🦽 Courthouse for all

Walter F. Markowski

Walter F. Markowski, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who passed away on March 1, 2025, had a distinguished career with the Akron Police Department, rising to the rank of Lieutenant while holding various leadership positions. During his service, he earned a B.A. in Political Science from The University of Akron and shared his expertise by teaching criminal justice courses. After retiring from the Akron Police Department, Walter served as Chief of Police in Copley, interim Chief in Sagamore Hills, and worked for the Sheriff Department. He enjoyed water activities, golfing trips, and helping with the Polish American Citizens Club, but found his greatest joy in spending time with his family, who survive him.

Michael Costantino

Michael L. Costantino passed away on March 2, 2025, after battling cancer. Born in 1957 in Miami, Florida, he was a retired UPS employee and building inspector who cherished his faith and family. He was married to his high school sweetheart Pamela for 46 years and enjoyed Cleveland Browns games, New York Yankees, and annual vacations to Ocean City, MD. Michael is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and was supported by many friends during his illness; services will be held on March 6, 2025, at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home.

Patricia Evelyn Lightner

Patricia Evelyn Bailey Lightner, 79, of Akron, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025. A woman of faith who loved Jesus, she was known for her craftiness, entertaining abilities, and fabulous cooking. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents and former husband Jess Lightner, and is survived by her daughters, brother, grandchildren, nieces, and extended family, including a great-grandchild on the way. Her funeral service will be held on March 7 at Billow Fairlawn Chapel, with memorial contributions suggested to the Autism Society of Greater Akron or the Humane Society of Summit County.

Karen Kiser Gottschalk

Karen Kiser Gottschalk, 83, passed away on February 26, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, she was a graduate of The Ohio State University where she met her husband Gary, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. After raising her three daughters, Karen worked as a bookkeeper at K-Mart and later in retail banking before retiring. She enjoyed crafting and making cards for children at Children's Hospital, while creating a welcoming home where everyone was considered family. Karen is survived by her daughters, honorary children, brother, grandchildren, and many relatives and friends.

Nancy C. Roepke

Nancy Carol Ferguson was born in Akron, Ohio in 1930 and was raised by her single mother after her father's death when she was four. She married Don Roepke in 1953, had a teaching career spanning several decades, and was instrumental in bringing a public library to Mogadore and other small Portage County communities. After retiring in 1985, Nancy remained active in community organizations and enjoyed traveling and spending time with family before moving to Danbury in Cuyahoga Falls. Following her husband's death in April 2024, Nancy passed away, leaving behind her two daughters, grandsons, and great-grandchildren.

Henry J. Mehaw

Henry J. Mehaw, a 72-year-old retired machine operator from the Stow area, passed away on February 23, 2025. He enjoyed spending time in nature, particularly on the mountain bike trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where he found peace and solitude. Henry is survived by his brother Dennis and his wife Margo, as well as friends Carl Grewe and residents of his apartment complex. In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated, and a private celebration of his life will be held at a later date, with arrangements handled by Adams Mason Funeral Home.

Robert James Bush

Robert James Bush of Twinsburg, a former Educator and Art Department Head at Bedford City Schools, passed away on March 1, 2025, at the age of 79. He was a devoted father to three children and a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren. Robert is survived by his sister Rosanne Long and was preceded in death by his brother Rick Bush. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on March 6 at Church of the Resurrection in Solon, with visitation on March 5 at Steinbauer Funeral Home.

Millie J. Allison

Millie J. Allison, born in Akron, Ohio to Walter and Lillie Stroup, passed away on March 1, 2025. A graduate of Garfield High School in 1948, she married Alden O. Allison that same year and was a devoted member of Thomastown/Springfield Baptist Church. Following her career as a floral designer, Millie enjoyed gardening, crocheting, reading, and traveling, including a mission trip to Guatemala at age 75. She is survived by her two daughters, six grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and two sisters, with services scheduled for March 6-7, 2025.

Floyd A. Doak

Floyd A. Doak, 81, of Akron, passed away on February 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to family and community. After a long career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Floyd enjoyed his retirement as an active member of the Barberton Moose Lodge and passionate golfer who achieved a hole-in-one at Mayfield Golf Course. He demonstrated remarkable craftsmanship by building his own home, which became a center for family gatherings and cherished memories. Floyd is survived by his sons, eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and many other relatives, with services to be held on March 6th at Newcomer Funeral Home.

Odell E. Stemple

Odell E. Stemple, 95, died peacefully at home on February 25, 2025, after living her entire life in Akron and Randolph, Ohio. She retired from Portage County MRDD after 19 years and enjoyed gardening, the outdoors, pets, talk radio, and family time. Preceded in death by her husband Cliff and her parents, she is survived by three children, five grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place with no formal services, and memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Rosemary "Rosie" Williams

Rosemary "Rosie" Williams, 82, passed away after battling Alzheimer's disease. Born in Akron, Ohio, she worked as a Labor and Delivery secretary at Summa for over 40 years until her retirement in 2016. Rosie dedicated her life to caring for her family, especially her son and granddaughter, and found great joy in spending time with her great-grandchildren. She is survived by her son Rob, granddaughter JJ, two great-grandchildren, and her eldest sister Betty, while being preceded in death by three sisters. Rosie will be remembered as a joyful, strong-willed, and independent woman who loved hiking, playing card games, and dogs.

Robert Clayton Edwards

Robert Clayton Edwards, 96, died on March 2, 2025, in Hudson after a long and distinguished life. A graduate of the University of Akron's College of Engineering, Edwards worked at NASA from 1960 to 1990, where he made significant contributions to the Atlas-Centaur launch vehicle and received a Special Achievement Award in 1982. He balanced his professional achievements with family life, adhering to his self-coined "One Third Rule" that divided life between work, family, and intellectual pursuits. Despite his technical career, Edwards maintained a lifelong love of poetry, sports, and bridge, and is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, and siblings.

Randall Howard Gill

Randall Howard Gill, 66, of Mentor, formerly of Akron/Copley, passed away on February 26, 2025, with his daughter by his side. Before his illness, Randy was an active outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, hiking, and spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He coached softball in Firestone Park for years, owned a computer store in Kenmore, and worked as a logistics manager at Accel Group. Randy is survived by his former wife Paula, son Dan, daughter Dolores, four grandchildren, and his brother Robert, with a celebration of life to be held on March 16, 2025, at the American Legion Firestone Memorial Post 449.

Janice Gail Peyak

Janice Gail Peyak, 72, died peacefully on March 1, 2025, following a long illness. Born in Akron, Ohio, she graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School and the University of Akron before working in Health Information Technology at Firestone Tire and later at hospitals in Phoenix, Arizona. An outdoor enthusiast who loved hiking the Grand Canyon, she was also a devoted baseball fan and lifelong member of the United Church of Christ. Janice is survived by her siblings, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family, with funeral services scheduled for March 6, 2025, at Ciriello and Carr Funeral Home in Cuyahoga Falls.

Virginia A. Sutherland

Virginia A. Sutherland, 92, of Hudson, Ohio, passed away on February 23, 2025, after a life filled with family and community involvement. She was married to Sheldon for 64 years and is survived by her three children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Born in Michigan in 1932, Virginia was active in many Hudson organizations including the Cleveland Orchestra's Gourmet Matinees, Hudson Garden Club, and the First Congregational Church of Hudson. She was known for her excellent baking skills and enjoyed golf, tennis, and water aerobics throughout her life.

Lisa A. Smith

Lisa A. Smith, 57, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025, at her home in Akron, Ohio with her husband by her side. Originally from Chickasha, Oklahoma, she enjoyed gardening, watching HGTV and crime shows, and spending time with her family and dogs. Lisa is survived by her husband Charlie, five sons, a granddaughter, her sister Tammy, and her beloved pets, while being preceded in death by her parents and sister Jackie. The family will hold a celebration of her life at a later date and suggests memorial donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.