Obituaries
Obituaries for The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory
In Memory of Our Dear Loved Ones
Richard "Dick" Steiner Wagner
Jun 27, 2020
Richard “Dick” Steiner Wagner, 89, passed away peacefully June 27, 2020.
Dick, born in Akron Ohio, was the son of Donald M. and Marian S. Wagner. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eve. Dick is survived by his younger brother, Robert E. Wagner (Jo). He was also close to his cousin, Thomas R. Young...
Kathleen (Nee Murphy) Zelling
Jun 26, 2020
Kathleen (nee Murphy) Zelling, age 71, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 26th.
Born in Akron, Ohio to Donald and Thelma “Sweetie” Murphy, Kathy graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School, Class of 1966 and graduated from Kent State University in 1971 with a BS in Medical Technology. Post-graduation, Kathy worked at Akron Children’s Hospital as...
Dr. Walter S. Chisholm
Jun 25, 2020
Dr. Walter S. Chisholm, 93, Pastor Emeritus at Montrose Zion UMC, was born in East Cleveland, Ohio October 16, 1926. He died on June 25, 2020 in Richfield, Ohio.
Dr. Walt as he was known, came to Montrose Zion out of Seminary in June of 1964 with wife Pat, and three children, Shirli, Walter “Rusty”, and Patti...
George N. Verlaney
Jun 23, 2020
George N. Verlaney, loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather, died peacefully at his home on June 23, 2020, with his family present.
He was preceded in death by his wife Joan; his parents Nathaniel and Orania Verlaney; his sisters Faye Kinder and Laura Preisse; his parents-in-law William and Joan Henry; his brothers-in-law Harold Kinder, Gene Preisse,...
Elizabeth J. (Nee Ballinger) Firestone
Jun 22, 2020
Elizabeth J. (nee Ballinger) Firestone, 96, of Akron, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 22, 2020.
Elizabeth Firestone was born on September 9, 1923 in Bucyrus, Ohio. She lived in Marion, Ohio for 22 years before moving to Akron, Ohio where she spent the rest of her life.
She graduated from St....
Rae Linda Welker
Jun 22, 2020
Rae Linda Welker, age 73, of Akron, Ohio died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving husband and daughters on June 22, 2020 having lived a happy and inspirational life full of special relationships, acts of service and travel.
Rae was born September 21, 1946 in New Brighton, PA to the late Douglas and Virginia...
Von H. Brobeck
Jun 22, 2020
Von H. Brobeck passed away June 22, 2020.
He was born on August 12, 1922 in Washington College, Tennessee. Von worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 44 years, beginning in 1941, and retired in 1985 as Manager of the Equipment Engineering Department. He graduated from Washington College High School in 1940, attended East Tennessee State...
Edward R. Berus
Jun 20, 2020
Edward R. Berus, 94, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family June 20, 2020.
Born October 12, 1925, he was a World War II Marine Corps veteran serving in the South Pacific. He worked for Firestone as a defense research physicist, was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, enjoyed golfing and happy hour at “the...
Ruth W Hoffmaster
Jun 16, 2020
Ruth W. Hoffmaster, 100, died June 16, 2020.
A life resident of Akron, she attended the University of Akron and was very involved at Fairlawn Lutheran Church, which was started by her husband, Paul D. Hoffmaster.
Preceded in death by parents, Paul and Eva Weninger; husbands, Harry Lee Harter and Rev. Paul D. Hoffmaster; son,...
Joan H. Mortimer
Jun 15, 2020
Joan H. and Dale J. Mortimer
Joan Hall Mortimer, 91, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2020 followed by Dale J. Mortimer, 93, on August 8, 2020.
Meridian Sun Lodge #69 will conduct Masonic Services 10 a.m. SATURDAY, September 12th, at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. A memorial service celebrating their lives...
Mary M. Christ
Jun 10, 2020
Mary M. Christ, 91, died June 10, 2020.
Born September 16, 1928 in Brooklyn, NY to Francis and Mary Devlin Friel, she was a charter member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church where she served as organist and volunteered with Mother of Sorrows. Mary also volunteered at Western Reserve Hospital and the Akron Soup Kitchen, was a...
Robert L Giebenrath
Jun 4, 2020
Robert L. Giebenrath, 94, of Northampton Twp., passed away peacefully on June 4, 2020.
Robert was born in Akron, Ohio to the late Louis and Kathleen Giebenrath. After graduating from Buchtel High School in 1944, Robert was drafted into the United States Army. He served in Italy during World War II. Following his honorable discharge from the...
Robert A. Bodeker
Jun 2, 2020
Robert A. Bodeker passed away on June 2, 2020.
“Bob” was a graduate of Parma High School and attended Ohio University on a football scholarship. He proudly served in the United States Army, and was a U.S. Postal worker for 46 years. Bob was an active member of the Church of Christ, where he taught Sunday School,...
Roberta "Bobbie" Wray
Jun 1, 2020
ROBERTA 'BOBBIE ' WRAY
Bobbie Wray, 89, passed away in her sleep on June 1, 2020.
At that moment she was reunited with her husband, Willard Wray. They were people of great faith, in the promise of our Lord. In life, Bobbie, along with Willard and son-in-law Gary, founded Wrayco Industries in 1980. She enjoyed...
Elizabeth L Smith
May 31, 2020
Elizabeth L. Smith, 90, died May 31, 2020.
Born in Indianapolis, IN on July 19, 1929 to Elizabeth (Clark) and Don A. Lamphear, she was an Akron area resident most of her life, and had lived in San Paulo, Brazil in her teenage years and was fluent in Portuguese. A graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School and ...
Russell Dean Haas
May 31, 2020
Russell Dean Haas of Akron passed away unexpectedly on May 31, 2020. Russell was born January 12, 1941 in Akron, to the late Dorothy (Barnett) and Aubrey D. Haas. His sister, Susan Haas preceded his death in 2016. Russ graduated from Buchtel High School class of 1959. He then obtained his bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and master’s degree...
Sally Anne Norris
May 27, 2020
Sally Anne Norris, 75, of Akron passed away May 27, 2020.
Born June 7, 1944 in Akron to William and Lucille Palmer, Sally was a proud graduate of Buchtel High School and Ohio Wesleyan University. She retired from Winer and Bevilaqua to spend time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Melissa)...
Althea June (Rumble) Heil
May 23, 2020
Althea June Heil passed away May 23, 2020 after a wonderful 97 years of life!
She will be welcomed into heaven by her loved husband, Paul; parents, Stephen and Cora Rumble; close brothers, Kenny and Paul; her cherished daughter, June Francy and son-in-law, Stephen Francy.
She leaves her treasured family: son, Paul (Judy) Heil; and...
William "Bill" Van Doros
May 22, 2020
William “Bill” Van Doros of Bath, Ohio, 95 passed away on May 22, 2020, after a short illness.
Bill graduated from Central High School and attended the University of Akron. He retired from General Tire and Rubber Company as a Department Manager after 38 years of service.Honorably discharged from the US Navy, serving on the US Milwaukee...
Carol Ann Dick
May 21, 2020
Carol A. Dick (nee North)
Carol A. Dick (nee North), 78, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on May 21, 2020 after a long battle with cancer.
Carol is survived by her loving husband, Tom of 40 years; son, Shawn (deceased) (Lara) Applegarth; grandson, Nicholas; stepsons, Thomas (Susan) Dick and Chris Applegarth;...
Richard "Dick" Steiner Wagner
Jun 27, 2020
Richard “Dick” Steiner Wagner, 89, passed away peacefully June 27, 2020.
Dick, born in Akron Ohio, was the son of Donald M. and Marian S. Wagner. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eve. Dick is survived by his younger brother, Robert E. Wagner (Jo). He was also close to his cousin, Thomas R. Young...
Kathleen (Nee Murphy) Zelling
Jun 26, 2020
Kathleen (nee Murphy) Zelling, age 71, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 26th.
Born in Akron, Ohio to Donald and Thelma “Sweetie” Murphy, Kathy graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School, Class of 1966 and graduated from Kent State University in 1971 with a BS in Medical Technology. Post-graduation, Kathy worked at Akron Children’s Hospital as...
Dr. Walter S. Chisholm
Jun 25, 2020
Dr. Walter S. Chisholm, 93, Pastor Emeritus at Montrose Zion UMC, was born in East Cleveland, Ohio October 16, 1926. He died on June 25, 2020 in Richfield, Ohio.
Dr. Walt as he was known, came to Montrose Zion out of Seminary in June of 1964 with wife Pat, and three children, Shirli, Walter “Rusty”, and Patti...
George N. Verlaney
Jun 23, 2020
George N. Verlaney, loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather, died peacefully at his home on June 23, 2020, with his family present.
He was preceded in death by his wife Joan; his parents Nathaniel and Orania Verlaney; his sisters Faye Kinder and Laura Preisse; his parents-in-law William and Joan Henry; his brothers-in-law Harold Kinder, Gene Preisse,...
Elizabeth J. (Nee Ballinger) Firestone
Jun 22, 2020
Elizabeth J. (nee Ballinger) Firestone, 96, of Akron, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 22, 2020.
Elizabeth Firestone was born on September 9, 1923 in Bucyrus, Ohio. She lived in Marion, Ohio for 22 years before moving to Akron, Ohio where she spent the rest of her life.
She graduated from St....
Rae Linda Welker
Jun 22, 2020
Rae Linda Welker, age 73, of Akron, Ohio died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving husband and daughters on June 22, 2020 having lived a happy and inspirational life full of special relationships, acts of service and travel.
Rae was born September 21, 1946 in New Brighton, PA to the late Douglas and Virginia...
Von H. Brobeck
Jun 22, 2020
Von H. Brobeck passed away June 22, 2020.
He was born on August 12, 1922 in Washington College, Tennessee. Von worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 44 years, beginning in 1941, and retired in 1985 as Manager of the Equipment Engineering Department. He graduated from Washington College High School in 1940, attended East Tennessee State...
Edward R. Berus
Jun 20, 2020
Edward R. Berus, 94, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family June 20, 2020.
Born October 12, 1925, he was a World War II Marine Corps veteran serving in the South Pacific. He worked for Firestone as a defense research physicist, was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, enjoyed golfing and happy hour at “the...
Ruth W Hoffmaster
Jun 16, 2020
Ruth W. Hoffmaster, 100, died June 16, 2020.
A life resident of Akron, she attended the University of Akron and was very involved at Fairlawn Lutheran Church, which was started by her husband, Paul D. Hoffmaster.
Preceded in death by parents, Paul and Eva Weninger; husbands, Harry Lee Harter and Rev. Paul D. Hoffmaster; son,...
Joan H. Mortimer
Jun 15, 2020
Joan H. and Dale J. Mortimer
Joan Hall Mortimer, 91, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2020 followed by Dale J. Mortimer, 93, on August 8, 2020.
Meridian Sun Lodge #69 will conduct Masonic Services 10 a.m. SATURDAY, September 12th, at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. A memorial service celebrating their lives...
Mary M. Christ
Jun 10, 2020
Mary M. Christ, 91, died June 10, 2020.
Born September 16, 1928 in Brooklyn, NY to Francis and Mary Devlin Friel, she was a charter member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church where she served as organist and volunteered with Mother of Sorrows. Mary also volunteered at Western Reserve Hospital and the Akron Soup Kitchen, was a...
Robert L Giebenrath
Jun 4, 2020
Robert L. Giebenrath, 94, of Northampton Twp., passed away peacefully on June 4, 2020.
Robert was born in Akron, Ohio to the late Louis and Kathleen Giebenrath. After graduating from Buchtel High School in 1944, Robert was drafted into the United States Army. He served in Italy during World War II. Following his honorable discharge from the...
Robert A. Bodeker
Jun 2, 2020
Robert A. Bodeker passed away on June 2, 2020.
“Bob” was a graduate of Parma High School and attended Ohio University on a football scholarship. He proudly served in the United States Army, and was a U.S. Postal worker for 46 years. Bob was an active member of the Church of Christ, where he taught Sunday School,...
Roberta "Bobbie" Wray
Jun 1, 2020
ROBERTA 'BOBBIE ' WRAY
Bobbie Wray, 89, passed away in her sleep on June 1, 2020.
At that moment she was reunited with her husband, Willard Wray. They were people of great faith, in the promise of our Lord. In life, Bobbie, along with Willard and son-in-law Gary, founded Wrayco Industries in 1980. She enjoyed...
Elizabeth L Smith
May 31, 2020
Elizabeth L. Smith, 90, died May 31, 2020.
Born in Indianapolis, IN on July 19, 1929 to Elizabeth (Clark) and Don A. Lamphear, she was an Akron area resident most of her life, and had lived in San Paulo, Brazil in her teenage years and was fluent in Portuguese. A graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School and ...
Russell Dean Haas
May 31, 2020
Russell Dean Haas of Akron passed away unexpectedly on May 31, 2020. Russell was born January 12, 1941 in Akron, to the late Dorothy (Barnett) and Aubrey D. Haas. His sister, Susan Haas preceded his death in 2016. Russ graduated from Buchtel High School class of 1959. He then obtained his bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and master’s degree...
Sally Anne Norris
May 27, 2020
Sally Anne Norris, 75, of Akron passed away May 27, 2020.
Born June 7, 1944 in Akron to William and Lucille Palmer, Sally was a proud graduate of Buchtel High School and Ohio Wesleyan University. She retired from Winer and Bevilaqua to spend time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Melissa)...
Althea June (Rumble) Heil
May 23, 2020
Althea June Heil passed away May 23, 2020 after a wonderful 97 years of life!
She will be welcomed into heaven by her loved husband, Paul; parents, Stephen and Cora Rumble; close brothers, Kenny and Paul; her cherished daughter, June Francy and son-in-law, Stephen Francy.
She leaves her treasured family: son, Paul (Judy) Heil; and...
William "Bill" Van Doros
May 22, 2020
William “Bill” Van Doros of Bath, Ohio, 95 passed away on May 22, 2020, after a short illness.
Bill graduated from Central High School and attended the University of Akron. He retired from General Tire and Rubber Company as a Department Manager after 38 years of service.Honorably discharged from the US Navy, serving on the US Milwaukee...
Carol Ann Dick
May 21, 2020
Carol A. Dick (nee North)
Carol A. Dick (nee North), 78, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on May 21, 2020 after a long battle with cancer.
Carol is survived by her loving husband, Tom of 40 years; son, Shawn (deceased) (Lara) Applegarth; grandson, Nicholas; stepsons, Thomas (Susan) Dick and Chris Applegarth;...