Class Notes

Celia Hill Dentzer, who lived a life of faith, love, devotion, and service to family, friends, and community, died surrounded by family at an assisted living facility in Bethesda, Md., on Jan. 15, 2022. She was 91. The cause was complications of dementia.

A longtime resident of Larchmont, N.Y., Celia was the devoted wife of William T. (Bill) Dentzer, Jr., to whom she was married for 68 years and who predeceased her in January 2021. She was the mother of five children and grandmother to eight; a talented artist, seamstress, and craftsperson; and a community leader active in local organizations, from church and schools to charities. She relocated to Maryland to be close to children after her husband’s death last year.

She was born Celia Caroline Hill on July 6, 1930, in Wai, India, where her parents, the Rev. Lester A. and Celia Parks Hill, served as Christian missionaries and educators at a mission school. She was the second of four children, and while in India, her family also fostered an Indian child, Anand Paul, who became a de facto adopted son and brother. Returning to the United States in 1934, the family lived in various small towns in Ohio and Indiana throughout Celia’s teenage years as her father, a Congregationalist (now United Church of Christ) minister, moved among different parishes.

Celia graduated from Kitchel (Ind.) High School in 1948 as president of her senior class of nine students and enrolled in Muskingum College (now University) in New Concord, Ohio. As a member of Muskingum’s class of 1952, she majored in elementary education and threw herself into student activities. She served as president of the women's activities league, class secretary, academic honor society member, sophomore class queen, May queen, and cheerleader, all while working her way through college as a waitress and dorm resident adviser.

She met her future husband Bill at Muskingum, where he was a member of the class of 1951 and also an active student leader on campus. On their first date in March 1950, Bill and Celia went to see a showing of the movie “All the King’s Men” – an occasion they celebrated annually for the 70 years that followed.

They were married at Celia’s father’s church in Liberty, Ind., on June 15, 1952, one week after she graduated cum laude. Although educated and trained to teach elementary school, Celia followed the path of many women of her generation and allowed her career aspirations to be subsumed by homemaking and child-rearing, a fact that she viewed in her later years with a mix of resignation and regret.

Bill and Celia lived in Europe most of their first year of marriage and subsequently in New Haven, Conn. and Philadelphia, Penn., where Bill attended law school, then in Arlington, Va., where he worked for various government agencies. By 1965, five children had arrived, and in Arlington, Celia became an active member and leader in the American Association of University Women.

The family moved to Lima, Peru, in 1965 when Bill was named director of the mission of the U.S. Agency for International Development. While there, Celia founded an organization of the wives of USAID employees. The group went to work organizing poor women living in Lima’s slums to produce textiles and embroidered linens for sale so that these indigenous women could begin earning money to support their families. The family returned to the U.S. in 1968, living for one year in the Washington, DC area before moving to Larchmont, where Bill and Celia lived for 46 years.

After so many years of frequent moves as a child and an adult, Celia at last was able to put down roots in Larchmont. While her husband held executive roles in state government and on Wall Street, the latter as founding chairman and chief executive officer of the Depository Trust Company (now the Depository Trust and Clearing Corp.), Celia lovingly restored the 1897 Victorian home they purchased in Larchmont Manor and plunged into community life. She took particular interest in working with the Larchmont Avenue Church (Presbyterian USA), where she served as church school superintendent, clerk of session, and president of the church’s Women's Association.

Celia led the Woman's Club of Larchmont as its president from 1986-88, serving as a longtime executive board member as well. Among other activities in that capacity, she relished bringing noted authors and speakers to address the club in its periodic Book and Author luncheons.

She twice served as president of the local chapter of P.E.O., a women's philanthropic and educational organization, credited by her peers with reviving the chapter after a period of declining membership. And she volunteered elsewhere in Larchmont’s civic affairs, serving on PTOs at her children’s schools, as a Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader, and as a member and chairperson of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Human Rights Commission.

Alongside those community efforts came devotion, with her husband, to their alma mater Muskingum. Both received honorary degrees from the school, among other tributes bestowed on them by Muskingum over the years, and the couple will be interred there together in a columbarium they helped to establish in a favorite corner of campus.

As Bill wrote in an homage celebrating her 70th birthday in 2000, Celia was viewed “as a woman of uncommon intelligence, beauty, and artistic ability.” She had many interests: painting in watercolors; gardening; interior decorating; music (piano, flute, and opera); the needle arts (knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, and rug-hooking); reading; some writing; and making her own jams and jellies from fruits of her garden. Her children recall how she threw herself into Christmas preparations: hanging the house with greenery, baking a dozen different varieties of cookies, and staying up until dawn on Christmas Day to wrap packages or put the finishing touches on items she had sewn as gifts. They also recall her frequently impish sense of humor and particular fondness for puns – as well as her willingness to reenact her role as a Muskingum football cheerleader when the occasion arose.

In his birthday homage, Bill also observed that Celia was “a person who takes her Christianity seriously,” embracing a thoughtful and unwavering faith. On their 24th wedding anniversary in 1976, Celia gave Bill her own handmade work of embroidery inscribed with a quotation they treasured from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the anti-fascist German Lutheran theologian. The passage was from a letter Bonhoeffer wrote to his fiancée in 1943 shortly before he was arrested and sent to prison for resisting Nazism. Celia and Bill found inspiration for their own marriage in its words:

“Our marriage shall be a yes to God's earth; it shall strengthen our courage to act and accomplish something on the earth…I fear that Christians who stand with only one leg upon earth also stand with only one leg in heaven.”

As they grew into old age together, Bill and Celia traveled in the U.S. and abroad, taking memorable trips back to India and Peru, among other places. In 2015, after Celia suffered a near-fatal aortic aneurysm rupture, they reluctantly decided to leave their longtime Larchmont home and relocate to smaller and more manageable quarters in a cottage at The Osborn, a senior living community in Rye, N.Y. There, Bill reasoned, he could better care for Celia as her dementia progressed. They remained deeply in love until his death, sitting together on the couch night after night watching Turner Classic Movies and enjoying each other’s company to the end.

Celia is survived by four children, James H. Dentzer, married to Holly Anderson Dentzer, of Herndon, Va.; Susan Dentzer Alston, married to Charles Alston, of Chevy Chase, Md.; William T. Dentzer III, of Reno, NV; and Emily Dentzer, married to Scott Rodi, of Lyme, NH; and eight grandchildren, James Jr. and Peter Dentzer; William, Samuel, and Grace Alston; and Caroline, Elizabeth, and Alice Rodi. Celia’s adopted sister-in-law, Premlata Paul, also survives her, as do numerous nieces and nephews.

Another of Bill and Celia’s daughters, Ardith Campbell Dentzer, died in 2010. Two sisters, Elizabeth Braucher and Winifred Engle, and one brother, Lester A. Hill Jr., also predeceased her, as did her adopted brother, Anand.
 

Kathryn Berg Cherry, January 15, 2022. Beloved wife of John J. "JJ" Cherry; dear mother of Emily and Sara Cherry; loving daughter of Mary Louise Barton Berg and the late Donald J. Berg; sister of Susan Berg.

Donald L. Barrett, age 69, passed away on November 11, 2021. He was born in Columbus, OH on November 22, 1951 to Carl and Helen Barrett. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Barrett; daughter, Emily (Tom) Terflinger; son, Daniel (Nicole) Barrett; grandchildren, Grace, Tyler and Cameron Terflinger; brother, Fred Barrett. Don is preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Katie Barrett.

Don was a 1970 graduate of Groveport High School. He was also a 1974 graduate of Muskingum College for Speech and Secondary Education. Since 1980, Don spent 32 years of his career at the Columbus Health Department as an Environmental Health Specialist and Registered Sanitarian. He was also an Adjunct Professor in Hospitality Management. In 2006, he was the Ohio Restaurant Educator of the Year. Don Retired in 2008 and went to work for Giant Eagle for 7 years as a Food Safety Specialist. In his free time, Don loved to play golf, sing Southern Gospel Music and spend time with his family.

Kathaleen Rhoads McWilliams, age 73, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, her favorite night of the year, surrounded by love and to a softly sung version of Silent Night. She leaves behind an adoring family, many wonderful friends, and a grateful community who already miss her generous spirit, infectious energy, and ever-present thoughtfulness. Kathaleen lived a life dedicated to service of others and thoughtful, generous gift-giving, and her memory serves as an inspiration to carry on her beloved Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self”.

Kathaleen (“Kathy”) Ruth Rhoads was born on September 10, 1948 in post-war Philadelphia to Evelyn and Russell Rhoads. Over the next few years, Kathy would be joined by her brothers Russ and Ken. When she was a very young girl, she briefly moved west to Richland, Washington, but the bulk of her early years were spent in the Rhawnhurst neighborhood of Philadelphia. She attended Girls’ High for two years and then, after her family moved to the suburb of Broomall, graduated from Marple Newtown High School in 1966. One of Kathy’s favorite memories of this time was seeing the Beatles perform at the Philadelphia Convention Hall in September 1964 during the band’s second tour of the United States.

