Class Notes

Emilie Anne Mitchell (Nan) of Peru, New York, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, at the age of 97 after a brief illness. Nan was predeceased by her husband, Donald C. Mitchell, and three siblings: Hope Applebaum, John Hathaway, and Dr. Walter Hathaway. She is survived by her sister, the Rev. Dr. Miriam Hathaway, and her daughters, Tammy Mitchell Goldberg (Larry) of Gulfport, FL, Colleen Mitchell of Rochester, NH, and Susan Mitchell Tenney (Joe) of Centreville, VA. Nan also leaves behind three grandchildren and one great-grandson, who brought her much joy. Born in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, in 1927, Nan was a graduate of Muskingum College in Ohio and Penn State University, State College, PA. Her early career included work as a fingerprint technician for the FBI (1944-1950), followed by teaching Home Economics in Pennsylvania. She was a pioneering educator in her community, serving as the first nursery school teacher at Peru Community Church and later teaching at Our Lady of Victory Secretarial School. Nan dedicated over 20 years as President of the Friends of the Peru Library, fostering a love for reading. Nan was an avid and talented quilter. She also handcrafted 800 dresses for children supported by Mission of Hope in Africa and Haiti, a heartfelt endeavor that earned her recognition in the Press Republican. Her kindness left an indelible mark on her community, and she was surrounded by friends who loved her deeply. Her family is forever grateful for the support and love they shared with Nan over the years.

Marjorie J. MacKeown, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and cherished educator, passed away on October 18, 2024, at the age of 83 in Dayton, Ohio. Born on July 10, 1941, in Delaware County, Ohio, Marjorie's life was a tapestry of dedication woven through her profound commitment to teaching and her unwavering love for her family. After graduating from Union Local High School in Milford Center, Ohio, Marjorie embarked on an academic journey that would shape her career and enrich countless lives. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Muskingum College and furthered her education with a Master of Arts in Education from Wright State University. These accomplishments laid a strong foundation for her illustrious career in education, during which she spent many years at Tecumseh High School. It was here that she imparted knowledge and ignited a passion for learning in her students, earning their lifelong respect and admiration before retiring in 2004.A member of the NEA, OEA, and TEA, Marjorie also served on the Executive Boards of OCTELA (Ohio Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts) and WOCTELA (Western Ohio Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts), was honored with several Excellence in Teaching Awards including the 2004 OCTELA Outstanding High School English Teacher and the 2004 NCTE Outstanding High School English Teacher. Marjorie always had a flare for the dramatics. She performed throughout high school, college, and in summer stock at the Red Barn Theater (Gateway Theater) in Long Island where she landed singing and speaking roles in My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Camelot, and Sleeping Beauty. She shared her love of theater with young people while directing children s theater in Marion, Ohio and as the Muse Machine Advisor. Marjorie frequented the local theaters, and especially enjoyed taking her granddaughters to shows at the Shuster Center, Dayton Playhouse, LaComedia, and the Human Race Theater. A devout Presbyterian, Marjorie was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, Ohio. A member since 1982, she volunteered in the church office and served as a Stephen Minister and Stephen Leader as well as a Moderator of the Westminster Presbyterian Women s Association. Marjorie is survived by her devoted sons, Graeme Jack MacKeown (Vicki) and Chris MacKeown (Melissa), who carry forward her legacy of love and support. She was also the proud grandmother to Brittany, Gabrielle, Alexandra, Elizabeth, and Danielle, who were the light of her life. Each grandchild held a special place in her heart, and she delighted in their achievements and the joy they brought to her life. Though she leaves behind her beloved family, Marjorie has been reunited in spirit with those who predeceased her, including her cherished parents, Deurelle and Louise Gabriel; her husband, Graeme MacKeown; and her siblings, Deurelle Gabriel, Alice Kaufman, and Jim Gabriel. Their bonds of love and memory continue to shine brightly in the lives of those who remain. Marjorie J. MacKeown will be remembered not only for her educational contributions but also for her boundless devotion to her family and her warm spirit that touched all who knew her. Her remarkable legacy of compassion, intellect, and love will forever resonate in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

ANN C. PATTERSON, 90, long-time resident of Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Francis H. "Bud" Patterson, Jr. Ann is survived by son, Curtis Todd Patterson and wife Chris of PA; daughter, Leslie Patterson Clifford and husband Keith of Cynthiana, KY; and son, Matthew C. Patterson of Lexington, KY. 

Carolyn G. McCreary Donohue, age 89, of Cambridge, OH passed away Wednesday October 16, 2024 at The Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center. She was born on December 11, 1934 to the late Robert B. McCreary and Gladys Musser McCreary Evans in Cambridge, OH. Carolyn retired from Job and Family Services after 22 years as a Social Services Supervisor. She was a member of Cambridge Presbyterian Church where she had served as Elder, Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. She was a Graduate of Cambridge High class of 1952, Muskingum College and attended OSU. Carolyn enjoyed playing Bridge, swimming, being a life guard, knitting. She was a member Kountry Swingers Line Dancing Team for over 20 years. She loved animals including \u0026quot;cat in a million\u0026quot; Sammy. Along with her parents Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband Edward O. Donohue who passed away August 24, 2012. They were married June 5, 1955. One brother, Donald McCreary. She is survived by one daughter, Judith A. Donohue of Columbus, OH. One son, Steven E. Donohue of Cambridge, OH. Sister-in-law, Beverly McCreary of GA. Nieces: Karen Debitetto of Ft. Myers, FL., Debbie (Keith) Johnson of St Simons Island, GA, Jill (Terry) Stewart of Naples, FL. 

On Tuesday, October 15th, Natalie Ann Patton Garshaw passed away peacefully in Bloomington, Indiana, surrounded by her family whom she loved dearly. She will continue to live in the hearts of David (spouse), Holly & Travis DeVault (daughter & son-in-law), Sarah and Larry Rockwell (daughter and son-in-law), Jay Garshaw (son), Adrienne and Jake Mazak (granddaughter and grandson-in-law), Jackson DeVault (grandson), Monica Rockwell (granddaughter), Derek Rockwell (grandson), and Zachary Payton (grandson). Natalie was born on July 31st, 1947, to Gerald and Edna Patton in Newark, Ohio, where she grew up as an only child. She graduated from Muskingum College with a degree in Mathematics and Education. She taught mathematics at several high schools and a Jr. high school during her career. She was also a very active member of Kiwanis Club, serving as President for a term, and a member of First Christian Church in Bloomington. To know Natalie was to know love and compassion. Natalie spent her life caring for others while treating everyone with love and respect. She walked the Christian walk by serving others spending many hours volunteering in the communities in which she lived. The loss of Natalie will leave a hole in many hearts, and she will be dearly missed by her friends and family.

Christopher David Bodnar, age 43, passed away suddenly in his home on Friday, October 4, 2024. He was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania on the 6th of June, 1981 to Margaret Ann and Charles. Chris spent most of his life in central Ohio, making Franklin County his home. He was a graduate of Westerville South High School in 1999. He graduated concurrently with an Associate s Degree. He was an avid member of the Boy Scouts of America, being awarded the honor of Eagle Scout. He loved being outdoors, his home away from home. He continued his pursuit of education at Muskingum University, with a degree in Philosophy in 2004. Chris was a beacon of knowledge to all those around him. He had a passion for movies and books, which he regularly shared with family and friends. He was a kind soul, with a sharp wit and a fast humor. He adored his family and was a wonderful son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. He is survived by his loving mother, Margaret Bodnar, of Columbus, his father Charles (Debbie) Bodnar of Steubenville, his brother Alexander (Mariah) Bodnar of Pittsburgh, PA, and his sister Cheyenne Bodnar of Milwaukee, WI. He is also survived by a very large family and community of friends, who love him and miss him immensely. He is preceded in death by his Maternal grandparents, Frank and Regis Duggan of Wintersville, OH and his Paternal grandparents, James William and Evalena Bodnar of Wintersville, OH.

The cosmologists tell us we are made of ‘star-stuff,’ that the elements and energies of which we are comprised have their origins in the sun.

For most of us, that’s theoretical. But some people seem to embody this truth. Their very presence emanates a certain shine that illuminates and invigorates everyone and everything around them.

Gladys Taylor McGarey was one such person.

Through her long and storied life, Dr. McGarey’s light touched and enlivened so many people in so many places. As a practicing physician, a prime mover in the field of holistic medicine, and the matriarch of a vibrant family, Gladys showed us—with her deeds as with her words—that the universe is made out of love.

Dr. Gladys’ earthly life ended on Saturday, September 28, just two months shy of her 104th birthday. She leaves in her wake a vast legacy of good works, all rooted in what she called the 5Ls: Love, Life, Labor, Laughter, and Listening.

As Holistic Primary Care’s publisher, Meg Sinclair noted last year, in her review of Dr. McGarey’s most recent book The Well-Lived Life, “This wise woman is not only a Godmother of Holistic Medicine, she’s a Fairy Godmother of life itself, spreading love, and always pointing us toward the fundamental truth that we really do need each other to grow and live healthy, fulfilling lives.”

Gladys Louise Taylor’s early life is the stuff of story books. She was born on the banks of the River Ganges in Fatehgarh, a town in the province of Uttar Pradesh in Northern India.

Her parents, Drs. John and Elizabeth Taylor, were both osteopathic physicians who studied with A.T. Still, the founder of osteopathy, and who served as medical missionaries representing the Reformed Presbyterian Church. In India, the Taylors provided free, full-spectrum medical care in remote regions to anyone in need regardless of creed or caste. Their patients included many with Hansen’s disease (leprosy).

The Taylors served in India for 55 years. They witnessed India’s struggle for independence from the British, including Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent protest efforts, and also the bloody violence of the 1947 partition of the former British Raj into the modern nations of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. As a child, she lived in tents amid nature untamed, or in towns teeming with people whose languages and cultures were very different from her own.

Despite her innate intelligence, young Gladys struggled in school, especially with reading.

“The word dyslexia wasn’t yet coined back then, but I was the class dummy. School was very hard for me. I absolutely did not know the difference between the word “God” and “Dog”….they looked like the same word to me,” she said in an extensive interview with Holistic Primary Care back in the Spring of 2020.

Gladys returned to the US as a teenager in 1935, and undertook her undergraduate education at Muskingum University, New Concord, Ohio. Like her parents, she felt the medical calling, and answered by enrolling in and graduating from the Woman’s Medical College in Philadelphia—a gender-segregated medical school founded by Quakers in 1850, which later on merged with the Hahnemann Medical School, and was ultimately absorbed into Drexel University.

In that era there were very few women in medicine—Gladys estimated the number to be in the dozens. When she interned at the Deaconess Hospital in 1946, she was the only woman in her cohort, and was obliged to sleep on an x-ray table because there was no women’s housing on the campus.

During her training years, she met William McGarey, also a physician, and they married in 1943. Together, they had six children, along with a shared medical practice in Wellsville, OH. After William’s US Air Force service, the McGareys relocated to Arizona, which remained Gladys’ home base ever since.

Early on in her career, Gladys recognized both the powers and the limitations of conventional allopathic medicine. She understood that while pharmaceutical and surgical interventions could indeed save lives, they often failed to heal what truly ailed people at deeper levels. They could repair damaged bodies, but they could not touch peoples’ souls. They did not have much to offer for promotion of true health or prevention of disease.

Though she was well-trained in allopathy, she was also deeply influenced by the writings and teachings of Edgar Cayce and other transcendentalists who contended that spiritual, psychological, and social factors were as important as physical and chemical factors in determining a person’s health status. She sought a way to somehow bridge the medicine of the spirit with the medicine of the body.

That quest led her to study and utilize Eastern modalities like acupuncture, and to speak openly about the vital role of love in the healing process. She and her husband were among the first medical doctors in the US to practice what we now call holistic medicine.

In 1978, the McGareys co-founded the American Holistic Medical Association (now called the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine) together with kindred spirits Evarts G. Loomis, and Norman Shealy, who died this past July at 91 years of age.

The AHMA was utterly unique at the time of its founding. It gave medical doctors and other conventionally-trained practitioners a safe haven forum in which to explore things like acupuncture, herbal medicine, the placebo effect, energy medicine, meditation, and the role of mindset in promoting illness and restoring health. It nurtured the lives and careers of many of today’s leading holistic, integrative, and naturopathic clinicians. Dr. Gladys was involved with the organization as a mentor, speaker, and guiding spirit throughout its many changes.

Gladys continued to practice in Scottsdale well into her elder years. She was among the first MDs to introduce spirituality, dream interpretation, and lifestyle coaching into clinical settings.

“We need to realize what we as physicians are really doing. We are working with people who have diseases, not diseases that have people,” she said, in the first article Holistic Primary Care published about her and her work back in 2003.

Acutely aware of the ways that our belief systems affect our health, she challenged many of the dogmas and doctrines that shape modern medical practice. One of her biggest criticisms was the constant use of combat metaphors.

“The fun of medicine was lost when medicine became a war machine,” she insisted during a talk at an AHMA conference years ago. She questioned language like: “wars” on cancer and heart disease; “barrages of radiation” to eradicate “invasive” carcinomas; “first-line interventions” with “magic bullets” from the “therapeutic armamentarium. She advocated not just for more humane treatments, but for better metaphors based on the principle that love is the most powerful medicine, and the wellspring of everything else.

Gladys also taught that what we initially experience as problems, setbacks, or misfortunes often contain hidden gifts that only become apparent later.

Reflecting on her lifelong struggle with dyslexia, she recalled that “When we started the AHMA in 1978, a few years after that, there were about ten of us sitting around the table. As we got to talking, we realized that of the ten of us, six were severely dyslexic. We thought, ‘Well, maybe the reason we began to think about medicine in a different way is because we had to learn in a different way.’ The ability to step out of the box and see things from a different angle….it turns out to be a blessing.”

Gladys’ parents named their daughter very, very well. In her words, her deeds, her very presence, one sensed that she was truly glad for the simple fact of being alive. Her bright smile could lift the heaviest of hearts, and her eyes conveyed the wordless wisdom of the ages.

Her essential love of life remained undimmed through some major upheavals—a wrenching divorce in her 60s, a harrowing personal encounter with cancer, the loss of a beloved daughter. She never sugar-coated the realities of pain, grief, fear, illness, and conflict.

But likewise, she never let any of these things douse her essential belief in the goodness of life. She understood the cycles and rhythms of life, the ways of plants, the hearts of children. She knew how to make a stranger feel like kin.

“Once you’re able to receive love, health and happiness will follow. Then the only natural response is to start spreading it to everyone you meet.”

It is for these qualities, along with her sound clinical acumen and her deep understanding of nature—human and otherwise—that Gladys Taylor McGarey was loved and revered by so many people. They are the reason that so many of the nation’s best and most compassionate clinicians continued to turn to her as a teacher, guide, and matriarch.

Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Gladys McGarey, speaking with her, and partaking of her insights, was touched for life.

Over the course of her years, Gladys distilled her wisdom—dyslexia bedamned!—into several books, Living Medicine, Born to Live, and The World Needs Little Old Ladies, along with her most recent The Well-Lived Life, and its companion, The Well-Lived Life Workbook. In 2003, Gladys’ daughter Analea McGarey published Born to Heal—a comprehensive account of her mother’s truly epic life.  

In the early weeks of the Covid pandemic, we hosted an open conversation with Gladys in which she reflected on the meaning of the pandemic from the perspective of someone who lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the cultural upheavals of the 60s and 70s, and many personal and societal crises. It is well worth a listen!

Gladys remained active—writing, speaking, teaching, gardening, and riding her bike– until her final days. In her later years, she established the Foundation for Living Medicine, to continue her work for the transformation of healthcare.

Though she herself is now gone from this world, Gladys Taylor McGarey’s spirit and her legacy will live on, carried forward by her family, by those whom she healed, and those whom she taught.

Per her family’s request, if Dr. Gladys touched your heart, please consider contributing to The Foundation for Living Medicine as it endeavors to manifest Gladys’ vision of a Village for Living Medicine and a community based on holistic principles.

Sue Ellen (nee McHail) Skillings was born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 10, 1947. She is the beloved mother of Alan (Michelle) Skillings and Diana (Jeremy) Smith; adoring grandmother of Katherine, Wyatt and Grant Skillings and Dillon, Austin, Madi and Logan Smith; dear sister of Mark McHail and the late Kim Young. 

Sue was very loved in the Oxford community and had many dear friends, whom she treasured. She was very active with Oxford Presbyterian Church where she was a longtime member. Sue was also known by community and Miami University Alumni alike as both an MU graduate and a Professor in the Mathematics Department for over 30 years. She was a bright and shining light in the lives of her family, church and friends as well as the students she taught throughout the years. She will be deeply missed. 

