Ed Dickerson Ed Dickerson, 79, passed away on July 9, 2025, after a life that included military service in the United States Army and a career at Louisville Tin and Stove. Born in Jeffersonville, Indiana to William and Hallie Myrle Dickerson, Ed lived in several states including Indiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and most recently Ohio. He is survived by his son Greg and sister Virginia, while his wife Linda and siblings Donald, Mary Ann, and Jean preceded him in death. A private graveside service with military honors will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio. |  |
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Betty E. Gilruth Elizabeth "Betty" Gilruth, 95, passed away on July 20, 2025, in Fairlawn, OH, preceded in death by her husband Roger after 60 years of marriage. Born in Chicago in 1930 to Luxembourgish immigrants, Betty lived a rich life that included eight years in Indonesia, volunteer work with Akron's Suicide Prevention Hotline and the Fairlawn Public Library, and becoming known for her self-taught cooking skills and seamstress talents. She is survived by her sons Bruce and Ian, four granddaughters, and her "honorary daughter" Anne, as well as many who appreciated her kindness and sense of humor. A celebration of her life will be held on August 17, 2025, at the Hampton Ridge Clubhouse in Akron. |  |
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Mary Dianne Abbott Mary Dianne Abbott, 70, passed away on July 20, 2025, with her husband by her side. Born in Dover, Ohio in 1955 and a Dover High School graduate, she worked as a home health aide and enjoyed crafts and reading. Dianne is survived by her husband Franklin of 48 years, three daughters, seven grandchildren, and several siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers, with a graveside service scheduled for July 25 at Chestnut Hill Memorial Gardens. |  |
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Timothy Brust Timothy Brust, 57, of North Canton, OH, passed away on July 18, 2025. His cremation arrangements are being handled by Summit Simple Cremation, located in Uniontown, OH. The facility managing his final arrangements is situated at 3755 Boettler Oaks Drive #E2, with the postal code 44685. No additional information about his life or surviving family members was provided in the brief obituary notice. |
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Sharon D. Caffee Sharon D. Caffee (February 3, 1952 - July 14, 2025) passed away after a brief illness, surrounded by family. A lifelong resident of her community, she was a member of The House of The Lord church and worked at Steer Enterprise and Signature Designs until her health declined. Sharon, who was known for her straightforward personality that softened with age, especially enjoyed casino outings and family gatherings at her daughter's home. She is survived by her daughters Kimberly and Anjanette, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-great granddaughter, and other family members, with cremation taking place and no services per her request. |  |
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Murray D. Daitch Murray "Ray" D. Daitch, 79, died on July 21, 2025, at the Cleveland Clinic. Born in Tucson, Arizona in 1946, he graduated from Akron Central High School and the University of Akron, later retiring from security work at Marc's Corporation in 2011. He was an animal and sports enthusiast who leaves behind his best friend, Daniel Matusicky. A private funeral service will be held at the family's convenience, with arrangements handled by Anthony Funeral Home in Akron. |  |
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Patricia Jane DeMars Patricia Jane DeMars, 88, of Fremont, passed away on July 21, 2025, at Danbury Senior Living in Hudson, OH, surrounded by family. A 1954 graduate of Fremont St. Joseph High School, she worked as a Radiology Technician at Fremont Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1991 as a Nuclear Medicine Technician. Patricia is survived by her husband Richard, whom she married in 1958, four daughters, and her grandson Jarred, with whom she shared special interests including history. She enjoyed reading, traveling, and spending time with her grandson before her passing, which was preceded by the deaths of her parents and brother. |  |
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Philip Edward Arthur Brown Philip Edward Arthur Brown, 65, of Tallmadge, passed away on July 17, 2025, after a life devoted to family and hard work. Born in Akron in 1960, Phil spent most of his career as a millwright at General Motors, retiring after 24 years. He remarried his former wife Jean on his final day, reuniting with his longtime love after their earlier separation. Phil is survived by his wife Jean, sons AJ and Clayton, and several siblings, while being preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, and other family members. |  |
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Christina Lynn Gundy Christina Lynn Gundy, a 51-year-old resident of Uhrichsville, Ohio, passed away on July 11, 2025. Following her death, her remains were cremated through Summit Simple Cremation, located in Uniontown, Ohio. The cremation facility that handled her arrangements is situated at 3755 Boettler Oaks Drive, Suite E2. No additional details about her life, survivors, or memorial services were provided in the obituary notice. |
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Janet "Kaye" Ketcham Janet "Kaye" Ketcham (née Hutchison), born December 8, 1948, passed away on July 19, 2025, at the age of 76. A University of Akron graduate and later employee, Kaye was known for her kindness, strong faith, and love of flowers and butterflies. She was deeply devoted to her husband of 58 years, Ernest, her three children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren who were the center of her life. Kaye's legacy of love, grace, and quiet strength will be remembered by all whose lives she touched with her warmth and compassion. |  |
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Linda Lee Kirkwood Linda Lee Kirkwood, 76, passed away on July 16, 2025, in Akron where she was born. She worked as an administrative secretary for the Summit County Department of Jobs and Family Services for 13 years until her retirement in 2000 and was a member of the Firestone Park United Methodist Church. Linda was predeceased by her parents, Alex and Dorothy Kirkwood, and is survived by her daughter Tammy Via and friend Sharon Kimmy. Private services have been held with burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park, and donations in her memory may be made to the Leukemia Society or Humane Society. |  |
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Thomas R Kozarevic Thomas "Tom" R. Kozarevic, 86, a lifelong resident of Barberton and Wadsworth, Ohio, passed away on July 21, 2025. An outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and later woodworking, Tom worked as a butcher before becoming an educator at RG Drage Career Center. He was a devoted family man who found his greatest joy in spending time with his grandchildren and traveling with his wife Jackie, who preceded him in death after 58 years of marriage. Tom is survived by his three children, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, one brother, and numerous nieces and nephews. |  |
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Loretta Mary Henderson Loretta Mary Henderson, 97, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, in Ohio where she had moved in 2020 to be near family after living many years in Kennewick, Washington. Born in Philadelphia to William and Edith Byers, she and her husband raised seven children on their farm in Washington state after moving there in the 1950s. Loretta was a talented seamstress who made clothing for her family and later created artistic quilts as gifts for new babies in her circle. As the last survivor of her generation whose life was shaped by the Great Depression and WWII, she valued rural self-sufficiency and served her community as a 4-H leader teaching sewing skills to young girls. |  |
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Lucie Luray Frick Kidwell Lucie Luray Frick Kidwell of Stow, Ohio, passed away on July 10, 2025, at age 97, surrounded by her children. Born in Pennsylvania in 1928, she later grew up in Washington D.C., where she volunteered with the Red Cross during WWII and worked as a secretary before marrying Joseph Kidwell in 1950. After her husband's death in 1971, she worked as a secretary for Stow City Schools until her retirement in 1994, while raising her three children. Lucie is remembered for her kindness, meticulous nature, and various interests including gardening, reading, games, and cooking, and is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. |  |
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Etta M. Harris Etta M. Harris, 96, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, after being born in Akron, Ohio on March 4, 1929 to Leonard and Hilda Closson. She was a devoted family member, remembered for her warm heart and kind soul, who enjoyed painting, playing cards, and reading, while maintaining a long-time membership at Trinity Nazarene Church. Etta is survived by her children Joyce, James, and Jeff, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her visitation and funeral service will be held on July 25, 2025, at Hecker-Patron Funeral Home in Uniontown, followed by interment at Hillside Memorial Park in Akron. |  |
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Jennifer Kelly Larkin Jennifer Kelly Larkin of Stow, OH passed away unexpectedly on July 12, 2025, at age 41. Born in Virginia and raised primarily in Oklahoma before moving to Ohio, she graduated from Hudson High School and obtained degrees from Ashland University and the University of Nebraska. Throughout her diverse career, Jennifer worked in various customer service roles across different industries, always driven by her passion to help others. Known for her adventurous spirit, love of Christmas, and generous heart, she is survived by her adopted daughter Penelope, her parents, two sisters, and extended family. |  |
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Ann Olga Leach Ann O. Leach, 73, passed away unexpectedly on July 18, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as a strong-willed and empathetic woman who was known by many loving nicknames. Born in Akron, Ohio in 1952, she enjoyed concerts, dancing, walks in the park, and family time. Ann was a successful business owner before becoming the first female supervisor for meat inspection at the Ohio Department of Agriculture, retiring in 2017. She is survived by her husband John, four daughters, one son, four grandchildren, her sister Mary, and other family members, while being preceded in death by her parents and sister Teri. |  |
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Mary Ann Mates Mary Ann, 93, passed away and was preceded in death by her husband Richard M. Sr. She was a loving mother to seven children, a cherished grandmother to 11, and a great-grandmother to 9. Mary Ann is survived by her brother John, sister-in-law Terry, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Friday at the Ferfolia Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service and Mass of Christian Burial at St. Barnabas Catholic Church on Saturday, with interment at All Saints Cemetery. |  |
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Gregory P. Rector Gregory Paul Rector, 78, passed away on July 20, 2025, with his wife by his side after a life characterized by love, strength, and dedication to family. Born in 1946, Greg served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War following his education at Coventry High School and the University of Akron. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lonna, three stepdaughters he raised as his own, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and extended family. An enthusiastic athlete who enjoyed softball, bowling, and especially golf, Greg will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at a later date. |  |
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Margaret Jane Hochevar Margaret Jane Hochevar, 96, of Uniontown, passed away on July 18, 2025, following a life marked by her 74-year marriage to the late Richard Hochevar Sr. A retired Franklin Printing employee and 60-year member of Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, Margaret found fulfillment in sewing teddy bears for crime victims and scarves for the homeless. She was known for hosting holiday gatherings, making beloved cabbage rolls and no-bake cookies, and maintaining a home filled with love and food. Margaret is survived by her five children, one sister, numerous grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and extended family members. |  |
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William M. McLure William M. McLure, 82, of Hudson, passed away on July 21, 2025. A memorial service will be held at Hudson Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 26, at 11 a.m. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, July 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Redmon Funeral Home in Stow. A complete obituary will be published in the newspaper on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Condolences may be shared online at the Redmon Funeral Home website. |
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John Jan Pouch Dr. John Jan Pouch, 70, passed away on June 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as a distinguished physicist who worked at NASA Glenn Research Center for 36 years where he authored over 25 publications. Born in Birmingham, England before moving to the United States, he earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Wayne State University in 1981. Dr. Pouch was a devoted member of Parkside Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, and enjoyed swimming, music, books, and following Detroit sports. He is remembered for his faith, intellectual curiosity, and the impact he made both in science and in the lives of those who knew him. |  |
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Linda Ann Pearson Linda Ann Pearson, 85, of Cuyahoga Falls, passed away on July 19, 2025, after a life dedicated to family and service. Born in 1939 in Youngstown, Ohio, she was a devoted wife to Cliff for 64 years and a loving mother to their three children. Linda committed over four decades to community service through organizations like Good Neighbors of Cuyahoga Falls, Akron City Hospital, and Meals on Wheels. A woman of strong faith, she was an active member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon, Elder, and Sunday School teacher. |  |
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Ruth Ann Plate Dr. Ruth Ann Plate, 85, passed away on July 21, 2025, after a distinguished career in education that included roles as teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in various Ohio school districts. She earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Toledo and was passionate about her work, continuing to serve as a principal for several years after retirement. A devoted wife to David for 65 years, she was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her extensive family. Dr. Plate found peace at her vacation home on Sanibel Island, particularly at the J.N. "Ding" Darling Bird Sanctuary, where a bench will be dedicated in her honor. |  |
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Paul Uselton Paul Michael Uselton, a 67-year-old Navy veteran from Copley, passed away peacefully at home on July 21, 2025, with family by his side. He served the healthcare community as a Cardiac Sonographer and educator at Cuyahoga Community College. Paul is survived by his wife Barbara, son Addison, grandson Grayson, siblings, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepbrother. A memorial service will be held on August 2, 2025, at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, with the family suggesting donations to several health organizations in lieu of flowers. |  |
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Mary Jo Rom Mary Jo Rom, née Spencer, passed away at the age of 90 in Twinsburg. She was the beloved wife of the late Peter James Rom for 57 years and is survived by her children Mark and Sandra, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at SS Cosmas & Damian Catholic Church in Twinsburg from 10:00-11:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial and interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to SS. Cosmas & Damian Catholic Church or St. Vitus Catholic Church. |  |
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Michael Andrew Drobik Michael Andrew Drobik passed away on July 21, 2025, after a life that included education at St. James School and Warren G Harding High School, followed by a mechanical engineering degree from Youngstown State University. He had a 41-year career at Rotek Inc. in Aurora, Ohio, where he retired as president in 2012. An avid golfer and Cleveland sports fan, Michael is survived by his wife Patricia of 55 years, his children Andrea and Brian, two grandchildren, and extended family. The family will receive friends on July 25, 2025, at Busch-Romito Funeral Home before a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hudson, Ohio. |  |
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