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
Suzanne Youtsey, 81, of rural Ohio City, passed away Sunday morning, August 16, 2026, at Lima Memorial Hospital.
She was born on March 21, 1945, in Van Wert, the daughter of Leroy Kenneth Spray and Marcele L. (Montague) Spray, who both preceded her in death. She was married on September 4, 1964, to Roger D. Youtsey who preceded her in death on June 14 of this year.
She was a 1963 of Van Wert High School. She met her future husband Roger while still in high school at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, where they both stabled their horses. For many years thereafter she enjoyed riding and showing her horses side by side with her husband and son. Later, she and Roger owned and operated R&S Tack. She also enjoyed gardening, jigsaw puzzles, reading and her beloved kitty cats.
She is survived by her only son, Rodney Youtsey and daughter-in-law Lisa; her brother, Mike Spray; a sister-in-law, Jan Spray, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Suzanne was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald K. Spray and a sister-in-law, Janice Spray.
Her family wishes a sincere thank-you to the Wren EMS, Convoy EMS, Van Wert Health Hospital, Lima Memorial Hospital ICU and Bridge Hospice.
There will be no services at this time.
Preferred memorials: Wren EMS or Convoy EMS.
Online condolences may be expressed at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 08/18/26 at 7:55 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Ellen (Barnhart) Grimes, 90, of Van Wert, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at her residence.
She was born December 27, 1935, in Boone County, West Virginia, to Allen “Allie” and Thelma Opal (Leonard) Barnhart, who both preceded her in death. Ellen married Edward L. Grimes, and he preceded her in death on August 31, 2025.
She retired from Universal Lettering, formerly the Overall Factory, in Van Wert, after many years of service. Ellen sewed countless F.F.A. jackets throughout her working years, which lasted into her 80’s.
Ellen attended Lifehouse Church in Van Wert. She loved gardening, working on crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, and in her younger years she enjoyed many camping trips with Ed and her family. Most recently, Ellen enjoyed life with her beloved cat, Tilly.
Ellen is survived by her children, Jon (Suzie) Grimes of Van Wert and Cindy Dailey of Van Wert; her grandchildren, Melissa (Rick) Gent, Lyndsay (Whitney) Drake, Travis (Jami) Grimes, Gavin (Sofia) Cross, Chadd Dailey and Jodi Zimmerman; her great-grandchildren, Kylee (Nate), Alyssa (Holden), Elizabeth, Brok, Kyndra, Stella, Creed, Anikyn, Abel, Chloe, Bryce and Olivia; her great-great-grandchildren, Avionna and Zavier, and a sister, Karen (Dennis) Stout of Van Wert.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ed, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Dennis Dailey; brothers, Harrell, Allie, Delbert, Bobby, Jimmy and Bill Barnhart, and sisters, Betty Jewel, Janet Risley, Ceola Shindeldecker, Loretta Rader, Rosalee Miller and Arbadella Coressel.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 20, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Vince Barnhart, officiating. Private burial will take place Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point, at a later date. Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 08/18/26 at 5:42 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Elaine Varalla, 79, recently passed away unexpectedly in Van Wert.
She was born March 9, 1947 in Van Wert County.
Professionally, Elaine worked as a cardiac intensive care nurse and in medical case management for persons with complex medical needs. She was always ready to help others, especially as a patient advocate. She also doted on her dog, Jacques, and her cat, Roxy.
Not liking cold weather, she lived in California for many years. Later she bought a house in Sun City West and lived part of the year in Arizona.
A 1965 Van Wert High School graduate, she earned her RN degree at Miami Valley School of Nursing in Dayton, as well as a BSN degree from California State University at Dominquez Hills.
Her parents, Robert Vaughn and Marcile Rinard, as well as her brother, Alan, and husbands Andy Barnhart and John Varalla preceded her in death.
Survivors include sisters, Kathy (Al) Cook of Dublin, Linda Snyder of College Station, Texas, and Deb Rinard of Phoenix, Arizona; a sister-in-law, Beth (Al) Rinard of Westerville, and many nieces and nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Preferred memorials: the Van Wert Humane Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.
The family was assisted in making arrangements by Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert.
POSTED: 08/17/26 at 2:56 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Lori Ann Clouse, 62, of Ohio City, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne.
She was born on March 7, 1964, in Van Wert the daughter of John Dixon, who preceded her in death, and Nancy (Myers) Dixon who survives in Van Wert. She was also preceded in death by her stepfather, George “Butch” Spees.
Family survivors include her husband, Carl D. Clouse whom she married March 17, 1984; a son, Josh (Kelly) Clouse of Convoy; two grandchildren, Griffin and Grace Clouse; siblings, Paul (Helen) Dixon, Sara (Phil) Lape, Tony Dixon and Amy (Don) Rasawehr all of Van Wert; in-laws, Larry (Donna) Clouse of Van Wert and Paula (Denny) Felver of Hamilton, Indiana, and step-siblings Kimri Smith and Troy Spees of Cincinnati, Ben (Maggie) Spees, Steve (Teresa) Spees, and Shane Spees all off Lima. She has several nieces and nephews.
Lori was a 1982 graduate of Lincolnview High School and graduate of Wright State University. She was the child support supervisor of the Van Wert County Children Services Department where she worked over 38 years. She was also the treasurer for the Ohio Child Support Professional Association NW District.
Lori was very involved with her grandchildren following their various activities. She enjoyed shopping with her sisters and friends. Lori enjoyed spending time with family especially playing cards and at the lake.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 19, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Pastor Brad Adams officiating. There will be calling hours from 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, August 18, and one hour prior to services on Wednesday, all at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials: to the family or to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be expressed at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 08/17/26 at 7:48 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Ike Eugene States, 74, of Van Wert, passed away Tuesday morning, August 11, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
He was born August 3, 1952, in Indiana, Pennsylvania. On July 3, 1991, he married Connie Sue Ewing States, who survives.
Ike was a hardworking man who dedicated many years of his life to his family and his work at Whirlpool in Greenville. He took pride in providing for those he loved and will be remembered for the life he built with his family.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing, and had a special love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his two sons, Thomas Jay (McKenzie) States and Kyllian Chad (Kingston Craig) States, of Van Wert; two grandchildren, Kaiden X. States and Ameriah Dawn Schleeter; a sister, Cindy Fetterman, and five brothers, Walter Fetterman, Danny Fetterman, Blay Fetterman, Bob States, and Tom States.
Ike will be deeply missed by his family and loved ones, who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no services or visitation.
POSTED: 08/15/26 at 12:40 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Helen “Kay” Doster, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at VanCrest Nursing Home in Payne, surrounded by her family.
Helen was born on May 7, 1939, to Mary Elizabeth “Betty” and Edward Tinlin, both of whom preceded her in death. On August 13, 1955, she married Dennis Lee Doster, who preceded her in death on Sept 14, 2025.
Kay attended Blue Creek High School. She was a homemaker and took wonderful care of her family. She loved to cook, garden, and listen to her music.
Kay had a deep love for her family. Her greatest joy came from watching her children and grandchildren in events. She rarely missed and was always their biggest fan. Throughout her life, she enjoyed traveling. One of her annual destinations was Nashville, Tennessee. She and her husband, Dennis, enjoyed traveling with her brother-in-law, sister-in-law and friends. One of the highlights of her life was her trip to Hawaii.
She is survived by her four children, Jean (George) Porter of Paulding, Kimberly Pitser of Antwerp, Dennis “Denny” (Kimberly) Doster of Paulding, and Dawn (Joey) Meza of Santa Rosa, Florida; nine grandchildren, Michelle (Shane) Sidle, Eric (Jessica) Armstrong, Ashley (Bill) Kindle, Melissa Scott, Logan (Danielle) Doster, Cameron Doster, Sean (Melissa), Jared, and Brandon Meza; and 12 great-grandchildren: Jacob Sidle, Delaney and Devin Scott, Dylan, Corbyn, and Elizabeth Armstrong, Liam and Charlotte Kindle, Chloe and Jackson Doster, Andrew and Aaron Meza. She is also survived by his sister-in-law, Margaret Williamson.
Kay was preceded in death by an infant son, Gary Allen.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 15, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial will follow in Hedges Cemetery in Jackson Township. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.
The family requests no flowers or funeral memorabilia. Please direct any contributions in Kay’s memory to Vancrest of Payne Activity Fund.
Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.
POSTED: 08/12/26 at 2:49 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Jessica Kristeen Small, 51, of Convoy, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Jessica was born on October 26, 1974, to Tim and Janet Wollet. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and teacher whose life was defined by the love she gave to others.
Jessica was the beloved wife of Jay Small. On August 5, Jessica and Jay celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary, marking 26 years of marriage and 31 amazing years together. Their love was a beautiful testament to the life they built side by side, through all of life’s seasons.
She was a proud mother to Kyle Small and his wife, Haley, Kole Small, and Kali Small (Evan Edwards). She was also a cherished grandmother to her two grandchildren, Aiden and Addison, whom she adored more than words could express. She could talk about Aiden and Addie all day long, and being their grandmother was one of the greatest joys of her life.
Jessica had a true calling for teaching. She dedicated 26 years of her life to Van Wert City Schools, where she touched the lives of countless children through her compassion, patience, guidance, and unwavering belief in them. She earned her master’s degree and continued to pour her heart into the students she taught and the work she loved. For Jessica, teaching was never simply a job-it was her calling. She cared deeply about her students and was passionate about helping them learn, grow, and believe in themselves. The impact she made over her 26 years in education reached far beyond the classroom, and the lives she touched will forever carry a piece of her with them.
Those who knew Jessica will remember her for her big heart, beautiful smile, and the best hugs. She had a way of knowing exactly what to say, no matter what someone was going through. She made people feel heard, loved, and cared for. Her kindness came naturally, and she never hesitated to be there for the people she loved.
Outside of teaching, Jessica loved shopping, spending time with her family and friends, and, perhaps most of all, simply talking. She could spend hours talking with her girlfriends, one of them being her dear friend Amy Smith. Whether they were sharing stories, laughing, or simply catching up, Jessica treasured the friendships she had built throughout her life. She loved being surrounded by the people she cared about and could turn even the simplest moments into memories.
In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren, and parents, Jessica is survived by her mother and father-in-law, Brad and Lillian Small; brothers Travis (Tracy) Dickson, Shaun (Vicki) Wollet, and Adam (Michelle) Wollet; brother-in-law Brian (Amber) Small; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, former students, and loved ones whose lives she touched.
Though her family and friends are left with an unimaginable emptiness, Jessica’s love will remain in every hug, every lesson, every conversation, and every memory she left behind.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, August 15, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Visitation will be held from 12-4 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 08/11/26 at 1:07 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Patricia Ann (Grabowski) Rayman, 79, of Van Wert County, passed away peacefully at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima Inpatient Hospice at 5:13 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, after a courageous battle with Myasthenia Gravis at Mercy Health. Blessed with a rare and gentle humility, her life was a beautiful tapestry of kindness, selfless giving, and sacred devotion. She poured her heart into her family, her friends, and her art, forever shaping the young lives she so lovingly taught.
She was born September 2, 1946, in the General Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey. It has been said her mother went into labor while taking in a show at Radio Music Hall, to Adolph ‘Al’ Stanley Grabowski and Pauline Damchak-Grabowski, who both preceded her in death. On May 23, 1975, Pat married Bernard ‘Ben’ Rayman at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Delphos, officiated by Rev. Albert Ottenweller.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Barbara Rood of West Milford, New York, and Janet Ravas and brother-in-law, Robert Ravas of Scotia, New York; nephew, Steven Anderson of Forked River, New Jersey; father and mother-in-law, Edward L. and Hazel (Fogt) Rayman of Ottoville; in-laws, Thomas and Sara Rayman, and Roger Ulm Sr., Delphos.
Pat is survived by her husband, Ben; sister-in-law, Charlotte Rayman-Ulm of Delphos; brother-in-law, Walter J. Rood of Toms River, New Jersey; nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Randy) Ulm-Teman and Ashley (Justis) Teman-Dowdy of Van Wert; Andrew (Brooke) Teman of Delphos; Brooke Teman of Detroit; Amy (Kevin Brinkman) Rayman-Mercer of Fort Jennings; Avery and Gage Mercer of Delphos; Roger (Mandy) Ulm Jr., Drew Ulm and Logan Ulm of Venedocia; April F. Rayman, Nate and Alex Rayman of Van Wert; Robert (Debra) Ravas of Wappinger Falls, New York and Parish, Florida; Debra Rood-Anderson, Lisa Anderson-Potter and Eric Anderson of Toms River, New Jersey; Richard and Karen Rood, and Brittney Rood of Wayne, New Jersey and many more extended Grabowski and Rayman family members throughout the U.S., including Pat’s very close friends, who she embraced as treasured sisters and brothers.
Patricia Rayman was a practicing teacher of the arts for all ages. Born and educated on the east coast, she was initially taught by working professionals from New York City. She was a graduate of the New Jersey School of Fine and Industrial Arts, New York Institute of Photography, and the Maryland Institute College of Art. Also, she successfully completed countless continued education courses and programs in art academics and a host of art applications as well as writing and children’s literature.
After a summer teaching post ended where she worked with special children, Pat declined career opportunities to apply her creative skill as an illustrator for an eminent greeting card company on New York’s Madison Avenue as well as to remain and teach art education within her east coast roots. Through college friend, Margaret Harter, she learned of art teacher opening. She ventured to Delphos, a rural agricultural city located in the northwest central corridor of Ohio, and taught at Franklin Elementary, Jefferson Middle and Landeck schools for over 32 years. However, her teaching was not limited to children, but all ages at various art organizations, including university art academics.
Patricia Rayman not only practiced what she taught, but realized years later her first two years in art school – and being taught by professionals – made the transition to education a success for her and for the children. Additionally, she was showered with hundreds of awards for her own art and photography, including having her artworks published in several books.
Concurrently over the years she was selected as Big Sister of the Year for her involvement in a young girl’s life which allowed this child to bud from a thorny environment and blossom forward with noted local and national achievements. She was also selected Tri-County Woman-of-the-Year for her volunteerism and an undaunted willingness of providing encouragement; Art is ageless, not only to the young, but even amongst nursing home seniors.
Pat has been recognized by the Ohio Senate for her humanitarian contributions which goes back to her younger years working wit emotionally and physically handicapped children. In addition, she also received an Outstanding Achievement in Education award as the founder of Art-to-Art: Building Friendships Through Art, (1986-2006) a national art-based education program which bridged the gap with the subjects of Geography, History, Reading, Writing, and Communications through Human Relations. The program peaked to over 400 schools in 42 states, having a potential awareness via print media exposed of 50 million. Her so-far life’s travels read like a Who’s Who list; in fact, she was included in Who’s Who In America n the past.
A Funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, August 14, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Delphos. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, August 13, at Weber Funeral Home, Delphos, where a Parish Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m.
Preferred memorials: Ohio City Fire Department/EMS, Wassenberg Art Center, St. Rita’s – Mercy Health Spiritual Department, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Special heartfelt gratitude for all their prayers to Father Joseph Varghese, St. Michael’s Catholic Church; Father Kent Kaufman, St. Charles Catholic Church, Lima; Chaplin Scott Long, Independent Bible Church; Chaplin John Sclier, Chaplain Ben Neff, Churches of God, General Conference Rev. Chaska Yoder and Darrin Belousek, Mennonite; Elder Allen Juan and Sister Anna Myers, Kingdom Hall, and Chaplain Herb Wilker for their spiritual blessings, including special friends and family that visited Pat while awaiting.
POSTED: 08/11/26 at 1:06 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Carole J. Long, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, at the age of 88.
She was born on November 16, 1937, in rural Van Wert County, to Kenneth and Ruth (Rogers) DuCheney, who both preceded her in death.
She spent her life in the loving community of Middle Point, where she created a legacy of service, faith, and family. On October 6, 1956, Carole married Ronald D. Long, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and devotion.
Carole graduated from Van‑Del High School and devoted 32 years of her life to the Middle Point Telephone Company. She was a lifetime member of Bethel United Methodist Church, where she held several offices.
For more than 16 years, Carole shared her deep faith and compassion as a volunteer at Van Wert Manor, teaching Bible classes and touching countless lives. She was also a proud member of the Sweet Adelines Lima Chapter, where her love of music shone brightly.
Carole’s joy for life was evident in her many passions. She cherished gardening, nurturing vibrant blooms that reflected her warm spirit. She and her husband, Ronald, spent countless joyful hours traveling throughout the United States. Most fulfilling of all was cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events and activities-her pride in her family knew no bounds.
She is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Long; daughter, Kim (Kent) Hughes; son‑in‑law, Dave Thomas; sisters‑in‑law, Marlene and Karen Ducheney; grandchildren: Kyle (Cindy) Aulby, Chris (Tricia) Hughes, Sheena Thomas, Cody (Katie) Hughes; and great‑grandchildren: Beth Hughes, Ila Hughes, Maggie Hughes, Molly Hughes, Kacey Hughes, and Patrick and Lain.
In addition to her parents, Carole was preceded in death by her daughter, Joy Thomas; brothers, Ralph and Kent Ducheney; and great‑grandson, Nolan James Thomas.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, August 13, at the Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, Van Wert, with Rev. David To presiding. Interment will follow in Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Trinity Global Methodist Church’s Mission Fund.
Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 08/10/26 at 2:59 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Diane Kathleen (Rickard) Carroll, 77, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at her daughter Tammy’s home from an extended illness while being cared for by her children, loved ones and Community Health Professionals Hospice of Van Wert.
She was born on July 22, 1949, in Van Wert, to Robert and Ruth (Kittle) Rickard, who both preceded her in death. On April 12, 1980, she married Robert Carroll Sr. They shared their life together until his passing on November 10, 2024.
Diane worked for Fortman’s Crescent Linen Services in Van Wert, Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert, and retired from the Van Wert Manor. She always enjoyed working and being able to help others. She loved to go fishing and camping with her family and friends and was a life member of the Van Wert V.F.W. Auxilary Post #5803.
Diane is survived by her sister, Deb (Tony) Krick of Van Wert; a brother, Robert Rickard of Lima; her children, Tammy (Terry) Chrisman, Suzi McClure, Craig (Rhonda Lathrop) Rase, Brian Rase, Tracy (Robin Mengerink) Rase and Robert (Jason Gurwell) Carroll Jr. all of Van Wert; brother in laws, Gary (Judy) Carroll of Dothan, Alabama, Ed (Diane) Keirns, Harry (Lisa Stripe) Keirns and David (Mia) Keirns all of Van Wert; 14 grandchildren, and 22 great- grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Diane was also preceded in death by her son in law, Jody McClure; niece, Shelly (Hunnaman) Miller, and nephew, Danny Hunnaman.
A celebration of Diane’s life will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Van Wert V.F.W. Post #5803.
Any flowers and gifts can be delivered to 332 S. Franklin St, Van Wert.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 08/10/26 at 2:25 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
