July 2026
Rev. Miriam “Mimi” J. Ault -
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 -
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 -
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, -
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.
June 2026
Rev. William G. Patterson -
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 -
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 -
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
May 2026
The Rev. Harold Thomas “Tom” Wilson -
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).
Rev. Richard L. Mitchell -
Rev. Mitchell was a Retired Elder in the United Methodist Church, serving Philo EUB 1950; Pickerington 1951; Athens 1955; Portsmouth First 1956; Newark First 1963; Webb Chapel (A) 1983; Antioch (DN) 1985; and Westerville Church of the Saviour (CN) 1988.
Mitchell is preceded in death by his daughter, Faythe Moore, and his son-in-law, Donald Moore. Also preceding him in death are two half-sisters, Marilyn Allen and Regina Collins.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Cynthia Osborn, and daughter, Deborah Lykowski; son-in-law, Robert Lykowski; granddaughter, Amy (Ben) Hartsock; grandson, Rande Lykowski; three great-granddaughters, Whitney and Lindsey Hartsock, and Marguerite Mae Lykowski; half-sister, Sharon Flowers; and half-brother, Robert Collins.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27th, 2026, in the Firestone Chapel at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St. Akron, OH 44313, with the Rev. Mark Pruitt officiating.
Memorial gifts may be made in Richard L. Mitchell’s name three entiries:
Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care
Center for the Evangelical United Brethren Heritage
United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio
To read Rev. Mitchell's obituary, click here.
Betty Marie Makarius -
Betty was born on July 10, 1932, in Cincinnati to the late Edward and Ethel (Archer) Phelan. She was a member of Village Chapel Church. Betty spent many years serving Ohio United Methodist Churches in numerous cities (7) with her husband, Reverend Don C. Makarius who preceded her in death. She was a school secretary at Vinton County Local Schools and later worked at GE in Circleville to help support her husband who was a fulltime pastor while he obtained his undergraduate degree at Ohio University and later obtained his Master of Divinity degree from Methodist Theological Seminary in Delaware Ohio.
In addition to her husband and parents, Betty is preceded in death by brothers, Don and Vincent Phelan and sister, Helen Moore.
She leaves behind sons, Don C. Jr. (Robin) of Indian Lake, David W. (Debbie) of Ashville and Charles E. (Deborah) of Circleville; daughter, Janet (Keith) Prater of Westchester; 12 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Betty married her Butler high school (Vandalia, Ohio) sweetheart (Don Makarius). They began their married life as farmers first in Clinton County and then moved to a farm in Fayette County. Mom and Dad both found the Lord while attending a small Methodist country church (Sugar Grove) in Fayette County. During that special time in their life Dad felt the call to become a fulltime minister. Mom, Dad and all 4 children transitioned from farming, to their first of 7 appointments, as a student pastor in Glouster Ohio. Starting at their second appointment which was in Hamden, Ohio, Mom began working as a school secretary to help with the bills while Dad was attending Ohio University and serving as a fulltime minister. Dad finished his undergraduate degree while serving at Hamden. The third appointment was at East Ringgold, Ohio. It was at East Ringgold that Dad began seminary and Mom took a job at the General Electric plant in Circleville, Ohio. Dad finished his seminary training while serving at East Ringgold.
Mom was the glue that held the family together. She was always able to transform every parsonage from a very imperfect house to a beautiful home. Her talent for home décor (country style) and her gift of organization and housekeeping, welcomed anyone who came into their home. Her gift of hospitality shined most of all. She could whip up a great meal in no time, and whoever sat at her table was made to feel special. From the set table, to the centerpiece, to the meal, to the conversation, she designed and managed it effortlessly. Betty was a loving mother. Her family was always at the forefront of her mind. Their spiritual well-being, and their physical-material needs were all important, and she sacrificed much for each one. By the time Mom and Dad reached midway in their fourth appointment at Baltimore, Ohio, they had become empty nesters. All 4 children were married and living in different locations in Ohio. Mom continued to support Dad as he ministered in 3 additional appointments (Burgess Ave. Columbus, Arcanum, and finally Zanesville).
It was in 2000 that Dad became too sick to continue his ministry. From 2000 to 2002 Mom and Dad and their 3 Son’s worked with contractors to build a new home south of Commercial Point, Ohio. Mom and Dad moved into their new home in May of 2002 and Dad died in August of 2002. Mom missed Dad greatly. Mom was a strong, self-disciplined, and self- motivated woman, who never put off tomorrow what she needed to do today. With God’s help she was able to continue her life in her new home. She was able to keep busy by caring for her home, creating crafts, attending Bible Studies, Floral arranging and also volunteering with Pickaway County hospice for a year or two. Mom never missed church on Sundays and attended various church activities during the week. Mom was able to continue living in her home for 15 years. It was in 2017 that Mom suffered a series of strokes that changed her life significantly. Her mobility was not affected but the stroke had diminished some of her cognitive ability. Because of that, Mom took up residence at the independent living section of Wyngate in Circleville. When she needed more help, she moved to Brookdale (Now Traditions) in Groveport, which was her last earthly residence.
We are grateful and thankful that Mom is now at rest with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and has been reunited with Don and her mother and father. We all have many wonderful memories of our life with Mom and we will cherish them in our hearts and minds forever. Mom’s favorite bible verse was Jeremiah 3:31- … I have loved you with and everlasting love; Therefore, I have drawn you with unfailing kindness…
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, Ashville followed by a funeral service at 2:00pm. Interment to follow at Beckett Cemetery, Commercial Point. Memorial contributions can be made to Village Chapel Church, 30 Viking Way, Ashville, OH 43103. Condolences can be made online at olivercheekfuneralhome.com
Betty Marie Makarius Obituary May 14, 2026 - Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home