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
Ronald Ernest August, 88, passed away on April 3, 2026.
He was born September 14, 1937, in Van Wert, the son of Alvin Von August and Luetta Nor Frantom August, who both preceded him in death.
Ron joined the United States Navy at age 17 and was posted to North Island in San Diego, where he married his first wife and had two daughters. After the Navy and earning his Bachelor’s of Arts degree at San Diego State University and National University San Diego, he continued his career with Ryan Aeronautical, Conair Aeronautical and, finally, with General Dynamics, retiring in 1992.
In 1994 he married his third wife, Lois, and the two spent many years traveling around in their fifth wheel camper and finally settling in Estero, Florida. After Lois’ passing, he moved to Colorado to live near his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Ron is survived by his daughters, Ronda Pendergrass and Dana Macpherson; six grandchildren, Julia, Leanna, Matthew, Audrey, Linnea, Adian; three great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Juniper and Wesley; his sisters, Mauvette Collins and Alice Shepard; and a brother, James August.
Ron is preceded in death by his sisters: Lois August Brown, and Ellen August Bebout. Wives: Mary Wilson August and Lois Wendel August.
There will be no funeral services.
POSTED: 04/23/26 at 5:28 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Janet L. Slagle, 86, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026. She was born September 9, 1939, to Merita (Thompson) Wilt and Clovis “Bud” Wilt. Janet graduated from Sidney High School in 1957 and went on to attend The Ohio State University, where she earned a degree in journalism in 1961.
While attending Ohio State, Janet met the love of her life, John Slagle. They were married on April 1, 1961, and shared 65 years of marriage, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and shared adventure. In the early years of their marriage, Janet devoted herself to raising their three children. Later, she and John became owners and operators of Ohio City Hardware, where Janet was a familiar, welcoming presence and an integral part of the local community.
Janet’s faith guided her throughout her life. She was a longtime member of Ohio City Methodist Church and, later, First United Methodist Church. She also dedicated many years of service to the Girl Scouts of America, proudly leading a Girl Scout troop and mentoring young girls through leadership, service and friendship. Janet was deeply involved in cultural exchange and service organizations. She was an active member of the Friendship Force and a committed sponsor of Children’s Haven International, supporting efforts to improve the lives of children around the world.
She embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity, enjoying reading, music, dancing, crocheting, bird watching, and especially traveling. Her travels took her to nearly all 50 states and several countries abroad. While exploring the United States, she particularly loved camping and experiencing nature firsthand. After retiring, Janet and John spent their winters in Alamo, Texas, where they built lasting friendships and stayed active in the community. They enjoyed music jams, dances, and volunteering together at Children’s Haven, continuing their shared commitment to service and connection.
Janet is survived by her beloved husband, John; her daughters, Susan Slagle and Melanie Bowen; daughter in-law Connie (Dan) Slagle; five grandsons; six granddaughters; and 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a constant source of joy and pride in her life.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Merita Wilt; her father, Clovis “Bud” Wilt; her son, Dan Slagle; and her granddaughter, Alexis Bowen.
Janet will be remembered for her kindness, faith, dedication to family, love of learning, and generous spirit. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the generations that follow her.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and friends of Janet.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at https://www.cowanfuneralhome.com. Tribute Wall.
POSTED: 04/21/26 at 11:33 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Virginia J. “Ginnie” Preston, 95, of Van Wert, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 18, 2026. She was born on December 21, 1930, in Woodburn, Indiana, to Herman and Emma (Riebersal) Woebbeking, who both preceded her in death. On September 3, 1949, Virginia married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Preston, who also preceded her in death. Together, they built a wonderful life raising their seven children.
Virginia attended Redeemer Lutheran Church and was a longtime member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church before its closing. In addition to being a devoted homemaker, she helped her husband run the family farm, drove a school bus, and worked as a waitress for a time. She and Dick owned and operated Dick and Gin’s Bar and Grill in Convoy for 10 years before retiring to Tennessee. Realizing how much they missed their family, they eventually returned to Van Wert to be close to them.
Virginia loved to play Euchre, though after moving to assisted living she happily settled for Bingo. She also enjoyed the occasional scratch‑off lottery ticket. While in the nursing home, she became a favorite of the nurses and aides — never one to complain and never asking for much. She loved baking and cooking for family and friends and was known as their ultimate prayer warrior.