JoAnne Russell Campbell of Dallas, Texas, beloved mother to four children, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, passed away July 2, 2024, joining her late husband William "Bill" in Heaven. JoAnne was born in Lakeland, Florida on May 9, 1928, to Frank and Ethel Russell and grew up outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While earning her B.A. from Muskingum University in Ohio, JoAnne was pursued and courted by Bill Campbell, who soon became the love of her life. In 1950, JoAnne married Bill and they moved to Irving, Texas, where they raised their four children and built a lifelong community. God blessed JoAnne with an incredible capacity to love others--a gift she graciously gave back to Him through every relationship in her life. After decades of active involvement in local Presbyterian churches, JoAnne became a founding member of the Forum Fellowship Church at The Forum at Park Lane, where she spent the last 17 years of her life. JoAnne was preceded in death by her "always and forever" husband, Bill. JoAnne leaves behind children Cathy & Dan Murphree, Bryan & Holly Campbell, Carol & Page Strong, Nancy & Ken Jones; grandchildren Carrie, Garrett, Patty, Blair, Cameron, Rachel, Madison, and Cole and great-grandchildren Campbell, Harrison, Andrew, Mabel, Eloise, Duke, James, Nora, and Jack. JoAnne also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and countless other pen pals with whom she email-corresponded regularly. 

Grace "Gracie" L. Scott, 82, of Jamestown, NY died peacefully Friday evening, September 20, 2024 after a short illness. Born January 4, 1942 in East Liverpool, OH she was the daughter of the late Paul Eugene and Mary Helen Hutchman. Gracie was a graduate of Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio. A lifelong lover of the fine arts, Gracie was an avid painter and musical enthusiast. Gracie was a devout woman of faith and attended Zion Covenant Church in Jamestown, NY, singing in their choir for many years. Gracie is survived by daughter Julie Scott, Sacramento, CA, daughter Sarah (Mitchell) Lander, Blairsville, GA , grandson Hunter Lander, grandson Brandon Lander, and brother William (Jan) Hutchman, East Liverpool, OH. Gracie will be buried alongside her parents and siblings in Riverview Cemetery, East Liverpool, OH

Mary Neal Ranson Mills, age 97, of Kinston, NC, passed away suddenly but peacefully on July 1, 2024. Born September 4, 1926, in Hodgenville, KY, to Neal Alexander Ranson and Mary McCreary Ranson, she lived a full life of love and service.

From a young age, she was guided by her Presbyterian faith and a heart filled with generosity, baking biscuits with her mother to share during the Great Depression and learning to play hymns on the piano. She adored her siblings and followed them to college at Muskingum. From there she would graduate, joining her grandmother, parents, and future husband as alumni. She and the love of her life, the late James Clarence (Jim) Mills, raised their four sons living in five states, finally making their home in Kinston, NC, in 1967 with the opening of their store Mills International.

It was in Kinston that she planted roots and gave herself to the community. This began in the First Presbyterian Church with Sunday School, Presbyterian Women, and multiple choirs. However, her generous spirit and love of serving others extended to Altrusa International, the American Association of University Women, Church Women United, Kinston Women’s Club, Lenoir County Historical Association, Meals on Wheels, and the Salvation Army.

Mary Neal never met a stranger. Her ability to connect with others to share stories and remember people and events was a marvel. She had the sharpest mind and the astute propensity to take care of things with little fanfare even to the end. She loved her family with unconditional devotion. She is survived by three sons and their wives: Jim and Sally Mills of Greenville, SC, Mark and Connie Mills of Marietta, GA, and Don and Cindy Mills of LaGrange, NC. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Jim, her brother Paul Ranson, her sister Ruth Ranson Gault, her son and daughter-in-law David Mills and Debbie McLawhorn Mills, and her grandson Kevin Mills. The family extends gratitude to Theresa Hodges and Ginger Peel for their gentle care and assistance.

Mary Neal’s memory will always be alive. We find peace in the sands of her beloved Emerald Isle, in the sewn gifts she gave, in the many treasured letters she wrote, and in the legacy of her inspiring service and love.

Judy J Tappon, 75, died on April 4, 2023, in Rochester, NY. Judy is pre-deceased by her parents, Joseph and Sue (Hudec) Johnroe of Penfield, NY, and her longtime companion of 36 years, Pat Wightman Shoemaker, as well as her cousin, Charles Fadale. She is survived by her husband, Jim Tappon, as well as her four children and their spouses, Drew (Jerry Mahoney), Matthew (Casey Estabrooks), Peter (Ali) and Susie. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren and her sibling, Drew Johnroe (Salli). She is also survived by her cousins, Susie Fadale and her daughters, and Buddy Fadale (Jeanne) and their sons. A true nature lover, Judy spent most of her time in her back yard, walking her dogs and talking to the neighbors. She enjoyed native gardening, birding, her English Springer Spaniels, general dog training and spending time with her children and grandchildren. 

MARY M. LOMAC (nee MOSES) age 91, wife for 59 years of Ted; mother of Tanya and Lara (Laura McElroy); daughter of the late Clarence and Florence (nee McCracken) Moses.

Mary was born in New Concord, Ohio and studied at Muskingum and OSU. After graduating she began a career in teaching at Shore Junior High in Euclid, Ohio. There she met the love of her life and willing partner in adventure, Ted. Their courtship and early marriage included meeting for dinner after their respective weekly bowling leagues. She loved entertaining, cooking, reading, sewing, knitting, bowling and was always willing to try new things — at least once.

She organized many a family vacation adventure that incorporated learning and experiencing new places. After retirement she enjoyed time learning about and traveling to new places with the Road Scholars. She and Ted were season ticket holders of the Cleveland Orchestra, Great Lakes Theater, and Play House Square. She instilled a love of music and culture in her daughters. She was well rounded as an avid fan of the Buckeyes, Browns, and Guardians.

Over the years she and Ted hosted many a party, with good food and good friends. She always loved a worthy theme. She was thoughtful and generous and willing to help where she could. She was witty and mercurial, always trying to put a smile on the face of others. We will miss her positive nature.

Herbert Thomas (Tom) Abrams, III, age 80, passed away Saturday, September 14, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife of 30 years, granddaughter, family and friends. Tom was born on February 12, 1944, in Orange, New Jersey. He graduated with his bachelor's degree from Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio and then served in the United States Marine Corps. While serving in the Marines, Tom received multiple awards, medals and accommodations including, but not limited to, the Bronze Star with V for Valor. Tom was survived by his best friend, soulmate and loving wife, Fran Abrams; children, Susan "Scottie" (Drew) Altland, Chris (Sherri) Denelsbeck; grandchildren, Abigail & Trey Altland, Heather & Christopher Denelsbeck; his sisters, Julie (Bill) Dunbar and Ann Mercer VanVoorhis; brothers-in-law, Joseph Iovanisci and Rick (Gracie) Fischbach; sister-in-law, Elaine Kerwood; and many beloved family members. Tom was an active member of the Harker Heights Methodist Church and loved his Lord, his wife, and his family. He loved his country with his whole heart and was extremely proud of being a United States Marine who served in the Vietnam War.

Robert M. Holmstrup, known to his family as Rob and to his friends at Muskingum as “Harpo,” passed away from multiple illnesses at age 77, in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.  He grew up in Fair Lawn, graduated from a local high school and used his Muskingum degree in economics to prosper in the actuarial business in New York City during the 70’s and 80’s.  Then he and his wife, Karen, decided that rural eastern Pennsylvania – right across the Delaware River from Narrowsburg, NY, was a better place to raise their children.  They had to start their careers all over again but they managed and very much enjoyed their home and community for the next 30+ years.  Rob is survived by Karen, their two children, their grandchildren (Christian, Mia, Jackson; Justin and Tyler), and his sister, Jan. He had many friends in the Narrowsburg area and many from his days at Muskingum, especially those in the MACE Club.  His lifelong interest in Major League Baseball and visits to ballparks, with Joel Nott Allen ’69, are indelibly etched. He will be missed.

