John Russell Conkle, 92, died on Dec. 28, 2000 at 3 p.m. at Bethlehem Woods in Ft. Wayne, Ind. Conkle was born in Auglaize County near Harrod, Ohio, on Dec. 7, 1908 to John Henry and Elmina McCoy Conkle. He was the youngest of five children, and they all preceded him in death: Walter, Retha (Ewing), Charles and Fred. In 1929, Russell married Nova A. Erwin, and she died in 1974. Also deceased is their infant son, Ralph Erwin Conkle. In 1975, he married Stella Muleski, now deceased. Conkle retired from the Sohio Oil Refinery, Lima, with 20 years service as a pumper. He was also well known in the area as an auctioneer for nearly 30 years. He is survived by two daughters: Ms. Mary Kay Smith of Lima and Mrs. Patsy (John) Weber of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; five grandchildren: Summer Kay Smith of Miami Fla., Mrs. Terri (Mike) Bruner of Ft. Wayne, Ind, Joe (Rose) Weber of Columbia City, Ind., Mrs. Carol (Rick) Sarasien of Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Russell Weber of Frankfort, Ill. There are four great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews. May he rest in God's peace. Conkle attended Epworth United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church in Lima, Ohio, on a regular basis until he was incapacitated with Alzheimer's disease. Services were held Jan. 2, 2001 at the Chiles & Sons-Laman Lewis Chapel in Lima. Rev. Kenneth Fey and Rev. Ellis "Hap" Itson officiated. Pallbearers were grandsons Joe and Russell Weber, grandson-in-law Mike Bruner and Rick Sarasien, and great-grandsons Eric and Justin Weber. Burial was in Fairmount Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lima Rescue Home. Condolences may be expressed at "Chiles@wcoil.com

Donald E. "Donnie" Tackett, 38, of Lima and formerly of Alger, died on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2000 at 12:43 a.m. at St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima. He was born Aug. 21, 1962 in Lima to Mary Louise Tackett and she survives in Celina. Tackett worked in various restaurants in the Lima area. Also surviving are an aunt, Bea (Edd) Howard of Alger and an uncle, Howard (Barbara) Tackett of Ft. Myers, Fla. Services were held on Jan. 2 at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home in Alger. The Rev. James C. Leach officiated. Burial was in Preston Cemetery, Alger. Memorials may be given to the family.

Floyd E. Peoples, 69, died on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2000 at approximately 6:40 p.m. at his residence in Roundhead. He was born Dec. 31, 1931 in Kenton, Ohio to John and Mildred (Evans) Peoples. He never married. Peoples retired in 1992 from the Ohio Department of Transportation of Kenton where he mowed roadsides and operated a snowplow in Hardin County. He was a member of the Roundhead V.F.W. Post 8832. He is survived by a sister-in-law, Joyce Peoples of Roundhead; a nephew, John Allen Peoples of Bellefontaine; and three nieces: Betsy Peoples of Roundhead, Lisa Westfall of Springfield, and Kathleen Hensley of Lima. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Howard Peoples and Allen E. Peoples; and a sister, Juanita DeVasher. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4 at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Alger. The Rev. Fred Richards will officiate. Burial will be in Roundhead Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday and until time of service on Thursday at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home in Alger. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Robert B. Elliott, M.D., 74, of Ada, died on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001 at 2:35 a.m. at Charlotte Regional Medical Center at Punta Gorda, Fla. He was born Dec. 8, 1926 in Ada, Ohio to Floyd M. and Rose (Betzel) Elliott. He married Margaret Robichaux on Aug. 26, 1954, and she survives in Ada. He was a family practitioner in the Ada area for 42 years (1954-1996). Elliott was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Philippines. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ada, Ada VFW Post 9381, American Legion Post #185 of Ada, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus, Kenton Elks Lodge #157, and Ada Masonic Lodge #344 F&AM. He also was a member of the Ohio State Medical Association, the American Medical Association, the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Also surviving along with his wife are four sons: Howard (Donna) Elliott of Findlay, Michael (Michele) Elliott of Ada, Doug (Jennifer) Elliott of Ada, and John (Melanie) Elliott of Gross Ile, Mich.; a daughter, Joan (Michael) Raney of South Lyon, Mich.; two brothers: John (Helen) Elliott of Alexandria, Va. and Charles Elliott of Sidney; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert Bruce Elliott in1993 and a brother, Howard Elliott. Dr. Elliott was a graduate of Ada High School. He earned degrees at Ohio Northern University and the University of Cincinnati. He served his internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, La. He joined his father (Dr. Floyd M. Elliott) in practice in 1954 in Ada. His peers honored him in 1985 by naming him "Ohio Family Physician of the Year." He served Ohio Northern University and Ada High School as team physician for many years. He served as Hardin County coroner from 1971-1992. He served on the Ada Exempted Village School Board from 1962-1977. The Town & Gown Association named him Ada's "Distinguished Citizen of the Year" in 1988. He also received an award from the Ada Alumni Association for the "Hall of Honors" in June 2000. Services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home in Ada. The Rev. Patrick Allen officiated. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ada Alumni Scholarship Fund and/or the Ohio Northern Biology Department.

Merle D. Inmon, 52, of Dunkirk, died at 10:59 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001 at Hardin Memorial Hospital, Kenton. He was born on Dec. 8, 1948 in Hardin County, Ohio to Pete and Fana (Conley) Inmon. He was married to Lynn Woodruff in July 1969 and they are divorced. He is survived by one daughter, Jill Inmon of Dunkirk, one son, Doug (Debbie) Inmon of Dunkirk; two brothers, Charles (Gloria) Inmon of Dunkirk and Elmer (Faye) Inmon of Ada; and one sister, Cora (William) Gunther of Dunkirk. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Pete Jr., Cap and David Inmon; and two sisters: Allie Inmon and Fannie Frantz. He worked at Buckeye Machine in Forest. He was a 1966 graduate of Hardin Northern High School. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He was a member of Forest V.F.W. #1182 and Kenton Amvets. He was past Master of Dunkirk F&AM #549. A Masonic service was held Saturday evening. Funeral services were held on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2001 at Price Funeral Home, Dunkirk. The Rev. James Gatchell officiated. Burial was in Dunkirk Cemetery. Military services were held at the graveside by the Forest VFW Post. Memorials may be made to Tri-County Mental Health Association, in care of Price Funeral Home.

Joseph A. Sprague, 83, of Lima died on Jan 5, 2001 at 7:53 p.m. at Lima Memorial Hospital. He was born March 29, 1917 in Lima, Ohio to Clarence and Bessie M. (Sifert) Sprague. He married Helen M. (LaRue) on March 16, 1979 and she survives. Sprague was a mechanic for Otis Wright & Sons Trucking, retiring in 1986. Previously he had been employed by National Transit. He attended the Elm Street Church of the Brethren. Also surviving are four sons: Oliver L. Sprague of Lima, Joe A. (Diana) Sprague Jr. of Lima, Jerry L. (Lori) Sprague of Uniopolis, and Rick (D. (Sue) Sprague of Hemet, Calif.; four daughters: Sandra K. (Paul) Pierson of Lima, Cheryl A. (Greg) Mault of Lima, Lisa R. (Jerry) Houx of Lima, and Lynette A. (Jim) Horton of Seffner, Fla; 21 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife, Gladys M. (Thomas) Sprague who died on April 4, 1978; two brothers, Oliver Sprague and Herbert Sprague; and two sisters, Goldie Duling and Elmira Few. Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 8 at Chiles & Sons-Laman Lewis Chapel, Lima. Rev. Wesley Richard and Rev. Sue Richard officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Spencerville. Memorial contributions may be made to Elm Street Church of the Brethren.

