Obituaries
Obituaries for The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory
In Memory of Our Dear Loved Ones
Darla K. Reth
Apr 16, 2025
Darla K. Reth, age 72, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025. Darla was a truly special soul—someone who never met a stranger and saw everyone as a friend. Her sense of humor and bright spirit brought joy to all who knew her. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Majestic Care (Kent Healthcare) for the compassion...
Candace E. Gengler
Apr 15, 2025
Candace E. Gengler of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away on April 15th at the age of 72. She was born on August 6th, 1952, in Akron, Ohio, and was the only child of Earl and Edith Joynt of Pennsylvania.
A lifelong Akron native, Candace graduated from Garfield High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from the University of...
James Lester Vaughn Sr.
Apr 11, 2025
James Lester Vaughn Sr.
James Lester Vaughn Sr. passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2025, just past his 85th birthday. He transitioned while on hospice in Tallmadge, Ohio due to complications surrounding his ongoing battle with Parkinsons Disease. James’s life was about faith, generosity, and fierce loyalty and love of family to not only friends but also those with whom...
Joseph Eugene Williams, PhD
Apr 10, 2025
Joseph Eugene “Joe” Williams, PhD, of Bath Township, died unexpectedly on April 10, 2025, just shy of his 80th birthday. Joe was born in Lima, Ohio on April 24, 1945. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Cecile Williams; his sister, Jan Kuck; and his brother, Jack Williams.
As a teenager, Joe was a star athlete at Lima...
Richard N. Crano
Apr 10, 2025
Richard Nicholas Crano, 79, of Akron, passed away Thursday evening, April 10, 2025.
Born in Akron on December 23, 1945 to Nicholas and Catherine (Scalia) Crano.
Rich worked for and retired from General Tire/Continental and Goodyear after over forty years. His work revolved around tires, his life evolved around family. He was a member of St. Hilary Parish. He was soft-spoken, kind,...
Thomas C. Gates
Apr 9, 2025
Thomas Charles Gates, age 87, passed away peacefully April 9, 2025.
He was born November 3, 1937, in Harrisburg, PA; son of the late Jacob and Cecelia (nee James) Gates. Thomas lived in Commodore, PA and moved to Akron, OH in the 1940s.
Preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife, Dawn (nee Wilson) Gates.
Thomas is survived by his devoted...
Lisa Ann Owen
Apr 8, 2025
Lisa Ann Owen, 63, passed away at home in Akron, Ohio, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. She was born in Akron on April 18, 1961 to parents, George and Mona Owen.
Lisa is survived by her sisters, Patty (Mike) Bolton, Gloria Owen, and Joanie (Damian) Ludwiczak. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Jason (Melissa) Bolton, David (Jorrie) Bolton,...
Nancy Kay Bell
Apr 8, 2025
Nancy Kay Bell (nee Scharenberg), a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on April 8, 2025. She was born in Akron, OH on May 21, 1943, to parents Elmer Scharenberg and Georgia Scharenberg (nee Shirk).
Nancy grew up on a farm in Bath with her sister, Sally. She graduated from Revere High School in 1961 and was voted “best...
Daniel Francis Luff
Apr 6, 2025
Daniel F. Luff Sr., 76, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, went to be with the Lord, April 6th, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Dan was a lifelong resident of Akron OH, born to Clifton and Frances Luff (nee Potter). Dan graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School, and he then obtained a degree from the University of Akron. Dan joined the US...
Charles Lee Mick
Apr 6, 2025
The dance floor will never be the same - Charles Lee Mick passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, leaving behind a rhythm that can never be replaced.
He was born August 7, 1946, in Akron, to the late Charles W. and Arlie L. (nee Mullins) Mick. Chuck dedicated over 50 years to his career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.
Preceded in...
Sandy Jean Immel
Apr 6, 2025
Sandy Jean (LaRue) Immel, 77, passed away peacefully at home in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
She was born in Akron, Ohio, on July 12, 1947, to B. Jean (Melson) LaRue Samples and Albert LaRue.
Sandy leaves behind her devoted husband of 58 years, Ken Immel, and their five daughters: Judy (Forrest Blackburn) Immel-Blackburn, Debbie (Jon) Truax, Susan (Ron)...
George Gerald Goodrich
Apr 4, 2025
GEORGE GERALD GOODRICH passed away on April 4, 2025. He was 84 years old.
George was a long-time resident of Bath Township.
He is survived by his wife, Elaina (Hartman) of 57 years, his mother, Elizabeth (Moran), his son, Grant (Carina VanVliet), daughter Wendy (Juan Paul Morales), brother Mike, and sisters Sue Earick (Marc- dec; Tommy Arnone - partner) and Carolyn, grandchildren...
Matthew Lee Heidorf
Apr 4, 2025
Matthew L. “Matt” Heidorf passed away in Akron, Ohio on April 2, 2025. He was born in Lakewood, Ohio on December 13, 1937 to Hudson J. and Margaret E. Heidorf. Matt was raised in Brooklyn, Ohio and graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1955. Matt attended Kent State University and served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps (1957 - 1959).
