January 2004

Daily Standard Obituaries
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01-31-04

Billy Vanover
 Billy Ray Vanover, 55, 8279 Ohio 703, Celina, died at 5:10 p.m. Jan. 29, 2004, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cleveland, from complications following cardiac surgery.
 He was born Aug. 3, 1948, in Middlesboro, Ky., to Harrison and Harriet Weaver Vanover. On Nov. 3, 1989, he married Laura Lynn Miller who survives.
 Other survivors are two sons, Billy Ray (Cindy) of Celina, and Bruce Paul, Lima; two daughters, Shana Chaney, Celina, and Brandy of Rockford; two brothers, Verlin of St. Marys, and Martin (Betty) of Celina; a sister, Joyce Martin, St. Marys; and eight grandchildren.
 Deceased is a brother-in-law, Robert Martin.
 He was a used car dealer for 25 years and the owner of Fat Cat’s Auto Salvage, north of St. Marys. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a Southern Baptist.
 Services are 11 a.m. Tuesday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, the Rev. Tony Richmond officiating. Burial is at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.
 Calling is 4-9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Lester Fleck
 Lester R. Fleck, 70, 3203 County Road 716A, Celina, died at 3:10 a.m. Jan. 29, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 He was born June 28, 1933, in St. Sebastian, to  George and Salome Rose Fleck. On July 27, 1966, he married Marjorie Heuing who survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Lester G. (Mandy) of St. Sebastian; three daughters, Rhonda (Robert) Wootton, Joan Fleck and Kelly (Todd) Pleiman, all of Dayton; two brothers, Robert of Chickasaw and John of St. Sebastian; three sisters, Jean (Elmer) Wynk, St. Sebastian, Shirley (Elmer) Quinter of Wisconsin, and Janice (Tom) Rindler, North Star; and eight grandchildren.
 A brother, Earl, is deceased.
 He was a farmer and a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church and the Men’s Holy Name Society, both of St. Sebastian, the New Bremen Rod & Gun Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, Chickasaw. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. John Bensman officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 1-7 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Billy Vanover
 Billy Vanover, 57, 08279 Ohio 703 East, Celina, died at 5:10 p.m. Jan. 29, 2004, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cleveland.
 Arrangements are pending at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.

Lester Fleck
 Lester Fleck, 70, of St. Sebastian, died today, Jan. 29, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 Funeral Mass is Monday at St. Sebastian Catholic Church.
 Arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater, where calling will be Sunday. A complete obituary will appear in Friday’s paper.

Geraldine Kettler
 Geraldine E. Kettler, 95, East College Street, Coldwater, died at 7:50 p.m. Jan. 26, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton.
 She was born May 4, 1908, in Botkins, to Edward and Elizabeth Brockert Hemmert. Her husband, Herbert C. Kettler, died Nov, 9, 1967.
 Surviving are a son, John (Chris) of Englewood; a sister, Bertha (Ivan) Braun, Wapakoneta; a sister-in-law, Ruth Hemmert, also of Wapakoneta; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
 A brother, Frederick, and a sister, Stella, are deceased.
 She owned and operated the former Kettler’s Jewelers in Coldwater. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Rosary Altar Sodality, both of Coldwater.
 Funeral Mass is 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Ronald Wilker officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Friday and 12:30-1 p.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Rebecca Rindler
 Rebecca Ann “Becky” Rindler, 51, 4871 Ohio 29, Celina, formerly of North Star, died at 8:05 a.m. Jan. 28, 2004, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater. Death was due to natural causes.
 She was born Sept. 13, 1952, in Celina, to William L. and Martha D. Huelsman Rindler.
 Surviving are two brothers, Jack (Beth) of Troy and Ronald (Doris) of St. Henry; a sister, Sister Beth S.F.P. of Detroit, Mich.; and a sister-in-law, Benita Rindler, St. Henry.
 Deceased are a brother, William; a sister, Lavaun; and a sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Gene Buschur.
 She was associated with CA Industries, Celina, and was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, North Star.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. David Zink officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Friday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry, and 9-10:15 a.m. Saturday at the church.

William Blevins
 William Jett “Jay” Blevins, 65, 140 Lakeview Drive, Celina, died at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 26, 2004, at his residence.
 He was born Oct. 3, 1938, in Elliott, Ky., to Jett and Zelda Edwards Blevins. On Aug. 17, 1965, he married Mary L. Abbott who survives.
 Also surviving are a daughter, Wendy (Randy) Vanover, Celina; four brothers, Jeff of Springfield, Jim of Columbus, Lester of Waverly and Leslie of Beaver; three sisters, Shirley (Ralph) Shaw, Chillicothe, Shelvy Anderson, Waverly, and Shelley (Dan) Brown, Beaver; and a grandson.
 A brother, Sylvester, and a sister, Vena Faye, are deceased.
 He worked at Southern Wood Piedmont in Waverly until 1985. He was associated with First Baptist Church, Celina, and Givens Chapel, Waverly, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
 Services are 11 a.m. Friday at W. H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina, the Revs. Tony Richmond and James Spencer officiating. Burial will follow at North Grove Cemetery with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5713 and American Legion Post 210 conducting military rites.
 Calling is after 9:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Marjorie Gilbert
 Marjorie C. Gilbert, 69, of Celina, died at 5:30 a.m. Jan. 27, 2004, at her residence.
 She was born Aug. 29, 1934, in Cleveland, to Henry and Florence Stockbridge Cooke. On Oct. 25, 1952, she married Clark Miles Gilbert who survives.
 Also surviving are two sons, Donald (Cindy) of Lima and Daniel (Zhenlin) of Akron; a daughter, Diane (Todd) Boughan, Lima; a sister, Gail (Paul) Mullins, Brunswick; seven grandchildren, three stepgrandchildren, a great-granddaughter and six stepgreat-grandsons.
 Services are 8 p.m. Thursday at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville, the Rev. Douglas Meyer officiating.
 Calling is 2:30-4:30 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice, Greenville.

Geraldine Kettler
 Geraldine Kettler, 96, of Coldwater, died Jan. 26, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton.
 Funeral services will be Saturday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater.
 Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater, has charge of arrangements. A complete obituary will appear Thursday.

William Blevins
 William J. Blevins, 140 Lakeview Drive, Celina, died Jan. 26, 2004, at his residence.
 Arrangements are pending at W. H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina.

Donald Geiger
 Donald Geiger, 54, 702 S. Wayne St., St. Marys, was found dead Jan. 25, 2004, at his residence. Auglaize County Coroner Dr. Thomas Freytag ruled death was due to a heart attack.
 He was born Sept. 1, 1949, in Decatur, Ind., to Fred and Alma Thieme Geiger. His mother, a former St. Marys resident, survives in Fort Wayne, Ind.
 Also surviving is a sister, Jean (Dan) Hoffman, Fort Wayne; and three nieces.
 Deceased is a brother, Robert.
 He was a college professor who taught business and American studies in the Peace Corps, at Findlay College and at City University in Slovenia and Slovakia. A 1967 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School and a graduate of Ohio State University, he served in the U.S. Army.
 Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.
 Calling is after 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Jean Huddleston
 Jean Huddleston, 75, 501 Linden Ave., St. Marys, died at 8 a.m. Jan. 25, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 She was born Jan. 6, 1929, in Reliance, Tenn., to Ellis and Effie Harkins Russell. On Aug. 19, 1944, she married Ernest Huddleston who survives at the St. Marys Living Center.
 Other survivors are three daughters, Susan (Dwight) Wolfe, Lynn (Ralph) Ruth, and Vicki Keck, all of St. Marys; three sisters, Lois Fortner, Elsie Fortner and Helen Sanders, all of Bryan; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
 Deceased is a sister, Geneva Russell and a granddaughter.
 She was a charter member of the Hillsdale Baptist Church, St. Marys.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Revs. Ron Spurgeon and Allan Sanders officiating. Burial is at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. today at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.
 Contributions can be made to the church.

Byron Jenkins
 Former Celina resident Byron R. Jenkins, 80, a resident of Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford, died at 4:40 p.m. Jan. 25, 2004, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.
 He was born Oct. 14, 1923, in Mercer County, to Russell and Nancy Stoll Jenkins. On Aug. 3, 1955, he married Ruth Evelyn who died March 1, 2002.
 Survivors are two sons, Michael (Donna) Gehm, and James (Bianka) Jenkins, all of Celina; a daughter, Brenda Anderson, Rockford; a brother, Bevan (Betty) of Celina; two sisters, Violet (Raymond) Wells, Waco, Texas, and Ruby of Union City; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 He retired in 1985 from the former Huffy Bicycle Co., Celina. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post 5713, Celina, and a member of Celina First Church of God.
 Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at W. H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina, Pastor Bruce Strine officiating. Burial is at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina. Military services will be performed by the VFW and American Legion honor guards.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Romilda Prenger
 Romilda C. Prenger, 79, 6546 Wells Road, Anna, died at 11:05 a.m. Jan. 26, 2004, at her home.
 She was born Oct. 28, 1924, in Osgood, to Frank and Anna Winner Poeppelman. On Oct. 16, 1946, she married Raymond C. Prenger who survives.
 Other survivors are a son, Gary (Karen) of Strongsville; four daughters, Nancy (Robert) Roetgerman, New Bremen, Donna (Larry) DeLoye, Fort Loramie, Julie (Mike) Kirkwood, Lebanon, and Jean (Robert) Freeman, Dallas, Texas; two brothers, Edwin (Rose Mary) Poeppelman and Victor (Sylvia) Poeppelman, all of Osgood; seven sisters, Caroline Cron, Boise, Idaho, Emelia Poeppelman, Dayton, Irene of Egypt, Alfrieda (Norbert) Puthoff, Versailles, Mary Ann (Victor) Baumer and Theresa Will, Minster, and Jean (Jim) Ebert, Columbia, Tenn.; 17 grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased is a sister, an infant son, Marvin, and an infant brother.
 She was a homemaker and a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, and its Catholic Ladies of Columbia. She also was a member of the Shelby County Bureau.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Mark Armstrong officiating. Burial is at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and 9-9:30 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
 Contributions can be made to Alzheimers Association and the Minster Rescue Squad.

Hulda Wehrkamp
 Hulda M. “Skeeter” Wehrkamp, 89, Woodview Drive, Coldwater, died at 4:18 a.m. Jan. 25, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 She was born Oct. 24, 1914, in Fort Recovery, to Bernard and Frances Tobe Fullenkamp. On March 5, 1935, she married Julius Wehrkamp who died April 18, 1992.
 Surviving are a daughter, Virginia (Rex) Boyer, Montezuma; a brother, Dick (Donna) Fullenkamp, Lima; a sister, Ruth (Bob) Jenkins, Florida; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are three brothers, a grandchild and a great-grandchild.
 She was the former owner and operator of Wehrkamp’s Beauty Shop and Buck’s Tavern, both of Montezuma, and a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Ronald Wilker officiating. Burial will follow at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery, Montezuma.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Cristofora Berlanga
 Cristofora Berlanga, 87, of Ohio City, died at 2:35 p.m. Jan. 24, 2004, at the Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.
 She was born Aug. 18, 1916, in Cameron, Texas, to Cesari and Jesusa Facaunds Garcia. On Nov. 25, 1935, she married Francisco S. Berlanga who died July 3, 1982.
 Surviving are five sons, Frank Jr. of Shepherdsville, Ky., Santos of Rockford, Joe (Janet) of Pontiac, Mich., Richard and Lupe, both of Ohio City; six daughters, Rosa (Juan) Palomina, Defiance, Josephine (Robert) Gonzales, Fort Pierce, Fla., Adelina, Janie Rose and Florie Bollenbacher, all of Rockford, and Olivia (Richard) Ortiz, Decatur, Ind.; two sisters, Angelina Rocha, California, and Bennie Rodriguez, Texas; 32 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are two sons, Juan and Roy; two brothers, two sisters and three grandsons.
 She was a homemaker and a member of St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, Rockford.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Tom Brenberger officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert.
 Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Rev. William Donohoe
 The Rev. William M. Donohoe C.PP.S., 82, of Carthagena, died at 7:35 p.m. Jan. 24, 2004, in the infirmary at St. Charles Center, Carthagena.
 He was born Jan. 18, 1922, in Utica, N.Y., to Thomas and Winifred Donohoe.
 Surviving are two brothers, John (Marian) and Charles (Mary Jane), all of Akron; and a sister-in-law, Mary Donohoe, Tallmadge.
 Deceased are three brothers, Peter, Thomas and Raymond, and a sister, Winifred.
 He entered formation with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in 1936 and was ordained May 16, 1948, at Carthagena. He served as assistant pastor in several Iowa and Oklahoma parishes before being assigned to missionary work in Chile in 1953. He returned to the United States in 1960 and served as assistant pastor/staff member at parishes in Rensselaer, Ind., Manteca, Calif., and Whiting, Ind., before working in vocations from 1965-68. He later served as pastor of parishes in Blackstone, Va., Axtel, Ky., Pulaski, Ind., Medaryville, Ind., and Francisville, Ind., before retiring to St. Charles.
 Funeral Mass is 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Charles Center, the Rev. Kenn Schnipke officiating. Burial will follow at the community cemetery there. Memorial Mass is 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Martha’s Church, his home parish in Akron.
 Calling is 1-5 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at St. Charles with a wake service to be held at 7 p.m.
  Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry, has charge of arrangements.

