Anna M. Knippen
Jan. 5, 1918 - May 17, 2002
Anna M. Knippen, 84, of Ottoville, died 7:30 a.m.. May 17 at her residence. She was born Jan. 5, 1918, in Putnam County to William and Mary (Ricker) Gasser. On Feb. 11, 1942, she married William H. Knippen, who preceded her in death Jan. 20, 1985. Survivors include, six sons, William S. (Lynn) Knippen of Bellefontaine and Robert (Edith), Virgil (Mary Jo), Ronald (Becky), Richard (Delores) and Eugene (Laurie) Knippen of Ottoville; five daughters, Judy (Larry) Horstman, Ruth (Gary) Verhoff and Marilyn (Richard) Siefker of Glandorf, Barbara (Gene) Hovest of Ottawa and Carol (Ronald) Vorst of Eagle River, Ala.; a brother, Robert Gasser of Ottoville; nine sisters, Regina Boehmer, Leona Bruskotter and LaDonna Ostendorf of Fort Jennings, Agnes Knippen and LaVera Hanf of Delphos, Rita Miller of Warsaw, Ind., Alvera Kleman of Derby, Kan., and Mary Ann Grote and Delores Schulte of Kalida; 32 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Roger Knippen; a daughter, Janet Knippen; two brothers, Art and Bill Gasser; and a sister, Dorothy Osting. Mrs. Knippen was a homemaker. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, and its Altar Rosary Society. She was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3740 Auxiliary. She loved to play bingo and crochet and was an avid sports fan, especially when her grandchildren played. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Rev. Tony Borgia officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Ottoville. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Sunday and 2-9 p.m. Monday at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Orians Funeral Home, Ottoville, where a parish wake service will be 3 p.m. Monday. Preferred memorials are to St. Mary Catholic Cemetery or donor’s choice.

Will D. Amburgey
Oct. 22, 1922 - May 15, 2002
Will D. Amburgey, 79, of Lima, died 3:35 a.m. May 15 at Vancrest Health Care Center. He was born Oct. 22, 1922, in Mousie, Ky., to Alec and Causetta (Casebolt) Amburgey. Survivors include two sons, James D. “Jimmy” Amburgey of Garner, Ky. and Michael Amburgey of Lima; a daughter, Cathy (Mike) Ruggles of Elida; four brothers, Clyde (Laura) Amburgey of Lima, Lawrence (Ruby) Amburgey of Newport News, Va., Edward Amburgey of Ashland, Ky., and Shelly Amburgey of Mousie; and two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Amburgey; and three brothers, James, Irvin and Homer Amburgey. Mr. Amburgey retired as a self-employed truck driver and had formerly worked at Ford and BLH. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Hindman Funeral Services, Hindman, Ky., the Rev. Clyde Wicker Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Alec Amburgey Cemetery. Friends may call 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Local arrangements were by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima.

Madeline G. Little
Nov. 21, 1911 - May 16, 2002
Madeline G. Fritz Little, 90, of Lima, formerly of Spencerville, died 9:15 a.m. May 16 at Springview Manor Nursing Home, Lima. She was born Nov. 21, 1911, in Rockford to J.P. and Blanche E. (Henderson) Fritz. On April 16, 1932, she married William E. Little, who preceded her in death May 15, 1976. Survivors include two nieces, Constance E. (Melvin) Riepenhof of Columbus Grove and Karen J. (Joseph) Previte of Cleveland Heights; a nephew, Edward P. (Jacqueline) Fritz of Delphos; nine great-nieces and nephews; 15 great-great-nieces and nephews and six great-great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Edward M. Fritz; a sister, Mildred K. (Fritz) Brackney; and a great-nephew, Melvin D. Harter. Mrs. Little was a homemaker and assisted her husband on the family farm. She attended Spencerville Schools. She cared for stray cats and dogs at her Lima home. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Rev. Bill Schultz officiating. Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery. Friends may call after 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the Allen County Humane Society.

Kermit D. Stemen
Sept. 17, 1922-May 14, 2002
Funeral services for Kermit D. Stemen, 79, of Lima, who died 8:25 p.m. May 14 at Vancrest Health Care Center, will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, the Rev. Gary Hohman officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida, with military graveside services conducted by VFW Post 1275. He was born Sept. 17, 1922, in Allen County to Dean and Ruth (Rayer) Stemen. On Aug. 27, 1942, he married Margaret Stemen, who survives in Lima. Other survivors include a son, Kenneth (Paulette) Stemen of Lima; a daughter, Judy (Tom) Gast of Elida; a sister, Vera Myers of Cridersville; a brother, Rolland Stemen of Williamsburg, Va.; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Norman Stemen. Mr. Stemen retired from White Brothers Construction and was a self-employed carpenter. He was an Elida High School graduate and member of the Lima Baptist Temple. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Elida Fire Department for many years. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Lima Baptist Temple or Elida Fire Department.

