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
Beverly K. Allison, 81, of Convoy, passed away at 5 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Lima Memorial Hospital.
She was born on November 9, 1944, in Van Wert, the daughter of Harold David and Cecille Jeanette (Foley) Allison, who both preceded her in death.
Family members include a son, Todd J. and Amy S. (Packer) Allison of Cookeville, Tennessee; two brothers, Robert W. (Kay) Allison of Chesapeake, Virginia and Paul D. Allison of Fremont, Indiana; a sister, Betty Jo Banta of Englewood, Florida; a brother-in-law Charles E. Baer of Convoy, several nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Linda L. Baer, sister-in-law, Beckie Allison, and brother-in-law Malcolm Banta.
Beverly was a 1963 graduate of Crestview High School and a member of the Convoy Methodist Church. She worked at Aeroquip-Eaton for 41 years retiring in 2004, where she enjoyed everyone she worked with but didn’t care much for Mondays. Beverly also was a member of the Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 and a member of the American Legion Post #420 Auxiliary of Monroeville, Indiana. She enjoyed watching football especially The Ohio State Buckeyes and would be found cheering them on loudly and proudly with her group of friends affectionately called “The Girls.”
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 10, at Convoy Methodist Church with Pastor Bill Thomas officiating. Burial with follow at I.O.O.F. Cemetery of Convoy. Vitiation will be from 3-7 p.m. Friday, October 9, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, and one hour ahead of services at the church on Saturday.
Preferred memorials: the Convoy Methodist Church or Wounded Warrior Project.
Online condolences may be expressed at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 10/06/26 at 8:52 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Richard Thomas Wolford, 80, passed away Sunday morning, October 4, 2026, at his home in Van Wert.
Richard was born on December 19, 1945, in Van Wert. He was born to Roscoe Dewaldo Wolford and Elva Agnes (Taylor) Wolford, who both preceded her in death. On December 24, 1965, he married Margueritte Sarah (Murray) Wolford prior to serving in Vietnam for a year. He was a proud Army veteran.
On September 4, 1969, they welcomed their first child Theresa Ann (Wolford) Mosier of Van Wert. Followed by other children: Thomas Richard Wolford of Convoy , Lisa Marie (Wolford) Johns of Ohio City, Joseph Daniel Wolford of Elida, Sarah Marguerite (Wolford) Gardner (James Gardner) of Clinton Township, MI, and Rebecca Jane (Wolford) Bornhorst (Bruce Bornhorst) of New Bremen. He has grandchildren, Tiffany Ann Wolford, Margueritte Sarah Bauer , Kaylee Elizabeth Wolford, Kaden Thomas Wolford, Elizabeth Marie (Phillips) Norris (Keaton Norris), Stella Rose Bornhorst, and Nora Jane Bornhorst. He also has great grandchildren: the late Parker James Wolford and Bailey Ann Bretz. Richard is survived brother Fred (Pat) Wolford of Lima.
Other than his parents, Richard was preceded in death his wife, Margueritte Sarah Wolford on January 2, 1997, his brothers, Bob Conley, Phil Wolford, Duane Wolford, Leroy Wolford, and Roger Wolford; sisters, Rebecca Wolford and Mary Ellen Corman, and one great-grandson Parker James Wolford.
Richard was a graduate of Van Wert High School. He retired from Eaton Corporation on January 8, 2012 after 32 years of service. Richard loved gardening, shooting his guns at the range, and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion, NRA, and St. Marys Catholic Church. Richard was a selfless man who would help anyone in need. He loved his children and grandchildren with all of his heart.
Vietnam was not the only battle he had to fight. Richard fought many battles throughout his life including losing his wife and raising young children, a massive heart attack a year after his wife’s death, and battles with brain cancer. He always fought every battle with dignity and strength and never had a single complaint. To know him was to love him. He gave his time, his guidance, and his affection without ever expecting anything in return. After 29 years, Richard is finally reunited with the love of his life, Maggie.
