George "Mike" "Wally" Cox, 73, passed away February 7, 2022 at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center in Beachwood, Ohio. Mike was born December 9, 1948 in Lima to George and Lena (Gratz) Cox. On March 18, 1973 he married Patricia Rockhill Cox.
Mike was a 1967 graduate of Allen East High School and received his associate's degree in Wildlife and Conservation Management from Hocking Hills Technical College. He was a retired career firefighter for the City of Lima. Mike was also a 45 year volunteer member of the Bluffton Fire Department retiring as Assistant Chief and had previously served as police officer for the Village of Bluffton. Mike was a firefighting instructor at Apollo Career Center, Lima and was a past leader for the Bluffton Boy Scout Troop #256.
Ronald L. Zimmerly Sr., 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Pandora on February 3, 2022.
Ronald was born June 18, 1942 in Bluffton, OH, to Dwight and Jaunita (Weiss) Zimmerly who preceded him in death. On September 1, 1963 he married the love of his life, and best friend, Jill (Borton) Zimmerly.
Wayne Becker, 61 of Avon Lake passed away with his family by his side on Thursday, February 3, 2022. He was born February 11, 1960 to parents David Becker and Linda Staley (stepfather Don Staley) in Lima, OH.
Wayne was very family oriented, and his true joy came from the memories he created with his loving wife, children and grandchildren. He loved watching his children play sports and never missed a single event. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan and enjoyed watching and attending their games. He had a passion for golf and listening to vinyl classic rock.
Terry Lynn Strahm, 73, went to be with his Creator and Maker on Tuesday, February 2, 2022 at Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima. Terry was born August 23, 1948 in Bluffton to Maurice and Ruth (Garmatter) Strahm. He married Linda Bender Strahm who survives.
Heidi Fletcher, 51, died peacefully on January 26. Heidi was born February 12, 1970 in Bellevue, Illinois but has known a life of travel and has lived in many states before moving to Bluffton, Ohio just about a year ago with her life partner, Tom Arnold. While working fulltime; attending classes fulltime; and raising her son, Heidi graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with High Honors. She taught elementary education in both Texas and North Carolina.
Robert (Bob) Joel Warren, age 89, of Terre Haute, Indiana, died of natural causes on January 31, 2022, in Kendallville, Indiana, at Chandler Place. He was born on November 16, 1932, to Clyde Oliver Warren and Eulalia McCormick Warren in Bluffton, Ohio. Bob graduated from Cory-Rawson High School, Mt Cory, Ohio, in 1950 and from Heidelberg University, Tiffin, Ohio, in 1954. He majored in Physical Education and History at Heidelberg, while also earning varsity letters in football and track.
