Obituaries

Tammy Martin

Mar 13, 2025

Tammy Lynn Martin, a beloved daughter, mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away at her residence on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the age of 67. Born on December 17, 1957, in Van Wert, Ohio, Tammy brought joy to the world with her warmth and kindness.

A woman who treasured the great outdoors, Tammy found peace in nature. Whether it was fishing...

Larry Caffee

Mar 11, 2025

Larry A. Caffee, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Fort Wayne. Born on August 26, 1941, in Black Creek Township, Ohio, to the late Vernon and Donna (Johns) Caffee, Larry grew up surrounded by the beauty of rural life and a deep-rooted love for farming that would define his life's work.

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Russell Beard

Mar 10, 2025

Russell Lewis Beard, 93, of Convoy, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 10, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and treasured memories.

Born to John and Marie (Allmandinger) Beard at his home with the round barn in Middlebury, Ohio on January 9, 1932, Russell grew up with a strong sense of family, sharing his childhood with his...

Billy Perry

Mar 9, 2025

Billy R. Perry, 78, of Rockford died Sunday, March 9, 2025 at his home. He was born March 31, 1946 and was the son of the late Bill and Sarah M. (Adkins) Perry.

On January 10, 1982 Billy married Jane (Dickson) Perry, who survives.

Billy served in the U. S. Army. He was a member of the Rockford Fraternal Order of Eagles...

Shirley Baltzell

Mar 9, 2025

Shirley J. Baltzell, 87, formerly of Rockford, Ohio and Celina, Ohio, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Elmwood Assisted Living Center in New Bremen. She was born December 29, 1937 in Middlesboro, Kentucky and was the daughter of the late David and Louvernia (Hensley) Wilson.

Shirley graduated from Celina High School. After graduation, she married James "Jim" Baltzell on March...

Carol Cleona Miller

Mar 7, 2025

Carol C. "Cleona" Miller, 82, of Van Wert, passed away Friday afternoon, March 7, 2025, at Country Inn Enhanced Living Center, Paulding, Ohio. She was born May 29, 1942, in Grover Hill, Ohio, to the late Everett and Violet (Fruchey) McClure. On June 17, 1962, she married Garry D. Miller, who preceded her in death on April 19, 2018.

She is...

Robert W. Harter

Mar 7, 2025

Robert W. Harter, 90, of Van Wert, passed away March 7, 2025.

He was born April 28, 1934, in Jennings Township, to John W. and Bertha (Wheeler) Harter.

Surviving are his children, Nanette Harter of Kehei, Hawaii, Pamela Beamer, Melanie (Will) Levy and Warren Harter, all of Van Wert; 3 grandchildren, Madison (Dennis) Shelton, Will (Meghan) Levy and Hailey McAllister; 11 great...

Wayne Adkins

Mar 6, 2025

Wayne Adkins, 88, of Oakwood, Ohio, died March 6, 2025, at the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Facility. He was born September 7, 1936, in Jackson, Ohio, to the late James Edward and Opal Marguerite (Crabtree) Adkins. Wayne married Beulah May (Coble) Adkins, who survives.

After graduating high school, Wayne enlisted into the United States Navy and served, honorably, from 1956-1960.

There are...

Marlene L. Freund

Mar 4, 2025

Marlene L. Freund, 93, of Van Wert, died at 2:47am on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Ohio Health, Van Wert.

She was born February 15, 1932, in Greenville, Ohio, to the late Albert and Sophia (Grote) Oehrtman. In April of 1953, she married John J. Freund.

Marlene owned and operated Freund's Nursery, in Van Wert, with her husband for many years. She...

Marilyn L. Donley

Mar 4, 2025

Marilyn L. Donley, 96, of Van Wert, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Ohio Health, Van Wert. She was born on September 29, 1928, in Nappanee, Indiana, to Donald and Edith Mae (Reed) Tobias. In 1974, Marilyn married Donald Donley.

She retired from Aeroquip Corporation, in 1989, after 32+ years of service.

Marilyn will be fondly remembered as an avid...

LaDonna Feasby

Mar 2, 2025

LaDonna Ruth Feasby, 94, of Delphos, Ohio, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 2, 2025, at Vancrest of Delphos. Born on December 9, 1930, in Van Wert, Ohio, she was a beloved daughter of the late Gern and Ada (Hurless) Bagley. LaDonna's life journey took a beautiful turn when she married her sweetheart, Lloyd Feasby, in...

Patricia Chapman

Mar 1, 2025

Patricia J.. Chapman, of Van Wert, locally known as Jennifer's great aunt Pat, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on August 20, 1931, in Van Wert, OH, to the late John and Ruth (Sudlow) Groh, Pat lived a life rich in love and family.

Pat spent many cherished years in Marietta, Georgia, and Bluffton,...

John L. Blake

Feb 28, 2025

John L. Blake passed away at home on February 28, 2025, surrounded by family.

John was a man of faith and is now spending eternity with Jesus and his family and friends who have passed before him.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy "Dotty" Jean (Vetter) Blake, sisters Barb and Jennie, and son Brett Blake.

John was...

W. Edward Hatcher

Feb 27, 2025

W. Edward "Ed" Hatcher, age 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Ft. Wayne, in in 1947, he was a proud graduate of Northside High School (1964), Indiana University, BA (1968), and Ohio Northern University, JD (1974). He dedicated 50 years to practicing law, passionately advocating for his clients, including defending four...

Doyle Parsons

Feb 26, 2025

Doyle Parsons, 77, of Scott, Ohio, passed away Wednesday morning, February 26, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

He was born June 4, 1947, in Van Wert, to Carl and Alice (McCray) Parsons. On June 29, 1968, he married the former Pamela Webb.

Doyle was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. He was...

Norma Nichols

Feb 25, 2025

Norma J. Nichols, 85, of Rockford, Ohio passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 25, 2025. She was born November 6, 1939 in Jackson, Kentucky and was the daughter of the late Les and Jettia (Smith) Carpenter.

On January 19, 1957 Norma married John W. Nichols, who preceded her in death on February 9, 2007.

Norma always...

Christopher Kirk

Feb 25, 2025

Christopher L. Kirk, 37, of Van Wert, left us unexpectedly on February 25, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on February 20, 1988, in Lima, Ohio, Chris was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

Chris was known for his knack for fixing just about anything. Whether it was working on cars and trucks or building something from scratch, he...

Rose-Marie Simpson

Feb 25, 2025

Rose-Marie "Posie" Adams Simpson, 97, died December 8, 2024 in Pineville, North Carolina.

She formerly lived in Paulding and Van Wert, Ohio, as well as Port Charlotte, Florida. She was born July 9, 1927 in Van Wert County to the late Glen and Cora (Wollett) Adams. On January 11th, 1986 she married Wilbur E. Simpson who preceded her in death in...

Marie J. Gift

Feb 24, 2025

Marie J. Gift, 83, of Van Wert, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, at Van Wert Manor. She was born January 18, 1942, in Washington, Pennsylvania, to Mary Brookman. She married Robert Gift, Sr.

She is survived by two sons, Robert Gift, Jr. and Mark Gift; a granddaughter, Deanna Bower; a great granddaughter, Natalie Davenport; and a brother, James McCoy.

Marie was...

Bart Williams

Feb 23, 2025

Bart E. Williams, 63, of Lima, Ohio passed away suddenly Sunday February 23, 2025 at Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center. He was born July 24, 1961 and was the son of Peggy (Hawk) Williams of Rockford, Ohio and the late Benny G. Williams.

Bart worked for the Ohio prison system and retired as a Lieutenant from the...