F. Louise Hunsicker, 83, of Alger, died on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2001 at 3:05 p.m. at Lost Creek Care Center in Lima. She was born on Aug. 21, 1917 in Alger, Ohio to Robert and Laura (LaDema) Plummer. She married Joe Thompson, and he is deceased. She married Ray Spurlock and he died in 1954. She then married Harvey Hunsicker Sr. and he died in 1978. Mrs. Hunsicker retired from Essex Wire in Kenton, where she was an assembler. Surviving are three daughters: Patricia (Kash) Allen of Alger, Gloria Jean (Robert) Myers of Lansing, Mich., and Cheryl (Henry) Howard of McGuffey; six stepsons: Russell (Susie) Hunsicker of Bellefontaine, Harvey (Glenda) Hunsicker Jr. of Alger, Sam Hunsicker of Kenton, Kenneth (Barbara) Hunsicker of Smyrna, Tenn., Lewis (Marlene) Hunsicker of Pearl City, Ill., and Darrell Hunsicker of Alger; four stepdaughters: Alice (Lloyd) Vermillion of Kenton, Jean Kratt of California, Lenore (Ed) Maddox of St. Louis, Mo., and Marsha (Thomas) Sprang of Kenton; a brother, Joe (Betty) Plummer of Ada; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; several stepgrandchildren, several stepgreat-grandchildren; and several stepgreat-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers, three sisters, one step-son, two grandsons, and one great-grandson. Services were held Saturday, Jan. 6 at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home in Alger, with Pastor Marty Moyer officiating. Burial was in Preston Cemetery, Alger. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Robert N. Donley Jr., 49, of Venice Fla., died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001 at home. He was born Aug. 9, 1952 in Toledo to Robert N. and Camille (Chamberlain) Donley Sr. He was married to Jane Conley and they were divorced. He then married Randi Blossom and she survives. Other survivors are one son, Dustin Donley of Ada; one step-son, Orrin Donley and one step-daughter, Warda Donley, both of Florida; his father, Robert Sr. of Dunkirk; two brothers: Deane of Kansas and Donald of Bluffton; and two sisters: Marcia Prater of Ada and Kelly Shircliff of Stow. He was preceded in death by his mother, Camille. He was a 1971 graduate of Hardin Northern High School and worked for the Sarasota School District as maintenance supervisor. He was cremated. Funeral services will be held at a later date in Venice, Fla. Memorials may be made to Hardin County Hospice.

Gertrude Marie Newland, 95, of McGuffey, died at 10:55 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001 at Hardin Hills Health Center in Kenton. She was born on March 24, 1905 in Hardin County, Ohio to William and Della (Kissling) Carmean. She married Ora Melvin Newland on Jan. 19, 1924, and he died Feb. 27, 1990. Mrs. Newland was a homemaker. She was a member of the McGuffey Church of Christ, McGuffey. She is survived by two sons: Ora (Phyllys) Newland Jr. of Mt. Victory and Leonard Earl (Paula) Newland of Lima; three daughters: Helen Ellis of Kenton, Dorothy (Fred) Brehm of Raymond, and Karen (Eldon) Staley of Ada; one brother, Howard Carmean of Florida; two sisters-in-law: Betty Jo Carmean of Lima and Micky Carmean of McGuffey; 16 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sons: Melvin, Raymond and William Newland; five brothers, and three sisters. Services were held on Monday at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Alger. Chaplain Roger Brown officiated. Burial was in Preston Cemetery, Alger. Memorial contributions may be made to Hardin Hills Health Center Activities Department.

Richard Ray Shirk Sr., 57, of Kenton, died at on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2001, at Hardin Hills Health Center. He was born on Feb. 2, 1943 in Kenton, Ohio to Raymond and Jeannette "Moore" Shirk. He married Sharon Gillen of Belle Center and they were divorced. Surviving are three sons: Todd Shirk of Bellefontaine, Rodney Chamberlain of Kenton, and Richard Ray Shirk Jr. of Ada; two daughters: Michelle Rayleen Shirk of Bellefontaine and Tenna Steed of Bellefontaine; eight grandchildren; a special friend, Lois Shroyer of Kenton; two brothers: David (Karen) Shirk of Alger and Jack (Monika) Shirk of Kenton; and three sisters: Alice Haudenschield of Ridgeway, Susan (Randall) Hertel of Findlay, and Marilyn (Danny) Ray of Kenton. Mr. Shirk was a welder. He was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army. He was a member of AmVets Post 1994, AmVets Post 20, VFW Post 3333, and the Eagles Lodge of Kenton. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning, Jan. 10 at Schindewolf-Stevens-Stout Funeral Home, Kenton. Pastor Dennis Burns officiated. Burial was in Grove Cemetery Veterans Circle, Kenton. A graveside military service was conducted by the Honor Guard of Amvets Post 1994. Memorials may be made to Hardin Hospice Care.

