The Van Wert County Courthouse

Tuesday, Mar. 19, 2024

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

Ruby Jane Myers, 87, went to her heavenly home on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Vancrest Health Care Center, Van Wert.

She was born June 23, 1936 in Scott to Nile Hockenberry and Myrtle (McAllister) Hockenberry, who both preceded her in death.

Ruby Myers

Ruby worked for many years at Central Mutual and ABC Heating in Van Wert.

She was a loving wife to Maurice V. Myers (deceased) and a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

A longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paulding, OH, Ruby served on various committees with very special friends. Flowers were a real passion of hers. She enjoyed socializing with friends through line dancing and with Red Hat ladies. Traveling to Florida and other fun places with her sister and brother-in-law was always a pleasure.

As a proud grandmother and later great-grandmother Ruby would often attend and cheer at many sporting events and other activities they participated in. Many dear memories for the grandchildren, they all will dearly miss her.

Preceding her in death were her husband Maurice V. Myers, married 23 years, a son, Ronnie Myers, and a brother-in-law, Cletus Welch.

Surviving are her two children: Cheryl (Hank) Nietert of New Haven, Indiana, and Roger (Donna) Myers of Scott; sister, Jeannie (Hockenberry) Welch of Massillon; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at St Paul Lutheran Church in Paulding.

Preferred memorials: St. Paul Lutheran Church or Van Wert Council on Aging.

Arrangements were entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory.

To share in Ruby’s online memorial, visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

POSTED: 03/18/24 at 2:21 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries

David “Lee” DeBolt, 88, of Van Wert, formerly of Convoy, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Vancrest Nursing Home, in Van Wert.

He was born on April 26, 1935, in Van Wert County to LeRoy “Roy” DeBolt and Thelma (Miller) DeBolt, who both preceded him in death. Lee was united in marriage to Audrey E. Egley on October 17, 1953 at Wood Chapel UB Church. She preceded him in death on January 6, 2016.

David “Lee” DeBolt

Lee volunteered on the Wren Fire Department and attended Rockford Belle Community Church. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #178, in Van Wert and a past member of the Wood Chapel U.M. Church, Countryside Chapel U.M. Church, Wren Historical Society and the Crestview Heritage Board.

He was employed at Dierkes Implement, Krick and Tyndall Tile Co., Yost Construction, and Burk Elevator all in Decatur, Indiana; Adams County Co-op Lumber Yard in Monroe, Indiana for 20 years; Fisher Cheese in Van Wert, and he retired as a fuel truck driver for the Convoy Equity, Keneco and now known as Mercer Landmark.

Lee served in the U.S. Army in the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas.

Survivors include three daughters, Cheryl (Jess) Taylor of Wren, Renee (Randy) Matthews of Van Wert, and Sharla (John) Thompson of Grover Hill; son, Michael L. DeBolt of Convoy; sister, Janet Hoverman of Van Wert; six grandchildren, Jesse Taylor III, Sindi Matthews, Justin (Anne) Taylor, Johnelle (Tim) Pohlman, Kimberlee Thompson, and John Thompson III; and six great-grandchildren, Jesse Taylor IV, Brecken Matthews, Nathan Taylor, Harper Taylor, Isaac and Owen Pohlman.

In addition to his wife and parents, Lee was preceded in death by a son, Kevin L. DeBolt in infancy; sister, Lois Hamrick, and two brothers, Larry and Harold DeBolt.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 21, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana, with Dana Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, in Ohio City. Family and friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, and one hour prior to the services at the funeral home on Thursday.

Preferred memorials: Rockford Belle Community Church or the Gideons International Society.

POSTED: 03/17/24 at 3:26 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries

Rae Joan Bigham, 69, passed away Friday, March 15, 2024, at her residence in Van Wert.

Rae Joan Bigham

She was born on February 17, 1955, in Lima, the daughter of John Pershing Booher and Jean (North) Booher, who both preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Carl E. Booher.

Survivors include her two sons, Scott Bigham and Cody Bigham both of Van Wert; stepsons, William Lucas and Michael Bigham; a step-daughter, Jessica Dugger of Convoy; 21 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a sister, Mona Allenbaugh of Van Wert; a half-sister, Jackie (Larry) Klinger of Van Wert, and two half-brothers, Jim Adams and Bill Booher.

Rae was a 1973 graduate of Van Wert High School and attended the First Baptist Church in Defiance. She had worked at Kennedy Manufacturing in Van Wert.

There will be private services at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

POSTED: 03/17/24 at 6:14 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries

Carol was born on June 1, 1934 in Mercer County. Her parents were Walter J and Verle E. (Rice) Phelps, who both preceded her in death. She was born on a farm during the hottest recorded day. She joined one brother, Don E. Phelps who passed away on February 25, 2021.

On August 29, 1954 Carol J. Phelps and Wayne H. Sidle of Van Wert were joined in marriage at Zion Presbyterian Church near Jonestown, Ohio. They celebrated over 59 years of marriage before Wayne’s passing on January 6, 2014.

Carol Sidle

Carol’s passing was Friday night, March 15, 2024, and she joins many friends and family members who have gone before her. Remembering her will be son, Ronald W. Sidle of West Liberty, and daughter, Diane L. Morris (David L.) of Venedocia; grandchildren, Leah Keysor (Mike), Marie Winfield (Phillip), Noel Morris (Kayla), Ethan Morris (Jeri), Anne Johnson (Dan) and Olivia Bolon (Zeke). There are 23 very loved great-grandchildren who will hear stories of Great Grandma and her cookie baking, knitting, and love of the outdoors.

After graduation from York Local School, Van Wert County, in 1952, she worked as secretary at Farmer’s Mutual Insurance in Van Wert. She took time off to get their children started in school then returned to the Insurance company as part-time secretary assistant. In January 1971, Carol was hired by the Van Wert County Board of MR/DD as secretary and retired as office manager after 26 years, enjoying many families, friends and clients met along the way.

Carol has been a member of First United Methodist Church of Van Wert since 1957 serving on administration board, as group leader, trustee, as well as other committees. She especially enjoyed assisting with many meals. She helped then church secretary Phyllis Gehres with the initial service of the food pantry, and was proud to see its growth of community service.

After retirement, Carol volunteered at Vancrest Nursing Home, assisted living, for three years feeling right at home with the residents, delivering mail, sharing Bingo and memories.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Defiance In-house Hospice Center for their love and wonderful care of Carol. A special thanks to Lisa Heath at Van Wert CHP for all of her help.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 21, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Pastor Christian Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at Van Wert Woodland Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 3-7 p.m., Wednesday and one hour prior to the services on Thursday. Casual attire is encouraged.

Preferred memorials: the First United Methodist Church Food Pantry, Haven of Hope Shelter or the Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

POSTED: 03/17/24 at 6:08 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries

Dorothy Shafer, 95, passed away Friday, March 15, 2024, at Vancrest of Van Wert.

She was born November 21, 1928, in Middle Point, to Lawrence and Lucy (Buckmaster) White. They both preceded her in death. She was united in marriage to Kenneth W. Shafer on December 13, 1947, and he preceded her in death on August 29, 1999.

Dorothy Shafer

Dorothy is survived by her son, Kenneth (Karen) Shafer of Spencerville; daughter, Sheryl (Dale) Ball of Convoy; five grandchildren, James, Chris and Julie Shafer; Erica Burkhalter; and David Ball; three great-grandchildren, and sisters, June Ernst of Van Wert, Iva Schmitt, and Veda Mox both of Delphos.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert and Kenneth White, and sisters, Clara White and Laura Shafer.

Dorothy was a 1946 graduate of Middle Point High School. She worked a short time at the Cigar Factory and 171/2 years at Meyer Cleaners. Dorothy retired from Aeroquip in 1994, after 22 years. She was spiritually involved at the Middle Point United Methodist Church, where she took on many roles to assist her fellow members. On beautiful days, you could find her working in the garden, tending to her vibrant flowers. The joy of her life was family. She loved holiday gatherings where everyone came together in joyful celebration.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, at Harter & Schier Funeral Home, Delphos. Burial will follow in Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, at Harter & Schier Funeral Home.

Preferred memorials: Middle Point United Methodist Church.

POSTED: 03/17/24 at 5:57 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries

Joy I. Taylor, 93, of Van Wert passed away at 8:22 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2024, at her home.

She was born on June 1,1930, in Roselms to Russell Sanderson and Linda (Swanson) Sanderson, who both preceded her in death. She married Nolan R. Taylor in the Roselms Christian Church on May 29, 1948, and he survives.

Joy Taylor

Joy was a 1948 graduate of Grover Hill High School and worked alongside her husband on the family farm as a homemaker. She sang in the church’s choir, help with children’s church and was a Sunday School teacher at the Roslems Christian Church. Joy was a “Grand Champion” round/square dancer, a great seamstress and was a wife of a great contractor. Joy worked as a sale associates at the Eckerd Drug Store in Florida for seven years. She loved to read and had a great “sense of humor” to her.

Family survivors include her husband, Nolan R. Taylor; a daughter, Tonya J. Taylor of Van Wert; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Viola May Sanderson in infancy.

Visitation will be held from 12-2 p.m. Monday, March 18, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert. Funeral services for Joy will be held at 2 p.m. Monday with Pastor David Prior officiating. Burial will take place at Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill.

Preferred memorials: the Grover Hill Fire & EMS Department.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

POSTED: 03/15/24 at 8:56 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries

Derek A. Hill, 25, of Van Wert passed away surrounded by his loving mother on Wednesday afternoon, March 13, 2024, at Promedica Hospital of Toledo.

He was born on April 29, 1998, in Lima, the son of David A. Hill, Jr. and Angela Marie (Putt) Hill both of Van Wert.

Derek Hill

Other family survivors include his sister, Lindsey (Kaleb) Jenkins of Van Wert; his niece, Ellie Mae Jenkins; his nephew, Dawson Chayse Jenkins; grandparents, David A (Linda K.) Hill, Sr. of Van Wert and Terry G. (Jeannette L.) Putt of rural Van Wert, and many aunts, uncles and cousins who adored Derek.

Derek loved to spend time with friends and play video games. He was a 2017 graduate of Van Wert High School and attended Trinity Friends Church of Van Wert. What Derek loved the most was being a uncle to Ellie and Dawson and taking them for rides in his electric wheelchair.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at Trinity Friends Church of Van Wert with Pastor Matt Govern officiating. There will be visitation on Wednesday from 2-7 p.m. at Trinity Friends Church. Interment will take place Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.

Preferred memorials: CureDuchenne, 100 Bayview Circle, Suite 5600, Newport Beach, California 92660

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

POSTED: 03/15/24 at 10:23 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries

Shirley G. Jarvis, 75, of Van Wert, peacefully passed away early Thursday morning March 14, 2024, at Vancrest Nursing Home.

A beloved member of the community, she was born on August 14, 1948, in Gary, Indiana to Everett and Virginia (Morrison) Conrad. She married Daniel A. Jarvis on June 20, 1970. They had two wonderful sons, Joel and Josh, and had been married for almost 25 years. Daniel proceeded her in death on March 4, 1995.

Shirley Jarvis

Shirley attended Lincolnview High School and graduated in 1969 from Miami Valley School of Nursing as a registered nurse. She later received her BSN from the University of Saint Francis. She began her career at Ohio State University Hospital, then spent six years at Starr Commonwealth, and ultimately chose to share her love of nursing by teaching at Vantage Career Center where she retired after 36 years. Ever the quintessential nurse, she served for 20 years as board president for Family Health Care of Northwest Ohio.

Shirley never met a stranger and always ran into someone that knew and loved her everywhere she went. She loved spending time with family and friends, and was an active member of First United Methodist Church, where she led women’s bible study. Shirley also loved to travel, visiting her sons and taking adventures with friends. She accomplished her dream of visiting all 50 states. But her greatest joy in life was her two grandsons, Daniel and Ian, with whom she had an incredibly special bond.

Shirley is lovingly survived by her sons, Joel (Cindy) of Potomac Falls, Virginia, and Josh (Krista) of Acworth, Georgia, and their two sons Daniel and Ian. She will also be greatly missed by her sister V. Marlene (Richard) Jones of Middle Point; two brothers, Ed (Jill) and Steve Conrad, both of Florida. She cherished her sisters-in-law, Kay Jarvis, Mary Lou Anderson and Caroline Jarvis. Shirley was a much beloved aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Vancrest for their excellent care and compassion. Joel and Josh would also like to extend a special thank you to their cousin Christy Wortman for all of her help, love and support for them and Shirley over the last several months.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Friday, March 22, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday March 23, at First United Methodist Church with a visitation held one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: can be made to support Shirley’s church family and help with the Easter offering toward the replacement of their rooftop heating units. The link to the e-giving portal is here.

POSTED: 03/15/24 at 10:17 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries

Kenneth K. McClain, 80, passed peacefully in the company of his family on the evening of Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Parkview Regional Medical Center after battling a short illness.

Kenneth McClain

Kenneth was born on October 6, 1943 in Van Wert, Ohio to Kenneth C. (Midge) and Margaret K. (Peg) McClain (Hammons), who both preceded him in death. He married his high sweetheart, Karen S. (Bagley) on June 23, 1962. Together they had one son, Ty R. McClain, married to Jennifer J. (J.J.) (Fields), who blessed Kenneth with two grandchildren Tyra and Tyce. Watching the two of them participate in their sports and activities were the highlight of Kenneth’s adult life.

Kenneth is also survived by sister, Debra. K. Taylor (McClain) (Don), niece Natalie K. Allen (Taylor) (Walter), and their daughter Alexandra K., and nephew Trey J. (Taylor).

Kenneth loved anything Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland sports, and hanging with friends at the Elks Club. He was the owner and operator of McClain Asphalt and later sold Insurance for Mass Mutual.

Per the request of Kenneth, the family has opted to mourn in private.

Preferred memorials: the Van Wert County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

POSTED: 03/14/24 at 7:03 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries

Susan D. Hill, 63, of Van Wert, passed away Wednesday morning, March 14, 2024, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Susan Hill

She was born on December 8, 1960, in Van Wert, to James Smith and Geraldine (Drabenstot) Smith, who both preceded her in death. She married Raymond C. Hill on December 20, 1986.

Family survivors include her husband, Raymond; her children, Josh (Samantha) Hill of Troy, and Rebecca Hill of Van Wert, and two brothers, Harold (Carol) Smith of Middle Point and Charles (Brenda) Smith of Rockford.

Susan was a member of the First Church of God, where she loved spreading the Gospel to many friends and family. She also worked as an associate at Wal-Mart in Van Wert.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, March 18, at First Church of God in Van Wert with Pastor Ben Brigham officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church.

Preferred memorials: First Community Church of God.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

POSTED: 03/14/24 at 6:55 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries