Obituaries

Denny J. Gibbons

Apr 22, 2025

Denny J. Gibbons, 75, of Rockford, passed away at 10:11pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing at Shane Hill in Rockford.

He was born on February 9, 1950, in Chattanooga, Ohio, to Luther and Clara (Schaadt) Gibbons. On October 15, 1994, he married Gayle (Winhover) Gibbons.

Denny was confirmed at St Paul's Country Church in rural Rockford. He...

Pamela I. Brown

Apr 21, 2025

Pamela I. Brown, 67, of Van Wert, passed away at 2:25pm on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Vancrest Healthcare Center in Van Wert.

She was born September 30, 1957, in Pittsford, Michigan to Agnes Booher. She married Dwayne C. Brown.

Pamela was a homemaker who loved baking, sewing and preparing meals. She collected lighthouses, enjoyed playing games on her computer and, most...

Jennie Ella Hosack

Apr 20, 2025

In Loving Memory of Jennie Ella Hosack

December 24, 1940 - April 20, 2025

With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the passing of Jennie Ella Hosack beloved mother, friend, educator, and community builder who abruptly left us on April 20, 2025.

As a young girl, she traveled to all 50 states with her cherished parents, Paul and Orpha Hosack. Those travels remained...

Kirby Stetler

Apr 19, 2025

Kirby Daniel Stetler, 73, of rural Chattanooga, Ohio, died April 19, 2025, at Coldwater where he was a hospice patient. He was born April 27, 1951 in Decatur, Indiana, the son of Kermit and Fern (Caffee) Stetler, both of whom preceded him in death.

He was married on February 2,1973 to Judy Helen (Stephenson) and they enjoyed 52...

Thomas Arthur Wise

Apr 15, 2025

Thomas Arthur Wise passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025, at the age of 93. Born to Moses F. and Goldia (Strait) Wise, on February 11, 1932, in Van Wert, Ohio, Tom dedicated over 40 years to his craft as a building contractor, following in the footsteps of a long line of builders. His legacy is woven into...

Shelly Steele

Apr 12, 2025

Shelly C. Steele, 67, of Van Wert, died at 6:13pm on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing at Shane Hill in Rockford, Ohio.

She was born February 4, 1958, in Van Wert, to Dale F. Steele and R. Evelyn (English) Steele.

Shelly retired from Convoy Care Center as a nurse and social worker.

Shelly is survived by her daughter, Crista...

Marvelene Hughes

Apr 10, 2025

Marvelene Hughes passed into the Arms of her Savior at 3:42am on April 10, 2025.

Marvie was born on June 1, 1931, to Clifford and Lata Marshall in rural Van Wert County.

During her youth, she contributed by helping her parents run the family farm. She was very active in 4-H, church and school activities.

Her two sons, Bradley Turner and Kim (Holly)...

James B. Secaur

Apr 8, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Brent Secaur, age 76, of Van Wert. Jim was born on March 17, 1949, in Van Wert, Ohio. He passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Sabine County Hospital, in Hemphill, Texas, his winter home.

Jim was proud to serve his country as a veteran of the United...

Robert Linn

Apr 8, 2025

Robert G. "Cobby" Linn, 87, of Rockford, Ohio died Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Mercy Health St. Rita's in Lima, Ohio. He was born May 27, 1937 in Rockford and was the son of the late Otto and Norah (Stover) Linn.

Bob graduated from Rockford High School in 1955. On April 3, 1965 he married the former Beatrice Baucher who survives.

Along...

Rick Baker

Apr 8, 2025

Rick L. Baker, 66, of Van Wert, died Tuesday morning, April 8, 2025 at his residence. He was born January 1, 1959, in Van Wert, to Arnold and Ruth (Boroff) Baker.

He is survived by his daughter, Crystal (Greg) Speck of St. Henry, Ohio; grandchildren, Tiara (Phillip) Hall, Grant (Erica) Hierholzer and Braden Deal; great-grandchildren, Maren Hall and Knox...

David Sheets

Apr 7, 2025

David L. "Dave" Sheets, Jr., 79, of Mendon, Ohio entered into eternal rest Monday April 7, 2025 at home, with his loving wife by his side. He was born November 13, 1945 in Celina, Ohio and was the son of the late David L. Sheets, Sr. and Bernice (Kendall) Sheets.

Dave lived his entire life in Mendon. On January...

Jason Chivington

Mar 29, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that we say our farewells to Jason Alan Chivington. He passed away at his home on March 27th, 2025 at the age of 46. Jason was known for his infectious smile, kind soul and his ability to make everyone feel welcome.

Per his request, half of his ashes will be dispersed into space...

Marcella Fickert

Mar 24, 2025

Marcella M. "Sally" Fickert, 82, of Rockford, Ohio died Monday, March 24, 2025 at Tranquility of Rockford. She was born July 3, 1942 in Celina, Ohio and was the daughter of the late Ralph E. Fleck and Betty J. (Runkel) Fleck.

On November 18, 1972 Sally married Wayne Alan Fickert, who survives.

Sally loved angels and collected angel themed items. She also...

Jerry Michael Wallace

Mar 24, 2025

Jerry Michael Wallace, 72, of Van Wert, died early Monday morning, March 24, 2025, at the Meadows of Ottawa. He was born August 13, 1952, in Van Wert, to Claron and Mae (Boroff) Wallace.

Jerry retired from Eisenhauer Manufacturing, in Van Wert, after many years of service.

He was a gun enthusiast who enjoyed riding motorcycles and horses.

Jerry is survived by his...

Sandra Learned

Mar 23, 2025

Sandra Learned, 75, of Van Wert, passed away on March 23, 2025, at Vancrest of Van Wert. Interment in Woodland Cemetery will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory. www.alspachgearhart.com.

Dianne Brock

Mar 23, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dianne Brock, aged 61, who left us peacefully on March 23, 2025, at her daughter's home in Van Wert. She was born on October 5, 1963, in Van Wert, to the late Harold and Patricia (Potter) Boyd Jr.

Dianne grew up attending Trinity Friends Church, where her faith laid the...

Bekkie Mowery

Mar 22, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bekkie J. Mowery, 74, of Van Wert, who left us peacefully on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Born on March 2, 1951 in Kenton, OH to the late Ernie and Mary Lou (Bailey) Goodwin, Bekkie lived a life filled with love and family until her final days.

Bekkie was a proud...

Beth Learned

Mar 21, 2025

Beth Learned, 72, of Van Wert, passed away on March 21, 2025, at Vancrest of Van Wert. Interment in Woodland Cemetery will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeal Home & Crematory. www.alspachgearhart.com.

Michael D. Darras

Mar 20, 2025

Michael D. Darras, 74, of Van Wert, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 20, 2025, at the OSU Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio. He was born January 18, 1951, in Van Wert, to Andrew L. Darras and Geneva "Jenny" (Decker) Ellis. On July 13, 1987, he married the former Helen Campbell.

He retired in 2021 from Schneider National after 30 years of...

Marion D. Rickard

Mar 19, 2025

Marion Dewey Rickard passed away on March 19, 2025, of natural causes.

After 34 years, he retired from the Ford Engine Plant in Lima, OH

He was preceded in death by his father, Dewey Rickard; his mother, Alma Rickard; and his sister, Evelyn Rickard.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Rickard of Convoy, Ohio; and his five children: David Rickard of Convoy,...