Janet M. Leonard, 87, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, at 3:15 p.m. at Lima Memorial Health System, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on May 12, 1938, in Bluffton, Ohio, to Howard "Scottie" and Ethel (Holtzapple) Edinger, who both preceded her in death. On August 17, 1968, she married Michael "Mike" Leonard, who preceded her in death on February 26, 2009.
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By Paula Pyzik Scott
Interior designer Brooke Place celebrated the opening of her full-service interior design studio and shop, Inside Innovations Inc., at 125 N. Main St. on Friday, August 22. As a new member of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, the open house event began with a well-attended ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the building at Vine and Main streets.
At the ceremony, Brook and her husband Kyle, with son Lochlan and daughter Brynn did the honors of cutting the ribbon.
AUG 25 MEDIA RELEASE__Join The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District for its 19th annual Walking Thru Autumn Series. Included in the series is Bluffton's Motter Metro Park, located at 10740 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Rd. The park provides 1.5 miles of trail to observe wildlife and see how the landscape shifts with the seasons.
Each week participants will gather for a guided hike, to take in the beauty of fall and explore some of the 30+ miles of Park District trails. Upon completing 6 of the 8 hikes, participants will receive a 2025 Metro Parks hiking stick medallion.
AUG 22 MEDIA RELEAE__Dr. Martina Cucchiara, professor of history at Bluffton University, will present the Colloquium, "Faith and Feelings: The Emotional Education of Maidservants in 18th Century Germany," at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, in Centennial Hall's Stutzman Lecture Hall.
During her Colloquium presentation, Cucchiara will explore how religious and societal institutions in 18th-century Germany sought to shape the emotional lives of young women working as maidservants.
AUGUST 25 MEDIA RELEASE__Coen North '26, a Spanish and communication and media double major at Bluffton University, will present "The Power of a Positive Environment: My Study Abroad Experience in Mexico" at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, in Musselman Library's Reading Room.
During the First Tuesday in the Library Forum, North will reflect on how a period of isolation while studying abroad ultimately deepened his appreciation for community. He will share insights into personal growth, cultural understanding and the value of positive social environments.
