Class Notes

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Update: Deaths
Gerald W. Miller, Class of 1954
Class Year:
1954

"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.

Update: Deaths
Janet Higgins Fitzpatrick, Class of 1959
Class Year:
1959

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.

Update: Deaths
Marjorie Wells McFarland, Class of 1959
Class Year:
1959

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.

Update: Deaths
Karen Dashko Curtice-Rose, Class of 1966
Class Year:
1966

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.

Update: Deaths
Mark H. Scrimshaw, Class of 1973
Class Year:
1973

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!

Update: Deaths
William Lee Hothem, Class of 1964
Class Year:
1964

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.

Update: Deaths
Doris Woodie Greusel, Class of 1964
Class Year:
1964

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.

Update: Deaths
Kenneth L. Vaux, Class of 1960
Class Year:
1960

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.

Update: Deaths
Ada Schoch, Class of 1960
Class Year:
1960

We are sad to announce that on February 17, 2023 we had to say goodbye to Ada Schoch of Livermore, California. 

Update: Deaths
Thomas "Tom" Barry, Class of 1972
Class Year:
1972

Thomas "Tom" Charles Barry, age 73, of Grand Haven, formerly of Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Dogwood Shores Assisted Living. He was born on July 27, 1950, in Brownsville, PA, to the late Charles and Christine (Dobrunick) Barry. Tom graduated from Muskingum University with a degree in Psychology. He spent 40 years in various positions at harness racing tracks including Ohio, Maryland, and Washington DC. He also managed professional and tough man competition boxers. Tom enjoyed playing card games, scrabble, listening to music, and the Cleveland Browns. Tom is survived by his sisters, Christine (Kenneth) Lee and Winona Lee Goldstein; nephews, Kenneth (Erin) Lee and C.D. Goldstein; niece, Beth Sheinbaum; great-nephews, Parker (Joy) Lee and Matthew (Jane) Coogan; great-niece, Payton Lee; and many cousins and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Sam Goldstein

Update: Deaths
Dr. Robert Harry Jones, Class of 1955
Class Year:
1955

Robert Harry Jones, known affectionately as Bob, passed away on June 29, 2024, at the age of 90, in Fernandina Beach, FL. Born on December 5, 1933, in McDonald, PA, Bob embarked on a lifelong journey of education and teaching, touching many lives along the way.
Bob graduated from Muskingum University, and went to work at Republic Steel where he became superintendent of the Open Hearth Operations.

While living in Portsmouth, OH he became a City Councilman and Mayor. He continued his education of Graduate studies at Marshall University, and then went on to earn his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh.

Bob's academic pursuits led him to a distinguished career as a professor at East Stroudsburg University, where he inspired countless students with his knowledge and passion for learning.

A man of faith, Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fernandina, Beach Fl., and he also cherished his leisure time. He was an avid golfer, an outstanding Bridge player, and enjoyed reading too. These hobbies provided him not only relaxation but also joyous moments shared with friends and family.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Edith Louise, and their 6 children, Gregory Hamilton, Sean Douglass, Kimberly Ann, Tracy Elizabeth, and Kristian Charity. Bob was preceded in death by his oldest son Robert Silas. He also had 12 Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren.

Bob's legacy of wisdom, kindness, and integrity will live on through his family and all who knew him. He had a life well lived, and will be greatly missed.

Update: Deaths
Carolyn Wilmot Koon, Class of 1962
Class Year:
1962

Carolyn W. Koon, passed away Monday, June 24, 2024. Beloved wife of Rev. W. C. "Dub" Koon, dear mother of Brian and the late David Koon, dear sister of John (Carole) Wilmot, dear grandmother of Emily, dear aunt, cousin and friend to many. She was born to John A. Wilmot and Emily Walton Wilmot, and graduated Muskingum University in Concord, Ohio. Carolyn was an active member of the church, and a primary school teacher.She loved crafts, outdoor activities, swimming, educating young children, church activities, being a mother and grandmother, and spending time with her loving husband. 

Update: Deaths
Frances June Hammond, Class of 1955
Class Year:
1955

Frances June Hammond, age 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester with her loving friends by her side.

Frances was born on June 26, 1933, in Franklin the daughter of Maurice and Pearl (Leadrack) Hammond.

Frances attended elementary school at the Hammond School House in Franklin, VT. She graduated from Enosburg High School in 1954 and received a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Muskingum University.

After college, she taught Physical Education in several schools in Vermont and out of state. Frances retired from teaching to run the family farm in Franklin, VT after the death of her parents.

Frances was a beloved individual known for her passion of all kinds of fun activities. She enjoyed skiing, golf, cribbage, bridge, and card games. She enjoyed going out to eat whenever she could with family and many special friends. Frances was a member of the Enosburg Falls Country Club for years.

She divided her time between the summers in Vermont at her camp on Lake Carmi in Franklin, Vermont, and the warm winters in Bradenton, Florida. She was always engaging in her favorite activities with friends and family.

Her charming personality and kindness drew many to her, and the countless memories shared with friends and loved ones will forever be treasured. Frances was respected for her dedication to her profession and cherished for the joy and laughter she brought to all during gatherings.

Frances is preceded in death by her parents Maurice and Pearl Hammond, and sister Linda Hammond. She leaves family, friends, and everlasting friendships behind.

Update: Deaths
Elsie Owens Tatman, Class of 1952
Class Year:
1952

Elsie Virginia (Owens) Tatman, 95, of Uhrichsville Ohio passed away at 10:25 pm on June 22, 2024, at the Truman House in New Philadelphia. Elsie was born on December 5th, 1928 to the late Craig Forrest and Edna Belinda (Kelley) Owens in Uhrichsville Ohio. Elsie was a 1946 graduate of Uhrichsville High School in Uhrichsville Ohio. She attended Muskingum College in Zanesville Ohio. Upon returning home Elsie went to work for Paul's Burgerola on S. Water St. Uhrichsville and the J.E. Smith Store on 3rd St. Uhrichsville. She learned her bookkeeping skills at Gibbs Chevrolet on 3rd St. Uhrichsville, and worked for the Ohio Power on Grant St. in Dennison. She was also the bookkeeper for her husband's business, Tatman Lumber in Stillwater. She met the love of her life, the late Charles Emory Tatman, at a square dance in Stonecreek, Ohio, whom she married on March 1st, 1958. Charles and Elsie settled on a farm on Tatman Road in Uhrichsville and raised Black Angus beef cattle. She was still climbing on the hay wagon to help bale hay in her late 80's. She also helped on the sawmill when Charles needed help and followed her family into the woods on several logging trips helping wherever she was needed. Elsie devoted the rest of her life to raising her family. She chauffeured her children to all kinds of activities, from school functions, marching band practices, football games, and basketball games to 4-H meetings and Farm Bureau Youth meetings. She spent the week of the Tuscarawas County Fair supporting her children as they showed their cattle for 4-H. She also volunteered many hours in the Grange eat stand at the fair. She always said, "Where there is a will, there is a way". She will be well-remembered for her baked steaks, homemade pies, cookies, sweet tea, and her famous Chocolate Cake with Penuche Icing, a family tradition passed down to her through the Kelley family to celebrate birthdays. She had a green thumb that could grow anything from a seed to a snipping. She planted a garden every year and canned food for the winter months. She made the best homemade jams, jellies, and pickles. Elsie and her husband were longtime members of the former Park Grange in Uhrichsville and the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau. She was also a lifetime member and a former volunteer of the Tuscarawas County Genealogy Society who could recite the birth and death dates of many of her ancestors as far back as the 1700s into her 90s. She was an avid reader, especially historical and genealogy publications. In her youth, she attended Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church in Dennison where she and Charles were married. After she moved to Stillwater, she attended the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Stillwater. Genealogy was her passion as she sought to preserve the history of her family. Up until 2022, she was still having her daughter, Sarah, record her as she told the stories about her childhood and the family that she loved and missed so dearly. Up until she was no longer able to drive herself, there was not a cemetery anywhere that she wouldn't turn the car around just so she could walk through to see if she recognized any names. One time, she was trying to learn more information about a distant relative who was buried in Union Cemetery in Uhrichsville. She noticed that there was a planter on the grave so she wrote a note, placed it in a baggy, and stuck it in the dirt of the planter. Lo and behold a few months later, the person that had left the planter reached out to her when they discovered the note in the planter. We picked on her for years after that because she could proudly say, "I got an answer from the grave". On another occasion, Elsie, her daughter Sarah, and good friend Mable (Hershberger) Stutzman of Jasper New York (formerly of New Bedford, OH), were on a trip in Pennsylvania when they stopped to visit a cemetery located in a remote part of PA. Elsie had taken off wandering through the cemetery on her own when she tripped over a footstone and injured her leg. She came back to where Mable and Sarah were and said she needed a band-aid. Sarah looked down and her mother's pants leg was soaked in blood. After temporarily fixing the wound, Sarah went in search of a hospital only to find out that the nearest hospital was more than an hour away. The "little scrape" as Elsie referred to it, took several stitches to patch up. Elsie is survived by her sons, Michael (Esther) Tatman and Mark Tatman; her daughter, Sarah Grezlik; her stepson, Orville (Debora) Tatman; and her son-in-law Ron Grezlik, all of Uhrichsville; her step-grandchildren, Melissa (Jason) Parrish of Uhrichsville, Alexander (Kristi) Tatman of Dennison, and Serena Faye (Jeremy) Rose of New Philadelphia, as well as their children. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Cookie (Thompson) Owens of Dennison; step-brother-in-law, William (Chris) Irvin of Grove City, Ohio; and her dear friend and neighbor, Polly Wright of Uhrichsville who kept Elsie stockpiled in books to read and kept her company. Also left to mourn her loss are Shelby Gatts who referred to Elsie as "Momma Bear" and Brenda Oxley who referred to her as "Momma Elsie". She was also known as Great-Nana to Shawna (Bob) Page and their children. She also leaves behind several nieces and one nephew. She was very appreciative of her nieces, Lorri (Owens) Yockey and Doris Tatman, for making the extra effort to visit her. She also deeply appreciated her friendship and letters from Mable (Hershberger) Stutzman, and her lifetime friendship with Thelma Albaugh of Dennison Ohio. Elsie joined Mark on several occasions for events, such as weiner roasts and New Years Eve parties hosted by Mark's friends, Bill and Jennifer Brown of Mineral City. She enjoyed her visits with Jennifer's mother, Norma, and was thrilled to learn they were cousins on the family tree. She also enjoyed her visits from her cousin, Sharon Bear of Michigan. She enjoyed taking Sharon to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery on the border of Harrison and Guernsey Counties and showing her where all of the Bear family stones were located and stories about many of the individuals she remembered from her own childhood. Although she never had biological grandchildren, she did have children that helped to fill the void of never being called grandmother. They included Alex Tatman, Clara Tatman, Barb (Fair) Pack, Mandy Slentz, Courtney Burdette, Karissa Dickey, Chloe Alderman, Katie Kidd, Kyler Kidd, Aurora Miller, Evie Miller, and an extra special bond with Dominic Miller, whom Sarah watched at Elsie's house since Dominic was born three years ago. Elsie taught him many things, but some of his favorites were how to "paddy-cake" and to mimic her by shaking his finger from side to side and saying "no, no, no". Every smile he gave her was cherished and she would light up every time she saw him. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Charles Emory Tatman on April 21st, 1998; her parents, Craig and Edna (Kelley) Owens; a stepson, Charles Edward "Butch" Tatman; her only sibling, James Kelley Owens (Dennison Ohio); and her two favorite Aunts who were more like grandmothers, Mayme and Lizzie Kelley. She had a close bond with her cousin, the late Glenn Arnold of Cambridge, OH. Also preceding her death were her brothersand sisters-in-law, Gerald "Gary" and Margaret (Tatman) Wright and Dallas "Dal" and his wife Betty (Boehme) Tatman (Uhrichsville Ohio).

Update: Deaths
Robert A. Restifo, Class of 1968
Class Year:
1968

Robert A. Restifo, known to most as Bob, died 5/27/2024, at the age of 78, He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Dr. Samuel and Mrs. Valarie Restifo. He grew up in Shaker Heights, Oh.

He and his wife, Jan Lantz, lived in Worthington, Ohio. They had been married 13 years but had been good friends for the previous 30 years. He was fond of telling friends that he fell in love with her the first time he met her. They had a rich and enduring love. He had many old and newer friends who will miss him greatly.

