Marilyn R. DeWitt, longtime Shelby resident and currently of Norwalk, died Thursday afternoon, July 17, 2025 at Fisher Titus Hospital in Norwalk. Marilyn lived a long and fulfilling 99 ½ years.
Born Christmas Day, December 25, 1925 in Shelby to Sherman and Myrtle A. (Broughton) Strouse, she graduated from Shelby High School in 1943. On March 21, 1951 she married Carl F. DeWitt and together they celebrated 56 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2007. Throughout her life Marilyn had been employed at Shelby Metal Products, Shelby Business Forms, and Ballanoff Products. For hobbies, she enjoyed making ceramics, playing bingo and cards, and going camping. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Shelby.
Marilyn is survived by her son and daughter-in-law: Mark and Anne DeWitt of Norwalk; grandchildren: Kevin DeWitt, Michael Woods DeWitt, Steve DeWitt, Alex DeWitt, Marianne Schenk, and Andrew DeWitt; numerous great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Marilyn was preceded in death by her son: Garry DeWitt; stepfather: Wilbert Butterfield; brother: Glenn Strouse; and sister: Corrine Fisher.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 10-11 am at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. A procession to Oakland Cemetery for graveside services and burial will immediately follow the visitation.
Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Eileen Grace Smith, age 74, longtime Shelby resident and currently of Crestline, died Thursday, July 17, 2025 at her home. Her death follows a courageous three-month battle with cancer.
Born November 4, 1950 in Mansfield to Gerald L. and Edna Grace (Doup) Crowner, Eileen was a graduate of Clear Fork High School. On April 8, 1972 she married Virgil E. “Junior” Smith, Jr. and together they celebrated nearly 45 years of marriage before his passing in 2017. Her career began at Gorman Rupp in Mansfield prior to taking a position in the dish room at Shelby Memorial Hospital in 1976. It was at Shelby Hospital that she worked her way through various positions in the dietary department before ultimately becoming the Dietary Manager. It was at Shelby that Eileen provided countless meals not only for patients, but for staff and community members, ultimately resulting in many friendships. She retired in 2016 following 40 years of faithful service.
Eileen truly enjoyed being outdoors. She loved gardening and especially enjoyed being at the beach. Always up for a road trip, she never needed a destination- she was happy wherever the wind took her. Although cooking was her career, it also was a hobby as she enjoyed making food for others and sharing. Additionally, Eileen found much peace in reading or doing diamond art- both of which consumed many hours of her life.
Above all else, Eileen absolutely loved her family. She was very involved in anything her grandchildren were a part of from sports to showing animals at the fair. And she absolutely would do anything for anyone. Survivors include her children: Scott Smith of Crestline and Jill (Tobey) Stoffer of Bucyrus; grandchildren: Hayli Stoffer, Sarah Smith, and Tyler Smith; sister: Ann Shirk; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, Junior, Eileen was preceded in death by her sister: Linda Crowner; brother: Charles Crowner; brother-in-law: David Shirk; and mother and father-in-law: Annis and Virgil E. Smith, Sr.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 2-5 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 10:30 am. Pastor Michael Padula will officiate the services with burial following in Sand Ridge Cemetery, Hanover Township, Ashland County. Memorial contributions may be made to The Pink Ladies of The Galion Owls, 239 Harding Way East, Galion, OH 44833.
Condolences may be made on Eileen’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Larry W. Kuhn, age 79, of Shelby, died peacefully on Monday evening, July 14, 2025 at Ohio’s Hospice Lifecare in Wooster with his wife, Connie, at his side.
Larry was born on February 4, 1946 in Shelby to the late Robert F. and Letha (Kirk) Kuhn. After graduating from Union High School in 1964, Larry joined the Ohio Air National Guard Mansfield 179th Airlift Wing serving for 6 years and was called to active duty for the United States Air Force from 1964-1965. His working career was the trucking industry beginning at USF Holland in Mansfield. Following its closing, Larry transferred to USF Holland in Bowling Green. His 43+ driving years took him across the United States logging over 4 million miles prior to his retirement in 2009. While working, he was an active member of the Teamsters Local 40 in Mansfield and later Teamsters Local 20 in Toledo.
