All Obituaries

Donald W. Conrad Sr peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, November 16, 2023. A lifelong Eaton Township resident. Don was born on March 7, 1937 to parents John S. and Sophie B. (Hyde) Conrad. He graduated from Eaton High School Class of 1955 and then proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard. Don was a member of the Ohio Operating Engineers employed by CP Gilgenbach Co until his retirement in 2001. Don enjoyed being outdoors working...

Raymond J. Cox, 78, of Litchfield passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake, Ohio. He was born February 13, 1945 in Millville, NJ to Sherman and Sophie Cox. Ray served in the US Army from 1965-1967. He loved hunting and fishing, going to the Litchfield Flea Market, crafting things out of wood and metal, and his beloved dog, Ruby. Ray is survived by his wife Lynne; daughter Renee (John) Yarish of Grafton; sons Raymond (Crystal) Cox and Ryan Cox of...

Rebecca Marilyn Gardner(Johnston) age 93 of LaGrange passed away in her home on Wednesday November 1, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Rebecca was born July 5, 1930 in Elyria to Dick and Ruth Johnston. She was the last surviving of six sisters and four brothers.  Becky was married to Donald Gardner of North Olmsted. They were blessed with seven children : Donald Jr., David, Douglas, Rebecca, Mark, Mathew and Marilyn. Becky, Don and family moved to LaGrange Township in1964 and...

Joan Dobbins, 89, was called home to be with the Lord Thursday evening, October 19, 2023. Joan was born April 17, 1934, in Lockney, West Virginia. Joan graduated from Normantown High School in 1952. She was married to the love of her life, Melvin Dobbins, and their 71-year marriage was an example of their deep abiding love for each other. They were never apart when they could be together. It all started with a Christmas card that Joan sent to Melvin that turned his heart towards hers. Joan...

Mallisa Lynn Kurta (Egnor) 46 0f Elyria gained her wings October 14, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Mallisa had a HUGE HEART and was always the life of the party she will be missed by many. Mallisa faced many battles in life but she relied on her amazing relationship with Jesus to see her through. She loved her children and grandchildren with all of her heart. She is survived by her children Daughter Savannah ( kurta) (Jesse) Partin, Son John (Brookelynn) Kurta Jr, Daughter Danelle...

Roger E. Beane, 80, of Grafton passed away at his home early Monday morning.  He was born in Grafton, Ohio on December 24, 1942, and spent his early childhood in West Virginia.  Moving back to Ohio in his early years, He had several mini careers in the trades, starting with Bendix Westinghouse, then on to Invacare and Sung Seat where he designed and built specialized equipment for handicapped children. Then moved on to become a craftsman building trade show exhibits for...

Roger Lee Wriston, 74, better known by his nickname Dynamite, passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family. Born in Montgomery, WV on February 14, 1949 to the late Lawrence and Olive Wriston; they moved to Ohio where he met his wife, Diana; they fell in love immediately and were married in 1965. They have three children together: Patricia (Kevin) Filko, Roger, Jr. (Jennifer) and Molly (Kevin) Naylor; loving grandfather...

Jerl E. Skidmore, age 89 of LaGrange passed away Monday September 25, 2023 at The Elms Retirement Village in Wellington. He was born January 8, 1934 in Gilmer County, West Virginia. He was a resident of Grafton and LaGrange most of his life. Jerl worked for many years as a car salesman for various car dealerships as well as owning his own used car dealership. He also was as an excavator for many years; a job he truly loved. He was a member of the Midway Baptist Church in Elyria and enjoyed...

Christine M. Thewlis 76, of Grafton passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home September 25, 2023. Born in Plettenberg, Germany May 29, 1947 and came to America by ship with her parents when she was a toddler. She settled in Lorain County for most of her life and called it home. Christine was a 1965 graduate of South Amherst High School and was the Homecoming Queen. She was a natural green thumb and loved tending to her picturesque gardens full of color all season long. A talented...

Joann C. Opfer (nee Gessner), 89, a longtime resident of Lagrange, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Wesleyan Village in Elyria. She was born May 14, 1934, in Westlake, to the late Wilson and Helen (nee Jenkins) Gessner. She was a 1952 graduate of Eaton High School. Joann was a wonderful and loving wife, mother,  and grandmother. She enjoyed reading, traveling with her husband across the 48 contiguous United States, and visiting with children...