Julia L. Lockhart
BURTON - Julia Louise Lockhart, 80, of Burton, died Tuesday, April 10, 2001, in Claridon Township. She was born May 2, 1920, in Cleveland, the daughter of Thomas and Minnie (Goldenbogen) Lockhart, and had lived in the area most of her life. She was a graduate of Glenville High School, Cleveland, and worked in the customer service department at the former Geauga Industries, Middlefield, for many years prior to retirement. She enjoyed traveling, reading and playing cards. She was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Chardon; Eastern Star Clover Chapter, Burton; and the Burton Bridge Card Club. She volunteered at the Burton Public Library and was a member of the Friends of the Burton Public Library . Survivors include three nephews, Richard Lockhart of Huntsburg Township, and Bruce and Jeff Lockhart of Louisville, Ky., and a niece, Lora Lockhart of South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, John F. and Thomas Lockhart. Memorial service is 11 a.m. April 28 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 11519 Wilson Mills Road, Chardon, with the Rev. John Hayden officiating. Burial will be in Munn Cemetery, Newbury Township, at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, P.O. Box 244, Chardon 44024. The Russell Golden Rule Funeral Service, 15670 W. High St., Middlefield, has charge of the arrangements.

Gertrude M. Sawicki
WINDSOR TOWNSHIP - Gertrude M. Sawicki, 78, formerly of Colebrook Township, died Tuesday, April 10, 2001, at Grand Valley Country Manor, Windsor Township. Born June 22, 1922, in Halle (Saale), Germany, she was a daughter of Ernst Otto and Anna Martha (Liebe) Hentze. She worked as an inspector at Kennametal for 15 years. She was a member of St. Mary Church, Orwell, and the American Legion Auxiliary, Memorial Unit 719, Orwell. She enjoyed traveling, sewing, knitting and reading. Survivors include two daughters, Rosemarie M. Thompson and Edeltraud E. Distler of Germany; four sons, Werner S. of Chandler, Ariz., John J. of Cleveland, Klaus P. of Smithville, Texas, and Thomas M. of Colebrook Township; four grandchildren; and several brothers and sisters in Germany. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Stanley F.; and several brothers and sisters in Germany. Graveside service is 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Colebrook North Cemetery, Fee Road. The Rev. Gregory Fedor, of St. Mary Church, will officiate. The Paine-Simpson Funeral Home, 140 E. Main St., Orwell, has charge of the arrangements.

Esther C. Miller
MIDDLEFIELD - Esther C. Miller, 66, of Madison Road, died Wednesday, April 11, 2001, at her home. She was born Nov. 20, 1934, in Parkman Township, the daughter of Crist C. and Ada (Shrock) Miller, and was a lifelong area resident. Survivors include five sisters, Sarah Miller of Spartansburg, Pa., Alta Weaver of Phoenix, Ariz., Irene Davis of Columbus, Ilene Miller of Middlefield and Mary Hostetler of Middlefield. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Fannie Baumgartner and Ada Miller. Service is 9:30 a.m. Saturday at 17245 Madison Road, Middlefield. Bishop Jake Byler of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate. Burial will be in Yoder Cemetery, Parkman Township. Calling hours will be observed any time at the residence. The Russell Golden Rule Funeral Service, 15670 W. High St., Middlefield, has charge of the arrangements.

Veva I. Frazier
WILLIAMSFIELD TOWNSHIP - Veva I. Frazier, 63, of Slater Road West, died Tuesday, April 10, 2001, at Miller Memorial Health Care Center, Andover. She was born Oct. 4, 1937, in Springfield, Pa., the daughter of Cyril and Lola May (Humphrey) Frazier, and was a lifelong Andover area resident. She was a 1955 graduate of Williamsfield High School, and was a homemaker. She enjoyed crafts, fishing, family picnics and following her grandchildren's sports activities. Survivors include three daughters, Tracie (Overly) Landis of Williamsfield Township, Stacie (Overly) Bowers of Fairport Harbor, and Betsie Overly of Andover; a stepbrother, Guy Swezey, and stepsister, Jannette Lipani, both of California; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, "Brick" Swift; a sister, Mary Ellen Flack; and a stepbrother, Clifford Swezey. Service is 11 a.m. today at the Baumgardner Funeral Home, 134 Prospect St., Andover. Burial of cremated remains will be at Williamsfield Center Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Cora M. Kelly
PIERPONT TOWNSHIP - Cora M. Kelly, 72, died Tuesday, April 10, 2001, at UHHS Brown Memorial Hospital, Conneaut. She was born March 6, 1929, in Carlisle, W.Va., the daughter of the Rev. Julius C. and Emma (Dawson) Gresham. Mrs. Kelly was a graduate of Central State College in Xenia, where she earned her degree in elementary education. She was an elementary school teacher for the Cleveland School District before moving to the Conneaut area where she taught at the South Ridge Christian Academy and the Bushnell Christian Academy before teaching home schooling for three years. She retired in 1991. She was a member of the Full Gospel Assembly, Cleveland; the Lord's Church, Washington, Pa.; and was a member of several Christian organizations. Mrs. Kelly was a Conneaut resident for more than 31 years and had attended the First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed her family, crafts, woodworking, ministry and shopping. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Norris Sr. of Pierpont Township, whom she married Jan. 20, 1951; two sons, Norris Jr. of Elyria, and Nathan R. of Akron; a daughter, Cynthia Story, of Ashtabula; a niece whom she raised as a daughter, Pawnee Faye Holland, of Tucson, Ariz.; a grandson, Michael B. Kelly; two sisters, Clester Pace of Chicago, and Serrena Bryan of Columbus; and a brother, Elmore Weathers of Plano, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Elsie Smith and Lily Gipson. Service is 1 p.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo St., Conneaut, with the Rev. Peg Welch officiating. Assisting the service will be additional pastors from various churches. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memory Gardens, North Kingsville. Calling hour is from noon until the time of service Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lord's Church, P.O. Box 821, Washington, Pa., 15301. Envelopes will be available at the Marcy Funeral Home, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, which has charge of the arrangements.

Samuel B. Kosik
CONNEAUT - Samuel Bruno Kosik, 26, of East Center Street, North Kingsville, died Saturday, June 9, 2001. He was born July 31, 1974, in New Brighton, Pa., the son of Stephen Henry and Mitsuko (Kuniyoshi) Kosik and had been an Ashtabula resident most of his life. He studied electronics and graduated with honors from the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School. He earned his Mechanical Engineering degree from Lakeland Community College. He was employed with Avery Dennison in Mentor. He also served with the North Kingsville Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter and EMT from 1998 to 2000, where he became Captain and was named "most improved firefighter of the year" in 1999. He enjoyed spending time with kids, especially his nine nieces and nephews. His hobbies included studying the Bible and discussing different philosophies, working with computers, being a licensed HAM radio operator and making family and friends laugh. He also bicycled around Lake Erie with his brother at the age of 12. Survivors include his mother, of North Kingsville; his father, of Kingsville; five brothers, Frank of Pierpont, Steve and Bob of Ashtabula and Ed and Ray of North Kingsville; his paternal grandfather, Stephen Michael Kosik of Andover; six stepbrothers, Roger Tackett of Jefferson, Steve, Russell and Brian Tackett of Conneaut, Keith and Eddie Tackett of Ashtabula; and two stepsisters, Torie of Mentor and Jennifer Tackett of Ashtabula. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers Julie Kosik and "Grammy" Tackett; and his stepfather, Roger Tackett. Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Ducro Funeral Home, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula. The Rev. John Jones of the Lighthouse Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memory Gardens in North Kingsville. Calling hours will be noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kosik family.

Karen L. Christensen
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Karen Louise Christensen, 64, of Ashtabula, died Tuesday, May 22, 2001. She was born May 4, 1937, in Columbus, the daughter of Mildred Bertha (Young) and James Halden Wolfe. Her family moved to Conneaut soon after, where she attended local schools and graduated from Conneaut High School. She left Conneaut to enroll at the Ohio State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in French and a master's degree in speech therapy. She also studied for a Ph.D. in Arabic. While there, she met her future husband, Jon Alexander Christensen, and settled with him in Columbus. She worked as a medical technologist in cancer research and on the cancer information hotline at OSU for 30 years. She also privately taught English as a second language. She pursued her love of viticulture and winemaking at Markko Vineyard in Conneaut, intermittently while at OSU and regularly upon retiring to Ashtabula in 1992. In Ashtabula, she continued her life-long commitment to community service by volunteering with Hospice of Ashtabula County, staffing the local polling station and most recently tutoring third-graders at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in the After School Discovery Program. She was an active supporter of classical music performance and enjoyed volunteering for and attending concerts in Columbus, Cleveland and northeastern Ohio. Survivors include her daughter Kerry of Williamstown, Mass.; and sister Jane Chabria of Columbus. She was preceded in death by her parents; and younger sister, Jean Wolfe. At her request, there was no funeral. A gathering to celebrate her life will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at Markko Vineyard, South Ridge Road, Conneaut. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ashtabula County, 2420 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004, or to the ACLU, 125 Broad St., 18th Floor, New York, N.Y., 10004-2400.

