Obituaries
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
Linda K. Thompson
Oct 5, 2025
Linda K. Thompson, 68, of North Lewisburg passed away Sunday morning, October 5, 2025, at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus.
Linda was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio on October 5, 1957, to the late Calvin M. and Charlotte (Grimes) Caldwell.
Linda married Lavoy Thompson on December 10, 1982, and he survives in North Lewisburg. She is also survived by her best friend, Karen Baldwin;...
Curtis M. Butler
Oct 1, 2025
Curtis Monroe Butler, 82, of Bellefontaine, passed away Wednesday morning, October 1, 2025, with his family at his side.
Curtis was born in Morehead, Kentucky, on December 14, 1942, to the late Ersel and Effie (Johnson) Butler. He married Sylvia Lee Stafford on May 20, 1961, in Morehead, Kentucky, and she preceded him in death on March 21, 2017. Curtis was...
Timothy W. Woolley
Sep 30, 2025
Timothy W. Woolley, 72, of Jackson Center, passed away peacefully at 6:18 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Kindred Hospital in Lima. He was born in Sidney, Ohio on February 25, 1953, to the late Marvin Richard and Ruby Nell (McGowan) Woolley.
On April 7, 1973, in DeGraff, Ohio he married Patricia Lynne (Moody) Woolley, and she preceded him in...
Chad M. Knueve
Sep 30, 2025
Chad Michael Knueve, 43 of Bellefontaine died September 30, 2025, after an extensive battle with mental illness.
Chad was born in Lima, Ohio, on November 11, 1981, to Paul F. and Joyce A. (Koenig) Knueve, who survive in Wapakoneta. He is also survived by wife, Melinda, whom he married on December 1, 2007; son, Cade; sister Michelle (Elijah) Schaefer; brother Adam...
Kathleen G. Horton
Sep 30, 2025
Kathleen Greer “Kathy” Horton, 80, of Bellefontaine, passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in The Campbell Place, Bellefontaine.
She was born in Vallejo, California on April 27, 1945, the daughter of the late Dorothy May Bible.
On January 11, 1968, she married John R. Horton, and he survives in Bellefontaine.
Also surviving are two children, Becky (Steve) Oaks of Rushsylvania, OH and...
Brian Emmett Sullivan
Sep 30, 2025
Brian E. Sullivan, 56, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 7:20 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio on April 11, 1969, to the late John Lee and Joyce Kay (Smith) Sullivan.
Brian is survived by his fiancé, Angela Savage; his daughter, Jalyn Savage; brothers, John L. Sullivan Jr. and Jeff (Michelle) Sullivan; sister,...
Ricky Lee Craig
Sep 27, 2025
Ricky Lee Craig, 66, of Rushsylvania, passed away at 5:14 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He was born on December 1, 1958, to the late Sherman A. and P. Lou Ann (Tapp) Craig.
Ricky is survived by his children, Ricky (Meredith) Craig II of Wooster, Randy Craig of Zanesfield, Rodney (Sarah) Craig of DeGraff, Tia Amerine...
Joyce Ann Horsley
Sep 26, 2025
Joyce Ann Horsley, 66, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 4:10 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at her residence. She was born in Urbana, Ohio on December 17, 1958, to the late Rodney Joe and Mary Louise (Horne) Horsley.
Joyce is survived by her longtime companion, Jan “Stokey” Durr of Bellefontaine; brothers, Rodney Horsley of Russells Point, and David (Kari) Horsley...
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