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
Mary E. Bowen, 86, of Van Wert, passed away Monday afternoon, May 25, 2026, at her residence.
Mary was born on August 20, 1939, in Mercer County, to Frederick A. and Evelyn I. (Habegger) Myers. On September 18, 1960, Mary was united in marriage to Roderick K. “Rod” Bowen at Union Evangelical United Brethren Church in Adams County, Indiana.
Mary attended The Chapel in Fort Wayne and was an active member of the Ladies Society of Grace Bible Church in Van Wert. Later in life, she enjoyed her time in Sarasota, Florida, where she embraced her creative and social passions as a member of both the Beading Group and the Oakwood Manor Ladies.
A 1957 graduate of Pleasant Mills High School, Mary was a familiar and trusted face at Van Wert National Bank, where she served as a branch officer from 1972 to 1986. Later, Mary found a meaningful calling at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, guiding local families as a preplanning counselor for 13 years until she retired in 2001. Mary achieved The Circle of Excellence from Forethought Pre-Planning Company multiple times.
Mary loved tending to her landscape and flower gardens. She expressed her artistic talent through interior decorating and a variety of crafts, bringing a touch of beauty to everything she touched. One of Mary’s interests was giving Rod his marching orders.
She is survived by her husband, Rod Bowen of Van Wert; son, Keith A. (Lisa) Bowen of Plainfield, Indiana; son, Dennis L. (Natalie) Bowen of Willshire; brother, Larry W. (Rose) Myers of Decatur, Indiana; sister, Betty J. Mefferd of Huntington, Indiana; brother, David L. (Jane) Myers of Van Wert; grandchildren, Nicholas (Kara) Bowen, Michael (Emily Cremer) Bowen, Brooke (Jacob) Staley, Ashley (Caden) Ringwald, and Whitney (Nathan) Pohlman, and two great-grandchildren, Canaan Staley and Wells Bowen.
She was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Rev. Lynn Mefferd.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur with Pastor Steven Howell officiating. Burial will follow at Willshire Cemetery in Willshire.
Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to The Chapel, Willshire Fire Department or Wren Fire Department.
For complete obituary information and to sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.
POSTED: 05/26/26 at 3:58 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Nancy Ann (Hilderbrand) Silette, 88 , passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Van Crest Long Term Care in Van Wert.
Nancy was born in Star City, West Virginia on July 14, 1937, to Earl and Alice Hilderbrand, who both preceded her in death. After the passing of her mother, Nancy’s dad married Maxine, with whom they had several children. Nancy married Dominick Silette on September 15, 1957. Upon Dominick’s passing in 2021, they had been married for 63 years.
Nancy and Dominick owned and operated a small apple orchard and resided in the same home for over 50 years, which was the center of the family. Nancy worked at the Thomas Edison Center for many years with children and adults with special needs. She worked one on one with the participants in the school, the workshop and the retail store when it was still in business. She especially enjoyed the friendships she forged with the other staff, and made lifelong connections.
Nancy enjoyed baking, cooking spaghetti or rigatoni for her family on Sundays, and trying new recipes. She enjoyed reading mysteries and thrillers, listening to the radio, and looking at magazines. Nancy loved being outside and working in her flower garden.
Nancy was a fashionista who loved looking trendy and up to date. She loved shopping and fashion, makeup , perfume and jewelry. She always strived to look her best. Nancy loved her home and everyone enjoyed being there and sitting around the big kitchen table. Her favorite thing to do was decorate, especially for Christmas. She loved her beautiful ornaments and displayed them for all to see and enjoy. Nancy always made each person feel special with many gifts and always had special desserts or foods that she knew each person liked. Nancy always made sure to remember everyone’s birthdays and was a very giving person to her family, friends and neighbors. Nancy was sophisticated, sassy, stubborn and spirited. Her quick whit and intelligence will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She was one in a million.
Nancy is survived by her five children; Mark (Cindy) Silette of Van Wert, Ann (Stephen) Darr of Toledo, Pete (Cynthia) Silette of Findlay, Laura (Anthony) Ferrero of Galena, and Philip Silette of Mt. Vernon; 10 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Nancy is also survived by her sister and best friend, Shirley Hilderbrand of Dearborn, Michigan; sister, Julie Hilderbrand of Morgantown, West Virginia, sister, Bonnie Hidlerbrand of Morgantown; brother, Bob Hilderbrand of Maryland; brother, Steve Hilderbrand of West Virginia, and many nieces and nephews.
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents Alice and Earl; stepmother, Maxine; her beloved husband Dominick; her beloved son Nickolas, and her siblings, Terry Hilderbrand and Warren Hilderbrand.