Etha M. Ross
ERIE, Pa. - Etha Mae Ross, 64, of West 54th Street, died Saturday, June 10, 2001. She was born Aug. 8, 1936, in Harlan County, Ky., the daughter of Henry D. and Hattie (Johnson) Jemison and had been an Ashtabula resident since 1954. Prior to her retirement, she worked nearly 20 years for the Ashtabula Area City Schools as a domestic engineer. Mrs. Ross was a member of the Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ where she was on the Mother's Board and served as president of the Good Shepherd. She enjoyed shopping, cooking and a good barbecue. Survivors include her husband, John; one son, Anthony Ross of Oklahoma City, Okla.; two grandchildren, Tonia and Mikal; eight sisters, Evelyn Williams of Gaston, Ala., Loretta Johnson of Houston, Texas, Joyce Jemison and Isabell Ibiyinka, both of New York City, Fannie Scruggs and Rosyln Smith, both of Ashtabula, Geneva Vick of Lexington, Ky. and Mona Lisa Jemison of Detroit, Mich.; and two brothers, Eugene Jemison and Henry D. Jr., both of Chicago, Ill. She was preceded in death by one brother, Isadore Jemison; two sisters, Lavidra Jemison in infancy and Ruby Christian; and her parents. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the Peoples Baptist Church, 3837 West Ave., Ashtabula. The Rev. Herman Fleming of Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memory Gardens in North Kingsville. Calling hours will be from noon until the time of the service Saturday. Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, is in charge of arrangements.

Robert F. Decker
DAVENPORT, Fla. - Robert F. Decker, 73, former resident of Ashtabula, died Feb. 23, 2001, at Health Central Park in Winter Garden, Fla. He was born Nov. 11, 1927 in Herminie, Pa., the son of Earl and Sidna (Nesbitt) Decker. Mr. Decker was a teacher and basketball coach at Edgewood Junior High School until retiring in 1984. He moved from the Ashtabula area in 1997. He enjoyed airplane crafts, reading, walking, traveling and working at Disney after his retirement. Mr. Decker served in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Tech-4. Mr. Decker was a life member of the Ohio Teacher's Association and a member of the Eastside Presbyterian Church of Ashtabula, where he served as a church elder and a member of the choir. He also worked with children at the YMCA and summer day camp. He was a graduate of Otterbine College and received his master's degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Survivors include his wife Naomi, whom he married June 8, 1957, in Orwell; a son, Brad of San Diego, Calif.; sisters Phylis Decker of Saltillo. Mexico and Bettie McKinstry of Murrysville, Pa.; and granddaughters Devin and Hayden Decker of Davis, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Bill. Mr. Decker donated his body to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. for medical research. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Ashtabula Eastside Presbyterian Church, 3440 Edgewood Dr. Memorial contributions may be made to Community of Faith Church, 936 Vianca Dr., Davenport, Fla., 33837. Burton Funeral Home, 1329 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, is in charge of arrangements.

Anthony C. Buccieri-Butch
OXFORD, Ohio - Anthony C. Buccieri-Butch, 76, died Tuesday, June 12, 2001, at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Ohio. He was born Oct. 27, 1924, in Ashtabula, the son of Joseph and Josephine (Melina) Buccieri-Butch. In February 1943, Mr. Buccieri-Butch enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served in the European Theater and became a highly decorated soldier and for over a year was a prisoner of war. He volunteered while in Basic Training to go to Europe. In 1943 he traveled to Anzio, Italy and joined the 34th Army Division. This division saw more combat days than any other division in the Army. One night in March 1944, Mr. Buccieri-Butch was wounded and lay behind enemy lines before being captured by the Germans. For his heroic efforts, Mr. Buccieri-Butch earned three Bronze Battle stars and two Purple Hearts. He married Roseann Vaianisi June 23, 1951, and they enjoyed 50 wonderful years of marriage. In 1983 he retired from the United States Postal Service after working as a mail carrier for 37 years. In 1995 Mr. Buccieri-Butch and his wife moved to Oxford, Ohio, to be closer to his daughter Kathleen. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Kathleen McClain of Oxford, and Colleen Buccieri of Brandon, Fla.; a son, Joseph Buccieri of Ashtabula; and two grandchildren, Megan and Michael Buccieri. Service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 111 E. High St., Oxford, Ohio. Burial will be in Andersonville National Cemetery in Andersonville, Ga. Calling hours will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Smith and Ogle Funeral Home, 101 W. Church St., Oxford, with prayers at 6 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Life Squad, 101 E. High St., Oxford, Ohio 45056.

Dallas J. Lary
VERNON TOWNSHIP, Ohio - Dallas J. "Dale" Lary, 72, died Wednesday, June 13, 2001, at his home in Vernon Township, Ohio. He was born Nov. 5, 1928, in Venango, Pa., the son of Roland R. and Ruth E. (Swartz) Lary. A long time Vernon Township resident, Mr. Lary was a long-distance truck driver for many years, retiring in 1989. He enjoyed fishing, working outdoors and traveling. He married Beverly A. Root on June 16, 1980. Survivors include two sons, Donald L. of Hubbard, Ohio, and Dale E. of Albermarle, N.C.; three daughters, Deborah A. Johnson of Mercer, Pa., Diana R. Baldwin, Sally Swope and Barbara M. Hoye, all of Sharon, Pa.; a sister, Helen R. Gasner of Greenville, Pa.; 20 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, on July 8, 1995; his parents; a grandson, Jamie Lary; and five brothers, Roland C., James, Donald "Butch", Charles W., and Frank R. There will be no services. The family will receive friends 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the home of Barbara Hoye, 320 Lincoln St., Sharon, Pa. Baumgardner Funeral Home, 8569 Main St., Kinsman, is in charge of arrangements.

Paul E. Mescall
ASHTABULA - Paul E. Mescall, 86, Friday, Aug. 3, 2001, at his home following a short illness. He was born July 8, 1915, in Montville Township, the son of Edmund and Elva (Sickles) Mescall. He was a 1933 Bloomfield High School graduate. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served during World War II. While in the service he received the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal. He worked for 40 years for the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co. until his retirement in 1980. He was a member of the Ashtabula Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 943 and the Ashtabula Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks No. 208. He enjoyed playing and watching baseball, gardening and his family. Survivors include his wife, Julia (Wojcik) whom he married on Sept. 21, 1946; a daughter, Linda K. Nappi of Ashtabula; and two grandsons, Michael A. Nappi of Ashtabula and Timothy A. Nappi of Covington, La. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Harold. Service is 2 p.m. Monday at the Zaback-Czup Funeral Home, 500 Prospect Road, Ashtabula, with the Rev. Stephen Long officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memory Gardens, North Kingsville. Calling hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Ashtabula Regional Home Health. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Sylvia M. Gribble
PAINESVILLE - Sylvia May Hockman Gribble, 71, died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2001, at Madison Health Care Center, Madison Township. She was born Aug. 17, 1929, in Ridgeley, W.Va., the daughter of Edward R. and Mildred V. (Lease) Albright. She was employed at Red Rooster, May Co. and The Beachcomber as a waitress. She was an avid participant in Alcoholics Anonymous, enjoyed dancing, roller skating and the theater. Survivors include three daughters, Carol Matheson of Sarasota, Fla., Paula Arra of Willoughby, and Tina Loth of Painesville; two sons, Paul David Hockman of Painesville and Kenneth Hockman of Painesville; seven grandchildren and a brother, "Punchy" Albright of Maryland. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Paul Hockman; her second husband, Joseph Gribble; a son, Dale Hockman; a brother, Dale Albright; and a sister, June Hockman. Service is 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St. Madison. Burial will be in Madison Memorial Cemetery. Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 5786 Heisley Road, Mentor 44060.

