Obituaries

Terry Marshall was born June 2, 1942 and raised in Bluffton, Ohio. The oldest of five children, he would go on to become a leader in all aspects of his life. He became an Eagle Scout, high school senior class president, track star in both Bluffton High and Bluffton College and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy.

Robert E. "Bob" Wilch of Bluffton, Ohio passed away August 18, 2024 at his residence shared with his daughter, Penny. He was born February 21, 1929, to the late Harvey and Roma Wilch. Bob was a graduate of Bluffton High School where he participated in all sports and state championship games.  As a young adult, Bob played on local softball teams and after games would drink an orange crush soda while his teammates had their beers, earning him the nickname “orange crush kid.” 

Roger "Hawk" Hoffman of Tavares, FL. and formerly Bluffton, OH and Eshbach, Pa. died on September 1, 2024. Roger was born on Feb. 1st, 1952 to the late Roger Melvin Hoffman & Dorothy (Fronheiser) Hoffman who are both deceased.

Roger married the love of his life Sandra (Sam) Karhoff on Aug. 17, 1974 who survives.

Survivors include two children, Andrea Mahone of Lima, OH. and Michael (Cari) Hoffman of Nashville, Tenn. 4 grandchildren Milan and Myles Mahone, Monroe and Reese Hoffman.

Marjorie Pauline Basinger Hilty, 95, passed peacefully on June 15, 2024 at Willow Ridge Betty House in Bluffton, Ohio.

She was devoted to her family and friends. Marjorie was a thoughtful and generous person. Those who knew her would describe Marj as feisty, kind, smart, and hardworking. She was dedicated to a Life of Peace and Active Good Will.

Marj was born February 18, 1929 and raised in Pandora, Ohio, the daughter of Clement and Lucille (Metz) Basinger, who preceded her in death. Her Brother, Dr. Clair Basinger, and Sister, Phyllis Frank, also preceded her in death.

Michael Ray Emerick passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by family at the age of 77.

He was born on March 9, 1947, to Carlton L. and Gathyl (Downing) Emerick in Bluffton, Ohio. He was a 1965 graduate of LaFayette Jackson High School. 

Gloria N. Hofferbert, 37, passed away August 23, 2024, at Lima Memorial Health System.

Gloria was born April 2, 1987 in Lima to Gregory (Greg) and Emma (Hughes) Hofferbert who survive.

She was a graduate of Fairfield High School, a member of Waynesfield Baptist Church and was currently employed at Taco Bell. 

She is survived by her mother, Emma Hofferbert of Lima; father, Gregory (Greg) Hofferbert of Lima; son, Charlie Taylor of Lima; and two brothers, Jonathan Hofferbert of Lima, Greg Hofferbert, Jr. of Lima.

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