Obituaries

Wilbur D. Willeke, age 93, of Ada, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Vancrest of Ada.  

He was born on November 7, 1930 in Dunkirk, Ohio to the late Glenn and Hester (Wilcox) Willeke. On August 24, 1952 Wilbur married Wilma A. Boecher and she survives in Ada. 

BLUFFTON__Ralph Allen Nonnamaker passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the Good Samaritan Home in Arlington, Ohio. Ralph was born on February 15, 1943 to the late Howard and Alma (Slusser) Nonnamaker. His first wife, Gloria (Rettig) Nonnamaker preceded him in death. On February 20, 1966 he married Jean (Montgomery) Nonnamaker. They were married for 57 years.

Ralph was a 1961 graduate of Cory-Rawson High School and then graduated from Toledo Meat Cutting School. He was a farmer and owned Ralph’s Market in Bluffton before working and retiring from Wonder Bread. He retired again from A to Z Meats in Bluffton.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Jean Nonnamaker; four children, Monica (Dennis) vonStein of Rawson, Jill (Michael) Woodward of Bluffton, Gina (Kevin) Burkholder of McComb, Cody (Stephanie) Nonnamaker of Jenera; eleven grandchildren, Miles (Melissa) vonStein, Brooke (Brandon) Anspach, Caleb (Carlie) vonStein, Morgan (Mitchell) Karhoff, Shelby (Jim) Armand, Chelsea (Cody) Basinger, Aubry (Dalton) Ream, Mariah (Addison) Diller, Logan, Blake and Makenzie Nonnamaker; fifteen great-grandchildren and one on the way.

BLUFFTON__Gary D. Bricker, 85, passed away December 24, 2023 at Lima Memorial Health System. Gary was born January 22, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Russell and Ruby Fern (Dorman) Bricker. On October 14, 1960 he married Violet Bradley Bricker.

Gary was a graduate of Columbus Grove High School and served in the Ohio National Guard. He worked in the dyno division at the Lima Ford Engine Plant for 41½ years. Gary attended the Upper Room Church of God in Findlay and was a long time active member at the Lima First Assembly of God. He was also a member of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Car Club and the Columbus Grove Fender Benders. Gary thoroughly enjoyed and was very passionate about restoring antique Ford cars. He was the best storyteller and volunteered a lot of his time painting fire hydrants in the Village of Bluffton. 

Leland W. Wilkins, 95, passed away December 22, 2023, at Willow Ridge-Betty House. 

Leland was born September 10, 1928 in Rawson, OH, to Ira and Emma (Tschiegg) Wilkins who preceded him in death. On October 24, 1952 he married Joan (Niswander) Wilkins who preceded him in death on October 1, 2018. 

James Robert Reichley, 66, of rural Rawson passed away at Blanchard Valley Hospital on December 17, 2023. He was born in Bluffton, OH on November 2, 1957 to the late Robert and Irene (Rettig) Reichley. He married Debra Moneer on October 16, 2004 and she survives.

Mary Ruth Wagner, 91, of Ada, passed away December 18, 2023 at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay.  Mary was born March 24, 1932 in Delphos to the late Forest and Martha (Kunz) Gudakunst.  On May 18, 1952 she married Carl Wagner who survives.  

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