Thomas F. Hendl
CONCORD TOWNSHIP - Thomas F. Hendl, 71, died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2001, at Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Hospital, Cleveland. He was born Feb. 12, 1930, in Union City, N.J., and was a former resident of Mentor and Doylestown. Mr. Hendl was a former member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Mentor. He was an electrical engineer graduating from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and retired from the H.K. Ferguson Co. in 1975. Prior to that he had worked for General Electric in Daytona Beach and Cleveland. Mr. Hendl was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force having served from 1950-1965. Survivors include his former wife, Evelyn of Concord Township; 12 children, Joseph of St. Francisville, La., Gerard of Zachary, La., Patrick of Vallejo, Calif., Mary Malnar of Concord Township, Margaret Markowski of Chardon, Thomas F. Jr. of Lake Milton, Jennie Haldi of Madison, Kathleen Martens of Spring Valley, Calif., Anne Granchi of Munson Township, Theresa Schultz of Virginia, Frank of Hambden and Gregory of Cunningham, Tenn.; and a sister, June Stehlik of New York. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank T. and Jennie Hendl. Service is 11 a.m. Monday at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 8650 Mentor Ave., Mentor. Burial will be in All Souls Cemetery, Chardon Township Calling hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Johnson Funeral Home, 368 Mentor Ave., Painesville.

Velma Burnap
WESTLAKE - Velma W. Burnap, 86, formerly of Conneaut, died Tuesday, July 31, 2001, at Rae Ann Suburban, Westlake, where she had lived for the past year. She was born Oct. 14, 1914, in Conneaut, the daughter of Walter and Anna (Traver) Watson. A 1932 Conneaut High School graduate, she attended Kent State University and graduated from Edinboro University, Edinboro, Pa. She taught at the elementary school level in the Lakeville and Conneaut school systems for 39 years, retiring in 1975. On April 7, 1945, she married James L. Burnap. She was an active member of the United Church of Christ where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the Floral Guild. She was also a member of Rose Chapter 22, Order of Eastern Star, the Mystic Circle, and Sorosis II. She enjoyed music, piano and children. Survivors include two nieces, Anne McNary of East Lansing, Mich. and Virginia "Ginny" Hanick of Westlake; three nephews, Chuck and Mark Beckwith, and David Watson, all of St. Louis, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1997; her sister, Mary Beckwith; and her brother, Traver Watson. Service is 2 p.m. Monday at the Marcy Funeral Home, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, with the Rev. Walter Coy of Conneaut United Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in City Cemetery, Conneaut. Friends may call Monday at the funeral home beginning at noon until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Church of Christ. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Mildred O. Evans
NORTH BALTIMORE- Mildred O. Evans, 87, of N. Baltimore, Ohio, formerly of Pataskala, died Aug. 2, 2001, at Blakely Care Center, North Baltimore. Survivors include two sons, John W. Jr. of Madison and Charles H. of Bowling Green; two sisters, Glenna Black of Kirkersville and Mary Willard of Columbus; seven grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Graveside service is 2 p.m. Tuesday in Pataskala Cemetery. A memorial service for Mrs. Evans and her husband, John Evans, who died June 28, 2001, will be held following the graveside service at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church of Ptaskala, with the Rev. Dennis Witt officiating. The Kauber Miller Funeral Home, 289 S. Main St. Pataskala, has charge of the arrangements.

Helen L. Platz
ASHTABULA - Helen L. Platz, 82, of West 48th Street died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2001, at the Austinburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born Dec. 3, 1918 in Frostburg, Md., the daughter of Edward and Rella (Durst) Fazenbaker. Mrs. Platz had been an Ashtabula resident for the past 50 years. Prior to her retirement, she worked at Roller Reinforced Plastics. She was an active member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and, more recently, the Fellowship Bible Church. She loved her family and was an avid bingo player. Survivors include a daughter, the Rev. Shirley Stoops-Frantz of Bristolville; two sons, Ronald Winters of Ashtabula and Dale Platz of Pierpont; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; grandson, Wayne Lee Stoops; a granddaughter, Rhonda Winters; five sisters; six brothers. Service is 10 a.m. Monday at the family gravesite in Ridgeview Cemetery. The Rev. Jeff Silvieus of Fellowship Bible Church will officiate. No calling hours will be observed. Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula,, has charge of arrangements.