🏊 Village water woes

Robert J. Braun

Robert James Braun, a dedicated semi-truck driver for over five decades, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, at the age of 73. Born in Wilton, Connecticut in 1951, he found purpose and peace in his career on the open road while cherishing his role as a family man who loved cooking for his loved ones. Robert was known for his quiet wisdom, strength, and unwavering dedication to his wife Tammy, his six children, and his grandchildren Sophia and Christian. He leaves behind a legacy of humility, compassion, and integrity that will continue to inspire the many lives he touched.

Sally Ruth Westbrooks

Sally R. Westbrooks, 76, of Canal Fulton, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home in Canal Fulton, followed by burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Calling hours are scheduled for Sunday, May 11, from 3 pm to 5 pm, and also one hour before the service on Monday. Those wishing to honor her memory may send flowers or plant a tree through the funeral home's floral store.

Cora B. Jefferson

Cora B. Jefferson, 82, passed away on May 4, 2025, after being born in Worth County, Georgia, in 1942. She was an active member of Second Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and served on various committees, as well as volunteering at the Alliance Food Pantry. Cora was known for her cooking skills, particularly her barbecue pig-feet, and her love for children and family. She is survived by her brother, sister, nieces, nephews, and other relatives, while being preceded in death by her parents, son, two sisters, and a nephew.

Cheryl Lynn Allison

Cheryl Lynn Allison, 75, of Canton, formerly of Uniontown, passed away on May 6, 2025. Born in Akron on December 7, 1949, she was a Springfield High School graduate who worked for many years at the Akron Health and Human Services Food Stamp office. She is survived by her sister Karen, brother Robert, and five nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on May 12, 2025, at Arnold Funeral Home in Hartville, with burial at Mt. Peace Cemetery.

Dimitra Kefalas

Dimitra Kefalas, 81, passed away on May 5, 2025, after a long illness. Born in Greece in 1944, she immigrated to the United States in 1967, where she married Harry Kefalas and became an active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Canton, Ohio. Despite life's challenges, including caring for her husband for over 25 years, she maintained grace and fortitude while becoming known as a skilled seamstress and devoted mother to her three sons. Her greatest legacy will be her kindness, warm smile, and generosity of spirit, particularly her love for sharing her Greek culture and Orthodox faith with her grandchildren.

Michael John Wagner

Michael John Wagner, 43, passed away on May 4, 2025, leaving behind his parents, sister Rebecca, and seven nieces and nephews. Born in Alliance in 1981, he graduated from Alliance High School in 2000 and earned a Bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from the University of Akron. Michael was an active church member at both the Christian Missionary Alliance Church and Mountain of the Lord Foursquare Gospel Church, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. A funeral service will be held on May 12th at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, with interment at Mount Union Cemetery.

Christopher Lee Rogers

Christopher Lee Rogers, 38, of Massillon, passed away on May 5, 2025, leaving behind his wife Ashley, mother Sandra, several siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. Known for his loving yet stubborn personality, Chris enjoyed working on cars, grilling, helping others, and had recently joined a motorcycle club. He is remembered fondly as someone who could make people both mad and smile in the same sentence, always ready for "a cold beer and a good time." Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home on May 10th, followed by a celebration of life at Village Tavern, with no formal services per Chris's wishes.

Hobert Nichols Jr.

Hobert Nichols Jr., 85, of Middlebranch, passed away on May 5, 2025, at home with his daughter present. After serving in the National Guard and retiring from Monarch Rubber following 47 years of service, he was known for his gardening skills and small engine repair expertise. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Peggy, as well as his daughter Tammy, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two sisters, and numerous friends and loved ones. In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held.

Carolyn Dougherty

Carolyn Dougherty, 90, passed away on May 4, 2025, in Canton, Ohio, after a life that included childhood years spent in India and a 24-year career in the insurance industry. She was an enthusiastic ballroom dancer, traveler, and active member of Beta Sigma Phi and the 39'ers Single Club. Carolyn is survived by her nephew William Dougherty and his family, having been predeceased by her parents and brother. A visitation will be held May 10 at Schneeberger Funeral Home, with memorial contributions directed to the Stark County Humane Society.

Paul Wiandt

Paul J. Wiandt, 74, of Canton, passed away on May 6, 2025, after being born in Canton on May 4, 1951, to Charles and Lucille Wiandt. He attended Waynesburg Elementary School, graduated from Sandy Valley High School, and worked at Whitacre-Greer Fireproofing in Magnolia and Waynesburg, as well as High Plains Hospital in Amarillo, TX. Paul is survived by five siblings - Roger, Richard, his twin Mark, Kathleen, Rosemary, and Jesse - and was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John and David. Services will be held Tuesday at the Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home in Magnolia, with interment in Sandy Valley Cemetery.

Michael E. Stahlman

Michael E. Stahlman, 67, of Navarre, passed away on May 5, 2025, after living his entire life in the town. Born in 1958 in Canton, OH, he worked for the Heinz Corporation until his retirement in 2020. Michael enjoyed outdoor activities, cooking, pool, and was a devoted Cleveland sports fan. He is survived by his three children, nine grandchildren, and three brothers, with a private memorial service to be held at a later date.

Donna Graening

Donna Graening, born as Donna Robinson, was a woman of unwavering faith and devotion who left a lasting impact on all who knew her. She was married first to Ralph Schen, with whom she had two children, Cheryl and Jerry, and later to Ralph Graening. Throughout her life, Donna demonstrated remarkable resilience and a deep love for Christ that was evident in how she lived, often citing scriptures like Philippians 4:13 and 2 Corinthians 12:9 as sources of strength. Her greatest desire was for her family—including her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren—to know Jesus as their Savior so they might one day reunite with her in heaven.

Patricia Louise Wilson

Patricia Louise Wilson, a devout member of Canton Baptist Temple for 60 years, passed away on April 30, 2025, at the age of 95. Born in 1929 and a graduate of Timken Vocational High School, she worked at the Hoover Company before dedicating herself to raising her three children. Patricia served her church for over 40 years as a Sunday School teacher and volunteered in various ministries, known for her commitment to prayer and sharing her faith. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-great granddaughter, and other family members, having been preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Jack Wilson.