Class Notes
1940s
Annettia Schumacher Lukas ’49 was honored at the 109th annual banquet of the Radnor/Buckeye Valley Alumni Association. She was employed by the school system for 27 years.
Elva Welday Newdome ’49 was featured in Mansfield News Journal for her tenure with the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra.
1950s
Judson Millhon ’51 was posthumously inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame on May 21 for his achievements in basketball.
Beverly Lane Koski ’52 was recognized at the Jewish Housing Council’s “Eight Over 80” celebration for her significant contributions to the Sarasota, FL, community.
Caroline Naumann Luhta ’52 was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.
Richard Jackson ’53 published The Rules, a book of business advice.
Sara Bonnell Potsdam ’58 retired as full-time nursing supervisor at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where she worked for nearly 29 years.
1960s
Richard Winger ’60 is still in politics and was re-elected to city council for the third time in November, after serving as mayor of Vero Beach, FL, for two years. He serves as chairman of the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments, sits on the Indian River Beach and Shore Commission, is the city representative on the Indian River Lagoon Conservation Coalition, and serves on the Florida League of Cities Environment and Energy Committee. He also serves on the Indian River County Republican Executive Committee.
Ursula Parrish Daniels ’61 earned one of four “2016 Women of Achievement” awards from the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey.
Paul Schimmel ’62 was featured in Nature Medicine journal for his work as a molecular biologist and founder of aTyr Pharma, a biotherapeutics company.
Charles “Chuck” Smith ’64, of Tipp City, OH, was appointed to the Ohio State Dental Board by Governor John Kasich for a four-year term.
Peter Lee ’65 is starting his third year as a youth lacrosse coach volunteer with the San Luis Obispo YMCA. His grandson, Tobey (11), will be starting his third year as a participant, and Raegan (9) will be starting her first season. In January 2016, Peter was elected president of the 805 Youth Lacrosse Association, a 501c3 founded to promote the growth of competitive youth lacrosse teams in San Luis Obispo County.
Thomas Saunders ’66 is the artist behind the “Crystal Synergies” exhibit of abstract prints, which is presented in OWU’s Mowry Alumni Center and Beeghly Library.
Nancy Beams Hoelzer ’69 is a printmaker and painter whose work was featured in the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association’s Old Sculpin Gallery in Edgartown, MA.
Arthur Keown ’69 was appointed Alumni Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech.
Susan Phillips Read ’69 is now counsel at the global law firm of Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
1970s
Stephen Penny ’70 delivered a presentation titled “The Indians of Southern New England” to the Vernon Historical Society in Vernon, CT, on March 6.
Dan DiBiasio ’71, president of Ohio Northern University, received the Distinguished Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) Award at the university’s Greek Awards banquet.
Tremper Longman III ’74 presented a lecture titled “Silent Suffering: Encouragement in the Midst of the Pain of Life from Job, Psalms, and Lamentations” at Hope International University on February 22.
Lawrence Reddick III ’74, presiding bishop of the Eighth Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, delivered the 2016 commencement address at Paine College.
Carol Galante ’76 is now independent director of the board of directors for Ocwen Financial Corporation, a leading financial services holding company.
Morten Arntzen ’77 has been appointed senior shipping industry advisor at Macquarie Specialised Investment Solutions.
Nancy Grover ’77 published an article titled “Injured Workers with Comorbidities May Be Ripe for ‘Gene’ Testing” on workerscompensation.com.
1980s
Alton Doody ’80 was the 2016 Schwebel Lecture Series speaker for Kent State’s Hospitality Management Program on April 14.
Karl Ferchau ’80 transferred from Citigroup’s Operations and Technology Division to its Finance Division in 2014 and was recently promoted to senior vice president within its Securities and Exchange Commission Reporting Department. Karl specializes in international reporting/accounting system development for Citigroup and works in Long Island City, NY. He earned an MBA from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester in 1982 and graduated from Citicorp’s Global Institute of Finance in 1990.
Donna McCabe Schaeffer ’80 was appointed to be an associate judge on the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, MD, by Governor Larry Hogan in December 2015.
Jennifer Wells Levine ’82 released a new novel, Summer Secrets, on May 4.
Laura Staley ’84 inspires people to thrive in the spaces they live and work. After a flood of a finished basement in 2000, Laura learned that she could live with belongings she loved rather than hand-me-down stuff she didn’t like. Trained and certified by the Western School of Feng Shui in 2004, Laura helps clients courageously let go of unwanted items, arrange their spaces for optimal comfort, safety, and flow, and create lives they love. She founded Cherish Your World in 2004, and her company became an LLC in July 2015. Laura will soon publish Let Go Courageously and Live with Love: Transform Your Life with Feng Shui. Her passions include writing, speaking, and consulting, alongside her love of running, biking, swimming, dancing, meditation, yoga, and spending quality time laughing with friends and family. She lives in Columbus, OH, and has two adult children. You can visit her website www.cherishyourworld.com for Tips of the Week and a monthly blog.
Amy Fenton ’85 directed the play “The Clean House,” a Pulitzer Prize finalist that was performed at The Theatre of Western Springs in April.
Richard Vandenburgh ’85 and John Liegey ’86 are co-owners of Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., a fast-growing brewery in Greenport, NY.
Todd Fitch ’86 is now offensive coordinator and receivers coach for the Louisiana Tech University football team.
Craig Sutherland ’86, a seventh grade science teacher in Newark, OH, received a Golden Apple Award from WROC-TV in January. The award recognizes outstanding educators in the area, as nominated by their students.
Peter Martin ’87 is president and founder of Testimonial Builder, a platform to showcase customer testimonial videos.
1990s
Kamal Saggi ’90 is now dean of social sciences at Vanderbilt University.
Robert Rodgers ’91 is now CFO of Unishippers Global Logistics, LLC.
Matt Schrader ’91 is now managing director of strategic accounts at INVNT, a global brand communications agency.
Elizabeth Kanne Miller ’92 was named deputy head of GEMS Nations Academy, a new school in Dubai, India.
Keith Rucker ’92, a former lineman for the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cincinnati Bengals for eight years, is now defensive coordinator at Summit Country Day School.
David Breslin ’93 is now head of school at Williamsburg Christian Academy in Williamsburg, VA.
James Bryant ’93 is now special teams coordinator for the Colorado State Rams.
Shannon Leary Knall ’93 was appointed to the Wisconsin Governor’s Council on Autism. Shannon currently serves as Autism Speaks Wisconsin’s Policy Chair.
Brad Schwartz ’94 is a mixed-media artist whose work was featured at Trails End Gallery in Chewelah, WA, in June.
Deborah Shatzer ’94 portrayed Elizabeth Campbell, a historical Delaware, OH, resident, in a dramatic presentation at the Big Walnut Area Historical Society meeting on June 14.
John Repenning ’95 was featured in The Indianapolis Star on February 25 for his work leading GreenCycle, a central Indiana-based operation that produces organic mulch, compost, and soil blends from recycled food, yard, and wood waste.
Abram Wilson ’95 was posthumously celebrated for his work and music as a trumpeter on June 14 at St. James Studio, London.
Heather Ward Borland ’97 is now student wellness coordinator at Denison University.
Drew Thawley ’97 is now managing director for the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute Foundation.
Kgutlisi Moloi ’98 was the star of “Always & Forever: A Tribute to Luther Vandross” at the Joburg Theatre March 31-April 3.
Elizabeth Royer ’98 is rugby coach for the Burlington, VT, community team and an assistant coach for the girls team at Essex High School.
Martin Forman ’99 was inducted into the newly established Big Walnut High School Alumni Hall of Fame.
Aman Narain ’99 is now CEO for international markets at BankBazaar.
Phillip Penix-Tadsen ’99, assistant professor of Spanish in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Delaware, published the book Cultural Code: Video Games and Latin America.
Joshua Shade ’99 has joined Opus Bank as managing director, senior client manager¬–commercial banking, Arizona region.
2000s
Joshua Kessler ’00 served as a mentor playwright to high school playwrights during MadLab’s Young Writers Short Play Festival.
Branden McGhee ’00 was promoted to district manager of Atomic Credit Union in 2015.
Heather Hover Seddelmeyer ’00 has led the Rivals Basketball Club in Massachusetts for the past seven years.
Jennifer Barnes-Gatzke ’01 is now a Realtor with Keller Williams Performance Realty in Cañon City, CO.
Jessica Mathews ’01 serves on the board of Transit Columbus in Columbus, OH, and is the creator of the organization’s PlaceMakes initiative, which transforms public areas like parking spaces and low-traffic streets into communal destinations.
Honorah O’Neill ’01, a painter and sculptor, created an interactive solo exhibition titled “Chimera,” which was featured at the Trailer Box Project in Danbury, CT.
Leah Webb Schryer ’01 is now director of support services at Change, Inc. (Westminster, MD), an agency that provides services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Timothy Stanos ’01 is now managing director at Avascent, a strategy and management consultancy serving government-driven markets.
Christy Seymour Sturtz ’01 donated a copy of her book, Just Try It, Georgie! to the New Carlisle Public Library in Ohio.
Vincent McGinnis ’02 was featured in Florida Today newspaper for his work as a plastic surgeon.
Jason Dopoulos ’03 is now managing director at Lancaster Pollard.
Brandon Bytnar ’05 was selected as a “2016 Top 40 Under 40” trusts and estates lawyer in Florida by the American Society of Legal Advocates.
Kaluhath “Kenneth” De Abrew ’05 starred in the play Guards at the Taj at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.
Kathleen Cooper Coughlin ’08 is now middle school athletics director in Upper Arlington, OH.
