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
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
Lori Ann Webster, 64, of Grover Hill, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital.
Born April 28, 1961, in Van Wert to Franklin and Myrtle (Whittredge) Wyandt, who both preceded her in death, Lori grew up with a gentle spirit that carried through every chapter of her life. Her life was shaped by simple joys, quiet creativity, and the people she held closest to her heart.
Lori built a meaningful career as a dental hygienist after earning her associate degree from UNOH, offering comfort and kindness to countless patients over the years. Though she loved her work deeply, her career was ultimately cut short by her disability and illness. Even so, she continued to find joy in the small, personal rituals that made her feel most like herself-creating Diamond Dotz art, treating herself to fresh nails and hair, and enjoying the simple pleasure of shopping. Animals held a special place in her heart, but nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her grandchildren, whose presence lit up her days.
She leaves behind her loving husband, Clarence “Chet” Webster III; her daughter, Crystal (Arturo) Lucius; her stepdaughter, Codi (Cody) Feasby; grandsons, Ayden Bolenbaugh and Arturo Lucius Jr.; and step‑grandchildren, Chase and Callie Feasby. Lori is also survived by four sisters and one brother.
Lori will be cremated and her family will honor her life privately in the quiet way she would have appreciated.
To share in Lori’s online memorial, visit www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 01/08/26 at 1:41 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Stephen G. Cobb went to be with his Lord and Savior.
Steve was born in Van Wert on December 22, 1944, to Delmar and Mildred (Rolston) Cobb. He graduated from Van Wert High School in 1962 and from Bowling Green State University in 1967.
Steve was married to the late Carol (Helman) Cobb until her death. Together they raised three sons, Gregg (Shelli) Cobb, Brett (Chelsea) Cobb and Clintt (Anne) Cobb. He later married Connie (Bagley) Walters and they resided in Fort Myers, Florida.
Steve worked for Dana Corporation for 20 years and held numerous manager positions, the last of which was manager of Diamond Truck System Division. Upon his departure, he joined Weaver Popcorn as Vice President of Operations. In 1990 he started his own company, G & C Industries and formed partnerships engaged in manufacturing of truck parts and distribution. His clients during this time were numerous facilities of Caterpillar, Visteon, a division of Ford, UPS and Dana Corporation.
While managing his business was very important to him, his real passion was coaching youth baseball, helping young men develop their baseball skill and preparing them for the life ahead. He always made time to do this and did it exceptionally well.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Carol; his brother, Gary, and his stepmother, Avanelle Cobb.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Connie; his three sons, Gregg (Shelli) Cobb, Brett (Chelsea) Cobb, Clintt (Anne) Cobb; stepdaughters, Lisa (Jim Uncapher) Agler and Lori Agler; grandchildren, Peyton (Mark) Meredith, Quinn Cobb, Ashton Cobb, Hailee Cobb, Ryan Cobb, Reese Cobb; step-grandchildren, Stephen Straman, Briana (Andrew) Platt, Mackenzie (Collin Wadman) Agler, Zack (Lynsay) Agler, Taylor (Mike) Klein, along with 16 step-great-grandchildren.
A family graveside service will be held later.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to American Heart Association or IU Cancer Center.
POSTED: 01/07/26 at 1:02 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Maria Louisa Martinez, 82, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born on March 16, 1943, in Hondo, Texas, to Dionicia Morales, who preceded her in death. Maria lived a life defined by hard work, devotion, and unconditional love for those around her.
On April 2, 1963, Maria married the love of her life, Rito Martinez. Together they shared many years of marriage until his passing on August 29, 2020. Their bond was one of deep love and partnership that remained strong throughout their lives.
Maria is survived by her brother, Santos Morales, and his wife, Carolina from Hondo, Texas; three sons, Joe Benny Martinez and his wife Julie, Tony Martinez and his wife Angie, and Chris Martinez and his wife Kimberly. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Cassandra Martinez, Bethany Martinez, Elijah Martinez, Logan Martinez, Jackson Martinez, Josephine Martinez, Kierstynn Baker, Drew Shaffer, Adilynn Shaffer and Jason Anderson.
Also preceding her in death are a brother, Jose Rodriguez; a daughter, Paula Rose Martinez, and a granddaughter, Belinda Martinez.
Maria was a loving wife, sister, mother, and grandmother who always put the needs of others before her own. Her heart was generous, her love unwavering, and her presence a source of comfort and strength to her family.
Earlier in life, Maria worked as a migrant worker, traveling to many states before eventually settling in Van Wert. She later worked at North American Philips, where she formed lifelong friendships that she deeply cherished. A dedicated and hardworking woman, Maria labored tirelessly to provide for her family while remaining constant in her duties at home.
In her free time, Maria found joy in the simple things she loved most: caring for plants and flowers, Mexican music, cheering for THE Ohio State Buckeyes, wearing rings on her fingers, cats and watching her favorite WWE superstar, John Cena.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 8, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Rev. Roger Peugh, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Visitation will be held two hours prior to services on Thursday, at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Maria Louisa Martinez will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her legacy of love, strength, and selflessness will live on through her family for generations to come.
POSTED: 01/05/26 at 8:25 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Gary Louis Unterbrink, 73, of Van Wert, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025, in his home in Feldkirch, Austria.
Born August 11, 1952, he was preceded in death by his parents, Alphonse C. “Al” Unterbrink and Joann B. Unterbrink (Becker).
After graduating from Ohio State University College of Dentistry, he was stationed on a military base in Germany. He fell in love with the region and his wife, Christine, and lived in central Europe since.
A renowned lecturer, researcher and mentor in dentistry, he had the opportunity to travel extensively, he was proud to have visited more than 180 countries.
Survivors include his wife, Christine Unterbrink-Felkel of Feldkirch, Austria; his daughters, Jennifer Unterbrink of Bonn, Germany, and Nathalie Unterbrink of Innsbruck, Austria; his siblings, Michael W. Unterbrink of Lewiston, California, Jeffrey C. Unterbrink of Etna Green, Indiana, Brent J. Unterbrink of Van Wert, and Catherine J. Unterbrink of Van Wert.
Internment at the Forest Cemetery will be in a private ceremony in Tyrol, Austria.
Preferred memorials: Community Health Professionals or Visiting Nurses.
POSTED: 01/05/26 at 4:15 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Donna M. Foehl, 97, of Convoy, passed away Saturday morning, January 3, 2026, at Hearth and Home of Van Wert.
She was born April 9, 1928, in Blue Creek Township, Paulding County, to Fred and S. Leona (Zartman) Schoenauer. She married Robert E. Foehl. Donna was a homemaker and the ultimate farm wife.
She was always there to haul grain and help in any other way she could. Donna could also be found baking cookies and mowing her lawn well into her 90s. She was a long-time member of Convoy Methodist Church and the church women’s group. Donna was also very active in the Crestview Farm Wives, Convoy Homemakers and the Japonica Garden Club.
Donna is survived by her children, Ken (Robin) Foehl of Convoy and Barbara Fant of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Charles (Shawnee), Alicia (Josh), Matt, Christopher (Meaghan), Kyle (Emma), and Jodi (Brian); great grandchildren, Avery, Megan, Shooter, Branch, Copper, Creek, Miriam, Leah, Landon and Oliver; a great great grandchild, Atlas, and a sister, Betty Gloor of Hicksville.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob, and brothers, Norman, Gene and Ron Schoenauer.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, at Convoy Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Thomas, Officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangments were entrusted to Gearhart-Sauer Funeral Home, Convoy.
POSTED: 01/04/26 at 2:07 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Martha Wilma (Overholser) Lichtenberger, 94, of Wren, passed peacefully into heaven Monday morning, December 29, 2025, at VanCrest of Van Wert.
Martha “Wilma” was born on May 30, 1931, in Huntington, Indiana. She married John S. Lichtenberger on September 10, 1950. Last September they celebrated 75 years of marriage. What a great honor of love and devotion.
Martha had worked many jobs throughout her life. Mom and dad enjoyed camping, traveling and enjoyed the great outdoors. She was an avid read and she loved to read all kinds of books and all the daily newspapers.
Martha is survived by her loving husband, John Lichtenberger and her children, Sherman (Virginia) Lichtenberger of Berne, Indiana, Beverly (Alan) Lichtensteiger of Ohio City, Joyce (Jim) Grafmiller of Ossian, Indiana, and Stanley (Jenny) Lichtenberger of Van Wert. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
Martha was preceded in death by one daughter, Deloris Lichtenberger who passed away in October of 2013; a grandson, Jon Lichtenberger and two great-grandsons, Nicholas and William Lichtenberger.
Services will be held at 12 p.m. Monday, January 5, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert with Pastor Dan York officiating. Interment will take place at Fletcher Cemetery, near Wren. Calling hours are 10 a.m. until time of services on Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in memory of Martha can be made to the Wren Fire & EMS Department.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 12/30/25 at 6:59 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Carolyn Sue Priddy, 79, passed away peacefully Monday evening surround by her loving family on Monday, December 29, 2025, at VanCrest of Van Wert.
She was born on September 22, 1946, in Van Wert, the daughter of Edwin J. Pierce and Margaret E. (Schwartz) Pierce, who both preceded her in death. On June 8, 1985, she married Max L. Priddy who survives of Van Wert.
Other family survivors include her daughter, Diana L. Swander of Van Wert; one brother, David J. (Karen) Pierce of Avon, Indiana; two grandchildren, Michelle (Ted) Tate of Convoy and Stephanie (Austin) Thomas of Maumee; seven great-grandchildren, Kaedyn Swander, Kallie Swander, Kole Swander, Lyla Thomas, Connor Thomas, Pierce Tate and Rebel Tate, and one great great-grandson, Stetson Swander.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her two children, Mary and Barry McHugh and one sister, Nancy Sheets.
Carolyn worked at the Huffy’s Bicycle plant in Celina for 27 years, until it closed in 1998, then she worked for CME in Monroeville, Indiana. She continue working for a few years at Crestview Local Schools in the cafeteria and she attended the Pleasant Chapel United Methodist Church with Max.
A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, January 3, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City. Calling hours are at 10 a.m. until time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to the Van Wert Hospice-CHP.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 12/30/25 at 6:50 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