Brandon Jay Meyer
Graveside services for Brandon Jay Meyer, infant, who died May 13 at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Va., will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Westside Cemetery, Delphos, the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Ladd officiating. He was born May 13 to Christopher and Michelle (Dunlap) Meyer of Chesapeake, Va., who survive. Other survivors include a brother, Cory T. Meyer of Chesapeake; grandparents Rick (Edith) Dunlap of Delphos, Landa Johnson and Marc (Cecelia) Lloyd of Hutchinson, Kan.; and great-grandparents Roy (June) Dunlap and Ruth Lloyd.

Edmund R. Klausing
March 8, 1934 - May 14, 2002
Edmund R. Klausing, 68, of LaGrange, Ind., formerly of Delphos, died at his residence at 1:45 p.m. May 14. He was born March 8, 1934 in Delphos, to Hubert and Luella (Clement) Klausing. On Aug. 20, 1952 he married Barbara M. (Sterling) Klausing, who survives. Other survives include two sons, Anthony C. (Sandra) Klausing of Groton, Conn., and Jeffrey W. (Dawn) Klausing of Kapolei, Hawaii; three sister, Adella Koester of Lima, Helen Rushing of Nashville, Tenn., and Sister Mary Paulissa, SND, Toledo; a brother, Melvin Klausing, Ringgold, Ga.; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Velma Bobilya. Klausing retired as a foreman from Grumman Olson, Sturgia, Mich. He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial will be noon Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Rev. Paul Faroh officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, LaGrange. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Frurip-May Funeral Home, LaGrange. Memorial contributions can be made to masses to the church or Parkview Home Health and Hospice.

Ryan Michael Jones
Sept. 23, 1980 - May 14, 2002
Ryan Michael Jones, 21, of Convoy, died 6:54 p.m. May 14 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind. He was born Sept. 23, 1980 in Flint, Mich., to Jeffery L. Jones and Susan (Peplinsk)i Jones. They both survive in Convoy. Other survivors include two sisters, Carrie (Scott) Martin of North Branch, Mich., and Heather (Jamie) Lambert of Oakwood; maternal grandparents Fred and Ulaine Peplinski of Maple City, Mich.; maternal great grandmother Alta Allen of Kalkaska, Mich.; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by a brother, Eric Jones; and an uncle, David Peplinski. He had worked at the Lincoln Ridge Nursery near Convoy. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Gearhart, Mack and Jurczyk Funeral Home, Convoy, the Rev. Arthur Vanderhoff officiating. Burial will be at Convoy IOOF Cemetery, Convoy. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. Friday. Memorial contributions may be sent to Van Wert Area Visiting Nurses.

Joan Williman Brazen
Feb. 1, 1927 - May 14, 2002
Joan Williman Brazen, 75, of Van Wert, died 4:55 a.m. May 14 at her residence. She was born Feb. 1, 1927, in Van Wert to Clarence and Emily (Snyder) Williman. On Dec. 17, 1950, she married Francis R. “Sam” Brazen, who died Aug. 23, 1994. Survivors include two sons, Francis E. (Chris) Brazen of Ada and James D. (Annette) Brazen of Dayton; three daughters, Deborah J. Moser and Rebecca A. (Ed) Wells of Van Wert and Laura J. (John) Gaddy of Delphos; two brothers, Robert (Eva) Williman of Findlay and Ned (Marilyn) Williman of Englewood; three sisters, Margaret Fleming of Van Wert, Mildred Radabaugh of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Betty Homer of West Lafayette, Ind.; two sisters-in-law, Jeannette Williman of Van Wert and Sara Williman of Fort Wayne; 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Charles, Maurice, Jack and Walter Williman; and a grandson, Ian Brazen. Mrs. Brazen had been the first director and teacher at Thomas Edison from 1968-1974, and then was employed at Van Wert Human Services from 1975-1987. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, where she was a former Sunday School teacher and children’s choir director, and member of the Dorcas Circle of the United Methodist Women and a 50-plus year member of the choir. She was a former executive director of the Van Wert Campfire Inc., was a member of the Van Wert County Hospital Twig III board, a board member of the Challenged High Advisory Board and a member of the Van Wert Alumni Band. She was a volunteer at the Brumback Library and Thomas Edison Center and was a recipient of the YWCA Achievement for 2001. She attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and the University of Findlay. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church, Van Wert, the Rev. James C. Dunaway officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Friends may call 2-9 p.m. Thursday at Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert, and one hour prior to services Friday at the church. Preferred memorials are to Van Wert County Special Olympics, First United Methodist Church and Community Professionals Hospice.