Elizabeth Davis ’08 is now director of international and off-campus programs at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD.
Christopher Myers ’08 was featured on WeWork.com for his work in recruiting at Bespoke Search Group.
Daniel Strumlok ’08 was featured on syracuse.com for his service as a veteran Marine Corps infantry officer and for his love of his 1950 Chrysler Imperial.
Will Yoder ’09 is now a sports community leader at Instagram.
2010s
Trevor Hawley ’10 is now leading enterprise software sales at BetterWorks in San Francisco. Trevor was previously with Localytics, based in London the past two years to launch their European office, and other Boston tech companies, including HubSpot and Performable.
Colleen Brieck Yoder ’10 is now a first grade teacher at Palo Alto schools in California.
Evan Bai ’11 completed his Ph.D. in genetics at Yale University and was awarded the Carolyn Slayman Prize for Outstanding Dissertation. His Ph.D. thesis focused on understanding how relatively benign brain tumors progress to malignancy. After graduation, Evan joined Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston as a research scientist to help discover and develop novel therapeutics for cancer, cystic fibrosis, and other diseases.
Tyler Cordell ’11 is now assistant coach for the Columbia University women’s basketball team.
Martha Park ’11 was chosen as a spring 2016 Philip Roth Resident in Creative Writing at Bucknell University.
Amanda Barker ’13, a member of the OWU softball team, was inducted into the Granville High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Krishna Borhara ’13 completed her master’s degree in geology at Bowling Green State University and will be starting her Ph.D. in the fall at Utah State University, working on fault mechanics with Jim Evans.
Leah Shaeffer Porrata ’13 is director of education at Gulfshore Playhouse, a performing arts theatre in Naples, FL.
William Thieman ’13 is now the high school boys’ varsity tennis coach at Bishop Watterson High School in Columbus, OH.
Mason Espinosa ’14, former OWU quarterback, has been signed to the Billings Wolves. He also was named the Indoor Football League’s Offensive Player of the Week in April.
Madelaine Mavec ’14 featured her abstract paintings and paper products at an art opening reception at the Gates Mills Library in Gates Mills, OH, on March 3. She also exhibited “Escaping Reality” at the Guren Art Gallery at the Cleveland Botanical Garden March 19-April 24.
Samuel Abbott ’15 is an English teacher and head varsity baseball coach at Reedsburg High School in Reedsburg, WI.
Kristen Krak ’15 performed in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” in April with the CATCO Theatre in Columbus, OH.
Elaine Young ’15 has been awarded the Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship from the American Geosciences Institute. She is pursuing her master’s degree at the University of California, Davis.
Mark Mandych ’16 is the recipient of a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program grant, through which he will be spending the fall in Hamburg, Germany, teaching English to high school students.
Marriages
2010s
Jacob Kohr ’11 was married to Mary Conley on May 28 in Terre Haute, IN.
Births
1990s
Gina Marino Thawley ’98 and Drew Thawley ’97 celebrated the birth of daughter Eleanor “Ella” Mae Thawley on April 13.
2000s
Jennifer Blair Hall ’00 and her husband Randy welcomed son Daniel Franklin Hall on April 2.
Cindy Luth Nelson ’00 celebrated the birth of daughter Cassidy Nelson on March 22.
Michelle Uton Simpson ’00 and her husband Ricky celebrated the birth of son Micah Lance Simpson on February 26.
Emily Motsay Welly ’00 and Nicholas Welly ’00 welcomed daughter Caroline Frances Welly on April 13. Also celebrating are uncles Burton Welly ’01 and Timothy Welly ’07.
Hugh Boyle ’02 and his wife Heather celebrated the birth of son Edward “Teddy” McArtor Boyle on April 12.
Alison Drake Burciaga ’03 and her husband Juan welcomed Juan Burciaga III on
February 11. He is the grandson of Tim Drake ’74 and Sandi Aker Drake ’75 and the great-grandson of the late M. Richard Drake ’43 and Nina Drake ’43.
Elizabeth Tullberg Bedford ’04 and William Bedford ’05 celebrated the birth of son Elton Lloyd Bedford on May 25.
Elizabeth Davis Conway ’04 and her husband Devon welcomed son Maxwell Sulla Conway on May 8. Also celebrating is grandfather James Davis ’76.
Brenda Johnson ’04 and her husband Michael welcomed son Nathan Brendan Champion on April 8.
Emily Snider Kagey ’04 and Jacob Kagey ’04 welcomed their second son, Davis Graham Kagey, on March 26. Davis joins his big brother, Forrest Patrick, born January 9, 2012.
Eric Korn ’04 welcomed daughter Layla Ann Korn on May 5. Also celebrating is uncle Jarod Korn ’06.
Amy Blinn Mosley ’04 and Wesley Mosley ’04 welcomed son Grant David Mosley on April 13.
