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
Judith Josephine Stabler, 86, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Lima Memorial Hospital.
She was born February 13, 1940, to Forrest and Helen (Bright) Knotts.
Judith worked at Magnavox in Fort Wayne for 31 years and at Progressive Stamping in Ottoville for five years. She was a veteran of the United States Navy SeeBee Reserves for two years.
In her younger years, she was an avid golfer and bowler. She loved dogs, birds and riding horses. Judith was a very artistic, especially with ceramics. She also loved to “bedazzle” everything she could.
Judith is survived by her children, Shane (Paula) Stabler of Van Wert, Shawn Stabler of Van Wert and Bari Williams of Ashley, Indiana; grandchildren, Coltinn, Peyton, Spencer and Steele Stabler, Jeremy and Kody Kline, Tiffany, Michael and Mitchell Bell; several great grandchildren, and sisters, Carol Mansfield of Antwerp, and Kathleen Sue (Terry) Armstrong of Clayton, Indiana.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Adam Brown; a brother, James Knotts, and a sister, Beverly Thomas.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 26, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert, with Rev. Clark Williman, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill. Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, October 25, and one hour prior to services on Monday, both at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Van Wert County Humane Society.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 10/21/26 at 3:29 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Richard Anthony (Tony) Steinmetz, 79, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at his home in Punta Gorda.
Tony was born on November 24, 1946, to Richard and Sally Steinmetz of Van Wert, who both preceded him in death.
In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his brothers Mark and Jerry, and a nephew Sam Steinmetz.
Tony is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Debra (Debbie) Steinmetz, his sister, Beth Verse, and 15 nieces and nephews.
After attending Van Wert High School, Tony enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and served as a Corporal. Upon return he met the love of his life Debbie Morrow and in short time they were married.
Tony made a career as a telecommunications lineman, climbing poles even during winter storm emergencies. One day he told Debbie they were moving to Florida to escape the winter cold. They moved to Charlotte County and lived here for 44 years, where he enjoyed golfing and boating with friends, and camping and walking the beaches with Debbie and their beloved pets.
In retirement, Tony started a dog grooming business and spent many volunteer hours with Debbie walking dogs at the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County. Tony was especially happy driving around their community in his golf cart with his dog Lucas, visiting his many neighbors, always eager to meet new friends.
Tony was a loving husband, brother, uncle and friend. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.
A memorial will be held on Sunday, October 25, at the Punta Gorda American Legion with a full honor service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County.
POSTED: 10/21/26 at 3:13 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Charles D. “Chuck” Schulte, 70, passed away on October 16, 2026, at his home after a long stretch of declining health, with his family at his side.
He was born on April 30, 1956, in Lima, to Lavern and Carlene (Fetzer) Schulte, who both preceded him in death.
Chuck graduated from Lincolnview High School in 1975 and went straight to work. He spent 30 years at Van Wert Propane, where he built a reputation as a dependable, no‑nonsense worker who got the job done. He later retired from Scott Equity Exchange.
In August of 1975, Chuck married Bobbi Kitchenmaster, the woman he stood beside for more than 51 years. Together they raised two daughters, Toby and Mandy, and built a life rooted in loyalty, hard work, and family.
Before his illness, Chuck loved riding his motorcycle, catching up with his Middle Point buddies, and being out where things were happening. He showed up for his kids and grandkidsm every game, every season, no excuses. He backed his teams with the same steady loyalty: the Raiders, the Colts, and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He also enjoyed trips to Florida to visit family and soak up some sun.
Those carrying his memory forward include his wife, Bobbi Schulte; daughters, Toby (Brett) Peel of Rockford and Mandy Renner of Palm Coast, Florida; siblings, Lavern (Mary) Schulte, Mark (Cathy) Schulte, Dale Schulte, Dennis (Vicki) Schulte; sisters, Teresa Yoh, Deb Schulte, and Mary Showman; brothers-in-law, John (Leslie) Ringwald, Mike (Kate) Ringwald; sister-in-law, Tammy (Ed) Rice; grandchildren: Morgan Peel, Milee Peel, Corban (Liz Saylor) Grubb, Alex (Cecil) Boroff and Jordan Decker; great‑grandchildren, Colsen Boroff, Augustine Grubb, and Grant, Theo, and Henry, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his parents‑in‑law, Stan and Phyllis Ringwald.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 23, at Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, Van Wert, with Pastor Briana Geiger officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Thursday, October 22, and again one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made in Charles’s name to the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 10/19/26 at 11:39 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Deborah Kay Proxmire, 72, of Convoy, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loved ones, following a short battle with cancer.
Debbie was born on March 7, 1954, to William “Dean” and Betty Price. She attended Payne High School and went on to work at Dana Weatherhead in Antwerp, where she dedicated 29 years of service.
On April 29, 1998, she married the love of her life, Rex Proxmire. In 2003, they moved to Florida and spent the better part of their life together there before returning to Van Wert in 2019 to be closer to family.
Debbie and Rex loved to sing and entertain. Together they created Be Our Star Karaoke and performed as the duet It Takes Two, bringing joy to countless gatherings and making memories wherever they went.
She is survived by her daughters, Sherri (Patrick) Riley of Havre De Grace, Maryland, and Dena (Andy) Tracey of Convoy; stepdaughter, Tiffany (Keith) Theobald of Paulding; grandchildren, Kayla (Gabe Feltenstein) Riley, Chase (Autumn) Riley, Koleson (Abby) Smith, Mylie (Caden) Bland, Landrey (Cole Vasquez) FitzGerald, Madison (Kyle) Ballard, Rebecca Tracey, Lauren (Mitchell Moening) Tracey, Drew Tracey, Jackson Tracey, Tycen Proxmire, and Isaiah (Madi) Lawrence, and great‑grandchildren, Gavin Regino, Rylen Proxmire, and River Lawrence.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William “Dean” and Betty Price; and siblings Dianne Ahlersmeyer, Brenda Jackson, William “Bill” Price, Donna Treece, and Brian Price.
A celebration of life will be held from 12-3 p.m. Saturday, October 31, at the Paulding VFW, 214 N Water St, Paulding.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to St. Jude at www.stjude.org.
Arrangements were entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert.
Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 10/19/26 at 11:29 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. – 2 Timothy 4:7
Robert W. (Bob) Allison, 88, of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away Wednesday. October 14, 2026 after a lengthy illness.
He was born in Convoy, May 27,1938 to Harold David and Cecille Jeanette (Foley) Allison and was the oldest of five children. After graduating from Convoy Union High School and attending college, Bob proudly served in the U.S. Navy and later built a career as a supply chain specialist with Aeroquip in Van Wert. He also ran the family farm.
He married the love of his life, Lela (Kay) Rainsberger, December 27,1964, and together they raised their family of three children. After retirement, Bob and Kay enjoyed traveling the country delivering RVs. They visited 48 of the 50 states in their travels. For the 17 last years, Bob and Kay resided with their daughter Tina in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Outside of work, Bob loved playing golf and cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He had a way of making people feel welcome, and his friendly nature made it easy for him to connect with others.
Bob was a man of deep faith and a devoted member of Countryside Chapel United Methodist Church in Convoy and later People’s Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. Over the years, he was a choir member and led various bible studies. He was also a member of the American Legion and VFW.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Lela (Kay), their children Ronald (Brenda) Allison of Convoy, Randy (Tracy) Allison of Perrysburg, and Tina Allison of Chesapeake, Virginia; grandchildren, Brad (Katie) Allison, Kayla (Mike) Reed, Eden Allison, Br. Evagrius [Douglas] Allison, Rachel Allison, Cailee Allison, and Christopher Heckman; six great-grandchildren, as well as his siblings Paul Allison of Fremont, Indiana and Betty Jo Banta of Englewood, Florida and brother-in-law, Charles Baer of Convoy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Linda Baer and Beverly Allison; sister-in-law, Beckie Allison, and brother-in-law, Malcolm Banta.
