NEWBURY TWP. – Beverly Ann Durkee (nee Sweet), age 77, of Newbury Township, died July 19, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.

Born June 29, 1943 in Chardon to the late Sidney and Pauline (nee Leroy) Sweet, she was a lifelong area resident. She was a 1961 graduate of Chardon High School.

Beverly was a very talented seamstress and enjoyed many crafts. She often times entered and won many items into exhibits at The Great Geauga County Fair.

Beverly and her husband enjoyed camping with the family since the early 1970s and camped every year at the fairgrounds from 1983 until 2019. She was also known for her baking and enjoyed doing puzzles. They also went on many bus trips all over the area.

Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Larry Durkee, of Newbury; children, Ronald (Jodi) Durkee, of Burton, and Donna (Craig) Borsi, of Newbury; grandchildren, Heidi (Jon) Schneider, of Chardon, Stephanie Wells, of Ft. Myers, Fla., TJ (Kaylee) Wells, of Montville Township, Cory Durkee, of Burton, and Kassie Durkee, of Chardon, Kevin, Kayla and Kurtis Borsi, of Newbury; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Emily, Ella, Evan, Ethan, Gianna, Haylee, Rori and Brad.

She also leaves her sister, Susan (Scott Kalmen) Sweet, of Painesville Township; brother Doug (Darlene) Sweet, of Madison; and sisters-in-law, Marlene Sweet, of Middlefield, and Cora Sweet, of Thompson Township.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; grandson BJ Wells; and brothers Ken and Sidney Sweet.

Graveside service will be Friday, July 24, 2020, at 11 a.m., at Claridon Center Cemetery, Mayfield and Claridon Troy roads.

The family suggests donations to The Great Geauga County Fair, P.O. Box 402, Burton, OH 44021; or the Newbury Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 255, Newbury, OH 44065.

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

MADISON – Suzanne M. Smith, age 74, of Madison, passed away July 20, 2020, at Hillcrest Hospital surrounded by her family.

Born June 17, 1946, in Lakewood, to Nathan and Marie (nee Miltner) Fisher, she had been a longtime area resident.

Sue was a preschool teacher for many years with Stepping Stones Preschool and worked most recently with Crossroads Early Childhood Services.

Sue married Roy “Sarge” Smith on Oct. 5, 1966, in Lakewood.

She is survived by her husband, Sarge, of Madison; sons, Gavin (Jennifer), of Fairview Park, and Jeff, Kyle and Chad, all of Madison; grandchildren, Lauren, Ryan, Ellie, Abby, Evan, Vance and Libby; siblings, Donna (Linn) Hughes, of Harpersfield, Mary Lou (John) Egger, of Avon, Lynne (Ron) Kantecki, of Chicago, Ill., Deborah Fisher, of Cleveland Heights, Ray Fisher, of Lakewood, Tom (Alice) Fisher, of Avon, and Dennis (Char) Fisher, of Avon.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2020, at Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes, 2726 Hubbard Road, Madison. Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Sue will be remembered as a strong, passionate and kind person to all who knew her. She was a second mother to many and has had a lasting impact on all she met.

Obituary, online condolences and memorial gifts available at www.marcfburrfuneralhome.com.

BURTON – Mary Ruth (nee Hoag) McCullough, 92, of Burton, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 20, 2020.

Mary was born June 13, 1928, in Norwalk, Conn., to the late Walter C. and Marion E. (nee Dunn) Hoag.

She especially enjoyed being a Girl Scout and spending summers at family farms in Delhi, N.Y., and East Greenwich, N.Y.

She graduated from Northfield School for Girls in 1947. She attended Muskingum College, where she met her husband, Clyde Robert “Bob” McCullough, and graduated in 1951 with a degree in nutrition. After graduation, she worked for one year at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City.

Mary was married on Aug. 23, 1952, in Norwalk, Conn. After their wedding, Mary and Bob moved to Richmond, Ohio, for three years, then to Burton. She raised five wonderful children and was very active in the community. She was a member of Tuesday Club, Burton Public Library Board of Trustees, Friends of the Burton Public Library, Town of Burton Planning Board, a Cub Scout Den Mother, and led multiple 4-H Cooking and Cake Decorating Clubs.

She was a long-time member of Burton Congregational Church, where she was an original member of the adult bell choir and helped start the Scrappers.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed genealogy. She enjoyed making homemade Christmas cards every year.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, of 63 years; sister, Virginia Kintzel (Alvin, also deceased); and sister-in-law, Jean Strott (David, also deceased).

Beloved mother of C. Robert Jr. (Floricita), John W. (Dorice), Rebecca A. Strong (Parker Sr.), David L., and Richard A. (Barbara); devoted grandmother of C. Robert McCullough III, Derek Perry, Haeley McCullough, Aaron Strong, Rachel Strong, Parker “PJ” Strong Jr. (Breonna Barker), and Katelyn McCullough; dear sister-in-law to John (Jeanie), Edward (Barbara) and Ernest (Nila) McCullough; and aunt and great-aunt to many.

A graveside service will be held at Welton Cemetery, 13970 Goodwin Ave., Burton, at 11 a.m., Aug. 1, 2020. The service will be live streamed on the funeral home Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Burton Congregational Church, Burton Public Library or Foundation for Geauga Parks.

Sly Funeral Home was entrusted with Mary’s arrangements. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at slyffh.com.

James R. “Bob” Hensley, age 84, beloved husband for 61 years of Fannie M. (nee Keffer); loving father of Susan Hinman (husband Richard), and the late Christopher James; devoted grandfather of Brittany Cox (husband Josh) and great-grandfather of Cassidy Jane Claiborne; cherished son of the late William J. and Rosa Jane (nee Carter); dearest brother of Naaman (wife Cathy), Ernie, Minerva Hicks (husband Larry), Michael (wife Deadra), Mitchell (wife Debbie), Annette Dingess (husband Alvin), and the late Irene Simmons (husband Robert), Reba Dillon (husband Frank, deceased), Wilma Lee Clark (husband Carl, deceased), Carl (wife Edith), and Murrell (wife Linda); dear uncle and great-uncle of many.

Contributions may be made in memory of Bob to Alzheimer’s Association, 23215 Commerce Park, Beachwood, OH 44122.

Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 28,  2020, at the funeral home.

Burial following at Chesterland Cemetery.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Bob at The DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center of Chesterland, 12811 Chillicothe Road, on Monday, July 27, 2020, 4-8 p.m.

Online obituary and guestbook at www.DeJohnCares.com.

We mourn the tragic death of Fana Bel Ruane, age 16 months. She was taken from us at such a young age.

Fana was born March 10, 2019, and filled our hearts with so much joy.

Instead of remembering the tragedy of her death, we remember the joy in life that she knew.

She knew two loving parents, the love of her pet guinea pig, Gani. She knew the joy of holding a baby deer, playing outside and seeing the world with wonder and amazement.

No words can express the pain that I feel as her father.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with the memorial service at 12 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. The memorial service will be live streamed through the funeral home website. (Go to the obituary for Fana and click the icon WATCH SERVICE to view.)

Information and condolences are online at www.burrservice.com.

MADISON – Shirley C. Fulkerson, age 90, of Madison, born Aug. 15, 1929, to Harry and Geneva Reddy, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

She is survived by her sons, David (Sheryel) Fulkerson, James (Naomia) Fulkerson; daughter Ann Norris; and 15 grandchildren, 30-plus great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Malcolm J. Fulkerson; daughter Sandra L. Johns; and many others.

Shirley was always considered a fun and caring person. She loved bowling and bingo, and, most of all, her family. She will be greatly missed.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, at Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes of Madison, 2726 Hubbard Road, Madison, with burial to follow at Madison Memorial Cemetery.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 3 at the funeral home. Masks are required and social distancing is suggested.

Obituary, online condolences and memorial gifts available at www.marcfburrfuneralhome.com.

We mourn the tragic death of Fana Bel Ruane, age 16 months. She was taken from us at such a young age.

Fana was born March 10, 2019, and filled our hearts with so much joy.

Instead of remembering the tragedy of her death, we remember the joy in life that she knew.

She knew two loving parents, the love of her pet guinea pig, Gani. She knew the joy of holding a baby deer, playing outside and seeing the world with wonder and amazement.

No words can express the pain that I feel as her father.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with the memorial service at 12 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. The memorial service will be live streamed through the funeral home website. (Go to the obituary for Fana and click the icon WATCH SERVICE to view.)

Information and condolences are online at www.burrservice.com.

TROY TWP. – Jeanette M. Briggs, 87, of Troy Township, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on July 27, 2020.

She was born in Chardon on Feb. 14, 1933, to Frank and Florence (nee Taylor) Mescall.

Jeanette was a lifelong resident of Troy Township. She graduated from Burton High School and earned her B.A. and Master’s Degree in Education from Kent State University.

She spent her career teaching at the Troy Elementary School in the Berkshire school district, retiring in 1994.

She loved to garden, was an avid reader and loved living on her family farm.

Jeanette enjoyed spending time with her family and friends creating memories and reminiscing about the past.

Jeanette will be deeply missed by her loving children, Frank (Tricia), Rick (Lisa), Jane (Frank) Apicella and Mike (Lisa Durbin).

Jeanette loved and was very proud of her grandchildren, Alyssa, Matthew, Tyler, Bryan, Kelli, Michael, Lauren, Danny and Candice, who provided her with many smiles, laughter and special memories.

She was delighted by the birth of her great-grandchildren; Richard, Oliver, Jack and Maddie.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her memory to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101 Cleveland, OH 44192; the Burton Public Library (youth interests), 14588 W. Park St., Burton, OH 44021; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

A private graveside service will be held in Fairview Cemetery in Hiram.

Arrangements for Jeanette were entrusted to Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231.

MIDDLEFIELD – Joni “Joe” Yoder, 81, of Middlefield, passed away Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at his home, with his family by his side, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born Nov. 22, 1938, in Hydro, Okla., to the late Jonas and Delila Yoder.

In 1958, Joe moved to Ohio from Oklahoma and married the love of his life, Kathryn Gingerich, on Sept. 3, 1960. He was very proud of his family and being part of the Middlefield community.

Over the course of his career, Joe worked for Burton Rubber, Gold Key Processing and, most recently, Chem Technologies, in numerous positions, including technical service and sales.

He attended Parkside Church in Bainbridge Township.

Joe was caring, nurturing, humble and very kind. He was a selfless person who always put God first and had a servant’s heart.

Joe enjoyed assisting in the UHHS and Briar Hill pastoral care program. He also enjoyed gardening, collecting antique tractors and traveling.

Joe will be sadly missed by his wife, Kathryn; children, Rod (Marla) Yoder, Brian (Chrystal) Yoder and Jennifer Yoder; seven grandchildren, Zoey, Grayson, Noah, Naomi, Henry, Lynn and Girard; and brothers Albert, of New Mexico, and Alva, of Mississippi.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Eli Yoder.

Family and friends will be received for Joe from 12-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, until time of memorial service at 3 p.m., at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High St. Middlefield, with his final resting place at Middlefield Cemetery. (Family asks the mask mandate be followed and social distancing be adhered to.)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Joe’s name to the Truth for Life, P.O. Box 398000, Cleveland, OH 44139 or by clicking the link https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.

SHELBY, NC – Olaf Jens Madsen, age 89, of Shelby, N.C., passed away July 22, 2020. He was born Dec. 3, 1930, to Adolf and Paula Madsen in Hamburg, Germany.

It was in his youth during World War II that Olaf developed his life-long hobby/passion for Ham Radios alongside his dear friend, Gerd Schrick.

Olaf immigrated to Montreal, Canada, in 1955, in search of opportunities where he met and married Elizabeth Ann (Lila) Stewart from Lisburn, Northern Ireland.  Together they moved to Ohio and raised their family of six children, in Chester Township.

Olaf worked for Clark Control and Reliance Electric Company as an engineer.

He spent countless hours and most Sunday mornings in his “shack” on air WA8USP and KF4TP connecting with other ham radio enthusiasts all over the world, many of which remain his dearest and closest friends.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lila Madsen, of Shelby.

A wonderful father to his children, Neil (Patty) Madsen, of Dublin, Ohio, Ann Pickett, of Washington, D.C., Karin (Pete) Leonetti, of Powell, Ohio, Irene (Gregg) Wright, of Chester Township, and Paul (Kara) Madsen, of Columbia, S.C.

Olaf is also known as “Opa” to 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son Eric Madsen (Reta), of Chardon.

The family will have a private service.

The family requests no flowers, but instead show an act of kindness to someone.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Madsen. Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Philip “Papa” Charles Elia passed away on Aug. 6, 2020. He was born in June 1936.

He truly earned the title of Papa. He always put his grandchildren first, and he attended every important moment of his five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren’s lives. Papa was at his grandson Charlie’s marine boot camp graduation and the high school graduations of grandchildren Benny and Julia.

Papa was immediately there from the moment they were born, to the minute his daughter Debbie took her last breath. Phil would make weekly drives to the National Institute of Health with Mama when Debbie was receiving treatments that gave the family hope. Phil was right beside Mama when she took her last breath and you could see that he dearly loved her.

Phil later met Sheri, who knew that he was a free spirit, and they were happy together until Sherri’s death.

He was a living example of humility and how life can change with sobriety. Phil sponsored many alcoholics, and addicts, and even talked a guy down from jumping to his death when he was despondent from relapsing.

Denise was the oldest of his four children and she worked beside Papa for many years in his salon, Village Hairdressers, until Papa became a full-time fireman for Chester Fire. He loved being a fireman and he would proudly wear his FF shirts and hats.

Denise was a wonderful caregiver, who surely extended Papa’s life. Phil understood what it meant to be generous, and if he had something that someone else needed, Phil happily gave it to them with a smile, and a hug.

Phil spent most of his life giving. He also gave of himself, often working right beside Phil Jr. as they created beautiful woodwork and kitchens. Phil Sr. was the only person who could sand the doors perfectly, and to Phil Jr.’s specifications.

Papa would take his granddaughter Nikki on backpacking hikes, and Papa was there to celebrate when she graduated with her master’s and when she married Silas.

Papa showered his great-grandchildren Liam and Lucy with love and admiration. They always knew Papa’s home was a free for all, and they enjoyed his youthful, unending love. Papa’s home became the fun place.

In a testament of Phil’s love and humility, his youngest daughter, Dina, came full circle, embracing Papa’s love and acceptance of all his children. June, BillyBoo and Kathy were loved as his own. Whenever needed, Papa would drop everything and drive to Wisconsin with BillyBoo to see his granddaughter Josie.

Papa created many long friendships including Billy D., Jimmy and Cousin Johnny, but one of his truest friends, Rusty, was right beside Phil, always taking him to his Wednesday doctor appointments.

Rest in peace Papa Phil, we will miss you forever. Your service is complete.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Chester Fire Department and your local AA group is appreciated.

Online tribute video and condolences offered at www.gattozziandson.com.

CHARDON – Ronald W. Bertliff, age 82, of Chardon, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 7, 2020. He was born June 15, 1938, to Dorothy (nee Webster) and Frederick Bertliff.

He graduated from Chardon High School in 1957.

Ron was a loving husband and father. He was a skilled carpenter most of his life. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, making things from scratch for his kids and grandkids, and spending time with his family.

He loved his Harley, mowing his lawn and everyone else’s lawn around him. Ron was a very generous, giving man and would help anybody that needed it.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Bertliff; children, Cheryl (Dennis) Goss and Brenda (David) Irons; stepchildren, Jerry Fodor, Joe (Diana) Fodor and Jennifer (Joe) Restly; brother, Jim; niece, Kim (Doug) Leaman; and 13 grandkids and three great-grandkids.

Private family services were held.

Arrangements made by Burr Funeral Home, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

HAMBDEN TWP. – Benjamin J. “Big Ben” Grigus, age 94, of Hambden Township, passed away Aug. 7, 2020, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. He was born on Oct. 1, 1925, in Cleveland, to Branis and Stella (nee Yuknevich) Grigaites.

Ben was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II in the Pacific Theatre.

He married Tynee Emily Pollari, in Huntsburg Township, in 1949.

Ben was a factory worker for the Chardon Rubber Company.

He was a founding member of the Hambden Volunteer Fire Department and had been an active member of Grace Lutheran Church.

He was a patriot, loving his time in the U.S. Navy, his country and his flag. On his discharge from the service, he took a bus ride to Painesville, got a taxi ride to home and was greeted with kisses from his parents and his dog, Mickey, while his grandpa paid the taxi driver. Always a dapper dresser, the following day, Ben went to Painesville and purchased a bright orange topcoat with large buttons, which was never the favorite of his wife.

Animals, especially cats and dogs, always could find a meal and a home, he loved animals and never turned away any animal.

Survivors include children, Richard (Carolyn), of Chardon, Pam Carico, of Charlotte, N.C., Michael, of Hambden, and Sonny (Eugene Manfroni), of Hambden; grandchildren, Thomas and Samantha Carico, Tiffany (Henry) Brettrager, Joshua (fiancé Amy) Grigus and Ada (Scott) Bason; and great-grandchildren, Amber, Caitlin, Khol, Bristol and Gia.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; wife, in 2015; one sister; and two brothers.

Private family services have been held with interment in Hambden Cemetery.

Contributions are suggested to the Hambden Volunteer Fire Department, 9867 Old State Road, Chardon, OH 44024.

Cremation by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

LEROY TWP. – Carolyn H. (nee Myers) Cianfaglione, age 92, of Leroy Township, passed away Aug. 10, 2020, at her home. Born June 26, 1928, in Benbush, W. Va., she had been a longtime area resident.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, business owner, entrepreneur, realtor and land developer.

Carolyn Myers married the love of her life, Andrew Cianfaglione, in Tucker County, West Virginia, on May 24,1947.

She accomplished so much in her life, from being top in her high school class to developing many subdivisions and beautiful homes in Lake County, as well as a devoted business leader of Hambden Township, where she owned and operated a convenient grocery store for over 40-plus years and offered a great amount of compassion, support and friendship to all of Hambden.

She enjoyed traveling with Andrew to visit family and friends, as well as supporting her six children in their hobbies and extracurricular activities. Her deepest accomplishment was being able to love, support, and guide her grandchildren throughout their lives.

Survivors include her husband, Andrew N. Cianfaglione, of Leroy; children Diana (Jack) Buchter, of Leroy, Susan Cianfaglione, of Norfolk, Va., Linda Lione, of Painesville Township, Trina (Jim) Palumbo, of Leroy, and Julia (Matthew) Vallo, of Leroy; grandchildren, Jason, Jenny, Christi, Jared, Lesley, Sonja, Chaz, Andrew, Jessica, Kyle and Jacob; five great-grandchildren; siblings Gary Myers, of Painesville Township, and Cecilia Bozeglav, of Chardon; and many extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Andrew William “Bill” Cianfaglione; and siblings Catherine Peterson, Dorothy Mazza, Virginia Belinc, Leona McClellan, Sarah Peters, Margaret Myers, Marshall Myers and Townsend Myers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, at St. Patrick Church, 16550 Rock Creek Road, Thompson, with burial to follow at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, at the Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes of Painesville, 1009 Mentor Ave., Painesville.

Obituary, online condolences and memorial gifts available at www.marcfburrfuneralhome.com.

Evelyn “Dolly” Luoma, age 91, passed away at her home on Aug. 8, 2020.

Born Nov. 25, 1928, in Fairport Harbor, to Michael and Agnes (nee Rikoczi) Toth, she had been a lifelong resident.

She was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Fairport Harbor and a devoted homemaker who enjoyed fishing and crafting with her husband, Eugene.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, David (Sharon Monas), of Fairport Harbor, and Kathy (Rick) Kammerer, of Michigan; granddaughters, Jennifer Rondy and Eden Kammerer; great-grandchildren, McKenna, Harper and Gavin Rondy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband of 66 years, Eugene Luoma.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug 13, 2020, at Zion Suomi Lutheran Cemetery at the intersection of 5th Street and East Street in Fairport Harbor, with Pastor Frederick Johnsen officiating. Masks are suggested at the cemetery.

Services entrusted to the Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes of Fairport Harbor. Obituary, online condolences and memorial gifts available at www.marcfburrfuneralhome.com.

CHARDON –Richard “Dick” B. Countess, age 82, went to be with the Lord on Aug. 11, 2020, after a short battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Kay Countess; and his beloved daughters, Catherine Digel, of Chagrin Falls, and Julia Beabout, of Seattle, their spouses, Leigh and Brent, and the grandchildren he adored, Matt, Brian and Caroline Digel.

He was preceded in death by his older brothers, Jon Countess, of York, Pa., and Thomas Countess, of Decatur, Ala.

Dick was born to Jac and Mary Countess, in 1938, and enjoyed growing up in Huntsville, Ala. He had a job from the age of 10 as a paperboy, earning enough to buy a motorcycle and later a car, while still finding time to have many adventures with friends in the neighborhood.

He met Kay while in high school at a youth meeting at the First Methodist Church, where they had an immediate connection.

Dick graduated from Huntsville High in 1956 and enrolled in Auburn University. While in college, he was involved in a serious car accident, which transformed his thinking about what he could and wanted to accomplish in his life. Kay visited Dick often during the year he spent in the hospital and their affection for each other grew. They were married on March 17, 1961, and returned to Auburn University together.

Dick earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering, graduating with honors in 1962. His first job was with Brown Engineering in Huntsville, Ala., where he was part of the team that worked with NASA to test the first Apollo rocket that made it to the moon.

He continued his studies at night at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he earned a master’s degree in Engineering in 1968. He went on to earn another master’s degree from Vanderbilt University on full scholarship in the inaugural year of their MBA program for Engineering Management in 1971.

Dick was an accomplished engineer and retired from Siemens Westinghouse Power Generation, in 2003, with 33 years of service. As an engineering manager in power generation technology transfer, Dick was one of the first people to enter China when the country opened to U.S. business. During his career, he traveled to China 28 times, including trips to Korea, where he engaged in technology transfer negotiations in the 1980s and 1990s.

He was also an adjunct professor of management for 17 years at Widener University near Philadelphia and the University of Central Florida, Orlando, where he enjoyed teaching evening graduate courses in Organizational Theory and Management.

Dick was a “jack of all trades” and could fix anything.

Before relocating to Ohio in 2019, he spent much of his free time in his workshop, where he had every tool imaginable and maintained his beautiful yard. He built many birdhouses for friends and family, and an amazing fort for his grandchildren.

He loved the Lord and was a strong student of the Bible. His passion was Christian volunteer work at the Orlando Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, where he and others from Aloma United Methodist Church, Winter Park, Fla., conducted a Christian-based program (ALPHA) for people transitioning out of homelessness and substance abuse. He won the Jefferson Award for Public Service and the Salvation Army Outstanding Volunteer award for his public service and ministry to the ALPHA program.

In his retirement, Dick enjoyed spending time with family, traveling to national parks and writing a western novel.

Dick will be fondly remembered for his wisdom, faith, humble service and colorful stories about his childhood.

Due to COVID, a private memorial service will be held for the immediate family. A video recording of the service will be made available to friends and family.

The family would like to thank everyone who sent encouraging messages of love and support during Dick’s illness. They brought much joy to him and us.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution in honor of Dick, please send donations to: The Sisters of Notre Dame, who have blessed us with countless prayers and acts of kindness, 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024 (https://sndchardon.org/support-us/donate/) or Hospice of the Western Reserve, which provided much appreciated compassionate care in Dick’s final days, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192 (www.hospiceWR.org).

Online condolences may be made at www.DeJohnCares.com.

Jason Thomas Stevens, age 41,  beloved husband of Kelly Ann (nee Fisher); loving father of Emma, Joey, and Jack; son of Rebecca Campbell and the late Marshall Stevens;cherished step-son of Karen and Jim Ciminello and son-in-law of John and Lori Fisher; treasured grandson of Barbara Campbell and Janet Rush; dearest brother of Jason Thornley (Robyn Brigiotta), Jonathan Thornley, John Newman (wife Kelli), and Jesse Johnson; loyal brother-in-law of Katelyn and Kevin Clarke, and Kristen Fisher; dear nephew of James and the late Mary Stevens, and nephew, cousin, and friend of many others.

Jason was born on Feb. 11, 1979, in Jamestown, N.Y., and passed away suddenly on July 22, 2020. He grew up in Jamestown and resided in Chester Township with his family.

Jason proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps after high school and then received his associate’s degree. He was a Chief Operations Officer at Waste King LLC.

Jason’s love of his life and best friend was his wife, Kelly. Jason was a devoted father and hero to his children. He was social, fun-loving and known as a “Party In A Box.” He was hard working, generous and always willing to help others.

His spirit and energy will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Jason to The Jason T. Stevens Children Scholarship Fund, c/o Fifth Third Bank.

Cremation by DeJohn Crematory.

Burial with Military Honors will take place on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, at 9:30 a.m., at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, Ohio. (Please meet at the gate at 9:15 a.m.)

Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, from 1-3 p.m., with a closing service at 3 p.m., at The DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center of Chesterland, 12811 Chillicothe Road.

Online obituary, guestbook and order flowers www.DeJohnCares.com.

BALL GROUND, GA – Dolores Wilcosky, age 89, of Ball Ground, Ga., formerly of Chardon, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Northside Hospital Cherokee.

Services for Mrs. Wilcosky are being held privately, she will be laid to rest beside her husband in Chardon.

Mrs. Wilcosky was a woman of strong faith and was an active member of her parish, Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Andrew Wilcosky Sr.; parents, John and Verna Moses; and sister, Patricia Lint.

Dolores is survived by her son, William Andrew Wilcosky Jr. (Karen); four grandchildren, Christine Vester (Jeremy), Carrie Sarks (Ryan), Cathy Moore (John) and William Andrew Wilcosky III (Allison); 10 great-grandchildren, Ben, Rachel, Sam, Julia, Will, A.J., Henry, Finn, Hannah and Lily; two siblings, John Moses (Barbara) and Elaine Milan; and several nieces, nephews and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, 1908 Waleska Hwy 108, Jasper, GA 30143 for a Mass in memory of Mrs. Wilcosky.

Local arrangements made by Burr Funeral Home, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

NEWBURY TWP. – Yolanda “Landa” Lair, age 68, of Newbury Township, passed away Friday, July 31, 2020, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center in Claridon Township.

She was born in Cleveland, on Sept. 15, 1951, to Sam and Dorothy (nee Matthews) Manfredi.

A 1969 graduate of Chagrin Falls High School, she married David J. Lair, in Chagrin Falls, on Oct. 9, 1971.

Landa was indeed a force of nature, strong in her love for children of all ages, and animals of all kinds, especially pandas. Her career as a preschool teacher, which began when her three children attained school age left a permanent, positive impression on all the young minds that came to love this short, spunky, brown-eyed fireball.

She supported her children with gusto, occasionally resulting in her ejection from ball games where the umpire was obviously vision impaired.

She made possible her husband’s pursuit of education and career, managing the household with skill, superbly crafted lasagna, and endless encouragement of her children to pursue their dreams. She enjoyed riding with David on their tandem bicycle, both throughout Northeast Ohio and in the Niagara Falls area that they loved to visit, and where they renewed their wedding vows.

Landa is survived by her husband, David; children, Debbi Pastor (Michael), of Auburn Township, David Lair Jr. (Colleen) and Stacia Gilbert (William), of Newbury; seven grandchildren, Trenton Lair, Caitlin Pastor, Ryley Gilbert, Nathan Pastor, Dawson Lair, Hannah Gilbert and Madison Pastor; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and one surviving aunt, Millie Danciu, of Deerfield Beach, Fla.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Dorothy Manfredi, of South Russell; identical twin, Yoletta Kitko; and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with her being laid to rest near her family at Munn Cemetery, Newbury.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made either to the Geauga County Department on Aging, 470 Center St., Bldg. #2, Chardon, OH 44024, or the Geauga County Dog Warden, 12513 Merritt Road, Chardon, OH 44024.

Information, livestreaming of the funeral service and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

CONCORD TWP. – James M. Hlabse, age 68, of Concord Township, passed away Friday, July 31, 2020, at his home.

He was born May 2, 1952, in Cleveland, to Joseph F. and Loretta (nee Vodnik) Hlabse.

Jim graduated from Euclid High School in 1970. He was employed at Ohio Bell as technician and owned the World Gym in Mentor for many years. After retirement he worked at various jobs but, recently, worked at Crile Hardware in Painesville, where he was able to share his gift of bringing to joy to all those he spoke with.

Jim was briefly married, but mostly lived the bachelor life of a guy who epitomized the 70s. He enjoyed lifting weights, motorcycles and all of the animals he raised on his small “farm,” especially his beloved Chow, Sasha.

His quick wit and joyous spirit made him beloved and memorable.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Joseph Hlabse.

He is survived by his sister, Shirlee (Charles) Kidd, of Geneva; and three nieces, Angela Kline, of Wickliffe, Dawn Munaretto, of Painesville, and Jennifer Dammeyer, of Chelsea, Mich.

Have a drink and good laugh remembering Jim’s antics. No services are planned per his request.

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.