Marsha Mai Porter, age 76, of Shelby, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, June 6, 2024 at her home. Her death follows a multi-year battle with vascular dementia.
Marsha was born June 27, 1947 in Millersburg, Ohio to the late Ross G. and Vera M. (Croskey) Edwards and graduated from Shelby High School in 1965. On May 15, 1973, Marsha married Darrell R. Porter and together they had a loving and successful life. They loved going on cruises, having been on several, and Marsha was always in attendance and supportive of Darrell in his active participation with the Free and Accepted Masons. They were married 41 years until his passing on October 20, 2014.
From 1988-1996 Marsha owned and operated Bowsher’s Bakery in Shelby. Following, she attended Pioneer Adult Education for business and began a 20-year career with Richland County Job and Family Services. It was there that she held various positions, ultimately retiring in 2016 as a fraud investigator.
Marsha cherished family and friends and was an avid bingo player- playing often with her dear friend, Robin. She also thoroughly enjoyed day trips with her good friend, Rachel. Survivors include her 4 children: Kenny Porter of Mansfield, Kimberly (Regis) Skiffington of Shelby, Heath Porter of Shelby, and Heather (Scott) Conard of Mansfield; 9 grandchildren: Caleb Porter, Tyler Porter, Randy Edwards, Brooke Barnes, Hollie (Ben) Nye, Jaekob Conard, Jillian Conard, and Amelia Mai Porter; numerous great grandchildren; sister: Rhonda Edwards; brother-in-law: Keith (Terri) Porter; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother: Vera M. (Croskey) Kovatch; father: Ross G. Edwards; husband: Darrell R. Porter; granddaughter: Kaitlin Barnes; and sisters: Brenda Thompson and Lisa Barnhart.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, June 10, 2024 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 11 am. Pastor James Robinson will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org/donate).
Jack Tackett, age 76, current resident Clearwater, Florida and longtime Shelby resident, died Friday afternoon, May 24, 2024 at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. His death follows a sudden and unexpected illness while vacationing with his wife, Sharon.
Jack was born November 3, 1947 in Salyersville, KY to the late Delmes and Rose Elizabeth (May) Tackett. A 1965 graduate of Shelby High School, Jack then served our country in the United States Air Force. Jack spent his career with the railroad, retiring following many years of service with CSX as a train dispatcher. Following his retirement, he spent some time in sales in both the car industry and for church directories.
Jack was a very passionate and spiritual person. He loved the Lord and often gave personal testimony to those around him including complete strangers. He was a sports enthusiast both playing and spectating. He had enjoyed golfing and was an avid softball player, had been a baseball coach, and favored watching Cleveland sports, both the Browns and the Indians/Guardians. Jack was a member of the American Legion, had a hard time passing up a karaoke night, and especially loved his “little babies”- his dogs.
Survivors include his loving wife, Sharon Lee (Gardner) Tackett, whom he wed May 7, 2016; children: Paul (Sondra) Tackett of Coral Springs, FL, Lori (Sonny) McFarland of Shelby, Renee (Wes) Stephens of Shelby, and Rebecca Jeffery of Mansfield; grandchildren: Lynette (Tyler) Nester, Hannah Tackett, Samuel Tackett, Erika (Logan) Henke, Gabrielle (Matt) Burton, Tanner Stephens, Ian Jeffery, and Austin Elliott; great grandchildren: Adler, Owen, Harlynn, Camille, Harrison, Oakley, and Zander; sister: Donna (Bob) Bacic; and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Aryanna Tackett-Nokovich; and an infant sister: Linda.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 1030 am at Crossroads Church Ontario Campus, 636 Lexington Springmill Road S, Mansfield, Ohio 44906. Pastor Jeff Anderson will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby where military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Church Missions.
Bette Ann (DeSalvo) Damron, age 78, of Shelby, passed away Monday, May 27, 2024 at the home which she shared with her husband, Frank, for 57 years. Throughout her courageous battle with Alzheimer’s she continued to love and appreciate her family, friends, and caregivers as they journeyed with her.
Bette was born April 11, 1946 in Shelby to the late Augustine L. “Gus” and Anne M. (Lanni) DeSalvo. A 1964 graduate of Shelby High School where she was crowned Homecoming Queen, Bette continued her education at North Central Technical College earning an associate degree in nursing. For 27 years, Bette cared for patients as a Registered Nurse.
Bette loved being a wife, mother, and grandma. Her love and dedication to her family was unmatched and she leaves a beautiful legacy behind. On August 19, 1967 she married Franklin Delano Damron. Frank survives along with their daughters: Dawn Yates and Deanie (Todd) Kehres both of Shelby; grandchildren: Zach (Cheyenne) Yates, Brennan (Sarah) Yates, Tristan Kehres, Brock Kehres (Holly), and Ethan Yates (Kelsey); great grandchildren: Hadley, Georgia, and Lander; sisters: Helen Damron and Sandra DeSalvo; and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Bette was preceded in death by a son: Luke Damron; and infant brother: Daniel Louis DeSalvo.
