Obituaries
Obituaries for The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory
In Memory of Our Dear Loved Ones
SUSAN ANN DAVIS
Nov 21, 2024
Susan Haury Davis passed away on November 21, 2024 after a long illness.
Susan is survived by her husband, Jim Davis; sister, Nancy Archey and nieces, Chrissie and Karen.
Due to her long career as a Summit County Welfare case worker she was known as “Miss Howery”. She will best be remembered for her love of animals and quilting.
At Susan’s request, a...
Christian Raymond Melik
Nov 20, 2024
Christian Raymond Melik, age 22, of Wadsworth, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
He was born on March 5, 2002 in Akron, OH; the son of Christopher and Lydia Melik.
He played tennis (not well), there was no pretending he was a good ping pong player and his lack of skill in charades was legendary. What he was fantastic at...
Angeliki Vasilatos
Nov 20, 2024
Angeliki Vasilatos
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Angeliki Vasilatos, who peacefully left this world on November 20, 2024, at the age of 94. Born in Agia Thekli, Cephalonia, Greece, on April 10, 1930, Angeliki’s life was defined by boundless love, unwavering strength, and a selflessness that touched all who knew her.
As an...
STEPHANY SHANOSKI
Nov 16, 2024
Stephany (Rajca) Shanoski died on November 16, 2024 in Akron, Ohio.
Stephany was born at home in Montreal in July of 1938. The exact date was unclear: the birth certificate and baptismal records recorded different dates, and in Quebec, each is equally valid. Making the best of it, we had fun celebrating two birthdays. She was born Stefania, but the French...
Jack R. Price
Nov 16, 2024
Jack Richard Price was a cherished father, grandfather, uncle, and husband who filled our lives with love during his incredible 79 years. He passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, November 16, 2024, surrounded by the family he adored.
Born on January 23, 1945, in Texarkana, Arkansas, Jack was the third child of Norman and Dorothy Price. He grew up in Akron,...
Gene H. Kiefer
Nov 14, 2024
Gene Howard Kiefer, 92, of Copley passed away on November 14, 2024. Born in Akron, Ohio on December 11, 1931, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife Dorothy (Dot) of 68 years, his parents Irvin and Oda Kiefer, and sister Joann Hillegas.
He is survived by his daughter Rhonda Kiefer, sons Thomas (Deb) Kiefer and David (Dina) Kiefer; grandchildren...
GEORGE THOMAS
Nov 13, 2024
George Thomas, 90, fell asleep peacefully in the Lord Jesus Christ on November 13, 2024. George was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 5, 1933, to Fred and Georgette Thomas.
George served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force for over 20 years, which included a 365-day combat deployment to Vietnam. Following his retirement from the Air Force, George worked...
Richard C. Kist
Nov 12, 2024
Richard Clark Kist passed away on November 12, 2024. On December 22, he would have turned 92. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, he was the son of Dorothy Fuhrman Keller, Frank Kist, and beloved stepfather, Karl Keller. A proud graduate of Buchtel High School (Class of 1950), Richard served in the U.S. Army, stateside, during the Korean period and...
Terry L. Smyers
Nov 12, 2024
Terry L. Smyers, Sr. passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024. Terry lived his life with compassion and quiet faith. His 81 years on this earth were filled with love of family and kindness towards all he met.
Born March 19, 1943, Terry graduated from Buchtel High School and then the University of Akron. He was a successful Accountant for many...
Jean A. Summerville
Nov 11, 2024
Jean Ann Summerville, of Richfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 11, 2024, at the age of 79, one day before her 80th birthday. Born in Akron, she graduated from the University of Akron with a bachelor's degree in education. Jean cherished her early years working at O’Neil’s department store in downtown Akron and later found joy working at...
Michelle Jacqueline Leighton
Nov 10, 2024
Michelle Jacqueline Leighton, 43, of Stow, Ohio passed away November 10th, 2024.
She was born on October 19th, 1981 to Gordon and Jacqueline Leighton (nee Hall). Growing up in Tsawwassen, BC, Canada (near Vancouver), the core of her childhood were her siblings: Tim Leighton, Mark Leighton, and Courtney Leighton. Her parents instilled in her a lifelong love of travel with pictures...
JANICE JENITIS
Nov 6, 2024
Jan graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School and obtained a BA in Sociology from the University of Akron.
Jan had a life-long love of Girl Scouting. She was an avid scout and volunteer at Camp Ledgewood as a student and worked professionally in Ohio and North Carolina in various positions with the organization. Her dream of living in Alaska came true...
Gerald J. Donnelly
Nov 5, 2024
Akron-Gerald J Donnelly passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024 at the age of 87. We will miss his quick wit and adventurous spirit.
Jerry was born in Akron on May 15, 1937 to the late Daniel and Julia (Varner) Donnelly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Rosemary Donnelly, Marlene Bryce, and Daniel Donnelly....