A private memorial celebration will take place at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 05/26/26 at 11:42 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Erick Pifer, 84, of Holland, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Inn at Freedom Village in Holland.
Erick was born April 21, 1942, in Van Wert.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Union College in Kentucky. He was the first of his family to go to college. Erick went on to receive two master’s degrees (education and accounting) before taking a teaching job at Covert High School. After a few years there, he became a professor at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor. He retired from there in 2017 after 45 years of teaching. Erick loved the Cubs, Coca-Cola, bird watching, and the color red. He was also an avid Lionel Train collector.
Erick was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Refa (Ryan) Pifer, and a sister, Bonnie (Pifer) Morell.
He is survived by his son, Andrew Pifer, and daughter, Abigail Pifer.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at the Convoy Methodist Church, 207 N. Main St. Rev. Bill Thomas will officiate. Burial will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Convoy.
Preferred memorials: Sarett Nature Center, Benton Center, Michigan.
Arrangements were handled by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home in Holland, Michigan.
Condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com.
POSTED: 05/26/26 at 11:32 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Clair A. Dudgeon, 88, a lifelong resident of Van Wert County, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Born June 28, 1937, and raised in Glenmore, Clair grew up rooted in the values of family, faith, and hard work—principles that guided him throughout his life.
He was the son of Voyle R. and Audrey E. (Smith) Dudgeon, who preceded him in death. Clair graduated from Wren High School in 1955 and went on to attend the University of Michigan before returning home to operate the family business. In 1959, he began managing Glenmore Farmer’s Grain, a role he held with dedication and integrity until his retirement in 2000.
On June 11, 1960, Clair married the love of his life, Arlene (Thieme) Dudgeon, and together they built a family grounded in love, laughter, and unwavering support. He is survived by their daughters: Deb (George) Myers of Senoia, Georgia; Karolyn (Mike) Klever of Lebanon, Ohio; Cindy (Gary) Tinnel of Convoy, and Kim (Mike) Dowdy of Van Wert. Clair was immensely proud of his growing family, which includes: 15 grandchildren – Andrew Gibson, Adam (Molly) Klever, Matthew (Sam) Klever, Lucas (Courtney McClutchy) Klever, Jacqueline (Coty) Yarbrough, Nathaniel Mladenovic, Dustan Tinnel, Ashlee (Drew) Featherston, Alexis (Zen) Burdette, Aaron Dowdy, and Amaya Dowdy; two great-grandchildren – Zyrion Burdette, Joseph Klever, and soon to arrive Zeniyah Burdette, two step-grandchildren – Danielle (Eric) Eydam, and Lance (Beth) Myers; six step great-grandchildren – Lauren Eydam, Emily Eydam, Natalie Eydam, Will Eydam, Riley Myers and Maddy Myers, and two bonus grandchildren – Mikeal Linton and Maxx Linton. He is also survived by in-laws, Suzanne Dudgeon, John Merkle, Mike and Anita Miller, Floyd and Jane Thieme, and Sandy Springer, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Clair was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John Dudgeon and Donald Dudgeon, and his sister Barbara Merkle.
Following his retirement from the grain and fertilizer business, Clair continued his lifelong commitment to public service. He served as Van Wert County Commissioner from 2001 to 2012, bringing thoughtful leadership and a steady hand to the community he loved. His service extended across many organizations, often holding offices, including Van Wert County Foundation, Van Wert Rotary Club, the Board of Directors for People’s Bank and Trust, Vantage Joint Vocational Board of Education, the State Board of Education, the Van Wert County Fair Board, and the Gideon’s Society. He also held offices with the Van Wert County Grain Dealers Association, the Van Wert County school board, and Hancock Mutual Insurance Company.
Faith was a cornerstone of Clair’s life. He was a devoted member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Convoy, where he served as treasurer, and a former member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Ohio City, contributing in numerous leadership roles over the years. An engineer at heart, Clair found joy in building, creating, and solving problems. Whether fabricating metal, crafting with wood, or tending to his gardens, he approached every project with curiosity and precision. His most ambitious and cherished endeavor was constructing an all wood Model T, designing the dyes for the wheel spokes, headlamps, and other components, using lumber harvested from the family farm. It stands as a testament to his ingenuity, patience, and craftsmanship.
Clair will be remembered for his steady presence, his generous spirit, and his unwavering devotion to his family and community. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the institutions he strengthened, and the family he loved so deeply.
Funeral services for Clair will be at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Convoy at 11 a.m. Friday, May 29, with Rev. Steve Shrum officiating. There will be visitation for family and friends from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at the church and one hour ahead of services on Friday.