Alfred L. Schimmoeller
June 16, 1921-May 14, 2002
Alfred L. “Jack” Schimmoeller, 80, of Fort Jennings, died 10:45 a.m. May 14 at Vancrest Health Care Center. He was born June 16, 1921, in Ottoville, to Edward and Veronica (Kaverman) Schimmoeller. On Nov. 22, 1945, he married Lucille E. Korte, who died Dec. 22, 1995. Survivors include a daughter, Carmen (Steve) Humes of Lima; three sons, Dennis (Jan) Schimmoeller of Delphos, Michael (Elaine) Schimmoeller of Kalida and Carl (Marsha) Schimmoeller of Fort Jennings; three brothers, Philip, Donald and Thomas Schimmoeller; eight grandchildren and four stepgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Schimmoeller; and a sister, Ruth Perrin. Mr. Schimmoeller retired as a gauge inspector at Ex-Cello Corp. He also retired as clerk of Fort Jennings Township. He was a past council member of Fort Jennings Village; life member and past commander of American Legion Post 715 and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2740; past board member of the Putnam County Historical Society; and one of the originators and served as coach of the Fort Jennings Pee-Wee League for many years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Jennings. He was an avid historian of family trees and local history of Fort Jennings. He served in the 15th U.S. Air Force as a First Lieutenant Bombardier with the 98th Bombardier Group, 415 Squadron, 47th Wing during World War II. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Rev. Tony Borgia officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the veterans council. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. today and 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel, where a parish wake service will be 3 p.m. Thursday and an American Legion memorial service will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Preferred memorials are to St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund or Northwest Ohio Alzheimer’s Association.

Norton Beecher
Sept. 29, 1937-April 28, 2002
Funeral services for Norton Beecher, 64, of Rancho Bernardo, Calif., who died April 28, were held May 4 at Poway Mortuary. Burial was in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. He was born Sept. 29, 1937, in Delphos. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth V. Beecher, who survives in Rancho Bernardo, two sons, Anthony (Mary) Beecher of Scripps Ranch, Calif., and Tim Beecher of Rancho Bernardo; two daughters, Elizabeth (Rob) Govatos of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Terry (Mark) Heaslet of Carmel Mountain Ranch, Calif.; two sisters, Elizabeth (Tom) Nomina of Loveland, Colo., and Fran (Hugh) Strong of Orlando, Fla.; and eight grandchildren. Mr. Beecher retried on March 1, 2000, from BAE Systems Corp. and served in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a lieutenant commander. He received the Silver and four Bronze Stars, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Republican of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation with Palm Medal. He was a member of Rancho Bernardo Racquet Club and the Semi-Aged Investment Club. He also volunteered at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

Oka Davidson Hammell
May 6, 1915 - May 11, 2002
Visitation for Oka Davidson Hammell, 87, of Lima, who died May 11 at her son’s residence, will be 6-8 p.m. today at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima. She was born May 6, 1915, in Elida to Homer and Hazel McCullough. In 1966, she married Roy Hammell, who preceded her in death in 1983. Survivors include a son, Gary (Laura) Davidson of Lima; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by a brother, Arthur “Butch” McCullough; and two sisters, Chloe Louth and Helen Bradford. Mrs. Hammell was the owner and operator of Movee Beauty Salon for more than 40 years. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Private family services will be held with burial in Salem Cemetery, Elida. Preferred memorials are to Zion Lutheran Church.

Carlyle T. Price
Apr. 26, 1913 - May 11, 2002
Funeral services for Carlyle T. Price, 89, of Fort Jennings, who died 9 a.m. May 11 at Vancrest Health Care Center, Delphos, will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Mark Walls officiating. Burial will be in Ottawa River Cemetery. He was born April 26, 1913, in Gomer to Thomas J. and Joy (Ridenour) Price. On Jan. 1, 1935, he married Mildred A. Thomas, who survives in Fort Jennings. Other survivors include a son, Tommie (Kathleen) E. Price of Key Colony Beach, Fla.; a daughter, Lorene (Robert) Wehrly of Lima; two daughters-in-law, Nancy E. Price of Columbus Grove and Sue E. Price of Farmington, Mich.; 12 grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, Ronald W. and Duane E. Price; two brothers, Elvin and Robert D. Price; and two grandsons. Mr. Price was an electrician and neon sign designer and he also farmed. He was a member of Ottawa River Church of God. He enjoyed traveling, studying maps and camping with his grandchildren. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Ottawa River Church of God or donor’s choice.

