🌉 Bridge builders

Janet Ames

Janet Ames (January 17, 1947 - June 19, 2025) passed away peacefully at Marion General Hospital after a life marked by hard work, faith, and devotion to family. After retiring from her career at a phone company, she became a fitness instructor and enjoyed gardening, reading, caring for animals, and traveling. Janet's greatest joy was her family, including her daughter Kimberly, grandchildren, and great-grandsons, as well as her husband Thomas Ames with whom she shared 38 years of marriage before his passing. She will be remembered for her strength, resilience, and nurturing spirit, with a memorial service to be held at Gallion Cemetery in Webbville, Kentucky.

Betty Lou Miller

Betty Lou Miller, aged 95, passed away on June 19, 2025, in Ashland, OH, after being born in Marion on June 23, 1929. She was a Marion Harding High School graduate who worked at Uhler's Department store and later as an Advertising Auditor at Lord, Sullivan and Yoder until her retirement in 1994. Betty was an Emanuel Lutheran Church member, Meals on Wheels volunteer, and accomplished piano player who enjoyed shopping and barber shop music. She is survived by her niece Karen Sanders, great nieces, and their children, while being preceded in death by her brother Earl W. Jones Jr.

April Jo Boblenz

April Boblenz, a beloved teacher at Dublin City Schools for 18 years, passed away on June 22, 2025, at OSU Wexner Center surrounded by family. Born May 3, 1983, in Marion, Ohio, she is survived by her husband David, three children, mother, sisters, and numerous extended family members. April was known for her compassion, dedication to teaching, and love for turtles, dolphins, the ocean, and Disney World. Visitation will be held on June 27, 2025, with memorial contributions directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Donate Ohio.

Richard Albert Griffith

Richard Albert Griffith, a 90-year-old lifelong Richwood resident, passed away on June 24, 2025, at his Kinney Pike home. Born in 1934, he married his high school sweetheart Doris Shoup in 1956, and they lived on their farm for 68 years, raising three daughters. Richard was a dedicated member of the Richwood Church of Christ, a successful businessman who owned Griffith Carpet Shoppe, and served as President of the Richwood Fair Board for over 20 years. He was also known for his love of harness racing, his athletic achievements, and his active participation in community organizations, including the Richwood Lions Club and the Richwood-North Union Alumni Association.

Judith Virginia Walden

Judith Virginia Walden, 76, of Marion, passed away on June 21, 2025, at her home. Born on March 12, 1949, she worked as a custodian for Cardington Schools for over 8 years before retiring. Known for being feisty yet generous, Judith was a member of Shepards Fellowship who loved spending time with her family and watching wildlife at McKinnley park. She is survived by her sons, sister, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, while being preceded in death by her parents and brother. A celebration of life memorial service will be held on June 28, 2025, at Lincoln Park.

Linda Meddles

Linda "Jeanie" Meddles passed away on June 20, 2025, at Marion Pointe Nursing Home at the age of 77. Born in Warsaw, IN, to Charley and Martha Shepherd, she married Ronald Pearl Meddles in 1981, who preceded her in death. Linda is survived by her children, Jerry and Robin, two granddaughters, and numerous siblings, while several siblings preceded her in death. A high school graduate who worked as a welder for Marion Shovel, Linda enjoyed sports, fishing, and camping, and a Celebration of Life Dinner will be held on June 27, 2025, at the VFW in Marion, OH.