David P.F. Welch departed these environs on September 10, 2024, in search of peace and the perfect recipe for barbecued ribs. Born on June 2, 1980, in Medina, Ohio, Dave graduated from Medina High School where he played trombone in the marching band and the jazz band. He took his trombone to Muskingum University where he earned a partial music scholarship and contributed his talents to a variety of ensembles. He also met his future wife on the very first day of band camp. Bachelor's degree in hand, Dave went into sales. It was noted by some that Dave could sell ice in Antarctica, so it was no surprise he was a consummate salesperson, first at Gale's Garden Center where he wrote exceedingly funny descriptions on the signs for the trees and shrubs, then at Ganley Honda where he spent 17 years handing keys to happy car buyers. Given his sales skills and friendly personality, he eventually rose to a managerial position. He returned to the workforce after his first heart surgery, and was thrilled to be a used car buyer for Spitzer Chevrolet. He particularly loved buying exotic used cars without opening his own wallet. Always a kid at heart, Dave acquired a considerable number of LEGO models which he enjoyed building with his kids. His other talents, of which there were many, included his skills in the kitchen and at the grill where he frequently devised his own recipes, and entertained his family with his sharp wit and cleverness. His joking was never mean-spirited and a conversation with him could go in many at once, most of them interjected with humor and word play. Much, much too soon, Dave leaves behind his wife, Amy; his daughter, Molly; his son, Jack; his parents, Sid Welch (Peggy Koontz) and Janet Griffing-LaBonne (Steve LaBonne); and his brother, James, and sister-in-law, Debbie, and their children Emmalyn and Audrey. Dave is also survived by a bevy of sisters, brothers, and nephews by marriage, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Louine Carol Anderson Vaughan, aged 82, of Centennial, Colorado, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024. Born on February 2, 1942, in Warren, Ohio, to Carl and Dorothy Anderson, Louine was a pioneering spirit, whose dedication to the mental health community marked her distinguished career spanning 50 years.

Louine was raised in Orwell, Ohio where she had her first job as a telephone operator in 1958, and later graduated from Grand Valley High School in 1960. Louine began her college education at Muskegon College, transferring to Alaska Methodist University for her senior year, where she earned a BA in 1964. During her time in Alaska, Louine had a formative experience, living through the earthquake of 1964 in Anchorage. Louine would often speak of that experience, and how her best friend, Dennis, had saved her. Louine went on to receive an MSW from the University of Chicago, as well as a Certificate of Church and Community from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1968.

Louine’s career in social work began as a house mother at Eastfield Ming Quong and spanned over five decades. She was the first woman counselor at Oklahoma State University’s Counseling Department, and later obtained her LCSW in Colorado, and excelled as a therapist at Bethesda Mental Health Center. In 1978, Louine co-founded the Front Range Center in Denver, Colorado with her partners: Diane Cannizaro, Ernie Schwartz, Joe Gibson, and later Michael Kirby. The Front Range Center became a cornerstone of hope and healing for the greater Denver community. In 2012 Louine began her solo practice as psychotherapist, focusing primarily on marriage and Individual counseling.

Louine’s love for music was matched by her passion for friends and cousins. She found great joy, love and laughter in the travel, long talks, and countless hours she spent enjoying time with each of them. Her personal life was filled with deep love and connection. She married Tom Vaughan in 1968, and soon after, moved to Denver, Colorado where she had her beloved son, Guy Benjamin Vaughan. After her divorce in 1976, she found love again with Jean Milan in 1978, whom she married on April 16, 1982. Jean became the love of her life, and remained so despite his passing in 2000.

Louine was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her latest great-granddaughter. She is survived by her son, Guy Benjamin; daughter-in-law, KellyJo L. Vaughan; grandchildren, Zeb and Zoë Vaughan; and great-grandson, Ryder Vaughan.

Louine was a guiding light to her family and friends, as well as the many lives she touched through her professional and volunteer work.

Phyllis E. Behnke, 83, of Sandusky, Ohio passed away peacefully Friday, September 13, 2024. Phyllis was born at home on July 16, 1941, in Wayne County, Ohio and was the daughter of Gerald E. Campbell and Thelma (Lytle) Campbell. She married Richard "Dick" Behnke on July 15, 1978, at the Smithville United Methodist Church, Smithville, Ohio. She graduated from Wooster High School in 1959 and remained very close with many of her classmates. Phyllis graduated from Muskingum College in 1963 and moved to Sandusky the same year. She taught for nineteen years at Osborne Elementary and then eleven years at Venice Heights. Phyllis was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary teacher's organization, and the Ohio Retired Teachers Association. She was a former member of the National Teacher's Association and Ohio Teacher's Association. Phyllis did extensive traveling, visiting fourteen countries. After marrying, she and Dick continued to do a lot of traveling. They especially enjoyed visiting historical places, visiting over twenty-five homes of U.S. Presidents. Phyllis loved to travel, read, and do genealogical research, tracing her family roots back to one of the first families of Ashland County. She is survived by her husband, Dick; her brother and sister-in-law, Bernerd and Susan (Sprunger) Campbell; seven nieces and nephews, Bryan (Susan) Campbell, Mark (Kelly) Campbell, Debbie (Dr. Scott) Van Aman, Dr. Nathaniel (Melody) Parker, Rachael Parker, Joel Behnke, and Matt Behnke; her great nieces and great nephews; Charlie and Jack Van Aman; Maggie and Sydney Campbell, and Jake Parker. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Thelma Campbell; grandparents, Earl and Ethel (Snyder) Campbell, and Alvin and Anna (Dilgard) Lytle.

Kenneth Bradley Williams, 88, of Senecaville, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Genesis Hospital. Kenneth was born on November 4, 1935, in Wayne Township, Noble County, a son to the late Richard and Deza (Potts) Williams. Kenneth graduated from Batesville High School in 1953. After high school he attended Muskingum University where he graduated in 1956 with his bachelor's degree and finished his education at Ohio University with his master's degree. Kenneth worked as a guidance counselor at Canton City Schools for many years before retiring in 1989. Kenneth was a former Noble County Commissioner and member of the Farm Bureau and the Ohio Education Association. He was a former Chairman for the Noble County Democratic Central Committee, a GED Instructor, an Adult Education Instructor, and was a published author, calling himself the "Hill Country Poet". He enjoyed watching Jeopardy, the Lawrence Welk Show, and Who Wants to be a Millionaire. He was an avid music listener with an extensive CD collection. Kenneth loved watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren's sporting events and 4H activities. Kenneth was a member of the Old Concord Church in Senecaville. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Dwain Williams, his sister, Janet (Johnny) Archer, and his grandson-in-law, Brent Warden. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Lena (Huntsman) Williams, whom he married on June 8, 1959, his son, Joe (Connie) Williams of Kennonsburg, his daughter, Michelle (Curtis) Larrick of Kennonsburg, a daughter-in-law, Dawn Williams, six grandchildren, Crystal (Bob) Bennington, J.C. (Shelby) Williams, Melissa Warden, Ethan (Stephanie) Williams, Dillon (Liz) Larrick, and Katrina Williams. Also left to cherish his memory are his great grandchildren, Lucas, Joey, Hunter, Buckley, Cooper, Addi, Travis, Oaken, Colten, Riley, Jaxon, Marissa, and Ethan, and his close friends, Roger Pickenpaugh and George May.

Lights Dim On One Of Sherborn's Longest Running Acts. Judy Davis, known for her tireless efforts in town as actor, writer, producer and director for both The Sherborn Players and Dover Foundation, died peacefully on August 5th after a brief illness. She was 89. Born and raised in Coraopolis Pa, she went on to earn her Masters in music from Muskingum University in 1956. A gifted soprano, she sang with the Civic Light Opera of Pittsburgh and was a star or featured performer in several professional productions such as The Boyfriend, Little Mary Sunshine, and the touring companies of Kismet and The King and I. She also spent many years as a member of both the SAG and AFTRA. Married to Earl Davis in August of 1960, in 1968 they moved to Sherborn with their three children. Over the next 54 years she helped build community in the town by her involvement in theater, The Welcome Wagon, League of Women Voters, PTA, Sherborn Yacht Club, The Music Makers, the Good As New Shop, and as choir director of the Sherborn Unitarian Universalist Area Church. A loving mother, she never missed a game, a play or exhibition and was always thoughtful and encouraging. She leaves her husband Earl and her three children: John and his wife Katherine Journeay, Leah and her partner Laura Barbeau, Jeff and his wife Lauren Fisher Davis

Connie Robinson, aged 85, died peacefully after a long battle with cancer on Saturday, March 18, at the home of her daughter Alexa Robinson-O’Neill in Granville, Ohio, surrounded by family. Connie, the eldest daughter of Glade Morrison and Jane (Rankin) Morrison, was born on June 24, 1937, in Seneca, Pennsylvania. She attended high school at Austintown Fitch, graduating in 1955. She attended Muskingum College, before becoming engaged to Erven “Skip” Robinson, and marrying on August 17, 1957. They remained married for the 62 years until Skip predeceased her in 2019.