Grace A. Zawicki
Oct 31, 2024
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Grace A. Zawicki on October 31, 2024, at the age of 77.
Born January 25, 1947 to parents Robert W. Thornton and Arlene L. Thornton (Spicer) in Akron, Ohio. She was a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt and friend to all she met. She held these roles with humor, compassion and above...
Barbara Houk
Oct 30, 2024
Barbara Houk, 80, peacefully entered the loving embrace of Christ on October 29, 2024. Born October 13, 1944, in Bayonne, New Jersey, Barbara cherished her early years in the “big city,” filled with memories of bustling streets, boardwalks, and close-knit neighborhoods. She shared this early vibrant life with her two brothers, creating memories that remained with her throughout her life.
Barbara...
Paula J. Scarpitti
Oct 30, 2024
Paula J. Scarpitti, age 70, of Akron, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
She was born July 31, 1954, in Willowick, OH, daughter of the late Thomas and Elsie Duffey. Paula was a true delight to be around. Her infectious laughter and sense of humor brightened any room. She had a heart of gold and was always thinking of...
Sally L. Squibb-Somnitz
Oct 28, 2024
Sally Lynn (Settle) Squibb-Somnitz, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully at home on October 28, 2024, at the age of 80 years old.
She was born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1944 and adopted by Don and Marie Settle before moving up to Cuyahoga Falls at a young age, where she called home for most of her life. Sally...
Leah Ann May
Oct 28, 2024
Leah Ann May, 95 years old, passed away peacefully on October 28th, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was born on November 30th, 1928, in Akron, Ohio to Leon Daniel Weis and Mildred Ada Weis née Plummer. Leah was a proud graduate of Buchtel High School, the University of Akron where she was president of Alpha Gamma Delta, and Case...
Christina Elizabeth King
Oct 25, 2024
With profound sorrow, we announce the unexpected passing of Christina Elizabeth King on Friday, October 25, 2024, in New York City. She was the treasured daughter of Jason R. King and the late Kellie M. Wallerstein, who preceded her in death this March. Christina illuminated the world with her fierce independence, artistic brilliance, and boundless compassion for others.
Born December 5,...
Bradley A. Woodard
Oct 22, 2024
Bradley A. "Brad" Woodard, age 56, passed away October 22nd, 2024. He was born August 29, 1968 to parents Drury and Wanda Woodard (nee Kepler). Brad was a former police officer for the City of Norton, Ohio. He had the 2nd highest score ever recorded on the Ohio Police Exam (100%), and was an excellent marksman. Many departments didn’t want...
SUSAN ANN DAVIS
Nov 21, 2024
Susan Haury Davis passed away on November 21, 2024 after a long illness.
Susan is survived by her husband, Jim Davis; sister, Nancy Archey and nieces, Chrissie and Karen.
Due to her long career as a Summit County Welfare case worker she was known as “Miss Howery”. She will best be remembered for her love of animals and quilting.
At Susan’s request, a...
Christian Raymond Melik
Nov 20, 2024
Christian Raymond Melik, age 22, of Wadsworth, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
He was born on March 5, 2002 in Akron, OH; the son of Christopher and Lydia Melik.
He played tennis (not well), there was no pretending he was a good ping pong player and his lack of skill in charades was legendary. What he was fantastic at...
Angeliki Vasilatos
Nov 20, 2024
Angeliki Vasilatos
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Angeliki Vasilatos, who peacefully left this world on November 20, 2024, at the age of 94. Born in Agia Thekli, Cephalonia, Greece, on April 10, 1930, Angeliki’s life was defined by boundless love, unwavering strength, and a selflessness that touched all who knew her.
As an...
STEPHANY SHANOSKI
Nov 16, 2024
Stephany (Rajca) Shanoski died on November 16, 2024 in Akron, Ohio.
Stephany was born at home in Montreal in July of 1938. The exact date was unclear: the birth certificate and baptismal records recorded different dates, and in Quebec, each is equally valid. Making the best of it, we had fun celebrating two birthdays. She was born Stefania, but the French...
Jack R. Price
Nov 16, 2024
Jack Richard Price was a cherished father, grandfather, uncle, and husband who filled our lives with love during his incredible 79 years. He passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, November 16, 2024, surrounded by the family he adored.
Born on January 23, 1945, in Texarkana, Arkansas, Jack was the third child of Norman and Dorothy Price. He grew up in Akron,...
Gene H. Kiefer
Nov 14, 2024
Gene Howard Kiefer, 92, of Copley passed away on November 14, 2024. Born in Akron, Ohio on December 11, 1931, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife Dorothy (Dot) of 68 years, his parents Irvin and Oda Kiefer, and sister Joann Hillegas.
He is survived by his daughter Rhonda Kiefer, sons Thomas (Deb) Kiefer and David (Dina) Kiefer; grandchildren...
GEORGE THOMAS
Nov 13, 2024
George Thomas, 90, fell asleep peacefully in the Lord Jesus Christ on November 13, 2024. George was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 5, 1933, to Fred and Georgette Thomas.
George served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force for over 20 years, which included a 365-day combat deployment to Vietnam. Following his retirement from the Air Force, George worked...
Richard C. Kist
Nov 12, 2024
Richard Clark Kist passed away on November 12, 2024. On December 22, he would have turned 92. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, he was the son of Dorothy Fuhrman Keller, Frank Kist, and beloved stepfather, Karl Keller. A proud graduate of Buchtel High School (Class of 1950), Richard served in the U.S. Army, stateside, during the Korean period and...
Terry L. Smyers
Nov 12, 2024
Terry L. Smyers, Sr. passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024. Terry lived his life with compassion and quiet faith. His 81 years on this earth were filled with love of family and kindness towards all he met.
Born March 19, 1943, Terry graduated from Buchtel High School and then the University of Akron. He was a successful Accountant for many...
Jean A. Summerville
Nov 11, 2024
Jean Ann Summerville, of Richfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 11, 2024, at the age of 79, one day before her 80th birthday. Born in Akron, she graduated from the University of Akron with a bachelor's degree in education. Jean cherished her early years working at O’Neil’s department store in downtown Akron and later found joy working at...
Michelle Jacqueline Leighton
Nov 10, 2024
Michelle Jacqueline Leighton, 43, of Stow, Ohio passed away November 10th, 2024.
She was born on October 19th, 1981 to Gordon and Jacqueline Leighton (nee Hall). Growing up in Tsawwassen, BC, Canada (near Vancouver), the core of her childhood were her siblings: Tim Leighton, Mark Leighton, and Courtney Leighton. Her parents instilled in her a lifelong love of travel with pictures...
JANICE JENITIS
Nov 6, 2024
Jan graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School and obtained a BA in Sociology from the University of Akron.
Jan had a life-long love of Girl Scouting. She was an avid scout and volunteer at Camp Ledgewood as a student and worked professionally in Ohio and North Carolina in various positions with the organization. Her dream of living in Alaska came true...
Gerald J. Donnelly
Nov 5, 2024
Akron-Gerald J Donnelly passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024 at the age of 87. We will miss his quick wit and adventurous spirit.
Jerry was born in Akron on May 15, 1937 to the late Daniel and Julia (Varner) Donnelly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Rosemary Donnelly, Marlene Bryce, and Daniel Donnelly....
Grace A. Zawicki
Oct 31, 2024
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Grace A. Zawicki on October 31, 2024, at the age of 77.
Born January 25, 1947 to parents Robert W. Thornton and Arlene L. Thornton (Spicer) in Akron, Ohio. She was a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt and friend to all she met. She held these roles with humor, compassion and above...
Barbara Houk
Oct 30, 2024
Barbara Houk, 80, peacefully entered the loving embrace of Christ on October 29, 2024. Born October 13, 1944, in Bayonne, New Jersey, Barbara cherished her early years in the “big city,” filled with memories of bustling streets, boardwalks, and close-knit neighborhoods. She shared this early vibrant life with her two brothers, creating memories that remained with her throughout her life.
Barbara...
Paula J. Scarpitti
Oct 30, 2024
Paula J. Scarpitti, age 70, of Akron, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
She was born July 31, 1954, in Willowick, OH, daughter of the late Thomas and Elsie Duffey. Paula was a true delight to be around. Her infectious laughter and sense of humor brightened any room. She had a heart of gold and was always thinking of...
Sally L. Squibb-Somnitz
Oct 28, 2024
Sally Lynn (Settle) Squibb-Somnitz, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully at home on October 28, 2024, at the age of 80 years old.
She was born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1944 and adopted by Don and Marie Settle before moving up to Cuyahoga Falls at a young age, where she called home for most of her life. Sally...
Leah Ann May
Oct 28, 2024
Leah Ann May, 95 years old, passed away peacefully on October 28th, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was born on November 30th, 1928, in Akron, Ohio to Leon Daniel Weis and Mildred Ada Weis née Plummer. Leah was a proud graduate of Buchtel High School, the University of Akron where she was president of Alpha Gamma Delta, and Case...
Christina Elizabeth King
Oct 25, 2024
With profound sorrow, we announce the unexpected passing of Christina Elizabeth King on Friday, October 25, 2024, in New York City. She was the treasured daughter of Jason R. King and the late Kellie M. Wallerstein, who preceded her in death this March. Christina illuminated the world with her fierce independence, artistic brilliance, and boundless compassion for others.
Born December 5,...
Bradley A. Woodard
Oct 22, 2024
Bradley A. "Brad" Woodard, age 56, passed away October 22nd, 2024. He was born August 29, 1968 to parents Drury and Wanda Woodard (nee Kepler). Brad was a former police officer for the City of Norton, Ohio. He had the 2nd highest score ever recorded on the Ohio Police Exam (100%), and was an excellent marksman. Many departments didn’t want...