CONVOY, OH:

Bonita Adileen Myers of Convoy went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Bonita was born at home on Thanksgiving Day, November 30, 1933, to Wesley and Ica (Matthews) Custer. She grew up on the family farm outside of Rockford along with older sister Josephine and younger twin sister Bonnie. After graduating from Rockford High School in 1952, she served as the school secretary prior to moving to Convoy to start her family after marrying Lester W Myers on June 14, 1958.

She is survived by daughter Karen and son David (Robin) both of Convoy, sister-in-law Beverly Marsee and eight nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, brothers-in-law; Robert Muhlenkamp, William Ehrsam, Fred Marsee and her beloved husband Lester.

Throughout the years, she spoke fondly of the memories of the students and staff she met during her time as secretary at the Rockford school. Along with memories of attendance at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Rockford and Sugar Ridge Church of God in Convoy, Bonita had accepted the gift of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ and was looking forward to reuniting with loved ones.

Private services are planned. 

Honoring Lester and Bonita’s wishes, they will be interred together in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crestview Heritage Board, 9193 Lincoln Hwy, Van Wert, OH, 45891-8300.

Arrangements entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

PAULDING, OH:

Charlotte R. Russell, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at CHP Inpatient Hospice, Defiance, Ohio.

Charlotte was born on November 3, 1937, in Greencastle, Indiana, a daughter of the late George and Marguerite (Black) Scott. On September 6, 1963, she married Lloyd W. “Bill” Russell, who preceded her in death in 2002.

Throughout her working years, Charlotte was a familiar face to many in the community. She spent many years serving as the kitchen manager at Auglaize Country Club and later worked at Ace Hardware. Charlotte was a devoted mother and grandmother who treasured her family and the time spent with those she loved. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were an important part of her life and brought her much joy through the years.

Charlotte will be sadly missed by her daughter, Kristine (Chad) Lantow of Paulding; five grandchildren, April Daubenspeck, Adam Himsel, Sarah Gerencser, Kaitlin Bortel, and Thomas Lantow; great grandchildren: Ayla, Colton, Payton, Aedyn.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bill, Charlotte was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Himsel; and siblings, Barbara Bevan, Mary Pierce, Janet Secrest, Steven Scott, Sarah Wilson, and George “Butch” Scott.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

COLUMBUS, OH:

Gladys A. Dachenhaus, age 93, of  Columbus, OH, formerly of Paulding, OH passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026 at the Columbus Alzheimer’s Care Center.

She was born at the Norden family homestead in Napoleon, OH on March 19, 1933 to her late parents Ferdinand and Mathilda (Badenhop) Norden. On March 19, 1960, she married James J. Dachenhaus who preceded her in death in 1983.

Gladys was a devoted member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paulding, OH where she worked as the secretary for the church as well as being a member of the Rachel Circle, Worship and Music Committee, sang in the church choir, member of the church council, and teaching Sunday school. In early years, she was also a Boy Scout Den Mother.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren, playing Nickel-Nickel card game, listening to Hymns, Polkas and  Big Band music and watching OSU football and westerns on TV.

She will be lovingly missed by her children: Jay (Beth) Dachenhaus, Paulding, OH; Dawn Dachenhaus, Delaware, OH; Stacy (Tyler) Reed, Grove City, OH; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Brian Cole) Dachenhaus, Delaney Dachenhaus and Lauren and Spencer Reed; brother, Dan Norden, Deerfield, OH.

Gladys is also preceded in death by her brothers: Leonard Norden and Norman Norden; sisters: Florence Behnfeldt, Mary Ann Iliff, and Margaret Lanzer;  four grandchildren.

Memorial service at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paulding, OH with Rev. Clyde Singh officiating on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 11:00 am. Inurnment will follow at St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township. 

Calling hours at the church before the services Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 10:00 am until time of services. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gladys’ memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

ANDERSON, IN:

Nila Jean Utterback, 91 of Anderson, and formerly of Tipton, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026 in Anderson.  Nila Jean was born in Paulding, Ohio and raised in Payne, Ohio.  She also lived in Willshire, Lakeview, and Gallipolis, all in Ohio, Highland, Indiana and then to Tipton while moving her family as her husband John’s pastoral assignments changed.  Nila Jean’s parents were Lewis H. & Bernice A. (Gebhart) Shaffer.  She married John E. Utterback on September 5, 1953 and he preceded her in death on March 14, 2016.

Nila Jean had several different jobs throughout her life including working as a model for L.S. Ayres, a retail display manager, restaurant hostess, high school supervisor aide and she worked at the Emanuel Lutheran Church child care.  She was a longtime member of the First Church of the Nazarene and a graduate of the Helen Wells Modeling Agency.  Nila Jean enjoyed floral arranging and decorating.  Nila also enjoyed collecting and restoring dolls. She loved watching Westerns on TV, especially John Wayne!  But her number one activity was shopping!

Survivors include her three children, Jackie Greene and husband Eric, Alexandria, Jay Utterback and wife Karen, Indianapolis and Amy Roberts and husband Wade of Anderson.  Nila Jean has six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by one sister and brother-in-law, Betty & David Barkley.

Nila Jean’s funeral will be held in Payne, Ohio.  Her funeral will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4 at the Dooley Funeral Home, 5761 State Route 500, Payne, Ohio, 45880 with Rev. David Stout presiding.  Burial will follow in Wiltsie Cemetery, also in Payne.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is assisting Nila Jean’s family with her arrangements.  Online condolences may be left on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.  Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.

PAULDING, OH:

Norma I. (Fleck) Dennewitz, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at Homestead at Towne Center, Van Wert, OH. 

Norma was born on December 22, 1934 in Poneto, IN to the late Charles O. and Jennie M. (West) Bennett. On September 5, 1953, she married Arlan “Rex” Fleck, who preceded her in death in 1999. In 2011, she married Don Dennewitz, who also preceded her in death in 2021. Norma worked as a teacher’s aide at Parc Lane for 15 years before her retirement in 1991. She volunteered many hours for Hawthorne Court. Norma attended Bethel Church in Arthur, OH. She loved her cat, Donavon. 

Norma will be lovingly missed by her children: Michelle Barnett, Van Wert, OH; Cyndee (Jerry) DeLong, Van Wert, OH; Mark (Kerri) Fleck, New Ellenton, SC; stepchildren: Kathy (Tom) Comeans and Trisha (Tim) Hahn; grandchildren: Kristina (Jason) Fought, Robert (Debbie) Barnett, Jordan (Melanie) DeLong, Elliott Fleck, Joshua Fleck; 12 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. 

Norma was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Larry Barnett; grandson, Adam DeLong; granddaughter, Kimberly Ann DeLong; siblings: Audra Hamilton, Mabel Penrod, Ruby Plothe, Claude Bennett, Elmer Bennett, John E. Bennett, Fern Mann, Bernice Newman, Jennie Yount, Ocie Finley, Donna DePew, Bob Bennett. 

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Baker officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township, OH. 

Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until time of services at the funeral home on Wednesday. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Norma’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choosing. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

PAULDING, OH:

Nicholas H. “Nick” Martinez, age 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Nick was born on October 9, 1944 in Payne, OH to the late Nick C. and Lupe (Hernandez) Martinez. For over 60 years he owned and operated his business, Martinez Construction, where he worked in concrete and construction. He was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish in Paulding, Paulding Eagles Aerie 2405, and the Labors Local 329 – Lima. Nick coached basketball and baseball in his younger years. He loved fishing, oldies music, dancing and more than anything, he loved his grandchildren. 

Nick will be remembered for the way he treated people. He had a generous heart, an easy smile, and a genuine kindness that knew no boundaries between family, friend, neighbor, or stranger. He noticed people, made time for them, and had a way of making them feel they mattered. His generosity was often found in the simplest acts—a helping hand, a ride when someone needed one, candy for neighborhood children, a conversation that was never too hurried, or simply asking, “Do you need anything?” He gave freely of what he had, but even more freely of himself. Throughout his life, Nick quietly became part of countless other lives, leaving behind stories of laughter, friendship, encouragement, and kindness that span generations. To many, he was more than a familiar face; he was part of the fabric of the community he loved. His legacy will live not only in the family who loved him fiercely or in the work of his hands that remains throughout the community, but in the countless people who are better for having known him. Nick lived an ordinary life in an extraordinary way: he made people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for—and wherever he went, he left a little more goodness behind.

Nick will be lovingly missed by his children: Jamie (Christina) Martinez, Huron, OH; Michelle (Claude) Hoenou, Crestview, FL; Nicole (Eric) Gross, Payne, OH; Nicholas Paul Martinez III, Payne, OH; Natalie (Dan) Martinez, Decatur, GA; Natasha Star (Andres Isidoro) Martinez, Hicksville, OH; brothers: Rosalio (Genevieve) Martinez, Paulding, OH: Martin (Gloria) Martinez, Fort Wayne, IN; Juan Martinez, Paulding, OH; sisters: Lupe (Ray) Contreraz, Paulding, OH; Esther (Joe) Rangel, Paulding, OH; Phyllis Martinez, Fort Wayne, IN; Lisa (Tim) Bermejo, Paulding, OH; 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Nick was also preceded in death by his sister, Valentina Ybarra. 

Calling hours will be from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home. 

Memorial service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home. 

The family requests no flowers or funeral memorabilia. If you wish, please make a contribution in Nick’s memory in care of Den Herder Funeral Home to go towards funeral expenses. 

 Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

HARLAN, IN:

Richard L. “Dick” Ruppert, 78, long-time resident of Harlan, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Cedarhurst of Fort Wayne.  Dick was born February 26, 1948, in Hicksville, Ohio, the son of the late William L. “Pete” and Nina I. (Gustin) Ruppert.  He graduated from Woodlan High School and immediately began his lifelong career as a self-employed farmer, operating RJN Farms.  When Dick was not farming, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and tinkering with gas engines.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to members of the local farming community and will be missed by many who called him a friend.  A fond memory of Dick is his love of ice cream and cherry pie, something he could not get enough of, even when going through his cancer treatments.    

Surviving are his two sisters, Nancy (Randy) Eager of Woodburn, Indiana, and Janice Menger of Woodburn, Indiana; one niece, Ingrid (Harvey) Smallwood of New Haven, Indiana; one great-nephew, Noah (Summer Philebaum) Smallwood of New Haven, Indiana; close family friends, Mike and Ben Moore.  Dick was preceded in death by his parents; and by his brother-in-law, Heinz “Pete” Menger.

A private graveside service for Richard L. “Dick” Ruppert will be held at Scipio Cemetery, Harlan, Indiana, with Chaplain Karen Kosberg officiating.  Arrangements are under the care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home & Crematory, Hicksville, Ohio.  

Memorial contributions can be directed to the Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, 6316 Mutual Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825; or to the Harlan Christian Youth Center, 17308 2nd Street, Harlan, Indiana 46743. 

Condolences may be sent to the family, or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com.

PAULDING, OH:

Helen “Kay” Doster, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Van Crest Nursing Home in Payne, Ohio surrounded by her family.

Helen was born on May 7, 1939 to Mary Elizabeth “Betty” and Edward Tinlin, both of whom preceded her in death. On August 13, 1955, she married Dennis Lee Doster, who preceded her in death on Sept 14,  2025.

Kay attended Blue Creek High School. She was a homemaker and took wonderful care of her family. She loved to cook, garden, and listen to her music. 

Kay had a deep love for her family. Her greatest joy came from watching her children and grandchildren in events. She rarely missed and was always their biggest fan. Throughout her life, she enjoyed traveling. One of her annual destinations was Nashville, TN. She and her husband, Dennis, enjoyed traveling with her brother-in-law, sister-in-law and friends. One of the highlights of her life was her trip to Hawaii. 

She is survived by her four children: Jean (George) Porter of Paulding, Kimberly Pitser of Antwerp, Dennis “Denny” (Kimberly) Doster of Paulding, and Dawn (Joey) Meza of Santa Rosa, FL; nine grandchildren: Michelle (Shane) Sidle, Eric (Jessica) Armstrong, Ashley (Bill) Kindle, Melissa Scott, Logan (Danielle) Doster, Cameron Doster, Sean (Melissa), Jared, and Brandon Meza; and twelve great-grandchildren: Jacob Sidle, Delaney and Devin Scott, Dylan, Corbyn, and Elizabeth Armstrong, Liam and Charlotte Kindle, Chloe and Jackson Doster, Andrew and Aaron Meza. She is also survived by his sister-in-law, Margaret Williamson.

Kay was preceded in death by an infant son, Gary Allen.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Hedges Cemetery, Jackson Township, OH. 

Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until time of services on Saturday at the funeral home. 

The family requests no flowers or funeral memorabilia. Please direct any contributions in Kay’s memory to Vancrest of Payne Activity Fund. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

Howard Kent Mawer, age 84, of Elkhart, IN, formerly of Paulding, OH, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at The Harmony of Elkhart surrounded by his family.

He was born in Toledo, OH on July 22, 1942 to his late parents Howard and Vera Alice (Pope) Mawer. On July 8, 1989, he married Jacqueline (Bevins) Mawer who survives.

Kent was an entrepreneur at heart, having many businesses over the years, including the Paulding Sears Store in 1970s, Mawer Glass in Paulding in the 1980s and 1990s, followed by being a sales manager for Paragon Glass, formerly Temp-Pace Glass for 21 years, retiring in 2013.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army where he was part of the Berlin Brigade during the Cold War in the 1960s. Kent was a member of the Paulding VFW Post #587. He had an attention to detail in many things and enjoyed fishing, visiting with family, traveling, especially to the mountains, and spending time with his grandkids.

Kent will be lovingly missed by his wife, Jackie Mawer, children: Steve (Lena) Mawer, Annamay (Roberto) Acosta, Jon (Monette) Mawer, Tony Bevins, Ruben Branham, and Tyannya Anglemyer; grandchildren: Shawn (Amber) Bevins, James (Katie) Adkins, Roberto A. Acosta, Alexis Branham, J Branham, Shayla Branham, Anastasia Bevins, Logan Bevins, Veronica ( Andrew) Ostrander, Seth Mawer, Troy Mawer, Owen Mawer, Emma (Trent) Greene, Hunter Warner; 6 great grandchildren; siblings: Larry Mawer, Mark (Lisa) Mawer, and Marcia (James) Simcox.

He was preceded in death by a son, Johnny Ray Branham.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH with Pastor Bud Larimore officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township where military rites will be accorded by the Paulding VFW Post #587.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home

Memorial contributions may be made in Kent’s memory to Elara Hospice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

PAULDING, OH:

Ruth G. Eschbach, age 96, of Paulding, OH, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at CHP Inpatient Hospice, Defiance, OH.

She was born in Crane Township, Paulding County, OH on July 18, 1930 to her late parents Robert and Treva (Driver) Caryer. On July 23, 1949, she married Harold J. Eschbach who preceded her in death in 2010.

Ruth spent her life making a loving home for her family and was a proud farmer’s wife. Over the years, Ruth also worked numerous jobs to help support her family. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Paulding, OH.

She is survived by her children: Larry Eschbach, Sandusky, OH; Marianne (Joe) Riley, Land O’ Lakes, FL; Linda (Tom) Riley, Kalamazoo, MI; daughter-in-law, Marsha Eschbach, Fort Wayne, IN; 4 grandchildren: Megan (John) Dill, Nathan Eschbach, Kim (Chris) Clemons, and Kari (Mark) Harris; 8 great grandchildren: Caitlin, Andrew, Chase, Karlie, Spencer, Madison, Hailey, and Hanna. 3 great-great grandchildren

Ruth is also preceded in death by her son, Ron Eschbach and siblings: Robert Caryer, Phyllis Dix, Bernice Spieser, and Carol Ray

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH with Pastor Steve Haddix officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

The family requests no flowers or funeral memorabilia. Please consider a memorial contribution in Ruth’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Paulding, 114 W Caroline St, Paulding, OH 45879 or to CHP Hospice, 1159 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, Ohio 45891.

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.