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Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

http://www.alspachgearhart.com/

Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington Street, Van Wert, OH (2026)

06/04/2026

Don Thomas Carter

Don T. Carter, 84, of Van Wert, Ohio died June 3, 2026 at his home. He was born September 14, 1941 in New Boston, Ohio and he was the son of the late Don and Maxine (Pickens) Carter. On May 27, 1967 Don married the former Linda "Ann" Evans, who preceded him in death on January 11, 2017.

Don moved to the Van Wert area in 1970. He worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as a game warden, then a wildlife investigator, until retirement. Don was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert. He was also a member of the Van Wert Elks lodge number 1197, and the Van Wert Loyal Order of Moose number 1320. Don was a PAL league football coach for many years. He was an avid golfer, who loved every opportunity to spend time outdoors. But most of all, Don dearly loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved spending time with his family and friends, especially time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving are Don's children, Samuel L. (Mary) Carter of Beloit, Wisconsin, Karen L. (Todd) Wise of Chillicothe, Ohio, Gail M. (Greg) Eibling of Van Wert, Ohio, and Matthew D. (Ashli) Carter of London, Ohio; thirteen grandchildren, Noah Carter, Annie Carter, Jacob D'Amico, Zachary D'Amico, Isaac D'Amico, Tylor Pruden, Morgan (Wes) Collins, Peyton Eibling, Andrew Carter, Samuel Carter, Jack Carter, Benjamin Carter, and Bobby Champion; and seven great grandchildren, Ella, Adalynn, Liam, Sophia, Brixton, Jett, and Wrenlee.

In addition to his wife, Ann, and his parents, Don was preceded in death by his siblings and multiple in-law family members.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert, Ohio with Father Chris Bohnsack officiating. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 South Washington Street, Van Wert, Ohio 45891. A Rosary service will be held at 6:45 pm Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

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

Services have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 South Washington Street, Van Wert, Ohio 45891.

View Don Thomas Carter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/02/2026

Brenda Schewe

Brenda Kay Schewe, age 67, of Grover Hill, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Columbus, IN, Brenda was the daughter of Richard Smith and Mary Margaret (Miller) Smith, both of whom preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children: Paul (Stacia Stripe) Palmeter, Wendy Youmans, and Ronnie Pruitt; seven grandchildren; and several great‑grandchildren.

In keeping with Brenda's wishes, she will be cremated, and no formal funeral rites will be observed.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements entrusted to Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Brenda Schewe's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/02/2026

Matthew Lewis Edwards

Matthew Lewis Edwards, 65, passed away on June 1, 2026, at Lima Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Matt was born on July 15, 1960, in Van Wert, Ohio, to Franklin B. Edwards and Marilyn Dee (Lewis) Edwards. He graduated from Vantage Career Center through Lincolnview High School in 1978 and spent many years as a dedicated truck driver. He was a former member of Zion Christian Union Church in Grover Hill.

Matt lived life with a down‑to‑earth spirit. He loved being outside-fishing, mowing, or simply taking in the day. Dogs were his constant companions, and he had a natural way with animals. He was creative and handy, whether he was painting, drawing, whittling, or tinkering with something in the garage. Matt enjoyed a hearty meal and knew his way around a kitchen, and he was rarely without his trusty thermos of coffee. He had an easygoing nature, a habit of running fashionably late, and a gift for turning strangers into friends.

Matt is survived by his daughter, Ty (Nick) Coil of Van Wert; his father and stepmother, Franklin and Grace Edwards of Grover Hill; his brother, Andrew (Mary) Edwards of Paulding; his sisters, Julie (Robert) Kistler of Van Wert and Jodee (John) Thompson of Defiance; and his grandchildren, Kendall and Zander Coil, both of Van Wert. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, as well as great‑nieces and great‑nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Dee (Lewis) Edwards.

A Celebration of Life for Matthew will be held at a later date. He will be laid to rest in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests planting trees in Matt's memory-a fitting tribute for a man who felt most at home under an open sky and among the outdoors he loved.

Condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Matthew Lewis Edwards's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/29/2026

Lois M Allen

Lois M. Allen, 87, of Dayton, Ohio, formerly of Van Wert, passed away on May 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 7, 1939, in Athens, Ohio, Lois was the daughter of M. Faye (Brandenburg) Saylor and George M. McDonald.

Lois retired from the City of Van Wert after many years of dedicated service in the Water Department. She enjoyed good conversation and was an avid sports fan. In her later years, Lois found special joy in watching the birds that gathered at her feeder.

Lois was a member of the Eastern Star, American Legion, VFW and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

She is survived by her daughters, Deborah Wagner and Sheila Treon; her grandchildren, Whitney Wagner, Quincy (Keith) Booker, and Kelsey (Derek) Ketchum; and her six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Gene McDonald, Ida McDonald, and Howard McDonald; and her husbands, Ronald Treon and Glenn Allen.

Lois will be remembered for her sass and spice, and for the joy she brought to her family and friends.

Per her wishes, there will not be a memorial service.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory. Forever in our hearts.

