Rose Hill Funeral Home

Jacqueline Strong, age 80, of Akron, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at her residence after a period of declining health. Jacqueline was born November 14, 1943 in Danville, Kentucky to the late Banks R. and Juanita (Patton) Johnson, Sr. She was a graduate of Buchtel High School. She retired as a Surgical Technician with over 30 years at St. Thomas Hospital. Jacqueline enjoyed shopping and cooking, she loved listening to gospel music, and spending time with her family. Besides her parents, Jacqueline is preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Strong, Sr, her sister, Beverly Hawthorne, her son-in-law Deon Brooks, and step-daughter Sonia Strong. She is survived by her daughter...

Carol W. Awender, PhD, passed away March 31, 2024 after a long battle with chronic lung disease. She was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, attended Cottey College, and subsequently graduated from The University of Wisconsin. She went on to earn her PhD in Psychology from the University of Akron. Carol was preceded in death by her husband Herbert Awender, MD, her daughter, Mary Honeycutt, and siblings Lucy Bottoni, Gilbert Sutherland, Priscilla Boscoff, and Sylvia Barry. She is survived by her children Scott Awender, MD (Nancy Awender, MD), Jill Shankar, JD, MBA (Vijay Shankar, MBA), Leslie Awender, MFA (Brice Harris, MA); her grandchildren Morgan Honeycutt, JD, Gabrielle Awender, and Thomas...

FAIRLAWN- Ralph F. Wood, age 93, passed away Friday, March 29, 2024 at the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Center after a period of declining health. Ralph was born November 15, 1930 in Akron and was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from East High School in the Class of 1948 and attended the University of Akron where he lettered on the rifle team. Ralph worked for 43 years for the F.W. Albrecht Grocery Company, opening and managing the Montrose Acme. He was a charter and proud member of the Copley Lions Club, now the Copley Norton Lions Club. Ralph was an avid golfer and pool player, and each of those friends held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed a good card game with family and...

Patricia A. Markham, age 84, of Akron, Ohio passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Akron City Hospital. Patricia was born in Akron on May 5, 1939 to the late Donald E. and Lillian (Noland) Mills. Patricia retired from JC Penney in Custom Decorating. She was a pen pal enthusiast for most of her life, she attended several reunions in many different states. She enjoyed traveling, especially "glamping", and spending summers at Cherokee Park. She loved to play Euchre and enjoyed going to casino's. Besides her parents, Patricia is preceded in death by her son Howard Gillenwater, her daughter Dinah Iachoboni, and her stepson Randy Markham, her brothers Donald and Wayne, and her sister...

Barbara Ann Gorsline, age 93, of Stow, Ohio passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at her residence. Barbara was born February 28, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late George and Wilma (Haver) Demaline. Barbara was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and the Cuyahoga Falls Women's Club. She was an avid Bridge player. She enjoyed traveling, especially on Cruises. Besides her parents, Barbara is preceded in death by her daughter Darlene, her brothers Marvin, George, Wayne, and Ronald; and a brother-in-law, James Gorsline. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, David E. Gorsline, her son David L. (Shirley) Gorsline, her son-in-law Dale Walker, five grandchildren, Kelly (Joe), Brett...

Helen Danesis, Age 87, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband Louis, son George, and brother Vasil. For 30 years, Helen served as a second grade teacher at Seiberling Elementary School. Helen is survived by her son, Perry (Zita) of Akron, her sister, Loretta Watson of Bethlehem, PA, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Friends may call Friday 5-8PM at the Rose Hill Funeral Home, 3653 West Market St. in Akron, where Pastor Dave Shields will conduct the funeral service at 1PM Saturday. Interment in Rose Hill Burial Park.

Charles N. Walker passed away on February 3, 2022 with his nieces Linda, Michele, and Julie by his side. He was born in Akron, Ohio on January 29, 1945 to the late Howard W. and Elma M. Walker. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Sue W. Walker. He is also survived by his nieces Linda Page, Michele Juszczec, and Julie Hurst; his nephews Douglas Turner, James and Robert Walker; and various great nieces and nephews. His brothers Howard, James, and Marvin, and his sister Beverly preceded him in death. Charles graduated from Akron East High School and the University of Akron. He participated in the ROTC program at the university and served his country in the Vietnam War. He reached...

David passed away February 1, 2022. David was born to Frederick and Lenora LaBate in Akron, Ohio in 1953. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in David's name to Haven of Rest, Akron-Canton Food Bank, Akron U Zip Fund or Summa Orthopedics. Visitation will be on Monday, February 21, 2022 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM with the Memorial Service immediately following at 2:00 PM in the Rose Hill Funeral Home 3653 W Market St Akron, OH 44333. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rosehillbp.com

David passed away February 1, 2022. David was born to Frederick and Lenora LaBate in Akron, Ohio in 1953. He graduated from Archbishop Hoban in 1971 and went on to get his Bachelor's and Master's degree from the University of Akron. He retired from Akron Municipal Court Clerk's office as a supervisor in 2019. David was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Penny; his sisters, Susan Daly and Sandy Bender (Jennifer Lewis). He is also survived by his children Christopher LaBate (Amanda) and Todd Galloway (Rhonda). His grandchildren Margaret and Graham LaBate, Isabella and Ethan Galloway, and Ashlee Beeching could always bring a smile to his face. His...

John D Bowen, 85 years old, gained his wings on January 23. 2022 surrounded by his loving wife, Rose Bowen and family. He passed away from complications of pneumonia and Covid-19. John was born April 5, 1936 in Midway, Alabama to the late William and Carrie Bell Bowen. John and his brother, Don Bowen relocated to Akron, Ohio to be near their sisters Myrtis Carter and Susie King. John met and married Peggy Suddeth and four children were born to this union. He worked for Thomas J. Dillion Construction Co. and retired from All Crane and Erection with over forty years of service. John joined United Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Roderick C Pounds, Sr. He enjoyed singing...

Susan K. Watson of Stow, Ohio went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 23, 2022. She worked as a bank reconciler for several major banking institutions. She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence & Mary Watson. She is survived by her twin sisters Judy Watson of Akron, OH and Ruth Lear of Norton, OH.; nieces Cindy (Eric) Preston of Copley, OH and Katie (Jason) Lear of Barberton, OH. Cremation has taken place. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Lakeside Christian Church 3535 Knollwood Lane, Akron, OH 44333. She will be inurned at Rose Hill Memorial Park in a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests...

Mary Delores Watson was born in Akron, OH on May 17, 1935 and passed away on January 10, 2022 in Akron, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents Joshua & Mildred Watson; great-great-granddaughter Ka'Vay; and brother Delari Walker. Mary is survived by her son Edward, grandchildren......; great-grandchildren.....; special daughter Tracey Owens; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She retired in 2008 from Chrysler Motor Co. after 30+ years of service. Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 29th from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM; with the Fuenral Service immediately following at 12:00 PM at the Rose Hill Funeral Home 3653 W Market St. Akron, OH 44333. Memories and condolences...

Dorothy L Conroy, age 90, was born in Rittman, OH on June 25, 1931, passed away on January 9, 2022 in Richfield, OH. Preceded in death by her parents Willard & Letha Long; brother Roy Long; and son-in-law Charles E Stump. Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory George, husband of 69 years; Kimberly Stump, daughter; Glenna (Tony) Gingo, sister and brother-in-law; Julie Long, sister-in-law; and her granddog Annie. Dorothy worked at the J.M Cleminshaw Co., in various states and Nova Scotia, Canada. Returning to Akron, she went to work at Bridgestone Firestone retiring in 1987, she then went to work full time in the family business Conroy Appraisal Service. She enjoyed spending time...

Cecilia "Ceci" A. (Lane) Lauer, 69, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on January 8, 2022, after battling a year-long illness. Ceci was born and raised in Kent, Ohio, and graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School in 1970. As an accomplished dancer, Ceci was a ballroom dance instructor with Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Fairlawn during the late 1970s. She was an excellent dance teacher and partnered with her students in various dance competitions. She retired from Akron Children's Hospital in June of 2021 after more than 40 years of service. Starting in the pharmacy department, then moving to the Burn Center, she retired as a certified Trauma Registrar. Some of her most memorable years at...

Thomas W. Kesselring passed away on January 8, 2022, at the age of 92. He was born May 26, 1929 to Grace and Charles Kesselring of Akron, Ohio, Preceded in death by his siblings Lowell (Virgina), Blanche (Joe), Boyd (Ann), Bruce (Gae), Faye (Tom), and Phyllis. Tom was a graduate of Buchtel High School and attended Kent State University; he served in the Army of the United States from 1950 to 1952; and was employed at Kesselring Dairy. He kept very informed of current events and was an avid sports fan. Committal Service will be held on Monday, January 17, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Rose Hill Burial Park, 3653 West Market St., Fairlawn, Ohio. Memories and condolences may be shared at...

Laura Mae Kelley, 85, of West Chester, Ohio, peacefully passed away on January 5, 2022, while under the care of Hospice of Southwest Ohio. She was born January 12, 1936 to Emmet and Eleanor Redmond in Fond du Lac, WI. She married Walter Kelley on June 6, 1959 and was widowed in 1995. She is survived by her three siblings: Emmet Redmond, Mary Mauer, and Maggie (John) Resko. Also surviving are her four children; Dr. Patrick (Kim) Kelley, Kathleen (Bill) Lowe, Thomas (Nicole) Kelley, and Denise (Mike) Davis; and eight grand-children; Cate (Mitch) Maxson, Erin Kelley, Rick Kelley, Taylor Lowe, Billy Lowe, Connor Kelley, Caroline Kelley, and Megan Davis. Laura was raised on a dairy farm in...

Philip A. Holmer (aka Papa Holmer, Uncle Phil, and Philsey), 78, passed away on January 5, 2022. He is survived by his daughter Evelyn (Lyn) Holmer, son-in-law Hansal Patel, and a legion of friends too numerous to list. His eldest daughter, Katherine (Katie) Holmer predeceased him. A graduate of Culver Military Academy and Bradley University, Phil joined the Army (or more accurately: the Army joined Phil) immediately after college. Once honorably discharged, Phil became a motorsports writer for the Orlando Sentinel. He eventually left journalism and crossed to the dark side, becoming a public relations representative for NASCAR. While working at NASCAR, Phil co-founded the very popular...

Denise Gunnerson, age 70, passed away into the arms of the Lord on December 31, 2021. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Douglas Gunnerson; Her brothers Joseph Kuchta, Ric Kuchta; her children, David (Elle) Gunnerson, Adam (Heather) Gunnerson, Jennifer (Brian) Murphy, Stephanie Gunnerson; her grandchildren, Dylan Linklater, Anna Gunnerson, Stephen Gunnerson, Ashley Drzewicki, Bettina Gunnerson, Violet Murphy, Emmeline Murphy, William Croasmun, Ethan Croasmun, Henry Croasmun. Denise was born in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, on April 19, 1951, and married Douglas in 1971. Denise lived a full life, filled with personal and professional accomplishments. She became a legal secretary in high...

Ellen M. McClish, aged 96, passed away on 12-29-21 after a brief illness. She leaves behind one surviving son, Don F. McClish. Her husband Donald E. McClish, an aviation hero of WWII, pre-deceased her in mid-2002. Her older son Michael G. McClish, who also served in the Air Force, pre-deceased her in April 2020; surviving wife, Dianna, Jacksonville, FL Ellen spent most of her life in Stow, Ohio where she had been a good wife and impeccable housekeeper with fine social skills for gatherings of relatives and friends. Since then, she was in decline from Alzheimer's Disease. Visitation on Saturday, January 22nd, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM with the Funeral Service following at 1:00 PM at the Rose...

Joanna Francis passed away at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer. She graduated from Kent State University and had been a teacher at Field Local Schools for over 30 years. Away from work she enjoyed golfing and traveling. Joanna was preceded in death by her parents John Francis Sr. & Margaret (Dubinsky). She is survived by her brother John J Francis Jr & Margaret (Huth); sister Helen Smucker, and nephews David Smucker, Darren Smucker, Brian Francis, John P Francis, Todd Francis & niece Christina Francis; and many great nephews & nieces. Private family services handled by Rose Hill Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.roshillbp.com In lieu...

Marilyn J. Sacy passed away on December 23rd, 2021. She was born on January, 2nd, 1936 in Akron, Ohio and lived in Copley, Ohio most of her life. She married her High School sweetheart, Ronald, and the marriage lasted 45 years until his death in 1999. For many years Marilyn was a volunteer at Hospice and the Akron Blind Center. She loved helping and caring for people. Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband Ronald G. Sacy and daughter-in-law Shirley Sacy. She will be dearly missed by her sons Ron and Mark; grandchildren Michael and Sophia, brother and sister-in-law Tom and Rosemary McLaughlin; niece Marianne Sweeny and family; nephew Tom McGauhlin and family; and dear friends Paul...