Attending college was a great adventure for Kathy, who was the first in her family to do so. She arrived on the campus of Muskingum College in the fall of 1966 and immediately found a new home. She kept herself busy with plenty of activities including a cheerleader for the football team, a sister in the Delta Gamma Theta sorority, a freshman dorm counselor, and an outstanding student with a double major in Political Science and French. Kathy was the Muskingum Homecoming Queen in 1968 (the photo accompanying this obituary is from that event). She also entered a beauty pageant (“for the money” she would later say as a defense) for “Miss Southeast Ohio” and while she came in as a runner-up, Kathy won the talent portion of the competition by playing the accordion. At college, Kathy met Darrel Fred Herdman (“Fred”) and after they graduated in 1970, the couple married and settled down in Kettering, Ohio.

The early years of Kathy’s career were devoted to teaching. She was a social studies teacher at Fairmont West High School in Kettering, where she went on to chair the Social Studies Department at the tender age of 24. One of Kathy’s greatest honors was being selected as the Ohio Teacher of the Year for social studies in 1980. Kathy’s career in education also won her recognition by the Ohio legislature on several occasions and led to her providing advice to Congress during the creation of the Commission on the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution.

While balancing her teaching career with the pursuit of a Master’s Degree in School Counselling at Wright State University, Kathy and Fred also enjoyed spending time with a wide number of family members in the greater Dayton area. Their weekend days were often spent poolside at the home of Fred’s parents, or at backyard barbeques attended by many friends from college and Kettering. In 1975, the couple welcomed their first child (Justin) and added to the family in 1977 with their daughter (Karah). These days during the early life of their children were joyful, with birthday parties and holidays filled with family and laughter.

In 1982, the couple moved to Coral Springs, Florida, and after an amicable divorce, Kathy pursued a new career in pharmaceutical sales. She was so successful that in 1985, her high sales number resulted in a trip to London. Kathy brought along Justin and Karah for the family’s first (but far from last) trip together. Far from relying on the scheduled itinerary, Kathy wanted to ensure that her children experienced as much of the United Kingdom as possible, so she worked in a trip to Dover, a visit with family in Bolton, and an overnight train trip to Edinburgh.

In 1988, Kathy married Dennis Ralph McWilliams and she happily welcomed two new stepsons - Jeff and Brad - into the family. The couple relocated to Bainbridge Township, where they lived for the next seventeen years, and became fixtures at Kenston High School athletic events, after-proms, and Booster Club fundraisers. During this time, Kathy spent several years as a manager at IMS Company, served her church as a deacon, and grew lifelong friendships with other members of her “Tacky Twelve” group. Kathy and Denny also travelled throughout the United States searching for a retirement location, ultimately finding the perfect spot in Hendersonville, North Carolina, where they moved in 2005.

In North Carolina, Kathy and Denny threw themselves into a retirement devoted not to themselves but to others. While Denny volunteered in the kitchen at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, Kathaleen renewed her love of teaching by serving as an ESL and adult literacy instructor. For three years, she devoted over 200 hours of volunteer service to the Blue Ridge Literacy Council and was awarded the “Volunteer of the Year” by the organization in 2009. She also embraced new professional roles in human resources and grant administration with Blue Ridge Community College and The Housing Assistance Corporation. They also became the parents of two little dogs – Nellie (a cockapoo) and Molly (a Shih Tzu) – who suffered only in the overabundance of affection provided to them.

After Denny sadly passed away in 2016, Kathaleen returned to the Chagrin Valley, where she was reunited with Justin’s family, and in 2020, Karah’s family as well. Kathaleen was known as “Nana Kat” to her grandchildren and she showered them with cards, gifts, and cupcakes on what seemed a weekly basis. Nana Kat also never failed to attend a soccer game, to volunteer on pickup or dropoff duty for the grandkids, or to watch the children and give their parents a night to themselves. Kathy joined the Chagrin Valley Rotary Club and did not hesitate to volunteer for any opportunity throughout the area, most notably at the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival and supporting numerous local charitable groups. In 2020-2021, Kathaleen served as President of the Rotary Club, and while her year in leadership was unexpectedly affected by the pandemic, she managed to keep the group on course and hone her Zoom skills in the process.

Kathy loved to travel. Over the years, she would visit the American West (especially Montana) many times and she also visited Alaska, Brazil, Scotland, Italy, England, and France, among other locations, with her family and dear friends. In 2019, she travelled to Ireland with Justin and Karah, where the trio had a weeklong adventure that included stumbling around in a dark, haunted castle and staying out far too late in a village pub with a falconer dressed in traditional tweed. She was a lifelong fan of reading and learning, which she passed along to her children and grandchildren. She also loved to garden and taught her daughter-in-law how to plant during a weeklong visit to Ohio in 2006, which included a memorable and hilarious drive from the garden store in a Mini Cooper jammed full with flowers and shrubs.

Kathaleen is survived by her children, Justin (Elizabeth Hijar) Herdman and Karah (John Mark) Parschauer; her stepsons Jeff (Diane) McWilliams and Brad McWilliams; her grandchildren, Lucy and Julian Herdman, John Justin, Grace, and Beatrice Parschauer, and Jalyn and Austin McWilliams; her mother, Evelyn; her brothers, Russell and Ken; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Russell, and husband, Dennis.

Janice A. McConnell Age 66, of the North Hills, on November 22, 2021 following a brief battle with leukemia. Loving mother of Julie McConnell Romero and twin sister, Jane ( McConnell) Dossett of Milford, MA and brother, Tim of Lexington, SC. She is also survived by Julie's stepmother, Laura Wingreen of Washington, PA and her faithful dog Gracie. She was predeceased by Julie's father, Bob Romero. Janice was a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School and Muskingum University. Following graduation, Janice was a social worker with the State of Pennsylvania and St. Francis Hospital. Janice was a member of Hiland Presbyterian Church and very devoted throughout her life to her family and friends. 

Gayle R. Tintle, 81 of Hanover Township, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 surrounded by her loving family while in the care of Lehigh Valley Hospital. She was the loving wife of James Tintle, with whom she shared 53 years of loving marriage. Born in Bulger, she was the daughter of the late Warren G. and Alberta V. (Griffith) Remmert. Gayle was a graduate of Muskingum University where she earned her Bachelor of Art's degree in Christian Education. She was an Educational Representative for IBM, Assistant to the Dean at Muskingum University and a preschool teacher for most of her life until retiring. Gayle enjoyed teaching piano, volunteering with the Bach Choir of Bethlehem and was an avid band parent for the Freedom High School Marching Band. She was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem. SURVIVORS: In addition to her loving husband James, she will be remembered by her daughters Erynn R. Mann and her husband Michael of Nazareth and Meghan J. Tintle of Bethlehem; sister Faye Wolfkill and her husband Albert of Tallahassee, FL; sister in law Linda Remmert of Somerset, OH and her loving grandson Taylor Mann of Nazareth. She was preceded in death by her brother Larry Remmert.

Ruth E. Solon, 90, of Loudonville, died Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 12:15 a.m. She was born May 16, 1931, in Bellaire, OH. She was the daughter of Rev. Clair and Margaret Gray. She was a former resident of Mansfield, had graduated from Chandlersville High School in 1949 and Muskingum College in 1952, was a member of the Muskingum College Band, attended Asbury College, and took graduate work at Kent State, La Verne College, and Ashland College. She taught one year at Hammondsville and 29 years in the Mansfield City Schools at West Fifth, Creveling, and John Simpson Middle School. Ruth retired in 1982 and later was a substitute at the Loudonville-Perrysville Schools for 13 years. She was a member of Ohio Retired Teachers Association, Farm Bureau, AARP, and Jelloway United Methodist Church. She was a Sunday School Teacher for many years and pianist, organist at Jelloway. She enjoyed reading, music, feeding and watching birds, and writing letters. She is survived by her sons, Dennis (Brenda) Solon and Samuel E. (Amy) Solon; grandsons, Samuel J. Solon and Alexander E. (Lea) Solon; and siblings, Clair and Naomi. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Solon; her parents; and sisters, Lena and Erma.

Marilyn Mikesell Todd, 88, of West Lafayette, passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at Altercare of Alliance. She was born in "Old" Plainfield on October 8, 1933, to the late Ralph E. and Hazel (Lee) Mikesell. She graduated from West Lafayette High School and Muskingum University with a BS in Education. She taught for 34 years in the county schools and helped at Coshocton County Headstart, where she served as a board member. She belonged to the Fresno United Methodist Church and held the positions of Church Treasurer and taught Sunday School. Marilyn married, Dewey Todd, who died on January 6, 2015. Marilyn enjoyed attending sports events for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ohio State football, Ohio State men's and women's basketball. She enjoyed bowling and served as the secretary for Coshocton Women's bowling for many years. Marilyn belonged to Coshocton Retired Teachers OEA and NEA, Pandorian Civic Club, Beta Omega Chapter, and the Alpha Delta State of Delta Kappa Gamma for 49 years. Marilyn is survived by her children, Alan Todd of Coshocton, Gary Todd of Coshocton and Dennis Todd of Columbus; one daughter Linda (Jim) Mendenhall of Canton; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and a sister, Ruth Overholt as well as several nieces and nephews.

