Rita Wilson Myers, 76
Rita Wilson Myers, 76, died Saturday, March 27, 1999. Born March 27, 1923, in Glassport, Ga., she was the daughter of Joseph and Carrie Wilson. She was an area resident most of her life. Mrs. Myers recently retired from teaching at Kent State University's College of Education and directed doctoral dissertations as professor emeritus. She received her M.Ed and Ph.D. from KSU. A psychologist, she also maintained a private practice. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Philip F. Myers; sons, Phil (Angie) Myers of Akron, Dave (Kathleen) Myers of St. Louis, Ralph (Karen) Myers of Wadsworth, John (Linda) Myers of Columbus and Rick Myers of Kent; daughters, Mary (Dave) Tschantz and Rita (Bernie) Rochford of Akron; 19 grandchildren; brothers, Rev. John F. Wilson and Ralph (Theresa) Wilson, both of Akron, Robert (Mary) Wilson of Stow and Thomas (Dorothy) Wilson of Charlotte, N.C.; and sister, Betty Turbett of Coudersport, Pa. Her parents, brothers, Ted, Joe and Don Wilson and sisters, Anna Mellody Sr., Caroline Joseph Wilson and Caroline Wilson Cook, all died previously. Services were held Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the Catholic Commission, P.O. Box 434, Akron 44309 or H.M. Life Opportunity Services, P.O. Box 8174, Akron 44320. Arrangements were handled by Dunn-Quigley, Ciriello & Carr, Stow Chapel.

Alice Hatcher, 82
Alice K. Hatcher, 82, of Troy Township, died Monday, March 29, 1999, at Briar Hill Health Care Residence in Middlefield. Born Oct. 16, 1916, in Chagrin Falls, she was the daughter of Robert and Isabelle (Sampson) Henderson. She was a lifelong resident of the area. Mrs. Hatcher was a Custodian at Troy Communication Center for 22 years. She was a member of Parkman Congregational Church, Troy Ladies Club, RCCA Hiram Rapids and Troy Chamber of Commerce. She enjoyed reading, playing cards and corresponding with friends. Survivors include her sons, David (Janet) of Troy and Ray (Rebecca) of Middlefield; daughters, Beverly (Richard) Gates of Parkman and Roberta (Leonard) Taylor of Rome; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and sister, Peggy Barstow of Painsville. Her husband, Raymond, died Dec. 24, 1957; sister, Roberta; and step-brother, Duane Hall, all died previously. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Russell Funeral Home, 15670 West High St., Middlefield, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday with the Rev. Gerald Sanders officiating. Burial will be in Hiram Rapids Cemetery in Hiram Township. Memorials may be made to the Parkman Congregational Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 655, Parkman, Ohio 44080.

John Gleason Sr., 66
STREETSBORO - John V. Gleason Sr., 66, died Wednesday, March 31, 1999, at home. Born Feb. 16, 1933 in Winefrede, W.V., he was the son of Jack and Virginia (Bosher) Gleason. He had been a Streetsboro resident since 1966. Mr. Gleason had retired from General Motors Fisher Body Plant in Euclid where he was a quality control inspector. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Local No. 1045. Survivors include his wife, Opal (Lawson), to whom he had been married for 47 years; sons, John V. Jr. (Kathleen) of Streetsboro, Dwayne (Becky) of Ocala, Fla. and Paul R. (Debbie) of Alpena, Mich.; daughter, Kim (Ronald) Codner of Streetsboro; 18 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Donald of Texas, James Pauley of North Madison and Jerry Pauley of West Virginia; and sister, Janet Miller of West Virginia. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Shorts Funeral Home, Streetsboro Chapel, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, with the Rev. Steve Chapman officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Streetsboro. Memorials may be made to Portage County Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice, 234 S. Water St., Kent, Ohio, 44240.

Becky Cole, 32
Former Deerfield resident Becky J. Cole, 32, of Burnthouse, W. Va., died Thursday, March 18, 1999, at Camden Clark Hospital in Parkersburg, W.Va. of natural causes. Born Oct. 19, 1966, in Ravenna, she was the daughter of Richard and Carol (Litzenburg) Goebelbecker. She had lived in the Deerfield and Alliance areas before moving to West Virginia three years ago. Mrs. Cole had worked at Comfort Inn in Alliance. She was a homemaker and a member of the New Mt. Olive church near Burnthouse. Survivors include her husband, Richard L.; sons, Stephen and Matthew; stepson, Michael of Hazelgreen, W.Va.; stepdaughter, Sherilyn Stahlman of Pennsboro, W.Va.; one step-granddaughter; mother, Carol Goebelbecker; brother, Robert Goebelbecker of Ohio; and sisters, Bonny Worthy of Deerfield, Patty Slater of Alliance and Amy Goodheart of Windham. Services and burial were held in New Mount Olive Church in Burnthouse. Arrangements were made by the McCullough-Rogers Funeral Home in Pennsboro.

Theodore Heckathorn, 61
Theodore R. Heckathorn, 61, of 1031 Milton Blvd., Newton Falls, died Tuesday, March 30, 1999, at St. Joseph's Eastland in Warren of cancer. Born March 30, 1938, in Grove City, Pa., he was the son of Thomas A. and Sophie (Jamro). Formerly of Hubbard, he had lived in Newton Falls for the last 10 years. He was a truck driver for Snowbelt Service and Harshman's Trucking. He retired in 1987. Mr. Heckathorn attended the Assembly of God Church in Warren. He enjoyed tractor pulls, drag cars, camping, gardening and working on cars and lawn mowers. Survivors include his wife, Janice; sons, Kenneth of Michigan and Theodore R. Jr., both of Michigan and Terry R. of Newton Falls; daughters, Fran (Norman) Pemberton and Denise (Dennis) Miller, both of Niles; seven grandchildren; brother, Thomas of Houston, Texas; and sister, Emma J. Noel of Hubbard. His daughter, Rita Belknap and brother, Andre P., died previously. Calling hours will be held form 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday. Burial will be in the Newton Falls Cemetery.

Gary Brunn, 44
Former Freedom resident Gary M. Brunn, 44, died in Cincinnati Friday, March 26, 1999, in a construction accident. Born Nov. 8, 1954, he was the son of Guy and Carolyn Brunn. Mr. Brunn was the owner of a construction company in Cincinnati. He was a 1973 graduate of James A. Garfield High School, where he lettered in football, baseball, basketball, wrestling and track. He received All-County honors in many of these sports. Mr. Brunn later attended the University of Cincinnati as a journalism major and was a member of the Bearcats football team. He was a gifted writer and musician. Survivors include his wife, Margie (Fields); daughters, Tracy Brunn and Katie McGrady, both of Cincinnati; brothers, Gene (Sarah), Jim and Mark, all of Freedom; and sisters, Gloria Fuller of Windham and Diane (William) Dvorak of Lyndhurst. His brothers, Raymond and Daniel, died previously. Services have already been held. Burial was in Graceland Memorial Park near Cincinnati.

Alice Fenn, 91
A memorial service will be held Saturday for Alice Elgin Fenn, 91, a long-time Kent-area resident who died March 9,1999. Born June 27, 1907, in Kent, she was the daughter of G. Frank and Mary (Foote) Elgin. She is survived by her sons, John Elgin Fenn of Roseville, Calif. and David Willis Fenn of Cuyahoga Falls; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and sister Mildred Bumphrey. Her husband, Todd W. Fenn, died in 1937 and her sister Mary Elizabeth Anderson died previously. Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent with the Rev. Patrick Russell officiating. Memorials may be made to the Alice Elgin Fenn Endowed Scholarship for the teaching of health and physical education, in care of Kent State University.

Louis Killmeyer, 73
AURORA - Louis Killmeyer, Sr., 73, died Wednesday, March 31, 1999, at home. Services will be announced by Green's Funeral Home in Mantua.

James Suhay, 86
James W. Suhay, 86, of S.R. 43, Twin Lakes, died April 6, 1999 at Akron City Hospital. Born Aug. 15, 1912 in Cleveland, he was the son of Paul and Mary (Jacubisin) Suhay. He had lived in Twin Lakes since 1975. Mr. Suhay was a supervisor for Standard Oil (Sohio) for 43 years, retiring as service station route supervisor in 1975. He had been a member of the Lions Club for 53 years, holding all key offices, including club president. He was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow award. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his wife, Lillian (Adams); sons James W. (Barbara) of Beirmingham, Mich. and John Paul (Amanda) of Columbus; daugthers, Mary Lou Konyecsni of Sacramento, Calif., and Judith Eisen of Jerusalem, Israel; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Colette Suhay and Mildred Adorni. His brothers William, Paul, Joseph and Edward, and sisters Lillian, Mary, Ann, Helen and Bernadine, died previously. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick Church in Kent. Burial will be in Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent.

Lois Kotkowski, 41
Lois J. Kotkowski, 41, of Dover, died Tuesday April 6, 1999, at home. Born Aug. 8, 1957 in Ravenna, she was the daughter of Arthur and Norma (Rice) Plumb. A former resident of Shalersville, she was a 1975 graduate of Crestwood High School. Mrs. Kotkowski attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover. She enjoyed collecting antiques, working with computers, knitting, crocheting and doing cross-stitch. Survivors include her son, Joseph of Dover; daughter, Toni of Shalersville; brother, Dale Plumb of Ravenna; and sister, Mary Rivett of North Royalton. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Toland-Herzig Funeral Home in Dover, with wake services at 7:45 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Riverside Cemetery in Shalersville, with the Rev. Tom McCarthy officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Opal Repco, 65
STOW - Opal V. Repco, 65, died Tuesday, April 6, 1999, at Akron City Hospital in Akron. Born May 3, 1933 in Sardis, Ohio, she was the daughter of Wesley and Clara (Hartline) Bachman. She was formerly of Clarington, Ohio. Survivors include her sisters, Daisy Tubaugh of Deerfield and Mildred Swingle of Kimbolton, Ohio; and nieces, Debbie (Dave) Horning of Kent, Donna (Ervin) Konkle of Ravenna and Cheryl (Jack) Hogue of Deerfield. Her husband, George, one brother and two sisters died previously. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Friday at Maple Grove Cemetery Chapel in Ravenna. Terry Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Wood-Kortright Funeral Home.

Mildred Ratcliff, 59
Mildred E. Ratcliff, 59, of Newton Falls died of cancer Wednesday, April 7, 1999, at Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren. Born Nov. 11, 1939 in Buckhannon, W.Va., she was the daughter of Otha W. and Wanna R. (Helmick) Johnston. She had lived in Newton Falls since 1959. Mrs. Ratcliff was a homemaker. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Newton Falls, where she taught Sunday School for more than 30 years. Survivors include her husband, James R., whom she married Feb. 22, 1958; daughters, Monica Boyd of Mecca, Ohio, Theresa Spurlock of Newton Falls and Jamie Nelson of Akron; three grandchildren; parents, Otha and Wanna Johnston of Buckhannon, W.Va.; one brother and seven sisters. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at James Funeral Home in Newton Falls and from 11 a.m. until services at noon Saturday at First Baptist Church in Newton Falls. Burial will be in Meadowbrook Cemetery.

Jerry Hixson, 46
Jerry "Slick" Hixson, 46, of Ravenna, died Wednesday April 7, 1999. Services will be announced by Wood-Kortright Funeral Home of Ravenna.

Ralph H. Moore
STREETSBORO - Ralph H. Moore, 86, of North Delmonte, died Friday, April 9, 1999, at his home. Born August 22, 1912, in Cleveland, he was the son of Charles and Nellie (Green) Moore. Mr. Moore was a teacher of music and wrote "A Slice of Life" in the Gateway Press from 1984 to 1995. He was a member of the United Church of Christ in Kent, the Kiwanis Club of Streetsboro, the Ohio Association of Public School Employees, the Portage County Retired Teachers, and the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra, of which he was a charter member. Survivors include his wife, Rebecca (Perkins); a son, Roland of Streetsboro; daughters, Rosalie Moore of West Vancouver, British Columbia and Ruth Moore of Austin, Texas. His brother, Charles, died previously. Services will be announced by Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent. Memorials may be made to the United Church of Christ of Kent, 1427 Horning Road, Kent 44240; the American Friends Service Committee, 1501 Cherry St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102; or the Portage County Habitat for Humanity, 220 W. Highland Ave., Ravenna 44266.

Katherine DiPaola
Katherine DiPaola, 92, of Ravenna, died Thursday, April 8, 1999, at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna. Born Oct. 17, 1906, in New York, N.Y., she was the daughter of Salvatore and Fortunata (Spinichia) DiPaola. She lived in Ravenna most of her life. Ms. DiPaola was an inspector at Oak Rubber in Ravenna. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna, and was a participant in the Balloon-A-Fair. Survivors include her brothers, Paul (Agnes) of Ravenna, Sam (Ruth) of Ravenna, Carl (Helen) of Ravenna and Joe (Shirley) of Burton; and sisters, Joan Barnes of Ravenna and Lucy Ward of East Palatka, Fla. Her brothers, Anthony and James; and sisters, Maria, Frances, Judy (Yolanda) Hansen and Mary Carmel, all died previously. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at St. Mary Cemetery Chapel with the Rev. David Misbrener officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery in Ravenna. Arrangements are being handled by Shorts Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel.

Thomas J. Wheeler
STREETSBORO - Thomas Joseph Wheeler, 55, died Friday, March 26, 1999, at his residence. Born Jan. 29, 1944 in Louisville, Ky., he was the son of Richard and Marion (Bass) Wheeler. He lived in Streetsboro for the past 20 years. Mr. Wheeler was a metal finisher at Snow Metal Products Tube in Solon. He was in the U.S. Marine Corp. during Vietnam. He was a life member of the American Legion in Streetsboro, and a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann (Michelbrink), to whom he had been married to for 21 years; a son, Douglas Michael (Julie Hayes) Wheeler; and his father, Richard of Ashtabula. A brother died previously. There will be no calling hours. Services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Streetsboro United Methodist Church with the Rev. James Cox officiating. A private burial will take place. Arrangements are being handled by Shorts Funeral Home, Streetsboro Chapel.

William A. Scheuerman
William Allen Scheuerman, 53, of Kent, died Thursday, April 8, 1999. Survivors include his wife, Marylin (Skok); son, Matthew Scheuerman; daughters, Tammy (Mark) Camelli, Tracy Scheuerman, Kelly Scheuerman and Kerry Scheuerman; two grandchildren; and sister, Joan Houlahan. His brother, Michael Scheuerman; and sister, Judith Robertson, died previously. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Johnson-Romito, A Golden Rule Funeral Home in Northfield Center. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Northfield Center. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery.

Charles E. Sekel
Charles Edward Sekel, 82, died Monday, April 5, 1999, at Kent Center. Born Dec. 18, 1916 in Atwater, he was the son of Louis and Elizabeth (Takac) Sekel. He retired as a custodian and boiler operator for Hudson Schools. Survivors include his wife, Thelma (Aspey); son, Jeff of Kent; daughter, Jeri (Jim) Baird of Kent; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sisters Helen Bobrilovic of Akron, Kathryn Gasper of Mentor and Margaret Belknap of Madison. Private services were held at Standing Rock Cemetery with the Rev. Joseph Ruggieri officiating. Arrangements were handled by Bissler & Sons Funeral Home.

Marguerite J. Schaefer
Marguerite Josephine Schaefer, 95, formerly of Poca Road, Spencer, W.Va., died Friday, April 9, 1999, at Longmeadow Care Center in Ravenna. Born April 26, 1903, in Kent, she was the daughter of Stephen and Mary (Lampart) Klinko. Mrs. Schaefer worked at Kent State University as a maid for 20 years. She was a member of St. Patrick Church in Kent. She enjoyed taking her grandchildren on fishing trips. They enjoyed playing tricks on her and when reminded about them in later years, her eyes lit, she'd smile and shake her head. Her memory never failed her. She was a person that always knew where she had been and where she was going. For all her years, she enjoyed good health until about the last two months. Survivors include her son, Franklin Fisher of Spencer, W.Va.; daughters, Clara Spear of Kent and Eileen Hunsicker of Mt. Dora, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Agnes Barchalk. Her first husband, Charles Fisher, died in 1948. Her second husband, Harold Schaefer, died in 1996, and a son, Frank Fisher, died in 1947. Calling hours will be held one hour prior to services at 2 p.m. Monday at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent with the Rev. Timothy E. Kenney officiating. Burial will be in Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent. Memorials may be made to the St. Patrick Church Memorial Fund.

Anne T. Fascko
Anne T. Fascko, 82, of Ravenna, died Friday, April 9, 1999. Born March 24, 1917, in Hudson, she was the daughter of Joseph and Albina Cipriani (Iarussi). Mrs. Fascko was a sales clerk in the ladies' dress department for Skormans of Ravenna for 40 years. She was a Ravenna High School graduate. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna. Survivors include her daughter, Diane (John) Cubon of Ravenna; two granddaughters; brothers, Guy Iarussi of Garrettsville and Henry Iarussi of Ravenna; and sister, Irma DePompei of Ravenna. Her husband, Frank died in 1987. Brothers, Phil and Gene Iarussi; and sister, Elizabeth DeJohn, also died previously. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Wood-Kortright Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Ravenna.

Donald Jarvis
ATWATER - Donald Jarvis, 71, died Friday, April 9, 1999, following a short illness. Born March 5, 1928, in Calhoun County, W.Va., he was the son of Tollie and Mary (Hicks) Jarvis. He was an avid baseball fan and had played softball until his early 50s. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Mary (Lynch); sons, Wayne (Sandy) of Akron, Bob (Darlene) of Akron and Kenny of Atwater; daughters, Margie (Bob) Murphy of Kent and Linda (Jack) Hammel of Alliance; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers, Virgil, Ed and Fred; sisters, Dorma, Geneva, Marie and Evelyn; and former daughter-in-law, Karen Jarvis of Randolph. Two grandsons died previously. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 9 tonight at the Wood-Kortright Funeral Home, Atwater Chapel, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday. Burial will be in Atwater Cemetery.

Otis Perdue
Otis Perdue, 81, died Saturday, April 3, 1999, at Akron City Hospital after a long illness. Calling hours will be held from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday in the chapel at Stewart and Calhoun Funeral Home, 529 West Thornton Street in Akron, where services will follow at 10 a.m.