Obituaries

Timothy L. "Tim" Easton

Timothy L. "Tim" Easton

Nov 11, 2025

Timothy Lynn Easton, age 74, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Otterbein Green Hills Senior Life Community on Veteran’s Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Tim was born on March 14, 1951, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, to the late John Wesley and Dixie Ann (Brugler) Easton. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Nadine E. Noel, and his nephew, Andrew J....

Twila J. Suber

Twila J. Suber

Nov 10, 2025

Twila J. Suber, 64, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 4:27 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at her residence. She was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio on August 6, 1961, to the late Ernest H. and Carrie Mae (Jones) Carter.

She is survived by her daughter, Jessica (Tim) England; grandchildren, Danjae Jean Arlise Blalark, Jalise Marthasia Finch, Rmeah Justine Finch, Nevaeh Arle...

Joyce A. Johns

Joyce A. Johns

Nov 7, 2025

Joyce A. Johns, 95, of Bellefontaine, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, November 7, 2025, at Kobacker House, Columbus.

Joyce was born in Lima, Ohio, on May 25, 1930, to the late Herbert Keifer and Glenna (Riner) Keifer Hayes. She married Kenneth L. Johns on June 12, 1952, and he preceded her in death in 1965. Joyce was also preceded in death...

Margaret Faye "Peggy" Barker

Margaret Faye "Peggy" Barker

Nov 7, 2025

Margaret Faye Barker, lovingly known as Peggy, peacefully ascended to Heaven on November 7, 2025, at the age of 92, surrounded by her family.

Peggy was born on May 28, 1933, and graduated from Botkins High School in 1951. Shortly after, she began working at Monarch in Sidney, Ohio, where fate stepped in- she met the love of her life, Robert...

Zelda "Zettie" Zoe Keeran

Zelda "Zettie" Zoe Keeran

Nov 5, 2025

Zelda “Zettie” Zoe Keeran, 90, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at the Otterbein Green Hills Senior Life Community. She was born on July 10, 1935, in Allensville, Pennsylvania, to the late David M. and Mabel R. (Phillips) Zook.

 On July 1, 1956, she married Roy Lee Keeran. After 68 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on September...

Robert "Bob" Cooper Jr.

Robert "Bob" Cooper Jr.

Nov 5, 2025

Robert L. "Bob" Cooper Jr., 76, of Bellefontaine, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in the James Cancer Hospital of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus.

He was born on July 23, 1949, in Urbana, OH, the son of the late Robert Lowell and Nellie Vaughn (White) Cooper.

On August 16, 1975, he married Cheryl Ann "Cheri" (Wilde) Cooper...

Elma L. Kauffman

Elma L. Kauffman

Nov 3, 2025

Elma Louise (Ediger) Kauffman, 87, of West Liberty, Ohio, passed peacefully into eternal rest at Otterbein Green Hills Senior Life Community on Monday, November 3, 2025, under the loving care of her family and Otterbein Hospice.

Elma was born on the family farm in Inman, Kansas, on December 1, 1937, to Jacob H. and Margaretha (Wiens) Ediger. On August 15, 1958,...

Shakeilah Paulette White

Shakeilah Paulette White

Nov 2, 2025

Shakeilah Paulette White, lovingly known as Shak, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away at the age of 33. Shakeilah was a beautiful soul whose life was tragically taken by domestic violence. 

Shak was a devoted and loving mother to her three beautiful children — Leara Brown, Treyvon Brown of Bellefontaine, and Marquis Watkins of Toledo. She was a loyal friend, a caring...

Emil Ross Helmuth

Emil Ross Helmuth

Nov 1, 2025

Emil Ross Helmuth, 91, of rural Rushsylvania, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025, at his home.

Emil was born on February 6, 1934, to the late Harvey Raymond and Katie Mae (Miller) Helmuth. He was also preceded in death by a son Jonathan Helmuth; brother Leo David Helmuth, and sisters and their husbands: Mabel and Jonas Miller, Marie and Bill Miller;...

Joyce "Jo" Lee Schweitzer

Joyce "Jo" Lee Schweitzer

Oct 28, 2025

Joyce “Jo” Lee Schweitzer, 82, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Hospice of Central Ohio. She was born in Cardington, Ohio on February 27, 1943, to the late Donald Earl and Winne Mathews.

On March 31, 1980, she married Dennis Lee Schweitzer, and he survives.