Charles E. Newland, 64, of Beaverdam, died Jan. 13, 2001 at 12:55 p.m. at Richland Manor Nursing Home, Bluffton. He was born Nov. 18, 1936 in Hardin County, Ohio to Claude E. and Lowella M. (Rayle) Newland. Newland was a truck driver. He formerly drove for Steed Trucking Company. He was also a farmer and mechanic. He is survived by a fiance, Susan J. Agee, Beaverdam; two sons: Charles E. Newland Jr. of Ohio and Scott Newland; one step-son, Ron Richardson of Saginaw, Mich., one step-daughter, Lizette Richardson of Beaverdam; and one step-granddaughter. Services will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada. Bill Herr will officiate. Burial will be in Candler Cemetery, Ada. Memorial contributions may be given to the family.

Dorothy L. Rish, 89, of Ada, died Jan. 11, 2001 at 9:15 a.m. at Lima Memorial Hospital in Lima. She was born Oct. 24, 1911 in Alger, Ohio to Arnold D. "John" and Nellie G. (Boyd) Breedlove. She married Russell R. Rish on April 5, 1947, and he died on Dec. 18, 1971. Mrs. Rish was a postal clerk for 29 years at the Alger Post Office. She was a member of the former Central United Methodist Church of Alger and the Royal Neighbors of America Lodge. She attended the First United Methodist Church of Ada. She is survived by two cousins: Mary Ellen Lee of Ft. Myers, Fla., and Violet Harrod of Celina; and a caregiver, Diane Huff of Ada. Services were held on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada. The Rev. Wayne Albertson officiated. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alger Public Library.

Stella Mae Prater, 54, of Bellevue, died on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2001 at 3:55 p.m. at The Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. She was formerly of Foraker, Ohio. She was born March 31, 1946 in Kenton to Herman and Dixie (Howard) Prater. She worked at Sandco Industries in Fremont. She was very involved with the Life Enrichment Program. She attended the Baptist Church in Bellevue. Survivors include her mother, Dixie Holbrook, Lakeview; her guardian angel, Deb Whited of Bellevue; one brother, Ellis Prater of Kenton; five sisters: Lee (Charles) Roby of Mt. Victory, Lee (Sherm) Prater of LaPorte, Ind., Mary Howard of Owingsville, Ky., Shirley Sheets of Mt. Airy, N.C., and Bonnie Cotter of Lakeview; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, a sister, Beatrice Jones, and step-father, Harry Holbrook. Services were held Wednesday morning, Jan. 17 at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Alger. The Rev. James Holbrook officiated. Burial was in McDonald-Fairview Cemetery, Kenton. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

John E. Lowman, 84, of Ada, died Saturday, Jan. 13, 2001 at 7:50 p.m. at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Kenton. He was born Nov. 7, 1916 in Ada, Ohio to Ernest Nelson and Lovie Elizabeth (Turner) Lowman. Lowman was custodian for Cole Motor Sales, Ada, until 1988. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ada and Ada Senior Citizens. He is survived by one sister, Myra Lou (Charles) Gant of Celina. He was preceded in death by three brothers: Dale, Bill and Bob Lowman; five sisters: Ernestine Wiedeman, Eunice Cole, Mildred Henning, Helen Curran and Ann Raeburn. Services will begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18 at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada. The Rev. Patrick Allen will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada. Friends may call on Thursday from 11 a.m. until time of services at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada. Memorial contributions may be made to Hardin Hills Health Center Activities Department.

Dorothy Woofter, 97, of Ada, died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001 at 11:40 p.m. at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Kenton. She was born June 24, 1903 in Marietta, Ohio to Oren and Blanche (McVay) Riley. She married James Andrew Woofter on June 14, 1928, and he died June 11, 1974. She was a homemaker. She had previously been a school teacher and also had worked at the Ohio Northern University Registrar's Office in Ada. Mrs. Woofter was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ada. She had been the church organist for several years. She is survived by one son, Riley Woofter of Ada. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Woofter, and a brother, Richard M. Riley. Services were held on Friday, Jan. 12, 2001 at the First Baptist Church of Ada. Pastor Jack Duffy officiated. Burial was in Preston Cemetery, Alger. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church.

Karen S. McInturf Biggers, 58, Zanesville, Ohio, died at 1:05 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, 2001 in Genesis Hospice, Zanesville. She was born Dec. 4, 1942 in Athens County, Ohio to Daniel C. and Mary Helen (Geddes) McInturf. She attended First Christian Church-Disciples. Mrs. Biggers graduated with honors from Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in home economics. She obtained her master's degree in vocational education from Kent State University. She was formerly a director of the Muskingum-Perry Career Center in Zanesville. She was an exchange student to Uruguay and held various teaching positions in southern Ohio. She was a member of various civic and educational associations including vocational and industrial clubs. Mrs. Biggers is survived by two daughters: Joy Kathleen Roberson of Washington State and Erin Marie Biggers of Zanesville; one son, Robert Andrew Hook of Athens; four sisters: Phyllis Brown of Indiana, Delores Klingler of Ada, Marjorie Helm of Georgia, and Linda Williams of Athens; seven brothers: John and Patrick McInturf of Ada, William McInturf of Pennsylvania, Roger McInturf of Ashland, Robert McInturf of New Richmond, Donald McInturf of Athens, and Daniel McInturf of Chillicothe; four grandchildren: Lael, Chandler and Cole Roberson and Robert Andrew Hook. She was preceded in death by her parents. Services were held Wednesday morning, Jan. 17 at First Christian Church-Disciples, Zanesville. Dr. Herbert R. Hicks officiated. Burial was in Pennsville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Genesis Hospice Morrison House, Forest Ave., Zanesville, Ohio 43701 or Karen S. Biggers Scholarship Fund, c/o Licking County JVS, Attn: Treasurer, 150 Price Rd., Newark, Ohio 43055. Memorial tributes can be expressed on line at arrangeonline.com.

Dr. Paul Neiswander, 84, passed away on Monday, Jan. 8, 2001 in Atlanta, Ga. He was born on Aug. 22, 1916 in Ada, Ohio to Dr. Leo C. and Lutie (Freed) Neiswander. He is survived by his wife, Delphine in Atlanta; a sister, Alice Wolgamot from Great Falls, Mont., a brother, Teed (Sonie) from Ada; four children, seven grandchildren, and a great grandson. He was a retired Medical Director of Fisher Body. Neiswander graduated from Ada High School, Ohio Northern University, and University of Michigan Medical School. He was a veteran of World War II, serving as a captain in the Army Medical Corp. He landed at Normandy with the 34th Evacuation Hospital and went through Europe with General Patton. He was the first to liberate prisoners at Buchenwald Concentration Camp. Services were held in the graveside chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada, Ohio on Jan. 13, 2001. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation, A.S. Turner and Sons, P.O. Box 4000, Decatur, Ga.30031-4000.

Charles W. Peckinpaugh, 67, of Lima, died at 8:24 p.m. Jan. 19, 2001 at Lima Memorial Hospital. He was born July 5, 1933 in Leipsic to Chester and Florence Nesbitt Peckinpaugh. On Dec. 31, 1953, in Bowling Green, he married Sara Ruff Peckinpaugh, who survives. Peckinpaugh taught at Bath Elementary School. He was principal of Allen East Elementary and Ada Elementary, retiring in 986. He was a member of Forest Park United Methodist Church and Elks Lodge 54. He was active in the Ohio Teachers Association and the YMCA. After his retirement, he was active in Automotive Restoration. Survivors also include two daughters, Cindy (Lee) Yeaton of Naperville, Ill. and Beth Peckinpaugh of Akron; two brothers, Don Peckinpaugh of Napoleon and Bob Peckinpaugh of Leipsic; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, William Joseph "Bill" Peckinpaugh; a brother, Ed Peckinpaugh; and a sister, Louise Arnold. Services were held Tuesday at Forest Park United Methodist Church. The Rev. Larry Hopkins officiated. Burial was in Leipsic. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Andrea Dawn Cheney, 16, of Swaney Rd., Lima, died on Jan. 29, 2001 at Medical College of Ohio, following a car accident in Allen County. Miss Cheney was born on Jan. 1, 1985 in Lima, Ohio to Harold R. and Susan K. (Gossard) Cheney, and they survive. She is also survived by two brothers, David and Daniel Cheney at home; paternal grandparents, Harold E. and Norma Cheney of Lima and maternal grandfather, Eugene Gossard of Lima. She was preceded in death by maternal grandmother, Pauline Gossard, an uncle, David Gossard, and a best friend, Nathan Conkle. Cheney was a 10th grade student at Allen East High School where she was active in track, volleyball, softball and basketball. She had also been in the Middle School band. She attended the Congregational Christian Church, Lafayette, and the Lima Community Church of the Nazarene. A funeral service will be at the Congregational Christian Church, Lafayette, on Friday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. The Rev. Robert R. Brown will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Chiles & Sons-Laman Funeral Homes, Bluffton Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Allen East High School Athletic Department.

Nathan B. Conkle, 19, of Lafayette Road, Harrod, died on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2001 at Lima Memorial Hospital emergency room. Conkle was born May 18, 1981 in Bluffton, Ohio to Lloyd R. and Julie D. (Titus) Conkle, who survive in Harrod. He worked at Siemens Automotive Corp. of Lima. He was a 2000 graduate of Allen East High School. He was a member of Lima Community Church and Youth for Christ. He is also survived by a sister, Natalie Conkle, at home; paternal grandparents, John (LaDonna) Conkle of Harrod; maternal grandparents, Byron (Garneta) Titus of Lima; and paternal great-grandmother, Edna Conkle of Harrod. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. at Lima Community Church of the Nazarene. The Rev. David Sharps will officiate. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima. Friends may call Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Chiles & Sons-Laman Funeral Homes, Bluffton. Memorial contributions may be made to Lima Community Youth Center Building Fund.

Roger E. Dysert, 74, Alger, died on Monday, Jan. 29, 2001 at 8:05 a.m. at Lima Memorial Hospital emergency room in Lima. He was born May 26, 1926 in Roundhead, Ohio to Otis and Iva (Eaton) Dysert. He married Charlotte Emerson on June 9, 1961, and she survives in Alger. Dysert retired from the Alger Feed and Grain Elevator after 36 years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran having served from 1944-46 during World War II. He was a member of the Alger Assembly of God Church, Alger. He was a Life Member of the Ada VFW Post 9381. Other survivors are two sons: Robert J. Newland of Alger and Kevin (Deb) Dysert of Coarsegold, Calif.; four daughters: Christina (Leonard) Donnal of Alger, Kay (Don) Alexander of Alger, Sue Sexton of Ada, and Pennie (Art) Ingram of Milford Center; one brother, Warren (Cleda) Dysert of Alger; 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Diana Hord, three brothers, four sisters, and a great-grandson, Brady Thompson. Services will be Thursday, Feb. 1 beginning at 11 a.m. at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Alger, with Rev. Randall C. Wilson officiating. Burial will be at Preston Cemetery, Alger. Graveside Military Services will be conducted by the Ada VFW Post 9381. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and prior to the services on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alger Assembly of God Church.

Kenny Prater, 75, of Belle Center, Ohio, died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001 at 9:42 a.m. at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Kenton. He was born Nov. 13, 1925 in Magoffin County, Kentucky to George and Suzanne (Bailey) Prater. Me married Zeallie Jo Jones and she survives in Belle Center. Prater retired from the B&O Railroad where he was a lineman for 36 years. Also surviving are two sons: Denny Lee Justice of Columbus Grove and Kenneth J. (Angie) Prater of Uniopolis; seven daughters: Linda Lou (Harold) Crawford of Columbus Grove, Susan Justice of Columbus Grove, Shelly K. Wranchy of Alger, Rella Mae Phalem of Fort Worth, Texas, Teresa A. (Keith) Caudill of Roundhead, Peggy S. (Howard) Currance of Roundhead, and Tony F. (Randy) Miller of Harrod; three brothers: Walter, John and Earl Prater, all of Michigan; five sisters: Corsie Gossard of Belle Center, Hester Wireman of Roundhead, Racheal Shepherd and Glenna Fay, both of Michigan, and Ellie Shepherd of Kentucky; 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two daughters: Wanda Fay Prater and Ellie "Vicky" Victoria Prater; two brothers: Arthur and Earnie Prater; and four sisters: Creassie, Becky, Alberta, and Emmie. Services were held Jan. 27 at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Alger. The Rev. Lesle Wireman officiated. Burial was in Roundhead Cemetery, Roundhead.