Bob graduated from Muskingum College prior to getting his Masters Degree from Ohio State University. He worked at the Ohio Department of Health in the Vectorborne Disease Program for over 30 years. As an entomologist, he traveled throughout Ohio to trap and identify mosquitoes and ticks involved in transmitting diseases to people. Bob was happy to be outside flagging for ticks in the woods, dipping for mosquito larvae in culverts, and collecting flies in manure pits. He was involved in several investigations of diseases caused by insects and animals that were new to Ohio at the time, including St. Louis Encephalitis in the 1970s, Lyme disease (1990s), Racoon rabies (1996) and West Nile Virus (2001).

Bob was a nature enthusiast and enjoyed vacationing "anywhere away from a large city.' His favorite insect was the dragonfly of which he had a huge collection. He was a member for many years of ODONATA, an Ohio organization of dragonfly enthusiasts. He was also a member of the national organization, DSA.

He is survived by his wife, Jan Lantz, his son, Rob Restifo, his stepson, Michael Lantz, his granddaughters, Mara Moff and Mattea Restifo, and great granddaughter, Natalie Moff. He is also survived by his sisters, Dr. Mary Restifo and his twin, Roberta Carpico. His sister, Valerie Grove passed in 2023. Surviving in laws are Ernie Carpico, Ted Grove, David and Joanne Evans, and Neil Moff. Nephews are Travis and Brad Carpico, Nate and Nick Evans.

Update: Deaths
Laurie Kimball Mottle, Class of 1968
Class Year:
1968

Laurie Kimball Mottle, 78, of Meriden, passed away on June 11, 2024 at Midstate Medical Center. She was born in Boston, MA, the daughter of the late Robert and Barbara Playfair Kimball. Laurie is survived by her brother Thomas Kimball, nieces Catherine Dickson, Barbara Marshall, Heidi Jamieson, and Gretchen Covino, her nephews Eric Jamieson, Mark Kimball, and David Jones, and her ex-husband and friend Frederick Mottle. She also leaves her cat "Cat." Laurie graduated from Muskingum University in Ohio in 1968, with a bachelor's degree in music. She was a founding member of the Hopkinton Humane Society, which is now Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton. 

Update: Deaths
Doris Engelhardt James, Class of 1953
Class Year:
1953


 

Doris Engelhardt James passed away peacefully on June 21, 2023 at her home in Springfield, Virginia. She was a very organized, practical person and was well respected in her leadership role at work. Doris was known for her kindness and generosity and was such a thoughtful friend. She had the gift of seeing the best in everyone and was loved by many. She was such a gentle soul.

Doris was born in Youngstown, Ohio on August 3, 1931 to Louis and Ada Engelhardt. After her graduation from Boardman High School in 1949, she graduated from Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio, where she received a teaching certificate in 1952. She spent a year in Denver and then returned to Ohio State University to begin a master’s program and was recruited to work for the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington DC. In 1976, she received her Master of Science degree in Library Science from Catholic University, Washington DC.

Within a year of moving to Washington DC, she met the love of her life, Karl Kenneth James (Fuzzy) and they were married in September 1955. She took a leave of absence from work in the early 60’s to take care of her three children but it was then back to work with The Agency. In 1966, Doris and Fuzzy moved to Springfield, VA where she stayed until 2015 when she moved to Greenspring Senior Living.

Doris was one of the founding members of the St Andrew’s Episcopal Church in 1972 and was involved with the church until her death. She was the piano player for the initial services but was happy to relinquish this when “more talented” people came along (according to our humble Doris!) Her love and talent for the piano led her to attend summer classes at the renowned Juilliard School of Performing Arts.

In 1993, after 28 years of service with the Agency, Doris retired. It was time for Doris to travel! She took at least one trip every year with family and friends visiting over 25 countries. She visited some of them more than once – England and the Holy Land in particular.

When not traveling Doris was very involved with the League of Women Voters of Fairfax County, attended lifelong learning classes at George Mason University, volunteered with Fairfax County’s English as a Second Language Program classes for 13 years, and also volunteered at The National Cathedral cataloging artifacts. She was an avid crocheter and blessed many family and friends with her wonderful afghans.

Doris is survived by her daughter Debby Curtis; her son-in-law Curt Curtiss; her daughter in-law Laura James; her grandchildren, Jacquelyn (Jackie) James, Tim Kraft, and Michelle Kraft; her sister-in-law, Shirl James along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Karl Kenneth James; her four sons, Karl James Jr, Raymond Morris James, Frederick Louis James and Robert James; her parents Louis and Ada Engelhard; her brother Louis Engelhardt and numerous brothers and sisters in law.

Update: Deaths
Sue Ellen Sayre Rudy, Class of 1965
Class Year:
1965

Sue Ellen Rudy, age 80, of Delaware, Ohio and formerly of Marion, peacefully entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Dublin Methodist Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Sue was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 10, 1943, the daughter of the late Roland and Sue (Myser) Sayre. She was raised in Wooster, Ohio, graduating from Wooster High School in 1961. She furthered her education at Muskingum University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1965. She additionally took graduate study courses at The Ohio State University in Marion.

While attending Muskingum, Sue became a member of the Chi Alpha Nu (Kianu) sorority and eventually met the love of her life, a Mace, William “Bill” Rudy. They were united in marriage on June 5, 1965, the day before their college graduation and celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary just a day before her passing.

Following graduation, Sue and Bill moved to Marion, Ohio, to both become educators for the Marion City Schools. Sue positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students among the halls of Pearl Street, Glenwood, and George Washington Elementary Schools for twenty-six years, retiring in 2001.

Sue was a very faithful, 50-plus-year member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Marion. Following a move to Delaware in 2021 to be closer to family, Sue and Bill transferred their membership to Stonybrook United Methodist Church in Gahanna, where their son-in-law, Rev. David Hoffman, is the senior pastor.

As snowbirds, Sue and Bill loved spending their winters at Royal Coachman Resort in Nokomis, Florida for the last 23 years. Sue will be missed by her many Florida friends from across the country who continue to head south each winter.

