, George, Ted, Charles, Kenneth, William and Clarence; and three sisters, Eileen Foreman, Christine Rickard and Gladys Youtsey.
Services were held Tuesday, July 29 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church with the Rev. Randy Gragg officiating.
Preferred memorials are to the family.

JAMES WILLIAMSON
1931 - 2003
CECIL — James E. (Jim) Williamson, 72, Cecil, died at 8:12 a.m. Friday, July 25 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born June 6, 1931, in Van Wert, the son of Gerald and Sarah (Blackman) Williamson. In 1951, he married Doris Mohler, who survives. He was a Korean War veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy, and was employed at Navistar for 30 years and later at Antwerp Local Schools for five years. He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church.
Also surviving are three sons, Randy, Mark and Brian, all of Antwerp; two sisters, Mary Weck of Van Wert, and Doris Taylor, Grover Hill; and seven grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and a brother, Gene.
Services were held Monday, July 28 in the church with Pastor Charles Schmunk officiating. Burial was in Bethel Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Gideons or the church.

GEORGE WILLIAMSON
1924 - 2003
HAVILAND — George L. Williamson, 78, of Haviland, died at 7:19 p.m. Saturday, July 26 at his residence as a result of farm tractor accident. He was born Oct. 17, 1924, in Blue Creek Township, Paulding County, the son of Lewis and Edna (Blair) Williamson. On April 6, 1946 in Payne, he married DeNeal D. Stasell, who survives. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II. He was a life-long farmer, retiring in 1980. He was a 1942 graduate of Latty High School. He also was a member of St. James Lutheran Church of Payne and a member of the Grover Hill VFW. He was also a former Paulding National Bank board member. Surviving are his wife; three daughters, Patricia (Mark) Thompson of Elroy, Wis., Linda (Paul) Clark of Antwerp, and Jeanne (Douglas) Reed of Cloverdale; three sisters, Mary (Ernie) Holtsberry of Defiance, Ruth Gerber of Paulding, and Shirley (Jim) Long of Haviland; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and an infant son, John R. Williamson.
Services were held Tuesday, July 29 at St. James Lutheran Church in Payne, with Pastor Joseph Allen officiating. Burial was in Blue Creek Cemetery, Haviland, with military graveside services conducted by the Grover Hill VFW Post.
Preferred memorials are to the church.

GEORGE GEYER
1924-2003
ANTWERP — George A. Geyer, 79, of Antwerp, died at 8:20 a.m. Sunday, July 27, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born July 13, 1924, in Paulding, the son of George A. and Ada (Whirrett) Geyer. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean Conflict. On May 8, 1954, he married LaDonna Manley, who survives. He was a diesel mechanic and a truck driver. He was employed 11 years at Hall’s Specialty in Laotto, Ind., E.W. Bohren in Woodburn and L.J. Beal in Paulding, and also farmed. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Antwerp, Paulding Eagles, Auglaize Tractor Club, American Motorcycle Association, and had raced motorcycles for over 30 years.
Also surviving are a son, George R. Geyer of Antwerp; two daughters, Brenda Hubert of Hicksville and Lisa Beregszazi of Antwerp; a brother, Wallace (Buss) Geyer of Antwerp; a sister, Virginia Polete of Fort Wayne; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Merium Bickhard.
Services will be held at 10 a.m., today, July 30, at the Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Antwerp, with Father Herman Scherger and Deacon Robert Nighswander officiating. Burial will be in the Saint Paul’s Cemetery in Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to the church or donor’s choice.

DARL NOFFSINGER
1951-2003
WEST MINSTER, Colo. — Darl Lee Noffsinger, 52, of West Minster, Col. a former Charloe resident, died at 12:35 a.m. Thursday, July 31, in West Minster, Colo.
He was born May 23, 1951, in Paulding, the son of Raymond Noffsinger, who preceded him in death, and Eleanor Williams who survives in Oakwood. He was employed by Wall Technologies in Colorado, and was a member of the Melrose United Methodist Church. Also surviving are a daughter, Bobbie Jo Garcia of Convoy; a granddaughter, Jade Monroe Garcia; three brothers, Ray Noffsinger of Hamilton, Ala., and Steve and Mark Noffsinger, both of Defiance; and two sisters, Elaine Shank of Oakwood and Cheryl McMillen of Defiance.
Services were held Monday Aug. 4 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Robert Parker officiating. Burial was in the Sherman Cemetery in Oakwood. Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

MARY SPONSELLER
1907-2003
PAYNE — Mary A. Sponseller, 95, of Payne, died at 6:50 p.m. Thursday, July 31, in the Paulding County Hospital.
She was born Nov. 23, 1907, in Monroeville, Ind., the daughter of Homer and Minnie (Geyer) Casselman. She married Harold R. Sponseller, and he preceded her in death in 1993. She was a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Payne.
Surviving are a son, James M. Sponseller of Payne; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Services were held Monday, Aug. 4, at the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Payne, with the Rev. Amy Haines officiating. Burial was in the Wiltsie Cemetery in Payne. Slade Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the church or the Payne EMS.

LOIS KLEIN
1942-2003
DEFIANCE — Lois Mae Klein, 62, of Defiance, died at 7:55 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at her residence.
She was born May 6, 1942, in Defiance, the daughter of Wilbur A. and Delores (Schilt) Shirk. She was a 1960 graduate of Scott High School in Toledo. In 1975, she married Emmett H. Klein Sr., who survives. She was employed for 14 years at the Libbey Glass Company prior to becoming a homemaker.
Also surviving are two sons, Jeff (Ruth) Shirk of Defiance, and Emmett H. (Tammy) Klein Jr. of Oakwood; five daughters, Carol (Darwin) Cline of Paulding, Chris (Mike) Bartley of Melrose, Beverly Shirk of Findlay, Gert (Jon) Hahn of Defiance, and Sharon Klein (Doug Jacobs) of West Unity; two sisters, Phyllis Crampton of Las Cruces, N.M., and Wanda Richards of Toledo; two brothers, including Larry Shirk of Athens, Tenn.; and 13 grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were her parents; and a brother, Wilbur R. Shirk.
Services will be held today, Aug. 6, at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home with Father David Tscherne officiating. Burial will be in the Potter and Klein Cemetery, Paulding County. Visitation is one hour prior to services.
Preferred memorials are to the family.

JOHN FLAGG
1927-2003
CONVOY — John F. Flagg Jr., 76, of rural Convoy, died at 9:47 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born July 5, 1927, in Grand Rapids, Mich., the son of the late John F. and Lila (Sweet) Flagg. On Dec. 5, 1973, he married Donna L. Figert, who survives in Convoy. He was an electrician for the former IBEW No. 107 Union in Grand Rapids, Mich. for 40 years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving in WWII and also served in the Merchant Marines and Coast Guards. He also was a freelance photographer and a member of the Van Wert Camera Club and the Grand Rapids Post 247 American Legion. Also surviving are three daughters, Judy Klunejko and Michele D. Flagg, both of Grand Rapids, and Sherry K. Bouwman of Kalamazoo; two stepsons, Tim (April) Miller of Payne and Marvin K. Miller of Zanesville; two stepdaughters, Gwen (Gary) Johnson of Rochester, Mich. and Penny J. Dillinger of Ossian, Ind.; a brother, Fred (Chyoko) Flagg of Seattle; a sister, Loraine Flagg of Lansing; 15 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Gearhart, Mack & Jurczyk Funeral Home in Convoy, with the Rev. Bud Walls officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul Vincent Cemetery in Paulding County, where military graveside rites were conducted by Van Wert American Legion and VFW posts.
Preferred memorials are to the Scott EMS or Convoy EMS.

LATONJA JORDAN
1967-2003
DEFIANCE — LaTonja Deram Jordan, 35, died at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4, in Toledo Hospital.
She was born Dec. 1, 1967 in Atlanta, Texas, the daughter of Bruce and Brenda (Gaines) Jordan, who both survive in Houston, Texas. She was a sales clerk for J.C. Penney’s in the Northtowne Mall in Defiance.
Also surviving are a son, Rollando S. Rupert of Defiance; a sister, Dorothy Jordan of Houston; and grandparents, Dorothy Trotter of Atlanta, Texas, and Walter and Leona Jordan of Paulding.
Preceding her in death was her grandfather, Claude Gains. Private funeral services will be held at a later date. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding is in charge of the arrangements.

ESTHER MUMY
1917-2003
MARK CENTER — Esther Mumy, 86, formerly of Mark Center, died at 5:15 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, in the Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Hicksville, where she had been a resident for three years.
She was born June 18, 1917 in Cecil, the daughter of Floyd and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Woodring. On May 17, 1939, she married Clarence E. Mumy, who preceded her in death on Feb. 18, 2000. She was a homemaker, a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Cecil, the Farm Bureau and the Cecil Grange.
She is survived by a son, Harry (Charlene) Mumy of Lyons, Ohio; two daughters, Elizabeth (Jerry) Garlock of Columbus, and Ellen Jackson of New Haven; a brother, Donald (Dorothy) Woodring of Lyons; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Also preceding her in death were two brothers, Glenn and Wayne Woodring.
Services were held Friday Aug. 8, in the First Presbyterian Church in Cecil, with the Rev. Keith Sarver officiating. Burial was in the Rochester Cemetery, Cecil. Preferred memorials are to the First Presbyterian Church in Cecil.

VIOLA EVANS
1912-2003
LIBERTY CENTER — Viola Katherine Evans, 91, of Liberty Center, died Friday, Aug. 8, at Henry County Hospital in Napoleon. She was born April 26, 1912 in Liberty Center, the daughter of Herman Henry and Caroline Elizabeth (Schumaker) Bockelman. On Sept. 19, 1951, she married Clyde Boyd Evans who preceded her in death on Oct. 6, 1994.
Surviving are three stepdaughters, Winona (Dick) Hays of Oakwood, Janette (Stan) Coplin of Paulding, and Marjane (Lee) Baker of South Lyon, Mich.; a stepson, DeWayne (Sharon) Evans of Napoleon; two nieces, Marilyn Bush and Jean Hill; three nephews, James Bockelman, Bill Bockleman and Kenny Ferguson; 12 step-grandchildren; and 19 step-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were three sisters, Amelia Lorenz, Josephine Hall and Evelyn Hoffman; five brothers, Frank, Jonas, Robert, Louis and Dan Bockleman; a stepson, Donald Evans; and a stepdaughter, Garnett Noble.
Graveside services were held Monday, Aug. 11, at the Morrison Cemetery in Liberty Center.
Wright Funeral Home in Liberty Center was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the charity of the donor’s choice.

HERMAN DINGER
1923-2003
PAYNE — Herman D. Dinger, 80, of Payne, died Thursday, Aug. 7, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born Jan. 2, 1923 in Payne, the son of Charles and Leona (Lehman) Dinger. On May 3, 1975, he married Myrtle Frieburger, who survives. He was a veteran of the Army Air Force, serving in WWII. He was retired from Panhandle Eastern of Monroeville, Ind., and had been a Harrison Township clerk. He was a member of Payne Church of Christ and American Legion Post 297 of Payne. Also surviving are two sons, David Krouse of Payne and Gene Krouse of Defiance; two daughters, Karen Krouse of Fort Wayne and Diane Gordon of Payne; a brother, Paul Dinger, Payne; a sister, Nancy Kreager, Genoa; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Services were Monday, Aug. 11, at Payne Church of Christ, with Richard Phelan officiating. Burial was at Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne, with graveside rites by the American Legion post. Slade Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the church, Payne Branch Library, or Payne Volunteer Fire Department

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RODNEY DeLONG
1955-2003
BAKERSFIELD Calif. — Rodney Lee DeLong, 48, of Bakersfield, Calif., formerly of Antwerp, died on June 19 at his residence. He was born Jan. 2, 1955, the son of Bill and Ruby (Yarborough) DeLong, who both preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Antwerp High School. He married Diane Simmons, who survives.
Also surviving are a sister, Florence Hall of St. Marys; aunts; uncles; cousins; and great nieces and nephews.
Private funeral services will be held at a later date. Den Herder Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

LOIS LICHTY
1931 - 2003
ANTWERP — Lois A. Lichty, 72, of Antwerp, died at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at her residence.
She was born July 26, 1931 in Antwerp, the daughter of Millard Frank and Anna M. (Zuber) Snyder. On Oct. 16, 1951 she married Joseph L. Lichty, who preceded her in death in 1994. She was a homemaker.
Surviving are two sons, Dan Lichty and Jim Lichty, both of Antwerp; a sister, Martha Hessler of Payne; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with Deacon Robert Nighswander officiating. Burial will be in Maumee Cemetery. Visitation is from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. today, Aug. 13, and one hour before services on Thursday. Preferred memorials are to Antwerp EMS.

Services will be held today for Judge Pat Young
PATRICK YOUNG • 1938-2003
PAULDING — Patrick Henry Young, 64, died at 10:33 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, shortly after admission. He was born in Paulding County, Dec. 3, 1938, the son of Henry M. and Lucille E. (Font) Young, who preceded him in death. He was the current County Court Judge for Paulding County, and was an attorney for 35 years in private practice prior to becoming judge.He was a graduate of Bowling Green University, and received his law degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. He was a member of Widow’s Sons Lodge #571, A&FM of Paulding, the Mizpah Shrine Temple of Fort Wayne, and attended the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding.
Surviving are three daughters, Kim (Donald) Young-Hupp of Fredericksburg, Va.; A. Lynne (Timothy) Young-Roehrig of Paulding, and A. Kay Young of Mountaintop, Pa.; four grandchildren; a sister, Candace Raffensberger of York, Pa.; and one brother, Stephen Young of Fort Myers, Fla. Also preceding him in death was a daughter, Paige Young in 1961.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Hours of visitation will be one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Live Oak Cemetery in Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the D.A.R.E. Program.

MICHAEL NEIDHARDT
1947-2003
PAYNE — Michael L. Neidhardt, 56, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, in the Paulding County Hospital.
He was born March 24, 1947, in Hicksville, the son of Gene and Mary (Zartman) Neidhardt. In 1986, he married Ruby J. Elliott, who survives. He attended Edgerton Wesleyn Church in Edgerton, Ind. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, a self-employed truck driver, a member of the American Legion of Hicksville, a member of the VFW of Antwerp. He was a former Boy Scout commander of Troop #216, Pack #28 and a former Hicksville volunteer fireman.
Also surviving are his parents, of Hicksville; three sons, James (Tonya) Neidhardt, Brent (Marsha) Neidhardt and Tom (Mandy) Neidhardt, all of Hicksville; two daughters, Jenny (Mike) Sanderson of Galloway and Susan (Tom) Springer of Bellevue, Neb.; three sisters, Kathy (David) Schooley of Hicksville, Susan (Roger) Eagleson of Paulding and Lisa (Tom) Turnbull of Bryan; a maternal grandmother, Floetta M. Newland of Hicksville; and nine grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfathers, Harry E. Zartman and Murel Newland; paternal grandparents, Earl L. and Hazel L. Neidhardt; and one nephew, Rich Sowers.
Services were held Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Dave Dignal officiating. Burial was in Cooper Cemetery, Paulding. The American Legion Post 223 of Hicksville held military graveside services.
Preferred memorials may be made to Boys Town U.S.A., Omaha, Neb.

