Obituaries

Jan 1, 2023

James L. McDonald, 84, passed away January 1, 2023. He was born in Akron to the late Geraldine Geddes and Rayfield “R.E.” Wagner and was a proud veteran of the US Army.

Jim was a career over the road truck driver and most recently, enjoyed the many roles he had working at Akron Costume and Design. He...

Dec 23, 2022

Marsha L. Beatty, 77, passed away December 23, 2022. She was born in Akron to the late Howard and Evelyn (Rader) Ellis and had formerly worked at Amy Joy’s donut shop.

Marsha was a very energetic person who loved trips to Disney and Cedar Point. She also enjoyed crafts, including making dolls. More than anything she loved...

Dec 19, 2022

Robert D. Hale, 99, passed away December 19, 2022. He was born in McConnelsville, OH to the late David and Irene (Fleming) Hale and was an Army veteran of World War II.

Robert retired from Sterling Jewelers and was a former member of The Chapel. He loved spending time on the family boat at Lake Erie, traveling...

Dec 12, 2022

Lois J. Bennett, 77, passed away December 12, 2022. She was born in Akron to the late John and Ida (Moore) Bennett and was a 1963 Central High School graduate. She attended Akron University for two years and Ohio University for comedy writing, eventually doing stand-up.

Lois worked for ICWUC for 18 years, was a clinical hypnotist,...

Dec 10, 2022

Anthony Armani "G" Smith, 23, passed away tragically December 9, 2022. He was born in Akron on February 15, 1999, loved music, and was devoted to his twin sons.

Known as Armani to his family and "G" to his friends, Armani was a loving father, brother and uncle. He had a personality that was unique and laid...

Dec 9, 2022

Bonnie J. Harter, 82, passed away peacefully at her home December 9, 2022. She was born September 19, 1940 in Akron, Ohio to the late James and Madeline (Morris) Slawter and was an Ellet High School graduate.

She was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband, Joseph. She is survived by her son, Scott (Shelly)...

Dec 3, 2022

Kay L. Caudill, 67, passed away December 3, 2022. She was born in Coshocton, OH to the late Howard and Grace (Sturtz) Young, lived for a time in Wisconsin, and moved to Akron later in life.

Kay retired from Huntington Bank (formerly First Merit) and loved her family dearly. She also enjoyed the outdoors and spending time...

Dec 3, 2022

Edwin E. “Gene” Stephens Jr., 64, passed away December 3, 2022.

Preceded in death by his parents, Edwin “Gene” and Helen (Bower) Gardner, he leaves behind his sisters, Paula (Butch) Siler, of Cheyenne, WY and Pam (Henry) Douglas, of Mogadore, OH; nephews and nieces, Michael, Mitch, Dan, Tim, Amanda, Miranda, Don, Becky and Kearra; aunt, Jeweldeen Bower;...

Nov 24, 2022

Ida Joyce Brown, 73, passed away November 24, 2022. She was born in Lakewood, NJ to the late Theodore and Jane (Davis) Seem and lived in Akron for most of her life.

Joyce previously worked for Rural Metro Ambulance and in the ER at Akron City Hospital, and was currently a caregiver at Ardmore Inc. She was...

Nov 21, 2022

George A. Vargo, 89, passed away November 21, 2022. He was born in Akron to the late Joseph and Helen (Doxey) Vargo, was a US Army veteran and retired from Ohio Bell with 30 years of service. He was also a long-time member of Family of Faith UMC and was a Mason for over 60 years.

George...

Nov 5, 2022

Walter W. “Dubs” Howe III, 41, passed away November 5, 2022. He was born in Akron and was a longtime mechanic, currently working for Arlington Muffler. He also dearly loved his family and riding his bike.

Preceded in death by his father, Walter Jr., grandfather, Walter Sr., and grandparents, Mamaw and Poppy Dever, he is survived by...

Oct 21, 2022

Beverly A. Novak, 87, passed away October 21, 2022. She was born in Akron to the late Edward and Pearl (Mort) Warnick and was an East High School graduate. She was an original member of Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, was a devoted homemaker and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

In addition...

Oct 9, 2022

Matilda “Tillie” (Moirano) Hofacker, 95 years young, departed this world on October 9, 2022, in the presence of loving family, knowing that she would be received into the arms of Jesus.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her husband of 52 years, Richard “Dick” Hofacker, her parents, Guiseppe “Joe” and Lena Moirano, her siblings Rose “Honey” (Chris)...

Sep 29, 2022

Marvin L. Collinson, 94, went home to be with the Lord September 29, 2022. He was born in Blue Springs, Nebraska to the late Loren and Velma (Glenn) Collinson and was a proud Navy Air Force veteran of World War II.

After his military service, he moved to Akron in 1947 and worked as a proud member...

Sep 27, 2022

Linda A. King, 72, passed away peacefully September 27, 2022. She was born in Perth, Ontario Canada to the late James and Irene (Cota) King and enjoyed countless memorable experiences throughout the US.

Memories of Linda will be cherished by her beloved sister and best friend, Donna, and younger sister, Lisa; children, Betty, Pam and Jason; 7...

Sep 24, 2022

Robert W. Sheppard Jr., 65, passed away September 24, 2022. He was born in Ravenna, OH to the late Robert Sr. and Blanche (Champagne) Sheppard and was a Cuyahoga Falls High School graduate. Robert worked for Target for over 15 years and was a certified mechanic who loved working on cars, specifically Chrysler MOPAR. More than anything, he was...

Sep 23, 2022

Penny L. Barron, 57, passed away September 23, 2022. She was born in Akron to the late Herman and Wilma (Gibson) Barron and was a graduate of the Weaver School. She worked at the Weaver Workshop, where she was affectionately known as “the boss”. She also loved dancing, cats, and Lost in Space. She will be deeply missed. In...

Sep 14, 2022

Norma L. Henson, 77, went home to be with the Lord on September 14, 2022. She was born in Barton, Maryland to the late George and Mary (Moffatt) Langham, and moved to Akron in her late teens.

After 45 years of dedicated service, Norma retired from United Disability Services, where she enriched the lives of countless disabled...

Sep 11, 2022

It is with sadness that the Collins family announces the death of Arnelle Ann Collins. Our mother died  on September 11, 2022 at the age of 83.

Arnelle was born on October 26, 1938 to Florence (Gustafson) and Clarence Olson in Superior, Wisconsin where she was raised. She was an only child, but had a number of...

Sep 11, 2022

Heaven gained an angel September 11, 2022 when Cora “Millie” Wade transitioned to Heaven. Born in Akron to the late Russell and Muriel (Rorick) Hastler, Millie was a long-time active member of Emmanuel UCC and was a wonderful mother and grandmother, always caring for others before herself. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her...