Connie returned to college at Youngstown State, earning her BA and teaching certificate in 1970, going on to earn a Masters in Counseling (1977) and a Doctorate in Education History (1991) from Kent State.

Connie was a beloved English teacher and Senior Class advisor at Canfield High school, and a valued college counselor at Poland High, helping many students at both schools on to their colleges and careers. She remained an ardent Fitch supporter her entire life, continuing to lunch with several of her ‘55 classmates until her illness. Connie played in Mill Creek Park ladies’ golf leagues for many years, and will be remembered fondly by her many friends there as well as in her water aerobics classes at Creekside. In retirement she was a volunteer reader for the Youngstown Radio Reading Service for 10 years, and has made a bequest to continue her support for this organization.

She is survived by a son, Rick (Patricia) of Boulder, Colorado, and daughter, Alexa (Robert) of Granville, Ohio, and grandchildren Ellen O’Neill (St. Louis, Mo.), Alex O’Neill (Columbus, Ohio), and Georgia Robinson, at Purdue University; sisters Madalyne Pauley (Tom) in Canfield, and Sharen Cope, in Columbiana. Her many Morrison and Robinson nieces and nephews were especially dear to her.

Roger B. Welsh, age 81, of Gahanna, OH passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024. Born September 20, 1942, to Ruth and Dwight Welsh, Roger was a graduate of Grandview Heights HIgh School and Muskingum College where he excelled in both football and baseball. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree at Ohio University where he was a graduate assistant baseball coach. Roger coached baseball and football at the College of Wooster for eight years before coming to Capital University in 1975. He was an Assistant Professor in the physical education department, coached football, baseball, and golf, and served as the Director of Athletics, retiring in 2007. His 1987 football team won the Ohio Athletic Conference championship and he was named Coach of the Year by his peers. His son Mark was an integral part of that team. Roger’s proudest accomplishments were coaching his son for four years, seeing the construction of the Capital Center and Bernlohr Stadium come to fruition in 2001, and being selected to the athletic Halls of Fame for Grandview Heights, Muskingum, and Capital. His retirement years were enhanced by living near both his daughter Jodie and her family and son Mark and his family so he and Cheri could be part of their children and grandchildren’s lives. He and Cheri also enjoyed spending their winters on Sanibel Island and Hilton Head Island. . Roger is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Cheri, son Mark, daughter Jodie (Randy) Martinez, grandchildren Zachary and Anthony Welsh and Madison and Ryan Martinez, and brother Doug (Jill).

Jessica A. Warns-Carrick, 34, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and formerly of Oak Harbor, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on August 23, 2024, her 34th birthday, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Jessica was born in Toledo, Ohio, August 23, 1990, the daughter of Tim and Beth Warns. She graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 2009 where she enjoyed playing in the marching band. Jessica, in 2013, earned her Masters degree from Muskingham College and in 2018, received her Doctorate degree from the University of North Dakota.

Jessica was currently working as an assistant professor of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She had also spent two years in research at the University of Colorado Health Science Center. She had a great passion for biology and her research and loved to share those experiences. During her career she had six papers published detailing her research findings. Her passion for learning was so deep she often remarked that she would become a full time student if she could!

Jessica married the true love of her life, Colin Carrick (Huggy Bear), on October 22, 2022, in Denver, Colorado. They truly were made for each other! They shared their life with her two k-9 babies, Crispr and Remington. She loved unicorns and rainbows, Disney movies, and Josh Groban songs. She loved snow and was always excited when they would get some. Sweets were a favorite, especially chocolate and cakes, and her favorite colors were pink & purple.

Jessica is survived by her husband, Colin Carrick, parents, Beth & Tim Warns, brother, Andy (Tarin) Warns, nephew, Bowen Warns, best friend, Scottie Spangler, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by grandma and grandpa Johnson, grandma & grandpa Warns and her friend Schmidty.

Marita “Rita” or “Muzzy” (to her grandchildren) Baatz Hannigan 94, (1929-2024) died August 6TH, 2024 in the loving home she and her husband designed and built in the 1960’s.

Born in OH, Rita was the second of 6 children. As a child she and her older sister Peggy were reporters and writers for The Kendall Kids, a neighborhood newsletter that was produced and printed by their mother. It sold for a penny per edition and had a wide circulation (in the neighborhood)! In high school, she played percussion: marimba, timpani in her school orchestra and the state band of Ohio, and glockenspiel in her high school marching band. In her teens, she came to Southwick to work on tobacco as a “Pennsy Girl” and learned to swim in Lake Congamond. It was there she met and fell in love with Donald Hannigan; they were married in 1951. She was an alumna of Muskingum College and received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Westfield State Teacher’s College all while raising three daughters.

Rita loved life. She was an athlete, playing tennis weekly until her mid-80s, swimming, and bicycling. She taught her own mother to swim when she was in her late 60’s. Rita won the City women’s singles tennis championship twice and loved playing doubles with her husband and many friends. The facet of her life that touched thousands of Westfield residents was teaching English for over 20 years at Westfield Junior High School and English as a Second Language at adult evening classes. Many of her students named her their favorite teacher. Rita was a lifelong learner and avid reader. She always asked her grandchildren what they were reading now. The most precious gift you could give her was a list of your favorite books. Rita was always an active member of the community. She taught Red Cross swimming lessons, was a contributing member of the Tuesday Morning Club, and was a Trustee of Noble Hospital. She was also a volunteer there, overseeing non-medical continuing education. The Episcopal Church of the Atonement played a central role in her life. She attended regularly, sang in the choir, read as a lector, and served on altar guild and the vestry. In 1980, Rita and Don became involved in training Fidelco guide dog puppies, training a total of 19 puppies in basic obedience and life skills from the age of 8 weeks to 12-18 months, when they became eligible to enter guide dog training. If you are familiar with puppies, you know that this is the most trying age! While she was still teaching, she brought the current guide dog puppy to school to learn to deal with crowds and to go “down and under” a chair to be out of the way of children and instruction.

Rita leaves two sisters, Peggy Parker and Barbie Davies, three daughters, Margaret Hannigan, Claudia (Bill) Teubl, and Kerry (Duncan) Plancon, numerous nieces and nephews, 11 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Don, sisters Sallie and Patty, brother Tom, and parents C. Mark and Margaret Baatz.

Joseph Daniel Almendinger, husband, father, grandfather, and faithful friend passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born-on July 21, 1938 to the late Mark Daniel and Mae Ellen (Kirk) Almendinger and was a lifetime resident of Johnstown, Ohio where he grew up with his late brothers Gene (Saundra) and Bill (Diane) Almendinger. He was a 1956 graduate of Johnstown High School and 1960 graduate of Muskingum University, where he was a member of the Mace Fraternity. He served in the US Army from 1961-1963, spending time in Korea post-war. After his time in the military, Joe met and married his loving wife and lifetime partner, Hazel (Fulton) Almendinger on June 11, 1965.

His life work was in the timber industry. He started the Almendinger Sawmill in 1974, where he spent his lifetime building a legacy that he was proud to pass on to his son, Erich and now his grandson, Joe to carry on as the 5th generation of Almendinger’s in the timber industry.

He was an example of hard work, strength, character and love and shared a wonderful sense of humor. Joe was an avid reader and outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, traveling, playing cards and spending time with friends at his cabin in Southern Ohio, but most of all he dearly loved and treasured his grandchildren. He loved every opportunity to spend time with his family and friends.

He was a lifelong member of the Johnstown Presbyterian Church and a member of the American Legion.

He will be dearly missed by his wife Hazel of 59 years; children, Erich (Carrie) Almendinger, Barbara (Kelly) Harper; grandchildren, Matt (Paige) Woodard, Katie (Tyler) Choate, David (Katie) Butt, Joe (Asiah) Almendinger, Jeremy Butt, Grace Almendinger, and KJ (Olivia) and Kendall Harper; and (5) great grandchildren, along with his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary K. Woodard and granddaughter, Mary K. Elizabeth Butt.

