Martha Jean Grimwood, age 87, of Shelby, died Wednesday morning, March 12, 2025 at Crestline Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
Martha was born July 31, 1937 in Shelby to the late Ray Jefferson and Esther (Briner) Laser. A lifelong Shelby resident, Martha graduated from Shelby High School in the Class of 1955 and maintained lifelong friendships with classmates. These friends stayed incredibly active attending numerous activities, dinners, and reunions. On July 25, 1959 she married Walter I. Grimwood and together they celebrated nearly 43 years of marriage before his passing on December 27, 2001.
Throughout her life Martha had been employed at Shelby Mutual Insurance Company, Sandy and Andy Children’s Clothing in downtown Shelby, and finally in Pioneer Career and Technology Center’s Early Childhood Education Center in baby care. Martha lived an active, full, and social life. She was a lifelong active member of First United Church of Christ in Shelby where she served as an Elder and was on church council for many years. Additionally, she was a longstanding member of TOPS.
Beyond social activities with family and friends, Martha’s hobbies were extensive. If it was a craft you could do with your hands, she did it- sewing, needlepointing, knitting, and crocheting. If it could be canned, she canned it- especially if it was from her garden. She also enjoyed caring for birds at her home on Grimwood Drive, which she loved. Above all, Martha loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She looked forward to attending every and any activity they participated in.
Martha is survived by her children: Deb (Randy) Fidler of Shiloh, Mike (Deb) Grimwood of Shelby, and Terri (Roger) Niese of Shelby; grandchildren: Owen (Katlyn) Niese, Kelsey (Josh) Dotson, Adison Niese (Graham Lescallette), Olivia Fidler, and Kimberly (Paul) Sheaffer; great grandchildren: Eli and Avery Dotson, Grayson Niese, and Daniel High; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Martha was preceded in death by siblings: William (Sandy) Laser, Marjorie (Jacque) Donnenwirth, and Alice Reinke.
The Grimwood family would like to thank the staff at Crestline Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Pathways Hospice for the care they provided to Martha.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 5-7 PM at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1030 AM. Pastor James Robinson will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Church of Christ, 23 Church Street, Shelby, OH 44875.
Condolences may be made on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Nancy Rudd Nealis, age 71, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Nancy was born on June 14, 1953 in Mount Sterling, Kentucky to the late Paul J. and Ruth Elizabeth (Henry) Rudd. She graduated from Montgomery County High School in 1971. On October 21, 1972, Nancy married Tommy Ray Nealis. They were married for nearly 3 years before Tommy’s tragic death during the Vietnam War on May 13, 1975.
Nancy worked various jobs throughout her life. She began working at Bluegrass Industries and later at the Recreational Commission of Montgomery County. Nancy found her niche working for Caswell Prewitt Realty as an office manager. She genuinely loved her job as well as her coworkers who remained loyal, lifelong friends including Omar Prewitt.
Nancy is survived by her aunt: Sue Wetz; numerous cousins and their families including special cousin and caregiver: Gloria Turner; and numerous close friends including Karen McCarty-Tegt, Florence Huffman, and Michelle Apfeld.
Graveside services will be held on a future date at Machpelah Cemetery in Mount Sterling, Kentucky where she will be laid to rest next to her loving parents. Care for Nancy is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby.
Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Mary Jane Skinner, age 79, of Mansfield, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Mill Creek Nursing & Rehab in Galion surrounded by her loving family. Her death follows a short illness.
Mary Jane was born July 30, 1945 in Flint, Michigan to the late John and Marion (Little) Kenworthy. After graduating from Kearsley High School in Flint, she married Larry Skinner on March 20, 1965. Together they celebrated over 40 years of marriage before his passing on September 10, 2006.
Family was of utmost importance to Mary Jane and her home was consistently filled with love. She considered herself fortunate to be a homemaker. She looked forward to spending time with family and visitors at her home, always having a cookie jar full of cookies. A woman of deep faith, Mary Jane was a member of the First Assembly of God in Mansfield. She liked shopping, dining out, and crocheting, but particularly loved bingo.
Mary Jane is survived by her sons: Jim (Julie) Skinner of Sulfur Springs and Brian (Gary) Skinner of Crestline; grandchildren: Stephanie Skinner (Aaron Allen), Jimmy Skinner Jr. (Andrea Madden), and Amanda (Joe) Shell; great grandchildren: Lily and Rosie; brother Bill (Patty) Kenworthy; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, Mary Jane was preceded in death by her siblings: Jeanie Derosia, Fred Kenworthy, and infant sister, Betty Kenworthy.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, March 14, 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 Troy Underhill, a family friend for over 50 years, will officiate. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby.
Condolences may be made on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Teresa Lynn Martin, age 3 months 7 days, died Friday morning, March 7, 2025 at the family home in Plymouth. Teresa now rests safe in the arms of Jesus following a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome at birth.
Teresa was born November 29, 2024 in Mansfield, Ohio to Ralph D. and Dorcas B. (Zimmerman) Martin. The youngest child of nine, Teresa is not only survived by her parents but also by her eight siblings: Ryan, Shannon, Jaron, Donnavon, Kadin, Landon, Monica, and Bryson; maternal grandparents: Earl and Lena Zimmerman; paternal grandmother: Esther Martin; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her paternal grandfather, Eli Martin, preceded her in death.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 1-4 pm at the family home, 2831 Opdyke Road, Plymouth, OH 44865. Funeral services will be on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 9:30 am at Springmill Old Order Mennonite Church, 3555 Dininger Road, Plymouth, OH 44865 with Bishop Ammon Burkholder officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Care for Teresa and her family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, OH 44875. www.PenwellFuneralHome.com
Thomas Albert “Tom” Niese, age 83, of Tiro, passed away early Sunday morning, March 2, 2025 at The Willows at Willard.
Tom was born on September 14, 1941 in Leipsic, OH to the late Waldo M. and Cecelia K. (Rieman) Niese. He graduated from Tiro High School in 1960. Tom’s entire life was spent in the agriculture industry- a lifestyle which was not only his work, but his hobby and passion. His working life began with the Crawford County Soil and Water Conservation in addition to farming. Taking over his dad’s seed corn business, Tom found much success in his sales for what would eventually become Brodbeck Seeds. His kindness and approachable nature forged many lifelong friendships and connections, something that led to his success and earned him top salesman awards many times over, in addition to others. Most importantly, Tom’s love for the land was spent helping area farmers tiling their fields through Crawford Drainage. He was proud of his 43 years with Crawford Drainage, working happily until his retirement at the age of 76.
On June 30, 1962 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby, Tom wed Dorothy A. Eberl. Together they raised their family of four and enjoyed time at their homestead. Following retirement, Tom loved tending to his garden, especially his sweet corn, and mowing grass with his zero-turn lawn mower, happily equipped with a steering wheel. Tom and Dorothy were longtime faithful members of Mother of Sorrow Catholic Church in North Auburn prior to its closing, a faithfulness which easily transferred to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in New Washington. Additionally, they loved attending both school and church events and activities for their grandchildren.
Tom’s love for farming and socialization paired well with morning coffee up town at Bean Daddy with friends, where time was spent talking farm news and other local events. Tom was also a life member of the New Washington Knights of Columbus Council #1718.
Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years: Dorothy; children: Stephen J. (Tamara) Niese of New Washington, Michael C. (Robbin) Niese of Tiro, Julie A. (James) Kenny of New Washington, and Edmund F. Niese of New Washington; grandchildren: Natalie (Cole) Stacklin-Jarvis, Keaton Niese, Erin (Zach) Zaebst, Nickolas Niese, Alan Niese, Erik Kenny, Ian Kenny, Alex Kenny, Owen Kenny, Urban Kenny, and May Niese; great grandchildren: Desmond and Emmit Stacklin-Jarvis and Zoey, Oliver, and Hazel Zaebst; brothers: Jerry (Carol) Niese and Joe (Maxine) Niese; sister: Mary Ann (Bill) Tabor; in-laws: Shirley Niese, Lil Niese, Janet (Jim) Adelman, Eileen Davies, Linda (Bill) Brant, Miriam (Paul) Schroeder, and Ann (Bob) Estep; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brothers: Jim Niese and Bob Niese; mother and father-in-law: Frank and Emma Eberl; and brother-in-law: Bob Davies.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 3-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 11 am at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 422 West Mansfield Avenue, New Washington, OH 44854, with Fr. Eric Mueller celebrating. Burial will follow in Mother of Sorrow Catholic Cemetery, North Auburn. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church or Buckeye Central FFA.