Michele Ann Zinn, 83, of Bokeelia, FL passed away on December 14, 2021. She was born April 23, 1938, in Mercer, Pennsylvania to the late Carl Gallagher and the late Ruth Marsh Gallagher. Michele graduated from Slippery Rock High School in 1956, then went to Muskingum College in New Concord, OH, then to then Slippery Rock University to receive a masters degree in teaching. She taught Home Economics at Slippery Rock School District and Butler Area School District at the Junior High Michele enjoyed sewing, quilting, and scrap booking She was skilled in navigation and co-owned Jericho Bay Sight Seeing Service in Maine, and was a captain. Michele traveled extensively on the great loop, and also from Canada to Florida on the Atlantic Ocean and Intra Coastal waterway and was very knowledgeable of the history of the areas traveled. She was a member Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Ellsworth Maine and attended Fishers of Men Lutheran Church in Pine Island, FL Michele is survived by her husband, Dave E. Zinn, who she married August 2, 1961; two sons, Shane (Denise) Zinn of Prospect, PA, Brett Zinn of Butler, PA; two grandchildren, Chase Zinn, and Cole (Michenzie) Zinn.

Don was born on January 20, 1930 to Marshall and Freda (Bohn) Simon in Youngstown, OH. He graduated from Boardman High School, Boardman, OH in 1948 & Muskingum University, New Concord, OH in 1952 where he played basketball for both teams.

After college, Don served in the Korean War where his most memorable moment was sharing an elevator in the Imperial Hotel with Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe during a weekend in Tokyo. After leaving the Army, Don returned to Youngstown where he met the love of his life, Sally Jean Gaskeen. Don and Sally were married on March 3, 1956 and moved to Florissant, MO to start their life together. It was there they raised their family, making treasured friendships before moving to Carmel, IN in 1976.

Don worked for Service Supply Company in Indianapolis until he retired in 1995. During retirement he loved playing and watching golf and spending time gardening. He was always happy being close to home and his family.

If you knew of Don’s journey you knew he truly had 9-lives. He muscled through many health challenges with grace and determination and always came back stronger. However, his last battle with cancer was one he would not overcome. He fought a good fight with a positive attitude and will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A Christian memorial service for Bess Marie Fisher (Bedell), 99, currently of Mentor, Ohio was held December 23, 2021 at the Brunner Sanden Detrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 440460. Pastor Bryon Bukovesky officiated. Mrs. Fisher passed away on December 20, 2021 at Governor's Pointe in Mentor, Ohio. She was born December 10, 1922 in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of the late Everett and Mina Bedell. Bess attended high school at Youngstown South and graduated from Muskingum College with a teaching degree in home economics. She taught school in Steubenville, Ohio before marrying Dr. Laurence Fisher and starting a family in Ashtabula. Bess was very active in her community in organizations including PEO, AAUW, DAR, Child Guidance League, the AFS program, Women's Fortnightly, YMCA Board in Ashtabula County as well as Monday Club and Lake County Music & Drama later in Lake County. She was also very active and devoted to the First Presbyterian Church in Ashtabula where she became a member in 1953, was ordained as an elder, and served as a trustee. Bess was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she spent her life caring for her family. She most enjoyed spending time with her family and a multitude of friends, especially following her grandchildren's activities and sports. Survivors are her daughter, Joanne (Andrew) Meyer and son James (Patricia) Fisher; grandchildren Monica Fisher, Warrant Officer Margot (Warrant Officer Joe) Marstrell, Larry Meyer, Nicholas (Allison) Meyer, Gretchen (Joseph) Bencar, Dr. Joseph Meyer with his fiance Carly Chaney, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dr. Laurence M. Fisher and her parents.

Mary Ann Cary, age 91, of Colorado Springs, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 15 at her home, surrounded by her family. Born May 24, 1930 and raised in Evans City, PA., she was the daughter of the late Merle and Leola McCune. She married John F. Cary in 1953. She graduated from Muskingum College in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She taught elementary school in Cleveland, Ohio before getting married, then devoted her life to being an Air Force wife and stay at home mom. Being stationed throughout seven U.S. states and in Europe provided a dynamic and enriching environment for their family. After ultimately settling in Colorado Springs where they called home for 49 years, she and her husband John continued to enjoy traveling and she became quite active in the community. Her volunteer efforts included the Get Set Preschool at First Presbyterian Church, where she also served as a Deacon; Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind; and the American Cancer Society . She is survived by a son, John Cary of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughter Nancy (Cary) Wermer and her husband, Alan of Toledo, Ohio; Sisters-In-Law Barbara and Natalie Cary; and cousin Jerri Cogdell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Colonel John Cary, USAF; Aunts Claire and Fern McCune; Uncles Lyle, Troy, Leigh; and Cousin Tom McCune.

Dorothy Anne Ray, 86, of Rochester passed away on Monday, December 20, 2021 at Crest Manor in Fairport, New York. She was born on November 10, 1935 in Washington, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Rev. Mark Scott McGee Ray and Anna Elizabeth (Morgan) Ray. Dorothy Anne's father, Mark S. M. Ray, was a minister at the United Presbyterian Church (now called the Red Door Church) in Oneonta, New York, and the family lived in the parsonage next to the church. The Ray family, including Dorothy Anne's brother Mark and her sister Ruth, all played music; Dorothy Anne played flute. The family spent summer vacations in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, and at their cottage in Northfield, Massachusetts, where their father had a summer faculty position at the Northfield School for Girls. A 1952 graduate of Oneonta High School, Dorothy Anne received her bachelor's degree from Muskingum College in Ohio in 1957, and her Master of Arts from Rochester University, Rochester, New York in 1968. She spent her career as an elementary teacher for the Penfield Central Schools, retiring in 1991. For many years she taught first grade and she especially loved celebrating the holidays with colorful bulletin boards and creative art projects. She played piano for her students, as well as for fun. When she wasn't teaching, she enjoyed visiting the Chautauqua Institution annual summer programs and always loved the springtime lilacs in Rochester. Dorothy Anne used to write about going out for Friday night fish fries with her teacher friends. She frequented local ice cream parlors and felt that ice cream was the only dessert. Her holiday greeting cards were the always the first to arrive, and those that she received adorned her piano until the next holiday. After retirement, she participated in the Oasis and Pittsford Senior groups and the Monroe County Line Dancers. She was also a member of the Asbury First United Methodist Church in Rochester. She is survived by her sister, Ruth Ray Mock, her niece Melody Mock, and nephews Nelson and Julian Mock.

Keith J. Demers, age 59, died peacefully Saturday, December 18, 2021, at his residence surrounded by his family. Keith was born on October 10, 1962, in Lewiston, Maine, to the late Raymond and Jane (Brown) Demers. He was a 1981 graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School and then earned his bachelor's degree from Muskingum University. He excelled at football and academics at Muskingum and was honored to be named All Ohio Athletic Conference in 1984. He accomplished a great deal in collegiate athletics and continued to excel in his professional career at Edwards Jones by becoming a national leader providing trusted financial security advice for his many clients and his beloved family. He had a relentless pursuit for improving life. He exemplified much of what it meant to be a classic man, a man of faith and a dedicated provider for his family. Survivors include his immediate family of Dr. Marion (Couden) Demers and children, Jacob, Samantha, Nik, and Sydney Demers; one sister, Susan (Greg) LeBerth, and one brother John Demers; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Andrea Demers; and one sister Elizabeth Butts.

Barry L. Harbison died on Dec. 28, at age 80. Barry was born on May 24, 1941, in Cleveland, to William and Elizabeth Harbison. As a child Barry was stricken with juvenile polio, which partially paralyzed his right leg. He was able to overcome this hardship and graduate fourth in his class at Parma Senior High School, class of 1959. Barry's next stop was Muskingum College, where he graduated with a history major, intent on becoming an educator. He began his teaching career at Cloverleaf HS (Lodi, Ohio) before being hired at Berea HS/Polaris JVS, where he first was a teacher and then a guidance counselor for more than 30 years. While pursuing his master's in education from the University of Akron, Barry met Christine (nee Munn). They began dating and were married in 1968 - a union that lasted 53 years. The couple were parents to daughter Robin, and sons Brad and Mark. Above all, Barry enjoyed spending time with family, especially on summer vacations and during the holidays. Barry is survived by wife Chris; brother Philip; daughter Robin (Andrew) Hansen; son Brad (Julie); son Mark (Jeanne); and grandchildren Meredith, Cate, Neil, Lauren and Emily.

Dr. Martin F. Jones, M.D. Lansing Was born in Pittsburgh, PA, December 2, 1929, the son of Flavius and Margaret (Martin) Jones and passed away Friday, December 17, 2021 in Lansing. Martin is survived by his loving wife, Nancie; children, Martin D. "Marty", Michael F. (Tammy), Kristina L.; grandchildren, Michael C., Andrew M., Bryan D., Ellie Jones Brown; and great-grandson, Jonas Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ward Jones. Dr. Jones graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School, Pittsburgh in 1947, having played on their undefeated football team in 1946. He attended Muskingum University where he followed a premedical curriculum and played on their Ohio Conference championship football team in 1949 and 1950 and a Tangerine Bowl win. After graduation in 1951, he attended the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, graduating in 1955 with honors. Internship was at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio. Martin served in the US Navy from 1956-1958, retiring from the ready reserve as lieutenant commander in 1965. Although Dr. Jones fulfilled his military obligation, he never faced combat. However, he loved his country and was proud of his Navy service. He was a patriot. Martin attended Henry Ford Hospital, serving as a medical resident from 1958-1961 and a fellow in renal disease and hypertension 1961-1962. In July 1962, he joined Drs. Stow and Cordes in Lansing in the practice of internal medicine and non-invasive clinical cardiology. In 1966 he established the first chronic care hemodialysis program in Mid-Michigan. Subsequently, the program supported 23 patients doing home hemodialysis through a pilot funding program by Blue Cross of Michigan. Prior to that time, Sparrow Hospital ran in the red to support chronic hemodialysis patient care. In 1972, the federal government passed legislation to fund the care of dialysis patients through Medicare and Dr. Jones set up Lansing Nephrology with two associate nephrologists. In 1968 with assistance of Dr. Fedon Mavromatis, he set up the first cardiac care unit at Sparrow and served as the first chairman of the cardiac care committee, having served as the intensive care unit chairman for 10 years. In addition, Martin served on many other committees both at Sparrow Hospital and County Medical Society. From 1986-1988 he served as chief of staff of Sparrow. In the mid 1980's, Martin was named "Outstanding Physician of the Year" of the County Medical Society for his work in renal disease. In Feb., 2001 he was awarded a special tribute by the State of Michigan for his contributions to Sparrow Hospital and the people of Mid-Michigan. Subsequently, Martin was named to the first Sparrow Hall of Fame in 2006. After retirement in 2001, he again took up interest in athletics, winning many gold and silver medals in discus, javelin and shot put, participating in Senior Olympic Games in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Florida. Also, Martin enjoyed time in northern Michigan and Florida each year with his whole family. Martin is remembered by family and friends as fun-loving, good-humored, generous and kind. He was gentle and compassionate with children and pets. Martin gave support and encouragement to many people. The world was made better by his presence in it. His life was a blessing.

Virginia "Ginny" Cullen, of Mint Hill, NC, was welcomed into glory December 25, 2021 by her Heavenly Father and Dave, her husband of 66 yrs, who passed away 2 days before. Ginny was 91 years old. She was graciously blessed to able to live her last years with Dave at her side and children/grandchildren close by. Ginny was born October 14,1930 in Mercer, PA. She graduated from Muskingum College '52 and was an elementary schoolteacher for 47 years. Most of those years were of service at Terre Haute Baptist School located in Terre Haute, IN. It was in teaching that she received much pleasure in training/nurturing young students for life. After retiring and moving to Charlotte in 2001, she was a substitute teacher at Covenant Day School up until the age of 82. She always stated that being around children is what kept her young. Her most valued job was raising her four children and, much to her delight, later spending time with her eight grandchildren. She enjoyed trips to Keating Summit, PA to spend time at their camp cottage with family to join in often. Tending her blueberry patch and perennial garden brought her much joy there. She was an avid cook with a perfected technique for baking blueberry pies and cinnamon rolls, which became one of the family "favorites". She took pride in her craft of homemaking and keeping a tidy and well-organized home. She would laughingly state that cleaning and laundry were her hobbies. "I love to iron!", you could hear her say. She would often reminisce of fond memories of trips to camp, a trip to NYC with her two daughters to celebrate her 70th birthday, special wedding anniversary celebrations, and numerous visits supporting her grandchildren's endeavors. She could spend countless hours at a jigsaw puzzle, the Scrabble board, or a thoughtful game of Rummikub. One fond memory her grandchildren will cherish was the year she played a "cameo" role in a short family film as the "ticket agent". She took pride in her grandchildren's musical prowess and was their biggest fan. In her younger years, she shared her gifted soprano voice through many opportunities singing solos and in the choir at Bible BaptistChurch in Terre Haute, IN. She leaves behind four children and their spouses to cherish her memory, Tim (Tammy) Cullen of Fishers, IN. Tom (Diane) Cullen of Georgetown, IN. Tara (Ken)Dabbs of Mint Hill, NC, Tammy (Barry) Irvin of Mint Hill, NC and 8 grandchildren Nathaniel Cullen, Nick Dabbs, Andrew (Kayla) Cullen, Jonathan Dabbs, Jonathan Cullen, Meghann Cullen, Matthew Cullen, and Christina Cullen. Her life verse she would often recall is Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." She is preceded in death by her husband Dave. Her parents, Floyd & Mary Snyder, brothers Lester Dean Snyder, Rev. James R. Snyder, and Lyle Richard Snyder. 

David "Dave" Cullen, of Mint Hill, NC, entered his eternal home, December 23, 2021. He was there to welcome his bride of 66 years two days later. He was 92 years old. He was graciously blessed to live his last years with Ginny, children and grandchildren close by. Dave was born in Butler, PA, December 8, 1929. He graduated from Muskingum College '52 and then served in the Army during the Korean War. After returning, he and Ginny were wed. Three years later, with his young family in tow, they moved to Terre Haute, IN. He began a career with the Anaconda Aluminum Company (later Alcan Company) where he retired in 1987. He then transitioned into a commercial real estate career at Pfister Company in Terre Haute. Dave and Ginny were an integral part of Bible Baptist Church in Terre Haute, IN, involved in many roles throughout their years there. He and Ginny moved to Charlotte in 2001 to be closer to family. He had many fond memories of their family trips to their camp "Chestnut Ridge Lodge" in Keating Summit, PA. It was there he found solace in the mountains, woods, and tending to a grove of American Chestnut trees he planted. The family has fond memories of campfires, blueberries, hikes, and snowmobiling. Dave and Ginny enjoyed day excursions exploring the Pennsylvania Wilds. Dave had several interests including reading historical fiction/nonfiction books, war stories, woodworking, "handyman" projects around the house and cheering on the Penn State Nittany Lions. He looked forward to times spent with his 8 grandchildren. He always sought ways to encourage them to "learn" and enjoyed keeping up with their various endeavors. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Marie Cullen, brother Herbert "Buzz" Cullen, and a sister Nancy Wood. Left to honor his memory are his four children and their spouses, Tim (Tammy) Cullen of Fishers, IN, Tom (Diane) Cullen of Georgetown, IN , Tara (Ken) Dabbs of Mint Hill, NC, and Tammy (Barry) Irvin of Mint Hill, NC. Grandchildren Nathaniel Cullen, Nicholas Dabbs, Andrew (Kayla) Cullen, Jonathan Dabbs, Jonathan Cullen, Meghann Cullen, Matthew Cullen, Christina Cullen. Dave's wife, Ginny, passed away 2 days later on Christmas Day and the graciousness of the Lord was evident in that neither one had to know the grief of the loss of a spouse.

Mary Ann Cary, age 91, of Colorado Springs, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 15 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Born May 24, 1930 and raised in Evans City, PA., she was the daughter of the late Merle and Leola McCune. She married John F. Cary in 1953.

She graduated from Muskingum College in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She taught elementary school in Cleveland, Ohio before getting married, then devoted her life to being an Air Force wife and stay at home mom.

Being stationed throughout seven U.S. states and in Europe provided a dynamic and enriching environment for their family. After ultimately settling in Colorado Springs where they called home for 49 years, she and her husband John continued to enjoy traveling and she became quite active in the community.

Her volunteer efforts included the Get Set Preschool at First Presbyterian Church, where she also served as a Deacon; Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind; and the American Cancer Society.

She is survived by a son, John Cary of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughter Nancy (Cary) Wermer and her husband, Alan of Toledo, Ohio; Sisters-In-Law Barbara and Natalie Cary; and cousin Jerri Cogdell.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Colonel John Cary, USAF; Aunts Claire and Fern McCune; Uncles Lyle, Troy, Leigh; and Cousin Tom McCune.

age 83, of Dover, died Wednesday, April 14, 2021, while in the Inn at
Northwood Village at Dover following a period of declining health. Born on
May 15, 1937, at Uhrichsville, Ohio Dave was a son of the late Dorwin V. and
Stella M. Roth Myers. He was a member of the class of 1955 from the former
Tuscarawas-Warwick school and furthered his education by earning a
Bachelor Degree in Earth Science from Muskingum in 1959. Just out of
college, Dave proudly served his country as a member of the United States
Army. On June 25, 1960, Dave married the former Juanita Estelle Murray and
together the couple raised four children. In 1973, Dave obtained his Master's
as a Guidance Counselor from Xavier University. Dave was a longtime
educator and coach for the New Philadelphia City Schools. Not only did he
serve as a Science Teacher and Counselor, he coached, football, wrestling
and track and retired from Buckeye Career Center. He was an active member
of the Broadway United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia where he
sang in the choir and served as Sunday School Teacher and Lay Leader.
After his retirement, Dave enjoyed working as a crossing guard, teaching at
the Tuscarawas County Jail, delivering Meals on Wheels, long-distance
cycling, collecting trains, and traveling. He was also a longtime Reserve
Deputy with the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office Dive Team. Anyone who
knew Dave knew of his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help anyone
in need.

In addition to his wife, of 60 years, Dave is survived by four children, Diane
(Dave "Buzz") Bell, Eric (Laura) Myers all of Port Washington, Kurt (Darcey)
of Qatar, and Mark (Mandy) of Uhrichsville; eight grandchildren, Dominic
(Cori) Bell, Devin (fiancée, Lucas Ripley) Bell, Sarah Myers, Matthew Milligan,
Adam Myers, Brennan Gambs, Braxtyn Myers, and Braylin Myers; a greatgrandson, Jaxson Ripley and an expected great-grand child due in July. Completing the family is a brother, Larry (Pat) Myers of Marysville, Ohio and
a niece and a nephew.