Our family’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease brough new lessons to us all. We re-learned the value of patience, the strength of unconditional love, and the beauty of cherishing each moment. We tried to laugh more than we cried; but failed some days- miserably. That’s when God, our faith, and close friends held us up. We were blessed with caregivers we could not have lived without: Stephanie Smith, Lynn Brook, Monica Stanford, and Susie Martinez Radivic.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a prayer service will take place at 6:45 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where Bette was a lifelong member, 29 West Street, Shelby. Fr. Chris Mileski will officiate the services with burial following in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or to the Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters for the benefit of the basketball program. Contributions may be left in the care of the funeral home.
Sue Ann (Kocher) Clingan, 85, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 peacefully in her home at 7:31 PM surrounded by her family. She was born in Newark, Ohio on March, 12, 1939 to the late Rollin (Rollie) and Mary Kocher. A graduate of Shelby High School class of 1957. Shortly after her high school graduation, she began an on and off career at the First National Bank of Shelby, Ohio working in a variety of roles. Sue mostly enjoyed being a teller interacting with people and blessing them with her smile. Later in her life, she enjoyed volunteering as a guide at Oak Hill Cottage, Mansfield, Ohio.
Sue met the love of her life, David Hugh Clingan, on a Methodist Youth trip during a United Nations tour in New York City. They were engaged months later watching a Cleveland Indians baseball game during the 7th inning stretch. Sue and Dave were married March 25, 1961 just recently celebrating their 63rd year of marriage in 2024.
Her strong faith and her love of family were very important in her life. She is survived by husband David of Shelby, Ohio; brother John (Cheryl) Kocher of Port Clinton, Ohio; her daughters, Amy (Curtis) Carter of Mt Vernon, Ohio and Molly (Steve) Hayman of Round Rock, Texas; 4 grandchildren Nicholas (Karley) Hayman, Canyon (Danielle) Carter, Cullen (Danielle) Carter, and Caira (Reese) Clendening. 8 great grandchildren: Baker, Bella, Sophia, James, Forrest, Levi, Cliff, Everett and one great grandson on the way.
Sue was a long-time member at the Shelby United Methodist church leading and serving in many committees including the church kitchen. She was a very social person enjoying laughter and fellowship with her friends, especially the club 57 gals from her high school class and many years of playing cards with her friends in card club. Sue enjoyed vacations with her family to beaches and traveling west, and trips to Texas to escape the cold Ohio winter months. She especially loved to watch her grandson Nick play baseball and interacting with Nick’s friends. During the spring and summer months you can bet she was watching Cleveland baseball and enjoying Ohio State and Cleveland Browns football in the fall.
The family would like to thank the Shelby Fire Department and OhioHealth Hospice for aiding in Sue’s final days of her care.
Family and friends are welcome to attend calling hours on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10 am-12 noon at the First United Methodist Church, 18 South Gamble Street, Shelby, Ohio. A celebration of Sue’s life conducted by Reverend Jeffery Croft will immediately follow at 12 noon with a brief lunch to follow. Burial will be at Franklin Cemetery at the former Franklin Church, Mansfield, Ohio. Memorial contributions can be made to the Shelby First United Methodist Church, Shelby Fire Department, or the OhioHealth Hospice in Sue’s honor.
Irwin L. “Pops” Nelson, age 96, of Mansfield, passed away Saturday evening, May 11, 2024 at the Willows at Willard.
Irwin was born September 23, 1927 at the family home in Shiloh to the late Albert and Mabel (Baker) Nelson and had attended Union High School. First and foremost, Irwin was a farmer and truly loved the land. Always hard working, he had a career at the Shelby Salesbook Company from where he retired following many years of service. Following, he worked for L.R. Kuhn and Sons and as the Franklin Township Road Superintendent. Of course, all these duties were in addition to farming.
Pops enjoyed word search puzzles and watching Family Feud on TV. He also was a true animal “whisperer” being able to call and tame many over the years which was easily proven by the love of his faithful companion, Peanut.
Pops is survived by his daughter and son: Janet Eldridge of Ganges and Jim (Genia) Nelson of Loudonville; grandchildren: Bryan Nelson (Brittany Hale), Amber (Travis) Eyman, Dayna Nelson, and Jenny Gage (Ryan); great grandchildren: Madi Wright, Jalycia Nelson, and Jalyonna Nelson; 5 step-children and their families; numerous nieces and nephews, and special friends: Gaylord and Betty Dotterer, Dana, and Missy. In addition to his parents, Irwin was preceded in death by his daughters and son-in-law: Linda Zimmer and Sue and Bryan Warrick; the mother of his children: Donna (Gates) Nelson; his second wife: Shirley Kissel Nelson; and sisters: Ethel (Roy) Imhoff and Thelma (Ray) Kirkendall.
The family would like to thank Dr. Chawla and his staff, the caring staff at the Willows at Willard, and Hospice of North Central Ohio for all of their care and attention provided to Irwin and his family.
Family and friends are welcome to attend graveside services on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 11 am at Ganges Cemetery, Shelby Ganges Road, Ganges. Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin Township Fire Department, 505 Boyce Road, Shelby, Ohio 44875.
Care for Irwin and his family is being provided by the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Online condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
Afo Gean Jones, age 79, of Shelby, passed away Thursday morning, May 9, 2024 at Mason Health Care in Mason, Ohio.
Born September 22, 1944 in Wayland, KY to the late Owen and Stellie (Caudill) Slone, she graduated in 1962 from Wayland High School. Following, she furthered her education at Caney Creek Community College, transferring to Eastern Kentucky University earning a Bachelor of Education in 1966. She would later earn a Master of Education from Ashland University in 1995. Mrs. Jones was a 4th grade teacher at Dowds Elementary in the Shelby City School District from where she retired in 1991 following many years of teaching.
Afo Gean was an active member of the Jared Mansfield Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Shelby First Lutheran Church. For hobbies she enjoyed sewing, cooking, and spending time with her family.
On November 18, 1963 she married Ronald Jones. Ron survives along with their children: Lisa (Donald) Jones-Bennett of Pittsford, NY and Ronald S. (Betty) Jones of Mason; grandchildren: Winston Bennett, Mason Bennett, and William Jones; sisters: Brenda (James) Hall, Sharon Jones, and Lillian Sander; brother: Paul (Diana) Slone; sister-in-law: Phyllis Craft; and other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Afo Gean was preceded in death by her brother, Clinus Slone.
Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 2-3 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 3 pm with Rev. Dr. Russel Yoak officiating. Burial will be private in Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jared Mansfield Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and left in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be made on Afo Gean’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
William Frederick “Bill” Anspach, Sr., age 78, of Shelby, died peacefully Thursday morning, May 9, 2024 at the Crestwood Care Center in Shelby with his loving wife, Toni, by his side.
Bill was born June 30, 1945 in Ashland to the late James and Phyllis (Duffy) Anspach. A proud graduate and alumnus of the Shelby Senior High School Class of 1963, Bill excelled as an athlete in football, baseball, and track. His love for the Shelby Whippets was always evident. Together with Jim Hunter, Bill announced football for Shelby games for many years- Jim was the voice and Bill was the eyes. He and Toni faithfully attended Shelby sporting events especially basketball and football- not missing a football game for many many years. Additionally, he assisted coaching freshman football following his retirement from General Motors in Ontario after 42 years of service.
It should be noted that it was not just Shelby sports that Bill loved- it was many and all sports, especially playing golf. Co-hosting the annual Anspach/DeVito Labor Day Golf Extravaganza was a highlight of wrapping up each summer for Bill and their family and friends. Neighborhood gatherings at the corner of Marvin Avenue and West Street created a lifetime of memories and happiness.
Bill was an active member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was always volunteering for church events. So many children in the church and St. Mary School fondly referred to him as “Grandpa Bill” as he was a classroom volunteer for the preschool for many years- a job that he genuinely loved, and the children loved him in return.
Bill loved his family deeply and was a true supporter of everything they did especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events. Surviving is his loving wife of 61 years: Toni Anne (Martinez) Anspach whom he wed February 9, 1963; children: Lisa Hiler of Shelby, Lori (Dan) Cooper of Shelby, and Bill (Jennifer) Anspach, Jr. of Medina; grandchildren: Austin (Casey) Hiler, Craig (Mikaela) Hiler, John McKinney, Brittany McKinney, and Haley Anspach; great grandchildren: Avery, Jaxson, Araya, Nolan, Brittain, Riley, and Roman; siblings: Tom (Donna) Anspach of Wooster, Chuck (Becky) Anspach of Colorado, and Sally (Frank) Stewart of Columbus; in-laws: Dave (Diane) Martinez, Rick Martinez, and Susan (Jim) Radivic; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Elizabeth.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Bill’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or the Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters and left in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be left on Bill’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellTurner.com) or Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
James Patrick “Jim” Betts, age 56, of Shelby, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, May 9, 2024 at his home.
Jim was born August 10, 1967 in Shelby to Donald H. and Evelyn L. (Barber) Betts. Although Jim had a life with Down syndrome, he has always been a blessing and a joy. He was gentle with children, was a “tickle monster”, and those who knew him well, knew of his stubborn side too.
Jim was fortunate to live a full and active life far past doctors’ early life expectancy. Jim graduated in 1989 from Richland Newhope Center and, from graduation until 2020, worked for the Newhope Industries in the woodshop on Longview Avenue. He thoroughly enjoyed going to work and to day-hab. Jim loved basketball, playing on the Newhope Bears basketball team, and enjoyed participating in other Special Olympic activities when he was younger such as track and wrestling. Speaking of wrestling, Jim was a major fan of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and adored the Pittsburgh Steelers having a plethora of memorabilia including clothing and room décor. He also liked listening to country music and attended numerous concerts.
Jim is survived by his devoted and loving mother: Evelyn Betts; siblings: Lisa (Doug) Lear of New Washington, Amber Betts of Crestline, Brian Betts of Galion, and Larry Betts of Shelby; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; uncle and aunts: Roy (Lee) Barber, Carol Barber, and Shirley Barber; his Cass Services friends, especially Cassie, Tiffany, and Tom; caretaker: Robin; and numerous other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his dad: Don; maternal grandparents: Harley and Pearl (McFarland) Barber; paternal grandparents: Lawrence and Leona (Raymond) Betts; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 10:30-11:30 am at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 11:30 am. Pastor Ian Vencil, Jim’s friend, will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to Richland Newhope Industries, Richland County Special Olympics, or Hospice of North Central Ohio and left in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be left on Jim’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
Steven Douglas Cramer, age 60, of rural Shelby, died naturally and unexpectedly on Saturday morning, May 4, 2024 at his home.
Steve was born June 28, 1963 in Galion and was a 1982 graduate of Plymouth High School where he was a member of the golf team. Following, he entered the United States Army serving in Stuttgart, Germany and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri over a period of 5 years. Throughout his life Steve held various jobs and positions and was currently employed as a press operator at Lakeside Book Company in Willard.
Steve thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors especially golfing, fishing, campfires, and visiting Lake Erie specifically to see the Marblehead Lighthouse. A major football fan, Steve was a proud supporter of The Ohio State University Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, and Dallas Cowboys. He also enjoyed bowling, playing games, listening to music, and especially enjoyed time with his kids.
Steve is survived by his fiancé and companion: Deanna “DeeDee” Hambly; grandchildren: Joshua, Annie, Ryilee (Arizona); great grandson whom he was helping to raise: Rowan; brother: Larry (Sheryl) Cramer; sister-in-law: Chris Cramer; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Steve was preceded in death by his father and step-mother: Warren and Thelma Cramer; mother and step-father: Ruth and Norman Gwirtz; brothers: James Cramer and Mike Cramer; and sister and brother-in-law: Kathy and Tim Lewis.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875 where funeral services will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11 am. Elder Phillip Beverly will officiate the services. For both calling hours and funeral services, to honor Steve and his love for sports, please feel free to wear your favorite jersey or sports attire. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby where military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (Give.UMDF.org).
Clifford Lee “Cliff” Potter, age 76, of Shelby, died Thursday evening, April 25, 2024 at Ontario Estates in Ontario.
Cliff was born August 31, 1947 in Louisa, KY to the late Martin Clifford and Jessie Ann (Hinkle) Potter. A 1965 graduate of Shelby High School, he then attended The Ohio State University. While attending classes in 1966 Cliff decided to enlist in the United State Air Force during the Vietnam Era.
Cliff’s career was in the telephone industry starting with United Telephone and working through various mergers and acquisitions. He worked his way up through many positions from installation and repair to ultimately overseeing a large region as an engineer in the operations center covering 6 states. A proud union man through and through, Cliff was a longtime member of the Communication Workers of America (CWA) having served as their vice-president for many years.
Throughout his life Cliff had enjoyed fishing and golfing and was an excellent trap shooter. His technology skills never ended at work as he knew everything you could about computers and their inner workings. It was his biggest hobby and pastime. Together with friends, Cliff started the Commodore 64 Club which taught others how to use computers. He had a talent for fixing anything at home for a project and, at his core, Cliff always had a soft spot and love for animals.
On February 15, 1969 Cliff married Donna Kay Stewart. Kay survives along with their daughter and son-in-law: Mary and John Cassidy of Columbus; brother: Mike (Jill) Potter of Shelby; sister: Beth (Gary) King of Shelby; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, April 29, 2024 from 3-6 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 11 am. Pastor James Robinson will officiate the services with military honors immediately following conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richardsons Rescue (Richardsons Rescue).
