Obituaries « The VW independent (2024)

Obituary Policy

Obituaries can be emailed to editor@thevwindependent.com. The Van Wert independent no longer accepts no-cost death notices. As of October 1, 2023, the cost of full obituaries will be $95 (including a photo). Local funeral homes are billed for full obituaries, while out-of-town funeral homes can also be billed, if so requested. Obituaries submitted by individuals must be paid in full prior to publication. The Van Wert independent accepts credit cards by telephone from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday at 419.238.1220.

Jo Ann Phipps

Jo Ann Phipps, 92, passed away Friday, July 26, 2024, at Vancrest of Payne.

Jo Ann was born December 14, 1931, at home in Paulding County, to Cathryn (Price) and Adam Winans, who both preceded her in death.

On August 5, 1950, Jo Ann married Jack (John W.) Phipps, who passed away in April 2016. Together, they celebrated 65 years of marriage. To this union was born three children, Cathy Schoenauer, Margaret Schilb, and John Phipps (deceased).

Jo Ann worked at Central Mutual Insurance, Payne Local Schools as secretary and later as food supervisor of Wayne Trace Local Schools. She also attended the University of Saint Francis and later served as Benton Township clerk. Retiring, Jo Ann found other ways to serve the community as a volunteer and on the Dallas Lamb Foundation Board of Trustees. Jo Ann’s faith journey led her to membership in St Paul’s United Methodist Church and Divine Mercy Catholic Church.

Jo Ann will be sadly missed by her daughters, Cathy (the late Ron) Schoenauer, Margaret (the late Rick) Schilb; grandchildren, Scott (Audra) Schoenauer, Carrie (Aaron) McKinney, Aaron (Ashley) Schilb, Mikael (Meredith) Schilb, Johnny Phipps, Joseph Phipps, and Josh Schoenauer; great-grandchildren, Jack Schoenauer, Sarah (Austin) Winebrenner, Emily (Connor) Sowers, Allison Dyson, Grace McKinney, Megan McKinney, Max, Charlie and Henry Schilb, Damon and Lilly Smith and Vivian Schilb and one great-great grandchild, Owen Winebrenner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; son John, and siblings Richard Winans, Allen Winans and Betty Van Ho.

Visitation will be 9-10:45 a.m. Monday, August 5, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 312 S. Main St. in Payne. A service of commemoration and celebration will take place at 11 a.m. that day at the church. Burial will take place following the service, with interment in Lehman Cemetery, Payne.

Memorials are to St Paul’s United Methodist Church or the Vancrest-Payne Activity Fund.

Fond memories can be shared atdooleyfuneralhome.com.

Jerry Eugene Fisher

Jerry Eugene Fisher, 82, of Van Wert, passed away Monday evening, July 29, 2024, at Ohio Health in Van Wert.

He was born on January 3, 1942, in Van Wert, to Harry and Louise (Sherman) Fisher.

Jerry married the former Rosalyn Coffelt and she preceded him in death in 1987. Then, in 1997, he married Judy (Brewer) and she survives in Van Wert.

Jerry retired from Marsh Supermarket after 35 years of service. He enjoyed working in his yard and tending to his garden. Most importantly, Jerry cherished time spent with his family- especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Judy Fisher, Jerry is survived by his children, Jerry (Kristi) Fisher, Jr. of Fort Wayne, Derrik (June) Fisher of Bloomington, Indiana, and Aaron (Melissa) Anthony of Round Rock, Texas; grandchildren, Mandy Pangle, David Pratt, Felicia Fisher, Rachael Duff, Jeramie Burnett, Jason Burnett, Bailee Newton, Chase Fisher, Conner Fisher, Steven Anthony, Dylan Anthony, Ethan Anthony and Heaven Anthony; 14 great-grandchildren, and siblings, Connie Sloan of Wauseon, Dave (Mary) Fisher of Latty and Brenda (John) Harper of Fremont, Ohio.

In addition to his parents and first wife, Rosalyn Fisher, he was preceded in death by a son, Mark Fisher, and siblings, Lester Rayer, Tom Fisher and Cathy Dice.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, August 5, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: the Van Wert Fire Department.

William Dwayne Ratliff

William Dwayne Ratliff, 56, of Van Wert, died at 10:09 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Mercy-St. Rita’s Hospital in Lima.

He was born November 15, 1967, in Paulding, to William Farmer Ratliff and Shirley Jean (Hall) Lippi.

William was a truck driver with many years of service. He enjoyed singing and playing the guitar, hunting, fishing and racing. He never knew a stranger and could always be found telling stories of how things used to be.

William is survived by his mother and stepfather, Shirley Jean (Michael) Lippi; his children, Kendra McFeely of St Marys, Keith (Danielle Knittle) Ratliff of Van Wert, Corey (Ashley) Ratliff of Willshire, Summer (Tyler) Rau of Cloverdale, Dylan (Rachel) Williams of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Dustin (Brooke) Ratliff of Convoy; sisters, Cindy (Mike) East of Van Wert and Regina Lippi of Van Wert; brothers, Chad (Heather) Ratliff of Van Wert, Mikey (Karla) Lippi of Van Wert, and Sheridan (Carolyn Miller) Lippi of New Haven, Indiana, and 25 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father and two grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held from 2-5 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the Ohio City Community Building.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.

Carol J. Koenig

Carol J. Koenig, of Middle Point, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the day after her 58th birthday while vacationing in Memphis, Tennessee.

She was born July 22, 1966, in Lima, to Eugene V. “Skip” Heffner and Nancy (Horman) Martin. Carol attended Van Wert High School and graduated from Vantage Career Center in 1984 earning her cosmetology license. On October 29, 1989, Carol married the love of her life, Matthew Koenig, and together they shared many beautiful years filled with love and laughter.

She magnified her love for cooking by working as the cafeteria manager at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic School for over 24 years, where she became a cherished member of the community. She was a proud member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, where she found solace in her faith. Carol led a simple yet fulfilling life, finding joy in reading, crocheting, and camping.

She always enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Norwhal.” Known for her spirited nature, Carol had a penchant for driving too fast when the moment called for it and lived by the motto “My House, My Rules.” She was a force to be reckoned with.

Carol is survived by her husband, Matthew Koenig of Middle Point; children: Shelby (Dan) Heilman of Delphos, and Caleb (Rachael) Koenig of Spencerville; grandchildren, Liam, Lucy, Max and Nadia; mother, Nancy Martin of Wapakoneta; stepmother, Connie Wlcker Heffner; siblings: Tony Heffner, Scott Heffner, Penny (Keith) Wiseman, and Janey Knittle, all of Van Wert; Mike (Amy) Martin of Botkins; David Martin, Jo (Ben) Smith, Derrick (Connie) Martin, Brenda Martin, all of Wapakoneta, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father, Carol was preceded in death by her father, Eugene; brother, Greg Martin, and sister, Vickie McCullum.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 1, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert, with Father Chris Bohnsack as celebrant. The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m Wednesday, July 31, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the school lunch programs of St. Mary School or Van Wert City Schools to assist with free and reduced lunches for children.

To share in Carol’s online memorial visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

Vernon D. Pontsler

Vernon D. Pontsler, 89, of Van Wert, passed away at 8:48 p.m. Monday, July 22, 2024, at Van Wert Manor.

He was born July 24, 1934, in Rockford, to Charles William and Grace Helen (Sharp) Pontsler, who both preceded him in death. He married the former Shirley Tomlinson on January 29, 1955, and together they shared nearly 70 years of marriage.

He retired from Aeroquip in Van Wert, after 33 years of service. He had also worked as a mechanic at the former Lloyd’s Auto in Rockford.

Vernon attended First Presbyterian Church, Van Wert, for many years.

He took great pride in tending to his yard, enjoyed woodworking and was always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends. Most importantly, Vernon was a devoted and supportive husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Shirley Pontsler of Van Wert; a son, Doug (Cinda) Pontsler of Monclova Township; his grandchildren, Andrea (Ryan) Donley, Ryan (Sarah) Pontsler and Aaron (Colleen) Pontsler; his great-grandchildren, Maizy and Grace Donley, David, Nathan, Noah and Theo Pontsler, and Graham Pontsler, and his brothers, Lee (Londa) Pontsler of Van Wert, and Glenn (Marcile) Pontsler of Jefferson, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Stanley, Eugene and Don Pontsler, and a sister, Wanda Wenner.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Rev. J. H. Vanlal Hruaia, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m.Monday, July 29, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: the Carey, Bill and Benny Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of the Mercer County Civic Foundation, Box 439, Celina, 45882.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Donald B. Harter

Donald B. Harter, 68, of Ohio City, died at 7:20 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at his residence.

He was born in Van Wert on January 18, 1956, to Max D. and Virginia “Ginny” (Scott) Harter. He married the former Kimberly High on April 17, 1982.

He retired in 2019 as owner/operator of Harter Farm Drainage. Donnie enjoyed attending Detroit Lions football games, playing cards and playing the accordion and the piano with his daughters. He taught himself how to play both instruments and did so by ear. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Harter of Ohio City; his daughters, Jessica (Eric) Armstrong of Van Wert and Emily (Trevor) Sill of Willshire; his grandchildren, Gabryelle, Oliver, Dylan, Corbyn, Hayzell and Elizabeth, and his sisters, Sheryl Tumblin-Burgei of Fort Jennings, Carol (Gary) Lininger of Van Wert, Jana (Roy) Ringwald of Van Wert and Karen (Robert) Ashley of New Braunfels, Texas.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sarah Harter; his father and mother-in-law, Royce and Carolyn High; and brothers-in-law, DeWayne Tumblin and Don Burgei.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 26, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials may be directed to the Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Clark Burdel “Sparky” Roberts

Clark Burdel “Sparky” Roberts, 74, passed away Friday afternoon, July 19, 2024, at his residence in Hoaglin Township.

He was born on April 30, 1950, in Van Wert the son of Rudolph and Viona (Kline) Roberts, who both preceded him in death. He married the former Penny Jewell on November 26, 1976, and she survives.

Other family survivors include his four children, Shawn (Jennifer) Roberts of Tennessee, Todd (Crystal) Roberts of Kentucky, Paula (Dusty) Campbell of Van Wert, and Clark (Cindy) Roberts of Scott; 17 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; three sisters, Linda Lloyd of Van Wert, Tammy (Jeff) Agler of Van Wert, and Nancy Laughlin of Cincinnati; a brother, Jerry (Helen) Roberts of Van Wert, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Clark was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Heinz.

Clark was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a truck driver and mechanic for Conrad’s Trucking for over 30 years.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at Mandale Church on Ohio 66 in Mandale with Pastor Tony Gonzales officiating.

Preferred memorials: the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Judith M. Germann

Judith M. Germann, 92, of Van Wert, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Lima Memorial Hospital.

She was born on December 19, 1931, to Donald and Ruby (Sterling) Putt of Middle Point, who both preceded her in death.

In 1949, Judy graduated from Middle Point High School and was a cheerleader for three years for the Middle Point Polar Bears. On July 31, 1949, she married Alfred “Phil” Germann, and they were married for 53 years. Alfred died in the tornado of 2002 that hit their home when it ripped through Van Wert County.

Judy enjoyed enbroidery, making quilts for her family and lawn and garden work. She also worked in restaurants as a waitress for 20 years. Judy and Phil were members of Trinity Friends Church, which they attended regularly.

