GROVER HILL, OH:

Charles R. “Charlie/Chuck” Benard, age 65, passed away at his home in Grover Hill, OH surrounded by his family.

Chuck was born in Defiance, OH to his late parents, William H.C. and Fern (Lane) Benard. On May 21, 1988, he married Patricia L. “Trish” (King) Benard who preceded him in death on May 12, 2026.

He worked in maintenance at Haviland Drainage Products for several years. In his earlier years, he worked at Stokley’s in Paulding. Chuck had a love for NASCAR, especially driver Mark Martin, or anyone driving a Ford. He enjoyed collecting knives, watches, and hats. He loved loud rock music, especially Bob Seger or 1980’s hair bands and his Budweiser.

Chuck will be lovingly missed by his favorite daughter, Leslie (Stan) Ankney, Ayersville, OH; son, Ted (Cassandra) King, Van Wert, OH; daughter, Amber Bernard, Defiance, OH; special grandsons he helped raised, Preston, Zoah, and Zanden; 5 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sister, Sarah (Bob) Anderson, Montpelier, OH; brothers, Billy (Mary) Benard, Defiance, OH; Mike (Pat) Benard, Defiance, OH.

He is also preceded in death by his sisters: Linda Vance, Jean Benard, and Phillis Howard.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Inurnment will take place in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township, OH.

Flowers and tributes may be sent directly to Chuck’s daughter, Leslie Ankney, at 29141 Steinmaier Road, Defiance, OH 43512.

Online condolences may be shared at denherderfh.com.

PAULDING, OH:

Gene A. Baughman, age 78, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Penn State Health-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. 

Gene was born on April 18, 1948 in Paulding, OH to the late Ambrose Lawrence “Bus” and Averial Lucille (Smith) Baughman. On December 23, 1972 he married Mary Ann Breitwieser, who survives. He was a Paulding High School graduate, class of 1966, where he at one time held the record for most free throws in a single game. Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Gene was the 4th generation President and CEO of Baughman Tile Company. He was a 33rd degree Mason, Flat Rock Lodge 580 in Payne, OH and a member of the Scottish Rite, Toledo, OH. Gene was a proud member of the Paulding community and gave back to his community in more ways than one. During the holidays, Gene proudly put up his Christmas lights display at his home, where the entire community could enjoy. He was a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan and a fairweather New York Yankees fan. Gene loved hockey especially when his boys were playing. 

Gene will be lovingly missed by his wife, Mary Ann; sons: Eric (Lisa) Baughman, Monclova, OH; Brad (Lorie) Baughman, Paulding, OH; brothers: Mike (Marie) Baughman, Columbia, SC; Martin (Yvonne) Baughman, Austin, TX; four grandchildren: Alexander, Nicholas, Annaleise, and Addison; many loving nieces and nephews.

Gene was also preceded in death by his sister, Chiri Pettinato and stepmother, Rosie DeLaet Swallow Baughman.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Harper officiating. Burial will follow in Latty Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery with military rites accorded by the Paulding VFW Post 587. 

Visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home with a Masonic service to be held at 8:00 P.M. There will also be visitation from 9:00 A.M. until time of services on Thursday at the funeral home. 

The family requests no flowers or funeral memorabilia, contributions may be made in Gene’s memory to the Paulding County Agricultural Society. 

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

Janet Ann Wirick, 88, of Fort Wayne, IN, formerly of Paulding, OH, passed away on Friday, May 29th, at The Crossings at Covington Commons, Fort Wayne, IN.

She was born on February 26, 1938 in Antwerp, OH to her late parents, Russell and Virginia (Caryer) Coon. On June 15, 1956, she married Gerald Wirick who preceded her in death in 2021.

Janet was a former member of the Paulding United Methodist Church and a current member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Fort Wayne, IN. She worked for several years at Dana Weatherhead in Antwerp, OH. Janet enjoyed playing cards with her friends on Fridays and was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing.

She is survived by her daughter, Tracey (Jason) Grothaus, Roanoke, IN.

She is also preceded in death by her brothers, Russell and Gene Coon.

Memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH. Inurnment will follow in Wiltsie Cemetery, Harrison Township, Payne, OH.

There will be calling one hour prior to the services at the funeral home on Saturday.

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

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

GROVER HILL, OH:

Patricia L. “Trish” Benard, age 60, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at her daughter’s home in Ayersville, OH. 

Trish was born on June 10, 1965 in Paulding, OH to Theodore “Ted” and Evelyn (Harp) King. On May 21, 1988 she married Charles Benard, who survives. Trish worked as a manager of group homes for CSRI for 15 years. She loved sewing, crafts, and gardening flowers. Trish was a natural caregiver, she loved her job. More than anything, she loved her home with Charlie. 

