Retired Bluffton business woman Anna Ruth Balmer, 93, of Bluffton, died Oct. 31, 2016, at Maplecrest, Bluffton.
She was born April 30, 1923, in Nappanee, Indiana, to the late Ezra and Anna (Christophal) Mullett. On Dec. 5, 1943, she married Harold Balmer who preceded her in death on April 28, 2012.
Anna was owner and operator of Balmer’s, Bluffton. She was an active member of First Mennonite Church, Bluffton. Anna enjoyed sewing and polka dancing. She designed the outfits used for the Maypole dance during May Day at Bluffton University.
Daniel J. DeLong, 64, died Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, at his residence after an extended illness.
He was born Jan. 12, 1952, in Schenectady, New York, to Jesse and Shirley DeLong who preceded him in death. On Nov. 6, 1971, he married Claudia J. Bowman, who survives.
Mr. DeLong retired as President and CEO of Triplett Corp. in Bluffton. He was also the Executive VP and CFO of Triplett for 10 years prior to becoming President.
Betty J. Reed, 89, died on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016, at 6:26 a.m. at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
She was born on Aug. 14, 1927, in Kinniconick, Ky., to Ernest and Dorothy (Pell) Rhoden who preceded her in death. Betty married Elvin Reed and he preceded her in death in 1986.
Betty formerly worked for Triplett Corp. of Bluffton, Westinghouse of Lima and prior to her retirement she worked at the Marysville Correctional Facility. Betty was a homemaker. She was a USO volunteer and a member of the Kenton Moose Lodge #428 Ladies Auxiliary.
Kay Miller, 62, of Bluffton, died on Oct. 22, 2016.
She was born on Oct. 23, 1953, in Hilliard, Ohio, to A.C. and Theresa Montgomery, who survive. She married Dave Miller on July 12, 1975, and he survives.
Kay was a graduate of Bethany College. She was very involved in the Bluffton Schools, serving many years as the president of the PTO and later serving many years on the school board.
Harold E. Rau, 84, died Oct. 22, 2016 at his home in Bluffton. Harold was born April 9, 1932, at home in Paulding County, Ohio, to the late Ross and Edna (Titler) Rau.
He graduated from Continental High School in the class of 1950. On June 14, 1952, Harold married Ada (Buckmaster) Rau at the Mt. Calvary Church in Ayersville.
Harold Served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 as a medic and was in the Army reserves from 1955 to 1957.
