Obituaries

Doreen R. Knapp Riley

Doreen R. Knapp Riley

Jan 26, 2025

Doreen Rae Knapp Riley, born February 18, 1963, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, leaving behind an enduring legacy of love, strength, and leadership. She was the devoted mother to her son, Christopher, the cherished daughter of Janie and the late Ray Knapp, and a loving sister to Mark, Kelly (Doug), and Ray (Gretchen). Doreen was a proud and...

James E. Keener

James E. Keener

Jan 24, 2025

Born in Weston, West Virginia, Jim was a longtime resident of Springfield Township in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from St. Patrick School in Weston, West Virginia and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. After his service, Jim retired from RCA Rubber Co. and spent many years as a beloved bus driver for Springfield...

Jean A. Batchik

Jean A. Batchik

Jan 24, 2025

Jean Batchik (Brooks), age 97, passed away into the loving arms of her Savior on January 24, 2025.

Jean was born in Sebring, Ohio on September 22, 1927 to Harold and Margaret Brooks. She came to Akron in 1932.

Jean married Kenneth Batchik on September 4, 1946. She taught Sunday School at Margaret Park Church for 37 years and served in other...

Gaile David Wilkinson

Gaile David Wilkinson

Jan 22, 2025

On January 22, 2025, Gaile David Wilkinson, Jr. of Hartville, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord at age 82. He was born in West Virginia on October 27, 1942 to parents Gaile and Lorrena Wilkinson. While growing up, Gaile enjoyed fishing with his dad and his uncles, playing baseball, and watching sports. 

Gaile’s faith was most important to him;...

Mary K. McCarty

Mary K. McCarty

Jan 22, 2025

Mary K. McCarty, 98, went home to be with the Lord on January 22, 2025.

Born in Crabbottom, VA, she was a longtime resident of Akron. She was a member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ, where she enjoyed working in the nursery. Mary was a devoted mother and homemaker. She was always willing to help others and had a great...

James H. Ravenscraft

James H. Ravenscraft

Jan 20, 2025

Jim “Pap” Ravenscraft, born at his family home on 2/19/1929 in Jerome PA, to John (Oney) and Mabel Ravenscraft, passed away on 1/20/25. 

Jim left school at an early age (13) to work in the coal mines. He was an avid deer hunter from a young age up until his 80’s when he lost his sight. He met and married Shirley...

Jewell F. Darrow

Jewell F. Darrow

Jan 20, 2025

Jewell F. Darrow, 96, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 27, 1928, to the late Guyton and Katherine Thigpen. After her mother’s passing, she was raised by Elsie Thigpen, whom she loving called mother. She grew up in Akron, Ohio, attending Lincoln Primary and South High School before transferring to Hower Vocational...

Vicki S. Oravec

Vicki S. Oravec

Jan 17, 2025

Vicki Sue (Proudfoot) Oravec, 66, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A graduate of Springfield High School's Class of 1976, Vicki pursued a distinguished professional career. She began her journey at Goodyear/Lockheed Martin and later brought her talents to the Will-Burt Company, all while earning her BBA degree.

Vicki will be remembered for her kindness...

William P. Hensley

William P. Hensley

Jan 17, 2025

William “Bill” Paul Hensley, age 76, of Lake Township, was taken into God’s hands on January 17, 2025. He was born October 1, 1948 to the late William Doyle Hensley and Pauline Jean Hensley (Harris).

Bill attended Revere High School, The University of Akron, and retired in 2020 from Goodyear Aerospace/Meggitt Aircraft Breaking Systems after 41 years of service. Bill enjoyed...

Virginia Hopkins Moore

Virginia Hopkins Moore

Jan 17, 2025

Virginia Hopkins Moore, 93, passed away on January 17, 2025. 

Born in 1931, she married her husband, Stanley Lee Moore, in 1948. She retired as Personnel Administrator at Hiram College and was a member of Portage Faith United Methodist Church in Mantua. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, crafts, traveling, and playing cards. But most of all, she loved spending time with her...

Mary E. Lohr

Mary E. Lohr

Jan 14, 2025

Mary E. Lohr, 90, passed away on January 14, 2025. Born May 12, 1934, she lived her whole life in Suffield. Mary graduated from Suffield High School in 1952 and married her husband, Kenneth, in 1953. She retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation in 2000 and was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She loved to be...

Steven B. Edwards

Steven B. Edwards

Jan 12, 2025

Steven B. Edwards, 48, passed away on January 12, 2025. Born in Akron, he was a resident of Lakemore. He graduated from Springfield High School and served in the Marine Corps. He was a carpenter and enjoyed fishing. 

Steven was preceded in death by his mother, Deborah Edwards. He is survived by his father, Tim Edwards; brother, Rob Edwards; and companion,...

Julie Ann Bartholet

Julie Ann Bartholet

Jan 8, 2025

Julie Ann Bartholet (née Jones), (March 16, 1959 – January 8, 2025), 65, of Akron, Ohio, cherished and beloved grandmother, mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend passed away unexpectedly.

Julie’s love and kindness emanated from her heart to form a halo around all those in her life. Her indomitable spirit and generosity were an extraordinary blessing. Her heart was accepting and...

Gene M. Laston

Gene M. Laston

Dec 30, 2024

Gene M. Laston, 60, passed away December 30, 2024.

Born in Akron, OH, he lived in Uniontown. Gene graduated from Springfield High School. He was an employee at Speedway for 6 years. His passion was golf, and he served as a golf pro locally. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Gene is preceded in death by his father, Gene...

Jason M. Savill

Jason M. Savill

Dec 25, 2024

Jason Michael Savill, age 41, passed away at home on December 25, 2024.

He was born February 21, 1983, in Kansas City, MO. He spent most of his life in Lakemore, OH and graduated from Lake High School in Uniontown, OH in 2002. Jason proudly served in the Marine Corps from 2004-2009. He was an avid reader and gun collector. He...

Cora E. Peck

Cora E. Peck

Dec 24, 2024

Cora E. Peck, 90, passed away on December 24, 2024.

Cora was born in Randolph, Ohio on February 25, 1934 to parents John and Grace (Riemenschneider) Shull. She enjoyed a long career at the Coca-Cola Company. She loved to read and was an avid golfer.

Cora was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, George Peck. Cora is survived by...

Sandra K. Biltz

Sandra K. Biltz

Dec 22, 2024

Sandra Kay Biltz (loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend), left this Earth peacefully on December 22, 2024. Born on March 27, 1944 in Akron, Ohio to Leona and Kenneth Baile. Sandy lived a wonderful and fulfilling life. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald Biltz. Sandy and Don’s life centered around their family. Their legacy started with Christine...

Suzanne M. Gill

Suzanne M. Gill

Dec 19, 2024

Suzanne Marie Gill, age 74, passed away peacefully at home, with her family by her side, on December 19, 2024 and is now home with the Lord.

Her family and friends called her Sue. She was born in Harrisburg, PA and her family soon moved to Akron, OH where she grew up through high school. While working at a local drug...

Gary H. Carpenter

Gary H. Carpenter

Dec 18, 2024

Gary H. Carpenter passed away December 18, 2024, from age related illness. He was 89. 

Gary was born April 12, 1935 in Akron, Ohio, and graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1954 where he was active in sports and the Naval ROTC. 

After graduating Gary entered active duty in the Navy for two years. Upon his discharge he remained active in...

Peter Hirnikl

Peter Hirnikl

Dec 16, 2024

Peter Hirnikl went to be with the Lord on 12/16/24. Peter was born on 3/6/33 in Drenya, Croatia. He survived many hardships as a young boy including hunger and cold as he and his family became refugees in World War II. He lost sight in his right eye due to shrapnel exploding from a fire and was beaten by Russian...