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.
POSTED: 12/28/10 at 3:42 pm. FILED UNDER: Info
Joyce E. Baer, 90, passed away on the evening of Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Vancrest of Van Wert surrounded by her loving family.
Joyce was born on October 31, 1934, in Dayton, to Joseph and Myrtle (Cotterman) Strick, both of whom are deceased. On October 8, 1955, she married Paul H. Baer who also preceded her in death on June 17, 2006.
Joyce is survived by her children, Gary (Betty) Baer of Delphos, Sue (Steven) Bigham of Van Wert and Sandra (Bruce) Klinger of Convoy; one sister, Glenna Strick of Dayton, and three grandchildren, Faith Baer, Dr. Sarah Klinger and Samantha Klinger.
Joyce was preceded in death by two sisters, Carmen Hoffman and Ruth Huff, and a brother, Julius Strick.
Joyce graduated from Van Wert High School in 1953. She worked at Van Wert Times-Bulletin for 24 ½ years and attended Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert. Before her husband’s passing, Joyce enjoyed camping with her family in their travel trailer. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and traveling. Joyce also liked going to the Council on Aging in Van Wert and taking their Zumba classes.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 20, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Pastor Clark Williman officiating. There will be calling hours from 9-11 a.m. prior to the service on Saturday.
Preferred memorials: Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert or the Van Wert Council on Aging.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 09/15/25 at 3:16 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Dennis Lee Doster, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Van Crest Nursing Home in Payne, Ohio.
Dennis was born on November 3, 1935, to Foster “Hank” Doster and Gladys Stair, both of whom preceded him in death. On August 13, 1955, he married Helen Kay Tinlin, who survives him.
Dennis graduated from Blue Creek High School in 1955, where he excelled as an athlete. After graduation, he began working at Lafarge, where he dedicated 46 years of service until his retirement.
Dennis had a deep love for sports. He was an avid fan of Ohio State, the Chicago Bears, and the Chicago White Sox, but his greatest joy came from watching the teams his children and grandchildren played on. Throughout his life, Dennis also enjoyed listening to country music, traveling with his brother-in-law and sister, and making occasional trips to the casino.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his four children, Jean (George) Porter of Paulding, Kim Pitser of Antwerp, Denny (Kim) Doster of Paulding, and Dawn (Joey) Meza of Mary Ester, Florida; nine grandchildren, Michelle (Shane) Sidle, Eric (Jessica) Armstrong, Ashley (Bill) Kindle, Melissa Scott, Logan (Danielle) Doster, Cameron Doster, Sean, Jared, and Brandon Meza, and 10 great-grandchildren: Jacob Sidle, Delaney and Devin Scott, Dylan, Corbyn, and Elizabeth Armstrong, Liam and Charlotte Kindle, Chloe and Jackson Doster. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Williamson.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Gary Allen; and his siblings: Ronald “Joey” Doster, Bill Doster, Dema Saxton, and Phyllis Jean Doster.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Ryan Thomas officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Hedges Cemetery, Jackson Township.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Dennis’ memory to Vancrest of Payne Activity Fund.
Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com
POSTED: 09/15/25 at 3:02 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Betty J. Uncapher, a beloved mother, grandmother and cherished member of the Van Wert community, passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the age of 93.
Born on March 3, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, Betty lived a life full of love and dedication to her family and community. On August 9, 1952, she married Norman E. Uncapher.
Betty was an avid fisherman, finding joy in the tranquil embrace of nature. She was also a talented cook, particularly renowned for her delicious pies that brought comfort and joy to those she loved. Above all, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, creating lasting memories with her children and grandchildren.
She retired from Aeroquip in Van Wert after many years of dedicated service, having previously worked at Van Wert Manufacturing. Her commitment to her community extended beyond her professional life. She volunteered with the swim program for the Paulding County Board of Developmental Disabilities, demonstrating her compassion and dedication to helping others. She attended Calvary Church in Van Wert.