She is survived by two sons, Tim (Lisa) Germann of Milan, Michigan, and Jerry (Linda) Germann of Van Wert; two granddaughters, Julie (Tom) Flannagan of Perrysburg, and Shelly (Matt) Utrup of Ottawa; one great- granddaughter and five great-grandsons; step-grandson, Nathan Dahoney; a step-great-grandson; two brothers, Don (Karen) Putt, and Terry (Jeannette) Putt, both of Van Wert; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by an infant son, Randy; brother, Larry Putt and an infant sister, Charlene Putt.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Visitation will be prior to the funeral, from 2-3 p.m. on Sunday. Private interment will be at Evangelical Protestant Cemetery in Harrison Township.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials may be made to the American Heart Association at Heart.org.

To share in Judy’s online memorial, visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

Carolyn Sue Harp

Carolyn Sue Harp, 82, of Middle Point, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024, at Van Wert Manor after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

She was born January 19, 1942, in Saint Marys, to Harold and Elsie (Pollock) Long, who both preceded her in death.

A 1960 graduate of Van Del High School’s last graduating class, Carolyn tied the knot with her sweetheart, William Harp, on August 3, 1965. Throughout her life, she was dedicated to her community, volunteering with the Middle Point Firemans Woman’s Auxiliary and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church until its closure. Carolyn found joy in simple things – attending auctions with her husband and participating in bowling leagues in her younger days. She was a devoted fan of QVC and cherished her feline companions, Sam and Sneak.

Carolyn is survived by her daughters, Marla (Pat) Taylor of Middle Point, Shelley Harp of Van Wert, and Stacie Clay of Middle Point; brothers, Ronald (Carol) Long of Middle Point, Jim (Shirley) Long of Haviland, Mike (Deb) Long of Middle Point, and Kent (Karen) Long of Van Wert; sister, Marcia Friesner of Middle Point; grandchildren, Jessi Routt of Van Wert; Katie Clay of Middle Point, and Micayla Harp of Van Wert; great-grandchild, Shane Routt; brother-in-law, Lee (Chris) Atha of Wapakoneta; sisters-in-law: Kathy Mulholland of Upper Sandusky, and Susie Harp of Waynesfield, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Harp.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, where visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Ridge Cemetery.

Preferred memorials: the Van Wert County Humane Society.

Linda L. Barkley

Linda L. Barkley, 86, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away Saturday July 13, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, surrounded by her family.

She was born on April 24, 1938 in Mercer County, Ohio to Carl J. Smalley and Alice F. (Smith) Smalley, who both preceded her in death. Linda was united in marriage to Donald C. Barkley on October 24, 1958 in Berne, Indiana.

She was a member of Mt. Zion United Brethren Church. She was employed with Gerber’s Supermarket where she worked in the deli and bakery department and retired in 2010. She was known as the cookie lady because she was an excellent baker. She was also a skilled seamstress and flower gardener. She was an excellent mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family.

Survivors include her daughter, Alice McCauley of Paulding; two sons, Perry D. Barkley of Decatur, and Jerry T. (Sheree) Barkley of Berne; two sisters, Julie (Van Riley) Long of Rockford, and Susan “Jane” Kuhn, of Celina; three brothers, Tom (Debby) Smalley of Celina, Guy Junior (Connie) Brigner of Berne, and Melvin Mac (Debbie) Brigner of Payne; brother-in-law, Elmer Roehm of Willshire; three grandchildren, Carla (Brian) Morris, Cory Hileman, and Grace Barkley; three great-grandchildren, Keller (Samantha Proxmire) Morris and Frank Morris, and one great- great-granddaughter, Opal Rose Morris.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her stepmother, Bessie M. (McAfee) (Brigner) Smalley; sisters, Ruth Ann Roehm and Margaret (Arnold) Hill ; brother, Hugh Thomas; brother-in-law, Gerald Kuhn, and sister-in-law, JoAnn Brigner.

A memorial service for Linda will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday July 18, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur with Pastor Ernie Suman officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at the Mohr Cemetery in rural Van Wert. Friends and family will be received from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at the funeral home and one hour prior to services on Thursday, also at the funeral home.

For complete obituary information and to sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.