Trish will be lovingly missed by her parents, Ted and Evelyn King, Haviland, OH; husband, Charles Benard, Grover Hill, OH; son, Ted (Cassandra) King, Van Wert, OH; daughter, Leslie (Stan) Ankney, Ayersville, OH; stepdaughter, Amber Benard, Defiance, OH; brother, Richard (Darlene) King, Richmond, KY; sisters: Sandy (Eric) Ludwig, Grover Hill, OH; Joanna (Brad) Deel, Bryan, OH; 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Trish was preceded in death by her brother, Ted C. King.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Inurnment will take place in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township, OH. 

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

PAULDING, OH:

Donna J. Scott, age 79, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026 at her home in Paulding, OH. 

Donna was born on April 13, 1947 in Convoy, OH to the late Ervin and Elizabeth (Burk) Fabian. On September 3, 1966, she married James Scott, who preceded her in death in 2011. Donna worked in food service for Paulding Exempted Village Schools for 13 years before her retirement in 2009. She was a member of the Know Your Neighbor Club and Paulding Church of the Nazarene. Donna loved gardening, crocheting, and traveling. 

Donna will be lovingly missed by her children: James “Jim” (Theresa) Scott, Huntertown, IN; Kimberly (Josh) Grimes, Oakwood, OH; Kristina (Jamie) Varner, Paulding, OH; brother, Edward (Faith) Fabian, Convoy, OH; sister-in-law, Robin Fabian, Van Wert, OH; 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. 

Donna was also preceded in death by her brothers, Ervin “Butch” Fabian, Raymond Fabian, Paul Fabian; grandson, Kyle Varner. 

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Paulding Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Doug Shilts officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home. There will also be visitation from 10:00 A.M. until time of services on Thursday at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s memory to Paulding Church of the Nazarene. 

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

PAULDING, OH:

Sandra S. Howell, age 79, of Paulding, OH, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at the Paulding County Hospital.

She was born in Paulding, OH on February 10, 1947 to her late parents, Floyd “Buck” and Doris (Stanton) Howell.

Sandra was the owner of the West Side Market in Paulding for many years and also work at Ohio Glass Depot and was a bartender at various establishments in the Paulding area.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Fred) Roberts, Columbus, OH; grandsons: Josh (Tisha Ruman) Hernandez, Paulding, OH; Derrick Hernandez, Columbus, OH; great grandchildren: Eli Hernandez, Isabella Howard, Zyden Hernandez, Lorenzo Hernandez; sisters: Rita Howell, Paulding, OH; Genelta (Sam) Levos, Paulding, OH.

She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Janet Yoquelet, John Lehman, and Clayton Howell.

Memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH.

There will be calling hours from 11:30 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home on Wednesday.

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

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

HAVILAND, OH:

Richard C. Bowers, age 94, of Haviland, OH, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at the Fort Wayne VA Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

He was born on December 17, 1931 in Lucas County, OH to the late Clair D. and Adele (Simon) Bowers. On December 29, 1956, he married Laura Belle Carlisle, who passed away in 2018.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War upon the USS Salem as a radioman. He was in the insurance and real estate business for many years. In his earlier years, Richard worked as a truck driver hauling steel and heavy machinery. He was also the mayor of Haviland, OH for 8 years.

He is survived by his children: Sheila (Dave) Mohr, Clearwater, FL; Clair Bowers, Payne,OH; Karen (Mark) Arend, Paulding, OH; Michael (Annette) Bowers, Antwerp, OH; Kathleen (Al) Ehlinger, Antwerp, OH; 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Richard is also preceded in death by his siblings: Junior Bowers, Curtis “Mike” Bowers, Robert Bowers, and Ann Renn.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH with Pastor Eric Bass officiating. Burial will follow in Dealey Cemetery, Benton Township, Payne, OH with military rites accorded by the Paulding VFW Post #587.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH. There will also be calling one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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

LATTY, OH:

Ann Marie Sinn, 92, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026 at Country Inn Enhanced Living Center.

She was born on May 15, 1933 to the late Elmer and Rose (Beer) Haab. On October 18, 1959 she was joined in marriage to Ray Sinn in Milford, IN. He preceded her in death on January 29, 2016. Born to this union were 3 daughters and 6 sons: Suzanne (Earl) Beery, Gary (Paulette), Philip, Jane (Jim) Linder, Mark (Diane), Steven (Joy), Duane (Carrie), Karen and Kurt (Lisa).

Also surviving are 36 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Irma Stoller and Nettie Haab;  2 brothers Paul Haab and Don (Martha); 4 sisters-in-law: Minnie (Nelson) Beer, Renee Sinn, Paula Haab, and Marcy Haab. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer & Rose Haab; husband, Ray; sisters Dorothy Steffen and Phyllis Wuethrich; brothers Ray and Steven Haab; in-laws Walter Steffen, Robert Wuethrich, Kathy Haab, Carl & Bertha Sinn, Walter Sinn.

At the age of 17, she gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized. She faithfully served Him for 75 years. Ann graduated from Milford High School in 1951. One of her greatest joys was being a mother and grandmother, and spending time with her family. She loved sewing and was a seamstress for several companies. She also supported HarvestCall with her sewing. Ann volunteered with the American Red Cross and at Van Wert County Hospital. She was a devoted member of Latty Apostolic Christian Church.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Latty Apostolic Christian Church with church clergymen officiating. Burial will follow in Latty Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery. 

Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Latty Apostolic Christian Church Fellowship Hall. There will also be visitation from 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Ann’s memory to Country Inn Enhanced Living Center or CHP Hospice.

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

PAULDING, OH:

Josephine R. Wenninger, affectionally known to many as “Grandma Jo”, of Paulding, and formerly of Haviland, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, on hospice at the Paulding County Hospital, after a lingering illness.

She was born in Latty, OH, on May 1, 1928, the daughter of Otto and Lydia Stoller Schlatter. Josephine graduated from Latty High School in 1946. In January of 1948, she turned her heart to the Lord and was baptized at the Latty Apostolic Christian Church on April 18, 1948. On May 22, 1949, she was united in marriage to Donald R. Wenninger, who passed away on October 13, 2020, allowing them to enjoy 71+ years of life together. To this union were born 6 sons and 3 daughters, all of whom survive. Larry (Joyce) of Paulding, David (Deborah) of Van Wert, Edwin (Alice) of Van Wert, Cheryl (Ed) Schlatter of Paulding, Charlotte of Paulding, Brenda (Bill) McClure of Haviland, Dennis (Beth) of Defiance, Kevin (Della) of Haviland, and Randall (Joni) of Payne. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 69 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers, Joseph, John, Benjamin, and Herman. 4 sisters, Elizabeth Wieland, Laura Dunham, Emma, and Esther. She also mourned the loss of a great grandson, John Wenninger.

She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, enjoyed cooking and serving many delicious meals over the years entertaining family and friends. She also enjoyed growing flowers, gardening, quilting and sending cards to encourage others. She loved music and singing hymns, and her greatest enjoyment was spending time with God and her family and prayed often that they could all be in heaven someday.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Latty Apostolic Christian Church with church clergymen officiating. Burial will follow in Latty Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery, Latty, OH.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Latty Apostolic Christian Church Fellowship Hall. There will also be visitation from 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. on Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Josephine’s memory to Country Inn Enhanced Living Center or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

WARSAW, IN:

Peggy I. Wolfle, age 87, of Warsaw, IN, formerly of Paulding, OH, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Mason Health and Rehab Center, Warsaw, IN.

Peggy was born on January 31, 1939, in Lima, OH, to the late Harold and Lena (White) Gilroy. On May 29, 1965, she married William L. “Bill” Wolfle who passed away in 2005.

She worked at Dana Weatherhead, Antwerp, OH in shipping and receiving, retiring after 34 years of service. Peggy was a member of the Paulding United Methodist Church, Paulding V.F.W. Post 587, Paulding Eagles Aerie #2405, Ritzy Buckeye Red Hatters, Relay for Life, the Original Bunco Club, and volunteered at the Paulding County Senior Center.

Peggy is survived by her children: William H. “Bill” (Brenda) Wolfle, Paulding, OH; Tiffany (James Dawson) Ralston, Princeton, IN; sister, Dorothy Martin, Fort Myers, FL; grandchildren: Cody Wolfle, Ethan Wolfle, Wyatt Wolfle, Blaze (Karissa) Cotterman, Ciara (Andrew) Rethlake, Trevor Strete; great grandchildren: Lacy, Harley, Lieam, Swae, Lennon, Abi, Lane, Mickie.

She is also preceded in death by her daughter, Susette Wolfle; brothers: Kenneth Gilroy, Gene Gilroy, Paul Gilroy; sisters: Betty Burden, Arlie Mae Gilroy.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH with Pastor Ric Beals officiating. Burial will follow in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding, OH.

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

Memorial contributions may be made in Peggy’s memory to the Paulding V.F.W. Post 587.

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