Obituary Policy

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. 

Larry G. Cashel

Larry G. Cashel, 83, of Findlay, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Bridge Hospice Care Center.

He was born in Van Wert, Ohio, on July 15, 1943, to Harry J. and Olive Mae (Prichard) Cashel.

Larry is survived by his two children, Doug (Janice) Cashel and Lindsay (Andrew) Follas, as well as their mother, Karen (Wise) Cashel. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Peyton Cashel, Taylor Follas and Megan Follas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Louise Davies, and his companion of 24 years, Wanda Jo Frankforther.

Larry was a 1961 graduate of Van Wert High School. He earned his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University. He completed his post-graduate work at the University of Oklahoma, University of Toledo, and BGSU, earning his Master’s plus 30.

He began his teaching career at Hayes High School in Delaware, Ohio, where he taught math, biology, and driver education. Larry then moved to Findlay, where he taught at Findlay High School for 28 years, teaching Biology I and II, and driver education. During his high school teaching career, he earned the following awards: Most Influential Teacher in 1984, and Outstanding Science Educator Award for Findlay City Schools in 1990-1991. After retirement from FHS, he taught for 9 years at Owens Community College.

Larry enjoyed spending time with family. He had many hobbies and interests, including reading, walking, playing guitar, billiards, motorcycles, Studebakers and dogs.

Per Larry’s request, a private family gathering will be held at a later date.

Preferred memorials: Findlay High School (c/o Science Dept.), or to the Humane Society of Hancock County.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents at Taylor Place for providing his home for the last year.

Hufford Family Funeral Home in Findlay was entrusted with arrangments.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at huffordfh.com.

Robert R. Schmidt

Robert R. Schmidt, 92, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Cedar Creek Assisted Living in Fort Wayne.  He was affectionately called “Grandpa” by the staff.

He was born on September 20, 1934 in Celina, to Rollie Russell Forrest Schmidt and Elsie Viola (Draper) Schmidt, who both preceded him in death.  Robert married Kay Ellen (Crosley) Schmidt on April 1, 1982, and she preceded him in death on January 9, 2005.

Robert is survived by his son, David Schmidt of Cape Canaveral, Florida; a daughter, Elaine Schmidt (Eric Riffle) of Indianapolis, Indiana; two stepsons, Shane Neate of Van Wert and Sean Neate of Louisiana; three grandchildren, Zac (Shayla) Riffle of Plainfield, Indiana, Kaylee (Daniel) Barr of Orlando, Florida and Dakotah (Garrett) Grantham of Orlando, Florida, and five great-grandchildren.

Robert worked at Kennedy Manufacturing in Van Wert for over 39 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents; a brother, Bill Schmidt, and three sisters, Bonnie Walls, Eva L. Burd, and Joyce Gates.

A private memorial will take place at a later date.

Preferred memorials: Solace Hospice of Roanoke, Indiana, or the Van Wert Humane Society.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Olivia “Leafy” Eickholt

Olivia “Leafy” Eickholt, 96, of Ottoville, passed away at 3:33 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

She was born September 23, 1930, in Fort Jennings to Anton and Elizabeth (Wieging) Berelsman, who both preceded her in death. On September 2, 1950, she married Orval R. Eickholt, who preceded her in death on March 8, 2014.

Survivors include 10 children, Karan (Kenneth) Maenle of Fort Jennings, Timothy (Beth) Eickholt of Ottoville, Tina (Thomas) Miller of Tipp City, Brenda (Cindy Johnson) Eickholt of Ottoville, Richard (Becky) Eickholt of Ottoville, Brian (Diane) Eickholt of Ottoville, Janice (Larry) Honigford of Ottoville, Patrick (Debra) Eickholt of Kalida, Bruce (Amy) Eickholt of Fort Jennings and Elaine (Butch) Calvelage of Ottoville; 36 grandchildren; 63 great-grandchildren and two on the way, and one great-great-grandchild and one on the way.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by 11 siblings, William (Mildred) Berelsman, Margaret (Vitus) Erhart, Cecilia (Carl) Plescher, Mary (Felix) Hoersten, Loretta (Lester) Leatherman, Linus (Leona) Berelsman, Ambrose Berelsman, Bernadine (Anthony) Hoersten, Hubert Berelsman, Albert (Mabel) Berelsman and Norbert (Belva) Berelsman.

