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
Wauneta Alice Smith, 93, of Van Wert, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Van Wert Manor.
She was born on March 21, 1933 in Decatur, Indiana, to Russell and Adah (Click) Weldy, who both preceded her in death. A 1951 graduate of Decatur High School, Wauneta married the love of her life, Donald Smith on April 7, 1953 in Fairbanks, Alaska. They shared 58 years of marriage before his death on April 5, 2011.
Don and Wauneta came back home down the Alaskan Highway and traveled the United States. She worked in retail for many years in retail at Wolf & Dessauer and Buckeye Mart. She was also a waitress and volunteered at Trinity Friends Church and Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
She is survived by several nephews and nieces in Indiana, Ohio and California.
She also loved her church family, her neighbors and friends, including her good friend and caretakers, Cheryl and Richard Shobes.
In addition to her parents and husband, Wauneta was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Weldy and sister, Marjary Terrell.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, August 3, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, Van Wert, with Pastor Steve Heilshorn persiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral, from 12-1 p.m. on Monday. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery.
Preferred memorials: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Online condolences may be shared at alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 07/28/26 at 11:53 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Gary Smith, 74, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, due to injuries sustained in a car/pedestrian accident on December 16, 2025.
He was born on February 3, 1952, to Leonard and Angelene (Freund) Smith, who both preceded him in death. On July 27, 1974 he married Joanne (Hesseling) Smith who survives in Delphos.
He is also survived by his son, Daniel Smith of Findlay and daughters, Jennifer (Grant) Brown of Fairborn and Erin (Daniel) Gerbec of Westerville. His grandchildren are Colin and Gabbie Smith, Elliott, Jillian, Nick and Patrick Brown and Evelyn, Ben and Andrew Gerbec.
He is survived by his siblings, David (Leslie) Smith, Laura (Bill) Priest, Patrice (Kalen) Mingle, Joseph (Cheryl) Smith, Mark (Maryanne) Smith, Wayne (Lisa) Smith and Lanna (Barry) Shawgo. His in-laws include, Jerry (Rosie) Hesseling, Patricia Schneider, Kenny (Anita) Hesseling, Thomas (Irene) Hesseling, Mary (Tony) Drerup, Dave Hesseling and Anita (Jim) Kaverman. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gary was a 1970 graduate of Delphos St. Johns High School. He was employed as a maintenance mechanic at Federal Mogul in Van Wert for 43 years. He also was engaged in farming, having grown up on a farm in Landeck and eventually realizing his dream of owning his own farmland in 1995.
He was a member of Delphos St. John Parish and a long time member of the mixed choir and an original member of the Men’s Schola. He was a gifted musician and loved to sing. He also enjoyed playing the piano and guitar, especially with his brothers. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He had an ability to fix or build almost anything and was always willing to use those skills to help others.
He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, integrity and story telling ability. Most of all he will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.
A funeral mass will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, July 31, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Delphos. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at Weber Funeral Home, Delphos, where a Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:45 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Parish Foundation or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be shared at weberfh.net.
POSTED: 07/28/26 at 9:29 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Marlin “Gene” Miller, 83, of Van Wert, went home to the Lord on Friday, July 24, 2026 after a brief hospitalization. He was surrounded by loving family and with his wife of 62 years at his side.
Gene was born on November 16, 1942, east of Van Wert in Ridge Township. He was the only child of David L. and Alberta (Wurster) Miller, who preceded him in death. In 1964, Gene married Linda (Brandon) Miller and together they shared a life filled with wonderful memories and cherished family.
In addition to his wife Linda, Gene is survived by daughter Tamara (Dale) Parsons of Cedarville, and son Timothy (Michele) Miller of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren and great-grandson, Elise (Jonny) Jimison and Perry, Abigail (Andrew) Francis, Josiah (Jessica) Parsons and Joel (Komal Dhillon) Miller.
Gene graduated with the Rockford High School Class of 1960 and was a graduate of Wright State University. He worked as an engineer with Federal Mogul Corporation for many years and later retired from Greve Chrysler. He was a longtime member of Trinity Global Methodist Church and served cheerfully in many ways over the years.
Gene will be remembered for his quiet faith, generous kindness, the integrity of his work ethic and his deep love and care for his family.
There will be visitation at a memorial reception in Gene’s honor at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert from 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, July 30. A private family funeral at Trinity Global Methodist with committal service at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford will take place on Friday with Pastor David To officiating.
Contributions in Gene’s memory may be sent to Trinity Global Methodist Church, Van Wert.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 07/27/26 at 2:47 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Leon L. Byer, 90, of Willshire passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Envive Health Care of Berne, Indiana.
He was born on February 27, 1936, in Adams County, Indiana the son of Elvin K. Byer and Ruth Delight (Aspy) Byer, who both preceded him in death. On July 12, 1963, he married Rita G. (Hartnett) Byer and she preceded him in death on November 21, 2017.
Leon is survived by his two children, Michael L. Byer of Lima, and Karla J. (Carey) Free of Decatur, Indiana; two grandchildren, Taylor (Brittany) Free and Trevor R. (Lyndsi) Free, and seven great-grandchildren, Breanna Sinn, Brooklyn Siunn, Braxton Sinn, Gannon Free, Whitley Free, Clyde Free and Nolan Free.
He was a 1955 graduate of Pleasant Mills High and was part of the famous 1954-1955 high school basketball game versus the Berne Bears where the score was 5-4 in favor of Pleasant Mills. Leon also worked at Phelps Dodge Corporation in Fort Wayne as a tow motor operator and was the founding member of the Willshire Lions Club. He attended the Pleasant Mills Baptist Church, was a avid coon hunter and loved to go fishing.
In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his three brothers, Richard “Dick” Byer, Marvin Byer and Norbert Byer and one sister, Jacqueline Rose Boroff.
Funeral services for Leon will be held at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 30, with Pastor Ernie Suman of Bobo United Brethren Church officiating. There will be visitation for family and friends from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, and one hour ahead of funeral services on Thursday.
Preferred memorials: the American Cancer Society.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 07/27/26 at 11:44 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Frederick W. “Fred” Smith, 91, passes away Friday afternoon, July 24, 2026, at his home in rural Van Wert.
He was born on July 2, 1935, in West Unity, the son of Dale Millard and Rachel Hope (Beek) Smith, who both preceded him in death. On June 12, 1954, he married the former Clarabelle May (Furrell) Smith in Fort Jennings and they enjoyed 72 years of marriage.
Family members include his four children, Valerie A. (Douglas) Martin of Arizona, Stewart L. Smith of Van Wert, Laura Jean (Steve) Ehlers of Hayward, Wisconsin, and Julie Lynette (Curtis) Overholt of Van Wert; nine grandchildren, Ashley (Evans) Smith Conforti, Justin Smith, Sarah (Brendan) Lopshire-Barth, Rachel Magowan (Gavin Bates), Jennifer (Chris) Bolenbaugh, Victoria Klausing, Tyler (Kristin) Overholt, Joshua (Melissa) Overholt, Christian Martin, Celeste Martin; eight great-grandchildren, Taevin Darnell, Ivy Lynn Harris, Ella Harris, Connor Conforti, Everly Conforti, Oliver Bolenbaugh, Axton C. Bolenbaugh and Clarabelle Barth; nephews, Bruce (Donna) Smith of Idaho, Jeff Grandstaff of Van Wert and Frank (Brenda) Smith, Jr., of Van Wert, and nieces, Pam Chance of Cape Cora, Florida, Peggy Chance of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Arnell Adam of Convoy.
Fred was a 1953 graduate of Van Wert High School and was a member of Calvary Evangelical Church. He had worked for Chrysler Amplex and retired from GKM Sinter Metals in 1997. He enjoyed woodworking and was a master carpenter. Fred was very proud that he had remodeled and built over a dozen homes for his family over the years.
In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by grandson, Noel William Martin; four brothers, Franklin D. Smith, Eugene M. Smith, Lyle M. Smith and Dale L. Smith, and two sisters, Ima Rebecca Ann Putman and Iris H. Smith.