Barbara J. Dickman
May 14, 1933 - May 11, 2002
Barbara J. Dickman, 68, of Lima, died 9:55 p.m. May 11 at St. Rita’s Medical Center. She was born May 14, 1933, in Lima to Donald and Violet (Wilson) Mullenhour. On April 24, 1954, she married Paul J. Dickman, who preceded her in death. Survivors include a daughter Paula (Butch) John of Lima; three sons, Steven P. (Rosemary) Dickman and Daniel Dickman of Lima and Jeffrey J. (Grace) Dickman of Fort Jennings; and 10 grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her stepfather who raised her, Joseph Hamman; and a brother, Donald Mullenhour. Mrs. Dickman had been a pharmacy technician at K-Mart Westgate, Lima. She was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church, Lima, and its Altar Rosary Society. She was a Cub Scout Den Leader, a longtime volunteer at St. Rose Church and School in the cafeteria and a member of Church Women United. She was also a member of the Lima Central Catholic High School Athletic Boosters. She was a 1951 graduate of Lima Central Catholic High School. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Rose Catholic Church, Lima. Burial will be in Gethsemani Cemetery, Lima. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. today at 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima. Preferred memorials are to Lima Central Catholic Athletic Fund.

Sr. M. Jovita Morman
May 25, 1925 - May 9, 2002
Mass of Christian burial for Sr. M. Jovita Morman, 76, of Tiffin, who died 5 p.m. May 9 at St. Francis Convent, Tiffin, was 10 a.m. today at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tiffin, the Rev. Kenneth Morman officiating. Burial will be in the St. Francis Convent Cemetery. She was born May 25, 1925, in Miller City to Joseph and Mary Gertrude (Schmenk) Morman. Survivors include two brothers, Joseph Morman of Marion and Vincent Morman of Mansfield; two sisters, Sister Gertrude Morman and Sister Damien Morman of Tiffin Franciscan; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four brothers, the Rev. Edmund Morman, SVD, the Rev. Wilbert Morman, SVD, Adolph Morman and the Rev. Richard Morman; and two sisters, Mae Recker and Sister Anita Morman. Sr. M. Jovita was a teacher from 1946 to 1961 at Edgerton, Fort Jennings, New Cleveland, St. Sebastian and New Washington; and was teacher superior and principal in Peru, Ohio; and taught at Miller City, Waynesfield, North Carolina, St. Sebastian, Attica Local and Seneca Huron. In 1979, in St. Louis, Mo., she was a participant in Theology of Religion Life Program. In 1980, 1981, 1983 and 1984, she was a tutor, religion teacher and coordinator of Sunday Liturgies at St. Anthony Villa, Toledo. In 1982, in Carey, she assisted in the Pilgrim House. From 1985 to 1992, she served as pastoral associate in Edgemont, McIntosh and Ardmore, South Dakota. In 1992, she returned to Tiffin where she was organist, minister of service and a driver for St. Francis Home. She was a graduate of Joliet College of St. Francis, Illinois. Funeral arrangements were by Hannay-Traunero Funeral Home, Tiffin.

Edith Mearl Boroff
Feb. 7, 1914 - May 10, 2002
Edith Mearl Boroff, 88, of Venedocia, died 11:55 a.m. May 10 at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home, Spencerville. She was born Feb. 7, 1914, in Spencerville to Charles Edward and Maude Jane (Purdy) Workman. On April 18, 1942, she married Icem Paul Boroff, who survives in Venedocia. Other survivors include a son, Paul (Janelle A.) Boroff of Van Wert; two grandchildren, Shannon Nichole (Michael) Whalen of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Shane Leslie (Tami) Boroff of Dublin; and two great-grandchildren. Mrs. Boroff retired after 40 years in teaching at Spencerville Schools, 12 years in second grade and 28 in fourth grade. She was a member of Spencerville United Church of Christ. She was a 1932 graduate of Spencerville High School and of Bowling Green State University. She was a 50-year member and past Noble Grand of the Ida Rebekah Lodge 391 and also a member of the Spencerville Chapter 130, Order of Eastern Star. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Rev. Ronald L. Shifley officiating. Burial will follow in the Spencerville Cemetery. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, where the Ida Rebekah Lodge will conduct memorial services at 4 p.m. Preferred memorials are to Spencerville United Church of Christ.

Paul P. Brinkman
June 29, 1919-Mary 8, 2002
Paul P. Brinkman, 82, of Cuba, died 5:15 a.m. May 8 at SCCI in Lima. He was born June 29, 1919, in Greensburg Township to Harry and Mary E. (Rose) Brinkman. On May 18, 1946, he married Bettie Hughes, who survives in Cuba. Other survivors include two sons, Edward (Lori) Brinkman of Elida and Aaron (Nancy) Brinkman of Washington, D.C.; three daughters, Marvel Brinkman and Cori (Dave) May of Ottawa and Paulette (Hank) Wright of Glen Allen, Va.; four brothers, Tom (Alice) Brinkman, Robert (Joann) Brinkman and John (Estella) Brinkman of Kalida and James (Helen) Brinkman of Napoleon; three sisters, Lucy (Jim) Bellman of Cridersville, Betty Kohlhorst of Lima and Philomene (Jessie) Lentz of Columbus Grove; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sons, Timothy, David and William Brinkman; two brothers, August and Cornelius Brinkman; and a sister, Alvera Dangler. Mr. Brinkman retired as a millwright from General Motors in Defiance. He was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church, Cuba, and its Holy Name Society. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a member of Ottawa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Kalida Knights of Columbus. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida, the Rev. Scott Kramer officiating. Burial will be in St. Isidore Cemetery, with military graveside rights conducted by the Ottawa VFW Post. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Thursday and 2-9 p.m. Friday at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa, where a Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus rosary will be 8 p.m. Thursday, and scripture service will be 3:30 p.m. and a VFW service will be 7 p.m. Friday. Preferred memorials are to the National Adrenal Disease Foundation or the World War II Memorial.

Eugene B. Church
Sept. 22, 1930-May 7, 2002
Eugene B. Church, 71, of Lima, died 6:05 p.m. May 7 at Kettering Medical Center, Dayton. He was born Sept. 22, 1930, in Cridersville to Bernard and Nellie Church. On Dec. 24, 1952, he married Patricia “Pat” L. McKinley, who preceded him in death April 10, 1994. Survivors include two sons, Michael J. (Nancy J.) Church Sr. of Sidney and Dan Church of Lima; a daughter, Cindy (Keith) Fischer of Dayton; two stepsons, Ted E. (Brenda S. Gilbert) Trego Jr. of Celina and Terry (Anne) Bechdolt of Cridersville; two stepdaughters, Peggy Johns of Wapakoneta and Mary (Bob) Lee of Delphos; six grandchildren, seven stepgrandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Mr. Church retired from Westinghouse Small Motors Division after 33 years as a machine operator. He had also worked at Omar Bakery in Lima. He was a 1947 graduate of Cridersville High School and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was a member of the Harry J. Reynolds American Legion Post 191 in Spencerville and a long-time member of B.P.O. Elks Lodge 54 in Lima. He was an avid bowler in the Lima area. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, Pastor Ron Lee officiating. Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the combined honors unit of the American Legion Post 191 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6772 of Spencerville. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Thursday and 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Ralph E. Shaw
Nov. 24, 1919 - May 6, 2002
Ralph E. Shaw, 82, of Lima, died 9 p.m. May 6 at Shawnee Manor Nursing Home. He was born Nov. 24, 1919, in Lima to Homer and Hazel (Sevrens) Shaw. On Aug. 26, 1939, he married Josephine Perrin, who survives in Lima. Survivors also include two sons, Gary (Lynn) Shaw of Akron and Dennis Shaw of Lima; two daughters, Sharon (Jack) DeTurk of Fort Wayne and Cheryl (Mark) Long of Alexandria, Ind.; a sister, Evelyn Bretts of Lima; nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by a son, Randy Shaw. Mr. Shaw had been a railroad conductor for 46 years at Nickel Plate, Norfolk Western and Norfolk Southern, before retiring. He had attended South High School. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Friday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, the Rev. Christopher Vasko officiating. Burial will be in Gethsemani Cemetery. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Dorothy Pernell
May 21, 1950 - May 5, 2002
Dorothy “Jean” Pernell, 51, of Lima, died May 5 at her residence. She was born May 21, 1950, in Tyronza, Ark., to Andrew and Florence E. (Stevenson) Watkins. Her mother survives in Lima. On May 1, 1968, she married Fred Pernell Jr., who preceded her in death. Survivors include a son, Terry L. (Earlene) Watkins of Washington, D.C.; a stepson, David Smith Jr. of Columbus; two daughters, Glenda F. (Gary) Watkins Williams and Samaka Pernell of Lima; three brothers, Willie A. (Kaylean) Watkins and Clarence L. Watkins of Lima and Robert G. Watkins of Delphos; three sisters, Ora D. (Robert) Page, Pastor Elaine Watkins and Sherri L. (Alan) Jackson of Lima; and 12 grandchildren, two special grandchildren and a great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Andrew III, Kevin L. and Larry L. Watkins. Mrs. Pernell was a line technician and union representative for Marathon Electric Co. and had worked at Rudolph Foods. She was a member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Lima, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 32 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1911 Auxiliary. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. H. Frank Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the church, where the family will be present 6-8 p.m. Funeral arrangements are by Jones-Clark Funeral Home.

