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Ila Lou Harvey

Ila Lou Harvey, an 81-year-old retired Registered Nurse from North Lawrence, Ohio, passed away on May 13, 2025. Born in 1943, she enjoyed painting, quilting, sewing, and was a long-time member of Anchor Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry, son Brad, and several siblings. Ila is survived by her daughter Pamela, three grandchildren, a sister, a brother, and many nieces and nephews, with visitation scheduled for May 19, 2025.

Doris Lee Dutton

Doris Lee Dutton, 93, of Massillon, passed away on May 13th at Aultman Compassionate Care. Born in West Virginia in 1931, she was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her sister Anna Lou, and her parents. Doris was passionate about music, dancing, and had a special love for her family and her cat, Tiggi Lou. She is survived by five children, a step-daughter, 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and her beloved cat, with no services planned at this time.

Mary Jo Purney

Mary Jo Purney, 81, passed away on May 12, 2025, in Massillon. Born in Kentucky in 1943, she was a Perry High School graduate who devoted over 30 years to teaching confirmation classes at Richville United Church of Christ. Mary Jo worked at JCPenney's catalog department for over 15 years before joining Gasser Jewelers until retirement. She is survived by her husband John, daughter Terri, son Richard, grandson Nathan, great-grandson Tytan, and brother Michael, while being preceded in death by her parents and son John Joseph.

Ray Fetty

Ray Fetty, born in Parkersburg, WV in 1935, passed away on May 9, 2025, in Navarre, OH where he lived with his wife Virginia. He worked as a millwright at American Steel until his retirement, demonstrating remarkable dedication and work ethic throughout his career. Though a man of few words, Ray's actions revealed his devotion as a husband, professional, and friend. A private burial will be held at Sunset Hills Burial Park in Canton, with arrangements handled by Schneeberger-Oser Funeral Home.

LaVonne J. Cookson

LaVonne J. Cookson, 89, passed away after a life centered on faith, family, and generosity. Born in Canton, Ohio on June 1, 1935, she was a devoted member of her church community, enjoying cooking for priests and participating in the Alter Rosary Society. LaVonne had many interests including cooking, baking, singing, bowling, dancing, and birdwatching, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She is survived by five daughters, 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and extended family, while being preceded in death by her husband Gene, son Richard, and several other family members.

Floyd B. Horton Sr.

Floyd B. Horton, Sr., aged 90, passed away on May 8, 2025, in Canton, after being born in Sandy Hook, Kentucky on July 4, 1934. He worked as a Finish Carpenter at Summit Homes for 32 years before retiring. Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Mable Horton, and his wife Priscilla, but is survived by his three children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. A private family interment was held at Henry Warstler Cemetery.

Ruby J. Arrington

Ruby J. Arrington, a beloved community figure in Massillon, passed away on May 4, 2025, at age 89, reuniting with her husband Richard. Throughout her life, Ruby served in numerous roles including as a correspondent for the Ohio Informer, Vice President of the Young Women's Culture Society, and most notably as a hall monitor and study hall supervisor at Washington High School for over 40 years, where a study hall was named in her honor. A dedicated member of St. James AME for nearly 70 years, Ruby was known for her storytelling abilities and commitment to preserving family history. She leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces, stepchildren, and extended family who will remember her legacy of kindness, strength, and community service.

William Frederick Thompson

William, who was born on May 13, 1929, passed away on his 96th birthday, May 13, 2025. He lived a full life spanning nearly a century. The coincidence of his birth and death occurring on the same calendar date marks a poetic symmetry to his life's journey. William's 96 years witnessed tremendous historical changes across the world.

Robert "Bob" Slater

Robert Slater, 59, of Dover, Ohio, passed away on May 4th, 2025, at Cleveland Clinic Hospital under hospice care. Born on July 4th, 1965, in Massillon, Ohio, Bob had diverse musical interests ranging from country to rock and enjoyed attending concerts and NASCAR races. He was a devoted Cleveland sports fan known for his signature thumbs up and "GREAT!" response, and he reconnected with his childhood faith in his final years, attending church regularly. Robert is survived by his siblings Patricia, Carol, Vince, and Michael, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and his late fiancée Janice's family, who considered him "Grandpa Bob."

Martha Hockensmith

Martha Hockensmith, 89, of Canton Township, passed away on May 12, 2025, at Altercare of Alliance. Born in 1935 to William and Marie Harbaugh, she was a lifelong Canton area resident and devoted member of North Industry Christian Church. Martha was predeceased by her husband Ray, one brother, three sisters, and a son-in-law. She is survived by her four children, seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, with visitation scheduled for May 16 at Kreighbaum-Sanders Funeral Home followed by a private graveside service.

Lorrine Marie Schrader

Lorrine Marie Schrader, 88, of Massillon, passed away on May 12, 2025, at Amherst Meadows after being born on May 2, 1937, to Howard and Marie Ritter. She managed the snack bar at Doctor's Hospital from 1963 until her retirement in 1995, where she also volunteered. Lorrine was married to Bruce R. Schrader from 1959 until his passing in 2021, and they enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas together. She is survived by her daughter, son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings, with funeral services scheduled for May 18th at Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home.

Isabelle D. Ahlstrom

Isabelle D. Ahlstrom, 97, of Alliance, passed away on May 12, 2025. A 1945 graduate of Alliance High School, she worked for 19 years as a waitress at the Alliance Country Club and was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Isabelle is survived by her son Gary, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, while being preceded in death by her husband William, son William E., and several siblings. Her funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on May 19th, with interment at Highland Memorial Park.

Shelby Irene Eldreth

Shelby Irene Eldreth passed away on May 10, 2025, at age 81, just days before her 82nd birthday. Born in Harrisville, West Virginia in 1943, she was known for her spirited personality, warmth, and dedication to family. Shelby enjoyed playing Bunco, cooking, and traveling with her husband John and their gospel singing group. Her legacy lives on through her husband of 50 years, five children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren scattered across the globe.

Robert Jack Phelps

Robert Jack Phelps, 64, of East Sparta, passed away on May 11th at Aultman Specialty Select Hospital. Born in Canton on July 12, 1960, he was preceded in death by his parents Bobby and Renda Phelps, his wife Delpha, and his sister Vonda Stout. He is survived by his daughter Kelly, son Robert C., their mother Rebecca Cordia, siblings Delana and Gary Phelps, grandson Travis Herman, and other family and friends. No services will be held at this time through Waltner-Simchak Funeral Home.