Byron Jenkins
 Byron Jenkins, 80, of Celina, died at 4:40 p.m. Jan. 25, 2004, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.
 Arrangements are pending at W. H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina.

John Meyer
 John B. Meyer, 81, 1139 Perin Road, Russia, died at 12:31 a.m. Jan. 24, 2004, at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Sidney.
 He was born June 24, 1922, in Willowdell, to Henry and Elenora Gehret Meyer. On Nov. 28, 1945, he married Marceil M. Hemmelgarn who died Nov. 8, 1998.
 Surviving are five sons, Kenneth (Mary Lou), Thomas (Barbara), Denny (Jane), and Rick (Sandy), all of Fort Loramie, and David of Russia; and seven daughters, Diane (Ken) Prenger, Minster, Marlene (Ernie) Bergman, Yorkshire, Bonnie (Nick) Hoying and Nancy (Kyle) Plattner, all of Fort Loramie, Karen (Mike) Clawson, Wapakoneta, Jeanne (Wendell) Arthur, Reynoldsburg, and Lisa (Steve) Gehret, Russia.
 Other survivors include three brothers, Ray of Russia, Clarence (Ruth Ann) of Fort Loramie, and Sylvester (Jean) of Covington; three sisters, Marcella (Bob) Tebbe, Mary Margaret (Henry) Fullenkamp and Leona (Francis) Hoying, all of Russia; 42 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a sister, Rita, and three grandchildren.
 He was a farmer and a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society, both of Newport, Third Degree Knights of Columbus, Russia, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Minster, Fort Loramie American Legion Post 355, Catholic War Veterans, Russia, and the Shelby County Farm Bureau. He formerly served on the Russia Equity Board and was an airplane engine mechanic assigned to the U.S. Air Force Headquarters Squadron 20 Bomb Wing in Rhineland, Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy and Northern France in World War II.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Anthony Cutcher officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
 Contributions can be made to the church.

Frederick Seger
 Frederick H. Seger, 80, 13858 Versailles-Yorkshire Road, Yorkshire, died at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 24, 2004, at his residence.
 He was born Aug. 5, 1923, in Fort Loramie, to Joseph and Cecilia Wuebker Seger. On Aug. 27, 1947, he married Bertha Mueller who survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, David (Carol) of Centerville, Donald (Judy) of Bellbrook, and Dennis (Debra) of Tipp City; three daughters, Diana (William) Seger, Huber Heights, Deborah (Mark) Gehle, Yorkshire, and Lisa (Steven) McNeilan, Versailles; two brothers, Ed (Charlene) and Carl (Mary), all of Fort Loramie; a sister, Esther Seger, also of Fort Loramie; two brothers-in-law, Robert Gray and Richard Middendorf; two sisters-in-law, Rita Seger and Mary Ann Seger; 21 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
 Deceased are three brothers, Henry, Jerome and Urban, and four sisters, Edna Frazier, Marie Niekamp, Florence Gray and Erma Middendorf.
 He was a retired farmer and a retired employee of AVCO New Idea, Coldwater, after 35 years of service. He was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Osgood, where he served as a Eucharistic minister, the Men’s Sodality and the Osgood American Legion, where he had been a past commander and a member of the firing squad. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. David Zink officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery with the Legion conducting military rites.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
 Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Hulda Wehrkamp
 Hulda M. “Skeeter” Wehrkamp, 89, Woodview Drive, Coldwater, died at 4:18 a.m. Jan. 25, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 She was born Oct. 24, 1914, in Fort Recovery, to Bernard and Frances Tobe Fullenkamp. On March 5, 1935, she married Julius Wehrkamp who died April 18, 1992.
 Surviving are a daughter, Virginia (Rex) Boyer, Montezuma; a brother, Dick (Donna) Fullenkamp, Lima; a sister, Ruth (Bob) Jenkins, of Florida; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are three brothers, a grandchild and a great-grandchild.
 She was the former owner and operator of Wehrkamp’s Beauty Shop and Buck’s Tavern, both of Montezuma, and a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Ronald Wilker officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Eugene Zalewski
 Eugene P. Zalewski, 77, Botkins Angle Road, New Knoxville, died at 3 a.m. Jan. 24, 2004, at Sycamore Hospital, Miamisburg.
 He was born Sept. 5, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Thomas and Helen Zalewski.
 Surviving with his wife, the former Joan Kuck, are two daughters, Carol (Tom) Whitaker, Hallandale, Fla., and Diana (John) Schmidt, Sunrise, Fla.; two stepsons, Bob (Linda) Kuck, Marmora, Ontario, Canada, and Michael (Candace) Kuck, St. Marys; two stepdaughters, Jane (Rick) Slavik, Celina, and Susan Frantz, New Knoxville; a brother, Frank (Marie) of Philadelphia; three grandchildren, 12 stepgrandchildren and 10 stepgreat-grandchildren.
 A brother and a sister are deceased.
 He retired from Florida Power & Light after 36 years. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, both of Dunnellon, Fla., the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, Inverness, Fla., the Loyal Order of Moose, Celina, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, St. Marys. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Botkins, the Rev. James Trick officiating.
 Calling is after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church.
 Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater, has charge of arrangements.

Larry Wine Jr.
 Larry Leroy Wine Jr., 19, 1610 E. Livingston St., Celina, died at 6:50 p.m., Jan. 22, 2004, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater, from injuries received in a traffic accident earlier that evening.
 He was born Oct. 19, 1984, in Coldwater. His parents, Larry Leroy Sr. and Dorothy E. Smelser Wine and his biological father, Robert Hand, survive in Celina.
 Survivors include two brothers, Brandon Hand, Celina, and Robbie Hand, U.S. Marine Corps; six half-brothers, Roy Hand, Wapakoneta, Gary Coats, Rockford, Gregory Beougher, Convoy, and Adam Kemper and Richard Hand, of Celina; three half-sisters, Jill Long and Chardon Kemper, of Celina, and Brianna Massengill, Rockford; paternal grandmother, Beulah Wine, of South Carolina; and maternal grandfather Dallas Coats, Rockford.
 A 2002 graduate of Celina High School, he was a member of the Celina Baptist Temple Church and was employed as a driver for East of Chicago Pizza.
 Services are at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina, with the Rev. Steve L. Clayton officiating. Burial will follow at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.
 Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Audrey Baltzell
 Audrey E. Baltzell, 81, 333 S. Main St., Mendon, died on Jan. 22, 2004, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.
 She was born June 1, 1922, in Celina, to Stephen and Eva Andrews Sibert. On March 7, 1953, she married Ned Baltzell, who survives.
 Also surviving is a son, Ty of Celina; a daughter, Mitzi Loughridge, Houston, Texas; a brother, Bill Sibert, Sidney; a sister, Betty Gardner, Angola, Ind. and two grandchildren.
 She was preceded in death by two brothers, Lowell and Don Sibert; and two sisters, Ruth Bricker and Mabel Linn.
 A member of the Mendon United Methodist Church and Order of the Eastern Star, no. 91, Celina, she was employed as a secretary for the Celina law firm Purdy, Lammers & Schiavone for 40 years.
 Services are at 11 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Paul Bunnell officiating. Burial will follow at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.
 Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Mendon.
 Memorials can be directed to the Alzheimers Association.

Ivan Simindinger
 Ivan L. “Sam” Simindinger, 88 of rural Venedocia, died at 2:30 a.m., Jan. 23, 2004, at his home following a year-long illness.
 He was born Sept. 14, 1914, in Putnam County, to Charles and Elizabeth Ferris Simindinger. On Sept. 29, 1938, he married Ruth D. Freewalt, who died Jan. 17, 1970. On. Dec. 3, 1977, he married Frances E. Harper Dicus, who survives.
 Also surviving are four sons, John L. (Kathy) of Lima, and Robert (Kimberly), Carl W. (Connie) and Max F., all of Spencerville; two daughters, Margie A. (Vince) Clement, Venedocia, and Donna R. (D.J.) Whitling, Spencerville; a step-daughter, Jean Ann (Larry) Miller, Granville; a step-son, Robert E. (Tressa) Dicus, Venedocia; 13 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; eight great-grandhildren; eight great-great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
 He was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl and Frank; and two sisters, Nellie Kerns and Katie Simindger.
 A 1934 graduate of Spencerville High School, he later retired as a machinist and inspector for the former BLH/Clark Equipment Co., of Lima. He was a member of the Trinity united Methodist Church, Spencerville, and a long-time member of the Venedocia Lions Club. He also served as Jennings Township Trustee in Van Wert County for 16 years.
 Services are at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, with the Revs. Michael Swanton and John Medaugh officiating. Burial will follow at Wright Cemetery, near Converse.
 Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
 Memorial contributions can be directed to the church.

Pearl Stump
 Pearl L. Stump, 79, of New Weston, died on Jan. 22, 2004, at Dayton Heart Hospital, Dayton.
 She was born Dec. 29, 1924, in Van Wert County, to Clinton and Alice Sullenbarger Smith. Her husband of 56 years, Clarence Stump, survives.
 Also surviving are two sons, Ron of Rossburg, and Roger (Joanie) of Greenville; three daughters, Ruth Blackburn, Ansonia, Ruby (Donald) Clark, Fort Recovery, and Becky (Mark) Nottingham, Union City; a brother, Orla (Anna) Smith, Portland, Ind.; a sister-in-law, Ethel Belle Smith, Columbia City, Ind.; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
 She is preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.
 She was a homemaker and a member of the Ansonia Church of God.
 Services are at 10 a.m. Monday, at Reichard Funeral Home, Union City, Ind., with the Revs. George Hughes and Chris Cattrell officiating.
 Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
 Memorials can be directed to the Ronald McDonald House of Dayton.

Berniece H. Adams
 Berniece H. Adams, 86, 504 N. Buckeye St., Celina, died at 3 a.m. Jan. 22, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 She was born Feb. 20, 1917, in Vera Cruz, Ind., to Henry and Emma Schlatter Amstutz. She married Richard Kraner, who died in 1972, and on Nov. 26, 1977, she married Paul Adams, who survives.
 Also surviving are two daughters, Joyce Hohman, Warsaw, Ind., Carolyn (Robert) Highley, Rockford; a son, Robert (Janice) Kraner, Celina; a stepdaughter, Janet (John) Lee, Englewood; a stepson, Jim Adams, Fairfield; a brother, Olen (Mabel) Amstutz, Celina; two sisters-in-law, Majeska Amstutz, Berne, Ind. and Anna Lee Amstutz, Celina; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are two brothers, Harry and Virgil Amstutz, and a son-in-law, Gordon Hohman.
 She was a bookkeeper for Amstutz Hatchery and Feed Mill and a member of Grace Missionary Church. A 1936 graduate of Berne High School, she was a volunteer for Celina Visiting Nurses and Hospice.
 Service is 2 p.m. Sunday at the church, the Revs. Steve Howell and Jonathan Kraner officiating. Burial will follow at Swamp College.
 Calling is 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, and after 1 p.m. at the church Sunday.

Audrey E. Baltzell
 Mendon resident Audrey E. Baltzell, 81, died at 11:10 p.m. Jan. 22, 2004, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.
 Arrangements are pending at W. H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Mendon.

Linda Focht
 Linda Focht, 63, rural Delphos, died at 10:32 p.m. Jan. 22, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 Funeral arrangements are pending at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville.

Ivan Simindinger
 Ivan “Sam” Simindinger, 88, rural Venedocia, died at 2:30 a.m. Jan. 23, 2004, in his home.
 Funeral arrangements are pending at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, where friends may call after 2 p.m. Sunday.

Bernice Adams
 Bernice Adams, 86, of Celina, died today, Jan. 22, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 Arrangements are pending at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina.