Wilbur C. Pepe
Jan. 29, 1910 - May 6, 2002
Wilbur C. “Bill” Pepe, 92, of Woodburn, Ind., died May 6 at Village of Heritage, Monroeville, Ind. He was born Jan. 29, 1910, in Jefferson Township, Allen County, Ind. He had been married to Adeline Pepe, who preceded him in death in 1966. He then married Bernadette Pepe, who survives in Woodburn. Other survivors include, two sons, John Pepe of Castle Rock, Colo., and Stephen Pepe of Woodburn; three daughters, Mary Minnig of Van Wert, Linda Say of Albuquerque, N.M., and Virginia Sovine of New Haven, Ind.: three stepsons, Jack L. Lake of Dallas, Texas, Gary S. Lake of Indianapolis and Richard C. Lake of New Haven; two stepdaughters, Shirley Robison of New Haven and Joyce Smith of Evansvile, Ind.; a brother, Leslie Pepe of Fremont, Ind.; 15 grandchildren, 10 stepgrandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sisters and a brother. Mr. Pepe had been a farmer. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Besancon, New Haven, the New Haven Eagles Lodge 3164 and the Loyal Order of Moose. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at St. Louis Catholic Church, 15535 Lincoln Highway, New Haven. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. (Indiana time) Thursday at E. Harper and Son Funeral Home, 740 IN 930 E., New Haven, where a parish wake service will be at 8:30 p.m. Preferred memorials are to St. Louis Catholic Church, Cancer Services of Allen County or Village of Heritage.

Ruby G. Robey
Nov. 9, 1910 - May 5, 2002
Ruby G. Robey, 91, of Spencerville, formerly of Van Wert, died 12:52 p.m. May 5 at Vancrest Health Care Center, Delphos. She was born Nov. 9, 1910, in Adams County, Ind., to John W. and Cora E. (Durbin) Reinhard Huser. On June 18, 1931, she married John F. Robey Sr., who died July 1, 1985. Survivors include three sons, John F. (Eileen) Robey Jr. of Venedocia, Franklin D. (Daomi) Robey of Van Wert and David D. Robey of Montgomery; five daughters, Dorothy K. (Rex) Shaffer and Nancy I. Robey of Spencerville, Florence R. (Lowell) Nolan and Mary E. (Raymond) Young of Venedocia and Carol A. (Darrel) Bowers of Delphos; 46 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren and 29 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four sons, Richard, Donald and William Robey and an infant; three brothers, Arthur William and John Reinhard; a sister, Mary Baker; and six grandchildren. Mrs. Robey was a homemaker. She was a member of Friends Church and its missionary society, the Jolly Dozen club, the Gold Star Mothers and was a life member of Harry J. Reynolds American Legion Post 191 Auxiliary and the Bowersock Brothers Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6772 Auxiliary. She had also been a caregiver in many homes in Spencerville. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Friends Church, the Rev. William R. Abram officiating. Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville. Preferred memorials are to donor’s choice.

Thalia P. Powell
Mar. 23, 1919 - May 3, 2002
Thalia P. Powell, 83, of Sun City, Ariz., formerly of Lima, died 11:30 a.m. May 3 at Del E. Webb Memorial Hospital, Sun City West. She was born March 23, 1919, in Logan County to Lawrence and Ida (Clayton) Chiles Sr. On June 26, 1954, she married Hubert M. Powell, who survives in Sun City. Other survivors include, two sons, Ronald L. (Cindy) Powell of Farmington Hills, Mich., and Gary E. (Becky) Powell of Cincinnati; two daughters, Kathy (Richard) Robinson of Lima and Nancy M. (Randall) Longbottom of Cincinnati; two sisters, Lucille (Robert) Workman of Lima and Mary (Robert) Hutchison of Tucson, Ariz.; a brother, Lawrence Chiles Jr. of DeGraff; and nine grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a great-grandchild, Samantha Paige Moore. Mrs. Powell has been an executive secretary at Metropolitan Bank. She was a charter member of Genie Chapter of the National Secretaries Association of Lima, a 28-year member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1275 Auxiliary and a member of American Legion Post 62 Auxiliary, Sun City. She was also a member of the Ohio Polka Boosters and Senior Polka Association in Sun City. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Delphos, the Rev. Dan Borgelt officiating. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday and 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, where a wake service will be 8 p.m. Thursday. Preferred memorials are to LCC-Father Herr Scholarship Fund or St. John’s Scholarship Fund-Delphos.

Silas M. Preston Jr.
June 30, 1927-May 4, 2002
Silas M. Preston Jr., 74, of Grover Hill, died 2:26 p.m. May 4 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born June 30, 1927, in Jessmine County, Kentucky, to Silas M. and Ova Lee (Montgomery) Preston Sr. On Sept. 2, 1949, he married Wanda L. (Pennington) Preston, who survives. Survivors also include two sons, Douglas (Sandy) Preston of Grover Hill and Dennis Preston of Cloverdale; two daughters, Donna (Les) Harris of Grover Hill and Debra (Sam) Uncapher of Mendon; two grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, J. Buford Preston; and a sister, Corrine Hamilton. Mr. Preston was a retired jersey dairyman and semi-retired truck driver. He attended Mandale Church of Christ, Mandale. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of the Van Wert Disabled American Veterans, Delphos American Legion Post, Van Wert Navy Club and a past member of the Buckeye Busy Beaver Camping Club. A memorial service will be held at a later date. There is no visitation. Preferred memorials are to Disabled American Veterans.

Robert J. Wood
Oct. 14, 1938 - May 6, 2002
Robert J. “Joe” Wood, 63, of Cairo, died 1:20 p.m. May 6 at St. Rita’s Medical Center. He was born Oct. 14, 1938, near Cairo, to Elmer and Cleo (Solomon) Wood. On Oct. 4, 1963, he married Christine L. Elwood, who survives. Other survivors include two sons, Larry D. (Genise) Mason of Findlay and Roy G. (Myrna) Mason of Arlington; a daughter, Tracy Jo (Frank) Razinger of Lima; a brother, Gerald (Myra) Wood of Evans, Ga.; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald D. Wood. Mr. Wood had worked at Ford Motor, Lima Engine Plant, then for the Lima State Hospital and had been currently employed by St. Rita’s Medical Center in maintenance. He was a member of Cairo United Methodist Church and had attended County Line Church of the Brethren. He was a member of Lima Eagles Aerie 370, was an avid golfer and college sports fan, especially an Ohio State Buckeyes fan. He was a 1956 graduate of Columbus Grove High School. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove, the Rev. Thomas Dearth officiating. Burial will be in Cairo Eastside Cemetery. Friends may call 6-9 p.m. today and 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to St. Rita’s Regional Cancer Center or Cairo United Methodist Church.

Audrey K. Thomas
March 6, 1925 - May 3, 2002
Audrey K. Thomas, 77, of Lima, died May 3 at Sun River Hospital, Las Vegas. She was born March 6, 1925, in West Virginia to Wayne and Virginia (Clay) Griffith. She married John Thomas, who preceded her in death in 1972. Survivors include four daughters, Ester (Tony) Dunlap of Elida, Joyce Hayes of Florida and Sandy and Patricia Thomas of Lima; five sons, Bob (Ruth) McKee, Larry (Robin) McKee, Brian Thomas and Rick McKee of Lima, and Johnny (Melissa) Thomas of Waynesfield; four brothers, Hershell (Ruby) Griffith, Paul and Jim Griffith and Truman (Goldie) Griffith; two sisters, Doris (Roby) Slone and Gloria (Beecher) Shepherd; 26 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, John Wayne Thomas; four brothers, Bob, Dewy, Bud and Cletis Griffith; and two grandchildren. Mrs. Thomas had worked at Westinghouse and later retired from Sunstrand as an assembler. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Rev. Ronald Hennen
Nov. 22, 1937 - May 3, 2002
Funeral services for the Rev. Ronald W. Hennen, 64, of Spencerville, who died May 3 at his residence, will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Trinity United Methodist Church, Spencerville, District Superintendent Philip Brooks and the Revs. John Medaugh and David Howell officiating. Burial will be Thursday in New Concord Cemetery. He was born Nov. 22, 1937, in Bedford to Carl A. and Elizabeth (Melnick) Hennen. On Sept. 30, 1959, he married Joan A. Kirby, who survives in Spencerville. Other survivors include a daughter, Melanie Hennen of Springfield; three brothers, Gary W. Hennen of Alexandria, Va., Ralph W. Hennen of Roosevelt Island, N.Y., and Chuck (Debby) Kirby of Zanesville; a sister-in-law, Naomi Kirby of Chandlersville; and three nephews, Mark Kirby of Cincinnati, Kevin Kirby of Zanesville and Patrick (Karen) Green of Dacula, Ga. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Lawrence Kirby; and mother-in-law, Elsie Bell. Rev. Hennen was a graduate of Rio Grande College in 1974 and the United Theological Seminary in 1981. He was ordained an elder of the United Methodist Church in 1983. He and his wife served congregations at New Moorefield, Fletcher Chapel and Harmony United Methodist Church in Springfield; Emmanuel Pleasant View United Methodist Church in Circleville; Piketon United Methodist Church, Piketon; Westville Concord United Methodist Church, Champaign County; Meadow Farm United Methodist Church, Zanesville; and Trinity United Methodist Church in Spencerville. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. today at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville. Preferred memorials are to Trinity United Methodist Church, Spencerville.