George C. "Pat" O'Brien, 84, of 2801 S. Main St., Findlay, died on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. at his residence. He was born Aug. 30, 1916 in West Mansfield, Ohio to George and Sarah A. (Gilpin) O'Brien. He married Bernice K. (Bee) Kirchner on June 15, 1946 and she died Feb. 1, 1994. He was preceded in death by four brothers: Ray, Alfred, Howard, and Norman O'Brien; and a sister Ellen June O'Brien. O'Brien is survived by several nieces. O'Brien retired in 1981 from Union Tank Car Company. He served in the U.S. Army/AirCorp in World War II in the South Pacific. He was a Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 3579, Park Ridge, Ill., and the Free & Accepted Masons Lodge No. 744, Broomall, Pa. Services were held Jan. 27 at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home in Findlay. The Rev. Christopher D. Cravens officiated. Burial was in Hueston Cemetery, near Forest. Memorial tributes may be made to Bridge Home Health & Hospice or a donor's choice.

David J. Sherman, 45, of Bluffton, died on Feb. 3, 2001 at 11:55 a.m. at his residence. He was born on Nov. 2, 1955 in Lima, Ohio to Roy and Miriam (Stettler) Sherman of Bluffton. He married Tamara Amstutz on June 6, 1980, and she survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Jocelyn Sherman at home, and three brothers: Terry (Nancy) Sherman of Fremont, Michael (Peggy) Sherman of Marion, and Jeffrey (Jan) Sherman of Ada. Sherman was an associate at DTR Industries in Bluffton. He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Bluffton. He was a 1974 graduate of Bluffton High School. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ, Bluffton. The Rev. John Shonle will officiate.The family will receive friends after the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ and the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Chiles & Sons-Laman Homes, Bluffton Chapel.

Carl H. Davis, 85, of Alger, died on Friday, Feb. 2, 2001 at 7:41 p.m. at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Kenton. He was born on Feb. 28, 1915 in Marion, Ohio to Clarence and Mary (Collins) Davis. He married Esther Jane Tobey in September, 1939. She survives in Alger. Davis retired in 1978 from Clark Equipment Company where he had worked for 37 years as a tool maker. Also surviving is a brother, Kenneth Davis of Holland, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Harold Davis and Wilford Davis. Services were held today, Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Alger. The Rev. James Holbrook officiated. Burial was in Preston Cemetery, Alger. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Flora C. McCurdy, 90, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001, at SunBridge-Homestead, Care & Rehabilitation, Lancaster, Ohio. Born in Ada, Ohio, she lived and attended school there until moving to Lancaster. She designed and built her own home where she had lived since 1964. Miss McCurdy was a teacher at Lancaster High School for 30 years where she taught business and English. She was a member of the Church of Christ. She will always be remembered for her warm hospitality, hearty meals, and a zest for living life to the fullest. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, playing bridge, but most of all cooking and entertaining. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her sister, Trola L. McCurdy of Lancaster; nephews, Gary McCurdy of Ada, LeClare McCurdy of Fort Myers, Fla.; 18 great-nephews and nieces; and 19 great-great-nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sanford and Ida McCurdy, and a brother, Paul L. McCurdy. Services were held Jan. 27 at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada, with her great-nephew Steve McCurdy officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada.

Rosemary Lambert, 56, of Ada and formerly of Dunkirk, died on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2001 at 11:21 p.m. at Lima Memorial Hospital. She was born Dec. 29, 1944 in Kenton, Ohio to Albert and Anna (Buchanan) Terry. She retired from Wilson Sporting Goods of Ada after 17 1/2 years. She is survived by three sons: John (Ronda) Miller of Dunkirk, Ken (Tammie) Brayshaw of Ada, and George (Miranda) Lambert of Dunkirk; and five grandchildren. A memorial service was held Feb. 13 at Price Funeral Home, Dunkirk.