She is survived by her loving children, Michael (Cynthia) Uncapher of Van Wert, Cathy (James) Sowers of Van Wert, David (Dian) Uncapher of Lima and James (Lisa Agler) Uncapher of Van Wert; her cherished grandchildren, Nicole (Nathan) Hillery, Ryan (Lucie) Uncapher, Jaclyn (Bill) Evans, Steven Sowers, Zachary (Sarah) Uncapher, Lucas (Amanda) Uncapher, Tessa (Greg) Boyles, Canon (Austin) Wray and Ben Uncapher, and 17 great-grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Mack and Harriet Wilson; her husband, Norman E. Uncapher; a sister, Amy Durffee, and a grandchild, Jordan Uncapher.
Funeral services for Betty J. Uncapher will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, September 21, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Prior to the service, there will be a visitation beginning at 2 p.m., allowing family and friends to gather and share their memories of her remarkable life.
Preferred memorials: the Van Wert YWCA Building Fund.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 09/15/25 at 2:50 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Antonia Alvarez, 81, bid farewell to this world and was reunited with her loving husband in heaven on September 13th, 2025.
She was born on March 13th, 1944 to Jose and Antonia Torrez in Ropesville, Texas. She married her husband, John, on March 23, 1962. Together they welcomed two children, Lisa Alvarez and Amy (Adam) Ellis. They were lovingly called Mamaw and Papaw by their grandchildren Juan, Mack, and Faith Johnson, Hope (Frankie) Escobedo, Arianna, Alysah, Alexah, and Zander Thompson, Zerick and Zerin Shields. Furthermore, all because these two fell in love, they were blessed with great-grandchildren: Colson, Gabriella, Ellianna, Isabella, Nyah, Nico, Adyson, Hayden, Adalynn, Mateo, Maverick, Kalea, Marianna, Christopher and Charlie.
In her early 20s, after hearing a soul changing message from Billy Graham, she began her walk of faith. From there on out, Toni made it her mission, to spread the word of God to everyone she met. Due to her unrelenting faith and her hunger to lead others to the Lord, she was reunited with her sisters and brothers, Elida, Hilberto, Simona, Jesse, Alicia, Juan, Ernesto, Jose, and Esther.
She leaves behind her two sisters, Elma and Janie, who share the same faith that they will one day be together again. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and in-laws whom she loved dearly.
Toni was ambitious in all areas of her life. Despite only having a third grade education, she went on to pursue her lifelong dream of cooking up delicious food for others. She started small in what would be a 48-year venture at the Van Wert county fair with a 4-walled stand her husband built for her with love. Toni and John went on to open their own restaurant, El Jalapeño, which became a local staple famous for their homemade chips and Tex Mex cuisine.
Toni will be deeply missed and will forever be remembered for her unwavering faith, fearless way of telling it how it is, diligent hard work, and the fierce love she had for her family. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 18, at Calvary Evangelical Church, in Van Wert with Rev. W. Clark Williman officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Calling hours will be held from 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, September 17, at Cowan and Son Funeral Home, Van Wert.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all of the healthcare professionals who provided Toni with the utmost comfort and care.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 09/15/25 at 9:42 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Anne Louise Bowen, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at Van Wert Manor on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the age of 83.
She was born on February 20, 1942, in Decatur, Indiana, and lived her formative years with her family in Wren, building a life filled with love, community, and service.
Anne was a proud graduate of the last graduating class of Wren High School in 1960 and earned her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. She taught for one year at Crestview High School and fulfilled her professional career by working at Van Wert County Hospital until retirement. She was a member of the former St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and most recently attended Convoy Methodist Church where she participated in the church choir, the women’s group, and taught adult Sunday school. Anne was an avid supporter of all things Crestview and was so proud of her son and his career at the school. She was a committed member of her community as a member of the Convoy Research Club, a former officer for the Wren Ballpark Association, and a former officer of the Van Wert/Paulding OSU Alumni Club. Anne also enthusiastically enjoyed teaching GED classes through the Vantage Adult Education program.
Above all, Anne cherished her role as a grandmother to Mallory (Preston) Zaleski and Sydney (Logen) Neidhardt. She found immense joy in attending and supporting their various activities, sharing memorable moments with them throughout the years.
