Letha M. Altenbach
April 28, 1914 - June 11, 2002
Funeral services for Letha Minerva Altenbach, 88, of Lima, who died 6 p.m. June 11 at Vancrest Health Care Center, will be 10 a.m. Friday at Central Christian Church, Lima. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. She was born April 28, 1914, in Lima to Isaac Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Bathtel) Brewer. She was married to Raymond H. Altenbach, who died June 1, 1972. Survivors include a son, Gary (Marilyn) Altenbach of Santa Rosa, Calif.; a daughter, Linda (Dominic) Venturella of Elida; two sisters, Maxine Weber of Lima and Bernadine (Leonard) Ackerman of Lafayette; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Brewer; three sisters, Vera North, Naomi Miller and Imogene Gutherie; and a brother-in-law, Bud Weber. Mrs. Altenbach was a homemaker. She was a member of Central Christian Church. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. today at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, and one hour prior to services Friday at the church.

Larry Dean Griffin
July 8, 1947 - June 8, 2002
A memorial service for Larry Dean Griffin, 54, of Houston, formerly of Lima, who died 7 a.m. June 8 at his residence, will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Bob Griffin officiating. He was born July 8, 1947, in Lima to William G. and Betty J. (Clark) Griffin, who survive in Elida. Other survivors include a daughter, Sarah (Patrick) Henry of Palm Bay, Fla.; a stepson, Robert Haley of Palm Bay; a brother, William B. (Lynn) Griffin of Lima; a sister, Kim (Dwayne LaRue) Brown of Cloverdale; and two grandchildren. Mr. Griffin had been a surveyor for Inter-Globe Marine Consultants and he was currently employed at Auto Zone in Mumble, Texas as a parts sales manager. He was an Air Force Veteran. Friends may call 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 182039, Dept. 013, Columbus, 43218.

Euletta Rieger
May 19, 1906 - June 10, 2002
Mass of Christian burial for Euletta C. Rieger, 96, of Ottoville, who died 11:23 p.m. June 10 at Vancrest Healthcare Center, Delphos, will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, the Revs. Tony Borgia and James Serrick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. She was born May 19, 1906, in Ottoville to George N. and Anna K. (Wannemacher) Rieger. Survivors include a sister-in-law, Bernice Rieger of Ottoville; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, George C. Rieger; and two sisters, Ruth Ann Hoehn and Ethel A. Rieger. Ms. Rieger was a teacher and began her career in a one-room school house in Putnam County in 1924 at the age of 18. After four years she moved to Mercer County and taught mostly in the St. Henry School District until her retirement in 1967. She then worked as a secretary for her brother George in his plumbing and heating business. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and its Altar Rosary Society. She was also a member of the National Organization of Retired Teachers Association and the Putnam County Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed bingo and cards and made the best "brown bread." Friends may call 2-9 p.m. today at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Orians Funeral Home, Ottoville, where a parish wake service will be at 3 p.m. Preferred memorials are to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Repair Fund or St. Mary Cemetery Fund.

Gary L. McDougle
Nov. 29, 1948 - June 10, 2002
Gary Lynn McDougle, 53, of Columbus Grove, died 3:55 a.m. Monday at his residence. He was born Nov. 29, 1948, in Columbus Grove to Charles and Neva (Wood) McDougle. His father survives in Lakeview. In September 1983, he married Jane Radabaugh, who also survives. Other survivors include a son, Aaron McDougle of Harrisburg, Va.; two daughters, Sarah McDougle of Jacksonville, N.C., and Faith McDougle of Durham, N.C.; two brothers, Greg McDougle and Terry (Kathy) McDougle of Columbus Grove; and a sister, Karen (Marty) Marshall of Bradenton, Fla. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis McDougle. Mr. McDougle was employed at Country Builders of Columbus Grove. He was a member of Eagles Lodge 2772, Sons of the American Legion and the Survivors Car Club of Columbus Grove. There is no service of visitation and the body has been cremated. A gathering in McDougle's honor will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Columbus Grove Eagles Lodge.