View Lois M Allen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/29/2026

Kenneth E. Hill

Kenneth E. Hill, 81, passed away on May 28, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 8, 1945, in Lancaster, Ohio, and was raised by Curtis and Mary (Speakman) Hill.

On August 7, 1977, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Gipe, with whom he shared many years of happiness. Kenneth proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was a member of First UB Church in Van Wert.

In his younger years, Kenneth worked as a horse trainer. As time went on, he found joy in birdwatching and kept nine birdhouses on his property. He loved the outdoors, especially mowing his lawn and tending to the land around him.

Kenneth is survived by his children, James (Leann) Hill, Todd (Theresa) Hill, Kirt (Toni) McLeland, and Kristine (Bryan Snodgrass) Cox; siblings, Harold (Judy) Price, Richard (Cathy) Griffin, and Rose McKenzie; 12 grandchildren; 5 great‑grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Hill; and sisters, Carolyn, Joann, and Betty.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, 722 S. Washington Street, Van Wert, Ohio, with Pastor Mike Burtnett officiating. Interment will follow in Scott Cemetery, where military honors will be rendered by the combined units of the Van Wert VFW and American Legion.

Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00 PM on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home, and again one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Memorial donations may be made in Kenneth's name to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory.

View Kenneth E. Hill's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/26/2026

Nancy Ann Silette

Nancy Ann ( Hilderbrand) Silette, 88 , passed away on Saturday May 23rd, 2026 at Van Crest Long Term Care, in Van Wert, OH.

Nancy was born in Star City, West Virginia on July 14th , 1937 to the late Earl and Alice Hilderbrand. After the passing of her mother, Nancy's dad married Maxine, with whom they had several children.

Nancy married Dominick Silette on September 15th, 1957. Upon Dominick's passing in 2021, they had been married for 63 years. Nancy and Dominick owned and operated a small apple orchard and resided in the same home for over 50 years, which was the center of the family.

Nancy worked at the Thomas Edison Center for many years with children and adults with special needs. She worked one on one with the participants in the school, the workshop and the retail store when it was still in business. She especially enjoyed the friendships she forged with the other staff, and made lifelong connections.

Nancy enjoyed baking, cooking spaghetti or rigatoni for her family on Sundays, and trying new recipes. She enjoyed reading mysteries and thrillers, listening to the radio, and looking at magazines. Nancy loved being outside and working in her flower garden.

Nancy was a fashionista who loved looking trendy and up to date. She loved shopping and fashion, make-up , perfume and jewelry. She always strived to look her best.!

Nancy loved her home and everyone enjoyed being there and sitting around the big kitchen table. Her favorite thing to do was decorate, especially for Christmas. She loved her beautiful ornaments and displayed them for all to see and enjoy. Nancy always made each person feel special with many gifts and always had special desserts or foods that she knew each person liked. Nancy always made sure to remember everyone's birthdays and was a very giving person to her family, friends and neighbors. Nancy was sophisticated, sassy, stubborn and spirited. Her quick whit and intelligence will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She was one in a million!

Nancy is survived by her five children; Mark (Cindy) Silette of Van Wert OH; Ann (Stephen) Darr of Toledo OH; Pete (Cynthia) Silette of Findlay OH; Laura (Anthony) Ferrero of Galena OH; and Philip Silette of Mt. Vernon OH, 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Nancy is also survived by her sister and best friend, Shirley Hilderbrand of Dearborn, MI; sister Julie Hilderbrand of Morgantown, WV; sister Bonnie Hidlerbrand of Morgantown, WV; brother Bob Hilderbrand of Maryland; brother Steve Hilderbrand of WV, and many nieces and nephews.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents Alice and Earl, stepmother Maxine, her beloved husband Dominick, her beloved son Nickolas; and her siblings, Terry Hilderbrand and Warren Hilderbrand.

A private memorial celebration will take place at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Nancy Ann Silette's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/22/2026

Deborah Leiter

Deborah Joanne (Jewell) Leiter, affectionately known as Deb, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Born on January 24, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Carol (Wolfcale) and Ernest Jewell. Deb married the love of her life, Jerry B. Leiter, on April 8, 1978, and together they shared 48 years of unwavering devotion, building a life filled with love, partnership, and cherished memories. Jerry will forever hold Deb close in his heart and lovingly cherish her memory.

To know Deb was to know exactly where you stood. She was a fighter who laid down the law and didn't mess around-it was "her way or the highway," and her family respected and loved her for it. Beneath that protective, no-nonsense exterior was a heart completely devoted to her family; as proven from day one when she became the bonus parent to Jerry's 4 children, Stacie M. (Bob) Lippi, Michele L. (Bill) Bird, Lisa R. Dunn, and Jeremy B. Leiter, who will all miss her dearly.

