USA High School Yearbooks by State and County
Robert Deneke
ORRVILLE -- Robert W. Deneke, 83, 529 Jefferson Ave., died Friday, April 30, 1999, at Dunlap Memorial Hospital in Orrville. Services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Gresser Funeral Home with the Rev. Walter Jordon officiating. Burial will be at Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Wooster. Friends may call Monday from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. He married Vita Hartzler on July 20, 1940. She survives. Surviving in addition to his wife are children and their spouses, James and Judy Deneke of Greer, S.C., Rob and Annette Deneke of Winchester, Va., Sue and Phillip Horst of Granville, Pat Frary of Orrville and Bea Deneke of the home; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and a sister, Lois Deneke of Jefferson City, Mo.
Randal Gess
MANSFIELD -- Randal K. Gess, 41, of Mansfield, died unexpectedly early Friday morning, April 30, 1999, at Samaritan Regional Health System. He was married February 3, 1987 to Lillie A. Green who preceded him in death this past Monday, April 26, 1999. He is survived by one daughter, Belinda Gess and one son, Shane Gess, both of Bellville, one stepdaughter, Casey Nowicki of Mansfield; a stepson and daughter-in-law, Erik and Birte Fraunfelter of Kirn, Germany; an adopted daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Tim Workman of Fort Knox, Ky.; two grandchildren, Laura and Seraphine Fraunfelter of Kirn, Germany; his parents, Gerald A. and Carol J. Gess of Ashland; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Debra and Shawn Strong and Rene and Brian Budd, both of Ashland; and an adopted brother and sister, Joe and Esther Keim of Ashland. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Baptist Church with the Rev. John T. McCourt and the Rev. John A. Bouquet officiating. Burial will be in the Ashland County Memorial Park. Friends may call Monday from 1-3 and 6-9 p.m. at the Denbow-Primm-Kemery Funeral Home. The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Baptist Church, 891 State Route 511, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Vernon Croop
RAVENNA -- Vernon James Croop, 69, of Ravenna, died Friday, April 30, 1999, at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna, after a short illness. Private services will be Tuesday at the Shorts Funeral Home Ravenna Chapel in Ravenna with the Revs. Thomas Poremba and Vernon White officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Ravenna. Friends may call Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Ravenna Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 1055 or to a charity of the donor's choice. Surviving are his wife, Joan (Schmid) Croop, formerly of Big Prairie, to whom he had been married 42 years; a daughter, Becky Croop of Ravenna; two sons, John (Karen) Croop of Rootstown, William (Julie) Croop of Temple, Texas; two stepsons, Alan Anderson and Frank Anderson, both of Ravenna; three grandchildren; a sister, Opal Shearer of Barberton and three brothers, Paul, Bert and Sterling Croop, all of Ravenna.
Freda Hawk
DOVER -- Freda E. Hawk, 91, of New Dawn Health Care and Retirement Center, died Saturday, May 1, 1999, at the center. Services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home in New Philadelphia with the Rev. Dr. Terry L. Downin officiating. Burial will be at Jerusalem Church Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jerusalem Church, 1417 Stone Creek Road SW, New Philadelphia 44663. She married Raymond C. Hawk on June 1, 1929. He died in 1986. Surviving are a daughter, Dorothy E. (Charles) Lahmers of Port Washington; two sons, Walter A. (Dorothy) Hawk of Wooster and Dale R. (Karen) Hawk of Jacksonville, Fla.; a daughter-in-law, Nan Hawk of Richmond, Va.; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, Harold (Bernice) Walters of Wooster and several nieces and nephews.
Janice Traver
BEALETON, Va. -- Janice May Traver, 72, died Thursday, April 29, 1999, at Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton, Va. Graveside services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Wooster Cemetery. Funeral services will be held at the Moser Funeral Home in Warrenton, Va. Friends may call Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at McIntire, Davis and Greene Funeral Home in Wooster. Memorial contributions may be made to Fauquier Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Box 733, Warrenton, Va. 20188 or Fauquier Hospital Auxiliary, 500 Hospital Drive, Warrenton, Va. 20186. Surviving are her husband, Dolph R. Traver; a daughter, Patrice Grandy of Belton, Texas; stepdaughters, Pam Robbins of Texas, Ninon Ruschner of Nevada, Melinda Leaver of Montana, Francine Johnson of Washington and Celestine Traver of Oregon; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Wendell Black
HOLMESVILLE -- Wendell L. Black, 54, of Holmesville, died Friday evening, April 30, 1999 at Joel Pomerene Memorial Hospital in Millersburg. Services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Holmesville Church of Christ with pastor Don Campbell officiating. Burial will be at Prairie Township Cemetery in Holmesville. Friends may call Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. at the Alexander Funeral Home in Millersburg and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Holmesville Church of Christ, P.O. Box 146, Holmesville 44633 or American Heart Association, 264 S. Clay St., Millersburg, 44654. He married Wendy Nesbitt on Jan. 11, 1966. She survives. Surviving in addition to his wife are three children and their spouses, Wendell Lee and Pepper Black of Columbus, Christine and Chet Carter of Wooster and Michael and Jeanette Black of Columbus; three grandchildren, Bridget, Brandi and Brooke; a grandchild expected in November; four brothers and their spouses, Armond and Judy Black of Shreve, Wayne Black of Holmesville, Merle and Sandi Black and Vaughn and Mary Black, all of Wooster and several nieces and nephews.
Charles Duncan
FREDERICKSBURG -- Charles W. "Bill" Duncan, 65, of Fredericksburg, died Thursday evening, April 29, 1999, at his residence. Funeral services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Fredericksburg, with the Rev. Jeff Greabling officiating. Burial will be in Fredericksburg East Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday evening from 7-9 at funeral home. He was born in Fredericksburg on May 17, 1933, the son of Charles E. and Emma (Haines) Duncan. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Rebecca (Larry) Booth of Wooster and Mrs. Shery (Dave) Gintz of Fredericksburg; three sisters, Mrs. Margerie (Norval) Dawson of Shreve, and Evelyn Edwards and Mrs. Carol (Lloyd) Haven, both of Wooster; four brothers, Kenny of Fredericksburg, Carl, Harold and Earl Lee, all of Wooster; and two granddaughters.
Michael Strang
VENICE, Fla. -- Michael G. Strang, 82, of Venice, Fla., formerly of Shreve, died Monday, April 5, 1999. Services were held in the Venice Chapel of Farley Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, Fla. 34285; or to the National Kidney Foundation 1040 Woodcock Road, Suite 119, Orlando, Fla. 32803-3510. He was born Dec. 6, 1916 in Loudonville and married Gean Sprang. She died in December of 1989. Surviving are children, Linda Sparr of Venice, Fla., and Michael Strang of Omaha, Neb.; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Martha Harris of Lucas; and a brother, Kenneth Strang of Loudonville.
Bishop Roman Mast
FREDERICKSBURG -- Bishop Roman D. Mast, 87, of 3382 County Road 200, died Friday, April 30, 1999, at his residence, following a period of declining health. Funeral services will be Monday at 9 a.m. at the residence, with the Bishop Eli A. Mast officiating. Burial will be in the Schlabach Cemetery in Paint Township, Holmes County. Friends may call anytime at the residence. Arrangements are being handled by Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton. He was born in Holmes County on Sept. 15, 1911 to David S. and Katie A. (Hershberger) Mast and married Annie E. Miller on Feb. 18, 1937. She survives. Surviving in addition to his wife are four daughters, Mrs. David R. (Elizabeth) Yoder of Orrville, Mrs. Lester (Elva) Hochstetler of Millersburg, Mrs. Albert R. (Clara) Yoder of the home, and Mrs. Nelson P. (Mary) Chupp of Apple Creek; three sons, Levi R. and Emanuel R. Mast, both of Dundee and Jacob R. Mast of Millersburg; 45 grandchildren; 73 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mrs. Sam (Mary) Miller of Holmesville, Mrs. Jonas D. (Susie) Yoder of Apple Creek and Mrs. Crist (Barbara) Miller of Millersburg.
Nelda Feightner
PERRYSVILLE -- Nelda M. Feightner, 67, of 4130 Pleasant Home Road, died Friday morning, April 30, 1999, in her home after a long respiratory illness. Services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Byerly-Lindsey Funeral Home in Loudonville, with the Rev. Lor Breyley officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, 225 Exchange St., Akron 44302. She was born Aug. 30, 1931 in Mount Pleasant, W.Va. to Authur and Elsie (Haws) Francis and married Merle Feightner on Feb. 16, 1952. He survives. Surviving in addition to her husband are daughters Judy Feightner of Alexandria, Va. and Sandra (Michael) Temple of Naples, Fla. and sons, Myron (Patricia) Feightner of Twinsburg and Weldon (Becki) Feightner of Panama City, Fla.; 10 grandchildren and a brother, Vic (Annamarie) Francis of Girard.