Nellie E. Dickman
May 25, 1919 - May 3, 2002
Nellie E. (Vogt) Dickman, 82, of Defiance, died 3:15 p.m. May 3 at her residence. She was born May 25, 1919, in Allen County to Alexander and Katie (Hetrick Keller) Dunlap. She had been married to Leon “Lee” T. Vogt, who preceded her in death. She then married Meletus “Dick” H. Dickman, who died March 20, 1975. Survivors include a son, Richard “Dick” L. (Nancy) Vogt of Blowing Rock, N.C.; two daughters, Mary C. (William) Buschor of Dayton and La Donna M. “Donna” (John) Sanders of Defiance; two sisters, Ruth V. (Tula) Kleman of Delphos and Leah C. Fetzer of Fort Wayne; two brothers, Paul L. “Bill” (Bea) Dunlap of Cridersville and Kenneth A. “Kenny” (Jayceann) Dunlap of Springfield; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert “Herb” Dunlap; and five sisters, Iona Hole, Gertrude “Gert” Fetzer, Lillie M. “Lill” Dunlap, Patricia A. “Pat” Dickman and Gwendolyn J. “Dodie” Fetzer. Mrs. Dickman had been co-owner of the restaurant House of Vogts in Delphos, worked at St. John School as a study hall monitor and had worked at Miller Optometry. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Defiance, and a former member of St. John Catholic Church, Defiance, and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Delphos. She was also a member of the Delphos Eagles Auxiliary, the Walterick-Hemme Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Auxiliary, and the Delphos American Legion Post Auxiliary. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. today and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel, where a VFW Auxiliary service will be 7:30 p.m. and a parish wake service will be 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Preferred memorials are to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hospice the Caring Way of Defiance or St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance.

Loretta C. Obringer
Aug. 27, 1910 - May 2, 2002
Mass of Christian burial for Loretta C. Obringer, 91, of Delphos, formerly of Monroeville, who died May 2 at Vancrest Health Care Center, will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Monroeville. Burial will be in the church cemetery. She was born Aug. 27, 1910, in Ottoville to August and Bernadine (Grote) Becker. On May 6, 1930, she married John Obringer, who preceded her in death. Survivors include a sister, Alvera Koester of Ottoville; a sister-in-law, Ella Obringer of Norwalk; and nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was also preceded in death by a sister, LaDonna Miller; and brother, Arthur Becker. Mrs. Obringer retired from Fisher-Titus as a housekeeper. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and its Altar Rosary Society and served as church sacristan from 1977 to 1981. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at Jump & Pfeil Funeral Home, 109 Monroe St., Monroeville, where a vigil service will be 8:30 p.m. Preferred memorials are to St. Joseph Endowment Fund.

Ena L. LeViness
March 27, 1913 - May 3, 2002
Funeral services for Ena L. LeViness, 89, of Van Wert, who died 11:10 a.m. May 3 at Lima Memorial Hospital, will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Dr. Edward Jillson officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery,Van Wert. She was born March 27, 1913, in Roselms to William R. and Minnie E. (Shiaberry) Myers. On April 10, 1939, she married Marion LeViness, who preceded her in death in 1969. Survivors include a two sisters, Ada B. Saam of Van Wert and Rachel Sheely of Houston, Texas; three nieces, Dr. Rachelle Sheely of Houston and Mellanie Brennan of Chicago, Ill.; and three nephews, Richard McCoy and Dennis (Linda) Saam of Van Wert and Clair Saam of Arvada, Colo.; and several great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, William Myers. Mrs. LeViness had been a waitress at Wright’s Truck Stop in Van Wert and had worked at the former Buckeye Mart Store in Van Wert. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Van Wert. Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Van Wert Area Visiting Nurses or the Van Wert EMS.