Services will held at 11 a.m. Thursday October 8, at St. Marys of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert. Burial will follow at Van Wert Woodland Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by the combined honor guard of the American Legion and V.F.W. Calling hours will held at Cowan and Son Funeral Home in Van Wert from 2-7 p.m. Wednesday October 7.
POSTED: 10/05/26 at 3:34 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Shirley Dunifon Stoller, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home September 26, 2026, in Coral Springs, Florida, at the age of 77.
Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Misty Stoller, her son Samuel H. Pinson IV and his wife Kyleigh Asencio; Angela Stoller Chuquimia, her husband Ruben Chuquimia, daughter Gabrielle Chuquimia, and son Carter Chuquimia, and Amber Stoller Harrell. She is also survived by her sister, Pamela Dunifon Beck and her husband Don Beck; their sons Steve Beck and his wife Jeanne Beck, and Brent Beck; and their grandchildren Ryan Beck and wife Darci Beck, and Aaron Beck, as well as great grandchildren Reese, Peyton, and Beaux Beck. Shirley is also survived by her husband Lonnie’s brothers Wendell and Dwight Stoller, and many Stoller family nephews and nieces.
Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lamar Leon ‘Lonnie’ Stoller; her parents, Donald and Ella Mae Frederick Dunifon; her brother, Ronald Dunifon; her nephew Craig Aaron Beck, and great niece Taylor Allison Beck. She was also preceded in death by Lonnie’s parents Wayne and Dorothy Stoller, and his sister Karen Stoller Hofacker.
Shirley was born in Van Wert and graduated from Van Wert High School. She continued her education at Fort Wayne Business College. There, she began building a life marked by dedication, family, friendship, and love. She met, fell in love, and married Lonnie Stoller of Latty. Together they raised their three daughters in Plymouth, Minnesota, before eventually moving to Melbourne, Florida. Shirley then moved to Coral Spring, Florida, following her husband’s passing.
Shirley retired after a long and fulfilling career as an executive assistant, working in the Minneapolis suburbs and later at hospitals in Melbourne and Boca Raton, Florida.
Shirley loved living life to the fullest and especially cherished time spent with family and friends. She enjoyed caring for her family, boating on Lake Minnetonka, spending time at the beach, and sleep overs at her home with her children and grandchildren.
She enjoyed traveling and taking cruises with her husband, and after his passing, continued to travel, making wonderful memories with family and friends. An avid Ohio State fan, Shirley rarely missed watching O-H-I-O State football games and loved sharing the excitement with family and friends.
Shirley’s upbeat, caring spirit touched everyone who knew her. Her warmth, kindness, and love will remain with us and continue to light our path. Though she is no longer by our side, she will always be with us in our hearts and in the memories we hold dear.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Van Wert High School Class of 1967 or the American Cancer Society.
POSTED: 10/02/26 at 11:55 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Gayle L. Sterling, 80, of Middle Point, passed on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Van Wert Manor.
She was born on October 12, 1945, in Van Wert, to Robert Richard and Mildred Ilene (Davis) Boyd. Gayle married David Gordon Sterling.
A dedicated professional, Gayle enjoyed a rewarding career as a Pharmacy Technician with Revco and CVS, where she faithfully served her community for over 33 years. Her caring nature extended beyond her work as she also waitressed at the former Whistle Stop in Middle Point for 27 years,working the entire life of the restuarant, demonstrating her commitment to serving others and creating lasting connections in her small-town community.
Gayle was a proud graduate of Lincolnview High School, Class of 1963. She had a passion for reading and loved to engage in square dancing, hobbies that brought her joy and fulfillment. Above all, Gayle’s greatest love was helping people, whether through her career or her everyday interactions.
