USA High School Yearbooks by State and County
Kian Peck
MILLERSBURG -- Kian Michael Peck, infant son of Kevin and Angie Peck, 218 N. Monroe St., died at birth Monday afternoon, Feb. 24, 2003, at Pomerene Memorial Hospital in Millersburg.
Memorial services will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at Berlin Christian Fellowship, with Pastor James Yoder officiating. Private burial will be at Fryburg Cemetery, with Pastor David Stutzman officiating.
There will be no calling hours. Alexander Funeral Home, Millersburg, is handling arrangements.
Those who wish may make contributions to the Kian Memorial Children's Fund, in care of Berlin Christian Fellowship, established for Children in Nepal, P.O. Box 396, Berlin 44610.
Surviving in addition to his parents, are a brother, Javin Isaiah Peck of the home; paternal grandparents, Arlie and Marva Peck of Rio Grande; maternal grandparents, Jacob and Erma Yoder of Millersburg; paternal great-grandmother, Martha Conrad of Lakeland, Fla.; and maternal great-grandparents, Eli and Sara Yoder of Mount Hope and Dan and Sara Hershberger of Berlin.
The name Kian means "ancient" or "steadfast" and Michael means "who is like God." Although our hearts are broken, Kian reminds us of the steadfast, enduring love of God.
G. Wesley Sears
ORRVILLE -- G. Wesley Sears, 88, 731 Lehman St., died Tuesday morning, Feb. 25, 2003, at Brenn-Field Nursing Center in Orrville, after a five-month illness.
Services will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Orrville, with the Rev. David Kearns-Preston officiating. Burial will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Dudley Cemetery in Dudley.
Friends may call Friday from 7-9 p.m. at Auble Funeral Home in Orrville.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1830 W. Market St., Orrville 44667; First Presbyterian Church, 532 North St., Caldwell 43724; or to Wesley Chapel Memorial Fund, in care of Lynn Anderson, 58646 Batesville Road, Quaker City 43773.
Wes was born July 3, 1914, in Batesville to Howard and Rose (Griffin) Sears and married Margery E. Radcliff on April 29, 1944 in Caldwell. She died Dec. 2, 1998.
He graduated from Batesville High School and was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army serving in World War II.
He had managed the hatchery for the Farm Bureau in Columbus until 1946, when he moved to Orrville and worked a delivery route for Cottage Creamery from 1946-51. He then began working for the Amstutz Hatchery in Orrville, retiring in 1982, as manager and vice president of the company.
Wes was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Orrville, where he served as an elder and a deacon. He served in many church positions including moderator of the Wooster Presbytery twice; chairman of the Wooster Presbytery Council of United Presbyterian Men; National Presbyterian Men's Executive Council; member of Synod Personnel Committee serving as chair the last year of his term; president of Synod Council of United Presbyterian Men; founding board and current board of Layman's Academy of Religion at The College of Wooster; and lay speaker at many local churches.
He was a member of Ohio Poultry Association, serving as president for three terms and was the recipient of the association's Golden Egg Award in 1973. He served on the board of trustees at Dunlap Memorial Hospital from 1955-87, acting as board president from 1960-87. He also served on the Seven County Health Planning Committee and on the advisory board of the Wayne County Joint Vocational School. He served as president of the Alliance of Ohio Hospitals and received Trustee of the Year in 1986 for hospitals of 250 beds or less.
Surviving are a daughter, Rose Ella Sears of Orrville; and brothers-in-law, Ford Radcliff, Corl (Eldine) Radcliff and Willard Radcliff, all of Caldwell.
James Uhl
KILLBUCK -- James L. Uhl, 86, of Killbuck, died Tuesday morning, Feb. 25, 2003, at Walnut Hills Nursing Home in Walnut Creek, after an extended illness.
Services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Alexander Funeral Home, Millersburg. Burial will be at Killbuck Cemetery.
Friends may call Thursday from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family suggests contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 4815 Munson St., NW, Canton 44718.
He was born Dec. 9, 1916, in Millersburg to Ralph C. and Adda (Korns) Uhl and married Luella Anderson on April 9, 1940. She survives.
He was a truck driver and had worked for Mason Drilling, retiring in December 1979.
He was a member of Killbuck Methodist Church, Spartan Lodge F&AM 126 in Millersburg for 50 years and was a life member of Killbuck Sportsmen Club.
Surviving in addition to his wife, are children, James A. (Josephine) Uhl Jr. of Walhonding, Margaret (Herbert) Martin of Killbuck and Larry (Claudia) Uhl of Douglas, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and a brother, Richard (Evelyn) Uhl of Millersburg.
Granddaughters, Becky and Brenda Uhl and a brother, Robert Uhl, died previously.
Rhea Hoover
ORRVILLE -- Rhea E. Hoover, 82, 119 N. Crown Hill Road, Orrville, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, at Aultman Hospital in Canton, after a brief illness.
Services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Augsburg Lutheran Church in Orrville, with Pastor Walter Jordon officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael's Cemetery, Marshallville.
Friends may call Friday from 4-8 p.m. at Gresser Funeral Home in Orrville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Augsburg Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 140 W. Water St., Orrville 44667.
She was born Feb. 2, 1921, near Smithville to Charles F. and Della (Fehr) Hartzler and married Russell W. Hoover on March 22, 1941. He died March 19, 1995.
She was a 1939 graduate of Smithville High School and had made her home in Orrville all of her married life. She was a volunteer at Wales Rehabilitation Center in Orrville.
She was a member of Augsburg Lutheran Church in Orrville and Orrville YMCA, where she was in the Water Fitness Group. She enjoyed being with her family and grandchildren.
Surviving are children, Robert (Maria G.) Hoover of Wadsworth, Peggy (Gregory) Henning of Dalton and Kathy (Paul) Zimmerman of Orrville; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Susan (Randy) Hicks of Orrville, Geneva Hutchinson, Donna Martin, Vivian Frecka and Ruth Bishop, all of Wooster; and brothers, Warren "Ike" and Arlo "Oscar" Hartzler, both of Smithville.
In addition to her husband, brothers, Joseph and Jesse "Mike" Hartzler and sisters, Lucille Reed and Mildred Ports, died previously.
Marion Meade
CRESTON -- Marion Meade, 66, 122 Stebbins St., died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, at Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital, after a lengthy illness.
Services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston, with the Rev. Michael Decker officiating. Burial will be at Rittman Cemetery.
Friends may call Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Medina County, 797 N. Court St., Medina 44256.
He was born Dec. 20, 1936, in Evansville, Ky., to Oliver and Connie (Hall) Meade and married Wanda Lee Isaac on March 25, 1957. She died May 4, 1998.
He had worked at Permold in Medina and had made his home in Creston for the past 40 years.
Surviving are children, Dewayne (Jeannie) Meade, David (Krista) Meade and Wilma Meade, all of Creston and Connie Underwood of Orrville; grandchildren, Michael and Bradley Underwood, Desiree (Meade) Black, Ashley, Alicia, Tasha, Nicole and Loren Meade; brothers, Henry (Rethel) Meade of Bevinsville, Ky., and Tivis (Gay) Meade of Rittman; and sisters, Laura Turner of New Vienna, Callie Gibson of Rittman and Alpha Bates of Prestonsburg, Ky.
In addition to his wife, brothers, Harold, Hallard and Everett, and sisters, Flaura and Ollie, died previously.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Hospice of Medina County and the Wadsworth-Rittman Home Care nurses for their care and support.
Berdella Miller
BUNKER HILL -- Berdella Miller, 82, of Bunker Hill, died Tuesday morning, Feb. 25, 2003, at Pomerene Hospital in Millersburg, after a short illness.
Private burial will be Friday at Berlin Cemetery, with memorial services to follow at 1 p.m. at Berlin Mennonite Church. The Rev. Bruce Hamsher will officiate.
Friends may call Thursday from 6-9 p.m. at Berlin Mennonite Church.
Alexander Funeral Home, Millersburg, is handling arrangements.
The family suggests contributions be made to Berlin Mennonite Women, in care of Berlin Mennonite Church, P.O. Box 217, Berlin 44610.
She was born Sept. 3, 1920, in Salem to Samuel and Sadie (Spicher) Blosser and married Roy R. Miller on April 1, 1945. He died in January 1985.
