Obituaries

Past president of Bluffton school board

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Larry L. Mathewson, 88, died June 21, 2020, at Brookdale Senior Living in Bowling Green, Ohio.  Larry was born Oct. 9, 1931, in Ada to the late Dana and Treva (Lewis) Mathewson.  On June 30, 1951 he married Imajean Klass who preceded him in death on Nov. 11, 2010. 

Larry graduated from Bluffton High School where he was an all-conference running back. He started working with his father at the Bluffton Welding Shop and later was a maintenance welder at the Lima Ford Engine Plant from which he retired. Larry was also a life-long farmer. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Bluffton, and the local Farm Bureau and past president of the Bluffton school board. 

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Charles R. Castle, 79, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 1:49 p.m. at Lima Memorial Health System, surrounded by his family. 

He was born on June 15, 1941, in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, to the late Malcolm and Polly (Hicks) Castle, Sr.  Charles married Barbara F. Newland and she survives in Ada.

Charles retired from Ford Motor Company, Lima Engine Plant, as a UAW International Rep. Dad loved his family, driving the back roads with his brother  Malcolm looking at the Eagles and family trips to Holmes County.

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A celebration of life for Martha (Betty) Jolliff takes place 7 p.m. on Friday, July 3, at The Christian and Missionary Alliance Church Great Room at 5436 State Route 309 E., Kenton.

She died Thursday, April 23, 2020, at 9:32 p.m. at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. Click here for her previously posted obituary.

Upper Scioto Valley and Ohio Northern graduate

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Claire A. Harter, 67, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 1 p.m. at Lima Memorial Health System.     

She was born on Oct. 9, 1952, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, to the late Karl B. and H. Joanne (Ankerman) Engelhardt. 

Claire worked at Sodexho at Ohio Northern University, Ada as a cook.  She was also a housemother for the Theta Chi Fraternity at Ohio Northern University.  She was a member of the Alger First United Methodist Church and was a member of the United Methodist Women.  Claire was a member of the Royal Neighbors.  She was a 1970 graduate of USV and a graduate of Ohio Northern University with a degree in Biology and Pharmacy.

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Stephen R. (Herman) Sexton, age 59, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at 9:53 p.m.

He was born on Dec. 24, 1960, in Kenton, Ohio, to Robie and Beatrice Sexton.  He was preceded in his passing by his parents and siblings: Phyllis McDaniels, Harold Sexton and Linda McGregor. 

Stephen is survived by his daughter, Alexis Baker and her mom Heather Baker; siblings: Geraldine Cowen, Roger Sexton, Bob (Sue) Sexton, Gary (Janet) Sexton, James Sexton and Debbie (Wayne) Wells; over 25 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.

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Teresa A. Prater, 61, died on Monday, June 8, 2020, at her residence in Kenton.

She was born on June 8, 1959, in Kenton, Ohio, to the late Kenny and Zeallie Jo (Jones) Prater. 

Teresa was a homemaker.

Teresa is survived by a son, Shane (Raymond) Purcell of Centerton, Arkansas; two daughters: Zeallie Prater of Ada and Michelle (Adam) Lowery of Wapakoneta; seven grandchildren: Cheyanne, Jazlynn, Destiny, Dakota, Aaron, Hannah and Nathan; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Kenneth (Angie) Prater of Foraker; and four sisters: Peggy (Howard) Currence of Roundhead, Shelly Wrenchy of Lima, Tonya Prater of Jumbo and Linda Wilson of Kenton.

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