She is survived by her two children, Greg (Donna Sewell) Sterling of Delphos and Stephanie (Rick) Ashbaugh of Van Wert. She was also blessed with three grandchildren, Jeremy (Shelby) Miller, Ryan Miller, and Alissa Neer; 11 great- grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Bill; a “second” mom, Myrna Dickman; special friends, Diane Arn and Steve Bubp; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat for the last 17 years, Mama Kitty.
She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and the love she freely gave to her family and friends.
Gayle was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David; her special Grandma Davis; a sister, Bonnie; an uncle, Bob Dickman; and the many friends she has lost through the years.
A private family service 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: 10/02/26 at 1:19 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
David Leroy Elzey, 85, of Convoy, passed away Tuesday evening, September 29, 2026, at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital.
David was born on June 3, 1941, at Van Wert the son of Thurman B. and Hazel (Mace) Elzey. On August 14, 1965, he married the former Helen J. Myers who survives.
Other family members include his daughter, Krista K. (David) Miller of Loudonville; two grandchildren, Isaac J. Miller and Emmeline J. Miller, and a sister, Louise E. Watson of Van Wert.
In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by a brother, Donald E. Elzey.
David was a 1959 graduate of Van Wert High School, attended Hobart Welding School in Troy, and had attended classes at Vantage Adult Education. He had worked at General Electric in Fort Wayne, Glenmore Elevator and Special Trucks, Inc. in Fort Wayne.
He was member of the former Convoy United Brethern Church and was attending Countryside Chapel United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Old Fashion Tractor Association, Convoy Volunteer Fire Department and former president of the Convoy Historical Museum. David enjoyed woodworking, model trains and doing paint by number art work.
Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, October 3, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Pastor Wayne Kargas officiating. Calling hours will be 11 a.m. until time of service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: the Van Wert County Humane Society or the Convoy Fire Department.
Online condolences may be expressed at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 10/01/26 at 8:35 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Jeremy David “JB” Buechner, 55, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Jeremy was born on October 21, 1970, to Patricia (Van Etten) Shafer and Jeffery (Charla) Buechner. Jeremy was a devoted husband, dad, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Jeremy met the love of his life in 2004, Debra (Woodard) Buechner, and later married at their favorite family vacation oasis, The Pink Shell, on May 5, 2018.
Jeremy’s greatest joy in life was becoming a dad to his two daughters Rebecca Tracey and Madison (Kyle) Ballard, who he took great pride in.
He was affectionately known as the “Master” to his family and loved to make the younger ones in charge. He cherished being an uncle to Dierks and Delani Knoch. Jeremy knew no stranger and would make friends anywhere he would go. Jeremy was a huge Ohio State fan and enjoyed riding his motorcycle any time he could. He enjoyed giving back to his community, completing charity rides and being as selfless as he could be at every opportunity. Through his long-distance charity motorcycle rides, he raised money and awareness for local groups like Van Wert County Humane Society and FOA as well as being a part of the Miles Monsters, Inc. charity, which he rode many miles in support of young boys afflicted with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. JB completed the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge proudly becoming an Elite Finisher in 2022 and making so many cherished friendships along the way.
Jeremy began his career with Bhar, Inc. as a pmroduction anager and was later promoted to operations nanager. As his career progressed, Jeremy’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to the organization led him to take on increasingly significant responsibilities. When Sanko Gosei acquired Bhar, Inc. in May, 2015, Jeremy continued his career with Sanko Gosei Technologies USA, Inc., where he ultimately served as vice president of operations and a director of the company, roles he held with tremendous pride and dedication. Throughout his more than 16 years of service, Jeremy gave much more than his time and talent to his career, he gave his heart to it. He took great pride in his work and cared deeply about the success of the company and, most importantly, the people who worked alongside him.
His dedication extended well beyond the workday. Jeremy was always willing to share his knowledge, offer guidance, solve a problem, or provide support whenever it was needed. While Jeremy’s titles reflected his many professional accomplishments, they only tell a small part of the impact he had on those around him. He was a respected leader, trusted mentor, valued colleague, and dear friend to many. He led not only through his knowledge and experience, but through the genuine care he showed for the people who depended on him.
