April 2025
Deborah Jo Ling -
Deborah Jo (Lambert) Ling, spouse of Rev. Stanley Thomas Ling, was born in upstate New York on May 28, 1950—the youngest of three sisters. She was raised on a dairy farm, exploring every corner of the land: feeding cats, talking to crows, and learning more than she ever could in school. But she was also book-smart. Her middle name was a nod to Little Women, and Deborah Jo read ferociously her entire life.
She earned several college degrees, and worked passionately in therapy and spiritual direction. Deborah married her loyal husband, Stanley Thomas Ling on the little farm where she grew up, on June 15, 1974. They celebrated over 50 years of marriage. The couple had twins, Thomas Blake and Micah Elizabeth. They were the family of two girls and two boys: two pairs of blue eyes and two pairs of brown eyes.
Deborah loved music: BB King, the Beatles, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder. She loved movies, and art, and her garden. She could talk to anyone on the planet.
Before the internet or apps or GPS, Deborah planned countless vacations out west for the family she loved. The Lings explored national and state parks together all over the country. They camped, rafted, rock climbed, and hiked. They rode horses, found swimming holes, and ate ice cream.
Deborah could identify flowers, drive a manual transmission, and grow tomatoes bigger than softballs. She will be remembered for her humor, her curiosity, and her ability to make everyone feel at home.
There will be a Service of Life on Sunday, June 1, 2025, 3pm at King Avenue United Methodist Church (visitation from 2-3pm). 299 King Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201, 614-424-6050. If you have questions about the service, please contact Stan Ling at stanling331@yahoo.com, 614-315-3409.
March 2025
Rev. Bonnie Frost (DiCesare) -
Reverend Bonnie Frost (DiCesare) was born on December 10, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio.
She is survived by her husband of 35 years Jack; children Chris (Jill) Alexander, Joseph (Karen) Alexander, and Brittany (Eric) Alexander; step-daughter Dawn (Mark) Chandler; grandchildren Jamie (Branden) Macey, Joseph Alexander, Kelly (Bret) Sweat, Jordan (Michael) Fernald, Nicole (Alex) Ferrari, Lauren Alexander, Kaitlyn Alexander, Gordon Chandler; great-grandchildren Cole, Sofia and Marlee Macey, Sofia and Lorenzo Ferrari, Cooper Sweat, and Bonnie Fernald; Brother Joseph (Suzanne) DiCesare, sister-in-law Joedy Studer, and many aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. The family offers many thanks to the angels at Heartland Hospice.
Frost graduated from St. Mary of the Springs Academy in 1961 and from LeMoyne College in 1965. She earned her Masters of Divinity from the Methodist Theological School (MTSO) in 1997 and was ordained in 1998.
She became a chaplain for the Ohio Reformatory for Women and served as pastor of Rum Creek UMC, Zanesfield UMC, Rushsylvania UMC, and Unionville Center UMC. Bonnie also served on many Cum Christo, Emmaus, Kairos, and Epiphany teams as spiritual leader, speaker, and sponsor.
A service will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, April 6, followed by visitation from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm at SCHOEDINGER DUBLIN 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43017.
Interment to take place later. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude or Heartland Hospice Columbus.
Rev. David Edward Kepple -
Rev. David Edward Kepple, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Kepple is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Janet (Nickoson) Kepple; his children Judy (Carl) Adams, Dan (Nuvia) Kepple, and Scott Kepple; his grandchildren Emily, Matthew, Alexandria, Isabelle, Benjamin, Jonathan, Cora, Denisse (Kyle), Rebecca (Armando), and Rachel; and by great-grandchildren Frankie and Tommy.
A graduate of Ohio University and United Theological Seminary, Kepple was a newspaper reporter from 1976 till 1999, most of those years at the Dayton Daily News. He was a United Methodist pastor from 1999 until he retired in 2021. Kepple pastored Union Chapel UMC and Saint Paris UMC and served in Kairos Prison Ministry for many years.
A visitation will be held Monday, March 31, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home, 40 North Main Street, Springboro, Ohio 45066.
A funeral service will occur Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM, 40 North Main Street, Springboro, Ohio 45066. An interment will occur Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Highland Memorial Cemetery, 723 Upper Miamisburg Road, Miamisburg, Ohio 43542.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dave's memory to Kairos Prison Ministry. Checks can be written to Kairos of Ohio. In the memo field, please write “in memory of Dave Kepple Kairos LeCI)”. Checks can be mailed to: Kairos Ohio Prison Ministry, P.O. Box 14490, Columbus, OH 43214. Donations can also be made online at: https://www.kairosohio.org/donate.html.
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Tom Lynn Fourman, -
Tom is preceded in death by his wife, Rev. Karen (Norris) Fourman. (Rev. Karen Fourman served at High Street Assoc. in 1993, Mt Blanchard 1996). He was also preceded in death by his parents, Faron & Glenna “Corine” (Altic) Fourman and sister-in-law, Brenda Ritzhaupt. He is survived by his daughters, Heather Heiser (Gregory) and Emily Millmine (William); grandchildren, Joseph, Margaret & Audrey Heiser and Lucas Millmine; friend, Susan Holladay; sister-in-law, Marsha Norris and nieces Britton Carrigan and Adrienne Sumpter.
Tom graduated from Arcanum High School in 1962 and was a graduate of Earlham College. He continued his pursuit of knowledge and sharing that knowledge with others through his career as a chemistry teacher at Dayton Public Schools, and later at Ohio Northern University. He had a love of classic cars, and enjoyed taking his fully restored Austin Healey to car shows.
He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Arcanum. Tom’s life was a true example of the teachings of Jesus Christ, and he was devoted to serving others with kindness, compassion, and humility.
Tom was very proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them, attending their events, and hosting them for holidays on the family farm, where they made memories together that will last a lifetime.
Visitation will be held on March 28, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the Kreitzer Funeral Home, 204 N. Main St. Arcanum, OH 45304.
Funeral service will be on March 29, 2025; at 10 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 101 E. South St. Arcanum, OH 45304, with burial to follow at Abbottsville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Faith United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.kreitzerfuneralhome.com.
Shirley Jean Woodman Dewire -
Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Rev. Dr. Norman E “Ned” Dewire, married in 1957, and by two daughters Cathy (Bill) Gibson, Kettering, Ohio, and Deborah (Peter) Bolmida, Centerville (Dayton) Ohio; cherished Nana to grandchildren Matthew Dewire (Luciana), Rebeka Bolmida (Gus), and Rachael Watchorn (Cory), great grandsons Benjamin Adams, Liam Dewire, and great granddaughter Emily Rae Adams; sister-in-law Janet (Bill) Pfeiffer; nieces Jeanne Elam, Lorri (Greg) Stepp, nephew Bill (Colleen) Pfeiffer.
She was born on June 19, 1935, in Catawba, Ohio to Pern and Emily Davisson Woodman. She was preceded in death by her father, Pern; her mother, Emily; and sister (and brother-in-law) Marilyn Woodman Holleron and Tom Holleron. Shirley was a mother, teacher, and involved in community and church activities. A 1953 graduate of Northeastern High School, Springfield, Ohio, she then graduated from Ohio University (B.S. Ed) in 1957 and did graduate work at Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) and Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ). Shirley and Ned started United Methodist ministry on the Jacksonville Circuit (Athens Co.), 1957-58; then the Charlton City United Methodist Church (Charlton, MA), 1958-1962; and Central United Methodist Church, Detroit, MI 1962-67.
During her first year of marriage, she taught full time in the Glouster School District (Athens County, Ohio). While in Montclair NJ, she was involved in the Essex County YWCA, did volunteer work for the World YWCA, was engaged in community activities, including being a Deacon in the Central Presbyterian Church, and taught in Head Start program in Newark NJ schools. While in Montclair, she began her lifelong entertainment of people from around the world. She and Ned traveled to more than 50 nations, mostly for church work. She taught at United Theological Seminary in Dayton. After moving to Columbus area, she became active in Church World Service (including State Board) and served fifteen years as trustee of United Methodist Children’s Home, twelve years a member of the West Ohio Board of Ordained Ministry, and member of local chapter of PEO as well as state board. A lot of social life revolved around the Methodist Theological School in Ohio for twenty years.
Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 15 at Friendship Village Dublin, 6000 Riverside Drive, Dublin, Ohio.
Inurnment will be later at David’s Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions, in her name, to the Scholarship Fund at Friendship Village of Dublin or to the Shirley and Ned Dewire Endowed Scholarship in the Patton College at Ohio University (OU Foundation, PO Box 869, Athens, OH 45701.
