Obituaries

GLANDORF Robert Francis “Bob” Duling, 82, of Glandorf, passed away at 1:35 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

CONTINENTAL - Shirley Mae Sarka, 85 of Continental died 4:20 p.m. Friday, August 16, 2024 at the Meadows of Kalida. She was born November 25, 1938, in Leipsic to the late Charles and Blanche (Schmidt) Winkle. On October 8, 1960, she married Alfred Sarka, who preceded her in death on February 18, 2020. She is survived by a son: Scott (Kelly) Sarka of Continental; 2 granddaughters: Brianna (Brett DeSote) Sarka and Christina (Zach) Brobst; 3 greatgrandchildren: Paisley, Penelope and Baby Girl Brobst, arriving in November; a sister: Donna Bracken of Van Wert; 2 nephews and a niece. Shirley is preceded in death by 4 sisters-in-law: Mildred Sarka, Pauline Sarka, Inez Sarka and Bertie Sarka; 2 brothers-in-law: Earl Sarka and Larry Bracken; and 2 nephews: Dave and Daniel Sarka. Shirley retired from the Putnam County ESC where she had been an intervention specialist aide. She was a very active member of Christ United Methodist Church, Continental and a member of the Progress thru Parenthood CCL. Shirley was a part of a very special group of ladies that met each Friday at the Main Street Boutique for coffee and conversation. Shirley was rarely seen without a smile on her face. She was the most loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and truly looked forward to and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley’s funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at Christ United Methodist Church, Continental with Pastors Monica Kleman and Chuck Schmunk officiating. Burial will follow in Monroe Cemetery, Continental. Visitation will be Monday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Continental and again for 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Homecare and Hospice or Christ United Methodist Church, Continental. Online condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com.

Donald (Don) E Bucher, 74, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 11, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. Don was born in Bluffton, Ohio on December 17, 1949 to John and Thelma (Bridenbaugh) Bucher.

Deborah Kleman, 72, of Punta Gorda, FL formerly Van Wert, OH, passed away on August 8, 2024 at home surrounded by family. Deborah was born on October 31, 1951 to the late Richard (Lefty) and Rita (Brown) Bott in North Creek, OH.

FORT JENNINGS Donald J. ‘Doc’ Meyer, age 80, of Fort Jennings, passed away Saturday, August 10, 2024, at his residence. He was born October 11, 1943, in Fort Jennings to the late Herman and Marie (Wieging) Meyer. On April 12, 1969, he married Kay F. (Schimmoeller) Meyer, who survives in Ft. Jennings.

Neibi Reza, 84, of Leipsic, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 1, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Tomas and Carlotta (Castenta) Rubio on March 17, 1940 in Mexico.

CLOVERDALE - Judith Ann Spitnale, 86, of Cloverdale passed away at 12:46 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Mercy Health St.

OTTAWA Regina Mary Scheckelhoff, 91, of Ottawa, passed away at 11:28 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at The Meadows of Ottawa.

OTTAWA Phyllis Ann Frey, 78, of Ottawa, died Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.