Some of her happiest moments were spent camping with her grandchildren and having the rare, beautiful privilege of watching them raise children of their own. She was a beloved grandmother to 10 grandchildren, Danielle L. (Nate) Myers, Brittany M. (Jake) Sherman, Christian G.A. Stickney, Heather L. (Desmond) Frost, Angel M. (Ryan) Masters, Tyler D. Dunn, Jasni Gardner, Jordon B. (Nikki) Leiter, Josh M. (Kershin) Leiter, and Joel Leiter, as well as a beautiful generation of great-grandchildren. Deb also leaves behind her sisters, Penny (Jewell) Roberts and Joette Jewell; as well as several nieces and nephews with whom she always enjoyed spending time.

Deb found joy in life's simple pleasures - tending to her plants and flowers, crafting, getting lost in a good book, and watching reality crime shows that always gave her a good laugh. She also had a caring heart and a deep love for helping others. Long before facing her own illness, Deb touched many lives through her work at several restaurants in Van Wert. She later devoted herself to caring for the elderly, working for many years at Lincolnway Nursing Home before becoming a home health aide, where her compassion and kindness continued to make a difference in the lives of others.

She was reunited in faith with those who preceded her in death: her parents, Carol and Ernest; her grandson, Tyler D. Dunn; her brothers, Delbert E. Jewell, Donald E. Jewell, and Clyde A. Jewell; her brother-in-law, Clark B. Roberts and her sister, Cynthia A. (Jewell) Kline.

There will be a celebration of life held at her home at a later date.

Condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Deborah Leiter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/20/2026

Shirley Ann Short

Shirley Ann Short, 88, of Van Wert, died at 2:40pm on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

She was born March 30, 1938, in Dayton, Ohio, to Herbert and Lonie (McGuire) Wilson. She married Ralph L. Short.

Shirley was a receptionist at R.T.A. in Dayton for many years.

She was a member of Wesley Church in Van Wert. Shirley enjoyed crafts, reading, playing cards and wintering in Florida. She also enjoyed vacationing and camping with Ralph for many years and spending time on her family farm in Adams County, Ohio.

Shirley is survived by 2 children, Tina Day of Convoy and George "Joey" (Kathy) Wilson, Jr of Dayton; 4 grandchildren, Brittany (Derek) Horner, Julian Leslie (Erin) Norwood, Jeffery Haws and Jennifer Haws; 2 great grandchildren, Dylan and Bryce Horner; and a sister, Linda Chapman of Miamisburg, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph; a brother, George Leslie Wilson, Sr.; and 2 sisters, Charlotte Gebhart and Barbara Carder.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30pm on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Burial will take place at 2:00pm on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Trissel Cemetery, New Lebanon, Ohio.

Visitation will be from 11:00am-12:30pm on Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Prefered memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Services have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

View Shirley Ann Short's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/19/2026

Patricia A. Roberts

Patricia "Pat" A. (Lyons) Roberts, 82, of Van Wert, died Monday evening, May 18, 2026 at Vancrest of Van Wert.

She was born January 10, 1944, in Decatur, Indiana, to Herbert D. and Edith (Pancake) Lyons.

Pat attended the Jennings Road Church of Christ in Van Wert. She was a dog-lover and cherished all of her grandchildren.

Pat is survived by her son, Gregory A. Roberts and his wife, Johnna; 3 grandchildren, Britni (Heather) Roberts, Kaitlin (Alex) Adam and Joshua (Dustin) Roberts; 3 step grandchildren, Kendall (Nick) Germann, Jarrett (Mayleen) Dye and Ryleigh (Nick Radabaugh) Dye; a great grandchild, Luna Adam; 6 step great grandchildren, Mackena, Jaxon, Elise and Lydia Germann and Violet and Harper Dye; and 3 brothers, Lester Lyons of Convoy, Leroy (Laura) Lyons of Ohio City and Kerry (Sharon) Lyons of West Liberty.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Pastor David Ray, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Kings Bethel Cemetery, Harrison Township.

Visitation will be from 11:00am-1:00pm on Tuesday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Van Wert County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Services have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

View Patricia A. Roberts's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/18/2026

Curtis D. Proffitt

Curtis D. Proffitt, 87, of Van Wert, passed away at 5:19am on Monday, May 18, 2026, at his residence. He was born on September 4, 1938, in Spencerville, Ohio, to Glenn and Lela (Bowen) Proffitt. He married the former Carol Sanderson.

Curt was a salesman at Van Wert Auto Supply for 36 years. He retired from Kennedy Manufacturing, in Van Wert, after 6 years of service.

He attended the First United Brethren in Christ Church in Van Wert.

Curt is a member of the Van Wert Mens Bowling Hall of Fame and served as a Past President of the Van Wert Mens Bowling Association.

He enjoyed bowling, riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing and sports.

Curt is survived by his wife, Carol Proffitt of Van Wert; a daughter, Theresa (Terry) Baker of Van Wert; a son, Michael (Barbara) Proffitt of Leawood, Kansas; 5 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and a brother, Cary (Ellen) Proffitt of Van Wert.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Lana Drewyore and Winona M. Proffitt, who died in infancy.

Visitation will be held from 1:30-3:00pm on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First United Brethren in Christ Church or CHP-Hospice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Services have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

View Curtis D. Proffitt's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm