Obituaries

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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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Michael Dilts, age 75, of Dola, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025 at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. 

He was born on December 14, 1949 in Ada, Ohio to the late Frank and Helen (McDougle) Dilts.  He married Norma Alkuino, and she survives in Dola.

Mike is survived by his two brothers: Frederick Dilts and Tom (Shauna) Dilts.  

He was preceded in death by a brother: Frank Dilts, Jr..

Mike retired from the U.S. Air Force. He also farmed and worked for the post office.  Mike was an avid Ohio State Buckeye’s fan.  

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Karen L. Patrick, age 50, of Kenton, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Marion General Hospital surrounded by her family. 

She was born on February 14, 1975 in Kenton, Ohio to Lacy and (Sherry) Patrick, Sr.  Her father preceded her in death and her mother survives in Kenton.

Karen is survived by five children: Molly (Kevin) Klausing of Delphos, Phillip Nickles of Bellefontaine, Ethan Nickles of Cleveland, Lacey (Dwayne Hartwell) Nickles of Kenton, and Wyatt of Kenton; step-son: Ryan Baughman of Carey; seven grandchildren; brother: Lacy (Becky) Patrick, Jr.; sister: Tracy (Dennis) Kennedy.  

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