William "Bill" J. Steiner, 81, passed away February 15, 2025, at Lima Memorial Health Systems.
William "Bill" was born September 4, 1943 in Bluffton, to Wilford and Mabel (Herr) Steiner who preceded him in death. On August 24, 1968 he married Joan (Kilper) Steiner who survives.
Lifelong Bluffton resident, Edward James Reichenbach, a man whose passionate love for his family was exceeded only by his love of Jesus, passed away in his sleep on February 7, 2025 at the age of 88.
Edward was born August 16, 1936 in Bluffton to Ralph and Evelyn Reichenbach. As a family, we like to say that not too long after his birth, Ed held his first job. No one out-worked Edward Reichenbach. From lawn mowing at age 10, caring for horses, sweeping floors downtown, painting and later driving a school bus, milk delivery and coaching football, to name just a few of his jobs, he paid his way through Bluffton College where he became the first in his family to graduate (with a degree in Education). He worked and studied while all the time playing on the football team as well. Ed taught middle school in Lima before accepting the challenge to be the first State Farm insurance agent in Bluffton. A testimony to Ed's work ethic is that State Farm has the "President's Club," an annual award given to the top 50 Agents in the entire United States. Edward qualified for President's Club in the tiny community of Bluffton, outperforming agents in cities such as New York and Chicago.
Gerald Ray McDowell, 85, of Elizabethton, Tennessee, died at his home on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in the loving presence of his family. He was born in Allen County, Ohio, on Oct. 13, 1939. He attended Kindergarten through 12th grade at Beaverdam Public School. He then studied Architecture at the University of Cincinnati prior to a career in industrial construction. Beginning in 1960, he worked for Stedke Construction for the majority of his career, followed by Tuttle Construction prior to retiring in 2000. He was a member of the Carpenter’s Union Local 372.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Amy Bishop Kline at 11:57 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born February 8, 1971, in Findlay, Ohio, to Sharon and Charles Bishop, Amy lived a life marked by generosity, loyalty, and a passion for travel.
Cheri Lee Lones, 68, passed away January 29, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.
Cheri was born April 10, 1956 in Lima, to Harvey and Hazel (Hill) O'Day who preceded her in death. On December 23, 1977 she married Rick Lones who survives.
Cheri loved to read and adored spending time with her grandchildren.
Dean Robert Sommers, 94, passed away on January 30, 2025 at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. Dean was born on November 18, 1930 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Walter and Cora (Gratz) Sommers. At a young age, Dean moved with his parents to Bluffton where he resided most of his life. On March 14, 1953, he married Darlyn Rae Garmatter at the Ebenezer Mennonite Church. They were married over 63 years and were blessed with four sons. Darlyn preceded Dean in death on March 20, 2016 in Bluffton.