Robert Eugene Miller III, 46, of Coshocton, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021. He was born in Coshocton on October 30, 1975 to Robert E Miller, Jr, and Kelly Jo Franks. Robert graduated from Coshocton High School in 1994, and earned his Bachelor's Degree in accounting and business management at Muskingum University. He worked as a basket weaver at Longaberger for 15 years. He then worked as a chief financial officer for Coshocton County Head Start. He enjoyed being with his kids, playing golf and watching sports, smoking meats, and playing guitar. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 25 years Jennifer (West) Miller, and their daughter Loren Belle Miller. He is also survived by his parents, Robert E. (Jonni) Miller, Jr, and Kelly Jo (Robert) Stark. Robert is also survived by his niece Alayna Donnell and nephew Trent Donnell. He is also survived by his in-laws Melvin and Sandra West, and sister in-law Darla Donnell and brother in-law Justin Donnell. Robert was preceded in death by his son Damon Austin Nathaniel Miller, his sister Loren Michelle Miller, his step sister Jayeanne Zeigler, and his grandparents Robert Miller Sr. and Alice Jean, and George "Wimp" Franks and Ruth Franks.

Mary Ellen Jameson ("Mitzie"), 92, went home to be with her Lord on December 3, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 13, 1929, in Pittsburgh, PA, the only child of Charles H. and Charlotte (Mann) Weeks and lived her early years in the Pittsburgh area. Following graduation as valedictorian from Avalon High School in 1947, she entered Muskingum College, earning her B.A. degree in 1951. In 1950, Mitzie married her college sweetheart Don Jameson, when he was drafted to serve in the Korean War. After Don's service in the army, they established their home in Pittsburgh. Subsequently, Mitzie and Don were blessed with four children: Carol Lantz; Scott (Marianne) Jameson; Julie (David) Frazier; and Elizabeth (Rob) Hennell. In 1962 they moved to Ohio, eventually settling in Perrysburg, Ohio, where they lived for 45 years. Mitzie was a busy stay-at-home mom, and her life was totally devoted to her family. She was always there for her children, encouraging, supporting, and fervently striving to be a good parent. Zoar Lutheran Church was the center of a great many of the family's activities. Mitzie, an accomplished pianist, shared her music in various capacities at church. She also taught Sunday School, directed the music program for Vacation Bible School, served as an Elder on the church council, and sang in the Senior choir for many years. Her faith and her personal relationship with Jesus Christ were very important to her. Mitzie was a volunteer in Pastoral Care at St. Luke's Hospital for 15 years, and for a time delivered Mobile Meals. She was an avid reader, had a passionate love for all animals, and in later years became intensely interested in politics and in world affairs. Even with advancing age, she was delighted to have a cell phone, and to master the use of a computer. And always there was her love of music! Mitzie felt so fortunate to have had opportunities with her husband to travel through much of the United States; and on three different trips to Europe, including Egypt and the Holy Land. It was indeed a full life! In 2007, Mitzie and Don moved a last time, to Wooster, Ohio to be near several of their family. They had the joy of building their own home for the first time the perfect nest for their remaining years. Mitzie was preceded in death by her beloved husband in 2015, her stepfather, Dr. Joseph E. Baldridge, and her son-in-law, Tom Lantz. She leaves to cherish her memory her dear children, 10 grand-children and 9 great-grandchildren. 

In sure and certain hope of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, Brenin L. Hill died on December 1, 2021. He was born in Marysville, Ohio, on January 16, 1952, to Harold Allen and Jayne Clara (Andrews) Hill, who preceded him in death. His infant brother Craig and brother-in-law, Patrick Cronin, also preceded him in death. Brenin graduated from Marysville High School in 1970 and Muskingum College in 1975. He played football in both high school and college and pursued athletic endeavors all of his life. He loved to play golf and to fish, and he shared those passions with his family. He was a great servant of the Lord who was always ready to serve the church in whatever way he could. He was a long-time member of Central Christian Church. Brenin demonstrated his faith throughout his adult life in many ways. He was a Deacon, Sunday school and Pioneer Club teacher, a part of the sound and light crew for Sunday services, church programs and holiday celebrations, and always a helper on the clean-up committee after events. Anytime someone needed help building something or tearing something down, he could be found leading or helping the crew. Brenin conceived, directed, and cooked the Wednesday night suppers at Central Christian. Right up until the week of his death, his strong desire to serve had him mowing, weeding, and doing lawn work for his children's homes, even when he struggled to do much else. With God's help and unceasing assistance and care from Polly, Brenin courageously fought Parkinson's disease every step of the way for over 20 years. Strength of will and mind commanded his body to get up again and again. A committed and faithful team, they ran the race together. Brenin is survived by his wife of 48 years, Polly Parrott Hill; son, Benjamin Hill; daughter, Adrienne Hill Williams (Dustin); son, Peter Hill (Corie Ackroyd); and grandsons, Dylan and Carter Williams. Also surviving are his twin sister, Brenda Cronin, sister, Linda Schrock (William), and 20 nieces and nephews and their families.

James C. Wadsworth, age 74, of Upper St. Clair, PA and Naples, FL, passed
away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, December 8, 2021.
Jim was born on June 19, 1947, in Summit, NJ to the late Harry Z. and
Winifred C. Wadsworth. Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, the love of his
life, Rika Hess Wadsworth. He is also survived by his three children and their
spouses: Susan Ambrosini (Robert), Elizabeth McNulty (Patrick) and David
Wadsworth (fiancee', Katherine Sikma); and by his five awesome
grandchildren, Jack, Joseph, and Luke Ambrosini, and Eva and Alexander
McNulty, and his sister, Nancy Remey. Jim grew up in Chatham, NJ, and
graduated from Chatham High School in 1965, where he played soccer on
two state championship teams and was MVP of the CHS golf team. Jim met
Rika at Muskingham University in Ohio, where he graduated in 1969 with a
BA in Economics. He was a member of the Economics Honorary and was on
the golf team all four years. Jim earned his MBA in Finance and Investments
from the University of Michigan in 1971. Jim and Rika were married at
Brighton Road Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh's North Side on Dec. 12,
1970. Jim began his career in Investment Management in the Trust
Department of Manufactures National Bank of Detroit, where he earned his
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). In 1977 the family moved to Pittsburgh
and Jim worked for Mellon Bank (now BNY Mellon) as a Security Analyst,
Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer for private clients until
retiring in 2009. His work was recognized in Barrons in Aug. 2008. While
appreciative of those honors, Jim treasured his faith, family, and friendships
far more. Jim was eternally grateful to God and to his family for enriching his
life beyond measure.

Joan Spillman Hoon, 92, of New Concord, passed peacefully from this life on earth Saturday morning November 27th, 2021.  Joan’s courage throughout her recent struggle with Alzheimer's disease was uplifting to all.   Her gracious spirit endured to the last and she is received warmly by her heavenly Father for life everlasting.  

Joan was born in Meigs Township, Muskingum County Ohio on March 29th, 1929, to the late Charles Everett and Clytie Spillman (McIntire). She spent all of her youth on the family farm located on what is now the property of the Wilds.  She was a 1947 graduate of Meigs Township High School and earned her BA degree from Muskingum College in 1951 where she was a Delta sister.  Joan later continued her education finishing a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Akron University and post master’s work at Akron, Kent State, and Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts.

Joan retired from the Canton City Schools in 1995 after 30 years of service. She taught English and Home Economics at Lehman High School, was a tutor at Lathrop School, and served as a Guidance Counselor at both Timken High School and McKinley High School for the last twenty six years of her tenure. She was very proud of being an educator and enjoyed serving the many students and co-workers she encountered over the years. She enjoyed visiting her family and friends, traveling, hiking, gardening, and writing and receiving letters. Her retirement years were spent in New Concord volunteering at the Wilds, the John and Annie Glenn Historic site, serving on the Muskingum University Alumni Council, and various other philanthropic endeavors. Joan and her husband Rex were active supporters of John Glenn High School and Muskingum University athletic teams and were seen at events home and away.  She enjoyed very much her New Concord United Methodist Church family.

She is survived by her oldest son Jeffrey Hoon and his wife Patricia of Lafayette, Indiana; and her younger son Greg Hoon and his wife Sandi of Middleburg Heights, Ohio; eight grandchildren; Vincent ( Katie)  Hoon, Matthew (Erin) Hoon, Deborah (Tim) Kurtz, Juli Hoon, Mikella Hoon, Logan Hoon, and twins Kristina and Kendall Hoon.  She has 6 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother John William “Bill” Spillman of Canton, Ohio; sister-in-law, Dorothy Shepherd (Hoon); brother-in-law, Frank Wright; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rex B. Hoon, to whom she was married for 63 years; daughter Deborah Cay Hoon; her parents; sisters Leah Bigony (Spillman); Louanna Green (Spillman); Glenna Spillman; Rachel Sweeney (Spillman), brother Charles F. Spillman; brothers-in-law Howard Bigony, William Green, John P. Sweeney, Evans Hoon, and Lloyd Shepherd; sisters-in-law Gladys ‘Jeff’ Spillman, Maxine Spillman (McCune), Evangeline Shooter (Hoon), Alice Ruth Wright (Hoon), and Elnora Hoon (Hunt).

Herbert L. Dunn, (best known as Lee) originally from Washington, 82, passed away on November 7, 2021, at his home in Wesley Chapel, Fla. Lee was the second of four children, Dave, Sara Taggart (Sally), and Karen Brock, of the late Herbert M. Dunn and Dorothy L. Dunn. Growing up in the 4H program, he had no shortage of stories (perhaps tall tales) about tending to horses and feeding the hogs. He was a 1957 graduate of Trinity High School, and a 1962 graduate from Muskingum College. In both college and high school, he took great pride as a leader among the wrestling teams building life-long friendships with teammates and coaches. Lee started his career as a School Teacher with Trinity School District and later taught at Washington School District, eventually retiring from Wash High in 1994.In addition to teaching, he also worked as a financial planner with Waddell and Reed. Between colleagues and clients, Lee made it a priority to stay in touch long after his retirement. And it always warmed his heart when former students would reach out to reconnect with him. Throughout his life, he enjoyed staying active in community and recreation. He served as a member and past President of the Washington Jaycees, was a member and past Deacon at First Presbyterian Church, and at one point, a member of the Appalachian Llama Breeders Association (once showing a llama at the Ohio State Fair.)Lee Dunn was an avid skier and enjoyed travel making his way to all 50 states. Upon moving to Wesley Chapel Florida in 2005, he enjoyed his golf game year-round and meeting new people. For a period of time, he combined exercise and civic duty, riding his bike while serving neighborhood watch. Lee is survived by his daughter, Melia (Jason Budahazy); and former wife, Marilyn Dunn. His son, Ryan, died of brain cancer in March 2020. He is also survived by his three siblings, and nieces and nephews from the Dunn, Brock, and Jerich families.

William Sprigg Borel, 76, of Ocala, FL, passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. William was born in Columbus, Ohio to Richard and Margaret Borel. He was a US Army Veteran and 1968 graduate of the Defence Language Institute, as well as serving in the Air Force Security Agency. William also graduated from Muskingham College of Ohio and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. William worked for and retired from Hillsboro County as a computer analyst. He is survived by Carolyn Shelley and stepson Timothy Shelley, and his brother Richard Borel.

Thomas G. Tuxill, MD, passed away on November 3, 2021 in Bellingham, Washington in the presence of his wife Sue, his son John and daughter Stephanie. Tom fought an intermittent battle with lymphoma over the past 24 years. He was diagnosed with lymphoma of the brain in September.

In spite of his condition he led a very full life. Tom is remembered as a generous and loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, colleague, and friend. As an eye surgeon he gave many patients the gift of sight. He was a committed nature conservationist and defender of end-of-life choices. He and his wife Sue pursued numerous fishing and flying adventures in North and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, oftentimes reaching their destination in their plane.

Born in 1941 in Syracuse, New York, to F. Wesley and Agnes Tuxill, Tom was the third of four boys. He spent his childhood years in Geneva, New York, before moving to Akron, Ohio, and graduating from Springfield High School. Tom received varsity letters in football and track and field, sang in the school choir, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. At Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, Tom majored in chemistry. He co-captained the football team his senior year and set a school record in the shot put. He shared science classes with Jacquelyn Lenox; they dated for two years and married in 1963, the weekend after graduation.

At an early age Tom resolved to become a medical doctor. He received his M.D. from the University of Rochester (New York) in 1967. Tom entered the U.S. Navy and in 1968 completed a rotating internship at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. He then served as a naval flight surgeon, training in Pensacola, Florida, before being assigned to Kodiak, Alaska. During these Navy years, his son and daughter were born. In Kodiak, Tom enjoyed bountiful opportunities for hiking, hunting, and fishing, and fulfilled a longtime goal of getting his private pilot’s license. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander in December 1971.

Following his Navy service, Tom returned to the University of Rochester to complete a residency in ophthalmology at Strong Memorial Hospital. In 1975 he moved his family back to Alaska to join a general eye clinic in Anchorage, but soon decided to pursue a subspecialty in medical disorders of the retina. In 1976 the family resettled in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. Tom established a private practice in Concord and served on the staff at Concord Hospital. He was the first ophthalmologist in New Hampshire to offer laser eye therapy to treat retinal vascular disorders. Tom was particularly interested in cataract surgery as well as treating eye disease caused by diabetes. Outside of work and family, he sang in the Concord Coachmen barbershop chorus and coached track and field at Hopkinton High School.

After his first marriage ended in divorce, Tom reconnected with his high school sweetheart, nurse practitioner Sue Slevin, and they married in 1986. Sue became Tom’s partner in adventure, trading her New York City condo for a Lake Amphibian airplane and putting in hours of work to get her pilot’s license.

Upon retirement from his ophthalmology practice in 1998, Tom renewed his passion for flying and fishing. He and Sue moved to Eagle Lake, Florida, where they found a welcoming community of fellow seaplane enthusiasts. Together with friends they attended fly-ins and organized long-distance trips as far afield as Alaska, Ontario, Arctic Canada, Mexico, the southwest US, and the Caribbean. Tom also delighted in catching fish with family and friends in many different locales, including Montana, Alaska’s Bristol Bay, Patagonia, Quebec, Labrador, and New York’s Finger Lakes.

In 2013, Tom and Sue relocated to Bellingham, Washington, in order to be closer to their two grandchildren. They continued outdoor activities and philanthropic pursuits. For the last ten years Tom served as a volunteer advisor and board member for the Final Exit Network. He was also a lifetime member of Trout Unlimited; a founding member of The National Air and Space Society and The American Air Museum in Britain; a volunteer pilot for Northern Wings and LightHawk; and a longtime supporter of Environmental Defense Fund, Seaplane Pilots Association, The Nature Conservancy – Adirondack Chapter, and Planned Parenthood.

Tom was predeceased by his oldest brother, Robert Tuxill, and nephew, James Tuxill. Tom is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sue S. Tuxill; daughter Stephanie Tuxill, of Lincoln, VT; son John Tuxill, his wife Julie Dugger, and grandsons Callum McAllister and Xavier Tuxill, of Bellingham, WA; brother Richard Tuxill and his wife Monta Faye, of Auburn, NY; brother Bruce Tuxill and his wife Keren, of Penn Yan, NY; sister-in-law Margene Tuxill, of Geneva, NY; former wife Jacquelyn Tuxill, of Lincoln, VT; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cheryl L. Swain, age 64, of Massillon, Ohio, died Wednesday November 3, 2021, at The Cleveland Clinic. She was born October 7, 1957, in Wooster, daughter of the late Daviid and Patricia Durrant Marr. Cheryl was a graduate of Wooster High School, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Akron and a Master of Arts degree in Education from Muskingum University. She taught elementary school art at East Guernsey Local Schools for over 30 years. She attended the Senecaville United Methodist Church, and she was a member of the Aurelius Chapter #60, Order of the Eastern Star in Macksburg. She enjoyed cross stitch, wine tasting, traveling, and painting. Cheryl was devoted to her family, and she loved spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by one brother, James Marr. Surviving are her husband, James S. Swain, whom she married in 1989; one son, William; one daughter, Alicia (William Phillips); two grandchildren, Luke and Kinsey; one sister, Susan (Gary); one aunt, Bonnie; and several nieces and nephews.

Dwight Pharis Stevenson, 81, of Great Falls, passed away peacefully in hospice care on Friday, November 5, 2021. The first of three children, Dwight was born to Alice and Orville Stevenson on September 23, 1940, in Clark County, Kentucky. In 1950 the family moved to Carrollton, Ohio, where he graduated high school in 1959, and Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio, graduating in 1963. Following completion of Air Force Officers' Training School in San Antonio, Texas, Dwight was assigned to Malmstrom AFB as a Missile Launch Officer in the 490th Strategic Missile Squadron. During this time he met and married his wife, JoAnn Staff Stevenson, and completed an MBA degree with the University of Montana. After a twenty-one-year active duty career, he was employed at the 341st Contracting Squadron for an additional 19 years of service before retiring in 2005. He is survived by his wife; two sons, Dwight S. (Elise Deladurantaye) and Thomas O.; three grandsons, Cameron, Caleb Remi; and two sisters, Daphne and Brenda Stevenson, of North Canton, Ohio.

Jean Anne (Presutti) Russell, 85, passed away at Liberty Village on November 2, 2021. Jean was born September 27, 1936, in Wellsville, OH, the daughter of the late, Nicholas Joe Presutti and Jennie Ida Guliani. After graduating High School with honors, she attended Muskingum University, where she received her Bachelor's in Education. She later received her Master's in Education, from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale. Jean married Paul Russell in 1965, they resided in the Carbondale area. Jean taught elementary school for several years, before Paul and Jean opened the Fireplace Shoppe and Lighting Studio, which they operated for over 31 years, until Paul's death in 2007. Jean pursued several hobbies, needle work, crafts, reading and enjoyed cooking. Due to her heritage, she specialized in Italian dishes. She also loved traveling, ski trips to Colorado, and house boating on Kentucky Lake. During her life, Jean was devoted to her animals, who were her loved companions. Jean was raised Catholic and was a regular at the Newman Center in Carbondale, where she so much enjoyed the interaction with young people. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Kaye Presutti of Stowe, OH; brother-in-law, Curt Corsello of Uniontown, OH; cousin, Ron Presutti, and wife, Joy of Naperville, IL; cousin-in-law, Joanne Templeton of Pinckneyville, IL; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear, longtime friends: Leon and Vickie Bagley. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Jennie Presutti; husband, Paul Russell; sister, Judy Corsello; and brother, Jack Presutti.

Peter Diehl, age 84, died Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his family. Peter was born here in Columbus, OH. He is preceded in death by his grandson, Jonathan. Peter is survived by his loving wife, Helen (Pidge) Diehl; sons, Michael (Cristina Rabadán-) Diehl, Steven (Lori) Diehl; sister, Sally (Brian) Kriska; grandchildren, Austin, Alexander, Kensley Diehl and Casey Diehl-Ehrenberg.
Pete graduated from University High in 1954. He lettered in basketball there for the Little Bucks. His high school years were also filled with building and flying model airplanes, modifying a “little douce coup” Ford hot rod, and pursuing various high jinks and pranks. After high school, he joined the Army Reserve where he served until May of 1963. He attended Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio, where he majored in philosophy, met Pidge, his wife of 61 1/2 years, and graduated in 1959. He graduated from Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, Mass., in 1963, with a Master of Divinity degree. His internship was at First Community Church in Columbus, and he was ordained to Christian ministry there on June 9, 1963. He served as Associate minister of the South Hadley, Mass., Congregational Church, and later as senior minister at Essex Congregational Church, in Essex, Connecticut. Upon leaving Connecticut, Pete joined the faculty at Miami-Dade Community College as a staff and organizational development consultant, later heading a counseling service at the Medical Center Campus, and subsequently serving as a consultant to local business and industry in Miami, until 1998, when he began teaching computer and educational courses. He retired from Miami-Dade in 2000, after 30 years of service.

Returning to Columbus in retirement, Pete indulged his photography hobby, taking pictures all over the world, from Africa, China, South America, Europe, and the United States. He also turned over a major part of his consulting activities to a niece, Laura Kriska, in the form of an innovation training exercise designed to promote teamwork and good work relationships. Laura has continued this work, reaching over a 1000 people on four continents. For many years he volunteered at First Community Church as a discussion leader, as well as some assignments for the Central Southeast Association of the Ohio United Church of Christ.

A devoted family man, Pete loved being around his sons and grandchildren, thoroughly enjoying their accomplishments and adventures. He has usually been characterized as funny, sweet, and very smart in a rather offbeat way. Never afraid to take a new challenge, when Pete moved to First Community Village, he served as photographer for the 20-page monthly newsletter, The Villager, and delighted in organizing new opportunities for fellow residents to get together and get to know each other.
 

Stags and Kianus from the 1970's gathered at Homecoming 2021.

C. WAYNE SMITH, 81, passed away October 14, 2021. Loving husband of Dana for 54 years; proud father of Scott (Chrissy), Christopher (Shannon), and Brett (Jill); grateful grandfather of Samantha, Sabrina, Dylan, Colby, Jackson, Piper, and Payton; caring brother of Joan Metzger.

Wayne was a Euclid High School social studies teacher from 1962-1997 and particularly enjoyed taking students to DC on the Close Up program. Next to being with his children and grandchildren, Wayne loved watching classic movies, a habit started with watching westerns with his dad in the early days of TV. An avid Browns fan, Wayne enjoyed season tickets in the past and yelling at them on TV in recent years. Many of Wayne’s closest friends will remember him for being a great friend to sit and have a “Manhattan” with.

Private family interment after which family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate Wayne’s life at MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 95 S. FRANKLIN ST., CHAGRIN FALLS, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 3:00-5:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, 15500 S. Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, OH 44110.

Ruth G. Watermulder died at her home at Waverly Heights, Gladwyne, PA. on October 23 surrounded by her three children. She was the wife of the late Rev. Dr. David B. Watermulder. She is survived by their three children: Paul Gustav (Eugenia) of San Mateo, CA, Peter Joseph (Christine) of Horseshoe, NC, and Martha Ruth of Casco, ME. Six grandchildren: Rebecca Ruth Bales (Andrew) of New York City, David Gustav (Lisa) of Los Gatos, CA, Sarah Eugenia (Anton Belo) of Half Moon Bay, CA., and Timothy Edward (Mia Simon) of Oakland, CA, Jonathan Louis of Boulder, CO, and Jennifer Louise Flood (Megan Flood) of Tryon, NC. Also, ten great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service is Thursday, October 28 at 2 pm at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 625 Montgomery Ave., Bryn Mawr PA 19010

Ruth was born in Ambridge, PA to Joseph and Irene Gullyes, the middle child between two brothers. She was raised in a family deeply involved with its church, with helping people in need, and with the extended family throughout the Pittsburgh region.

She is an alumna of Muskingum College (where she later served on the Board of Trustees and was subsequently received the 1997 Distinguished Alumni Service Award). She began a lifetime of combining deep religious faith, family values, and pioneering advancement of children’s education and in developing leaders for tomorrow.

Seeking to become a missionary, she worked as director of the Lower Church School and was a teacher in the Weekday School of the historic Brick Presbyterian Church of New York City. In 1946 she married and began a lifetime of activity as a pastor’s wife.

The couple served in New Jersey, Watertown, NY, suburban Chicago, and finally Bryn Mawr, PA working with a wide diversity of people in both advantaged and disadvantaged circumstances.

Ruth was much involved in the school life of her children and soon became aware of the problems of children who are visually impaired. She formed a group that initially prepared large print copies of tests and other class materials and ultimately brought forth large print textbooks to public schools. This “seeing awareness” led to the founding of a local organization that soon affiliated with the National Association for the Visually Handicapped (NAVH). These efforts in turn gave way to new technological advances and the induction of state aid providing material for the visually impaired.

Ruth served as chair of the Montgomery County Association for the Blind, also on the Board of the Emergency Aid Society of Pennsylvania Foundation where she served as president, as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, and at the Timothy School (for children on the autistic spectrum). She was a district chair for the United Fund of Philadelphia, and a member of FISH.

Ruth Watermulder’s religious devotion has been unwavering. She organized a “Y” group for young women and a mother’s group and has led women’s workshops for her congregation. She has worked with the Sunday school, established a Weekday School, and directed the Nursery and the Kindergarten departments in Bryn Mawr, PA. She has also served on mission tours of South Korea, Japan, and various countries in Africa.

Reflecting on her achievements, she says, “My deepest satisfactions have come in teaching preschool children in the church, counseling their parents and helping to develop leaders for tomorrow.” Her family will always treasure the elegant meals she prepared, and the warmth of family holiday gatherings especially times around the piano with hymns and carols,

Ruth Watermulder's legacy of Faith, Hope and Love is rich inspiration for many.

Joan Adelle Calhoun Ryan passed from this life on October 3, 2021. Joan was born to T. Wendell Calhoun and Laura Leore Aker in Denver, Colorado on December 13, 1922. She started school in Denver, then moved with her family to Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland, where her father was employed as an agricultural economist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Joan attended Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio for three years before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley, where she received her B.S. in Home Economics in 1944. During summers, she had jobs at the Grand Canyon in Arizona; at Mount Rainier in Washington; and at Mrs. K's Toll House in Silver Spring, Maryland. Subsequently, Joan attended Mills College in Oakland, California to become an occupational therapist. She then worked in U.S. Army hospitals in Santa Fe, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas, helping soldiers recover from injuries sustained during World War II. At William Beaumont General Hospital in El Paso, she met B.W. Ryan. On June 9, 1947, Joan and B.W. were married in the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe. While B.W. earned a degree by attending college in Stephenville, Texas and Fort Collins, Colorado, Joan taught elementary school. The couple then embarked on a twenty-year adventure, as B.W.'s service in the U.S. Air Force took them many different places. Joan taught school in Malden, Missouri and Enid, Oklahoma before joining B.W. for a tour of duty in Germany and France. While in Europe, they became parents of Barbara Sue and Brent Wendell. Back in the States, they were stationed in El Paso, Texas; Topeka, Kansas; Montgomery, Alabama; Boulder, Colorado; Marietta, Georgia; and Houston, Texas. Nancy Lee was born while they lived in Prattville, Alabama. In Georgia, Joan balanced the responsibilities of being a teacher and mother while B.W. served in Vietnam. In 1967, the Ryan family returned to Texas for B.W.'s final Air Force assignment, at NASA. Joan taught in La Porte ISD for 16 years, retiring in 1984. In 1992, Joan and B.W. moved to Round Rock, Texas where they enjoyed being near family, rekindling old friendships, and making many new friends. Joan was a member of the University Presbyterian Church in Austin at the time of her death. In addition to being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Joan made ceramics and silver jewelry, baked delicious pies, and loved being outdoors. She was an avid reader and church volunteer. Over the years, she skied, square danced, rode horses, hiked, camped, ziplined, canoed, and rafted. She visited every U.S. state except Hawaii. She enthusiastically participated in vacations, camping trips, holiday gatherings, birthday parties, weddings, graduations, and other "grand occasions." Joan's family and friends will cherish their memories of her optimism, loving nature, wisdom, wit, and zest for life. Joan was predeceased by an infant daughter, Kathleen Ann Ryan; her parents; stepmother, Alleen Calhoun; brother, Reverend Donald Calhoun; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Johnson Calhoun; and son-in-law, Michael Montoya. She is survived by her husband, Lt. Col. B.W. Ryan, USAF Ret.; daughters, Barbara Sue Montoya and Nancy Lee Porter (Jeffrey); son, Brent Wendell Ryan (Jeanne); granddaughter, Lauren Jeanne Ryan; grandsons Benjamin Wham Ryan (Bridget), Jacob Ryan Porter, and Samuel Lee Porter (Karleigh Ross); great-grandchildren, Everett James Ryan and Nora Louise Porter; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Marjorie Ellen (Kedigh) Beal, 82, of Uhrichsville passed away Monday, October 11, 2021 at her home. She was born October 21, 1938 in Post Boy to the late Blanche (Kedigh) Hill. Marjorie received her teaching certificate from Otterbein College, her BA from Muskingum College and her MA from Ashland College. Marjorie retired after teaching many years at Uhrichsville and Indian Valley Schools. In retirement, she tutored at St. Mary's School and also worked in the Schoenbrunn Gift Shop. Marjorie was an avid reader, dedicated dandelion killer, noted cat lady and perpetual househunter. On April 8, 1962, Marjorie married Avonzo Beal who passed away on February 21, 1987. Marjorie is survived by her children, Von (Alma) Beal of Richwood, Rhonda (Chris) Hall of Marysville, Vince (Kelly) Beal of Uhrichsville; grandchildren, Jessica (Jeremiah) Workman, Sarah (Lee) Christoffers, Kyle and Bryn Ladner, Corey Beal, Derek (Makana) Beal and Mathew Hall; great-grandchildren, Devon and Delaney Workman; her sister, Roberta (William) Iler of Minerva, her brother-in-law, Raymond (Shirley) Beal of Canton. In addition to her mother and husband, Marjorie was preceded in death by her brother and his wife, Roger (Barbara) Kedigh.

Lois Jane McCormick, 76, beloved mother, grandmother and Connecticut schoolteacher, died Saturday, Oct. 2, surrounded by her family due to complications from COVID-19. A longtime Ridgefielder, Lois raised her family in town and leaves behind many friends. She was an angel on earth, strong in her faith in God and community, with a love of gardening, reading, and above all, her friends and family. Her granddaughter Embrey and grandson Jaxon were the apples of her eye. Lois was a quiet, gentle soul whose random acts of kindness came from the heart. She didn't hesitate to bring a pie to cheer someone up who was going through a rough patch; prune, water, and look after someone's garden if they were away from home; and brought joy to all she knew as friends or family, and even a stranger who connected with her warmth from afar. Reading, entertaining her friends on the porch with some wine, playing card games occasionally not very well, or merely sitting with Brandi and thinking of ways she could make others happy were her greatest joys. Born with her twin sister Linda to John and Ann Hawksley, Lois grew up in Woodbury, CT. She attended Muskingum University in Ohio and went on to teach kindergarten and first grade at Connecticut schools for over 50 years, including in Cheshire, Danbury and Wilton. She was a longtime member of Jesse Lee Church. Lois is survived by son Kevin, daughter-in-law Laurisa and grandson Jaxon, of the Hampton Roads area in Virginia; son Brian, daughter-in-law Sheri and granddaughter Embrey of Mooresville, NC; nephew Bill Williams of Clarksville, TN; her beautiful dog Brandi; and her students of over 50 years, whom she loved as her own children. She returns home to her sister and parents in heaven.

Patricia Ann "Patty" Watson (nee Clary), age 74, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, following a long illness. Patty grew up in Cambridge, Ohio. She attended Muskingum College and started her life as a teacher. She later attended the University of Toledo Law School and became a member of the Ohio and Michigan Bars. After moving to Grand Rapids in 1982, Patty became a real estate agent. She worked with Re/Max Sunquest for many years, helping people from all walks of life find a home to call their own. Patty led a life of service and compassion. She volunteered with the Florence Waters Guild, served as a Stephen Minister, raised money for Heifer International, and dedicated many hours to fundraising with the Grand Rapids chapter of AMBUCS, among other service organizations and charities. Patty was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, serving on many committees and initiatives. She opened her home to performers with the Grand Rapids Opera, gave regularly to local theater groups, and attended live music and stage performances whenever she could. Patty also liked to have fun. She had a vibrant sense of humor, loved to cook, regularly played bridge and canasta, could beat the best at Scrabble, and traveled when she could including far-flung destinations like Hawaii, Ireland, Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. She was an avid reader, a member of several book groups, who shared her love of the written word with her children. She sang goofy songs and often hummed (always off key). She loved clothes and shoes and sparkly things, but would literally give you the shirt off her back if she thought it would look better on you. She had no problem with ice cream for dinner, but was also a consummate hostess, relishing the opportunity to invite groups for meals and parties in her home. Her children will remember her always as their sweet, hilarious and big-hearted mom who offered an ear when they were in pain, shared her wisdom when they were in doubt, made Christmas magical, and always left the light on in the dark. Patty is preceded in death by her parents, Lois and Clarence Clary. She is survived by her daughters Karen Watson and Wendy Watson; her sister Susan (Jim) Neal; her brother Ed (Christine) Clary; her former spouse Jim Watson; her son-in-law, Peter Hawkinson; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family; and too many friends to count.

John F. Steward, age 84, of Marion, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 due to several health issues. On June 24, 1937, John was born in McConnelsville, Ohio, in Morgan County, the only child of the late Elmer and Doris (Rarrick) Steward. John graduated from Philo High School in 1955, and Muskingum University in 1959, with a B.A. in Education. After graduation, John accepted a teaching and coaching position at Taft Jr. High and later was promoted to head baseball coach and assistant football coach at Harding High School. Soon after moving to Marion, John met his future wife and best friend, Joan Harrison, while participating in Young Adults Club at the YMCA. They were then married on November 30, 1963 and would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this year. In 1965, John received his Masters of Education degree from Bowling Green State University with additional course work at THE Ohio State University and Kent State University. That same year, he became principal of Taft Jr. High at the age of 27. His tenure at Taft lasted four years and in 1969, he was promoted to the Assistant Principal at Harding High School. In 1971, he became Principal of Marion Harding High, the youngest Principal in Marion City School history. He spent the next 13 years having a passion for his faculty and students. In 1984, he was named Director of Business for the Marion City Schools. He served in this capacity for nine years, retiring in 1993, after 34 years of service. Shortly after his first retirement, John began working for his friend, John W. McDaniel, and his son, John Jr., with the O & M Company, as a manufacturing representative for 5 years. John then returned to the Marion City Schools as a construction supervisor and liaison for the Board of Education, with a $100 million plus high school building project. He served in this position until completion in 2003. In all, he completed 39 years in the Marion City Schools, serving 33 years in administrative capacities. Later, he volunteered and worked with kindergarten students at McKinley Elementary School. Finally, he substituted at McKinley for 3 years in grades K through third grade. An avid Ohio State University Buckeyes fan, John attended most all home games for 30 years. He and his wife, Joan, also traveled to many away games in Texas, Arizona, Florida, Washington, California, and several Big Ten Schools. The highlight of all games was watching the Buckeyes win the National Championship in 2002, with his family in Tempe, Arizona. He was also a great fan of the Cleveland Browns and Indians, going to many games over the years. John enjoyed boating with his family and friends at Indian Lake cruising the islands. He enjoyed all kinds of music especially marching band songs with John Phillip Sousa as his favorite. His hobbies included cooking, stone painting, birdhouses, woodworking, reading and traveling on many trips at home and abroad. He and his wife, Joan, spent many winter weeks in St. Petersburg, Florida, for 18 years. Volunteering and giving back was always a priority in John's life. Reading and working with nursing home residents, serving on several boards YMCA, Boy Scouts, OhioHealth, Ohio School Study Commission, Marion Recreation Dept., Board of Trustees of Marion Cemetery Association, Vernon Commons and Eaglewood Condo Boards, U.S. Congressional Academy Selection Board, and the American Red Cross. He was a faithful member of Epworth United Methodist Church, where he served for many years as an usher and various church boards. Most recently, he was the church lay visitor. John was a past president and past charter member of the Marion Evening Lions, Elks 32, OSU Alumni, the Marion Country Club, Citizens Police Academy, Marion County Republican Club, and Gyro Men's Club. He received many awards, including: Lion of the Year, Marion Jaycees Education of the Year, Martha Jennings Scholar Foundation Award, Recognition Award from the Ohio School Secondary Principals, North Central Schools Recognition Award, and the Ohio House of Representatives Award. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife and best friend, Joan Steward. He always commented she was his rock and guiding light. He also will be missed by his daughter, Kelly Anne Steward (Sis) of Rancho Mirage California; son, Kirk, and daughter-in-law, Kelly Jean (Goldsberry); and two grandsons: Ethan and Alex Steward, all of Aldie, Virginia.