Norma B. Recker, 93, of Ottawa, died 5:20 a.m. Friday at Putnam Heritage in Ottawa.

She was born Sept. 13, 1919, in Miller City to Bernard and Elizabeth (Schroeder) Riepenhoff, who preceded her in death. On Feb. 18, 1941, she married Amos B. Recker, who died Nov. 22, 1998.

Surviving are five children: JoAnn Niese of Leipsic, Marlene (Alfred) Pohlman of Delphos, Donald Recker of Ottawa, Donna (Robert) Bellman of Ottawa and Sandra (Sammy) Dewyer of Bowling Green; 15 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 1 step-great grandchild; 1 great-great grandchild; 1 brother and 6 sisters: Mary Nartker of Ottawa, Ruth Smith of Tiffin, Clara Schroth of Cleveland, Eleanor (Robert) Zwyer of Berkey, Lucille Shields of Bowling Green, Ky., James (Jane) Riepenhoff of Miller City and Rita Mae (Herman) Schmenk of Ottawa; two sister-in-laws: Esther Riepenhoff of Ottawa and Norma Riepenhoff of Miller City.

She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, William Niese; a daughter-in-law, Janice Recker; two brothers: Clarence Riepenhoff and Len Riepenhoff; four brothers-in-law: Arnold Nartker, Burkhart Schroth, Joseph Smith and Ty Shields; and two sisters-in-law: Dorothy Riepenhoff and Eileen Riepenhoff.

Norma was a homemaker and seamstress. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, and its Altar Rosary Society. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, quilting and playing cards.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, the Rev. Matt Jozefiak officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa, where a Scripture service will begin at 7:50 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com

View Full Notice → Norma B. Recker

Sept. 15, 1925-Aug. 10, 2013

Paul E. Sawmiller, 87, of rural Spencerville, died Saturday morning at his residence.

He was born Sept. 15, 1925, in Van Wert County, to Arthur and Mildred (Rempher) Sawmiller, who preceded him in death. On July 14, 1947, he married Jean A. Kolter, who survives.

Other survivors include five children, Paula (Michael) Bice of Spencerville, Norris (Jean) Sawmiller of Mendon and Claudine Hawk, Roxanne (Roy) Lauth and Michael (Laura) Sawmiller of Spencerville; 11 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; a sister, Luella (Robert) Grothouse of Delphos and a brother, Kenneth Sawmiller, Spencerville.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Willis and Robert Sawmiller.

A farmer, Paul had worked at Weston Paper Mill in St. Marys. He attended the Monticello United Brethren In Christ Church and enjoyed gardening.

Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, Pastor Andrew J. Atkins officiating. Burial is to follow in the Salem Cemetery, near Monticello. The family will receive friends 2-4 p.m. 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Monticello United Brethren In Christ Church.

View Full Notice → Paul E. Sawmiller

April 10, 1950-Aug. 13 2013

Linda Lea (Fox) Collins, 63, of Venedocia, died Tuesday at her residence.

She was born April 10, 1950, in Celina, to Jack and Rosemary (Hull) Fox, who preceded her in death.

She was united in marriage to Larry Collins on Dec. 8, 1999. He survives in Venedocia.

Other survivors include two sons, Jeremy (Tamara) Snyder of Camden, S.C., and Travis (Angie Crispo) of Wren; two daughters, Angela Snyder of Columbus and Nicole (Larry Lichtensteiger) Snyder of Wren; a brother, Larry (Donna) Fox of Van Wert; seven stepchildren; six grandchildren; and several stepgrandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Jack G Fox and Billy D. Fox.

Mrs. Collins was a homemaker. She was a lifetime member of Salem Presbyterian Church in Venedocia and was a past member of the Eastern Star #259.

She was an avid gardener and was considered the “Corn Cutting Queen.” She enjoyed decorating cakes and her true passion was her grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 5 p.m. Saturday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, Pastor Thomas Emery officiating. Burial will take place at Venedocia Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Middle Point Fire Department or Venedocia Lions Club.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.harterandschier.com.

View Full Notice → Linda Lea (Fox) Collins

Delores “Dolly” V. Sheeter, 85, of Delphos, passed away on Friday afternoon at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Arrangements are pending at the Strayer Funeral Home.

View Full Notice → Delores “Dolly” V. Sheeter

Dec. 25, 1931-Aug. 11, 2013

Mary Lou Atkinson, 81, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 11 after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

She was born in Van Buren, Ind., on Dec. 25, 1931, to Guy Robin and Elizabeth (Volk) McKee.

Living all of her young life in Delphos, Mary Lou moved to Chagrin Falls where she married the love of her life, Russell “Russ” R. Atkinson, on Sept. 5, 1970. He preceded her in death on Nov. 15, 2011.

She is survived by her son, Robert (Shea) Alexander of Youngstown; her daughter, Toni Carroll (Michael) Jones of Brandon, Miss.; her stepson, Russell (Nancy) Atkinson Jr. of Rockwood, Mich.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Also preceding her in death were four brothers, Wendell McKee, Paul McKee, James McKee and Charles McKee; and a stepdaughter, Cheryl Kinsey.

Her family and faith, centered at her home in Chagrin, were most important to her.

At her request, services will be private and arrangements made by Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home located in Chagrin Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland OH 44110.

View Full Notice → Mary Lou Atkinson

Feb. 1, 1956-Aug. 15, 2013

Janet E. Smith, 57, of Spencerville, passed away peacefully at 6:19 a.m. Thursday at St. Rita’s Medical Center, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born Feb. 1, 1956, in Lima to Richard and Shirley Potts Harruff, who survive in Spencerville.

On April 26, 1974, she married her best friend and soul mate, Jessie J. Smith, who died Sept. 29, 1995.

Survivors include a son, Richard (Sandra) Smith of Celina; a sister, Sherry Wieter, and her fiance, Scott Ditto of Delphos; nephew, Curtis Harruff of Lima; nieces, Beth Wieter of Spencerville, Mandy (Mat) Miller of Spencerville and their children, Mathew and Logan, Jamie (Scott) Bruce of Wapakoneta and their daughter, Amaya, Tammy Coil of Spencerville and her daughter Amber; and brothers-in-law, Leon Wieter and Dennis Harruff, both of Spencerville.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Pamela Harruff; and sister-in-law, Roxanne Harruff.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville, the Rev. Andrew J. Atkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Spencerville Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Allen County.

View Full Notice → Janet E. Smith

April 12, 1939-Aug. 17, 2013

Gwendolyn E “Red” Fiig, 74, of Defiance, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday evening.

She was born April 12, 1939, in Edgerton to Rupert and Gladys (Gallant) Fiig, who preceded her in death.

Gwendolyn is survived by a daughter, Deanne “Dee” Johnson of Defiance; a grandson Shane (Christy) Johnson of Defiance; six great-granddaughters, Shyann, Stefany, Sierra, Saleen, Saige and Chevelle Johnson; a great-grandson, Brandon; two sisters, Sharon Siler of Delphos and Donna Perry of Convoy; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is also preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Burt.

Red worked for the Greyhound Bus Lines/City Taxi of Defiance for 25 years. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their sporting events.

Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, the Rev. Paul Myers officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance.

Calling hours will be from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.schafferfh.com.

View Full Notice → Gwendolyn E. ‘Red’ Fiig

July 2, 1949-Aug. 17, 2013

Janet S. “Jan” Siedel, 64, of rural Spencerville, died at 2:58 a.m. Saturday at St. Rita’s Medical Center. She had been ill since December 2012.

She was born July 2, 1949, in Lima, to Gerald E. and Frances A. Protsman Thompson. Her father survives in Spencerville and her mother preceded her in death.

On Aug. 7, 1971, she married Alan W. Seidel, who died Aug. 30, 2007.

She is survived by her son, Scott A. Seidel and daughter, Kris J. Seidel, both of Spencerville; her brother, Gary E. (Peggy) Thompson of Bowling Green; and two nephews, David E. (Kati) Thompson and Jason E. (Britanie) Thompson and a niece, Crystal A. Thompson, all of Bowling Green.

Graveside funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the New Salem Cemetery, south of Monticello, the Rev. Tim Smith officiating.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. today and from 9-10 a.m. Tuesday at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

View Full Notice → Janet S. ‘Jan’ Siedel

Feb. 1, 1923-Aug. 9, 2013

Alma Marie Minnig, 90, of Delphos, died at 1:47 p.m. Aug. 9 at Vancrest Healthcare Center of Delphos.

She was born Feb. 1, 1923 to Jacob and Veronica (Ricker) Burgei, who preceded her in death.

She was united in marriage to Camillus J. Minnig on June 4, 1946. He preceded her in death on July 22, 1986.

Survivors include four sons, Frank (Mary) Minnig and Robert (Jean) Minnig both of Van Wert and Jeff Minnig and Joe Minnig both of Delphos; three daughters, Diane Feathers of Monroeville, Ind., Karen (Robert) Adkins of Delphos and Sharron Minnig of Fort Wayne; three sisters, Ruth Pohlman of Delphos, Irene Miller of Ottoville and Norma Vonderembse of Delphos; three sisters-in-law, Avonelle Burgei, Norma Burgei and Ethel Burgei; a brother-in-law, Kenny Rode; a daughter-in-law, Kim Ralston; 17 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Jim Minnig; her twin sons, John and Joseph; her twin daughters, Marilyn and Carolyn; two sisters, Gertrude Rode and Rosemary Pohlman; three brothers, John Burgei, Thomas Burgei and Orville Burgei; four brothers-in-law, Arthur Pohlman, Jerome Pohlman, Ralph Miller and Gus Vonderembse; daughter-in-law, Rebecca Minnig; and a grandchild.

Mrs. Minnig was a homemaker. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Ladies Aux. V.F.W. 3035 and a life member of the Altar Rosary Society.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Dave Reinhart officiating. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home. There will be a Parish Wake at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Memorial contributions can be made to American Breast Cancer Awareness.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.harterandschier.com.

View Full Notice → Alma Marie Minnig

March 16, 1928-Aug. 16, 2013

Delores “Dolly” V. Sheeter, 85, of Delphos, passed away on Friday afternoon at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Her Family

She was born on March 16, 1928, in Ottoville, to Alphons and Rose (Klima) Markward, who preceded her in death.

She married Donald L. Sheeter on Oct. 2, 1948. He preceded her in death on Oct. 12, 1981.

She is survived by three daughters, Ginger (Tony) Martin, Carol Calvelage and Diana (Robert) Pavel all of Delphos; two sons, Gary (Becky) Sheeter of Spencerville and Paul Sheeter of Delphos; 16 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; a brother, Art (Barb) Markward of Lima; a sister, Bea Dray of Fremon; and a sister-in-law, Lois Markward of Delphos.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Jessie J. Pavel; three brothers, Richard, Urban and Wilbur Markward; and three sisters, Alice Wolfinger, Genevieve Rupert and Valeta Grewe.

Her Legacy

Dolly was a devoted homemaker. She worked at several places throughout her life. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Delphos V.F.W. Post 3035 Auxiliary. She loved to spend time with her family and travel with friends and family.

Her Farewell Services

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, with the Rev. Chris Bohnsack officiating. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Strayer Funeral Home, Delphos, where a Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be shared at www.strayerfuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Delores “Dolly” V. Sheeter

Oct, 29, 1934-Aug. 20, 2013

Jay F. Hinton, 78, a former Frankfort, Ind., resident, died at 6:10 a.m. Tuesday at his home in Lafayette, Ind.

He was born Oct. 29, 1934, in Clarksburg, W.Va., to William and Chleo (Wolfe) Hinton, who preceded him in death.

On June 7, 1958, he married Sandra “Sue” Dienstberger in Delphos. She preceded him in death on March 30, 2009.

Mr. Hinton was a 1953 graduate of Delphos Jefferson High School. He had lived in Delphos and Van Wert before moving to Frankfort in 1965. He then moved to Lafayette in 2002. Jay was a production supervisor with Mallory Controls for 31 years, retiring on Feb. 23, 1996. He was baptized at the First Church of the Brethren in Lima. An honorary lifetime member of the BPO Elks #560, Jay was past Exalted Ruler, past District President, past District Deputy of Grand Exalted Ruler and served four years as an officer of the Indiana Elks Association. Jay was an avid sports fan, following Ohio State football and basketball, Cleveland Browns football and Cleveland Indians baseball, all since 1947.

Survivors include a son, Michael S. (Cheri) Hinton of Sellersburg, Ind.; a daughter, Jodi D. Hinton of Lafayette, Ind.; a daughter-in-law, Kelli Hinton of Brownsburg; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren

He was also preceded in death by a son, Mark S. Hinton in 2009; three brothers; and two sisters.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort, with an Elks Memorial Service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Green Lawn Mausoleum. Memorial donations may be made to the Elks National Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at goodwinfuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Jay F. Hinton

April 30, 1932-Aug. 20, 2013

Juanita I. Mowery, 81, of Spencerville, died at 9:40 a.m. Tuesday in the Roselawn Manor Nursing Home in Spencerville, where she had resided since April.

She was born April 30, 1932, in Van Wert, to Robert and Mamie Place Miller, who preceded her in death.

On Dec. 23, 1968, she married Frank A. Mowery, who preceded her in death on March 20, 2003.

She is survived by seven children, Susan Tidwell of Spencerville, James (Rebecca) Robey of Kossuth, Mark (Sharon) Robey of Spencerville, Ernest Robey of Lima, Tamara (James) Sanders of Delphos, Martha “Martie” Robey of Spencerville and Charles Mowery of Jasper, Texas; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and expecting two more.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Timothy Robey; a sister, Barbara Matthews; and two brothers, Robert and Earl Miller.

Mrs. Mowery was a 1951 graduate of Van Wert High School and had earned her degree in Dietetics at Wright State University in Dayton. She had worked at Roselawn Manor and the Colonial Nursing Home in Rockford, where she was a nurse assistant and had also worked in home care.

She was a longtime member of the Friends Church in Spencerville, where she was active in women’s groups. She had been a member of the local garden club and loved being with her grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Friends Church in Spencerville, the Rev. Charles H. Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Spencerville Cemetery.

Friends may call from 1-2 p.m. Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Roselawn Manor Activities fund.

View Full Notice → Juanita I. Mowery

Sept. 8, 1929-Aug. 20, 2013

Joan E. (Hawk) Miller, 83, of Spencerville, following a lengthy illness, went home to be with her Lord and Savior at 4:25 p.m. Tuesday in the CHP Hospice Center, Van Wert.

She was born Sept. 8, 1929, in Toledo, to AJ Hawk and Faye (Roberts) Hawk.

On June 18, 1949, she was married to Dean W. Miller, who preceded her in death in 2002.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Cheryl (Gregory) Hover of Spencerville and Theresa (Allen) Whittington of Van Wert; her sons, Dana (Donita) Miller of Elida and Philip Miller of Troy; a son-in-law, Ronald Weaver of Troy; a brother, Lee (Beverly) Hawk of Vandalia; a sister, Anita (Richard) Clutter of Pleasant Hill; sister-in-laws, Judy Hawk of West Milton and Sandra Hawk of Henderson, Nevada; grandchildren, Aundrea (Rick) Good, Jeremi (Shelly) Hover, Benjamin (Rachel) Hover, Nandry (Dustin) Smith, Janelle (Jeremy) Ward, Donald (Karinda) Miller, Deanna (Denny) Purdy, Derek (Samantha) Miller, Brett (Melissa) Whittington, Emily Whittington, Kristina (Andrew) Pierce, Melissa (Steven) Price, Hope and Matthew Miller; grandson-in-law, Gabriel Spradlin; stepgrandson, Joshua Weaver; 27 great-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren.

Joan was also preceded in death by a son, Steven Dean Miller; a daughter, Martha (Miller) Weaver; granddaughter, Bethany (Stuck) Spradlin; great-grandson, Jordan Spradlin; and brothers, Charles Hawk and Paul Hawk.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today and prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to the Community Health Professional Adult Day Care Center and the Community Health Professional In-patient Hospice Center, both of Van Wert.

View Full Notice → Joan E. (Hawk) Miller

March 4, 1933-Aug. 23, 2013

Mary L. Gerdeman, 80, of Fort Jennings, died at 10:57 p.m. Friday at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

She was born March 4, 1933, in Kalida to Henry and Laura (Brinkman) Grote, who preceded her in death.

On Oct. 27, 1954, she married Virgil B. Gerdeman, who survives in Fort Jennings.

Other survivors include four children, Michael (Sandy) Gerdeman and Charles (Penny) Gerdeman of Fort Jennings, Jane (Gregg) Giessler of Kalida and Susan (Ted) Verhoff of Fort Jennings; 10 grandchildren, Shannon (Craig) Everman, Michele (Russell) Mead, Scott (Allyson) Gerdeman, Ryan Gerdeman, Amanda (Kyle) Schimmoeller, Ross Gerdeman, Lauren Verhoff, Nick Verhoff, John Gerdeman and Christina Gerdeman; six great-grandchildren, Daniel Everman, Luke Everman, Adelyn Everman, Lena Mead, Caleb Everman and Christian Mead and expecting one more this month; three sisters, Mildred Sarka of Kalida, Hilda (George) Ralich of Salem and Sr. Julie Grote of Tiffin; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Grote of Kalida and Marie Grote of Kalida.

She was also preceded in death by six brothers, Richard Grote, Norbert Grote, Victor Grote, Edwin Grote, Raymond Grote and Robert Grote.

Mary was a homemaker who devoted her entire life to her faith and family as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and her friends. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Jennings, and its Catholic Ladies of Columbia.

A Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Jennings, the Rev. Charles Obinwa officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township, where a CL of C rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m; and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church.

Memorial donations may be sent to St. Joseph Catholic Church for the Church Sign Project.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com

View Full Notice → Mary L. Gerdeman

Oct. 11, 1936-Aug. 21, 2013

Charles Gordon Fullerton, 76, of Lancaster, Calif., passed away Aug. 21, 2013 in Lancaster.

He was born on Oct. 11, 1936, in Rochester, N.Y., to his parents, Mr. Charles Fullerton and Mrs. Grace Fullerton. Gordon was the oldest of three children.

He married Marie J. Buettner in Delphos, Ohio, on July 6, 1968. They had two children.

Gordon was an Eagle Scout. He attended California Institute of Technology and graduated in 1958 with a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He retired as a United States Air Force Colonel after 30 years of service. Fullerton flew nuclear bombers for the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War, joined the astronaut corps at the end of the Apollo program and helped design and test the space shuttle. He flew the shuttle Enterprise in three of its five test flights. Eventually, he logged 382 hours in space during his two shuttle flights, STS-3 and 51-F. Gordon later spent some 20 years as a research pilot for NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, often at the controls of the B-52 mothership and 747 shuttle carrier aircraft. Gordon’s passions included spending time with his five grandchildren, hiking, long bike rides and Saturday morning garage sales.