Leo A. Ryan
Feb. 22, 1928 - June 9, 2002
Mass of Christian burial for Leo A. "Sonny" Ryan, 74, of Lima, who died 6:45 a.m. June 9 at his residence, will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Gerard Catholic Church, Lima, the Rev. Henry Sattler officiating. Burial will be in Gethsemani Cemetery with military rites conducted by the VFW Post 1275. He was born Feb. 22, 1928, in Lima to Leo and Lillian (Barton) Ryan Sr. On Aug. 4, 1949, he married Julia Stippich, who survives in Lima. Other survivors include three sons, Patrick Ryan of Lima, Timothy (Pam) Ryan of Elida and Mike (Judy) Ryan of Venice Beach, Calif.; two daughters, Lin (Greg) Thompson of Spencerville and Kim (Dave) Cheng of Rockford, Ill.; two brothers, Tom (Joan) Ryan of Columbus and Robert "Bob" (Kathy) Ryan of Lima; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Ryan was owner and operator of Ryan's Market. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge, Power Squadron, Knights of Columbus and the YMCA. He liked to bowl and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, where a parish wake service will be 8 p.m. Preferred memorials are to St. Gerard Catholic Church or St. Rita's Hospice.

Thomas Bigelow
Oct. 30, 1954 - June 10, 2002
Thomas L. Bigelow, 47, of Gambier, formerly of Delphos, died 4:20 a.m. June 10 at his residence. He was born Oct. 30, 1954 in Allen County, to Roger E. and Ruth M. (Falke) Bigelow. Survivors include friend Elaine Miller of London; and a brother, Larry Bigelow of Delphos. Mr. Bigelow had been MGP managing editor for Kenyon Review, a literary magazine. He was a former member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and a 1972 graduate of St. John's High School. He received a degree in journalism at Ohio State University. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and a poet and writer. He was a member of a Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Dan Borgelt officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with military rites conducted by the Delphos Veterans Council. Friends may call 5-9 p.m. today and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel, where a VFW memorial service will be 7:30 p.m. and a parish wake service will be 8:30 p.m. Preferred memorials are to the National Cancer Research Center, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or Delphos Visiting Nurses.

Dolores R. Montooth
Nov. 28, 1927 - June 7, 2002
Mass of Christian burial for Dolores R. Montooth, 74, of Leipsic, who died 1:23 p.m. June 7 at St. Rita's Medical Center, was 10 a.m. today at St. Mary Catholic Church, Leipsic, the Rev. John Joseph officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. She was born Nov. 28, 1927, in Ottoville to Alex and Clara (Kracht) Hilvers. On May 28, 1949, she married James Montooth, who died Aug. 3, 1999. Survivors include six daughters, Sandra (Eugene) Dulle of Glandorf, Ruth Ann (Roger) Kahle of Kalida, Darlene (Dennis) Sudlow, Diana (Marvin) Niese, Karen (Roger) Selhorst of Leipsic and Laurie (Kevin) Basinger of Ottawa; three brothers, Ralph (Doris) Hilvers of Leipsic, Alfred (Irma) Hilvers of Delphos and Leonard (Virgileen) Hilvers of Ottoville; 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Elmer Hilvers. Mrs. Montooth was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, and its Altar Rosary Society and Catholic Ladies of Columbia. She was also a member of the Leipsic American Legion Auxiliary. Preferred memorials are to St. Mary School or the Leipsic Library.

Henrietta A. King
May 10, 1915 - June 8, 2002
Mass of Christian burial for Henrietta A. "Tudy" (Ruen) King, 87, of Ottoville, who died 9:57 a.m. June 8 at Vancrest Health Care Center, Delphos, will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, the Rev. Tony Borgia officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Ottoville. She was born May 10, 1915, in Ottoville to Henry and Mary (Reifers) Ruen. On May 6, 1947, she married George B. King, who preceded her in death June 15, 1972. Survivors include many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four sisters, Mary Falke, Clara Brinkman, Dorothy Mesker and Frances Wolke; and five brothers, Joe, William, Andy, Albert and John Ruen. Mrs. King retired from Sylvania in Ottawa in 1977 and was a member of its 25 year club. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and its Altar Rosary Society. She was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3740 Auxiliary since 1948, where she was president two years and also held other offices locally and was District II president for one year and held other offices at the district level. Friends may call 2-9 p.m. today at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Orians Funeral Home, Ottoville, where a parish wake service will be 3:30 p.m. and a VFW memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Preferred memorials are to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Justin R. Meyer
April 28, 1987 - June 6, 2002
Justin R. Meyer, 15, of Pandora, died 10:30 p.m. June 6, following an accident along County Road M-6, Pandora. He was born April 28, 1987 in Findlay to James and Jane (Inbody) Meyer. His mother survives in Gilboa. His father survives in Pandora. Other survivors include paternal grandparents Eugene (Irma) Meyer of Fort Jennings; maternal grandparents, Gene (Jan) Schimmoller of Gilboa, and Harold Inbody of Findlay. He was preceded in death by a paternal grandmother, Delores Meyer. Meyer was a sophomore at Pandora-Gilboa High School. He was involved on the basketball team and was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, the Rev. Tom Hemm officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. today and 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa, where there will be a scripture service at 3 p.m. Sunday. Memorial contributions can be made to Pandora-Gilboa High School.

