OBITUARIES
William Yerse William "Doc" Yerse, 73, of Millersburg, died Tuesday morning, Dec. 30, 2008, at his home following a short illness. Friends may call from 3-5 p.m. Saturday at Alexander Funeral Home in Millersburg. Private family memorial services will be held at the family residence at a later date. Family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Holmes County Humane Society. He was born March 7, 1935, in Cleveland and was the son of Louis and Vera (Fuhr) Yerse. On Oct. 15, 1955, he married Patricia A. Treber, who survives. He was a veterinarian for 48 years and enjoyed serving Holmes County. Bill loved raising Standardbred horses and playing golf. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are three children, Jan (Kim) Bevington of Wellington, Ellen (Jim) Miller of Millersburg and William Brack Yerse of Mount Gilead; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Lois Glosh of Lodi and Barbara Uveges of Valley City. He was preceded in death by an infant brother. Todd G. Christy Ohio horseman Todd G. Christy, 71, died Dec. 26, 2008 after a brief illness. A native of Napoleon in the northwest corner of the Buckeye State, Mr. Christy grew up in harness racing as his father also trained horses. He first trained in Napoleon, but relocated to Scioto Downs in the 1980s. He and his wife lived in nearby Grove City. This past summer he attended the races every night at Scioto Downs where his daughter, Stacy Cahill, serves as general manager/racing operations. Among the many horses he trained and raced were Pinnacle p,5,1:50.2 ($361,647); Bubba Gump p,9,1:50.3 ($453,150), who finished third in a heat of the 1996 Little Brown Jug; and the trotting mares Overcharmer 4,1:56.4f ($201,694) and Crown Crysta 6,1:56 ($121,949). He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Dorothy; daughter, Stacy Cahill; and son, Todd. A service will be held on Jan. 3, 2009 at the Rodenberger Funeral Home in Napoleon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Ohio Diabetes Assn., 1100 Dennison Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201. Marcella Rebecca Irvine Marcella Rebecca Irvine, age 80, of Mount Gilead, died Sunday morning, December 7, 2008, at the Northfield Village Retirement Community following an extended illness. She was born in Chester Township of Morrow County, on October 29, 1928, the daughter of the late Murray and Audrey (Ogden) Trowbridge. Marcella graduated from Chesterville High School in the Class of 1946, where she also proudly served as a majorette. Just days following her graduation, Marcella married Donal D. Irvine on June 14, 1946, whom she had met at a horse show. In their younger days, they enjoyed square dancing every weekend with their many friends. Also, they were avid sports fan, watching every Cleveland Indians baseball game and anything on ESPN, as well as rooting on their beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. A loving homemaker, Marcella enjoyed being there for her husband, Don and raising her five children, taking care of their every need. Marcella was a member of the Chesterville United Methodist Church. After being surprised with a horse by her husband, Marcella and her entire family eventually learned to love being involved with horse racing. Many weekends were spent at the race tracks, with their standard bred horses who they trained to harness race. Her family was always her first priority, and she loved all family get togethers. An "excellent cook," Marcella never let any one bring any dishes because she loved taking care of everything herself. Also, no matter the season she had to make her famous potato salad, which her family believes is "the best in the world." Always sharp witted, Marcella often would surprise her family and friends with her great sense of humor. She will be dearly missed by her two sons, William "Bill" Irvine of Jeromesville and Donal (Renee) Irvine of Anderson, Indiana; two daughters, Janet Irvine and Marcella "Jodi" Pajestka, both of Northfield, Ohio; six grandchildren, Wyatt Irvine, Erin (Robert) McKee, Brad Irvine, Michelle (Joe) McCullough, Justin Irvine and Dwight Jones; one great-grandson, Braedon McCullough; three sisters, Shirley (Ray) Turner-Peterson, Creta (Joe) Berger, both of Mount Vernon and Karen Varner of Mount Gilead; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband; and parents; Marcella was preceded in death by her daughter, Rebecca Mae Irvine in 1963; and by her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Vivian Trowbridge. Marcella's family will greet friends from 4–7 p.m. on Tuesday, Decmeber 9, 2008, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead, where services celebrating her life will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jeannie Winters officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Chesterville. For those wishing to make memorial contributions, they may be sent to Harbor Light Hospice, 734-C Alpha Drive, Highland Heights, Ohio 44143. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com. Bill Brown William S. "Bill" Brown, former president & GM of Blue Chip Farms, Wallkill, New York, died Dec. 6 in Poughkeepsie, NY. He was 81. The son of Karl and Jeanette Brown, he was born at home in Lebanon, Ohio on Nov. 10, 1927. He was introduced to harness racing by his grandfather, who was a trainer and farm manager for the King Stock Farm in Kings Mills, Ohio. His professional career in the sport betgan in the 1940s, when he worked for the Fred Egan and Frank Ervin stables. In 1958 Bill became the manager of Castleton Farm in Lexington, KY, supervising Bret Hanover, Good Time, Race Time and Victory Song. Brown made a major move in 1971 by accepting the position of GM at Blue Chip Farms, a 700-acre breeding operation that was started by Oscar Kimelman and his family. During his 26-year tenure he guided the careers of Mots Happy Fella, Precious Fella, On The Road Again, Meadow Road and Magical Mike. He was active within the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, Goshen Historic Track and the Harness Horse Breeders of NY and was inducted into racings Hall of Fame in 1998, and was also a member of the Ohio Harness Racing's Hall of Fame. Bill was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Lydia. Surivovrs include his three sons: Steve and Mark Brown and Daniel Ulrich, a daughter Jean Brown and five grandchildren: Matthew, Samuel and Justin Brown, Ryan and Rani Ulrich. Scott Smith Scott A. Smith, 49, the brother of Standardbred breeders Senena Esty and Stephanie Smith-Rothaug, died Nov. 16, 2008, at his residence. Mr. Smith was a self-employed farmer for many years. He was born April 11, 1959, in Newark, Ohio, to Roger M. and Patricia Ann (Holton) Smith. He was an Eden Township trustee and a member of Eden Church of Christ, Utica FFA Alumni, Licking County Cattlemen's Association and Farm Bureau. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his daughters, Chelsea and Cassandra; sisters, Stacie (Steven) McDaniel, Senena (Jeff) Esty, Stephanie (Dr. Paul) Rothaug; and Shani (fiance Brian Reed); and nephews, Branden and Brody McDaniel. Visitation will be on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday, Nov. 21, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Brucker & Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St., Newark, OH. A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Funeral Home, with Pastor Brian Priest and Pastor Ben McKinstry officiating. Burial will be in Eden Cemetery. William O. "Bill" Taylor William O. "Bill" Taylor, 75, of Chesterville died late Saturday night, November 15, 2008 at the Morrow County Hospital after a courageous 2 year battle with cancer. He was born on January 28, 1933 in Morrow County the son of the late Harry W. and Marjorie (Mohr) Taylor. Before completing high school Bill was drafted into the United States Army. Prior to leaving for boot camp he and Martha Jane Bird were united in marriage on April 18, 1953. He served three years in the military, two of which were spent in Germany. Bill worked for North Electric-ITT Power Systems in Inventory Management. After 30 years he took an early retirement in 1988. His retirement enabled him to concentrate on his true passion; harness racing. He raced in the NCOC circuit at county fairs, Scioto Downs, Northfield Park, and Lebanon Raceway. Bill loved everything about racing; most especially his horses. His love of horses did not stop with his role as a trainer/driver. Bill was also in charge of the Speed Committee at the Morrow County Fair; which oversaw all the harness racing. He was also a member of the Morrow County Harness Horseman's Association. Bill's competitive nature spilled into other sports as well. He rooted whole heartedly for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns, and the Highland Scots. He also held a great respect for our county farmers and was a 23 year member of the Morrow County Fair Board. Some might find it hard to believe that that he also found time to restore a couple of antique 1936 John Deere Tractors. He was a member and past Master Mason of the Chesterville Lodge #238, and was a member of the Evelyn Chapter #146 of the Eastern Star. Bill was a devoted husband and consummate family man. He cherished family time and was in his glory when their large family would gather around the table to play euchre. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jane of Chesterville; their four daughters, Debra (Mike) Nulk of Galion, Cindy (Jonah Adkins) of Chesterville, Tammy (Jim) Oakes of Chesterville and Tracey (Gerald) Parks of Phoenix, Arizona; seven grandchildren, Travis (Angie), Carrie (Mike), Brittany (Jimmy), Kyle (Megan), Chazity, Kelly and Chad (Amy); six great grandchildren, Deven, Trevor, Zayden, Louis, Wesley and Brendan; and seven sisters, Polly Thompson of Chesterville, Betty (Charles) Peterson of Mansfield, Judy (Bufford) Keene of Cleveland, Clara Horlocker of Cardington, Martha (Bob) Keene of Mount Gilead, Sue Baldwin, and Sandi (Lennie) Pierce both of Lexington. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa Taylor; grandson, Joey Adkins; and three brothers, Richard "Dick", Robert "Bob", and Ronald "Ronnie" Taylor. Friends may call on the Taylor family on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 from 4-8 p.m. at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Craven Chapel, 67 North Main Street, Mount Gilead. Masonic services will be held there at 7:45 p.m. Rev. Jeannie Winters will conduct funeral services there on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Burial with full military honors conducted by VFW Post #8054 and Am Vets Post #87 will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the Morrow County Fair Board or the Morrow County Harness Horseman's Association. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com. Glen Elwood Ater Glen Elwood Ater, 88, of Clarksburg, Ohio, died peacefully with his family at his side on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 2:18 am in th eAdena Regional Medical Center. Glen was born Feb. 13, 1920 in Frankfort to the late Glenn D and Carol Pyle Ater. He married Nell Martin on Feb. 2, 1941. He is survived by his wife and their children Terry (Mary) Ater Glen was a 1937 graduate of Clarksburg High School and a member of Clarksburg United Methodist Church, New Holland Masonic Lodge, a 50-year member of the USTA, and the OHHA. Next to his family and friends, his horses were his passion as he was an owner, driver and trainer. He started the Ater Stables which is currently in its fourth generation. Glen served as clerk for the Deerfield Township Trustee and the Clarksburg Schools. For many years he served on the Ross County Agricultural Society and was director of racing for the Ross County Fair. In 1946 Glen started his career with the Clarksburg Commerical Bank where he was made director in 1953 and retired as bank president in April 2000 following 54 years of service. Funeral services will be Nov. 16 at 2 pm in the Clarksburg United Methodist Church. Those wishing to sign his on-line register may do so at www.ebrightfuneralhome.com. Dennis L. Gurney Dennis L. Gurney, 65, of 15019 E. TR 8, Attica, was killed Thursday morning, Nov. 6, 2008, as the result of a farm accident at his home. He was born Sept. 11, 1943, in Willard, to George and Violet (Miller) Gurney. On Jan. 26, 1963, he married Judi Ehrman in Attica, and she died March 10, 2002. On April 3, 2004, Denny married Barbara Timple in Attica, and she survives in Attica. Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Violet Gurney and Clarence Bayer of Attica; his wife, Barbara (Timple) Gurney of Attica; two sons, Dusten Gurney of Columbus and David L. (Melissa K.) Gurney of Attica; a stepson, Scott Stover of McCutchenville; two stepdaughters, Kimberly (Brett) Tieben of Bucyrus and Andrea (Kurt) Keaton of Hilliard; a brother, Gary (Jane) Gurney of Attica; a sister, Janet Swartzmiller of Attica; and grandchildren, Maggie, Forrest and Emma Gurney of Attica, Madison, Bryce, Alexandrea and baby Tieben, Ava, Mia and baby Keaton of Hilliard and Coleton Stover and Jasmine Price of McCutchenville; and mother-in-law, Alice Timple of Sandusky. He was preceded in death by his father, George Gurney; his brother, William Russell Gurney; and his first wife, Judi Gurney. Denny was a farmer, a blacksmith and the owner of Gurney Insurance Agency in Attica. He was a member of Union Pisgah United Methodist Church of Attica, where he served on many committees; a 1961 graduate of Attica High School; a 1965 graduate of Farrier School; and he started shoeing full-time in 1967. He was a past member of Ohio Paint Horse Association, the Lazy Aces Saddle Club, the Southern Ohio Forge Association, the NRA, very active in harness racing at the Attica Fair, serving as the speed superintendent, an associate harness racing judge, former Attica Fair Board member, and received the 2004 Irene Martin Award. He raised registered Limousin cattle, enjoyed going to fairs and watching his grandchildren show cattle. He was a past director of Farmers Mutual Insurance Association. Denny also enjoyed camping and traveling with Barb, and thoroughly loved all their grandchildren, and the new ones on the way. Bruce J.Wenger Dr. Bruce J. Wenger, DVM, passed away Oct. 23, 2008 at his home in Gerogia. The former Columbus, Ohio resident and native had owned Standardbreds for five decades and was a well-respected veterinarian. Many of his horses bore the "Wen" moniker, such as Wen Her Buckeye, Wen Her Linda and Wen Her Steve. Wenger also campaigned such horses as Bert Adios, Ms Scootin JB and Paris Time. Norman B. Krueger Norman B. Krueger, age 70, passed away Oct. 20, 2008 due to a farm accident. He is survived by his loving children, Phillip (Bonnie) Krueger, Kimberly (David) Lewis, Robert Krueger, Heidi (Robbin) Velayedam and Erik (Hope) Krueger; eight grandchildren; dear sister, Carol Slayton and loving partner, Sally Chrissanthis. He was preceded in death by Judyth Krueger and his parents, Paula and Margaret Krueger. Timothy Lee Timothy A. Lee, 50, beloved son of JoAnne (Schutte) Lee and the late Thomas D. Lee, died Wednesday, October 1, 2008 in his home. He was born in Springfield, Ohio, March 10, 1958 and was currently being treated for melanoma at Ohio State James Cancer Center. Survivors in addition to his mother include, 2 sisters, Kathy M. Lee and Patty J. (Dale) Wilson; 3 brothers, Roger D. (Kathie) Lee, Michael J. Lee, all of Clark County and Steven E. (Ruth) Lee of Pensacola, Florida; loving niece and caretaker, Rachel (Kevin) Sanders; his caring nephew, Ryan (Heather) Lee; nieces, Jennifer, Nicole, Alisha and Michelle and many more relatives along with his dog Bubba. He was a special devoted uncle to his four great nieces and seven great nephews. Tim had formerly been employed with Grand Trunk Railroad. He was the owner of Lee's Vending Company and also the breeder and owner of Standard Bred Horses. He was the proud owner of the 2005 Ohio Sire Champion, Goodnite Buddy, Bubba Lee and Sassy Sara Lee. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his oldest brother Robert T. Lee and his favorite dog, Max. Diana L. Sweet Diana L. Sweet, 61, died October 1, 2008, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. A resident of Huron, Ohio, Mrs. Sweet (nee Grimmer) was born October 24, 1946 to Bernard and Lucille Grimmer in Norwalk. She graduated from Norwalk High School in 1964 and married the love of her life, Dale Sweet, on November 4, 1967. Mrs. Sweet bred and raced Standardbreds for nearly 30 years. Win or lose, she was always there to cheer them around the race track. Some of her favorite horses included Dee D Baker, Dee's Message, Fun Message, Sam's Trick and Sandtrick. She is survived by her husband, Dale; and daughters, Julie Ann (John) Buntin and Kristen Lea. Donald P. Catrone Donald P. Catrone, 87, of Orrville, died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008, at Shady Lawn Health Care Community in Dalton, following a period of declining health. Donald was born on June 19, 1921, in Celeryville, to the late Frank and Rose F. (Serpa) Catrone and married Frances Reid on Dec. 22, 1941, in Greenup, Ky. She survives. The Catrone brothers have been involved in harness racing in the Wayne County area for over 30 years. Don often helped his brothers Mike, and John, jog and train the horses when he was younger and would come and help-out around the barn, or just watch from the truck when he was older. Some of their top horses included OSS champion Swing Anna Miss and the gritty racehorse Coal Winner. Donal served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II and worked for the Quality Castings Company in Orrville for more than 40 years, retiring in 1988. Donald was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church. He enjoyed gardening, horses and horse racing. He previously volunteered for Meals-On-Wheels and the St. Agnes festivals. Surviving are his wife, Frances Catrone; two sons, Frank (Carol) Catrone of Massillon, and Chris (Sheila) Catrone of Orrville; three daughters, Donna (Bob) Good of Orrville, Regina (Tim) Miller of Dalton, and Robin (Bryon) Slayton of Wadsworth; three brothers, Nick (Sally) Catrone, John (Meda) Catrone and Mike (Lucy) Catrone; a sister, Mary Sekulich; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Tony and Joe Catrone; and two sisters, Kate Frias, and Jenny Rey. |
