Obituaries

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UPDATE The July 10 service will be at 11:00 a.m.

Darrell L. Huber, 82, passed away July 1, 2023, at Blanchard Valley Hospital.

Darrell was born June 23, 1941 in Bluffton, to Gerald and Margaret Idona (Eyer) Huber who preceded him in death. On August 13, 1966 he married Kay (Richard) Huber who survives.

Darrell was a graduate of Bluffton High School. He retired as an electrician and Director of Buildings and Grounds from Bluffton University after 46 years of dedication. Darrell served in the U.S. National Guard and as a volunteer fireman for the Bluffton Fire Department; serving as chief for many years. He attended First Mennonite Church of Bluffton; and was a member of the American Legion of Bluffton and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles of Fremont. He enjoyed boating, reading, and attending sporting events for his grandchildren and for Bluffton University.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Huber; a daughter, Megan (Jacob Petitjean) Coffman; and grandchildren, Kaleigh and Ezekiel Coffman, all of Bluffton.

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David O. Brechbill, 88, of Newark and formerly of Bluffton passed away June 28, 2023 at Altercare Newark North, Newark, Ohio. David was born March 29, 1935 in Canton, Ohio to the late David and Charlotte (Hummer) Brechbill.  On February 2, 1974 he married Janet Westall Brechbill who preceded him in death on December 19, 2021. 

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John Robert “Bob” Daft, died on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Willow Ridge of Mennonite Home Communities in Bluffton, Ohio at 8:05 a.m.  He was born on December 17, 1930, to the late Olney and Beulah (Morrison) Daft. He married Edith M. Henry on Easter Sunday, March 25, 1951.  She preceded him in death on January 9, 2013. 

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Russ Gregory, 81, died unexpectedly on May 9, 2023 in Denver, Colorado due to complications following successful open-heart surgery.

Russ was born on January 8, 1942 in Wooster, Ohio.  After graduating from Dalton High School in 1960 he attended Bluffton College (now University), majoring in Music Education and Piano, later earning a Master’s Degree in Music History from Ohio State University in 1972.

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On Sunday, June 25, beloved husband, father, brother, pastor, and friend, Ronald John Williams, age 66, entered Glory after a period of declining health.

Ron was born on January 29, 1957, in Reno, Nevada, to the late Richard and Dorothy (Locher) Williams. He graduated from Bluffton High School in 1975, and Bluffton College in 1980.

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A memorial service has been planned for Dorothy Balmer who passed away October 26, 2022. 

Dorothy’s service will begin at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 1, 2023 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Bluffton. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton was honored to serve Dorothy’s family.

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