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Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut, OH (2025)

10/13/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy
to the family and friends of REBECCA BOWERS.

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REBECCA E. BOWERS, age 81, of Conneaut, OH passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025 at UH Conneaut Medical Center.
Rebecca was born on February 11, 1944 in Kane, PA, the daughter of Richard and Lillian (Holtman) Westerburg. She was a 1959 graduate of Kane High School and later moved to Conneaut. Rebecca dedicated 43 years of service as a laboratory technician at the former Brown Memorial Hospital, where she was known for her kindness and strong work ethic.
Outside of work, Rebecca lived life to the fullest. She loved playing bingo, reading, painting, and working on arts and crafts. For many years she owned and operated a local ceramic shop, where she shared her creativity and talent with friends and neighbors. She especially cherished spending time with her “grand-babies”, who were the light of her life. Camping trips and family reunions in Kane, PA were among her happiest memories.
Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Arthur Bowers, son Tim Bowers, one brother, Carl Westerburg Sr. and one sister, Carol Brinkman.
She is survived by one son Doug (Ema) Bowers of Xenia, Ohio, two daughters, Tina (Brian Lawler) Bowers of South Carolina and Sheila (Bill) Sharp of Conneaut, eight siblings, Peggy (Charles) Williams, Richard (Sandra) Westerburg Jr., Gwen Green, Charles (Maricel) Westerburg, Kathy Krause, Janet (Bob) Gadley, Patrick (Tina) Westerburg and Robert Westerburg, twelve grandchildren, Amber (Kyle) Irish, Sarina Bowers, Mercedes (Mike) Beck, Kaley Robison, Brandon Robison, Justin (Lauren) Robison, Bailey Bowers, Adam (Ashley) Sharp, Paige Sharp, Stephanie Bowers, Aaron Bowers, Sarah Bowers and twelve great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St. Conneaut, Ohio.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

10/13/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our sincere condolences
to the family and friends of ROBERT J. MEANEY.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

ROBERT J. MEANEY, age 73, passed away October 10, 2025, at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home.
Bob was born on February 26, 1952, in Conneaut, the son of Richard and Shirley Miller Meaney. He was a heavy equipment operator at the P & C Dock Company for over 40 years until his retirement. Bob was a member of Corpus Christi Parish.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, son Jeffrey Meaney in 2025, brother Paul Meaney and sisters Barbara Meaney and LouAnn Harlacher, stepson Paul Zed Johnson.
He is survived by his wife Kimberly Becker Meaney, daughters Jill Bryant, stepchildren Brooke Johnson, Jamie Bowers, and Jeremy (Christine) Young, brothers Tom Meaney, Rick Meaney, Edward Meaney, Donald Meaney, sisters Susan Meaney, Cynthia (Albert) Cropeck and Cathy Smith, two grandchildren, five step grandchildren, one step great grandchild, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
At Bob’s request no services will be held. The Raisian Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com.

10/09/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our most heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of BERNARDINE A. "BERNIE" MILTNER.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

BERNARDINE ANDREA "BERNIE" MILTNER (5/26/1933 - 10/4/2025) lived a life defined by compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others. Born in Espyville, Pennsylvania, to Andrew and Mary Lucas, Bernie's journey was a testament to the power of dedication, service, faith, and love.

A distinguished academic from the start, Bernie graduated as valedictorian from North Shenango High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Spencer School of Nursing. Her nursing career was nothing short of extraordinary, spanning decades and touching countless lives. At Brown Memorial Hospital in Conneaut, Ohio, she served in multiple critical roles—from surgical nurse to ER charge nurse and beloved obstetrics nurse who helped deliver hundreds of Conneaut babies.

Later in her career, she worked with Ashtabula County Home Health Agency, was the school nurse for Conneaut City Schools, and was the Industrial Nurse at the Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company (her favorite job). At P&C, Bernie had many memorable adventures, including a ride on the Edgar Speer and a “ride” in a Hewlett to rescue a man who had a heart attack while hundreds of feet in the air. Legend has it, when told she could not go up that high to rescue one of her men, Bernie allegedly (and inaccurately) coined the phrase “Hold my beer.”

In 1956, her landlords introduced her to the “nice boy who delivered bakery goods,” Jim Miltner, who worked in the family-owned Miltner’s Bakery. Mrs. Leach joked that if she and Jim married, Bernie “would always have a lot of dough.” They were engaged soon after, but the groom was deployed to Korea during the war. They maintained a passionate, daily correspondence (Jim saved those letters but kept them in a container marked “Do not read until after I am dead”). Their love letters later became a source of both inspiration and humor for their children, who realized how lovesick and adorable their parents were.

