EDNA STRAHLEY
1914-2005
PAULDING – Edna G. Strahley, age 91, died at 2:50 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13 at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
She was born on Sept. 24, 1914, in Peebles, Ohio, the daughter of George and Tirza (Caplinger) Gorman. On July 29, 1928, she married Waldo G. Strahley, who preceded her in death on Sept. 11, 1984. She was a homemaker and a clerk for the former Cassel’s Furniture, Hardware and Jewelry Store. She was a member of the VFW Post #587 Auxiliary.
She is survived by three sons, Bill (Martha) Strahley, Paul (Sharon) Strahley, and Charles (Cara Lou) Strahley, all of Paulding; a sister, Pat Roberts, Dayton; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She also was preceded in death by three sons, George, Clarence “Bud” and Robert Strahley; two brothers, Edgar and Bill Gorman; and a sister, Lois Hunt.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Live Oak Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding VFW Post #587 Auxiliary or the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses.

BETTY SEARFOSS
1925-2005
GROVER HILL — Betty Jane Searfoss, 80, of Grover Hill, died at 7:10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding.
She was born Sept. 30, 1925, in Melrose, the daughter of Harry E. and Levena (Halsey) Jewell, who both preceded her in death. On July 22, 1945, she married William J. Searfoss, who preceded her in death on April 4, 1995. She was a homemaker and a self-employed plasterer. She attended the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church of rural Grover Hill.
She is survived by a sister, Edna Mason of Lima; and many nieces and nephews.
Also preceding her in death were five brothers, LeRoy, Jim, Maurice, Artie and Delbert; and two sisters, Cydona Pratt and an infant sister, Helen.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Dec. 21, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with visiting hours one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Hedges Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Building Fund.

DELORES ALLEN
1940-2005
VAN WERT — Delores A. Allen, 65, of Van Wert, died at 9:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at her residence.
She was born May 9, 1940 in Paulding County, the daughter of Lee W. and Nellie “Helen” (Ladd) Roth. On July 21, 1962, in Van Wert, she married David Allen, who survives. She was a homemaker, and was employed for many years as a home health aide. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist church in Van Wert, where she was very active in the church.
She is also survived by her mother, Nellie “Helen” Roth of Van Wert; two daughters, Ronna Germann-Gerardot of Fort Wayne, and Susan (Rocky) Ulrey of Sylvania, Ohio; a son, Clark (Kristin) Allen of Woodville, Ohio; three brothers, Roger (Carolyn) Roth of Auburndale, Fla., and Rex (Joy) Roth and Ray Roth, both of Grover Hill; and seven grandchildren, Kyle, Wade and Alyssa Germann, Olivia Geradot, Alexander Ulrey, and Hunter and Brook Allen.
Preceding her in death were her father, Lee W. Roth; and a brother, Robert Roth.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to services, today, Dec. 21, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Van Wert. The Rev. Tim Burden will officiate. Burial will be at the Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert. Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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