Mary Ellen Smith
Mary Ellen Smith, 70, of Ravenna, died Friday, March 2, 2001. Born in Briceville, Tenn., she lived in the Ravenna area most of her life. Mrs. Smith worked in food service at Kent State University for 30 years until she retired in 1992. She was a member of New Testament Baptist Church and was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. Survivors include her sons, Michael (Denise) of Ravenna and Jerry (Sheila) of Washington; daughters, Patricia (David) Stonestreet, Judy (Gary) Jones and Debbie (Larry) Burton, all of Ravenna; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, J.D. and Pearlie; and sisters, Alice, Betty, Margaret, Carolyn and Florene. Her husband, Leonard, died in 1998, and her brothers, Elmer and Donnie, died previously. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. services Monday at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home in Mogadore. The Rev. Ronald Lanham will officiate. Further services and burial will be in Clinton, Tenn. Memorials may be made to New Testament Baptist Church, 3583 S.R. 59, Ravenna, 44266.

Mathew Christian Anderson
Mathew Christian Anderson, who was born Friday, Feb. 23, 2001, in Cleveland, died Friday, March 2, 2001, at the Cleveland Clinic. Survivors include his parents, Anthony E. and Tera L. (Benson) Anderson; brother, Phillip Edward Anderson; grandparents, Kurtis and Pamela Benson of Atwater, Dennis Anderson of Kent, Marty and Diana Thornton of Streetsboro, and Randy Lyle of Kent; great-grandparents, James Honaker of Ravenna, Lewis and Jeannie Benson of Ravenna, John and Catherine Anderson of Kent, Emma C. Sigman of Kent, and Bill Lyle of Sebring. Calling hours will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Wood-Kortright Funeral Home in Ravenna. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Grandview Memorial Park Chapel in Ravenna, with the Rev. Bill Lyle officiating.

Edwin R. Terrill
Edwin R. Terrill, 89, of Ravenna, died Sunday, March 4, 2001 at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna. Born Jan. 29, 1912, in Marshall County, W. Va., he was the son of Ralph and Lulu (Henceroth) Terrill. Formerly of Rootstown, he had been a Ravenna resident since 1992. Mr. Terrill retired from Eaton Corporation in Aurora, where he was a shipping clerk, in 1978. He was a member of the Ravenna Senior Center and Twinsburg Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a U.S. Air Force of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Doris (Heritage), to whom he was married 60 years; son, Richard (Roxeanna) of Bedford, Va.; daughter, Barbara (Robert) Stary of Rootstown; six grandchildren; and brother, Wilfred of Twinsburg. His brothers, Ansel, Orrville, Russell and Gilbert, died previously. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Shorts Funeral Homes, Ravenna Chapel, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, with the Rev. Carol Evans officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Shalersville.

Myra Hunt Sorber
Myra Hunt Sorber, 86, of Mineral Ridge, died Monday, March 5, 2001 at Glenview Manor Care Center in Mineral Ridge. Mrs. Sorber worked for American Welding in Warren as an industrial nurse before retiring in 1976. She graduated as a nurse from Memorial Hospital in Johnstown, Pa. in 1935. She was a member of the American Nurses Association. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Ridge. Survivors include her sons, Richard of Austintown and Robert of Diamond; sister, Alice Griffith of Johnstown, Pa.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Her husband, Sheldon D., died in 1992. A son, Thomas D., died previously. Calling hours will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Lane Funeral Home, Mineral Ridge Chapel, where services will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday. Cremation will take place. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Ridge.

Richard C. Fenstermaker
Richard C. Fenstermaker, 84, of Newton Falls, died Monday, March 5, 2001 at Laurie Ann Nursing Home in Newton Falls. Mr. Fenstermaker worked as a personnel director for Thomas Steel for more than 30 years, retiring in 1978. He was a United States Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Elanor Jane (Markle), whom he married Sept. 5, 1947; stepson, Mark Hutchison of Newton Falls; and sister, Hazel (Fred) Stanley of Newton Falls. A sister, Florence Ida Mowen, died previously. Visitation will be held one hour prior to a 2:30 p.m. memorial service Sunday at First Christian Church in Newton Falls. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements are being handled by James Funeral Home in Newton Falls. Memorials can be made to First Christian Church in Newton Falls.

Ruby (Owens) Smith
Ruby (Owens) Smith, 57, of Akron, the sister of Carrie Munson of Ravenna, died Friday, March 2, 2001 at Hospice Care Center in Akron. Born in Hubb, Miss., she had lived in Akron since 1962. Mrs. Smith was a data entry processor at B & W for more than 14 years. She was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Akron. In addition to Mrs. Munson, survivors include her husband, Willie; son, Eric Bell of Indiana, Pa.; brothers, Rayford Owens Jr. and Lonnie Owens, both of Akron; sisters, Cathy Miller of Lima and Laura Bright of Akron. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home, 529 West Thornton St., Akron. Procession will form and condolences may be sent to 1366 Greenwood Ave. in Akron. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at St. Paul Baptist Church in Akron, with the Rev. Clifton Norwood officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Akron.

Howard Allen Brain
Howard Allen Brain, 69, of Sebring, died suddenly Monday, March 5, 2001 at Alliance Community Hospital. Born March 26, 1931 in Salem, he was the son of Stanley and Lillian (Moff) Brain. He had lived in the Atwater and Deerfield areas before moving to Sebring. Mr. Brain was a lab technician at Babcock and Wilcox in Alliance. Survivors include his wife, Catherine (Boyd), to whom he was married for 48 years; son, David of Deerfield; daughters, Catherine (Robert) Gessler of Westerville, Christine Godwin of Westville, Roberta Brock and Janice Brain, both of Alliance, and Lorraine (Paul) van Loenen of Bartow, Ga.; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A brother, Galen, died previously. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Sebring Church of the Nazarene, with the Rev. Roger Maze officiating. Burial will be in Deerfield Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Wood-Kortright Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel. Memorials can be made to Sebring Church of the Nazarene.

John Jacob DeLeone
John Jacob DeLeone, 63, died Sunday, Jan. 21, 2001, in San Jose, Calif. Born March 23, 1937, he was the son of John and Winnifred (Koster) DeLeone. He was a 1955 graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School in Kent. Mr. DeLeone was a professor at San Jose City College until he retired. He also worked for IBM. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife, Daniella Magnano of San Jose; and sister, Edris Flowers Kotz of Sandusky. His parents and sister, Mary Catherine Fischer, died previously. Cremation has taken place. Neptune Society of Central California handled arrangements.

Richard H. Kotrlik Sr.
Richard H. Kotrlik Sr., 75, died Tuesday March 6, 2000, at Aurora Manor in Aurora, after a long illness. Born Jan. 19, 1926, in Cleveland, he was the son of Joseph and Martha (Lasca) Kotrlik. Formerly of Bedford and Cleveland, he had lived in Mantua since 1968. Mr. Kotrlik retired in 1972 as plant manager at Lear-Siegler in Cleveland after 30 years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He earned three Purple Hearts. He played men's softball for many years on teams in Bedford and he enjoyed raising dogs. He was an animal lover. Survivors include his sons, Richard Jr. of Mantua, Gary of Garrettsville, Dale (Robbie) of Mantua; daughters, Gayle (Jim) Moore, of Ogden, Utah, Joyce (Dean) Gatto of Mantua and Cheryl (Don) Shields of Hiram; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry of Strongsville; and sister, Diane of Cleveland. A brother, Joseph, and sister, LaVerne Kekeles, died previously. There will be no calling hours nor services. A private family burial will take place. Arrangements are being handled by Green's Funeral Home in Mantua.

Dorris Swords
GARRETTSVILLE - Dorris Swords, 89, died Tuesday, March 6, 2001 at her home. Born Nov. 7, 1911 in Canton, she was the daughter of William and Ethal (Smith) Cunningham. Mrs. Swords was a homemaker. She enjoyed gardening and was an avid reader. Survivors include her daughters, Shirley Suntheimer of Kent, and Donna Rarick and Nancy Fairbee, both of Ravenna; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Merle Cunningham of Canton. Her husband, Harry, died Jan. 21, 1993. A brother, Zennas,died previously. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home in Garrettsville.

Steve J. Kopinsky
GARRETTSVILLE - Steve J. Kopinsky, 84, died Tuesday, March 6, 2001, at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna after a long illness. Born April 12, 1916, in New Salem, Pa., he was the son of Steve and Catherine (Harosky) Kopinsky. He had lived in Garrettsville for 13 years. Mr. Kopinsky was employed for 23 years at the Ford Motor Company in Brook Park where he was an engine repairman. He retired in 1977. He was a member of the United Auto Workers. Survivors include his brother, Edward (Bertha) of Walton Hills; and sisters, Sister Tharsilla Kopinsky of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Margaret of Garrettsville. His brothers, John and Joe, and sisters, Marie Congelio and Helen Gurkey, died previously. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Garrettsville, with the Rev. Richard Pentello officiating. Burial will be in All Souls Cemetery in Chardon. Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home in Garrettsville is handling arrangements.

