Obituaries

Local Ohio Obituaries

Ernest Edwin "Eddie" Thomas

Ernest Edwin "Eddie" Thomas

Mar 22, 2026

Ernest Edwin “Eddie” Thomas passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at Country Lane Gardens in Thornville, Ohio.

Born on April 19, 1947, Eddie’s life was marked by dignity, kindness, and a deep commitment to those around him. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, as he touched many lives throughout his life.

He is survived by his brother,...

Melanie K. Gurile

Melanie K. Gurile

Mar 19, 2026

Melanie K. Gurile, 73, of Thornville and formerly of Lancaster, passed away on March 19, 2026. She was born to the late Josephine and Paul Wildermuth Sr. on September 22, 1952.

Melanie graduated from Lancaster High School in 1970. She later worked for many years at Hills Department Store.

She is survived by her siblings, Bliss (Larry) Smith, Paul (Jane) Wildermuth Jr.,...

Joyce A. Rabb

Joyce A. Rabb

Mar 18, 2026

With heavy hearts and tender remembrance, we honor the life of Joyce A. Rabb, age 79 who departed this world on March 18, 2026, in Lancaster, Ohio. Born on November 1, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, Joyce’s journey was marked by a gentle spirit, a gift for companionship, and a faith that illuminated her path.

Joyce was known among those fortunate enough...

Scott E. Wills

Scott E. Wills

Mar 15, 2026

Scott E. Wills, a devoted family man, dedicated public servant, and cherished member of the Lancaster community, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, after a long fought battle. Born on December 31, 1951, in Lancaster, Ohio, Scott’s life was marked by his deep commitment to both his work and his loved ones, and he will be remembered with great...

Linda P. Hudnell

Linda P. Hudnell

Mar 14, 2026

Linda Pearle Woodrum Hudnell, 81, of Lancaster, OH passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026 after a brief illness at Fairfield Medical Center. She was born March 11, 1945 in Nelsonville, OH to the late Chester and Margaret Woodrum.

She retired from Crestview Rehabilitation, where she was an award-winning STNA and was much loved. After retirement, she cared for many patients...

William "Bill" Taylor

William "Bill" Taylor

Mar 12, 2026

William “Bill” Taylor, 77, passed away on March 12, 2026 at the Pickering House. He was born to the late Mont and Virginia Taylor on February 5, 1949.

Bill had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh. In his youth he liked playing basketball, leading to a lifelong love of sports. In his later years he looked forward...

Betty Joan (Thompson) Sakas

Betty Joan (Thompson) Sakas

Mar 11, 2026

Betty Joan (Thompson) Sakas 90 of Baltimore, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at her residence. She was born on February 12, 1936 in Laurelville, Ohio to the late Donald and Bessie Thompson.

She was retired from the State of Ohio Department of Unemployment and was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Some of her memberships was the...

Diana F. Adams

Diana F. Adams

Mar 11, 2026

Diana F. Adams, 48, died unexpectedly at her home in Lancaster, Ohio Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Diana is survived by her husband Brian Adams; bonus kids Cassi (Jordan) Coffman and Ryan (Ivy) Adams; grandchildren Peyton and Ellie Coffman, and Tate and Melody Adams; father Robert “Bob” Stich; sister April (Andy) Myers and four additional sisters; and her cat fur babies Sadie...

Mary E. Cumberland

Mary E. Cumberland

Mar 10, 2026

Mary E. Cumberland, 77, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Mary was born in Lancaster, Ohio on August 2, 1948 to the late Carl and Anna Kathryn (Alten) McClellan. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, from 1st - 7th grade, Thomas Ewing Junior High School, and graduated from Lancaster High School.

Mary loved all animals. She had...

Shad Lee Reliford

Shad Lee Reliford

Mar 7, 2026

Shad Lee Reliford, 56, of Canal Winchester, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Fairhope Hospice Pickering House surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on July 17, 1969, to the late William and Linda Lou (McClurg) Reliford.

Shad worked as a Line Mechanic for Crown Cork and Seal in Lancaster. He absolutely loved music, ranging from Jimi Hendrix...

Justin A. Parsons

Justin A. Parsons

Mar 5, 2026

Justin A. Parsons 45 of Lancaster, Ohio died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at his residence. He was born to the late Michael and Mary Parsons.

Justin is survived by his son Jackson Parsons; sister Rebecca Parsons and a niece Aizlynn Parsons. Caring Cremation® is being handled by the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, LANCASTER, OHIO.

Cynthia Ann "Cindy"(Scott) Moore

Cynthia Ann "Cindy"(Scott) Moore

Mar 5, 2026

Cynthia Ann "Cindy" (Scott) Moore, of Lancaster, OH, passed away surrounded by her family on March 5, 2026, at age 64. 

Cindy was born on March 30, 1961, to Jo Ann and Carl Scott, in Lancaster, where she was a lifelong resident. She attended Lancaster and Bloom Carroll High Schools, at which she graduated in 1979. Cindy started her career in...

Joan Baker

Joan Baker

Feb 27, 2026

Joan (Shonting) Baker passed away on February 27, 2026 surrounded by her family at Fairfield Medical Center. She was born in Lancaster, Ohio on September 1, 1938 to John Neil and Ruth (Kneller) Shonting. She graduated from Lancaster High School Class of 1956.

She was retired from food service in the Lancaster City School District with over 25 years of service....

Lindsey Star Meadows

Lindsey Star Meadows

Feb 26, 2026

With profound grief and sadness, the family of Lindsey Star (Norris) Meadows wishes to announce her passing on February 26, 2026. It cannot be expressed the amount of bravery and courage that Lindsey exhibited through numerous surgeries beginning on January 3. She was our hero and will be sadly missed by her family, friends, and anyone whose life that she...

R. Steve Hayden

R. Steve Hayden

Feb 20, 2026

Ray Steven “Steve” Hayden, 69, of Lancaster, passed away at LanFair Nursing Home on Friday, February 20, 2026, with loved ones by his side. He was born on August 3, 1956, to the late Ray Edwin Hayden and Josephine Muck.

Steve enjoyed taking care of his cats, completing scratch-off tickets, and riding his electric bike. He lived with his mom, Josephine,...

Melissa Lynn Bailey

Melissa Lynn Bailey

Feb 19, 2026

Melissa (Mo, Lissy, Mel, Momma B) was born January 12, 1958 in Logan,OH to Harold and Arlene Bailey. She went to Indiana University (76-80) like her siblings and became a teacher. Watching the Indiana Hoosiers become National Champions was a highlight of her fandom (75-76 undefeated basketball season & 80-81 NCAA Basketball Champs rank as well). She loved sports, along...

Kenneth "Kenny" F. Johnson

Kenneth "Kenny" F. Johnson

Feb 19, 2026

Kenneth ‘Kenny” F. Johnson, 75, of Lancaster, Ohio, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the Fairfield Medical Center.

He was a retired tow motor operator for Anchor Hocking Glass Corp. Warehouse with 46 years of service. Kenneth was a charter member of Lighthouse Baptist Church of Lancaster.

He is survived by his son...

Kathleen "Kathy" Dennison

Kathleen "Kathy" Dennison

Feb 18, 2026

Kathleen “Kathy” Dennison, 73, of Lancaster, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on February 18, 2026. She was born November 24, 1952 to Dorothy L. and Carl H. Wise.

Kathy’s employment history included work at the Advertiser and the Kirk Reed Insurance Agency. She is best known for her work with Fairfield County Developmental Disabilities as a job developer...

Robert L. Birchfield

Robert L. Birchfield

Feb 18, 2026

Robert Lee Birchfield, 88 of Millersport, Ohio passed away Wednesday morning with his wife and three daughters by his side. Bob was known to be a fighter and he beat cancer for 23 years. He will be forever loved and remembered for his quick humor, his signature phrases, his love for his family and his endless quest for good stuff...

Diane Sue Martin

Diane Sue Martin

Feb 17, 2026

Diane Sue Martin, 84 of Lancaster, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Lanfair Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She was in retail sales but really enjoyed helping teaching children that had special needs. Sue was an artist and enjoyed oil painting, going to the casino, cooking, baking and spending time with her feline companion, Zippy.

She is survived by her...