Obituaries « The VW independent (2024)

Obituary Policy

Obituaries can be emailed to editor@thevwindependent.com. The Van Wert independent no longer accepts no-cost death notices. As of October 1, 2023, the cost of full obituaries will be $95 (including a photo). Local funeral homes are billed for full obituaries, while out-of-town funeral homes can also be billed, if so requested. Obituaries submitted by individuals must be paid in full prior to publication. The Van Wert independent accepts credit cards by telephone from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday at 419.238.1220.

Archie B. Shrum

Archie B. Shrum, 88, of Van Wert, passed away early Tuesday morning, August 13, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by his family.

He was born March 30, 1936, in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, the son of Orville and Bessie (Beason) Shrum. On August 18, 1956, he married the former Jacquelyn S. Geisman. She preceded him in death on August 30, 2021.

Archie retired from the Lima Tank Plant after many years of service. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, in Van Wert, and was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1320, in Van Wert. Archie was a veteran of the Army National Guard.

Archie is survived by his children, David E. (Michelle) Shrum of Delaware, Ohio, Susan L. (Randy) Heppeard of Van Wert and Marilyn A. (James) Tomlinson of Van Wert; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and four sisters, Mary Emma, Martha Bell, Anna and Georgia.

In addition to his wife, Jacquelyn S. Shrum, Archie was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, John, Chester, Orville, Harold and Floyd, and four sisters, Violet, Grace, Bertha and Wavie.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 16, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Rev. Thomas Chamberlain, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or Community Health Professionals Home Care and Hospice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Carol E. Leathers

Carol E. Leathers, 88, of Van Wert, peacefully passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024.

She was born on February 21, 1936, in Van Wert, to Poe and Grace (Smith) Doner, who both preceded her in death. On October 9, 1965, Carol married the love of her life, John Leathers, who passed away on May 31, 1989.

A proud graduate of Van Wert High School, Carol was a dedicated bookkeeper for Thomas Edison Center. Prior to her time at Thomas Edison, she had worked in the payroll department at Borden Dairy. Carol was also a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Van Wert.

Devoted to her family, Carol is survived by her loving children, Craig Leathers of Redlands California, Marcy Leathers of Van Wert, and Stacy Leathers of Memphis, Tennessee. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to have known her throughout her life.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her sisters and their spouses, Betty (Richard) Learned and Marilyn (Omar) Steward.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 19, at Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert, with Pastor Christian Taylor presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to CHP Home Care & Hospice.

Arrangements were entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. To share in Carol’s online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

Leslie Kay (Eversole) Glossett

Leslie Kay (Eversole) Glossett, 43, passed away unexpectedly at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital on Sunday, August 4, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family.

She was born July 31, 1981, the daughter of Donald and Pamela Eversole, who both survive.

She was a 2000 Lincolnview High School and Vantage Career Center graduate. She held many positions in her life workwise, but her favorites were mother, daughter, sister, aunt and wife.

She is survived by her husband, Brandon Glossett; daughter, Madysen Glossett; son, Grant Glossett; siblings, Terry Eversole, Amy (Jeff) Friemoth, Kalah (Jason) Lee, Brian (Taylor) Glossett, Michael (Courtney) Glossett, and Michelle (Jeff) Glossett; mother-in-law, Theresa Glossett; grandmother-in-law Marilyn Glossett, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many others who loved her like family.

She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Milo and Marjorie Eversole; paternal uncles Ralph and Arthur Eversole; maternal grandparents, Bud and Janice Carter; maternal aunt, Kelly Baxter, as well as grandfather Richard Glossett.

She enjoyed spending time with her best friends and family, out at the pond, in the garden, at the Poe Farm, with her cats Sophia and Leo and with her grandpup Oakley Mae, who she called “Mae Mae.”

A celebration of life will be held from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, August 11, on the banquet side at Elks Lodge No. 1197, Van Wert. A meal for immediate family will follow. The family asks for everyone to please join and celebrate her life like she would want all of us to.

In her memory, cards, plants or anything else you are wanting to send can be sent to the family.

Gregory Eugene Walls

Gregory Eugene Walls, 71, formerly of Van Wert, gained his wings as he was called home unexpectedly to the Lord God Almighty on Monday, July 29, 2024, at his home in Wellington, Florida.

He was born in Van Wert on March 17, 1953, to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Eugene Walls.

He graduated with the Van Wert High School Class of 1972. He recently celebrated 37 years of marriage to the love of his life, Carmen Bayoni Walls on June 6.

He is also survived by his one and only child, Raymond Walls Gumbel and Brian Gumbel, along with cherished grandchildren, Waverly and William Gumbel of New York City; siblings, Paula Walls Ybarra (Mark Keysor), and Kevin and (Dawn) Walls of Huntington, Indiana, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Stephen Walls Clearwater Florida.

He had been retired for six years after going to work at the Van Wert Water Treatment Plant at the age of 17 and then on to City of Wellington Treatment Plant in Florida. He enjoyed time with his family and friends as well as politics, sports and movies. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 10, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Van Wert. There will be a blessing of his ashes and memorial.

Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Taylor

Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Taylor, age 61, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 2, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted mother, Kathy cherished her time with her family, always putting them first.

Kathy is survived by her daughters, Heather Kloth, Brandi Nielsen, Fawn Taylor, and Kayla Garb, as well as her son, Dustyn Taylor. She adored her grandchildren, who brought immense joy and light into her life. Kathy is also survived by her three brothers, DuWayne (Diane) Garb, Randy (Deborah) Garb, and Kirk (Deb) Garb. She leaves behind her special friend, Kollin Figley.

Kathy was a tenacious warrior who bravely fought lung cancer, beating many odds that were stacked against her. Her strength and resilience were an inspiration to all who knew her.

She found joy in simple pleasures, particularly her hobbies of latchhook and watching the Game Show Network. Kathy also loved her dog, Suzy Q, and her cat, Oreo. Her creativity and warmth were evident in the beautiful latchhook projects she crafted, which now serve as treasured memories for her family.

Kathy retired from Federal-Mogul in 2022, after a few years of dedicated service. Prior to that, she worked as an STNA for many years at Vancrest and Lincolnway Home, where she touched many lives with her compassionate care.

Her presence brought comfort and happiness to those around her, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Kathy’s legacy of love, dedication to her family and remarkable courage will continue to inspire those she left behind.

Her viewing will be held from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert.

Preferred memorials: directly to Cowan & Son for Kathy or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help find a cure for childhood cancer.

Thomas E. Losh

Thomas E. Losh, 75, of rural Ohio City passed away Friday afternoon, August 2, 2024, at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital following a brief illness.

He was born May 24, 1949, in Lima, the son of Carl L. and Wilda M. (Jervis) Losh, who both preceded him in death. He married the former Twyla J. Augsburger in 1988 and she survives.

Other family members include his five sons, Kevin D. (Sheryl) Christlieb of Gomer, Keith D. (Elizabeth) Christlieb of Lenoir, North Carolina, Christopher D. (Holly Eastburn) Losh of Ohio City, Thomas R. (Stephanie) Losh of Van Wert, and Bryan J. (Laura) Losh of Frankenmuth, Michigan; 14 grandchildren, Jessica Marling, Kelsey (Alan) George, Kenzie (Nathan Fairburn) Christlieb, Amanda (Brian) Arnett, Elise (Brandon) Palmer, Sierra Brashaw, Eliza Losh, Blake Losh, Brayden Losh, Brie Losh, Gigi DeLong, Colin Losh, Madison Losh, and Austin Losh; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Joe E. (Mona) Losh of Elida; a sister, Linda (Darrell) Clay of Ada, and a sister-in-law, Betty Augsburger of Kenton.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Todd Augsburger; a daughter-in-law, Dawn Christlieb; grandchildren, Samantha Marling, JJ Marling and Mikki Starr, and one great grandchild in infancy, Greyson Starr.

Tom was raised in Lima and graduated from Lima Senior High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and spent five years on active duty, being stationed in England, Thailand, Vietnam and other bases in Europe. He worked in avionics – the radar system on airplanes. He joined the Air National Guard in Fort Wayne, Indiana working mainly in avionics and retiring in 2001 as a Master Sergeant.

He worked at Federal Mogul in Van Wert for many years as maintenance supervisor and then as plant engineer before retiring in 2009. He then, with some help from his sons, built a very large garage. He particularly liked filling it with tables for his wife to cover with items for the very busy 127 Garage Sale which he had to miss this year.

Tom was active in the Harvey Lewis Post 346 of the American Legion in Ohio City. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 5803 of Van Wert. His hobby was bowling. He enjoyed five family trips to Hawaii and two cruises.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 8, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Rev. Gary Ginter officiating. Interment will follow at Ohio City Woodlawn Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post 346 and the Indiana Air National Guard. Calling hours will be held from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: the American Red Cross, the Van Wert County Humane Society, or the Ohio City United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Jo Ann Phipps

Jo Ann Phipps, 92, passed away Friday, July 26, 2024, at Vancrest of Payne.

Jo Ann was born December 14, 1931, at home in Paulding County, to Cathryn (Price) and Adam Winans, who both preceded her in death.

On August 5, 1950, Jo Ann married Jack (John W.) Phipps, who passed away in April 2016. Together, they celebrated 65 years of marriage. To this union was born three children, Cathy Schoenauer, Margaret Schilb, and John Phipps (deceased).

Jo Ann worked at Central Mutual Insurance, Payne Local Schools as secretary and later as food supervisor of Wayne Trace Local Schools. She also attended the University of Saint Francis and later served as Benton Township clerk. Retiring, Jo Ann found other ways to serve the community as a volunteer and on the Dallas Lamb Foundation Board of Trustees. Jo Ann’s faith journey led her to membership in St Paul’s United Methodist Church and Divine Mercy Catholic Church.

Jo Ann will be sadly missed by her daughters, Cathy (the late Ron) Schoenauer, Margaret (the late Rick) Schilb; grandchildren, Scott (Audra) Schoenauer, Carrie (Aaron) McKinney, Aaron (Ashley) Schilb, Mikael (Meredith) Schilb, Johnny Phipps, Joseph Phipps, and Josh Schoenauer; great-grandchildren, Jack Schoenauer, Sarah (Austin) Winebrenner, Emily (Connor) Sowers, Allison Dyson, Grace McKinney, Megan McKinney, Max, Charlie and Henry Schilb, Damon and Lilly Smith and Vivian Schilb and one great-great grandchild, Owen Winebrenner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; son John, and siblings Richard Winans, Allen Winans and Betty Van Ho.

Visitation will be 9-10:45 a.m. Monday, August 5, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 312 S. Main St. in Payne. A service of commemoration and celebration will take place at 11 a.m. that day at the church. Burial will take place following the service, with interment in Lehman Cemetery, Payne.

Memorials are to St Paul’s United Methodist Church or the Vancrest-Payne Activity Fund.

Fond memories can be shared atdooleyfuneralhome.com.

Jerry Eugene Fisher

Jerry Eugene Fisher, 82, of Van Wert, passed away Monday evening, July 29, 2024, at Ohio Health in Van Wert.

He was born on January 3, 1942, in Van Wert, to Harry and Louise (Sherman) Fisher.

Jerry married the former Rosalyn Coffelt and she preceded him in death in 1987. Then, in 1997, he married Judy (Brewer) and she survives in Van Wert.

Jerry retired from Marsh Supermarket after 35 years of service. He enjoyed working in his yard and tending to his garden. Most importantly, Jerry cherished time spent with his family- especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Judy Fisher, Jerry is survived by his children, Jerry (Kristi) Fisher, Jr. of Fort Wayne, Derrik (June) Fisher of Bloomington, Indiana, and Aaron (Melissa) Anthony of Round Rock, Texas; grandchildren, Mandy Pangle, David Pratt, Felicia Fisher, Rachael Duff, Jeramie Burnett, Jason Burnett, Bailee Newton, Chase Fisher, Conner Fisher, Steven Anthony, Dylan Anthony, Ethan Anthony and Heaven Anthony; 14 great-grandchildren, and siblings, Connie Sloan of Wauseon, Dave (Mary) Fisher of Latty and Brenda (John) Harper of Fremont, Ohio.

In addition to his parents and first wife, Rosalyn Fisher, he was preceded in death by a son, Mark Fisher, and siblings, Lester Rayer, Tom Fisher and Cathy Dice.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, August 5, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: the Van Wert Fire Department.

William Dwayne Ratliff

William Dwayne Ratliff, 56, of Van Wert, died at 10:09 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Mercy-St. Rita’s Hospital in Lima.

He was born November 15, 1967, in Paulding, to William Farmer Ratliff and Shirley Jean (Hall) Lippi.

William was a truck driver with many years of service. He enjoyed singing and playing the guitar, hunting, fishing and racing. He never knew a stranger and could always be found telling stories of how things used to be.

William is survived by his mother and stepfather, Shirley Jean (Michael) Lippi; his children, Kendra McFeely of St Marys, Keith (Danielle Knittle) Ratliff of Van Wert, Corey (Ashley) Ratliff of Willshire, Summer (Tyler) Rau of Cloverdale, Dylan (Rachel) Williams of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Dustin (Brooke) Ratliff of Convoy; sisters, Cindy (Mike) East of Van Wert and Regina Lippi of Van Wert; brothers, Chad (Heather) Ratliff of Van Wert, Mikey (Karla) Lippi of Van Wert, and Sheridan (Carolyn Miller) Lippi of New Haven, Indiana, and 25 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father and two grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held from 2-5 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the Ohio City Community Building.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.

Carol J. Koenig

Carol J. Koenig, of Middle Point, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the day after her 58th birthday while vacationing in Memphis, Tennessee.

She was born July 22, 1966, in Lima, to Eugene V. “Skip” Heffner and Nancy (Horman) Martin. Carol attended Van Wert High School and graduated from Vantage Career Center in 1984 earning her cosmetology license. On October 29, 1989, Carol married the love of her life, Matthew Koenig, and together they shared many beautiful years filled with love and laughter.

She magnified her love for cooking by working as the cafeteria manager at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic School for over 24 years, where she became a cherished member of the community. She was a proud member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, where she found solace in her faith. Carol led a simple yet fulfilling life, finding joy in reading, crocheting, and camping.

She always enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Norwhal.” Known for her spirited nature, Carol had a penchant for driving too fast when the moment called for it and lived by the motto “My House, My Rules.” She was a force to be reckoned with.

Carol is survived by her husband, Matthew Koenig of Middle Point; children: Shelby (Dan) Heilman of Delphos, and Caleb (Rachael) Koenig of Spencerville; grandchildren, Liam, Lucy, Max and Nadia; mother, Nancy Martin of Wapakoneta; stepmother, Connie Wlcker Heffner; siblings: Tony Heffner, Scott Heffner, Penny (Keith) Wiseman, and Janey Knittle, all of Van Wert; Mike (Amy) Martin of Botkins; David Martin, Jo (Ben) Smith, Derrick (Connie) Martin, Brenda Martin, all of Wapakoneta, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father, Carol was preceded in death by her father, Eugene; brother, Greg Martin, and sister, Vickie McCullum.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 1, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert, with Father Chris Bohnsack as celebrant. The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m Wednesday, July 31, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the school lunch programs of St. Mary School or Van Wert City Schools to assist with free and reduced lunches for children.

To share in Carol’s online memorial visit www.alspachgearhart.com.