Rev. Tood Frail -
Rev. Frail was born in Lima, Ohio, on March 7, 1945, to the late Richard and Dorothy (Werking) Frail. He was one of three children, with two sisters, Phyllis (Roger) Born, who predeceased him in 2020, and Donna (John) Osborn, who survives.
Todd is survived by his loving wife, Linda; two sons, Gabriel and Seth; a daughter, Megan (Eric) Schafer; and four grandchildren, Eowyn and Damien Frail, Memphis and Logan Schafer.
From 1967 to 1970 Todd attended United Theological Seminary in Dayton, graduating with a master's in divinity. In 1971, Todd met the love of his life, Linda Anderson. They were engaged in October of that year and married on June 24, 1972. Together, they shared a life of service and ministry.
Rev. Frail was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church and served for over 50 years, pastoring in different UMC Churches in the West Ohio Conference (Ridge Charge (L) 1968; Ridge-Kemp Charge (L) 1969; Athens First Assoc (A) 1970; Whitehouse Zion (T) 1973; Fremont Trinity (T) 1978; Stonybrook (CN) 1983; Troy First (DN) 1993; Westwood (C) 1997; Findlay St Andrews (F) 2001), where he formed lifelong friendships and shared his evangelistic mission. He retired in the Newark area, where he continued his ministry at First United Methodist Church in Newark.
Services for Rev. Frail will be held on Friday, March 7, at First United Methodist Church, 88 N. Fifth Street, Newark, Ohio. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a service immediately following.
Donations in Todd's memory may be made to First United Methodist Church in Newark, 88
N. Fifth Street, Newark, Ohio 43055 or to a charity of your choice.
The Newark Chapel of Henderson-Van Atta-Stickle Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.
February 2025
Barbara J. Stewart -
Barbara J. Stewart, age 79, of Oregon, and formerly of Maumee, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025.
Barbara was the wife of Rev. James R. Stewart who served a number of congregation in Kansas and West Ohio (Alexander EUB, Kansas 1964; Mc Cracken, Kansas -Yoked With Alexander EUB 1966; Cherry Grove (C) 1968; Bowling Green Trinity (T) 1984; Waterville (T) 1994; Weston (T) 2005) until he retired 7/1/2001.
As a pastor's wife, she was always very active in the congregations her husband served. She was strong in her Faith leading in everything the J.O.Y. (Jesus, Others, You). Whether the women's groups, craft bazaars, the Ladies Over 80 luncheon at church, or cooking and feeding an army. She was a very faithful caregiver to her parents as they were aging and very much enjoyed being a devoted mother and grandmother.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Rev. James Roby Stewart; children, Jennifer (Todd) Wuertz and Jay (Linda) Stewart; grandchildren, Shelby (Joe) Staudinger, Madison Stewart, and Conner Wuertz; great-grandchild, Kimber; and brother, William Moritz Jr. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Richard Moritz.
A visitation will be held at Maumee United Methodist Church, 405 Sackett St., Maumee, OH 43537, Friday, February 28, 2025, from 10 until 11 a.m.
A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. The funeral lunch will follow services and be held at church. Burial will take place at 2 p.m. at Lake Township Cemetery, 3550 Walbridge Rd.
Memorial contributions are appreciated to Maumee United Methodist Church.
www.freckchapel.com
Leo Allen Brown -
Mr, Brown, the spouse of Rev. Rita Brown was born on October 13, 1952, in Defiance, Ohio, to the late Robert & Virginia (Warren) Brown. Leo grew up in Oakwood, Ohio and was a 1970 graduate of Oakwood High School.
Leo met and married Rev. Rita Brown in 1991, where she so willingly became an instant mom to his three children, Pete, Sara, and Kris. Whenever Rita’s ministry required a relocation to a new church, Leo so selflessly followed without hesitation. He supported her through her career and trusted God through it all. His faith was unwavering and admirable as he knew God would make a way for their family wherever He called them. They spent their marriage serving and blessing others – with him at the organ and piano and her at the pulpit in a number of churches in the West Ohio Conference: Oakwood First (D) 1991; Allentown-Zion Charge (L) 1996; Lebanon Assoc (W) 2002; Mills Memorial (CAS) 2007. Upon their retirement to Texas, Leo continued to share his musical gifts as the church organist at Quinlan United Methodist Church until the end of his life.
In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Rev. Rita K. Brown; son, Pete Brown; and sister, Cynthia Grimes. He leaves behind to cherish his memory: daughter, Sara Pollock of Morrow, Ohio; daughter and son-in-law, Kristine & Scott Reed of Fairview, Texas; two grandchildren, Blaine & Charleigh Reed; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob & Sue Brown of Oakwood, Ohio, Bill & Linda Brown of Antwerp, Ohio, and Larry & Diane Brown of Defiance, Ohio; sister and brother-in-law, Rainell & Bill Koenn of Cecil, Ohio; brother-in-law, Eugene “Beanie” (Gloria) Grimes of Toledo, Ohio; and countless nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:00pm at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 7990 President George Bush Turnpike, Dallas, TX 75252.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 9:30-11:00am, with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 11:00am at the Oakwood Community Church, 202 E. Harmon St., Oakwood, Ohio 45873. Inurnment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Oakwood.
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Marilyn Jean (Parrett) Zimmerman -
Marilyn Jean (Parrett) Zimmerman, who passed away on February 13, 2025, was the wife of Rev. Paul Zimmerman, a retired elder in the United Methodist Church.
Marilyn was born on May 7, 1937, in Washington CH to the late Robert and Loa (Straley) Parrett. She grew up on a small farm in Fayette County. She was a 1955 graduate of Washington High School and attended Asbury College where she earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.
Alongside her husband, Rev. Paul Zimmerman, a retired elder in the United Methodist Church, they served in the Indiana Conference from 1963 until transferring into the West Ohio Conference in 1980, serving Bloomingburg-Madison Mills (CS) 1980; Liberty Chapel (D) 1989; and St Paris (S) 1993, retiring in1997.
Marilyn was an elementary school teacher, a music teacher, a private piano instructor, a museum guide, and a church choir director who wrote her own Easter Cantata. She wore many hats in her spare time.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, whom she married on August 8, 1959; her children, John Kenneth (Kitty) Zimmerman of Camilla, Georgia, Karen Kay Zimmerman of Washington CH, Kurtis Paul (Cynthia) of McAllen, Texas, and Christina Joy (Phillip) Webb of Washington CH; eleven grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a host of dear and special friends.
A viewing will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Summers Funeral Home, Washington Court House, from 4-6:00 p.m. In keeping with her wishes, cremation is to follow. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Obituary
Condolences may be left online or sent to Rev. Paul Zimmerman, 643 High Street, Washington Court House, Ohio, 43160.
Mrs. Roylene Reed -
Roylene spouse of the late Rev. Albert Reed. She supported Rev. Albert's ministry as they served these congregations in the West Ohio Conference: Broaddus U.M., Springfield, OH, West Ohio Conf., Lex., C.S. 1963; Braden U.M., Toledo OH, West Ohio Conf. 1966; C.C.O.M. Staff, West Ohio Conf. 1986; Trilby (T) 1989; Coord. Metro Ministries Toledo District 1990; LOA 1990; Retired 1995.
Roylene was born in Lockesburg, Arkansas to Lee Roy and Hazel T. Wilson. She joined Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas at a very early age. She participated in the M.Y.F., was a member of the Usher Board, taught Sunday School, and worked in Bible School. Upon graduating from Horace Mann High School she was awarded a scholarship from the U.M.W. of Wesley Chapel Church. She was also a recipient of the Rockefeller Scholarship for four years. She graduated from Philander Smith College and pursued graduate studies at the University of Arkansas. She taught three and a half years in the Little Rock school system.
On December 24, 1963, she united in marriage to Albert L. Reed and moved to Springfield, Ohio where Albert was a seminary student at Methodist Theological School in Delaware, Ohio. Roylene taught in the Columbus school system. She continued her studies at The Ohio State University. In June, 1966 Albert and Roylene moved to Toledo, Ohio where Albert was appointed to Braden United Methodist Church. They lived and worked in the Braden community for twenty years. Roylene retired from Toledo Public Schools, July 1, 2000, where she taught for more than thirty years. She received a master’s degree from the University of Toledo. During this time two children were born to this union, a son Timothy Lee Reed, and one daughter Alberta Jean Reed-Freeman (Michael). She leaves one brother, Thomas Wilson.
Services have previously been held. Click here to read full obituary.