Ralph W. Tripplet
June 15, 1922 - June 7, 2002
Funeral services for Ralph W. Tripplet, 79, of Van Wert, who died 5:45 p.m. June 7 at a relative's residence, will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Alspach Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Van Wert, with military graveside services conducted by the combined units from the Van Wert American Legion and Van Wert Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was born June 15, 1922 in Diamond, Ind., to William and Mary (Mager) Tripplet Lindstad. On Aug. 3, 1946 he married Vivian M. (Daring) Tripplet, who survives. Other survivors include a son, Dennis Triplet of Charleston, S.C.; two daughters, B. Jeanne Bourelle and Joyce (Terry) Chapman of Van Wert; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Joe and Eugene Pierson; and a grandchild. He was a self-employed carpenter. He was a member of First Friends Church, Van Wert, and an Army veteran, serving in World War II in the Southwest Pacific Theater. Friends may call 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Community Health Professionals Hospice.

Larry G. Bosau
Feb. 10, 1944 - June 2, 2002
A memorial service for Larry G. Bosau, 58, of Van Wert, who died June 2 at his residence, will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church, Lima, the Rev. Paul Gruetter officiating. Burial will be at a later date. He was born Feb. 10, 1944, in Bunceton, Mo., to George C. and Fern (Wilshusen) Bosau. Survivors include two daughters, Laura Worden and Michelle Sheeran of Wapakoneta; a sister, Carol Hansen of Boonville, Mo.; and three grandchildren. Mr. Bosau attended St. Mark Lutheran Church, Van Wert, and was a member of the Van Wert Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and the DAV. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam Conflict. There is no visitation. Preferred memorials are to the American Heart Association.

Peg Evans
July 1, 1922 - June 5, 2002
Peg Evans, 79, of Port Clinton, died June 5 at her residence. She was born July 1, 1922, in DeGraff to Asa B. and Grace A. (Riffle) Corwin. On May 5, 1942, she married Raymond P. Evans, who preceded her in death. Survivors include a son, Tom (Lois) Evans of Port Clinton; two daughters, Peg (Ed Orloski) Barrere of Port Clinton and Denise (Frank) Sukup of Fort Jennings; two sisters, Geraldine Robson of East Liberty and Maxine Marine of Sun City, Ariz.; a brother, Asa Corwin Jr. of Frankfort, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Mrs. Evans had been bookkeeper for the family Masonry Construction Company of Port Clinton until 1991. She was a charter member of LaPointe United Methodist Church, Port Clinton, and very active in the church having held numerous offices. She also attended Lakeside United Methodist Church and held many offices with the church's district, conference and jurisdictional levels. She was also past president of United Methodist Women of the Toledo District, a life member and past president of 88 Literary Circle of Port Clinton, past president of the Port Clinton Women's Club, served on the Christian Women's club board, was a past member of the H.B. Margruder Hospital Auxiliary, a member of the East Liberty Chapter Order of Eastern Star and had currently served on the board of directors of Otterbein Retirement Homes. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at LaPointe United Methodist Church, with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will be 3 p.m. in East Liberty Cemetery. Friends may also call 5-8 p.m. Friday at Gerner-Wolfe-Brossia-Marsh Funeral Home, 216 Washington St., Port Clinton. Preferred memorials are to LaPointe United Methodist Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund, Fort Jennings, or donor's choice.

