Gerald E. "Ponch" Dearth, age 78, died on Wednesday, December 07, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Van Crest of Ada.
He was born on November 5, 1938 in Ada, Ohio to Edwin Keith and Mary (Reed) Dearth who preceded him in death. On December 28, 1957 Gerald married Dorleen P. Hattery and she preceded him in death on June 11, 1995.
Gerald "Ponch" retired after 30 years from Ford Motor Company of Lima in 1987. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a life member of the Ada VFW Post#9381, where he also served as a former member and president of the Dad's Club. Gerald "Ponch" served as a member of the VFW Post Honor Guard. He was a lifetime member of the AmVets of Lakeview.
Albert V. Joseph, 75, died on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, at 12:04 p.m. at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus.
He was born on Jan. 7, 1941, in Kentucky to Homer and Kati (Mullins) Joseph who preceded him in death. Albert was married to Marsha Hunsicker from 1969-1989 and they were divorced. She survives in Kenton, Ohio.
Albert previously worked for Superior Coach, Sheller Globe Division as a painter for 20 years.
Ruth J. Rader-Schumacher, 93, died Nov. 29, 2016, at 6:40 a.m. at Heritage Manor, Findlay. Ruth was born Feb. 7, 1923 in Mt. Blanchard to the late Wilson and Mary (Kempf) Bergman. On Dec. 3, 1939, she married Walter Rader who preceded her in death on Sept. 17, 1985. She later married Clyde Schumacher on Jan. 16, 1988 and he preceded her in death on Feb. 5, 2009.
Ruth was a homemaker and had been a baker at Bluffton College. She was a member of Bethel Church of Christ.
Maurice C. "Monnie" Gossard, 57, of Harrod, died at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov, 12, 2016 at St. Rita's Inpatient Hospice Unit.
He was born on June 20, 1959, in Lima to the late Lyman Gossard and Elizabeth "Beth" (Higgins) Gossard, who survives in Lima. On May 8, 1982, he married Lisa Sandy, who survives in Harrod.
Maurice was a truck driver for Nash Finch for 28 years and retired in 2016. He was a member of Pleasant View Church of the Brethren.
David L. "Dave" Steele, 61, died on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 at 4:14 p.m. at Lima Memorial Health System, Lima.
He was born on Jan. 19, 1955, in Lima, Ohio to Paul E. "Bud" and Betty J. (Howell) Steele who preceded him in death.
Dave worked for the Laborers Union #329. He attended Crossroads Church of God, Lima. Dave had a big heart and was willing to help anyone. He was an avid Jeopardy fan and loved the family UNO games.
He is survived by two brothers: Michael (Cindy) Steele of Roughmont, N.C., and Dennis Steele of Lima; and four sisters: Karen (Dave) Hinton of Delphos, Connie (Bill) Dyer of Alger, Tracey (Mike) Alman of DeGraff and Gonda Steele of Columbus.
Catherine "Kitty" Freed, 90, of Ada, died in her home on Nov. 25, 2016.
Catherine was first lady of Ohio Northern University for 20 years, from 1979 to 1999, when her husband, DeBow, served as president. She continued to be a strong supporter of ONU after this. She held a BA and BFA from the University of Texas, an MA from the University of Kansas; and an honorary doctorate from Ohio Northern University.
