Mansfield News Journal

Susan Vassar Proto passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022, after suffering an unexpected massive stroke Thursday afternoon. This vibrant person was taken from her family and friends too soon. Susan was born in Mansfield, Ohio on April 25, 1945. After she was born, her father moved the family to New York City where they lived until her father passed suddenly when she was 5. Her mother, three brothers, and little Susan moved back to Mansfield, Ohio where she stayed. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Ohio State and went on to Utah State where she received her Master's in Psychology. After a brief marriage that gave Susan her most cherished possession, her son Jeff, she returned to...

Ila Williams joined the Lord and many departed loved ones on June 12, 2022. She was a strong woman, a hard worker, and would do anything for her family. She retired from Heartland of Charleston proudly at the age of 81. She was preceded in death by her husband's Guthrie Maynor and Shelby Williams and by her children Amos Maynor and Steven Maynor of Artie, Harley Williams and Priscilla Maynor of Mansfield OH, and Cheryl Brown of Shelby OH. She is survived by: Her children Linda Blevins of Crestline OH; Terry Williams and Kevin (Belinda) Williams of Mansfield OH; and Darla (Anthony) Riviotta of St. Albans. Her step-children Shelby Williams of Workman's Creek, Clifford Williams of Hagerstown...

Christine "Cricket" Rodenberger, 60, of Ingalls, passed away on May 27, 2022 after a sudden illness. Cricket was born on June 21, 1961 in Mansfield, OH to Loren and Peggy (Shaffer) Volz. She married the love of her life, Tim Rodenberger, on December 13, 1980 and they were married for 41 beautiful years. Cricket owned "Cricket's Daycare" and kept her in-home daycare running for 22 years. She enjoyed crafting and sewing. All of her children and grandchildren received personalized blankets, when they were first born and then another when they got older. She was a gardener and loved playing in the dirt. She will always be remembered for her Christmas candies and ornaments. Every year, her family...

Russell L. Brokaw, age 80 of Cuyahoga Falls, passed away on April 28th 2022. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. Russell was born in Bellville, Ohio on a farm where he grew up. After graduating from high school, Mr. Brokaw served in the U.S. Army, and was stationed at the White House during the Kennedy administration as a cryptographer. Following his service in the Army, he had a 28 year career with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and retired as a Sergeant. He also served as a driving instructor and felony apprehension coach at the Highway Patrol Academy. Mr. Brokaw received several awards and ribbons for his actions with situations encountered while on the...

Evelyn Louise Kayser, 90, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at the Hospice Compassionate Care Center in Richmond, Kentucky. Evelyn was born on March 4, 1932 in Mansfield, Ohio, and was the daughter of Frank and Pauline Bogantz Beymer, both of whom preceded her in death. Survivors include: two sons, John David Nauman, of Richmond, and Gary Nauman (Donna), of Rochester, NY; two daughters, Christina Faye Nauman Woods, of Richmond, and Lauri Ann Scussel (Matthew), of Lake Mary, FL; five grandchildren, Jospeh Conley, Jessica Moore, Joshua Nauman, Joel Nauman, and Rita Labeta; five great-grandchildren, Atticus, Eva, Ivy, Jaden, and Kira; and a close family friend, Joni Fulkrod. In...

Melanie Armstrong, 61, formerly of Lexington, Ohio, died Sunday, March 20, 2022. Melanie was born to parents Bruce and Irma Armstrong on August 22, 1960. She graduated from Lexington Senior High School in 1978 and attended Bowling Green State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in music in 1983. After moving to Dallas, Texas, Melanie began her professional life as Company Manager of the Dallas Ballet. After several years with the Ballet, she went onto become House Manager of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, one of the 10 best orchestral halls in the world. Melanie spent 23 years with the Meyerson before retiring. After her "retirement," she was contacted by a...

Barbara June Bradley, 83 passed away on March 6, 2022 She was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio. She later lived in Elyria, Mansfield and Cuyahoga Falls. She was an active member of the VFW in Mansfield for many years. She loved music, dancing, gardening, crossword puzzles, but most of all she loved her children. She adored all her grandkids and they brought her the most joy in life. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, William and Dorothy Ball; brothers, Richard Ball and Thomas Ball. Barbara is survived by her three children, Orren C Bradley of Dayton, Michael A Bradley of Mansfield and Cheryl Bradley (Dougherty) of Cuyahoga Falls; 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren A...

William (Bill) Cadle, 77, of Harlingen, TX (formerly Mansfield, OH) went to be with the Lord on February 11th 2022. Bill was born in Oakland, CA in 1944 to Fred and Wilma Cadle and in 1964, he married his Highschool sweetheart, Marcia LeWarne. They lived in San Jose, CA and had 2 sons, Jeff and Tim before moving to Mansfield, OH in the early 70's. He worked for Richland Co. Children Services for 23 years, serving both the Boy's Group Home and Downs Residence Hall. Bill and Marcia also fostered 66 teenagers over the course of 9 years. After retirement, they moved into their R.V., traveling the country full-time. During their travels, Bill helped with hurricane relief and with S.O.S....

Leo Dow Rogers, age 83, of McDonough, passed away on Monday, February 7, 2022. He was born in Crestline Ohio to the late Harry L. Rogers, Sr. and Thelma A. Hillis Rogers. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Linda Dianne Thomas Rogers; siblings, Donald Rogers, Mary Britt, Beverly Ackerman, and infant brother, Harold Rogers. He graduated in 1956 from the Galion High School in Galion, Ohio. Mr. Rogers is survived by his daughter, Holli Day (Thomas) Badgley, grandson, Stephen Thomas (Kristyn) Badgley; great-grandson, Walker Von; brother, Harty "Zeke" Rogers, Jr.; nieces and nephews. Leo worked for PPG Industries, in Crestline, Ohio, retiring after...

Richard "Rich" Bump, 53, of Mansfield, died Saturday, January 1, 2022, at Mansfield Hospital. Rich was born June 1, 1968, in Delaware, Ohio to James Curtis and Helen Marie {Hughes} Bump. He graduated from Rutherford B. Hayes High School in 1986. Rich earned Bachelor degrees from both the Ohio State University and Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He was a self-employed restauranteur and antique dealer and collector. He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Rich enjoyed current events, politics, spending time outdoors and spending time with his family. He was constantly reading the Bible. Rich will be deeply missed by his mother Helen (Leslie) Meininger of Mansfield, brothers...

Norma Jean Howman, 91, of Shelby, died Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at The Willows, in Willard. Friends may call Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home-Sherwood Chapel, Wooster. Funeral services will be Monday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Jason Nelson officiating. Burial will be at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis TN, 38105. Norma was born September 23, 1930 in Apple Creek, Ohio to Elmer and Rose Ann {Hartel} Numbers. She married Russell Howman on July 16, 1950. He died October 24, 2003. Norma worked for C.E....

Theresa Carol Dunning (Johnson) passed away Saturday morning October 30th at home with her husband and children at her bedside. She is survived by her husband Bob Dunning of the home, her four children and two step children: Chris, Derek, Brittany, Jordan, Sabine, and Pamela along with their spouses, 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Doris Poulsen, and Larry Johnson, along with their spouses and children. She is preceded in death by her parents, Marion Jackson Johnson and her mother June Rose Carver. She attended Mansfield Senior High, BYU and served in the US Army Reserves. In life, Terry was relentless in her pursuits. She was a mother, a...

Mrs. Betty Gates Mellick, 92, passed away on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill. A graveside service will be held in Ganges, Ohio at a later date. Born in Ganges, Ohio June, 18, 1929, Mrs. Mellick was the daughter of the late Donald F Gates and the late Cleo Arnold Gates. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Mellick; two brothers, Donald and Kenneth Gates; her sisters, Dorothy Gates Shaum, Donna Gates Nelson and Sandy Gates. She was retired from Mellick Insurance Agency where she worked as administrative assistant with her beloved husband. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church of Rock Hill. Mrs. Mellick is survived by two sons, Paul...

Karla Morkel Roth of the Tellico Village Community, Loudon, TN passed away on October 23, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer lasting over a year. Born on November 26, 1946, in Columbus, OH, she was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Gordon F. Morkel and Rachel Woodward Morkel, and by her brother, Dr. Kevin E. Morkel. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, David C. Roth, and their three sons, Christopher (Katherine), Jason (Heather) and Frederick (Meg); grandchildren Aaron, Kirsten, Gavin, Katelyn, Adelynn, Abigail and Elliott; by her sister Karen DeMoss (Gene) and her brother Keith G. Morkel; as well as by many nieces and nephews. Karla graduated from Lexington High School,...

Patricia Anne Henson Witter, "Petie," age 88, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2021, at home in Richardson, Texas. She was born in Columbus, Ohio on November 24, 1932, the daughter of Dr. William R. Henson and Clara (Rolle) Henson. She was a 1950 graduate of Shelby High School in Shelby Ohio, then attended Bowling Green State University and graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She majored in mathematics and languages and was a senior computer programmer/systems analyst at various insurance, steel, and oil companies. She retired in 1999 and enjoyed hobbies of needlework, reading, aerobics, and worldwide travel. Petie loved animals and was a founding member of the...

Darrell Lee Jividen, age 91 of Mishawaka, Indiana formerly of Mansfield, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. Darrell was born in February of 1930, in Putnam County, West Virginia to the late Harley and Mary (Garrison) Jividen. In July of 1956, he married Sharlene L. Armstrong in Mansfield, Ohio. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.Sharlene survives, along with their sons Jeffrey Jividen of Wilmington, North Carolina and Douglas (Linda) Jividen of Mishawaka, Indiana. Surviving as well are his grandchildren Tonya Jividen, Jason Jividen, Adam (Kelsey) Jividen and Erin (Mike) Dines, along with his great grandchildren Oliver Jividen and Parker...

Dr. Mason Beckham Hughes, Jr, 92 went peacefully to be with the Lord and join his wife, as his family sat by his side. Dr. Mason Hughes was predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Virgene Marie Hughes on January 30, 2017. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Mason and Pearl Hughes of Sadieville, KY; his brother Clyde Hughes ( Pauline), Clinton, KY; his sister Edith McGuire (Lynn) of Dayton, OH; brother in law Gano Fields of Lexington, KY; son in law Larry Stimpert of Bladensburg, OH. He is survived by his sister Lorraine Fields of Lexington, KY; his five children Stephanie Stimpert of Bladensburg, OH; Bruce Hughes ( Kay) of Mansfield, OH; Sondra Booth ( Gordon) of Kannapolis,...

Elyse Lynne (Schinsky) Cogar, age 76, passed away September 30, 2021. She was born March 16, 1945, in Mansfield, Ohio, to parents Fred and Betty (Coon) Schinsky. Elyse was affectionately known as Lynne to her family and friends. She worked for GE in Tiffin, Ohio and later with the housekeeping department at Rosewood Manor in Galion, Ohio. After retirement, Lynne moved to Lexington, Tennessee for over 20 years. When her husband, Arnold, passed away, Lynne moved to her daughter's home in Ravenna where she enjoyed visits from family and friends, while watching her great-grandchildren grow. She cherished her time with her grandchildren and shared her love for crafting, cooking, and baking with...

Harry Franklin Andrews, 88, of East Fifth Street, Waverly, Ohio, passed 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at his home. Harry was born November 17, 1932, in Belleville, Ohio the son of the late Frank Andrews and Emma (Lentz) Andrews. He was united in marriage to Saundra (Williams) Andrews, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Kathryn (Craig) Alguire, two sons, Ron E. (Deborah) Andrews and Duane H. (Christopher Coyle) Andrews, four grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason) Chadima, Erica (JD) Geiger, Jack Andrews, and Marcus Andrews, four great-grandchildren, Noah Chadima, Rylan Chadima, Adam Geiger, and Craig Geiger, and a sister, Lois Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents,...

Linda Dianne Thomas Rogers, age 76, of McDonough, Georgia died on Monday, August 23, 2021. She was born in Summerville, South Carolina to the late Charles Lee Thomas and Wilma Ruth Littleton Thomas. She graduated in 1963 from the Galion High School in Galion, Ohio. Of all the accomplishment that Linda was proud of, being Holli's mother and Stephen's "Oough", and great "Oough" to Walker she considered her greatest. Linda was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, family was of the utmost importance to her. She was passionate about nature and her herbs and considered playing in the dirt her therapy. She loved reading and the knowledge she gained from books. Linda was a member of the order...

Barbara Brown Koons was born in 1935 in Mansfield Ohio, the eldest daughter of Anna Von Endt Brown and cartoonist Scott Brown. Growing up, she spent much of her time in her parent's iconic soda shop in Mansfield. After graduating from high school, she worked as a reporter for two years for the Mansfield News Journal before attending the School of Journalism at Northwestern University. While at Northwestern, she became a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma social sorority. She also worked for the Chicago Tribune during her time in the Chicago area. Returning to school after raising her family, Barbara received her BA from Indiana University in 1984, and her MFA from Indiana University in...