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
Ruth Virginia (Easley) Wallick, 101, a longtime resident of Grover Hill, left this earth to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Ruth was born April 26, 1924, in Defiance County to Lawrence and Bertha (Conn) Easley, who both preceded her in death. On June 29, 1952, Ruth married Reed W. Wallick.
Ruth benefited from many skills including being a homemaker, sewing, painting porcelain art, and creating many crafts. She wore many hats including being involved in 4-H as an advisor, Latta Wa Ladies Home Extension Club, church choir, choir director, the Grover Hill Community Club, and Grover Hill music parents.
Ruth is survived by three children, Elaine Brewster, Mary Ann (Jim) Slagel, and David Wallick. She is also survived by her four grandsons, Matthew (Marcia) Slagel, Benjamin (Miranda) Slagel, Seth (Bailey) Brewster, and Sam Brewster. Ruth had six beautiful great-grandchildren, Giovanni, Annalucia, Luca, Kinsley, Madelyn, and Sawyer Slagel.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother (William Easley), and her sister (Helen Hammond).
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Pastor John Mohler officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Burial will follow at Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill.
Preferred memorials: Ohio Hospice of Dayton or the Grover Hill EMS/Fire Department.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com, Tribute Wall.
POSTED: 05/15/25 at 6:07 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Roy Waddles age 84, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, May 13, 2025, at his residence in Harrison Township.
Born on November 25, 1940, in Topmost, Kentucky to Clinis and Sarah Belle “Essie” (Osborne) Waddles, Roy married the love of his life, Doris (Hall) Waddles on July 6, 1963, and she survives.
Survivors also include two sons, Geoffrey D. (Lisa) Waddles of Wren and Will C. (Lorie) Waddles of Ohio City; grandchildren, Virginia (Nick) Missler and Ethan Waddles, and a sister, Bonnie (Bill) Blythe of Decatur, Indiana.
In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Waddles, and three sisters, Clara, Billie Rose and Anna Belle
Roy was a veteran of the U.S. Army and had worked at G. E. for 30 years as a winder and welder. He often enjoyed fishing, old cars, bluegrass music, playing his guitar and mowing his lawn for as long as he could. Most of all, he loved his kids and grandkids.
Roy’s funeral service will held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 16, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Van Wert, with Pastor Steve Haddix officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, May 15, and one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ohio City. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post 346, Ohio City.
Preferred memorial: CHP Hospice or the American Cancer Society.
Online condoences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 05/14/25 at 8:16 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Jared Corwin Fleming, 31, has crossed the greatest finish line of all and arrived in Heaven on Saturday, May 10, 2025, after a champion-like year-long battle with neuroendocrine cancer.
Known to everyone as the life of the party, an incredible gift giver, a man of witty one-liners and a leader to others because of his presence, his faithful life was a treasure to all who knew him. Hebrews 12:1-2 was his favorite Bible verse, which he displayed on his running shoes “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith.”
He was born on April 28, 1994, in Columbus to Jay and Kimberly (Miller) Fleming. He leaves behind countless special people in his life; Jared’s fiancé and forever love, Dayanna Barrera, his brothers; Austin (Samantha) Fleming of Van Wert and his only niece Hailey Fleming, Cade Fleming of New York and his only sister; Peyton (Kyle) Thomas of Ft. Cavazos, Texas; his dogs, Kona, “golden retriever of the year,” and Capri, “his goldendoodle cuddle buddy.” Grandparents include: Gary (Kathy) Miller of Granbury, Texas, and Ron (Nancy) Fleming of Lake Wales, Florida; aunts and uncles, Vicki (Dan) Keber, Jason Miller and Kristin Rowe; his “Mad Dawg buddies”, best friends since childhood, Cameron (Laken), Colten (Terrill), Logan (Bree), and Caleb (Baylee), witnesses to his many adventures and memorable moments.
Jared graduated from Van Wert High School in 2013 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Sport Industry from The Ohio State University. A gifted athlete, Jared is recognized for his achievements as a state champion at Van Wert High School and as a member of the OSU cross country and track teams where he holds records in the 800-meter run. His professional career in sales took him across the country, including living in Chicago, Illinois, and San Diego, California.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at LifeHouse Church, Van Wert. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 16, at the church. Jared requests everyone wear Ohio State Buckeyes or Van Wert Cougars attire.
Jared also requests no plants, blankets, lanterns, flowers, or chimes. To honor him in the future, the Jared Fleming Running Scholarship has been established through the Van Wert County Foundation, 138 E. Main St. Van Wert, OH 45891. Please make donations directly to Van Wert County Foundation by visiting their website at www.vanwertcountyfoundation.org.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 05/13/25 at 8:11 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Michael Steven “Gabby” Gaskill, 75, of Dixon, passed away peacefully at his sister’s home in the early morning hours of Friday, May 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Known affectionately as Gabby, Michael proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, completing two and a half tours in Vietnam.
A thrill-seeker at heart, he had a passion for fast cars and adventurous living. He was an avid skydiver completing over 1,000 jumps in his lifetime and was also an accomplished base jumper No. 123. Michael devoted much of his time helping repair cemetery plots and markers that have fallen into disrepair and was passionate about helping other veterans. He was an active member of the Monroeville VFW, where he, at one time, served in the color guard, and was also a member of the Van Wert VFW.
While Michael valued solitude for much of his life, he always surrounded himself with many lifelong friends, many were military and/or in his skydiving community. In most recent years he found great joy in spending time with his great-nieces and nephews, forming deep and lasting bonds with them.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles “Gabby” Gaskill; his mother, Joan Gaskill (Ryan), and his sister, Diana “Sis” Gaskill.
Michael is survived by his devoted sister, Rickie (Robert) Contreras of Van Wert; nieces, Amber (Chris) Adkins of Van Wert, Ashley (Justin) Smythe of Hebron, and Alicia (Garret) John of Van Wert; nephew, Corbin Contreras of Celina; step-nephews Terrin (Mariah) Contreras and Devin Contreras, Brandon (Natasha) Kline of Van Wert, and Nathan (Haleigh) Kline of Paulding. He also leaves behind 17 cherished great-nieces and nephews.
A visitation to celebrate Michael’s life will be held from 12-2 p.m. Monday, May 19, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, Van Wert. A graveside service will follow the visitation at 3 p.m. at Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery with military honors rendered by the combined forces of the Van Wert VFW and American Legion.
To share in Michael’s online memorial, visit www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 05/09/25 at 9:18 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Sandra K. Caldwell, 85, of Van Wert, passed away at 4:50 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Van Wert Manor.
She was born March 16, 1940, in Van Wert County, to Harry and Esther (Wortman) Michael. On October 17, 1958, she married Richard W. Caldwell.
She retired from Federal Mogul in Van Wert after 42 years of service. Sandra simply enjoyed life. She especially liked to fish, camp, read, craft and eating breakfast with her friends every month. Above all else, she loved spending time with her family.
She is survived by two sons, Kevin (Beverly) Caldwell of Van Wert and Jeremy (Jennifer) Caldwell of Dayton; three sisters, Connie (Ronald “Rock”) Taylor of Van Wert, Gloria Lippi of Van Wert, and Janet (Larry) Smith of Bloomington, Illinois; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great- great-grandchild, and her beloved cat, Buddy.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents and husband; a son, Gregrory Caldwell; a brother, John Michael; a sister, Linda Etzler, and a grandchild, Chad Caldwell.
A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert. Burial will immediately follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: the Van Wert Humane Society.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 05/09/25 at 4:00 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Rhett A. DeCamp, 81, of Van Wert, passed away at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his residence.
He was born November 17, 1943, in Van Wert, to George and Mary (Resor) DeCamp. Rhett married Lois DeCamp.
He was a veteran of the United States Navy. He was a member of the Van Wert American Legion, Van Wert VFW, and the N.R.A. He was an avid gun collector, outdoorsman, and woodworker. Rhett had a wonderful sense of humor, he enjoyed a good cigarette while telling stories, and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Rhett retired from Greif in Van Wert. He also worked as a diesel mechanic.
He is survived by his daughters, Tammy (Kenny) Painter and Maryann Young both of Jacksonville, Florida, and Debbie Pollock of Van Wert and Brandi Helmer of Rockford; stepsons, Ed (Tammy) Rice of Van Wert and Jeff (Taren) DeCamp of Hicksville; a sister, Alycia (fiance Dan Germann) DeCamp of Van Wert, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Lois.
A celebration of 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: 05/08/25 at 8:09 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Betty Lou (Baer) Wyandt, age 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Born January 15, 1929, in Van Wert County to Glenn and Annetta E. (Upp) Baer, Betty married the love of her life, Milo Wyandt, on June 24, 1951, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Together they shared 73 beautiful years of marriage until Milo’s passing on January 8, 2025.
Betty and Milo raised two children, Sherry (Joe) Fortman and Kevin (Angie) Wyandt. She dearly loved her grandchildren and their families: Carly (Shannon) Smith, Treg (Leslie Puchala) Fortman, and Samantha (Jared) Snow; great-grandson Rhett Smith; great-step-granddaughters Nevada (Noah Daughtery) Smith and Savannah (Brandon) Wynn; and great-great-granddaughter Lennon Wynn.
She is also survived by her brothers, Donald “Murf” (Judy) Baer of Convoy, Robert “Jake” Baer of Van Wert, and Charles Baer of Convoy; her sister, NaDonna Schumm of Bluffton, Indiana, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Milo; brothers Carl and Walter “Bud” Baer; sisters Glendora Baer, Anna Kathryn Rase, Jeanette Smith, Juanita Black, Bonnie Speelman, and and half-sister Vera Nortley.
A 1947 graduate of Union High School, Betty dedicated 29 years to Aeroquip Corporation, where she formed lifelong friendships and continued to connect with her coworkers through the ladies retiree meetings. Her generosity extended beyond her work, reflected in her volunteer efforts at the Hospital Thrift Store (Twigs II) and her active participation in community events – from lending a hand at local functions to proudly supporting her grandchildren’s activities.
Betty cherished time at the family cottage on Rose Lake, loved visiting family in Florida, and embraced every moment with those she loved. She was an avid bowler and a proud supporter of the Buckeyes, Cavaliers, Bowling Green Falcons, and Cougars. Her warm heart, easygoing nature, and unwavering love for her family brought joy to all who knew her.
A heartfelt thank you to her extended family at Van Wert Manor for their excellent care, compassion, and love during the final years of their lives.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a joint memorial service honoring Betty and Milo on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from 9:30-11 a.m., with the service beginning at 11 a.m. Military rites will be conducted in the parking lot following the service by the combined honor guard of the V.F.W. Post #5803 and the American Legion Post #178 to honor Milo’s World War II service.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, where Betty and Milo were longtime, devoted members.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 05/05/25 at 2:00 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Dewey VanWynsberghe, of Van Wert, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025.
He was born on June 13, 1964, in Van Wert, son of Raymond T. VanWynsberghe, Jr. and Patty (Gillespie) VanWynsberghe.
He is survived by his wife, Rachel; his daughters, Una and Siska; his mother, a brother, Danny (Rose Marie) VanWynsberghe of Key West, Florida; a sister, Mary (Vern) Schulte of Van Wert, and most loyal friends Matt (Carla) Woodyard, Donald (Shelley) Adam and Rod (Karla) Bowersock.
He was preceded in death by his father and two sisters, Cynthia and Linda.
A graduate of Lincolnview High School, he was an active member of FFA, showing sheep. Dewey was a lifelong farmer in Ridge Township. He was a pioneer in no-till planting, being the first to buy a no-till planter in Van Wert County. He worked at the Van Wert Dragstrip sweeping the track, Quality Farm and Fleet fixing tires, and at Lee’s Ace Hardware servicing mowers. He also worked for Adam Farm Drainage, and was a zoning inspector for Ridge Township. He had a good time volunteering with the Venedocia Lions Club alongside his family.
Dewey’s earliest memories were at the VanWynsberghe homestead, digging up Grandma VanWynsberghe’s newly-planted onions and being served freshly butchered fried chicken. He was the most devoted son with the ideal childhood provided by Junior and Patty. Great times were had fishing in the ocean at Singer Island, Florida with his dad and Uncle Joe DeLaurelle in the summers of his youth. Dewey later had many unforgettable times fishing with his dad in the Everglades. He learned farming, honor, and strength working by his dad’s side every day. His mother showed him loving discipline and care, and taught him to be kind, generous, and respectful. Most importantly, she taught him the Gospel.
His love for learning was evident in his reading and studying of the Bible. His deep study in the original language of the Scriptures unfailingly revealed the accuracy of the Word.
On August 14, 1999, Dewey married Rachel Woodruff in a private, backyard ceremony, just one mile from their first home. In that home, they had two daughters Una and Siska (Brownie). Rachel grew into farm life, taking meals to the field to Junior and Dewey and giving them rides and going on parts runs. After Junior’s death, Dewey and Rachel farmed with an efficient partnership. He taught Rachel how to run the strip tiller, drive the combine, work ground, drill beans, and haul wagons and tanks.
In 2014, the family moved back to the VanWynsberghe homeplace. Dewey used his woodworking craftsmanship for cabinetmaking and furniture making in the home.
Whether he was sharing his ice cream cone with his German Shepherd, King, hunting 360 groundhogs in one summer with his esteemed black lab, Harry, choking out a deer with the ferocious Dutch, or reuniting with Poopy after the puppy was missing in the cornfield for three days, a faithful dog was always by Dewey’s side on the farm.
Watching his daughters grow into adulthood and make their way in life was yet another opportunity to support them and learn from them. Through fatherhood, Dewey attended endless band concerts, dance recitals, performances, and even the National Spelling Bee. He wasn’t just proud of his children, he provided for them, cared for them, laughed with them, was tender towards them, and was prepared to defend them even to death if need be. Dewey found great joy in family life. So many fun times were had camping at France Park and at the fair and taking the family on cruises. Shared memories of those trips and times spent together are now the essentiality of what we are smiling and laughing about now without him.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, and again from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Please come to the family home after the service to eat and for fellowship at 16246 Ohio 116, Van Wert.
POSTED: 05/05/25 at 12:44 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Frank Odean Campbell, 66, of Middle Point, passed from this life on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Van Wert, surrounded by his family.
He was born December 14, 1958, in Van Wert, to Donald and Phyllis (Boroff) Campbell, who preceded him in death. On May 18, 1985, Frank married the love of his life, the former Rochelle Bolenbaugh, in Celina.
He was a graduate of Van Wert High School Frank drove truck for 30 years, 15 of those years were as an owner/operator. He retired from Wolverine Packing in 2011. Frank was an avid NASCAR fan, but his true love was his family and friends. He never met a stranger, was quick witted, and had the ability to make anyone smile. His passion in life was his grandchildren. They were his greatest gift and greatest joy.
He is survived by his wife Rochelle (Bolenbaugh) Campbell; son, Chris Campbell; daughter, Erica (Cory) Duff; granddaughters, Paige Hatfield, Kennedy Campbell, Lily Hatfield and Julian Duff; great-grandson, Asher Moriarty; brothers, Donnie Campbell and Terry (Amy) Campbell; sister, Helen Darras; sister-in-law, Paula (Steve) Goins; brother-in-law, Lance (Sara) Bolenbaugh, and father-in-law, Cecil “Duke” Bolenbaugh.
In keeping with Frank’s wishes, there will be no services. He wanted everyone to get a cup of coffee, watch an old western, and take the time to call or spend time with your family and friends – remind them that you love them. Do not mourn him, reminisce about his jokes, his stories, laugh, cook a good family meal and enjoy the finer things in life.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 05/05/25 at 12:26 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Donna Mae Kiehl, 97, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, May 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Van Wert.
She was born on January 5, 1928, in Jackson Township, Van Wert County, the only child of Frank Eugene Swartz and Lorene Ada (Ashbaugh) Swartz, who both preceded her in death. On June 7, 1948, she married Herbert T. Kiehl who also preceded her in death on October 23, 2013.
Family survivors include her three children, Stan (Nancy) Kiehl of Matthews, North Carolina, Jerry Kiehl of Van Wert and Jill (Bill) Graves of Van Wert; nine grandchildren, Kerby Kiehl of Middletown, Krista (Bryan) Pierce of Rome, Georgia, Dr. Nik (Felisha)) Kiehl of Leo, Indiana, Nashea Kiehl of Charlotte, North Carolina, Blake (Brittany) Springer of Wingate, North Carolina, Dr. Brooks (Fredererique) Graves of Rockwall, Texas, Brock Graves of Glacier National Park, Chris (Amber) Perry of Windermere, Florida, and Steven (Carrie) Perry of Lebanon, Tennessee; 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Donna was a homemaker and formerly drove a school bus for Lincolnview Local Schools for many years. She was a former member of the Zion Christian Union Church and attended Trinity Friends Church of Van Wert.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert. Interment will be at a later date. Calling hours will be held from 12 p.m. until time of services on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials: Trinity Friends Church or CHP Hospice of Van Wert.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 05/05/25 at 7:28 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