On November 4, 1967 Larry married the former Connie J. Morris, and together they celebrated 57 of marriage. For hobbies, Larry could always be found tinkering in his incredibly organized shop, working on his 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle and other cars and trucks. He and Connie enjoyed attending car shows with the Chevelle and traveling to the Smoky Mountains. A man with a sweet tooth, if it was chocolate the only thing that needed added to it, in his opinion, was more chocolate. Whether it be Fudge Rounds (“Wagon Wheels” as he called them) or chocolate ice cream with Hershey syrup, he could never pass it up.
Larry was truly a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and loved spending time with his family. His survivors include his wife, Connie; son: Charles “Charlie” (Lora) Kuhn of Shelby; grandchildren: Robert “Robby” (Katelyn) Kuhn of Tiro and Leesha (Kevin) Montgomery of Shelby; great grandchildren: Matthew, Raymond, and Nilelynn Montgomery and Westin and Willow Kuhn; sister-in-law: Rosie Kuhn; dear friend: Jack Driscoll; and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brother: Michael “Mick” Kuhn.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will be conducted on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 10:30 am. Family friend, Dave Brooks, will officiate the services with burial following in Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven. Military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice Lifecare, Wooster Region (OhiosHospice.org/give/#donatetoday).
Condolences may be made on Larry’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, Betty Jo Lemaster passed from this earth to her new home prepared by her Heavenly father. She was 71.
Born in Coeburn, VA on September 15, 1953, Betty was the fourth of seven children born to Rev. Raymond S. and Beatrice J. (Nixon) Powers. She was a 1971 graduate of Crestview Local High School where she was a member of the band and thoroughly enjoyed playing the trumpet. On April 28, 1973, Betty married Larry Lemaster, her high school sweetheart, and together they raised their three children. Betty worked a variety of jobs including factory work, waitressing, and office administration positions. However, her heart was in the field of mental health. She started at the Ashland County Mental Health and Recovery Board, moved to The Center, and retired from Indigo Counseling Services.
Betty was a member of Crossroads Church. She faithfully served there until limited by her illness. Before attending Crossroads, she served at First Baptist Church of Ashland and Stiving Road Freewill Baptist Church. Between the three, she acquired a large extended family of believers who love her.
Betty had a gift with words. From messages of love and encouragement to poems and songs, she had even published three books. She didn’t know a stranger and could hold a conversation with about anyone. However, her real gift was love, especially for her family and many precious friends. She put others above herself, making everyone feel special. Most of all, Betty loved Jesus and placed her faith and trust in Him at a young age letting Him shine through her.
Betty is survived by her husband of 52 years, Larry Lemaster; children: Celena Gwyn (Dave) Yoxtheimer, Kelly Hoover, and Daniel (Lydia) Lemaster; grandchildren: Samuel Sharick, Benjamin Sharick, Joel Yoxtheimer, Elise Yoxtheimer, Louis Lemaster and Linnea Lemaster; siblings: Emma Vaughn, James (Kathy) Powers, Debbie (David) Lazorski, Nathaniel (Irma) Powers, and Mona (Mike) Gray; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her in-laws: Earl and Wanda Lemaster; brother: Ronald (Gloria) Powers; and brothers in-law: Gary Vaughn, Mike (Pilar) Lemaster, and Malvon Lemaster.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 4-7 pm at Crossroads Church- Mansfield Campus, 1188 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, OH 44903 where funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 10:30 am. Pastor Chris Standridge will officiate the services with burial following in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Shiloh. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.
Care for Betty and her family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences may be made on Betty’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Matt T. Cornett, age 62, of Crestline, died unexpectedly Monday, July 7, 2025 at his home.
Matt was born on February 8, 1963 in Shelby, Ohio to the late Rebel D. and Lucy A. (Sheridan) Cornett. Matt spent much of his life working as a mechanic and in maintenance, known to many as a jack of all trades. Deemed a collector of many things, Matt enjoyed collections of Legos, radio-controlled airplanes, rockets, and especially knives. He loved to share his knife collection with his grandkids but did not gift a knife to anyone – instead he allowed them to “purchase” a knife from him for a penny. Matt loved spending time with his family and especially his grandkids. Whether camping at the campgrounds or in his own backyard, teaching them how to shoot guns, or simply gathering around a campfire, he cherished those moments.
Matt is survived by his loving wife of nearly 44 years, Sandra “Sandy” (Bebow) Cornett. Also surviving are their daughters: Debbie (Scott) Beck of Shelby, Kelly (Dustin) Fried of Shelby; grandchildren: Issiah, Madelyn, Ethan, and Lillian Beck; sisters: Lucinda Fitts and Rebecca (Daniel) Mahl; mother-in-law: Hazel Bebow; sister-in-law: Susan (Scott) Sheaffer; brothers-in-law: David (Beth) Bebow and Daniel Bebow; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Matt was preceded in death by his parents; grandson: Andrew Beck; brothers: Christopher and David Cornett; and father-in-law: Larry Bebow.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 4-6 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will immediately follow at 6 pm. Rev. Dr. Russel Yoak, Pastor of First Lutheran Church in Shelby, will officiate the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church.
Care for Matt and his family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences may be left on Matt’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Shirley J. Auck, age 86, of Crestline, died peacefully at her home on Friday morning, July 4, 2025.
Shirley was born March 1, 1939 in Plymouth to the late Thomas and Iva (Sonnanstine) Myers, Sr. and graduated from Plymouth High School in 1957. On June 11, 1961, Shirley married Warren Ralph Auck. It was then that they moved to Warren’s family farm in rural Crestline where they raised their family, tended to their farm, and enjoyed many wonderful memories. In addition to helping with the farm operations, Shirley was employed with the Shelby Telephone Company and worked there her entire career. She retired under the Sprint ownership.
Shirley was an incredibly active member of her church, First Baptist Church of Shelby, where she and Warren have been members for many years. Along with being active in nearly all church functions, Shirley was a part the funeral dinner team. Shirley was an outstanding cook and baker, a talent she used both for enjoyment and as a side job of catering for over 25 years. For hobbies, Shirley was a seamstress and enjoyed quilting for Quilts of Valor.
Shirley is survived by her husband of 64 years, Warren: their children: Melody Auck of Plymouth, Marc (Heather) Auck of Crestline, and Matthew (Christie) Auck of Bucyrus; 5 granddaughters: Shelby Auck, Rebecca (Paul) Sullivan, Lilah (Graham) Geissman, Malahnia Auck, and Violet Auck; great grandchildren: Adeline and Raylan Sullivan; and other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her sister: Roselee Ewing and brother: Thomas Myers, Jr.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 4-6 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 11 am at the funeral home. Guests are also welcome to visit one hour prior to the funeral services on Thursday from 10-11 am. Pastor Dan Peterson will officiate with burial following in Greenlawn Cemetery, Plymouth. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Shelby, 185 South Gamble Street, Shelby, OH 44875.
Condolences may be left on Shirley’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Richard A. Hartz, age 70, of Willard, died unexpectedly yet peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at his home.
Richard was born June 24, 1955 in Shelby, Ohio to the late Wayne M. and Darlene J. (Rader) Hartz. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1974. Richard spent most of his working career in the food service industry at Rax restaurant in Ontario, Ohio. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Shelby. As a hobby he and his late wife, Eileen Jane Hartz, enjoyed collecting dolls.
Per Richard’s request calling hours and funeral services will not be observed. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Plymouth. Care for Richard is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875.
Roberta Faye (McLin) Wilson, age 83, of Shelby, died Saturday night, June 21, 2025 at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus with her family at her side. Her death follows a period of declining health.
Roberta was born on September 5, 1941 in Wolfe County, KY to Robert Bruce and Hazel (Howard) McLin. She attended and graduated in 1960 from Hazel Green Academy, a private Christian academy founded by her great grandfather. At the age of 18 she had already lost two cousins and her father. She began to take care of her mother who was ill and often bedridden, while also caring for her younger twin sisters whom she loved with all her heart. By age 19 she had lost both parents and moved to a college dorm at Morehead State University where she earned her dual degrees in Education and Library Science while working in the college library to pay her student loans. During the summer she took a train to Portland, Oregon, by herself, to be a Nanny for her former Girl Scout Leader’s three daughters. Her pay for being a Nanny was getting to travel and camp with the Stanley family each weekend. She enjoyed getting to travel the West Coast and spoke about it often.
Roberta married Estill Lee Wilson the same day she graduated from college in 1965, and they drove to Shelby, OH that evening to their apartment on Plum Avenue, a place she had never been, hours away from any family or friends. That fall she began teaching third grade at Auburn Elementary. She walked to and from work each day and the dress code for teachers did not allow pants- dresses and skirts only. When she did get her first car, she did it right, sporting a brand-new baby blue Buick Wildcat convertible.
In November of 1969 Roberta and Estill welcomed their daughter, Tammy, and their family was made whole. She and Tammy were so very close. She took time away from work to raise her, thus growing their inseparable bond. Roberta later returned to work at Shelby City Schools as a librarian at Dowds, Central, and ultimately at Shelby Middle School. During that time she earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Ashland University in May of 1988. She enjoyed her students and Shelby City Schools and retired in July of 1998 following nearly 30 years of service
Roberta loved her home, her yard, her flowers, her pets, and her books. Most of all, she loved her family and was so proud of each and every single one of them. Tammy married John Magers. John was Roberta’s hero as she was certain that there was nothing John could not do, fix, or make right, if he set his mind to it. Slade and Will, her grandsons, were the true apples of her eye. They brought her more joy and happiness than anyone could imagine. She was so proud of them. As they grew, she was their caregiver and taxi service. But, more so, she was their constant supporter and loving mamaw.
Her love for family was beyond her immediate family. One of Roberta’s favorite things was a family reunion or special occasion. She would plan and plan, with the anticipation of seeing her loved ones and making it perfect. Family history was so very important to her and she proudly authored the McLin Family Cookbook which was distributed to the entire family at the 2013 family reunion at Greenbo Lake State Park in KY. Even in recent years of health decline, Roberta remained steadfast in care and love for family and staying in touch with them online via Facebook.
Roberta was dedicated to remaining as active as her mind and body allowed. She managed to publish her first children’s book, The Kitten in the Manger, just a couple of years ago. With sore fingers and worsening eyesight, she continued sewing catnip toys to benefit the Humane Society and STOP. It is unimaginable how many toys she made and donated to benefit shelters over the years as helping animals was something extremely important to her. She also volunteered for many years at Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center.
Roberta and Estill were married 48 wonderful years before his unexpected passing in 2013. Their life together was full of adventure and fun. They were members of the First Christian Church in Shelby, Shelby Country Club, Shelby Moose, and Clover Leaf Square Dance Club. They loved square dancing together. In later years they enjoyed camping, spending time on their pontoon boat, and swimming in their pool. Additionally, Roberta was a member of the National Day Lilly Society and enjoyed being a part of Garden Club. It is certain their reunion in Heaven was joyous along with other family members, friends, and their numerous pets who have gone before her.
Roberta is survived by her daughter and son-in-law: Tammy and John Magers of Shelby; grandsons: Jonathan Slade Magers and Wilson Harris “Will” Magers; sisters: Linda McLin (Tom Marsh) of Mt. Vernon and Rita (Chuck) Whitney of Howard; in-laws: Ruth McLin, Danny Wilson, and Jimmy (Bonnie) Wilson; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Roberta was preceded in death by her siblings: Robert Harris McLin, Lawrence Bruce McLin, Lois Ann Runyon, and Jean Eloise Gleason.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 1 pm. There will an addition hour of visitation prior to the funeral from 12-1 pm. Pastor Jim Forrest will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Humane Society (adoptourstrays.com/donate) or S.T.O.P., 1152 Lexington Ave, Mansfield, OH, United States, 44907.
Leonard Wade Amicone, age 69, died Wednesday morning, June 18, 2025 at Unger Park Post Acute in Bucyrus where he resided.
Leonard was born May 20, 1956 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Leonard C. and Billie Jean (Tipton) Amicone. Growing up in Shelby, he graduated in 1975 from Shelby High School and went on to attend Franklin University, earning an associate’s degree in culinary arts. Leonard later joined the United States Army serving both domestically in Hawaii and abroad in both Germany and South Korea over a multiyear time frame. He worked for various restaurants for several years as a chef and later worked for Franklin County Disability Services. For hobbies, Leonard enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden and raising Dachshunds.
Leonard is survived by his mother: Billie Jean Amicone of Shelby; brothers John (Laurie) Amicone of Shelby, Timothy (Michelle) Amicone of Delaware, Ohio, and Mark (Lori) Amicone of Shelby; nieces and nephews: Katie Amicone, Tony Amicone, Terra Martire, Jon Amicone, Erica McGlynn, Jamie Amicone, and Matt Amicone; and numerous great nieces and nephews, and cousins. Leonard was preceded in death by his father: Leonard Amicone; brother: David Amicone; and sister: Beth Amicone.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 12-1 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 1 pm. Pastor Michael Padula will officiate and military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fish Food Pantry of Shelby.
Condolences may be made on Leonard’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Matthew Allen “Matt” Kessler, age 45, of Sandstone, WV and previously of Shelby, OH, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Huntington, WV.
Matt was born April 29, 1980 in Shelby, OH, the son of the late William Leo “Bill” Kessler Jr. and Starr Lynn (Plumley) Kessler. He was a graduate of Crestview High School in Ashland, OH/Pioneer CTC in Shelby, OH and Mountain State University, Beckley, WV where he graduated with an associate degree in Medical Assisting. He was a Certified Medical Assistant in the State of West Virginia.
When Matt was younger, he was involved in Boy Scouts, Ganges Junior Garden Club, and 4-H. He had the opportunity in 4-H to represent Richland County at The Ohio State Fair for his various projects. Matt was a gifted pianist who was able to play by both ear and music. He collected Match Box cars and John Deere diecast tractors as a child.
Matt was a very hard-working and dedicated employee. He previously worked for Sears, Huntington and Mechanics Banks, and was a substitute bus driver for Richland Newhope-Richland County Board of DD Mansfield, OH and Raleigh County School District Beckley, WV. Matt found his true calling as a medical assistant with Appalachian Regional Healthcare Systems (ARH) Beckley, WV in the Orthopedics Department. He worked for ARH for over 15 years as a medical assistant. He was well respected among colleagues, physicians, and patients.
Matt had such a huge, giving, loving, and compassionate heart. He loved to give gifts to others for no apparent reason. He would always make sure that his family and friends were taken care of before himself. He enjoyed taking drives up to the top of the mountain that he lived on to look at the wonder of God’s creation. Matt enjoyed a tall glass of Diet Coke or Coke Zero while watching Golden Girls, Scooby Doo, Veterinary, and other various TV shows/movies. He had a wonderful sense of humor, witty personality, ornery/sneaky smile, infectious laugh, and sharp memory.
Matt is survived by his mother: Starr Lynn (Plumley) Kessler of Shelby, OH; sister and brother-in-law: Dawn & Allen Trosper, of Shelby, OH; aunts and uncle; Sandra (Wayne) Gillespie, of Ballard, WV and Madline Doring, of Trinity, TX; numerous cousins living in Ohio, West Virginia, and Texas; and his ARH colleagues, physicians, and patients, and friends who loved him like family in West Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his father; his grandparents: Orville and Lyda Plumley and William “Leo” Sr. and Frances Kessler; angel nephew: Eli Scott Trosper; his aunts and uncles: Bill and Ramona Mitchell, Stanley and Betty Farley, Bart Doring and Timothy Plumley; cousin: Patricia Mitchell Young; and dog: Daisy.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 5- 7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main St., Shelby, OH. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 11 am at the funeral home with Pastor Sam Belstering officiating. Burial will be in Ganges Cemetery, Ganges, OH. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in West Virginia at a later date.
Matt’s mother, sister, and brother-in-law would like to give their appreciation and love to his family, friends, and ARH colleagues, physicians, and patients who have loved and supported Matt while he lived in West Virginia.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family for a contribution to be made in Matt’s honor at a later date.
