Elizabeth “Liz” Topping, age 72, of Bellefontaine, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2026 at Mary Rutan Hospital, Bellefontaine.
Liz was born on December 20, 1953 in Kenton, Ohio to Tommy and Osie (Bailey) Reffitt.
On March 14, 1998 Liz married Paul R. Topping and he survives in Bellefontaine. Also surviving is her son, Christopher (Rita) Hale of Alger; grandson, Sean (Brooke) Hale; great grandson, Jackson; two brothers: Benny Ray and Tommy (Jo) Reffitt; and sister, Minnie Moore.
Vivian J. Welch, age 87, of Ada, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Lima Memorial Health System.
She was born on August 10, 1938 in Paintsville, Kentucky to Albert and Flossie (Music) Harmon who preceded her in death.
Vivian retired in 2003 after working for 32 years at Ohio Northern University, Ada, where she worked in the custodial maintenance department. She was a member of the Ada Church of Christ Disciples. She was a graduate of Ada High School Class of 1956. She was a member of the Ada Senior Citizens and the Kings and Queens Senior Singles Club of Lima.
Sharon E. Fess, age 82 passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Bridge Hospice Care Center, Findlay, surrounded by her family.
She was born on March 21, 1944 in Lima, Ohio to the late Robert “Bob” and Frieda (Roush) Hire.
She is survived by a daughter: Cherie (Raymond) Castle of Ada; two grandchildren, Rielyn (Griffin) Cole and Jaden Castle; two brothers: Rick (Ellen) Hire and Bill (Brenda) Hire; a sister: Mary Lou DeLong; and two sisters-in-law: Sara Hire and Kathy Hire.
She was preceded in death by two brothers: Jim Hire and Bobby Hire; a brother-in-law: Bob DeLong.
Pastor Gerald “Jerry” Myers, age 78, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Cypress Pointe Health Campus, Englewood, surrounded by his family.
He was born on January 3, 1948, in Lima, Ohio, to the late Harold and Evelyn (Gist) Myers. On December 23, 1967, Jerry married Joyce Shadley and she survives in Harrod.
Jerry was a member of the Grace Gospel Fellowship and pastored in Ohio, Illinois, California, and Michigan. He lived first for God. He was very devoted to his wife and loved his family.
Harold Duane. Barker, age 96, of Ada, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Glenn Park of Defiance.
Harold was born on November 11, 1929 in Parkersburg, West Virginia to the late Roy and Dessie (Nuzem) Barker. On July 27, 1963 Harold married Nancy (Dunbar) Barker and she preceded him in death on August 17, 2018.
Harold is survived by his children: Jim (Julie) Barker of Bellaire, TX and Linda (Mike) Meyer of Defiance, Ohio; three grandchildren Austin Meyer, Tyler Meyer and Allie Barker; and a sister, Wanda Taffin.
