Bernie L. Stewart of Quincy passed away Thursday, October 29, 2009 at his home.

He was born on November 12, 1922, in Shelby County, the son of the late Russell E. and Mary Davidson Stewart.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lisa Downing Stewart; daughters,  Virginia (Edwin) Thompson of Sidney, Rebecca (Richard) Jenkins of Piqua, Trudy (Arthur) Hughes of Satellite Beach FL, and Aunalee (Jim Stepp) Hess of DeGraff; 17 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter; brother Ora (Jeanne) Stewart of Bellefontaine; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Ferguson Stewart; sister Mary Staley Smith; brother, Cleo Stewart; infant twin brothers; and his only son, Scott S. Stewart.

A 1940 graduate of Quincy High School, he was well known in the area as a baseball player, and enjoyed boating and classic boats. He was skilled in many areas, having owned and operated a service station in Sidney for many years as well as the Wheel Inn restaurant in Quincy, and retired as a truck driver from the Hi Grade Oil Company. A WWII Veteran who served in N. Africa, China, Burma and India, he recently enjoyed a trip to Washington D.C. with the Shelby County Veterans to visit the WWII Memorial. A private pilot, he was the proprietor of S&S Airfield in Quincy, and found much pleasure in giving airplane rides in his classic Cessna, 62 Foxtrot.

Arrangements are being handled by the Myron Van Horn Chapel of Sanford-Eichholtz Funeral Home, Lakeview, where he was cremated. Bernie was a member of the Quincy United Methodist Church, where Pastor N. Matthew Wright will officiate at a memorial service on Monday, November 2 at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the DeGraff-Quincy Veterans Memorial Fund.

Condolences may be expressed at sefh@charterinternet.com.

John V. Myers, 70, of Bellefontaine, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at The Ohio State University Hospital.

He was born on January 29, 1939 in La Rue, OH to the late Clarence H. and Mildred M. (McCreary) Myers.

On March 14, 1966 he married Barbara L. Collins in Pascagoula, MS and she survives along with their children, Andrew V. of Marysville, Tony W. (Lynn) of Bellefontaine and Ruth McIntire of Urbana; two brothers, Asa (Joan) Myers of South Carolina and Max (Cathy) Myers of Florida; four sisters, Marilyn Myers and Sue Cantu both of California, Mary Ann (John) Shifflett of Iowa and Karen Myers of Florida; and four grandchildren, Tom and Addison Alig, Garrett Dunn and Henry and Brooks Myers.

A Vietnam veteran, John was retired from the United States Navy after 20 years of service and owned and operated Rush Business Products in Bellefontaine.

He was a member of the Walnut Grove United Methodist Church, the Belle Center American Legion Post #266, Bellefontaine Masonic Lodge #309 and a Charter member of the DAV Chapter #66.  He was still an active commissioner with the Logan County Veteran’s Service Commission and a supporter of the Logan County Relay for Life for the past five years.  He enjoyed woodworking, being with his family, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 2 to 6 at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine on Sunday, November 1, 2009 with a memorial service beginning at 6:00 pm on Sunday.  Pastor Max Jackson will officiate as well as military services conducted by the Logan County Veteran’s Honor Guard and a Masonic service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the DAV Chapter #66 or the Logan County Cancer Society.

Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine is handling the arrangements and condolences to the family may be expressed at:   www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Robby Sean Maier, 27, of Bellefontaine, went home to be with the Lord in peace on Monday, October 26, 2009.

He was born on August 2, 1982 in Bellefontaine.  He is survived by his parents, Scott (Shannon) Maier of West Liberty and Christina (Marotti) (Tony Robinson) Williams of Bellefontaine.

On May 5, 2005 he married Brandi Lasseter in Quincy and she survives along with their daughters, Terran and Jaslene Maier both of Bellefontaine; a brother, Ryan Maier of Dublin; sisters, Brooke and Bailey Maier both of West Liberty; and maternal grandparents, Tony and Dolores Marotti of Bellefontaine.  He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert and Betty Maier.

A subcontractor, Robby was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bellefontaine.  He loved to hunt, fish, watch football, especially the Cleveland Browns, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his daughters.

Visitations are scheduled for Thursday, October 29th from 2 to 6 at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine.  A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 30, 2009 at the St. Patrick Catholic Church with Rev. Patrick Sheridan officiating.

Family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Maier Children Fund % Huntington National Bank.  Friends may express their condolences to the family at:  www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Robert F. “Bob” Lewis Jr., 54, of Huntsville, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at the Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine.

He was born on October 17, 1955 in Bellefontaine, OH to the late Robert F. Lewis Sr. and Annette (Queen) Prall.

On January 11, 1987 he married Patty Huffman in Kenton, OH and she survives.  Also surviving is his step-father, Edward Prall of Mt. Victory; children, Shane (Zuzana) Lewis of Kennett Square, PA and Krista (Mark) Jackson of Russells Point; step-children, Dan (Tracy) Carmen of Huntsville, Wes (Melinda) Carmen of Osan AFB, South Korea and Christy (Rico) Kenner of Bellefontaine; a brother, Don (Diane) Lewis of Lewistown; a sister, Debbie Lewis of Bellefontaine; half-brothers, Jerry Vivoda of Belle Center and Todd Prall of Kenton; step-brothers, Ralph Prall of Sidney, David Prall of Urbana, and Jeff and David Stabile of Pittsburg; step-sisters, Susie Coy of Sidney and Barbara Allison of Arizona; and 10 grandchildren.

Bob was an associate of Honda for 19 years and retired in May of 2009. He worked part time as a painter and was known as “Painter Bob”.  He enjoyed golfing and playing baseball.

A funeral service will be held at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine on Wednesday, October 28th at 8:00 pm with visitations prior to the service from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8.  Pastor Barry Baughman will officiate.  A private burial will take place at a later date in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2808 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45206 and condolences to the family may be expressed at:   www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Betty L. Kelley, 39 plus, of Lakeview, passed away at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2009, at her residence.

She was born in Mechanicsburg, a daughter of the late Fred B. and Stella Goff Andrews.  She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Joyce Diana Adkins on Oct. 27, 2004 & a brother, Sam.

On November 28, 1985, she married Jack W. Kelley in Bucyrus, and he survives along with a daughter, Sherry (Paul) Powers, Bucyrus; step-sons, Charles (Ellen) Kelley of Kenton and Greg (Kate) Kelley of Painesville; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 5 1/2 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She retired from Westinghouse.

She was Past State President in 1995 of the AMVETS Auxiliary, a member of the Doyle R. Miller AMVETS Post #39 Auxiliary in Lakeview where she was Past President several times.  She was also a member of the Harold Kerr Post #179 American Legion, VFW Post #1080, Frank D. Castle and the Eagles #2166 F.O.E. all of Bellefontaine.  She was president of the local Young At Heart in Lakeview and was responsible for the meals on wheels program.

Pastor Barry Baughman and Pastor Donald Faulder officiate a funeral at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Myron Van Horn Chapel of Sanford-Eichholtz Funeral Home, Lakeview, where visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday along with an Amvets Auxiliary service at 7:30 p.m.  Burial is in Milford Center Cemetery in Milford Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wilson Memorial Hospice or the Ronald McDonald House.

Condolences may be expressed at sefh@charterinternet.com.

Frances E. Galloway, 92, a resident of Green Hills Inn, was ushered into the presence of her Lord on October 25, 2009 from Mary Rutan Hospital.

She was born on October 7, 1917, in Bellefontaine, the daughter of the late Frank E. and Clara Ely Sims.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Melvin C. Huber, whom she married on January 26, 1941 Bellefontaine.  He passed away on June 24, 1984.  On August 3, 1985, she married F. Merrill Galloway in Bellefontaine and he preceded her in death on July 19, 2004.  Also preceding her in death is a brother, Kermit C. Sims and a sister-in-law, Nellie Ruth Tennant Sims.

Surviving are three stepchildren, Gwendolyn (Stanton) Brown of Tacoma, Washington, F. Merrill (Cathy) Galloway, Jr. of Houston, TX and Norman (Susie) Galloway of Lexington, KY; eight step-grandchildren and nine step-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and cousins whom she dearly loved.

Frances and her first husband jointly owned and operated the Sims and Huber Moving and Storage Company in Bellefontaine.  The company was founded by her father, Franks Sims, in Leipsic, OH and was brought to Bellefontaine in 1915.  The ownership of the company passed from Mr. Sims to his son-in-law, Melvin Huber, and from Mr. Sims’ daughter, Frances, to his grandson, Dan Sims.

A 1935 graduate of Bellefontaine High School, she was a much loved and faithful member of the Hope Community Church, formerly the First Baptist Church in Bellefontaine, where he parents took her when she was a week old.  She served as a Sunday school teacher, leader in the Women’s ministry, choir director, and dedicated worker in activities involving local and worldwide missions. Missionaries who were visiting where always welcome into her home.  At the age of 15, she began playing the pipe organ and continued until five years ago.  Her music contributed much to the blessing of all.

Her life verse was Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye.”

Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 27th from 4 to 7 at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine.  A funeral service will be on Wednesday, October 28th at 11:00 am with one hour of visitation prior to the service at the Green Hills Foundation Hall, West Liberty.  Pastor Denis Rockwell will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Highland Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hope Community Church or Mary Rutan Hospital Guild.  Friends may express their condolences to:  www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Barbara A. Tapp, 67, of Rushsylvania, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, October 21, 2009.

She was born on November 16, 1941 in Bellefontaine, OH to the late Howard L. and Vedna Naomi (Lamb) Deem.  On January 14, 1960 she married Marvin E. Tapp in Rushsylvania and after 45 years of marriage, he passed away on March 29, 2005.  Also preceding her in death is a brother, Charles M. Deem.

Surviving are three sons, Charles W. (Tina) Tapp of Garner, NC, Michael E. Tapp of Urbana and Brian J. Tapp of Rushsylvania and a daughter, Dawn M. (Mike) Montgomery of Rushsylvania; eight grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

A 1959 graduate of Rushsylvania High School, Barbara loved researching genealogy and was a member of the Logan County Genealogy Society.  She enjoyed baking, reading and knitting blankets for her family.

Barbara worked at Wal-Mart in sales and sold and delivered Avon for many years.

Pastor Lloyd Ferguson will officiate a funeral service at 1:00 pm on Monday, October 26th at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Rushsylvania where friends may call from 11 to 1 and 5 to 8 on Sunday, October 25th.  Burial will be in the Rushsylvania Cemetery following the services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan County Genealogy Society, P.O. Box 36, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.  Friends may express their condolences to the family at:  www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Vanora Lee Patrick, 54, of Bellefontaine, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at Lima Memorial Hospital.

She was born on May 27, 1955 in Roseville, CA to the late Richard C. and Betty Jean (Lee) Bogardus.

On June 15, 1973 she married Mike Patrick in Bellefontaine and he survives along with two daughters, Michelle Lee (Mark Weber) Patrick of Akron and Elizabeth Lee Patrick of Bellefontaine; three brothers, Michael, Steven and James (Lindy) Bogardus all of Bellefontaine. She is preceded in death by a son, Jonathan Richard Patrick in 1977.

Vanora worked first for the Bellefontaine City Schools as a cook and cashier, then worked in Admissions and Marketing Director at Logan Acres and then later worked for the Interim Healthcare of Bellefontaine.

A wonderful seamstress, outstanding cook and homemaker, she was a member of the Lupus Foundation.

Friends may call on Sunday, October 25th from 2 to 5 at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine where Elder Richard Peddemors will officiate a funeral service on Monday, October 26th at 1:00 pm.  Following the service, her body will be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Northwest Ohio Lupus Chapter, 1800 N. St., Suite 102, Findlay, OH 45840.  Condolences to the family may be expressed at:  www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Jesse R. Louden, 71, of Marysville, passed away Saturday, October 17th at Ohio State University Medical Center.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 21st from 11-Noon at Kevin F. Jennings Funeral Home in West Liberty.

Services will be held Wednesday, October 21st at Noon at Kevin F. Jennings Funeral Home in West Liberty.

Kevin F. Jennings Funeral Home in West Liberty is handling the arrangements.

Andy M. Castle, Jr., 63 of Huntsville, passed away at his residence on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 1:55 a.m.  He was born on November 13, 1945 to the late Andy Melvin Castle, Sr. and Mary Laney Castle. On August 8, 1964 he married the former Imogene “Jean” Johnson and she survives.

Mr. Castle had worked as a meat cutter at Hi-Point Beef in Bellefontaine and enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Additional survivors include; a daughter, Donna (Jeffery) Castle Young of Lakeview; two sons, Jimmy Castle of Offutt, Kentucky and Brian (Dixie) Castle of Huntsville, Ohio; 9 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; three sisters, Leona (Jerry) Torgerson of Florida, Linda (Ralph) Bruckelmeyer of Bellefontaine, and Brenda (Charles) Williams of Florida; three brothers, Tom (Nancy) Castle of Offutt, Kentucky, Lon (Sandy) Castle of Bellefontaine and Roger (Juanita) Castle of Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Christina Clary; a granddaughter, Shelby Young; and a great grandson, Dawson Clary.

A funeral service will be conducted at the Eichholtz Funeral Home, Bellefontaine, Ohio on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Evangelist Eddie Gibson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday. Burial will be in Huntsville Cemetery, Huntsville, Ohio.

Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine is handling the arrangements and condolences to the family may be expressed at: www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

John Dee Dennis, 72, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.

He was born on April 26, 1937 in Bowling Green, OH to the late John M. and Vivian (Hudson) Dennis.

On June 19, 1965 he married Suzanne Detwiler in Bellefontaine and she survives along with a sister, Alice Whitacre of Grants, NM; a niece, Kim Zerwas of Phoenix, AZ and two nephews, Deron (Regina) Detwiler of Dayton, OH and Hal Whitacre III of Albuquerque, NM.

A member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Bellefontaine, he was a graduate of Bowling Green High School in 1955 and a 1959 graduate of Ohio Northern University.  He taught math at Hebron High School and Indian Lake High School and later worked as a Project Manager for Thomas and Marker Construction Company where he retired in 2006 after 40 years of service.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 am on Friday, October 16, 2009 at the First United Presbyterian Church in Bellefontaine with Rev. Rob Fulton presiding.  Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan County Humane Society, 2521 US 68 North, Bellefontaine, OH 43311. Condolences to the family may be expressed at:   www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Helen V. Norviel, 93, of Lewistown, Ohio, passed away October 12, 2009 at 7:59 p.m. at Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.

She was born on July 20, 1916 in Logan County, a daughter of the late James W. “Bill” and Mary E. Pugh Reed.  She was also preceded in death by brothers, Kenneth, Glenn, Wilford and Elmer and sisters, Icle Keating and Opal Stukenburg.

On September 21, 1939 in Richmond, Indiana she married Robert R. Norviel and he preceded her in death on June 20, 1987.

She is survived by daughters, Marlene (Harold) Gressner and Joan Conwell both of Lakeview; sons, Ralph Norviel of Lewistown, Wayne (Linda) Norviel of Pickerington and Tom (Marguerita) Norviel of Huntsville; sister, Cleola Jenkins of Bellefontaine; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She retired from Airstream Inc., in Jackson Center as a seamstress.  She was a member of the Lewistown-Trinity United Methodist Church and enjoyed painting, sewing, baking, NASCAR and crossword puzzles.

Friends may call on Thursday, October 15, 2009 from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m. at the Myron Van Horn Chapel of Sanford-Eichholtz Funeral Home. Pastor Barry Baughman will officiate a funeral service on Friday, October 16, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Sanford-Eichholtz Funeral Home, Lakeview.

Burial will take place at Huntsville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Kidney Foundation for Dialysis.

Condolences may be expressed at sefh@charterinternet.com.

Sidney Earl Kerns, 81, of Belle Center, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at his residence.

He was born on November 26, 1927 in Belle Center, OH the son of the late Don O. and Alcie (Allen) Kerns.  He married Pauline Ricketts on August 26, 1948 in Bellefontaine and she survives along with a son, Stephen Kerns of Leslie, AR and a daughter, Mary Ann (Vernon) Brown of Belle Center.  Also surviving are two brothers, Charles and Robert Eugene (Clara) Kerns both ob Belle Center; four grandchildren, Amy Kramer, Michael and Stephen Brown and Stephanie Murphy; and 10 great grandchildren.

Mr. Kerns retried from Rockwell International in Kenton in 1988. He attended the New Richland Baptist Church, was an avid gardener and enjoyed many years of fishing and hunting.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and was known to his grandchildren as “Pa Sid”.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 14th at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Belle Center with Rev. Ron E. Sanderson officiating.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 13th from 5 to 8.  Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Belle Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Universal Home Health Hospice, 701 S. Main St., Bellefontaine, OH 43311 and condolences to the family may be expressed at:  www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Annamae Vance Hoon, 80, of Rushsylvania, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2009 at Green Hills Retirement Center in West Liberty.  She was born in Rushsylvania on October 26, 1928 to the late Sherman Franklin and Rozella (Green) O’Brien.

In 1945 she married Wallace “Leroy” Vance and they had three children, Sandra (Robert) Spriggs of Conover, Teresa Coldiron and Tony (Cheri) Vance of Rushsylvania.

In 1955 Wallace passed away and in 1963 she married Georing Lane of Bellefontaine.   On December 23, 1978 she married William Owen Hoon in Rushsylvania and he passed away on May 29, 1979.

Annamae is survived by her three children; nine grandchildren, Wally (Melanie) Easter of Rushsylvania, Barbara (Michael) Batton of Bellefontaine, Tricia (Danny) Springs of Marysville, Luke (Monica) Coldiron of Rushsylvania, Paula Fout of Marysville, Paul Patterson of Bellefontaine and Sarah, Christina and Molly Vance all of Rushsylvania; 13 great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Shirley and Darlene O’Brien both of Bellefontaine; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding her in death are two brothers, Willard C. and Leonard R. O’Brien.

Annamae graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1969 after going back and finishing her schooling.  She was an active office holder of the Bellefontaine V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary Post #1080 and she loved to travel and meet new people and will be missed by her family and friends.

Friends may call from 2 to 5 on Sunday, October 11th at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Rushsylvania.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, October 12th at the Rushsylvania Church of Christ with Pastor John James officiating.  Burial will follow in the Rushsylvania Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Green Hills Retirement Center, 6557 US Route 68 South, West Liberty, Ohio 43357.  Friends may express their condolences at:  www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Robert Garwood, 62, of Bellefontaine, passed away on Tuesday, October 6th at Riverside Hospital in Columbus.

Visitation will be Friday, October 9th from 1-2 p.m. at Kevin F. Jennings Funeral Home in West Liberty.

Services will be held Friday, October 9th at 2 p.m. at Kevin F. Jennings Funeral Home in West Liberty.

Kevin F. Jennings Funeral Home in West Liberty is handling the arrangements.

Gary Todd Conrad, 44, of West Liberty, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 12:04 a.m. as a result of a 4-wheeler accident.

He was born on June 10, 1965 in Springfield, Ohio a son of Gary Conrad and Sandy Hayslip.

On October 8, 2005 he married the former Sharlon Rogers and she survives along with a son, Garrett Conrad, at home; daughters, Mariah Conrad and Shae Conrad both at home; his father, Gary of Dallas, Texas; his mother, Sandy (John) Detwiler of West Liberty; sister, Tracie (Dan) Coates of West Mansfield; step-brother, John Detwiler, Jr., West Liberty; step-sisters, Jill (Andy) Stickley of Urbana, Jennifer (Lee) Pettit, Fletcher; uncles, Raymond “Butch” Hayslip and Terry Lee Hayslip both of Urbana; several nieces and nephews, Thomas Coates, J.D. & Justin Stickley, Megan Pettit, Emily and Katie Detwiler.

He was a grain elevator manager for Heritage Co-op, West Liberty and was President of the Champaign County Cattleman’s Association for the past 4 years, 4-H advisor for past 6 years, an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan, he loved showing calf’s with his family and friends.  He coached youth softball and baseball, enjoyed farming and being a part of the farming community and enjoyed playing all types of sports, especially golf.

He was preceded in death by a nephew, Jacob Detwiler, his grandmother, Virginia Hayslip and grandparents, Estle & Maxine Conrad.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 11 a.m. by Pastor Dick Barrett at the Oak Grove Mennonite Church in West Liberty. Burial will take place in Kingscreek Cemetery, Kingscreek, Ohio.  Pallbearers for the service will be:  Andy Stickley, John Detwiler, Dan Coates, Fred Harlow, Lee Pettit, and Joby Havens.  Honorary Pallbearers: Garrett Conrad, Steve Buck, John Woodruff, Kenny Konkle, Andy Maurice, Matt Detwiler, David Clapp, Gary Staley, David and Dusty Faulkner, Levi Underwood, and Jim Smith.

Memorial contributions may be made to the West Liberty Fire Department, West Liberty EMS and the Champaign County Cattleman’s Association.

Kauffman-Eichholtz Funeral Home in West Liberty is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed at eichholtz@embarqmail.com.

Mark D. Smith, 68, of Belle Center, formerly of Mount Blanchard, passed away Friday October 2, 2009 in Galion Community Hospital. He was born on March 23, 1941, the son of the late Ralph and Violet (Cowan) Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon D. (Putnam) Smith, whom he married June 10, 1962 in Hardin County. He is also survived by his daughter, Gayle (David) Book of Forest, OH, his son, Steve (Paula) Smith of Holland, OH, and his six grandchildren, Evan, Tyler, Ben, and Daniel Book and Isabelle and Logan Smith. Also surviving are two nephews, Keith (Cheri) Barnes and Jeff (Maria) Barnes, and great nieces and nephews, Seth, Allison, Jeffrey, and Erika.

He is preceded in death by two sisters, Janis Barnes and Peggy J. Smith.

He graduated from McGuffey High School in 1959, from Findlay College in 1963, and then from BGSU in 1968. Beginning in 1963, he worked as a teacher and coach at Riverdale High School for 19 years, then in administration at Hardin Northern and Vanlue school districts before retiring in 1993. During the summer months of the mid seventies he and his family were employed as permanent staff at 4-H Camp Ohio, Utica, OH. He and Sharon enjoyed wintering in Florida from 1996 - 2006. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Bellefontaine where he was a member of the choir. He was an avid bass fisherman and had won many tournaments. He was a true outdoorsman, respecting and appreciating all of God's creation. As a sports enthusiast he was a faithful Cleveland Indians fan since 1953 and also rooted for the Cleveland Browns, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Riverdale Falcons.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 7th in Preston Cemetery, Alger, Ohio. A memorial service will also be held on Wednesday at 12:30 PM at the Calvary Baptist Church, Bellefontaine with Pastor Jeffory Willetts officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 8 PM at the Eichholtz Funeral Home, Bellefontaine, and for one hour prior to the memorial service at the church. Contributions may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund, 1140 Rush Ave, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. Condolences may be left at www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

John M. Cooper, 85, of Huntsville, Ohio, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 12 a.m. at Logan Acres, Bellefontaine, Ohio.

He was born on February 19, 1924 in Lewistown, Ohio, a son of the late Lawrence R. and Cecile Hanway Cooper. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth Cooper and Cecil "Babe" Cooper.

On April 9, 1947 in married the former Glenna M. Rosebrook and she survives along with nieces, Deb (Greg) Wallace, Jane (Mick) Reed; nephews, Tom (Sharen) Cooper, Larry (Kathy) Cooper, Phil (Paulette) Cooper; several great nieces, great nephews and cousins; sister, Joan Gustin, Lakeview; brother, Wayne (Donna) Cooper, Zephyrhills, Florida.

He owned and operated Cooper Service station in Huntsville for 30 years having retired in 1980.  He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII having served from January 29, 1943 to December 23, 1945 and he also served in Normandy, France.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the Huntsville Cemetery with Pastor Bryan Meadows officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Huntsville Volunteer Fire Dept. or Humane Society.

Condolences may be expressed at sefh@charterinternet.com.

Sanford-Eichholtz Funeral Home, Lakeview is in charge of arrangements.

Steven D. Bush, 54, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 4:20 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2009 at his residence. He was born in Logan County, Ohio on December 12, 1954 to Shirley Aulls Brown and the late Robert Bush. On August 1, 1980 he married the former Sally Reames whom survives.

A supervisor for Cleaners Extraordinaire, he was an avid racing, football and baseball fan. He also loved cookouts and spending time with his grandkids.

He is also survived by a son Tom (Veronica) Bush of Urbana; two daughters, Sherrie Bush of Bellefontaine and Brandi (Kevin) Patrick of  Waukegan, Illinois; a step-son Steven (Eugenia) Reames of Bellefontaine; a brother Greg Brown of California; three sisters, Dana (Walter) Bromby, Cheryl Tiner and Denise Hershman, all of California; 10 Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Eichholtz Funeral Home, Bellefontaine on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Family will receive friends from 4 – 6 p.m. on Thursday. Memorial contributions can be made to Universal Home Health and Hospice Care.

Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine is handling the arrangements and condolences to the family may be expressed at:   www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.

Virginia L. (Buller) Jones, 94, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 5:02 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at Wapak Manor, Wapakoneta, Ohio.

She was born on January 23, 1915 at Turkeyfoot, Indian Lake, Logan County, a daughter of the late Chester M. and Mabelle Swauger Buller.

On October 8, 1936 in a parsonage in New Hampshire, Ohio she married Elvin D. Jones and he preceded her in death on November 4, 2001.

Survivors include two sons, Elvin Jones, Jr. of Kettering and Warren E. (Marilyn) Jones of Sylvania, Ohio; two grandsons, Jon W. and Lisa & Christopher W.; a sister-in-law, Janelle Jones Mesarvey of Springfield; nieces, Darla, Suellen & Mary Ann; cousins, Betty McCann, Della Cullen, Margarite Scherer & Lillian.

She was a homemaker and a member of the Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church in Gutman, treasurer and Sunday School Teacher and the United Methodist Women Missions.  She was involved in the Women’s Society of Christian Services, Home Needlework Club of Gutman and the Pollyanna Club.  She volunteered for many charitable organizations including cancer and heart drives.  She enjoyed baking cookies, reading and sewing.  Virginia was a very special person who always took care of her family and others before herself.  She will be greatly missed.  Bless her soul and may she rest in peace.

Pastor Mike Wesbey conducts a funeral at 11 a.m. Monday at the Sanford Funeral Home, Jackson Center, where calling is from 2 – 4 p.m. Sunday and also one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial is in Mt. Tabor Cemetery, Gutman.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, Wapak Manor or St. Johns Fire Department.

Condolences may be expressed at sefh@charterinternet.com.