Elton E. Ely
Former Portage County resident Elton E. Ely, 79, of Inverness, Fla., died of cancer Friday, Dec. 8, 2000, at his home. Born April 12, 1921 in Nelson, he was the son of Ernest and Zona Ely. He lived in Portage County until 1959, when he moved to Florida. Mr. Ely was a self-employed contractor for many years. A veteran of World War II, he was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed animals and traveling. Survivors include his sons, Burt Pinney of Ravenna, Gary Pinney of Florida and Gene Ely of Florida; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Robert of Garrettsville; and sister, Eleanor of Florida. His wife, Grace, to whom he was married 41 years, died in 1987. Services and burial will be in Florida. Roberts Funeral Home in Ocala, Fla. is handling arrangements.

Karen S. Dickerson
Karen S. Dickerson, 53, of Nokomis, Fla., died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2000, in Venice, Fla. Born Sept. 30, 1947 in Ravenna, she had been a resident of Nokomis since 1965, coming to Florida from Atwater. She was a customer service representative with Huntington Bank in Englewood, Fla. branch, and also had been a dance and baton teacher in Venice and Nokomis since 1965. She attended Laurel Worship Center in Laurel, Fla. Survivors include her husband, Bobof Nokomis, Fla.; son, Paul Wright of Venice, Fla.; daughter, Kimberly Wright of Delray Beach, Fla.; stepson Mark Dickerson of Newark, Ohio; stepdaughters, Diane Hulett and Susie Molnor of Newark, and Cheri Martin of Bradenton, Fla.; eight grandchildren; and brother, Keith Eno of Nokomis, Fla. Memorial services were held today at Venice Bible Church in Venice, Fla.. Farley Funeral Home and Crematory, Venice Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Laurel Worship Center, P.O. Box 235, Laurel, Fla., 34272.

Piroska Molnar
HIRAM - Piroska Molnar, 69, died Monday, Dec. 11, 2000, at Geauga Regional Hospital after a brief illness. Born May 24, 1931, in Hungary, she was the daughter of Steven and Anna (Toth) Bedo. She had lived in Hiram for 22 years. Mrs. Molnar was a homemaker. Survivors include her sons, John (Maria) and Thomas, both of Hiram; daughters, Susan (Carl) Muller of Mantua; Judy of Hiram, and Maria (Bela) Szente of Solon; six grandchildren brother, Geza; and sisters Margaret and Rose. Her husband John, whom she married May 24, 1953, died in 1991. Her brother, Steven, and sister, Esther; also died previously. There will be no calling hours. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church in Cleveland, with the Rev. Andrew Antel officiating. Burial will be in Park Cemetery in Garrettsville. Arrangements are being handled by Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home in Garrettsville (www.legacy.com)

Janet Colgin Wright
Janet Colgin Wright, 89, of Ravenna, died Sunday, Dec. 10, 2000, at Altercare of Hartville. Born April 27, 1911, in Howard, Ohio, she was the daughter of Balmer and Hallie (Beal) Colgin. Formerly of Mount Vernon, Ohio, she had lived in Ravenna for more than 50 years. Mrs. Wright was a homemaker. She attended First Christian Church of Ravenna and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Palmy Chapter No. 114. Survivors include her grandchildren, Sandy Abels of Randolph, Ann Widuck of North Canton and Linda Snowberger of North Carolina; four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Her husband, Robert, died in August, 1989. A daughter, Marjorie Snowberger, died in 1984. Her brothers, George and Paul Colgin, and sister, Mary Colgin, also died previously. Visitation will be held from noon until services at 1 p.m. Thursday at Shorts Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel, with the Rev. Cliff Garris Jr. officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Ravenna.

Joseph P. "Joe" Krstich
BRIMFIELD - Joseph P. "Joe" Krstich, 79, of Shermanwood Drive, died Monday, Dec. 11, 2000, at Akron City Hospital in Akron. Born July 27, 1921, in Barberton, he was the son of Eli and Anna (Merswek) Krstich. He spent most of his life in the Barberton and Akron area. Mr. Krstich was a welder for Steel Products Corp. in Stow. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served with the Red Diamond Division. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans. Survivors include his son, Dan (Lorena) of Kent; daughter, Linda (Dick) Woodall of Atwater; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Phillip of Manchester; and sister, Sophie Istivan of Bath. His wife, Tinnie, died previously. Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Hennessy-Bagnoli Funeral Home in Tallmadge, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, with the Rev. E. Robert Sullivan officiating. Burial will be in Restland Cemetery in Brimfield.

Pasquale "Pat" J. Colian
Pasquale "Pat" J. Colian, 76, of Salem, the father of Maree E. Madgett of Windham, died Monday, Dec. 11, 2000, at the home of his son, with whom he resided. Mr. Colian was a machinist with E.W. Bliss Co. for 25 years, retiring in 1971. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Salem, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 892 in Salem and a member of the Italian American Club of Salem. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. In addition to his daughter in Windham, survivors include his sons: T/Sgt. Michael F. of Salem, Randall S. (Nina) of Salem, with whom he resided, Brian L. (Julia) of Salem, and Mark A. (Teresa) of Binghamton, N.Y.; daughter, Patricia J. of Damascus, Ohio; 17 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother and one sister. His wife, Betty L., died April 29, 1998. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 tonight, with a vigil service conducted after calling hours, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home, 1014 E. State St., Salem. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Paul Catholic Church in Salem, with the Rev. Thomas Eisweirth officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Our Lady's Purse, 157 Ohio Ave., Salem, 44460, or the Salem Alumni Association, 328 E. State St., Salem, 44460.

Monica Baker Schultz
Monica Baker Schultz, 89, of Lock Street, Kent, died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2000, at Heather Knoll Nursing Home in Tallmadge. Born March 3, 1911, in Mobile, Ala., she was the daughter of Lorenzo and Mary Ozuella (Chastang) Baker. Mrs. Schultz was a member of the Unitarian Church of Cleveland and Mentor and a volunteer at the YMCA of Cleveland. She was a loving caregiver to many children for many years. She attended Senior lunch at Kent Community Center for 10 years. Survivors include her sons, Allen B. (Gail) of Cleveland and Jerry D. (Pat) of Kent; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Her husband, Walter W., died previously. Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent, where services will follow at 11:30 a.m., with the Rev. Kay Dunlap officiating. Burial will be in Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent.

Carole Sue (Tackett) Howell
Carole Sue (Tackett) Howell, 53, of Wadsworth, died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2000, at the home of her daughter, Karyn Graves, following a short battle with cancer. Born Oct. 12, 1947, in Dingus, W.Va., she was the daughter of Vonnie and Emma (Mullins) Tackett. She was a 1965 graduate of Southeast High School, where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen. Mrs. Howell was an office manager for Biasella Tile & Marble Co. of Akron for the past two and a half years. She was a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church of Norton, where she was a Sunday School teacher and youth adviser for many years. She enjoyed singing gospel music and sharing her puppet and clown ministry with children. Survivors include her son, Brian; daughter, Karyn (Marty) Kline; two grandchildren; mother, Emma Tackett of Ravenna; brothers, Ronnie Blake Tackett of St. Cloud, Fla., and Donnie Tackett of Rootstown; and sisters, Naomi Neff of Phoenix, Ariz., and Betty Reed of Ravenna. Her husband, Marshall D., and father, Vonnie Tackett, died previously. Services were held today at Haller Funeral Home in Chillicothe, Ohio. Burial was in Twin Township Cemetery in Bourneville. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Jan. 13 at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 4131 Swain Drive, Norton. Memorials may be made to Adena Hospice.