Gordon will be remembered by his loving wife and their children, Molly Mansubi and Andy (Kathleen) Fullerton; five grandchildren, Kobe, Cameron and Kyle Mansubi and Keira and Elise Fullerton. He is also survived by his two sisters, Jeanne Schulz and Ann Fullerton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles R. and Grace (Sherman) Fullerton.

Relatives and friends were invited to a Mass for the Resurrection in celebration for Gordon at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 at Sacred Heart Church, 565 West Kettering, Lancaster, Calif. 93534. A Celebration of Life was held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26 at NASA Dryden, Edwards Air Force Base. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be sent to Dog Tags for Military Kids, 661-940-7624; ProCare Hospice, 1-888-573-7305 and Boy Scouts of America.

To send condolences to Marie Fullerton, contact her at 44046 28th St. West, Lancaster, CA 93536 or mfnurse@yahoo.com.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Halley Olsen Murphy, Lancaster Chapel, www.homlancaster.com.

A full biography of Fullerton is available online at www.nasa.gov/content/retired-nasa-astronaut-test-pilot-gordon-fullerton-dies/#.Uhu5p7aXPvY, which includes a video about Gordon, and www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/Biographies/Pilots/bd-dfrc-p004.html.

View Full Notice → C. Gordon ‘Gordo’ Fullerton

Nov. 11, 1926-Aug. 28, 2013

LaDonna P. Brown, 86, of Spencerville, died at 2:49 a.m. Wednesday with her family at her side in St. Rita’s Medical Center, following a brief illness.

She was born Nov. 11, 1926, in Spencer Township, Allen County, to William L. “Leo” and Bessie P. Moorman Savidge, who preceded her in death.

On Oct. 18, 1946, she married Leo J. Brown, who survives.

Other survivors include three daughters, Lynn D. Cummins of Spencerville, Suzanne L. (Rev. Rex) Schrolucke of Williamsburg and Christine Bindel of Lima; 8 grandchildren, Kellie (Brett) Rider of Spencerville, Kandace (Shawn) Brown of St. Marys, K.C. (Cyndi) Cummins of Minster, Norm (Lisa) Cummins of Celina, Chad (Nikki) Cummins of Freyburg, Andrea (Kevin) Guess of Williamsburg, Bethany (Jon) McManus of Bethel and Katie (Corey Blodgett) Bindel of Lima; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her three siblings, Virginia Zuber Lehman, Dale Savidge and William “Bill” Savidge.

LaDonna was a 1944 graduate of Spencerville High School and was a homemaker. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Spencerville, where she had led the children’s choir and taught Sunday School classes. She was a volunteer at Lima Memorial Hospital and had been a member of the Excelsior Reading Club and the former Busy Mothers C.C.L.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville, with her son-in-law, the Rev. Schrolucke, officiating. Burial will follow in the Spencerville Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to services.

Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.

View Full Notice → LaDonna P. Brown

Dec. 25, 1929-Aug. 28, 2013

Ruth E. Kaufman, 83, died at 4:20 a.m. Wednesday at the Vancrest Healthcare Center of Holgate.

She was born Dec. 25, 1929, in Delphos to Arnold and Florence (Gerdeman) Reindel, who preceded her in death.

On June 16, 1954, she married Robert B Kaufman ,who preceded her in death.

She is survived by three sons, Dennis Kaufman, David (Tara) Kaufman and Douglas (Staci) Kaufman of Defiance; a sister, Eilene Holdgreve of Delphos; a brother, Melvin (Jane) Reindel of Middle Point; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by a sister, Norma Warneke.

Ruth graduated with the class of 1948 from the Middle Point High School. She worked for 25 years at the Defiance Junior High School Cafeteria, retiring in 1990. Both students and teachers alike were fond of Ruth’s cheerful attitude and many acts of kindness. She was a member of the VFW Post 3360 Ladies Auxiliary and the St. Mary Catholic Church Altar Society. She also volunteered over the years at the Good Samaritan School as well as with the DASH organization, both of Defiance.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Defiance, the Rev. Randy Giesige officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday the Lawson Roessner Funeral Home, Defiance, where a Rosary Wake Service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Suggested memorials are to St Mary Catholic Church or to DASH of Defiance.

View Full Notice → Ruth E. Kaufman

July 29, 1937-Aug. 27, 2013

Connie M. Erwin, 76, of Delphos, died at 7:35 a.m. Tuesday at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.

She was born July 29, 1937, in Spencerville, to Forest J. and Audrey P. (Moorman) Detrick, who preceded her in death.

On March 3, 1957, she married Harry W. Erwin, who preceded her in death Feb. 19, 1999.

Survivors include her son, Jeffery A. (Cindy) Erwin of Owensboro, Ky.; her daughter, Kimberly (Beau) Erwin-Hemenway of New Orleans, La.; her brother, David (Diane) Detrick of Delphos; her sisters, Shirley Newland of Lima, Nancy McElwain of Hixson, Tenn., and Carol (Charles) Nosil of Savannah, Ga.; her granddaughters Marigny Lane Hemenway of New Orleans, La., and Jill Erwin of Owensboro, Ky.; and her grandson, Grant Erwin of Owensboro, Ky.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Patty Frazell.

Connie was a 1955 graduate of Elida High School. She enjoyed interior decorating and was a member of the Friends Club.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita’s Hospice, 770 W. North St., Lima, 45801.

View Full Notice → Connie M. Erwin

Sept. 26, 1945 Aug. 28, 2013

Joseph M. Imber, 67, passed away Wednesday at his home in St. Simons Island, Ga.

He was born Sept 26, 1945, in Delphos to Donald F. Sr. and Elizabeth Steinle Imber, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by sister, Phyllis Turnwald of Ottoville; brothers, Donald Imber of Onstead, Mich.; George (Adele) Imber of Potomac, Md.; and Arthur (Becky) Imber of Westerville; and sister-in-law, Anna Imber of Paris, Ky.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Peter Imber; a brother-in-law, Jerome Turnwald; and sister-in-law, Louise Imber.

Joe was a member of the U.S. Air Force. He was also a teacher, an accountant in California and had a swimming pool maintenance business in Georgia.

A private service will be held at a future date with burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Delphos.

View Full Notice → Joseph M. Imber

Nov. 10, 1934-Sept. 1, 2013

Betty Joan Fuerst, 78, of Delphos, died at 4:36 p.m. Sunday at Vancrest Healthcare Center of Delphos.

She was born Nov. 10, 1934, in Landeck, to Oswald P. and Irene (Blockberger) Klaus, who preceded her in death.

She was united in marriage to Norbert Fuerst on July 11, 1951. He preceded her in death on June 2, 2004.

Survivors include three sons, Gordon (Helen) Fuerst of Delphos, Louis (Ann) Fuerst of Findlay and Roger Fuerst of Delphos; three daughters, Judith (James) Looser of Ottoville, Constance (Mark) Buettner of Elida and Elaine (Darren) Abram of Delphos; two sisters, Virginia Gunter of Delphos and Shirley (Gerald) Ladd of Landeck; two daughter-in-laws, Carole Fuerst of Minster and Barbara Hooley of Delphos; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was also preceded in death by two sons, Dennis J. Fuerst and Richard L. Fuerst; her daughter, Denise Fuerst; a sister, Mildred Miller Ulm; three brothers, Leroy, Paul and John Klaus; and a step-grandson, Nicholas Yaeger.

Mrs. Fuerst worked for Hostess Vending company. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and VFW Auxiliary.

She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, jigsaw puzzles, bingo and watching the Cincinnati Reds, but most of all she truly enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, with Father Chris Bohnsack officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home and a Parish Wake will be at 6 p.m. There will also be a VFW Aux. service on Thursday.

Memorial contributions may be made to VFW 3035 or St. John’s Parish Foundation.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.harterandschier.com.

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