Jeremy’s absence leaves a tremendous void within the Sanko Gosei family, but the relationships he built, the lessons he shared, and the lives he touched will remain an enduring part of his legacy. His years of service helped shape the company, but it was the person behind the title who made the greatest impact. Jeremy will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.
Jeremy is survived by his loving wife, Debra Buechner of Van Wert; his daughters: Rebecca Tracey of Toledo, and Madison (Kyle) Ballard of Convoy; his mother, Patricia Shafer; his father Jeffery (Charla) Buechner; his sister, Lisa Knoch of Van Wert; his nephew, Dierks Knoch of Harrod; his niece, Delani Knoch of Van Wert; his granddaughter, Lydia Ballard of Convoy; stepbrothers, Cody (Elisha) and Jamie Rucklos as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jeremy was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Emma Ballard, and grandparents Clair and Christina Buechner, and Tom and Mary Van Etten.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 5, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Pastor Steve Haddix, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert, Ohio. Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, October 4, and one hour prior to service time on Monday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials: the Melissa Jeane Duncan Smith Memorial Fund to Support Ocular Melanoma Research (GoFundMe), Van Wert County Humane Society, Mile Monsters, Inc. (raising money and awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy), CHP Home Care & Hospice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 09/30/26 at 6:50 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Arnold Patrick “Pat” Horton, 77, of Van Wert, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.
He was born on November 26, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida and was the son of Arnold Gray Horton and Sophie (Deleon) Horton, who both preceded him in death.
Pat is survived by one daughter, Nicole (Richard) Bright of Van Wert, and two sons, Zachary Horton of Van Wert, Ohio and Kevin Horton of Vancouver, Washington; four grandchildren, Rikki (Carly) Covarrubias, Sean (Autumn) Bright, and Lola and Bailey Horton; five great-grandchildren, Ulrick and Tessa Covarrubias, Bodhi Bright, and Ares and Evaliyanna Stripe. Pat is also survived by two brothers, John (Janice) Horton of Chula Vista, California and James Horton, and a sister Norio Sasaki of California.
He worked in the construction industry on various jobs and served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Kittyhawk as a cook during the Vietnam War.
A private memorial service will take place for Pat in San Diego with full military honors rendered.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 09/29/26 at 4:40 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Kenneth E. “Torch” Myers, 59, of Middle Point passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, September 25, 2026, at his home.
He was born on November 14, 1966, in Van Wert, the son of David E. Myers, who preceded him in death, and Rosewitha (Winter) Myers, who survives in Van Wert. On October 20, 1990, he married Barbara A. (Stutz) Myers and she survives of Middle Point.
Ken is also survived by his three sons, Kenneth (Maggie) Myers of Van Wert, Lucas C. (Kristen) Myers of Middle Point, and Samuel C. (Abbygayle) Myers of Delphos; seven grandchildren, Brooklyn Hough, Axl Myers, Blake Myers, Kaylee Myers, Isla Myers, Emma Myers and Bodie Myers; three brothers, Robert J. Myers, Edward K. (Tonia) Myers, and David E. (Pepper) Myers, Jr. all of Van Wert; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry & Linda Stutz of Van Wert and his best friend and Navy brother Craig (Donna) Millett, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was a 1985 graduate of Van Wert High School and was a member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church of Van Wert. Ken worked for Froelich Freight as a truck driver and worked at the Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution as a Correctional Officer and Health & Safety Officer for 24 years. He was a member and former commander of American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert and a member and current commander of Navy Club Ship 726 Ken was also very proud that the Navy Club brought back the Fourth of July parade for the America 250th celebration and started Toys for Tots program in Van Wert, where Eric McCracken has taken the lead on it and is now the Toss a Toy program.