James J. Sergent
RANDOLPH - James J. Sergent, 73, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2000, at Maison Aine in Stow after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born Jan. 17, 1927 in Akron, he was the son of Walter E. and Esther (Davis) Sergent. He lived in Atwater before moving to Florida in 1976. He returned to the area in 1995. Mr. Sergent worked with Asplundh Tree Co. until he retired. He had been active at the First Baptist Church in Atwater. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife, Catherine "Kay," to whom was married more than 30 years; sons, James G. "Butch" and John L. "Bud," both of Florida; stepsons, Wayne Shull of Florida and Jeff Shull of Ravenna; stepdaughter, Jackie (Shull) Forney of Rootstown; many grandchildren and step-grandchildren; brother, Dean of California; sisters, Doris of California and Jackie Turner of Akron; and uncle, Paul Winemiller of Garrettsville. Three brothers died previously. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today and from 10:30 a.m. until services at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Wood-Kortright Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel (www.legacy.com). Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Randolph.

Martha Jane Hancock
Martha Jane Hancock, 75, of Newton Falls, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2000 after a short illness. Born May 15, 1925, in Newton Falls, she was a life resident of Newton Falls. She was a 1943 graduate of Newton Falls High School. Mrs. Hancock was chief deputy clerk for the city of Newton Falls before she retired in 1985. She was a member of Newton Falls United Methodist Church. She enjoyed building doll houses, reading, playing piano and bingo. Survivors include her son, Jeffrey L. of Newton Falls; daughters, Lisa Menz of Findlay and Linda Hancock-Germ of Olmsted Falls; three grandchildren; brothers, Howard Wolf, Richard Wolf and Robert Wolf, all of Newton Falls. Her husband, Gerald V., died Nov. 27, 1994. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at Borowski Memorial Home, where services will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Jane Ann E. Clark officiating. Burial will be in Newton Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Newton Falls United Methodist Church.

Charles Putka
MANTUA - Charles Putka, 69, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2000, at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna. Arrangements will be announced by Green's Funeral Home in Mantua.

Leonard Marvin, 75
Leonard Marvin, who spent 28 years on the Ravenna Fire Department before beginning a second career as director of fire safety at Kent State University, died Friday, Dec. 15, 2000 at his home in Ravenna. He was 75. Mr. Marvin joined the Ravenna fire force in 1950, when the squad had only three full-time firefighters, backed up by part-timers. By the time he retired from firefighting in 1978, he held the rank of fire captain and was second in seniority on the force, which had grown to 12 full-time and 10 part-time firefighters. After leaving the Ravenna force, Mr. Marvin served as director of fire safety at Kent State University from 1979 until he retired in 1995. While working as a firefighter, he also was a watch repairman at Kreinberg's jewelry store in Ravenna. He also had worked at Clements' and Picciones' jewelry stores. Born Aug. 29, 1925 in Ravenna, he was the son of Ralph and Iva (McMillin) Marvin. He was a life resident of Ravenna. Mr. Marvin was a member of First United Methodist Church of Ravenna and a lay leader of the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church; a member of Police and Fire Retirees of Ohio, Portage County Chapter No. 33; KSU Blue and Gold Club; and Ravenna Kiwanis Club. He was involved with the Akron District of the Boy Scouts of America for 30 years and was proud that all four of his sons attained Eagle Scout rank. He was director of the Northeastern Ohio Firefighters Vocational Education Association, which met annually at KSU. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, serving in the South Pacific. Survivors include his wife, Jeannette (Wilson), to whom he was married 53 years; sons, Thomas L. (A. Joy) of Waco, Texas, Bruce A. (Connie) of Ravenna, David J. (M. Beth) of West Chester, Pa., and Dennis R. (Laura) of Elyria; 14 grandchildren; brother, John of Ravenna; and sister-in-law, Hope of New Philadelphia, Pa. His brother, Willis "Kelly" and sisters, Helen Matthew, Irene Clark, Lucille Showers and Louise Bailey, all died previously. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Shorts Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel (www.legacy.com) and one hour prior to 11 a.m. Monday services at First United Methodist Church of Ravenna. The Rev. Vernon White and the Rev. Thomas Poremba will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Ravenna. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Ravenna.