JEANETTE GRIER
FORT WAYNE – Jeanette Grier, 64, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2003, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Born in Fort Wayne, she was the co-owner and treasurer with American Automatic Food Service for 17 years and was a member of First Christian Church.
Surviving are her husband, Fred B. Grier, Fort Wayne; three sons, Thomas of Fort Wayne and Jeff and Mark, both of New Haven; a daughter, Victoria Shrock, Fort Wayne; a brother, Fred Gudakunst, Fort Wayne; a sister, Dorothy “Dot” Gudakunst, Fort Wayne; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several cousins in Paulding County.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Adelee Cliffton.
Services were held Saturday, Aug. 16, at First Christian Church in Fort Wayne. Burial was in Covington Memorial Gardens. D.O. McComb & Sons Foster Park Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the church.

LEWIS ELSTON
1934-2003
MIDDLE POINT — Lewis R. “Dick” Elston, 68, of Middle Point, died Wednesday morning, August 13, at his residence.
He was born Dec. 8, 1934 in Paulding County, the son of Louis and Helen (Longstreth) Elston. On Nov. 27, 1954, he married Marcia Waymire, who survives. He was the retired owner/operator of Elston Land Improvement for 40 years. He was a member of the Delphos Country Club, and an avid golfer and card player. He had been drafted by the Cleveland Indians Baseball Organization.
Also surviving are three sons, R. Mike (Rose) of Middle Point, Steve (Robin) of Celina, and Jeff (Kelly) Elston of Van Wert; four daughters, Sue (Mike) Simpson and Beth (Bob) Gordon, all of Middle Point, Patti (Larry) Stechschulte of Fort Jennings, and Judy (Sam) Brubaker of Bryan; three sisters, Bonnie (Pete) Clemens and Maxine (Ray) Treece, both of Paulding, and Carolyn (Roger) Roth of Auburndale, Fla.; 20 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and two sisters, Ruth Stoller and Ann Balser.
Services were held Saturday, Aug. 16, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Van Wert, with Pastor Thomas Cover officiating. Burial was in the Ridge Cemetery in Middle Point. Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

DEVON ROBY
2003
Devon Andrew Roby, was stillborn Wednesday, Aug.13, 2003, at Bryan Community Hospital.
Surviving are his parents, Tammy Roby and Cory Black; a brother, Sage Black; and grandparents, Calvin and Debbie Roby and Sherry Martin, all of Bryan, and Helen and Rudy Black of Ayersville.
Graveside services were held Sat. Aug. 16, at the Forest Home Cemetery in Hicksville. Arrangements was made by Brown Funeral Home in Hicksville.

DONNA WILSON
1915-2003
VAN WERT — Donna F. Wilson, 88, of Van Wert, died at 5:05 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17 at the Convoy Care Center.
She was born Aug. 14, 1915, in Latty, the daughter of John A. and Gertrude E. (Gant) Rhoad. On Oct. 24, 1936, she married John Woodrow Wilson, who preceded her in death in 1973. She was a homemaker, and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Prior to that she was a member of the former United Center United Methodist Church in Van Wert. She was a member of the Ladies Aid Society of both churches, and a member of Union Center Township Improvement Club.
Surviving are two sons, Donald R. (Madge) Wilson of Convoy and Larry G. (Christi) Wilson of Evansville, Ind.; one daughter, Linda J. (James) Willeford of New Weston, Ohio; two brothers, John Rhoad of Fort Wayne and Eugene (Mary) Rhoad of Haviland; a sister, Arlene Tyas of Van Wert; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were four brothers and a sister.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Gearhart, Mack and Jurczyk Funeral Home in Convoy with the Rev. Timothy Burden officiating. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.
Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today, Aug. 20, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to the Convoy Fire and EMS.

JOHN CLARK
1922-2003
BELLEAIR, Fla. — John J. Clark, 81, Belleair, Fla., died Tuesday, Aug. 12 at Mariner Health Care of Belleair.
He was born May 23, 1922, in Paulding, the son of John F. and Mary (Tuohy) Clark. He retired as assistant director after 30 years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Washington, D.C. He was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II.
Surviving are his wife, Mary; two sons, Jeffery J. of Chillicothe and James J. of Ocala, Fla.; a brother, Wilfred of Fort Wayne; two sisters, Eleanor Justinger of Defiance and Ursula Hoste of Paulding; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Burial will be at a later date in Chillicothe.

LUCILLE HUTMACHER
1914-2003
CECIL — Lucille “Lucy” Opal Hutmacher, 88, Cecil, died Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born Oct. 29, 1914 in Gas City, Kan., the daughter of George L. and Cecilia E. (Moran) Busherse. She was a beautician for over 50 years, working many years for MGM Studios. She worked in her profession on several movies while with MGM, one of which was the “Man With the Golden Arm.” She resided with her daughter and son-in-law for nine years, until she moved to Hawthorn Court in June. She spent most of her childhood in Fort Scott, Kan., where she obtained her apprenticeship. She is survived by her daughter, Sharron (Edgar) Smith of Cecil; and two grandsons, Edgar Jr. and Troy Smith, both of Defiance. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Marie Rimel.
There will be no visitation or funeral services. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Olathe, Kan. on Sept. 28. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Hawthorn Court Patient’s Activities Fund.

WILLIAM DOTTERER
1950-2003
OAKWOOD — William Henry Dotterer, 52, died at 2:15 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22, at his residence, following an extended illness.
He was born in Paulding County on Nov. 12, 1950, the son of Dalno “Don” and Hilda (Justinger) Dotterer, who preceded him in death. He was employed by Spec-Temp in Antwerp. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Vietnam Conflict. He was a member of the Defiance VFW Post #3360, the Paulding F.O.E. #2405 and National American Hunting Club.
Surviving are two brothers, Francis “Skeeter” (Rosemary) Dotterer of Cecil and DeLoy Dotterer of Defiance; and nephews.
Services were held Tuesday, Aug. 26, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial was in the Sherman Cemetery in Brown Township, where military services were conducted by the Defiance VFW Post #3360.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses Association/ Hospice.

ARTHUR RANLY
1924-2003
COLDWATER — Arthur E. Ranly, 78, of Maria Stein, died at 1:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home in Coldwater.
He was born Dec. 24, 1924, in Cassella, Ohio, the son of Peter and Sophia (Speck) Ranly. On April 29, 1950, he married Eileen Link, who survives. He was retired editor and publisher of the Mercer County Chronicle. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving in WWII. He was a member of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Men’s Sodality of the church, a past commander of the Maria Stein American Legion, Catholic Knights of America, and charter president of the Coldwater Kiwanis Club. Also surviving are six sons, John of Cassella, Jeffery of Riverside, Joel of St. Henry, Martin of Richland, Mich., Matthew of Minster, and Jason of Maria Stein; three daughters, Kathleen Homan of New Bremen, Peg Hirsch of Massillon, and Lisa Moeller of Cassella; four brothers; four sisters; 29 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were two daughters, Kristina and Lora Ranly.
Services were held Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Cassella, with Father Ernest Ranly officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the State of the Heart Hospice and Home Health.

MARJORIE PARRISH
1906-2003
PAULDING — Marjorie Marie Parrish, 97, died at 5:05 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, in the Van Crest Nursing Home.
She was born June 6, 1906 in Paulding County, the daughter of James C. and Iva (Corbin) Parrish. She was employed by General Motors in Flint, Mich. from 1927-1944, Roberts Shoes in Sommerville, N.H., and was the owner/operator of the Cubby Hole Restaurant in Flint, Mich. Surviving are two sisters, Irene Baker of Traverse City, Mich. and Mary Rhodes of Demming, N.M.; a sister-in-law, Gretchen Parrish of Traverse City; two nephews, Robert Bashore and William Bashore, both of Paulding; four stepchildren; many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and step-great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were three brothers, George, James, and Ernest; and three sisters, Opal Parrish, Ethel Pierce and Audre Bashore. Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Aug. 27, at the DenHerder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial will be in the Bowholtz Cemetery in Paulding.

SANDRA SINGER
1958-2003
OAKWOOD — Sandra R. Singer, 45, of Oakwood, died at 2:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 29, at her residence, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January.
She was born March 28, 1958 in Grundy, Va., the daughter of Albert and Grace (Hackney) Scott, who both preceded her in death. In 1996, she married Ron Singer, who survives in Oakwood. She was employed at Defiance Metal Products in Defiance, and was a member of the Dupont Church of the Brethren.
Also surviving are four sons, Terry Dockery Jr. and Corey Osborn, both of Continental, Corry Singer of Auburn, and Troy Singer of Hicksville; a daughter, Hope Dockery of Napoleon; two brothers, Steve and John Scott, both of Oakwood; five sisters, Carlotta Rippetoe of Antwerp, Judy Schindler of Ney, Rita McCollough of Continental, Jeannie Bradford of Oakwood, and like a sister are Helen Scott and Birdie DelRosario, both of Oakwood; and nine grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a sister, Becky Osborn.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., today, Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Dupont Church of the Brethren with the Rev. Terry Porter officiating, and visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Sherman Cemetery in Oakwood. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood is in charge of the arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Hospice.

REX ADAMS
1920-2003
PAULDING — A. Rex Adams, 82, died at 8:55 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at his son’s residence.
He was born Oct. 13, 1920, in Oakwood, the son of William and Minnie (Grimes) Adams. On Aug. 25, 1951, he married Lavoon Naomi Klinger, who preceded him in death on March 29, 1991. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in WWII as a staff sergeant. He was employed at Grizzly Manufacturing in Paulding from 1948, until he retired in 1980. He also was a housekeeper for the Paulding County Hospital, retiring in 1985. He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Paulding.
Surviving are two sons, Robert R. (JoAnn) Perl of Paulding, and Gail J. (Judy) Perl of Van Wert; a brother, Curtis Adams of Paulding; two sisters, Fanny May (Alvin) Long of Oakwood, and Reva Hammond of Jewell; eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were two daughters, Nancy Perl and Rose Ellen Ross; and a great-grandson, Josh Perl.
Services were held Tuesday, Sept. 2 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church with Pastor Kenneth Van Loon officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. DenHerder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the church or to the Paulding Area Visiting Nurses Association-Hospice.

NORMAN SPRINGER
1933-2003
ANTWERP – Norman Springer, 69, Antwerp, died on Friday, August 29, at Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Hicksville.
He was born Dec. 13, 1933, in Fort Wayne, Ind., the son of Alfred and Minnie (Shaffer) Springer. In 1951, he married Doris Gruber, who survives. He was a truck driver and worked 36 years at Kroger. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Antwerp. Also surviving are two sons, Keith Springer of Bryan, and Michael Springer of Antwerp; three daughters, Melanie Bair of Sherwood, Debra Goeltzenleuchter, Ney, and Jeanie Alpaugh, Montpelier; a brother, Richard Springer of Arizona; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one step-grandchild; and three step great - grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry and Rome.
Services will be held today, Wednesday, September 3 at 11:00 AM at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Burial will take place in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.
Preferred memorials are to the American Heart Association.

HENRY DONNELL
1927-2003
ANTWERP — Henry Kenneth “Ken” Donnell, 76, of Antwerp, died Aug. 30, at the Community East Hospital in Indianapolis.
He was born June 6, 1927, in Fort Wayne, the son of Henry J. and Devota Marie Donnell, who both preceded him in death. He attended Bowling Green University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He entered active duty with the 37th Ohio Division in 1951, and retired from the Army in 1979 after serving his country for over 30 years in Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and Italy. He also retired from John Sexton Foods. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and was a Mason. Surviving are his wife, Edna of Indianapolis; four daughters, Denise Moonan, Deborah Shields, Dorine Bollinger, and Deanna Huffer; a sister, Andrea Donnell-Brooks; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-3 p.m., today, Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp.
Services will be held at 3 p.m., today, Wednesday Sept. 3, at Dooley Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp, with graveside honors by the Antwerp VFW Post 5087.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society, Community VNA Hospice Program, and Christian’s United at Soldiers Memorial Church, both in Indianapolis.

JOY B. STEMEN
1914-2003
CONVOY – Joy Berlyn Wright Stemen, 89, Convoy, died Friday, August 29, after a period of declining health.
She was born April 30, 1914, in Grover Hill to O.W.(Tim) and Laura Agnes (Sutton) Wright. She married H. Kenneth Stemen on September 18, 1934 who proceeded her in death on March 7, 1985.
She began playing piano for silent movies at the age of 13. She was a member of the Convoy United Methodist Church where she served as pipe organist for over 50 years. She was a member of United Methodist Women and the Convoy American Legion Auxiliary. She is survived by three children, K. Rodney Stemen of Westlake, Frances (Abe) Mast, Millersburg, and Gary L. (Sue) Stemen, West Bloomfield, Mich.; a brother, Harold B. (Shirley) Wright, Colorado Springs, Colorado; nine grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
She was proceeded in death by a sister, M. Athene Bracken, and daughter-in-law, Nancy Stemen.
A memorial service was Saturday, August 31, at Convoy United Methodist Church. The Rev. Greg Leigh officiated. Interment was in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill. Arrangements were handled by Gearhart, Mack & Jurczyk Funeral Home in Convoy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Convoy United Methodist Church, Convoy.

MICHAEL JON CUNNINGHAM
1952-2003
DEFIANCE – Michael Jon Cunningham, 51, died at 1:12 AM Friday, August 29, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind. shortly after admission as the result of an ATV accident in Paulding County, Thursday evening.
He was born in Defiance on January 14, 1952 the son of Robert E. and Norma I. (Robnolte) Cunningham. On February 3, 1973 at the Rose Hill Church of God in Paulding, he married Jean Ann Wollum, who survives.
He was a 1970 graduate of Oakwood High School and 1972 graduate of Northwestern Business College of Lima. He was a Representative for Palmer-Donavin Manufacturing Company of Delphos and Columbus retiring in 2000 after 25 years of service. He was presently the Managing General for Cunningham FLP of Defiance.
He has found life’s answers, and is now at peace in the arms of God. Also surviving are a daughter, Kerianne Cunningham of Southworth, Wash.; a son, Ryan P. (Melissa) Cunningham of Defiance and his mother, Norma I. Cunningham of Defiance.
He is preceded in death by his father, Robert E. Cunningham in 1995.
Funeral services will be today, September 3, at 11:00 AM, at the Rose Hill Church of God, Paulding, with the Rev. Samuel D. Wollum officiating. Burial will follow in Sherman Cemetery, Brown Township, Paulding County. There will be calling at the church one hour before the service at the Rose Hill Church of God from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M.
Memorials are to the Oakwood EMS.

JOHN THOMAS
1917 - 2003
OAKWOOD — John Raymond Thomas, 86, of Oakwood, died at 2 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at his home.
He was born Aug. 13, 1917 in Oakwood, the son of John W. and Julia (Shafer) Thomas. On June 21, 1947, he married Rosemary Rettig, who survives. He was a retired farmer and former woodworker, and a member of Oakwood United Methodist Church. Also surviving are a son, Warren (Sue) Thomas, Oakwood; a daughter, Wanda (Terry) Schlachter, Defiance; three sisters, Anna Matson of Oakwood, Mary Boling of New Haven and Hilda Rettig of Napoleon; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Clarence Thomas; and two sisters, Mable Jones and Martha Clark.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Oakwood United Methodist Church, with Pastors Michael Brown and Rita Brown officiating. Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. today, Sept. 3, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, and from 10-11 a.m. Thursday at the church.
Preferred memorials are to the Gideons or a charity of the donor’s choice.

RAYMOND STUTTLER
1926-2003
PAYNE — Raymond Joel Stuttler, 77, died at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at his residence.
He was born March 13, 1926, in Scott, the son of George H. and Ella May (Moyer) Stuttler, who both preceded him in death. In 1977, he married Mary Dix, who preceded him in death on Nov. 23, 1981. He was a former employee of the Stokley Canning Plant. Surviving are four sisters, Joyce Kimmel of Scott, Ida Yocklin of Algoma Wis., Annett Debacker of Van Wert, and Mary Waldron of Hicksville; a half sister, Bonnie Harmon of Bryan; three half brothers, Arthur and Frank Yochum, both of Hicksville, and Patrick Yochum (address unknown); nine stepsons, Leatus Dix of Payne, Randy of Worstville, Keith, Robin and Willard, all of San Jose, Calif., Freemond of Phoenix, Kenny of Bryan, Melvin of Sherwood, and Raymond Eckard of Gila Bend, Ariz.; a stepdaughter, Margaret Dix of Cecil; many step-grandchildren; and many step-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a brother, Henry Stuttler; and two stepsons, Arthur and Richard Dix.
Services were held Friday, Aug. 22, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Burial was in the Scott Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

RICHARD WINANS
1921 - 2003
COLUMBUS – Richard “Dick” Winans, 82, died Aug. 8 at University Hospital in Columbus.
He was born July 30, 1921 in Payne, the son of Adam and Catherine (Price) Winans. He married Lois Bybee, who survives. He was a graduate of Payne High School and was retired as district sales manager of Funk Seed Co. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. Also surviving are a daughter, Mary Jean Winans of Columbus; two sons, Richard “Rick” (Linda) Winans of Houston, Texas, and John Winans of Columbus; two sisters, Betty Van Ho of Tiffin and JoAnn (Jack) Phipps of Payne; five grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Allen.
Services were held Aug. 12 at Jerry Spears Funeral Home in Columbus. Burial was in Sunset Cemetery, Galloway, Ohio.

SHELLY LITZENBERG
1972 - 2003
ANTWERP – Shelly A. Litzenberg, 31, of Antwerp, died Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Paulding.
She was born Feb. 17, 1972 in Paulding. She was employed at the Ohio Department of Transportation in Paulding, and was an avid softball player. She was a member of the Eagles Lodge and VFW Auxiliary of Paulding.
Surviving are her father and stepmother, Michael and Carol Litzenberg of Antwerp; her mother, Kathy Litzenberg of Fort Wayne; a sister, Shawna Litzenberg, Antwerp; two stepbrothers, Brent and Christopher Sloan, both of Fort Wayne; a grandmother, Mary Litzenberg, Payne; and a nephew, Dylan Litzenberg, Antwerp.
Preceding her in death were grandparents William Child, Pearl Child and Ross Litzenberg.
Services were held Monday, Sept. 8 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Payne, with the Rev. Amy Haines officiating. Burial was in Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne. Slade Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Payne EMS.

PEARL GEHRES
1911 - 2003
VAN WERT – Marta Pearl Gehres, 92, of Van Wert, died at 10:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Hearth & Home at Van Wert.
She was born April 23, 1911 in Adams County, Ind., the daughter of Harry and Fanny L. (Smith) Ray. On May 1, 1937, she married Durward Belmont Gehres, who preceded her in death on Aug. 31, 1984. A graduate of Defiance College, she was retired as a fifth grade teacher from Wayne Trace Schools. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Van Wert and its women’s missionary society, and a life member of the Ohio Education Association.
Surviving are two sons, David (Dorothy) Gehres of Line Lexington, Pa., and John (Joyce) Gehres of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Ruth Ann Gehres of Ann Arbor, Mich.; a brother, Robert (Marie) Ray of Rupert, W.Va.; four sisters, Rosemary (Clarence) Crabtree of Mount Sterling, Ky., Thelma (Clarence) Snow of Brookville, Fla., Jean Ray of Decatur, Ind., and Ruth Spitler, formerly of Willshire; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a brother, Glenn Ray; and a sister, Frances Foor.
Services were held Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert, with Pastor Steve A. Robinson officiating. Burial was in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Preferred memorials are to the church or a charity of the donor’s choice.

HELEN WATSON
1912 - 2003
CECIL — Helen M. Watson, 91, of Cecil, died at 9:08 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born Sept. 3, 1912 in Delphi, Ind., the daughter of Edward and Jennie (Lantz) Wilburn. She married James Watson, who preceded her in death in 1984. She was a homemaker.
Surviving are a daughter, Donna Parrish of Cecil; a son, James Watson of Fort Wayne; a sister, Bertha Stanton of Logansport, Ind.; 17 grandchildren; 10 stepgrandchildren; and many great-grand and great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a son, Harold Watson; a daughter, Doris Lewis; two brothers; and four sisters.
The funeral was held in Glenwood Cemetery, Roanoke, Ind., with the Rev. Gregory C. Swann officiating. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home.

ELIZABETH ROBERTS
1924 - 2003
BRYAN – Elizabeth Ann Roberts, age 78, died 2 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003, at Harborside Healthcare, Bryan.
She was born Nov. 9, 1924, in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Carl W. and Ota Belle (Hartford) Roberts. She was a homemaker and a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Bryan.
She is survived by two daughters, Teri (Wally) Daniels, Paulding, and Cheryl Peters, of Angola, Ind.; a sister, Gwendolyn Miller of Stockbridge, Mich.; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Heather Dix.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Dwight Bowers officiating. Burial will be at Harlan Memorial Cemetery, Harlan, Ind., at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Elizabeth Ann Roberts Family.

DAVID ADAMS
1949-2003
MEDFORD, Ore. – David M. Adams, 54, Medford, died Friday, Sept. 5, in his home.
He was born Sept. 3, 1949, in Wyandotte, Mich., the son of Gerald and Rita (Ramsay) Adams.
Surviving are a daughter, Stephanie, of Medford; two brothers, Dale of Oakwood and Gary of Wyandotte; and four sisters; Judy Lange of Cocoa, Fla., Loretta DiMaggio and Lynn DeMond of Wyandotte and Kim Mathieu, Trenton, Mich.
Preceding him in death were his parents Burial was Tuesday, Sept. 9 in Medford.
Preferred memorials are to the hospice program in Medford.

COLLEEN CONLEY
1932-2003
ANTWERP – Colleen Ann Conley, 70, Antwerp, died, 7:35 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at Roselawn Manor in Spencerville.
She was born Nov. 23, 1932, in Delphos, the daughter of Joseph and Estella (Best) Wieging. In 1954, she married Albert Conley, who preceded her in death in 2000. She was a homemaker and a member of Delphos St. John’s and past member of CD of A, and past member of O.C.C.L.
She is survived by two sons, Donald (Denise) Conley of Delphos and Daniel (Todd Jackson) Conley, Royal Oak, Mich.; two daughters, Cheryl (David) Suever of Spencerville and Shelley (John) Doudna, Antwerp; three brothers, Merlin (Mary Lou) Wieging of Upper Sandusky, Darrell (Judy) Wieging of Ohio City, and Donald (Barb) Wieging, Huntington, Ind.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by a sister, Janet Wieging; a brother, Harold Wieging; and a daughter, Shiela Jo Anne Conley. Services were held Monday, Sept. 15 at Harter & Son Memorial Chapel with the Father Thomas Gorman officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pilot Dog Association and Sight Center.

MARGARET CANTER
1924–2003
DEFIANCE – Margaret K. Canter, 79, Defiance, died Thursday, Sept. 11, in Laurels of Defiance.
She was born April 30, 1924, in Honaker, Va., the daughter of Harry and Syble (Johnson) Griffith. In 1946, she married George Canter, who preceded her in death in 1985. She was a former employee of G.C. Murphy Co., and a member of the First Baptist Church. Surviving are a daughter, Joyce (Robert) Snodgrass, Cecil; a brother, Claude Griffith, Jonesboro, Tenn.; three grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were two brothers, Gerald and Harold Griffith; and a great-grandchild.
Services were held Monday, Sept. 15 at the First Baptist Church with the Revs. Tim Yazel and Donald Holtzapple officiating. Burial was in Riverview Memory Gardens. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to American Cancer Society or Hospice the Caring Way of Defiance.

ROY LANTZ
1919-2003
HICKSVILLE — Roy Lantz, 84, Hicksville, died Thursday, Sept. 11 at Hickory Creek of Hicksville.
He was born Feb. 6, 1919, in Hicksville, the son of Ira and Oma (Rex) Lantz. In 1968, he married Virginia Fulmer who survives. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Hicksville, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked at Lafarge Corporation in Paulding for 30 years prior to retiring.
Also surviving are a son, Robert, Edgerton; a daughter, Wava Russell, Celina; a stepson, DeWayne Trim, Springfield; two sisters, Marie Casebeer of Edgerton, and Mary Minning, Hicksville; three grandchildren; and seven step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Elmer and Harry Lantz; and three sisters, Helen Maloney, Ruth Gerlock and Freida Lantz. Services were held Monday, Sept. 15 at Brown Funeral Home in Hicksville, with Pastor Judith Wascher officiating. Burial was in Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne.
Preferred memorials are to St. John Lutheran Church, Hicksville.

ROBERT L. WOOTON
1919-2003
PAULDING – Robert L. Wooton, 84, Paulding, died at 9:10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home.
He was born June 22, 1919, in Payne, the son of Clarence V. and Reva G. (Edwards) Wooten. On Sept. 23, 1949 he married Jennie E. Frank, who survives. He was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran, where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. He was a journeyman electrician for GM Powertrain in Defiance, for 29 years, retiring in 1977.
He was a member of U.A.W. Local 211, American Legion of Defiance, a life member of Paulding VFW Post 587, and a councilman for the Village of Paulding for 16 years from 1984-1999. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Paulding, where he was a former trustee for the church.
Also surviving are three sons, Dale (Becky) Wooton of Lakemore, Robert (Kim) Wooton of Terra Haute, Ohio, and Mark (Joan) Wooton, Paulding; two daughters, Pam (Jim) Adamski, Aurora, Ill., and Tamara (Gary) Boroff, Paulding; a daughter-in-law, Patsy Jo Wooton, Dixon; a sister, Romona Adams, Paulding; 12 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a step-father, Henry Lee Brown; a son, Larry; three infant children, Lawrence, Donald and Sandra Jean; three sisters, Kathryn Cheatham, Mary Anna Grobe and Gloria Hanenkratt Crampton; a step-brother, Lawrence Brown, and a great-grandson, Vincent Stone Carnall.
Services will be today, Sept. 17 at the First Christian Church in Paulding with the Rev. Susan M. Taylor and Pastor Tim Hauenstein officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Paulding, where the Paulding VFW Post 587 will conduct military graveside rites. Den Herder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation is today at the church one hour before services, from 10-11 a.m.
Memorials may be made to Hawthorn Court Nursing Home Activity Fund.