Condolences may be made on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Gaylene Ann DeVito, aged 98, of Shelby, passed away Sunday morning, February 23, 2025. Although her passing was unexpected, Gaylene led a long and fulfilling life characterized by activity, independence, and joy.
Gaylene was born February 7,1927 at the family home in Shelby to the late Gale and Gladys (Coover) Reidel. As a lifelong Shelby resident, she graduated from Shelby High School in 1945. Beginning with the Shelby Telephone Company as an operator, she paused her work to raise her five children. Additionally, Gaylene owned the family’s well-known photography business, DeVito Studio.
Gaylene maintained an active lifestyle that complemented her personal interests, hobbies, and social activities. An avid participant in both golf and bowling leagues, Gaylene demonstrated her passion for sports and athletic aptitude.
As a child, she would spend almost every summer day at Seltzer Pool swimming and diving with her friends. Upon retirement, she incorporated daily swimming at the Shelby YMCA into her routine. Notably, at the age of 93, Gaylene began a tradition of diving off the diving board almost every year on her birthday. This practice continued until this year when her vision impeded her ability to dive, prompting her to choose running as an alternative, showcasing her enduring vigor just two weeks ago.
In addition to being an athlete herself, Gaylene loved supporting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their sporting activities. She attended their events whenever possible, and when she could not be there in person, she was sure to be watching on her iPad. As a fervent sports enthusiast, she was also a major fan of the Shelby Whippets, Cleveland sports teams and The Ohio State University Buckeyes.
Gaylene remained competitive throughout her life, particularly enjoying card games and Wordle. Even on the day of her passing, she proudly boasted about solving that day’s Wordle puzzle on her second guess, demonstrating her sharp mind and love for a challenge until the very end.
Gaylene’s commitment to her community extended beyond her family and sports. She was a Girl Scout, high school Girls Athletic Association (GAA) member serving as president for four years and an active member of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby, where she was involved in the Altar and Rosary Society. Additionally, Gaylene volunteered for the FISH of Shelby program.
Survivors include her children: Sally Houk, Jean McKenzie, Dave (Christine) DeVito, and Julie (Michael) Butler; grandchildren: Ray (Dawn) Houk, Lisa Lopez, Heather (Chris) Engel, Salvatore (Grace) DeVito, R.J. (Anina) DeVito, Michael (Alicen) Albert, Heidi McKenzie, Nick (Jenny) DeVito, Andy (Abby) DeVito, and Danny (Ashley) DeVito; great grandchildren: Quinn, Qunicy, Sean, Sara, Michael, Cash, Alivia, Elle, Liam, Owen, Addy, Aidan, Ella, and Blakley; sister-in-law: Susan (Tub) Shell; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. On August 3, 1946 Gaylene married high school sweetheart, Salvatore A. “Sal” DeVito, after he returned from World War II and celebrated nearly 39 years of marriage until his unexpected death 40 years ago. Additionally, her parents; son: Roger DeVito; son-in-law: Robert Houk; and stillborn sister: Jeanette also preceded her in death.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby with Fr. Chris Mileski celebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary, YMCA of North Central Ohio- Shelby Branch, or FISH of Shelby.
Condolences may be left on Gaylene’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Diane Louise (McKean) Bailey, age 70, of Mansfield, died peacefully Wednesday, February 19, 2025 surrounded by her loving family at her home. Her death follows a courageous battle with cancer since 2022.
Diane was born September 7, 1954 in Polk, Ohio, the daughter of the late George Leroy and Donna Louise (Witmer) McKean. After graduation from Crestview High School in 1973, Diane proudly served her country in the United States Army as a medic in Belgium. Diane graduated from North Central Technical College from where she earned an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy. Her career as a respiratory therapist and cardiopulmonary technician brought her great joy and fulfillment. It allowed her to display her genuine care for others while also giving an outlet for her to make others feel at ease through her fun loving and prankster personality. After 38 years of service, Diane retired from Ashland Samaritan Hospital.
Family was everything to Diane. She loved to read – anything from Stephen King to John Patterson. She enjoyed vacationing to places like West Virginia, Mississippi, the Outer Banks, and anywhere near the ocean or Lake Erie. Marblehead always holding a special place in her heart. Shopping was also a highlight in Diane’s life. She was a lover of cats, especially her special feline friend, Snoopy, who stayed by her side until the end.
On December 14, 1985 Diane married Johnny Bailey, who survives along with their children: Ben (Kristen) Beauford, Tyjanna (Keith) Lehman, and Dustin Bailey; grandchildren: Kelsey, Katelynn, Benji, Kristina, Elijah, Madison, Kennedy, Luke, and Dalton; great grandchildren: Alani and Iris; sisters: Sue (Bob) Dupré and Jan (Rex) Kuhn; sister in law: Sonnie McKean; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by her stepfather: Robert Kuhn; and brother: George McKean.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 1-3 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where military honors will be conducted at the beginning of visitation at 1pm by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to the Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders in care of Akron Children’s Hospital (give.akronchildrens.org/donate).
Valarie Lynn Heydinger, age 68, of Shelby, died Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at her home. Following a nearly 18 year noble and fearless battle with cancer, her family was with her as she peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus.
Valarie was born September 26, 1956 in Shelby and graduated from Shelby High School in 1974. Her working career began at Shelby Insurance Company, eventually to the position of commercial underwriter, prior to her transition to raising her children – her most successful accomplishment. She later worked for Shelby City Schools, primarily at Dowds Elementary, as a reading aide. For Val, this was “the best job in the world” as she had a lifelong love of reading and being with children. She retired officially in 2019.
A faith filled woman with a strong love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Val lived a life of Christian service showing the love of God to those she encountered. She was currently a member of Crossroads Church – Shelby Campus where she was an active member. Throughout her life, Val had loved teaching Sunday school. It is no doubt that she is dancing happily with Jesus.
On August 15, 1987, Valarie married August George “Gus” Heydinger. Gus survives along with children: Aaron (Jessica) Howard of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Darrin (Zoanne) Heydinger of Mansfield, and Bri (Ryan) Benson of West Jefferson; grandchildren: Jacob, Isaac, Joshua, Elisha, Samuel, Gracelynn, Faith-Anna, Leah, and Israel; siblings: Randy (Bev) Cornette and Colleen (Michael) O’Neil; in-laws: Pat (Denise) Heydinger, Sue (Craig) Williams, Mark (Pam) Heydinger, and Mary Ann (Bob) Ross, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Val was preceded in death by her mother: G. Jean (Quesinberry) Rarick and father: William Elwood Cornette.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, February 10, 2025 from 3-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:30 am. Her son, Aaron, will officiate the services with Pastor Mike Mahek, her pastor, assisting. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund, PO Box 3552, Mansfield, OH 44907 (HelpMePat.org/help-fight-breast-cancer/#donate).
Condolences may be left on Valarie’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Perry Roger Lewis, age 91, of Shelby, Ohio, died Friday morning, January 31, 2025 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. His natural death was unexpected and sudden.
Perry was born January 8, 1934 in Morehead, KY to the late Talmadge Ray and Jeanie D. (Coffey) Lewis. A proud Korean War veteran, Perry served his country in the United States Army (SP3) for nearly three years- thirteen months of that service being stationed in Germany. Following honorable discharge, he was in the Air Force Reserves for two additional years where he was a staff sergeant.
It was love at first sight for Perry when he saw Ardell L. Darlington at a roller skate rink in Indiana. They married January 19, 1954 and moved to Shelby in 1958. Perry would spend 37 years working for General Motors in Ontario from where he retired. Together with Ardell they enjoyed traveling annually to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware for 17 years. Perry and Ardell were happily married 39 years before her sudden passing on August 22, 1993.
Perry was truly a fine and distinguished southern gentleman. His sense of humor was witty yet ornery and he was incredibly smart yet always humble. A storyteller through and through, his frequent and often narratives were reminiscent of his childhood- especially of all his siblings, his service in the Army, and work at GM. All stories, especially of family, were both nostalgic and caring. Perry thoroughly enjoyed family get-togethers in KY and often spoke of the hard work and preparation by his sister, Anna Mae, whom he loved dearly.
Perry’s true hobby and passion was watching the stock market- something he truly mastered. Additionally, he enjoyed being outdoors- especially lawnmower races, loved to play checkers- in fact, he was a checkers hustler, and had read nearly all of John Grisham’s novels.
Perry is survived by his daughters: Brenda (Phil) Sweet of Bailey Lakes and Sheila (Paul) Metzger of Shelby; grandchildren: Heather (Mike) Manley, Jeremy (Paige) Sweet, Kristina (Dan) Parrigan, Angela Kimmel, Trisha Tenpenny, and Rachel (Keith) Westler; great grandchildren: Ashlyn, Paige, Brevin, Cheyenne, Blake, Austin, Lauren, Felicia, Gwyn, Lydia, Owen, Dylan, Isaac, Evalyn, Mallorie, and Nicholas; great great grandchildren: Zella and Zion; siblings: Anna Mae (Marion) Lewis, Marcella Bradford, Carl (Sue) Lewis, Junior (Debbie) Lewis, David (Joyce) Lewis, and Marie (Rick) Wisecup; longtime friend: Kendall Lykins; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Ardell, Perry was preceded in death by his son: Steve Lewis; and siblings: Lenora Lewis, Richard Lewis, Raymond Lewis, Ray Lewis, Faye Callahan, McKee Lewis, and Otis Lewis.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 11 am-1 pm at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351 where services will immediately follow at 1 pm. His nephew, Herbert Duane Lewis, will lead the services. Burial will be in the Ditney Ridge Cemetery with military honors.
Care for Perry and his family is being provided by both the Penwell Funeral Home, Shelby OH (PenwellFuneralHome.com) in addition to the Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, Morehead, KY (NorthcuttandSon.com).
Dan C. Shepherd, age 81, of Shiloh, died Thursday night, January 30, 2025 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.
Dan was born April 8, 1943 to the late Jacob and Susie (Coffey) Shepherd. He graduated from Plymouth High School and served his country in the United States Army. For over 25 years, Dan’s working life was unloading shipping containers in train lots.
First and foremost, Dan loved the Lord Jesus Christ and cherished his family and friends. A gun enthusiast, Dan thoroughly enjoyed shooting. Dan’s talents rested where he enjoyed working- in his shop. Whether it be woodworking, welding, or machine work, Dan was doing it. He even designed and built his own tractor and loved restoring and building old cars.
Dan is survived by his siblings: Tressi (Fred) Henderson of Salt Lake City, UT, Sarah Steele of Shiloh, Larry Shepherd of Plymouth, Jacob Shepherd of Shiloh, Charlotte Adams of Shiloh, George (Linda) Shepherd of Shiloh, David (Candis) Shepherd of Shiloh; brother-in-law: Paul Currier; sister-in-law: Annie Shepherd; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his brother: Ronnie Shepherd; sister: Margaret Currier; infant brother: Ollie Shepherd; brother-in-law: Bob Adams; and niece: Shelly Shepherd.
Calling hours and funeral services will not be observed. Burial will be private in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Shiloh. Care for Dan and his family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences may be left on Dan’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
