Prentice Funeral Home

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Akron, OH
Prentice Funeral Home

Prentice Funeral Home
1154 Kenmore Blvd. Akron, OH 44314
(330) 753-7721 Prentice Funeral Home has been family owned and in this community since 1914.

My husband Tom Prentice was the fourth generation to own and operate this funeral home. He died unexpectedly from cancer in July of 2014. Since that time, I have been taking care of the families we serve along with several area funeral directors. I have discovered that this is my calling. I love helping families during their worst days. I know what they are feeling and are going through. I love helping them create a meaningful tribute to their loved one. I encourage them to bring mementos to display that their loved ones collected and cherished, to play their loved one’s favorite music, to bring poster boards of pictures, videos of pictures, scrapbooks, and framed family pictures to display. Prentice Funeral Home is proud to offer a variety of services. We can assist you in completing all of the arrangements with the special preferences you desire. Our intention is to help make every ceremony personal and meaningful, truly reflective of the life that was lived. Most people today bring their children and they get restless, so we have a playroom to keep them occupied. Also, ask about our services for veterans. In addition to the wide range of services we offer, you will receive an online memorial that you can share with family and friends. We also post your loved one’s obituary on Facebook so that you are able to share it on your own page. While honoring your loved one is our top priority, we also want to help you through this difficult time. We have a wide range of resources to support you not only today, but in the weeks and months to come. Sincerely,

Lori Gardner Prentice

11/21/2025

Steven Smith, 65 of Akron passed away on November 16, 2025. He grew up in Kenmore and graduated from Kenmore High School. He then joined the Navy and retired from the Navy in 1995. He loved to golf, watch football and baseball, animals and riding his bike. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys/ Cleveland Browns, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Cleveland Guardians fan.

Steven is preceded by his parents Thomas and Ruby Smith. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law James and Loucinda Smith.

A memorial service will be held at Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd., on Tuesday November 25, 2025, at 7:30. Calling hours will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

11/12/2025

Dallen Ray Botdorf passed away peacefully October 29, 2025. He was born July 7, 1949 in Lodi, Ohio. He married the love of his life Catherine Benford and they raised their family in the area. Dallen did very well working as the national sales manager at 4B Custom Cabinets for many years. But being free spirits, Dallen and Catherine both quit their jobs while in their 50’s, bought an RV and traveled the country extensively making crafts and selling jewelry at fairs and festivals on the road. They settled in Palm Springs, California and camped in Oregon during the summers.

Dallen is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Fern; wife Catherine in February and sister Jane. He is survived by his brother Jim and sister Sherry; children Amy and Brad, and grandchildren Tyler and Bailey.

A celebration of life for Dallen and Catherine will take place at a later date.

11/01/2025

Karen Poling, 78, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025. She was born February 4, 1947 to Carl and Esther Webb and grew up in Lakemore, Ohio. She worked as a payroll specialist in social services. Karen was proud to have been a member of AA for 37 years and was happily married to Robert for more than 40 years.

Karen’s happiest moments were on the back of a motorcycle and she was proud to have ridden with the Hell’s Angels back in the day. She was always the life of the party and could bring a smile to everyone she met.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Esther (Bozo) Webb; brothers Wyatt and Caro, Jr. (Lois); sister Frances; husband Robert; and son Charles Poling. She is survived by children Katherine “Sis” (Craig) Beste, Paul “Igor” Poling, Paul Harnack, David Rothenstein, Larry Harvey and Marci Minich; grandchildren Autumn (Todd), Conner (Nicole); great grandchildren Raylynn, Rylee, Kalianny and Kaiden.

Cremation has taken place. Condolences may be left at prenticefuneralhome.com or the Prentice Funeral Home page.

10/22/2025

Erle Vernon Spangler II, 89, passed away peacefully at home on October 17, 2025. He was born April 12, 1936 and grew up on Chester Avenue and lived his entire life in Kenmore.

He was a strong young man who joined the Air Force the day after he turned 20 and served in Korea. Erle loved hunting, fishing, guns and archery and most of all loved his family and provided for them as a long-distance truck driver.

Erle is preceded in death by his parents Erle and Dorothy Spangler; stepfather Frank Gregory; sister Erlene; son Erle Spangler III; son-in-law Victor Canfora; grandsons Josh and Ricky Spangler and granddaughter Samantha Tiffner. Erle is survived by his loving wife Billie Jo (Cottrell) Spangler and his children Raymond (Rita) Spangler, Belinda Canfora, Richard Spangler, Steve (Kimmy) Spangler, Dillon Spangler and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Military honors will be bestowed and graveside services will be officiated by Pastor Ray Hilton at Greenlawn Cemetery, 2580 Romig Road, Akron, Ohio 44320 on Wednesday October 29 at 10:30 AM. All are welcome to attend.

Arrangements provided by The Prentice Funeral Home.

10/04/2025

It is with great sadness that I inform my friends & family of the loss of the “love of my life & soulmate”, John. We were married almost 31 years. He passed away on July 8, 2025, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
John was born December 25, 1953, he grew up in Norton, went to school at Norton High school, and graduated from Akron University & Walsh University.
John had many different career paths in his life. He joined the Navy right out of high school, went to college for a Business Degree, and rejoined the military as an officer in the Air Force. After 4 years, he was discharged, and he was hired as a park ranger, then became a Copley Police Officer. He was later hired at FirstEnergy and held many different positions during the 10 years he worked there.
He decided to go back to college & graduated with his Masters in Clinical Counseling. He worked in the counselling field for over 30 years. He did mental health, drug & alcohol and family counseling. His favorite job was when he was the Director of Mental Health at Summit County Jail. John loved helping people, and he touched the hearts of many people.
John was a very special man. He was the best husband, amazing father, grandfather and he was recently made a great-grandfather. His grandchildren were the sunshine in his life and always made him smile.
John is preceded in death by his father, John Balash, his mother, Irene Balash, his brother, Richard Balash and his stepdaughter Melissa Fielding. He is survived by his wife, Lynn, daughter Kimberly (Ryan) Prentice, son Johnny Balash, stepdaughter Michelle Wagner, stepson Michael (Erin) Leonardi, son-in-law Dennis Fielding, and 7 grandchildren: Austin, Mercedes, Mason, Constantine, Quinton, Grayson, and Ireland one great grandson Liam.
It’s so hard to lose someone you love so much, but I know he isn’t suffering anymore and is in heaven with Jesus, my daughter and his other family members. I love you John… you will always be in my heart, and I know we will be together again.
“Happiness is being married to someone who is not just your partner, but is your safe place, your peace in the everyday chaos, your hope when you feel a little lost, your strength when you need it most, and the true love of your life!”
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd., Akron on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Janet Zimmerman. Calling hours will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in John’s name to the American Cancer Society or Safety Forces Support Center, in Akron, OH or Greenleaf Family Center in Akron, OH.

09/30/2025

Robert W. “Bob” Kerns of Green passed away on September 27, 2025. Born in Altoona, PA on April 7, 1939, he was raised in East Loop, PA at the foot of Locke Mountain, by Frank and Rita Kerns, deceased.
Bob graduated from Hollidaysburgh High School in 1957, then went into the U.S. Navy where he served on the USS Dashiell 659. He then went to work in automobile and bus parts and finished his career in heavy truck sales where he retired from Quality Truck Body selling solid waste removal equipment. He spent five years running Boyd Sanitary Equipment Co. in Canton, OH. He was a licensed auctioneer for 30 years.
Bob was also a member of F.O.P.A. in Akron, OH and a 30-year-old member of North Lawrence Fish & Game. He spent almost 20 years as an instructor for hunter Education Program for the Ohio Division of Wildlife. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, teaching kids to fish, gardening and working outside.
Bob is preceded by his father Francis (Rita) Kerns, sisters Carol and Frances, loving wife of 38 years Linda, and her parents Frank & Gilda.
Bob is survived by son Robert (Deb) Benton, daughter Dawn Fayard, son-in-law Marc Fayard, grandchildren Danelle (Mike) Pettini, Nicholas Benton and Ryleigh Fayard, great-granddaughter Cataleya Pettini and special little girl Rosie.
Funeral services will be held at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd., on Friday October 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Father Jeremy Merzweiler, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Special thanks to Traditions Health for the outstanding service; especially to Bridgett and Cheryl.
Donations, if desired may be made to Haven of Rest, 175 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44308.

09/15/2025

Ronald Oaks, born May 14, 1943, passed away peacefully September 14, 2025.
Ron was a 1961 graduate of Hower Vocational High School. He then went into the National Guard. Ron went on to work as a custodian for the Akron Public School System. He became a deputy sheriff in 1978. He worked two jobs to support his family. Ron retired in 1983.
Ron married his beloved wife Barbara in 1984 on the island of Kaui. One of Ron’s greatest accomplishments came October 19, 2006, the day he became sober. Ron worked tirelessly on his 12-step program.
Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years Barbara, son Dean (Mitzi) Oaks, daughter Wendy Ellis, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and many friends of Dr. Bob’s.
The family will hold private services at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Akron North Hill Men’s Group of Alcoholics Anonymous.

09/05/2025

Carl Harris, 78 of Wadsworth passed away on September 3, 2025, surrounded by family and the loving, caring staff of the SCI and MCIU units at Louis Stokes Cleveland V.A. Hospital. Carl was born in Barberton, grew up in Kenmore, and graduated from Kenmore High School. He then went into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He was very involved in the Buckeye Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He was a board member of the national PVA, participated in the Paralyzed Veterans Wheelchair Games, was inducted into the Ohio State Veterans Hall of Fame in 2022 and won the Outstanding Member Award in 2022. He held national and state records for archery and air rifle and was a past member of the YK Rod Club.
Carl is preceded by his parents Dale and Betty Harris and his wife of 49 years Patty Ann Harris. He is survived by his daughter Christine (Lou) LoCoco, grandchildren Paul Nash (Best Buddy) and Andie Nash (Little Angel), brothers and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd., on Monday, September 8. 2025 at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Lakewood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Donations, if desired may be made to Buckeye PVA, 2775 Bishop Rd., Suite B, Willoughby Hills, OH 44092.

08/07/2025

Linda D. Kerns (nee Jarvis, nee Benton) 76 of Green passed away on August 4, 2025. She was born in Akron, grew up in Kenmore and graduated from Kenmore High School in 1967. She was a mother and homemaker in Arizona, working in a school cafeteria, so she could be home when her kids were home. After moving back to Akron, she worked at IRBF as general manager. She was very devoted to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She loved feeding birds and other critters. She put her heart and soul into everything she did.

Linda is preceded by her parents Frank and Gilda Jarvis, brothers Frank Jarvis Jr. and William “Billy” Jarvis. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 38 years Bob Kerns, son Robert (Deb) Benton, daughter Dawn Fayard, son-in-law Marc Fayard, grandchildren Danelle (Mike) Pettini, Nicholas Benton and Ryleigh Fayard, great-granddaughter Catalya Pettini and special little girl Rosie.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2101 17th St. SW on Tuesday, August 12th at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Father Jeremy Merzweiler. Friends may call at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd. on Monday, August 11th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Special thanks to Traditions Health for the outstanding service; especially to Bridgett and Cheryl.

Donations, if desired may be made to Haven of Rest, 175 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44308.

08/04/2025

I have a lady who will make a bear or pillow out of your loved ones clothing! ❤️

07/28/2025

Grief is how we come to terms with our new reality. It’s the process in which the old is mourned and released, and the new is accepted and assimilated into what’s new. Without proper grieving, you will be forever stuck in the in-between — struggling with the loss but never accepting the new life you live in.

07/26/2025

Grief, I've learned, is really just love.
It's all the love you want to give, but cannot. All of that unspent love gathers in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and the hallow part of your chest.
Grief is just love with no place to go.

Address

1154 Kenmore Boulevard
Akron, OH
44314

Telephone

+13307537721

Website

http://www.prenticefuneralhome.com/

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