His...
Susan Maryan Grant
Apr 3, 2025
Susan Maryan Grant, aged 80 years, of Akron OH, passed into Christ’s arms early April 3rd, 2025, at Akron General Hospice after an 8-year battle with breast cancer. She was supported during her last day by her family, friends and St Paul’s pastors.
Susan was born in Liverpool, UK, on August 13th, 1944, to Edna & Bert Hallwood, and enjoyed an...
Carol S. Durbin
Apr 2, 2025
Carol Sue Durbin (Palmer), 61, of Cuyahoga Falls passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
She was born on May 6, 1963, in Akron to the late Ronald Palmer and Cecilia “Betty” Bunker. She grew up in Cuyahoga Falls with her brothers Tom, John, and Dave, and later moved to California, Florida, and back home to be with her family. She...
George J. Miller
Apr 1, 2025
George J. Miller, age 80, of Parma, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
George Miller was born on October 31, 1944, in Pittsburgh, PA, to the late Pearl A. Miller and John G. Aschenbrenner. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he served his country during the Vietnam War with honor. George dedicated his professional life to Value City, where his...
Carolyn Eckart
Mar 31, 2025
Carolyn Eckart was 85 at the time of her passing. She leaves behind her 3 daughters, 5 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.
Carolyn loved to work puzzles, read the Bible, watch movies (Hallmark), visit with friends, and play cards. She enjoyed watching wildlife from her back window and hummingbirds in the front. For many years, she lived in Florida in the...
Christopher J. Varga
Mar 29, 2025
It is with the utmost and absolute sadness that I have to announce that my best friend and husband has left this world.
Christopher James Varga, "Chris," "Dad," "Pop," "Gipa," or "Vargs" to to his friends, passed away unexpectedly on March 29, 2025.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Pat Varga.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sonya...
Justin Plas
Mar 29, 2025
Justin Plas, 42, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on March 29th, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his family. A devoted husband, proud father, and die-hard Cleveland sports fan, he lived each day with passion and heart.
Born on September 23, 1982, in Ashland, Ohio, Justin developed a love for sports early on, a passion...
Helen Albert
Mar 26, 2025
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Helen Albert; our Mother, Grandmother and Great grandmother. She is survived by her sons Jack (Cheryl) and Paul (Donna) and by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Helen was predeceased by her loving husband Jack (1914-1999); two of her children Barbara Chaddock and Philip (Sharon) and her siblings Evelyn Diamantides, Effie Volpe and...
Darla K. Reth
Apr 16, 2025
Darla K. Reth, age 72, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025. Darla was a truly special soul—someone who never met a stranger and saw everyone as a friend. Her sense of humor and bright spirit brought joy to all who knew her. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Majestic Care (Kent Healthcare) for the compassion...
Candace E. Gengler
Apr 15, 2025
Candace E. Gengler of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away on April 15th at the age of 72. She was born on August 6th, 1952, in Akron, Ohio, and was the only child of Earl and Edith Joynt of Pennsylvania.
A lifelong Akron native, Candace graduated from Garfield High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from the University of...
James Lester Vaughn Sr.
Apr 11, 2025
James Lester Vaughn Sr.
James Lester Vaughn Sr. passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2025, just past his 85th birthday. He transitioned while on hospice in Tallmadge, Ohio due to complications surrounding his ongoing battle with Parkinsons Disease. James’s life was about faith, generosity, and fierce loyalty and love of family to not only friends but also those with whom...
Joseph Eugene Williams, PhD
Apr 10, 2025
Joseph Eugene “Joe” Williams, PhD, of Bath Township, died unexpectedly on April 10, 2025, just shy of his 80th birthday. Joe was born in Lima, Ohio on April 24, 1945. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Cecile Williams; his sister, Jan Kuck; and his brother, Jack Williams.
As a teenager, Joe was a star athlete at Lima...
Richard N. Crano
Apr 10, 2025
Richard Nicholas Crano, 79, of Akron, passed away Thursday evening, April 10, 2025.
Born in Akron on December 23, 1945 to Nicholas and Catherine (Scalia) Crano.
Rich worked for and retired from General Tire/Continental and Goodyear after over forty years. His work revolved around tires, his life evolved around family. He was a member of St. Hilary Parish. He was soft-spoken, kind,...
Thomas C. Gates
Apr 9, 2025
Thomas Charles Gates, age 87, passed away peacefully April 9, 2025.
He was born November 3, 1937, in Harrisburg, PA; son of the late Jacob and Cecelia (nee James) Gates. Thomas lived in Commodore, PA and moved to Akron, OH in the 1940s.
Preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife, Dawn (nee Wilson) Gates.
Thomas is survived by his devoted...
Lisa Ann Owen
Apr 8, 2025
Lisa Ann Owen, 63, passed away at home in Akron, Ohio, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. She was born in Akron on April 18, 1961 to parents, George and Mona Owen.