Nancy Margaret Brown, 81, of Richland, died Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Spang Crest, Lebanon. She was the wife of William E. Brown, II, to whom she was married to for 59 years on July 3, 1965. Born in Indiana, PA on November 23, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Hugh R. and Martha (Hildebrand) Wiley. A 1960 graduate of Indiana High School, and a 1964 graduate of Muskingum University. After graduating, Nancy served as a music teacher at several schools. Later, she was employed as a music, choir, and bell choir director for 22 years at Readington Reformed Church, Readington, NJ., where her two daughters sang and rang hand bells under her direction. She was an organist at Myerstown UCC, and an organist and choir director at several other churches. Nancy was a loving spouse, mother, friend and neighbor who truly embodied and lived Christ’s love. She provided care to so many who knew her and through her acts of service to the USO, deployed troops, refugees and others in need. She instilled these values in her children and grandchildren. Her legacy is this love shared with so many. Nancy was a member of Myerstown UCC, the organist guild, and was active with 4-H. She was the best cookie and pie maker in the world and would feed everybody including her son’s baseball team before practice. Nancy enjoyed playing the organ and piano, listening to music, watching the animals on the farm, and family beach vacations to Sarasota, Florida, and Virginia Beach. Nancy traveled all over the U.S. and world with her husband Bill who was in the Air Force. They lived in Japan during the Vietnam War. Nancy is survived by two daughters, Betsy, wife of Vince Clark, Becky, wife of John Landon; a son, Bill Brown, husband of Sandra; 3 grandchildren, Ellen and Hugh Clark, and Johnathan Brodie, husband of Bridget; and great-grandchildren, Julia and Luke Brodie. She is also survived by her nephew Greg Tompos and sister-in-law, Susan Hill Brown, who introduced her to Bill while sorority sisters in college. 

Ricarda Kelly-Walrond, beloved sister, wife, and mother, who was known for her steadfast kindness, baking prowess, and love for animals, passed away on August 5, surrounded by her family at home in Thurmont, Maryland. She was 70."Ricki" was born on February 7, 1954, in McKeesport Hospital, the second of 10 siblings. A lifelong avid reader, she was valedictorian at West Mifflin North High School and second in her class at Muskingum University. During summers, she worked at Kennywood, staffing the pony rides and the game, Fascination. Ricki went on to become a veterinarian, graduating from the University of Pennsylvania where she met her husband of 44 years, Tom. Beyond her academic intellect, what Ricki was most known for was her emotional intelligence. She was a trusted confidant for friends, family, and her children, Christina and Ken an attribute that she once cited as among the things for which she was most proud. Becoming a grandmother to Gia was one of the greatest joys of her life, and she never tired of singing "If You're Happy and You Know It" or reading "Pete the Cat." Her family will be forever grateful for her unconditional love. Ricki is survived by her husband, Tom Walrond; her children Christina Walrond (Robert Weingart) and Ken Walrond (Michele Crisafulli); her granddaughter, Gia Kelly Walrond; her siblings Mary Beth Diefenderfer (Bruce), Ellen Kabat (Jerry), Lynne Kelly, Neil Kelly (Pam), Marty Kelly, Bernie Kelly (Eva), and Laura Ackerman (Dave); and eight nieces and nephews. Ricki is preceded in death by her parents, Nancy and Bernie Kelly and her siblings Nancy Doerr (survived by Don Doerr) and Owen Kelly (survived by Dottie Kelly).

Harry Richard Meek, 89 of Columbus, passed away September 20, 2023. He is proceeded in death by his parents and his beloved son Scott Richard Meek. Harry is survived by his son Harry Richard Meek II (Omaida) and daughter Michele Ann VanDyke. In addition to his children, he was blessed to enjoy six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren. Harry was a proud Veteran of United States Army and served in the "Forgotten War" (Korean) and member of The Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio. After receiving both his bachelor's and master's degree in education, he dedicated his working life to education in the classroom, as an administrator and finally promoting adult and community education at the Ohio State Department of Education. Harry will best be remembered for the lifelong friends he made wherever he went, his tireless fundraising efforts for veterans and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and his unwavering love and support of his family. Forever the giver, Harry proudly chose to be a donor to the Ohio State University Body Donor Program.

Ralph McKay Lytle III, 80, of Naples, FL, died Monday July 29, 2024. He was the son of Ralph McKay Lytle, Jr. and Jane McQuilkin Lytle. Ralph was born March 4, 1944 in Rockford, IL where his father was stationed during WW II and lived most of his life in Indiana, PA before moving to Florida where he resided for the last 23 years. Ralph was a graduate of The Kiski School where he was a member of the swimming, diving and golf teams and Muskingum University where he was a member of the golf and wrestling teams. He was also a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where some classes were taken at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Ralph was a licensed funeral director in PA and FL for over 54 years. He was associated with and was an owner of Robinson-Lytle Funeral Home in Indiana until 2000. In Naples, he worked for Naples Funeral Home and was a licensed real estate agent working with his wife for Premier Sotheby's International Realty. Ralph was a long-time member of Graystone Presbyterian Church and then First Presbyterian Church of Naples, FL where he was a member of their choir. He was a member of the Allied Club, BPOE Elks Lodge 931 and the Moose Lodge 1782. An avid golfer and member of Indiana Country Club, Ralph was men's club champion in 1975 and at one time held the course record. He enjoyed many interests including flying having earned his private pilot license, bowling, snow and water skiing, deepsea diving, and boating. Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Wagner Lytle; step-children Chad (Shelbi) McCoy, Clayton, NC, and Lisa (David) Nury, Pittsburgh; grandchildren Alexis (Orion) Healy, Ty McCoy, Jack, Anna and Mia Nury and great grandchildren Russell, and Aria Healy; sisters Rebecca (John) Lydic, Indiana, Christina Simpson, California, MD and Diana (Charles) Flinn, Indiana; nieces Kathryn Flinn (Kevin Hippley), Sarah Lydic, Christina (Randy) Holt, Elizabeth (Alexander) Gray, and nephew Martin (Kathryn) Flinn; great-nieces and nephews Benjamin and Liza Gray, Marlo and Collin Flinn, and Walker Holt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph McKay Lytle, Jr. and Jane McQuilkin Lytle. 

Kimberly Elaine (Davis) Hughes, 53, of Stonecreek died at home Monday morning of August 5, 2024, following an extended battle with cancer. She was born in Cambridge, Ohio on September 24, 1970, to the late Richard E. and June E. (Hayes) Davis. Kim graduated from Buckeye Trail in 1988, and then from Muskingum College with a bachelor's degree in education. She taught at Meadowbrook and Seacrest until she took medical leave in 2021. Kim loved spending time with family and being a mother. She enjoyed running her children to all their sporting events, dance classes, coaching volleyball, and helping with their 4-H projects. She also liked to be outside, tending to her flowers and taking care of animals. Kim also had a love for the Lord, going to the Countryside Baptist Church for several years until she was unable to attend. Surviving is her husband Byron L. Hughes, children: Seth N. (companion Sidney Gadd) Hughes of Port Washington, and Gabriella R. (fiance Roberto Sumey) Hughes of Stonecreek; sister Sandy (Keith) Addy of Gnadenhutten, sister-in-law Angela (Joe) Grewell, and nephews: Isaac (Rachael) Addy, Blake Addy, Josh Grewell, and Jordan Grewell. She is preceded by her parents and stepfather George Swinderman.

Robert M. Holmstrup: 12/15/46 - 8/7/24

(photo: 1973 - courtesy of Joel N. Allen ’69)

Patricia Amy Cunningham McDaniel was ushered into her heavenly home on July 30, 2024. Pat was born on June 30,1935 in Steubenville, OH to Dr. Walter and Helen Reeves Cunningham.  She was preceded in death by brothers Dave, Tom and John Cunningham. 

The family lived in Steubenville and moved to Mississippi while Pat’s father was stationed in the Army and then served overseas in WWII.   She graduated from Steubenville High School and attended Muskingum College.  At Muskingum, Pat met the love of her life, a young student athlete, Joe W McDaniel.  

They married in 1956 and moved to Marion, OH.  Joe began his coaching career and Pat modeled for Whirlpool.  Moving back to New Concord for Joe’s career, Pat completed her college degree.  Future coaching moves led the couple back to Marion, onto Marietta and Danville, KY where they spent the rest of their 68-year marriage. They raised five children: Chris (Laura), Denise Finney (Scott), Julie Hall (Michael), Tim (Micki) and Scott (Bobbie).  The family has grown to twelve grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren….and still growing.  After a long illness, Joe passed away in January 2020.  Pat was a devoted caregiver during his time at Morning Pointe.

Pat was a teacher in the Danville City Schools and involved in many organizations over the years. She enjoyed playing bridge with her former co-workers, spending time in her flower gardens, reading, traveling and following grandchildren activities and sports.  Her greatest adventure and love along with Joe was discovering and exploring being a child in the body of Jesus Christ.
 

"Jerry would be appalled", I said to my brother. "Why?", he wondered. "It's after seven o'clock, and we haven't opened any wine." Gerald William Miller had died two hours earlier, on July 23, 2024. He was at home, with the woman he adored holding his hand. But he'd be mortified were his death to disrupt "happy hour". Of course, with Jerry around, that moniker described any time of day. He wouldn't hear of us being morose merely because he couldn't make it. Jerry Miller was born Nov 16. 1931 in Buffalo, NY to Howard and Elizabeth Miller. His older brother Bob was his lifelong best friend. He attended Buffalo Technical High School where he played football, and held the city of Buffalo record for shot put previously unchallenged for decades for 20 minutes until a teammate broke it during the same meet by mere inches. The real love of his athletic life , though, was on the oar and as a member of the West Side Rowing club heavy eight crew, won numerous state and national titles and missed winning the Olympic Trials in 1952 by one second, a memory that galled him for the rest of his days. His collegiate career began at Harvard where he played football, before transferring to Muskingum College in Ohio, to complete his undergraduate degree. Graduation from law school at the University of Buffalo put him on his career path as a corporate labor lawyer which he practiced until 1980. His hard work carried him to success in business, becoming Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Booth Newspapers. After he retired from Booth, he moved to Florida. There he met the love of his life. He married his wife Margaret in 1983, and the second chapter of his life began. A blended family meant his own children, Christi, Karen, and Kevin were now joined by JD and Brett Breen, Margaret's sons, and he cherished them all equally. He loved life, and life loved him. Whenever he met someone he'd learn more about the person in 30 minutes than someone else could in 30 weeks. He cared about people and was keenly interested in their lives, how they became who they were, their experiences. Friends said he made them feel like the only person in a crowded room. His enthusiasm for travel never waned and his curiosity about what is around the next corner was keen. He and Margaret visited every continent, traversed the world several times, rode camels in Egypt and elephants in India, took safaris in Africa and cooking classes in Lyon, walked on the Great Wall of China and the footpaths of the highlands in Scotland, marveled at the treasures of the Vatican and the loveliness of Japanese gardens. The trips with wonderful friends and there were many were among the very best. It never got old. Among Jerry's abundance of fine qualities was a sense of humor. He laughed easily and often, especially at himself. His death will leave an empty place in the hearts of his family and friends . He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Margaret Franklin, his sons, Kevin Miller (Connie Doherty), John Breen (Rita), Brett Breen, (Jennifer) daughters Christie Victor (Frank) and Karen Ankerstar (Dana), beloved sister-in-law Shari Miller, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Janet Patricia Higgins Fitzpatrick (simply known as Jan to her friends and family) died at her farmhouse home in Aiken on March 19, 2023, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Janet was born on April 9, 1938, in Buffalo, New York, to parents William and Lillian Higgins. She was a 1959 graduate of Muskingum University (New Concord, Ohio) and a year later she received her certificate as a registered dietician from Cleveland's University Hospital. Her career led her to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she worked for the Veterans Health Administration's health care system. It was in Philadelphia that she met the love of her life, Frank A. Fitzpatrick. They were married on September 17, 1966, and soon after the couple moved to Montvale, New Jersey, where their three children were born – Shawn, Jill and Bryan. The family moved to Colts Neck, New Jersey in 1975. Janet and her best friend Barbara Golden co-owned and operated a gift shop, The Blue Goose, in Colts Neck for several years. She then worked for MUSICAM USA and retired in 2000.

In 2006 the family moved to Oriental, North Carolina, where Frank and Janet enjoyed their retirement years with outings on their boat, Fitz's Folly, and made lots of new friends. Two years after Frank's passing in 2012, Janet and her daughter Jill moved to Aiken where they found the perfect home in Hopeland Farms with horses, dogs and cats.

Janet loved bridge, canasta, knitting, and reading. Both she and Jill were heavily involved in greyhound rescue.

Survivors include her three children: Shawn (Newark, Delaware), Jill (Aiken) and Bryan (Jackson, New Jersey) and grandsons Shane and Dylan (Toms River, New Jersey); her brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Karen Higgins (Vancouver, Washington); and many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends, both old and new. Sweet Pea, a dog that Janet adopted a year ago, misses her mom terribly. She was a wonderful companion and guard dog, never leaving Janet's side during those final days.

Marjorie McFarland, age 84, of Coshocton passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at the Windsorwood Place. She was born on September 27, 1937 in Coshocton to the late Ned C. and Grace (Smailes) Wells. On May 29, 1965, she married Robert Blake McFarland, who passed away in 2002. Marjorie obtained her Bachelor's degree at Muskingum University and spent years teaching. First and foremost, she was a mother, always taking care of her daughters. She regularly held positions in any extracurricular activity that her children were involved in. She was a longtime member of the Grace United Methodist Church. She also enjoyed outings with her friends whether it was lunch or card club.

Marjorie is survived by her children, Lisa (Wesley) Croft of Coshocton, Jennifer (Tony) Perito of Columbus and Stephanie McFarland of Astoria, NY; granddaughter, Caitlyn Perito; siblings, Richard Wells and Ruth Johnson; brother-in-law, Larry (Sue) McFarland as well as nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Karen L. Curtice-Rose, 79, of Indianapolis IN died on July 19th, 2024 with her husband and son by her side.

Karen was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1944 to Nicholas and Ann Dashko. Karen earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music from Muskingum University in Ohio and started out as a music teacher. After giving piano lessons out of her home for a number of years, Karen went back to school earning a Master's Degree from Christian Theological Seminary and Butler in Indianapolis. Karen went on to be a respected and successful Marriage & Family Therapist for 25 years in the Indianapolis area until retiring in 2004.

Karen loved sailing boats in the Virgin Islands with husband Larry, skippered by her son Brian & daughter-in-law Celeste. Karen also enjoyed staying on Lake Erie waterfront at Port Clinton, OH and visiting Put-In-Bay and Kelleys Islands. Karen always looked forward to Christmas in Alabama with the extended family.

Prior to moving to Westminster Village North 6 years ago, Karen and Larry lived on a lake at the The Moorings housing development in Indianapolis at 96th St and Mud Creek for over 20 years.

Karen is survived by Lawrence (Larry) H. Rose her husband of over 27 years and 2 sons David (Brian) Bichey and Bradford G. Bichey. Karen is also survived by extended family in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.

Mark H. Scrimshaw "Scrim" Of East Aurora, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024 at his residence surrounded by loved ones. Mark was 72 years old. He was the son of the late Hal and Ruth Scrimshaw, also of East Aurora. Mark is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kristine Ellen Scrimshaw; his Daughter Jennifer Lynn (Billy) Ramsey; sister Marcia (David) Debbinck and several nieces and nephews. Mark attended and graduated from East Aurora High School, class of 1969. He continued his education at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, where he graduated with a BA in Business and met his beautiful wife, Krissy. After an early retirement from customer service with NYSEG, his Journey into entrepreneurship began! Ranging from Franz Furniture, Just Sports Stuff, Running a local bar, Vacuums Unlimited, to his last journey building a golf course, Spruce Ridge, in Arcade, NY. Truly never a dull moment! Mark was always on an adventure. Even with all of Marks adventures, one thing always stayed true, his love and dedication to the East Aurora Boys and Girls club and Camp Ska-no-ka-san. AKA known as the "Wizard". He did have many other loves in life...The Bills, Sabres, Yankees, sailing his sailboat, Dudas baseball, but especially a reason to get together with friends and just eat, drink and listen to music gotta have music! For the soul!

William "Lee" Hothem, 82, passed away on August 30, 2019 in Wooster, Ohio. He was born February 24, 1937 in Fresno, to the late Carl and Elizabeth (Selders) Hothem.

