Carol L. Urmetz
Carol Lucia Urmetz (Sister Carol Marie, SND), 58, of Notre Dame Educational Center in Chardon, died Oct. 10 2000 at the Health Care Center. Born Jan. 22, 1942, in Cleveland, the daughter of Albert and Lucy (nee Jacobs) Urmetz, she was a teacher of primary school children in Youngstown, Sheffield Lake, North Ridgeville, East Liverpool, Lorain and Cleveland; also Arlington and Winchester, Va., and Washington, D.C. She received her master of education degree from Bowling Green State University in 1979, and an Association Montessori Internatinale diploma in 1995. Since 1995, she was directress of the Notre Dame Montessori School in Chardon. Sister Carol Marie is survived by her sisters, Joan (Peter) Takach of Westlake and Rosemary (Allan) Kurpik of Livonia, Mich.; also the sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame with whom she shared her life for 39 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Albert Urmetz. Funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 14 at Notre Dame Educational Center, with burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Provincial Center Grounds in Chardon. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Sisters of Notre Dame, 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon 44024.

Thomas E. Bird
Thomas Edward Bird, 32, of Arizona and formerly of Russell, died Oct. 7 2000 in Mesa, Ariz. Born July 23, 1968, in Geauga County, he was raised in Chardon. He attended Maple Elementary School, the Geauga Christian School and Howe Military Academy in Howe, Ind. As a youth, he attended Chardon Assembly of God Church and was active in Boy Scouts and Little League. Mr. Bird is survived by his parents, Bruce and Sheila (nee Line) Bird of Russell; brothers, Robert Bird of Largo, Fla., Peter Bird of Scottsdale, Ariz., and James (Susan) Bird of Ravenna; sister, Amanda (Christopher) Bird-Bosler of Burton; grandmothers, Elizabeth Line of Mesa, Ariz., and Helen Bird of Chagrin Falls; uncles, Robert Line and Lloyd Line, both of Mesa, Ariz., and Edward (Cynthia) Line of Sumter, S.C.; aunts, Patricia (George) Edwards of Chardon and Linda (Michael) Powers of Phoenix; nieces, Ashley, Alexandra and Brittany Bird; nephews, Jonathan and James Bird IV and Caleb Bosler; many cousins and his pet, "Lady." He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Lloyd W. Line Jr. and James R. Bird II; great-grandparents, Lloyd and Martha Line and Peter and Elizabeth Orr; and aunt, Barbara Bird-May. Private services were held in Mesa, Ariz. Memorial donations may be made to the Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village, P.O. Box 116, Russell 44072-0116, or the Geauga YMCA Building Fund, 12340 Bass Lake Road, Chardon 44024.

Robert D. Hillkirk
Robert D. Hillkirk, 75, a lifelong resident of Mayfield Heights, died Oct. 16 2000 at his home. Born June 1, 1925, in Cleveland, he was an optician for Optical Specialties in Garfield Heights for 40 years, retiring in 1987. He married Louise Nedved in Cleveland, on Aug. 10, 1946. A veteran of World War II, he served his country in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater, on the USS Lexington, CV-16. His hobbies included watching game shows on television, especially "The Price is Right," and watching all sports, especially Chardon High School football. He enjoyed visiting his daughter and grandchildren in Naples, Fla. Mr. Hillkirk is survived by his wife, Louise (nee Nedved) Hillkirk of Mayfield Heights; daughter, Wendy Mastandrea of Naples, Fla.; sons, Tim (Angie) Hillkirk of Munson Township and Wayne (Bonnie) Hillkirk of Newbury; grandchildren, Lisa (Edmond) Geber of Burton Township, Chad Hillkirk of Newbury, Michael, Christopher and Christina Mastandrea of Naples, Fla., and Jason and Stefanie Hillkirk of Munson; and great-grandson, Hunter Edmond Geber of Burton Township. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Sylvia (nee Birtciel) Hillkirk. Funeral services were held Oct. 19 with burial in Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chester. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, NEO Affiliate, 1689 East 115th St., Cleveland 44106, or Hospice of the Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 44106.

Charles W. Cooper Jr.
Charles W. Cooper Jr., 69, of Bainbridge, died Feb. 28 2000 at University Hospitals Health System Geauga Regional Hospital. Born Nov. 28, 1930, in Cleveland, he was a 40-year resident of Bainbridge. A retired self-employed carpet installer, he was a school bus driver for Kenston School District. He served his country from 1949 to 1953 in the U.S. Army, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge Golden Gate 245 in Chagrin Falls. His hobbies included fishing. Mr. Cooper is survived by his wife, Ruth (nee Wolfinger); two sons, Dale W. (Holly) and Douglas (Kathleen); a daughter, Linda M.; and grandchildren, Molly, Matthew, Nichole, Katelyn, Magan and Kevin. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. today (March 2) at the Valley Presbyterian Church in Bainbridge.

Mildred B. Andrews
Mildred B. Andrews (nee Beane), 82, of Munson Township, died Feb. 21 2000 at University Hospitals Health System Geauga Regional Hospital. Born April 21, 1917, in Ashville, N.C., she was a resident of Munson since 1996, formerly of Lenori, N.C. A licensed practical nurse, she was also a very talented seamstress who made her children's clothing and her wedding dress. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, playing Bingo and word search puzzles and read her Bible daily. Mrs. Andrews is survived by her daughters, Peggy (Robert E.) Curtis of Hambden Township and Beverly (Ed) Newman of Columbia, La.; son, Douglas (Nadine) Andrews of Connely Springs, N.C.; five granddaughters, one grandson, three great-granddaughters, three great-grandsons, and one great-great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her husband, L. Marvin Andrews; her parents, a grandson and a great-granddaughter. Burial was in Zack's Fork Baptist Church Cemetery in Lenoir, N.C. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 155 Ken-Mar Industrial Parkway, Broadview Heights 44147.

Paul Kovac
Paul Kovac, 91, of Chardon, died Feb. 22 2000 at Genesis Eldercare Chardon Center. Born in Begunje, Yugoslavia, on Jan. 2, 1909, the son of Teresia and Franc Kovac, he emigrated to the United States in 1929, and lived in Brooklyn, N.Y., before moving to Cleveland in 1940. Since 1954, he resided in Chardon Township with his family. He married Caroline Sorn in 1948. During his career he worked at Cleveland Twist Drill and as a union carpenter for Dunbar Construction. From 1961 to 1967, he and his wife owned and operated the Country Inn at the corner of Auburn Road and Route 6. Mr. Kovac is survived by his wife; daughters, Caroline Ann Kovac (Donald) Valentine and Frances Martine Kovac; son, Paul Joseph (Laura Lewis) Kovac; grandchildren, Michael Paul Valentine and Helen Earlyne Kovac; siblings, Cyril Grilc of Cleveland and the late Joze Kovac of Toronto, Canada; nephews and nieces, Joseph Kovac, Paul Kovac and Ljubca Cadez, all of Canada. Private services were held Feb. 25 at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Slovene Home for the Aged, 18621 Neff Road, Cleveland 44119.

Roberta J. Merchant
Roberta J. Merchant (nee McCandless), 78, of Middlefield Village, died Feb. 17 2000 at her home. Born June 9, 1921, in Butler, Pa., she was a 15-year resident of Middlefield, prior in Bedford. A homemaker, she married Clyde Martsolf Dec. 18, 1939. He preceded her in death Jan. 23, 1969. She then married Elmer Merchant March 20, 1971, and he preceded her in death May 20, 1983. A member and Past Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, Parkman chapter, she was a very talented seamstress who fashioned custom-made clothing for family and friends as a hobby. She also made intricate doll clothes and enjoyed knitting and crocheting. In addition, she was an avid reader. Mrs. Merchant is survived by her son, Clyde (Terrimarie) Martsolf Jr. of Claridon Township; granddaughters, Melanni Martsolf of Denver and Monique Martsolf of Chardon; and a grandson, Matthew Marsolf of Phoenix, Ariz. Private family services were held. She was buried in Butler Cemetery in Butler, Pa. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St., Chardon 44024.

