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Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

http://www.alspachgearhart.com/

Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington Street, Van Wert, OH (2026)

02/16/2026

Richard G. Hubble

Richard G. Hubble, 79, of Van Wert, died at 4:30am on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Vancrest of Van Wert. He was born January 8, 1943, in Jamestown, Indiana, to George Edwin and Leota (Wethington) Hubble. He married the former Monica Lynn Burnett.

Rich graduated from Lima Shawnee High School was in 1966 and was a veteran of the United States Army.

He retired from Federal Mogul in Van Wert.

Rich was a member of Grace Bible Church in Van Wert and the United Steel Workers Union. He found joy in attending church functions and horseback riding at Woods and Waters in Delphos.

Rich is survived by a son, Michael Hubble of Van Wert; and three grandchildren, Asher, Jaden and Gracen Hubble.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Moni; a son, Benjamin Hubble; and his brother, Robert Hubble.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.

Visitation will be from 11:00am-2:00pm on Thursday, at the funeral home with Rev. Lance Hostetler, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Services have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

View Richard G. Hubble's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/13/2026

Barbara A. Allen

Barbara Anne Allen, 92, of Convoy, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Vancrest of Van Wert.

Barbara was born on February 24, 1933, in Convoy, at her family home to William F. and Rhea (Kreischer) Clay. On June 14, 1953, she married Richard F. Allen, who preceded her in death on December 17, 2010.

She is survived by her five children, Cindy Baxter of Convoy, Randy (Julie) Allen of Columbus, Dan (Laurie) Allen of Grove City, Jim (Carrie) Allen of Convoy, and Mary (Jared) Stumpp of Vermilion; thirteen grandchildren, Zach Baxter, Kyle (Tiffani) Baxter, Caleb (Beth) Hoffman, Jennifer Allen (Nathen Miller), Brian (Sarah) Allen, Kimberly (Kyle) Leachman, Bradley Allen, Alexx Allen, Larissa (Eliott) Richardson, Whitney (Anthony) Snead, Emily Stumpp (Timothy Woolf), Katie Stumpp, and Heather (Andrew) Smith; twenty-four great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren. Mrs. Allen has a sister, Libbi Clay-Ellis of Brookville and a brother in law, Roger (Dottie) Allen of Warsaw, Indiana. She was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Jeanne Stuck; and a brother, Thomas Clay; and a great granddaughter.

Barb was the only remaining classmate of her graduating class of Convoy High School 1951, of which she was Salutatorian. She had attended Wittenberg College in Springfield, and was a telephone operator for Indiana Bell Telephone Company in Fort Wayne and later in Convoy. She was an honorary member of the Convoy Research Club, was an avid reader and a former charter member of Calvary Evangelical Church.

She cherished her family, was an avid sports fan, especially The Ohio State Buckeyes, an avid bird-watcher, and a dog lover of many, especially Daisy.

Visitation will be held from 11;00am-1:00pm on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Gearhart-Sauer Funeral Home, Convoy, Ohio.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, at the funeral home, with Rev. Clark Williman, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemery.

Preferred memorials may be directed to the Van Wert County Humane Society or to the Brumback Library.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gearhart-Sauer Funeral Home, 655 N. Main St, Convoy, Ohio.

View Barbara A. Allen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/10/2026

John F. Plotts

John F. Plotts, 49, of Convoy, died Friday Night, February 6, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Ft Wayne. He was born on November 22, 1976, in Lima, to Dana Plotts and Sharon (Markley) Wannemacher.

John loved being an over-the-road truck driver. He was currently driving for Decker Trucking.

He was an avid fan of the Detroit Lions and Tigers and enjoyed reading Stephen King and Harry Potter books. Most of all, John loved his family with everything he had, especially his two daughters.

John is survived by his mother, Sharon Wannemacher; his daughters, Hannah (Hannah Heredia) Plotts of Ft Wayne, and Leah Plotts of Convoy; a sister, Chrissy (David Barnes) Plotts of Convoy; and a niece, Addison (Tylar Lintermoot) Barnes.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dana Plotts.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert.

Visitation will be 10:00am-12:00pm on Friday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hannah and Leah.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Services have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

View John F. Plotts's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/10/2026

Glenda K. Schaadt

Glenda K. Schaadt of Van Wert, Ohio, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, at Van Wert County Hospital. She was born May 16th, 1954, to the late Glenn and Dorothy Etzler, and was also preceded in love and guidance by her stepfathers, Sylvester Grote and Ervin Klausing.

Glenda leaves behind a legacy defined by love, kindness, and quiet strength. She was known for her warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. One of four siblings: brother Gary (Linda) Etzler of Hubbard Lake, MI, sisters Sue (Doc) Stokes of Middle Point, OH, and Debra (Dewight) Hitchcock of Van Wert, OH. She was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

On May 20th, 1989, Glenda married the love of her life, Kent J. Schaadt, who remained her devoted husband. Her greatest pride and joy were her children. She was a deeply devoted mother to Robert (Josue) Sites of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Spencer (Zoey) Schaadt of Van Wert, Ohio. Her heart overflowed with love for her grandchild, Romy Wendyl Schaadt, who affectionately knew her as "Gramma Gigi," a title Glenda treasured above all others.

Glenda had a unique gift for making everyone feel instantly welcome, often greeting others with her signature introduction: "Hi, I'm Glenda-like the good witch!" Through thoughtful conversation, quick wit, a helping hand, or a simple smile, she touched countless lives in meaningful and lasting ways. Her professional life was rooted in service to others, reflecting her natural compassion and care. She cherished her family, the comfort of her home, a good sweet treat, and the simple joys of time spent together-moments that became lifelong memories.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, 722 S. Washington Street, Van Wert, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in Glenda's memory. Glenda was a passionate supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and various social causes, and donations made in her honor are welcome. https://www.stjude.org/donate

Condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.

Momma G will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

View Glenda K. Schaadt's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/07/2026

Glendene VanLandingham

Glendene VanLandingham, 102, of Convoy, died on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Van Wert Manor.

She was born in 1923, in Paulding County to the late Fred and Phoebe (Mohr) VanLandingham. Glendene was reared by her uncle and aunt, the late Alfred and Opal (Spicer) Mohr.

Surviving are several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her infant sister, Lois Maxine VanLandingham; one brother, Dean Mohr VanLandingham; one half brother, Charles L. VanLandingham; and four cousins, Guiles C. Mohr, Kendall A. Mohr, Ersel E. Mohr, and Elizabeth A. Brautigam.

Glendene was a graduate of Convoy High School and graduated with degrees from Mission House College and Western Michigan University. She was an educational missionary to India in the early 1950s. For the next 30 years, Glendene taught high school students and was a guidance counselor. She retired from Ottawa-Glandorf Schools.

Glendene was a member of Pleasant Chapel United Methodist Church.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home with Pastor Kimberly Thomas officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour before the service.

Memorials may be made to Crestview Bible Center or to Van Wert Pregnancy Life Center.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Glendene Vanlandingham's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/04/2026

Betty Jean Vogt

Betty Jean Vogt, born on March 6, 1921, in Van Wert, Ohio, to Marshall and Genevra (Albright) Young, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at the age of 104. A lifelong resident of Van Wert, Betty was known for her kindness and generosity, always placing the needs of others before her own.

Betty had a profound love for the birds that visited her window, bringing her joy and peace. Throughout her life, she touched the hearts of many, dedicating herself to serving others.

Betty is survived by her step son, Lynn Vogt of Florida; and members of the Joy Demodivich, Robert Young and Charles Young families.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Genevra; and a brother, Ronnie Young.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral home & Crematory with Pastor Christian Taylor, officiating. Private burial will be held in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Van Wert Manor Activities Fund or First United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Services have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

View Betty Jean Vogt's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/03/2026

Sandra K. Tracy

Sandra K. Tracy, 78, of Van Wert, passed away on January 25, 2026, at Lima Memorial Hospital. She was born on September 29, 1947, in Defiance, to the late James and Helene (Reynolds) McCulley.

On May 4, 1968, Sandra married the love of her life, Stanley Tracy. Together they were members of First United Brethren in Christ Church, where she faithfully served as secretary.

Sandra was the assistant director of the Brumback Library until 1994, after which she worked for Dr. Benya for several years. She later served as office manager for the Van Wert Chamber of Commerce and for ALL Service and Repair.

She enjoyed working with the public and visiting with friends and family. She adored her pets and especially cherished every moment spent with her granddaughter, Zoey.

Sandra is survived by her daughter, Megan Tracy of Van Wert, and her granddaughter, Zoey Elaine Tracy of Rockford.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Tracy.

A memorial service will be held in the near futhure.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

View Sandra K. Tracy's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/02/2026

Sheila Rae Gunter

Sheila Rae Gunter, 80, of Delphos, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Vancrest of Van Wert. She was born on October 26, 1945, in Lima, Ohio, to Peter J. and Naomi (Hummer) Fuerst. She married David D. Gunter. A devoted homemaker, Sheila dedicated her life to nurturing her family, raising her sons, Jeff, Daniel, and David, as well as her daughters, Tiffany and Laura. Her unwavering commitment to her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she took great pride in being a loving mother and grandmother.

In addition to her family, Sheila found joy in her hobbies. She had a cherished collection of dolls and was an avid reader.

Sheila is survived by her five children, David Gunter of Van Wert, Laura Brown of Celina, Jeff (Amy) Gunter of Van Wert, Daniel Gunter of Van Wert and Tiffany Gunter of Spencerville; her grandchildren, Nathan Gunter, Brittni Wenning, Ryan Gunter, Julia Gunter, Addie Gunter, Evan Maye and Calen Oen; and 4 great grandchildren, with one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Naomi; her husband, David D. Gunter; and a brother, Michael Fuerst.

A private family burial is scheduled at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City, Ohio.

A celebration of Sheila's life will be held at a later date.

Services have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

View Sheila Rae Gunter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/31/2026

Ralph R. DuCheney

Ralph R. DuCheney, 82, of Van Wert, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, at Van Wert Manor. He was born on April 16, 1943, in Van Wert, Ohio, to Kenneth and Ruth (Rogers) DuCheney, who raised him on the family dairy farm where he learned the values of hard work and dedication.

Ralph proudly served six years in the Ohio National Guard, showcasing his commitment to his country. He retired after an impressive 50-year career at Federal Mogul, where he worked as a tool and die maker.

Ralph is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Marlene (Rice) DuCheney of Van Wert; his children, Brian DuCheney of Van Wert and Renee DuCheney King of Georgia; his step-children, Travis (Jodie) Ellerbrock of Van Wert and Stacia (Ryan) Feathers Spieth of Convoy; his sister, Carole (Ron) Long; and 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a step-son, Trevor Ellerbrock; and a brother, Kent DuCheney.

Ralph's faith was a central part of his life; he was born again at the age of 10 and was an active member of Harvest Field Pentecostal Church in Scott, Ohio. He found joy in fishing, hunting, and playing cards with family and friends. In his final hours, Ralph spoke of a figure standing outside his window that no one else could see, a sight that offered him peace and comfort.

In keeping with Ralph's wishes, there will be no services at this time.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

View Ralph R. DuCheney's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/26/2026

Irene Pavel

Irene Jewell Pavel, 71, of Van Wert, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Vancrest of Van Wert. She was born March 18, 1954, in Van Wert, to the late Donald and Martha (Rison) Ream Sr.

Irene loved to crochet, read, and work on word search puzzles. She also enjoyed relaxing with classic black‑and‑white television shows. Before her mobility issues, she attended services at The Salvation Army in Van Wert, where she was active in various women's groups. She also volunteered for a time, providing secretarial support at Trinity Friends Church.

She is survived by her children: Andrew (Christy Fischer) Ream and Heather Ream, both of Van Wert; and Allen (Amanda) Pavel of Pleasant Lake, IN. She also leaves behind her siblings: Don (Judy) Ream of Mason; John (Ann) Ream of Van Wert; Mart (Les) Bowling of Mason; Connie (Bill) Kistler of Leipsic; and Patty Martin of Strongsville; as well as her grandchildren: Hannah, Kyle, Cody, Keiko, Addi, and Kolton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by an infant sister, Bonnie Ream.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.

Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Friday.

Memorial donations may be made in Irene's name to The Salvation Army.

To share in Irene's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Irene Pavel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/20/2026

Shawn Travis Brown

Shawn Travis Brown, 57, of Findlay, Ohio, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Blanchard Valley Hospital, in Findlay. Born on March 31, 1968, in Findlay, he was the beloved son of Paul and Dianna (Stegaman) Brown.

Shawn earned an Associate's Degree and dedicated his professional life as a C.A.D. operator within the manufacturing industry.

He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Findlay.

Shawn grew up in a world that gave him the opportunity to spend the summers with his family, and just about all of that time revolved around spending it around the water. Through the years he thoroughly enjoyed anything to do with a boat, whether it was a row boat or a sailboat. He was happy either on or in the water. It took him a little longer to learn how to water ski, but he finally got it and he wouldn't stop talking about it. When out on the lake his dad would say "take us home", he would turn his ball cap around and smile from ear to ear as he put the throttle up. At 40 miles an hour, he was in heaven. What really gave him joy was spending his vacations with his family on their sailboat in the Bahamas. The sailboat wouldn't go 40 miles an hour, but he was at peace. The sound of the waves and wind lifted the weight of the world off his shoulders. In recent years, his greatest joy was spending time with his niece and nephew, Addison and Max Brown.

In addition to Addison and Max, Shawn is survived by his parents, Paul and Dianna Brown of Van Wert; a brother, Jason (Kelly) Brown of Westfield, Indiana; and his maternal grandmother, Joan Stegaman of Van Wert.

A private service celebrating Shawn's life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

View Shawn Travis Brown's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/15/2026

Gary Lee "Harry" Spridgeon

Gary Lee "Harry" Spridgeon, 71, of Middle Point, Ohio, died on January 14, 2026, at his residence. He was born on March 29, 1954, in Van Wert, Ohio, to Gerald E. "Tuffy" and Esther E. (Byers) Spridgeon.

Harry was a dedicated truck driver for most of his life, having recently retired from Nickles Bakery in Lima, Ohio. He was a former volunteer for the Middle Point Fire Department, demonstrating his dedication to his community. A proud member of the Delphos Sons of the American Legion, Delphos Eagles, and Lima Teamsters Union, Harry found camaraderie in these organizations and cherished the friendships he built over the years.

Harry graduated from Lincolnview High School in 1972. He had a passion for the open road, often riding his Harley Davidson and attending sprint car races at Eldora Speedway.

Harry is survived by his sister, Elsie (Joe) Thompson of Newark, Ohio; and brother, Jay Spridgeon of Middle Point.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Harry's life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

View Gary Lee "Harry" Spridgeon's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm