Lois Elaine Osborne, age 73, a longtime Galion resident, died Tuesday night, November 11, 2025 at her home in Columbus surrounded by family. Her death follows a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Born October 24, 1952 in Mt. Gilead, she was the daughter of the late Amos and Bernadine (Geren) Lyons. A 1970 graduate of Mt. Gilead High School, she married Tracy Allan Osborne shortly after graduation on June 7, 1970. Together they shared more than 50 years of marriage and countless adventures before his passing on January 20, 2021.
Lois and Tracy raised two sons, and during their early years she devoted her time to being a stay-at-home mother. Later, she became well known throughout the area as a friendly and familiar face while serving at various local restaurants over a span of nearly 40 years.
Lois loved shopping and could never resist a good trip—whether it was a drive to Florence, Kentucky, an auction, or a flea market. She especially enjoyed hunting for treasures that sparkled, as she had an enduring love for all things shiny, particularly jewelry. She also enjoyed watching baseball and Columbus Crew matches, and she was a longtime member of the First Freewill Baptist Church in Shelby.
Lois is survived by her sons: Daniel (Dawna) Osborne of Columbus and Joseph Osborne (Suzi Lykins) of Galion; grandchildren: Colton (Kurissa) Osborne, Grayson Osborne, Aiden Osborne, Finley Osborne, Corbin Osborne, Olivia Osborne, Lauren Osborne, and Tyler Lykins; great grandson: Carter; siblings: Juanita Martinez, Gloria Martinez, Joyce Clark, Phillip Lyons, and Beulah Goodwin; in-laws: Margaret Howard and Bonnie Osborne; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Lois was preceded in death by her brothers: Roderick, Ralph, Gary, and Everett.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 1-3 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 3 pm. Rev. O. Douglas Tackett will officiate the services. Lois will be laid to rest with her husband, Tracy, at Crawford County Memory Gardens.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (StJude.org/Donate).
Condolences may be left on Lois’ obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Michael J. “Mike” Brocwell, age 81, of Shelby, died Saturday afternoon, November 8, 2025 at Mill Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation in Galion.
Born on May 16, 1944, in Shelby, Mike was the son of the late Walter Stanley and Ruthe M. (Schrantz) Brocwell. A 1962 graduate of Shelby High School, Mike spent 43 dedicated years working at Shafer Valve in Ontario, retiring under the Emerson ownership.
Outside of work, Mike lived for the simple joys that made him happiest. He was an avid fisherman and arrowhead hunter, always ready for the next great find or peaceful day by the water. Alaska held a special place in his heart, and he made countless trips north to experience its rugged beauty. Back home, few things made him smile more than time behind the wheel of his Corvette—his pride and joy.
Mike is survived by his sons: Mark Brocwell and Grant (Angie) Brocwell both of Galion; grandchildren: Mason (Logan) Brocwell, Samantha (Wes) New, Natalie (Bo) Mayes, Dale Brocwell, Colleen Brocwell, Jessica (Zach) Hammons, and Abigail Brocwell; great grandchildren: Maxton, Lennox, and Ezra; his special friend: Patty Strickler; brothers: Kip Brocwell of California and Jeff (Carol) Brocwell of Reynoldsburg; and other relatives and friends.
Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 11 am-1 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Archaeological Society of Ohio, 1166 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Suite 269, Fairborn, OH 45324.
Condolences may be left on Mike’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Denise Ellen Swanger, age 66, of Crestline, passed away, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, November 2, 2025 after a hard-fought battle with breast cancer.
Denise was born on September 25, 1959 in Crestline, Ohio to James and Ava (Templeman) Poole. Denise graduated from Crestline High School in 1978. During high school she made many meaningful friendships that continued into adulthood. In 1980 she met her husband, James Swanger, whom she wed in her parents’ backyard on September 3rd of 1983. They spent 45 years together- 42 married. Together they had two children, Hunter and Courtney.
Denise worked for Crestline Exempted Village Schools for many years as a sub and an aid. She eventually found that her favorite job there was as a lunch lady where she made fast friends, and laughter could always be heard spilling from the kitchen. Denise enjoyed time with her family and friends; whether that was family reunions, “Ho-Downs”, parties at the pond, a girls’ vacation, or a trip to the casino, she always knew how to have fun. Denise loved football and baseball. On Sunday’s she could be heard chanting “Here we go Brownies, here we go! Woof! Woof!”.
Her love for her family and friends was felt deeply. Denise loved being a mom, aunt, great aunt, a great-great aunt, and later a grandma. She spoiled everyone, was always a shoulder to lean on, and knew how to have a great laugh.
Denise is survived by her husband, James E. Swanger; children: Hunter J. (Paige) Swanger and Courtney J. (Aaron) Swanger; beloved granddaughters: Dixie Kay and Goldie Mae; sisters: Dianne (Terry) Stumpf and Deborah (Tip) Gregory; sisters-in-law: Barbara Poole, Debbie (Ernie) Sallee and Lynn (Ed) Friebel; brother-in-law: Tim Swanger; great aunts: Karen (Nick) Dann and Donna (Buster) Anderson; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.
Denise was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws: William and Lucille Swanger; brother: Darrell Poole; niece: Danielle Gregory; and nephew: Tyler Gregory.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. A casual time of sharing memories and stories of Denise will take place at 7 pm.
For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to Crestline Boosters PO Box 423, Crestline, OH 44827 or Pink Ladies of The Galion Owls, 239 Harding Way East, Galion, OH 44833.
Condolences may be left on Denise’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Dennis Lee “Denny” Markwell, age 80, of Shelby, died on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at the Crestwood Care Center. Denny passed just hours shy of his 81st birthday.
Denny was born October 29, 1944 in Shelby to the late Clyde and Virginia (Hall) Markwell. He spent his entire career at the Tuby working in facility maintenance, retiring in 2006 under the Copperweld ownership.
A huge fan of Shelby Whippet Football, Denny could be found in the end zone of the stadium, keeping a watchful eye on the game while talking to those around him. An avid Cleveland Browns fan, Denny rooted on the Brownies countless times in person and consistently on TV. Baseball and softball were always part of Denny’s life- coaching his sons during little league, watching Shelby Whippet Baseball, playing softball at the Waterworks field, or simply enjoying the Cleveland Indians/Guardians games. Denny also loved to bowl in his younger years. He enjoyed spending time fishing at local reservoirs.
Denny was a life member of many of the local clubs including: the Shelby AMVETS, Shelby FOE Aries #763, Shelby Moose, Shelby Owls, and the Shelby VFW where he was a member of DADS.
On September 18, 1989 Denny married Patricia Anne (Barnd) Markwell. Pat survives along with their children: Todd (Allyson) Markwell of Alabama, Lee (Sherry) Markwell of Georgia, Jennifer (Bryan) McBride of Mansfield, Randy Kennard of Shelby, Scott Kennard of Willard, and Nancy Kelley of Florida; grandchildren: Dustin (Bri) Markwell, Austin (Jalissa) Markwell, Tryston Garrigues, Riley Brown, Baylee Markwell, Reed Markwell, Kyla Harner, Michelle Johnson, Carson Markwell, Jordan Blount, Miah Henderson, Madaline Henderson, Brayden McBride, Kayla (Ian) Shoup, Noah (Cassie) Kennard, Cale (Lexi) Kennard, Meghan Kelley, and Michael Kelley; great grandchildren: Lyndon, Quinn, Jayden, Boone, Maverick, and Zoe; fur babies: Rascal and Zoe; and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Denny was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Riddle, and daughter, Kim Kennard.
Calling hours and funeral services will be private at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, OH 44875. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Humane Society (adoptourstrays.com/donate/).
Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Robert Harold Hogsette, age 97, died Tuesday afternoon, October 28, 2025 at Lexington Court Care Center with family at his side.
Harold was born December 6, 1927 in Miami, Florida, the son of the late George Bivens and Maude Mabel (Adkins) Hogsette. After graduating from Miami High School, Harold enlisted into the United State Marine Corps serving his country during World War II. Harold was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, North Carolina and later deployed abroad on the USS SIBONEY, an aircraft carrier which protected the eastern seaboard.
Following the war, Harold attended the University of Florida where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering in 1952. His vocation as a civil engineer began at Bethlehem Steel, while the majority of his working career was with the Army Corp of Engineers. It was during this time that he obtained his professional engineering licensure. Harold married Barbara Ann “Bobbie” Richardson on May 28, 1960 and soon after they began a family. Harold’s work took their family all over the world including Florida, Tennessee, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Virginia, and Panama. In 2001 they moved to Shelby, Ohio to be close to family and support their grandchildren’s activities. He and Bobbie became members of the First Baptist Church of Shelby.
As a young man, Harold had hobbies which turned into passions- sail boating and photography. He and a friend built a sailboat and Harold’s hobby morphed into sailboat racing. All this being paired with his eye for photography in an era where results were not instant but rather sought after and thoughtful. His talent of photography captured adventures Harold and his family took together in their travels. It was later in life that Harold also took up dog training and AKC showing.
Harold is survived by his sons: Robert H. (Susan) Hogsette, Jr. of Lexington and David S. (Renjie Liu) Hogsette of China; grandchildren: Kate S. (Evan) Stith, Paul R. (Lauren) Hogsette, David S. “Scott” Hogsette, Jr., and Christopher S. Hogsette; great grandchildren: Luke, Mason, and Michael Stith; and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, on September 19, 2014. He was the last surviving child of seven in the Hogsette family.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, November 3, 2025 from 10-11 am at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be conducted immediately following at 11 am. Rev. Dr. Amy C. Little will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby with full military honors. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to Dugit Outreach Ministries (dugit.org/donate/).
Condolences may be left on Harold’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
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).
