Betty L. Fox, 75, of rural Venedocia, died at 8:56 a.m. Tuesday at Baton Rouge Health Community in Lima.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville, where friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday.
Richard Ward Griffis, 76, of Aiken, S.C., died Saturday at Trinity Hospital in Augusta, Ga.
A son of Richard Griffis and Helen Fleming Griffis, he was born in Delphos. His parents preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy E. (Weber) Griffis of Aiken; three daughters, Margaret Griffis of Asheville, N.C., Catherine (Drew) Bergwall of Suwannee, Ga., and Mary Hall (George) of Palm Harbor, Fla.; a brother, J. Craig Griffis of Toledo; two sisters, Helen Diane Youngpeter of Fort Wayne and Terri Elaine Massa of Columbus; and six grandchildren, Alec Hall, Ian Hall, Nathan Hall, Riley Hall, Charlie Bergwall and Bitsy Bergwall.
He was also predeceased by a brother, David Griffis; and a sister, Frances Lynn Davis.
After serving in the US Army, Mr. Griffis graduated from Ohio State University in 1963 and then began a career in the automotive industry as a production control specialist. He was a member of the American Inventory Industrial Society. Retiring from the John Crane Group in 2000, he moved to Aiken with his wife, Nancy.
Richard was an avid golfer and played “all the big courses.” Once retired, he began working as a caddy at The Augusta National Golf Club, the Sage Valley Golf Club and the Woodside Plantation Reserve Club. He was a former communicant of St. John The Baptist Church, Delphos, and currently was a communicant of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Aiken.
A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Friday at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Aiken. Due to “Aiken’s Makin,” friends are encouraged to park in the George Funeral Home parking lot and walk to the church. Interment will be private.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave. SW, Aiken.
Memorial donations may be directed to the M D Anderson Thoracic Research.
Expressions of sympathy may be left at georgefuneralhomes.com
Nicholas Adam Mason, at 18 years of life, entered the presence of Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior.
He graduated in May from Lincolnview High School and Vantage Career Center in the Auto Tech program. Nick “Cookie” was a member of the high school wrestling team and was undefeated champion in the heavyweight division in 2009. He was very active in the Slippery Creek Baptist Bible Camp for the past seven summers as a camper, maintenance worker and as a counselor-in-training. He also worked at the DARE Haunted Forest since seventh grade.
After graduating, his dream was to go to Alaska and in June, he fulfilled that dream.
He is survived by his loving parents, Steven A. and Deannalynette Mason; a sister, Rebekahlynette Mason of Winter Haven Fla.; a brother, John S. Mason, who is still in high school and lives at home; his paternal grandparents, Jerry L. and Mary (Wright) Mason of Van Wert; maternal grandparents, Rev. Dennis D. and Delores I. (Nicholes) Rood of Canton; and 12 uncles and aunts, 14 cousins, numerous great uncles and wonderful friends.
He was preceded in death by both his paternal and maternal great grand parents.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Revs. Dennis D. Rood and Ted House officiating. Private family burial will follow in Ridge Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home from 5-8 p.m. today and one hour prior to services Friday.
Steve asks his friends who have bikes to ride with him to the cemetery as an escort to Nick.
He and Deannalynette invite all of their family and friends to come to their house at 7 p.m. Friday for a bonfire in honor of Nick. They will furnish all food and ask everyone to bring their own chairs.
Jan. 24, 1938-Sept. 3, 2013
Betty L. Fox, 75, of rural Venedocia went to be with her Lord at 8:56 a.m. Tuesday in the Baton Rouge Health Services Community in Lima, where she had resided for six years.
She was born Jan. 24, 1938, in Sophia, W. Va., to Chester T. and Helen Tankersley Jewell, who preceded her in death.
On July 12, 1994, she married Richard L. “Dick” Fox, who survives.
Other survivors include two sons, Michael “Mike” (Bessie “Betty”) Keltner of Lima and Ricky Thomas of Marysville; two daughters, Tara Martin of Tiffin and Jennifer “Becky” Thomas of Marysville; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Danny (Mary) Jewell of Culleoka, Tenn.; four sisters, Joyce Hollenbacher, Carol (Dale) Miller, Sandra Young and Judith Jewell, all of Florida; and a brother-in-law, Robert M. Fox of Concord, N.C.
