Ralph Elliott Humphrey, age 91, of Shelby, died Wednesday morning, September 18, 2024.
Ralph was born January 2, 1933 in Fremont, Ohio to the late Lauren H. and Kathleen Marie (Taylor) Humphrey. A graduate of Tiro High School, Ralph then served his country for two years in the United States Army. On October 8, 1960 Ralph married Lena M. Rudd and together they celebrated nearly 52 years of marriage before her passing on May 21, 2012. Growing up farming with family, Ralph then worked at Geauga Plastics prior to a career at General Motors in Ontario. He retired in 1988, following 30 years of service, from their Quality Control Department.
To know Ralph, you knew a man who loved people and told great stories. But you also knew a jokester, who enjoyed pranks which more often than not included a whoopie cushion. Ultimately, you knew the Ralph Humphrey who loved his family and especially being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ralph was a proud 50-year member of the Shelby Moose Lodge and Shelby Owl’s Club. He thoroughly enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre, and also enjoyed gardening. Ralph was a landlord to many people of the years as well, a connection many people have with him.
Surviving is his loving family: children: Ray (Lisa) Humphrey of Ontario and Brenda Schraedly of Shelby; grandchildren: Kara (Richie) White, Chris (Taylor) Schraedly, Sara (Cody) Baker, and Taylor (Andrew) Sneeringer; great grandchildren: Amelia, Adeline, Rain, River, Brooke, Wade, Paisley, Zoey, Presley, and Zane; and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and his dear wife, Lena, Ralph was preceded in death by his son-in-law: Bruce Schraedly; brother: Ronald Humphrey; and stepmother: Thelma M. Humphrey.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 12-2 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will immediately follow at 2 pm. Pastor Michael Padula will officiate the services with burial following in Myers Cemetery, Shelby.
Condolences may be left on Ralph’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Patty J. Posekany, age 90, of Shelby, passed away Saturday morning, September 14, 2024 at Ontario Estates where she resided.
Patty was born December 19, 1933 in Shelby to the late Ray and Martha (Lightfoot) Gross. A 1952 graduate of Shelby High School, she married Richard D. “Dick” Posekany on June 24, 1955 and together they celebrated nearly 58 years of marriage before his passing on January 11, 2013. Patty began her working career at AMF in Shelby prior to spending a career as an insurance agent for Bob Stadler and later the Hancock Agency. Her work also included the Shelby Utilities Office before retiring from MTD. Patty loved housekeeping, crafting, and bowling- having bowled in many leagues. She also liked flower gardening and especially enjoyed spending time with her Park Avenue First Church of God family, now Avenue Church.
Survivors include her daughters: Christy (Alan) Sommer of Indian Trail, NC and Laura (Mike) Willacker of Shelby; grandchildren: Adrienne (David) Murphy, Chad Sommer, and Dana Sommer; great grandchildren: Liam and Crew Murphy; sister: Norma Heydinger; sister-in-law: Mary Gross; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Patty was preceded in death by her siblings: Robert Gross, Ted Gross, Donald Gross, Richard Gross, John Gross, Roberta Buck, and Fred Gross.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 10-11 am at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 11 am. George Johnson will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choosing.
Condolences may be made on Patty’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Barbara R. Rissler, age 16 years, 6 months, 14 days, of 1189 Baseline Road W, Shiloh, died Wednesday, September 11, 2024 after sustaining injuries in a buggy/vehicle collision.
Born February 28, 2008, she was the daughter of Paul R. and Barbara M. (Reiff) Rissler. She attended the Meadow Crest Mennonite Church.
Surviving are her mother: Barbara; siblings: Marian (David) Martin of Greenwich, OH, Leroy Rissler of Ephrata, PA, Harlan (Lena Mae) Rissler of Shiloh, OH, Wilma (Richard) Horning of Apple Creek, OH, Lamar (Jennifer) Rissler of Shiloh, OH, Vernon Rissler of Leola, PA, and Dorcas Rissler (special friend, Mark Zimmerman) of Shiloh, OH; 7 nieces; 5 nephews; paternal grandmother: Alta Rissler of Ephrata, PA; and many friends. Barbara was preceded in death by her father: Paul; paternal grandfather: Paul M. Rissler; maternal grandfather: Eli Reiff; maternal grandmother: Barbara Reiff Zimmerman; and maternal step-grandfather: David Zimmerman.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 1-4 and 6-8 pm at the family home, 1189 Baseline Road W, Shiloh. Funeral services will be on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 9:30 am at Bloomingrove Old Order Mennonite Church, Free Road, Shiloh with burial in the church cemetery. Bishop Ammon Burkholder and the home ministry will officiate the services.
Care for Barbara and her family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875. www.PenwellFuneralHome.com
Richard W. “Dick” Shellhouse, age 92, of Shelby died Thursday, August 29, 2024 at OhioHealth Shelby Hospital Emergency Department.
Born July 29, 1932 in Sycamore, Ohio to the late Forest D. and Sarah (Walton) Shellhouse, Dick was a member of the Sycamore High School Class of 1950 where he enjoyed being the catcher of the school’s baseball team. Following high school, Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country in Europe at the conclusion of the Korean War. On June 6, 1959 he married Janet Louise Hufford at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Upper Sandusky.
Dick worked for many years for Ohio Power Company (now American Electric Power). Dick and Jan moved to Shelby in 1970 for his job as the Shelby Area District Serviceman where his on-call responsibility was responding to power outages day and night. Following his many years of service, Dick retired in 2006.
Dick absolutely loved sports, especially baseball, and enjoyed cheering on the Cleveland Indians/Guardians, Cleveland Browns, The Ohio State University Buckeyes, and all Shelby High School sports. Truthfully, a sport did not exist that he did not enjoy watching. Together with Jan they proudly supported the Shelby, Plymouth, and Mohawk FFA programs and always worked to help others when they were able. He was also a member of the Farm Bureau.
In addition to his wife of 65 years, Jan, Dick is survived by his two sons: Eric W. Shellhouse of Columbus and Dane R. Shellhouse of Shelby; his brother-in-law: Ronald L. Hufford; and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his twin sister, Shirley, and younger sister, Beverly.
Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 4-6 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Fr. Daniel Orr will officiate funeral services on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 10 am at the funeral home. Military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail following the funeral. Burial will be Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, corner of State Route 103 and County Road 37 in Sycamore. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelby FFA or Plymouth FFA.
Noreen May Zehner, age 81, of Shelby, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in her sleep on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at her home.
Noreen was born September 25, 1942 in Shelby to the late Paul and Florence (Dodge) Boudinot. A 1961 graduate of Shelby High School, later that year Noreen married Bill Zehner on October 7. Together they raised their own family in addition to numerous others along the way who also shared in calling Noreen “mom” and “grandma.” Noreen was never happy unless she was caring for others. She helped numerous elderly friends who needed care, something that came naturally for Noreen, and was always willing to take in anyone in need of a safe and loving home. To them she offered not just advice and care but quite literally the roof over their heads. Noreen and Bill loved traveling, putting many miles on their Honda Goldwing motorcycle on trips all over the country.
Noreen lived for her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Her legacy of love lives on in all of them. In addition to her husband of nearly 63 years, Bill, Noreen is survived by her children: Cathy (Todd) Cronenwett of Shelby, Theresa (Jeff) Cronenwett of Shelby, Wendy (John) Moore of Shelby, Paul Zehner of Shelby, Jason (Samantha) Zehner of Plymouth, and Daneen Colligan of Indiana; 16 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; numerous others who caller her mom and grandma throughout their lives; her sister: Linda (Dick) Troxel of Georgia; in-laws: Tom Zehner, Dick (Linda) Zehner, and Pat Zehner; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends; and her faithful dog: Suzi. In addition to her parents, Noreen was preceded in death by her sister: Sandra Will.
Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, August 31, 2024 from 4-6 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 2 pm. Pastor James Robinson will officiate the services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters, c/o Cathy Dodge, 145 Mansfield Avenue, Apt. #7, Shelby, Ohio 44875.
Michael Alan Van Vlerah, age 77, of Shelby, died Friday morning, August 23, 2024 at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. Although his death follows a brief and unexpected illness, Mike’s giving and genuine heart remained with him until the end.
Born February 4, 1947 in Willard to the late L.K. and Carol E. (Baker) Van Vlerah, Mike graduated from Willard High School in 1965. Drafted in 1966, Mike served his country in the United States Navy as a Military Police Officer on two separate Vietnam tours. Mike completed his active-duty service in 1969 and remained in the Naval Reserves until 1971. On March 14, 1970 Mike married the love of his life, Lana Rae Dawson, and together they enjoyed 54 years of marriage. Throughout their lives, Mike and Lana were members of the First Lutheran Church in Shelby.
Mike’s career was spent at the Ohio Steel Tube Company, known to most at the Tuby, beginning in 1972 in the factory as a shipping foreman and expeditor. In 1988 he took a job in customer service in the office as an Inside Sales Representative, a job he enjoyed until his retirement in 2010 under the ArcelorMittal ownership. Following retirement, he enjoyed being the chairman of the OST/ArcelorMittal retiree’s club.
Mike was an incredibly social man who truly enjoyed people, never had enemies, and was genuinely a good human being. As an extrovert, he always wanted to be helpful no matter if it was family, friends, or strangers. Working at Cornell’s IGA following retirement suited him perfectly as small talk and kindness never ran low and neither did suckers, which he gave to children shopping with family to bring them joy.
Mike truly loved his family and especially time spent with them on the boat at his favorite place, Lake Erie. Home in Shelby was a very close second favorite- he loved it and caring for it, and he was incredibly proud of his red Chevy Camaro. He was a faithful member of the Shelby American Legion O’Brien Post 326- especially attending Thursday’s $1 beer special. And certainly, anyone who knew Mike, knows that what he really really enjoyed was drinking an ice cold Budweiser.
In addition to his loving wife, Lana, Mike is survived by his children: Jeffrey M. (Jennifer) Van Vlerah of Ostrander, Brian L. (Kristin) Van Vlerah of Huron, and Amy Gearheart of Marysville; grandchildren: Alec and Audrey Gearheart, Derek and Dylan Van Vlerah, Ada Nichols, Bryce and Camryn Van Vlerah, and Bailey, Seamus, Michael, and Maggie Mae O’Malley; sisters: Sue (Al) Vogel of Shelby and Jill (Bill) Frank of Oldsmar, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his uncle: Wilbur Baker.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 1-3 and 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 11 am. Pastors Steve Bond and Rus Yoak will preside over the services. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby where military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be to the Shelby American Legion or First Lutheran Church and left in care of the funeral home.
Delorse J. (Ramey) Moore, age 73, of Shelby, passed away peacefully Sunday night, August 18, 2024 at her home with her family at her side.
Delorse was born June 1, 1951 in Paintsville, KY to the late George A. and Mary Lee (Click) Ramey. She worked at Shelby Hospital for 20 years in laundry services and later enjoyed working at Hobby Lobby in Ashland, KY. For hobbies, Delorse was an avid reader and enjoyed visiting thrift stores and antique stores- especially to add to her extensive doll collection. She was a member of Honey Creek Baptist Church in Bellville.
Delorse is survived by her daughter: Tammy Moore of Galion; grandchildren: T.J. (Allie) vanEerten, Erin vanEerten, Jared vanEerten, Jordan Salyer, Logan Salyer, Kyle Daniel Moore Branham, and Krista Moore; great grandchildren: Brennan, Lennon, and Brinley; siblings: George Ramey, Vickie (Jerry) Rose, and Kathy (Tim) Stevens; brother-in-law: Philip Smith; and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Delorse was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years: Danny Michael Moore; twin sons and daughters-in-law: John and Shona Moore and Jim and Denise Moore; and sisters: Jannie L. Smith and Virginia Severns.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 10 am-12 noon at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 12 noon. Brother Paul Staton will officiate the services with burial following in Greenlawn Cemetery in Plymouth. Memorial contributions may be made to OhioHealth Hospice-Mansfield, https://foundation.ohiohealth.com/programs/hospice-giving, (please select the Mansfield designation) or Honey Creek Baptist Church.
Condolences may be left on Delorse’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
Norman Jeremiah Reed, age 52, of Shelby, passed away naturally and unexpectedly on Saturday night, August 17, 2024 at OhioHealth Shelby Hospital’s Emergency Department.
Jeremiah was born May 22, 1972 in Auburn, IN. He loved fishing and enjoyed playing video games, talking cars, and listening to various types of music. He also had liked camping and was always interested in history.
Jeremiah loved his family and mornings spent drinking coffee with Christina. Survivors include his partner of 22 years: Christina Schultz; children: Taylor Reed and Kaleb Reed; grandson: Keityn Claudy; father and step-mother: Norman and Elsie Reed of New Haven; mother: Sharon May Barnett of Centerton; siblings: Joseph (Mollie) Reed of New Haven, Jerry (Gloria) Slagle of Willard, and Serena (Roger) Shepherd of Willard; nieces and nephews: Cody (Ann) Reed, Kenneth Slagle, Brandon Slagle, Paige Reed, Ashley Shafer, Terra Shepherd, and Meg Slagle; great nieces and nephews, including: Hunter, Colt, Carina, and Kamdyn; and aunts, uncles, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, August 23, 2024 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. Pastor Dan Stratford will officiate the services with burial following in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Shiloh.
Condolences may be left on Jeremiah’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook Page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
Debra Ann “Debbie” (Nalley) Heichelbech, age 70, of Shelby, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday morning, August 15, 2024 at Avita Ontario Hospital.
Debbie was born on July 3, 1954 in Crestline, Ohio and loved living life, always having a heart for others. In earlier years, Debbie worked as a nurse aide at a local nursing home facility and later worked at MTD Shelby Operations. As a hobby, she loved going to thrift stores and garage sales. Debbie was a member of the Messiah House of Prayer in Shiloh, Ohio. She was an animal lover and cherished spending time with her dogs, Winston and Angel.
Debbie is survived by her husband, Dan Heichelbech, whom she married on September 21, 2001. She is also survived by her daughter: Jenny Amstutz; her sister: Carol Salvati; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: Mike Heichelbech, Jim Heichelbech, John Heichelbech, and Joe (Julie) Heichelbech; and special friends: Joanie Click and Joyce Collins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas & Marie Nalley, and her beloved son, Tom Quinlan, in 2022.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 10-11 am at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will immediately follow at 11 am. Pastor Bill Howell will officiate and burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby.
Jacquelyn K. “Jackie” Barber, age 61, of Olivesburg, passed away Saturday morning, August 10, 2024 at her home. Her death follows a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.
Jackie was born June 24, 1963 in Shelby to the late Robert and Dessi (Henderson) Jones. She graduated in 1981 from Mansfield Senior High School and attended The Ohio State University- remaining a faithful and die-hard Buckeyes fan her entire life. She also attended the University of California, Irvine.
On January 23, 1982 she married Glen A. Barber. As part of Glen’s military career in the United States Marine Corps, they moved various places throughout the county including California, Virginia, and North Carolina on two separate assignments. As they traveled, Jackie worked in various doctors’ offices and pharmacies in addition to raising their family of four. Following Glen’s retirement, they returned to Ohio, settling in Olivesburg.
Jackie was the most loving wife, mother, and grandmother. In addition to her husband, Glen, Jackie is survived by her children: Nicole England, Glen A. Barber, Jr., Christopher (Brianna) Barber, and Joshua Barber; grandchildren: Jared, Grace, and Asher; siblings: Cindy (Russ) Elliott, Sue Heil, and Robert Jones, Jr.; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 6–8 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 10:30 am. George Johnson will officiate the services with burial following in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Shiloh. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate), Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research (https://lustgarten.org/donatenow) or Tunnels to Towers (https://t2t.org/donate/).