Hazel Taft, 87
WINDHAM - Hazel Taft, 87, of 9565 S.R. 82, who was active in church, civic and community affairs, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2000 at her home. Born May 2, 1913, in Braceville, she was the daughter of John and Ella (Pleuss) Smallsreed. She had lived in Windham since 1938. Mrs. Taft was a self-employed dairy farmer and sold eggs. She had also worked at Isaly's in Warren. She was a founding board member of Maplewood Joint Vocational School and the United Way of Portage County. She served on the Windham Board of Education for eight years and also was on the Portage County Farm Bureau Board. She received the "Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award" from Maplewood during its 25th anniversary celebration this year. She was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Windham, serving as a moderator emeritus, deaconess and Sunday School superintendent. Survivors include her son, Robert A. of Windham; daughter, Marjorie (James) Sunbury of Johnston; and two grandchildren. Her husband, Francis, whom she married Oct. 29, 1938, died Nov. 1, 1963. A brother, Glenn Smallsreed, and sister, Mary Fester, also died previously. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Windham, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday. Burial will be in Windham Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by James Funeral Home in Newton Falls. Memorials may be made to the Congregational United Church of Christ or the Windham Schools Brick by Brick Scholarship Fund.

Charles Putka, 69
MANTUA - Charles A. Putka, 69, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2000, at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna. Born Jan. 31, 1931, in Cleveland, he was the son of Charles P. and Elsie (Schultz) Putka. Mr. Putka was a Mantua-area resident since 1969, formerly living in Cleveland. Mr. Putka was employed by the J.L. Goodman Furniture Company in Cleveland for many years, following which he worked at Higbee's Department Store in Cleveland. At both companies he was a professional carpet installer, retiring in 1990. Mr. Putka was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mantua and a member of the Mantua Knights of Columbus. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army. Mr. Putka enjoyed doing creative stenciling, woodworking and gardening and landscaping at his home. Survivors include his wife, Bernardine "Bernie" (Soltis), whom he married April 7, 1949; sister, Dolores (Thomas) Trca of Parma; mother-in-law Mary Soltis of Garrettsville; brother-in-law John (Joy) Soltis of North Carolina and sister-in-law Evelyn (John) Vatovec of Independence. His father, Charles P. Putka, died in 1949; his mother, Elsie Polomsky Putka, died in 1992 and his stepfather, John Polomsky, died in 1989. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Green's Funeral Home in Mantua, where prayer services will be held at 10:45 a.m. Monday followed by a service at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mantua with the Rev. Thomas McCarthy officiating. Burial will be at Westlawn Cemetery in Mantua Township. Memorials may be made to the Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 449, Mantua, 44255.

Jo Kruger, 77
Jo Kruger, 77, of Kent died Thursday at the Kent Health Care Center from complications of a stroke. She had been ill since January. Born March 22, 1923, in Eureka, Mont., she was the daughter of John and Anna Franz. Formerly of Brimfield, she lived in the Kent area for the past 30 years. Mrs. Kruger was a self-employed hairdresser for 20 years before she retired. She was a 1941 Palmyra High School graduate. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Kent and a long-time member of TOPS in Kent. She was active in the Portage County Garden Club. She enjoyed arts and crafts and gardening. Survivors include her son, John Mott of Newton Falls; daughters, Sandra J. Mott of Forney, Texas and Judy Willoughby of Durham, N.C.; step-son, David Kruger of Vero Beach, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Her first husband, John C. Mott, whom she married in December 1941, died in October 1990. Her second husband, Walter Kruger, whom she married in June 1968, died in May 1999. Step-sons, William and Raymond Kruger, also died previously. There will be no calling hours. Cremation has taken place. Burial will be in Vaughn Cemetery in Lake Milton. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 1418 E. Midlothian Blvd., Youngstown, Ohio 44502. Arrangements are being handled by Borowski Funeral Home in Newton Falls, Ohio.

Raymond Wilson, 82
Former Stow-Kent area resident Raymond Albert Wilson, 82, of Largo, Fla., died Nov. 22, 2000. Born April 21, 1918 in Mobile, Ala., he was the son of Charles and Anne Wilson of Michigan. He was raised in St. Louis, Mich., moved to the area from Detroit, and worked as an accountant. Mr. Wilson retired from Terex Corp. in Hudson after 46 years of service with General Motors Corp. He was a member of the Stow Lions Club and worked with the Junior Achievement Program. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. While living in Florida, he enjoyed volunteering his time providing tax services at public libraries, providing in-home financial advising for the blind and elderly, and delivering Meals on Wheels. Survivors include his wife, Kathy; son, Donald Wilson of Kent; stepson, John Smith of Largo, Fla.; daughters, Sandy (Roy) Hall of Lakeland, Fla. and Kayla (Jim) Schmalbach of Potterville, Mich.; stepdaughters, Kim Lundy and Susan Sams, both of Largo, Fla., Kim Ciborik of Hudson and Kelley O'Malley of Lewesville, Texas; three grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and brother Carl Bandon of Oregon. Three brothers and two sisters died previously. There will be no services. Cremation has taken place. Arrangments were handled by Gulf Breeze Cremation and Burial Services of Largo, Fla.

Connie Martin, 90
Connie M. Martin, 90, of Ravenna died Friday, Dec. 15, 2000, at Longmeadow Care Center in Ravenna. Born June 18, 1910, in Dunbar, Pa., she was the daughter of Andrew and Concetta (Capatosta) Biasella. Formerly a 24-year resident of Sebring, Fla., she lived in Ravenna since May 1996. Mrs. Martin was a secretary. She was a memer of Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna. She was also a member of Sebring Golf and Country Club, and the Young at Heart and Italian American Society Auxiliary. Survivors include her brother, William Biasella Sr. of Cuyahoga Falls; and sister Inez G. Testa of Ravenna. Her husband of 63 years, Aaron "Marty" Martin, died in 1995. Four brothers and three sisters also died previously. Services will be held at a later date awith Msgr. Robert Sabatino officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron. Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Arrangements were handled by Shorts Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel.

Brenda Bundy, 49
SHALERSVILLE - Brenda Joyce Bundy, 49, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2000, at her home. Born Feb. 28, 1951, in Ontario, Canada, she was the daughter of Kenny and Bernadette (Sargent) King. She was a Shalersville resident for the past 20 years. Mrs. Bundy was a self-employed home health care provider. Survivors include her husband, Thomas E. Bundy Jr.; son, Thomas Bundy III of Ravenna; daughter, Kasandra Bundy at home; four grandchildren; father, Kenny King of Mentor; mother, Bernadette Beam of Florida; brothers, Fred King of Burton and Pete King of Ireland. There will be no calling hours or services. Arrangements were handled by Shorts Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel.

Joseph Bonzanto
ROOTSTOWN - Joseph Bonzanto, 71, died Thursday, December 14, 2000, at Akron City Hospital. Born Sept. 27, 1929, in Cleveland, he was the son of Donato and Vittoria (Bellantese) Bonzanto. Formerly of Bellevue, he lived in Rootstown since 1968. Mr. Bonzanto was a machine mechanic employed at American Totalizator Company Inc. and for numerous area race tracks. He was a thoroughbred owner-trainer. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn (Caldwell), to whom he was married 51 years; son, Michael of Ohio; daughter, Karen Sutton of Seattle, Wash.; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Michael of California; and sisters, Mary Marvin of Las Vegas, Nev., Splendora Stefansic of Ravenna and Julie Pizzute of Brimfield. A brother, John, died previously. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Shorts Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel. Services will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Rev. Carl Holm officiating. Burial will be in Freemont Cemetery in Union City, Tenn. Memorials may be made to the Freemont Cemetery Maintenance Fund, C/O Jack Freeman, H61 West Highway 22, Union City, Tenn. 38261.