Shirley J. Auck, age 86, of Crestline, died peacefully at her home on Friday morning, July 4, 2025.
Shirley was born March 1, 1939 in Plymouth to the late Thomas and Iva (Sonnanstine) Myers, Sr. and graduated from Plymouth High School in 1957. On June 11, 1961, Shirley married Warren Ralph Auck. It was then that they moved to Warren’s family farm in rural Crestline where they raised their family, tended to their farm, and enjoyed many wonderful memories. In addition to helping with the farm operations, Shirley was employed with the Shelby Telephone Company and worked there her entire career. She retired under the Sprint ownership.
Shirley was an incredibly active member of her church, First Baptist Church of Shelby, where she and Warren have been members for many years. Along with being active in nearly all church functions, Shirley was a part the funeral dinner team. Shirley was an outstanding cook and baker, a talent she used both for enjoyment and as a side job of catering for over 25 years. For hobbies, Shirley was a seamstress and enjoyed quilting for Quilts of Valor.
Shirley is survived by her husband of 64 years, Warren: their children: Melody Auck of Plymouth, Marc (Heather) Auck of Crestline, and Matthew (Christie) Auck of Bucyrus; 5 granddaughters: Shelby Auck, Rebecca (Paul) Sullivan, Lilah (Graham) Geissman, Malahnia Auck, and Violet Auck; great grandchildren: Adeline and Raylan Sullivan; and other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her sister: Roselee Ewing and brother: Thomas Myers, Jr.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 4-6 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 11 am at the funeral home. Guests are also welcome to visit one hour prior to the funeral services on Thursday from 10-11 am. Pastor Dan Peterson will officiate with burial following in Greenlawn Cemetery, Plymouth. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Shelby, 185 South Gamble Street, Shelby, OH 44875.
Condolences may be left on Shirley’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Richard A. Hartz, age 70, of Willard, died unexpectedly yet peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at his home.
Richard was born June 24, 1955 in Shelby, Ohio to the late Wayne M. and Darlene J. (Rader) Hartz. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1974. Richard spent most of his working career in the food service industry at Rax restaurant in Ontario, Ohio. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Shelby. As a hobby he and his late wife, Eileen Jane Hartz, enjoyed collecting dolls.
Per Richard’s request calling hours and funeral services will not be observed. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Plymouth. Care for Richard is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875.
Roberta Faye (McLin) Wilson, age 83, of Shelby, died Saturday night, June 21, 2025 at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus with her family at her side. Her death follows a period of declining health.
Roberta was born on September 5, 1941 in Wolfe County, KY to Robert Bruce and Hazel (Howard) McLin. She attended and graduated in 1960 from Hazel Green Academy, a private Christian academy founded by her great grandfather. At the age of 18 she had already lost two cousins and her father. She began to take care of her mother who was ill and often bedridden, while also caring for her younger twin sisters whom she loved with all her heart. By age 19 she had lost both parents and moved to a college dorm at Morehead State University where she earned her dual degrees in Education and Library Science while working in the college library to pay her student loans. During the summer she took a train to Portland, Oregon, by herself, to be a Nanny for her former Girl Scout Leader’s three daughters. Her pay for being a Nanny was getting to travel and camp with the Stanley family each weekend. She enjoyed getting to travel the West Coast and spoke about it often.
Roberta married Estill Lee Wilson the same day she graduated from college in 1965, and they drove to Shelby, OH that evening to their apartment on Plum Avenue, a place she had never been, hours away from any family or friends. That fall she began teaching third grade at Auburn Elementary. She walked to and from work each day and the dress code for teachers did not allow pants- dresses and skirts only. When she did get her first car, she did it right, sporting a brand-new baby blue Buick Wildcat convertible.
In November of 1969 Roberta and Estill welcomed their daughter, Tammy, and their family was made whole. She and Tammy were so very close. She took time away from work to raise her, thus growing their inseparable bond. Roberta later returned to work at Shelby City Schools as a librarian at Dowds, Central, and ultimately at Shelby Middle School. During that time she earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Ashland University in May of 1988. She enjoyed her students and Shelby City Schools and retired in July of 1998 following nearly 30 years of service
Roberta loved her home, her yard, her flowers, her pets, and her books. Most of all, she loved her family and was so proud of each and every single one of them. Tammy married John Magers. John was Roberta’s hero as she was certain that there was nothing John could not do, fix, or make right, if he set his mind to it. Slade and Will, her grandsons, were the true apples of her eye. They brought her more joy and happiness than anyone could imagine. She was so proud of them. As they grew, she was their caregiver and taxi service. But, more so, she was their constant supporter and loving mamaw.
Her love for family was beyond her immediate family. One of Roberta’s favorite things was a family reunion or special occasion. She would plan and plan, with the anticipation of seeing her loved ones and making it perfect. Family history was so very important to her and she proudly authored the McLin Family Cookbook which was distributed to the entire family at the 2013 family reunion at Greenbo Lake State Park in KY. Even in recent years of health decline, Roberta remained steadfast in care and love for family and staying in touch with them online via Facebook.
Roberta was dedicated to remaining as active as her mind and body allowed. She managed to publish her first children’s book, The Kitten in the Manger, just a couple of years ago. With sore fingers and worsening eyesight, she continued sewing catnip toys to benefit the Humane Society and STOP. It is unimaginable how many toys she made and donated to benefit shelters over the years as helping animals was something extremely important to her. She also volunteered for many years at Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center.
Roberta and Estill were married 48 wonderful years before his unexpected passing in 2013. Their life together was full of adventure and fun. They were members of the First Christian Church in Shelby, Shelby Country Club, Shelby Moose, and Clover Leaf Square Dance Club. They loved square dancing together. In later years they enjoyed camping, spending time on their pontoon boat, and swimming in their pool. Additionally, Roberta was a member of the National Day Lilly Society and enjoyed being a part of Garden Club. It is certain their reunion in Heaven was joyous along with other family members, friends, and their numerous pets who have gone before her.
Roberta is survived by her daughter and son-in-law: Tammy and John Magers of Shelby; grandsons: Jonathan Slade Magers and Wilson Harris “Will” Magers; sisters: Linda McLin (Tom Marsh) of Mt. Vernon and Rita (Chuck) Whitney of Howard; in-laws: Ruth McLin, Danny Wilson, and Jimmy (Bonnie) Wilson; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Roberta was preceded in death by her siblings: Robert Harris McLin, Lawrence Bruce McLin, Lois Ann Runyon, and Jean Eloise Gleason.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 1 pm. There will an addition hour of visitation prior to the funeral from 12-1 pm. Pastor Jim Forrest will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Humane Society (adoptourstrays.com/donate) or S.T.O.P., 1152 Lexington Ave, Mansfield, OH, United States, 44907.
Leonard Wade Amicone, age 69, died Wednesday morning, June 18, 2025 at Unger Park Post Acute in Bucyrus where he resided.
Leonard was born May 20, 1956 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Leonard C. and Billie Jean (Tipton) Amicone. Growing up in Shelby, he graduated in 1975 from Shelby High School and went on to attend Franklin University, earning an associate’s degree in culinary arts. Leonard later joined the United States Army serving both domestically in Hawaii and abroad in both Germany and South Korea over a multiyear time frame. He worked for various restaurants for several years as a chef and later worked for Franklin County Disability Services. For hobbies, Leonard enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden and raising Dachshunds.
Leonard is survived by his mother: Billie Jean Amicone of Shelby; brothers John (Laurie) Amicone of Shelby, Timothy (Michelle) Amicone of Delaware, Ohio, and Mark (Lori) Amicone of Shelby; nieces and nephews: Katie Amicone, Tony Amicone, Terra Martire, Jon Amicone, Erica McGlynn, Jamie Amicone, and Matt Amicone; and numerous great nieces and nephews, and cousins. Leonard was preceded in death by his father: Leonard Amicone; brother: David Amicone; and sister: Beth Amicone.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 12-1 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 1 pm. Pastor Michael Padula will officiate and military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fish Food Pantry of Shelby.
Condolences may be made on Leonard’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Matthew Allen “Matt” Kessler, age 45, of Sandstone, WV and previously of Shelby, OH, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Huntington, WV.
Matt was born April 29, 1980 in Shelby, OH, the son of the late William Leo “Bill” Kessler Jr. and Starr Lynn (Plumley) Kessler. He was a graduate of Crestview High School in Ashland, OH/Pioneer CTC in Shelby, OH and Mountain State University, Beckley, WV where he graduated with an associate degree in Medical Assisting. He was a Certified Medical Assistant in the State of West Virginia.
When Matt was younger, he was involved in Boy Scouts, Ganges Junior Garden Club, and 4-H. He had the opportunity in 4-H to represent Richland County at The Ohio State Fair for his various projects. Matt was a gifted pianist who was able to play by both ear and music. He collected Match Box cars and John Deere diecast tractors as a child.
Matt was a very hard-working and dedicated employee. He previously worked for Sears, Huntington and Mechanics Banks, and was a substitute bus driver for Richland Newhope-Richland County Board of DD Mansfield, OH and Raleigh County School District Beckley, WV. Matt found his true calling as a medical assistant with Appalachian Regional Healthcare Systems (ARH) Beckley, WV in the Orthopedics Department. He worked for ARH for over 15 years as a medical assistant. He was well respected among colleagues, physicians, and patients.
Matt had such a huge, giving, loving, and compassionate heart. He loved to give gifts to others for no apparent reason. He would always make sure that his family and friends were taken care of before himself. He enjoyed taking drives up to the top of the mountain that he lived on to look at the wonder of God’s creation. Matt enjoyed a tall glass of Diet Coke or Coke Zero while watching Golden Girls, Scooby Doo, Veterinary, and other various TV shows/movies. He had a wonderful sense of humor, witty personality, ornery/sneaky smile, infectious laugh, and sharp memory.
Matt is survived by his mother: Starr Lynn (Plumley) Kessler of Shelby, OH; sister and brother-in-law: Dawn & Allen Trosper, of Shelby, OH; aunts and uncle; Sandra (Wayne) Gillespie, of Ballard, WV and Madline Doring, of Trinity, TX; numerous cousins living in Ohio, West Virginia, and Texas; and his ARH colleagues, physicians, and patients, and friends who loved him like family in West Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his father; his grandparents: Orville and Lyda Plumley and William “Leo” Sr. and Frances Kessler; angel nephew: Eli Scott Trosper; his aunts and uncles: Bill and Ramona Mitchell, Stanley and Betty Farley, Bart Doring and Timothy Plumley; cousin: Patricia Mitchell Young; and dog: Daisy.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 5- 7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main St., Shelby, OH. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 11 am at the funeral home with Pastor Sam Belstering officiating. Burial will be in Ganges Cemetery, Ganges, OH. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in West Virginia at a later date.
Matt’s mother, sister, and brother-in-law would like to give their appreciation and love to his family, friends, and ARH colleagues, physicians, and patients who have loved and supported Matt while he lived in West Virginia.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family for a contribution to be made in Matt’s honor at a later date.
Florence Louise Stoffer, age 93, of Ontario, died peacefully at her home on Monday afternoon, June 2, 2025 with her children at her side.
Born August 27, 1931 in Johnson County, Win, KY, Louise was the only daughter born to the late Loman Litten and Cora Jane (McKenzie) Cochran. On July 10, 1948, she married Robert Clinton Stoffer. Louise and Bob had a wonderful 75-year marriage full of fun, laughter, and many happy memories. Together they traveled all over the country and world- often on trips awarded through suppliers for Bob’s HVAC company (Buckeye Richland), thoroughly loved playing golf, and also had enjoyed square dancing. Living an active and fun-filled life, Louise and Bob absolutely loved the sun and being by their pool which was truly their happy place. As members of Ontario United Methodist Church, they served the church as greeters for many years and volunteered for many church functions and activities.
Louise spent her life in service to help her community thrive; in essence, she was a professional volunteer. In addition to her church volunteering, she had been active with the Ontario Athletic Booster and had served as their president, hosted numerous Miss Ohio contestants in her home and worked many pageants for both Miss Ohio and Miss Ontario, was active with Ontario City Council and had even ran once for mayor, and was once actively involved with productions at Mansfield Playhouse. She also had been an excellent bowler and enjoyed taking pen/pencil-to-paper for journaling and showcasing her artistic talents through drawing.
Although the above-mentioned gave Louise a life of fun and adventure, nothing was above family. She loved her family fiercely and supported them in all their endeavors. Her home was always open and welcoming to family and friends for gathering and Louise had unconditional love for anyone she touched. It truly is her legacy. Louise is survived by her children: Becky (Bob) Smith of Conroe, TX, Mike (Sandy) Stoffer of Shelby, and Mary Ellison of Ontario; grandchildren: Stacey (Tricia) Smith, Jason Stoffer, Chad Stoffer, Brian (Jessica) Stoffer, Brandon (Amber) Stoffer, Michael Stoffer, Jr., Hannah (Brian) Ellison-Nestor, and Mackenzie Ellison; great grandchildren: Shelby, McKenna, Chase, Mason, Ava, Gwen, Jonathon, Andrew, Amelia, Precious, Lincoln, Katelyn, Lucas, and Caleb; in-laws: Larry (Ann) Stoffer and Jane (Ron) LaBarge; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, on January 7, 2023; infant daughter: Arlene Joy; and brothers: Darrel Cochran, William Cochran, Lester (Eileen) Cochran, Jeff Cochran, and Bobby Cochran.
The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to Southern Care Hospice for their unwavering care and compassion.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Additionally, guests are welcome on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 10-11 am at Ontario United Methodist Church, 3450 Park Avenue West, Ontario where Louise’s funeral will immediately follow at 11 am. Burial will be in the adjacent Ontario Community Cemetery. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the church.
Condolences may be made on Louise’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Deborah Linn Spangler, age 62, of Shelby, died peacefully at her home on Monday morning, June 2, 2025. Deb’s death follows a nearly two-year courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.
Born July 4, 1962, in Willard, she graduated in 1980 from Shelby High School and attended North Central Technical College earning an associate’s degree in law enforcement. For many years, Deb was employed at First National Bank of Shelby. It was later that she returned to North Central to become a Licensed Practical Nurse- a career she flourished in. Debby loved caring for her patients at Shelby Pointe, later JAG Healthcare Shelby. She remained employed there until her cancer diagnosis where her time and energy transferred to making memories with family and friends and being steadfast in her battle- all of which was done with grace, patience, and determination.
On August 14, 1982 Deb married Gary Eugene Spangler. Together they raised their three children and enjoyed a life of adventures. They loved to travel, especially their trip to Alaska, annual trips to Florida, visits to the casino, and going to concerts which catered to her love of music. However, trips to Lake Erie for camping, boating, and fishing were at the top of the list all while enjoying time with family and friends.
Deb was devoted to her family, loved them extensively, and was dedicated to attending all the activities they were involved with. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 43 years, Gary; her children: Bryan Spangler of Orlando, FL, Kevin (Lyndsee) Spangler of Greenwich, and Laura (Jake) Hummel of Shelby; her beloved grandchildren: Kayden and Sylas Spangler and Alex, Layla, and Reed Hummel; her father: Lawrence Alfred Kime of Cridersville; siblings: Jill (Jim) Blunt, Amber (Chris) Burkett, and Jeff (Sally) Kime; mother-in-law: Jeanette Spangler; in-laws: Debra Spangler, Linda Spangler, Linda (Ed) Whited, and Doug (Dawn) Spangler; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Debby was preceded in death by her mother: Crystal Harlene (Newman) Rita; stepfather: Phil Rita; father-in-law: Gene Spangler, and brother-in-law: Ron Spangler.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 3-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where a rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby with Fr. Chris Mileski celebrating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
Condolences may be made on Deb’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Kay Frances Hartz, age 84, longtime Shelby resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, May 22, 2025 with her daughters by her side. Her death follows a brief battle with cancer.
Kay was born February 8, 1941 in Shelby, Ohio, to the late Thurlow Edwin and Mary L. (Bloom) Miller. After graduating from Shelby High School in 1959, she married the love of her life, Charles Floyd Hartz, on June 28. Together they shared 25 wonderful years until his passing on October 22, 1984.
After Charles’ death, Kay exemplified strength and resilience, returning to school to continue her education. She earned an associate degree in Business from North Central Technical College in 1989, received her school treasurer’s license in 1997, and proudly completed her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ashland University in 2005.
Her professional journey began at Shelby Mutual Insurance, continued at Bank One, and ended in a fulfilling career with the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, where she retired as the Treasurer’s Assistant in the Payroll Department.
Kay was a woman of deep faith and service. A long-standing member of Shelby First United Methodist Church, she cared for children in the nursery and volunteered with the summer lunch program, the community meal ministry, and the Angel Tree program. She was a lifetime Girl Scout and troop leader, a 4-H advisor, a volunteer at the Renaissance Theatre, a Huron County Master Gardener, and served for several years as a trustee at Holiday Lakes where she has permanently resided since the summer of 2017. In 2009, Kay was honored with the Jess Rath Christian Volunteer Service Award, recognizing her extraordinary service and impact on her community.
Kay is survived by her daughters: Cathy (Bill) Gardner of Shelby and Sandra Tener of Defiance; grandchildren: Kimberly (Brad) Vargo, Matt (Allie) Gardner, Mariah (Clay) Armstrong, Hollie (Conner) Landon, and Nick Hartz; step-grandchildren: Sabrina Harpster, Sam Weber, Stephen Fryer, and Mason Fryer; and numerous great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy and pride; in-laws: Drema Miller and Howard Hursh; and other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her son: David A. Hartz; son-in-law: Mark Tener; and brother: Walter Miller.
Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 4-6 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 11 am. Guests are also welcome to visit one hour prior to the services from 10-11 am. Pastor Michael Padula will officiate the services with burial immediately following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to Shelby Helpline, 29½ Walnut Street, Shelby, OH 44875 or to the Enrichment Centers of Huron County, 130 Shady Lane, Blg. C, Norwalk, OH 44857 for the benefit of their Meals on Wheels Program.
Condolences may be made on Kay’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Martha Louise Clark, age 89, of Shelby, passed peacefully early Sunday morning, May 18, 2025 at the Crestwood Care Center in Shelby.
Martha was born July 12, 1935 in Shelby to the late Byron and Ethel (Lybarger) Clark and graduated in 1953 from Union High School. A longtime employee of Kenyon College, Martha worked in the registrar’s office. While working full-time, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in religion from- something which was no small task and celebrated by her peers at the college. She later retired from Kenyon.
Martha’s love of traveling took her on many adventures- her greatest being white water rafting. She enjoyed reading and was an excellent seamstress, making many of her children’s clothes when they were younger amongst numerous other projects. Martha was a proud member of the First Lutheran Church in Shelby and often volunteered for many community programs and events including the Christmas/Angel Tree program.
Martha is survived by her devoted daughter and best friend, Susan Johnson of Shelby, and her son, David Johnson of Mount Vernon. In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her brothers Ray Clark and Gene Clark.
Per Martha’s request, services will not be held. Care for Martha and her family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences may be left on Martha’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Elbert Roy “Butch” Amert, Jr., age 77, of Shelby, died early Saturday morning, May 10, 2025 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. His death follows an extremely brief and unexpected illness.
Butch was born December 16, 1947 in Shelby to the late Marguerite E. “Marge” (Gambee) and Elbert Roy Amert, Sr. A 1965 graduate of Shelby High School, Butch enlisted in the United States Air Force in May of 1967 and served his country in Vietnam during the war. After his honorable discharge, Butch returned home and began working at United Telephone Company while also working at Shelby Rhythm Bowl. It was at Rhythm Bowl where his passion for bowling aligned with fate, as he met his future wife, Patty Durkin. The couple married on July 17, 1981.
His bowling hobby continued throughout his life, even having coached Youth Bowling Association for many years. Although his work at the Rhythm Bowl continued over 20 years, following 5 years with the telephone company, Butch began working for the railroad. He retired in 2007 from CSX following 32 years of service.
Although Butch’s hobbies and interests were extensive, his love for playing poker, specifically Texas Hold’em, was at the top of the list. He loved the game, often playing daily, and hosted and ran many games and tournaments especially with his Old Man’s Club poker group. He avidly studied poker etiquette, honing his skills and applying what he learned. Other interests included golfing, coin collecting, mushroom hunting, and a lifelong admiration for classic cars, particularly Corvettes. Unashamed of his sweet tooth, Butch had an undeniable weakness for pies and cookies.
Family was at the heart of Butch’s life, and he was a steadfast supporter of his children and grandchildren. The family shared over 40 years of camping adventures; a tradition passed on to his children despite Butch later admitting he merely “tolerated” the activity. He was, however, a lifetime member of the Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association- the premier gold prospecting and camping club in America. Proud of his service and the service of their children, in 2008 Butch and Patty were founding members of The Friends of the 179th Family Readiness, a program which collects and raises funds to assist families of servicemen and servicewomen at the Mansfield 179th. He was also a member of the Shelby Eagles where he served as a trustee, Shelby Knights of Columbus, a lifetime member of the VFW, and had been a member of the Shelby Moose and Owls clubs.
Butch is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years: Patricia S. “Patty” (Durkin) Amert; children and grandchildren: Becky Neuenschwander of Shelby, Christopher (Tara) Amert of Mansfield and their children Olin and Vada, David Amert (Kelly Dawson) of Shelby and their children Addison, Brayden, and Andrea Amert, and Jason (Shawna) Amert of Mansfield and their children Wilson, Karli, Erin, and Madelyn; uncle: David Amert; in-laws: Maggie Van Wagner and Tim (Mary) Durkin; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by his siblings: Bev Howell, Gary Amert, and Sally Sanders.
Military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 5 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. All are welcome to attend. The family will greet guests immediately following the military honors at the funeral home where a casual and brief service will be held at 7 pm to conclude visitation. Pastor Ron Bolden will lead the service.