Virginia was the best mother her children could have asked for, and she adored each of her grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and great‑great‑grandchildren. She was always happiest with a child — or one of the many family dogs — curled up on her lap.
She is survived by her daughters, Sandee Greulach, Cheryl (Terry) Cunningham, Pam (Keith) Walsh, and Robin (Troy) Childs; her son, Rick (Alicia) Preston; 14 grandchildren, Shawn Rayer, Terry Cunningham, Tiffany Gause, Travis Cunningham, C.J. Hiegel, Courtney Feasby, Hannah Childs, Laura Childs, Tracey Lautzenheiser, Mark Greulach, Tammy Motycka, Madison Hagaman, Jada Preston, and Gavin Preston; 37 great‑grandchildren; 14 great‑great‑grandchildren; her brother, Max (Ruth) Woebbeking; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Virginia was preceded in death by her daughters, Linda Dickey and Cindy Preston; a grandson, Brian Dickey; one son‑in‑law, Steve Greulach; a sister, Jeanette Dawson; and three brothers, Sam, Roger, and Stanley Woebbeking.
Her family would like to thank the residents at Westwood Senior Living for the friendships she formed over the past 13 years. And to the staff and residents of Vancrest Assisted Living: your kindness and support did not go unnoticed. The welcoming she received and the brief friendships she and her family formed will not be forgotten. Also, to Vancrest E Hall staff and Community Health Professionals: thank you for providing the comfort and care she needed over her last few weeks.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 27, at Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, with Chaplain Steve Haddox officiating. Inurnment will immediately follow in Convoy IOOF Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 26, and again one hour prior to the service on Monday, all at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in Virginia’s name may be directed to the Van Wert County Humane Society at https://www.vwchs.org/.
Online condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 04/20/26 at 10:48 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Johnie A. Patrick, 92, of Van Wert, passed away Friday evening, April 17, 2026, at Van Wert Manor nursing home.
He was born July 9, 1933, in Kentucky, the son of Frank and Leona (McCarty) Patrick, who both preceded him in death. On September 3, 1961, he married the love of his life, Creaddle Elaine Raines Patrick, who also preceded him in death on November 2, 2006. He was also preceded in death by a son, Richard Lee Burden; three brothers, and a sister.
Johnie is survived by a sister-in-law, Maggie McCarty of Van Wert; three special grandchildren, Kacey Snyder of Van Wert, Kathy Schabbing of Rockford, and Josh Tangeman of Willshire; and many nieces and nephews and brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Johnie was a member of Joy Fellowship of Van Wert. He had owned and operated Patrick Tree Service in Van Wert for over 50 years. Johnie was always out and about and didn’t know a stranger. He loved cats, lottery tickets, WWE wrestling and was an avid Elvis Presley fan.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 21, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, with Pastor Matthias Snodderly officiating. Interment will follow in Ridge Cemetery. Calling hours are noon-2 p.m. Tuesday prior to the service.
Preferred memorials: Van Wert County Humane Society.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at https://www.cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 04/20/26 at 10:43 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Walter G. Roehm, 87, of Rockford, passed away Thursday afternoon, April 16, 2026, surrounded by his family at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
He was born on August 22, 1938 in Van Wert County, to Paul A. and Elsie (Scaer) Roehm. Walter was united in marriage to Nancy S. Sidle on January 14, 1961 at Zion Lutheran Church, Schumm.
He was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church, Schumm in Willshire, Ohio, where he served as a former treasurer of the adult Bible classes. Walter was also active in several organizations, including the Van Wert County Farm Bureau, Cockshutt Antique Tractor Club, Van Wert Farm Focus, and Thrivent.
Walter was a lifelong farmer in Van Wert County. In addition to farming, he drove a school bus for Parkway Local Schools for 15 years and worked as a truck driver for many years. He was also employed at Hoosier Soil Service for 10 years.
He had a passion for tractor pulls, both as a participant and a spectator. He enjoyed attending antique tractor shows with his family and took great pride in collecting and restoring tractors. One of the most remarkable aspects of Walter’s life was his resilience as a 1957 polio survivor.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy Roehm of Rockford; sons, Jeffrey L. (Susan Swygart) Roehm, and Melvin W. (Sue) Roehm both of Willshire; daughter, Lynnette S. (Aaron) Carmean of Rockford; son, Richard R. (Cary) Roehm of Rockford; son, David A. (Jill) Roehm; sister, Ella Thieme of Berne, Indiana; 11 grandchildren, Steven Roehm, Eric Roehm, Stephanie Riley, Jeremy Roehm, Brock Roehm, Lauren Roth, Brandi Shellebarger, Paige Riesen, Cody Carmean, Kiersten Hoenie, Raegan Homan, and 14 great- grandchildren, Addisyn, Lorelie, Kalynn, Deacon, Ruby, Ronan, Myca, Zane, Graham, Berkley, Aubree, Mitchell, Eli, and Kayley.
He was preceded in death by sister, Helen (Palmer) Schwartz; brother Paul Roehm Jr., and brother-in-law, Wilbert Thieme.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Zion Lutheran Church, Schumm, with Pastor Hayden Folks officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm. Family and friends will be received from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
Memorials may be given to Lutheran Hour or Zion Lutheran Church, Schumm.
POSTED: 04/17/26 at 1:37 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Barry E. Coil, 72, of Middle Point, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on July 1, 1953, in Lima, Ohio, to Richard and Mary (O’Daffer) Coil. On December 1, 1973, he married the former Donna J. Smith.
Barry was a proud veteran of the Ohio Army National Guard, demonstrating a commitment to service that would carry throughout his life. He retired from the Van Wert County Engineer’s Office. Known as a workaholic, Barry often took on countless side jobs, always eager to lend a helping hand wherever needed.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Barry had a passion for camping and treasure hunting, often searching for antiques that he dreamed would one day be worth a fortune. Above all else, his grandchildren held the top spot in his heart, bringing him immeasurable joy and pride.
Barry served as a member of the Van Wert County Fair Board, contributing to the community he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering love for his family.
Barry is survived by his wife, Donna J. Coil of Middle Point; his three sons, Andy (Tamara) Coil of Van Wert, Brad (Lindi) Coil of Van Wert and Nick (Ty) Coil of Van Wert; his grandchildren, Cade (Ashley) Coil, Madison (Connor) Coil, Braxton Coil, Kendall Coil, Tennesy (Madelyn) Coil and Zander Coil, and his siblings, Jeff (Kim) Coil of Venedocia, his twin sister, Bev Grimes of Venedocia and Cheryl Krick of Convoy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Linda Fisher Howell, Kenneth Coil and Janice Coil, who died in infancy.
The family will welcome friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating Barry’s life from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Middle Point Community Building.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 04/17/26 at 11:56 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Brenda Jean Ruposky, 58, of Van Wert, passed away at Mercy Health in Lima on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
She was born on January 19, 1968 in Van Wert, the daughter of Edward Henderson and Joan (Burnfield) Henderson.
She was preceded in death by her father, Edward, and her husband Andrew Ruposky III.
She is survived by her mother, Joan; her brother, Jeffrey Henderson of Willshire, as well as three children, Lindsay Ruposky and Alexis Ruposky of Van Wert, and Nathan Johnson of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Bentley Pavlides, Lillian Pavlides and Nyxon Williams.
Brenda was many things, among them – loving, strong, resiliant, beautiful, caring, outgoing, full of life, bubbly, and to the end, a fighter and a warrior.
She worked at Tendesoft.
There will be no formal services at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Those wishing to express their condolences may do so at bricknerfuneralhome.com.
Brickner Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Brenda Ruposky, click here.
POSTED: 04/16/26 at 7:19 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Terrell D. Berryman, 84, of Venice, Florida, passed away at 6:17 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Renee and Robert Davis, in Bradenton, Florida.
He was born on February 25, 1942, in Van Wert, the son of Daniel K. Berryman and Anna Marie (Hipp) Berryman, who both preceded him in death.
On September 20, 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Poling. Married together for 62 years, they shared a lifetime of memories. He graduated in the last Hoaglin-Jackson graduating Class of 1960.
Terrell proudly served his country in the Ohio State National Guard.
He attended Ohio State Lima campus and later attended the Ohio State campus in Columbus. He then attended the Ohio State School of Dentistry and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1968. He practiced dentistry in Cincinnati, before moving to Englewood, Florida, where he practiced dentistry for 32 years.