She was preceded in death by two great-grandchildren and two brothers-in-law, Roger Hollenbacher and Mike Young.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville, Pastor Terry West officiating. Burial will follow in the Wright Cemetery near Converse.
Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today and after noon Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be to donors’ choice.
Nov. 25, 1923-Sept. 8, 2013
Betty M. Bowsher, 89, of rural Spencerville, died at 3:09 a.m. Sunday at St. Rita’s Medical Center following a short illness.
She was born Nov. 25, 1923, in Amanda Twp., Allen County, to Clarence H. and Blanche M. Coon Boyer, who preceded her in death.
On June 23, 1944, she married Kenneth E. Bowsher, who preceded her in death on Feb. 21 1984.
Survivors include three children, Terry E. Bowsher of Spencerville, Shannon M. (Leslie) Kubinski of Wapakoneta and Linda S. (Jon) Johnston of Lima; a granddaughter, Stacey L. Gregory of Spencerville; three great-grandchildren, Amber Rose, Zachary Michael and Trey Andrew; and a sister-in-law, Beatrice McCreight of St. Johns.
She was preceded in death by four siblings, Harold E. (Wilma) Boyer, John I. (Joan) Boyer, Helen I. Carter and infant Annabelle Boyer; and in-laws, Winfield McCreight, Charles Berlin (Millie) Bowsher, Marjorie (Orville) Miller and Joan (Darrell) Kent.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville, Pastors Phil Lee and Ron Boyer officiating. Burial will follow in the Maplewood Cemetery, east of Spencerville.
Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, where there will be an Eastern Star service at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Memorials may be made to the Spencerville Ambulance Service.
Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com.
Dec. 23, 1988-Sept. 7, 2013
Jeb T. Johnson, 24, of rural Spencerville, died suddenly at 12:01 p.m. Saturday at St. Rita’s Medical Center Emergency Department.
He was born Dec. 23, 1988, in Columbus, to James M. and Linda S. Jones Johnson, who still survive in Spencerville.
Other survivors include his sister, Lacy (Dustin) Gallaspie of Spencerville; his maternal grandparents, James and Helen Jones of Buckland; several aunts and uncles; his best friend, Mike Wolford; and all the family pets, whom he just loved.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and June Johnson.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Bethlehem Church, Pastor Kent Place officiating. Burial will follow in the German-Zion Cemetery, south of Spencerville.
Friends may call from 6-9 p.m. today, 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville and after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
Memorials may be made to Nationwide Children’s Hospital Heart Center for Pediatrics or to the FFA Chapter at Spencerville School.
Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com.
Nov. 18, 1962-Sept. 6, 2013
Avia J. “Missy” Casey Henman, 50, of Spencerville, died at 11:38 a.m. Friday at her home following an extended illness.
She was born Nov. 18, 1962, in Lima, to Paul and Jean Lehman Miner, who preceded her in death.
She married Kenneth J. Henman, who survives.
Other survivors include four children, Kendra J. (Scott) Macwhinney and Kenneth E. Henman of Spencerville, Adam M. Hicks of Lima and Brandy N. Carver of Delphos; 10 grandchildren, Joseph D. “J.D.” and Jade E. Macwhinney, Katelyn N. Henman, Chelsey Gephart, Vayda L., Violet R. and Collin J. Henman, Lorilei R. Breckenridge, Baby Hicks and Jessalynn J. Carver; seven siblings, Peggy (Terry) Miller of Lima, Jerry (Sharon) Miner of Mount Pleasant, S.C., Ginger S. Harruff of Ottawa, Terry L. (Clair) Shaffer of Largo, Fla., Ralph E. “Rick” (Ann) Shaffer of Cridersville, Michael A. Shaffer of Florida and James (Heather) Van Fleet of Toledo.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Lima Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, the Rev. Wanda Werking officiating with burial to follow in Memorial Park.
Friends may call at the cemetery chapel prior to the services.
Memorials may be made to the family.
Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville.
Feb. 3, 1925
Sept. 8, 2013
Leo J. Friemoth, 88, of Kenton, died at 7:35 a.m. Sunday at The Blanchard House in Kenton.
He was born Feb. 2, 1925, in Delphos to August and Alvertice (Eickholt) Friemoth, who preceded him in death. His stepmother Margret Pohlman also preceded him in death.
On Aug. 16, 1948, he married Madgalena Mary Dick, who died March 14, 1988. On July 10, 1990, he then married Marie Smith, who also preceded him in death.
Survivors include a son, Rick (Janet) Friemoth of Kenton; two daughters, Marilyn Friedel of Social Circle, Ga., and Cherie (William H.) Hales of Cincinnati; three grandchildren, Mindy Lynn (Ben) Hensel of Kenton, Ryan J. (M. Michelle) Friedel of Kentucky and Alexandria Hales of Cincinnati; two great-grandchildren, Griffin Wayne Hensel and Keegan Friedel; three brothers, Robert (Ruth) Friemoth of Lima and Dave Friemoth and Jim (Cecelia) Friemoth of Delphos; and three sisters, Betty Staup of Delphos, Carol (David) Wells of Worthington and May Jane (Art) Eversole of Middle Point.
He was also preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Alice (John) Neumeier; a brother and sister-in-law, Richard (Dolly) Friemoth; and a brother-in-law, Gary Staup.
Mr. Friemoth retired from United Aircraft Products in Forest as a sheet metal worker. He was a St. John’s High School graduate and served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War. He was awarded the Purple Heart. He was member of Immaculate Conception Church in Kenton.
Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday at Schindewolf Stevens Stout Funeral Home, Kenton, Pastor David Young officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Kenton, with military graveside rites conducted by the Kenton AMVETS Post 1994 Honor Guard.
Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, where a prayer service will be held at 4 p.m.
Preferred memorials are to Universal Hospice Care.
June 14, 1931
Sept. 10, 2013
Don “Gus” Hohenbrink, 82, of Ottawa passed away peacefully in his home at 8:02 a.m. Tuesday.
He was born June 14, 1931, in Kalida, to August and Magdalina (Altenburger Fischer) Hohenbrink, who preceded him in death.
On June 22, 1955, he married Phyllis Kreinbrink, who survives in Ottawa.
Also surviving are four children, Donna Britsch of Tega Cay, S.C., Rick (Beth) Hohenbrink of Findlay, Jan (Mike Bogart) Hohenbrink of Ottawa and Jill (Mark) Hovest of Pandora; 14 grandchildren: four stepgrandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; 10 step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Alfred Hohenbrink of Rockport; a sister, Alice Brooker of Phoenix, Ariz.; and a sister-in-law, Matilda Hohenbrink of Kalida.
He was also preceded in death by a son, David “Zeke” Hohenbrink and eight siblings, William, Harry and Sylvester Hohenbrink, Mary Gerding, Frances Schwertner, Gerald Fischer, Freda Fortman and Rita Kuhlman.
Don owned and founded Hohenbrink Excavating in 1955 and owned Putnam Refuse Services for 26 years. He served as an officer in the 8th Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, the Ottawa VFW, Ottawa Eagles, Ottawa American Legion, Findlay AMVETS, Lima Moose Lodge and the Ottawa Knights of Columbus.
He will be missed by many for his love of family and friends, his crazy sense of humor, his hard working business sense, his love of flowers, “his birds” and all his “grand dogs.” He has lived a good life and was loved by many.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, with Fr. Matt Jozefiak officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the church cemetery. Military rites by the Ottawa American Legion and VFW will take place after the mass at church. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa where there will be a VFW service at 7 p.m. and a K of C rosary at 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Putnam County Hospice or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences can be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.
William C. “Bill” Strayer, 83, of rural Elida, died Wednesday at the Roselawn Manor Nursing Home in Spencerville.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville, where funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
May 7, 1930-Sept. 11, 2013
William C. “Bill” Strayer, 83, of rural Elida, died at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday of an extended illness in the Roselawn Manor Nursing Home in Spencerville, where he was for a short while.
He was born May 7, 1930, in Amanda Township, Allen County, to Gale and Eulahla F. Boyer Strayer, who preceded him in death.
He married Frances L. Moore on Oct. 11, 1953, whom he met at The Ohio State University. They would have been married 60 years next month. She survives along with three children, Donald E. (Nancy E.) Strayer of Beavercreek, Nancy L. Strayer of Elida and Rebecca R. (Brent) English of Elida; and three grandchildren, Caroline Rose English, Lorraine Frances English and Aaron Strayer English, all of Elida.
Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Betty (John) Blymyer and baby boy Strayer.
He was a lifelong member of the Zion United Methodist Church near Elida.
He was a 1948 graduate of Elida High School and was a 1952 graduate of The Ohio State University, earning a B.S. Degree in Agriculture. He was a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Agricultural Fraternity and a member of the OSU Livestock Judging team in 1950, which he was recently honored for.
A lifelong farmer, he raised Registered Angus Cattle, which is a 90-year long continuous family tradition, making him the patriarch of the oldest Angus herd in the state of Ohio.
On Thursday, he, his son-in-law and grandson were recognized by the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District as the 2013 outstanding co-operator.
He served as treasurer of the Ohio Angus Association for 20 years. He was a member of the Auglaize, Van Wert, Ohio, Black Swamp, West Central, Eastern Ohio and American Angus Associations. He was a long-time member and advisor for the Amanda Agricultural 4-H Club.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Zion United Methodist Church, with Pastor Mark Fuerstenau officiating and burial to follow in the Hartford Cemetery.
Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. today at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville and after noon Saturday at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Zion United Methodist Church of Spencerville EMS.
Sept. 24, 1924-Sept. 12, 2013
Oleta Marie Fronk, 88, of Delphos died at 1:40 a.m. Thursday at Vancrest Healthcare Center of Delphos.
She was born Sept. 24, 1924, to Don F. and Emma (Rice) Miller, who preceded her in death.
She was united in marriage to Kenneth L. Fronk on Sept. 30, 1945. He preceded her in death on Nov. 18, 2003. They had just celebrated 58 years of marriage before Kenneth’s passing.
Oleta was a designer and buyer at Shenk’s Bridal Boutique, where she enjoyed designing wedding dresses and formal wear for 30 years.
She enjoyed singing in the church choir for over 50 years. She also enjoyed taking her suppers to her family and friends who were shut ins.
She was a member of the Christian Endeavor as a youth member; past elder of the First United Presbyterian Church of Christ; and past president of the Woman’s Association, Rebecca and Ruth Circles. She was a past Deputy Grand Matron of District Eight of the Order of the Eastern Star and a past Matron of Delphos Chapter 26; and a 50-year, life member and titled secretary Emeritus for 30 years of service. She also belonged to the Grandmother Club.
Survivors include a son, Phillip (Denise Mathews) Fronk of Delphos; three daughters, Marcia (Walt) Barber of Beaverdam and Charlotte (John) Birkmeier and Susie (Dan G.) Rode of Delphos; a sister, Anne Miller of Delphos; nine grandchildren, Michelle (Dan) Steman of Delphos, Scott (Renee) Fronk of West Alexandria, Angella (Will) Eversole of Columbus Grove, Erin (Steve) Stark of Lima, Kelly Garmatter of Columbus Grove, Jason (Leslie) Birkmeier of Elida, Brian Birkmeier of Rawson, Kyle (Samantha) Rode and Lauren (Alan Trentman) Rode; 12 great-grandchildren, Domonic Munoz, Sierra Fronk, Max and Grant Eversole, Riley and Reese Stark, Klarrissa, Kalyn, Karsyn and Cade Garmatter and Easton and Ella Birkmeier; two sisters-in-laws, Catherine Miller and Anna Mae Miller of Delphos; and several nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by a great-grandchild, Alexander Munoz; and three brothers, Dale F., Herbert L. and Robert W. Miller.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, the Rev. Harry Tolhurst officiating. Burial will take place at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. Sunday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home where an Eastern Star service will follow at 8:15 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Presbyterian Church of Christ.
To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.harterandschier.com.
July 21, 1928-Sept. 12, 2013
Mildred T. “Mick” Pohl, 85, of Delphos, died at 3:25 p.m. Thursday at St. Rita’s Medical Center.
She was born July 21, 1928, in Kalida, to Herman and Anna (Kamphaus) Buss, who preceded her in death.
She married Norbert Pohl, who also preceded her in death.
Survivors include three daughters, Lenora (James C.) Kaska of Elizabeth City, N.C., Mary Jane (Gordon) Donnelly of Kenton and Rosemary (Roger) Altman of Findlay; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a special nephew, August “Gus” Brinkman of Kalida.
She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph, Harry and Leo Buss; seven sisters, Mary Kramer, Magdalena Schroeder, Veronica Drees, Agnes Meiering, Monica Weis, Rose Matthews and Marcella Goedde; and a special friend, Robert Jones.
She was the former owner of the Short Stop.
Mrs. Pohl was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, with Father Steve Schroeder officiating. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home. There will be a Parish Wake beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Memorial contribution may be made to Delphos Senior Citizen Center.
To leave condolences for the family, visit www. harterandschier.com.
May 21, 1919-Sept. 13, 2013
Carol Mae Shobe, 94, of Delphos, died at 2:45 a.m. Friday in the Vancrest Care Center in Delphos.
She was born May 21, 1919, in Delphos, to Earl Wayne and Helen Carol Strohl Prine, who preceded her in death.
On March 31, 1938, she married Warren L. Shobe, who preceded her in death on March 8, 1993.
She is survived by six children, Maynard L. (Carol) Shobe of Delphos, Chester L. (Glenda) Shobe of Ada, Sandra K. (James) Hirn of Spencerville, Thomas D. (Sharon) Shobe of Spencerville, Billy G. (Betty) Shobe of Delphos and Pamela L. (Michael) Carder of Delphos; 19 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one grandchild and four siblings, Rose Marie Seibert, Martha Alice Bendle, Wayne E. Prine and Carl E. Prine.
Mrs. Shobe was a homemaker, enjoyed crocheting, cooking and especially making noodles.
She was a former member of the Ida Rebekah Lodge #391 and also the Northwest Ohio Field and Stream Association, both of Spencerville.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, with the Rev. Curtiss Randolph officiating. Entombment will follow in the Lima Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com.
Sept. 24, 1949-Sept. 15, 2013
Janet (Geise) Pohlman Elchert, 63, of Spencerville, died at 3:53 p.m. Sunday at St. Rita’s Medical Center.
She was born Sept. 24, 1949, in Lima to William and Florence (Grothouse) Geise, who preceded her in death.
On Sept. 8, 1972, she married Daniel Roman Pohlman, who died Oct. 25, 1992. She then married Edward Elchert on April 20, 2002. He survives in Spencerville.
Other survivors include two sons, Mark (Amy) Pohlman of Spencerville and Jason Elchert of Lima; three daughters, Elizabeth (Nic) Pohlman-Casey and Amber (Eric) Adkins of Lima and Taylor Elchert of Spencerville; a sister, Carol (Jeff) Metcalfe of Delphos; three brothers, Dr. William (Bev Thompson) Lauf of Lima, Roger (Linda) Geise of Chillicothe and Gerald (Jackie Davis) Geise of Lima; and 11 grandchildren.
Mrs. Elchert was a secretary at Huffy, a farmer and a homemaker. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Landeck, where she volunteered as well as at St. Rita’s Medical Center, the American Red Cross, Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and the Inter-faith Thrift Shop. She was also a member of VFW Aux. 3035 and a foster parent to five children.
Janet loved to bake and crochet and made many baby blankets to give away. She loved the outdoors and loved helping others. She was a friend to the friendless and completely selfless.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the Rev. Dave Rinehart officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday and from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, where a Parish Wake will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
Preferred memorials are to the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.
To leave condolences for the family, visit harterandschier.com.
Janet K. (Geise) Pohlman Elchert, 63, of Spencerville passed away on Sunday at St. Rita’s Medical Center.
Arrangements are incomplete at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.
Sept. 28, 1920 Sept. 20, 2013
Merlin E. Shade, 92, of Delphos died at 2:22 a.m. Friday at his residence.
He was born Sept. 28, 1920, in Mansfield, to William Edward and Grace Hardin Shade, who preceded him in death.
He married Nan B. Barnhard on Aug. 19, 1951. She survives in Delphos.
Mr. Shade retired from public education where he at worked in Cincinnati and finished up as a principal at Lincolnview School. He was a graduate of Lima Shawnee High School class of 1939 and went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bowling Green University. He served in the US Army Air Corp during World War II where he earned the rank of Cpl.
He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church Delphos and the Delphos Masonic Lodge 214. He had earned his 32nd degree and was also a member of the Scottish Rite of Dayton. He was a charter member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity where he joined the Elmer C. Brown Wall of Fame in 1997.
Survivors include four sons, Nile Edward (Daren) Shade of Eldridge, Iowa; Gary Robert Shade of Mountain View, Calif.; Donn William (Natalie) Shade of Clayton and Mark Thomas Shade of Lake Tahoe, Calif.; and two grandchildren, Charlotte and Ethan Shade.
He was preceded in death by four sisters, Argyle Davis, Lucille Marshall, Donna Shaw and Evelyn Petro; and an infant brother, Otis Shade.
The family will receive friends 1-3 p.m. Sunday at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville, and graveside services will follow at Fairmount Cemetery near Uniopolis.
Memorial contributions may be given to The American Cancer Society or to The Shriners Hospitals for Children.
April 24, 1928-Sept. 20, 2013
Ralph M. Thompson, 85, of Spencerville, died 7:45 a.m. Friday, September 20, 2013 in the Shawnee Manor Nursing Home in Lima, where he had resided since December 2012. He had also been a resident of the Wyngate Senior Living Center in Lima with his wife of 63 years.
He was born April 24, 1928 in Fort Wayne to Benjamin Franklin and Lucille B. Menefee Thompson, who are deceased.
On Sept. 30, 1950, he married Melba A. Hoover, who survives at the Wyngate, along with three children, Jeffrey (Beverly) Thompson of Decatur, Ala.; Denice K. Hudson of Cridersville and Mark (Jami) Thompson of Elida; seven grandchildren, Kelli Thompson of Decatur, Ga., Brian Thompson of Washington, Jennifer Hudson of Elida, Jeremy Hudson of Celina and Josh Thompson, Matt Thompson and Taylor Thompson of Elida; and one great-granddaughter, Layna.
A brother, B. Franklin, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Rev. Elaine Mikesell officiating. Burial will follow in the Spencerville Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by the Spencerville Veterans.
Friends may call after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Kidney Foundation or to the Diabetes Assn.
Condolences may be sent to tbaylff@who.rr.com
Doris A. Dienstberger, 87, of Delphos, died at 2:46 a.m. Saturday at Vancrest Rehab Center in Putnam County.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Harter and Schier Funeral Home.
May 5, 1929
Sept. 21, 2013
Merlin J. Wieging, age 84, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at his home in Upper Sandusky.
Merlin was born on May 5, 1929, in Delphos to Joseph and Estella (Best) Wieging, both of whom are deceased.
He married Mary Lou Rose on May 8, 1954, in Delphos. She passed away on Jan. 16, 2012
Surviving are his six children, Cynthia M. (Dave) Miller and Laura L. (Devon) Leightey of Upper Sandusky, Margaret A. (Gary) Rowland of Harpster, Anthony J. Wieging of Tiffin, Jane L. (Jon) Rieser of Harpster and Andrew J. Wieging of Upper Sandusky; and 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Darrell of Ohio City and Donald of Huntington, Ind.
He was preceded in death by a brother Harold Wieging and 2 sisters Ann Conley and Janet Wieging.
Merlin was retired from Ohio Power and was currently the owner/operator of WeKing Electric in Upper Sandusky.
Merlin was a long-time member of Transfiguration of the Lord Catholic Church in Upper Sandusky and also was a life member of the following organizations: 3rd. Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2050, BPOElks 83, and Amvets Post 777, all of Upper Sandusky. He was also a regular member of the American Legion Post 225 and the Moose Lodge 1093, both of Upper Sandusky.
Merlin also served his country in the Navy Reserves and locally on the city council in Upper Sandusky. He graduated from Delphos St. John’s High School and continued to follow the Blue Jays and was an avid fan all through the years.
When he was younger, Merlin enjoyed playing fast pitch softball in Upper, and in his later years he enjoyed cruising around town. His favorite time was spent with his family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Merlin’s motto was “If people had half the fun I did in my life, they would be grateful.”
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Transfiguration of the Lord Catholic Church with Rev. John Stowe OFM Conv officiating the service. Burial will follow at the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Upper Sandusky.
Visitations will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home and one hour prior to service time on Friday at the church. There will be an Elks Memorial Service at 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the St. Peter’s Catholic School and can be sent to Lucas-Batton Funeral Home 476 S. Sandusky Ave., Upper Sandusky OH 43351
Online condolences may be sent to www.lucasbatton.com.