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OBITUARIES
To submit the obituary of an EOC clergy, a clergy spouse, a child of a clergy person, or a surviving spouse, family should contact Melissa McGee, executive secretary to the Bishop, by phone at (330) 499-3972 ext. 112 or via e-mail.
Joan E. Knotts, retired Diaconal Minister, died January 11. A memorial service will be held January 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Willoughby UMC (15 Public Square, Willoughby, OH 44094).
Mrs. Knotts is survived by her husband George; sons Adrian (Linda) and Brian (Kristine); daughter-in-law Cheryl; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Knotts was consecrated as a Diaconal Minister of the East Ohio Conference in 1984 and served Willoughby, Hudson, and Copley UMCs as director of education.
Memorial contributions may be made to Willoughby UMC.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.davisbabcock.com.Donald L. Kline, retired Elder, died January 1. A memorial service will be held January 23 at 2:00 p.m. at Hudson UMC (2670 Hudson-Aurora Rd., Hudson, OH 44236).
Rev. Kline is survived by his wife Patricia; children Christopher (Michelle Demangone) Kline, Jennifer (Matt) Wey, and Elizabeth (Maurice) Zuver; 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Rev. Kline served the following Ohio churches: Oehlhoff/Trinity, Wesley, West Side Methodist Parish, Hudson, Cadiz, and LaPorte. He also served beyond the local church as director of Youngstown Methodist Community Center and as vice president of Field Services for Fellowship of Companies for Christ International. He retired in 1997.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association or Haven of Rest Ministries in Akron, OH.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.buschcares.com.Richard K. Hoover, retired Elder, died December 24. Calling hours were held on January 6 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home (186 Park Ave., Coshocton, OH 43812) and on January 7 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Coshocton Presbyterian Church (142 N. Fourth St., Coshocton, OH 43812). A celebration of life followed at the church at 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Hoover is survived by his wife Alice, sons Stephen (Shelbie) and Timothy (Tracy), and one step-grandson.
Rev. Hoover served the following Ohio churches: Greensburg, Streetsboro, Bellevue First, and Roscoe. He retired in 1995.
Memorial contributions may be made to Roscoe UMC, Coshocton Presbyterian Church, or the Coshocton Salvation Army.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dignitymemorial.com.
Warren C. Hill, West Ohio retired Elder, died November 2. A funeral service was held in November in Houston, TX.
As an East Ohio Elder, Rev. Hill served as a pastor at Cory, Mt. Pleasant, and Windermere United Methodist churches and as associate general secretary of General Commission on Religion and Race. He transferred to the West Ohio Annual Conference in 1993.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.dignitymemorial.com.Linda E. O’Donnell, retired Local Pastor, died November 30. A private family service will take place at a later date.
Pastor O’Donnell is survived by children Mark (Denise) O’Donnell, Erin (Joseph) Noss, Susan (Steven) Mulhall, Jill (John) Stankiewicz, Jennifer (Matthew) Maxwell; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Pastor O’Donnell served Macksburg, Mary Reed Memorial, Dexter City, Whipple: Pleasant City, Lower Salem, and Burbank: Faith United Methodist churches. She retired in 2009.
Memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Church of Christ, Alzheimer’s Association, or Ohio Hospice LifeCare.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.alexanderfhinc.com.
Dean V. Roush, retired Elder, died November 27. A service will be planned at a later date.
Rev. Roush is survived by his children Julie (Ron) Cooper, Stephen (Jan), Jonathan (Judy), and Rebecca (Bill) Roush; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Rev. Roush served the following Ohio churches: Beach City, North Canton Grace, Geneva, Franklin, Adario, Chapel Hill, and Smith Corners. He retired in 2000.
Memorial contributions may be made to North Broadway UMC (48 E North Broadway, Columbus, OH 43214) or Lifecare Alliance (Attn: Development, 1699 W Mound St., Columbus, OH 43223).
Jeannie Beighley, retired Elder, died December 2. A celebration of life will be planned for the summer of 2026.
Rev. Beighley is survived by her children Suzanne (Mark) Tomasi and Steven (Erin) Winters, and one granddaughter.
Rev. Beighley served Struthers, Chesterville, and Harmony Chapel United Methodist churches. She retired in 2015.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
Sam L. Slack, retired Elder, died November 24. A service is planned for January 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC.
Rev. Dr. Slack is survived by his wife Natalie; children Juli (Kevin) Kline, David (Julie) Slack, and Sonja (George) Payne; and five grandchildren.
Rev. Dr. Slack served as Director of Pastoral Care & Counseling for the East Ohio Conference. He retired in 1996.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Valle Crucis Community Park where he often fly-fished.
Patricia Pfander, clergy spouse, died November 21. A funeral service was held December 6 at 12:00 p.m. at Oak Chapel UMC (4203 W. Old Lincoln Way, Wooster, OH 44691).
Mrs. Pfander is survived by her husband the Rev. James Pfander; children Kit Newell (Roxanne Jankey) and Keri Newell; stepchildren Joe Pfander (Katrina) and Jim Pfander (Page); and four grandchildren.
Rev. James Pfander served Calvary Lakewood, Winona, Lakefork, Rittman, Leroy, and Sharon Center UMCs. He retired in 2007.
Memorial contributions may be made to your local Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice Care.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Edwin D. Aluzas, retired Elder, died March 4. A celebration of life was held in April in Claremont, CA.
Rev. Dr. Aluzas is survived by his wife Gloria; children Annette (Doug), Kurt (Sylvia), and Jonathan (Melina); and one grandson.
Rev. Dr. Aluzas served Ohio churches in North Industry, Hudson, and Alliance before serving in extension ministry as a therapist and hospice chaplain in California. He retired in 1998.
Phillip R. Gibson, Jr., retired local pastor, died November 5. A memorial service was held November 8 in Colorado.
Pastor Gibson is survived by his wife, Pastor Karen Gibson.
Pastor Gibson served New Moscow and Tyndall United Methodist churches. He retired in 2018.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dignitymemorial.com.
Ela Snehleta Howard, clergy spouse, died October 19. Services were held October 22.
Mrs. Howard is survived by her husband, the Rev. Charles Howard, sons Ashu Howard and Akesh Howard, and daughter-in-law Jennifer Brantley.
Rev. Charles Howard served the following Ohio churches: Lafayette, Medina, Poe, Lakewood, Canton: Church of the Savior, Hathaway, Lorain: Emmanuel, and New London. He retired in 2002.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.heritagecremationsociety.com.Joseph P. Platt, retired Elder, died October 8. Calling hours were held October 12 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Wise Funeral Service (129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus). The funeral was held October 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Bucyrus UMC (227 S. Walnut St., Bucyrus).
Rev. Platt is survived by his wife Mary; children Nora Lee Platt, Bob Platt, Jennifer (Rob) Cromwell, Terry (Courtney) Adams, Shelly (Rick) Niese, Kristina (Terry) Hedge, Heather Platt Zeisloft, and Wendy (Warren) Johnson; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild.
Rev. Platt served Lexington, Shelby, Crestline, Saybrook, and Martel UMCs. He retired in 2000.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice-Marion or to a church of the donor's choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.wisefuneral.com.
Rita Myers, clergy spouse, died September 21. A memory sharing service was held September 29 at the Tallmadge Cemetery Gazebo.
Mrs. Myers is survived by her husband the Rev. George (Skip) Myers; children Stella (Aaron) Schindler, Susan Riley, Mandy Myers, and Matthew Myers; and one granddaughter.
Rev. Skip Myers served Palmyra, Oak Chapel, Tallmadge, Macedonia, and Berea United Methodist churches. He retired in 2016.
Madlynne Webber, retired Associate Member, died September 6. A memorial service was held September 27 at 2:00 p.m. at New Matamoras UMC (604 3rd St., New Matamoras, OH 45767).
Rev. Webber is survived by children J. Michael Webber, Brenda (Terry) Wolfe, Kathy (Jim) Mills, and Jeffrey (Kristi) Webber; nine grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren.
Rev. Webber served Hannibal/Clarington Parish, Martins Ferry, Stafford, and Graysville UMCs. She retired in 2003.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hadleyfh.com.Phyllis Costello, clergy spouse, died September 2. No service will be held at this time.
Mrs. Costello is survived by her husband, the Rev. Floyd Costello, children Shawn (Sarah) and Shannon (Steve), and two granddaughters.
Rev. Floyd Costello currently serves Brunswick Mt. Pleasant UMC. He previously served Louisville: Christ, Navarre: Fohl Memorial, Lafayette, Caldwell, Kipling, Lore City, Middlebourne, Ninth Street, Old Washington, Quaker City, Salesville, Sarahsville, Fairview, Chalfants Chapel, West Salem, and LaGrange UMCs. He retired in 2010.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mattesonfh.com.
James G. Verbridge, clergy spouse, died August 28. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Mr. Verbridge is survived by his wife, the Rev. Becki Bowan Verbridge; children Steve (Michelle) Verbridge, Suzanne (Bryan) Adel, Hilary Buckeye, and Ben (Sarah) Buckeye; and nine grandchildren.
Rev. Becki Bowan Verbridge served Hathaway, Boardman: Lockwood, LaPorte, Milan: Edison Memorial, Warren: First, and Copley United Methodist churches. She retired in 2015.
Memorial contributions may be made to Summit County Humane Society.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hummelfuneralhomes.com.Dolores Gerycz, surviving spouse of the Rev. Paul Gerycz, died August 25. A funeral service was held August 30 at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Methodist Church (648 Oak St., Newcomerstown, OH 43832).
Mrs. Gerycz is survived by children Jennifer (Tony), Paul (Sally) and Janet (Bill), and eight grandchildren.
Rev. Paul Gerycz served Plainfield, Isleta, and Kimbolton United Methodist churches. He retired in 1999 and died in 2023.
Memorial contributions may be made to Isleta UMC.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.addyfuneralhome.com.
Carl G. Beighley, retired Elder, died August 25. A graveside service was held August 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Youngstown.
Rev. Beighley is survived by his second wife Jeannie, an East Ohio retired Elder; children Jim (Peggie), Crystal (Brian), Glenn (Vikki, and Wes (Sara); and six grandchildren.
Rev. Beighley served the following Ohio churches: East Liverpool: Calvary, Mineral Ridge, Youngstown: Brown Memorial, Oberlin: First, Shelby: First, and Massillon: First. He retired in 1995.
Memorial contributions may be made to Western Reserve Hospice.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting penwellturner.com.Robert Edgar Sherman, retired Elder, died August 18. A memorial service was held August 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Monroeville UMC (219 Center Rd., Monroeville, PA 15146).
Rev. Sherman is survived by wife Jude, step-daughters Ann (Carl) Harting and Jennifer (Travis) DeLong, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Rev. Sherman served the following Ohio churches: Youngstown: Grace, Cleveland: First, Lockwood, Warren: Otterbein, East Palestine Cooperative Ministry: Emmanuel, Youngstown: Brown Memorial, Tiffin: Washington St., Sterling, and Toronto: Riverview/Fosterville. He retired in 1991.
Memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) through Monroeville UMC.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.jobefuneralhome.com.
Edna Juanita Gardner, surviving spouse of the Rev. James C. Gardner, died June 26. A memorial service was held July 26 at Stark Memorial Funeral Home.
Mrs. Gardner is survived by two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Rev. James C. Gardner served the following Ohio churches: Garrettsville, Nelson, East Liverpool: Orchard Grove, Saybrook, Shelby: Trinity, and Homeworth: Mt. Carmel. He retired in 1999 and died in 2015.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.starkmemorial.com.
Elizabeth D. Stone, retired Clergy, died July 26. Calling hours was held August 11 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Billow Fairlawn Chapel (85 N. Miller Rd., Akron, OH 44333).
Rev. Stone is survived by children Deborah Freeman (Phil), Laurrie Iceman (Denny), Michele Kimmel, and Mark Stone (Beth); three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Rev. Stone served Niles: Fairview, Savannah, Sugarcreek, Conneaut: East, and Garfield Heights United Methodist churches. She retired in 1996.
Memorial contributions may be made to One of a Kind Pet Rescue www.oneofakindpets.com.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.billowfuneralhomes.com.
Joyce L. George, clergy spouse, died July 29. F uneral services were held August 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Boyce Church (2 Anna St., East Liverpool, OH 43920).
Mrs. George is survived by her husband the Rev. P. Douglas George; children Pastor P. Wesley George (Susan), Rev. Jonathan George (Emily), and Amanda Brubaker (Sean); and eight grandchildren.
Rev. P. Douglas George served Sand Hill, Hills, Hartford, Steubenville: Finley, Salem, and Lake Brady United Methodist churches. He retired in 2020.
Memorial contributions may be made to The ROC of Salem Youth Center (c/o Roger Hack, 314 E Second St., Salem, OH 44460) or to your local church.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dawsonfuneralhome.com.
Patricia Reiter, retired Associate Member, died June 10. A funeral service was held June 16 in Mansfield.
Rev. Reiter is survived by children Cathy Reiter Hopkins, John E. Reiter (Karen), and Stephen Reiter (Sue); six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Rev. Reiter served Zion Chapel, Williamsport, Byesville: Main, and Loudonville United Methodist churches. She retired in 2006.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
Chester C. Rupert, retired Associate Member, died July 13. Calling hours were held July 19 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Eagleville Bible Church (1981 OH-45, Rock Creek, OH 44084).
Rev. Rupert is survived by his wife Marilouise; children Ralph (Loraine), Beth, Sue (Jeff), Karl (Elizabeth), and Anita (Howard); 14 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.
Rev. Rupert served the following Ohio churches: Bowerston, Conotton, Leesville, Bethel, Adamsville, Otsego, Thompson, Good Shepherd, Antrim and Winterset. He retired in 1993.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting walkerobituaries.com.
Violet Wetzel, surviving spouse of the Rev. Fred Gaston, died June 26. A memorial service was held July 17 at First UMC (12 N. Diamond St., Mansfield, OH 44902).