Mabel Riley
MASSILLON -- Mabel A. Riley, 95, of Massillon, went home to be with the Lord on April 25, 1999, at Doctor's Hospital. She was born July 10, 1903 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Lewis and Sarah (McGowen) Wilks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William B. Riley in 1977. She is survived by three sisters, Amanda Wilks of Birmingham, Alabama, Lucy Nelson and Sarah Paris, both of New York; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Alvin and Hazel Johnson of New York and Charles Johnson of Hartford, Connecticut. Funeral services will be today at 11 a.m at True Church House of Prayer to All Nations in Orrville. Interment will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery in Orrville. The Brooks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Martin Scheetz
BALTIC -- Martin E. Scheetz, 85, of 104 Craig St., died Thursday, April 29, 1999, in Walnut Hills Nursing Home at Walnut Creek, after a long illness. Services will be Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in St. John's Lutheran Church at New Bedford, with the Rev. David Hammel officiating. Burial will be in West Lawn Cemetery in Baltic. Friends may call tonight from 5-8 at Smith's Funeral Home in Baltic, where the West Lafayette Masonic Lodge will conduct services at 8. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church at New Bedford or the Alzheimer's Association, Canton Area Chapter, 4815 Munson St., N.W. Canton 44718. He was born Aug. 24, 1913 in Coshocton County to Edward and Mary (Schweikert) Scheetz and married Esther Findley on Sept. 18, 1938. She survives. Surviving in addition to his wife are a daughter, Karen (Charles) Graham of New Philadelphia and a son, Donald (Sandra) Scheetz of Baltic; two grandchildren; one great-granddaughter, and a sister, Esther (David) Porteus of West Lafayette.
Elnora Kelley
HOLMESVILLE -- Elnora M. Kelley, 60, 8528 Township Road 566, died Sunday, Aug. 29, 1999, at Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon.
Services will be Thursday at 1 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home, Sherwood Chapel, Wooster. Burial will be at Apple Creek Cemetery.
Friends may call Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
She was born Aug. 29, 1939 in Wayne County to Jay and Helen (McConnell) Miller and married Raymond T. Kelley on March 14, 1959. He survives.
Other survivors include children, Sharon Marie Kelley and Michael R. Kelley, both of Holmesville; a grandson; five step-grandchildren; and a sister, Mrs. Cecil (Mabel L.) Casto of Wooster.
Margaret Baer
DALTON -- Margaret L. Baer, 68, 253 S. Eckard Road, died Monday, Aug. 30, 1999, at her home.
Services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Gresser Funeral Home in Orrville, with the Rev. Rusty Cowden officiating. The body will be cremated at Summit Cremation Service, Akron.
Friends may call Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wayne County, 2525-A Back Orrville Road, Wooster; or to Cancer Treatment Center, 2376 Benden Drive, Wooster 44691.
She was born Aug. 9, 1931 in Fredericksburg to Heber and Mary (Kerr) Spencer and married Russell W. Baer on Sept. 9, 1959. He survives.
Other survivors include children and their spouses, James and Julie Baer, Linda and Greg Miller, Thomas Baer and Eva Sibert, all of Dalton; two grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Leeper of Arlington, Va.; and brothers, Herbert and Willis Spencer, both of Fredericksburg and George Spencer of Wooster.
Ricky Stoudmire
WOOSTER -- Ricky L. Stoudmire, 38, 1581 LeMar Drive, died Sunday, Aug. 29, 1999, at Wooster Community Hospital.
Services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Second Baptist Church in Wooster, with the Rev. Arthur A. Ruffin Sr. officiating. Burial will be at Wooster Cemetery.
Friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. at McIntire, Davis & Greene Funeral Home in Wooster.
Those who wish may make contributions to Second Baptist Church, 245 S. Grant St., Wooster 44691.
He was born Nov. 28, 1960 in Orrville to the Rev. Hazell and Lurene (Richards) Stoudmire and married Jennifer Saunders. She survives.
Other survivors include stepchildren and their spouses, Suzette and Juan Williams, Dion D'D and Stacie Norman, Simone Miller and Nicole Norman, all of Columbus; six step-grandchildren; his mother of Orrville; brothers and their wives, Hazell and Carolyn Stoudmire Jr. and Nathaniel and Rosaline Stoudmire, all of Canton, minister Larry James and Louise Stoudmire of Prattsville, Ala., and Timothy R. and Tiwana Stoudmire of Orrville; and sisters, Mazelle Stoudmire of Philadelphia, Gloria Seeden and her husband, Chester, and Gail Arrington, all of Orrville.
Lynn Martenson
WOOSTER -- Lynn E. Martenson, 38, 643 Western Drive, formerly of Austin, Texas, died Friday, Aug. 27, 1999.
Private family memorial services will be held. The Rev. James Christensen will officiate. There will be no calling hours. McIntire, Davis & Greene Funeral Home in Wooster, is handling arrangements.
She was born Oct. 4, 1960 in Wooster to Gerald E. and Leila Hazel Rudy and married Steven K. Martenson on Feb. 14, 1991. He survives.
Other survivors include a son, Brandon Martenson of Rock Falls, Ill.; her parents of Wooster; a sister, Valerie Thomas of Bonita Springs, Fla.; and a brother, David Rudy of Wooster.
Robert Thompson
WOOSTER -- Robert W. Thompson, 48, 4872 Emalene Road, died Sunday, Aug. 29, 1999, at his home.
Services will be Thursday at 3 p.m. at McIntire, Davis & Greene Funeral Home in Wooster, with Pastors Craig Edwards and John Long officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery.
Friends may call Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Those who wish may make contributions to St. John's Lutheran Church, 46 County Road 2575, Lakeville 44638; or to American Heart Association, Wayne County Branch, P.O. Box 267, Wooster 44691.
Surviving are a son, Jason Thompson of Shreve; sisters, Mrs. Kenneth (Susan) Corwin of Columbus and Nancy Thompson of Wooster; and nieces, Jennifer and Michelle Corwin.
'Pete' Ryals
APPLE CREEK -- Nolan C. "Pete" Ryals, 80, 96 Troxel, died Monday afternoon, Aug. 30, 1999, at his home.
Private family services will be held, with the Rev. Roy Grindstaff officiating. Burial will be at Apple Creek Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours. McIntire, Davis & Greene Funeral Home in Wooster, is handling arrangements.
He was born March 3, 1919 in Daniels, W.Va., to Russell Cleon and Ora Lee (Pack) Ryals and married Esther Spitler. She died Jan. 7, 1986. He then married Cora Pauline (Hofacre) Vittoe. She survives.
Other survivors include children, Russell D. "Rusty" Ryals of West Lebanon and Mrs. Kenneth (Linda) Collins of Apple Creek; stepchildren, JoAnne VanDyne of Orrville and Mary Weaver of Springfield, Ill.; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Gary Myers
LOWER SALEM -- Gary E. Myers, 54, of Route 2, died Friday morning, Aug. 27, 1999, at Selby General Hospital.
He was the brother and brother-in-law of Donald G. and Renee Myers of Wooster.
Services were held Monday at 11 a.m. at McClure-Schafer Funeral Home in Marietta. The Rev. Kevin Rinkes officiated. Burial was at Paw Paw Cemetery, where full military rites were conducted.
Other survivors include children, Jason Weaver and his wife, Kelly, of Danville, Gary Myers Jr. of Caldwell, Tracy Myers of Macksburg, Kimberly Myers of Marietta and Karen Blair of Glenn, Ga.; six grandchildren; and his mother of the home.
Ella Scheck
CRESTON -- Ella E. Scheck, 83, of Creston, died Monday, Aug. 30, 1999, in Medina.
She was the mother and mother-in-law of Marilyn L. and Buz Nye, of West Salem and the sister of Ruth Tyron of Lodi.
Services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Waite & Son Funeral Homes, Medina Chapel, 765 N. Court St. Burial will be at Granger-Fairview Cemetery.
Friends may call Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Other survivors include children, Al E. Scheck of Sarasota, Fla., and Charlene R. Jodway and her husband, Richard, of Medina; 19 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and sisters, Margaret Adams of Wadsworth and Helen Kramer of Florida.
Her husband, Don Scheck, died previously.
Katherine Ferris
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Katherine M. Ferris, 51, of Fort Myers, Fla., formerly of Wooster, died Thursday, Aug. 12, 1999.
Memorial services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at The Church of The Lakes, 5944 Fulton Drive, Canton. Burial will be at Columbiana County Memorial Park, East Liverpool.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice of Fort Myers, Fla.; or to the local chapter of Hospice.
Surviving are her husband of 27 years, John Ferris; children, Ian Vincent William Ferris and Emily Naomi Catherine Ferris, both of Fort Myers, Fla.; her father, John David Vincent of East Liverpool; brothers, John Charles Vincent of Akron and Thomas Henry Vincent of Ormond Beach, Fla.; and an aunt, nieces, nephews and cousins.
