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Timothy Leroy Roose

Timothy Leroy Roose, a 71-year-old lifelong truck driver from Berlin Center, passed away on March 16, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Alliance in 1953 to Floyd "Spike" and Joan Roose, he was a 1971 graduate of Alliance High School who loved his life on the road. Tim is survived by his wife Dori, daughter Harley, dog Chance, and numerous extended family members including his brother, nephew, aunt, in-laws, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Kimberlee, with the family requesting contributions to Berlin Fire Department in lieu of flowers.

Jack L Slye

Jack L Slye, 81, of East Rochester, passed away on March 14th surrounded by loved ones. Born in Columbus on April 24, 1943, to the late Raymond and Inez Slye, he was preceded in death by his parents, two children, and three brothers. He is survived by five children, twelve grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, along with other family members and friends. No services will be held at this time.

Merle Darwin Wolgamott

Merle Darwin Wolgamott, an 82-year-old lifelong Massillon resident and U.S. Army veteran, passed away peacefully at home on March 15, 2025. After retiring from Bulkmatic Transport following 30 years of service, he enjoyed horseshoes, golfing, bowling, motorcycling, fishing, and was known for making pancakes for his grandchildren. He is survived by his three children, nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his brother LaVerne, and extended family. Merle was preceded in death by his wife Karla and granddaughter Ashley, with a graveside service scheduled for March 24, 2025, at Brookfield Cemetery.

Derek T. Rutter

Derek Rutter, 53, of Jackson Township, passed away on March 14, 2025, at Aultman Compassionate Care Center. Born in Columbus on May 19, 1971, he is survived by his two daughters, his mother, and an aunt. Derek was preceded in death by his brother and father. Private family services will be held, and donations to the National Kidney Foundation are requested in lieu of flowers.

Barbara J. "Bobbi" Pete

Barbara "Bobbi" J. (Nicola) Pete, born January 29, 1935, passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 90. She retired from Key Bank after twenty years and was actively involved with St. Joan of Arc Parish and later St. Paul Catholic Parish of North Canton. Bobbi cherished family gatherings, especially Sunday dinners, and enjoyed socializing with her classmates, bank retirees, and neighborhood friends. She is survived by her son Michael, daughter Kathy, and son Kevin, along with their children, great-grandchildren, and other family members, while being preceded in death by her husband Albert, sons Timothy and Jeffery, and other relatives.

Gary Vogley

Gary J. Vogley, 87, of Massillon, passed away on March 13, 2025, leaving behind three daughters, his fiancée Marilyn Bielema, his brother Kenneth, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. A 1955 graduate of Canton South High School, Gary retired as the Owner and Operator of Vogley Enterprises and was known as a pioneering fruit grower with innovative techniques including trickle irrigation systems and ultra pasteurization processes. He was respected in the agricultural community, often sought after for his knowledge by other growers and The OSU Extension Agricultural Department. Services will be held Thursday at 10am in the Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home, with interment in Sunset Hills Burial Park.

Leilani McHenry

Leilani McHenry, an 84-year-old resident of Massillon, Ohio, passed away on March 15, 2025. A lifelong Massillon Tiger Football fan, she was also dedicated to volunteering at the Massillon Museum and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Leilani cherished spending time with her large family and many friends. She is survived by her seven children, 12 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren, while being preceded in death by her parents, brother Norm Potter Jr., and grandson Stevan Sullivan.

Nancy A. Zelmer

Nancy (Neel) Zelmer, 91, of Canton, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, at Bethany Nursing Home. Born in 1933, she graduated from Timken Vocational High School in 1951 and later worked for Ohio Bell and Ameritech. A lifelong member of First Lutheran Church, Nancy met her husband Edward there, and they were married for 68 years until his death in 2023. She is survived by nine nieces and nephews, 18 grand nieces and nephews, and several great grand nieces and nephews, with services scheduled for March 22, 2025, at Arnold Funeral Home.