Lisa is survived by her sisters, Patty (Mike) Bolton, Gloria Owen, and Joanie (Damian) Ludwiczak. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Jason (Melissa) Bolton, David (Jorrie) Bolton,...
Nancy Kay Bell
Apr 8, 2025
Nancy Kay Bell (nee Scharenberg), a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on April 8, 2025. She was born in Akron, OH on May 21, 1943, to parents Elmer Scharenberg and Georgia Scharenberg (nee Shirk).
Nancy grew up on a farm in Bath with her sister, Sally. She graduated from Revere High School in 1961 and was voted “best...
Daniel Francis Luff
Apr 6, 2025
Daniel F. Luff Sr., 76, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, went to be with the Lord, April 6th, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Dan was a lifelong resident of Akron OH, born to Clifton and Frances Luff (nee Potter). Dan graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School, and he then obtained a degree from the University of Akron. Dan joined the US...
Charles Lee Mick
Apr 6, 2025
The dance floor will never be the same - Charles Lee Mick passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, leaving behind a rhythm that can never be replaced.
He was born August 7, 1946, in Akron, to the late Charles W. and Arlie L. (nee Mullins) Mick. Chuck dedicated over 50 years to his career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.
Preceded in...
Sandy Jean Immel
Apr 6, 2025
Sandy Jean (LaRue) Immel, 77, passed away peacefully at home in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
She was born in Akron, Ohio, on July 12, 1947, to B. Jean (Melson) LaRue Samples and Albert LaRue.
Sandy leaves behind her devoted husband of 58 years, Ken Immel, and their five daughters: Judy (Forrest Blackburn) Immel-Blackburn, Debbie (Jon) Truax, Susan (Ron)...
George Gerald Goodrich
Apr 4, 2025
GEORGE GERALD GOODRICH passed away on April 4, 2025. He was 84 years old.
George was a long-time resident of Bath Township.
He is survived by his wife, Elaina (Hartman) of 57 years, his mother, Elizabeth (Moran), his son, Grant (Carina VanVliet), daughter Wendy (Juan Paul Morales), brother Mike, and sisters Sue Earick (Marc- dec; Tommy Arnone - partner) and Carolyn, grandchildren...
Matthew Lee Heidorf
Apr 4, 2025
Matthew L. “Matt” Heidorf passed away in Akron, Ohio on April 2, 2025. He was born in Lakewood, Ohio on December 13, 1937 to Hudson J. and Margaret E. Heidorf. Matt was raised in Brooklyn, Ohio and graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1955. Matt attended Kent State University and served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps (1957 - 1959).
His...
Susan Maryan Grant
Apr 3, 2025
Susan Maryan Grant, aged 80 years, of Akron OH, passed into Christ’s arms early April 3rd, 2025, at Akron General Hospice after an 8-year battle with breast cancer. She was supported during her last day by her family, friends and St Paul’s pastors.
Susan was born in Liverpool, UK, on August 13th, 1944, to Edna & Bert Hallwood, and enjoyed an...
Carol S. Durbin
Apr 2, 2025
Carol Sue Durbin (Palmer), 61, of Cuyahoga Falls passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
She was born on May 6, 1963, in Akron to the late Ronald Palmer and Cecilia “Betty” Bunker. She grew up in Cuyahoga Falls with her brothers Tom, John, and Dave, and later moved to California, Florida, and back home to be with her family. She...
George J. Miller
Apr 1, 2025
George J. Miller, age 80, of Parma, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
George Miller was born on October 31, 1944, in Pittsburgh, PA, to the late Pearl A. Miller and John G. Aschenbrenner. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he served his country during the Vietnam War with honor. George dedicated his professional life to Value City, where his...
Carolyn Eckart
Mar 31, 2025
Carolyn Eckart was 85 at the time of her passing. She leaves behind her 3 daughters, 5 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.
Carolyn loved to work puzzles, read the Bible, watch movies (Hallmark), visit with friends, and play cards. She enjoyed watching wildlife from her back window and hummingbirds in the front. For many years, she lived in Florida in the...
Christopher J. Varga
Mar 29, 2025
It is with the utmost and absolute sadness that I have to announce that my best friend and husband has left this world.
Christopher James Varga, "Chris," "Dad," "Pop," "Gipa," or "Vargs" to to his friends, passed away unexpectedly on March 29, 2025.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Pat Varga.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sonya...
Justin Plas
Mar 29, 2025
Justin Plas, 42, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on March 29th, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his family. A devoted husband, proud father, and die-hard Cleveland sports fan, he lived each day with passion and heart.
Born on September 23, 1982, in Ashland, Ohio, Justin developed a love for sports early on, a passion...
Helen Albert
Mar 26, 2025
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Helen Albert; our Mother, Grandmother and Great grandmother. She is survived by her sons Jack (Cheryl) and Paul (Donna) and by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Helen was predeceased by her loving husband Jack (1914-1999); two of her children Barbara Chaddock and Philip (Sharon) and her siblings Evelyn Diamantides, Effie Volpe and...