Obituaries

Jack E. Benn

Jack E. Benn

Feb 15, 2025

Jack Edward “Jaybird” Benn, 78, went home to be with the Lord on February 15, 2025.

Born in Akron, he was a longtime resident of Kenmore. He graduated from Kenmore High School and served in the United States Army. Jack worked for the Lake YMCA for 10 years and was a member of The Chapel in Green. He enjoyed sports, camping,...

Donald Lynn Corley

Donald Lynn Corley

Feb 14, 2025

Donald L. Corley, 96, passed away on February 14, 2025. Born September 27, 1928 in Junior, W. Va, Dad worked in the coal mines before moving to Akron in 1957. He took employment at Diamond Foundry as a molder and later became the Shop Foreman and retired in 1992. 

Preceded in death by parents Russell Corley and Rachel Wagner; brothers Ken,...

Edward W. Rodenbucher Sr.

Edward W. Rodenbucher Sr.

Feb 12, 2025

Edward Rodenbucher, Sr. passed away Wednesday evening, February 12, 2025 at his home in Randolph, OH at the age of 86. 

He was born on November 21, 1938, in Akron, Ohio to John & Julianna (Schlosser) Rodenbucher. He grew up in Rootstown, OH graduating from Rootstown High School in 1957. After 6 months in the US Army, he started his career...

Karen L. Wegelin

Karen L. Wegelin

Feb 12, 2025

Karen Lee Wegelin born October 12, 1944 in Akron, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord February 12th, 2025. 

Karen was a fun-loving, spirited, friend to all—the kind of person who when she accepted a task would put her whole heart into it, loyal to the end. She was Basketball Homecoming Queen in 1962 at Central High. In earlier years...

Charlotte Irene Moneypenny

Charlotte Irene Moneypenny

Feb 7, 2025

Charlotte Irene Moneypenny, age 92, of Suffield Township, went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ, her savior, on February 7, 2025.

Charlotte was a member of Suffield Fellowship Church for many years and retired from Field Local Schools.

Mom, you taught us to be strong and the importance of family, and above all, trust in the Lord for everything. Mom...

Karen R. Opperman

Karen R. Opperman

Feb 7, 2025

Karen R. (Swindell) (Bosecker) Opperman was carried home by her Lord and joined her heavenly family on February 7, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. She was born to William and Elizabeth Swindell on February 23, 1961, in Akron, Ohio and lived in the area all of her life.

Karen leaves behind husband of 15 years, Mark Opperman, her beloved...

Cynda L. Parsons

Cynda L. Parsons

Feb 6, 2025

Cynda “Cindy” Lynn Parsons, 70, of Green, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025.

She is survived by her husband, John Parsons; her daughter Stephanie Newman (Chad), her son Travis Parsons (Heather); her grandchildren Morgan Grimes (Dylan), Logan Grimes (Haley), Liam Parsons, Charley Parsons; and her brother Matthew Smith (Janet).

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 15th at...

Robert L. Bachman

Robert L. Bachman

Jan 31, 2025

Robert L. Bachman, age 74, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on January 31, 2025. 

Bob was born in Akron, Ohio on May 24, 1950. He graduated from East High School in Akron. He worked at Firestone, Akron Equipment, and later at Little Tikes which allowed him to spoil his grandchildren with the same toys he helped make.

Remaining to...

Jo Ann Franks

Jo Ann Franks

Jan 30, 2025

Jo Ann Franks, 57, passed away on January 30, 2025.

Born in Coshocton, she was a resident of Suffield. She graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1986 and Kent State University in 1990. Jo Ann worked for Synchrony Bank for 8 years. She was a member of Wedgewood United Methodist Church and played the flute in the Cuyahoga Community Band. Jo...

Devin M. Hetrick

Devin M. Hetrick

Jan 30, 2025

Devin M. Hetrick “Schmev”, age 51, passed away on January 30, 2025 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Born in Akron, she was a resident of Tallmadge, graduating from Tallmadge High School in 1992. She worked in transportation for 12 years. Devin enjoyed coloring, doing housework, and long car rides with a coffee. Most of all, she loved spending time with...

Merl V. Beck

Merl V. Beck

Jan 29, 2025

Merl V Beck, 91, of Akron, Ohio passed away January 29th. She was born in Martin County, Kentucky in 1934 to Walter and Dulcie Goble Boyd. She lived most of her life in the Akron area, graduating from Mogadore High School. After high school she worked for Cromwell Quality Tools prior to spending years as a stay at home mom....

Jodi L. Shultz

Jodi L. Shultz

Jan 27, 2025

Jodi Lyn (Parker) Shultz, 55, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 27, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. 

Jodi was born on March 14, 1969 to Anna Mae and Jim Parker in Akron, Ohio. She graduated from Ellet High School in 1987. Jodi worked for 27 years at The Diamond Grille in Akron. She was adored by...

Doreen R. Knapp Riley

Doreen R. Knapp Riley

Jan 26, 2025

Doreen Rae Knapp Riley, born February 18, 1963, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, leaving behind an enduring legacy of love, strength, and leadership. She was the devoted mother to her son, Christopher, the cherished daughter of Janie and the late Ray Knapp, and a loving sister to Mark, Kelly (Doug), and Ray (Gretchen). Doreen was a proud and...

James E. Keener

James E. Keener

Jan 24, 2025

Born in Weston, West Virginia, Jim was a longtime resident of Springfield Township in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from St. Patrick School in Weston, West Virginia and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. After his service, Jim retired from RCA Rubber Co. and spent many years as a beloved bus driver for Springfield...

Jean A. Batchik

Jean A. Batchik

Jan 24, 2025

Jean Batchik (Brooks), age 97, passed away into the loving arms of her Savior on January 24, 2025.

Jean was born in Sebring, Ohio on September 22, 1927 to Harold and Margaret Brooks. She came to Akron in 1932.

Jean married Kenneth Batchik on September 4, 1946. She taught Sunday School at Margaret Park Church for 37 years and served in other...

Gaile David Wilkinson

Gaile David Wilkinson

Jan 22, 2025

On January 22, 2025, Gaile David Wilkinson, Jr. of Hartville, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord at age 82. He was born in West Virginia on October 27, 1942 to parents Gaile and Lorrena Wilkinson. While growing up, Gaile enjoyed fishing with his dad and his uncles, playing baseball, and watching sports. 

Gaile’s faith was most important to him;...

Mary K. McCarty

Mary K. McCarty

Jan 22, 2025

Mary K. McCarty, 98, went home to be with the Lord on January 22, 2025.

Born in Crabbottom, VA, she was a longtime resident of Akron. She was a member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ, where she enjoyed working in the nursery. Mary was a devoted mother and homemaker. She was always willing to help others and had a great...

James H. Ravenscraft

James H. Ravenscraft

Jan 20, 2025

Jim “Pap” Ravenscraft, born at his family home on 2/19/1929 in Jerome PA, to John (Oney) and Mabel Ravenscraft, passed away on 1/20/25. 

Jim left school at an early age (13) to work in the coal mines. He was an avid deer hunter from a young age up until his 80’s when he lost his sight. He met and married Shirley...

Jewell F. Darrow

Jewell F. Darrow

Jan 20, 2025

Jewell F. Darrow, 96, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 27, 1928, to the late Guyton and Katherine Thigpen. After her mother’s passing, she was raised by Elsie Thigpen, whom she loving called mother. She grew up in Akron, Ohio, attending Lincoln Primary and South High School before transferring to Hower Vocational...

Vicki S. Oravec

Vicki S. Oravec

Jan 17, 2025

Vicki Sue (Proudfoot) Oravec, 66, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A graduate of Springfield High School's Class of 1976, Vicki pursued a distinguished professional career. She began her journey at Goodyear/Lockheed Martin and later brought her talents to the Will-Burt Company, all while earning her BBA degree.

Vicki will be remembered for her kindness...

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