During the last two years of her life, Anne enjoyed her residency at Van Wert Manor. She was made to feel at home and enjoyed making connections with residents and staff alike.
Anne is survived by her son, David (Pam) Bowen of Convoy and her treasured grandchildren, Mallory and Sydney.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Edna (Kiracofe) Bowen; her brothers and their spouses, Charles and Joanne Bowen and Glen and Connie Bowen; and special cousin Carl J. McClure and his wife, Rosie McClure.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 19, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert, with Rev. Bill Thomas, officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 18, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, and one hour prior to services on Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials may be directed to the Crestview Knight Pride club or Van Wert Manor activity fund.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 09/15/25 at 9:14 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Cody Matthew Motycka, 33, of Van Wert passed away Friday morning, September 12, 2025, as a result of a two vehicle accident on the Van Wert-Paulding County line.
Cody was born on November 9, 1991, in Van Wert the son of Nichole Ann Galyk of Van Wert and Matthew Charles (Nicole) Motycka of Willshire. On January 14, 2025, he married the former Mandi Marie Fisher, who also survives in Van Wert.
Other family members are his three children, Brantley and Emmelee Motycka and their mother Brittany Motycka, Neil Fisher; paternal grandparents, Philip and Rachel Motycka of Convoy; maternal grandparents, David (Linda) Galyk of Ottoville and Patricia Galyk of Lima, and a stepbrother, Trey (Shannon Greene) Likes of Decatur, Indiana.
Cody was a 2010 graduate of Parkway High School and a member of LifeHouse Church, Van Wert. He was an wonderful husband and an amazing dad, enjoying playing videos games with his children. He loved Ohio State football and was fanatic about Star Wars movies. He also enjoyed playing golf with his grandpa Dave.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. There will be calling hours from 4-7 p.m. Friday, September 19, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert.
Preferred memorials: to his family.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 09/15/25 at 8:15 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Dennis E. Ries, 74, of Venedocia, passed away Friday evening, September 5, 2025, at Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
He was born on February 9, 1951, in Van Wert, the son of Paul Edward and Rita Belle (Stahl) Ries, who both preceded her in death. On August 13, 1983, he married the former Marilyn Rhoades, who survives.
Other family members include his daughter, Lisa Riffe-Ries of Dublin; a grandson, Arlo E. Riffe-Ries; a sister, Brenda (Eddie) Agler of Van Wert; two brothers, Dana L. Ries of Sarasota, Florida, and Bruce A. Ries of Van Wert; a daughter-in-law, Britt Riffe-Ries, and several nieces and nephews and treasured extended family.
In addition to his parents, Denny was preceded in death by a nephew, Ryan Agler.
Denny was a 1970 graduate of Lincolnview High School. He was a lifetime farmer in York Township. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, working on his classic cars, and following auto racing.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 12, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with his nephew, Eric Wise, officiating. There will be opportunity for family and friends to share memories of Denny, or you may write them down to be read as part of the service. Interment will follow at Ohio City’s Woodlawn Cemetery. Calling hours are 3-7 p.m. Thursday, September 11, and one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 09/08/25 at 7:46 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
John Eric Vining, 70, passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at his residence in Ohio City after battling leukemia since June, 2022.
He was born on March 6, 1955, in Willshire, to Eugene Franklin Vining and Rosella Louise (Dull) Vining, who both preceded him in death. On August 12, 1978, John was united in marriage to Teresa Nave in Huntington, Indiana.
He was a member of Trinity Friends Church in Van Wert.
A 1973 graduate of Parkway High School, John continued his education at Huntington University, earning a degree in business administration and accounting. He went to receive the designation of chartered property casualty underwriter, reflecting his deep knowledge and professionalism in the insurance industry.
Throughout his career, John served in a variety of leadership roles. He worked at the Community Care Center in Decatur, Indiana before joining Central Mutual Insurance in Van Wert, where he served as a department manager. He also worked with Thrivent Financial and Brotherhood Mutual, where he was the regional manager of underwriting.
John enjoyed writing and authored five historical books. He had a love for history and coaching his sons. He especially loved Ohio State Football and Cincinnati Reds.
John’s professional life was marked by integrity, dedication, and care for the people he served and worked alongside.
Survivors include his wife, Teresa Vining of Ohio City; son, Michael (Brooke) Vining of Convoy; son, Alan Vining of Bellbrook; son, Aaron (Rachel) Vining of Zionsville, Indiana; son, Evan (Natalie) Vining of Convoy; sister, Marianna Fetters of Celina, and 10 grandchildren, Jace, Ellie, Kale, Finley, Crew, Bowen, Millie, Titus, Oliver, and Atlas Vining.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Vining.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana, with Celebrant Molly Farthing and Pastor Matt McGovern officiating. A burial service will follow at the Willshire Cemetery. Family and friends will be received from 3-8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.
Preferred memorials: the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital at the Ohio State University.
POSTED: 09/07/25 at 1:07 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
John G. Osting, 80, of Delphos, passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at his residence.
He was born in Vienna, Austria on October 12, 1944. He moved to the U.S. in 1950 at the age of six. His parents Sylvester and Beatrice (Siebeneck) Osting preceded him in death. John was also preceded in death by his lifelong companion of over 40 years, Donna (Broerman) Keller, on March 14, 2022.
He is survived by children, Melinda (Paul) Marshall of Appleton, Maine and Marianne (Chris) Staples of Searsmont, Maine; stepchildren, Doreen (Jay) Sheeter of Delphos, Todd (Heather) Keller of Delphos, Terry (Kathy) Keller of Ft. Jennings, and Dawn (Jose) Lopez of Midland, Texas; 17 grandchildren: Madison Marshall, Ashlie (John) Witham, Chloe Staples, Helena Staples, Ashley (Nick) Dunlap, Austin Sheeter, Abbey (Adam) Hamel, Addison Sheeter, Annabella Keller, Milor Keller, Christian Keller, Katie Keller, Haley Keller, Tyler (Sasha) Lopez, Danielle (Jose) Hernandez, Kristin (David) Prestridge, and Isiah Lopez; and 11 great-grandchildren with two on the way, and his sister, Virginia “Ginny” Osting of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
John was preceded in death by stepson, Thomas Keller and a great-grandson, Hexley Hamel.
John was a graduate of Delphos St. John, Class of 1962. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Delphos Eagles Aerie 471. John earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Cincinnati. John worked for Wright Patterson Air Force designing a state-of-the-art wind tunnel for airplanes that is still in use today. He also worked for Westinghouse as a draftsman. After Westinghouse, John joined his family’s business, Metzger Popcorn, where he dedicated his life to farming popcorn for the business. John also sold insurance, worked for Vantage Career Center, and a life-long popcorn farmer. He was a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Reds, and Cincinnati Bengals. John took great pleasure in bowling, golfing, dancing, playing cards, and socializing with family and friends. He also cherished attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and functions.
Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, at Harter & Schier Funeral Home, Delphos. Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m., following visitation. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.
Preferred memorials: the donor’s choice.
POSTED: 09/01/25 at 6:21 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Vickie Thatcher, 57, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away at her residence at 7:38 p.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025.
She was born August 9, 1968, in Mercer County to LeRoy E. and Janet L. (Fickert) Hoaglin. On June 17, 1989, Vickie married Steven Thatcher.
She was a 1986 graduate of Vantage Vocational School (Ohio City High School) and a 1989 graduate of the International Business College where she studied secretarial and word processing. Vickie had previously worked at Midwest Federal Credit Union, Schnitz Racing and the Council on Aging, all in Decatur.
She was an avid reader who enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in the fall was one of her favorite places. She was always planning trips and making plans for the holidays.
Vickie is survived by her husband, Steven Thatcher of Decatur; her sons, Jonathon “Cole” Thatcher and Lucas L. Thatcher; her mother, Janet L. Hoaglin; brothers, Rodney E. (Karen) Hoaglin and David L. (Evelyn) Hoaglin, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, LeRoy E. Hoaglin.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, September 4, at Gearhart-Sauer Funeral Home and Crematory, Convoy. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday at Gearhart-Sauer Funeral Home and Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana or to Heart to Heart Hospice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 09/01/25 at 6:09 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
