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.
Elfrieda Martha Landes Ramseyer, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, caring nurse and exceptional educator, died peacefully on January 24, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was 90.
Elfrieda lived a rich life of service. Warm and kind, she was a great friend, always willing to listen and offer words of encouragement. She loved making meals for persons and families in need, and her children recall the smell of freshly made soup and bread many afternoons and evenings as she prepared to drop off a meal. She cherished going to coffee with friends and was well known as a sympathetic listener. She enjoyed participating in church choirs throughout her life, and was a bass in the Sweet Adelines women's barbershop chorus in Iowa for many years.
The daughter of a minister – she referred to herself throughout her life as a "preacher's kid" – Elfrieda learned from an early age the importance of helping others, serving as a community volunteer wherever she lived. She also moved with her family often during her childhood.
Donna Ruth (Hadley) Gisondi, age 88, of Bluffton, Ohio passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 29, 1936 she was the daughter of Donald and Margaret Hadley who resided in Waynesville, Ohio. On April 14, 1956 she married James (Jim) David Markley and moved to Lebanon, Ohio where together they would raise their family. James preceded her in death in April of 2000.
