Class Notes
Spring 2020 in memoriam
1930s
Eleanor Kirk Kackley ’36, of Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 1, age 105. Throughout her life, Eleanor enjoyed reading, knitting, volunteering at various organizations, and spending her summers at her Lakeside, Ohio, cottage. She was predeceased by her aunt, Mary Hunter Kirk 1914, and cousins Winston Kirk ’34, Rutledge Kirk ’42, and Miriam Kirk Lamb ’51. She is survived by her two daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority.
1940s
Lois Wissinger Bartels ’42, of Snyder, Texas, Dec. 27, age 98. She was active in the First Methodist Church, led the Girl Scouts, and volunteered as a “Pink Lady” at the hospital. She was predeceased by her husband, Bernhard, and is survived by her four children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
Mary Burlingame Young ’42, of San Gabriel, Calif., Oct. 11, age 98. Mary was an active member and volunteer of the Arcadia, Calif., community, serving on the Arcadia City Council and as mayor of Arcadia. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard, a son, and brother Robert Burlingame ’44. She is survived by her son, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
Majorie Farber Ross ’44, of Midland, Texas, Oct. 9, age 97. She was an engineering apprentice during World War II before she moved to Texas to be an investment analyst. She was predeceased by her husband, John, and brother, William. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
Marianna Pollock Bowman ’45, of Pasadena, Calif., Oct. 2, age 96. She was a lifelong traveler, journeying the U.S. and Europe while working for American Airlines and later sailing around the world on the QE2. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, David, and is survived by her three sons, five grandchildren, and sisters Evelyn Pollock Sadler ’51 and Carrie Pollock Kiefer ’55. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
Barbara West Lomas ’45, of Grand Rapids, Mich., Dec. 27, age 96. She was married to Bernard, former president of Albion College, for 72 years, and had two sons, David and Paul. She is survived by three grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, David, cousin Joan Sawyer McKenney ’48, and aunt Dorothy West 1924. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Joanne Kreisle Duran ’46, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Oct. 17, age 96. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert, a sister, and brother. She is survived by her sister, children, grandchildren, including Sam Duran ’08, and many great-grandchildren. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Jean Hayward Malerstein ’46, of San Francisco, Calif, Sept. 20, age 94. She was predeceased by her husband, Joe. She is survived by her children, Barbara ’84, Sarah, Julia, and David, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority.
The Rev. Calvin Rodeheffer ’46, of Portsmouth, Ohio, Dec. 20, age 94. He served as a senior pastor at three churches before becoming inaugural executive director of Hill View Retirement Center, helping plan and build the center. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Margery, four children, including Stephen Rodeheffer ’73, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Robert “Bob” Hamblet ’47, of Fargo, N.D., Oct. 9, age 94. He is survived by two siblings, his wife, Jean, their five children, and multiple grandchildren.
Grace Carrington Goodall ’48, of Troy, Ohio, Dec. 8, age 93. She was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church and the American Association of University Women, and volunteered at Stouder Memorial Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband, James, and her sister. She is survived by her daughter, brother, and granddaughter. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Shirley Moore Hummel ’48, of Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 5, age 93. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Hummel ’49, and is survived by her two children and a grandchild. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Edward Kitts ’48, of Dana Point, Calif., Sept. 30, age 93. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty. He is survived by his four sons, including Stephen Kitts ’71, and a daughter. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
Howard “Bud” Miller ’48, of Cambridge, Ohio, Oct. 3, age 93. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Alice Miller Gall ’33, wife Joan, and a daughter. He is survived by his two sons, two sisters, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
Regina Boehringer Teetor ’48, of Marion, Ohio, Dec. 2, age 93. She had a career of teaching at Grand Prairie School and Eber Baker Junior High, and enjoyed traveling the world. She was predeceased by her husband, John, and two siblings. She is survived by her four children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta.
Vivian Taylor Dauber ’49, of Bradenton, Fla., Oct. 7, age 92. She was predeceased by her husband, Philip, and her brother, William. She is survived by her stepson, cousins, and grandchildren. She was a member of the OWU Tower Society.
Ann Inman Exum ’49, of Sweetwater, Tenn., Oct. 22, age 92. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Gladys Miller Inman 1922, husband Raymond Exum ’48, daughter, son, and brother. She is survived by sister Carol Inman Everson ’54, children, including Jennifer Exum MacKenzie ’86, and many grandchildren. Ann was a fourth-generation legacy at OWU and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Arthur Gundry ’49, of Lexington, Ky., Oct. 8, age 95. He was predeceased by his parents, first wife, Beatrice, second wife, Margarette, and a brother. He is survived by his two daughters and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Michael Homa ’49, of Gainesville, Fla., Dec. 25, age 94. For nearly 30 years, Michael practiced general surgery in Virginia, even serving as medical examiner for the state of Virginia. He was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Betty, his two brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by his two children, four grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Arthur Ritter Jr. ’49, of Haddon Heights, N.J., Jan. 15, age 93. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Shirley, and three of his brothers. He is survived by his son and two daughters, six grandchildren, one great-grandson, and a brother. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.
1950s
Doris Baker Blackmore ’50, of Troy, Ohio, Sept. 30, age 91. She was predeceased by her husband, James, two daughters, and sister. She is survived by her son and daughter, and multiple grandchildren. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority.
Margaret Boehringer Campbell ’50, of Fairlawn, Ohio, Nov. 10, age 90. She graduated from OWU as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society before teaching at Highland High School for almost 20 years. She and Loren, her husband of 68 years, enjoyed many years of playing bridge with their friends. Ellen is also survived by her children and grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority.
Thomas Cecil ’50, of Dayton, Ohio, July 21, age of 92. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Nancy Albrecht ’47. He is survived by sister Martha Stauffer ’53, brother David Cecil ’55, and multiple grandchildren. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. NOTE: There was an error when this item appeared in the Winter 2020 issue. We apologize for the error.
Ann “Mitzi” Gellhaus Jackson ’50, of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Nov. 22, age 91. She is survived by her husband, James, sister, Barbara Gellhaus Dellinger ’56, son James, daughter Susan, and two granddaughters. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Mary Jo Kennedy ’50, of London, Ohio, Jan. 26, age 91. For 33 years she led a career as a business education teacher in high schools. She was predeceased by her husband, William, and her brothers. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Douglas Kennedy ’77 and Candy Kennedy ’79, grandchildren, great-grandson, sister, and many nieces and nephews. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Michael Kevesdy ’50, of Sandusky, Ohio, Dec. 6, age 96. Describing himself as “deliriously alive” and “ecstatically American,” Michael served in World War II, where he received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. He was a lifelong learner and excellent public speaker. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Stella, his parents, and three siblings. He is survived by his three daughters, four grandchildren, and a sister. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Dean Temple ’50, of Fredonia, N.Y., Sept. 30, age 95. He was predeceased by his parents, Dean Temple 1919 and Grace Pittman Temple 1920, uncle Horace Pittman 1920, wife Margaret Geyer Temple ’50, as well as his daughter, sister, brother, and grandson. Dean met Margaret at OWU, where he cooked for his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, to pay for his education. He is survived by his three children, grandchildren, and four (soon five) great-grandchildren.
Richard Timmons ’50, of Phoenix, Ariz., Dec. 3, age 92. He had a career as a general practitioner/family practice doctor, eventually becoming a physician for pilots before retiring in 2014. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Donna, three children, two stepchildren, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, three brothers, including James Timmons ’61 and Robert Timmons ’50, cousin Mary Sykora ’62, and many nieces and nephews, including Jill Timmons Kennedy ’64, James Timmons ’92, John Timmons ’82, and Poe Timmons ’82. He was predeceased by his parents, Donald Timmons 1922 and Mary Poe Timmons 1922, brother Frank Timmons ’52, aunt Margaret Timmons Reed ’29, uncle George Poe ’42, cousin Ruth Nolze Cobb ’40, and a foster brother. Richard was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
Nicholas White ’50, Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 14, age 94. He served in the South Pacific in the battles of Guam and Iwo Jima, where he was one of the two survivors in his company. He and his wife, Marjorie, attended OWU after the war, giving birth to their son, Nicholas White II ’70, there. He was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Lucile Chatterton White 1919, brother James White ’42, and a granddaughter. He is survived by his wife, sons, daughters Marcia White Soldatos ’77 and Cynthia Gudeman, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, including Katherine White Arendt ’98. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Paul Finical ’51, of Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 12, age 92. He is survived by his wife, Emily, two children, and five grandchildren, including Stephan Finical ’84, Charles and Paula Finical Murphy ’79, and Matthew Murphy ’08. He was elected to Pi Delta Epsilon and Alpha Epsilon Rho honoraria while at OWU and was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.
Nancy Harter Green ’51, of Delaware, Ohio, Nov. 14, age 90. She met her late husband, William Green ’49, while they worked at Bun’s Restaurant in Delaware. Nancy was active at the Asbury United Methodist Church, tutored with Delaware City Schools, and volunteered at the Hocking Valley Welcome Center. She was predeceased by her husband and her daughter, Marcia Green Clark ’77X. She is survived by three children, seven grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Erman Lamb ’51, of Avon Lake, Ohio, Jan. 1, age 90. He dedicated the first part of his career to the restaurant industry, hosting patrons such as President Eisenhower and Walt Disney, before driving a tow motor until he was 75. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Miriam Kirk Lamb ’51, and sisters, including Martha Lamb Baker ’50. He is survived by his three sons and two grandsons. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Jean Hagberg Ambler ’53, of New Bern, N.C., Oct. 10, age 89. She taught in the Ohio public school system in Cleveland for over 30 years before moving to North Carolina to pursue her love of sailing with her husband, Bob. She was preceded in death by Bob, her brother, and parents. Jean is survived by her son, sister-in-law, niece, and nephews. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
Edward Davis ’53, of Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 21, age 88. He was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, a member of the First United Methodist Church, and a member of the Washington Yacht and Country Club. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Anne, and his brother. He is survived by his daughter and family, as well as nieces and nephews. Edward was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
Cynthia Brown Kane ’53, of Jamesville, N.Y., Nov. 20, age 88. She led a life of service as president of the Junior League and coordinator of volunteers at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, N.Y. She was predeceased by her husband, Tom, and her sister. She is survived by her twin brother, four children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
David Dean Shobe ’53, of Lewes, Del., Dec. 2, age 88. He continued his education in international relations at the University of Chicago. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, later becoming a public affairs officer for the Department of State and living in cities across the globe. When David returned to the U.S., he was involved in furthering educational and financial advancement for New York’s Pratt Institute, the Civil Rights Movement, the Arthritis Foundation, and more. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Nancy, and is survived by his three children, Stephen, Christopher, and Helena. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Carol Maneely Walker ’53, of Burnsville, Minn., Oct. 22, age 88. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Donald, a daughter, son, and grandchildren. Carol was a teacher and an active member of her United Methodist Church. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.
Douglas Applegath ’54, of Midland, Mich., Nov. 2, age 87. While at OWU, Doug worked as property manager of Beta Sigma Tau, his fraternity. After graduation, he was hired by Dow Chemical Company and remained at Dow for 37 years, lending him experiences such as transferring to Tokyo, Japan, and authoring four U.S. patents and many published technical articles. Doug was predeceased by his wife, Anne, his parents, and three siblings, including John Applegath ’57. He is survived by his three children, Susan Applegath Beach ’81, Charles, and Kathryn, as well as six grandchildren.
Joanne Robinson Pérez ’54, of Little Rock, Ark., Oct. 24, age 88. She was predeceased by her parents, brother, and grandchild. She is survived by her husband, daughter, son, and granddaughter.
William “Bill” Apel ’56, of Portsmouth, Ohio, Dec. 9, age 89. He played OWU baseball and football and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, but Bill chose to coach and mentor to high school athletes. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Betty Lu, and is survived by his daughters, including Molly Apel Glockner ’80, grandchildren, including Martin Glockner ’09, and many nieces and nephews, including Otto Apel ’67. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
Susan Courtright Ludwig ’56, of Marion, Ohio, Dec. 18, age 85. She was predeceased by her parents and brother John Courtright ’51. She is survived by her husband, son, daughter Laura Ludwig Tiberi ’80, and grandchildren. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Nancy With Merrill ’56, of Canton, Ohio, Dec. 28, age 85. She was predeceased by her sister, brother, and husband of 51 years, George. She is survived by daughter Linda Merrill Casey ’87, son, and six grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
John Long ’57, of San Luis Obispo, Calif., Nov. 1, age 84. After OWU he entered a military career with the Navy, graduating in one of the first classes from the Navy Underwater Swimmer School in Key West, Fla. He later attended dental school at Georgetown University and maintained a practice for 30 years in California. He was predeceased by his parents, including Helen Long ’32, and uncle William Rogers ’26. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kit, his two sons, siblings, and cousins, including John Rogers ’60 and W. Leslie Rogers ’55. He was a competitive swimmer and a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at OWU.
Edith “Edie” Weisman ’57, of South Bend, Ind., Oct. 5, age 84. She is survived by her husband, David Weisman ’57, and two sons. Edie and David met the first day of chapel their freshman year due to their matching surnames. They married two weeks after graduating from OWU. She was a member of the OWU Tower Society and Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Jennifer Dickson Kantonen ’58, of Asheville, N.C., Nov. 10, age 83. While at OWU she not only met her husband, William Kantonen ’58, but her best friends, known as “The Committee.” Jennifer was predeceased by her sister and brother. She is survived by William, her three children, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Ronald Leibman ’58X, of New York City, N.Y., Dec. 6, age 82. Born in New York City, Ronald followed his dreams of working in theater, traveling across the Midwest and joining various improv troupes. He made his Broadway debut in the 1960s as Peter Nemo in Dear Me, The Sky Is Falling. Ronald won a Tony award in 1993 for leading actor in Tony Kushner’s Angels in America, his 10th Broadway play. In filmography, he played a variety of roles ranging from humorous to dramatic. He appeared in Norma Rae, opposite Sally Field, an Oscar winner for her performance; Slaughterhouse-Five; and television shows such as Kaz. Ronald also appeared in the iconic show Friends as Rachel Green’s father, Leonard. He is survived by his wife, Jessica Walter, his stepdaughter, and a grandson. He is survived by cousin Lewis Shomer ’59. Ronald was a member of Beta Sigma Tau fraternity.
Homer Adams ’59, of New Port Richey, Fla., Oct. 18, age 82. He was a teacher, guidance counselor, and dean of boys in Parma, Ohio. Homer also was involved with the Ohio School Counselors Association and in developing educational television. Homer was predeceased by his parents and two sisters. He is survived by his two brothers, three sisters, and nieces and nephews. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Carolyn Nutter Kraft ’59, of Centreville, Md., Dec. 26, age 81. She is survived by her son, Andrew Kraft ’83.
Mary Pryde ’59, of Tucson, Ariz., Nov. 4, age 82. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, and a son. She is survived by her husband, William, sons, daughter, and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority.
1960s
Roger Auker ’60, of Bradenton, Fla., Nov. 19, age 81. Roger led a career in education, serving as a coach, athletic director, and assistant principal at high schools in Medina, Ohio. Roger is survived by his wife, Ann Heiges Auker ’60, sons, grandchildren, and siblings. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
Barbara Acklin Jenks ’61, of Valley Grove, W.Va., Oct. 26, age 80. She led a career in education as a middle school teacher, student affairs administrator at Kenyon College, and psychologist in the counseling center at the University of Pittsburgh, still counseling after leaving Pitt. Barbara is survived by her companion, Martha Starkey, her three children, and grandchildren. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
William Knoble ’61, of Rocky River, Ohio, Oct. 11, age 80. He was predeceased by his wife, Lindsey Taylor Knoble, and is survived by two sons, granddaughter, brother, and sister. He was the mayor of Rocky River from 2001 to 2006 and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
Mary McCleary Posner ’61X, of Columbia, Mo., Oct. 26, age 80. After OWU, she led an extensive career as president of Posner McCleary, Inc., an international firm specializing in management consulting with universities, law firms, and corporations. Mary served on the International Trade Committee and cofounded the Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Veterans Corp., an educational company. She was predeceased by her husband, Allan, parents, and brother. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta and served on OWU’s Board of Trustees from 1975 to 1984.
Marlene Schenck Sheppard ’61, of Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 11, age 81. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, and is survived by her daughters and son, and cousins Audrey (Blue) Jones ’56 and Martha (Blue) Fitzgibbons ’61. She was a public educator for 30 years and an avid sewer, artist, and book lover. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority.
George Thatcher ’61X, of Mount Liberty, Ohio, Oct. 1, age 80. He was predeceased by his parents, stepmother, and sister. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, two children, and five grandchildren, including John Thatcher ’12. He was a member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity.
Raymond Zambie ’61, of Cedar Park, Texas, Dec. 5, age 80. He earned his MBA at Michigan State University and worked in the treasury department for several companies. He was predeceased by his brother, Allan, and is survived by his wife, Sylvia, three children, and five grandchildren. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Thomas Sisko ’62, of Bridgeport, Conn., Jan. 7, age 79. He was a veteran of the Korean War and was a software engineer and teacher. He is survived by three nieces.
Nancy Clark Smith ’62, of Chevy Chase, Md., Jan. 9, age 79. She taught English in Beirut, Lebanon, and traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. She is survived by her three daughters, four stepchildren, three grandchildren, her brother, and niece.
Veronica Virtue ’62, of Golden Valley, Minn., Oct. 21, age 79. Veronica received her master’s in sociology from Columbia University. She worked as a skilled therapist and social worker for seniors, married couples, assault survivors, and more. The U.S. Army commended her considerable abilities and outstanding performance of duty.
Nancy Lee Ely Hicks ’63, of Hendersonville, N.C., and Dallas, Texas, Nov. 25, age 78. She is survived by her husband, Alexander, and daughters Mischelle Miller Raftery ’88 and Christina Ely Miller ’94.
Joan Clark Stewart ’63, of Seattle, Wash., Sept. 13, age 78. She is survived by her husband, Douglas, her three children, seven grandchildren, siblings, and a large extended family.
Edward Guthrie Jr. ’66, of Houston, Texas, Dec. 29, age 75. He enjoyed golf, travel, volunteer work, and time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Plaggemier Guthrie ’66, two children, and his sister. He was a member of OWU’s Tower Society and Delta Tau Delta.
Claude “Skip” Hinsley ’67, of Oro Valley, Ariz., Nov. 1, age 73. Skip traveled, led restaurant and catering businesses, and contributed to his community and church. He is survived by his three children and three grandchildren. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Robert Craig ’68, of Albuquerque, N.M., Oct. 19, age 73. Robert earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary. During his rich career, he served with President Clinton on a White House commission and as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Ind. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Hughes Craig ’68, daughter, son, and grandchildren. Robert was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
James Cushing ’68, of Westmont, Ill., Dec. 18, age 73. He led an exciting life of travel, racing Formula V Lola race cars, sales, photography, and teaching. James is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marilyn, and his three daughters, including Laura Geis ’91, and siblings, including J. Caleb Cushing ’65. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
William Allin ’69, of Greenville, S.C., Dec. 6, age 72. He attended Pace University School of Law and had a career in banking, eventually founding Greenwood Capital Associates and cofounding Dividend Asset Capital in South Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Hazel, his children, and grandchildren.
Hollace Drake ’69, of Storm Lake, Iowa, Jan. 7, age 72. She was a dedicated teacher her whole life, helping children with special needs in public schools, teaching as an adjunct at the University of Iowa, and serving as a professor at Buena Vista University. She is survived by her children, Nicholas and Cameron, her sisters, including Mari Schatz ’75, and a grandson.
Richard Gallagher ’69, of Elyria, Ohio, Nov. 4, age 72. He was an avid multisport athlete and, while on the OWU football team, was named an All-American and played for OWU’s conference-champion team. He led a rich career of teaching and coaching, and later founded Erie Industrial Maintenance Inc. Rick is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sandy Seel Gallagher ’70, their children, granddaughter, and siblings. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
1970s
David Gardner ’71, of Canton, Ohio, Nov. 11, age 70. David was president and chief executive officer of Alfred Nickles Bakery Inc., a business started by his grandfather and now one of the largest independently owned bakeries in the U.S. He served in the U.S. Air Force for two years during the Vietnam War before joining the family business. David led a yearly entrepreneurship class at OWU and is recognized by current students as a favorite guest lecturer. He was predeceased by his father, David Gardner ’48, the previous president and CEO, and his mother, Marie Nickles Gardner ’47. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan Rinehart Gardner ’73, brothers Ernest Gardner ’73 and Philip Gardner ’74, sister Mary Gardner Slee ’76, children Christian and Molly, grandchildren, and niece Emily Slee ’16. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Jana Siman ’72, of Twinsburg, Ohio, Nov. 8, age 69. Her career propelled her to New York City, where she worked as an international marketing executive for Avon International, Estée Lauder, and International Gold Corporation. She later attended the Yale School of Nursing, became an adult nurse practitioner, and lectured occasionally at her nursing alma mater. She was predeceased by her father and is survived by her mother, brother, two children, and grandchildren.
Jon Peterson II ’76, of Delaware, Ohio, Oct. 10, age 65. He is survived by his wife, Melissa; daughters, Emily and Hannah; his father, Arthur Peterson, an OWU professor for 15 years; and sisters, Rebecca Peterson McDaniel ’78, Donna Harr Peterson ’81, and Ingrid Bliss Peterson. He earned several honors as an OWU politics and government major, then received a Master in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University, a law degree from Capital University, and a Master of Sacred Theology from the Methodist Theological Seminary of Ohio. Described as “a Renaissance man with a huge heart,” Jon led a career in Ohio government. From his start as deputy auditor for Franklin County in 1980, he rose to serve as chief deputy auditor of Delaware County, representative and assistant majority whip in the Ohio House of Representatives, and Delaware County treasurer. Jon was an advocate for people with mental illness and physical and developmental disabilities, and he formed the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program, allowing parents of children with disabilities to access additional special education programs. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
David Gibson ’77, of Oberlin, Ohio, Nov. 16, age 65. He was predeceased by his mother, and is survived by his wife, Lorna, their children, and his father and brothers. David was masterful at the art and science of baking, running his family’s 134-year-old bakery, Gibson’s Bakery of Oberlin.
Cynthia Heeremans Greer ’77, of Leicester, N.C., Sept. 25, age 64. Cynthia attended the University of Barcelona and graduated with honors in Spanish translation. She later moved to North Carolina and became a sanctioned teacher of the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition Apprenticeship Program, a form of Peruvian shamanism. She is survived by her children, Alison and Brian, grandchildren, and sisters.
1980s
Storey Johnson Hart ’82, of Montclair, N.J., Nov. 20, age 59. After a career in magazine advertising sales, she raised her three children and stayed active by volunteering, skiing, fly fishing, and horseback riding. Storey fulfilled her dream of living in the mountains of Montana and training horses with her husband of 33 years, Douglas “Andy” Hart ’80, when they built Aspen Ridge Ranch. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, and is survived by Andy and her children. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
Sonnetta Shahid-Sturkey ’83, June 26, at the age of 57. She was predeceased by her sister, Evonne Shahid ’85. She is survived by husband Daniel Sturkey ’84, cousin Jay Hairston ’78, parents, and multiple siblings. NOTE: There was an error when this item appeared in the Winter 2020 issue. We apologize for the error.
Allyson Cupo Hughes ’84, of Basking Ridge, N.J., Oct. 14, age 56. She is survived by her husband, Owen, her four children, parents, and siblings. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Carolyn Donaldson Feuer ’85, of Glenview, Ill., Dec. 5, age 56. She is survived by her husband, Mike, two sons, and siblings.
William “Michael” Frame ’87, of Lewisburg, Pa., Oct. 8, age 55. He is survived by his mother, three children, and his sister.
Linda Gillmor Gable ’87, of Powell, Ohio, Dec. 12, age 54. Her volunteer work focused on helping pregnant teenagers and on delivering meals during the holidays. She was predeceased by her parents, including Paul Gillmor ’61, and is survived by her daughter, Brenda Gable ’15, a sister, three half-brothers, and two aunts, including Dianne Gillmor Krumsee ’67.
Blair “Doug” McMillin ’88, of Aspen, Colo., Dec. 10, age 54. He made a living in construction and enjoyed photography, sailing, and woodworking. He was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his wife, Chrissy, their four children, and his two siblings. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
2000s
Amanda Beasley-Donahue ’01, of Marion, Ohio, Oct. 6, age 40. She is survived by her husband, Todd, her mother and husband, a brother, and grandfather.
Peter Svotelis ’01, of Elkins Park, Pa., Sept. 26, age 40. He is survived by his parents and grandmother.
Faculty and Staff
Marguerite Foust, of Delaware, Ohio, Nov. 6, age 88. She retired from OWU after 29 years of service in housekeeping, receiving a white Bible signed by students, faculty, and coworkers. She is survived by her son, daughter, and grandchildren.
Norman “LeRoy” Honeter, of Ostrander, Ohio, Oct. 30, age 72. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 and served until 1974. LeRoy then worked for 40 years at the Henkel Corporation in Delaware and 10 years at OWU. He is survived by his wife, Linda, two children, and several grandchildren.
Mary Todd, of Delaware, Ohio, Sept. 26, age 72. She worked in food service at OWU.
Mary Zwick, of Summerfield, Fla., Dec. 9, age 95. She worked for the Department of Natural Resources, OWU, the Methodist Theological Seminary, and more. She was predeceased by her husband, Herman Zwick, and is survived by her three sons, and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
Sympathy to
Jack McKinnie ’54 for the loss of his wife, Jean McIntyre McKinne, of Westlake, Ohio, Oct. 27, age 88. Jean worked in the commercial law department at Picklands Mather, and she was a member of the League of Women Voters and an elder at Bay Presbyterian Church.
Joyce Hartweg Mannis ’61 for the loss of her husband of 47 years, the Rev. Jedediah Mannis, of Harvard, Mass., Sept. 9, age 74.
Joan Worthing ’73 and Cathie Worthing Helfand ’75 for the loss of their father, Jurgen “Jerry” Worthing, of Wantagh, N.Y., Oct. 29, age 95.
Brooke Ann Barthelmas Larger ’76 for the loss of her mother, Jane Barthelmas, of Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 29, age 91.
Donna Bodner ’77 for the loss of her mother, Susan Potoma, of Parma, Ohio, Nov. 29, age 87.
Bradley Kendall ’88 for the loss of his mother, Grace Fullarton Kendall, of Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 23, age 82.