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
Phyllis Ann (Drew) Michael, 57, of Convoy, passed away peacefully at 3:08 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.
Phyllis was born on April 30, 1968, in Continental, to Morey Drew Sr. and Patricia Ann Moran, who both preceded her in death.
Phyllis enjoyed being with her dog Garnet. She was an avid sports fan of the Miami Dolphins and The Ohio State Buckeyes. She loved to read by the pond in her chair, gardening and spending time with her family and friends. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her husband going out to eat and Karaoke at the Tap House in New Haven, Indiana. She loved her favorite performer, Hubie Ashcraft and enjoyed his music. You could often find her at the pond swimming and relaxing.
She is survived by her loving husband, Chris Michael of Convoy; sisters, Rhonda Carpenter of Van Wert, Pam Wilhem of Van Wert, Colleen Fulmer of Continental, and Tricia Unverferth of Columbus Grove; a brother, Morey Drew Jr of Ottawa; half brothers, Delbert “DJ” and Roger; sister-in-law, Tammy (Michael) Brown and brothers-in-law, Doug Brown and Doug (LeeAnn) Michael, as well as many nieces and nephews that she loved very much.
In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her father-in-law, John Michael; mother-in-law, Carmen (Lippi) Michael, and sister-in-law, Tina Warren.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 9, at Gearhart-Sauer Funeral Home, Convoy, with Pastor Carl Brooks presiding. Interment will follow at Convoy IOOF Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the funeral, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
When you see a butterfly, think of Phyllis coming to you and drink a coffee.
To offer condolences, visit Phyllis’ online memorial at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 03/05/26 at 5:35 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Martha J. Clark, 89, of Van Wert passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026 with her family at her side.
She was born October 25, 1936, in Van Wert, a daughter of William and Grace (Hawkins) Wermer. On August 5, 1956 she married James R. Clark who preceded her in death on May 19, 2025.
She is survived by a daughter, Kimberly Fruchey-Grubaugh (Eric) of Van Wert, and a son, Troy R. Clark of Van Wert. Also surviving are her grandchildenm Ebany (Kyle) Hammons of Van Wert, Jennifer Fruchey of Tampa Bay, Florida, Emily (Aaron) Baker of Van Wert, Jordan (Amy) Fruchey of Lima, Austin (Leslie) Clark of Convoy, Lucas (Sammi) Clark, of Anna, Chase Clark of Convoy, Trent Grubaugh of Fenton, Michigan, Todd Grubaugh of Nashville, Tennessee, Joshua (Meagan) Grubaugh of Convoy and 20 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Mary (Don) Honsberger; a sister-in-law, Imogene (Jim) Dick of Chesterfield, Missouri; a brother-in-law, Bill (Teresa) Clark of Findlay, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son, Mark J. Clark; an infant daughter who was deceased at birth; son-in-law, Kevin Fruchey, and siblings John (Pauline) Wermer, Norman Wermer, Paul (Gladys) Wermer, William (Fern) Wermer, David (Kay) Wermer, Karl (Bonnie) Wermer, and Isabelle (Karl) Schumm.
Martha dedicated much of her life to serving others. She was a preschool teacher at Calvary Preschool where she joyfully guided young children during their earliest years. Later, through her work at Vancrest Nursing Home, she cared deeply for the elderly. She believed caring for others was one of life’s greatest callings. She also attended Harvest Field Church where she enriched her faith and found friendships.
She cherished her role as a farmer’s wife to Jim for 70 years. She embraced farm life wholeheartedly, finding joy in hard work, family traditions, and the simple beauty of country living.
In her younger years, summers at the lake brought her immense happiness, where she delighted in time spent with family and her love of water skiing. Martha will always be known for her ornery, spitfire personality. She lived with strength, humor, and honesty, never losing the spark that made her so uniquely loved.
One of life’s greatest gifts was the unbreakable bond she shared with her twin sister, Mary. From childhood adventures to adulthood milestones, the two remained inseparable. Their lives mirrored one another in the most beautiful way, culminating in a joyful double wedding that allowed the sisters to begin married life together, just as they had grown up — side by side.
Marriage brought both immense happiness and heartbreaking loss. She and her husband were blessed with twin baby girls, welcoming them with overwhelming love. While they endured the sorrowful loss of one daughter at birth, her steadfast faith carried her through grief and they decided to open their hearts through adoption, making Kim the happiest big sister when her two little brothers, Mark and Troy, joined the family. They brought so much joy to them all.
Her faith sustained her throughout her life and she now rests peacefully in the arms of her Savior, reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know and love her.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Friday March 6, at Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert, with a service following at 1:30 pm at the funeral home with Rev. Terry Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Taylor Cemetery.
Preferred memorials: Community Health Professionals or Harvest Field Church.
POSTED: 03/05/26 at 12:38 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Sonja Kay Knittle, 83, of Van Wert passed away Wednesday morning, March 4, 2026, at Hearth & Home of Van Wert.
She was born on November 27, 1942, in Van Wert, the daughter of the late James Richard Ford and Alice Hope (Wilcox) Ford. On August 11, 1963, she married Gordon “Gordie” L. Knittle who survives of Van Wert.
Sonja was the beloved mother of two sons, Aaron Knittle of Ohio City and Jeff Knittle (Kelly Pollock) of Van Wert; three grandchildren, Jestin Knittle, Danielle Knittle and Ashley (Nick) Miller; three brothers, Donald R. Ford of Van Wert, Clyde E. (Jean) Ford of Crossville, Tennessee, and James C. Ford of Van Wert and one sister, Julia Ford of Carrollton, Texas.
She was a 1960 graduate of Van Wert High School and babysat for over 35 years for various Van Wert families. Sonja was a member of Calvary Evangelical Church and enjoyed being a Red Cross Volunteer at the Van Wert County Hospital. She was also a former member of the Phi Beta Pi Sorority and was a Washington Elementary School Volunteer.
Funeral services for Sonja will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, at Calvary Evangelical Church with Pastor W. Clark Williman officiating, with calling hours at the church at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert. Visitation hours will be from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at Cowan & Son Funeral and Cremation Services, Van Wert.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Association, the American Heart Association or Calvary Evangelical Church.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 03/04/26 at 3:46 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Sandra K. (Terry) Gallaway passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Sandra was born on February 13, 1945, in Van Wert, to W. Dale and Joan L. (Burgo) Terry, both of whom predeceased her. On December 30, 1966, she was united in marriage with Jerry L. Gallaway, who survives.
Sandra is also survived by her son, Joshua W. (Stacey) Gallaway; grandsons, Leo and Raimi, all of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Sandra was a 1963 graduate of Van Wert High School. She then continued her education at Miami University, where she became a life member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. After moving to Tennessee, Sandra served as the Assistant Register of Deeds for Humphrys County. Sandra was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star and a lifelong member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Old Reynoldsburgh Chapter. She wore many hats over the years and held various positions within the organization.
Sandra was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling with her husband throughout the United States as well as overseas. She did not, however, consider moving 17 times over the course of their marriage to be “traveling” and stongly reminded Jerry of this with each and every move. Above all, Sandra enjoyed spending time with her family.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m.Thursday, March 5, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Rev. Kevin Maney, officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until service time.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 03/02/26 at 6:27 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Taylor Shae Baker, 34, of Van Wert, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born August 26, 1991, in Van Wert, to Steven Baker and Teresa Wood.
He currently worked at Prestress Service Industries in Decatur, Indiana. Shae enjoyed gaming, working on cars, and most importantly spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his fiance, Breea Tobias of Van Wert; his two sons, Tate and Jaxon Baker; his father and stepmother, Steve (Julie) Baker of Van Wert; his mother, Teresa Wood of Tennessee; a brother, Zach Baker of Convoy; step-siblings, Brittany Gardner of Lima, Kyley Gardner of Van Wert and Dylan Gardner of Van Wert, and Breea’s parents, Jenny Tobias and Steve Tobias.
Shae was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Carlos and Cheryl Baker.
Private family services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: Liberty Baptist Church in Van Wert.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Services have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 03/02/26 at 1:29 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Gary L. Nolan, 72, of Celina, passed away peacefully at 10:25 a.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
He was born on March 11, 1953, in Richmond, Indiana, to Roger and Myra (Oppenheim) Nolan, who both preceded him in death.
Gary is survived by his siblings, Gaye L. (Terance) Cochrane of Reno, Nevada, Kathy S. (Douglas) McClain of Centerville, Ohio, and Roger C. (Precy) Nolan of Henderson, Nevada, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was a 1971 graduate of Celina High School. Gary continued his education at Wright State University–Lake Campus and Wright State University in Dayton, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He later attended Ohio Northern University in Ada, receiving both his Juris Doctor and a graduate degree in education in 1977.
Gary dedicated many years to education, teaching at Lincolnview High School before retiring. He also served as an instructor at Wright State University–Lake Campus for several years. In addition to his work in education, Gary owned and operated the Nolan Law Office, where he primarily practiced probate law and assisted many families in their time of need.
A man of deep faith, Gary was very religious and attended church regularly whenever his health permitted.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Cisco Funeral Home in Celina, with his brother-in-law, Doug McClain, officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Graveside services will follow at Swamp College Cemetery in Celina.
Preferred memorials: the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306.
Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina and St. Marys are honored to care for Gary and his family.
To share condolences and memories, visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.
POSTED: 02/26/26 at 10:08 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Danny Ray Routt, 78, of Cavett, passed away at 6:05 a.m. Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Divine Rehabilitation Nursing Home in Rockford.
He was born January 16, 1948 in Paulding, a son of Fredrick L. and Betty (Taylor) Routt, neither of whom survive.
He is survived by two sons, Jeffery (Lori) Routt of Rockford, and Scott J. (Chrissy) Routt of Cincinnati. Also surviving are grandchildren, Keri (Nick), Nick Routt, Trey (Anna) Routt and Logan Routt; great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Lillian, Savannah and Ellinor; a brother, David (Joyce) Routt of Cavett and a sister, Cindy (Shane) Neer of Frost Proof, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Karla Kay (Johnson) Routt; a son, Kevin “Bubba” Routt; a brother, Steven and a sister, Kathy Johnson.
Danny loved the outdoors. He camped at Timberwoods Campground. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed going to horse races. He operated heavy equipment and retired from Union Quarry after 45 years of service.
Per Danny’s request there will be a family gathering at Taylor Cemetery for his burial. There will be no service nor viewing.
Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert assisted the family with arrangements.
POSTED: 02/25/26 at 7:26 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Ronald Eugene Robeson passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loved ones and faithful dog Frankie.
Ron was born October 8, 1939, in Van Wert, to Mary (Shingledecker) and Franklin (Bud) Robeson, who both preceded him in death. On May 2, 1964, Ron married the love of his life, Sarah Jane Whitaker, who passed away on September 9, 2012.
Ron graduated from Van Del High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Ron was a proud veteran, he served his country with honor and carried that same sense of duty, strength, and dedication throughout his life. Ron had a deep love for sports whether participating or watching. He especially cherished watching his grandchildren compete.
Above all, Ron was a devoted father, whose greatest pride was his children, Candi (David) Holt, Bud Robeson, Blaise (Cathy) Robeson, and Mona (Kurt) Massillo; grandchildren, Adam (Lindsay) Stemen, Ryan (Kendall Hall) King, Miranda Caldwell – not only his granddaughter, but his true angel taking care of him — Zack Baker, Zachary and Ava Robeson, Jamie Massillo-Wehage (Adam) Wehage, and Connor Massillo; 11 great-grandchildren and one great–great-grandchild; sisters-in-law, Linda Robeson, Ann Biglow, and Nancy Whitaker.
Ron was preceded in death by his father and mother In-law, Llewellyn and Blanch Whitaker; brother Larry Robeson; brothers-in-law, Llewellyn (Pete) Whitaker and Doyle Whitaker, and a granddaughter, Nicole Lynn Massillo.
A celebration of life will be held at the Van Wert VFW for Ron and Sarah from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, March 21.
To share in Ron’s online memorial, visit www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangments entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 02/25/26 at 12:40 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Iona Lou Keuneke, 93, of St. Marys, passed away Tuesday morning, February 24, 2026, at Otterbein of St. Marys.
She was born on January 26, 1933, in Warren Township, Huntington County, Indiana the daughter of the Ervin Franklin Lahr and Ruth J. (Lassiter) Lahr, who both preceded her in death. On June 20, 1965, she married the love of her life Hubert O. Keuneke who preceded her in death on January 5, 2017.
Iona was also preceded in death by an infant son, Freeman Keuneke, and three brothers, Cleaman, Galen and Ansel Lahr.
Family survivors include her daughter, Beth Keuneke and her good friend Joe Schetter of St. Marys, and several nieces and nephews.
Iona was a 1951 graduate of Bippus High School and the Fort Wayne Art School. She had worked at Wolf & Dessauer and Lincoln Life Insurance in Fort Wayne before being a homemaker and farm wife. She and Hubert had quilted together for over 25 years. She also enjoyed baking, cooking and gardening.
There will be a graveside service at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 28, at Evangelical Protestant Cemetery in Harrison Township with Rev. Tim Benjamin officiating.
Preferred memorials: Grand Lake Hospice or the donor’s choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 02/25/26 at 10:27 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Jondel Brady Kashner, 29, of Convoy, passed away Saturday evening, February 21, 2026, at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital.
She was born on August 10, 1996, in Van Wert, the daughter of Tamera Kim (Robinson) Menke, who survives. On September 5, 2020, she married Douglas Ray Kashner who also survives.
Other family members include her stepfather, Michael John Menke; half-sister, Skylar Brooks Menke of Marion, Ohio; her grandfather, Roger Robinson of Van Wert; parents-in-law, Ron Kashner of Cecil, Bridget Kashner of Chillicothe, and Cheryl and Walter “Bud” Baer of Van Wert; in-laws, Danielle Baer of Ohio City, Coty Baer of Van Wert, Nicole Kashner of Chillicothe, and Jacob Kashner of Chillicothe.
Jondel was a graduate of Crestview High School and Vantage Career Center. She enjoyed watching Disney movies, taking care of her cats and dogs, and most of all spending time with her husband Douglas.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Van Wert. There will be calling hours 9-11 a.m. prior to the service.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 02/24/26 at 8:57 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
