Carol I. (Phenicie) Mollencopf, age 83, of Tiro, died early Wednesday morning, October 22, 2025 at The Willows at Willard with her family at her side.
Carol was born December 21, 1941 in Attica, the daughter of the late George W. and Mabel (Burky) Phenicie. She graduated from New Washington High School in 1959. On October 3, 1964 she married Rayman E. Mollencopf. As a homemaker, Carol raised her two children and tended to their home while certainly helping with operations on their family farm. Her granddaughters were her pride and joy, and she supported them in all their endeavors.
Her hobbies included doing word searches and gardening. She was a member of Calvary United Church of Christ in Crestline.
Carol is survived by her children: Christina (Joseph) Miller of Shiloh and Randall Mollencopf of Crestline; granddaughters: June Miller, Joy (Michael) Schuck, and Jamie (Brian) Boyd; brother: Donald (Jane) Phenicie; in-laws: Maxine Phenicie and Floyd Mollencopf; and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Rayman, on April 3, 2014; brother: Daryl Phenicie; and in-laws: Barbara Phenicie, Alvin Mollencopf, John Mollencopf, Barbara Hopple, and Liz Mollencopf.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 1-3 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be conducted on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 10:30 am. Pastor Dreama Caudill will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Tiro. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Tiro-Auburn Volunteer Fire Department.
Condolences may be left on Carol’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Janis Roberta “Bobbie” Payne, age 84, of Shelby, died Monday afternoon, October 20, 2025 at Millcreek Nursing and Rehab in Galion. Her death follows complications of a stroke.
Bobbie was born August 13, 1941 in Shelby, she was the daughter of the late Robert Paul and Lola Irene (Sims) Graham. A 1959 graduate of Shelby High School, she then attended Mansfield General School of Nursing graduating in 1962. For over 30 years, Bobbie was a nurse at Shelby Hospital and then spent 12 years as a nurse for Dr. John McHugh from where she retired.
On April 27, 1963 Bobbie married Thomas Edwin “Huff” Payne and together they raised their family and celebrated many fun adventures together. They loved traveling, having visited all 50 states, Europe five different times, and the beach nearly every year. Many camping excursions took them to various places, including two big trips out west. Bobbie did all these things while remaining an avid reader, had once loved flower gardening, and enjoyed the occasional trip to the casinos.
Above all things, her love for her entire family- her husband, children, and grandchildren- remained at the top of her priority list. She retired only to take up a full-time job of watching her grandchildren- a job she truly loved. And although not necessarily a sports fan, she was a grandkids fan. So, anything they were active and involved with she was present for.
In addition to her husband of 62 years, Huff, Bobbie is survived by her children: Russell (Jennifer) Payne of Elyria, Kyle (Brian) Fenner of Shelby, and Karol (David) Keiser of Shelby; grandchildren: Audrey (Brandon) Woodrum, Graham Payne, Grant Fenner, Jordan Fenner, Miranda Keiser, Elizabeth Keiser, and Grace Keiser; great grandchildren: Thomas Woodrum and Amelia and Kaysen Linger; her sister: Pam Weaver; sister-in-law: Stefanie (Ed) Triplett; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters: Sandy Nicholson, Melba Armstrong, and Kyle Utz.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a wake service will immediately follow at 7 pm. Bobbie’s Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 11 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby with Fr. Chris Mileski celebrating the Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate).
Condolences may be left on Bobbie’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook Page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Pamela Ann “Pam” Moser, age 76, of Shelby, died Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Crestwood Care Center in Shelby. Pam’s unexpected death follows a brief illness.
Pam was born April 21, 1949 in Shelby, the daughter of the late Robert H. and Miriam J. (McBride) Moser. Growing up in Shiloh, she graduated from Plymouth High School in 1967. Throughout her life she worked for various doctors’ offices, most notably for Dr. Dorsey in Mansfield, retiring from OhioHealth.
Pam was an active and devout Roman Catholic. She was a faithful member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby and regularly attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Plymouth. She loved singing in the church choirs and remained active in many church functions and parish life including working funeral dinners. As a hobby, Pam loved knitting and crocheting, making many items, including baby blankets and prayer shawls, which she loved gifting to others. She also enjoyed traveling especially her visits to Ireland and Italy.
Pam is survived by her cousins and their families: Tom and Mary Ruckman and Dick and Linda Ebinger; and many other cousins and special friends, including her dear friend: Lana Van Vlerah. Her reunion in heaven is certain to be joyous with her parents; infant brother: Thomas; and many other cousins and friends.
Family and friends are welcome to attend Pam’s Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 11 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby, OH 44875. A rosary will be recited before mass at 10:45 am. Fr. Chris Mileski will celebrate the Mass with burial following in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Shiloh. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 119 Sandusky Street, Plymouth, OH 44865.
Condolences may be left on Pam’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Jane Ellen (Stentz) Risner, age 72, of Mansfield was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Jane was born on November 10, 1952 in Shelby, Ohio to the late Donald and Marilyn (Leonhardt) Stentz. She was a 1971 graduate of Shelby High School where she was proud to be a majorette. Additionally, she attended Pioneer Joint Vocational School’s cosmetology program. Working as a beautician and manager for First Lady Beauty Salon in Mansfield, she later taught cosmetology for a short time at the Madison Adult Career Center. Later in life, Jane was the bookkeeper and owner of Yard Tractors Parts & Service in Mansfield alongside her loving husband of 30 years, Charles.
As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother, the value of her life was measured by her reverence for God- a life lived in faith and a spirit of humility and love. She demonstrated patience, compassion, kindness, a commitment to prayer, and living a selfless life all while being guided by the principles she learned by reading her Bible faithfully. She had a gift for listening and made everything okay, no matter the situation.
Jane loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply. She especially loved when her “Little Angels” would sleepover and make chocolate chip cookies and play restaurant. She enjoyed watching her grandsons play sports, build Lego creations and she loved listening to her granddaughters sing. The kids taught her how to order food with “Door Dash” and she enjoyed having food show up at her door!
Like her late father, Don, she was an avid baseball fan and never missed watching a Cleveland Guardians game. She also enjoyed watching The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, and Fox News.
Jane always prayed at least 30 minutes a day for her family and made sure not to miss anyone. Her legacy of instilling her faith in her children will now be passed down for generations to come. As a child she attended the First Lutheran Church in Shelby. She is a former member of Mansfield Baptist Temple where she was baptized on July 23, 1986 and Community Baptist Bible Church. Later in life, she attended Storyside Church online.
Jane is survived by her husband: Charles Risner of Mansfield; son: Kevin (Tammi) Kipp of Ashland, daughter: Kimberly (Brooks) Miller of Mansfield; grandchildren: Joseph Shane (Brooklyn) Kipp, Caleb (Marcella) Kipp, Morgan (Nathan) Efaw, Bronson Miller, Breckelle Miller, Brecken Miller, Brinkley Miller, and Briella Miller; great grandchildren: Lailah, Peyton, Joseph Jr., Sutton, Elijah, Adaley, Nyla, Noah, Nolan, and Nico; brothers: Mark (Martha) Stentz and Jim Stentz; sister-in-law: Linda Stentz; step-children: Rita Risner, Ray (Mindy) Risner, Shelley (James) Stone, and Lori Clark; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by siblings: Beth Mott, Lindy (Clayton) Hallmark, and Jon Stentz; and in-laws; Dick (Karen) Mott.
Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 10-11:30 am at the Mansfield Baptist Temple, 752 Stewart Road North, Mansfield, Ohio, where Jane’s funeral will immediately follow at 11:30 am. Pastor Matt Stollings will officiate the services. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to Storyside Church in Bellville or First Baptist Church in Ashland in memory of Jane.
October is AVM Awareness month. For more information, visit www.avmalliance.org
Care for Jane and her family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Online condolences may be left on their website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
Norma Jean Stone, age 93, of Shelby, passed away early Friday morning, October 10, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends.
Norma was born on July 18, 1932 in Shelby, Ohio to Floyd and Ethel (Swartz) Lay. She lived her entire life in Shelby. On July 15, 1950, Norma married Rocky Stone and together they celebrated 58 years of marriage until his passing in 2008.
Her greatest accomplishment was being the dedicated matriarch of her family and a cherished friend to everyone she met. As her grandchildren often said, “She was everyone’s favorite.” Those who knew her understood that her door was always open. You could always count on Norma—also known as Mam, Red, Aunt Dolly, and Granny Maw—to lend a listening ear, serve a good meal, host a lively game of cards, and, most importantly, share a laugh.
She is survived by her son: Rick (Valerie) Stone of Shelby; daughters: Bonita (Robert) Rickett of Mansfield and Shari Stone of Crestline; four grandchildren: Krystal Stone (Joseph) of New York City, Steve (Carie) Stone of Shelby, Caleb Stone of Colorado, and Dustin Stone (Angie) of Shelby; great-grandsons: Blake and Eli Stone; great-granddaughters: Jayda Stone, Makenna Stone, Kenlee and Kylin Stone; sister and dear friend: Alice Martin; sister-in-law: June Kline; and her beloved feline companions: Rowdy and Rosabella. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son: Ron Stone on July 9, 2023; and her brothers and sisters in laws: Bob (Marge) Lay and Ben (Donna) Lay.
Per Norma’s wishes, calling hours and funeral services will not be observed. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Humane Society
Condolences may be left on Norma’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Ellsworth Henry “Russ” Russell, age 83, of Shelby, died early Friday morning, October 10, 2025 at the Willows at Willard.
Russ was born February 8, 1942 in Marion, the son of the late Ray Ellsworth and Henrietta Lucille (Garrett) Russell. A 1960 graduate of Marion Harding High School, Russ was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War, serving from 1963-1966. Following his honorable discharge, he met Evelyn Georgean Fisher and they married on July 2, 1967. Shortly thereafter, he began employment at the Tuby in Shelby for what would become a 30-year career. He retired in 2000 under the Copperweld ownership.
Russ was a man who loved tinkering and being in his barn. His life and hobbies revolved around finding old things, no matter their shape, as his talent was taking anything that did not work and fixing it right up. He loved old cars and especially enjoyed collecting gas pumps. Of course, since these hobbies were natural for him, Russ could never pass an antique flea market without stopping. Additionally, Russ found great pleasure in the time he spent with his old “buddy”, John Deere, mowing his grass or anywhere he could eat a fresh piece of pie.
Russ is survived by his wife of 58 years, Evelyn; their daughter: Jennifer Russell of Bexley; sisters: Clariene Stiteler of Shelby and Luella Conley of Bellville; and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Russ was preceded in death by his daughter: Denise Russell; and brother: James “Jim” Russell.
Evelyn and Jen would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caring and dedicated staff of the Willows at Willard for their kind and compassionate care.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 1-3 PM at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Russ’ final resting place will be in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, OH. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army.
Russ and Evelyn have been longtime members of Calvary Baptist Church in Shelby. Therefore, for those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the church (21 Washington Street, Shelby, OH 44875).
Condolences may be left on Russ’ obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Marcia Lynn Snyder, age 79, currently of Mesa, Arizona and longtime resident of Ganges, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
Marcia was born November 7, 1945 in Mansfield, the daughter of the late Harvey and Bernice (Laser) France. She graduated from Shelby High School in 1963. On August 6, 1966 she married Bruce Allen Snyder and together they celebrated 49 years of marriage before his passing in 2014.
Marcia thrived as a homemaker raising her four children and tending to their home. Before marriage she had worked at Carton Service and later owned and operated the Homestead Market and Bakery.
Marcia was well known as a staple volunteer to the Shelby Salvation Army for 30+ years in addition to being a case worker for Shelby Helpline Ministries, prior to her retirement in 2018. She was a longtime active member of the Shelby First Church of God where she had also served as secretary.
Marcia is survived by her four children: Joseph (Kristie) Snyder, Ben (Michelle) Snyder, Amanda (Michael) Brazeal, and Paul Snyder; grandchildren: Deanna (John), Bradly (Rachyl), EmaLee, Rachel (Ben), Elijah (Alexis), Stephen: 6 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Marcia was preceded in death by her sister, Judy Hedderig.
Family and friends are welcome to attend Marcia’s funeral services on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 1 PM at Wesley Evangelical Church, 58 East Main Street, Shiloh, Ohio 44878. Pastor Russ Smith will officiate. Private graveside service and burial will be held at Ganges Cemetery. Memorial Contributions be made to the Salvation Army, Gideons, or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be made on Marcia’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Linda Sue Jones, age 75, of Shelby, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday night, September 28, 2025. Linda passed at Embassy of Willard.
Linda was born May 10, 1950 in Shelby, she was the daughter of the late Henry M. and Betty Elaine (Cheesman) Barnhart. A 1968 graduate of Shelby High School, she continued her education at Tiffin University where she graduated magna cum laude in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Linda has been employed at Lumbermens Mutual in Mansfield prior to taking a job with MTD- Shelby Operations in 1985. She served as a payroll administrator for 29 years before retiring in 2014.
Throughout her life, Linda was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Shelby. She contributed actively to Trinity’s youth ministry program and found the experience highly rewarding. Linda also was a lay speaker at many United Methodist Women’s events, meticulously pairing her music selections with her spoken message. Her love for God and her church family was great.
For hobbies, she enjoyed watching classic television shows along with playing cards and games on her tablet to keep her mind active. Her efforts certainly paid off as Linda’s mind was sharp to the very end. She also looked forward to planning and going on annual trips each October to various locations with family.
No matter where Linda was, she touched people’s hearts. She will be missed by her family; her cousins: Pam (Randy) Waddles and their daughter, Sarah Waddles, and granddaughter, Lillian Rivera, and cousin, Susan (Tod) Terveen, and their daughter, Brielle; her niece: Shannon (Brian) Fisher of Fredericktown; her nephew: Shane (Mara) Barnhart of Cardington and their children, Ava and Easton Barnhart; and numerous extended family, friends, and church family. In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her sister: Carol Jean Barnhart; and brother and sister-in-law: Donald and Gay Barnhart.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 10-11 am at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 11 am. Dave Melick will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Shining Lights Pre-School.
Condolences may be left on Linda’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Eugene Richard “Skip” White, age 78, of Shiloh, passed away on Friday night, September 26, 2025.
Born July 24, 1947 in Oberlin, Ohio, Skip was a 1965 graduate of South Central High School. Skip was employed for several years at Plymouth Locomotive as a welder/fabricator and then spent most of his career as a professional truck driver traveling coast to coast. After retirement, he truly enjoyed driving truck for Niese Farms. A man of faith, he was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Ontario.
For 54 years, Skip shared a life full of laughter and adventure with the love of his life, Sharon. Together, they raised two children, Shane and Sabrina. He only had two kids but took part in raising many others who wanted to hang around the White house. Skip had a talent for making you feel special. He always was quick to share a story with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. He was always willing to impart his wisdom on anyone who looked to him for advice.
A lifelong Harley Davidson enthusiast, he found his ‘wind therapy’ on the open road, sharing many rides with his friends and especially enjoyed riding along with Shane. One of his last happy moments was taking part in the restoration of his beloved 1979 Harley Davidson Low Rider and basking in one final ride shortly before his passing. He was a member of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club.
Summers often found Skip and Sharon traveling to northern Michigan to spend time with friends and family, where he enjoyed fishing and swapping tall tales around the campfire. He was an excellent cook, unless it was Wednesday morning. Wednesdays were reserved for time with his closest friends over breakfast.
He was a devoted Cleveland Indians baseball fan, a Columbus Blue Jackets hockey fan- which he held season tickets to, and The Ohio State University Buckeyes football fan. He so wanted to see these teams win championships. His favorite hockey team, however, was whichever team his twin grandsons played for. He enjoyed cheering them on from the stands and was so proud of them.
He loved to share one of his favorite sayings, “It’s hard to soar with the eagles in the morning when you party with the turkeys all night.” Friends and family can confirm he usually delivered it with a grin and perfect timing. Skip’s quick wit, generous spirit, and big-hearted storytelling will be cherished and missed by the countless lives he touched. He may be gone, but his laughter and love will echo in our hearts forever.
On October 16, 1971, Skip married Sharon Kay (Viars) White and she survives along with their son: Shane (Caroline) White of Shelby; daughter: Sabrina (Steve) Heckathorne of Gahanna; grandchildren: Mercedes (Anthony) Gallagher- whose wedding Papaw proudly officiated, Carter Kessler (Diana Rodriguez), Triston White, Hayden White, Calliope White, Stuart Heckathorne, and Samuel Heckathorne; great grandchildren: Brayden, Harper, and Deacon; siblings, Perry Rusynyk of Willard and Tom (Joy) Rusynyk of Norwalk; sister-in-law: Brenda Eberly; and other relatives and friends. Skip was preceded in death by his parents: John and Marge (Pearce) Rusynyk; in-laws: Bill “Beardy” and Dody Viars; and his brother-in-law who died in infancy: Jerry. It is certain he is up in heaven with his special fur friend, his beloved dog, Opie.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 10:30 am. Pastor Dave Davenport will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Anyone wishing to ride their motorcycle in the funeral procession should know it is encouraged and welcomed. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church or Richland County Humane Society.
Condolences may be made on Skip’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Jessica Luella (Bellomy) Isabel, age 32, of Mansfield, died Friday, September 26, 2025 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. Jessica’s unexpected death comes after a recent cancer diagnosis.
Jessica was born February 24, 1993 in Mansfield and adopted by her loving parents Mark Stephen and Linda Luella (Tackett) Bellomy. She graduated in 2011 from Plymouth High School and Pioneer Career and Technology Center where she was in the Horticulture Program. Her love of flowers was something that remained her entire life. Since 2016, Jessica has been employed at Richland Newhope Industries (RNI) in Mansfield where she was a front desk secretary.
Jessica was a true daddy’s girl who loved to talk and socialize. She was incredibly sweet and never met a stranger. Her family was the center of her life, and some of her happiest memories were made camping in West Virginia at the family cabin.
On April 16, 2024, Jessica married Luis Manuel Isabel whom she cherished. She looked forward to her future with hope, dreaming of adopting children to give them the same chance at family that had been given to her through adoption. She was also excited about the prospect of learning to drive one day.
Jessica had many simple joys that brought her happiness. She enjoyed collecting Pioneer Woman glassware and Stitch characters from Lilo & Stitch. She had a deep love for animals, especially her cats, dogs, and chickens. She also loved High School Musical, which she carried with her from her teenage years. When it came to food, her favorites were Chinese and Mexican, meals she enjoyed often.
In addition to her husband, Luis, and parents, Mark and Linda, Jessica is survived by her siblings: Heather (Alex) Tittle of Galion, Marli Bellomy of Mansfield, Tyler (Samantha) Bellomy of Shelby, and Tessie Bellomy of Shiloh; her best friend and cousin: Bre (Ray) Bellomy; nieces and nephews: Kambry, Bentley, Emery, Rowen, Isabella, and Layla; grandparents: Doug and Mary Tackett of Shelby and Doris Bellomy of Mansfield; sister-in-law: Mariely (Richard) Foreman of Mansfield; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Jessica was preceded in death by her grandparents: Gatha Tackett and Bill Bellomy.
A gathering to celebrate Jessica’s life will be announced at a later date. Care for Jessica and her family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. To assist the family with unexpected expenses, memorial contributions may be made to Penwell Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left on Jessica’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
