Recent Obituaries

Obituary Archives

Betty Joan Clutter age 79 of Caledonia passed away Monday evening February 1^st, 2010 in Partners of Marion Rehabilitation & Care Center where she had resided for the past week. She was born November 5^th, 1930 in Caledonia, the daughter of the late Shirley E. & Geneva B (Landes) Cain.

On July 21^st, 1951 she married Ivan L. Clutter in San Diego. He preceded her in death December 20^th, 2001.

Joan was a graduate of Caledonia High School and was employed by J.C. Penney of Marion during the 1960s. She enjoyed oil painting, crocheting , hooking rugs and was very good at sewing. She always enjoyed her winter home in Frostproof, Florida.

Joan is survived by her son Larry Clutter of Caledonia and her daughter and son -in-law Karen & Leo Buyer of Marion. She will also be remembered by seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She will also be missed by her brother James Cain of Fremont .

She was preceded in death by her son Gary, five brothers and one sister. Funeral Services for Joan will be held on Friday February 5th, 2010 at 11:00 in the Timson Allen & Melroy Funeral Home in Caledonia with Kenneth Boswell officiating. Interment will follow in Caledonia Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 2 - 4, 6 - 8. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Ohio Breathing Association. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timsonallenmelroy.com

M. Josephine "Jo" Gerhardt, age 94, a long time resident of Mt. Gilead, died January 22, 2010, in Boynton Beach, Florida.
     
Mrs. Gerhardt was born in May 1, 1915, in Chesterville, OH. She graduated from The Ohio State University with bachelor’s degrees in fine arts, education and biological sciences. She and her family moved to Mt. Gilead in 1947, where she taught fifth grade for several years and until her retirement from Mt. Gilead Schools, high school art and science.   Mrs. Gerhardt was an artist who also regularly taught adult art classes.
     
Mrs. Gerhardt was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church until her move to Florida. She was also involved in the community, serving as a Boy Scout den mother, and later as a member of the Senior Progress Club, Green Pairs Garden Club, United Methodist Women, American Association of University Women, County Fine Arts Guild, Alpha Couples Twig and a volunteer at the Morrow County Hospital. She derived great pleasure from helping others and creating visually beautiful pieces of art.
     
Mrs. Gerhardt was preceded in death by her sons, Steven and Robert, and her husband, Robert William Gerhardt.
     
She is survived by sons Jon S. Gerhardt and wife Claudia, Stow, OH; Kenneth J. Gerhardt and wife Melissa, Gainesville, FL; David G. Gerhardt and wife Diane, Boynton Beach, FL;  daughter-in-law Joan Gerhardt (Robert L. Gerhardt, deceased), Austin, TX; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
     
Calling hours will be at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Craven Chapel, 67 N Main St., Mt. Gilead, on Saturday, February 6th at 1:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m.
     
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, Mt. Gilead, OH, or The Alzheimer’s Association.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com

Alice Beverly Cochran Cox, age 81, of Mount Gilead and formerly of Columbus, died Friday evening, January 29, 2010, at home surrounded by her family following an extended illness.
         
On January 22, 1929, Alice Beverly was born in Marengo, the daughter of the late Frank and Nellie Cochran, who were of Mount Gilead.  
         
Her family then moved to Columbus in 1942, when she was just entering high school.  She then graduated from North High School in the Class of 1946.  Following high school, Alice Beverly enrolled into the Ohio State University, where she was proud to have won Miss Ohio State in 1948 and was the Maquio Queen for the OSU yearbook.  She later transferred to Capital University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education.  She was a member of the Alpha Z Delta Sorority.  For 30 years, Alice Beverly dedicated herself to her elementary students in the Columbus Public School system, and she retired from Como Elementary School.  Also, she later became a member of the Morrow County Teacher’s Retirement System.  Following her retirement, Alice Beverly and her daughter, Cathy Shomber, felt called back to Mount Gilead, where they started the Horse Bottom Acres Farm.  Their farm gives a home to retired racehorses that would otherwise have been euthanized, and she was responsible for helping to save at least 14 horses.  An intelligent woman, Alice Beverly was often referred to as a “walking dictionary” as everyone would call her for an answer to most any question.  She also was an avid reader, reading anything she could get her hands on.  A woman of grace and beauty, Alice Beverly was known to “turn heads” throughout most of her life.  An animal lover, Alice Beverly had raised countless different animals throughout her life, such as rats and lambs, but her beloved canine companions, Meetoo and Rooster, were always by her side.

Always there for her family, Alice Beverly “was the best mother her children could have asked for.”  Having a huge heart, she would also open her arms, taking in any one who needed a place to stay.  To her grandchildren, she was their beloved “Muggers.”
         
Alice Beverly will be dearly missed by her daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Steven Shomber of Mount Gilead; four grandchildren: Jeremy Shomber of South Carolina, Sara Shomber of Columbus, Chris (Danyelle) Belcher of Wadsworth, and Madelyn Belcher of Colorado; two great-grandchildren: Seby Shomber and Jake Ellington; three step-children: Bill (Barb) Cox, Charlie Cox, and Doug (Carol) Cox; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister, Norma (Francis) Bishop of Oberlin, Ohio; two nieces and two nephews; and countless dear friends, such as: Kathy Fitzpatrick of Athens, and Mary Ellen Crimmels of Columbus.
         
Including her parents, Alice Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Dana W. Cox, and her two sons and a daughter-in-law: Timothy and Betsy Belcher and Casey Belcher.
         
A service of celebration for Alice Beverly’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2010, at the Harmony Chapel United Methodist Church, 3994 County Road 20, Mount Gilead, with Hospice Chaplain Star Sanchez officiating.  Burial will take place at a later date in Glendale Cemetery in Cardington.
         
Arrangements have been entrusted to Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption, 13580 Leeper-Perkins Rd., Marysville, OH 43040 (to help find caring homes for retired racehorses), or to the Morrow County Animal Shelter, 195 S. Main St., Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338.
       
For those wishing to express their condolences to Alice Beverly’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com

Myrtle C. Howard, age 86, of Cardington died Wednesday evening, January 27, 2010 at Woodside Village Care Center in Mount Gilead.  She was born May 29, 1923 in Morrow County to the late George and Faye (Huddleston) Cole.

Myrtle attended Marengo School.  As a homemaker, Myrtle raised chickens and had an egg route.  She and her husband, Luther had large vegetable and flower gardens and sold items from these gardens from their home as well.

Myrtle married Luther Howard in Greenup, KY on March 8, 1941 and he preceded her in death on September 22, 2000.

Myrtle is survived by four brothers, Wayne Cole, Sr., Vaughan Cole, Carle Cole all of Cardington and Harold Cole of Mount Gilead; a sister, Helen Lucille Hunt of Centerburg; 25 nieces and nephews; several great and great-great nieces and nephews and friends and neighbors..

In addition to her parents and husband Myrtle was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Clyde, Herbert and Paul Cole and a sister, Dorothy Dye.

Graveside services will be held in Glendale Cemetery on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 1:00 PM.

John Christopher Gompf Sr., age 74, of Cardington went home to be with our Lord on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born December 19, 1935 in Cardington to the late Martha (Gompf) Chapman and Jacob and Florence (Fairchilds) Gompf.

On April 16, 1955, he married Shirley M. Shafer in Richmond, Indiana.

John was a 1953 graduate of Cardington-Lincoln High School. He was a life-long farmer and worked in maintenance for the city of Marion for 35 years. John was a member of St. John Lutheran Church (Windfall) in Cardington. He was an avid Cincinnati Reds baseball and Cleveland Cavalier's basketball fan.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirley; three children, Judy (Lester) Foulke, Marion, John Jr. (Pam) Gompf, Cardington, and Jeri (Craig) Blue, Marion; seven grandchildren, John Gompf III, Jennifer Lynn Gompf, Jennifer Leigh Crone, Isaac Blue, Micah Blue, Katie Blue, Rachel Marshall ; and two great grandchildren, Alexis and Bailey Crone.

Friends may call from 2:00PM to 4:00PM on Sunday, January 24^th at Gompf Funeral Home in Cardington or a half hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral service will be held Monday, January 25^th at 11:00AM at St. John's Lutheran Church (Windfall), 5070 Newmans-Cardington Road East, Cardington. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church (Windfall) LOMO Campership Fund, 5070 Newmans-Cardington Road East, Cardington, OH 43315 or Home Reach Hospice, 3595 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214.

Condolences and remembrances may be expressed care of Gompf Funeral Home, www.gompffh.com

Ray Sexton, 62, of Edison died late Wednesday night, January 20, 2010 at his home.
     
He was born in Wayne County, West Virginia on December 7, 1947, the son of the late Howard Sexton and Marie Emily (White) Sexton of Edison.
     
Ray was a machine operator for Worthington Foods for 33 years, retiring in 2005.  He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and hunting.
         
In addition to his mother he is survived by his three children Eric Sexton of Pickerington, Kim and her husband Tye Lang of Sunbury, and Dawn Sexton of Columbus; 11 grandchildren; and 6 siblings.
     
A memorial service will take place at a later date. Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead have been entrusted with the arrangements.
     
For those wishing to express their condolences to Ray’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Richard Allen Van Horn, 74, of Urbana, formerly of Marengo, Ohio, went to be with the Lord, with his family by his side on Saturday, January 16, 2010.

Richard was born in Rosewood, Ohio to the late Ward and Cora (Casebeer) Van Horn. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Ann (Stickley) Van Horn.

Richard was a 1953 graduate of Westville High School. After graduation he served in the United States Army from 1953 - 1955 stationed in Italy. Richard then went on to graduate from Wilmington College with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and with a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University. Richard's dedicated career in education touched the lives of thousands of students, teachers and community members. He began his career at Greenfield Jr. High and went from there to Anna Local where he taught special education. He worked at the Champaign County Board of Education as a supervisor and then to Graham Jr. High where he served as the building principal for 6 years. His next career change took him to Morrow County where he lead the Highland Local Schools as Superintendent for 14 years. He was instrumental in the construction of a new junior high school and the Highland community recognized his leadership by dedicating the new building to him.

In retirement, Richard was the driving force in the establishment, construction, and operation of a water company serving southern Morrow County and also served as its president. Richard also served on the Morrow County Hospital and Delco Water Boards and spent the remainder of his retirement on the family farm taking every opportunity to be involved in the lives of his children and his seventeen grandchildren.

Richard is survived by the 7 Ks and their families; Kimberly Jones (Aaron, Austin and Alexandra) of Urbana, Kathy (Randy) Weaver (Brock, Kirby, and Chase) of Marengo, Kris (Roberto) Rojas (Olivia, Diego, Isabel, and Lorenzo) of Upper Arlington, Kurt (Joanne) Van Horn (Clara, Nathaniel and Hannah) of Mandeville, LA, Kent Van Horn of Pacific Beach, CA, Karyl (Rusty) Strader (Colby, Cooper and Caden) of Urbana and Kelly (Neil) Ziegler (Max) of Clintonville. He is also survived by two sisters Frances Burcham, Sarasota, FL and Mary Ruth (Carl) Strayer of Peoria, AZ, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Richard was
preceded in death by his brothers John Van Horn and Donald Van Horn.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 in the VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2010 in the funeral home with the Pastors, Dr. Rev. James Van Zile and Rev. Roger Larrison officiating. Burial will follow in Rosedale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard Van Horn Scholarship Fund, Security National Bank, Westville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 117, Westville, Ohio 43083 or 1st Baptist Church of St. Paris, 121 S. Church St., St. Paris, Ohio 43072.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.

Kathryn Elizabeth Pearl Maxwell was born in Delaware County, OH on May 13, 1923 to the late Harry Smith and Margaret Isabella (David) Pearl.  Her name was made from the names of her two grandmothers, Sarah Kathryn Pearl and Lucy Elizabeth David. She grew up in the home where she was born in the Village of Warrensburg on the banks of the Scioto River.  Three other children were born to the family: a son, Robert Carroll and two daughters, Sara Lucy and Florence Louise.  Florence died at the age of seven of peritonitis resulting from a burst appendix.

Kathryn graduated from Ostrander High School and The Ohio State University.  She also did graduate work at Bowling Green University and Ashland University.  For her student teaching she was assigned to Cardington High School.  As was customary at that time the Home Economics teacher was also responsible for much of the management of the school cafeteria-making menus, ordering food, and generally keeping an eye on the operation.  These duties led to a relationship with the local Riverside Dairy delivery man.  A romance developed and on June 8, 1947 she married Cecil Aubrey Maxwell at the Warrensburg United Methodist Church.

They set up their new home on Chesterville Road in Cardington, with their already established family, including Cecil’s son, James Leslie, whose mother had died when he was only a few months old.  To their family they added a set of twin girls, Janice Eileen and Janet Elaine, and a third daughter, Jeanne Emily.

In 1951, when the health of Cecil’s father was failing they bought Riverside Dairy on a long-term contract that guaranteed income to his parents as long as they lived.  They traded houses, moving to the Riverside Dairy Farm on East Main Street in Cardington.  Then in addition to keeping up with four busy children Kathryn became the secretary-treasurer of the dairy, occasionally finishing a late developing batch of cottage cheese, making an emergency delivery of dairy products, or taking a tire to a driver stranded somewhere along the road with a flat tire. For 41 years, Cecil and Kathryn made Riverside Homemade Ice Cream.

In 1954, Cecil’s parents returned from a weekend at Lakeside and announced that they had bought a house.  Two years later they moved to Lakeside and established a guest house called Maxwell’s Hospitality House.  After Paul’s death in 1967, Cecil and Kathryn bought out his sister GaNell’s interest and continued to operate the Guest House.  The Hospitality House is in its 55 year of operation by the Maxwell family.

When the children were of college age, Kathryn returned to college and trained to earn her certificate to teach developmentally handicapped students, and for 17 years taught at Cardington-Lincoln School.

She was an active member of Cardington First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Senior Citizens Club, Buckeye Twig of Morrow County Hospital, Reveille Club and Morrow County Retired Teachers.  She was a Paul Harris Member of the Rotary International.  She was awarded Outstanding Citizen of Morrow County and the Jennings Scholar Outstanding Educator Award.  Kathryn was an active participant in the Woman’s Health Initiative of The Ohio State University Medical Center study contributing statistics and research for more than 15 years.

Kathryn volunteered extensively for many organizations.  A favorite involved listening to second grade students read in Mrs. Chris Robinson’s class in Cardington.

She passed away on January 18, 2010.  Kathryn leaves her husband of 62 years, Cecil of Cardington, a son, James Leslie (Pam) Maxwell of Burlington, VT; three daughters, Janice (TG) Haynes and  Janet (Gary) Wuertz all of Delaware and Jeanne Vaughan of Avon; a brother, Robert Pearl and as sister, Sara Foreman both of Delaware; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit the family Friday, January 22nd from 2:00-4:00PM and 6:00 to 8:00PM at Gompf Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at the Cardington First United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 23rd at 10:00AM.  Pastor Gail Angel will officiate and burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Cardington First United Methodist Church, 300 South Marion St, Cardington, OH 43315 or to The Maxwell Park in care of the Village of Cardington, PO Box 10, Cardington, OH 43315.