Ben Brewer
 Ben Brewer, 72, 1028 Hendricks Ave., St. Marys, died at 6:47 p.m. Jan. 20, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 He was born July 22, 1931, in Sneedville, Tenn., to Huston and Dora Mathis Brewer. His first wife, the former Peggy Worley, is deceased. On June 8, 1970, he married Claudia Kruse who survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, Roger (Elaine) of Lebanon, Mo., Don of Highland Park, Mich., and Billie of St. Marys; two daughters, Lola (Tim) Dahlinghaus and Beth (Tyson) Houts, both of Sidney; two brothers, Dean of St. Marys and Junior of Tazwell, Tenn.; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are three infant children and two sisters, Gladys Holt and Ruby Richards.
 He retired as a die setter at Trim Trends, Spencerville and was a member of St. Marys Missionary Baptist Church.
 Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, with his son, Don, officiating. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Elizabeth Bruggeman
 Elizabeth C. Bruggeman, 96, 4110 Ohio 219, Coldwater, died at 5:45 a.m. Jan. 21, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 She was born Dec. 25, 1907, in Maria Stein, to Bernard and Catherine Gehle Heitkamp. On Oct. 24, 1928, she married Lawrence Bruggeman who died Jan. 20, 1987.
 Surviving are a son, Lavern (Ginny) of Portland, Ind.; six daughters, Evelyn Sutter, Fort Recovery, Janet (Ernie) Muhlenkamp, Portland, Ind., Rosemary (Art) Prenger, Chickasaw, Bernice of Coldwater, Margie Buschur, Celina, and Marlene Calhoun, Arizona; a daughter-in-law, Catherine Bruggeman, Coldwater; two sisters, Rose Schoen, Sharpsburg, and Rita Post, St. Marys; two sisters-in-law, Helen Heitkamp, Fort Recovery, and Edna Heitkamp, Celina; 54 grandchildren, 154 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a son, Leroy; two sons-in-law, Herb Sutter and Richard Buschur; seven brothers, Ray, Bernard, Alphonse, Melvin and three infants; three sisters, Mary Everman, Bernadetta Heitkamp and Cecelia Kuntz; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 She was a homemaker and a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Rosary-Altar Sodality, both of Coldwater.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Dorn officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling is 2-9 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.
 Contributions can be made to CA Industries, Celina.

Marian Elshoff
 Marian G. Elshoff, 80, 525 W. Bremen St., New Knoxville, died at 2:51 a.m. today, Jan. 22, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 She was born May 5, 1923, in New Knoxville, to Adolph and Lydia Stienecker Henschen. On April 4, 1943, she married Lester B. Elshoff who died July 4, 2002.
 Surviving are a son, James (Diana) of Rochester Hills, Mich.; two daughters, Kay Nolte, Wapakoneta, and Jane (Bob) Shoemaker, Newark; two brothers, Paul (Norma) Henschen, Columbus, and Kenneth (Peg) Henschen, New Bremen; six grandchildren and three great-granddaughters.
 A son-in-law, Stan Nolte, is deceased.
 She was a homemaker and a former employee of Adolph’s Restaurant and Brookside Laboratories, both of New Knoxville. She was a member of First United Church of Christ and the Women’s Guild, also of New Knoxville.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. David Hunt officiating. Burial will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville.
 Calling is 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday in the Heritage Room at church.
 Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, New Knoxville, has charge of arrangements.

Gerhard Reder
 Gerhard “Jim” Reder, 62, 10098 Herman Road, Celina, died at 4:35 p.m. Jan. 20, 2004, at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton. Death was due to injuries sustained in a fall on the ice the previous day.
 He was born Oct. 2, 1941, in Cincinnati, to William and Elizabeth Turley Reder. On June 7, 1998, he married Barbara Preston who survives.
 Also surviving are a stepson, Fritz Suhr, Celina; a stepdaughter, Maria Suhr, Columbus; three brothers, John (Ann), Joseph (Connie) and William (JoAnn), all of Cincinnati; and two sisters, Elizabeth Eicher and Mary (Tom) Groh, also of Cincinnati.
 A sister, Ruth Renner, is deceased.
 He was a retired air traffic controller and a member of Coldwater American Legion Post.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, Celina, the Revs. Karen Long and Stephen Merold officiating.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Friday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Elizabeth Bruggeman
 Elizabeth Bruggeman, 96, of Coldwater, died today, Jan. 21, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater. Further arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater. A complete obituary will appear Thursday.

Rita Barlage
 Wendelin native Rita M. Barlage, 64, Julian Road, Versailles, died at 6:57 p.m. Jan. 17, 2004, at Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus. Death was due to natural causes following a three-month illness.
 She was born Aug. 9, 1939, in Wendelin, to Andrew and Cecelia Hemmelgarn Albers. Her mother survives in St. Henry. On Jan. 4, 1964, she married Alvin L. Barlage who survives.
 Also surviving are four sons, Anthony (Kristine) of Versailles, Theodore (Linda) of Yorkshire, Brian (Traci) of Fort Loramie and Steven (Tricia) of Chickasaw; two daughters, Brenda of Dayton and Tresa of East Lansing, Mich.; two brothers, Robert (Joann) Albers, North Star, and James (Judy) Albers, Wapakoneta; four sisters, Betty (Richard) Schulze, McCartyville, Mary (Fred) Schmitz and Charlene (Herbert) Homan, both of Fort Recovery, and Sister Ann Cecil Albers, Cincinnati; and 11 grandchildren.
 A sister and a sister-in-law are deceased.
 She had been employed at Wal-Mart in Sidney for 14 years. A 1957 graduate of St. Henry High School, she was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, the Ladies Sodality and the church choir, all of Newport, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Minster.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Steven Shoup officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at Gehret Funeral Home, Fort Loramie.
 Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Mae Beatty
 Mae L. Beatty, 88, formerly of Springfield, died at 6:13 a.m. Jan. 19, 2004, at St. Marys Living Center.
 She was born May 7, 1915, in Spencerville, to John and Mary Miars Rohrbach.
 Surviving are a nephew, Gary Rohrbach, and two nieces, Marjorie Rohrbach and Ruth Pendergraft, both of St. Marys.
 Two brothers, Francis and Garold Rohrbach, are deceased.
 She owned and operated Dunnigan’s Beauty Shop in Springfield for more than 50 years. A 1934 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School and a graduate of Frederick’s Beauty School, Lima, she was a member of First Friends Church, Spencerville, and Daughters of the American Revolution Council 27.
 Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, the Rev. William Abram officiating. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is after 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Ernest Evans
 Ernest H. Evans, 79, 614 Willow St., Celina, died at 4:12 p.m. Jan. 17, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 He was born Feb. 12, 1924, in Mendon, to Paul W. and Ruth Crow Evans. On May 29, 1948, he married Janice Ensign who survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Bill (Shelley) of Celina; two daughters, Nancy (Chuck) Hoselton, Union City, Tenn., and Julie (Doyle) Fledderjohann, Celina; two brothers, Guy (Ann) of Morton, Ill., and Paul Robert of St. Petersburg, Fla.; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
 He retired as office manager at Sam Dixon Motor Sales after 39 years. He was a member of New Life Christian Center, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, the American Legion Post and the Moose Lodge, all of Celina, and a 50-year member of the Celina Masonic Lodge. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Ohio Northern University and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
  Services are 1 p.m. Thursday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Dan Hellwarth officiating. The VFW and Legion will conduct military rites at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mendon Cemetery.
 Contributions can be made to the Mercer County Heart Association.

Dorothy Hogan
 Dorothy R. Hogan, 83, of Celina, died at 3:40 p.m. Jan. 19, 2004, at The Gardens at Celina.
 She was born June 13, 1920, in Butler County, to Jacob and Marie Bremnon Wilson. On Jan. 11, 1937, she married Raymond D. Hogan who died Feb. 11, 1986.
 Surviving are four daughters, Deanna (Alex) Kuzmyn, St. Marys, Barbara (Robert) Wade, Celina, Kathleen Bruggeman, Merrillville, Ind., and Judy Thompson, Lakeview; a sister-in-law, Vera Keck, Hamilton; 17 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
 A daughter, Patricia Garman, and a granddaughter are deceased.
 She formerly co-owned Corner Market and Grand Haven Trailer Court, both of Montezuma, and worked at Mersman Manufacturing, Celina. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Montezuma.
 Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Thomas Brenberger officiated. Burial will be at Mercer Memory Gardens.
 Calling is 9-11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.
Mark Poplaski
 Mark Poplaski, 46, 216 Portland St., Celina, died at 4:55 p.m. Jan. 18, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. Death was due to natural causes.
 He was born Sept. 18, 1957, in Chicago, Ill., to Herman and Erina Giocommelli Poplaski. His mother survives in Celina.
 Surviving are a daughter, Brittany of Celina; and a brother, Kenneth of Celina.
 He was an automotive painter at Southside Body Shop and a U.S. Army veteran.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Richard Riedel officiating. Burial will follow at St. Marys Cemetery with military honors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts, both of Celina.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Brittany Poplaski Scholarship Fund.

Ralph Schulte
 Ralph E. Schulte, 79, Tulip Drive, Wapakoneta, died at 3:34 a.m. Jan. 18, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. Death was due to complications following a fall at his residence.
 He was born April 12, 1924, in Wapakoneta, to Edward J. and Gertrude Schnippel Schulte. On April 17, 1948, he married Mary K. Muller who survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, Joe (Kathleen) of Cridersville, Tom and Mike (Nikki), both of Wapakoneta; two daughters, Marie (Nick) Jurosic, Wapakoneta, and Kathy (Dana) Morgan, Findlay; and nine grandchildren.
 He retired May 1, 1984 as an inspector at Westinghouse Corp., Lima. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council 1272, both of Wapakoneta.
 Funeral Mass is 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Henry Albietz officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today at Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, Wapakoneta. A prayer service will be held there at 6 p.m. today.
 Contributions can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Arthur Wendel
 Arthur H. Wendel, 80, 2189 North Star-Fort Loramie Road, New Weston, died at 11 p.m. Jan. 18, 2004, at his residence.
 He was born Aug. 26, 1923, in St. Henry, to Joseph and Veronica Homan Wendel. On May 1, 1948, he married Bernadine Drees who survives.
 Also surviving are two sons, Gene (Lois) and Jerry (Ann), both of New Weston; three daughters, Shirley (Nick) Wenning, Celina, Karen (Mark) Brooks, Union City, and Elaine Witters, Beavercreek; three brothers, Andrew (Rosemary) of Mayfield, Ky., Cy (Nancy) of Fort Recovery, and Leonard (Janice) of Ridgeville, Ind.; a daughter, Veronica (James) Conlin, Hamilton; a brother-in-law, Victor Muhlenkamp, Versailles; two sisters-in-law, Kate Wendel, Fort Recovery, and Judy Wendel, Coldwater; 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren.
 Deceased are three brothers, Vit, Carl and Fritz, and a sister, Agnes Muhlenkamp.
 He was a retired farmer and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society, both of Sharpsburg, American Legion Post 345 and Knights of Columbus Council 3324, both of Fort Recovery.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Matthew Jozefiak officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery. A K of C prayer service will be held there at 7:50 p.m. Wednesday.

Opal Werling
 Opal M. Osborne Werling, 75, 2901 Fair Road, Sidney, died Jan. 19, 2004, at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Sidney.
 She was born May 30, 1928, in Letcher County, Ky., to Ruben and Minnie Adams Amburgey. On Dec. 12, 1980, she married William Werling who died Oct. 3, 1984.
 Surviving are five sons, Brody Osborne, Wapakoneta, Ed and Charles Osborne, both of Sidney, Steven Osborne, Union City, and James (Jerri) Osborne, New Haven, Ind.; three daughters, Lou (William) Hoelscher, Lima, Sharon Boss, Sidney, and Karen (Frank) Fullenkamp, Frenchtown;  two stepsons, Larry Werling, Piqua, and Eugene (Joan) Werling, Houston; and two stepdaughters, Pat (Ed) Lyons, Russia, and Marie (Richard) Praughen, Florida.
 Other survivors include two brothers, Eugene Amburgey, Prestonsburg, Ky., and Olin Amburgey, Langly, Ky.; 23 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, 19 stepgrandchildren, 18 stepgreat-grandchildren and 11 stepgreat-great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a stepdaughter, two sisters and six brothers.
 She was a homemaker and a member of St. Remy Catholic Church, Russia.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Frank Amberger officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Cromes Funeral Home, Sidney.
 Contributions can be made to the Shelby County Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Rita Barlage
 Rita Barlage, 64, Julian Road, Versailles, died at 6:57 p.m. Jan. 17, 2004, at Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus.
 Arrangements are pending at Gehret Funeral Home, Fort Loramie.

Ernest Evans
 Ernest H. Evans, 79, of Celina, died Jan. 17, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 Arrangements are pending at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina.

Robert Fetters
 Robert L. Fetters, 81, 115 S. Sugar St., Celina, died Jan. 15, 2004, at All Saints Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas.
 He was born Nov. 3, 1922, in Celina, to Floyd and Icy Martz Fetters. On Sept. 26, 1942, he married Bernice Boise and she died Nov. 7, 1998.
 Surviving are a son, Jack (Barbara) of Arlington, Texas; a brother, Bevan of Englewood; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 Two sisters, Betty Brown and Mary Jo Art, are deceased.
 He retired from the Mercer County Garage and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5713, Celina.
 Services are 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina. Burial will follow at Swamp College Cemetery.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Ralph Heiser
 Ralph A. Heiser, 94, of Otterbein St. Marys Retirement Community, formerly of Hegemann’s Landing, Minster, died at 4:50 p.m. Jan. 18, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 He was born Sept. 10, 1909, in Cranberry Prairie, to Jacob and Ofcie Waggoner Heiser. On Feb. 4, 1933, he married Lillian A. Merkle who died Aug. 9, 1985.
 Surviving are a son, Raymond (Mary) of Minster; two daughters, Geraldine (Carl) Koverman, New Bremen, and Rosalie (Thomas) Fullerton, Minster; two brothers, Linus of Miamisburg and Jonas of San Diego, Calif.; a sister, Hilda Renner, Centerville; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
 One grandchild is deceased.
 He retired from General Motors, Dayton, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, both of Minster, and a former member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1391, also of Minster.
 Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster, the Rev. Louis Schmit officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday and after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mark Poplaski
 Mark Poplaski, 46, Portland Street, Celina, died at 4:55 a.m. Jan. 18, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. Death was due to natural causes.
 Arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Connor Schwartz
 Connor Richard Schwartz, infant son of Richard and Anna Boeckman Schwartz, 528 E. Anthony St., Celina, died Jan. 17, 2004, at Children’s Hospital, Columbus. He had been ill since birth.
 He was born Dec. 23, 2003, in Lima.
 Surviving with the parents are a 3-year-old sister, Grace, at home; the grandparents, Kathie and Richard Stachler, James and Nancy Boeckman and Robert and Carla Schwartz, all of Celina; and the great-grandparents, Ethel Boeckman, Coldwater, and Gene Klosterman, Celina.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Rev. Donald Shea
 The Rev. Donald Shea C.PP.S., 79, of Bellevue, died at 8:10 a.m. Jan. 18, 2004, at St. Francis Health Care Center, Green Springs.
 He was born Sept. 24, 1925, in Maywood, Ill., to Francis and Lillian Schmeltzer Shea.
 There are no survivors.
 He entered formation with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in 1949, after teaching history two years at St. Joseph College, Rensselaer, Ind. He was ordained in 1953 and completed his doctorate in history at Loyola University, Chicago. He returned to St. Joseph, where he taught for 22 years and became chairman of the history department.
 After working on the Ford-Dole presidential campaign, he accepted an appointment with the Republican National Committee in 1977 as ethnic-religious liasion. He also assisted at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Falls Church, Va., while in Washington, D.C. In 1986, he was named chaplain at Bethany House Retreat Center in Huntly, Va., and he became program director at the Sorrowful Mother Shine in Bellevue two years later.
 A wake service will be held 8 p.m. Tuesday at the shrine, where calling is 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Michael Catholic Church, Belleview, with the Rev. William Eilerman officiating and the Rev. John Nagele as homilist.
 Another funeral Mass will be 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Charles Center, Carthagena, with the Rev. Kenneth Schnipke officiating and the Rev. James McCabe as homilist. Burial will follow at the community cemetery.
 Calling is 5-9 p.m. Wednesday with a wake service at 7 p.m.
 Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry, has charge of arrangements.
 Contributions can be made to the Sorrowful Mother Shrine.

Rodger Skinner
 Rodger Dale Skinner, 52, of Willshire, died at 12:14 a.m. Jan. 16. 2004, at Veterans Administration Hospital, Indianapolis, Ind. of natural causes.
 He was born April 8, 1951, in Chillicothe, to Richard G. and Norma Jean Stubbs Skinner. His mother survives.
 Other survivors are two brothers, Forrest (Kory) Skinner, Wolf Creek, Mont., and Michael T. Trisel, Waverly; and a sister, Jennifer K. Baublet, Van Wert.
 He was preceded in death by three brothers, Steven and Jerry Skinner and Ben Ward.
 Services are 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Rev. Jody Harr officiating. Burial will follow at Willshire Cemetery.
 Calling is from 2-8 p.m. today and 9-10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Arthur Wendel
 Arthur H. Wendel, 80, 2189 North Star-Fort Loramie Road, New Weston, died at 11 p.m. Jan. 18, 2004, at his residence.
 Arrangements are pending at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

Robert Fetters
 Robert L. Fetters, 81, 115 S. Sugar St., Celina, died Jan. 15, 2004, in Fort Worth, Texas.
 Arrangements are pending at W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina.
 

Mary Seigle
 Mary L. Hubble Seigle, 82, resident of The Gardens at Celina, died Jan. 13, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
 She was born Jan. 24, 1922, in Lima, to William H. and Minnie L. Johnson Hubble. On Aug. 17, 1940, she married Bernard J. Seigle, who died Oct. 1, 2000.
 She is survived by two sisters, Bernice J. Thomas, Celina, and Virginia McCrosky, Bellefontaine; and a half-sister, Lura (Harold) Doseck, Wapakoneta.
 She was employed at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., St. Marys, for 35 years until retiring in 1974.
 Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.

Irene Stonerock
 Irene Stonerock, 83, 628 Indiana Ave., St. Marys, died Jan. 14, 2004, at her residence.
 She was born Nov. 23, 1920, near Minster, to Ben and Katie Barlage Eiting. In July 1942, she married Robert Stonerock, who survives at the residence.
 Othe survivors are a daughter, Dianne (David) Kattman, North Olmsted; a brother, Ken Eiting, Minster; and a sister, Ethel Joyce, Vandalia.
 She was preceded in death by a sister, Thelma Emmert.
 She was a homemaker and a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Marys and its ladies’ sodality. She was a graduate of Minster High School and the Miami-Jacobs Business College in Dayton.
 Private family services will be held and burial will be at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. marys.
 Arrangements are being handled by Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.

Barbara Kneisly
 Former Fort Recovery resident Barbara Ann Kneisly, 62, 320 Forest Park Drive, Apt. 203, Dayton, died Jan. 14, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton.
 She was born April 21, 1941, in Dayton, to John and Viola Wendel Kneisly.
 Surviving are a son, Richard Guntle, Angola, Ind.; a daughter, Lisa (Ken) Johnson, Muncie, Ind.; a brother, Ted of Berne, Ind.; a sister, Marilyn Campbell, Richmond, Ind.; and five grandchildren.
 A son, Randy Guntle, is deceased.
 She worked as a technician at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Fairborn, retiring in 2003 after 18 years of service and was active with the base’s victim witness hotline.
 Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery, Deacon John Parker officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Recovery.
 Calling is after noon Saturday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Humane Society.
 

Barbara Kremer
 Barbara A. Kremer, 88, 410 Lock Two Road, New Bremen, died Jan. 11, 2004, at her residence.
 She was born April 8, 1915, near St. Anthony, to John and Elizabeth Post Homan. On May 14, 1946, she married Felix E. Kremer, who died Oct. 4, 1977.
 Surviving are four sons, Ronald (Rita) of New Bremen, Roger (Betty) of Jackson, Mich., Dale (Sandy) of Oak Harbor, and Glen (Linda) of Roanoke, Va.; a daughter, Phyllis Rose, New Bremen; a sister, Madonna Kremer, Dayton; 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are five brothers, John, Raymond, Ferdinand, Aloys and Sylvester Homan, and six sisters, Regina Rauh, Berdine Diller, Ann Pax, Alvina Homan, Viola Homan and Josephine Heitkamp.
 She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer, New Bremen.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Mannebach officiating. Burial will be at German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, and 9:30-10:10 a.m. Monday at the church.
 

Ross Rupert
 Ross Rupert, 78, 701 Heather Drive, St. Marys, formerly of New Bremen, died at 10:22 a.m. Jan. 15, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 He was born Aug. 11, 1925, in Lima, to Ross and Goldie Bowsher Rupert. On May 9, 1945, he married Evelyn Eckhart who survives.
 Also surviving are two daughters, Linda Meyer, Bowling Green, and Barbara (G.C.) Thompson, Celina; a sister, Audree Voss, Sauk Centre, Minn.;  four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are two brothers, Orval and Richard, and a sister, Mary Koeper.
 He retired as production manager at Beatrice Foods, New Bremen, and was former chief of the New Bremen Fire Department. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, American Legion Post 241 and Woodmen of the World Camp 149, all of New Bremen, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9289 and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 767, both of St. Marys.
 Services are 11 a.m. Monday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, the Rev. Richard Weir officiating. Burial will be at Willow Grove Cemetery, New Bremen.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.
 Contributions can be made to the church or the American Heart Association.

Urban Bernard
 Additional calling hours have been set for former Coldwater resident Urban L. “Katy” Bernard, 88, 2352 Collins Drive, Sidney.
 He died Jan. 12, 2004, at his residence.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. today and after 9:30 a.m. Friday at Cromes Funeral Home, Sidney.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at Holy Angels Catholic Church, Sidney, the Rev. Earl Fernandes officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.

Paul Borger
 Celina native Paul Leo Borger, 66, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Jan. 13, 2004, at Bon Secours-St. Joseph Hospital, Port Charlotte.
 He was born March 24, 1937, in Celina, to Clarence and Ludvina Rammel Borger. On Feb. 19, 1966, he married Irene Green who survives.
 Other survivors are a brother, Carl of Celina; and four sisters, Rita (Glen) Wurster, Bonita Springs, Fla., Jane Wurster and Doris (Paul) Robinson, all of Celina, and Marie (Bob) Gottes, Kettering.
 Deceased is a sister, Joann Borger, and a brother-in-law, John Wurster.
 A former Celina resident, he worked previously at Celina Lumber Co., and 22 years at Bacon’s Furniture in Florida. He was a U.S. Army veteran and member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Port Charlotte.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Friday at the church.
 Calling is 6-6:30 p.m. today at Paul Schelm Funeral Home, Port Charlotte, with a wake service to follow.
 His body is to be cremated and interred to St. Charles Memorial Gardens.
 Contributions can be made to Hospice of Southwest Florida of Sarasota, Fla.

Sally Byer
 Sally S. Byer, 60, of Ohio City, died at 5:20 a.m. Jan. 14, 2004, at the S.C.C.I. unit at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 She was born Aug. 22, 1943, in Allen County, Ind., to Anton D. and Kathryn Harshman Bruns. On Dec. 21, 1965, she married Harold R. Byer who died April 29, 1996.
 Survivors are two sons, Tony (Kelley) of Celina, and Jason of Ohio City; a stepson, Bruce of Ohio City; two daughters, Leandra Krick, Ohio City, and Tammy (Gary Jr.) Carter, Van Wert; two stepdaughters, Linda (Jack) Tice, Convoy, and Phyllis (Philip) Battles, Elida; two sisters, Peggy Dix, Paulding, and Kathy McConn, Van Wert; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are two brothers, Roger and David Bruns.
 She was a homemaker and member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1292, Rockford.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Steve Waterman officiating. Burial is at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Louis Christ
 Louis Edward Christ, 60, of West Plains, Mo., died at 2:20 a.m. Jan. 12, 2004, at his residence.
 He was born Sept. 1, 1943, in Louis County, Mo., to Louis J. and Isabelle P. Beerman Christ.
 Surviving are a daughter, Connie Truax, West Plains, Mo.; his former wife, Patricia Arlington Christ; and five grandchildren.
 He was a truck driver for Caddens Transport in Missouri and a U.S. Air Force veteran.
 Graveside services are 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys, the Rev. C. Bonnie Sanders officiating.
 Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, has charge of arrangements.

Deloris Fischbach
 Deloris “Dee” Fischbach, 80, of New Knoxville, died Jan. 14, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 She was born March 30, 1923, in New Knoxville, to Edward and Sarah Stienecker Kipp. On July 26, 1941, she married Richard Fischbach who died April 8, 2001.
 Surviving are a daughter, Jean (Gordon) Coffin, New Bremen; two sisters, Dorothea Wierwille, New Knoxville, and Eveyln (Charles) Thatcher, Van Wert; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are two brothers, Alferd and Adrian Kipp, and a brother-in-law, Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille.
 She served 25 years as mayor of New Knoxville and was a teacher in the Auglaize County Schools for 10 years. She was a member and former president of the Ohio Mayors Association, a member of the the Small Government Commission of the Ohio Public Works Commission, a member and former president of the Auglaize County Republican Executive Committee, a Buckeye Girls State government adviser and a senior intern for U.S. Rep. Michael Oxley.
 She also was a member of First United Church of Christ, Civic Association, Historical Association and Sesquicentennial Committee, all of New Knoxville, a member and former president of the New Knoxville American Legion Auxiliary, and a member of the Ohio Mayors Association, Ohio Municipal League Board of Trustees, Ohio Public Employee Retirees, Auglaize County Health Advisory Board, Auglaize County Economic Development Committee, Ohio Municipal Electric Association and the American Public Power Association. She had been named New Knoxville Citizen of the Year in 1986.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. David Hunt officiating. Burial will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville.
 Calling is 2-4 and 5-8 p.m. Friday in the Heritage Room at the church.
 Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, New Knoxville, has charge of arrangements.
 Contributions can be made to the Otterbein Benevolent Fund.

Michael Kemper
 Michael S. Kemper, 16, 02103 Minster-Egypt Pike, Minster, died at 1 p.m. Jan. 14, 2004, in a traffic accident near his home. (See related story on Page One.)
 He was born April 17, 1987, in St. Marys, to Steven and Kathy Knapke Kemper. His father died Jan. 14, 2000 and his mother survives in Minster.
 Also surviving are two sisters, Lynn of Piqua and Katie, at home; the grandparents, Marilyn Kemper and Luke and Mary Knapke, all of Minster; and the great-grandmother, Beatrice Maier, Sidney.
 A grandfather, Elton Kemper, is deceased.
 He was a sophomore at Minster High School, where he was a member of the Wildcat football team and the FFA. He also was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, and the CYO basketball team.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Louis Schmit officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-9 p.m. Friday and 9-9:30 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
 Contributions can be made to the Minster High School Class of 2006 Scholarship Fund.

Clarina Lefeld
 Clarina A. Lefeld, 84, 171 N. Westview Ave., St. Henry, died at 8:05 p.m. Jan. 14, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 She was born March 30, 1919, in Coldwater, to Arthur and Regina Hemmelgarn Bettinger. On June 27, 1942, she married Seraphim H. Lefeld who died June 4, 2002.
 Surviving are five sons, Robert (Marjorie), Linus (Rosemary), Thomas (Judy) and Leo (Ginny), all of St. Henry, and Valentine (Connie) of Burkettsville; a daughter, Mary (Jim) Jutte, St. Henry; a daughter-in-law, Janet Lefeld, Coldwater; 27 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren.
 Other survivors include four brothers, Paul (Angie) Bettinger, Cletus (Norma) Bettinger, Robert (Barb) Bettinger and Carl (Ruth) Bettinger, all of Coldwater; three sisters, Lucille Bergman, Fort Recovery, Marguerite (Clete) Griesdorn, St. Rose, and Grace (Paul) Rutschilling, Coldwater; and two sisters-in-law, Rita Bettinger, St. Henry, and Marlene Bettinger, Coldwater.
 Deceased are two sons, Ernest and Arthur; three brothers, Herman, William and Lavern Bettinger; a sister, Mary Ellen Bettinger; a brother-in-law, Bob Bergman; and two grandchildren.
 She was a homemaker and a member of St. Henry Catholic Church, the Rosary-Altar Sodality, the Daughters of Isabella and the American Legion Auxiliary, all of St. Henry.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Larry Wyen officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and 8:45-9:45 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.

Wealtha Miller
 Former Celina resident Wealtha Miller, 94, of Piqua, died at 1 p.m. Jan. 11, 2004, at Piqua Manor Nursing Home.
 She was born Jan. 3, 1910, in New Weston, to John W. and Barbara Williamson Foster. On June 18, 1927, she married Ralph R. Miller and he died Dec. 13, 1996.
 Surviving are a daughter, Barbara E. (Richard) Kohlhaas, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and two grandchildren.
 Five brothers and six sisters are deceased.
 She was a homemaker and a former retail employee. She attended Versailles Schools and was a member of the former Evangelical United Methodist Church.
 Services are 1:30 p.m. Friday at Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home, Piqua, the Rev. Ken Castor officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.
 Calling is 12:30-1:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Miami County Family Abuse Shelter.

Leonard Varno
 Leonard F. Varno, 82, 2199 St. Marys Ave., Sidney, died at 6:17 p.m. Jan. 13, 2004, in the emergency room at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Sidney.
 He was born Nov. 15, 1921, in St. Patrick, to Henry and Louise Romie Varno. On June 4, 1947, he married Alice Thobe who survives.
 Also surviving are three daughters, Karen (Gene) Kinninger, Shawano, Wis., Brenda (Ray) Lazier, Maplewood, and Doris (Steven) Bales, Sidney; a brother, LaVerne of Sidney; three sisters, Angela Raterman, Anna, Rosella Eilerman, Fort Loramie, and Henrietta Thobe, New Bremen; and nine grandchildren.
 Four brothers and a sister are deceased.
 He retired from Wagner Manufacturing Company. Sidney, after 40 years of service. A World War II veteran, he served in the U.S. Army in the Battle of the Bulge in France and Germany. He was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, American Legion Post 217 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4239, all of Sidney.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Gerald Bensman officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Sidney, with the VFW conducting military rites.
 Calling is 3-8 p.m. Friday at Adams Funeral Home, Sidney. The VFW will conduct services there at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
 Contributions can be made to the Shelby County Cancer Society.

Urban Bernard
 Former Coldwater resident, Urban L. “Katy” Bernard, 88, 2352 Collins Drive, Sidney, died Jan. 12, 2004, at his home.
 He was born April 19, 1915, in Cranberry Prairie, to Anthony W. and Regina E. Stammen Bernard. On Aug. 26, 1949, he married Lillian Stukenborg who died Jan. 4, 1973.
 Survivors are a brother, Elmer (Mary) of St. Henry; and eight sisters, Ella Mae Gaier, Minster, Wilma Gels, Celina, Ruth Seitz, Dayton, Florence Ferris, Grove City, Peggy (Bill) Wolf, Fort Recovery, Ann (Louie) Brunswick, Coldwater, Joan (Greg) Hausfeld, St. Marys, and Jane (Walter) Uhlenhake, Beavercreek.
 Deceased is a brother, James, an infant sister, Mary Margaret Bernard, four brothers-in-law, Tony Gaier, Art Gels, Bob Sietz and Bill Ferris.
 A retired farmer, he operated the Stukenborg Cane Press for many years at his rural Coldwater home. He was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, Sidney.
 A U.S. Army veteran in the South Pacific during World War II, he was a life member of American Legion Post 470, life charter member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, and member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie and Knights of Columbus, all of Coldwater, and Elks Lodge of Sidney.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Earl Fernandes officiating. Burial with full military honors will be conducted by Rev. Ron Wilker at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater. A dinner will follow at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Cromes Funeral Home, Sidney.
 Contributions can be made to Wilson Hospice Care, Sidney.

Blake Jeffries
 Blake Allen Jeffries, 4, 401 S. Pear St., St. Marys, died Jan. 11, 2004, at his residence. Death was due to natural causes.
 He was born Sept. 22, 1999, in St. Marys, to Amanda Sawmiller Jeffries who survives in St. Marys.
 Also surviving are a brother, Parker Bayman, at home; grandparents, Kathleen and Larry Rhodes, Celina, Terry and Jeannie Sawmiller, Wapakoneta, Terry Jeffries, Montezuma, and Brenda and Spike Ackley, St. Marys; and great-grandparents, Eileen Stienecker, St. Marys, Carl and Echo Sawmiller, Wapakoneta, Donald and
Whitey Jeffries and Trula Wyerick, all of Coldwater.
 A grandfather, Merlin Stienecker, and a great-grandfather, Donald Wyerick, are deceased.
 He attended preschool classes at the ABC Center in New Bremen and attended Shaken Baby Syndrome programs with his mother at local high schools. He attended Missionary Baptist Church, St. Marys.
 Private services will be held at the convenience of the family, the Rev. Alva Daniel officiating.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina.
 Contributions can be made to the Blake Jeffries Memorial Fund.

Willie Long
 Willie Mae Long, 77, 400 E. Warren St., Celina, died at 3:50 p.m. Jan. 11, 2004, at Crestview Manor Nursing Home, Beavercreek.
 She was born June 1, 1926, in Pineville, La., to Oliver and Edna Broom Peters. Her husband, W. Fred Long, is deceased.
 Surviving are a stepdaughter, Charlotte Brazelton, Kettering; two sisters, Frances Stream, Lake Worth, Fla., and Edna Mae Crooks, Haughton, La.; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a daughter, Fredericka Horvat; her stepmother, Gladys Parker; two brothers, Wilfred and J.C. Peters; and two sisters, Dorothy Pike and Catherine Johnson.
 She formerly worked as a beautician at various shops in Dayton and was a Lutheran.
 Services are 1 p.m. Friday at Miami Valley Memory Gardens, Centerville.
 Calling is after noon Friday in the cemetery chapel.
 Miller-Long & Folk Funeral Home, St. Marys, has charge of arrangements.

Charles Slaven
 Charles Edward Slaven, 40, 116 S. Vine St., St. Marys, died at 8:47 p.m. Jan. 12, 2004, in the emergency department at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys. An autopsy has been performed to determine the cause of his sudden death, according to Auglaize County Coroner Dr. Thomas Freytag.
 He was born June 7, 1963, in Coldwater, to Herbert and Areda Hall Slaven. On Sept. 30, 1989, he married Betty Sawmiller who survives.
 Also surviving are four sons, Joshua, Chad, Brandon and Dillon, all at home; a daughter, Keri of Columbus; three brothers, Herb Jr. of Botkins, Luther (Judy) of Sidney, and Jimmy of Lima; five sisters, Vina (Gerald) Woods, Celina, Deb (Tim) Williams, Stacey (Tom) Spurlock and Vickie Burkhart, all of St. Marys, and Mary (Jim) Tremmel, Omaha, Neb.; and a half brother, Larry (Sherry) Hicks, Celina.
 Deceased are his parents, a sister, Brenda Rose; and a half brother, Jack Hicks.
 He attended Celina High School and was employed as a heavy equipment operator at Quality Ready Mix. He was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 767 and Shekinah Temple, both of St. Marys.
 Services are 1 p.m. Friday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, the Rev. Judy Ball officiating. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is 4-9 p.m. Thursday and after 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Urban Bernard
 Former Coldwater resident Urban L. “Katy” Bernard, 88, 2352 Collins Drive, Sidney, died Jan. 12, 2004, at his residence.
 Arrangements are pending at Cromes Funeral Home, Sidney.

Mary Copeland
 Auglaize County native Mary Louise Copeland, 74, of Worthington, died Jan. 11, 2004, at her residence.
 She was born Sept. 26, 1929, in Wapakoneta, to Albert and Guadola George Schneider. Her husband, Charles Copeland, is deceased.
 Surviving are a son, Todd; two daughters, Diane (Kevin) Snodgrass and Jill (Michael) Schmid; two brothers, Richard and Joseph Schneider Sr.; a sister, Joan Gardner; and three grandchildren.
 She retired from Hill Construction Co. and was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and a longtime member of St. Anthony Catholic Church.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Michael Church. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Schoedinger Worthington Chapel near Columbus.
 Contributions can be made to Mount Carmel Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

Clara Fullenkamp
 Clara R. Fullenkamp, 78, formerly of rural Fort Recovery (St. Joe), died at 12:12 a.m. Jan. 12, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 She was born Oct. 10, 1925, in St. Joe, to Leo and Frances Schuh Fullenkamp.
 Surviving are a brother, Bernard (Mary Kay) of Tampa, Fla.; three sisters, Catherine Steinbrunner, St. Joe, Vicky Carney, Tempe, Ariz., and Frances Rowley, Dayton; and a sister-in-law, Connie Fullenkamp, Montezuma.
 Deceased are four brothers, the Rev. Leo, Gregor, Aloys and Edward, and two sisters, Sister Mary Rita and Sister Leona.
 She had worked as a cook and housekeeper for priests in the Dayton and Cincinnati areas. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and an honorary member of the Ladies Sodality, both of St. Joe.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Kenneth Alt officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-10 a.m. Friday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.

Ralph Lewis
 Ralph A. Lewis, 82, formerly of 202 Concord Ave., St. Marys, died at 6:10 a.m. Jan. 11, 2004, at Valley Nursing Home, St. Marys.
 He was born Nov. 19, 1921, in St. Marys, to J. Wesley and Matilda Koehn Lewis. On June 7, 1947, he married Elizabeth V. Chappie who survives.
 Also surviving are three daughters, Sharon (Richard) Wappelhorst, Steele, Ala., Sandra (William) Shopp, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and Betty (Richard) Burdick, Yorktown, Va.; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are three brothers, Bernard, Edwin and Robert, and two sisters, Marguerite Penock and Ruth Schwarck.
 He retired as a supervisor at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, St. Marys. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, American Legion Post 323 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9289, all of St. Marys. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
 Funeral Mass is 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Marys, the Rev. David A. Heinl officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens near Moulton.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Miller-Long & Folk Funeral Home, St. Marys.

Charles Slaven
 Charles E. Slaven, 40, 116 S. Vine St., St. Marys, died at 8:47 p.m. Jan. 12, 2004, in the emergency room at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, has charge of arrangements.

Clara Fullenkamp
 Clara R. Fullenkamp, 78, of rural Fort Recoverydied at 12:12 a.m. today, Jan. 12, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry, has charge of arrangements.

Antoinette Guarnieri
 Antoinette Teresa Guarnieri, 83, Cape May, N.J., died at 11:26 p.m. Jan. 9, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys. She was visiting a son in St. Marys at the time of her admission.
 She was born Oct. 15, 1920, in Collingswood, N.J., to Michael and Teresa D’Alessandro. On Jan. 12, 1947, she married Ralph Guarnieri who died Sept. 4, 1996.
 Surviving are two sons, Ralph of St. Marys and Michael (Alice) of Earial, N.J.; a former daughter-in-law, Ginni Guarnieri, St. Marys; two brothers, Michael D’Alessandro, Stratford, N.J., and John D’Alessandro, Daytona Beach, Fla.; two sisters, Jeanette Dietrich, Wildwood, N.J., and Rita McGarrigle, Levittown, Pa.; and three grandchildren.
 She retired from Lower Bucks County Hospital in Bristol, Pa., where she had been a lab technician. She was a graduate of Collingswood High School.
 Services are 8 p.m. Tuesday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, the Rev. Doug Meyer officiating. Private burial services will be held in Cape May.
 Calling is 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Marilyn Huelsman
 Marilyn Yvonne Huelsman, 75, Ohio 219, Coldwater, died at 6 p.m. Jan. 11, 2004, at her residence.
 She was born Nov. 18, 1928, in Coldwater, to Spain N. and Alice M. Bell James. On June 12, 1948, she married Hubert J. Huelsman who survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, Steven (Natalie) of Leesburg, Va., Tony (Evelyn) of Kaufman, Texas, and Dean (Lynne) of Coldwater; a daughter, Gay (Ted) Carpenter, Montezuma; two brothers, Merlin Reese (Barbara) James, Fort Myers, Fla., and Don James, address unknown; a sister, Shirley (Jerry) Hemmelgarn, Kent; three sisters-in-law, Mary Jane James, Pittsburgh, Pa., Alice James, Coldwater, and Helen James, Celina; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 Six brothers and sisters are deceased.
 She was a homemaker and a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary, all of Coldwater.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Ronald Wilker officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.
 Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Roger Liette
 Roger Liette, 54, 69 Southmoor Shores, St. Marys, died at 4:30 a.m. Jan. 11, 2004, at his residence, following an extended illness,
 He was born July 17, 1949, in St. Marys, to Norbert and Marcella Borgert Liette. On July 24, 1982, he married Maureen Wacker and she survives.
 Also surviving are two brothers, Gary (Susan) and Dave (Nancy), all of St. Marys; a brother-in-law, Henry (Patty) Wacker, Louisville, Ky.; and two sisters-in-law, Julia (Tim) Wolfe, Oren, and Teresa (Steve) Wacker, Minster.
 He was co-owner of Liette and Sons Dairy Farms and owned and managed numerous rental properties. He was a 1967 graduate of Memorial High School and a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, both of St. Marys.
 Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Thursday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Marys, the Rev. David Heinl officiating. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.
 Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Francis D. Arnold
 Former Celina resident Francis D. Arnold, 88, died Jan. 8, 2004, in Tucson, Ariz.
 He was born Nov. 11, 1915, in Dunkirk, Ind.
 Surviving is wife, Ruth; a son, Larry (Susan), Mission Viejo, Calif.; two daughters, Kathy (Steve) Schultz, Middletown, Md., and Lynn (Mark) Strakbein, Tucson; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
 Deceased is a son, Don.
 He retired after 30 years service as chief engineer of municipal power plants in Celina and Piqua.
 Calling is 4-5 p.m. Sunday at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 7570 N. Thornydale Road, Tucson, with service to follow at 5 p.m. Burial will be at East Lawn Palms Cemetery on Monday.
 Contributions can be made to the church.

Bobby W. Gant
 Bobby W. Gant, 72, Portland, Ind., died Jan. 8, 2004, at Jay County Hospital, Portland.
 He was born June 8, 1931, in Yorktown, Ind., to Carl and Geraldine (Hensley) Gant. On May 13, 1965, he married the former Sandy Cole, who survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, Rod, Ridgeville, Ind., Jerry (Tina), El Cajon, Calif., and Tony (Vickie), Winchester, Ind.; three daughters, Bonnie (Bob) Weatherhead, Ridgeville, Ind., Deborah L.A. (Todd) Hundley, Celina, Patricia (Tony) Harris, Muncie, Ind.; a brother, Billy (Evelyn), Antioch, Ill.; a sister, Alberta (Byron) Miller, Portland; mother-in-law, Vera Cole, Portland; 18 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.
 He was a lifetime resident of Randolph and Jay counties in Indiana and was a professional truck driver for more than 40 years. He recently worked at Wal-Mart in Portland. He was a member of Local Teamster Union 100 of Cincinnati.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at M.J. S. Mortuaries, Middletown Chapel in Ridgeville.
 Services are 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Lawndale Cemetery, east of Ridgeville.
 Contributions can be made to the American Lung Association.

Mary K. LeValley
 Former Celina resident Mary Keitha LeValley, 88, died at 10 p.m. Jan. 8, 2004, at Laurels of Shane Hill in Rockford.
 She was born Jan. 28, 1915, in Rosewood, to Clinton A. and Melva Connor Maurice. On Sept. 24, 1934, she married Robert W. LeValley who died Jan. 26, 1986.
 Surviving is a son, Robert, Celina; a daughter, Rosemary (Russell) Hagar, Celina; four grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased is a son, John, and a brother C.A. Maurice Jr.
 She was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, the Rebecca Lodge, Middleburg, and was a cook at the Benjamin Logan School, Logan County.
 Services are 7 p.m. Sunday at Lehman Funeral Home, the Rev. Barbara Armentrout officiating. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens, Bellefontaine, at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
 Calling is 5-7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Center for Neurological Development at Burkettsville.

Samuel McKitterick
 Samuel Denney McKitterick, 54, Van Wert, died at 2:40 a.m. Jan. 9, 2004, at his residence.
 He was born April 4, 1949, in Jackson, to Samuel and Mary Marjorie Denney Haas. On Aug. 22, 1975, he married Linda Ranly, who survives.
 Also surviving is a son, Erick, Van Wert, two daughters, Monica and Renee, both of Van Wert; two step-brothers, Don Haas, Fort Recovery and Jerry (Lisa) Haas, Troy.
 He was owner/operator of Abbey Road Moving & Storage. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Van Wert, a former member of Van Wert Area Jaycees; and formerly coached for the Van Wert Parks Department.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Charles Obinwa officiating. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.
 Calling is 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home where a vigil service will be held at 7:45 p.m.
 Contributions can be made to the McKitterick Children College Fund.

Natalie Jones
 Natalie C. Jones, infant daughter of Wayne and Jennifer Bruns Jones, 1647 Fort Recovery-Minster Road, Fort Recovery, died shortly after birth at 6:48 p.m. Jan. 6, 2004, at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton.
 Surviving with the parents are a sister, Claudia, at home; and the grandparents, Ron and Nancy Jones, Fort Recovery, and Ralph and Roselyn Bruns, St. Henry.
 Graveside services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Cemetery, St. Joe, the Rev. Kenneth Alt officiating.
 Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery, has charge of arrangements.

Clyde Lehman
 Clyde E. Lehman, 89, formerly of 425 Woodward Ave., St. Marys, died at 2:15 p.m. Jan. 7, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys. He had resided at St. Marys Living Center the past 11 years.
 He was born March 7, 1914, in St. Marys, to Daniel and Lucinda Case Lehman. His wife, the former Juanita Vantilbrough, died in April 1995.
 Surviving are a daughter, Beverly (Wayne) Puterbaugh, Fletcher; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are an infant son, Bobby Eugene; five brothers, Charles, Francis, Bernard, Daniel and Herbert; and three sisters, Beatrice, Erma and Lyvann.
 He retired from St. Marys Foundry and also ran a painting and roofing business for many years. He was a past member of the All Buckeye Hobby Club.
 Services are 11 a.m. Monday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys. Burial will be at Elm Grove Cemetery.
 Calling is after 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Fund.

Mary LeValley
 Mary Keitha LeValley, 88, formerly of Touvelle St., Celina, died Jan. 8, 2004, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.
 Arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Charles Morris III
 Charles Edward “Chuck” Morris III, 35, of Versailles, was killed at 2:24 a.m. Jan. 8, 2004, in a traffic accident along Troy-Sidney Road, near Troy, in Miami County.
 He was born Feb. 10, 1968, in Piqua, to Charles Edward Jr. and Rosalee Wilt Morris. They survive in Piqua. On Aug. 29, 1992, he married Cynthia Meyer who also survives.
 Other survivors include a son, Derek, and five daughters, Cassandra, Kristen, BreAnn, Danielle and Ellianna, all at home; three brothers, Jeff and Chad, both of Piqua, and Wayne of Fletcher; a sister, Sonya of Atlanta, Ga.; a grandmother, Margaret Wilt, Fletcher; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carl and Linda Meyer, Versailles.
 Deceased are his grandparents, Charles Edward Sr. and Helen Morris and Roy Wilt.
 He was employed at Polysource in Piqua. He attended St. Denis Catholic Church, Versailles, and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Covington, the Loyal Order of Moose, Piqua, and the Polysource Softball Team.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. David Vincent officiating. Burial will follow at St. Valbert Cemetery, Versailles.
 Calling is 2-6 p.m. Sunday and after 9 a.m. Monday at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles.

Mary Core
 Mary B. Core, 90, of rural Spencerville, died at 9:05 a.m. Jan. 7, 2004, at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home, Spencerville, where she resided for more than two years.
 She was born March 17, 1913, in Auglaize County, to Henry and Sarah Jane Bowersock Bauer. On Nov. 28, 1933, she married Henry R. Core who died Sept. 16, 1994.
 Survivors are a son, Robert W. (Billie) of Spencerville; a son-in-law, Donald R. Graessle, Spencerville; a brother, Maurice (Violet) Bauer, Mendon; a sister, Lois Wolford, Bellefontaine; seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
 Deceased is a daughter, Janice A. Graessle, a brother, Carl Bauer, and a sister, Edna Bristol.
 She was a homemaker and member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Spencerville, and past president of its Women’s Society. A 1931 graduate of Shawnee High School, she was a 50-year member and Worthy Matron for four years of the Spencerville Chapter 130 Order of Eastern Stars. She was a 50-year member and past Master of Spencerville Grange #2424, a member of Allen County Pamona Grange and Ohio State Grange’s Deputy for the Allen County Granges.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Gary W. Rode officiating. Burial is at Old Hartford Cemetery, northeast of Spencerville.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Friday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, and after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. An Order of Eastern Star service will be held at 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Clarence Feltz
 Clarence A. “Mickey” Feltz, 83, 6398 Ohio 119, Maria Stein, died at 8:50 p.m. Jan. 6, 2004, at Heritage Manor Nursing Center, Minster.
 He was born April 21, 1920, in Cassella, to Albert J. and Catherine Froning Feltz. On June 26, 1948, he married Julia M. Albers who survives.
 Also surviving are two sons, Tom (Jane) of Maria Stein and Larry (Laurie) of Cassella; a daughter, Phyllis (Charles) Gerace, Dublin; a daughter-in-law, Sherrie Feltz, Polk City, Fla.; a brother, Maurice (Sally) of St. Marys; a sister, Sister Dorothy of Buffalo, N.Y.; a brother-in-law, Henry Leugers, Maria Stein; two sisters-in-law, Joanne Schlegel, Dayton, and Catherine Albers, Dayton; and seven grandchildren.
 Deceased are a son, Allen; a brother, Othmar; and a sister, Lillian Leugers.
 He was a retired mechanic and a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II. He was a member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, the Men’s Society and Catholic Knights of America Council 943, all of Cassella, and Knights of St. John Commandery 313 and American Legion Post 571, both of Maria Stein.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Harry Cavanaugh officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery with the American Legion conducting military rites.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.

Mildred Long
 Mildred I. “Millie” Albright Long, 94, of Spencerville, died at 5:15 p.m. Jan. 6, 2004, at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home, Spencerville.
 She was born March 15, 1909, in Casey, Ill., to Mathew and Sylvia Schreider Roeder. She was raised by her father and stepmother, Estella L. Nungester Roeder. On Dec. 25, 1929, she married Charles A. Albright who died Aug. 2, 1970. On May 27, 1975, she married Arthur N. Long who survives.
 Other survivors are a stepdaughter, Roxanna (Joe) Mack, Spencerville; a brother, Jack Roeder, Spencerville; a sister, Martha (Joe) Rohrbach, Celina; three stepgrandchildren and nine stepgreat-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a stepmother, Winnifred Keil Roeder; a sister, Sylvia Trippy; and a brother, Wilbur Roeder.
 A 1928 graduate of Spencerville High School, she was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Spencerville.
 Services are 2 p.m. Sunday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Revs. Michael Swanton and William R. Abram officiating. Burial is at St. Matthew Cemetery near Cridersville at 10 a.m. Monday.
 Calling is 1-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the church.

Marlene Schumann
 Marlene Schumann, 67, 841 S. Wayne St., St. Marys, died Jan. 4, 2004, while vacationing in Florida.
 She was born Feb. 1, 1936, near St. Marys, to Carl and Mary Ellen Rinehart Loegel. On July 3, 1954, she married Carl R. Schumann who survives.
 Also surviving are four sons, Mark (Dianne) of Monument, Colo., Brad (Adria) of Bloomington, Ill., Paul (Deb) of Minster, and Eric (Jill) of Tipp City; a daughter, Deb (Roger) Aukerman, Normal, Ill.;  a brother, Thomas Loegel, Newark; a sister, Patricia Loegel, Wapakoneta; and 12 grandchildren.
 A son, Randy, is deceased.
 She retired Dec. 31, 1996, after serving four terms as Auglaize County Recorder. She previously worked in the clerk of courts office and was the first woman to be elected to St. Marys City Council. She was past president of the Ohio Recorders Association and the Business and Professional Women and a member of Wayne Street United Methodist Church in St. Marys, where she previously served as trustee, administrative board member, youth leader and a Sunday School teacher. She also was a Blume High School graduate and a member of the Auglaize County Republican Women.
 Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Ed Groff officiating.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.
 Contributions can be made to the church.

Edith Shook
 Mercer County native Edith E. Shook, 84, 328 E. Weller St., Ansonia, died Jan. 5, 2004, in Whitby, Ontario, Canada.
 She was born Oct. 19, 1919, in Mercer County, to Orville and Phyllis McCain Grile. Her husband, Ural J. Shook, died in 1998.
 Surviving are a son, David (Pat) of Ansonia; a daughter, Diana (Paul) Armstrong, Whitby; a sister, Margaret Howell, Celina; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a son, Donald; an infant daughter; four brothers, Charles, Willard, Robert and Dwight Grile; and two sisters, Mildred Howell and Wanda Smith.
 Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Fort Recovery Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Tim Moebs officiating. Burial will follow at Shooks Cemetery, Rossburg.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Friday at Oliver Funeral Home, Greenville.

Clarence Feltz
 Clarence M. “Mickey” Feltz, 83, 6398 Ohio 119, Maria Stein, died Jan. 6, 2004, at Heritage Manor Nursing Center, Minster.
 Arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.

Mildred Long
 Mildred I. “Millie” Albright Long, 94, of Spencerville, died at 5:15 p.m. Jan. 6, 2004, at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home, Spencerville.
 Arrangements are pending at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville.

Carl Rehmert
 Carl Rehmert, 76, Maria Stein, died at 2:35 p.m. Jan. 6, 2004, at Celina Manor, Celina, where he had been a patient for the past four years.
 He was born May 16, 1927, in Darke County, to Cletus and Mary Snyder Rehmert. On Sept. 4, 1981, he married Julienne Schmidt McDowell, who survives.
 Also surviving are two daughters: Deborah (Mark) Emrick, Eaton, and Kimberly (Tom) Michael, New Paris; five stepsons, Gary (Linda) McDowell, West Union, Dan (Jackie) McDowell, Steven McDowell and James C. McDowell, all of Celina, and Kevin McDowell, Manchester; five stepdaughters: Kathy (Bill) Gray, West Union, Elena McDowell and Judy Gore, both of Manchester, Barbara Wenning, Dayton, Rita (Doug) Bigelow, Celina; three brothers: Donald (Rose) of Huber Heights, Marvin (Charlotte) of Tipp City, David (Kathy) of Dayton; six sisters, Margaret Quick, Tipp City, Virgie (Billy) Edwards, New Carlisle, Naomi (Bill) May, Dayton, Nancy Reiwerts, New Carlisle, Dorothy (Bob) Gentle, Troy, Arlene (Sam) Duvall, Dayton; two grandchildren, 30 stepgrandchildren, a great-grandchild, 21 stepgreat-grandchildren.
 Deceased are two sons, Richard and an infant son; one stepson; one step grandchild; and two brothers.
 He retired from Price Brothers, Dayton, where he was a welder. He  served with the Army in the Korean Conflict and was a member of American Legion Post 668, Vandalia.
 He attended the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church in Cassella.
 A Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Rev. Kenneth Schroeder officiating. Burial will follow in Snell Cemetery, Union City.
 Calling is 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
 Contributions may be directed to State of the Heart Home Health Hospice, Coldwater.

Charles Spencer
 Charles L. Spencer, 70, 17857 Ohio 66 North, St. Marys, died at 11:23 a.m. Jan. 6, 2004, at his residence.
 He was born July 20, 1933, in Auglaize County, to Stanley and Mary Gossard Spencer. On Dec. 21, 1958, he married Janet E. Beckett who survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, Richard (Susan) and Douglas (Andrea), all of St. Marys, and Shawn (Shannon) of Waterville; a daughter, Laura (Don) Yelton, St. Marys; four brothers, Dwight (Roxy) of Rushsylvania, Ferrall (Louise) of DeGraff, and Dale (Diane) of Lakeview; a sister, Shirley Campbell, Wapakoneta; and 10 grandchildren.
 After retiring as general manager of Midwest Electric Cooperative, St. Marys, he worked as a substitute teacher in the St. Marys City Schools and as a licensed agent with State Farm Insurance Co. through the Laura Yelton agency. Prior to joining Midwest, he taught vocational education for 17 years and was FFA adviser at Memorial High School, St. Marys. He was a graduate of Waynesfield High School and Ohio State University.
 He was a Noble Township trustee, a member and Sunday School teacher at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, a member of the Midwest Electric Board of Directors, a member and past president of St. Marys Rotary Club, a member and past president of the Community Action Commission, a member of American Legion Post 323, and a member of the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. A U.S. Army veteran, he served during the Korean War.
 Services are 11 a.m. Friday at the St. Marys church, the Rev. Patricia G. Minnick officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.
 Contributions can be made to the church or State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Charles J. Wuebker
 Mercer County native Charles J. Wuebker, 65, died Dec. 28, 2003, at his residence in Overland Park, Kan.
 He was born in Carthagena to Edward and Josepha Gieske Wuebker.
 Survivors are three brothers, Fred (Marilyn), of Blakeslee, Pa., Robert (Joan),  of New Albany, and Richard (Cynthia), of Versailles.
 Deceased is a brother, Edward.
 He served with the U. S. Navy.
 Memorial service was held Jan. 3, 2004, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Kansas City, Kan.
 Contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice

Karen Balster
 Karen Schmidt Balster, 60, of Mesa, Ariz., died Jan. 1, 2004, at her residence. Death was due to cancer.
 She was born June 12, 1943, to John and Clementine Schmidt and raised in Shelby County. On Jan. 26, 1963, she married Ralph Balster of Carthagena and he survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Scott of Munich, Germany; two daughters, Sheryl Sarna, Los Angeles, Calif., and Amy Gulbranson, Mesa; two brothers, Kenneth Schmidt, Sidney, and Jerry Schmidt, Jackson Center; a sister, Janet Hoying, Anna; and eight grandchildren.
 A son, John, is deceased.
 She was an artist and a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Mesa. She was a 1961 graduate of Anna High School and a 1991 graduate of Arizona State University.
 Funeral Mass is 1 p.m. Thursday at the church with burial to follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens. A memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Henry Catholic Church.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Melcher Funeral Home, Mesa. Scripture services will be there at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Marie Fowler
 Marie L. Fowler, 89, 714 Wilkins St., Celina, died at 7:22 p.m. Jan. 4, 2004, at her residence.
 She was born Oct. 22, 1914, in Chicago, Ill., to Peter and Mary Conti Pisani. On June 11, 1932, she married Arthur J. Fowler who died April 25, 1978.
 Surviving are five sons, Richard (Peggy) of St. Marys, Daniel (Sue) of Centerville, John of Camden, Michael (Jackie) of Celina, and Tom (Linda) of Celina, Texas; seven daughters, Ann Quinn, Margaret Wright, Jean (Robert) Hefner and Joan Shaw, all of Colorado Springs, Colo., Marion (David) Gudorf, Hamilton, Patricia (Stan) Ayers, Peyton, Colo., and Kathy of Celina; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
 She retired from Huffy Corp., Celina. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 5713, all of Celina.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Richard R. Riedel officiating. Burial will be at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, Celina.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at W. H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina.
 Contributions can be made to the St. Marys Renal Dialysis Center or State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Gladys Miller
 Gladys M. Miller, 96, formerly of Mendon, died at 9:25 p,m. Jan. 4, 2004, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 She was born Nov. 13, 1907, in Mendon, to Elmer and Eva Wright Lawrence. On April 17, 1926, she married Clayton Miller who is deceased.
 Surviving are a son, Dale (Mary) of Celina; two daughters, June (Myron) Hyatt, Celina, and Sally (William) Brown, Xenia; 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, one stepgreat-grandson and one stepgreat-great-grandson.
 Deceased are two sons, Paul and Richard, and two sisters, LeVerne Williams and Nelva McGillvary.
 She formerly was a machine operator at Hays Auto Trim. She was a member of Mendon United Methodist Church and past matron of the Order of Eastern Star, Mendon.
 Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Robert Metheny officiating. Burial will be at Mendon Cemetery.
 Calling is 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
R. Michael Loughridge
 Services for R. Michael “Mike” Loughridge were Jan. 3, 2004, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Celina, the Rev. Robert Metheny officiated. Organist was Carol Zimmerman and Beth Loughridge was soloist.
 Pallbearers to North Grove Cemetery, Celina, were Steve Grimes, Mike Seibert, Tim Robinson, Bill Boze, Steve Blakely, Tom and Jerry Loughridge and Ron Smalley.
 Lehman Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

Wilmer Borgert
 Wilmer B. “Bim” Borgert, 84, 252 N. Walnut St., St. Henry, died at 10:05 p.m. Jan. 2, 2004, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 He was born Jan. 17, 1919, in Cranberry Prairie, to John and Elizabeth Osterfeld Borgert. On Oct. 25, 1947, he married Rita Stahl who survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, Bob (Janet) of St. Henry, Denny (Joyce) and Jim (Nancy), both of Wapakoneta; two daughters, Betsy (Ron) Houts, Celina, and Diane (Mike) Link, St. Henry; 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a brother, Levinus; a sister, Delores Stanford; and a grandchild.
 He was a retired truck driver and a member of the St. Henry Catholic Church and St. Henry American Legion Post. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. Emil Labbe officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery with the American Legion conducting military rites.
 Calling is 3-8 p.m. today and 9-10:15 a.m. Tuesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.

Floyd Fair
 Floyd F. “Sonny” Fair, 92, of Troy, died at 11:15 a.m. Jan. 3, 2004, at Upper Valley Medical Center, Troy.
 He was born Aug. 12, 1911, in Tipp City, to Orel C. and Etta Mae Ballenger Fair. He married Grace Adams of Celina and she died in 1992.
 Surviving are a brother, Donald, and a sister, Barb Kraft, both of Tipp City.
 Three brothers and two sisters are deceased.
 He retired as a machinist at A.O. Smith Co. in 1962 and previously worked for the Tipp City Police Department. He was a member of First United Church of Christ, Troy, and founded the Tipp City Boy’s Club. He was a 1932 graduate of Tippecanoe High School, Tipp City.
 Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Baird Funeral Home, Troy, the Revs. Al and Carol Bastin officiating. Burial will be at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.
 Calling is 4-7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Elmer Gaier
 Elmer H. Gaier, 98, formerly of 13 Canal St., Fort Loramie, died at 10:40 a.m. Jan. 4, 2004, at The Pavilion nursing home, Sidney.
 He was born Sept. 17, 1905, in Fort Loramie, to Charles and Sophia Bernhold Gaier. On Sept. 14, 1932, he married Rose Angela Behr who died Sept. 25, 1990.
 Surviving are two sons, Arthur (Evelyn) of Versailles, and Roger (Beverly) of Greenville; a daughter, Patricia (Fred) Frankenberg, St. Cloud, Fla.; a brother, Robert (Marie) of Sidney; two sisters, Rose Roesser and Louise (Clarence) Carey, all of Sidney; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are his stepmother, Eleanor Overman Gaier; a son, Donald, and a daughter, Mary Lou, in infancy; three brothers, Jacob, Clemence and Christopher; and two sisters, Mary Poeppelman and Irene Imwalle.
 He operated a threshing ring for 30 years and attended Fort Loramie Schools. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Fort Loramie.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Steven Shoup officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 3-7 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

Dean Gehm
 Dean “Buck” Gehm, 64, 1781 Oregon Road, Celina, died at 3:35 a.m. Jan. 3, 2004, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford of natural causes.
 He was born Aug. 19, 1939, in Jackson Center, to Bill and Lauretta Deitsch Gehm. His mother survives in Rockford. On Oct. 28, 1961, he married Twyla Priddy who survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Todd of Celina; a daughter, Crystal (Doug) Severt, Rockford; two brothers, Lowell (Patricia) of Rockford and Larry (Linda) of Celina; and six grandchildren.
 He retired from farming and Eagle Tool & Die, Monroe, Ind. He also worked at the St. Marys Foundry, General Electric in Decatur, Ind., the Celina Post Office and CTS of Berne, Ind. A 1957 Rockford High School graduate, he was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Rockford, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Coldwater.
 Services are 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. John Fleming officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, and after 9 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Helen Graham
 Helen Louise Graham, 74, of Rockford, died Jan. 3, 2004, at her residence.
 She was born March 18, 1929, in Rockford, to Harry Earl and Zella Stein Mefferd. On June 29, 1947, she married James Milton Graham who died April 15, 1982.
 Surviving are two sons, Steve (Carol) of New Carlisle and Gary (Sue) of New London; two daughters, Nancy (Randy) Grosch, Arcanum, and Christine (Cory) Heitkamp, St. Marys; a sister, Doris (Vince) Dugan, Rockford; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Brent, Danielson, Conn.; 11 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
 One brother, Harold Mefferd, is deceased.
 She worked at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., St. Marys, for 13 years and was a homemaker. She was a member of Rockford United Presbyterian Church, Rockford, and the Presbyterian Women’s Association.
 Services are 10 a.m. Wednesday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Rev. Karen Long officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and after 9 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the church.

Harold Hays
 Harold Eugene “Gene” Hays, 88, formerly of 818 Kingswood Drive, Celina, died at 4 p.m. Jan. 4, 2004, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 He was born May 15, 1915, in Rockford, to Harold E. and Almeda Brookhart Hays. On June 4, 1939, he married Lucille Trienfenbach and she died July 5, 2003.
 Surviving are a brother, Ralph (Beulah) of Ada; a sister, Dortha Baer, Celina; and a sister-in-law, Jean Hays, Celina.
 A brother, Dale Hays, is deceased.
 He was a retired General Motors engineering technician and a Rockford High School graduate. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of St. Pauls United Methodist Church, the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge, all of Celina.
 Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Robert Metheny officiated. Burial will be at Mendon Cemetery.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the church.

Rowena Hile
 Rowena C. Hile, 87, 510 Oil St., St. Marys, died Jan. 2, 2004, at her residence.
 She was born June 20, 1916, in Anna, to John A. and Elizabeth L. Morris Fogt. On Nov. 9, 1935, she married Freeman Hile who died Dec. 16, 2001.
 Surviving are a daughter, Cecelia (Clifton) Houseworth, St. Marys; a brother, John Fogt, Lima; a sister, Hazel Raymond, Ottoville; and three grandchildren.
 Brothers and sisters are deceased.
 She had worked at the Lima Tank Plant and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, St. Marys. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, St. Marys.
 Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys. Burial will be at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is after noon Wednesday at the funeral home.

Gladys Miller
 Gladys M. Miller, 96, formerly of Mendon, died at 9:25 p.m. Jan. 4, 2004, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 Arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Jack Molz
 Jack Kenneth Molz, 78, of Kettering, died Jan. 2, 2004, at a daughter’s Celina-area home.
 He was born July 15, 1925, in Tulsa, Okla., to Harold and Ethel Molz.
 Surviving with his wife of 57 years, the former Mildred Robbins, are two sons, Kenneth (Gretchen) and David (April), all of Kettering; three daughters, Jacqueline (Dan) Sendelbach, Celina; Susan of Centerville, and Dody (Brock) Davidson, Beavercreek; two sisters, Lorraine (Fitz) Fitzgerald, Roanoke, Va., and Marilyn (Leonard) Auton, Atlanta, Ga.; seven grandchildren and three stepgrandchildren.
 A school photographer for 50 years, he owned and operated Campus Portraits Inc., Kettering. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of the Masonic Temple.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Morris Sons Funeral Home, Kettering, the Rev. David Turner officiating. Burial will be at Valley View Memory Gardens.
 Calling is 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to The Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Inc. of Baltimore, Md.

Marlene Schumann
 Marlene E. Schumann, 67, 841 S. Wayne St., St. Marys, died Jan. 4, 2004, in Fort Myers, Fla.
 She had retired as Auglaize County recorder.
 Arrangements are pending at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.

Wayne Rexroat
 Wayne E. Rexroat, 81, 318 E. Livingston St., Celina, died at 3:57 a.m. Jan. 3, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 He was born July 5, 1922, in Colfax, Iowa, to Richard and Alma Acton Rexroat. On April 17, 1946, he married Eunice Kile who survives.
 Also surviving are two daughters, Sue (Ron) Hammons and Cheryl (Dave) Lipp, all of Celina; a brother, Melvin (Flossie) of Pocatell, Idaho; two sisters, Dorothy (Darrold) Lauber, Brownsville, Texas, and Alma (Al) Daubenschmidt, Venice, Fla.; four grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 Two brothers, Raymond and George, are deceased.
 He formerly owned the Western Auto and Ace Hardware stores in Celina. A former Celina city councilor, he was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and American Legion Post 210, both of Celina. He was president of the Colfax High School Class of 1941.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Robert Metheny officiating. Burial will be at North Grove Cemetery.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to Celina Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

Robert Tumbush
 Robert E. Tumbush, 78, 204 S. Brandon Ave., Celina, died at 10:10 p.m. Jan. 2, 2004, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.
 He was born July 31, 1925, in New Bremen, to Edward and Minerva Hegimier Tumbush. On Oct. 2, 1947, he married Elaine L. Laudahn and she survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Steve (Irene) of Madison, Wis.; three daughters, Kathy (Robert) Wilker, Coldwater, Lucy (Doug) Spicer, Van Wert, and Renee (Doug) Rennie, Cincinnati; nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 Deceased are a daughter, Joan, and a sister, Jane Menker.
 He retired in 1983 as a sales representative after working 30 years at Mersman Brothers and 12 years at Pulaski Furniture. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Celina, and a board member of the Mercer County Senior Citizens. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Revs. Ron Wilker and Tom Brenberger officiating. Burial will follow at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Celina Veterans of Foreign Wars post.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.
 Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice, and Home Health care of Mercer County.

Rowena Hile
 Rowena C. Hile, 87, 510 Oil St., St. Marys, died Friday evening, Jan. 2, 2004, at her residence.
 Arrangements are pending at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.

Richard Bernard
 Richard Bernard, 55, died Dec. 18, 2003, at his residence. Death was due to natural causes.
 Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Maria Stein.
 Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster, has charge of arrangements. There are no calling hours, but the family will receive friends at a meal at the Knights of St. John Hall in Maria Stein following services.
 Contributions can be made to the Marion Township Branch Library, Chickasaw.

Joseph Donnerberg
 Joseph L. Donnerberg, 72, 02234 Greenville Road, St. Marys, died at 5:23 p.m. Dec. 30, 2003, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 He was born Jan. 26, 1931, in St. Marys, to Elmer and Eda Kauffman Donnerberg. On July 12, 1952, he married Anna Mary Schultz who survives.
 Also surviving are two sons, the Rev. John (Karen) of Lubbock, Texas, and Jeffrey (Kay) of Cheney, Wash.; a brother, David of Celina; and four grandchildren.
 A longtime member of First Church of the Nazarene, St. Marys, he currently attended First United Church of Christ, New Knoxville, where he taught sixth grade and adult Sunday School classes for 15 years. He was a board member of WTGN Radio, a 1949 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School and a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.
 Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at the New Knoxville church, with his sons officiating. Burial will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.
 Contributions can be made to Gideons International or the radio station.

Mary Beckstedt Grimm
 Mary M. Beckstedt Grimm, 90, 1001 Myers Road, Celina, died at 9:05 p.m. Dec. 31, 2003, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 She was born Sept. 15, 1913, in Van Wert, to Charles and Rachel Hauter Clifford. On June 25, 1933, she married Leo Beckstedt who is deceased. On Oct. 15, 1985, she married Richard Grimm Sr. and he, too, is deceased.
 Surviving are two sons, Don (Lucy) Beckstedt, Celina, and James (Judy) Beckstedt, Virginia Beach, Va.; a brother, Charles Clifford, St. Marys; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
 Two brothers, Eugene and Stanley Clifford, and a sister, Thelma Hardin, are deceased.
 She was a cashier at Kroger’s in Celina for 24 years and a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Celina.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Tom Brenberger officiating. Burial will follow at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, Celina.
 Calling is 2-5 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.
 Contributions can be made to the church.

Charleen Hunter
 Charleen Hunter, 79, 123 N. Hickory St., St. Marys, died Jan. 1, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 She was born May 17, 1924, in New Bremen, to Charles and Clara Kellermeyer Fark. On April 14, 1945, she married Robert E. Hunter who survives.
 Also surviving are a daughter, Nancy Koch, St. Marys; a sister, Cleora Forwerck, Celina; four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a son, Michael, and two brothers, Donald and Kenneth Fark.
 She retired from Lampert’s Meat Market in St. Marys. She also was a homemaker, a board of elections poll worker and a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, St. Marys the Women’s Guild and the church’s funeral luncheon committee.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.
 Calling is 5-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Martha Karges
 Martha A. Karges, 85, 5293 Colwell Road, Convoy, died at 1:06 p.m. Dec. 31, 2003, at Convoy Care Center, Convoy.
 She was born June 16, 1918, in Hamilton County, Ind., to Rollie and Elizabeth Wilson Leeman. On June 20, 1945, she married Dale Thomas Matthews who died March 4, 1983. She later married Willis E. Karges who survives.
 Also surviving are a daughter, Virginia E. (Dennis) Hammons, Middle Point; four stepsons, Richard (Marie) Matthews, Madison, Wis., Paul (Paula) Karges, Kalkaska, Mich., Wayne (Kathy) Karges, Convoy, and Edward (Claudia) Karges, Van Wert; three stepdaughters, Betty (Martin) Krick, Celina, Susan (Linn) Ealing, Bluffton, Ind., and Ruby (Brian) VanderArk, Caledonia, Mich.; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
 Other survivors include a brother, the Rev. Rollie (Janelle) Leeman, Ulm, Minn.; and two sisters, Ruth (Roger) Stickle, Indianapolis, Ind., and Gertie (Tom) Cox, Atlanta, Ind.
 Two stepsons, Robert A. and Paul G. Matthews, are deceased.
 She was a retired teacher and former librarian at Marsh Foundation School, Van Wert. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Van Wert, where she had been a Sunday School teacher and Mission Board member. She was a graduate of Taylor University, Upland, Ind.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Tim Burden officiating. Burial will follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Convoy.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, and after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church.
 Contributions can be made to the church.

Evelyn McCain
 Mendon native Evelyn M. McCain, 87, of Sun City, Ariz., formerly of Lima and Cridersville, died at 4:40 a.m. Dec. 29, 2003, at Sun Health Hospice, Peoria, Ariz.
 She was born March 24, 1916, in Mendon, to Charles and Clara Sowers Snyder. On Nov. 21, 1936, she married Lloyd A. McCain who died Sept. 12, 1991.
 Surviving are a son, Charles A. of Sun City; a daughter, Ann (David) Yoakam, Cridersville; a half brother, Dean Snyder, Celina; two half sisters, Floy Whetstone, St. Marys, and Kathryn Harner, Mendon; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a sister, Marie Bennett, and a half brother, Carl E. Snyder.
 She was a homemaker and the co-owner of McCain Industries, a recreational vehicle manufacturer.
 Services are 2 p.m. Sunday at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville, the Rev. David Johns officiating. Burial will follow at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Margaret Schoch
 Coldwater native Margaret F. Schoch, 87, formerly of Portland, Ind., died at 10 a.m. Jan. 1, 2004, at Swiss Village, Berne, Ind.
 She was born Jan. 24, 1916, in Coldwater, to John and Mary Boeckman Goecke. On May 4, 1946, she married Thomas Schoch who died Sept. 11, 2002.
 Surviving are two sons, James (Nurinalda) of Mount Vernon and John (Agnes) of Genva, Ind.; a daughter, Patricia (James) Kaufman, Columbus; two sisters, Clotilda Muhlenkamp, Anna, and Rita Schaefer, St. Anthony; six grandchildren, three stepgrandchildren and three stepgreat-grandchildren.
 Two brothers, Gregory and Urban Goecke, and two sisters, Ida Moeller and Emma Dorsten, are deceased.
 She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and the Altar Sodality, both of St. Anthony.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Kenneth Alt officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Sunday and 9-9:45 a.m. Monday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery. A prayer service will be held there at 7:45 p.m. Sunday.

Joseph Sheets
 Joseph R. Sheets, 76, of Celina, formerly of Dayton, died at 3:46 p.m. Dec. 30, 2003, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind.
 He was born Feb. 28, 1927, in Dayton, to James K. and Lauretta G. Heck Sheets. On May 9, 1953, he married Lois E. Hull who survives.
 Also surviving are a son, David of Sydney, Australia; three daughters, Teresa (John) Shaw, Olive Branch, Miss., Connie (Mark) Collins, Van Wert, and Belinda (Terry) Kutter, Centerville; two brothers, James K. (Berneal) of Trotwood, and Gene (Ruth) of Tampa, Fla.; four grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 One sister is deceased.
 He retired from Sears as an appliance repairman in 1989 and served with the U.S. Army Air Force in the European Theatre during World War II. He attended Mount Tabor Church of God, Rockford, and was a member of Solar Masonic Lodge, Dayton, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, Brookville.
 Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Jim Keiser officiating.
 Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, has charge of arrangements. There is no visitation.
 Contributions can be made to the church or the American Cancer Society.

Daily Standard Obituaries
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