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.
POSTED: 12/28/10 at 3:42 pm. FILED UNDER: Info
Herbert L. Dawson passed away Wednesday afternoon, January 28, 2026, at the Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.
He was born on June 21, 1945, in Convoy, at their family home to Donald Ervin Dawson, Sr. and Carrie Marie (Stittsworth) Dawson, who both preceded him in death.
Herb is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jackie Fern (Ewald) Dawson; his two sons, Steven L (Cindy) Dawson of Wilmington, Ohio, and Mark C. Dawson of Van Wert; his grandson, Auston L. Dawson, and three brothers, Wayne (Linda) Dawson, Convoy, Donald E. Dawson, Jr. and Robert Dawson both of Van Wert.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Gerardot, and a sister-in-law, Janet Dawson.
Herb served in the U.S. Air Force for four years during the Vietnam War, after his military service he worked at B. F. Goodrich for 26 ½ years until he took an early retirement. Later he went to work for Comair/Delta Air Lines as an aircraft mechanic until his retirement in 2007. He was a member of Calvary Evangelical Church where he served God in various position. After his retirement he joined the Van Wert Cushman Club and he also started the website called “You might be from Convoy If” which he enjoyed learning the history and hearing the stories about Convoy.
Funeral services for Herb will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, February 14, at Calvary Evangelical Church of Van Wert with Pastor W. Clark Williman officiating. There will be visitation from 1-3 p.m. that day, also at the church.
Preferred memorials: to Calvary Evangelical Church.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 01/30/26 at 8:54 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Lycrecia Ann Carrier, nee Jenkins, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away surrounded by her loving husband and children on January 27, 2026, at the age of 69, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on June 4, 1956, in Van Wert, to N. Gerald Jenkins and Loretta Anne Siders, who predeceased her in death.
Lycrecia was a proud graduate of Van Wert High School, Class of 1974. Following her education, she dedicated more than 25 years of her professional life to Lincoln Financial Group, where her colleagues came to appreciate her hardworking spirit and unwavering commitment. After her retirement, she embraced the joys of family and community, cherishing every moment spent with her loved ones.
On April 4, 1992, Lycrecia married the love of her life, Ronald Carrier. Their 33 years of marriage were filled with laughter, love, and shared adventures. Together, they nurtured a loving home for their children, creating a beautiful blended family. Lycrecia’s pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. Family gatherings were a source of immense happiness for her, where she would share her warmth and humor, bringing everyone closer together.
As a member of St. Paul’s Church in Van Wert, Lycrecia was actively involved in her community. Her outgoing personality allowed her to connect with many, as she was known to speak to strangers with a genuine smile and a funny story. Lycrecia had a zest for life that was infectious. She loved reading, NASCAR, and cheering for Alabama football. Her favorite moments included lunch and coffee meetings with friends, where her opinions were as bold as her laughter was bright.
Lycrecia’s vibrant spirit and loving nature will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Ronald Carrier; her sons, Kyle Feasby, Justin Feasby, and Alex (Jessica) Feasby; her daughter, Andrea (Todd) Burgin; her stepson, Brandon (Sarah) Carrier, and her stepdaughter, Amy Carrier. In addition, she leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Ethan Feasby, Taylor Feasby, Lillian Burgin, Miles Burgin, Mary Carrier, and Rose Carrier. Brothers Westley Jenkins and Leroy (Mikey) Jenkins and sister Barbara (Michael) McConnell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, February 2, at Cowan and Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Pastor Steve Drake officiating, where family and friends are invited to celebrate Lycrecia’s remarkable life and the love she shared with all. Visitation will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, February 1, at the funeral home.
In this time of sorrow, we remember her strength, her joy, and the countless memories she has gifted us. Rest in peace, dear Lycrecia. Your legacy of love and laughter will forever remain in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving preferred memorials to the National Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 01/29/26 at 1:53 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Beverly Poling Berryman, 83, of Venice, Florida, went to be with her Lord and Savior unexpectantly on Friday night, January 23, 2026. in her Florida home.
She was born on June 28, 1942, in Van Wert, the daughter of Frank and Winona Poling. She was in the last graduating class from Hoaglin Jackson School in 1960.
She married her classmate and the love of her life, Terrell D. Berryman in 1964. They moved to Englewood, Florida, where Terrell was a dentist and Beverly worked as his dental assistant. The couple was married for 62 years.
After retirement, they returned to Grover Hill and built a country home where they lived from May through October each year and attended Zion Christian Union Church.
Beverly is survived by her husband, Terrell; one daughter, Renee Davis (Robert); one grandson, Jonathan Davis; two siblings, Carolyn Gehres and Connie DuVall (Larry); many nieces and nephews, and a stepbrother, Franklin Bert Edwards (Grace).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Winona Poling; her stepfather, Kenneth Edwards; and her brother-in-law, Marlin Gehres.
A graveside burial will take place in Middle Creek Cemetery, Paulding County later this year.
POSTED: 01/26/26 at 11:41 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Irene Jewell Pavel, 71, of Van Wert, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Vancrest of Van Wert.
She was born March 18, 1954, in Van Wert, to Donald and Martha (Rison) Ream Sr., who both preceded her in death.
Irene loved to crochet, read, and work on word search puzzles. She also enjoyed relaxing with classic black‑and‑white television shows. Before her mobility issues, she attended services at The Salvation Army in Van Wert, where she was active in various women’s groups. She also volunteered for a time, providing secretarial support at Trinity Friends Church.
She is survived by her children, Andrew (Christy Fischer) Ream and Heather Ream, both of Van Wert, and Allen (Amanda) Pavel of Pleasant Lake, Indiana. She also leaves behind her siblings, Don (Judy) Ream of Mason, John (Ann) Ream of Van Wert, Mart (Les) Bowling of Mason, Connie (Bill) Kistler of Leipsic, and Patty Martin of Strongsville; grandchildren, Hannah, Kyle, Cody, Keiko, Addi, and Kolton, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by an infant sister, Bonnie Ream.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 30, at the Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, Van Wert. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.
Memorial donations may be made in Irene’s name to The Salvation Army.
To share in Irene’s online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 01/26/26 at 10:44 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Ralph A. Collins, 93, of Middle Point, lovingly known as “Moose,” passed peacefully at his home on Friday, January 16, 2026, just two days before his 94th birthday.
Ralph was born on January 18, 1932, in Jackson Township, Van Wert County, to Edwin and Florence (Snyder) Collins, who both preceded him in death.
He was a 1950 graduate of Hoaglin-Jackson High School.
A hardworking man throughout his life, Ralph was a longtime farmer and truck driver. He also worked in construction for Wortman Brothers in Van Wert, continuing well into his late 70s. Growing up, Ralph loved sports, especially basketball and baseball. He spent many years enjoying the outdoors, particularly hunting fox, deer, and coyotes, and he also enjoyed horseback riding. In his adult years, he was active in bowling and softball leagues, where he made many friends and shared plenty of good times. In retirement, Ralph enjoyed traveling by RV with his wife, Mauvette, often spending winters in Florida. He also took pride in helping with lawn and garden work and doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, even into his 90s.
Just days before his passing, Ralph reflected on the many friends, family members, and classmates who had gone before him, recognizing that waking up with breath in your lungs and a day before you should not be wasted. He shared that he and Mauvette took good care of one another, each always doing what they could for the other. Ralph will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of the outdoors, and the many friendships he formed along the way through years of shared work, sports, and hunting.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Mauvette (August) Collins; his children, Joy (Jeff) Marshall, Cathy (John) Donnelly, Scott (Elaine) Collins, and Jared (Mandy) Collins; and his stepchildren, Kelly Klausing and Mary Wreede. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and his brother, Don (Vivian) Collins.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his son, Mark Collins; his son-in-law, Dan Klausing; his brothers, Floyd Collins and Fred Collins, and his sister, Ruth Vermillion.
The family hopes to hold a celebration of life in the near future to honor Ralph’s life. Dates have not yet been determined.
Weber Funeral Home, Delphos, was entrusted to care for Ralph.
Online condolences may be shared at www.weberfh.net.
POSTED: 01/20/26 at 1:45 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Michael David Schlechty, 65, passed away Wednesday evening, January 14, 2026, at his home in Van Wert.
He was born on January 25, 1960, in Medina, Ohio, the son of Charles J. and Diane (Brainard) Schlechty, who both preceded him in death.
Family survivors include his daughter, Emmalee Bass and husband Timothy of Van Wert; two sons, Rickey and Lucas; grandchildren, Zoey, Olivia, Timothy, Jr., and Giovanni Bass and Mia Renee; a sister, Kathy (Lewis) Taylor of Farmington, Minnesota; a brother, Charles D. (Ivette) Schlechty of Pasco, Washington, and his wife, Lori (Carr) Schlechty.
Michael was a retired truck driver for Store & Haul in Van Wert and was part of the million mile club. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, grilling and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had a special skill as a carpenter.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 23, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert. There will be calling one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Van Wert Woodland Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 01/20/26 at 11:33 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Karla Rae Sheets, 70, of Van Wert passed away Saturday evening, January 17, 2026, at the Concord Care Center of Toledo.
She was born on September 16, 1955, in Van Wert, the daughter of Carl L. Sheets and Viola Margaret (Prichard) Sheets, who both preceded her in death.
Karla is survived by her son, Aaron Roehm of St. Marys; two brothers, Duane (Kay) Sheets of Van Wert and Doyle (Robin) Sheets of Convoy; one sister, Karen (Bill) Marshall of Van Wert, and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Amber Marie Roehm.
Karla worked in the cafeteria at Parkway Local Schools as a cook for over 28 years and she had also worked at Van Wert Manor and VanCrest Nursing Homes. She enjoyed gardening, canning and cooking for friends and family. Karla also attended many local sporting events and especially like playing Bingo at the Council on Aging
Funeral services will be held at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 22, with Rev. Robert Becker officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, January 21, at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery of Van Wert.
Preferred memorials: the Council on Aging.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 12:57 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Jeanne Olive Rhoades, 59, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Plain City.
She was born on June 6, 1966, in Paulding, the daughter of David Wayne Rhoades, who preceded her in death, and Alice Annette (Mathew) Rhoades, who survives of Delaware, Ohio.
Survivors include her three children, Jasmine (Steven) McKee of West Carrollton, Jermaine Defore of Dayton, and James (Gesu) Alarcon of Columbus; two grandchildren, Jaxon and Jenson Cortner; one brother, Joel (Laura) Rhoades of Delaware, Ohio; one sister, Abigail (Aaron) Hartung of Powell, and nieces and nephews, Norah Rhoades, Clifford Rhoades, and Hannah Hartung.
Jeanne was a devoted homemaker and formerly worked as a registered nurse. She was a 1983 graduate of Ohio City-Liberty High School and later graduated from Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne. In later years, she worked as a child care giver and attended Radiant Life Church in Dublin. Jeanne loved her family deeply, especially her two grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time near the water, exploring parks, gardening, and watching the sunrise or sunset.
Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, January 23, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Van Wert. Calling hours will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home. Interment will take place at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City.
Preferred memorials: Amazima Ministries, Compassion International, or Samaritan’s Purse.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared via the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 10:15 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Ginger Ann Brown, 82, of Van Wert, passed away Friday evening, January 16, 2026, at Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.
She was born on August 17, 1943, in Celina, the daughter of Rolland LeRoy and Ina Arlene (Stauffer) Blakeley, who both preceded her in death. On September 7, 1968, she married Herbert Junior Brown who preceded her in death on July 21, 2020.
Family survivors include her children, Jean Funk of Sidney, Peggy J. (Mike) Johnson of Van Wert, Jobina Brooks of Fredericktown, April Mays of Van Wert, Johnny Brown of Van Wert and Katie (Mitch) Spencer of Harlan, Indiana; two brothers, Larray (Phyllis) Blakeley of Van Wert and Daniel (Shelia) Fisher of Selz, North Dakota; 20 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren, and dear, close family friends, Rick and Chris Gamble of Kentucky.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ginger was preceded in death by a daughter, Roxie Darst; a son, Norman Brown, and a brother, Samuel Blakeley.
Ginger was a graduate of St. Mary High School and attended International Business College in Fort Wayne. She had worked at Castle Convalescent Home, Van Wert Manor and St. Marys Canning in Van Wert. But her most important work was providing a home and caring for well over 170 children whom she and Herb served as foster parents. They were a significant influence as evidenced by the fact that the former foster kids often dropped by to visit the Browns in their later years. Ginger was always family oriented and she loved caring for her family and included a large group in any activity. She was a long time member and very active in the Apostolic, now Promise Church in Van Wert. She enjoyed Christian music, visiting yard sales and being in nature, camping and boating. She maintained her loyalty to the St. Marys Roughriders and was a avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24, at the Promise Church in Van Wert with Pastor Aaron McGranahan officiating. There will be calling from 10 a.m. until time of service on Saturday.
Expression of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 10:09 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Gary Lee “Harry” Spridgeon, 71, of Middle Point, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on March 29, 1954, in Van Wert, to Gerald E. “Tuffy” and Esther E. (Byers) Spridgeon.
Harry was a dedicated truck driver for most of his life, having recently retired from Nickles Bakery in Lima. He was a former volunteer for the Middle Point Fire Department, demonstrating his dedication to his community. A proud member of the Delphos Sons of the American Legion, Delphos Eagles, and Lima Teamsters Union, Harry found camaraderie in these organizations and cherished the friendships he built over the years.
Harry graduated from Lincolnview High School in 1972. He had a passion for the open road, often riding his Harley Davidson and attending sprint car races at Eldora Speedway.
Harry is survived by his sister, Elsie (Joe) Thompson of Newark, and brother, Jay Spridgeon of Middle Point.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of Harry’s life will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 01/15/26 at 1:15 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
