🎤 Star comes home

Carole Bush

Carole J. Bush, 90, of Middletown, passed away on April 3, 2025, at Otterbein Middletown Senior Life Neighborhood. Born in South Dakota in 1935, she spent most of her life in Middletown and was known for her energetic and feisty personality. She was a beloved family member who cherished time with her grandchildren. Carole is survived by her daughter Tammy, son Jeff, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and close friends, while being preceded in death by several family members including her husband, daughter, and twin sister. A service will be held on May 3 at the Butler County Memorial Mausoleum.

Carolyn Baldwin

Carolyn Watson Baldwin, born April 28, 1942, passed away on April 10, 2025, at the age of 82. She is survived by her husband Joseph, son Shawn, four grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, siblings, and many other relatives and friends. Baldwin was remembered as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. A celebration of her life will be held on April 26, 2025, at Greater St. John Baptist Church in Dayton, with visitation at 11:00 am followed by a service at noon.

David Bertke

David Bertke, 78, of West Carrollton, Ohio, passed away on April 16, 2025. His funeral service will be held at Tobias Funeral Home Belmont in Dayton, Ohio at 6:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025. No additional details about his life, family, or cause of death were provided in the obituary notice. Arrangements are being handled by Tobias Funeral Home.

Lynda Applegate

Lynda K. Applegate, 75, of Springfield, passed away on April 16, 2025, in her home. She was a pianist at Grace United Methodist and United Methodist Church of Pitchin, an avid music lover who taught piano and enjoyed classic rock. Lynda is survived by her four daughters, ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one sister, while being preceded in death by her husband Forrest in 2023 and her brother Tim. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 26, 2025, at the Spring Meadow Apartments Clubhouse.

Rebecca Davies

Rebecca "Becky" Ann Davies, aged 80, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, at her home in Venice, Florida, surrounded by family. Born in 1945 in Gratis, Ohio, she earned degrees from Miami University and Xavier University before teaching in several school districts and working in adult education. Becky is survived by her husband Fred of 58 years, two daughters, four grandchildren, five stepgrandchildren, three brothers, and extended family. A private service will be held later, with donations suggested to Tidewell Hospice or the Brubaker Scholarship at Miami University Foundation.

David Cohen

David Ronald Cohen of Xenia, Ohio passed away on March 20, 2025, at the age of 62. He was preceded in death by his parents Abe and Rita Cohen of Hamilton, Ohio, and his brother Lawrence "Larry" Cohen of Chatsworth, Georgia. David is survived by his step-daughter Laura Griffis, brother Philip Cohen, uncle Ron Kyle and his wife Le Thi Duc, and his cat Liza. Private services were handled by Tobias Funeral Home in Beavercreek.

Judith Becher

Judith Ann "Judy" Becher, 83, formerly of Centerville/Washington Twp, Ohio, died peacefully on April 12, 2025. A graduate of Miami University with a background in teaching, Judy owned the temporary help company Extra Help before retiring from CBS in 2006. She was active in her community through the Junior League of Dayton, Dayton Women's Club, and local churches. Judy is survived by her two sons, stepchildren, and five grandchildren, having been preceded in death by her husband David Andrew Becher, second husband Thomas Webster, and her parents. Visitation and funeral services will be held on April 28th in Ohio.

David Baker

David Adrian Baker, 66, of Tipp City, Ohio, passed away on April 8, 2025. A visitation service will be held on Saturday, April 26 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at The Covenant at Sugar Grove. Hale-Sarver Funeral Home of West Milton, Ohio is handling the arrangements. No additional information about Baker's life or family was provided in the obituary notice.

Betty Bennett

Betty F. Bennett, 91, of Englewood, passed away on April 18, 2025, after being born in Mt. Gilead, Ohio on December 23, 1933. She is survived by her daughter Gail, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends, while being preceded in death by her husband Charles, son Larry, and siblings. Betty was known for her deep love of family above all else. A funeral service will be held on April 22 at Kindred Funeral Home, followed by interment at Clayton Cemetery.