Their family grew quickly, welcoming four children—Maribeth (Robert) Davis, James David (Karen) Miltner, Kathy Anne (Jerry) Parise, and, after several losses, their "miracle baby" Lesley Jennifer (who may or may not have written this obituary) Miltner. Bernie's role as a mother and later Grandma to Keelia (Mitchell) Morris, Matthew (Kyra) Miltner, Dominick (Taylor) Parise, Katie (Chris) Hauenstein, and "Oma Great" to Finley Jae and Piper “Pip” Morris was her most cherished achievement, marked by unconditional love and unwavering support.

It would be criminal to neglect to mention that Bernie is survived by her precious cat, Callie, who never left Bernie’s side after Jim’s death 21 months before her own Heavenly promotion.

A devout Catholic, Bernie was a proud member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church and Corpus Christi Parish (Father John Miller and Deacon Nick Iarocci) in Conneat. Until shortly before her death, Bernie would say the rosary several times a day. Some of her best memories were as a member of St. Mary’s Choir. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, and the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association. After Jim’s death, Bernie was embraced by the members of JUMC in Jefferson, and the community at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Andover, where she enjoyed mass led by her “ #1 guy” Father John Ettinger. Bernie’s faith was a cornerstone of her identity, providing strength through personal losses and challenges.

Even in her final days, surrounded by family and her beloved cat Callie at her daughter, Maribeth’s, home in Andover, Bernie remained sweet and compassionate. She was gloriously reunited with her Jim on October 4, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of giving, resilience, and love that will continue to inspire her family and community for generations to come.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025 at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025 at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 744 Mill Street, Conneaut.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.

Donations can be made in her memory to Maddox & Friends Cat Rescue, Conneaut, Ohio.

10/07/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy
to the family and friends of DR. NEAL W. FREY

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

Dr. Neal W. Frey, age 90, formerly of Conneaut, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, at the Ashtabula County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Born on November 25, 1934, in Fremont, Ohio, Neal was the son of Henry Gilmore Frey and Cleva (Weller) Frey. He earned his Doctorate in Dentistry from The Ohio State University in 1958 and was elected to membership in Theta Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Honor Dental Society.
From 1959 to 1964, Neal proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army, stationed in Texas and Honolulu, Hawaii, before being honorably discharged.
After leaving Hawaii, Neal and his family settled in Cambridge, Ohio, where he partnered in a dental practice. Always eager to expand his knowledge, he went on to earn a Master of Science in Dentistry from the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1973. He later taught Dental Radiology at UCLA in Van Nuys, California, and continued teaching in Jackson, Mississippi.
Eventually, Neal and his family returned to Ohio and made their home in Conneaut. There, he opened a dental practice in the J.C. Penney building and, later in his career, continued his work at the Ashtabula Dental Clinic until his retirement.
A man of many interests, Neal was a passionate history enthusiast—particularly of the Civil War—a gifted watercolor artist, and an avid reader. He also took great pride in maintaining his yard and had a deep love for nature.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Tex and Harold Frey; and his sister, Tody Brown.
Neal is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Gretchen (Pfleiderer) Frey; his children, Betsy (Steve) Elwood of Atlanta, GA; Henry (Terry) Frey of Gates Mills, OH; and Eric (Susan) Frey of Conneaut, OH. He is also survived by his sister, Joanne Scott of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Heather Frey, Haley (Brian) Morgan, Paige Frey, and Sydney Frey; and one great-grandchild, Landon Rodinis.
In accordance with the family’s wishes, private services with military honors will be held at Lulu Falls Cemetery at their convenience.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

09/22/2025

The Raisian Family and staff extend our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of our cousin
JOHN S. ERICKSEN.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

September 21, 2025, the patriarch of the Ericksen household left this worldly place for his heavenly home, with his family by his side.
John S. Ericksen was born December 24, 1953, in Conneaut, OH, to John and Sara (Hews) Ericksen. He attended Conneaut schools through middle school, then his family moved to Warren, OH. He graduated from Howland High School in 1972. John then returned to Conneaut and was employed by the Conneaut Police Department until 1979 at which time he started working at the Ashtabula Bow Socket. His employment then took him to various positions as the factories all seemed to close while he was there. In 1982 John returned to school attending KSU-Ashtabula receiving an Associate Degree in Accounting in 1985, then Edinboro University of PA, graduating Cum Laude in May of 1991. John used to tease he was a ‘Jack of all trades’ holding many jobs over the years. He officially retired from accounting in January 2016 but kept up his skills working for his son Joe at Heavenly Creamery.
Of all the positions John held over the years his favorite ones were husband, father and grandfather. Supporting his family’s activities no matter what they were. Always ready to help the kids, family members or friends whenever/wherever needed. John enjoyed people. No one was a stranger for long. He enjoyed gatherings with family and friends; often smoking ribs, frying turkeys or making “grandpas world famous spaghetti sauce” (per grandson Brandon). He had a love of guitars, and the last few years had the opportunity to build an acoustic guitar from design to finished project, and two kit guitars, with Oakey Emery. John loved traveling – especially to NC or wherever the kids were. He loved going to battlefield sites wherever he could find them. He enjoyed his two trips to Italy and had hoped to return to Rome one day. A history buff, he loved to watch historic documentaries, and he loved motorcycles. His favorite ride was to skyline drive and Gettysburg for their 25th anniversary, riding separate cycles and meeting people from all over. He was amazed at how many people talk to you when you’re on a motorcycle ride. A lover of animals he looked forward to cuddle times with Holly and grand-puppy Bean.
John married Barb (Ozolek) Ericksen at St. Mary’s Church in Conneaut, September 18, 1976. Besides his wife John is survived by his children; Tom (TJ) & Nikki Ericksen of Youngstown, Joe & Chrissy Ericksen of Conneaut, Kristen & Dave Miller of Gastonia, NC. His beloved grandchildren Brandon & Ethan Ericksen of Youngstown, and Abigail & Donovan Miller of Gastonia. He is also survived by his brother Lief Ericksen of Parma Heights, OH, brother-in-law Patrick Reich of Washington State, many cousins, and his ‘baby girl schnauzer’ Holly.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Thomine Ericksen Reich, maternal grandparents T.H. and Alice Hews, paternal grandparents Eric and Ruby Ericksen, several aunts, uncles, cousins and his in-laws Walt and Theresa (Zappitelli) Ozolek.
Calling hours will be Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St. Conneaut, OH 44030.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Corpus Christi Parish, Mother Cabrini Church, Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.
Memorial contributions can be made to Corpus Christi Parish Memorial Fund, or Hospice of the Western Reserve

09/14/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our most heartfelt
love and prayers to the family of MARY T. COLBY.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

MARY T. COLBY, age 74, of Conneaut, passed away on September 12, 2025, at the Saybrook Landing Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Mary was born on May 26, 1951, in Conneaut, the daughter of Anthony and Louise Narducci Bartone. She was a 1969 graduate of Conneaut High School and later retired from Andrew & Pontius Law Firm where she was a receptionist/secretary.

Mary was a member of Corpus Christi Parish and a former member of the St. Mary Church choir. She was an outstanding cook and loved making pizza and Italian foods. Mary made her famous homemade pizza every week for her family, and occasionally her friends. She enjoyed landscaping and collecting dolls as well as walking her beloved dogs, Gus and Max. For her friends and family, she made wreaths for all the seasons of the year. Mary enjoyed gambling and going to the casinos. She especially loved the time she spent with her family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law Mary Jo Muck.

She is survived by her husband, Nicholas JP Colby, whom she married November 28, 1970, at St. Frances Cabrini Church, sons A.J. Colby of North Ridgeville, Pete Colby of Ashtabula, Nicholas (Jena) Colby of Concord Township, daughter Nichole David of Myrtle Beach, S.C., sisters Sharon Palko and Sandy (Scott) Spees of Conneaut, brothers Marty (Diane) Bartone of Geneva and Phil (Julie) Bartone of Eastlake, sister-in-law Kathie Spore of Conneaut, brothers-in-law Danny Muck of Kingsville, Joseph (Memory) Colby of North Kingsville, and many nieces and nephews. Mary took special joy in being with her five grandchildren Hope, Dominick, Abby, Josephine and Thomas.

Visitation for Mary will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at St. Frances Cabrini Church, with Fr. Philip Miller of Corpus Christi Parish officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.

Memorial contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.

Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

09/05/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our most heartfelt
love, sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of
MARCELLA M. BITTNER.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

MARCELLA M. BITTNER age 97 passed away at her home on September 4, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Marcella was born on June 6, 1928, in Ashtabula the daughter of William P. and Lyda M. (Cartner) Kirk. She was a 1946 graduate of Harbor High School. Marcella worked at Midtown Motors and Electric Landry as a bookkeeper and later worked at Fisher Big Wheel and Gerdes Pharmacy until her retirement in 1990.
She was a member of Corpus Christi Parish and attended St. Mary Church. Marcella enjoyed her flowers, cooking, baking, and helping others. Marcella loved her home which her husband Ed had built. She especially loved the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marcella was preceded in death by her parents, husband Edward F. Bittner, son Michael Bittner, brothers Jack Kelleher, William Kirk, James Kirk, Robert Kirk and sister Bernadette Kelleher.
She is survived by daughter Lisa Bittner Brown (Tom Diringer) of Conneaut, son Scott Bittner of Conneaut, grandchildren Stefanie (Joe) Loncarich, Natalie (Sean) Gradomski, Justin Brown, great grandchildren Spencer Loncarich, her little genius, Liv and Mae Marcella Gradomski her little princesses, sister-in-law Dolly Kirk and many dear nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 744 Mill Street, Conneaut, with Father Phillip Miller of Corpus Christi Parish officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Marcella’s memory may be made to Corpus Christi Parish Memorial Fund, 744 Mill St. Conneaut.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com.

08/31/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy to the
family and friends of Martha Ann Yako.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

MARTHA ANN YAKO age 82, of Jefferson, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.
Martha was born on May 17, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Raymond and Edith (Sloan) O’Connor. She was a 1961 graduate of St Peter’s High School and later married her husband John A. Yako, Jr. on November 23, 1963.
Martha was a LPN nurse for many years, working at Euclid Hospital and retiring at the age of 62. Martha was a member of St. Andrew Bobola Church and served on the women’s council at St. Andrews. She loved to garden, travel to the casinos and spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, husband John A. Yako, Jr. and a granddaughter Klarrisa Marie Yako, and grandson Scott Johnson.
Martha is survived by her son John R. (Angila) Yako, of Jefferson, daughters Carol Ann Yako of Jefferson, Judith Ann Tuttle of Madison, Sara (Scott) Johnson of Monroe Township, a brother John O’Connor of Cleveland, ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St, Conneaut.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.at St. Andrew Bobola Church with Fr. Philip Miller officiating. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family at Kellogsville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in Martha’s memory to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

08/20/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our most heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of JAMES D. WOODWORTH.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

JAMES D. WOODWORTH, age 86, formerly of Conneaut, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Novant Huntersville Medical Center, in Huntersville, N.C.
Jim was born in Conneaut, the son of Lee and Ruth Stahle Woodworth. After he graduated from Conneaut High School in 1958, Jim worked at the A&P grocery store, later enlisting in the United States Navy in 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1963. His business career began at the former Conneaut Can Company and he was soon transferred to Florida where he worked for the VanDorn Company’s Davies/Tampa division. Several transfers throughout his 37 years in the container industry earned him respect with customers and peers.
As time passed, watching his family grow and become successful in their own rights was his greatest joy. When it came time to retire, what did he do? ...moved to Florida once again and went to work! As a host in The Villages sales office, he was fortunate to add many new, lasting friendships. For many years Jim served as a Eucharistic minister at various Catholic churches identifying his devotion to his Faith.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Roy Woodworth and Ray Woodworth, sister Geraldine Ward and nephew Lee Jennings.
Jim is survived by the love of his life, Barbara J. (Forsty) Woodworth, whom he married October 27, 1962, at St. Frances Cabrini Church, sons James B. (Diane) Woodworth of Davidson, N.C., Benjamin Woodworth of Bloomfield, N.J., daughter Amy (Matthew) Brown of West Linn, Oregon, grandchildren Ian, Paige, Hunter, Beckett (Jennifer), Jake and Ben.
Family and friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St, Conneaut.
Mass of the Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. on Friday August 29, 2025, with Fr. Philip Miller of Corpus Christi Parish officiating.
Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut, with the American Legion Honor Squad presenting military honors for Jim.
Memorial contributions in Jim's memory may be made to Corpus Christi Parish Memorial Fund, 744 Mill Street, Conneaut, Ohio 44030.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

08/05/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy to the friends and family of
ROBERT J. "BONES" FIELDS.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

Robert James Fields, better known by those who loved him as “Bones”, passed away on August 3, 2025, at the age of 70 after a very brief illness.

Born on May 18, 1955, in Conneaut Ohio to Robert G. and Agnes Fields, Bobby lived life on his own terms- loud, loyal, and full of grit. He had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and antique cars. His expertise for chrome plating set him apart in the field, he turned metal into mirrors. He never met a dog he didn’t like, and he made sure everyone heard about his own pups and his treasured “grand-dogs.”
Bones was known for his crude sense of humor, quick wit, and ability to make just about anyone laugh (or groan). But beneath that rough exterior was a heart of gold, he would give you the shirt off his back.

He is survived by his two daughters, Kayla Fields of Jefferson, Ariel Bartlett and his beloved son in-law Alex Bartlett of Wattsburg, PA, two grandchildren, Tanner and Alivia Bartlett, who brought him so much joy as he watched them grow and his many 'grand-dogs,' all of whom he adored.
Bobby is also survived by his sister, Julie (Jeff) Myers, brothers Kenny (Brenda) Fields and Tim (Karen) Fields, former wife and mother of his children, Cindy Brewster, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Aggie and Robert G., brother Doug Fields and his loyal dogs and sidekicks, Monroe and Penny, affectionately known as “Uddy Roe” and “Penn Duck”.

His presence, laughter and stories will be missed more than words can say.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 9 at 11:00 a.m. at the Raisian Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Route 20, N. Kingsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Buckeye Australian Cattle Dog Rescue, https://www.buckeyeacdrescue.org/
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

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