He was a graduate of Fresno High School, class of 1955. He was also a graduate from Muskingum University and attended Toledo University to further studies.

On June 30, 1966 he married Barbara Ellen Dunlevy who passed away on June 11, 2003.

Lee taught school at several schools including Newcomerstown, Smithville, Ridgewood, River View and Old Washington. For the last 45 years he worked in the electronics department at Wooster College.

He was interested in guns, trap shooting, old cars, especially 1950's Cadillacs, swimming, boating, traveling, going out to eat and a had a special interest in Mathematics and Physics.

Lee is survived by his two brothers Robert (Marde) Hothem and John (Caroline) Hothem both of West Lafayette; sister Marilyn Jean Mapel of Monroe, OH as well as several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Barbara Hothem and brother in law James Mapel.

Doris Lyvonne Greusel, age 82, of Pataskala, Ohio, passed away on February 24, 2022 at The Inn at Summit Trail. Doris was born April 20, 1939 to the late Robert and Gladys (Bore) Woodie in Jefferson, NC. She earned her Bachelors degree from Muskingum College and went on to complete her Masters at the Ohio State University. Doris worked several years in the Coshocton County Schools before retiring from Whitehall City Schools after more than 25 years in 1992. Doris is a member of Saint Edwards Episcopal Church, the Ohio Retired Teachers Association, and the Violet Township Women's League. Doris is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Robert Greusel; step-daughters, Susan (Jamie) Schmidt of Millerspoort, Jennifer (Edward) Zatta of Athens; 5 step-grandchildren, Alexis, Lindsey and Ethen Zatta, Will Shearn, Nicole (Eric) Luetge; great-step-grandchild, Keira Luetge.

Kenneth Lester Vaux was called to the Lord on June 28, 2024. He spent the best parts of his life with his wife and partner Dr. Sara Anson Vaux, mother of his five children, editor of all his books, and in many cases, co-author. Kenny, as he was known, was born January 8, 1939 to Lois (Shoup) Vaux and Howard Kenneth Vaux, in Greensburg, PA, just outside of Pittsburgh. The eldest child of 4, Kenny was often found in the forest, at the swimming hole, playing basketball or baseball, or planting homemade pipe bombs in his grandparents' outhouse in Western Pennsylvania. His life is best characterized by serving others through ministry, social justice, end of life care and concern through his work in Bioethics and later Theological Ethics. Ken was class of '56 from Sewanhaka High School on Long Island, got his BA in Philosophy in 1960at Muskingum College in Ohio, and attended Princeton Theological Seminary, graduating in1963 with his Masters in Divinity. He went on to pursue his Doctorate of Theology from the University of Hamburg, Germany 1966-69, under the mentorship of Dr. Helmut Thielicke. Ken and Sara together were fierce advocates for social justice and sought to find peaceful solutions through common beliefs, and always had a strong desire to converse, learn and educate about current affairs and politics, seeking thoughts of others and sharing insights. Ken and Sara met in Edinburgh, Scotland in November 1961, where they each were studying. They met at the Lord Provost's Ball for International Students. Sara remembers the tall, red-bearded, blue eyed basketball player commanding a table of his teammates. They traveled with friends to Yugoslavia, where Ken's car broke down (the first of many vehicular issues Sara would experience throughout their marriage). They didn't really date much until the end of the year, when Ken proposed on the esplanade of the Edinburgh Castle. He promised adventure, which they had for 61 years. Ken and Sara started their family in Pittsburgh PA, and moved around to Watseka, Illinois and Houston, Texas, before finally settling the last 46 years in and around Chicago, Illinois. When not at work, Ken could be found outside in the garden, planting and harvesting, sitting on his porches whistling to the birds, in his study reading, writing, and watching his favorite sports teams the Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Astros, the Cubs, Bears and Michael Jordan's Bulls and NCAA Basketball. Throughout his life, Ken and Sara met wonderful friends, colleagues, hosted large parties, and enjoyed sabbaticals in France, Germany and England. Ken's first full time service to the Presbyterian Church was in Pittsburgh PA. In 1964 he and a few young fellow pastors went to Mississippi to assist with voter registration for Black Americans. They and many others were thrown into jail that April, and upon Ken's return to Pittsburgh, he was faced with a letter accusing him of insubordination and behavior unacceptable of a junior pastor to the Church. The next assignment was in Watseka, Illinois from 1964-67. Arriving hopeful for a new start, the racism that was and still is rampant in the US reared its head, but not before son Kerry Bert was born and diagnosed with "transposition of the great vessels of his heart." On the advice of the doctor, Ken took newly born Kerry to Children's hospital in Chicago in hopes for advanced medical attention. Kerry died at 5 days old, and Ken's interest in Bioethics and the intersection of religion and science deepened. The young couple and baby Keith moved to Houston Texas, where Ken's career continued at the University of Houston in the medical center, as well as in service as the campus minister for Rice University and University of Houston. This job afforded him opportunities to support the struggles of families dealing with quality of life and end of life discussions. How much do we intervene medically when all seems lost? What does God advise us? What do we do when our faith and Medicine are at odds? Ken was at Baylor College of Medicine at the time David Vetter(the boy in the bubble) was born, furthering his interest and work in Bioethics. Their family grew during their time in Houston, surrounded by a strong community and a very special group of neighbors who were Ken and Sara's village, co-raising their children and filling their lives with laughter, parties, and never-ending philosophical discussions. In 1978, Ken moved the family to Chicago Illinois to serve as Professor of Ethics in Medicine at the University of Illinois Medical Center. They purchased their infamous house at 84 Riverside Road in Riverside, a glorious and run down Victorian boasting 14 rooms and 3 bathrooms. A great playhouse for the kids, Ken was proud to live in the historic town of Riverside, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (no relation).The family moved to Hyde Park to be close to the University of Chicago where Sara worked and the girls attended school, continuing to build close neighbors and host many parties on the back deck and yard, many times with the neighborhood musicians. Ken re-entered the Church during this time through an interim pastor position at the Historic Second Presbyterian Church, forming long-lasting connections and where he delivered his iconic sermon: "The Holy Trinity: Jordan, Pippen and Rodman" during the Bulls epic multi-year championships. Ken retired from UIC in1993 and moved the family once more to Evanston to pursue a longtime dream of teaching theology at a seminary. He served as faculty and founder of the Stead Center for Ethics at Garrett Seminary until his retirement in 2012 at the age of 73.Ken authored many books and articles over his years, centered around the human condition and care of others in times of strife: "Health and Medicine in the Reformed Tradition" laid out his philosophy of life and care as it relates to the divine a story that is shared by all faiths and practices .. the 'Common Bond' of the 'Love of God and Neighbor.' One where the goal toward peace and justice .. as we hold ourselves accountable to the same God."(https://www.acommonword.com/response-from-prof-kenneth-vaux/).Ken was a lover of flea markets (Maxwell Street in Chicago and Les Puces in Paris being his favorites), strawberries, watercolor painting, riding his antique bike, sitting on the porch at the Western Pennsylvania cabin and putting up a basketball hoop wherever they lived. His homemade grills are legendary cooking corn on the cob, burgers and hot dogs was a favorite summer activity. Especially the makeshift grill at the PA cabin that included a mostly metal bedspring over a damp firepit only the finest for the Vaux family. Most of all, Ken loved animals. He placed bird feeders around their houses, sat on the porch or in the yard whistling to the cardinals and robins; he brought home a series of dogs starting with Bob Chihuahua and Fred and Clarence Bassett. Ken loved his parent's dog Mina and all the dogs at his Grandfather Pap Shoup's house. He tolerated the assorted cats his daughters brought home; and adored his grand-puppies Zack, Mitch, Rocky, Beanie, Fergus, Snowy, Milton and Spot. Ken is survived by his loving wife Dr. Sara Anson Vaux, with whom he celebrated 61 years of marriage two weeks before his death. Also surviving are Dr. Keith Kenneth (Tracy), Prof. Bert Richard (Leonie), Catherine Vaux Curry (Dr. Sean), and Sarah Vaux De Roeck. Loving Grandchildren Samantha Vaux, David Vaux, Aislinn Curry, Fiona De Roeck, Ehren Curry, and Ruairidh Vaux. Brothers Richard Vaux and Howard Vaux, cousins Ray Shoup and Jane Kober, many nieces and two nephews. He was preceded in death by sister Lois Vaux Boeninghaus.