Preferred memorials: Redeemer Lutheran Church Building Fund, Van Wert County Foundation, or Van Wert Community Health Professionals Hospice.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 05/26/26 at 6:25 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Deborah Joanne (Jewell) Leiter, affectionately known as Deb, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Born on January 24, 1953, she was the daughter of Carol (Wolfcale) and Ernest Jewell, who both preceded her in death. Deb married the love of her life, Jerry B. Leiter, on April 8, 1978, and together they shared 48 years of unwavering devotion, building a life filled with love, partnership, and cherished memories. Jerry will forever hold Deb close in his heart and lovingly cherish her memory.
To know Deb was to know exactly where you stood. She was a fighter who laid down the law and didn’t mess around – it was “her way or the highway,” and her family respected and loved her for it.
Beneath that protective, no-nonsense exterior was a heart completely devoted to her family; as proven from day one when she became the bonus parent to Jerry’s four children, Stacie M. (Bob) Lippi, Michele L. (Bill) Bird, Lisa R. Dunn, and Jeremy B. Leiter, who will all miss her dearly. Some of her happiest moments were spent camping with her grandchildren and having the rare, beautiful privilege of watching them raise children of their own. She was a beloved grandmother to 10 grandchildren, Danielle L. (Nate) Myers, Brittany M. (Jake) Sherman, Christian G.A. Stickney, Heather L. (Desmond) Frost, Angel M. (Ryan) Masters, Tyler D. Dunn, Jasni Gardner, Jordon B. (Nikki) Leiter, Josh M. (Kershin) Leiter, and Joel Leiter, as well as a beautiful generation of great-grandchildren. Deb also leaves behind her sisters, Penny (Jewell) Roberts and Joette Jewell, as well as several nieces and nephews with whom she always enjoyed spending time.
Deb found joy in life’s simple pleasures – tending to her plants and flowers, crafting, getting lost in a good book, and watching reality crime shows that always gave her a good laugh. She also had a caring heart and a deep love for helping others.
Long before facing her own illness, Deb touched many lives through her work at several restaurants in Van Wert. She later devoted herself to caring for the elderly, working for many years at Lincolnway Nursing Home before becoming a home health aide, where her compassion and kindness continued to make a difference in the lives of others.
She was reunited in faith with those who preceded her in death: her parents, Carol and Ernest; her grandson, Tyler D. Dunn; her brothers, Delbert E. Jewell, Donald E. Jewell, and Clyde A. Jewell; her brother-in-law, Clark B. Roberts and her sister, Cynthia A. (Jewell) Kline.
There will be a celebration of life held at her home at a later date.
Online condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements were entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 05/22/26 at 3:15 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Robert Gene Mefferd, 87, of Van Wert, passed away Wednesday morning, May 20, 2026, at The Van Wert Manor.
He was born on March 28, 1939, in Convoy to William Frank and Bertha (Adams) Mefferd. Robert married Eunice Rafert on December 16, 1961.
Bob grew up on a farm in Convoy. He graduated from Crestview High School in 1957. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1958, serving as a dental technician in Nebraska and Goose Bay Labrador, attaining the rank of Airman First Class before returning to the family farm in 1966.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Bertha (Adams) Mefferd, his sister, Diana (Mefferd) Rogers, and his in-laws, Wilfred and Johanna (Kohlmeier Rafert) Buuck.
He is survived by his wife, Eunice Mefferd of Van Wert; son Mark (Melissa) Mefferd; son David (Tina) Mefferd; daughter Amy (Bob) Gingerich; daughter Christine (Tom) Struckmeyer; 15 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at Redeemer Lutheran Church south of Convoy. Family and friends will be received from 8-10 a.m. prior to the service.
Preferred memorials: CHP Home Care and Hospice, Redeemer Lutheran Church, or the donor’s choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert.
POSTED: 05/21/26 at 11:57 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Shirley Ann Short, 88, of Van Wert, died at 2:40pm on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.
She was born March 30, 1938, in Dayton, Ohio, to Herbert and Lonie (McGuire) Wilson. She married Ralph L. Short.
Shirley was a receptionist at R.T.A. in Dayton for many years.
She was a member of Wesley Church in Van Wert. Shirley enjoyed crafts, reading, playing cards and wintering in Florida. She also enjoyed vacationing and camping with Ralph for many years and spending time on her family farm in Adams County, Ohio.
Shirley is survived by 2 children, Tina Day of Convoy and George “Joey” (Kathy) Wilson Jr. of Dayton; four grandchildren, Brittany (Derek) Horner, Julian Leslie (Erin) Norwood, Jeffery Haws and Jennifer Haws; two great-grandchildren, Dylan and Bryce Horner, and a sister, Linda Chapman of Miamisburg, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph; a brother, George Leslie Wilson Sr., and two sisters, Charlotte Gebhart and Barbara Carder.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Burial will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 28 at Trissel Cemetery, New Lebanon, Ohio. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials: a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 05/20/26 at 3:15 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Patricia A. “Pat” (Lyons) Roberts, 82, of Van Wert, passed away Monday evening, May 18, 2026, at Vancrest of Van Wert.
She was born on January 10, 1944, in Decatur, Indiana, to Herbert D. and Edith (Pancake) Lyons.
Pat attended the Jennings Road Church of Christ in Van Wert. She was a dog lover and cherished all her grandchildren.
Pat is survived by her son, Gregory A. Roberts and his wife, Johnna; three grandchildren, Britni (Heather) Roberts, Kaitlin (Alex) Adam and Joshua (Dustin) Roberts; three step-grandchildren, Kendall (Nick) Germann, Jarrett (Mayleen) Dye and Ryleigh (Nick Radabaugh) Dye; a great-grandchild, Luna Adam; six step-great-grandchildren, Mackena, Jaxon, Elise and Lydia Germann and Violet and Harper Dye, and three brothers, Lester Lyons of Convoy, Leroy (Laura) Lyons of Ohio City and Kerry (Sharon) Lyons of West Liberty.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Pastor David Ray, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Kings Bethel Cemetery, Harrison Township. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday 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: 05/19/26 at 2:51 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Curtis D. Proffitt, 87, of Van Wert, passed away at 5:19 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on September 4, 1938, in Spencerville, to Glenn and Lela (Bowen) Proffitt. He married the former Carol Sanderson.
Curt was a salesman at Van Wert Auto Supply for 36 years. He retired from Kennedy Manufacturing, in Van Wert, after six years of service.
He attended the First United Brethren in Christ Church in Van Wert.
Curt is a member of the Van Wert Mens Bowling Hall of Fame and served as a Past President of the Van Wert Mens Bowling Association. He enjoyed bowling, riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing and sports.
Curt is survived by his wife, Carol Proffitt of Van Wert; a daughter, Theresa (Terry) Baker of Van Wert; a son, Michael (Barbara) Proffitt of Leawood, Kansas; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Cary (Ellen) Proffitt of Van Wert.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Lana Drewyore and Winona M. Proffitt, who died in infancy.
Visitation will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First United Brethren in Christ Church or CHP Hospice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Services have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 05/18/26 at 3:35 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Denise Eugenia Foster peacefully passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Lima Memorial Hospital.
Denise was born November 25, 1975, the daughter of Dennis (Jill) Foster and Brenda (Dave) Richey.
Denise or “Neece” as she was affectionately called, grew up in and around Van Wert. She embraced the outdoors and developed a life-long love of animals. She rescued and adopted many animals. Her favorite job involved working at the Saam farm, spending time outdoors and working with the horses, a donkey and a goat. She lived in Ohio with her sister, Patty but often referred to Tennessee as her “home.” Inheriting the “Foster Ingenuity” she became a “Jack of all trades” watching her dad build and fix everything. Many times, calling him to ask for advice on projects. She was a very hard worker and extremely creative, handy with tools, woodworking, building furniture pieces and drawing.
Unconventional, Neece chose her own adventures, living life in her own independent way. She traveled a lot in her younger years state to state. A highlight was going to a Willie Nelson concert, and she loved Dolly Parton and the oldies. She was extremely witty with her wise cracks and one liners. She brought joy to so many people. She was blessed with an incredibly sharp mind and could recall childhood memories and retell stories from many years ago.
Denise made a huge impact wherever she went. Her small acts of kindness did not go unnoticed. She was sensitive to those around her, always willing to help. She had a soft spot for the elderly. Denise was brought up in the ways of the Lord. She was pursued by God and He was always there for her. Denise’s family are eternally grateful for His mercy and amazing grace and know at the end of her life she had an encounter with God and made things right with the Lord and this brings peace to their hearts. Luke 15:3-7 He left the 99 to pursue the 1. To bring them back to Himself. “Rejoice I have found my sheep which was lost.”
She is survived by her parents Dennis and Jill Foster of Sevierville, Tennessee, and Brenda and Dave Richey of Van Wert; a sister, Patty Foster of Van Wert, and brothers Caleb (Rachel), Jamie (Tiffany) Foster, and Jeremiah (Madeline) Foster all of Tennessee. She had many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and her dogs, Jerry Reid, Little Mama, Dupree and Mr. Charlie.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wayne and Evelyn Foster, Fay and Patty Palmer, and Lisle and Virginia Strable.
Preferred memorials in memory of Denise can be made to the Van Wert County Humane Society.
POSTED: 05/13/26 at 12:35 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
