Bonnie Jean Lias, 94, passed away peacefully at her home April 8, 2021. She was born in Akron to the late La Verne and Zella Eberly, was a South High School graduate and also graduated with honors from the University of Akron at the age of 54. She had been the Director at RSVP and was a long-time member of Family of Faith UMC (formerly Church of the Good Shepherd). She lived a good, full life and the family appreciates your thoughts and prayers. Preceded in death by her husband, Robert, she is survived by her children, Kaye (Jim) Stoll, Cynthia (Royce) Smart, Blair Lias and Bruce Lias; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. A celebration of life...

Shannon W. Stewart, 83, passed away April 4, 2021 in Chattanooga, TN. He was born in Pierce, WV on August 2, 1937 to the late Shannon F. and Margarite (Warnick) Stewart and was a proud Navy veteran. Shannon retired from Stow Public Schools with 23 years of service and was a former member of the Apostolic Church of Barberton. He is survived by his wife, Ethel; sons, Jeff and Darin; and grandchildren, Randi, Corey, Cameron and Colter. The funeral service will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 12 noon at the Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, 760 E. Market St., with Rev. Paul Pamer officiating. Calling hours will be at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service, from 11 am -...

Helen M. Johnson, 91, went home to be with the Lord April 1, 2021. She was born in Vannock, OH to the late Alfred and Iva (Pickens) Thompson and was a graduate of Barnesville High School. While she was still a student, she worked at Hunkers restaurant and in 1945, met a WWII veteran named William "Hodge" Johnson, whom she married in 1947. The couple moved to Akron shortly thereafter when Hodge got a job with Ford, and she lived there until 2018 when she relocated to Mulberry Gardens, a place she loved. Helen was a long-time active member of Family of Faith United Methodist Church, serving as Chairperson of Membership Care and working as part of the Free Lunch Bunch for many years. She was...

Russell Parker Sanders, 70, of Akron, Ohio passed away suddenly March 10, 2021. Russ was born in Akron on December 4, 1950 to Adrian H. and Rena E. (Matson) Sanders. He graduated in 1968 from Roosevelt High School in Kent, Ohio and started his long and rewarding career in the Akron rubber industry, retiring from Bridgestone in June of 2019. Russ was a kind, gentle and genuine man who people were naturally drawn to. He had a passion for boating and Lake Erie, a love of a cold beer with friends, and a love/hate relationship with the Cleveland Browns. Russ was a friend to many, a loving father to his two children, and a doting and caring grandfather to his two beloved grandchildren. ...

Diane Marie (Hoover) Popiel, 74, passed away March 9, 2021. She was born in Akron to the late Richard and Elnora (Hill) Hoover, was a 1965 graduate of Garfield High School and had worked as a nurses aide for Sunrise Home Healthcare. She is survived by her children, Sheri, Michael, Kelli and Steven; grandchildren, Jessica, Emily, Tyler, Elayna and Jackson; great-grandson, Brody (and one on the way); brothers, Fred (Carol) Hoover and Rick (Annie) Hoover; and special friends, Barb and Larry Kennedy, Jean Bazzell and Carol Brown. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Green Village Nursing Home and Ohio Living Hospice. A memorial service will be held on Saturday,...

Brandon James Lee Lowery, born in Akron on January 28,1993, passed away Friday, February 26, 2021 at the age of 28. Brandon was an amazing person, who made an impact on everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. His smile could light up the room. He was a compassionate and loving man who cherished his loved ones greatly. He will forever be deeply missed. Brandon was preceded in death by his grandfather, James Lowery, and is survived by his mother, Letha Lowery; grandmother, Darlene Lowery; brothers, Duane Lowery and Shane Ryan; fianc?, Courtney Davidson; his four fur babies, Aster, Kodi, Pumpkin and Peppermint; and many other family members and friends whom he loved. Calling hours will...

Irene Lois (Scurtie) Spellman, 88, passed away peacefully at home February 23, 2021. She was born August 14, 1932 in Akron, Ohio to Joseph and Matilda (Pressler) Criss. She eloped and married the love of her life, Harry Dale Spellman on July 20, 1950. Many people have remarked about their love and how they enjoyed seeing them still holding hands and caring for each other. Irene loved her family very much and enjoyed being around them. She and Harry often remarked how blessed they were by their three children becoming such good and responsible adults. Her grandchildren remember her for always taking time out to play with them when they were little and to listen to them. She was very proud of...

TOGETHER AGAIN Patricia L. Minier, 90, passed away peacefully February 20, 2021. She was born in Akron to the late Arthur and Thelma (Barnholth) Peiffer and graduated as valedictorian of East High School in 1948. Pat was a long-time member of Wedgewood United Methodist Church and was a 50-year member of Eastern Star # 245. She enjoyed playing golf, bowling and loved playing cards, always giggling when she won. Most of all, she loved God and to cook, bake and take care of her family. She will be deeply missed. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Curt and sister, Betty Chernak. She is survived by her children, Rick (Vicki), Denise (Dan) Gourley and Kathy...

Mary Ann Hanes passed away Thursday, February 18, 2021 at the age of 73 from complications of diabetes, a terrible disease that she endured with grace and good humor for over 40 years. She was born in Penn Yan, NY to the late Gordon and Clara Willson and was an Ellet High School graduate, where she met her husband Ernie. Mary Ann worked as a librarian at Central Hower and then Hatton Elementary, a place she truly loved. She was also an advocate for music in the schools. She always said her finest moment was leading a march of all Akron High School marching bands, megaphone in hand, to the Board of Education in protest of proposed elimination of Elementary Music in Akron schools. She was...

Christopher William Lent, at the young age of 27, lost his battle to grand-mal seizures on February 1, 2021. He was born in Akron on October 15, 1993 to Tricia Burns and Craig Lent and was an East High School graduate. Christopher joins the angels along with his great-grandmother, Mary Rees. He is survived by his mother, Tricia (Gilbert) and father, Craig; great-grandfather, William; grandmother, Diana; sisters, Melissa (John), Cassie (Michael) and Nikki; brothers, David and Eric; nephews, Jonathan and Aydyn; niece, Alannah; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Christopher enjoyed watching WWE Raw and playing GTA. He loved pulling pranks on others and enjoyed eating Taco Bell and...

William D. Bee, 78, passed away January 31, 2021. He was born in Akron to the late John and Anna (Justice) Bee and was a Hower High School graduate. He was a proud veteran of the US Army and retired from Barberton Mold and Injection. William is survived by his wife, Cynthia; children, Tracey Scheck, Michael (Eve) Scheck, Donald (Jodi) Scheck, Wendy Bee and Andy Bee; brother, Harry (Bonnie) Bee; 13 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 12 noon at the Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, 760 E. Market St., with Pastor Darryl Frazier officiating. Calling hours will be at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service,...

Vickie M. Rogers, 68, passed away January 27, 2021. She was born in Meadville, PA to the late Gerald and Meryl (Allman) Dean and was a 1970 graduate of Cleveland Shaw High School. Vickie worked as a crossing guard for Stow Schools and was an auxiliary member of Firestone VFW Post 3383. Vickie really enjoyed going to the Casino with the love of her life Clint "Tim". She found great happiness in getting together with family and friends to play cards, video games, watch SciFi movies and spending time with her grandchildren. In her free time she enjoyed crocheting and watching soap operas. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter and granddaughter, Heather and...

Annie Wine, 95, went home to be with the Lord January 27, 2021. She was born in Akron to the late Martin and Mabel (Hoare) Williams. Annie loved spending time with her family, who affectionately called her Granny Annie, she was an avid bowler and loved her vacations to Myrtle Beach. Preceded in death by her husband, John and sister, Katie Bertolini, she is survived by her daughters, Linda Riley and Karen Peercy; grandchildren, Todd (Jill) Covert, Tammy Riley and Tracy Riley (Brad); great-grandchildren, Joshua, Cody, Caitlin, Bianca and Dallas; great-great grandson, Braxton; sisters, Bernice and Dorothy; and other relatives and friends. A private service will be held at the convenience of...

Victor G. Kline, 81, passed away peacefully at his home January 17, 2021 with his family by his side. He was born in Akron to the late Jack and Edith (Adams) Kline, was a South High School graduate and served in the U.S. Army. Vic was a PGA club professional, owned & operated Kline Auger Manufacturing and finished his career with Hercules Engine and Components. He had a passion for golf, drag racing and going to any and all events to support his children and grandchildren. He was a man of many trades and could fix anything. Vic was a compassionate, fun-loving man with a big heart and great sense of humor who always supported his family. He saw the bright side of every situation and will...

William B. Benson, 80, passed away after a lengthily illness on January 16, 2021. He was born in Clarksburg, WV to the late Ray and Mary (Lake) Benson and moved to Akron at age 3. He was a graduate of East High School, he earned the Eagle rank in Boy Scouts, earned a B.S. Degree in Business Administration from the University of Akron and completed correspondence courses related to stock brokerage and security analysis from the New York Institute of Finance. William began his lengthy employment career with Eastman Dillon Union Securities Company and became branch manager at Hartzman & Company. He was an options specialist at Bache & Company and was an engineering accountant for...

Marjorie L. Shives, 96, passed away January 15, 2021. She was born in Akron to the late Nicholas and Bertha (Warren) Lawry and was a 1942 graduate of Buchtel High School. Marjorie worked for Met Life and RK Office Services, and was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church. She was accomplished in needlework, winning several awards at Stan Hywet, and was an avid bowler. Preceded in death by her husband, William, and brothers, Ralph and Hurl Lawry, she is survived by her sons, William (Debbie) and James (Julie); granddaughters, Jessica (Justin) Baum, Jennifer (Eric) Martens and Jill (Brian) Swain; and great-grandchildren, Ava, Will, Savanna, Peyton, Danika, J.J. and Andrew. The family would...

In the early morning of a day the sun shone all day, we lost Glenn, a beloved son, brother, uncle and nephew. He was born July 2, 1964 to George Sr. and Patricia (Waginske), was a Green High School graduate and retired from Cotter Merchandise and Storage. Glenn played football from pee wee through high school, earning all Suburban honors his senior year and playing in the prestigious Turkey Day All Star game at the Rubber Bowl. He also enjoyed playing softball for many years. Glenn loved the Indians, Cavs and Browns, but especially NASCAR. He collected Hot Wheels and still loved to put together Lego sets. He will be deeply missed. Preceded in death by his wife, Vicki; step-mother, Kerrol...

Tisha Marie (Albright) Blake passed away at the young age of 47 on January 5, 2021. She was born in Akron on September 13, 1973 to Albert Albright Sr. and the late Tressie (Boggs) Albright and was a Central Hower graduate. Tisha joins the angels that preceded her: her mother; brother, Allen Albright; grandparents, Edna and Garrett Boggs and Mary and Dale Albright; and great-nephew, Nickolas Orr. In addition to her father, she is survived by her significant other, Mikey Hayes; children, Curtis (Ashley), Felica (Bingo), Tylor (Shilynn) and John Blake; grandchildren, Halaina, Mya, Curtis, Legend, Avilynn, Gracelynn, Sirianna, Kendall, Gideon, and one on the way; brother, Thomas (Amanda); and...

Gene "Beaner" Freed, 72, passed away peacefully at his home January 2, 2021. He was born in Calhoun County, WV and was raised in Barberton by his grandparents, Mabel and Harley Taylor. Gene was a 1968 graduate of Barberton High School, served his country in Vietnam as a member of the Army 101st Airborne Screamin' Eagles and retired from the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company with 36 years of service. Preceded in death by his wife, Susan, he is survived by his children, Tim (Amy), Matt (Nicki), Angie Porter and Katie (Curtis) Grimes; and grandchildren, Dominic, Kaitlyn, Samuel, Nick, Gabe, Bradley, Raymond, Austin and Kaylee. Burial with military honors will be held on Friday, January 8,...

Andrew Michael "Mick" Royka, 66, passed away January 1, 2021. He was born in Akron on February 22, 1954 to parents Andrew and Helen (Wetzel) Royka. He was a premature baby, weighing only 2 1/2 pounds at birth. He survived in an incubator, but the 100% oxygen caused him to be blind. He attended special classes at Dennis R. Smith Elementary in Canton, graduated from Canton Lehman in 1972 and attended Walsh College until he moved with his father to Arizona, where he attended Arizona State University. Mick attended Guide Dog School in San Rafael, CA and trained with a black lab, Morris. That began a loving, hard-working relationship until Morris developed cancer. While in Arizona, Mick...

Janet L. Moore, 39, went home to be with the Lord December 31, 2020. She was born in Akron and was a 1999 Springfield High School graduate. She earned her STNA certificate and worked as a nurse's aide at Admirals Pointe Nursing Home as well as Speedway. Janet is survived by her husband, Michael; sons, Brandon and Logan Selby; parents, Brenda (James) Gregory and Louis (Harriet) Noland; grandmother, Ellaruth Noland; and brothers, Louis Noland and Jacob Gregory; nephew, Joseph Gregory and niece, Sage Noland; and numerous other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Pauline and William McIntyre and Louis Noland. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January...