Herbert M. Borstein
Herbert M. Borstein, 83, of Auburn, died Oct. 4 2000 at Alterra Nursing Home in Bainbridge. Born in Cleveland, he graduated from Glenville High School, attended Ohio State University and received a degree from Western Reserve University. He served his country during World War II as a Navy Seabee and was stationed on the island of Samara in the South Pacific. Mr. Borstein was founder and chief financial officer of American Seawood Foods until he retired in 1987. He also had been chief financial officer of other corporations, including General Trucking and Aurora Equipment. A supporter of the Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Museum of Art, City Club and other community and religious organizations, he belonged to Temple-Tifereth Israel. Mr. Borstein is survived by his wife, Nettie: daughter, Alice Mullins of South Russell; two grandchildren; a sister and a brother. Services were held Oct. 6 at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel in Cleveland Heights. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Jack C. Vaughan
Jack C. Vaughan, a longtime resident of Auburn Township, died on his 90th birthday, Oct. 5 2000 at Holly Hill nursing home in Newbury, where he had resided a short time. Born in Twinsburg, he served for five years as an Auburn Township Trustee and for 10 years as an Auburn Township Zoning Inspector. In October 1953, he helped found the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department, serving for over 21 years as a firefighter and retiring at age 65. The Nov. 2, 1989 issue of the Chagrin Valley Times states ... "He retired from the department when he was 65 in order to abide by the by-laws which he helped write." A welder for Reliance Electric Co., he retired after 35 years. During World War II, he was called on to teach welding for the war effort. Mr. Vaughan was a 50-year member of the Golden Gate Masonic Lodge 245 in Chagrin Falls. His other hobbies included bowling, golf and volleyball. He also was considered to be the only male member of the Ladies Cemetery Association in Auburn, an organization dedicated to providing improvements and decorations at two township cemeteries. He loved antique cars and particularly liked Hudsons, an automobile he always owned until the manufacturer quit making them. He was a member of the Western Reserve chapter of the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Antique Car Club. Mr. Vaughan is survived by three daughters, Alice Sloey of Sagamore Hills, Kay (Kenneth) Palivec of Newbury and Jacklyn (Dennis) England of Auburn; grandchildren, Chris Soukup, Lee Soukup, David (Kim) Palivec, Leslie Palivec, Todd Palivec, Matthew England and Michael England; great-grandchildren, Kailyn, Allison and Sydney Palivec; two sisters, Nora Hollet of Sebring and Helen Craemer of Smithville; two brothers, Ralph of Elgin, Ill., and Paul of Brecksville. He was preceded in death by his wife, Allene; brothers, Edward, Ernest, Thomas and Allan; and sisters, Alice Kraps and Iris Morris. Memorial services were held Oct. 10 at Auburn Community Church. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department.

Carl W. Light
Carl W. Light, 72, of Windsor Township, died Oct. 9 2000 at his home. Born Aug. 25, 1928, in Charleston, W.Va., he was a set-up man for the former Addressograph-Multigraph, retiring in 1966. He married Vera Parsons in Ripley, W.Va., on May 13, 1951. She preceded him in death on Aug. 30, 1994. Mr. Light and his wife owned and operated the Maple Nursing Home in Munson Township from 1966 to 1994, and Maple II Nursing Home in Hiram from 1976 to 1984. He was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Light is survived by his daughters, Darlene Light of Hartsgrove, Donna Light of Newbury, Deanna Berlinski of Troy Township and Dorene Hallbom of Auburn; son, David Light of Hartsgrove; three sisters, Katherine, Grace and Joann; a brother, Robert Light of Hunting Valley; and 11 grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Vera Light, he was preceded in death by his son, Dennis Light; parents, Everett and Pearl (nee Harris) Light; two sisters and three brothers. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today (Oct. 12) at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon Village. Burial will be at Hartsgrove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 7861 Crile Road, Concord 44077.

Edwin R. Crick Jr.
Edwin Reed Crick Jr., 85, longtime resident of Chardon and formerly of Chester, died Sept. 30 2000 at Chardon Center in Chardon. Born Nov. 18, 1914, in Pittsburgh, he was a veteran of World War II, having served as a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Crick was an architectural engineer, retired from Pittsburgh Plate Glass. An avid golfer and outdoorsman, he was an award-winning watercolor artist and an inventor. Mr. Crick was a lifetime member of the Baseball Hall of Fame for his work in inventing the baseball batting helmet and implementing its use in virtually every baseball team. Helmets were first used by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He is survived by his sons, Edwin Reed Crick III and Michael Lemmon (Elaine) Crick; grandchildren, Tracy Ann Crick and Patrick Michael Crick; and great-grandchildren, Nathan, Colton and Miranda. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Lemmon Crick in 1998; sister, Dorothy Close Crick; and parents, Edwin R. and Mable (nee Close) Crick. A private graveside service was held Oct. 3 at Maple Hill Cemetery.

Selma S. Nurmi
Selma S. Nurmi, 95, of Conneaut, died Oct. 3 2000 at University Hospitals Health System Geauga Regional Hospital. Born Oct. 13, 1904, in Conneaut, she lived most of her life in Ohio and Florida, and returned to Ohio after the death of her husband, Richard, in 1992. Mrs. Nurmi is survived by her daughters, Katherine N. (Paul) Evans of Chagrin Falls and Marilyn (Richard) Sheldon of Rutland, Vt.; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Fannie Kettell of Conneaut. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard Alatalo and Eino Alatalo; and two sisters, Helen Lammi and Bertha Alatalo. Graveside services were held Oct. 6 at Conneaut Center Cemetery in Conneaut.

Evelyn S. Felger
Evelyn S. Felger (nee Schram), 70, of Russell, died Jan. 28 2001 at her winter home in Lake Placid, Fla. Born July 5, 1930, in Ottoville, she was a longtime resident of Russell Township. An avid gardener and homemaker, she and her husband were members of the Avion Group, a large travel trailer organization. Along with other owners of travel trailers, they traveled throughout the United States. She was also a member of the Chagrin Valley Needlecraft Guild. Mrs. Felger is survived by her husband, Willard "Pete" Felger; three daughters, Cindy (James) Helbig, of Lakewood, Beth (Dale) Ryan, of Auburn, and Sara (Scott) Ely, of Mongolia; eight grandchildren, Andrew, Jennifer and Heather Helbig, Jeremy Ryan, and Hannah, Zachary, Isaiah and Rachel Ely; her mother, Jennie Schram, of Defiance; sister, Arlene Baxter, of Titusville, Fla.; and two brothers, Eugene Schram, of Defiance, and Orville Schram, of El Cajon, Calif. She was preceded in death by her father, Aaron Schram; and her twin brother, Everett Schram. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 3) at Fellowship Bible Church, 16391 Chillicothe Road in Bainbridge. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (Feb. 2) at Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home in Chagrin Falls.

John T. Palmer
John T. Palmer, 46, of Burton Township, died Jan. 27 2001 at his home following a lengthy battle with cancer. Born Dec. 27, 1954, in Cleveland, he was a lifelong Geauga County resident. Mr. Palmer was foreman of the Ohio Department of Transportation in Burton Township for 23 years. A 1974 graduate of Ledgemont High School, he was a champion horseshoe pitcher at the Great Geauga County Fair in Burton. He enjoyed swimming, shooting pool, traveling, playing basketball and his family pets. His hobby was tinkering on cars. Mr. Palmer is survived by his identical triplet brothers (he was the eldest), Jeffrey (Karen) Palmer, of Chardon Township, and James Palmer, of Burton Township; brothers, Dennis (Janie) Palmer, of Chester, and Richard (Marji) Palmer, of Mantua; sister, Patricia (Charles) Donaldson, of West Farmington; daughter, Kristin Palmer, of Athens, Ga.; granddaughter, Makayla McDowell, of Athens, Ga.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Esther (nee Gilham) Palmer; and his sister, Linda Moran. Funeral services were held Jan. 30, with burial in Huntsburg Cemetery. The family has set up a memorial fund at First Merit Bank in Middlefield to defer medical costs.

Adrian L. Kah
Adrian L. Kah, 80, of Solon, died May 23 2001 at his home from cancer. Born in Shelby County, the son of Charles and Minnie Kah (nee Prueter), he was raised in Sidney and lived in Solon for the past 32 years, prior in Sparta, Mich. A plant manager for TRW, his interests included hunting, fishing, golf, watching little league softball and baseball, and Friday night poker club. Mr. Kah is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elaine (nee Becker); his children, Gregory (Joy), of Whitmore Lake, Mich., and Lavonne Rock, of Lyndhurst; and six grandchildren, Kelly, Kristy, Derek, Malia, Tyler and Kimberly. Memorial services were held May 29 at Advent Lutheran Church in Solon, with burial in Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 4500 Rockside Road, Suite 420, Cleveland 44131, or Visiting Nurse Association, 2500 E. 22nd St., Cleveland 44115.

Henry J. Purcell
Henry J. "Bud" Purcell, 51, of Concord Township, died July 31 2001 in an auto accident. Born Sept. 1, 1949, in Cleveland, he resided in Concord for four years, prior in Munson Township for over 20 years. A sales representative for Cleveland Fire Distributors in Cleveland for 10 years, he was formerly a Chardon police officer, part-time from October 1973 to May 1978 and full-time from May 1978 until his retirement in January 1991. A 1968 graduate of Wickliffe High School, he was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Sergeant Military Police, having served during the Vietnam War. A former member of the Munson Volunteer Fire Department, where he had advanced through the ranks, retiring as assistant chief, he enjoyed meals and card games with firefighters on the "B" shift at Perry Fire Department. A long-time member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lake/Geauga Lodge 16, he was currently serving as treasurer. Mr. Purcell enjoyed organizing and cooking for the fire department fund-raiser clambakes and pig roasts. He also worked as a limousine driver for A-1 Mr. Limo in Willoughby. Mr. Purcell is survived by his daughter, Melissa Michelle Purcell, of North Royalton; and sons, Joseph Patrick (Kristin) Purcell, of Claridon Township, and Michael Paul Purcell, of Concord Township. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Sr. and Martha (nee Pifer) Purcell. Funeral Mass was celebrated Aug. 4 at Church of St. Mary in Chardon, with burial in All Souls Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Lake/Geauga Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 16, 11081 Auburn Road, Concord, 44077.