Rev. Zedda Myers - 9/5/2026

Myers was a Retired Full Member Elder, serving in the West Ohio Conference. 

Rev. Zedda Elizabeth (Rush) Myers was born September 16, 1951 in Bucyrus, Ohio. Her parents Zeddy Loyal Rush and Mary Elizabeth (Goebelt) Rush, both of Bucyrus, are deceased.

The family moved to Pemberville, Ohio when Zedda was starting 1st grade. She graduated from Eastwood High School in 1969. Following in her father’s footsteps, she attended and graduated from Andrew-Toledo Barber College, becoming a licensed barber. She met Donovan Eugene Myers, Jr. while both were attending barber college. They were married March 5, 1972 in Luckey, Ohio and celebrated 54 years of marriage.

They have two children: Brian D.E.L. Myers, wife Leslie Anne (Michel) of Pemberville and Jennifer Elizabeth Myers Snyder Frank, husband Jeffrey Stephen Frank of Columbia City, Indiana. Zedda and Donovan have four grandchildren: Melody Joy Myers, Neil Wesson Snyder, Jameson Flynn Myers, and Finnian Donal Frank. Also surviving is a brother, Randy LeeLoyal Rush of Bowling Green, Ohio. A sister, Zelletta Melody Rush died in infancy.

After starting their family, Zedda was a stay-at-home mom. Later she volunteered at Pemberville Elementary School on various committees and positions. From 1987 to early 1991 she worked at Ecumenical Communications Commission of Northwest Ohio, Inc. as Assistant to the Executive Director. She wrote scripts and was the Associate Producer of the children’s show, Three Cheers for Life, where she appeared as the character Grandma Cheer.

In 1991 at age 35, Zedda answered God’s calling upon her life and became a Licensed Local Pastor in The United Methodist Church. She was appointed to Bradner UMC and Portage Center UMC. At the same time, she began studies at Bowling Green State University, attending part-time while serving the churches full-time. She graduated from BGSU in 2003 with a Bachelor’s of Liberal Studies (Ethnic Studies concentration) with Honors. Continuing through the church’s ordination process, she graduated in February 2007 from Methodist Theological School in Ohio with a Master of Divinity. She became an Ordained Elder in The West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church in June 2010.

Along with the first two churches, Rev. Zedda served at Rainsboro UMC, New Petersburg UMC, Marshall UMC and then Georgetown UMC. She retired after serving local churches for 26 years in 2017. She then served as Chaplain for the Wilmington District of The Ohio State Highway Patrol from 2017-2021. Zedda was the first female Chaplin in OSHP history. From 1995-2003 she was active in both The Greater Findlay Area Emmaus and Chrysalis communities serving as Spiritual Director for many weekends and Co-Community Spiritual Director for Chrysalis for two consecutive terms.

Services have previously been held. In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Wood County Job and Family Services Emergency Fund, Furever Sunny Animal Sanctuary or The Ohio State Highway Patrol Benefit Fund. Online condolences can be sent to Zedda’s family at www.barndtfuneralhome.org.

Rev. Carl Edward Groff - 8/11/2026

 Rev. Carl Edward Groff was born on July 11, 1922, in Bremen, Ohio to the late John & Ida Groff. He graduated from Rushville High School. He proudly served his country as a Medic in the United States Army, during World War II, serving on the islands right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

He graduated from Asbury College, and became a pastor of the Evangelical United Brethren Church. He then married the lovely, Eloise Kathleen Hughes. They were married for 64 years. He became a United Methodist pastor when the Methodist church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church. They served churches in Pomeroy, Amanda Charge, Ironton, Ashville Charge, Lakeland Florida, Millbury St. Paul’s, Bellbrook, and Calvary in Circleville, Ohio. After retirement they settled in Lancaster, Ohio. Carl was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to many.

He is survived by his children, who are so Thankful for being raised in a Christian home, church and Stoutsville Camp: Ed (Mary) Groff, Carl (Denise) Groff, Twila (Jimmy) Tyler, Ken (Lydia) Groff, Pam (Steve) Smyka. Grandchildren: David (Stacey) Groff, Nicole (Jon) Sinclair, Rachel (Jay) Jones, Jonathan Groff, Jason Groff, Kevin (Amy) Groff, Shannon (Andrew) Robinson. Jill (Anthony) Hall, Erin (Danny) Kelly, Bethany Reece, Vann Pollack. Joel Groff, Seth (Enid) Groff. Colin Smyka, Camden Smyka, Olivia Smyka, Mitchell Smyka, Jamie Dean and Michael Tyler. 25 Great grandchildren, and 4 great, great grandchildren. Brother Richard Groff, and sister Betty Barber, and many friends.

Carl was preceded in death by his loving and sweet wife, Eloise Groff, his parents, 2 brothers and 5 sisters. Carl will be missed by those whose lives he has touched through his life and ministry serving Christ. Even at 104 he read his Bible daily, and he had a notebook with lists of people and things he was praying for. (The book has been re-written many times).

Many of you were on this list! We were all so Blessed to have him in our lives! Family and friends gathered on Fri. Aug. 21st 6:00 – 8:00 pm. At the Wellman Funeral Home in Circleville, Ohio. The funeral service was held on Sat. Aug. 22nd @10:00 am with Pastor Ed Groff officiating at the: Calvary Global Methodist Church in Circleville, Ohio. The last church he served as a pastor in his time in the ministry. Interment will be followed at Bremen Cemetery in Bremen, Ohio. In memory of Carl, donations can be made to the Stoutsville Camp meeting. Using the following link: https://www.stoutsvillecamp.com/giving.html. Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com

Rev. Miriam “Mimi” J. Ault - 7/27/2026

Ault was born on June 27th, 1956, in Princeton, Indiana to Rev. Charles “Chic” and Ruth (Gilligan) Johnson. Mimi married the love of her life, Paul E. Ault, Jr. on May 6, 2012, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Mimi found great joy in the performing arts and had a lifelong love of theater, where she enjoyed acting and singing. Music was one of her greatest passions, and she loved playing the piano, singing, and dancing whenever she had the chance. She was also a devoted member of Breast Friends Forever of Champaign County, where she formed lasting friendships while supporting and encouraging others.

Above all, Mimi's greatest calling was serving the Lord through ministry. She faithfully devoted 47 years to ministry, including 26 years of preaching God's Word. While she served several congregations during her years in ministry, she will be especially remembered for her 12 years at Mechanicsburg United Methodist Church, where she touched countless lives through her faith, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Mimi had a servant's heart and found deep fulfillment in counseling others, officiating weddings, and walking alongside families during life's most meaningful moments. She considered it a privilege to comfort those who were grieving, leading funeral services with grace, hope, and genuine compassion. Her ministry left a lasting impact on the church she loved and on the many families she was honored to serve. She also served as a volunteer United States Airforce Chapel for 8 years.

She is survived by her loving husband of 14 years, Paul Ault, Jr.; daughters, Rachel Elaine Tucker, and Hannah (Tucker) Crocket; sons, Nathan Samuel Tucker, Adam Charles Tucker, Noah Samuel Tucker, and Benjamin Philip Tucker; grandchildren, JaRon Crocket Tucker, Nicole Tucker, Metao Tucker and Anna Lise Tucker; One bonus daughter, Kaitylnn (Fiancé Nick Dunn) Ault; and brother-in-law George William Weadock.

Mimi is preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Maryruth Weadock.

A memorial service will be held at 1 P.M. on Tuesday August 11, 2026, in Vernon Funeral Home, Urbana with Rev. Dr. Christopher Heckaman officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mimi's memory to the Charles "Chic" Johnson Memorial Endowed Scholarship (established in honor of her father), c/o Asbury University, 1 Macklem Drive, Wilmore, KY 40390.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.

Donald Woolum - 7/24/2026

Born on May 9, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, he was the son of Clarence and Lille Marie (Gennings) Woolum, both of whom predeceased him.

Woolum lived a life of service and dedication, devoting sixty years to the ministry, serving the United Methodist Church as a Local Pastor with unwavering faith and love. His passion for fellowship enriched the lives of countless individuals, and his magnetic spirit brought warmth to all who knew him. A gifted cook, Don delighted his family and church community with his culinary talents, often gathering loved ones for joyful meals and spirited game nights filled with laughter and camaraderie.

As a proud American, Woolum held a deep appreciation for the freedoms symbolized by the Bald Eagle. His strong patriotic spirit and compassionate nature embodied the values he held dear throughout his life.

Woolum is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Lou Woolum; his daughter, Stacia (Clark) Hill; his son, Scott Woolum; his daughters, Kimberly (Brian) Tutus and Jerri (Christopher) Houck. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Erin (Matt) Tellas, Devon Tutus, Blake Tutus, Andrew Woolum, Nathan Woolum, and Allan Tellas, as well as his great-grandson, Lucas. Donald was preceded in death by siblings: Lowell, Edward, and Bill Woolum, Joyce Woolum and Phyllis White.

In honor of Woolum’s remarkable life and legacy, a memorial service will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Grand Ledge Baptist Church with Pastor John Lemke, officiating. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. Friends and family are warmly invited to join in celebrating his life, sharing memories, and paying tribute to a man whose kindness and faith touched so many

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Bald Eagle Foundation, 113 Haines Highway, Haines, Alaska 99827. Click here to donate online.

Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Share your memories and condolences online at holihanatkin.com.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Paul Ladd - 7/13/2026

Rev. Dr. Ladd was born August 3, 1938, at 10:00 p.m. to Lawrence and Velma (Mae) Ladd in the living room of their family home in Delphos, Ohio. He was a graduate of Delphos High School, Class of 1956. Kenneth continued his education at Huntington University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. He further pursued his call to ministry at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, earning a Bachelor of Divinity and a Master of Theology. He later earned a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Beverly Hills. Kenneth married Kay (Saunders), his beloved wife of 61 years, on July 15, 1961.

As an ordained clergy person in the United Methodist Church, Rev. Ladd faithfully served congregations across Ohio for decades, offering spiritual guidance, compassionate care, and steady leadership. His ministry also extended into chaplaincy, counseling, and working with youth, reflecting a lifelong commitment to helping others grow in faith and purpose.

Rev. Ladd is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ted and Art; his wife, Kay; and their daughter, Kristine.

The family will receive guests on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 3:00 - 8:00 PM at The Magic Corner (The Birch Theater), 113 S. Fulton St., Wauseon, Ohio. As a member of numerous magic organizations, Kenneth has requested a Broken Wand Ceremony take place beginning at 7:30 PM.

His funeral service will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Archbold United Methodist Church, 401 Ditto Street., Archbold, Ohio, with visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Pastors Mary Kay, Scot Ocke, Marla Brown, and Rae Lynn Schleif will officiate. Interment will follow at Wauseon Union Cemetery, with a fellowship luncheon afterward at the church.

Clergymen should wear black robes and white stoles to the funeral service. Flowers may be delivered to the theater on Friday, between 1-3 PM. Donations in Kenneth’s honor may be made to Red Bird Mission or United Theological Seminary

Donation envelopes will be provided at the theater and church. For additional information and to view Kenneth's online obituary, click here.

Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Damron, - 7/7/2026

Rev. Damron was born in Lorain, Ohio on July 10, 1971. He was a graduate of Open Door Christian School, received his BA with honors in History from Kent State University, a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry at United Theological Seminary. His dedication to faith began at an early age. From participating in Awana to leading prayer before football games, Douglas continued to serve God and the wider church through ordained ministry and leadership.

Rev. Damron was ordained an Elder in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. He began his ministry while still a seminary student at Marathon United Methodist Church in 1996. Subsequently, he served as an Associate Pastor at Church of the Savior (Montgomery, OH), and Lead Pastor respectively at Epiphany (Loveland, OH), Epworth (Toledo, OH.) , Sharonville (Cincinnati), and Minnetonka (Twin Cities, MN). He served in various capacities of denominational leadership, including as Chairperson of the West Ohio Conference's Board of Ordained Ministry and of the Transformative Discipleship Team. He was active in the Emmaus Movement and a friend to too many missions committed to those on the margins to list.

Doug was committed to the inclusion of all in his denomination. As a founding member of the United Methodist Centrist Movement and Uniting Methodists, he worked tirelessly lobbying clergy and laity alike to support measures that would allow same-sex marriage and the ordination of gay/lesbian clergy. His efforts resulted in his being elected as both a General and Jurisdictional Conference delegate in 2016, culminating in the defeat of proposed legislation that would have made it even more difficult for everyone to participate fully in his denomination. He was gratified to see full inclusion approved at the 2024 General Conference.

He is survived by his two sons, Wesley and Clayton, and granddaughter, Elodie. He also leaves his parents, Danny Damron (and life partner, Fran), Judy Board, brother David, and numerous aunts, uncles, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lakewood Congregational Church (LCC), 1375 W Clifton Blvd, Lakewood, on July 20, 2026, at 2 pm. Clergy friends and colleagues of all denominations are invited to wear red or rainbow stoles and join in a processional at the beginning of the service.

To view the obituary please click here.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Rev. William G. Patterson - 6/26/2026

Rev. William G. Patterson was born on September 5th, 1927, in Long Beach, California, to William A. and Hazel M (Godfrey) Patterson. They lived in Santa Ana, California where Bill attended and graduated from Santa Ana High School. While in High School, Patterson received his calling to the ministry and headed to Asbury College in Wilmore, KY on his journey to become a Methodist Minister. He graduated from Asbury in 1948, attended Graduate School of Theology, Oberlin College (now Vanderbilt Divinity School) in 1954. Before enrolling at Oberlin, Patterson taught English and History at Felicity - Franklin High School, Felicity, Ohio. His first Church Pastorship was in Huron, Ohio in 1952, with the following churches after, Canal Winchester, Maumee, St. Paul Cincinnati, Christ Kettering, Epworth Toledo and retired in 1991.In addition to Pastorship, Patterson was also District Superintendent of the Newark District and Executive Director, Conference Council on Ministries from 1972 -1982. Serving Milford First and Hyde Park Community Cincinnati in retirement, he served over 60 years in the United Methodist Church.

Patterson participated in and chaired many Boards within the Methodist Church including President of the National Association of Conference Council Directors, and West Ohio Christian Educators Fellowship. He was involved in civic, social organizations including the Huron Little Theater, Rotary, Lions, Exchange and published many Units, Articles, Books and Miscellany for curriculum resources for the United Methodist Publishing House from 1969 -1990. He hosted many tours of groups across the country with a favorite destination being Savannah, GA, influential in the founding of the Methodist Church in the early stages of US history.

Patterson's dedication to the church was steadfast but his real love was his family. Bill married Sofie L. Stepin, deceased, in 1949, where they had four children, Mary Katherine (Patterson) Day, Deborah Ann (Patterson) Murphy, William A. and Allen Stefan. Bill later married Helene G. Glanville in 1987, who has two children, Susan (Glanville) Zucker and Nancy (Glanville) Stiller. Together they have welcomed thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Patterson remained very active after retirement and while living at Twin Towers Senior Living Community, created an in-house television show called Friday Edition which interviews residents, associates, and people from the community each Friday. He also participated in directing plays with a love for theater, taught Sunday School for seniors for many years, started Thursday Edition at Hyde Park and the Pastoral Care committee at Twin Towers.

Patterson played tennis, loved gardening, cooking, and watching sports, and an avid violinist, loved music. He will be missed by everyone who knows him.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, July 9 at the Wilson Memorial Chapel, Twin Towers, 5343 Hamilton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45224 at 11:00 am.

Memorial Donations may be made to: Life Enriching Communities Foundation, Pastoral Care Fund, Twin Towers.

Reception to follow at Gulden Community Center, Twin Towers.

Norma Seaman - 6/4/2026

Norma Seaman, a devoted servant of faith, family, and community, died on June 4 at the age of 93 at Otterbein Senior Life Center.

She was born on March 17, 1933, in Louisville, Kentucky. At the age of 12, she experienced a spiritual awakening that she described as a realization of redemption. By 15, she felt called to missionary service, originally intending to serve in Africa. At 16, Norma met Alan Seaman, her lifelong husband. They were married two years later and built a life of service (Alan as an agriculturist and minister). By her mid-twenties, Norma was the mother of three children while simultaneously pursuing her nursing education. Her determination led her to later complete a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree in gerontology and sociology, and eventually earning her nursing home administrator’s license.

In 1963, the Seamans answered the call to missionary work in Pakistan, where their fourth child was born. During this time, Norma served the community by running a clinic from the front porch of their home. After returning to the United States in 1973, the family first settled in Ithaca, New York, and later in Ohio. Norma continued her work in nursing, in various specialties.

In 1986, Norma and Alan returned to missionary life, serving in Nigeria for four years. Upon returning, Norma resumed her work in nursing and later served as the manager of Mission Manor in Dayton. She found particular fulfillment in her role as a diaconal minister at Grace United Methodist Church in Washington Court House, where she served for ten years. In 2007, they moved to Otterbein, where Norma remained actively engaged in both social and religious life.

Norma’s life was marked by tireless acts of kindness and creativity. She lovingly dressed thousands of second-hand teddy bears and dolls to donate to orphanages in Russia, as well as to nursing homes, home health patients, and hospices. At Otterbein, she created and decorated over one hundred small Christmas trees annually with handmade ornaments to share with residents and others—a tradition that continues in her honor. Her greatest legacy and testament was her unwavering dedication to serving the Lord and extending compassionate care and charity to people of various faiths and cultures.

Norma is survived by her daughters, Ruth (Les) Freeman of Willseyville, NY, and Miriam (Aleks) Walter of Chico, CA; and son, Paul (Cathy) Seaman of Santa Rosa, CA. She also has one grandson, F. Christopher (Ashley) Mullins of Orland, CA; two great- granddaughters, Charlotte and Kate; and her sister, Etta May (Larry) Branstetter of Louisville, KY. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Alan, and daughter, Martha.

Condolences in memory of Norma Seaman can be sent to her daughter: Miriam Walter at 19 Skywalker Ct., Chico, CA 95973

Memorial donations are requested to:

International Rescue Committee, click here to donate ot to Tompkins County, NY SPCA., click here to donate.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by the Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home in Lebanon.

To plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our tree store.

Carolyn Vesper - 6/1/2026

Mrs. Carolyn Vesper, loving wife of Rev. Keith Vesper, passed away on June 1, 2026.

Visitation for Carolyn will be Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 10 am until time of her memorial service at 11am, at Worthington United Methodist Church, 600 N. High St, Worthington, OH 43085. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her name may be given to the National Brain Tumor Society.

Check link for full obituary:  Carolyn Vesper Obituary - Dublin, OH
 

The Rev. Harold Thomas “Tom” Wilson - 5/23/2026

Born on June 18, 1935, in Portsmouth, Ohio, Tom was the son of Harold Thomas “Bus” Wilson, Sr., and Beatrice (Meade) Wilson. Growing up, Tom and his brother Robert were active in the Boy Scouts under their father's leadership as Scoutmaster; both achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

Tom graduated from Ohio University with a degree in philosophy and briefly taught the subject at Shawnee State University. Feeling called to the ministry; he earned a Master of Divinity from Duke University and later a Doctorate of Ministry from Boston University. A lifelong learner, he also became a licensed nursing home administrator to better serve those in need of pastoral care.

Throughout a distinguished 60-year career in the United Methodist Church, Tom served as pastor to congregations in Vinton, Ripley, Portsmouth, Columbus, Whitehall, and Van Wert. A highlight of his ministry was founding the Church of the Good Shepherd in the Sharon Woods area of Columbus. He led the fledgling congregation for a decade, famously holding services in a local school while the community raised funds to build their permanent sanctuary. In the late 1990s, while assigned to Dayton, Tom served as District Superintendent, overseeing 65 churches with wisdom and grace.

Following his retirement, Tom served interim appointments at Grace Church, in Dayton; Miami University, in Oxford; Stonybrook Church, in Gahanna and Grove City United Methodist Church.

Tom married his first wife, Billie (Cranford), in 1958, with whom he had three children. In 1976, he married Joan Maitland Dunlop Wilson, and together they raised a blended family of five children. Tom and Joan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 16, 2026.

An avid outdoorsman, Tom loved camping, sailing, and hiking. He was also a skilled woodworker and a voracious reader, particularly of World War II history. He and Joan were longtime supporters of the arts, frequenting the Columbus Symphony, Columbus Jazz Arts, and the Columbus Museum of Art. He will be remembered by friends and family for his sharp intellect, quick wit, and unwavering kindness.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; his brother, Robert Wilson; and his children, Julia Carpenter-Hubin (Don Hubin) of Columbus, Paula Wilson Render of Chicago, and Greg (Colleen) Wilson of New Jersey. He also leaves behind his stepsons, Rick (Amy) Dunlop of Lewis Center and Rob (Monica) Dunlop of Seattle; six grandchildren, Lindsay Carpenter, Leslie Carpenter, Lucy Dunlop Boggs, Ava Dunlop, Max Wilson, and Jack Dunlop; and his great-grandson, Khalid Carpenter.

A Memorial Service will be held at Friendship Village of Dublin on June 6th at 3:00 PM in the Muirfield Room. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).