Gerald A. “Jerry” Dearth, 84, passed away on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020 at 2:08 p.m. at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

He was born on May 27, 1936 in Ada to Jasper Earl and Aezelda B. (Robnolte) Dearth and they preceded him in death. On Dec. 20, 1975, he married Jean Anne VanAtta and she survives in Ada.  

Jerry retired from Ohio Northern University, Ada, where he was head of security for 20 years. He also worked for the Hardin County Sherriff’s office for over 27 years. He previously worked for Hanson-Neely Funeral Home for 8 years. 

He was a member of the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church of Ada. Jerry was a graduate of Ada High School class of 1954. He was a member of the Ohio National Guard Ada Unit for 8 years. He was a member of the Ada Lions Club since 1970. 

Also surviving are a son, Michael (Dovie) Dearth of Arlington; three daughters: Kerrie (Mark) Allen of Ada, Karla (Charles) Beagle of Arlington and Teresa Romick of Bluffton; three step daughters: Cindy Anspach of Harrod, Tammy (Chip) Ulmes of Lima and Kari (Scott) Potter of Ada; seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, four step grandchildren and nine step great grandchildren; three brothers:  Russell A. (Karen) Dearth of Lafayette, Tom (Janice) Dearth of Ada and John (Anita) Dearth of Ada; and two sisters: Kate Bear of Lima and Esther (John) Penhorwood of Mansfield.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Nadine Marie; a granddaughter, Maysa Fleece; two brothers, Don Dearth and Justin “Jud” Dearth; four sisters: Dorothy Kramer, Eilene Padgett, LaDonna Greer and Janet Gault.

Attendance will be restricted at the funeral and visitation based on space to accommodate social distancing requirements. Face coverings must be worn while attending visitation and service. 

Private family services will be held at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada with Pastor Thomas Dearth and Pastor Dennis Burns officiating.  Burial of ashes will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada. 

The funeral service for Jerry will be live streamed on the Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services Facebook Page beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9.    

Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lions International Foundation.