John V. Whited

John Whited, 73, went home to meet his father, in the early hours of December 26th, 2023. He was surrounded by family and close friends at his home in Ohio City in the days before his passing. He went on his journey home, peacefully, with his wife, daughter and brother-in-law at his side.

On March 7th 1950, John was born in St. Marys, OH to Mary Ellen (Schwarck) Whited in the back of the ambulance on the way to St. Marys Joint Township Hospital. He attended St. Marys local schools and had MANY friends from the area he was fond of.

From 1965 to 1971, not much is known of his whereabouts as he traveled the country in "those days.” But just from his stories, you know he lived a colorful life. In the early 70s he attended Bible college in Circleville, OH and in that time became employed at Tecumseh corrugated, as a printing technician and printing operator, and was a faithful Union member for over 20 years until many health complications arose. 

He was a member of Van Wert Apostolic church and also a member of New Life Apostolic church in Celina for many years.

He married Belinda (Sue) Rutter, at her parents’ home in Celina, on October 27th,1973. The following October they had their one and only daughter, which HE named Shuntull Marie. In the early 1990s, he became a "Papaw" to two grandsons, which he helped care for and enjoyed greatly. He took them EVERYWHERE, beaming with pride.

John had a wide variety of hobbies, antiques, and collections, including cruising, talking and visiting with people, and helping someone when he could. Some even called him "Spirit John." His interests included Bible prophesy (with MUCH note taking).

He was adopted into the Mingo Nation URB in 2002. Between 2003 – 2006, he played the sacred drum at several pow wows and drum ceremonies, and spoke at a lecture or two at Bowling Green University with Chief Michael Adams and others.

He had a very special interest in Ohio History, the Greenville treaty, and teaching his daughter and grandsons about the history and plight of the Ohio American Indian.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ellen Whited (Schwarck),of St.Marys;

Uncle, Bill Schwarck of St.Marys; beloved brother Charles "Chuck" Whited of Kossuth Ohio and his oldest brother Mark Whited; father-in-law, Walter Rutter; mother-in-law, Dorthy (Donovan) Rutter; and MANY close friends through the years.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Belinda Sue Whited; his daughter and "son-in-law," Steve McLeland of Rockford; grandsons: Scotty Landis and his significant other Tabia Bear of Missouri, Skyler Landis of Indiana; sister-in-law, Roberta (Ralston) Whited of Michigan; brother-in-law, Ron L Rutter of Michigan; sister-in-law, Karen (Rutter) Teeters and Kevin Teeters of Celina; as well as MANY nieces and nephews:

Lichele (Whited) Olberding and family; Shondra (Whited) Hoover and family; Jason Whited and family; Marty (Whited ) Kolowski and Matt Whited to mention a few; some notable dear friends: Frank Combs, Leroy Kieth and Ron Krugh.

He loved to visit with friends and family and would visit with the lonely and forgotten just to be a friend. When the visit was done and he was ready to leave, he would jingle his keys, and with an ornery smile say..." Glad you got to see me".

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

To share in John’s online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.