All Obituaries

Dale A. Davis, 88, Wapakoneta. On January 26, 2022, surrounded by his wife, Renate H. Davis, and their family, Dale went home to be with Jesus.  Throughout his entire life, he never met a stranger.  That personality led to numerous “adopted” sons, daughters, and grandchildren.  Dale was a Navy veteran, having served his country for 8 years.  For the last 10 years, he dedicated countless hours volunteering at St. Rita’s/Mercy Health in Lima. A memorial...

Melody C. Thrush, 76, of St. Johns, departed this earth to be at peace with her husband at 10:20 p.m., Saturday, January 22, 2022. She was born on December 8, 1945 in St. Marys, OH to Samuel and Cynthia (Davis) Swartz who preceded her in death.  On March 14, 1964 she married Glen W. Thrush Jr. and he passed away on December 16, 2007. Survivors include 2 children Cindy (Bryan) Grieves of Wapakoneta, Dane (Dawn) Thrush of St. Marys; 5 grandchildren Heather (Tyler) Sosby, Courtney...

Benjamin F. "Sparky" Hower Jr., 68, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 7:14 p.m., Friday, January 14, 2022 at Lima Memorial Health System. He was born on October 8, 1953 in Decatur, IN to Benjamin and Marie (Cousino) Hower Sr. who preceded him in death.  On June 12, 1976 he married Glela Neale and she survives in Wapakoneta. Survivors include 3 children; Jonathan (Jennifer) Hower, Krista (Louie Davis) Thomas, Ben (Tracey) Hower all of Wapakoneta; 11 grandchildren; 1...

Carolyn L. Harshbarger, 74, of Wapakoneta left this world to be with Jesus in Heaven on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. She was born on September 5, 1947 in Fremont, OH to Alvin Andrew and Lovamae (Baumgartner) Artman who preceded her in death.  On March 30, 1968 and again on March 30, 1988 she was married to Michael Harshbarger who survives in Wapakoneta. Survivors include four children Amy (Chris) Goedde of Lima, Richard Andrew Harshbarger of Lima, Matthew (Brandy) Harshbarger of...

Jaye D. Smith, 55, of Wapakoneta, passed away at  2:05 a.m., Monday, January 10, 2022 at the Wapakoneta Manor.  He was born on November 13, 1966 in Lima, to Leonard and Rose Ann Smith who survive in Wapakoneta. Survivors also include his son, Trenton Smith, of Port Charlotte, FL; sister, Deanna (Paul) Limbert, of Columbus; and niece, Taylor Limbert.  Jaye was a 1985 graduate of Wapakoneta High School.  He enjoyed listening to 70's and 80's rock music,...

Gary R. Denig, 65, of Columbus, passed away at 1:42 p.m., Saturday, January 8, 2022 at his residence, surrounded by his children. He was born on March 7, 1956 in Columbus, OH to Jack and Shirley (Schultz) Denig who preceded him in death.  He's survived by 4 children: Robert (Lisa) Zimmerman, Brandon Zimmerman, Krystyen (Kendrick) Galvin, Greggory Denig as well as 9 grandchildren: Cameron, Alyssa, Ethan, Kason, Caleb, Rhealynn, Grayson, Scarlett, Parker and a sister Trissa...

Ida Lou Harrod, 91, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 1:30 PM, Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the Wapakoneta Manor.  She was born on December 14, 1930 in Wapakoneta, to Carl and Irene Borges Long who have preceded her in death.  On August 26, 1950 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, she married Francis N. Harrod, who passed away on July 5, 2007. Survivors include her three sons, David (Colleen) Harrod, of Wapakoneta, Daniel (Peggy) Harrod, of New Bremen, and Donald (Margaret)...

Dava M. Gerstner, 67, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 9:35 a.m., Friday, January 7, 2022 at Lima Memorial Health System. She was born on August 14, 1954 in Schenectady, NY to Everette and Pauline (Lawyer) Foland who preceded her in death. On November 28, 1980 she married Michael B. Gerstner Sr. who passed away on August 4, 2019. Survivors include 4 children Chad McCoy, Bobbi Jo (Robert) Briggs, Danielle Gerstner, Michael B. Gerstner Jr.; 3 grandchildren James McCoy, Andrew Briggs, Phoebe...

Michael H. Wurst, 72, of Columbus, formerly of Wapakoneta, passed away at 8:38 p.m. January 2, 2022 at Mount Carmel Health – St. Ann’s, Westerville.  He was born on April 3, 1949 in Lima, OH to Edward M. & Vera L. (Nolan) Wurst II who preceded him in death.  On June 12, 1971 he married Bonnie C. Howell and she survives in Columbus. Survivors include three children Benjamin (Amy) Wurst, Jennifer (Dennis) Rounds, Elizabeth Wurst; 4 grandchildren Emma, Marin, Samuel,...

Roberta J. "Bobbie" Oen Morey, 55, of Holiday, FL, passed away at 3:28 a.m., Friday, December 31, 2021. She was born on August 24, 1966 in St. Marys, to James R. and Eva (Fairchild) Oen. Her father survives in Wapakoneta and her mother preceded her in death on February 3, 1981. Survivors include a son Johnathan (Morgan) Morey of FL; 5 siblings Rick Oen of Wapakoneta, Rachel Oen of Wapakoneta, Joy (Ed) Schmerge of Botkins, Ralph (Danielle) Oen of Wapakoneta, Rex (Jennifer) Oen of...