🌊 Dam dilemma

Steven A. McVicker

Steven Allen McVicker, 80, passed away on March 5, 2025, following a life that included six years in the U.S. Army Reserves and a 25-year career with Ohio Bell, Ameritech, and AT&T. A 1962 graduate of East High School, Steve was passionate about classic cars, music, and Cleveland sports, especially enjoying taking his daughter and nephew to Cleveland Indians games. In his later years, he took pride in maintaining his home's landscaping and cherished time with his family, particularly mornings on his patio and evening sunsets with his wife of nearly 53 years, Laura. He is survived by his wife, daughter Brigit, sister JoAnn, and several extended family members.

Stacey L. Childers

Stacey Lynn (Berry) Childers, 47, passed away on March 4th, 2025, in Ravenna, Ohio after being born in Akron in 1978. She was a devoted mother of three children and served actively in her Mogadore community, particularly as Treasurer for the local youth baseball and softball program. Professionally, Stacey worked as a Disability Specialist at UNUM Insurance Co. after earning an Associate's Degree in Accounting. She was known for her love of cooking, beach trips, generosity, and unwavering support for her loved ones, leaving behind her children, husband, mother, sister, and extended family who will deeply miss her warmth and kindness.

Linda Lou Edwards

Linda Lou Edwards, born in Romney, West Virginia on November 27, 1947, passed away on March 14, 2025, after battling cancer. She is survived by her husband David, daughter Christina, three grandchildren, and three sisters. Linda worked in Federal Service for 35 years, primarily with the Social Security Administration, before retiring in 2006. Her family, faith, and service to others were central to her life, as she devoted time to her grandchildren and participated in women's ministry at The Chapel in Akron, along with enjoying hiking, crafting, and knitting. A funeral service will be held on March 19 at The Chapel in Akron, with donations requested to the Camp Carl scholarship fund in lieu of flowers.

Martha Loretta Jones

Martha Loretta (Lori) Jones, aged 83, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, leaving behind a loving family including her five children, six grandchildren, and various great-grandchildren and grand pets. She married the love of her life, Dick Jones, in 1962 after meeting him at Barney's where he worked as a lifeguard. Lori was known for her warm kitchen, culinary talents, and dedication to her family, friends, and the Suffield United Church of Christ, where she was a faithful member since 1975. A private memorial service will be held for immediate family, with a celebration of life planned for later at her church, and donations requested for the church's Community Meals Program.

Robert Thomas Rabb II

Robert Thomas Rabb II, a 46-year-old music lover who enjoyed the beach and cherished being an uncle, passed away on March 12, 2025. He spent his final eight years living on Saint Pete Beach in Florida and was known for his guitar playing. Rob is survived by his parents, sister, nieces, nephew, and special friends. A memorial visitation will be held on March 27 at Clifford Shoemaker Funeral Home in Cuyahoga Falls, followed immediately by a memorial service.

Albert Parkhill

Albert "Bud" Parkhill, 81, passed away on March 14, 2025, after residing in Stow since 1958 and retiring from Ford Motor Company. He was an avid hunter and handyman who enjoyed outdoor activities like fishing and camping, as well as gardening and cooking. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, a son, a sister, and a brother, but is survived by his wife Mary, his sister Judith, three sons, five step-children, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. No public services will be held, but memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice in Bud's name.

Thomas E. Brenner

Thomas E. Brenner, 85, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, after a lifetime dedicated to education and church service. A graduate of Copley High School and Kent State University, he spent 35 years at Medina Highland High School as a teacher, coach, principal, and administrator. Brenner was a founding member of Northside Christian Church and later served at Orrville Christian Church, while maintaining his passions for sports, camping, and supporting his family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lucille, his three children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with a funeral service scheduled for March 22, 2025, at Northside Christian Church.

Maryanna Natalie Ogonek

Maryanna N. Ogonek, 87, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, with her family by her side. She is survived by her husband Joseph of nearly 67 years, eleven children, 22 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Born in Cleveland, Maryanna had lived in Barberton since 1966. A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 1:00PM at St. Francis de Sales Church in Akron, with Mass of Christian Burial following at 2:00PM; the family requests donations to the church in lieu of flowers.

Josephine "Josie" Karos

Josephine "Josie" Karos, 84, passed away on March 12, 2025, after being born to Tom and Jean Karos on May 7, 1940. Following her graduation from Barberton High School in 1959, she worked at Bank One for 40 years before retiring. Josie, a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, enjoyed sharing stories about her Greek heritage, spending time with her great nieces and nephews, and caring for her animals. She is survived by her brother Bill, several nieces and nephews, and extended family, while being preceded in death by her parents and brothers Gus and Tom.

Emma Jean Hale

Emma Jean Hale, 85, passed away on February 24, 2025, after living most of her life in Akron and Mogadore, Ohio. She worked at Cornerstone Christian Bookstore and was known for her strong faith and enjoyment of her card ministry, holiday gatherings, and family time. Emma is survived by her daughters Christy and Wendy, along with extended family, but was preceded in death by her husband David and several family members. The family plans to celebrate her life at a later date and suggests memorial donations to Feed the Children.

Norma Jean Dixon

Norma Jean Dixon, 85, of Bedford, Ohio, passed away on March 13, 2025. Born in Portsmouth, Ohio on December 29, 1939, she was a retired custodian for Solon Schools, known for her kindness and welcoming nature. Norma was predeceased by her husband Donald M. Dixon and is survived by her children Donald C. Dixon and Kimberly Karides, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services will be held at Hope Community Church in Hudson, Ohio on March 18, followed by graveside services in Wheelersburg, Ohio on March 20.

Geraldine Helen VanEtten

Geraldine H. "Gerry" VanEtten, 84, passed away on March 16, 2025, leaving behind her husband Charles and multiple children, grandchildren, and extended family. Born in New York City in 1940, she worked as a seamstress in her early years and later enjoyed puzzles and collecting Native American items to honor her Cherokee heritage. Known for her strong will and feisty personality, Gerry was able to spend precious time with her family before passing, expressing her love for them. She was preceded in death by her mother Louise Thifault, daughter Cheryl, and sisters Betty and Rosie.

Ray Young

Ray passed away on March 14, 2025, at the age of 86. He served in the U.S. Army, had a career in medical sales, and was happily married to Judy for 62 years. Ray was a talented cook, avid golfer, and master woodworker who was known for his charismatic personality and trademark phrase "Keep the Faith." He leaves behind his wife, two children (Rae Ann and Dave), and two grandsons (Drew and Jackson), who were the light of his life.

Jack R. Holt

Jack R. Holt, a 91-year-old resident of Stow since 1967, passed away on March 13, 2025. He was a U.S. Army veteran who worked as a production supervisor at Goodyear's Stow Mold Plant before becoming a handyman in retirement. Golf was Jack's passion, which he shared with his sons and grandson, and he remained active in the sport well into his eighties. A devoted husband to his wife JoAnn of 56 years, Jack is survived by his two sons, Dale and Doug, and four grandchildren, while being remembered for his supportive nature and service to the United Methodist Church in Stow.