Jack Capehart

Jack David Capehart, 87, passed away on April 13, 2025, at Sycamore Hospital. He worked for 35 years at Wright Patterson Air Force Base as an Engineer and Mathematician, and co-founded the Dayton Microcomputer Association while also running his own software company. Jack is survived by his wife of 63 years, Loweta, their three children and spouses, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Known for his humor, intelligence, and ability to fix anything, the family will hold a celebration of life on May 10th at CI Beaver Hall in Beavercreek, Ohio.

Richard Estes

Richard Estes, a 71-year-old resident of Centerville, Ohio, passed away on April 18, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, April 25 at Westbrock in Kettering, Ohio. No additional details about Mr. Estes' life, survivors, or cause of death were provided in the brief obituary notice. Services are being handled by Westbrock Funeral Home.

Peter Evers

Peter Carr Evers, born September 13, 1957, in Dayton, OH, passed away peacefully on April 12 at his home in Sammamish, WA, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. A Cornell University biology graduate, Peter moved to Seattle to work for an environmental consulting firm and pursue graduate studies in genetics. He was an accomplished athlete who enjoyed pole vaulting, backpacking, and skiing, which led him to meet his wife Dagmar, with whom he raised two children, Kirsten and Kyle. Peter is survived by his wife, children, granddaughter, siblings, and nieces, while donations in his memory may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association.

Elizabeth Deitz

Elizabeth C. "Lou" Deitz, daughter of Presbyterian missionaries, passed away at 97 on March 29, 2025. Born and raised in India, she was educated at Woodstock boarding school in the Himalayas, which nurtured her faith, intellect, and commitment to service. After graduating from Westminster College and earning an MA from UPenn, she married James Deitz and supported his 60-year ministry while raising four children and volunteering for numerous charitable organizations. Elizabeth is survived by three children, thirteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was preceded in death by her husband James, son Charles, brother Thomas, and parents.

Jean Downard

Jean C. Downard, age 93, passed away on April 16, 2025, in Dayton. She moved to Dayton at 19 to work at Egry Register where she met her husband James, who preceded her in death along with her parents. Jean was a member of Trinity Baptist Church before attending Christian Life Center. She is survived by her two daughters, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on April 21, 2025, at Baker-Hazel & Snider Funeral Home in Dayton.

John Finley Sr.

John Henry Finley Sr., a 79-year-old resident of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11 am at Germantown Pike Church of Christ in Dayton. Family will receive friends during the visitation hour from 10 am to 11 am before the service. Mr. Finley will be interred at Dayton National Cemetery, with arrangements handled by House of Wheat Funeral Home.

Delbert Footer

Delbert I. Footer, who passed away on April 14, 2025 at age 95, was a lifelong Dayton resident who valued family above all else. After serving in the Korean Conflict and graduating from Pratt Institute, he established the industrial design program at the Dayton Art Institute before working as design director for Digitec and consulting on various projects including medical devices and safety equipment. Footer established a scholarship at Pratt Institute and will be remembered for his kindness, humor, intelligence, and positive attitude. He is survived by his brother, daughter, grandchildren, and extended family members.

Julie Finley

Julie Finley, an 85-year-old resident of Tipp City, Ohio, passed away on April 8, 2025. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Saturday, April 26, at the Huber Heights Church of God. The funeral service will follow immediately at 11:00 am at the same location. Newcomer North Chapel in Dayton, Ohio is handling the funeral arrangements.

Billilou Conard

Billilou "Bobo" Conard of Dayton, OH died on February 13, 2025, at the age of 97. A Memorial Service will be held on May 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Baird Funeral Home in Troy, OH. The funeral arrangements are being handled by Baird Funeral Home. No additional details about Conard's life or surviving family members were provided in the obituary.

Mary Geist

Mary Alice Geist, 73, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on April 18, 2025. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 23rd at 11:30 am at Arlington Cemetery. Rogers Funeral Home of New Lebanon, Ohio is handling the arrangements. No additional details about her life or survivors were provided in the obituary.

Scott Goodman

Scott A. Goodman, 49, of Xenia, Ohio, passed away on April 16, 2025. A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Newcomer Funeral Home in Beavercreek, Ohio. The funeral service will follow immediately at 11:00 am at the same location. No additional details about his life or survivors were provided in the obituary notice.

John Gillfillan

John Norwood "Suds" Gillfillan, 73, of Urbana, Ohio, passed away on April 13, 2025. He was known by his nickname "Suds" to family and friends. A funeral service will be held at Vernon Funeral Home in Urbana at 2 PM. No additional details about his life or survivors were provided in the brief obituary notice.

Patrick Fowles

Patrick Scott "Pat" Fowles, 72, passed away on April 11, 2025 at a hospice facility in Ohio. Born in Middletown in 1952, Pat graduated from Lemon Monroe High School and Miami University before working at Worthington Steel for 38 years until his retirement in 2016. He was passionate about sports, particularly basketball, golf, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Pat is survived by his siblings Dan, Jeff, Mike, and Terri, as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Margaret Arnold

Margaret L. Arnold, 95, of Kettering, Ohio, passed away on April 15, 2025. Private services will be conducted for her, with burial taking place at Dayton Memorial Park. Westbrock Funeral Home in Kettering is handling the arrangements. No public memorial events have been announced.

Barbara Grant

Barbara Ann Grant, 73, of Dayton, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, leaving behind her loving family and friends. A funeral service will be held at 12 PM on Monday, April 28, 2025, at H. H. Roberts Mortuary located at 38 S. Gettysburg Ave. Family will receive friends starting at 11 AM until the service begins. Following the service, interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery. More information can be found at HHRoberts.com.

JoAnn Damico

JoAnn Damico, 76, of Dayton, Ohio, died on April 14, 2025. A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Newcomer North Chapel in Dayton. A service will follow immediately after the visitation at 4:00 PM at the same location. No additional personal information or surviving family members were mentioned in the obituary notice.

Ronald Hecht

Ronald Steven Hecht, 81, of Springboro, Ohio, passed away on April 18, 2025. His funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The service will take place at Anderson in Springboro, Ohio. No further details about his life or surviving family members were provided in the brief obituary notice.

David Goe

David Wayne Goe of Beavercreek, Ohio, passed away on April 8, 2025, at the age of 70. A visitation will be held on April 22, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, followed by a funeral service. The memorial events will take place at Tobias Funeral Home in Beavercreek, Ohio. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and honor his memory.

Christina Helm

Christina Louise "Tina" Helm, 65, passed away on April 12, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. Born in Dayton, Ohio, she earned a Communication degree from the University of Dayton and worked as an executive assistant before focusing on her family. Tina is survived by her husband Percy, son Devin, four siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on April 23 at Calvary Cemetery Chapel in Dayton, with the family requesting donations to the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter in lieu of flowers.

William Harrison

William R. "Mr. Bill" Harrison, a respected community figure and owner of AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care for 58 years, passed away on April 4, 2025, at age 87. He was a lifetime Sertoma member, 40-year treasurer at Northminster Presbyterian Church, and self-described "Renaissance Man and Polymath Wannabe" who enjoyed sailing, bird watching, gardening, and genealogy. Bill is survived by his wife Diana of 40 years, his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family members. A memorial service will be held on April 27, 2025, at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Ohio.

Gerhard Hinderer

Gerhard "Gary" J. Hinderer, a 97-year-old German-born U.S. Marine veteran and Ohio Bell employee, passed away on April 14th, 2025. He was a dedicated 75-year Mason and Shriner who enjoyed woodworking, stained glass, gardening, and summers at Lake Superior with his family. Gerhard is survived by his four sons, sister, sister-in-law, and numerous grandchildren, having been preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Beda, his parents, and several in-laws. A visitation and funeral service will be held on April 24th, 2025, at Richards, Raff & Dunbar Memorial Home in Springfield, Ohio.