Funeral services for Fred will be held at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert at 3 p.m. Wednesday August 5. There will be visitation for family and friends from 12-3 p.m. that day at the funeral home. Interment will take place I. O. O. F. Cemetery of Convoy.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 07/26/26 at 7:22 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Jerry L. Beougher, 86, of Van Wert, passed away Friday morning, July 24, 2026, at his home in Van Wert.
He was born on June 8, 1940, in Mercer County, the son of Paul and Mabel (Piper) Beougher, who both prececeded her in death. On September 14, 1963, at Sugar Ridge Church of God, he married the former Anna E. Myers, who survives.
Other surviving family members include a daughter, Amelia Schulte of Van Wert; a son, Ben P. (Nikki) Beougher of Convoy; a sister, Bonnie Beougher of Rockford; grandchildren, Oliva Beougher, Seth (Amanda) Schulte, Sarah (Thomas) Henschen, Benjamin L. Beougher (Taylor Cook) and LaNae Beougher; great=grandchildren, Sophia, Malachi Frank, Owen, Colson and Whitley Schulte, Elliot and Riley Henschen, Zelma Gheen and Serenity Beougher, many nieces and nephews.
Jerry graduated from Rockford High School in 1940 and worked at the Convoy Equity Elevator for several years. He retired from B. F. Goodrich after more than 30 years of service. Jerry served in the Army National Guard for six years and was a member of the Convoy Fox Hunters Club. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, Ohio State Buckeyes football and the Cincinnati Reds.
He was preceded in death by a son, Ross Beougher; granddaughter, Tara Beougher; a sister, Rose E. Lawrence and two brothers, Dick and Jim Beougher.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 27, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Owens officiating. Visitation will start at 12 p.m. Monday. Interment will take place at Mohr Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 07/26/26 at 7:12 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Garry E. Hart, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, departed this life on July 18, 2026, at the age of 82.
He was born on June 9, 1944, in Van Wert, to Byron and Pauline (Miller) Hart, who both preceded him in death.
A proud graduate of Crestview High School, Garry completed his studies in 1963 before answering the call to serve his country. From 1964 to 1968, Garry served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Quantico Marine Base, where he served in a special unit as a mechanic for the Presidential Helicopter, Marine One-a role he carried out with great skill, dedication, and pride. Following his military service, Garry worked in various departments for the City of Lima, dedicating many years to serving his community until his retirement.
He was an enthusiastic NASCAR fan, especially of Kyle Busch, and was well known for his morning coffee at Orchard Tree and his frequent meals at Bob Evans and Beer Barrel.
Garry is survived by his brother, Bob Hart of Lima; stepson, Jim (Tessa) Moeller of Lady Lake, Florida; special friend, Carolyn Roehm of Convoy, and his step‑grandchildren, Courtney (Colton) Wood, Cody (Valerie) Martin, and Wyatt Moeller, and step‑great‑grandchildren, Hadley and Brooke Martin. He is also survived by his beloved cat, Bootsy II.
In addition to his parents, Garry was preceded in death by his stepson, Scott Moeller; Scott’s wife, Stephanie Moeller, and his brother, James Hart.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, July 31, at Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert. Following the visitation, Garry will be interred privately at Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery, where military honors will be rendered by the combined units of the Van Wert American Legion and VFW.
Online condolences may be shared online at alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 07/23/26 at 11:23 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Merle Ellis Dettrow, 84, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.
He was born on April 1, 1942, the son of James Ellis Dettrow and Cleo Pauline (Mitchell) Dettrow, who both preceded him in death. He married Dorothy (Smith) Dettrow on June 19, 1963, in LaGrange, Indiana, and she preceded him in death on October 2, 2021.
Merle had many hobbies and interests. He loved a good card game with friends and was an avid bowler. He loved to play softball and enjoyed teaching his three oldest boys how to play sports. He supported his youngest son Jason in his flower shop business in Convoy and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. He loved to laugh and smile and did anything he could to help a friend.
Merle is survived by three sons, Norm (Deb) Dettrow and Jim (Trish) Dettrow, both of Van Wert, and Jason (Nate) Vanover of Convoy; 11 grandchildren: Stacie (Matt) Couch, Brad Dettrow, Chloe Dettrow, Courtney (Cory) Ramsey, Emily Dettrow, Abbey Dettrow, Chase Dettrow, Trey Dettrow, Griffin Dettrow, Jordan (Rachael) Dettrow, and Megan Dettrow; great grandchildren: Madison (Keaton) Brown, Landen, and Kenzie Couch, Locklen Yenser, Mylee and Maverick Dettrow, Baylen, Bryson and Bowynn Ramsey, Josie, Jack and Jayce Dettrow, and Ezrayla, and two sisters, Ozzy Olive Holek of Defiance, and Doris (Earl) Witham of Elkhart, Indiana.
He worked for Dana Incorporated in Antwerp and was the head union steward. Merle was a member of the American Legion Post #178 of Van Wert and attended the Salvation Army Church. He proudly served in the U.S. Marines Corps.
In addition to his parents, his wife Dorothy, Merle was preceded in death by his son, Billy “Joe” Dettrow , a son-in-law, Kelly Burns and five sisters, Sissy, Connie, Gladys, Pauline and Birdie.
A memorial service will be held at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, with visitation prior to the service from 3-6 p.m. Officiant Nate Vanover will lead the service and military honors will immediately follow in the parking lot.
In keeping in Merle’s wishes to support his son’s business, floral and memorial keepsake orders may be directed to his son’s floral shop, The Secret Garden in Convoy.
Online condolences may be expressed at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 07/22/26 at 10:53 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Patricia A. Sherman, 84, of Van Wert passed away Sunday morning, July 19, 2026, at VanCrest Health Care Center of Delphos.
She was born on March 17, 1942, in Van Wert, the daughter of Lawrence Walden Sherman and Rose Adeline (Brown) Sherman, who both preceded her in death.
Pat is survived by a son, Michael A. Ford of Indianapolis; a sister, Marsha Jean Harding of Van Wert; two brothers, Robert (Carol) Sherman of Santa Clara, California and William L. Sherman of Virginia, and two grandchildren, Jammie Stevens and Ashley Freaker.
In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by two daughters, Teresa L. Weaver and Lori Stevens, and a sister, Rose Ellen Sherman.
Pat was a 1961 graduate of Van Wert High School and attended Mt. Victory Church in Van Wert. She retired from the Budd Company in Van Wert with over 17 years of service.
Per Pat’s request there will be no calling hours, services or committal services.
Preferred memorials: the Alzheimer Association.
Online condolences may be expressed at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 07/20/26 at 1:15 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Joyce Marie Linn (née Ayers), 92, of Ohio City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, surrounded by family.
She was born on October 16, 1933, in Rockford, to Beatrice Carol “Carol” (née Manley) Ayers, and Ford Edwin Ayers. She had two brothers and one sister. Joyce was a graduate of Ohio City-Liberty High School and in 1952, she married Paul Kent Linn; together they had nine children.
Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother to her family. She was a dedicated homemaker who enjoyed sewing and watching the Cincinnati Reds. She was a faithful member of the Ohio City Community Church of God where she served on the church council, funeral dinner committee and the prayer shawl ministry. In 2023, Joyce celebrated her 90th birthday with a dinner party that was attended by many family and friends which she fondly reflected on during her remaining years.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Paul Kent Linn, who passed on November 23, 1999; her parents, Carol and Ford Ayers; her brother, James Lee “Jim” Ayers, and her sister Marjorie Ann “Margie” Ayers.
Joyce Marie Linn is survived by her nine devoted children, Cheryl (Channing Rash) Solomon of Ohio City, Pamela (Ed) Garringer of Wapakoneta, Gary K. Linn of Vista, California, Rebecca (Rick) Boggs of Willshire, Jennifer (Dan) Linn of Willshire, Aaron (Krista) Linn of Springfield, Ohio, Julie Mulvey Linn of Ohio City, Lisa (Steven) Welch of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Kent Linn of Ohio City. She is also survived by Conner (Elizabeth) Linn, Spencer Linn and 10 other grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and her brother, Stanley Ayers of Van Wert.
There will be visitation from 4-8 p.m. Monday, July 20, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.
Preferred memorials: the Ronald McDonald House or the Ohio City Community Church of God.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 07/17/26 at 9:49 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