William Reiff
Dec. 11, 1921 - June 2, 2002
Mass of Christian burial for William "Fred" Reiff, 80, of Lima, who died 9:20 p.m. June 2 at Lima Manor Nursing Home, will be 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Gerard Catholic Church, Lima, the Rev. Thomas Lacey C.Ss.R. officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima. He was born Dec. 11, 1921 in Allen County, to William Christopher and Dorothy (Spencer) Reiff. On Nov. 22, 1941, he married Helen Roth, who survives in Lima. Survivors also include two sons, Dan (Judy) Reiff of Elida and Greg (Denise) Reiff of Waynesfield; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Reiff retired from BLH/Clark Equipment after more than 40 years as a pipefitter. He was a member of St. Gerard Catholic Church and Eagles Aerie 370, Lima. He was a World War II veteran of Army Air Force and Navy Rescue. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, where a parish wake service will be at 8 p.m. Preferred memorials are to St. Gerard Catholic Church Building Fund or St. Rita's Hospice.

Sharon A. Kissell
July 24, 1953 - June 4, 2002
Sharon A. Kissell, 48, of Columbus Grove, died 12:17 a.m. June 4 at St. Rita's Medical Center. She was born July 24, 1953 in Lima, to Edward and Nola (Klink) Streeter. Her mother survives. On Sept. 17, 1977, she married Patrick "Baldy" Kissell, who also survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Michelle and Manda Kissell of Columbus Grove; and two sisters, Nancy Hofferbert of Hillsboro and Debi Street of Honolulu, Hawaii. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Melissa S. Kissell. Mrs. Kissell had been employed in quality control at KMI, Kalida. She had also worked at Superior Metal Products, Lima, and had been a beautician in her own shop for 16 years. She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Eagles Aerie 2772 and the American Legion Auxiliary, Columbus Grove. She enjoyed gardening and cooking. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Anthony Catholic Church, the Rev. Bernard Kokocinski officiating. 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. Thursday at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove, where a scripture service will be at 8:45 p.m. Thursday. Preferred memorials are to donor's choice.

Thomas A. Gardner
May 23, 1934 - June 2, 2002
Thomas A. Gardner, 68, of Van Wert, died 4:49 p.m. June 2 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born May 23, 1934, in Franklin County to Arnold and Treca Lenore (Carter) Gardner. On April 28, 2001, he married Karen (Miller) Girod, who survives in Van Wert. Other survivors include two sons, Martin (Karen) Gardner of Fort Wayne and Shawn Gardner of Tallahassee, Fla.; a daughter, Cheryl (Mark) Hodgson of Monticello, Ill.; a stepson, Tom Lloyd of Zanesville, Ind.; three stepdaughters, Brenda (Robert) Tinkham of Wren, Melody (Mike) Fields of Newark and Shelly (Dean) Foster of Valdosta, Ga.; two sisters, Mary (Richard) James of Frederickstown and Lynne (Fred) Grimm of Florida; six grandchildren, nine stepgrandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Gardner was a truck driver for ABF in Dayton until his retirement. He attended Trinity Friends Church, Van Wert, and was a member of the St. Mary's Boat Club. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Gerald Baker officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the Leukemia Society of America.

Halfred S. Parrish
Aug. 7, 1923-June 3, 2002
Halfred "Hal" S. Parrish, 78, of Van Wert, died 8:10 a.m. June 3 at the V.A. Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born Aug. 7, 1923, in Van Wert County to Jacob and Bertha M. (Snaveley) Parrish. On Nov. 28, 1946 he married Crystal A. "Annie" Parrish, who died Feb. 26. Survivors include a son, John H. Parrish of Van Wert; two grandchildren, Jennifer Nicole and John Tyler Parrish; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph Parrish; and two sisters, Juanita Lane and Bessy Baker. Mr. Parrish retired in 1986 from Continental Can Company in Van Wert after 39 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II. He was a member of Van Wert American Legion Post 178, Tri-State Gas and Engine Association of Portland, Ind., and Wapakoneta Gas and Engine Association. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert. Burial will be in M.R.E. Cemetery, Berne, Ind. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to American Cancer Society or Community Health Professionals Hospice Program.

Ruby A. Mace
Dec. 22, 1914 - June 3, 2002
Ruby A. Mace, 87, of Van Wert, died 4:23 p.m. June 3 at Hearth and Home of Van Wert. She was born Dec. 22, 1914, in Van Wert County to H. Luther and Etta A. (Showalter) Mohler. On Sept. 10, 1940, she married Merlyn W. Mace, who died Aug. 30, 1996. Survivors include a son, Leslie E. (Ann) Mace of Mercer Island, Wash.; a daughter, Janet (Tedd) Humbarger of Van Wert; a sister, Alice L. Rice of Van Wert; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Doyt L. Mohler; and an infant sister, Leota Mohler. Mrs. Mace was a homemaker. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Middle Point, where she had served as organist for more than 50 years. She was also a life member of Ridge Progressive Club and a member of the Farm Bureau. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church, the Rev. Thomas Cover officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church. Preferred memorials are to Trinity Lutheran Church, Health Professionals Hospice or Hearth and Home Activities Fund.

Mary Louise Davies
Oct. 3, 1933 - June 1, 2002
Mary Louise Davies, 68, of Van Wert, died 8:15 a.m. June 1 at Vancrest Healthcare Center. She was born Oct. 3, 1933, in Van Wert County, to Harry J. and Olive Mae (Pritchard) Cashel. Survivors include a son, Clark (Lori) Davies of Convoy; a brother, Larry Cashel of Findlay; and two grandchildren. Mrs. Davies retired in 1995 as a medical record transcriptionist from Van Wert County Hospital. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point, the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert. Preferred memorials are to donor's choice.

Robert J. Grieshaber
Aug. 30, 1945 - May 31, 2002
Funeral services for Robert J. Grieshaber, 56, of Van Wert, who died 10:50 p.m. May 31 at Convoy Care Center, will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. He was born Aug. 30, 1945, in Delphos, to Joseph and Delphine (Rigdon) Grieshaber. Survivors include a son, David Grieshaber; a daughter, Mary Ann Grieshaber; three sisters, Debbie Grieshaber, Linda Grieshaber and Tina Grieshaber; four stepbrothers, Kim Snyder, Tony Grieshaber, Ronnie Grieshaber and Tommy Grieshaber; and four stepsisters, Marcia Dangler, Jean Ann Spencer, Wanda Longwell and Marlene Grieshaber. Mr. Grieshaber had been employed at Hayes Albion in Spencerville. Friends may call 2-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Convoy Care Center, St. Rita's Medical Center or to the family.

Bobby Dean Neal
Mar. 20, 1917 - June 1, 2002
Louise L. Wallace, 85, of Spencerville, died 4:30 p.m. June 1 at her residence. She was born March 20, 1917, in Van Wert to Eugene and Helen (Webber) King. On Jan. 7, 1938, she married Albert Ross Wallace, who died Nov. 7, 1989. Survivors include three sons, Michael (Jill) Wallace of Fort Wayne, David (Carol) Wallace of Sinking Spring, Pa., and Douglas (Cheryl) Wallace of Van Wert; six daughters, Mary (Louis) Balducci of Venice, Fla., Diana Adams of Franklin, Judith (Robert) Kulp of Fort Wayne, Karen Wallace of Wyomissing, Pa., Deborah (Joseph) Lenart of Sinking Spring and Rebecca (Kenneth) Stark of Spencerville, Ind.; a sister, Catharine Shinn of Columbia City, Ind.; 25 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Wallace had been a homemaker. She was a member of Victory Barn Church, Edgerton. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Victory Barn Church, the Rev. Rosene Short officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point. Friends may call 8:30 a.m. until time of services Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are by Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert. Preferred memorials are to the Quad Co. Dialysis Center of Auburn, Ind. or Victory Barn Church.

Betty J. McClellan
Mar. 15, 1923 - June 1, 2002
Betty J. McClellan, 79, of Van Wert, died 6:20 p.m. June 1 at Van Wert County Hospital. She was born March 15, 1923, in Lenawee County, Mich., to Earl and Flora Faye (Frame) Sevrence. On Nov. 24, 1946, she married Lee H. McClellan, who survives in Van Wert. Other survivors include three sons, Ronnie McClellan, Gary (Linette) McClellan and Glen (Vicki) McClellan of Van Wert; a daughter, Linda Lund of Waldorf, Md.; four sisters, Margaret Brown of Hicksville, Hazel Stantz of Montpelier, Helen Fenton of Waldron and Sarah Stubli of Hudson, Mich.; 10 grandchildren and a great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Brenda Kay McClellan; three sisters, Mary Warner, Mable Sevrence and Lillian Bostater; three brothers, Gilbert "Pete," Carl and Harry Sevrence; and a grandchild. Mrs. McClellan had worked at Phillips Lighting Products in Van Wert. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Vancrest Health Care Center Activities Fund.

Louise L. Wallace
Mar. 20, 1917 - June 1, 2002
Louise L. Wallace, 85, of Spencerville, died 4:30 p.m. June 1 at her residence. She was born March 20, 1917, in Van Wert to Eugene and Helen (Webber) King. On Jan. 7, 1938, she married Albert Ross Wallace, who died Nov. 7, 1989. Survivors include three sons, Michael (Jill) Wallace of Fort Wayne, David (Carol) Wallace of Sinking Spring, Pa., and Douglas (Cheryl) Wallace of Van Wert; six daughters, Mary (Louis) Balducci of Venice, Fla., Diana Adams of Franklin, Judith (Robert) Kulp of Fort Wayne, Karen Wallace of Wyomissing, Pa., Deborah (Joseph) Lenart of Sinking Spring and Rebecca (Kenneth) Stark of Spencerville, Ind.; a sister, Catharine Shinn of Columbia City, Ind.; 25 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Wallace had been a homemaker. She was a member of Victory Barn Church, Edgerton. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Victory Barn Church, the Rev. Rosene Short officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point. Friends may call 8:30 a.m. until time of services Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are by Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert. Preferred memorials are to the Quad Co. Dialysis Center of Auburn, Ind. or Victory Barn Church.

Mary Ellen Bissonette
Sept. 23, 1960 - May 31, 2002
Mary Ellen Bissonette, 41, of Katy, Texas, died 2:45 p.m. May 31 at her parent's residence in Venedocia. She was born Sept. 23, 1960, in Lima to E. Lowell "Oscar" and Mary Jane (Lies) Lewis. On Jan. 25, 1985, she married Kenneth C. Bissonette, who survives in Katy. Other survivors include two daughters, Arryn N. and Allison Bissonette of Katy; a brother, Mark (Nina) Lewis of Celina; a sister, Rachel McMickle of Van Wert; and a grandmother, Wanda Lies of Venedocia. Mrs. Bissonette was a customer representative and an insurance underwriter. She was a member of Second Baptist Church, Houston, where she was a former youth leader. She was the current precinct chairperson and member of the Republican Party. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Kingsley United Methodist Church, rural Van Wert County, the Rev. Chuck Glover officiating. Burial will be in Venedocia Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the family.

Mary W. Smith
Nov. 2, 1901 - May 30, 2002
Mass of Christian burial for Mary W. Smith, 100, of Lima, who died 6 a.m. May 30 at Lima Manor Nursing Home, will be 11 a.m. Monday at St. Rose Catholic Church, Lima, the Rev. J. Norbert Howe officiating. Burial will be in Gethsemani Cemetery. She was born Nov. 2, 1901, in Lima to Alphonsus L. Gore and Ida Lincoln (Foster) Smith. Survivors include several nieces and nephews including Stanley (Janice) Smith of Baltimore, Mich.; and a great-niece Shirley (James) Raines of Richmond, Mich. She was preceded in death by a sister, Ethel Gardner; and two brothers, R. Paul and Thomas E. Smith. Mrs. Smith had been a secretary at Lima Lumber Co./First Toledo Corp. until she retired in 1969. She was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church and its Altar Rosary Society. She was also a member of the American Associations of Retired Persons and was a former member of the Lima YWCA Business and Professional Women's Organization. There is no visitation. Preferred memorials are to St. Rose Catholic Church.

Lois G. Bennett
Dec. 2, 1925 - May 31, 2002
Funeral services for Lois G. Bennett, 76, of Haviland, who died 8:23 a.m. May 31 at Van Wert County Hospital, will be 1 p.m. Monday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Bill Holt officiating. Burial will be in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill. She was born Dec. 2, 1925, in Monroeville, Ind., to Clarence and D'Nelle (Titel) Stevenson. She was married to Doven Maxwell "Max" Bennett, who died in 1985. Survivors include a son, Devon Joe (Theresa) Lehman of Haviland; two daughters, D'Nell (Paul) Edwards of Haviland and Darlene (Fred) Strowman of Fresno, Calif.; two stepsons, Gary (Rosie) Bennett of Payne and Dennis (Joann) Benneett of Hamilton, Ind.; two stepdaughters, Dolores Gossik of Toledo and Garnet Roush of Wadsworth; 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister. Mrs. Bennett was a homemaker. Friends may call 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the family.