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
Ralph A. Collins, 93, of Middle Point, lovingly known as “Moose,” passed peacefully at his home on Friday, January 16, 2026, just two days before his 94th birthday.
Ralph was born on January 18, 1932, in Jackson Township, Van Wert County, to Edwin and Florence (Snyder) Collins, who both preceded him in death.
He was a 1950 graduate of Hoaglin-Jackson High School.
A hardworking man throughout his life, Ralph was a longtime farmer and truck driver. He also worked in construction for Wortman Brothers in Van Wert, continuing well into his late 70s. Growing up, Ralph loved sports, especially basketball and baseball. He spent many years enjoying the outdoors, particularly hunting fox, deer, and coyotes, and he also enjoyed horseback riding. In his adult years, he was active in bowling and softball leagues, where he made many friends and shared plenty of good times. In retirement, Ralph enjoyed traveling by RV with his wife, Mauvette, often spending winters in Florida. He also took pride in helping with lawn and garden work and doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, even into his 90s.
Just days before his passing, Ralph reflected on the many friends, family members, and classmates who had gone before him, recognizing that waking up with breath in your lungs and a day before you should not be wasted. He shared that he and Mauvette took good care of one another, each always doing what they could for the other. Ralph will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of the outdoors, and the many friendships he formed along the way through years of shared work, sports, and hunting.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Mauvette (August) Collins; his children, Joy (Jeff) Marshall, Cathy (John) Donnelly, Scott (Elaine) Collins, and Jared (Mandy) Collins; and his stepchildren, Kelly Klausing and Mary Wreede. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and his brother, Don (Vivian) Collins.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his son, Mark Collins; his son-in-law, Dan Klausing; his brothers, Floyd Collins and Fred Collins, and his sister, Ruth Vermillion.
The family hopes to hold a celebration of life in the near future to honor Ralph’s life. Dates have not yet been determined.
Weber Funeral Home, Delphos, was entrusted to care for Ralph.
Online condolences may be shared at www.weberfh.net.
POSTED: 01/20/26 at 1:45 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Michael David Schlechty, 65, passed away Wednesday evening, January 14, 2026, at his home in Van Wert.
He was born on January 25, 1960, in Medina, Ohio, the son of Charles J. and Diane (Brainard) Schlechty, who both preceded him in death.
Family survivors include his daughter, Emmalee Bass and husband Timothy of Van Wert; two sons, Rickey and Lucas; grandchildren, Zoey, Olivia, Timothy, Jr., and Giovanni Bass and Mia Renee; a sister, Kathy (Lewis) Taylor of Farmington, Minnesota; a brother, Charles D. (Ivette) Schlechty of Pasco, Washington, and his wife, Lori (Carr) Schlechty.
Michael was a retired truck driver for Store & Haul in Van Wert and was part of the million mile club. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, grilling and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had a special skill as a carpenter.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 23, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert. There will be calling one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Van Wert Woodland Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 01/20/26 at 11:33 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Karla Rae Sheets, 70, of Van Wert passed away Saturday evening, January 17, 2026, at the Concord Care Center of Toledo.
She was born on September 16, 1955, in Van Wert, the daughter of Carl L. Sheets and Viola Margaret (Prichard) Sheets, who both preceded her in death.
Karla is survived by her son, Aaron Roehm of St. Marys; two brothers, Duane (Kay) Sheets of Van Wert and Doyle (Robin) Sheets of Convoy; one sister, Karen (Bill) Marshall of Van Wert, and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Amber Marie Roehm.
Karla worked in the cafeteria at Parkway Local Schools as a cook for over 28 years and she had also worked at Van Wert Manor and VanCrest Nursing Homes. She enjoyed gardening, canning and cooking for friends and family. Karla also attended many local sporting events and especially like playing Bingo at the Council on Aging
Funeral services will be held at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 22, with Rev. Robert Becker officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, January 21, at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery of Van Wert.
Preferred memorials: the Council on Aging.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 12:57 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Jeanne Olive Rhoades, 59, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Plain City.
She was born on June 6, 1966, in Paulding, the daughter of David Wayne Rhoades, who preceded her in death, and Alice Annette (Mathew) Rhoades, who survives of Delaware, Ohio.
Survivors include her three children, Jasmine (Steven) McKee of West Carrollton, Jermaine Defore of Dayton, and James (Gesu) Alarcon of Columbus; two grandchildren, Jaxon and Jenson Cortner; one brother, Joel (Laura) Rhoades of Delaware, Ohio; one sister, Abigail (Aaron) Hartung of Powell, and nieces and nephews, Norah Rhoades, Clifford Rhoades, and Hannah Hartung.
Jeanne was a devoted homemaker and formerly worked as a registered nurse. She was a 1983 graduate of Ohio City-Liberty High School and later graduated from Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne. In later years, she worked as a child care giver and attended Radiant Life Church in Dublin. Jeanne loved her family deeply, especially her two grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time near the water, exploring parks, gardening, and watching the sunrise or sunset.
Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, January 23, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Van Wert. Calling hours will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home. Interment will take place at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City.
Preferred memorials: Amazima Ministries, Compassion International, or Samaritan’s Purse.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared via the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 10:15 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Ginger Ann Brown, 82, of Van Wert, passed away Friday evening, January 16, 2026, at Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.
She was born on August 17, 1943, in Celina, the daughter of Rolland LeRoy and Ina Arlene (Stauffer) Blakeley, who both preceded her in death. On September 7, 1968, she married Herbert Junior Brown who preceded her in death on July 21, 2020.
Family survivors include her children, Jean Funk of Sidney, Peggy J. (Mike) Johnson of Van Wert, Jobina Brooks of Fredericktown, April Mays of Van Wert, Johnny Brown of Van Wert and Katie (Mitch) Spencer of Harlan, Indiana; two brothers, Larray (Phyllis) Blakeley of Van Wert and Daniel (Shelia) Fisher of Selz, North Dakota; 20 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren, and dear, close family friends, Rick and Chris Gamble of Kentucky.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ginger was preceded in death by a daughter, Roxie Darst; a son, Norman Brown, and a brother, Samuel Blakeley.
Ginger was a graduate of St. Mary High School and attended International Business College in Fort Wayne. She had worked at Castle Convalescent Home, Van Wert Manor and St. Marys Canning in Van Wert. But her most important work was providing a home and caring for well over 170 children whom she and Herb served as foster parents. They were a significant influence as evidenced by the fact that the former foster kids often dropped by to visit the Browns in their later years. Ginger was always family oriented and she loved caring for her family and included a large group in any activity. She was a long time member and very active in the Apostolic, now Promise Church in Van Wert. She enjoyed Christian music, visiting yard sales and being in nature, camping and boating. She maintained her loyalty to the St. Marys Roughriders and was a avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24, at the Promise Church in Van Wert with Pastor Aaron McGranahan officiating. There will be calling from 10 a.m. until time of service on Saturday.
Expression of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 01/19/26 at 10:09 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Gary Lee “Harry” Spridgeon, 71, of Middle Point, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on March 29, 1954, in Van Wert, to Gerald E. “Tuffy” and Esther E. (Byers) Spridgeon.
Harry was a dedicated truck driver for most of his life, having recently retired from Nickles Bakery in Lima. He was a former volunteer for the Middle Point Fire Department, demonstrating his dedication to his community. A proud member of the Delphos Sons of the American Legion, Delphos Eagles, and Lima Teamsters Union, Harry found camaraderie in these organizations and cherished the friendships he built over the years.
Harry graduated from Lincolnview High School in 1972. He had a passion for the open road, often riding his Harley Davidson and attending sprint car races at Eldora Speedway.
Harry is survived by his sister, Elsie (Joe) Thompson of Newark, and brother, Jay Spridgeon of Middle Point.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of Harry’s life will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 01/15/26 at 1:15 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Robert D. “Danny” McPhail, 52, of Van Wert, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital emergency room.
He was born on December 29, 1973, in Van Wert to Nancy (Brown) Riley and Robert F. McPhail. Danny attended Vantage Career Center and graduated from Van Wert High School in 1993.
Danny lived for the open road on his Harley Road Glide. He was a proud supporter and past officer of Wetzel MC. He loved fishing and had the hands and imagination of a true craftsman. Whether turning a child’s coffin into a motorcycle trailer or transforming a bed into a swing, Danny had a way of breathing new life into things most folks would have tossed aside. He had a mischievous streak and a rough‑around‑the‑edges charm, but underneath it all was a man with a big heart. Danny never hesitated to step up for someone who needed a hand. His family was everything to him, and he made sure they were always taken care of.
Danny is survived by his mother, Nancy (Danny) Riley; father, Robert McPhail; son, Nicholus (Zoey) McPhail; daughter, Kaylee (Joshua Lane) McPhail, all of Van Wert; and stepbrothers, Andrew (Shelly) Riley of Kalida and Cory Riley of Van Wert; Robert Wilhelm of Van Wert and Dennis Wilhelm Jr. of California. He is also remembered by his brothers and sisters in the biker community, who were family to him in every way that mattered.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
To share in Danny’s online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 01/15/26 at 9:50 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Crystal Louise (Webster) Reed, 85, of Middle Point, passed away at 10:10 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at her residence.
She was born April 4, 1940, in Van Wert, to Betty (Davis) Dattilio and Charles Ralph Webster, who both preceded her in death. On February 15, 1959, she married John M. Reed of Middle Point, who preceded her in death on October 26, 2008.
Crystal lived at the Marsh Foundation in Van Wert and was a 1958 graduate of Van Del High School. She later retired from Teleflex in Van Wert.
She was a proud member of American Legion #178, an associate member of VFW #3035 in Delphos, AmVets Auxiliary #698 of Middle Point, Eagles #471 of Delphos, and the Middle Point Fire Department Auxiliary. She was also a devoted member of Middle Point United Methodist Church. Crystal loved her family, loved her church, and loved to travel.
Survivors include her children, Shelly (Kevin) Fraker of Middle Point, John C. Reed of Jonestown, and Christina (Gary) Eley of Lima; grandchildren, Miranda (Tony) Crawford, Jake (Cassie) Reed, Tyler (Aaron) Leadingham, Joshua (Cassie) Eley, Jared (Abby) Eley, Ethan (Katie) Fraker, and Kendra (Garrett) Henderson, as well as 12 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Crystal was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Edith Anderson; granddaughter, Shelby Reed, and great-grandson, Jacob Crawford.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, January 18, at Middle Point United Methodist Church, with visitation prior to the service from 2-4 p.m. Pastor Tim Owens will preside. Crystal will be laid to rest next to her husband in Ridge Cemetery during a private ceremony.
Memorial contributions in Crystal’s name may be directed to the Middle Point Fire Department.
To share in Crystal’s online memorial, visit www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 01/14/26 at 7:24 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Margaret L. “Peggy” Bolenbaugh, 85, of Grover Hill, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026. She is now reunited with her husband, Bill and son, Gregg.
Peggy was born on June 25, 1940, in Van Wert, to Harold and Ilo (Ladd) Ross, who both preceded her in death. On June 29, 1958 she married Carl William “Bill” Bolenbaugh who preceded her in death on February 6, 2018, after 60 years of marriage.
Peggy worked as a cashier in the cafeteria for Wayne Trace Schools for 25 years. She also helped her husband, Bill, run the hardware store in Grover Hill. She was a devoted caregiver to her son, Gregg, and that was her most important job. Peggy was a member of the former Church of Christ in Grover Hill, where she was involved in the church’s Ladies Aid Society, and a member of the Grover Hill Community Club. She was very active in the Republican Party. Peggy loved traveling, fishing, crocheting, baking, attending her grandchildren’s athletic events, and will always be remembered for being a very social butterfly.
Peggy will be lovingly missed by her children, Debra (Calvin) Mengerink of Van Wert, and Jeffrey (Lynn) Bolenbaugh of Ellicott City, Maryland; grandchildren, Amy (Dan) Goodlin, Adam (Carrie) Mengerink, Sarah Mengerink, Anne Bolenbaugh, and Charles Bolenbaugh; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Connor, and Kaden Goodlin, and a sister, Pat (Roger) Bolenbaugh, Fort Wayne.
Peggy was also preceded in death by beloved son, Gregg Bolenbaugh.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, at Zion Community Church with Pastor Stuart Wyatt officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Grover Hill. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, at Den-Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. There will also be visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made in Peggy’s memory to Zion Community Church or Grover Hill Fire Department & EMS.
Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.
POSTED: 01/12/26 at 12:02 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Raymond Leroy Foster, 82, passed away peacefully at the Van Wert Manor Nursing Home Thursday morning, January 8, 2026.
He was born on July 31, 1943, in Van Wert to Arthur Harold Foster and Mary Margaret (Lautzenheiser) Foster, who both preceded him in death. Raymond married Frances R. (Rife) Foster on June 1, 1979, and she survives.
Survivors also include three children, Rodney Foster of Troy, Rhonda (Mark) VanMetre of Ohio City and Scott (Lorie) Foster of Scott; three stepchildren, Chuck (Chris) Murphy of Michigan, Timothy (Debbie) Murphy of New Haven and Pam Murphy of Van Wert; nine grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; three sisters, Martha (John) Anderson of Springfield, Ohio, Judy Liggett of Lima, and Ellen LeMaster of Convoy; and numerous nephews and nieces.
In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by one brother, John W. Foster and one sister, Joan M. Rorick.
Ray retired from Aeroquip/Eaton in 2001 after 22 years of service. He enjoyed Bluegrass music, camping, riding motorcycles and snow mobiles. He had a extensive collection of John Deere memorabilia.
Raymond’s funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Monday, January 12, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Van Wert, with Pastor Mike Kaufman officiating. Visitation will be held 12 p.m. until time of services on Monday. Interment will take place at later date at Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.
POSTED: 01/09/26 at 10:29 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