Jo is also survived by her son, Mark (Kassi) Schweitzer;...

Maxine Wright Vicario

Maxine Wright Vicario

Oct 24, 2025

Maxine Wright Vicario, 101 years young, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Logan Acres Care Center, Bellefontaine, Ohio.

She was born in Union County, Ohio on August 12, 1924, the daughter of the late Lewis L. and Edna (Gregory) Wright, both deceased.

In 1947, Maxine married John J. Vicario in Bellefontaine, and he preceded her in death on September 17,...

Randy Lee Ricketts

Randy Lee Ricketts

Oct 17, 2025

Randy Lee Ricketts, 64, passed away at his residence in Bellefontaine, Ohio, on Friday, October 17, 2025. He was a father, grandfather, spouse, brother, and friend.

Randy’s battle with cancer in the past two years demonstrated his courage in facing unbelievable challenges. Despite the many medical obstacles thrown at him and the pain he endured, he came out a hero and...

Tyler D. Williams

Tyler D. Williams

Oct 16, 2025

Tyler DeWayne Williams, age 35, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away on October 16, 2025, in Lima, Ohio, following a brief stay at St. Rita’s Hospital.

Born on May 29, 1990, in Bellefontaine, Tyler was the beloved son of Tony L. (Monique) Williams and Vanessa A. (George) Hunter. He graduated from Bellefontaine High School and later married Leah R. Williams in Bellefontaine.

Tyler...

Matthew James Armstrong

Matthew James Armstrong

Oct 16, 2025

Matthew James Armstrong, 46, of Alger passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, October 16, 2025. He was born in Marion, Ohio on September 20, 1979, to Deana (Swisher) Armstrong and the late Jonathan R. Armstrong. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Mark Armstrong.

Along with his mother, Deana he is survived by his significant other, Kimberly...

Heather LeDonne Varian

Heather LeDonne Varian

Oct 15, 2025

Heather LeDonne Varian, 47, of Bellefontaine, passed away Wednesday afternoon, October 15, 2025, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Heather was born in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, on November 23, 1977, to Charles A. Varian, Jr. and Deone (Weldon) Varian. She is also survived by her children: Chandler Varian, Tristan (fiancée Taylir Schiewe), Kireon Snelling, and Gianna Varian; 10...

Cody Houser

Cody Houser

Oct 14, 2025

Cody Houser, 65, of Huntsville, passed away at 7:48 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Lima, Ohio on February 28, 1960, to the late Waid Olan Sr. and Madlyn D. (Clapsaddle) Houser.

Cody is survived by his son, Brooks Houser; his dog, Reacher Houser; significant other, Lora Kaczar; and her family. Along with his...

Michael Eugene Turner

Michael Eugene Turner

Oct 12, 2025

Michael E. Turner, born April 29, 1942, passing October 12, 2025, a proud patriot, devoted family man, and distinguished United States Air Force veteran, passed away leaving behind a life story defined by service, honor, and love. Born to the late Milton Eugene Turner and Wanda (Robson) Turner, Michael grew up to embody the values of dedication and integrity that...

Matthew Lawrence Smith

Matthew Lawrence Smith

Oct 10, 2025

Matthew Lawrence Smith, 60, a lifetime resident of rural Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 10, 2025.

Matt was born on April 17, 1965, the second youngest child of the late Tim and Mary Frances (Longbrake) Smith. Matt is survived by his five siblings, Bill (Paula) Smith, Neysa (Frank) Doudna, Tim (Mary) Smith, Steve (Tina) Smith, Tony...

Benjamin "Benny" E. Young

Benjamin "Benny" E. Young

Oct 10, 2025

Benjamin "Benny" E. Young, age 73, passed away at his home in Jackson Center, Ohio, surrounded by his loving wife and children at 9:53 on October 10, 2025.

He was born on January 23, 1952, in Redkey, Indiana to the late Edgar Young Jr. and Mary Emma Young. He married the love of his life, Lisa Current on October 6th, 1979...

Keith Lewis Powell

Keith Lewis Powell

Oct 9, 2025

Keith Lewis Powell, 64, of Bellefontaine, passed away on October 9, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Heidelberg, Germany on January 10, 1961.

He was a proud United States Army Veteran honorably discharged in 1986.

Keith was a private man who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. Above all else he loved his family deeply and being an uncle was his...