Berdella was a member of Berlin Mennonite Church, Berlin Mennonite Sewing Circle and was an avid scrabble player.
Surviving are children, Les Miller and Gloria (Levi) Miller, both of Scottsdale, Pa., Bonnie Miller of Berlin, Doyle Miller of Avilla, Ind., and Carla (Maurice) Stutzman of Bunker Hill; grandchildren, Jakob Miller, Hannah (Anson) Miedell, Elizabeth Miller, Charity, William, Eva and Lydia Stutzman; brothers, Herman and Arthur Blosser, both of Salem, Emerson Blosser of Goshen, Ind., and Marcellus Blosser of Elkhart, Ind.; and a special friend, Ethel Mumaw of Berlin.
In addition to her husband, sisters, Adelia, Christine and Hermine, died previously.
Kenneth Smith
WOOSTER -- Kenneth D. Smith, 77, of Wooster, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003, at University Hospitals Health System in Cleveland.
Services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Grace Brethren Church, with Pastor Fetterhoff officiating. Burial will be at Sherwood Memorial Gardens.
Friends may call tonight (Thursday) from 6-8 at Roberts Funeral Home, Sherwood Chapel, Wooster.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Brethren Church, 4599-A Burbank Road, Wooster 44691.
He was born Sept. 4, 1925, in Creston to Art and Effie Mae (Fouch) Smith and married Jean D. Copley on Oct. 10, 1948. She survives.
He served with the 100th Infantry Division in the U.S. Army during World War II and worked at Northwood Lumber Co. and Wooster Lumber Co., retiring in 1997.
He was a member of Grace Brethren Church, Wooster and was music director at Wooster Baptist Temple for 15 years. He sang with the Smith Family Singers and enjoyed woodworking, making many pieces of furniture for his family.
Surviving in addition to his wife, are children, Larry Dean (Martha) Smith of Leeds, Ala., Randy Lee (Lisa) Smith of Nashville, Tenn. and Connie Jean Coffee of Wooster; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Glenn T. Smith of Uniontown; and a sister, Carole Allen of Wooster.
A brother, Jay A. Smith and sisters, Janet Jentes and Edith Dravenstott, died previously.
John Steiner
PLEASANTON, Calif. -- John D. Steiner, 77, of Pleasanton, Calif., formerly of Wooster, died Monday, Jan. 6, 2003, in Pleasanton.
Services were held Jan. 12 at Graham-Hitch Mortuary in Pleasanton, Calif. Burial was at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Gustine, Calif.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rotary International Foundation, in care of Rotary Club of Pleasanton, P.O. Box 352, Pleasanton, Calif. 94566.
He was born April 26, 1925, in Wooster to Ivan and Merle Steiner Sr. and was raised on a farm in Wooster.
He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving with the 68th Armored Field Artillery Battalion in the European Theater.
He was a 1950 graduate of The College of Wooster and after graduation, worked as a human resources manager for the B.F. Goodrich Co. in Akron, Avon Lake and Cleveland. In 1968, he moved to the San Francisco Bay area, where he joined the Bechtel Corp. in San Francisco and later the IBM Corp. in Santa Clara. He retired from IBM in 1990.
After his retirement, he served as a commissioner on the Alameda County Advisory Commission on Aging and was a member of Pleasanton Senior Center Advisory Committee. He was also a member of Pleasanton Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow.
He enjoyed traveling, arts and baseball.
Surviving are his wife, Christine; children, Barrett Steiner of Walnut Creek; Alison Steiner of Martinez, Calif., and Meredith Tate of Pleasant Hill, Calif.; stepdaughters, Fiona Pearson of Decatur, Ga., and Debbie Pearson of Durham, N.C.; three granddaughters; a sister, Harriet Sands of Rocky River; and a brother, Dr. James C. Steiner of Edmonds, Wash.
A brother, Ivan Steiner Jr. and a sister, Julia (Steiner) Taylor, died previously.
Vernon Wertz
MARSHALLVILLE -- Vernon F. Wertz, 77, 8376 Black Diamond Road, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003, at Brenn-Field Nursing Center in Orrville.
Services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Marshallville United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Karen Oehland and Ralph Sommer officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Marshallville.
Friends may call Sunday from 2-6 p.m. at Gresser Funeral Home in Orrville, or one hour prior to the services at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to VIM, 236 N. Buckeye St., Wooster 44691; or to Marshallville United Methodist Church.
He was born Sept. 14, 1925, in Wooster to Harrold and Ruth (Edmondy) Wertz and married Margaret Weisgarver on Sept. 29, 1948. She survives.
Vernon was a 1943 graduate of Dalton High School and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving from 1944-46. He had made his home in Marshallville most of his life, where after his military service farmed the home farm. For 12 years, he was an electrical instructor at Medina Vocational School.
He was a member of Marshallville United Methodist Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher and Sunday school superintendent. A member of Marshallville American Legion, Marshallville Lions Club, Baughman Grange and the Farm Bureau. He was a charter member of Ohio Big Bucks Association.
Surviving in addition to his wife, are children, R. Scott (Kathryn) Wertz of West Salem, Keith (Kathy) Wertz of Wadsworth, Wesley (Jeanne) Wertz of Springboro, Stanley (Catherine) Wertz of Mansfield, Merlin (Jennifer) Wertz of Davenport, Fla., and Gloria Barrowcliffe of Dalton; grandchildren, Kevin, Kristopher, Janelle, Wayne, William, Alexander, Keegan, Zachery, Amanda and Sarah Wertz, Scott, Matthew and Krista Barrowcliffe; and sisters, Ida Cunningham of Orrville and Miriam Karlen of Marshallville.
Patricia Gregory
CRESTON -- Patricia A. (Wiesen) Gregory, 64, 1 Cherokee Lane, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, at Medina General Hospital, after a lengthy illness.
Services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston. Burial will be at Creston Maple Mound Cemetery.
Friends may call Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home, or one hour prior to the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice; or to a charity of the donor's choice.
She was born Aug. 23, 1938, in Rittman to Jacob and Mary (Miller) Wiesen and married Connell Gregory on May 23, 1983. He survives.
She was a 1956 graduate of Wadsworth High School and had made her home in Medina, where she was employed at Republic Powdered Metals. She moved to Creston in 1994 and was a Baptist.
Surviving in addition to her husband, are children, Michael Smith of Bristol, Ind., and Sheryl Withrow of Barberton; stepchildren, Wayman Gregory of Los Angeles, Tina Gregory of Creston and Ryan D. Gregory of Medina; six grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a brother, James "Sonny" Wiesen of Tullahoma, Tenn.; sisters, Dolly Haight of Creston and Jackie Carpenter of Barberton; and nieces and nephews.
Her parents and a brother, Paul Wiesen, died previously.
Rhea Hoover
ORRVILLE -- Rhea E. Hoover, 82, 119 N. Crown Hill Road, Orrville, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, at Aultman Hospital in Canton, after a brief illness.
Services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Augsburg Lutheran Church in Orrville, with Pastor Walter Jordon officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael's Cemetery, Marshallville.
Friends may call tonight (Friday) from 4-8 at Gresser Funeral Home in Orrville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Augsburg Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 140 W. Water St., Orrville 44667.
She was born Feb. 2, 1921, near Smithville to Charles F. and Zella (Fehr) Hartzler and married Russell W. Hoover on March 22, 1941. He died March 19, 1995.
She was a 1939 graduate of Smithville High School and had made her home in Orrville all of her married life.
She was a volunteer at Wales Rehabilitation Center in Orrville.
She was a member of Augsburg Lutheran Church in Orrville and Orrville YMCA, where she was in the Water Fitness Group. She enjoyed being with her family and grandchildren.
Surviving are children, Robert (Maria G.) Hoover of Wadsworth, Peggy (Gregory) Henning of Dalton, Kathy (Paul) Zimmerman and Susan (Randy) Hicks, both of Orrville; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Geneva Hutchinson, Donna Martin, Vivian Frecka and Ruth Bishop, all of Wooster; and brothers, Warren "Ike" and Arlo "Oscar" Hartzler, both of Smithville.
In addition to her husband, brothers, Joseph and Jesse "Mike" Hartzler and sisters, Lucille Reed and Mildred Ports, died previously.