He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5803 of Van Wert and was on the Middle Point Fire Department, where he served as a firefighter and EMT. What he loved the most in his life was his wife, his children and especially his grandchildren, along with his extended family. Ken served in the U.S. Navy, serving tours overseas during numerous deployments: Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Somalia and in South America. He was very proud sailor and veteran. He, along with Bill Marshall, raised money to erect seven new monuments in Veterans Park uptown. Ken was also cubmaster of Cub Scout Troop 35 when his boys were active in the scouts.
Funeral services for Ken will be at 11 a.m. Friday, October 2, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert with Pastor Briana Geiger officiating. There will be visitation for family and friends from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, October 1, and one hour ahead of funeral services on Friday. Burial will take place at King Cemetery with full military honors provided by the combine units from the American Legion and VFW.
Pallbearers honoring Ken are Shawn Briley, Dave Ashby, Brian Honigford, Dalton Yenser, Craig King and Jeff Ricker.
Preferred memorials: the Middle Point Fire and EMS Department or Toss a Toy.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 09/27/26 at 7:01 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Carolyn V. Craine passed away peacefully at home in Ormond Beach, Florida, with family present at the age of 95.
She was the oldest of seven siblings. She helped raise them as her parents farmed in northwest Ohio. She was a high school band majorette and promoted twirling with her two girls.
She met her husband, John, while roller skating. She became a stay-at-home mom until she went to beauty school and opened a salon in her home. She was a techie at heart buying a microwave, laptop , cell and caption call phone. She loved vacations in Ormond Beach, Florida and eventually purchased an oceanfront condo which was shared with family for short vacations. She became a snowbird traveling back and forth from Ohio. She was known for her friendliness and elegance. She promoted patriotism, veterans and love of country frequently wearing red, white and blue and flying the American flag.
She is survived by her two children, Connie Sue (John) Karby and Vickie Lee Craine; two step-grandchildren; three step great-grandchildren; one brother, Clayton L. (Liz) Sanderson, and two sisters, Carol Ann Proffitt, and Cleona Maye VanVoorhis.
In addition to her parents, Clarence and Clara Maye Sanderson, Carolyn was preceded in death by her brothers, Carl C. Sanderson, Charles Sanderson and Craig Sanderson.
Funeral services for Carolyn will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 1, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert. will take place at Blue Creek Cemetery, Haviland. Visitation for Carolyn will start at 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Preferred memorials: CHP Hospice.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 09/25/26 at 2:55 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Michael Carl Roehm, 72, of Ohio City, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at his residence.
Michael graduated from Lincolnview High School in 1974. In 1976, he married Deborah K. Roehm in Van Wert, Ohio, beginning a marriage that would span nearly 50 years. Together, they shared a lifetime of memories and built a family that remained an important part of their lives.
Michael was a hardworking man who spent many years dedicated to his career before retiring. His strong work ethic was one of the qualities those closest to him remember most. Following retirement, he lived a quieter life and spent much of his time at home.
Michael is survived by his sons, Joseph (Tara Schleeter) Roehm of Middle Point, James (Elizabeth Zartman) Roehm of Ohio City, and Joshua Roehm of Urbana; his grandchildren, Courtney Jeffords, Abbi (Jonathon) Stegaman, Chloe (Jared) Lautzenheiser, America (Austin) Carnahan, Kathy Roehm, Jenny Roehm, Addison Roehm, Janessa Fair, Thayer Zartman, Rileigh Roehm, Natalie Zartman, and Natalie Roehm; and his great-grandchildren, Avrey, Gabe, Emryn, and Havyn. He is also survived by his niece, Chris Buckner, and nephew, Andy Wreath.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah K. Roehm,
Though life and relationships are not always simple, Michael was loved by his family, and his passing leaves a loss that will be deeply felt. Those who loved him will carry their memories of him with them in the years to come.
Per Michael’s wishes, a private burial will take place at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 09/25/26 at 2:54 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
