Stephen C. “Steve” Campbell, age 84, of Shelby, Ohio passed away on Tuesday morning, September 19, 2023 due to a debilitating stroke. For the last five months he fought a valiant battle to return to good health.
Steve was born in Chicago, IL to Janet (Shute) and Charles Campbell. He spent most of his childhood years in Newark, OH and teen years in Columbus. Following graduation from Linden McKinley High School in 1957, Steve joined the United States Army Reserve. Residing in Seville, OH, Steve began a life-long career in the folding carton and paperboard manufacturing industry at Packaging Corp. of America, Rittman, initially as Shipping Planner and Expediter. Over a span of 30 years, he gained significant experience working in many phases of the industry. He furthered his education by taking classes at Kent, Akron, and The Ohio State University extensions. Steve was an active member of the Seville Lions Club and played a large role in the promotion and production of their annual fund raiser, the Seville Lions Club Horse Show.
Steve was hired by Carton Service in 1989 as Director of Manufacturing, and he and his wife, Donna, relocated to Shelby from Seville. In 1993 he was appointed Vice President of Manufacturing and was responsible for all phases of manufacturing at the Shelby facility as well as a second plant being built in Norris, TN. Steve officially retired in 2004, but was on call for 18 additional years to work on projects and serve as management consultant. Steve had a passion for cars early on, Corvettes, and more recently, nostalgic cars. He became proficient at doing his own paint and bodywork. Steve also returned to drag racing, something he had done in his youth. He converted a 1942 coupe into a drag car, which he raced at tracks in Ohio and Clay City, KY. For a number of years, Steve and Donna enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s activities in music, dance, and sports, traveling to Columbus and Chicago to do so.
Steve was a member of the Shelby First United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna (Yoss) Campbell; daughters: Stephanie Kelly of Chicago and Christina (Jeff) Hoeppner of Columbus; four grandchildren: Connor and Payton Hoag, Abigail and Megan Hoeppner; sister: Patricia (Jeff) Plumer; and nieces, nephews, and friends who adored him. In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Klote, and stepmother, Wanda Campbell.
In keeping with Steve’s wishes, the family will hold a private graveside service at Mound Hill Cemetery in Seville, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation via their website, www.t2t.org/donate/, or the Shelby First United Methodist Church, 18 South Gamble Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875.
Care for Steve and his family is being provided by the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences may be left on Steve’s obituary on their website, www.PenwellTurner.com, or their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
Maureen C. Rupe, age 61, of Shelby, died peacefully Sunday morning, August 20, 2023 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. Her death followed a brief battle with pancreatic cancer- a battle fought with an outstanding attitude, extreme bravery, and a sense of humor unmatched to anyone but Marueen.
Maureen was born September 21, 1961 in Shelby to the late Maurice L. and Anna M. (Chavez) Simon. She was a 1979 graduate of Shelby High School and Pioneer Joint Vocational School’s Cosmetology Program. Maureen was well known for working at Cracker Barrel in Mansfield, Bob Evans in Ontario, and Dollar General in Shelby. No matter where she worked, she made many friends with both co-workers and patrons- many of whom faithfully checked on her and came to see her during her most recent illness. Her impact on them was undoubtable.
Marueen was easy to make friends with. She was hilarious, inappropriate at all times, always fun, lived with the mindset that rules were made to be broken, and continuously chose to live life happy. Maureen’s hobbies changed throughout her life from a love of reading, to painting- which even got as large as wall murals, to cake baking, and, most recently, to a love for dogs- especially her Boston Terriers. Her unique sense of humor could make anyone laugh and she was always entertaining and fun to be around.
Marueen is survived by her children: Nikki (Nick) Webster of Shelby, Donald Browing III of Shelby, and Danielle (Ben) Browning of Columbus; her best friend and partner: Kevin Combs and his son: Keith; grandchildren: Taylor and Hailey Webster, Ethan Browning, Leonidas Zaglanis, and Lennox Vallandingham; her sisters: Josephine Simon, Jackie (Todd) Potts, Karen (John) Dillon, Mary Simon (Doug Collins), and Tisha Saunders; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Paul Rupe in 1980; and sisters: Lorraine Simon and an infant sister.
Maureen wanted everyone coming to her calling hours and funeral to be dressed in bright colors so please feel comfortable and free to do so. Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where Maureen was a member, 29 West Street, Shelby. Fr. Chris Mileski will celebrate the Mass with burial following in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to assist with final expenses.
Connie E. DeWolf, age 83, longtime Shelby resident, died Sunday evening, August 13, 2023 at Mill Creek Nursing and Rehab in Galion where she resided.
Connie was born January 10 ,1940 in Montpelier, Ohio to the late Artie and Bellvetta (Freeze) Sell and was raised in Willard, attending Willard City Schools. She spent her life devoted to helping others, especially children. In the 1960s she was a Head Start teacher, had worked at Bowsher’s Bakery, and later worked at Rite Aid. For many years Connie was employed at the Volunteers for America in Shelby- a position that gave her excellent training for her next faithful undertaking. Following, for over 20 years, Connie was a dedicated daily volunteer at Shelby Helpline Ministries where she was the head of their clothing department. She worked tirelessly to help others as a devoted Christian- fulfilling God’s work, reading the Bible, and watching Dr. Charles Stanley. Connie also thoroughly enjoyed camping for many years and spending time with family and friends.
She is survived by her son: Danny DeWolf of Michigan; daughter: Cherie Graves of Alabama; 6 grandchildren: Alicia Carpenter, Corey DeWolf, Chelsea Box, Mariah Bisbee, Isaiah DeWolf, Kyrie Purdy; and 8 great grandchildren: Jaxson, Jasper, Janet, Michael, Arabella, Khendrix, Aliyah, and Khylana. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother: Don Scott Sell.
Per Connie’s request calling hours and funeral services will not be observed. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven. Care for Connie and her family is being provided by the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to Shelby Helpline Ministries, 29 ½ Walnut Street Rear, Shelby, Ohio 44875.
With his loved ones by his side, Lauren Edward Ehrman (92) went home to Jesus peacefully on Friday, August 11, 2023, at Orchard Park Assisted Living in Bucyrus, Ohio.
Lauren was born on January 26, 1931, to Forrest and Velma Ehrman and lived his early years on a farm east of New Washington, where he developed a love of farm life and the great outdoors. After graduating from New Washington High School in 1949, he attended Capital University, playing basketball on the college team. He was a talented, dedicated athlete and played baseball for New Washington, helping the team win the N.C.O. League American Division Championship in 1951. He then followed his love of baseball to Florida where he played as a pitcher for the Panama City Fliers, a farm club for the Detroit Tigers. In Florida Lauren realized his love of baseball couldn’t compete with his love for his high school sweetheart, and so he returned to New Washington and married Helen (Springer) Ehrman in 1952.
With Helen’s support, Lauren continued playing baseball in Ohio, pitching for the New Washington Merchants. The team was so good they won the Ohio State Championship and traveled to Wichita, Kansas, to play in the national tournament. In all his pursuits, whether playing sports or providing for his family, Lauren applied an ardent work ethic. In addition to farming, he worked for multiple companies, ending his career at Ohio Locomotive Crane in Bucyrus, Ohio.
Together, Lauren and Helen raised six children. They were blessed with 33 years of marriage before she passed away in 1986. He then married Fannie (Slone) Ehrman and they enjoyed 34 years together before she passed away in 2021.
Throughout his life, Lauren treasured a strong faith in God and enjoyed singing in the church choir. He blessed many others as a volunteer in the community, at his church, and as a baseball coach for the New Washington American Legion team, where he shared his knowledge and love of the game. He also enjoyed playing golf and euchre, especially with his family.
Above all, Lauren was a family man, quick to laugh, give hugs, and invent memorable nicknames for his grandchildren. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his six children and sixteen grandchildren. Joseph (Lisa) Ehrman, Rachel (Cliff), Gabriel, Elijah (Michi), and Arielle (Andrew); Kathy (Tom) Riedel, Aaron, and Amber (Allon); Sue (Glenn) Wolf, Leah (Clay), and Jordan (Ally); Dennis (Cindi) Ehrman, Nicole (Chris), Christine, and Renee (John); Ken (Shan) Ehrman, Scott (Whitney), Staci, and Lindsey (Scott); John (Beth) Ehrman, Jacob and Sophie. Lauren is also survived by eighteen great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Gwen Ehrman, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as stepson Tom (Andrea) Slone, Michael, Nicole, and a step great-grandchild.
Lauren is preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers Elton, Wayne and Russell, mother and father-in-law Laird and Emma Springer, four sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and a great-granddaughter.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Lauren’s life with calling hours held on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, and a celebration service held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 21 Washington Street, Shelby. Burial will follow at the Union Cemetery in Crawford County. A luncheon will follow afterwards at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Calvary Baptist Missions Fund or Gentiva Hospice through the funeral home. Online condolences may be left on Lauren’s obituary post on the funeral home’s website, www.PenwellTurner.com, or their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
Robert E. Taylor, age 94, longtime Shelby resident and currently of Powell, passed peacefully Sunday morning, August 6, 2023 at StoryPoint Powell North.
Bob was born December 13, 1928 in Mansfield to the late Scott and Helen (Maurer) Taylor. A 1946 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, he then earned an associate degree from Mansfield Business School in commercial accounting. He was a cost accountant at Ohio Brass in Mansfield prior to enlistment in the United State Army serving during the Korean War.
Following honorable discharge, in 1954, Bob came to Shelby where he worked as an office manager for Gump’s Chevy Olds for eight years until he took a job as a teller at The First National Bank of Shelby. His hard work and dedication to the bank brought several promotions throughout his career ultimately to the position of Executive Vice President. He retired in 1993. Throughout his career, Bob represented the bank serving his community. Although his service was exponential, he was most proud of his service on the Board of Directors of Shelby Memorial Hospital, both as a member and officer- a position he stayed with through several mergers. He also was proud to have served as the Treasurer of the United Fund of Shelby for many years, was on the building committee for the Shelby YMCA, and had served on the Oakland Cemetery Board.
Amongst many hobbies and interests, Bob especially enjoyed traveling, having been to Walt Disney World over 30 times, and loved their second home at Lake Erie both at Chaska Beach and Old Homestead in Huron. He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Shelby and, for over 30 years, had attended Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church with his wife, Marcine. After moving to Powell, Bob and Marcine attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.
Bob is survived by his family: his wife of 35 years, Marcine F. (Kaple) Taylor, whom he wed February 6, 1988; children: Robin (Lanny) Showers of Marion, Laurie (Jeff) Kirk of Powell, and Todd (Wendy) Schreck of Medina; grandchildren: Brandon Showers, Courtney (Shaun) Greer, Jennifer (Brad) Kropp, Erin Kirk (fiancé, James Larrimore), Logan (Kayla) Kirk, Mason (Ally) Schreck, and Evan (Cailee) Schreck; great grandchildren: Sadie and Storey Showers, Xavier Greer, Kendall and Rowan Kropp, Lucy Kirk, and Bailey and Gunnar Schreck,; nephews: Tim (Bernadette) Frary, Tom (Donna) Frary; and Scott (Kathy) Ryan; and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his first wife: Joanne E. (Ryan) Taylor in 1986; son: Robert M. Schreck in 2022; and sister and brother-in-law: Mary and Robert Frary.
On Saturday, August 12, 2023 the family of Robert E. Taylor will arrive at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby at 10 am where a Rite of Reception will take place upon arrival. Immediately following, from 10-11 am, guests are welcome to visit with family. Bob’s funeral mass will begin at 11 am with Fr. Chris Mileski celebrating with burial following in Oakland Cemetery beside his first wife, Joanne. Presentation of the American Flag will take place at Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
Care for Bob and his family is being provided by the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Online condolences may be left on Bob’s obituary on the funeral home’s website, www.PenwellTurner.com or their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
Margaret L. Ferguson, age 92, of Shelby, died Saturday night, August 5, 2023 at her home.
Margaret was born July 1, 1931 in Shelby to the late William and Pearl (Gutshall) Hartz. A 1950 graduate of Shelby High School, Margaret was a homemaker and was a great help to her brothers on the farm. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Washington.
Margaret is survived by her niece and faithful caretaker: Shirley Hartz; sister: Marjorie Baird of Shelby; sisters-in-law: Fran Hartz and Jean Hartz both of Shelby; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by her husband: Eldon Luther Ferguson in 1980; brothers: Richard, Herbert, Wilbur, Eldon, Robert, Albert, and Raymond; and sisters: Dorothy Johns, Irene Hartz, Nina Hartz, and Florence Hartz.
Guests are welcome to attend graveside services on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 11 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, North Kibler Street, New Washington, where Margaret will be buried beside her late husband, Eldon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Humane Society, 3025 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio 44906 or via their website, www.adoptourstrays.com/support-us/.
Care for Margaret and her family is being provided by the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Online condolences may be left on Margaret’s obituary on the funeral home’s website, www.PenwellTurner.com, or their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
Jacob Edward “Jake” Kemplin, age 38, of Mansfield, died unexpectedly while at work on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
Jake was born March 30, 1985 in Shelby and attended Pioneer Career and Technology Center’s Meat Processing Program graduating from there, and Ontario High School, in 2004. Coming from a long line of strong hardworking men, Jake, too, was and incredibly dedicated and hard worker. He loved riding his motorcycle and his guns- often going to the shooting range for fun. As a person, he had the biggest heart and easily made people laugh, as he was a true prankster.
Jake is survived by his daughter: Kenzee; mother: Deborah Sue “Debbie” Brewster of Mansfield; father and step-mother: Henry Edward “Ed” and Teresa Kemplin, Jr. of Crestline; sisters: Sarah (fiancé, Cecil Kennedy) Cecil of Mansfield and Jennifer (Jack) Brothers of Ontario; step-siblings: Keesha Mosely of Shelby, Marco (fiancé, Stephanie Damron) Willison of Johnsville, and Nathan (Amanda) Willison of Galion; step-grandparents: James and Beulah Newberry of Galion; and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: James Morton and Earnesteen (Conley) Brewster; and paternal grandparents: Henry Edward “Ed” and Claris (Adkins) Kemplin, Sr.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, August 7, 2023 from 11 am-1 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will immediately follow at 1 pm. Rev. Gary Adkins, Jake’s great uncle, will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby.
Larry G. Jennings, age 83, longtime Shelby resident, died early Tuesday morning, August 1, 2023 at Venetian Gardens in Loveland where he resided.
Larry was born June 28, 1940 in Rowan County, KY to the late Silas and Elizabeth (Workman) Jennings. His hobbies were extensive as he loved to mow the lawn, was an outstanding gardener, and enjoyed going fishing and hunting. He adored children, watched many westerns and WWE matches on TV, and was constantly collecting aluminum cans. Although Larry could be very opinionated, strangers did not exist in his world as he enjoyed talking with people. For many, Larry was easily recognized riding his bike all over with his most admirable and consistent voyage being to the nursing home to visit his mom and care for her.
Larry is survived by his sister and his niece, his caregivers, Audra McLean of Goshen, OH and Sheila Ressler Shaw of Lynchburg, OH and numerous other nieces, nephews, stepsiblings, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Juanita Fitzpatrick, and brother, Jerry Jennings.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, August 6, 2023 from 2-3 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 3 pm with Pastor Ben Carver officiating. Additionally, visitation will be on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 11am-12 noon at Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 47351. Graveside services at Baldridge Cemetery will immediately follow the visitation with Pastor Johnny Hatfield officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association via their website, www.alz.og/donate.
Dean Jay Myers, age 80, of Shelby, died Friday, July 28, 2023 at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Emergency Department as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile/train collision.
Dean was born March 17, 1943 in Shelby to the late Marlin W. and Gladys Pauline (McGinnis) Myers. A 1961 graduate of Shelby High School, Dean then served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Army. Upon his discharge, he returned to Shelby working for the Tuby prior to a career in the HVAC and plumbing industry.
Well-known for his neighborhood watch patrol, Dean made his rounds daily to ensure everyone was doing ok and safe. He was proud to have served on the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, had been a volunteer for the Shelby Fire Department, served as a Jackson Township Trustee, and was a longtime bailiff for the Shelby Municipal Court under Judge John Schaefer. Dean thoroughly enjoyed spending the day at Lake Erie, especially on his boat fishing, and also liked to hunt. He loved flower gardening- his gardens fondly referred to as “Deanwood Center” and would grow everything and anything that his late wife, Gail, could use for canning.
Dean is survived by his daughters: Nicole “Nikki” Myers (Vince Stirp) and Heidi (Kevin) Alt both of Shelby; step-daughter: Tera “Teedi” (Greg) Rouse of Jackson; grandchildren: Dominique Norman, Gabriel O’Dell, and Brendan O’Dell; great grandchildren: Zeke and SidaLeigh; sister: Judy (Jacque) Hoover of Shelby; mother-in-law: Jean Lash and her children- Dean’s brothers and sisters-in-law; his faithful canine companion: Sloopy; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. His wife: Gail Denise (Hogue) Myers preceded him in death on July 2, 2022 in addition to his parents; brother: Larry W. Myers: and nephew: Gary L. Myers.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, August 4, 2023 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 10:30 am. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Humane Society via their website, www.adoptourstrays.com/support-us/.
Sandra J. “Sandy” Slone, age 77, of Mansfield, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday morning, July 29, 2023. She passed at her home.
Sandy was born September 5, 1945 in Lafferty, Ohio to the late Arthur and Pauline (Lewis) Jackson. She was a 1962 graduate of Union High School in Flushing, Ohio. A former employee of both Therm-O-Disc in Mansfield and the Shelby Salesbook Company, Sandy was primarily a homemaker. She thoroughly enjoyed taking care of her family and her home. She also enjoyed shopping and attending Old Regular Baptist church.
Surviving are her husband of nearly 57 years, Douglas M. Slone, whom she wed on November 26, 1966; daughter: Lora (Charlie) Kuhn of Shelby; grandchildren: Derrick (Morgan) Slone, Robert (Katelyn) Kuhn, Erick (Amber) Slone, and Leesha (Kevin) Montgomery; great grandchildren: Rilynn, Ellie, Matthew, Westin, Quinley, Raymond, Willow, Brantley, and Nilelynn; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her son: Matthew D. Slone; brothers: Bobby Jackson, Dale Jackson, William “Pal” Jackson, and Charlie Jackson; and sisters: Martha Arno and Mary Jendrusik.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, with services beginning at 7 pm conducted by the Elders of the Old Regular Baptist Church. Funeral services will be on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11:30 am conducted by Bro. Hargis Tuttle. Burial will be in Turner Cemetery in Dema, KY on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at 12 noon. Memorial contributions may be made to Eternal Rose Old Regular Baptist Church.