Gilbert E. DeMauney
STREETSBORO - Gilbert E. DeMauney, 71, died Tuesday, March 6, 2001, at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna. Born Dec. 13, 1930, in Chicago, Ill., he was the son of George and Evelyn (Johnson) DeMauney. He had lived in Streetsboro since 1995. Mr. DeMauney retired from Illinois Bell, where he had been employed as a PBX Installer. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he was a member of American Legion Post No. 685 in Streetsboro and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Phillips, Wis. Survivors include his wife, Elaine (Paul), whom he married in 1963; son, Roy E. of Paletto, Fla.; and brother, Joe (Gen) Gundersen of California. There will be no calling hours or services. Arrangements are being handled by Shorts Funeral Homes Streetsboro Chapel.

Dorothy Alma Martin
Dorothy Alma Martin, 74, of North Port, Fla., died unexpectedly Friday, March 2, 2001, at her home. She lived in Shalersville and taught school in Portage County for 27 years, retiring from Crestwood Schools. She was a member of the Kent American Legion, Kent State University Alumni Association and Charlestown Survivors include her daughters, Cynthia J. Foster of Arcadia, Fla., Elzada S. Rowe of Deland, Fla., and Leila A. Ramos of North Port, Fla.; 11 grandchildren;12 great-grandchildren;sister, Betty Mericola of Lehigh Acres, Fla.; and life companion, Charles B. May. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until services at 2 p.m. Saturday at Wood-Kortright Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel. The Rev. Norma Bates will officiate. Burial will be in Charlestown Cemetery.

Honora "Sis" Arnett
Honora "Sis" Arnett, 83, of Ravenna, died Monday, March 5, 2001 at her home following a period of failing health. Born March 19, 1917 in Akron, she was the daughter of William H. and Honora (Collins) Knox. She had lived in Ravenna since 1945. Mrs. Arnett was employed for many years in retail sales at both Morry's Clothing Store and Kreinberg's Jewelry Store. She was a homemaker. She was active with the Senior Center in Ravenna and was formerly active with Cub Scouting in Ravenna, assuming several positions of leadership in the organization. An animal lover, she was an active supporter of the Animal Protective League in Ravenna, often taking various supplies to the animal shelter. Survivors include son, Douglas (Elizabeth) Arnett of Hiram; three grandchildren; and brother, John Knox of Lakemore, Ohio. Her husband, Clyde, died in 1976. Her longtime companion, Garth Tinkcom, died Dec. 22, 2000. A brother, Leonard Knox, also died previously. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Green's Funeral Home in Mantua, where funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Mantua. Memorials can be made to the Portage County Animal Protective League or to the Hiram Fire Department EMS.

Myron E. Shick, 68
SHALERSVILLE - Myron E. Shick, 68, died Sunday, March 11, 2001 at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna. Born Sept. 14, 1932 in Fairmount City, Pa., he was the son of Leroy H. and Iva C. (Goodman) Shick. He had lived in Streetsboro from 1959 until 1993, when he moved to Shalersville. Mr. Shick retired as a material handler for Ford Motor Co. in Walton Hills, where he had worked for 40 years. He was a member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Streetsboro. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Nancy (Copenhaver), to whom he was married 45 years; son, Michael (Mary) of Shalersville; daughters, Terri (James) Silver of Kent and Lori (James) DeLair-Shick of Charlestown; six grandchildren; brothers, Eugene (Ruby) of Oak Ridge, Pa. and Donald (Sue) of Bedford; and sister, Marie (Delbert) Keener of New Bethlehem, Pa. His sisters, Frances Kunselman and Emma, died previously. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Shorts Funeral Home, Streetsboro Chapel. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Streetsboro, with the Rev. Rob Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Shalersville. Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Streetsboro.

William J. Hansen, 49
William J. Hansen, 49, of Ravenna, died Saturday, March 10, 2001 at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna. Born May 28, 1951 in Cuyahoga Falls, he was the son of William C. and Nellie Mae (Myers) Hansen. He had lived in Kent before moving to Ravenna 15 years ago. Mr. Hansen was a truck driver for Keller Hall Inc. in Tallmadge and a machinist at Kent Mold & Manufacturing and Pyramid Mold & Machine Co. in Kent. He was a member of New Testament Baptist Church in Ravenna. He enjoyed landscaping and working for the church. Survivors include his son, Michael, formerly of Kent; father and step-mother, William C. and Isabella of Kent; and brothers, Bruce of Newbury and John Moulton of Arkansas. His mother, Nellie Mae, died previously. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at 7 p.m. Tuesday at New Testament Baptist Church in Ravenna. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Grandview Memorial Park in Ravenna, with the Rev. Ronald Lanham officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Park in Ravenna. Arrangements are being handled by Shorts Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel.

Monica J. Welch
Monica J. Welch, 21, of 60 W. Harrison St., Alliance, died Saturday, March 10, 2001 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Stark County. Born July 22, 1979 in Alliance, she was the daughter of Richard "Mike" and Diane M. (Myers) Welch. She attended West Branch High School. She was a member of Minerva Eagles No. 2199. Survivors include her father, Richard "Mike" of Sebring; mother, Diane M. (Myers) Welch-Gruber of Alliance; brother, Kevin Welch of Pompano, Fla.; stepfather, Charles L. Gruber of Louisville; stepmother, Sonda Welch of Pompano, Fla.; and grandparents, Jean Myers of Deerfield and Richard and Delores Welch of Sebring. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home, 126 W. Vermont Ave.,Sebring, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, with the Rev. Arthur Guy officiating. Burial will be in Hartzell Cemetery in North Benton.

Melva L. Carpenter, 75
Melva L. Carpenter, 75, of 2919 S.R. 5, Newton Falls, died Saturday, March 10, 2001, at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Youngstown after a long illness. Born Jan. 29, 1926, in Randolph County, W.Va., she was the daughter of William D. and Stella M. (Post) Waugerman. She had lived in Newton Falls since 1951. Mrs. Carpenter was the owner and operator of Mel's Income Tax Service for 30 years until she retired in 1999. She was a member of Southington Baptist Church, Gertrude Methodist Church in Ellamore, W.Va., and the Trumbull County Better Business Bureau. Survivors include her son, Richard L. of Austintown, and one grandchild. Her husband, Roy G., whom she married March 1, 1946, died June 7, 1998. Her sisters, Thelma Waugerman and Lorraine Carpenter, and brothers, Howard and Harley Waugerman, died previously. Calling hours will be held from 5 p.m. until services at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Borowski Funeral Home, 30 Ridge Road, Newton Falls, with the Rev. Clifford G. Carpenter officiating. Services also will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Sand Run Baptist Church in Buckhannon, W.Va. Burial will be in Sand Run Baptist Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association Memorial Program, 840 Southwestern Run, Youngstown, 44514.

Thelma Gilcrest
Former area resident Thelma Gilcrest, 86, of Mesa, Ariz., died Friday, March 9, 2001 at her home. Born Feb. 5, 1915 in Pittsburgh, she had lived in Arizona for the past seven years. She was the widow of Harry Gilcrest, who coached football and taught at Ravenna High School for 35 years. They were married for 61 years until he died July 17, 1997. Mrs. Gilcrest was a real estate agent. Survivors include her son, Dr. Harry Gilcrest Jr. of Streetsboro; daughters, Tish (Letty) Saemisch of Mesa, Ariz. and Sarah Sidik of Ohio City; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; and sister, Marian Cochrane of Hendersonville, Tenn. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Ravenna. Arrangements are being handled by Bunker's Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Mesa, Ariz.

Robert Ray Richards
PARIS - Robert Ray Richards, 63, died Monday, March 12, 2001 at his home. Born July 11, 1937 in Wayland, he was the son of William and Margie (Whitney) Richards. He was a 1955 graduate of Southeast High School. Mr. Richards was employed at General Motors in Lordstown for 30 years until he retired. He also was an accomplished carpenter. He was a member of Portage Community Baptist Church in Ravenna and United Auto Workers Local 1112. He served in the U.S. Air Force from July 1955 to September 1962. Survivors include his wife, Marie E. (Peavey), to whom he was married \42 years; sons, Rick of Paris and Dave (Jeanne) of Champion; daughter, Debra (Jim) Holloway of Paris; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; parents, William and Margie Richards; brothers, Donald of Newton Falls, Albert of Florida and Tom of Washington; and sisters, Louise Driesbaugh of Paris, Wilda Carr of Ravenna, Mildred Bates of Newton Falls, Dorothy Hillier and Mary Harvell, both of Florida, Janet Henik of Austintown and Clara Myers. Calling hours will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Portage Community Baptist Church in Ravenna, where services will be held immediately following with the Rev. Barry Shahan officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery in Paris. Arrangements are being handled by Wood-Kortright Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel.