Donald C. Beck
NEWARK — Donald C. Beck, 60, of Hudson Avenue, Newark, died Saturday morning, March 17, 2007, in Licking Memorial Hospital, after an extended illness.

Donald was born May 27, 1946, in Mount Vernon, the son of the late Charles Cecil and Hazel Mae (Thatcher) Beck. Donald was a former Danville resident, and had been a Newark resident the past 30 years, working at Licco Industries Inc., Newark. Donald was an avid Ohio State fan, and he loved fishing, bowling, singing and playing his guitar for friends.

He is survived by his twin brother and sister-in-law, Ronald C. and Gayle Beck of Danville; his sister, Nancy (Gerald) Houseworth of Spring Hill, Fla.; one nephew, Kyle Beck of Howard; and one niece, Linda (Chris) Myers of North Carolina.

Friends may call Wednesday, March 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Reed-Egan Funeral Home, Newark, where services will be held at 7:30 p.m. with the Rev. Bill Wayt officiating. Burial will be in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Danville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2369 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, OH 43055. Online condolence may be made at www.Byerly-Lindsey.com. The Byerly-Lindsey Funeral Home, Loudonville, is assisting the family with arrangements.

LyDean Billingsley
MOUNT VERNON — LyDean Kay Billingsley, 45, of Mount Vernon, formerly of Columbus, died Sunday, March 18, 2007, at Knox Community Hospital.

She was a loving and caring person who would help others, had a wonderful sense of humor, and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by mother and stepfather, Carolyn and Gil Engels; father and stepmother, Harold and Patty Billingsley; children, Amber (James), Korie (Wendel), Colton and Lainee; grandchildren, Tessa, Terra, Halley, Erica and ShyAnne; sister, Jenny (Alan) Smallwood; brothers, Todd Billingsley and Deno Billingsley; uncle, Paul (Sue) French; nieces, nephew, many cousins and dear friends.

A celebration of LyDean’s life will be held at Schoedinger North Chapel, 5554 Karl Road, Columbus, with the family receiving friends Wednesday, March 21, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Frances Dudgeon
GAMBIER — Frances Dudgeon, 90, of Gambier passed away Monday evening, March 19, 2007, at The Ohio Eastern Star Health Care Center. The North-Dilley Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Roger T. Fletcher
GEORGETOWN ISLAND, Maine — A celebration of life for Roger Todd Fletcher will be held at the Fletcher cabin on Georgetown Island, Maine, on July 4, 2007. The day will feature a special tribute to Roger beginning at 3 p.m. with the raising of the flag in honor of his military service. Friends and family will celebrate Roger’s life by sharing their favorite stories and memories. They’ll round off the evening by watching the fireworks over the Kennebec River, a tradition since 1966.

Diana L. Frost
SUNBURY — Diana L. Frost, 69, of Sunbury lost her yearlong battle with cancer, Sunday, March 18, 2007, at Riverside Methodist Hospital.

She was born Nov. 15, 1937, in Mansfield to the late Harold and Maribel (Linson) Frankenstein. A Sunbury resident since 1966, she taught ceramics and raised collies, and was a member of Condit Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by daughter, Cynthia Butler of Sunbury; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Judy (Ben “Bob”) Brace of Grove City; brother-in-law, Ed Long; nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 19 years, Richard M. Frost, in 1985; and sister, Margaret “Peg” Long.

Friends may call Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, Ohio 3 at Ohio 61, Sunbury, where services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Carol R. Weiss officiating. Interment will follow in Trenton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Arthur James Cancer Hospital, 300 W. 10th St., Suite 519, Columbus, OH 43210; or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Paul L. Kochheiser
MANSFIELD — Paul L. Kochheiser, 82, of Kochheiser Road, Mansfield, died Sunday, March 18, 2007, in MedCentral Hospital, Mansfield.

Paul went home to his Lord and Savior where he will be reunited with his loved ones.

He was born May 24, 1924, to W. Melvin and Lula (Woodruff) Kochheiser, on their family farm where he lived his entire life, the fifth generation. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1941. A U.S. Army veteran, Paul served 20 months during World War II in the Occupational Forces in Japan from April 1945 to December 1946. On Aug. 22, 1948, he married Annabelle M. Berry, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.

Paul worked as a machinist for Mansfield Screw Machine 19 1⁄2 years and for Galion Amco for 24 years, retiring as supervisor. His greatest pleasure was farming and repairing machinery on the family farm. Paul was a member of Jefferson Grange, and the Richland County Farm Bureau, where he held various offices. He was active in several churches, and most recently called Woodville Grace Brethren Church his church home. Paul enjoyed singing with his wife at church and in other organizations.

His grandchildren and family were the delights of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Annabelle M. (Berry) Kochheiser; two sons and daughter-in-law, Ray and Sharon Kochheiser of Mansfield, and Terry Kochheiser of Mount Vernon; a daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Russell Berry of Buffalo Grove, Ill.; eight grandchildren, Steven Kochheiser, Nathan Kochheiser, Katelyn Kochheiser, Kathryn Berry, Matthew Berry, Stephanie Fessler, Jamie Clawson and Lindy Clawson; two great-grandsons; and a sister, Dorothy Mowry of Bellville. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, the Rev. Dr. Ron and Sue Mowry, Linda and Alan Crooks, the Rev. Dr. Gary and Carol Kochheiser, Jerry and Diana Kochheiser; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family members.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Ethel Kochheiser; and a brother-in-law, Chester Mowry.

The family will receive friends today, Tuesday, March 20, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, Mansfield, where the funeral service will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. His nephew, the Rev. Dr. Gary Kochheiser, will officiate along with Pastor Ron Smals and Pastor Gene Witzky. Burial, with military honors conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail, will follow in Bellville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to Woodville Grace Brethren Church or the American Cancer Society may be made at the funeral home. Online condolences to the family may be made by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Donald W. Kouba
MOUNT VERNON — Donald W. Kouba, 89, of Mount Vernon died Sunday, March 18, 2007, at the Rose Garden Nursing Home in Mount Vernon.

Donald was born Aug. 23, 1917, in Cleveland. He served with the U.S. Army from 1936 to 1945 and retired in 1989 as comptroller for Martin Memorial Hospital in Mount Vernon. He was a member of MidState Archers Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Mount Vernon.

Surviving are his sons, Richard (Gerri) Kouba of Baltimore, Md., and Eugene (Katherine) Kouba of Mount Vernon; his stepson, Ralph Clayton of Baltimore, Md.; stepdaughters, Kimberly Clayton of Baltimore, Md., and Brittany Sivewright of Mount Vernon; three grandchildren, Teresa Dill of Baltimore, Md., Gina Marie Kouba of Silver Springs, Md., and Jeffrey Kouba of Blacklick, Ohio; and great-grandchildren, Richard Dill, Ryan Dill, Joseph Heins and Emani Kouba.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude Kouba; three brothers, Harold, Leroy and Monroe; and a sister, Josephine.

There will be no calling hours. Graveside funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Vernon.

To view this obituary or send a condolence to the family online, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Charles F. Leedy
BELLVILLE — Clarence F. “Squirt” Leedy, 72, of Ankenytown Road, Bellville, passed away Monday, March 19, 2007, at his home.

He was born Aug. 16, 1934, in Knox County to Kenneth and Martha (Gaddis) Leedy. Clarence was employed at Tappan in Mansfield and also was a self-employed farmer. He was a member of the Quarter Century Club, was a trustee for the Leedy Reunion Association. Clarence enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and watching and attending sporting events. He particularly enjoyed NASCAR and spending time with his grandchildren. Clarence was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Louise M. (Stull) Leedy; three daughters, Laurie Leedy of Bellville, Lisa (Greg) Blubaugh of Bellville, Lynelle Leedy (Joe Krempel) of Bellville; two sons, Craig (Connie) Leedy of Bellville, Todd (Marcie) Leedy of Bellville; eight grandchildren, Belinda Leedy, Lane Leedy, Monae Leedy, Olivia Blubaugh, Cade Blubaugh, Sawyer Blubaugh, Landis Blubaugh and Larson Blubaugh.

Clarence was preceded in death by a sister, Vera Morton; and two brothers, Clifford and Clark Leedy.

Friends may call Wednesday, March 21, at the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. A service will be held on Thursday, at the funeral home, beginning at 11 a.m., with Pastor Tom Ricker officiating. Burial, with military honors provided by the Irvin Hiskey Post of the American Legion in Bellville, will follow in Bellville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jefferson Township Fire Department (or) Ankenytown Grace Brethren Church, and can be left at the funeral home. This obituary and online condolences can be accessed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Shirley Marhefka
MOUNT VERNON — Shirley G. Marhefka, 78, of High Meadow Drive, Mount Vernon, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2007, at Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon.

She was born July 30, 1928, in Coshocton to William and Nina (Arnold) Markley. Shirley worked as a fraud investigator for the Ohio State Bureau of Workers’ Comp. She was a member of The Salvation Army Church and had also worked as a caseworker for The Salvation Army.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews; a sister, Marry T. Priddy of Huntington, Ind.; and six stepchildren.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, George S. Atkinson; her second husband, Joseph L. Marhefka Sr.; and three brothers, Harold Markley, Raymond Markley and Geraldine Markley.

A funeral service will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at The Salvation Army Church, 206 E. Ohio Ave., Mount Vernon, where friends may call two hours prior. Major Robert Bender will be officiating. The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army Church. This obituary and guest registry are online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Beulah G. Reppart
FREDERICKTOWN — Beulah G. Reppart, 84, of Fredericktown died Sunday, March 18, 2007, at the Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon.

Beulah was born Jan. 16, 1923, at New Athens, Ohio, to J. Chalmers and Lillian (Clark) Gillespie, was a graduate of New Athens High School and had been a resident of the Fredericktown area since 1954. She and her husband, George, had owned and operated the Leader Store, a men’s clothing store, and Reppart’s Department Store, a women’s apparel store, both in Fredericktown. Beulah had also been employed at the Knox County Agriculture Service Center in Mount Vernon and retired from Kenyon College in Gambier where she was employed in Student Accounts. Following retirement from Kenyon, Beulah worked for the Knox County Bureau of Motor Vehicles, License Bureau in Mount Vernon.

Beulah was a member of the Fredericktown First Presbyterian Church in Fredericktown, a 50-year member of Ann Hill Chapter 81 of the Order of Eastern Star in Fredericktown, and the OCC Mothers Club in Fredericktown. Beulah had been an active member of the Fredericktown Athletic Boosters and remained an avid “Freddie Fan.”

Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and John Evans of Worthington; sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Barry and Sandra Reppart of Mount Vernon, Keith Reppart of Sacramento, Calif., and Dr. Curtis and Carole Reppart of Hamilton, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, Michelle Evans, Moriah Evans, Justin Evans, Christina Evans, Amber Evans, Angela Evans, Kelsey Reppart, Darby Reppart, Courtney Reppart and Curtis Reppart; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, George R. Reppart, in 1993; her sister, Frances McCullough; and her brother, Herbert Gillespie.

Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Snyder Funeral Home in Fredericktown, where the Ann Hill Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, will conduct memorial service following the calling hours. Funeral service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Fredericktown, with the Rev. Mike Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Cemetery in Fredericktown.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ann Hill Chapter 81, Order of Eastern Star; or the Fredericktown Athletic Boosters, both at the funeral home. To view this obituary or send an online condolence to the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Ronald R. Webb
SUNBURY — Ronald R. Webb, 66, of Sunbury died Monday, March 19, 2007, at his home surrounded by his family following a three-month illness with pancreatic cancer.

He was born April 15, 1940, in Lawrence County, Ky., to the late Lonza and Cora (Holbrook) Webb. A Sunbury area resident since 1945, he was a retired truck driver with Galena Transport.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Irene (Lane); sons, Steve Webb of Centerburg and Brent Webb of Ashley; four granddaughters; three great-grandsons; brother, Carl Webb; sister, Anne McGlothlin; brother-in-law, Edward Patterson; sisters-in-law, Rosalie and Bonnie Webb; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three brothers; three sisters; and two brothers-in-law.

Friends may call Thursday evening from 5 to 8 at DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, Ohio 3 at Ohio 61, Sunbury, where funeral services will be held Friday at 1 p.m., with J.R. Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Sunbury Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions can be made American Cancer Society, 1105 Mount Vernon Ave., Marion, OH 43302; or Hospice at Grady, 561 W. Central Ave., Delaware, OH 43015. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.