Olivia was a homemaker and member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville and its Altar Rosary Society. She was very dedicated to her faith, involved in her church, and lived for her family. Olivia helped with the lunch stand during the parish festival, helped prepare funeral meals and cleaned the church. She always had a smile on her face and enjoyed polka dancing and traveling. Above all, Olivia loved spending time with her family and attending their many activities.

A funeral mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 7, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with Very Reverend George Mahas officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville. Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Friday, November 6, and from 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com.

Dy Ann Davis

Dy Ann Davis, 79, of Convoy, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Van Wert Manor.

She was born on May 26, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Richard C. and Frances (Shindledecker) Davis.

Dy Ann lived a fulfilling life dedicated to her family and community. Dy Ann retired from Van Wert County Hospital, where she served for 20 years in the registration department, a role that showcased her commitment to helping others. She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Van Wert.

Affectionately known as “Chocolate” among family and friends, Dy Ann was renowned for her delicious brownies and loved to share her home with family and friends during family gatherings. Her passion for life was evident in her love for her Ford Mustang, her enjoyment of nature-particularly feeding and watching birds-and her fondness for watching movies.

Dy Ann is survived by her beloved children, Rich “Butch” (Betty) Davis of Tennessee, Angela (Sanford) Kohorst of Convoy, Tammy (Doug) Highland of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Kelly (Steve) Merkle of Van Wert; grandchildren, Brian (Cresta) Antus, Lynette “Nikki” (Chris) Brown, Tiffanie (Ben) Crawford, Katie (Chris) Kraner, Joseph Merkle, Jacob Merkle, Cody (Breanna) Highland and Ashley (Colson) Traxler; great- grandchildren, Abby, Katelyn, Hunter, Isabella, Ezekiel and Kimber; a brother Richard C. “Chuck” (Dale) Davis; her sister, Daomi Robey, and a sister-in-law, Sheri Davis. She will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandchildren, Zack Davis and Tyler Davis; a brother, Jon S. Davis, and a brother-in-law, Frank Robey.

Visitation for Dy Ann will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, November 7, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Roger Lee Kiracofe

Roger Lee Kiracofe, 73, of Van Wert, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

He was born on December 26, 1952, in Van Wert to William Dean and Dora Mae (Myers) Kiracofe.

Roger retired after a 43-year career as a tool and die maker at Federal Mogul in Van Wert. He was a devoted member of the Van Wert and Celina Moose lodges and a lifetime member of the Van Wert VFW Auxiliary, where he cherished the camaraderie and friendships formed over the years. Roger loved the Las Vegas Raiders and the Ohio State Buckeyes, sharing many joyful moments with family and friends while rooting for his teams.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Gerri (Long) Kiracofe; his daughter, Heather Marie Kiracofe; his son, Joshua Lee Kiracofe; his stepdaughter, Cara (Noah) Beall; his grandchildren, Sean Ramos, Alexis (Mike) Schleeter, Brendan Kiracofe, Daniel Clark, Quinn Kiracofe and Tripp Beall; his great- grandchildren, Lovelynn, Kyson and Kamdyn; his siblings, Jill (Mike) Karcher, Joyce (Brad) Mills, and Dennis (Kerri) Kiracofe, and many nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Rodney Lee Kiracofe.

A celebration of Roger’s life will be held from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, December 5, at the Van Wert Moose Lodge 1320.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.

Rosalie Ann (Elston) McClure

Rosalie Ann (Elston) McClure passed away with her family at her side at Van Wert Hospital on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Rosalie was born on August 19, 1937, to Ray and Rosella (Harpster) Elston. She was the sixth child of eight children in her family. Rosalie had three sisters and four brothers.

She grew up east of Grover Hill on her family farm. Her childhood knew tragedy, when, at age 12, her father passed away in a farm accident. Her older brothers and sisters plus their spouses stepped in and helped her mother with the younger children.

On September 28, 1958, in Grover Hill, Rosalie was escorted down the aisle by her oldest brother, Lloyd, to marry Roger McClure. Rosalie always said that she was the luckiest women in the world to be Roger McClure’s wife. They recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Rosalie and Roger lived east of Grover Hill on a farm.

Michael Jay (Heidi) McClure was born followed by Marcia Kay (Fred) Pond, Jodean Ann (Jeff) Yancey, and Jarrick Alan (Anita) McClure. In time, 10 grandchildren followed. Mallory Ruth Pond, Brian Michael (Chelsey) McClure, Robert Dean Pond, Rachel Elise (Ryan) Schwartz, Sarah Janay (Colin) Abell, Carlene Roselyn (Anthon) Ostergaard, Matthew Elston (fiancé Natalie) Jones, Tyler Marie McClure (deceased), Jack Tyler (fiancé Jordyn) McClure, and Anna Marie McClure. Seven great-grandchildren were added the last few years, Adelyn Grace McClure, Logan Michael Schwartz, Christian Elston Ostergaard, Joshua Todd Abell, Elliana Rose Schwartz, Annie Jo Abell, and Rose Elin Ostergaard as well as a step-great-grandchild Bailey Thomas.

Rosalie was valedictorian of the Grover Hill Class of 1955 as well as a cheerleader for the Grover Hill Hornets. Her two best friends were Edna Mae (Bidlack) Spitnale and Shelby Jean (Barnes) Noffsinger. They have remained friends their entire lives.

Rosalie worked at Central Mutual Insurance Company until her first child was born. She also was an election poll worker and census taker. The job Rosalie was best known for was at Wayne Trace Local Schools (Grover Hill Elementary), where she was known as Mrs. McClure to hundreds of “Little Raiders”. She enjoyed her job for 25 years until Roger and she retired, within days of each other, to start their retirement years. Another job she loved was working alongside Roger planting and harvesting the crops the Lord blessed them with on their farm ground.

Rosalie was active in the community. She attended church at Roselm Christian Church before becoming part of the congregation at Middle Creek Church in the 1970s. At Roselm, she was a member of Ladies Aid. Rosalie helped with Sunday School and Bible School for many years. She had the most beautiful alto voice when she sang in the choir. Rosalie was also a part of the Lattawa Ladies Group.

Rosalie and Roger went on a farm tour to the Hawaiian Islands for their retirement. They also wintered in Bradenton, Florida for quite a few years. In time, seven couples in Florida became close friends. You would find them eating out on Thursday nights and playing Pegs and Jokers. Many games of shuffleboard and Euchre were also played. Rosalie and Roger were very active in their grandkid’s lives. Many hours were spent on the road between, Kent, Cincinnati, and Angola, Indiana. From sports, school programs, 4-H shows and anything else imaginable, they were the biggest supporters there ever was. They were blessed to be able to attend grandchildren’s high school and college graduations as far away as California plus many weddings. To keep up with the family, they learned how to use FaceTime to be able to see their family member’s faces. The family has many wonderful memories with Rosalie.

She was a chef extraordinaire. Rosalie loved to make sweets, Cherry Delight, Pineapple Pie (Roger’s favorite), Snickerdoodles, Strawberry Shortcake, and Scotcharoos that the grandchildren gobbled up. She could also stretch food like no one else. Rosalie’s “Field Hamburgers” were the best with mustard and home-canned pickles that she would slide warm into a sandwich bag when busy farming. She loved the hickory nut trees in their yard. Rosalie and Roger would crack the hickory nuts in the winter for hickory nut cake and other goodies.

Rosalie was the best mother-in-law, welcoming her daughters-in-law and sons-in-law into the family but never overstepping her bounds. Rosalie kept wonderful and fascinating records of every Christmas since she was married. She was great at making photo albums. She loved to organize drawers, closets, garages and more. Rosalie also loved hosting Elston family summer weekend reunions where Rosalie’s extended family would pile onto the farm with tents, campers, swimming gear, and lots of food including homemade ice cream. Games of volleyball, euchre, croquet, as well as campfires made a weekend everyone looked forward to.

Most of all, Rosalie was a godly woman, full of grace, who loved her family fiercely. In 2015, Rosalie and Roger moved from the farm east of Grover Hill to Van Wert. They still attended church in Grover Hill and checked their farm fields each Sunday after church. While they made many new friends in Van Wert, they kept in touch with many of their Grover Hill and Florida friends.

Rosalie is also survived by her brothers, Don Elston and Gerry (Cathy) Elston; 21 nieces and nephews, along with many great and great-great-nieces and nephews where she was known as “Aunt Wee”. She is also survived by in-laws Sharon (Darwin, deceased) McClure and Gary (Vicki) McClure.

Rosalie was proceeded in death by her parents, her in-laws Floyd and Elma McClure; her brothers Lloyd (Orpha) Elston and Randy Elston; her sisters Lois (Kenneth) Kohn, Colleen Cook, and Eileen (Noel) Thomas; her sister-in-law Barb Elston, as well as her granddaughter Tyler Marie McClure and nephew Bret Elston.

Viewing will be from 3-7 p.m. Monday, November 2 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert. Funeral services will be at Middle Creek Church in Grover Hill at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 3, with viewing one hour before.

Memorial suggestion – “Wayne Trace Schools – Memo Line: No Child Goes Hungry Fund”.

The family would like to thank everyone who has helped in some way in the last year and a half to care for Rosalie.

Online condolences may be expressed at alspachgearhart.com.

Brian Jay Sinn

Brian Jay Sinn, 67, of Convoy, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Rockford.

He was born on February 2, 1959, in Van Wert to John and Thelma (Eddy) Sinn, who both preceded him in death. On August 16, 1980, he married Brenda Sinn who survives.

He is survived by his children, Brandi (Jeremiah) Eller of Rockford, Brett (Jamie) Sinn of Van Wert, and Bryce (Haley) Sinn of Ohio City; seven grandchildren, Dakota Eller, Kade Eller, Chloe Black, Ethan Sinn, Breanna Sinn, Brooklyn Sinn, and Braxton Sinn; his sister, Beth (Terry) Fackler of Fort Wayne, Indiana; his brother, Bruce (Vicki) Sinn of Columbus; in-laws, Brian (Sue) Price, Russell (Lora) Price, Rodney (Sherri) Price, and Jennifer (Marty) Simounet. He leaves behind a family who will continue to carry his memory forward with love and gratitude for the time they shared with him.

Brian will be remembered as a hardworking man who spent his career at Tenneco as a maintenance mechanic. Outside of work, he enjoyed boating, tinkering, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and cheering on the Cowboys as an avid football fan. Some of his happiest times were spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren, and with his dog, Brinkley. He also treasured time spent at Marble Lake.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, John Robert and Thelma (Eddy) Sinn; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Eugene and Marge Price; his brother and sister-in-law, David and DeAnna Sinn, and his niece, Danielle Sinn.

Funeral services for Brian will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 3, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Van Wert, with Pastor Briana Geiger officiating. There will be visitation for family and friends from 2-6 p.m. Monday, November 2, and one hour ahead of funeral services on Tuesday.

Preferred memorials: Everheart Hospice.

Online condolences may be expressed at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Jesus Silva Contreras Sr.

Jesus Silva Contreras Sr., 87, of Celina, a former Van Wert resident, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the EverHeart Hospice Care Center in Greenville.

He was born January 24, 1939, in Knippa, Texas, the son of Edubijen G. and Ursula (Silva) Contreras.

His parents, and daughters: Jenoveva and Rosario Contreras, preceded Jesus in death.

Jesus and Danika Hale were married on April 27, 2002.  He is survived by his wife: Danika, sister-in-law: Diana DeLeon; niece, Rene Perez; sons, Johnny, Jesse Jr. and Robert Contreras, Christopher Garcia of Bandera, Texas, and BJ Garcia of San Antonio, Texas, and grandchildren, Maria Gonzalez of McAllen, Texas, and Dominic, Madison, Gabrielle, Mason, Alex and Annabelle Garcia.

Jesus also has an adopted daughter: Marcy Hodges, and granddaughter: Andrea Petrick, of Celina.

He had worked as a toolmaker at Kennedy Manufacturing in Van Wert and Jesus was an avid Dallas Cowboys football fan.

There are no services planned.

Online condolences can be expressed to Jesus’ family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home of Celina.

Kathy S. Goslin

Kathy S. Goslin, 72, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Van Wert.

She was born on July 2, 1954, in St. Marys, to Donald E. Hammons Sr., who preceded her in death, and Anna M. (Winget) Hammons who survives of Van Wert. On October 4, 1996, she married Ronald John Goslin and he passed away on January 26, 2022.

She is also survived by her sons, Joseph A. (Jennifer) Moore, of Toledo, R D. and Michael Kline; two daughters, Tonya Weyrid and Tina Stocklin; granddaughters, Zoey Moore and Nevaeh Moore; her brother, Dewey Hammons of Van Wert; three sisters, Rose Gordon of Sandusky, Mary (Andy) Edwards of Melrose, and Sarah (Jeff) Miller of Ottoville, and many nieces and nephews.

Kathy was a graduate of Columbus Grove High School. Her life was marked by steady work and devotion to those she loved. She will be remembered with love by her family and by all who knew her. Kathy memory remains in the lives of those she leaves behind, and she will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald; a son Curtis Stoklin; three brothers, David Hammons, Donald E. Hammons, Jr, and Daniel Hammons, and two sisters, Brenda and Bambi Hammons.

A celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Donations can be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation in honor of Kathy.

Online condolences may be expressed at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Portia R. (Stoller) McCoy Witherow

Portia R. (Stoller) McCoy Witherow passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

A longtime resident of Van Wert County, she was born to Irene E. (Kuntz) and David R. Stoller on Aug. 17, 1950.

She married Carl C. “Joe” McCoy II on July 11, 1976. They had two children, C. Callon (Lyndi) McCoy III and Carmen (Andrew) Mueller. Joe preceded her in death in April 1996. She married Robert L. Witherow on May 29, 1999. He preceded her in death in Oct. 2018. Bob had two sons, Timothy (Tara) Witherow and Thomas Witherow.

She had five siblings: Linda Honegger (deceased), Harvey (Susan) Stoller (deceased), Bonnie (Tom) Evans, Betty (Gaylord) Dotterer, and Clark (Mary) Stoller. She also had four grandchildren: Juliana, C.H. “Joe”, Finn and Nathaniel.

Portia was raised on a farm in Paulding County and attended Blue Creek School through high school when they moved to Van Wert and she graduated from Van Wert High School in 1968. Portia and Joe operated McCoy’s Flowers and Diamonds in Van Wert for many years, where she loved engaging with people and being a part of the community. Later, Portia became a dietary manager and worked at Van Wert County Hospital before she and Bob moved to South Carolina for eight years, during which time she retired. They returned to Van Wert County in 2016.

Portia was a tender-hearted, gentle lady who cared deeply for those around her and always looked for a way to help. She was raised in the Apostolic Christian Church in Latty and most recently attended Grace Bible Church. Her faith was her constant joy and comfort. She loved nature and anytime she could be outside was her favorite time. Through the years, she loved snow-skiing, water-skiing, hiking, gardening and visiting national and state parks. Most of all, she loved her family and spending time together. She will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 29, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Rev. Lance Hostetler, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, and one hour prior to services on Thursday, both at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at alspachgearhart.com.