Obituaries

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...

William P. Hensley

William P. Hensley

Jan 17, 2025

William “Bill” Paul Hensley, age 76, of Lake Township, was taken into God’s hands on January 17, 2025. He was born October 1, 1948 to the late William Doyle Hensley and Pauline Jean Hensley (Harris).

Bill attended Revere High School, The University of Akron, and retired in 2020 from Goodyear Aerospace/Meggitt Aircraft Breaking Systems after 41 years of service. Bill enjoyed...

Virginia Hopkins Moore

Virginia Hopkins Moore

Jan 17, 2025

Virginia Hopkins Moore, 93, passed away on January 17, 2025. 

Born in 1931, she married her husband, Stanley Lee Moore, in 1948. She retired as Personnel Administrator at Hiram College and was a member of Portage Faith United Methodist Church in Mantua. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, crafts, traveling, and playing cards. But most of all, she loved spending time with her...

Mary E. Lohr

Mary E. Lohr

Jan 14, 2025

Mary E. Lohr, 90, passed away on January 14, 2025. Born May 12, 1934, she lived her whole life in Suffield. Mary graduated from Suffield High School in 1952 and married her husband, Kenneth, in 1953. She retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation in 2000 and was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She loved to be...

Steven B. Edwards

Steven B. Edwards

Jan 12, 2025

Steven B. Edwards, 48, passed away on January 12, 2025. Born in Akron, he was a resident of Lakemore. He graduated from Springfield High School and served in the Marine Corps. He was a carpenter and enjoyed fishing. 

Steven was preceded in death by his mother, Deborah Edwards. He is survived by his father, Tim Edwards; brother, Rob Edwards; and companion,...

Julie Ann Bartholet

Julie Ann Bartholet

Jan 8, 2025

Julie Ann Bartholet (née Jones), (March 16, 1959 – January 8, 2025), 65, of Akron, Ohio, cherished and beloved grandmother, mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend passed away unexpectedly.

Julie’s love and kindness emanated from her heart to form a halo around all those in her life. Her indomitable spirit and generosity were an extraordinary blessing. Her heart was accepting and...

Gene M. Laston

Gene M. Laston

Dec 30, 2024

Gene M. Laston, 60, passed away December 30, 2024.

Born in Akron, OH, he lived in Uniontown. Gene graduated from Springfield High School. He was an employee at Speedway for 6 years. His passion was golf, and he served as a golf pro locally. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Gene is preceded in death by his father, Gene...

Jason M. Savill

Jason M. Savill

Dec 25, 2024

Jason Michael Savill, age 41, passed away at home on December 25, 2024.

He was born February 21, 1983, in Kansas City, MO. He spent most of his life in Lakemore, OH and graduated from Lake High School in Uniontown, OH in 2002. Jason proudly served in the Marine Corps from 2004-2009. He was an avid reader and gun collector. He...

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