Sue was actively involved in crafting and was a talented painter, with folk art and rosemaling being two of her favorite painting styles. In addition to her winters in Florida, she also loved traveling, boating, and spending time with her beautiful granddaughters, Andrea and Alyson.

Sue was an exceptional wife, loving mother, and adoring grandmother. Her family teased that she also deserves “extra credit” for putting up with Bill for 59 years.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Bill; her two children, Melissa (Rev. David) Hoffman of Lewis Center and Christopher (Lindsay) Rudy of Columbus; twin granddaughters: Andrea and Alyson Hoffman also of Lewis Center; and her sister-in-law, Patricia (Chuck) Coutellier of Hilliard. In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Carolyn Rudy.

Update: Deaths
Marilyn Woodyard Lockhart, Class of 1956
Class Year:
1956

Marilyn Jean Lockhart, 90, of Brevard, North Carolina, passed away after a brief illness, in the company of people who loved her, on June 10, 2024.

Marilyn was born on February 16, 1934, in Columbus, Ohio, the oldest child of Orville and Edith (Van Dyke) Woodyard. As a child, Marilyn excelled in academics, visual arts, and sports. She was the starting pitcher for her high school softball team.

Marilyn briefly toyed with the idea of majoring in art but decided instead to follow in the footsteps of her physicist father. She graduated from Muskingum College (New Concord, OH) in 1956 and Northwestern University in 1957 with degrees in mathematics. She was always one of the very few women among her classmates in the scientific disciplines. Although she had originally intended to be a math teacher, she was hired instead by IBM, straight out of grad school, as a programmer in the cutting-edge field of computer science. She moved to Poughkeepsie, NY to accept that position.

At an IBM-sponsored folk-dance class, she met her future husband, Newton Lockhart. They were married in 1958 and, when Marilyn became pregnant with her first child, she was forced to retire from her position. They settled in Lagrange, NY, and spent the next 25 years raising their two sons there. They were extremely serious square dancers, and less serious bowlers. They took their family on many camping and hiking adventures, including a seven-week expedition across the country in 1971. Marilyn enjoyed needle arts, including needlepoint, embroidery, and knitting. She went back into the workforce as her children grew older, managing a needle arts store and teaching needlecraft and breadmaking at the local County Extension.

The Lockharts retired in 1985, and moved to Brevard, NC to be closer to Marilyn’s parents. They started to travel extensively in the 1990s, exploring destinations like Australia, Europe, and Alaska. They also enjoyed travelling to visit their sons, of whom she was extremely proud, and their ever-expanding families, and one special spot on the coast of Maine. They were active parishioners at First United Methodist Church in Brevard, and active supporters of the Brevard Music Center, an internationally renowned summer program for aspiring classical musicians. When Newt passed away in 2016, Marilyn’s travel schedule slowed down somewhat, but she remained a constant presence at Brevard Music Center, attending almost every event there, all throughout the year. She also reprised her role as a star athlete, winning gold medals in the North Carolina Senior Games in bocci, beanbag toss, and several other disciplines. She was a legendary bocci player among the elder Brevard population.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Newton (2016). She is survived by her brother, Owen Woodyard of Sarasota, FL, and by her two sons: Keith Lockhart (and his wife, Emiley) of Boston, MA, the conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra and artistic director of the Brevard Music Center, and Dr. Paul D. Lockhart (and his wife, Mary), an historian and successful author based in Dayton, OH, as well as eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Update: Deaths
Neal Williams, Class of 1962
Class Year:
1962

Neal Williams, born January 11,1940 passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024 at Aultman Hospital. He graduated from Marion HS in 1958 and then Muskingum College with a BA in Music. Neal devoted his life to music and music education. He taught music at John Glenn HS after graduation and then as Band director at Timken HS from 1965-1975. He continued to teach private music lessons for many years. Neal formed a jazz group formally called the Knights of Rhythm and later the Neal Williams Quintet that played many venues in Canton and surrounding areas. He also worked as an interior/exterior painter for his self-owned company befittingly called Harmony Painting for many years. Neal is survived by his two daughters Andrea and Anita Williams and his long time girlfriend Charlotte Jacoby.

Update: Deaths
James Robert Stuart, Class of 1965
Class Year:
1965

James Robert Stuart, born February 1944, passed away on June 3, 2024. He is predeceased by his parents George Willis Stuart and Dorothy Frazier Stuart.

Jim grew up in Granville, OH, was a graduate of Granville High School and attended Muskingum College. He married Karen Gruen of Elyria, OH in 1971, and they later purchased and operated The Roaring Branch Camps in Sunderland, VT. He retired and moved to Mount Dora, FL in 2013.

Jim is survived by his older and younger sisters Sandy and Susie, along with three nieces and two nephews.

Update: Deaths
Michael C. Yeagle, Class of 1983
Class Year:
1983

Michael Connell Yeagle, 63, of Fort Mitchell, KY, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Mike was a retired teacher and coach at Beechwood High School. He was a graduate of Beechwood High School, Muskingum University with a Bachelor's degree and St. Xavier University with a Master's degree. Mike is a member of the Northern Kentucky Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame and the Beechwood Hall of Fame. Mike was an accomplished football coach with Beechwood High School, winning a total of 8 state titles. He was the first coach in Kentucky to win 4 consecutive state titles. Mike had an overall 87% winning record, (183-27) as coach from 1991-2005 at Beechwood High School. He was preceded in death by his father: Joe and niece: Ginger. Mike is survived by his mother: Peggy; siblings: Jayne and Barry (Debbie); nieces and nephews: Heather, Joey (Sean), Katie (Jeb), John Michael (Britney); numerous great-nieces and great-nephews and best friend: Bowles. 

Update: Deaths
Emma Naomi Parks Lowe Hupp, Class of 1941
Class Year:
1941

Emma "Naomi" Lowe Hupp, age 104 passed away, Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Liza's Place, Wheeling, WV. She was born in Moundsville, WV on October 11, 1919, the descendant of early pioneer families; the daughter of the late Archie L. and Olive Bonar Parks. Naomi was a graduate of Moundsville High School and Muskingum College (now University); and did graduate work at Miami University and the University of Cincinnati. She was a life member of ORTA, having taught music at Lewisville, OH, and Carrollton, OH; and taught Kindergarten and 1st Grade at Norwood, OH. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Wheeling; and Wheeling Chapter D.A.R; a charter member of the Marshall County Historical Society and First Families of Belmont County, OH; and was a 50 year member of Chapter #86 Eastern Star. Among her achievements, Naomi was personally responsible for the creation of the local history-genealogy room at the Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library and was presented with the History Hero Award and Distinguished WV Award. Naomi was co-editor of the Centennial Book, History of Moundsville High School in 1977. With her late husband, Dale Lowe, she compiled and published in 1984 the book, "Schools, Churches, Cemeteries, Marshall County, WV". In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, V. Dale Lowe in 1991; and her second husband, Henry M Hupp in 2018. Survivors include her son, Dr. John Lowe and his wife, Dr. Mikal Crawford; four grandchildren; two great-grandsons; two step-daughters, Elizabeth Hupp (Rev. Peter) Jessen and Heidi Hupp (Bradley) Wilson; four step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and a nephew, John Miller. 

Update: Deaths
Thomas E. McFate, Class of 1963
Class Year:
1963

Thomas E. McFate, 82, of Iroquois Dr., Conneaut Lake, passed away Tuesday evening May 28, 2024 in Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community. He was born in Meadville on December 18, 1941, a son of David T. and H. Marie (Browne) McFate. Tom was a 1959 graduate of Cochranton High School, a 1963 graduate of Muskingum College where he received his bachelor's degree in economics, and a Veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves. On June 25, 1966, Tom married the former Cheri Hoovler, she survives. He was employed in sales for the George T. Bisel Law Publishing Co. from 1970 until 1996 and then worked as a manufacturer sales representative, selling tractor trailer parts from 1997 until 2008. He was a life member of Lake Myrtle Masonic Lodge #316, Sandy Lake, New Castle AASR, former member of Syria Shrine Temple, Pittsburgh, Life member and past commander four times in the U.S. Power Squadron in South Hills, Pittsburgh and Akron, OH, former member of Allegheny College Community Chorus, a member of First Presbyterian Church where he sang in the Choir, a current member of Iroquois Club, Conneaut Lake, USCCA, NRA, former member of PA FOAC, and a friend of Bill W. since 1988. Tom has had five black male cocker spaniels. In addition to his wife of 57 years, he is survived by a sister, Carol Jensen and her husband Robert and a brother, William F. McFate of Falls Church, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Update: Deaths
John O. Hutchman, Class of 1961
Class Year:
1961

John Ogilvie Hutchman, 84 years old, entered into eternal peace Sunday May 12th, 2024. John was a resident of East Liverpool, Ohio before retiring to The Villages, Florida in 2001. Born August 16th, 1939 in East Liverpool, Ohio, the son of the late Paul Eugene Hutchman and Mary Helen Ogilvie Hutchman. He was the second youngest of nine siblings. John graduated with a Bachelors of Arts from Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio. He married his beloved highschool sweetheart C. Sue Davidson Hutchman on July 1st 1961, who resides in The Villages Florida. While residing in Lakewood, Ohio John was an account manager for American Greetings Corp. for many years before retirement. John was an avid sports fan of the Cleveland Browns (NFL), Indians (MLB), and Cavaliers (NBA). He shared this love of sports with his sons and grandson. John was a Christian and spent much of his time as a choir member in the New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages, FL. When he wasn't at church he loved to fish, golf, bowl, and play billiards with friends in the community. His quick wit and dry humor were guaranteed to make those around him laugh, especially Sue. In addition to his wife, John is survived by a daughter, Laura Cunningham (Patrick) of Queensbury, NY, and two sons, Dane Hutchman (Kristen) of Medina, OH, and Douglas Hutchman of Asheville, NC. He is also survived by brother William Hutchman of East Liverpool, OH, and sister Gracie Scott of Jamestown, NY, as well as eight grandchildren - Elle, Seth, Colin, Olivia, Callie, Mara, McLean, and Chloe, whom he loved dearly.

Update: Deaths
John G. Barron, Jr., Class of 1955
Class Year:
1955

John George Barron, Jr., 91, of Cumberland, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Sterling Care Frostburg Village. Born April 26, 1932, in Pittsburgh (Swissvale), Pa., he was the son of the late Anna (Kalina) and John George Barron, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his dedicated wife, Carolyn Patricia (Warren) Barron; brother-In-law, Bernard R. Warren; sister-in-law, Janet (Jeffreys) Warren; and son-in-law, Stephen Songy. John received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio. He earned a post-graduate degree in Education from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa. John was drafted, served in the United States Army and Army Reserves from 1955-1962, and was stationed at Fort Knox, Ky.; Fort Belvoir, Va.; and Fort Jackson, S.C. John and Carolyn were married in June 1959, and pursued teaching careers in Pittsburgh, and Peters Township, Pa., before John became employed with ABLE/Hercules Inc., and they relocated to Cumberland, Md. John enjoyed hiking in the woods, playing tennis and golf; building small scale models and trains, reading, and most passionately, he loved his dogs. After retirement, John was busier than ever writing articles for the Cumberland Times, volunteering at the Allegeny County Animal Shelter, Mended Hearts Society; Delivering Meals on Wheels; and traveling. John is survived by two daughters, Patricia Keith and Judith Barron Songy living in Chattanooga, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Heather, Brianna, and Caitlin; and four great-grandchildren, James, Scarlett, Lyla, and Raven In accordance with his wishes, John will be cremated and, along with Carolyn, be laid to rest at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, Tenn. 

Update: Deaths
Dennis Deal, Class of 1971
Class Year:
1971

Dennis Deal, 75, formerly of Kent, passed away in New York City on May 18, 2024. He was born on November 8, 1949, in Kansas City to Katherine and Paul Deal. After living in several cities, the family moved to Kent in the early 1960’s. He graduated from Roosevelt High School, where he was an outstanding student; senior class president, participated in many theatre productions and the marching band, and won the American Legion Outstanding Student award. In 2001, he was inducted into the Kent School Hall of Fame. Dennis wrote and recorded an ode to the city entitled “Kent Is…” for a civic celebration.

