Obituaries

May 5, 2025

Richard "Rick" M. Wood, age 62, of New London passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 5, 2025. Born October 23, 1962 in Berea, Ohio, he was the son of Richard Anthony and Dorothy A. (Mariano) Wood. Rick earned an associates degree in automotive technology and enjoyed working on cars for many years.

A true outdoorsman, Rick enjoyed...

May 4, 2025

Sue, as she liked to be called, Our Loving Mother passed away peacefully at age 85, on May 4, 2025, due to heart and stomach complications. Born Susan Ellen Stearns to Charles Harold Stearns and Helen Ash Stearns on April 27, 1940, in Washington, D.C.

She grew up in Syracuse, New York, where she graduated high school....

May 1, 2025

Mary J. (Szymanski) White, 68, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away on May 1, 2025, with her husband holding her hand. She was born on December 28, 1956, in Wayne, Michigan, to the late Walter and Frances (Marszalek) Szymanski. She grew up in Roseville, Michigan before later moving to Norwalk.

Mary loved her family and cherished time with...

Apr 29, 2025

Judith "Judy K." Verhovec, 52, of Willard died Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at her residence.  She was born June 6, 1972, in Willard.  Judy was a graduate of Willard High School and was STNA in home health and worked at several industries in the area over the years.  She was a member of Freewill Baptist Church in Willard, enjoyed...

Apr 28, 2025

Janice E. Focht-Wicks, 54, of Elyria, Ohio, passed away on April 28, 2025, at her home.  She was born on December 5. 1970, in Norwalk, Ohio, to the late Virginia (Wolcott) and William Focht.  She graduated from New London High School in 1989.

Janice was known for her boisterous laugh, giving nature, and love of her family. ...

Apr 28, 2025

In Loving Memory of Bruce C. Bradstock

August 23, 1941 – April 28, 2025

Bruce Charles Bradstock, 83, of Wellington, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on April 28, 2025 after a long illness.

Born on August 23, 1941, in Lodi, Ohio, Bruce was the son of the late Merle and Nada(Moore)...

Apr 28, 2025

Richard M. Raab, 81, of Wellington, died Monday, April 28, 2025 at home, surrounded by his family. Born on February 6, 1944, he was the son of the late Earl and Mary Raab. Richard was a lifelong Wellington resident and a 1962 graduate of Wellington High School.

Richard proudly served in the United States Army during the...

Apr 27, 2025

James Barton Talbott, Sr., age 82, of New London, died on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Gaymont Nursing Home in Norwalk surrounded by his loving family. Born August 20, 1942 in Troy, West Virginia he was the son of John and Nellie Virginia Hope (Barton) Talbott. James grew up in Weston, West Virginia and later moved to Ohio. He...

Apr 27, 2025

Jean M. (Bertsch) Keller, 92, died peacefully Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Stein Hospice.

Jean was born on August 6, 1932, in Bellevue, Ohio, and was a lifelong Bellevue and Norwalk area resident. After her school years at Thompson in Bellevue, Jean worked at the General Electric plant in Bellevue and was a secretary/bookkeeper for her husband's...

Apr 27, 2025

John E. Chronister, 87, of Shiloh, OH died on Sunday, April 27, 2025, with his loving family by his side.  John was born on August 3, 1937, in Richland County, Ohio and remained in the area his entire life.  He was the son of the late Stanley E. and Mildred (Spriggins) Chronister. John was a 1955 graduate of Savannah...

Apr 25, 2025

Brad L Mason encountered the warm embrace of his Heavenly Father on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 7:49 pm. Surrounding his hospital bed was his wife, two daughters, and his son in-laws. Brad was 67 years old.

He was born and raised in Norwalk, Ohio, graduated from Norwalk High School and played in the 1974 State Football...

Apr 24, 2025

Ricky J. Freeman, 68, of Greenwich, passed away on April 24, 2025 at Fisher-Titus Medical Center. Ricky was born on July, 22, 1956 to the late, Edward and Polly (Whitaker) Freeman.

Ricky is survived by his siblings, Linda White, Jim Freeman, Don (Lynn) Freeman, and Kathy (Gary) Westfall; and many nieces and nephews.

He was...

Apr 22, 2025

Carol Lea Friend, 93, of Bellevue died on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at The Willows in Bellevue, under the care of Stein Hospice. Born in LaGrange on October 28, 1931, to the late Edward Wilford and Maude (nee Holcomb) Youngblood, Carol grew up in LaGrange. She married her husband of 65 years, Donald Friend, and they built their home...

Apr 19, 2025

Steve Columbis Ferguson, 76, of Wellington, died at home this past April. Born on November 4, 1948 in Elyria, he was the son of the late Preston Gray Ferguson and Dory Edith (nee Redwine) Slone. Steve grew up in Elyria and North Ridgeville and was a graduate of North Ridgeville High School. He later made his home in Penfield...

Apr 18, 2025

Roger W. George, 79, passed away on April 18, 2025, at Fisher-Titus Medical Center. He was born on June 22, 1945, to the late James and Ethel (Weber) George in Rushville, Indiana.

Roger was graduate of Rushville High School and attended Johnson Bible College, where he met his wife of 59 years, Carol (Flatt) George. He served...

Apr 18, 2025

Earl W. Paramore, age 86, of Shiloh died on April 18, 2025 on the family farm surrounded by his loving family. Born September 24, 1938, he was a graduate of Savannah High School. Earl worked in welding and maintenance at General Motors for 43 years and was a life-long farmer.

Land and animal husbandry were central to...

Apr 17, 2025

John Saunders, 41, of Greenwich, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025.  A Greenwich / Tri-Community firefighter, he gave his life in the line of duty while courageously battling a house fire.

John was born on April 17, 1984 in Oberlin, Ohio and was a 2002 graduate of Western Reserve High School and EHOVE Career Center. ...

Apr 14, 2025

Patricia A. "Pat" Bilton, 87, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, at home.  She was born on May 9, 1937, in Olena, at home to the late Pearl Ray and Zaida Belle (Furness) Souslin.

Pat was spunky, and in her earlier years stern, but in later years described as sweet by all who...

Apr 13, 2025

Julie Christine Wagner, age 52, of Elyria died on Sunday, April 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at her home. Born March 23, 1973 in Oberlin, she was the daughter of James Wacker and Donna (Wrench) Hall. Julie graduated from Wellington High School and Lorain County JVS in 1991. She married the love of her life, Louis, and...

Apr 13, 2025

Nancy L. Straka, 69, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, at the Cleveland Clinic surrounded by loving family. She was born on July 29, 1955, in Norwalk, to the late Winfred and Maria (Bukzspan) Rupp. She graduated from Norwalk High School in 1973.

Nancy was selfless, giving and supportive. She made helping others...