Services will be held at Countryside Chapel United Methodist Church in Convoy at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 24, with Pastor Wayne Karges officiating. Burial will follow at I.O.O.F. Cemetery of Convoy. Visitation will be held at Gearhart-Sauer Funeral Home in Convoy from 4-7 p.m. Friday, October 23, and one hour ahead of services at the church on Saturday.
Preferred memorials: the VFW or Boy’s Town in Bob’s memory.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care.
Condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 10/15/26 at 7:16 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Betty Ann Williams, 83, of rural Van Wert passed away Tuesday morning October 13, 2026, at Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.
She was born on April 7, 1943, in Van Wert the daughter of Lloyd McKee and Delori Irene (Neiferd) Kohn, who both preceded her in death. On November 3, 1961, she married Wayne Edwin Williams who survives.
Other family members include three sons, Joel D. (Jennifer) Williams of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Mike (Wendi) Williams of Fort Wayne, and Mark (Melissa) Williams of Van Wert; a sister, Wanda L. Schaffner of Toledo; nine grandchildren, Ericka Heppeard, Brandon Williams, Caleb Williams, Zachariah Williams, Nathan T. Williams, Kelsey Gehron, Nathan L. Williams, Joshua Williams and Schealissa Baxter; 18 great grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by a son, Richard L. Williams; a brother, Larry Don Kohn, and a sister, Mary Ellen Kohn.
Betty was a 1961 graduate of Ohio City-Liberty High School. She worked at Central Mutual Insurance Company, Van Wert Manufacturing and was a partner for Williams Construction for 47 years. Betty was a lifetime member of the Promise Church (formerly the Apostolic Church) and was a Sunday School teacher and children’s church teacher along with VBS Director.
Her most favorite pastime was family gatherings, spending time with all the grandkids and baking her famous chocolate chip cookies. She loved playing games with all of them even if a little cheating was involved. Grandma days were fun with the granddaughters who all competed for the most “Favorite” status. Betty also enjoyed sneaking treats to her grand pups Roscoe and Charlie and chasing Roscoe through the house when he would steal her shoes. She always enjoyed the ladies gatherings at the church and she will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 17, at Promise Church in Van Wert with Pastor Aaron McGranahan officiating. Burial will follow at Ohio City Woodlawn Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 3-7 p.m., Friday, October 16, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.
Preferred memorials: the Promise Church.
Online condolences may be expressed at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 10/14/26 at 7:43 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Edwin W. Cavinder, 84, Grover Hill, left us to be with the Lord on Monday, October 12, 2026.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Patty (Adkins), son Mark Wayne (Kay) of Van Wert, daughter Kristin Kay (George) Miller of Macomb, Michigan, grandchildren Brittany Cavinder, Aaron Cavinder, Ryan (Erika) Miller, sister Elizabeth Conley, and multiple nieces and nephews.
Edwin was preceded in death by his mother Leona (Stallbaum), father Vernon Cavinder, brother Frank, sister Judy (Gail) Perl, brother-in-law Walter Conley and infant son Terry Lee.
Edwin was born on September 4, 1942 in Haviland. He graduated from Blue Creek High School in 1960. He loved playing basketball and baseball and carried that love throughout his life. He married the love of his life, Patty, on June 15, 1963. Soon after they started their family in Grover Hill. Edwin dedicated 32 years to Zollner Corp in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Edwin enjoyed his dogs, watching sports, fishing, spending time in the woods, and he loved the fall. Above all, he treasured time with family creating endless memories.
A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Monday, October 19, at Middle Creek United Methodist Church, Grover Hill. Burial will follow in Middle Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. Monday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made in Edwin’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research.
Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.
POSTED: 10/13/26 at 2:44 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Gary Lee Baer, 67, of Delphos, passed away on Sunday afternoon, October 11, 2026, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Hospital in Lima.
He was born on July 20, 1959, in Van Wert the son of Paul H. Baer and Joyce E. (Strick) Baer, who both preceded him in death. On May 19, 1984, he married Betty L. (Rupert) Baer who survives.
Gary is also survived by a daughter, Faith E. Baer of Lima; sisters, Sue (Steven) Bigham of Van Wert and Sandra (Bruce) Klinger of Convoy; seven in-laws, Dan Rupert, Rita Neate, Jeanne Schram, Rosanne Truman, James Rupert, Mary Jo Looser, and Bill Rupert, as well as several nieces and nephews.
At 17, Gary contracted Hodgkin’s lymphoma and though it went into remission, it resulted in life long health problems.
He began work as a Van Wert volunteer firefighter in the 1980s before driving truck at Schuld Mfg. He retired from Honda of America in Anna. Gary enjoyed camping at Huggy Bear, driving his black Jeep and golf cart around and was always a jokester. He enjoyed his family and sharing activities with Faith, especially going to dirt track races. Gary was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Eagles Lodge in Delphos.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Van Wert on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a service starting at 11:30 a.m. with John Schleh leading the service.
Preferred memorials are to the St. Rita’s Mercy Health 4th Floor ICU.
Online condolences may be expressed at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 10/13/26 at 7:39 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Gordon Michael Cuthbert, 76, passed from this life at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital, on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Gordon, known as “Shorty” to his friends and family, was born January 30, 1950, in Coldwater, Michigan to John Gordon and Margaret (Myers) Cuthbert.
He attended the Michigan School for the Blind and graduated in 1969. While there, he was proud to be a part of the wrestling and swim teams and made lifelong friends who meant a great deal to him. After high school, he got a job at RB&W Manufacturing, later Metal Powder Components, and advanced to the position of maintenance mechanic. He worked there for over 30 years until retiring in 2002. He spent all his life living in Coldwater, Michigan, except the last two years, when he lived with his daughter and her family in Ohio City. He also spent a lot of time at his small vacation home in Lovells, Michigan. He enjoyed his time there and in the upper penninsula of Michigan the most.
He is survived by his daughter, Sierra (Kyle) Brotherwoood; a granddaughter, Dixie Brotherwood-Adams; a grandson, Barrett Brotherwood; his mother, Margaret Cuthbert; his sister-in-law, Teresa Cuthbert; one nephew, two nieces, two great nephews and one great niece.
Preceding Gordon in death was his father, John G. Cuthbert in 2007, and his brother, James Cuthbert in 2026.
Gordon was a simple man who enjoyed his family, John Deere tractors, a cold beer, a good dog, and the simpler things in life. Although being legally blind came with many challenges, he was able to rise above them and successfully lived a blessed life.
He was cared for by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, and at his request, no services will be held.
The family requests no flowers or remembrances but would appreciate your prayers for the beautiful repose of his soul and God’s continual amazing grace and blessings in his afterlife.
POSTED: 10/11/26 at 7:32 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Sharon K. Kline, 81, of New Albany, passed away Wednesday morning, October 7, 2026, at the Ohio State Medical Center in Columbus.
She was born on January 8, 1945, in Paulding, the daughter of Henry William and Berniece Verna (Iler) Parrish, who both preceded her in death. She married the love of her life, Michael L. Kline, who preceded her in death on June 14, 2024. She was also preceded in death by grandson, Lance Hartman.
Family survivors include her children, Cynthia (Phil) Rhea of New Albany, Michael W. (Sabrina) Hartman of Ottoville, Robert W. (Cathy) Hartman of Willshire, Randy Kline of Savannah, Georgia and Michael (Raelene) Kline of Clarksville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Dylan (Maree) Hartman, Lucas Hartman, Samantha (Kyle) Rode, Megan (Tyler) Wollenhaupt, Jalen Rhea, Taylor (Jamie) Gamble, Jacob Kline, Jacey Kline, Mikayla (Jason) Tate, Sierra Kline, Caleb McCully, Collin Schnipke and Anthony Schnipke. She cherished her growing circle of amazing great-grandchildren, and an aunt, Virginia Paulus of Paulding.
Sharon retired from the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. She had attended the First Christian Church of Paulding. Nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her family. She loved the Buckeyes and cheered for them with all her heart.
A celebration of life will be held 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, October 17, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert. All are welcome to join the family for a meal afterward at the V.F.W. hall in Van Wert.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Wounded Warriors.
POSTED: 10/09/26 at 12:32 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
