Obituaries

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Richard J. “Rich” Reichelderfer, age 57, of Lima, passed away at Lima Memorial Health System on Monday, January 27, 2025. 

He was born on June 3, 1967 in Lima, Ohio to Robert and Carolyn (Long) Reichelderfer of Lima. Rich married Gina K. Sanders and she survives in Lima.  

Also surviving are his three children: Rachel (Bailey Cotrell) Reichelderfer of Columbus, Felicia (Jeff) Thompson of Alger and Chad (Jenny) Plaugher of Hedgesville, WV; seven grandchildren: Ross, Dylan, Evan, Elizabeth, Adilynn, Cason and Lily; four great grandchildren: Piper, Braylynn, Beckham and Keenan; and two sisters: Vicki Kerr of Lima and Angie (Robert) Compton of Alger. 

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Louise E. Van Horn, age 80, of Delphos, passed away at her home on January 27, 2025. 

She was born on July 31, 1944 in Upper Sandusky to the late Lawrence and Dortha (Reynolds) Foreman. On November 15, 1980 Louise married Wynn I. Van Horn and he survives in Delphos. 

Also surviving is her granddaughter, Brooklyn Van Horn; three sisters: Ethel Young, Judy Stepp and Dotty Corbet-Beach; and brother-in-law, William F. Van Horn, Jr.

Louise was preceded in death by her son, William “Ira” Van Horn; and six siblings: Ira Foreman, Betty Robinson, Grace Neufarth, Lawrene Weatherholtz, Thelma Koontz and Gladys McNeal. 

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Gerald E. “Jerry” Koop, age 86, of Columbus, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. 

He was born on December 13, 1938 in Lima, Ohio to the late Ervin and Mary (Sanderson) Koop.  

Jerry is survived by his sister, Martha Long of Ada; and three nieces. 

Jerry retired from Stanley Steamer of Columbus.  

It was his wish to be cremated. A private family service will be held at a later date.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. 

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Thomas G. Bennett, age 73, passed away on January 20, 2025, in Lima, Ohio. Born August 4, 1951, he was a lifelong resident of the area.

A graduate of Allen East High School, Tom furthered his education at Hocking Technical College. He then worked for the Allen County Engineers, where he dedicated 30 years of service before retiring.

An avid outdoorsman, Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, and his beloved Jack Russell Terriers which were a constant source of joy and companionship.  He also spent six decades collecting North American Indian artifacts, a passion he pursued with great dedication.

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Sandra M. “Sandy” Sibert, age 51, of Ada, passed away at her residence on Monday, January 20, 2025. 

She was born on May 2, 1973 in Lima, Ohio to Charles and Kathleen (Hall) Bingman.  Her father Charles preceded her in death and her mother Kathleen survives in Findlay.

Also surviving are four sons: Greg (Abby) Treft of Ada, Sav (Jen Norton) Treft of Findlay, Jamie Theis of Findlay and Robbie Sibert of Ada; a daughter, Cristina (Brian) Minger of Ada; two grandchildren: Maura and Kiara; and a brother, Benjamin Bingman. 

Sandy worked at Wilson Sporting Goods of Ada as a sewer. 

It was her wish to be cremated.  A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

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W. Stephen Fraley, age 73, of Kenton, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Springs of Lima. 

He was born on August 7, 1951 in Kenton, Ohio to the late William and Lonna (Shepherd) Fraley.  

Stephen is survived by his two brothers: J. Kevin Fraley of Elida and Christopher L. (Deb) Fraley of Vancouver, WA; a sister, Kathy (Dean) Shipp of Elyria; twelve nieces and nephews: Laura, Deanna, Paul, Nick, Jaimie, Lindsay, Logan, Luke, Dominic, Mia, Harper, and Henley; and nine great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Angela Fraley. 

Stephen worked at HARCO Industries, Kenton.  

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