Mrs. Wetzel is survived by daughters Jane Jako and Andrea (Jim) Holmes, and one granddaughter.
Rev. Fred Gaston served as pastor of Mansfield: First and Amsterdam UMCs and as director of Canton Inner City Ministry and Steubenville Urban Mission. He retired in 1980 and died in 2004.
Memorial contributions may be made to the ACLU at 1 (888) 567-ACLU or online at aclu.org.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
Ruth D. Williams, surviving spouse of the Rev. Deane R. Williams, died June 25. A private memorial service will be held.
Mrs. Williams is survived by son Jeffery Williams, daughter Rebecca Heflin, one grandson, and four great-grandsons.
Rev. Deane R. Williams served churches in Illinois and then in East Ohio, including Youngstown Trinity, Canton Church of the Savior, Lakewood, LaGrange, and Willoughby Hills United Methodist churches. He died in 2015.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Life Care Fund of the Oaks Foundation, for the benefit of residents of Copeland Oaks and Crandall Medical Center, 800 S. 15th St., Sebring, OH 44672.
Joanie M. Ready, surviving spouse of the Rev. Charles Ready, died May 22. A funeral service was held May 28 at East Fairfield UMC.
Mrs. Ready is survived by daughters Cynthia (Jon) Straney, Cathie (Leo) Hicks, Carol (David) Vollnogle, Joni (Michael) Brown, and Jacque (Chris) Evrard; 15 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Rev. Charles Ready served Pavonia, Olivesburg, East Fairfield, Rogers, Port Clinton Trinity, Northampton, Lisbon, Elkton, and Negley UMCs. He retired in 1998 and died in 2022.
Memorial contributions may be made to East Fairfield UMC or Camp Braveheart, Inc.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.familycareservices.com.
Duane C. Hetzer, retired Elder, died April 6. A memorial service will be planned for a later date.
Rev. Hetzer is survived by sons Joel (Kelly) and Elliot (Alyssa), and six grandchildren.
Rev. Hetzer served as pastor of Sonora, Canton: Crystal Park, Richmond, and East Liverpool: Calvary UMCs and as a chaplain with Hospice of Hope. He retired in 2012.
Joel K. Greenberg, clergy spouse, died April 29. A memorial service was held May 9 at Garrettsville UMC (8223 Park Ave., Garrettsville, OH 44231) at 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Greenberg is survived by his wife Pastor Sandi Dennis-Greenberg; sons Lonnie (Silvana) Greenberg and Ethan (Rachel) Greenberg; and two grandsons.
Pastor Sandi Dennis-Greenberg currently serves Garrettsville, Nelson and Windham UMCs.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
Larry D. Shinn, retired Elder, died April 2. A celebration of life was held June 7 at Union Church in Berea, Kentucky.
Rev. Shinn is survived by his wife Nancy; daughters Christie (Peter) and Robyn; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Rev. Shinn served in Extension Ministry as a professor in the Department of Religion at Oberlin College, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Bucknell University, and president of Berea College. He retired in 2013.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dignitymemorial.com.Karen Skinner, clergy spouse, died April 8. A service of memory and thanksgiving was held April 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith UMC (300 Ninth Street NW, North Canton, OH 44720).
Mrs. Skinner is survived by her husband the Rev. James Skinner; children K. Kathleen Washington (William), K. Kristine Braley (Matthew Ruschak), James Skinner, Susan Rearick (Todd), and Michael Skinner (Wendy); seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Rev. James Skinner served as pastor at Mayfield Heights: Hillcrest, Cleveland: Church of the Redeemer, Fields, and Rocky River churches as well as Steubenville District Superintendent and Assistant to the Bishop. He retired in 2006.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.reedfuneralhome.com.
Paul A. Farren, retired Elder, died March 20. A memorial service was held at 1:00 p.m. on March 27 at New Albany UMC (20 Third St., New Albany, OH 43054).
Rev. Farren is survived by his wife Lynn; children Kristen (Travis) Ell and Jonathan; and three grandchildren.
Rev. Farren served Gnadenhutten, Barberton: St. Paul’s, Oak Chapel, and Dalton UMCs in Ohio. He retired in 2017.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network via pancan.org.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dignitymemorial.com.Charles E. Quillen, clergy spouse, died March 17. A funeral service was held at 12:00 p.m. on March 24 at Murray Funeral Home (173 S. Main St., Creston, OH 44217).
Mr. Quillen is survived by his wife the Rev. Deborah Quillen, daughter Angela, and two granddaughters.
Rev. Deborah Quillen is currently appointed to Coshocton Grace UMC. She has also pastored Shelby: First, Canton: Zion, Barnesville: Main, Batesville, Creston, Canaan, and East Fairfield UMCs as well as served as Director of Camp Asbury.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace UMC (P.O. Box 1548, Coshocton, OH 43812) for the fire restoration.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.murray-funeral-home.com.
Raymond R. Miller, retired Elder, died March 10. A memorial service was held March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel UMC (222 W Martin St., East Palestine, OH 44413).
Rev. Miller is survived by his wife Sharon.
Rev. Miller served Elkton, Roger’s, Negley, Canton: Bethany, Alliance: Beechwood, Amsterdam, Mt. Zion, East Palestine Centenary, and East Palestine Emmanuel UMCs. He retired in 2017.
Memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.familycareservices.com.
James F. Wiebrecht, retired Elder, died February 5. A memorial service was held March 9 at 1:00 p.m. at Uniontown UMC (13370 Cleveland Ave. NW, Uniontown, OH 44685).
Rev. Wiebrecht is survived by children Mark, Beth (Peter) Coccaro, and Jon (Dawn); seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Rev. Wiebrecht served Rocky River, Mogadore, Ashland: Emmanuel, Wintersville, and McDonaldsville: St. Paul UMCs. He retired in 1998.
Memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
Rev. Wiebrecht donated his body for the advancement of medicine.
Pauline Bender, clergy spouse, died February 5. A funeral service was held February 10 at 11:00 a.m. at First UMC (201 W. High Ave., New Philadelphia, OH 44663).
Mrs. Bender is survived by her husband the Rev. George E. Bender, children Mark (Fu-Wei) Bender, Nathan (Heather) Bender, Pamela (John) Hoesman, and Karen (Donald) Chatfield; five grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Rev. George E. Bender served the following Ohio churches: Henrietta/Birmingham, Lorain: 20th Street, Garfield Heights, Wellington, Woodsfield, East Sparta/Waynesburg, Galion: First, and Avon Lake: Lake Shore. He retired in 1991.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.smithfuneralhomesugarcreek.com.
Orion R. Aubihl, retired Elder, died February 2. Funeral services were held February 7 at 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Community Church (2637 Baum St. SE, Canton, OH 44707).
Rev. Aubihl is survived by his wife Penelope; children Tammy (Steve) Walton, Cindy (Michael) Lacqua, Jenny (Dan) Weinandy, and Dan (Jill) Aubihl; stepchildren Ronda (Eric) Livesay and Ryan (Marta) Blair; 15 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Rev. Aubihl served the following churches in Ohio: Burbank/Canaan, Canton Circuit, Sandyville/Asbury, Sycamore, Louisville: Peace, Rootstown, Beach City, Justus, Newcomer’s Chapel of Pigeon Run, and West Lebanon. He retired in 2001.
Memorial contributions may be made to Walk to Emmaus Ministries at Fellowship of the Upper Room, www.upperroom.org/emmaus, or to Wyandot County Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (7830 SH 199, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351).
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sandersfuneralhomes.com.Sonja G. Bender, retired Elder, died January 19. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Rev. Bender is survived by her children Alana and Donald.
Rev. Bender served Liberty Chapel, Union-Salem, Kilbourne, and North Liberty United Methodist churches. She retired in 2008.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
James B. Wolf, retired Elder, died January 17. A funeral service was held January 23 at Grandview UMC.
Rev. Wolf is survived by his wife Mary Lee; children Judith (Dewayne) Fulton, Janice Wolf, and John Wolf; and three grandchildren.
Rev. Wolf served Grandview UMC for 38 years. He retired in 1991.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grandview UMC (2315 Phelps Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223).
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.cliffordshoemaker.com.Nancy M. Cooper, surviving spouse of the Rev. Donald L. Cooper, died January 19. Funeral services were held January 23 at Noon at James Funeral Home (8 E Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444).
Mrs. Cooper is survived by daughter Pamela (Mike) Talanca, son Bruce (Debbie) Cooper, son Scott (Kim) Cooper, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Rev. Donald L. Cooper died September 3, 2024. Before retiring in 1994, he served Warren: Tod Avenue, Brookfield, Warren: Grace, North Lawrence: Chapel of the Cross, Milan: Edison Memorial, and Ashtabula: Lake Avenue UMCs.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.
Dale A. Patterson, clergy spouse, died January 13. A memorial service was held January 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Montrose Zion UMC (565 N Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Akron, OH 44333).
Mr. Patterson is survived by his wife Rev. Cynthia Patterson, and daughters Kenda and Nina (Jimmy Volcansek).
Rev. Cynthia Patterson currently serves as Associate Pastor at Church of the Saviour UMC and as East Ohio Conference Secretary. She previously served at New Philadelphia First, Northampton and Montrose Zion UMCs.
Memorial contributions to establish a fund to send campers to Royal Family KIDS Camp may be made to Northampton UMC—RFKC (852 W Bath Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223).
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.redmonfuneralhome.com.Kathryn Wadsley, retired Deacon, died January 3. A memorial service was held January 10 at Storm Lake UMC in Iowa.
Rev. Wadsley is survived by five siblings.
Rev. Wadsley served as Minister of Christian Education at Hudson UMC in East Ohio and at various churches in the Baltimore-Washington, Iowa, and South Carolina annual conferences. She retired in 2016.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice, Storm Lake UMC or Delaware Township Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.fratzkejensen.com.
David Rinkes died November 28. A funeral service was held in early December.
He is survived by wife Helen and son Chuck (Amanda).
He served Macksburg, Mary Reed Memorial, Dungannon, Londonderry, Tippecanoe, Pleasant Grove, Powhatan Point, and Powhatan Point Amity United Methodist churches.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.wattersfuneralhome.com.Dennis Hartman, retired Elder, died November 15. A private memorial service will be held for family.
Rev. Hartman is survived by wife Carol, children Shelly (Brian) Wetrich and Allan (Betty) Hartman, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Rev. Hartman served the following Ohio churches: Western Coshocton County Larger Parish, Lakefork, Parma Covenant, Akron First, Barberton Moore Memorial, Canton Zion, Wintersville, Akron Woodland, Akron Firestone Park, Lakeside, and Niles. He retired in 2001.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Alzheimer's Association.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.reedfuneralhome.com.
Neal Malicky, retired Elder, died November 22. A celebration of life was held December 7 at 4:00 p.m. at Berea UMC (170 Seminary St., Berea, OH 44017).
Rev. Dr. Malicky is survived by sons Michael (Heather) and Eric (Kathy); six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and companion Margaret Brooks-Terry.
Rev. Dr. Malicky served as dean of the college, vice president of academic affairs, and then president of Baldwin Wallace University between 1975 and 1999, when he retired.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Neal and Margi Malicky Scholarship Fund at Baldwin Wallace University (275 Eastland Rd., Berea, OH, 44017).
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.bakerfuneralberea.com.
Richard W. Smith, Sr., retired Elder, died November 21. A memorial service was held March 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Wooster UMC (243 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691).
Rev. Dr. Smith is survived by his wife Betty; children Michael (Terri) Smith, Richard (Debra) Smith, Jr., and Douglas (Susan) Smith; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
In addition to an appointment as Superintendent of the St. Clairsville District, Rev. Dr. Smith served the following East Ohio churches: Braceville, West Austintown, Smithville, Sunbury, Millersburg, and Burton City. He retired in 2001.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wooster UMC, Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, or Wayne County Care Center (876 S. Geyers Chapel Rd., Wooster, OH 44691).
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aublefuneralhome.com.
David Blood, retired Elder, died November 6. A funeral service was held November 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Marcy Funeral Home (208 Liberty St., Conneaut, OH 44030).
Rev. Blood is survived by wife Lynda; children Fred Blood, Jarrod (Wendy) Blood, and Sara Sherer; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Rev. Blood served the East Rochester Circuit, Ashtabula: Trinity, Kinsman, Bucyrus: Epworth, Franklin, Adario, Carrollton: First, and Poland UMCs. He retired in 2007.
Memorial contributions may be made to Adoration Hospice or Amboy UMC.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.marcyfuneralhome.com.
DeForest L. Winner, retired Elder, died September 25. Private graveside services will be held.
Rev. Winner is survived by partner Millie Jones, children Sonya (Jay) Valerio and Alysia Atkinson, and four grandchildren.
Rev. Winner served the following Ohio churches: Lorain: First, Cleveland: First, Kinsman/Farmdale, Ashtabula: Lake Ave., Caldwell, Aurora, Milan, Barberton: Johnson, Canton: Zion, North Industry, Steubenville: LaBelle View, and Bellevue: First. He retired in 1990.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tolandherzig.com.
David M. Lynn, retired Elder, died September 12. A memorial service was held October 5 at 10:00 a.m. at Rocky River UMC (19414 Detroit Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116).
Rev. Dr. Lynn is survived by children Beth (Len) Smith, Lisa (Bruce) Tully, Karen (Robert) Jorgensen, and Mark (Cathy) Lynn; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Rev. Dr. Lynn served the following Ohio churches: East Springfield, Warren: First, and Rocky River. He retired in 1995.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wesleyan Senior Living Foundation, 807 West Ave., Elyria, OH 44035.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.zmfh.com.
Cathleen Poremba, clergy spouse, died September 3. Funeral services were held September 12 at 11:00 a.m. at First UMC of Cuyahoga Falls (245 Portage Trl., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221).
Mrs. Poremba is survived by husband the Rev. Tom Poremba, sons Joshua (Cynthia) and Micah (Beth), and four grandchildren.
Rev. Tom Poremba served Williamsfield/Cherry Valley, Mineral Ridge, Ontario, New Washington/Scioto, Calvary Lakewood, Jefferson, and Ravenna UMCs. He retired in 2006.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.bisslerandsons.com.
Phyllis Jean Bell, clergy spouse, died August 8. A celebration of life service was held September 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Gay Street UMC (18 North Gay St., Mount Vernon, OH 43050).
Mrs. Bell is survived by husband the Rev. Gerald Bell, daughter Janet (Michael) Peterson, two grandsons, and one great-granddaughter.
Rev. Gerald Bell served the following churches in Ohio: Celina/Old Town, Fort Recovery Bethel, Continental, Burgoon, Galion: St. Paul, New Philadelphia: First, Mt. Vernon: Gay Street, Warren: First, Mt. Gilead: Trinity, and Green Valley Chapel. He retired in 1997.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
Charles D. Beatty, retired Local Pastor, died July 22. A viewing was held July 26 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at New Rumley Global Methodist Church (41395 Scio-New Rumley Rd., New Rumley, OH 43988).
Pastor Beatty is survived by wife Klara; children Brigette (Keith) Rose, Daniel (Amanda Reed) Beatty, and Chrissie Gerber; and five grandchildren.
Pastor Beatty served Buena Vista, Cadiz Asbury Chapel, Branch, and Mingo Junction First United Methodist churches. He retired in 2012.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.kochfuneral.com.
Dorothy Walther, surviving spouse of the Rev. Roy A. Walther, died July 1. A viewing was held July 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Damascus Methodist Church (300 Valley Rd., Damascus, OH) with a service following at 11:00 a.m.
Mrs. Walther is survived by sons Roy Jr. (Laura) and James (Lori), and four grandchildren.
Rev. Roy A. Walther served the following churches in Ohio: Antioch, Hannibal, Sugar Grove, Lansing, Caldwell, Wellsville First, Trinity, North Liberty, Butler Trinity, and Perrysville. He retired in 1997 and died in 2020.
Memorial contributions may be made to Damascus Methodist Church Missions Fund or Copeland Oaks Retirement Community Lifecare Fund.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.starkmemorial.com.
David Bloor, retired Elder, died June 10. A memorial service was held June 27 at 11:00 a.m. at East Sparta Community Church (2041 Pine St. SE, East Sparta, OH 44626).
Rev. Bloor is survived by two sons and their families.
Rev. Bloor served the following Ohio churches: East Sparta, Waynesburg, Massillon: First, Alliance: Bolton, Lexington, Uhrichsville: First, Salem, and Avon. He retired in 1999.
Memorial contributions may be made to East Sparta Community Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.grfuneralhome.com.
Terry E. Litton, retired Elder, died May 25. Calling hours were held June 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Auble Funeral Home (512 E. Oak St., Orrville, Ohio 44667).
Rev. Dr. Litton is survived by his wife Marilee; children Michelle (Charles) Betts, Beth (Brian) Canfield, Amy (Steve) Burd, and Jessica (Daniel) Nicewarner; seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Rev. Dr. Litton served the following Ohio churches: McZena/Hope, Chippewa: Church at the Lake, Ashland: Emmanuel, Orrville: Trinity, and Cambridge First. He retired in 2007.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cambridge First UMC (PO Box 1166, Cambridge, Ohio 43725).
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aublefuneralhome.com.
Melvin W. Lindberg, retired Elder, died May 23. Calling hours were held May 29 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Reed Funeral Home-North Canton Chapel (801 Pittsburg Ave. NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720). Funeral services were held May 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church (349 Lindy Lane Ave. NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720).
Rev. Dr. Lindberg is survived by his wife Louise; sons Philip (Lisa), Andrew, and Thomas (Sharen); and seven grandchildren.
Rev. Dr. Lindberg served the following Ohio churches: Youngstown: Grace, Loy’s Corners, Alliance: Salem, Smith Corners, Wellsville: First, Bellaire: South, Tiltonsville, North Lawrence: Chapel of the Cross, Hathaway, Massillon Wesley, and Justus. He retired in 1998.
Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Wanake in care of the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.reedfuneralhome.com.
Aletta R. Burkholder, retired Local Pastor, died April 20. A funeral service was held April 28.
Pastor Burkholder is survived by husband Ron; children Alan (Amanda), Rick (Sarah), Christi (Andy) Milliken, and Dan (Angela); 17 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Pastor Burkholder served Bulah Calvary, Kelloggsville, and Madison Park United Methodist churches. She retired in 2011.
Memorial contributions may be made to Perry UMC (3875 Main St., Perry, OH 44081) or Hospice of the Western Reserve (PO Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192).
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.behmfuneral.com.Forrest Waller, retired Elder, died March 31. A celebration of life service was held April 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Cuyahoga Falls First UMC (245 Portage Trl., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221) with visitation one hour prior.
Rev. Waller is survived by children Jackie (Mark) and Paul (Jenny), and five grandchildren.
Rev. Waller served the following Ohio churches: Brookfield, Oberlin: First, Coshocton: Grace, and Cuyahoga Falls: First. He retired in 2001.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cuyahoga Falls First UMC Music and Worship Endowment.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.cliffordshoemaker.com.
Lorraine S. Thompson, surviving spouse of the Rev. Ernest Thompson, died March 7. A memorial service will be announced at a later date when family can gather.
Mrs. Thompson is survived by children, Joy (Bill) Watts, David (Kathy) Thompson, and Jon (Brenda) Thompson; son-in-law Bernie Sauer; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Rev. Ernest Thompson served the following churches in Ohio: Collins, Henrietta/Birmingham, Columbia Station, Congress Federated, and Congress. He retired in 1980 and died in 2002.
Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, The Wayne County Humane Society, or Salvation Army.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Wynn A. Lembright, retired Elder, died February 17. A memorial service will be held June 5 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Academy (1820 Downs Blvd., Franklin, TN 37064).
Rev. Lembright is survived by wife Bonnie, children Holly (Corey) Martin and Jonathan (Jennifer) Lembright, and seven grandchildren.
Rev. Lembright served in extension ministry as chaplain, area representative and regional director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes of the Greater Philadelphia Area and as dean of admissions for Taylor University. He retired in 2008.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.smithfuneral.com.
Jane E. Wilds, surviving spouse of the Rev. Neal Wilds, died February 19. Arrangements are in process for a possible memorial in Columbus, OH.
Mrs. Wilds is survived by children Rebecca and Chris, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren.
Rev. Neal Wilds served Brooklyn Memorial and Cleveland: Faith United Methodist churches. He retired in 2004 and died in 2019.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.cookandsonpallay.com.
Jack O. Schierloh, retired Elder, died February 18. A remembrance service for family and friends will be held soon to celebrate the lives of both Rev. Schierloh and his wife, Jane, who preceded him in death.
Rev. Schierloh is survived by children Jay (Stacey), Jackie, and Tim (Teri); 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Rev. Schierloh served the following churches in Ohio: Aurora, Cuyahoga Falls: Trinity, Cleveland: Simpson, Lakewood: Inner City Worker-West Side Methodist Parish, Cleveland: Peoples, Mentor Plains, and Middlefield. He retired in 1998.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mcvfuneralhomes.com.
Elizabeth Parks, surviving spouse of the Rev. Richard Parks, died February 13.
Rev. Richard Parks served Paradise Hill, Lisbon, Ontario, and Lakewood United Methodist churches and served as Steubenville District Superintendent. He retired in 2007 and died in 2018.
David N. J. Smith, clergy spouse, died February 15. A memorial service was held at 1:00 p.m. March 9 at Mentor UMC (8600 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060). The service will be livestreamed at mentorumc.org.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife the Rev. Dr. Ivy Smith, four adult children, and one minor child.
Rev. Dr. Ivy Jo Smith is currently appointed to Mentor UMC. She also served Pearl Road, Canton: Crossroads, Simpson, James S. Thomas, and Canfield UMCs.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mentor UMC.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.davisbabcock.com.Thomas S. Taylor, retired Elder, died February 22. Services were held February 24 at 1:00 p.m. in Cascade Hall at Wesleyan Village (807 West Ave., Elyria, OH 44035).
Rev. Taylor is survived by wife Nell and children Deborah, Dean, Wesley, and Kathryn.
Rev. Taylor served Plymouth/Shiloh, Lakeside, Delaware: Asbury, Euclid: East Shore, and Brecksville UMCs and as a Cleveland District Superintendent. He retired in 1996.
Miriam Moore, surviving spouse of the Rev. Homer H. Moore, died January 30. A small memorial service will be held later this spring.
Mrs. Moore is survived by children Terry (Carol) Moore, Tanya (Steve) Whitaker, Melody Lee, Mark (Linda) Moore; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Rev. Homer H. Moore served Galena, Collins West Hartland, Rocky River, Chesterland Trinity, and South Arlington United Methodist Churches. He retired in 1990 and died in 1996.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.swigarteasterlingfuneralhome.com.
The East Ohio Conference Office:
located in North Canton, OH,
near Akron-Canton Airport.
Address:
8800 Cleveland Ave. NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone:
(330) 499-3972
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
© East Ohio Conference. All Rights Reserved.