Donna J. Weiss

Donna J. Weiss, 77, of Canton, passed away on March 14, 2025, after a career that included 22 years with the Stark County Board of Elections and 8 years with Canton City Council. A dedicated Democrat who was named Stark County Democrat of the Year in 2012, she was passionate about politics and encouraged her family to vote. Donna was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was known for her generosity. She is survived by her three children, their father, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and several siblings, with services to be held at Rossi Family Funeral Home.

Teddy C. Bowers Sr.

Teddy C. Bowers, Sr., 84, of Canton, passed away on March 15, 2025, after a life that included 30 years as a steelworker at Timken Steel Company. An avid golfer, Ted was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Charlotte, granddaughter Sara, sister Charlotte, and infant brother Donald. He is survived by his wife Agnes, son Teddy Jr., son-in-law Randy, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Services will be held Thursday at Rossi Family Funeral Home, with memorial donations suggested to Aultman Hospice in lieu of flowers.

Lori A. Lautenschlager

Lori Lautenschlager, 54, of Massillon, Ohio passed away on March 15, 2025, after being born in Wooster, Ohio in 1971. She was a family-oriented person who maintained daily contact with her nieces and nephews and enjoyed playing games with loved ones. Lori is survived by her companion Jaworski Eutsey, her two children, her mother, two sisters, and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her father and grandparents, and a gathering to honor her memory will be held on March 27, 2025, at Paquelet Funeral Home.

Willie D. Fisher

Willie D. Fisher, 81, passed away on March 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. He worked at Kulka Steel Equipment for 35 years and later as a beloved crossing guard for Alliance City for 20 years. Willie was a Cleveland Browns fan who enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and sitting on his porch drinking coffee, but especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Cassandra, four daughters, his sister Vellamae, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

William Stephen Stewart

William "Bill" S. Stewart, 67, of Canton, Ohio, passed away on March 14, 2025, after a brief illness. He spent over 40 years in the automotive and RV industry, traveling nationwide to train technicians, while also being known as "Dr. Bill" for his helpfulness with repairs. Bill was passionate about singing at church and devoted to his family, including his wife Peggy, three children, and six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on March 26 at Reed Funeral Home with donations directed to New Home Church where he was active in the music ministry.

Michele R. Smith King

Michele R. Smith King, a 56-year-old IT professional from Fairview Heights, Illinois, passed away on March 6, 2025. Born in Massillon, Ohio, she had a successful career spanning over 35 years in the IT field, including work in healthcare and at Prairie Farms. Michele was a dedicated member of the Love Church in Belleville, where she served in multiple ministries and was recently nominated volunteer of the month. Her greatest joy was being mother to her son Michael, whose activities and dreams she supported wholeheartedly. She is survived by her son, mother, brothers, and many other family members and friends.

Joseph William Stowell

Joseph William "Bill" Stowell, an 88-year-old Navy Veteran, passed away on March 13, 2025, at his home in Louisville. Known for his charm, quick wit, and storytelling abilities, Bill left behind his wife of 67 years, Marguerite, four children, ten grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. He proudly served in the United States Navy, excelling as a Navy Recruiter, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Calling hours will be held on March 20 at Paquelet-Falk Funeral Home, with burial in Westernport, Maryland; the family requests donations to Veterans Affairs or Aultman Hospice instead of flowers.

Minnie Tanksley

Minnie Frances Tanksley (Clark), born June 5, 1934, in Whitleyville, Tennessee, passed away on March 16, 2025, at age 90. After graduating high school in 1952, she relocated to Hartville, Ohio, where she married Presley Tanksley in 1954 and became a founding member of Solid Rock Fellowship Church. Known for her nurturing spirit, Minnie was a mentor to many and deeply loved her husband of 70 years, her children, and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Presley, three children, six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and extended family, with a celebration of life scheduled for March 21, 2025, at Solid Rock Fellowship.