Class Notes

Doris Marie Lowe passed away Monday, May 13, 2024, at the Morrison House in Zanesville, Ohio. She was born in Coshocton June 3, 1930, to the late James and Ruth Deshong. She was a graduate of Roscoe High School and Muskingum College. On Feb. 9, 1951 she married the love of her life Merton Lowe and they enjoyed 53 years building a life and family together. She worked at the Hopewell School in Coshocton before moving into the Ridgewood School system where she finished her career. She always felt it was a privilege and a blessing to be a teacher and especially enjoyed chance meetings with former students who remembered her. After retiring, she tutored for a few years at West Lafayette Elementary and Middle Schools. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed her flowers, spending time with family and friends, watching the Cleveland Cavaliers, and helping out and attending the Roscoe Methodist Church where she was a lifetime member. She was also a member of the Roscoe United Women Of Faith and the Coshocton County Retired Teachers Association. She is survived by her sons, Mark Lowe and Michael (Laura) Lowe; her grandchildren Amber Cichon, Eric (Paula) Lowe, Ryan (Ally), Lowe, and Kayla Lowe; her great grandchildren Adrienne Lowe, Anthony Cichon, Morgan Lowe and baby boy, Nolan Trace Lowe on the way; two special "Irish" cousins, Judy Milligan and Jean Guccini; a close niece Bev McConnell, and special church friend Irene Stubbs. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Merton Lowe; sister Janice Murphy; brother Donald Deshong; and special cousin Barb Seward.

Timothy "Tim" Bruce Haning, loving father, caring brother, devoted son and friend, joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 after a brave and strong fight against his illness, saying proudly, "I did it!"

Tim Haning was born on November 25, 1955 to Sandi A. Haning and Charles Bruce Haning (deceased). Tim is survived by his son, Kyle B. (Mandy) Haning of Ashland, OH. Brother to Tom (Mindy) Haning (deceased), Tammy (Charles) Tolley, Trisha (Tom-deceased) (Haning) Kyer, Tracy (Rich) Bowlen all of Lancaster, OH. Tim is also survived by 9 nieces and nephews and 4 great nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Lancaster High School and then Muskingum University, Tim went on to live an adventurous life. The countless friends and memories developed over his 63 years is a testament to the love and friendship he shared with all he felt blessed to know. Other than the incredible love he had for his son, Kyle, Tim's mindful and dedicated work for gardening demonstrated the passion he had for the Greenhouse. In addition to playing basketball, Tim was an avid tennis player. The tennis court was a place where he bonded with his brother and sisters. Tim would often share stories of the glory days playing in the county tournament, and in recent weeks, while claiming his memory couldn't recall his losses, he readily named everyone he beat.

The family is deeply grateful for the continuous outpouring of love, prayers, and support. We also wish to share an incredibly heartfelt appreciation to the Pickering House. In the compassion, dedication and loving care shown to Tim during his last few days by all the staff, it was clear God truly placed angels by his side. We simply cannot thank the Pickering House enough for that. We invite you to join us in remembrance of a life well lived, a father deeply loved and greatly missed, a family member never to be forgotten and friend who cared about each of us with his whole heart.

Elaine S. Eckels of Mansfield, passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 6, 2021, at her home at the age of 64. She was born August 24, 1956, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, to the late Raymond and Donna (Graffius) Eckels. She was a 1974 graduate of Clear Fork High School, did her undergraduate work at Muskingum University and earned her juris doctorate from the University of Toledo in 1982. She was an avid reader and crocheted the most special baby blankets. Elaine attended Resurrection Parish. Elaine was very proud of her family, loved her grandchildren immensely, and considered all of them her greatest treasures. She is survived by four children, Melissa Lajoie of Clinton, MA, Melanie Lajoie (Clinton Peoples) of Denver, CO, Meagan Lajoie of Colorado Springs, CO, and Melody (Jacob) Bennett of Pueblo West, CO; five grandchildren, Bennett Lajoie of Clinton, MA, Tinley Lajoie of Colorado Springs, CO, Lacy Voss-Bennett, Lincoln Bennett, and Thea Bennett of Pueblo West, CO; a brother, Brad Eckels of Mansfield; three sisters, Linda (Thomas) Pfizenmayer of Lexington, Diane (Steven) Kalliantas of Delaware, OH, and Deb (Greg) Owens of Mansfield; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, David Eckels.

October 3, 2017, Marion, Ohio.

West Chester, PA. January 13, 2019.

Obituary

Luanne Varacallo, age 64 of DuBois, PA died Sunday, March 13, 2022 at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 21, 1957 in DuBois, PA, she was the daughter of the late Lucian and Elizabeth "Betty" (Fitzpatrick) Cavalier. On June 20, 1981, she married Dr. Albert L. Varacallo, Jr. He preceded her in death on July 8, 2010. Luanne was a graduate of DuBois Central Catholic High School, Class of 1975, and a 1979 graduate of Muskingum University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. Following her graduation from college, she worked as a paralegal and a claims adjustor before taking on her most rewarding role as a mother to 6 children. Luanne was a Certified Lifestyle Coach. Fitness and nutrition were always a passion. She was a spin instructor at the YMCA for many years and taught Silver Sneakers. Luanne was constantly giving of her time and talent as a volunteer and leader for many organizations in our community. She was the president of the Dr. Albert Varacallo Foundation, a Free Medical Clinic volunteer and was a longtime staple at many DuBois Central Catholic functions. Above all, family and faith were the foundation of her life. She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church where she was active in church ministries and was a religious education instructor for over 20 years at St. Michael and St. Marys in Reynoldsville. She also loved to travel. Luanne is survived by six children (Natalie Milliron & her husband Michael of Sarasota, FL; Dr. Christopher Varacallo & his wife Elissa; Dr. Matthew Varacallo; Albert Varacallo III, Dominic Varacallo & his wife Andrea; and Dr. Patricia Varacallo, all of DuBois, PA), eight grandchildren (Cecelia, Leah, Reese, AJ, Dominic, Michael, Lucia,(with whom she shared a birthday), Natalia and one grandchild on the way), siblings; (Mary Segerberg and her husband Mark and Paul Cavalier and his wife Charlotte both of DuBois, PA) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister (Betty Lou Cavalier) and two brothers (David Cavalier and infant Gary Cavalier).

Matthew Robert Huffman, 67, passed from this life peacefully, surrounded by his entire family on Friday, June 16, 2023. He finished his battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University. He was born in Greenville, Ohio on April 7, 1956 to R. Dean and Phyllis K. (Elliott) Huffman. He attended high school at West Jefferson High School, Bucyrus High School, and graduated from Cory-Rawson High School in 1975, where he played football, basketball, and ran track. He was an All-Ohio athlete in football his senior year and played in The Big 33 Ohio-Pennsylvania All Star game in 1975. He then attended Muskingum College where he was All-OAC for football in '77 & '78, became a member of the MACE Club and graduated in 1979, earning a degree in Elementary Education. He began his teaching career at Mt. Sterling Elementary in 1979 and coached football at Madison Plains High School. He remained there for four years before assuming a Memorial Middle School teaching position in West Jefferson, Ohio, where he taught for 31 years until his retirement in 2014. At West Jefferson, he coached football for the majority of his career and remained an avid Roughrider football fan, attending almost every game with his good friend Skeeter Nelson after his retirement. In addition, he also coached basketball and baseball and served as the Middle School Athletic Director for several years. While teaching at West Jeff, he earned his Master's Degree in Education from Wright State University in 2004. During retirement, he enjoyed playing rounds of golf across Ohio with his brother, Jeff, and good friend Greg McPherson. Matt worked in catering for the suites in Nationwide Arena for Delaware North, as well as many weddings and celebrations at the Columbus Zoo. As an active member of Sts. Simon and Jude Parish, he served the church as a choir member, Extraordinary Minister of The Holy Eucharist, usher, and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus in the parish. He particularly enjoyed the fellowship of the "Morning Mass group" in his retirement years where his faith and friendships deepened. Matt loved his family and was the best husband, father, and Pap Pap. He loved traveling with Val, his wife of 43 years, supporting their children and grandchildren, and spending time with all of them. He was their biggest fan, attending every football game, gymnastics meet, and event he could. Having the family together for holidays, birthdays and vacations to the beach were his favorite and most memorable times. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Phyllis (Elliott) Huffman, parents-in-law Donald and Cynthia (Chenos) Brake, and brothers-in-law Donnie Brake, Tony Bruno, and Tim Grice. He is survived by his wife Valerie, sons Adam (Katie) Huffman, Ian Huffman, daughter Hilary (Jake) Watts, and son Seth Huffman, grandchildren Addie, Ellie, Matthew, Sarah, Mia and Macen, as well as siblings Jeff (Gayle) Huffman, Carol Grice, and Rita Huffman, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from all over. The family would like to give a special thank-you to the staff and care team at The James for their tremendous support, knowledge, and compassion during the past few weeks. 

Trafford Dick, 65, of Zanesville, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at the Genesis Hospital Emergency Room. He was born August 5, 1957, a son of the late C. Trafford and Marilyn Dick. Trafford was a graduate of Zanesville High School, Muskingum (College) University where he received his Bachelor's Degree, Case Western Reserve School of Law, and the University of Miami (Florida) with a Master's Degree of Taxation. Trafford was a member and Trustee of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He practiced law in Zanesville and served as Assistant Law Director and Muskingum County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. Presently he was working part time in the Zanesville municipal Court. He was a member of the Muskingum Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the FOP Lodge 195. Through the years he was an avid tennis player, enjoyed watching Formula One Racing, PGA Golf, U of M football, basketball and Ohio State football. He also sold and took tickets for Zanesville High School sporting events. He is survived by his sister, Valencia (Dick) Clark; cousins, John and Bev Dick and family, Connie and Sonny Coleman and family. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Terry Clark; and cousins, Thomas Dick and Aunt Alice Dick; Uncle, Richard Bridwell.

Karen Roman Fischer, age 67, a dedicated librarian and longtime resident of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 10, 2024, with the support of Hospice of the Western Reserve. Born on September 20, 1957, in Middletown, Connecticut, Karen was the oldest child of Felix and Katherine (Biggs) Roman.
Karen graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1975 and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in History from Muskingum College, followed by a Master's degree in Library Science from Kent State University. Her career began with the Social Security Administration in Cambridge, and she later worked at O'Neil's Department Store (now Macy's), where she met Geoffrey Fischer. Karen uncharacteristically made the first move, and they were married on May 9, 1987. The couple shared 37 years of love and partnership. They settled in Mansfield where they raised their two children: Katherine and Matthew.
Karen was a librarian with the Mansfield Richland County Public Library for over two decades, first serving as an Audio Visual Librarian before becoming part of Collection Development. In this role, she curated the library's music and DVD collections, leaving a lasting impact on generations of readers and viewers. An avid reader, she particularly loved cozy mysteries and was fascinated by English history and the British Royal family.
Karen was a devoted animal lover with a special fondness for cats-her husband, despite being allergic, was the first to bring home a stray, opening the door to many feline rescues over the years. She was also a member of the Columbus Zoo, where she found joy in her love for animals, capturing countless photos of her favorites.
A private person at heart, Karen's love language was simply "being there"-she treasured spending quiet time with family and friends.. She had a remarkable memory for dates and details and amassed a beloved collection of dolls, including American Girl dolls, Barbies, and more. Her co-workers became dear friends, and they enjoyed outings and theater together.
Karen is survived by her loving husband, Geoffrey Fischer; her daughter, Katherine Fischer, and son, Matthew Fischer all of Mansfield and all of whom loved her dearly and were instrumental in her care; her younger brothers, Donald (Barbara) Roman of Hilliard, Ohio, and Robert Roman of Mansfield; her brothers-in-law, Robert (Kathy) Fischer of Dublin, Ohio, and Daniel (Laura) Fischer of Mansfield; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and feline companions.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Felix and Katherine Roman, and her in-laws, Glenn and Lois Fischer.