Leah Cressman Robertson ’04 and David Robertson ’05 welcomed daughter Stella Sophia Robertson on May 31.
Colin Campbell ’05 and his wife Tara celebrated the birth of daughter Alma Elizabeth Craft Campbell on March 10.
Jennifer Blystone Casper ’05 and her husband John welcomed son John Allan Casper on May 18.
Whitney Richards ’05 and her husband Seth celebrated the birth of son Creighton Nance Wensinger on May 5.
Erin Eilbeck Sykes ’05 and Curt Sykes ’07 welcomed daughter Fern Luella Sykes on February 12. Also celebrating is aunt Katelyn Eilbeck ’12.
Read Allen ’06 and Kathryn Holick Allen ’06 welcomed daughter Elizabeth Robbins Allen on October 15, 2015. Also celebrating are grandparents Stephen Allen ’77 and Holly Boeckel Allen ’77.
Christina Burfeindt Brown ’06 and Charles Brown ’03 celebrated the birth of son Henry David Brown on May 4. Also celebrating is aunt Jennifer Maxwell ’12.
Jill Murphey ’06 and her husband Bryan celebrated the birth of son Everett Murphey Johnson on March 24.
Melissa Herman Snow ’06 and her husband Michael welcomed daughter Isabelle “Izzy” Louise Snow on May 2. Also celebrating is uncle Douglas Herman ’08.
Elizabeth Walbridge Chapman ’08 and her husband Stephen welcomed son Hunter Thomas Chapman on March 8. Also celebrating is great-aunt Susan Walbridge Blake ’85.
Rachel Jolly Janiak ’09 and Brian Janiak ’12 welcomed son Ellis Finley Jolly Janiak on March 16. The family lives in North Quincy, MA. Also celebrating are grandfather Tom Jolly ’77 and grandmother Jane Gumley Janiak ’78.
Brittany Coss Pace ’09 and David Pace ’10 welcomed son Connor David Edward Pace on March 18.
2010s
Brent Pleiman ’10 and his wife Shannon welcomed son Elijah Henry Pleiman on February 6.
Jillian Ristau ’12 celebrated the birth of daughter Helena Ristau on March 22.
In Memoriam
1930s
Mary Midden Humes ’39, of Delaware, OH, April 14, at the age of 98. She was predeceased by her husband, Harry Humes ’40.
1940s
Arline Lennox Bingham ’40, of Simsbury, CT, May 5, at the age of 97. She is survived by a daughter, Evangeline Bingham ’66, and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Dorothea Heckman Hartley ’41, of Lakeside, OH, February 22, at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Hartley ’40. She is survived by daughters Doranne Hartley Coad ’67 and Sandra Hartley Geiger ’70. Dorothea was a member of the OWU Tower Society and Gamma Phi Beta sorority.
Ruth McKinney Isaak-Lyle ’41, of Honolulu, HI, February 20, at the age of 96. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Valonia Rayfield Moore ’41, of Lexington, KY, February 4, at the age of 96. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Georgia Faith Noble ’41, of Santa Barbara, CA, March 18, at the age of 96. She was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Faith Miller ’28, and was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
Margaret Brown Conger ’42, of Asheville, NC, January 29, at the age of 94. She was predeceased by a sister, Wilma Conger Perrill ’35, and is survived by a nephew, Kenneth Nitchie ’81.
Catherine Urton Dittrick ’42, of Dublin, OH, March 27, at the age of 95. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Dittrick ’42. She is survived by a daughter, Carol Dittrick Wolters ’73, a nephew, Douglas Dittrick ’55, and a niece, Wendy Dittrick Harris ’66. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority.
Harriet Rittenour Smith ’42, of Reynoldsburg, OH, March 22, at the age of 95. She was predeceased by her mother, Olivia Roberts Rittenour 1918, and her husband, Alan Smith Jr. ’40. She is survived by a daughter, Christie Smith Bolender ’69, and a son, Alan Smith III ’66. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
Miriam Johnson Bruton ’43, of Richardson, TX, April 12, at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ariel Brooks and Geneva May Johnson, two brothers, Rolland Johnson ’39, Wilbur Johnson ’41, an uncle, Wilbur Johnson 1909, and a cousin, Constance Murphy Devitt ’37. Miriam was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
Margaret Arnott Cordes ’43, of Glen Mills, PA, June 6, at the age of 94.
Dorothy Ginn Keith ’43, of Hendersonville, NC, March 28, at the age of 95. She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority.
Beverly Wright Meister ’43, of Boone, NC, February 18, at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Meister ’40, and is survived by a son, David Meister ’71. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Richard Peppler ’43, of Euclid, OH, March 26, at the age of 94. He was predeceased by his mother, Gwendoline Bond Peppler 1910, and a cousin, Robert Adams ’41.
Margaret Whiting Funsett ’44, of Shaker Heights, OH, May 9, at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by a brother, Herbert Whiting ’38. She is survived by a sister, E. Jean Whiting Addison ’39, and a cousin, Kathryn Shimmon Crowther ’43. Margaret was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Cecily Maitland Wilkinson ’44, of Frederick, MD, March 28, at the age of 93. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
M. Eleanor Anderson ’45, of Missoula, MT, March 21, at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by a brother, William Searles ’37, and was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority.
Edward Morris ’45, of Tulsa, OK, April 30, at the age of 93. He was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine Fissel Morris 1912. He is survived by a sister, Carolyn Morris Conarroe ’49; four sons, John Morris ’70, Eric Morris ’73, Edward Morris ’83, and Christopher Morris ’81; and four grandchildren, Victoria Morris ’12, Sara Morris ’12, Marshall Morris ’13, and Jennifer Morris ’14. Edward was a member of the OWU Tower Society and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Ellen Archea Berghamer ’46, of Cincinnati, OH, May 17, at the age of 93. She was a member of the OWU Tower Society and Gamma Phi Beta sorority.
Barbara Rothstein Clark ’46, of Powell, OH, May 7, at the age of 91. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
Joanne Lawrence Root ’46, of Norwalk, OH, May 22, 2016, at the age of 91. She was predeceased by a son, an aunt, Rena Fink Williams 1909, and a cousin, Emma Sage Van Brunt ’35. She is survived by a son, Thomas Root ’75, and a daughter-in- law, Kathy Geer Root ’75. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. An English major, Joanne lived in Stuyvesant and Monnett dormitories. In June 2014, for her 90th birthday celebration, she enjoyed a private tour of the newly renovated Stuyvesant Hall. After earning her degree from OWU, she taught English at Plymouth High School and later at Pioneer Joint Vocational Center. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling to Europe, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and South America. She was a founding member of the Plymouth Area Historical Society, serving as a trustee, and was active with the organization and its Heritage Center until her passing. In addition to her OWU legacy, she is survived by her husband of 67 years, Thomas F. Root, daughter Susan Root Moore, sons Steven Root (Karen) and W. Todd Root (Cherise), seven grandchildren, and best friends (from childhood to present) Phyllis White O’Reilly ’46 and (from OWU to present) Virginia Bagley Heischman ’46.
Paul “Tom” Beeghly ’47, of Santa Ana, CA, February 5, 2016, at the age of 93. Tom was predeceased by his wife, Mary Grinton Beeghly ’48, two brothers, Charles Beeghly ’30 and R. Thornton Beeghly ’34, a sister, Mary Beeghly Schaff ’46, and a niece, Margaret Beeghly Hogan ’64. He is survived by a great-nephew, John Beeghly ’18. Tom was a member of the OWU Tower Society and Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Marie Nickles Gardner ’47, of Navarre, OH, April 3, 2016, at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her husband, David Gardner ’48, a brother, Edward Nickles ’33, a cousin, Barbara Nickles Sponseller ’52, and two sisters-in- law, Ruth Kendall Gardner ’47 and Ruth Sieker Gardner ’52. She is survived by three sons, David Gardner ’71, Ernest Gardner ’73, and Philip Gardner ’74, a daughter, Mary Gardner Slee ’76, a daughter-in- law, Susan Rinehart Gardner ’73, two brothers-in- law, Robert M. Gardner ’51 and John W. Gardner ’48, a cousin, Germaine Gerber ’55, a granddaughter, Emily Slee ’16, five nieces, Sally Christiansen Harris ’76, Karin Christiansen Fowler ’69, Lynn Gardener Rohr ’75, Catherine Gardner Layman ’70, and Marjorie Gardner Polk ’75, a nephew, Stephen Gardner ’79, and a great-niece Kelly Gardner ’10. Within her extended family, 26 family members have attended OWU over the years. Marie was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Marie was the last surviving child of the late Alfred and Emma Nickles. Alfred Nickles was a Swiss immigrant who founded Alfred Nickles Bakery in 1909. Her two older brothers were Ernest (Cookie) and Edward (Thelma) Nickles. Marie “Rhea” was beloved by everyone who met her. She lived her entire life in Navarre, except for her college years at Ohio Wesleyan and a two-year period in Massillon. She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Navarre, a former member of Brookside Country Club as well as several organizations in Navarre, Massillon and Canton. She was a devout reader of newspapers, magazines, and books. She loved dogs, especially her Westies, Cricket and Heather, and her Carin Terrier, Belle. Marie and her husband, David, spent part of every summer at the Chautauqua Institute where they delighted in and absorbed the religious, cultural and art programs. There was nothing like seeing and hearing a performance or lecture or sermon in the Amphitheater for Marie and Dave. And most important, Rhea and Dave shared their love for Chautauqua with their children and grandchildren. Their lifelong best friends were Elly, her roommate at Ohio Wesleyan, and Kork Kirk; Jane and Clayton Daley, and two her special friends from Ohio Wesleyan, Marg Hoskins and Gert Beattie, who called Marie “Nikky.” Marie and Dave also found peace and solitude at their home in Green Valley, Ariz. The family wants to especially thank the Yoder family—Esther, Irma and Carol—for their many, many years of dedicated service and friendship to Marie. The family's fondest memories of “Rhea” are two: First, she cherished her moments with her grandchildren and great- grandchildren, two of whom, Will and Mia, were born recently on February 3 and March 29, respectively. Second, there was not a kinder, more gentle, more forgiving and more loving person to everyone who knew her than Marie.
Bonnie Pergande Holby ’47, of Asheville, NC, February 26, at the age of 90. She is survived by a sister, Mary Pergande Haapa ’39, and was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority.
James Kratt ’47, of Louisville, KY, February 21, at the age of 90. He was predeceased by a brother, George Kraft ’41, and was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Caroline Watkins Pierce ’47, of Tryon, NC, February 13, at the age of 91. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Donald Fetrow ’48, of Chillicothe, OH, April 9, at the age of 93. He was preceded in death by a cousin, William Rohr ’40, and is survived by a son, Charles Fetrow ’73. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Darlene Walter Maurer ’48, of Central Point, OR, May 8, at the age of 90.
Elizabeth Kesling Smith ’48, of Knoxville, TN, May 11, at the age of 89. She is survived by a son, David Kesling ’73, and a cousin, Eleanor Newcomb Rice ’46. Elizabeth was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
John Wunderlich ’48, of Aurora, IN, March 18, at the age of 91. He was predeceased by his wife, Joan Finn Wunderlich ’48.
James Breece ’49, of New Albany, IN, May 19, at the age of 88. He was predeceased by his father, James Breece ’20. He is survived by his wife, Roberta Tewalt Breece ’49, a sister, Patricia Breece McKinney ’47, and two children, James Breece ’74 and Anthony Breece ’77. James was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
Carol Ballinger Gregg ’49, of Fredericktown, OH, May 11, at the age of 88. She was predeceased by her parents, Lucille Carroll Ballinger ’24 and J. Kenneth Ballinger ’23, and an uncle, Robert Carroll ’28. She is survived by her husband, Robert Gregg ’45, and a daughter, Susan Gregg Cunningham ’73. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
Patricia Baldwin Kilpatrick ’49, of Cleveland, OH, March 3, at the age of 88. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Elizabeth Erbach Lewis ’49, of Tecumseh Island, Indian Lake, OH, May 26, at the age of 88. She was predeceased by her husband, William Lewis ’51, and was a member of Chi Omega sorority.
1950s
Ann Sirlouis Atherton ’50, of Norwalk, OH, January 31, at the age of 87. She is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Atheron Matthews ’79 and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She was born October 22, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Harry J. and Mary J. (Hughes) Sir Louis and came to rural Monroeville in 1950 from Richland County, Ohio. Ann was a member of the North Fairfield United Methodist Church, where she had been an Eastern Conference delegate. She was a former teacher in the Monroeville and Willard Public Schools, and was a former employee of Holman Jewelry Store. Ann was a life member of the Firelands Historical Society, the Huron County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society, the First Families of Richland County and Ohio, Settlers and Builders of Ohio, and Civil War Families of Ohio. She was also a volunteer, and past president, of the Fisher-Titus Auxiliary, a member of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association, and a member of the Huron County A.D.A.M.S. Board. Ann enjoyed gardening, traveling, playing piano, reading, flowers, genealogy, auctions, and yard sales. She was an exhibitor at the Huron County Fair, winning many ribbons and awards. Ann is survived by her children, Bruce (Rosemary) Atherton of Marysville, OH, Rebecca Williams of London, OH, Cheryl Jordan of Blanchester, OH, Elizabeth Matthews of Monroeville, OH, Corinna (Steven) Bennett of Hudson, OH, and Jonathan (Sherry) Atherton of Canfield, OH, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Cecil G. Atherton Jr., in 1998. Memorial contributions may be made to the North Fairfield United Methodist Church, to the Fisher-Titus Medical Center Auxiliary, 272 Benedict Avenue, Norwalk, Ohio 44857, or to the U.S.O., Department WS, P.O. Box 96860, Washington D.C. 200-6860.
Charles Gregg ’50, of Mount Vernon, OH, February 7, at the age of 90. He was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Carol Ballinger Gregg ’49. He is survived by a brother, Robert Gregg ’45. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Elizabeth Prugh Weldon ’50, of Waxahachie, TX, March 23, at the age of 87.
Oneida Litsinberger Boerger ’51, of Marysville, OH, April 27, at the age of 86.
Corinne Latham Cooper ’51, of Sarasota, FL, May 13, at the age of 86. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dana Latham ’20, and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Carol Fox Green ’51, of Grove City, OH, August 26, 2015, at the age of 85. She was predeceased by her husband, Carl Green ’51, and was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
Theresa FitzGerald Kettler ’51, of Buckeystown, MD, May 20, at the age of 86. She is survived by a daughter, Cathleen Kettler Viets ’83, and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Floyd Mussard ’51, of Arroyo Grande, CA, March 19, at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Hoffman Mussard ’51, and two cousins, Anne Tryon McGrew ’32 and Martha Tryon Yohe ’31. He is survived by a niece, Amy Seaman Fredrick ’79. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Neil Bantly ’52, of Orleans, MA, April 1, at the age of 85. He is survived by a daughter, Amy Bantly Stansfield ’83. Neil was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.
Robert Canright ’52, of Shelby, OH, March 4, at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his parents, H. Joyce Canright ’21 and Helen Hiteshew Canright ’26. Robert was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
Ronald Hood ’52, of Gibson City, IL, February 19, at the age of 85. He was a member of Beta Sigma Tau fraternity.
Sally Atkinson Hudnutt ’52, of Elyria, OH, April 14, at the age of 85. She was predeceased by her parents, George Atkinson ’29 and Kathryn Wilson Atkinson ’30, and her husband, Arthur Hudnutt ’51. She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Hudnutt Adelsberg ’93 and Kathryn Hudnutt Allanmeyer ’80. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Milton Lenc ’52, of Grand Junction, CO, January 22, at the age of 89. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.
John Roberts ’52, of Kent, OH, April 14, at the age of 85. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
Ruth Wilson Baker ’53, of Beachwood, NJ, February 2, at the age of 83. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mitchell Baker ’53, and was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Nancy Rulketter Fairhurst ’53, of Toledo, OH, May 10, at the age of 85. She was predeceased by her parents, Ruth Gammell Rulketter ’27 and J.W. Rulketter ’25, and a daughter, Katherine Fairhurst ’75. She is survived by two children, Virginia Fairhurst Keller ’81 and William Fairhurst ’79. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Dan Martin ’53, of Wellington, FL, December 14, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy DeMeo Martin ’56, as well as three sons and a daughter. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Sarah Roberts Ahrendt ’54, of Hilton Head Island, SC, June 1, at the age of 83. She was predeceased by her parents, James Roberts ’23 and Aline Pierce Roberts ’23, and an uncle, Donald Pierce ’33. She is survived by a brother, James Roberts ’51, a daughter, Kimberly Ahrendt Furnald ’80, and a nephew, Frederic Roberts ’84. Sarah was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Denver Newman ’54, of Portsmouth, OH, March 4, at the age of 83.
Richard Treis ’54, of Douglas, MI, May 22, at the age of 86. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
Linda Powell Artuso ’55, of Long Beach, CA, March 31, at the age of 82. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.
James McIndoe ’56, of Willoughby, OH, May 24, at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Phillips McIndoe ’56, and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
Donald Patchin ’56, of Chicago, IL, March 8, at the age of 81. He is survived by two sons, Darian Patchin ’87 and Dorian Patchin ’87. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
William Sumpter ’56, of Midlothian, VA, April 18, at the age of 81.
Charles Crawford ’57, of Alpharetta, GA, May 5, at the age of 81. He is survived by a sister, Margaret Crawford Hevel ’55, and two brothers, A. Robert Crawford ’53 and William Crawford ’61. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
Robert Lowe Jr. ’57, of West Windsor, NJ, March 12, at the age of 81. He is survived by a sister, Nancy Lowe Hancher ’57, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Oliver Foster ’58, of Los Angeles, CA, March 17, at the age of 79.
David Huit ’58, of Marshfield, MA, March 5, at the age of 82. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Judith Allen Foster ’59, of Columbus, OH, May 9, at the age of 78. She is survived by her husband, Sidney Foster ’58, and two siblings, Janet Allen Esch ’62 and Jerry Allen ’61. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Patricia Tappan ’59, of Hobe Sound, FL, February 17, at the age of 78. She is survived by a son, Joseph Tappan ’85, and was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
1960s
Thomas Butters ’60, of Durham, NC, March 31, at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife, Lynn Evans Butters ’60, and a son, Bret Butters ’87. Tom was a member of the OWU Tower Society, a recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Citation, and a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Elizabeth Gilchrist Cummings ’61, of Marietta, OH, February 21, at the age of 75. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
John Flannery ’64, of New Castle, PA, March 24, at the age of 74. He is survived by two brothers, Harry Flannery ’69 and Richard Flannery ’64. John was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Laura Robbins Torbet ’64, of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, April 11, at the age of 73.
Terry Talling ’66, of Casstown, OH, February 24, at the age of 71. He is survived by a brother, Thomas Talling ’73, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Mary Patterson ’67, of New York, NY, April 17, at the age of 70. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Barbara Hartley Schlacter ’67, of Iowa City, IA, February 17, at the age of 70. She is survived by a sister, Suzanne Hartley ’71, and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
1970s
Beth Vereeke Crawford ’70, of Durham, NC, February 20, at the age of 67. She was preceded in death by her father, Edwin Vereeke ’43, and is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Crawford ’70, and was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Selden McNeer ’71, of Chesapeake, OH, May 31, at the age of 66.
Benjamin Edmonds ’72, of Detroit, MI, March 11, at the age of 65.
Katherine Denman Black ’77, of Seattle, WA, March 4, at the age of 60.
Blair Werthmann ’78, of Chatham, NJ, February 5, at the age of 60. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
1980s
Jennifer Fyles Potthoff ’81, of Cape Eliz, ME, March 8, at the age of 56.
Elliot Warren ’81, of Wellesley, MA, June 6, at the age of 58. He was a member of Chi Phi fraternity.
Christopher Berking ’83, of Ipswich, MA, June 3. He is survived by a sister, Margot Berking Daigle ’85, and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
Nicholas Van Taylor ’83, of Westminster, MD, February 28, at the age of 54. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Bradley Taylor ’85, and a brother, Samuel Taylor ’79. Nicholas was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Evonne Shahid ’85, of Columbus, OH, April 4, at the age of 52. She is survived by a sister, Sonnetta Shahid-Sturkey ’83.
Marilyn Sandusky ’86, of Columbus, OH, February 3, at the age of 68.
Susan Proctor ’87, of Potomac, MD, May 15, at the age of 51. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Mary Seymour ’89, of Wheeling, IL, June 4, at the age of 49. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
1990s
Stephen Kacir ’95, of Norristown, PA, March 22, at the age of 43.
2000s
Kavya Krishna ’06, of Minneapolis, MN, March 27, at the age of 31.
Nathan Jackson ’07, of Duluth, GA, April 23, at the age of 31.
2010s
William Stroud ’10, of Delaware, OH, February 27, at the age of 72. He received an honorary OWU Alumnus Award in 2010 for his loyalty and service to Ohio Wesleyan.
Christopher Newman ’11, of Lorain, OH, June 6, at the age of 27.
Luke Gabbert ’19, of Lewis Center, OH, February 6, at the age of 19.
Faculty/Staff
Edward “Jed” Burtt, 37-year faculty member at OWU and internationally respected ornithologist, April 27, at the age of 68.
Richard “Dick” Daake, who taught at OWU for 36 years, May 3, at the age of 69.
Peter Manicas, former OWU professor, December 27, at the age of 81.
Friends
Lynne Muskoff, of Columbus, OH, and a member of the Ross Museum Advisory Board, April 13, at the age of 78. She is survived by a brother, Lloyd Ferguson ’62, and a nephew, William Ferguson ’92.
Sympathy To
Jane Moorhead Feller ’43 for the death of her husband, Lyle Feller, on April 14, at the age of 94.
Eileen Seabright Smith ’46 for the death of her husband, Carl Smith, February 15, at the age of 89.
Marjorie Young Force ’51 and Debra Force ’75 for the death of Frank Force, Marjorie’s husband and Debra’s father, December 12, 2015.
Larry Green ’52 and John Green ’79 for the death of Betty Green, Larry’s wife and John’s mother, August 29, 2015, at the age of 82.
Clifford Cooper ’53 for the death of his wife, Lucinda Bangs Cooper, January 17, at the age of 82.
Thomas Stewart Haas ’56 for the death of her husband, Dennis Haas, January 18, at the age of 81.
William McAfee ’56 for the death of his wife, Patty Wellman McAfee, February 13.
Katherine Boles Smith ’71 and Carolyn Smith ’06 for the death of Katherine’s mother and Carolyn’s grandmother, Belle Morris Boles, May 5.
Duncan MacGruer ’75 and Amanda MacGruer Davis ’77 for the death of their father, Malcom MacGruer, February 2.
Nancy Notley ’75 and Judy Notley Burke ’83 for the loss of their father, William Collier Notley of Gwynedd, PA, September 1, 2015.
William Nutting ’76 and Angela Nutting Farwick ’82 for the loss of their mother, Patricia Nutting, March 11, at the age 87.
Deborah Tavenner ’77 for the loss of her mother, Jean Tavenner, March 28.
James Reichert ’78 for the death of his father, Douglas Reichert, February 14.
James Barger ’78, John Barger ’79, and Kathryn Barger Leibrich ’83 for the death of their father, Richard Barger, January 17.
Lisa Bookman Mears ’82 for the death of her father, George Bookman.
Jennifer Blair Hall ’00 for the loss of her father, Millard Franklin (Frank) Blair, December 28, 2015, at the age of 77.
The deadline for receiving Class Notes and Faculty Notes submissions for the Winter 2017 OWU Magazine is October 5, 2016.