Patricia Hoskins

Patricia Susan "Pat" Hoskins, age 69, passed away on April 17, 2025, after battling glioblastoma. She is survived by her mother June Lamb, sons Jeffrey Lamb and Jacob Hoskins, sister Kristine Cushman, and special friend David Garrison, while being preceded in death by her father Frederick Lamb. Pat enjoyed fishing on quiet lakes and studying the Bible. She will be deeply missed by her many family members and friends, with private services planned to honor her memory.

Norman Henry

Norman Henry passed away on April 3, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on February 12, 1950, he lived a life that will be fondly remembered by those who knew him. A memorial service to honor his memory will be held on April 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at New Covenant Temple in Springfield, Ohio. The Marlan Gary Funeral Home Springfield Chapel is handling the arrangements for the service.

Diane Hagstrom

Diane Elizabeth Hagstrom, 84, of South Charleston, passed away on April 15, 2025, at Springfield Regional Medical Center. Born in Michigan and raised in Minnesota, she worked as a nurse for 12 years before becoming a waitress and later running a truck farming business with her husband Phillip for 25 years. An avid traveler who visited countries across several continents, Diane is survived by her husband, two sons, four grandchildren, four sisters, and close friends. She was preceded in death by her son John and her parents.

Johnny Hill

Johnny Ferguson Hill, Sr., an 88-year-old educator, died on March 29 in Lewisburg, WV. Born in North Carolina and a Duke University graduate, he spent nearly 40 years at Miami University in Oxford, OH as a professor and principal, helping thousands become better educators. With his wife Rachel of 65 years, he raised four children in Oxford while enjoying music and travel. After retirement, the couple built a home near Marlinton, WV, where they enjoyed their new community and beautiful mountain views.

Mary Hopkins

Mary Ellen Hopkins, 102, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on April 15, 2025. Her funeral service will be held at David's United Church of Christ on April 21, 2025, followed by burial in David's Cemetery. She was a lifelong active member of the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to David's UCC or the John and Charlotte Michael Scholarship Fund. Her family expressed gratitude to the staff at Trinity Community of Beavercreek for their exceptional care.

Walter Johnson

Walter Eugene Johnson passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, after 66 years of marriage to Lillie P. Johnson, with whom he raised seven children. A retired Armco employee of 35 years, Walter was a devoted member of two Churches of God and had a passion for auctions and collecting. He is survived by his wife, his brother Roger, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, while being preceded in death by his parents, brother Linville, and son Robert. Walter's final days were spent surrounded by his loving family, honoring his wishes.

Cynthia D. Johnson

Based on the limited information provided, I cannot write a 4-5 sentence summary of Cynthia's obituary as the complete obituary has not yet been posted. The note simply indicates that Cynthia's full obituary will be available at a later time. Without details about her life, accomplishments, surviving family members, or funeral arrangements, a proper summary cannot be created.

Emma Hankins

Emma Elizabeth Hankins of Miamisburg, Ohio, passed away on April 10, 2025. Her visitation will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Monday, April 28, at 11 am, with a funeral service following at noon. The funeral arrangements are being handled by Tobias Funeral Home in Dayton, Ohio. No additional details about her life or survivors were included in the notice.

Sandra Gaier

Sandra L. Gaier, 80, of Springfield, passed away on April 10, 2025, at Brookdale Buck Creek. She was born on January 15, 1945, in Springfield, Ohio, and retired as the Finance Director for the City of Springfield. Sandra is survived by her son Robert, two siblings, seven nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert L. in 2020, her parents, and her sister Margaret "Peg" Spichty. Funeral services will be held on April 25 at Conroy Funeral Home and St. Bernard Catholic Church, with burial at Calvary Cemetery.