Upon retirement, Terrell and his wife spent spring and summer months in Ohio close to where they grew up. During fall and winter, they returned to Venice, Florida, for the warm weather. While in Ohio, they attended Zion Christian Union Church. In Venice, they attended Venice Church of the Nazarene. He was a member of the Grover Hill Church of Christ in Grover Hill, and Calvary Baptist Church in Englewood, Florida. He also served as an active Gideon in the 1980s in Venice, Florida.
Surviving is a daughter, Renee Davis (Robert) and a grandson, Jonathan Edward Davis of Bradenton; a sister, Nancy Wallace of New Haven, Indiana; two nieces, Kristie (Howard) Simkins (John) of Angola, Indiana, and Sarah Wallace of New Haven, Indiana; two nephews, Ian (Elizabeth) Wallace of Columbia City, Indiana, and Aaron (Jennie) Wallace of New Haven, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly Berryman; a sister, Diane (Gould) Howard (Bill), and three brothers-in-law, Leon Gould, David Wallace and Bill Howard.
A graveside burial of both Terrell and Beverly Berryman will take place in Middle Creek Cemetery, Paulding County, the first week in June.
POSTED: 04/12/26 at 8:17 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Andrew Miller, 46, of Van Wert, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the people he loved most.
He was born on November 29, 1979, in Jackson, Michigan, to Wayne and Dorothy “Dottie” (Leist) Miller.
Andrew graduated from The Ohio State University with both his undergraduate and master’s degrees and was a devoted Buckeye fan, a passion he carried with him throughout his life. While at Ohio State, he met the love of his life, Melissa Breaden, and from that moment on, the two were inseparable. They were married on July 12, 2008, and together they built a life filled with laughter, partnership, and deep devotion to their children, Braden and Reese. Andrew and his family attended Lifehouse Church, where their faith community became an important source of connection and support.
Andrew approached every chapter of his life with curiosity and purpose. As an engineer, he most recently worked at Strick Trailers, and previously at Braun Ambulance, bringing his steady mind and problem‑solving nature to every project. Earlier in his career, he found joy in teaching-developing and leading Project Lead The Way, a STEM program that reflected his belief in hands‑on learning and helping students discover what they were capable of. He also coached cross country and track in both Virginia and Ohio, encouraging young athletes with the same patience and quiet confidence he offered his own children.
At home, Andrew’s creativity came alive in his woodworking. He loved the feel of tools in his hands and the satisfaction of building something solid and useful. Some of his happiest moments were spent camping with Braden and Reese-teaching them, laughing with them, and simply being present in the kind of unhurried time he treasured. Andrew had a sharp, playful sense of humor and a gift for lightening the mood. He could make Melissa laugh even on the hardest days, and those small moments of joy became some of their most cherished memories.
Andrew is survived by his wife, Melissa Miller; his children, Braden and Reese Miller, all of Van Wert; his parents, Wayne and Dottie Miller of Spring Arbor, Michigan; and his brothers, James Miller and Joseph Miller, both of Lansing, and John Miller of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Amelia Lynn Dennings, whose memory remained close to his heart.
A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Matt Braun officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. An additional service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at The Arbor Church, Spring Arbor, Michigan, with a brief visitation from 10-11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: EverHeart Hospice.
To share in Andrew’s online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 04/07/26 at 10:14 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Karen Sue Dunlap, 81, of Van Wert, passed away at 3:20 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2026, with her children at her side.
She was born January 21, 1945, in Roscommon, Michigan, to Andrew Evald and Margaret (Wilson) Anderson.
Karen had worked at the former Van Wert Bookstore, Kennedy Manufacturing and Wal-Mart, all of Van Wert.
She loved her cats, flower beds and grandchildren. In her spare time, Karen enjoyed reading and watching the NBA and Lebron James.
Karen is survived by her children, Todd A. (Teresa) Dunlap of Van Wert and Cindy L. Dunlap of Toledo; her grandchildren, Karlin (Alexis) Dunlap, Brady (Brittany) Dunlap, Elisa Dunlap and Alexa (Petey) Post, and her great grandchildren, Heather, Easton, Baker and Micah Sue.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister and brother in law, Virgilene (Harry) Holobaugh.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials? the Van Wert County Humane Society.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 04/05/26 at 7:51 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