He attended Muskingum University and after graduating from Kent State University with an MFA in Music and Theater in 1972, he moved to New York City where he lived the rest of his life. He was a multi-talented artist—singer, dancer, arranger, writer, and director in many media—theatre, concerts, television and movies. For many years he was the bass singer in the a cappella group The Accidentals. He also wrote and directed the musical Nite Club Confidential which appeared Off Broadway, on London’s West End, and in L.A. and Boston. Dennis donated many hours of his time by mentoring other singers, writing a musical for izzit.org, the Free to Choose Network, and too many others to mention.

Dennis is fondly remembered by all those with whom he came in contact, in Ohio, New York, and everywhere, for his talent, quick wit, and his joyous spirit. He will be sorely missed.

Dennis is predeceased by his parents and his brother Douglas. He is survived by a niece, Dianna Deal, and several cousins. The family wishes to thank his devoted friend and caretaker Laura Kenyon, and the staff at Amsterdam House who adored his singing and sense of humor. 

Update: Deaths
Beth Templeton Rokisky, Class of 1982
Class Year:
1982

Beth Lynn (Templeton) Rokisky of Clarksburg, WV, and formerly Chartiers Township, Washington County, Pa., passed away Tuesday, May 28, in Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV, from medical complications stemming from her lifelong struggle with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 63.

Mrs. Rokisky, the daughter of Milton and Newanna Templeton, was diagnosed with diabetes at age 12. A 1978 graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School, she then graduated from Muskingum College in Ohio in 1982 with a degree in communications. She was a member of the Delta Gamma Theta sorority.

Soon thereafter, she moved to Clarksburg, where she began her first job in marketing at Lowndes Bank, with most of her career focused on advertising for Clarksburg-area companies. Later, as an avid fan of professional golf, she would land her dream job as marketing director for the Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport, W.V.

Mrs. Rokisky’s greatest passion was spending time with family, friends and her grandchildren, along with her love of watching and attending professional golf tournaments. Rarely if ever would she complain about the challenges she faced, health problems included, and instead displayed an infectious positive attitude and outlook on life.

She is survived by her husband, Robert W. Rokisky, whom she married on April 5, 1987; one daughter, Amanda Romano, and her husband Dr. Robert P. Romano of Bridgeport; one son, Brian J. Rokisky, and his wife Natasha Rokisky of Salem, WV; four grandchildren: Amelia Romano, Paul Anthony Romano, Luke A. Rokisky and Joel C. Rokisky; two brothers: Milton Webster Templeton Jr. of Navato, CA, and David Templeton of McDonald, PA; two nieces: Abigail Templeton of Vikhog, Sweden, and Georgia Templeton of Bethel Park, PA; mother-in-law, Fair Marie Rokisky and the late Joseph R. Rokisky; and the following brothers- and sisters- in-law: Arlene and Larry Iaquinta, Tim and Marie Rokisky, Danny and Jennifer Rokisky, Amy and Steve Oswald, Kevin and Robin Compton, Scott and Margaret Compton, Charlie and Barb Compton, and Debra and Steve Debs.

Update: Deaths
Amanda "Mandy" Ross, Class of 2001
Class Year:
2001

Amanda Lee Ross was born June 16, 1978, in Elkins, West Virginia, to Vidia C. Ross and the late Thomas R. Ross II. She departed this life peacefully on May 19, 2024, following a brief and unexpected illness.

Mandy, as known by most, brightened up any room with her presence, smile and witty personality.

Mandy always held a place in her heart for her first home in Elkins, however once she completed Elkins Junior High School, she attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. Mandy obtained her undergraduate degree from Muskingum College in 2000.

She treasured her lifelong connections that were made through the Chi Alpha Nu local chapter. Following graduation, she moved to Columbus, Ohio where she would call home for the next 24 years. Mandy was a Human Resources Specialist and worked for various insurance & tech companies throughout her career.

Being that Mandy had “two” homes that were near and dear to her in the states of West Virginia and Ohio, her two main passions were the Mountaineers and Buckeyes. Not sure if she loved anything more than a fall Saturday watching college football with her friends, especially if Michigan lost!

One thing she did love more than football were her two nieces, Kennedy and Addison. Not having children of her own, her favorite role was to be an Auntie and the best Auntie she was!

Mandy is survived by her wonderful mother, Vidia C Ross of Cornelius, North Carolina.

She is also survived by one sister and brother (in-law), Natalia Ross Schooley and husband, Ryan, of Davidson, North Carolina. Natalia was Mandy’s first best friend and as Natalia’s older sister, always looked out for and protected her. In addition to her immediate family, Mandy is also survived by so many family and friends whose lives she touched in so many ways.

Update: Deaths
Charles G. Weaver, Class of 1958
Class Year:
1958

Charles George Weaver, 87, of Austin, Texas (born Midway, Pennsylvania) went home to be with the Lord on March 12, 2024. He will be deeply missed by his family and by those whose lives were made better by being associated with him personally, professionally, and through his generosity.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandra, his sister Pat, his sons David, Bob, and Travis, his daughters Julie, Sarah, and Kate, and their spouses. Charlie was also much loved by his 16 grandkids and great-grandson.

Update: Deaths
Beulah Dunfee Case, Class of 1959
Class Year:
1959

Beulah Louise Case, 86, of Copeland Oaks, formerly of Damascus and Frazeysburg, completed her earthly journey at Crandall Medical Center, in
Sebring, Ohio at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

She was born at the family home in Shannon Heights, near Frazeysburg, on June 11, 1937, the first born daughter of the late Emerson and Mary E. (Frazier) Dunfee.

She was a 1955 graduate of Frazeysburg High School and a 1959 graduate of
Muskingum College.

She taught junior high home economics for several years at Tri-Valley Schools.

She was married, on June 14, 1969 at Nashport United Methodist Church, to Ernest L. Case, Jr. and they were married until his death on February 24, 1996.

She is survived by sons, Charles (Christine) of McClure and David (Beth) of Shreve and grandchildren, Lauralie, Emily, Colin, Nathan and Sarah. She is also survived by her brother, Paul Dunfee of Frazeysburg and Marilyn (Pat) Scott of Phoenix, Arizona. Also surviving are her granddogs, Teddy and Willow.

One of her greatest joys was loving on her numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, lifelong friends and church family friends. She did so by keeping meticulous record of birthdays and special days, and sending cards, letters and pictures on days of celebration. Testifying to this is her collection of cards and correspondences that she leaves behind.

Louise’s pride and joy was her family, who she dedicated her life to. She found joy in preparing delicious meals, making and mending clothes for the family, and helping with homework and studies during school years. She won Best of Show at the Canfield Fair for her homemade bread, and her cinnamon rolls and dinner rolls were like no other. Her flower bed of tulips and impatiens were an annual show stopper on Floral Drive in Damascus.

She was a 50 year member of Damascus United Methodist Church, and served as a Sunday school teacher for several years. She will always be remembered by her sons for her commitment to nurturing them in the faith by attending Sunday school and worship weekly and sharing in church leadership and service.

She served with the Caring Friends outreach throughout her years of residing at Copeland Oaks.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jean Duncan; brother, Emerson Roy Dunfee; brother-in-law, Bill Duncan; sister-in-law, Marcie Dunfee and a niece, Tricia White.

Update: Deaths
Doris Deshong Lowe, Class of 1977
Class Year:
1977

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.

Update: Deaths
J. Thomas Hartung, Class of 1952
Class Year:
1952

Thomas was born in Butler, PA where he graduated from high school and went on to graduate from Muskingum University. During the Korean war he was a special agent in the Counter Intelligence Corps working for the U.S. Senate in Europe. After studies at Harvard Graduate School of Business he joined Merrill Lynch and later opened offices in Clearwater for Smith Barney and Morgan Stanley from which he retired after 29 years. He went on to receive his Masters at Trinity Theological Seminary and did his PhD studies at Princeton Theological Seminary and Vanderbilt Divinity School receiving his international degree from University of Liverpool. Thomas was ordained in the Presbyterian church and became a chaplain at Morton Plant Hospital and also served churches in Nashville, Tampa and Clearwater. He was married to Katherine Kennedy for 69 years and has daughters Johanna (Mark) Scheimann of Tampa and Elizabeth (Elvin) Carrero of Austin, TX. There are 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. His memberships included Rotary, Paul Harris Fellowship, Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree Mason, Pittsburgh Shrine Temple and was a charter member of the Morton Plant Foundation.

Update: Deaths
David L. Mayer, Class of 1969
Class Year:
1969

David Louis Mayer, age 76, of Wilmington, DE passed away in his sleep on May 11, 2024. He was born and raised in Wilmington, DE and is the son of the late Eleanor L. (McCourt) and Clarence W. Mayer. David graduated from Conrad High School in 1965. He attended the University of Delaware and graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Muskingum College, New Concord, OH. He proudly served his country in his U.S. Army during the Viet Nam War where he received the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. David worked for the Dupont Company and then later for the State of Delaware in the Social Services Division until his retirement. The family would like to thank the Christiana Hospital and Accent Hospice nurses for their loving care. He will be dearly missed by all his cousins. 

Update: Deaths
Carol Morrow Dougherty, Class of 1957
Class Year:
1957

Carol Dougherty (88), Loving wife, mother, and long-time resident of Newark, Ohio passed away on May 11, 2024, at Woodside Memorial Center in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. Carol was born January 15, 1936, in Ellwood City, PA to the late William and Leah (Steinbach) Morrow. Carol graduated from Lincoln High School, then attended Muskingum College, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Speech and English where she was a member of the FAD Social Club. Carol enjoyed a life-long appreciation of the classics, her favorite writer being Charles Dickens. Soon after graduation she married Jack Dougherty of Cambridge, OH, whom she met on a blind date. They lived in Fort Knox, KY; Stowe, OH; Milwaukee, WI and Arlington, VA before establishing a long-time residence in Newark, Ohio. More recently Carol and Jack resided at Wesley Glenn Sr Living Community in Columbus, Ohio where they appreciated friends and the opportunity to live together. Carol taught English in Jefferson County, KY; then at Roosevelt Jr HS for 19 years where she served as the school newspaper advisor for 12 years and was recognized as a Jennings Scholar. Carol was active in community groups with a loving dedication to the Second Presbyterian Church where she cherished friendships with members of her Koinonia small group. She enthusiastically supported interest of her sons she was always there when we needed her and loved frequent river-boating trips with family and friends. Carol was preceded in death by her husband Jack Dougherty, brothers-in-law Bill Dougherty (Laura Lue), George Dougherty and Donald Grieme and her sister-in-law Lola Morrow. Carol is survived by her sisters Shirley Grieme and Leah (Michael) Serwon; her brothers Robert Morrow and Keith (Sandy) Morrow; her two sons William (Kandie) of Wexford, PA and Richard (Valerie) of Findlay, OH; granddaughters Mallory, Erin, Holly and Kerry; and many nieces and nephews

Update: Deaths
Beverly Ruhl Devorak, Class of 1957
Class Year:
1957

Beverly Ann (Ruhl) Devorak, Age 88, Born February 18, 1936, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Cherished daughter of the late Charles K. and Genevieve H. Ruhl; Beloved wife of 60 years to William E. Devorak; dear sister of David Ruhl along with her niece and family. Beverly attended Muskingum University and was a church organist throughout her life. Her other careers included being a secretary, an executive assistant and office manager positions.

Update: Deaths
Michael Maurer, Class of 1981
Class Year:
1981

Michael Jay Maurer, 67, of Uhrichsville, passed away at his home on Friday, May 3, 2024, after a brief illness. Born October 7, 1957 in Dennison, he was a son of the late William Jay and Emma Evelyn (Singerman) Maurer. Mike was a 1976 graduate of Tri-Valley High School before earning his bachelor's degree from Muskingum University, continuing on to earn a master's degree from Ohio University. He was employed by the City of Uhrichsville as their auditor for a number of years. He is survived by his nephew, Zachary D. Jones; great-nieces and great-nephew, Emily, Katherine, Wren, and Willa Jones; and a number of cousins, including Becky Carpenter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Gretchen Hartford

Update: Deaths
Stephen Price, Class of 1964
Class Year:
1964

Dr. Reverend Stephen Marsh Price, 83, of Peterborough, NH, died April 28th from lung cancer, peacefully, at home and just two days after his birthday.

He was surrounded by love and worked up until his last week of life. Despite a ten month terminal diagnosis of small cell lung cancer, he enjoyed every second of the life he loved living.

He will be remembered by everyone who knew him for his incredibly gentle and loving spirit. He took his duties of being a father to all his children very seriously. He loved his entire family fiercely and he will be deeply and profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him. He and his wife Patricia shared an extraordinary love and rich life together for over twenty years.

Stephen was a gifted and sensitive psychotherapist, marriage counselor and a retired Episcopal Priest, and for the past 20 years he has maintained a private practice in Keene and Peterborough.

Psychotherapy was his life’s work and he worked up until the time of his death due to his passion and commitment to the psyche. Steve was also a licensed Pastoral Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. He was a Jungian Analyst and spent the majority of his life studying Jungian thought. Over the course of his life he provided comfort to all those who saw him in a clinical setting and brought peace and growth to many. His clients remember his evenness, compassion and attentiveness as a therapist.

Prior to starting his own practice, he was the executive director of MAPS Counseling Service in Keene and Peterborough, NH. For twenty years he was the founder and executive director of the Counseling and Human Development Center in New York City, a pastoral counseling center with counseling offices in several different New York churches. He was also an Episcopal Priest at St. Bartholomew’s in New York for over twenty years presiding over hundreds of weddings and baptisms. He was particularly proud of the beautiful practice he and Trish independently own in Peterborough and the quality service and care they were able to provide for hundreds of patients.

Stephen was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio, his beloved hometown. He graduated from Muskingum College. He received his M.Div. degree from General Theological Seminary in New York, his S.T.M degree in psychiatry and religion from Union Theological Seminary in New York, and his D. Min. degree from Andover Newton Theological School in Boston, MA. Throughout high school and college, Stephen worked extensively in radio and television doing everything from announcing to TV cameraman. He worked at WHIZ in Zanesville, OH, and WGAR, WERE, and KYW in Cleveland, and he helped found the Muskingum College radio station WMCO in 1962. In another life he would have worked in radio.

Stephen Price was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Jane Price, two sisters, Virginia Price, and Melissa Price, along with a brother, Timothy Price. He is survived by his in-laws, Cindy Price (Melissa Price) the Enemarks, as well as Nancy Liebenson Davis and Narayan Liebenson (Jonathan Klate). He was married to Patricia Liebenson-Morse, the love of his life.

He was also married to Susan Johnson, the mother of his two children Angela (Bob Miller) of Lake Placid, New York, and Michael Price (Kathleen Gaffney.) of Brooklyn, New York. Steve was very close with both his biological children, Mike and Angela and was incredibly proud of the adults they’ve become and the beautiful families of their own they’ve built. He is the very proud grandfather of Finley Donahue (18) and Cormac Price (1).

He is the adopted father to Alexis Putzel Palmer of Colorado and Justin Putzel of New Hampshire, and beloved stepfather to Jesse Liebenson-Morse, of Palm Beach, Australia, Kelsey Sobel (Elijah Sobel) of Wentworth, New Hampshire and Sophia Liebenson-Morse (Sean Black) of Salt Lake City, Utah.

In his final year of life after a terminal diagnosis, Dr. Price worked incredibly hard to organize his own death utilizing Act 39 in Vermont. Although he was ultimately too weak to travel, he was very passionate about the need for dignified deaths for all.

The family is incredibly grateful to dear and loyal friends Mary Jo Walker, Sandy and Kevin King and the dedicated team from Bayada Hospice.

He loved National Public Radio, swimming, and cherry pie. He remembered countless memories from his boyhood in Ohio fondly and cherished time at home in the garden. He had an affinity for Switzerland and loved anything sweet, especially fudge. Steve had a deep appreciation for all new technology and loved anything sleek, especially his Tesla.

He particularly loved his home and always had a kind word and gentle smile for all those who were in his presence. In his later years he continued to preside over weddings, marrying his son, Mike and his stepdaughter Kelsey along with many family friends. He also loved motorcycles and in his later life enjoyed riding an e-bike all over. Steve had a deep appreciation for all beauty.

He and Trish particularly loved vacations in Kennebunkport and Anguilla. He will be remembered as an exceptional father, a dedicated spiritual counselor and loving husband.

Steve was an optimist through and through and was never overwhelmed by the obstacles of life. He dreamed big and had energy and zest for life that is an inspiration for all of us. Even during his illness he was a meticulous dresser and wore a button down shirt every day of his life.

Steve lived a life of no regrets and was cherished and adored by his family and community. May his memory be for a blessing.

Update: Deaths
Christina Collins Robb, Class of 1974
Class Year:
1974

Rev. Christina "Tina" Robb, age 71, quietly passed away at 3:30pm on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the MediLodge Nursing Center of Munising. She had resided at MediLodge with her husband Jim by her side since May of 2023. Tina is now pain free and in the arms of Jesus at peace.

Tina was born in North Plainfield, NJ on September 17, 1952, the first child born to Dorothy T. (Tucher) and Kenneth H. Collins. She was also the first grandchild on both sides of the family. Tina had one brother Paul who preceded her in death in 1994.

Tina attended college at Muskingum University in New Concord, OH and graduated in 1974. She felt the call from God to become a pastor, following her grandfather, the Venerable Henry Van Parsell of New Jersey. She attended Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY from 1974-1979. She studied theology and was ordained in the Presbyterian Church of the United States in Cincinnati along with her husband the Rev. James Robb in August of 1980. Tina and Jim were united in marriage on August 23, 1975, in Louisville, KY. They were not blessed with any children, but they were "parents" to many dogs during their 49½ years of marriage. Tina was currently a member of Munising United Methodist Church.

Update: Deaths
John "Jack" Wilkins, Class of 1962
Class Year:
1962

JOHN "JACK" G. WILKINS Age 84, of Wilkinsburg, on Tuesday April 16, 2024. Jack was the son of Grover and Marion Dwyer Wilkins; brother of James (Cheryl) of Forest Hills, Sandra of Wilkinsburg, and the late William; uncle of Craig (Susan) and children Cohen, Olivia, and Josie from Shaler; Amber of Forest Hills, and Lynette Luster (Doug) and children Michael and Charlotte of Navarre, FL. Jack graduated from Wilkinsburg High School and Muskingum University. He earned his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh. He served on the Wilkinsburg School Board and as Mayor of Wilkinsburg.

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