Obituaries

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Larry J. Marsh, age 69, of Kenton, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Vancrest of Ada, surrounded by his family. 

He was born on April 3, 1956 in Kenton, Ohio to Harold Junior and Virginia Lue (Castle) Marsh.  Larry was preceded in death by his father Harold, mother, Virginia and stepfather, Glenn Sprang and two sisters: Wilma Mullins and Charlene Penix.  

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John Cavinder, age 66, of Harrod, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Lima Memorial Health System, surrounded by his loved ones. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work and deep love for his family. 

He was born on September 22, 1958 in Lima, Ohio to the late Harold Cavinder and Barbara Neal. His stepmother, Sheila Cavinder survives at Indian Lake. 

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Nelson D. Williams, age 69, of Harrod, passed away on July 13, 2025 at his home. 

He was born on September 1, 1955 in Lima, Ohio to the late Richard and Donna (Bechdolt) Williams.  On August 19, 1989 Nelson married Patty Bodine and she survives in Harrod. 

Also surviving is his son, Ryan (Trinity) Ward of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; two grandchildren: Nico and Noah; siblings: Robert (Jane) Williams of Harrod and Virginia (Garis) Pugh of Huntsville; and nephew and nieces: James, Stacey and Angela.  

Nelson was the vice president for Williams Excavating. He loved to fly and earned his pilot’s license. Nelson also enjoyed traveling, scuba diving and fishing.   

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Helen Ruth Doak Wilson, age 96, of Ada, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at home, surrounded by her family. 

She was born on March 1, 1929 in Carnegie, Pennsylvania to the late E.D. and Bessie (Foster) Doak.  Helen was previously married to W.T. “Buzz” Wilson. 

Helen is survived by her three daughters: Maria Sparks of Johnstown, Ellie Laubis of Ada and Judith Camden of Columbus; two grandchildren: Deanna Laubis and Jared Camden; and two nephews: Foster (Pat) Doak and Dennis Doak.          

She was preceded in death by her son, David Todd Wilson; and brother, Foster Doak. 

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Vera Marie Sprague, age 75, of Alger, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Kenton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. 

She was born on February 7, 1950 in Lima, Ohio to the late Fredrick and Della (Morris) Cowan. On June 20, 1969 Vera married David Sprague, I, who preceded her in death on April 5, 2007.

Vera is survived by her five children: Howard (Nancy) Sprague of Alger, Rhonda (Albert) Gutierrez of Ada, Sandy (Stu) Yagerman of Alger, Rebecca (Michael) Donnal of Alger and David (Candi) Sprague, II; nine grandchildren: Cassidy, James, Cristin, Shawn, Carissa, Alex, Justin, Charley and Shelby; and sixteen great grandchildren.  

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Mary Lou Reffitt, age 73, of North Lewisburg, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025 at her home. 

She was born on December 17, 1951 in Kenton, Ohio to Tommy and Osie (Bailey) Reffitt, Sr.  Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters: JoVan Sheets and Julie Jenkins. 

Mary Lou is survived by siblings Ben Ray of Kingsville, TX, Minnie Moore Olivet of South Dakota, Elizabeth and Paul Topping of Bellefontaine and Tom and Jo Reffitt of Bluffton; along with many nieces and nephews.  

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