Irene M. Vechery, 85
MANTUA - Irene M. Vechery, 85, died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1998, at Holly Hill Nursing Home in Newbury after a period of failing health. Born Feb. 26, 1913 in Cleveland, she was the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Vitzes) Stopek. She had been a Mantua area resident since 1945. Mrs. Vechery was a homemaker. She retired in 1963 from Hunter Manufacturing in Solon, where she was an assembler for several years. She was a member of Mantua Center Christian Church, Mantua Center Garden Club, Mantua Center Ladies Cemetery Association, Mystic Chapter No. 32 Order of the Eastern Star of Mantua, and Daughters of America Mantua Council No. 316, serving as recording secretary for 25 years. She also was a past state counselor, affiliated with Dstrict No. 14 Drill Team of Akron, and Deputy of Brady Lake Chapter No. 131 of Kent for five years. She also was active in several bowling leagues in Portage County for several years. Survivors include a son, John L. "Sonny" (Pat) of Alva, Fla.; daughter, Patricia "Patsi" Habbyshaw of Mantua; nine grandchildren;14 great-grandchildren; and sister, Margaret Blogna of Solon. Her husband, Louis A., died in 1974. A son, James R., died in 1991. A brother, Joseph Stopak, also died previously. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Green's Funeral Home in Mantua, with Daughters of America services at 5:15 p.m. and Order of the Eastern Star services at 5:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Roger Mize officiating. Burial will be in Westlawn Cemetery in Mantua Township.

Morris Stonestreet
Former Ravenna resident Morris B. Stonestreet, 66, of Rosenhayn, N.J. (Deerfield Township) died Monday, Sept. 14, 1998 at his home. Born June 16, 1932 in Gassaway, W.Va., he was the son of Virgil and Effie Stonestreet. He grew up in Ravenna and lived there before joining the military. Mr. Stonestreet served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, earning the rank of SFC-E7. He served in the Korean and Vietnam war, and was decorated with the Bronze Star medal and many other Korean and Vietnam medals and badges, including the Korean and Vietnam service medals and the Vietnam campaign medal. He was an insurance adjuster for Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. Before his retirement, he worked for Rudco Co. as shipping and receiving manager for 10 years. Survivors include his wife, Erika (Boha); son, Robert of Rosenhayn, N.J.; daughters, Sandra Caregnato of Vineland, N.J. and Karen Pope of Topeka, Kansas; six grandchildren; mother, Effie of Warren; father Virgil of Aurora, Neb.; brother, Homer of Warren; and sister, Barbara King of Dover, Tenn. Calling hours will be held from noon until services at 2 p.m. Friday at Rone Funeral Service, 1110 E. Chestnut Ave., Vineland, N.J. Burial will take place Tuesday in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, N.J.

John "Jack" Ford
John "Jack" Ford, 59, of Prospect Street in Newton Falls, died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1998, at St. Joseph Health Center in Warren Born May 1, 1939 in Coraopolis, Pa., he was the son of Alfred "Pete" and Betty Lou (Phillips) Ford. Mr. Ford was a supervisor for Warren Consolidated Industries in Warren. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife, Julia (Speno), whom he married in June son, Joseph of Newton Falls; daughters, Nancy Ford of Newton Falls and Jacqueline Ford of Warm Springs, Ga.; father, Alfred of Newton Falls; sister, Sally VanWinkle of Geneva, Ill.; and half-sisters, Jackie Packston of Salem and Peggy Mays of Pennsylvania. His mother died Jan. 14, 1997. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Newton Falls Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Borowski Funeral Home in Newton Falls. Memorials may be made to the First Life Organ Donation at St. Joseph Hospital, Warren.

James H. Pohl, 75
James H. "Jim" Pohl was a man of many talents. He was an accomplished accountant, an expert in finances, a business executive for many years and a civic leader in the Kent community. During his long career with the Davey Tree Expert Co. he was recognized for his business acumen. Mr. Pohl, who served on the Davey Tree board of directors longer than any other individual, died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1998 at his home on Buckworth Court in Stow. He was 75. He joined Davey Tree in 1948 and served as auditor, controller, vice president, senior vice president of finance and administration and executive vice president. He was vice chairman and corporate secretary at the time of his retirement from the company in 1985. In 1995, he retired from the board of directors, having served as a director for 43 years, longer than any other director in the company's 86-year history. During his 37-year tenure at Davey Tree, he had the distinction of working with six of the eight Davey Tree presidents - Martin L. Davey Jr., Paul Hershey, Alexander Smith, Joe Myers, Jack Joy and Doug Cowan. Cowan, who was hired by Mr. Pohl, remembered his integrity. "I remember Jim as a great mentor for me personally and a great teacher, almost like a father figure." he said. "Jim was one of the most principled men I know. He truly was as honest as the day is long. He was a man worthy of emulation." Mr. Pohl was part of a three-member committee that convinced the Davey family to sell the company to employees in the late 1970s, he noted. "He's one of the true legends of the Davey Company," Cowan said. "Jim's legacy will live on forever." He also remembered Mr. Pohl's community involvement. "He was a great promoter of this area," he said. Dr. Lee Kulis remembered his friend, who he knew as "JP," as his fishing buddy. The two took fishing trips to Montana, Yellowstone, West Virginia, Florida and also fishged in Kulis' backyard pond when he lived on Diagonal Road in Franklin Township. "He's going to be missed," he said. Kulis also remembered Mr. Pohl's concern for children and how he took a special interest in Kent State University and Theodore Roosevelt High School. "He kept his life relatively simple," he said. "There was nothing pretentious about him." He was a member of St. Patrick Church in Kent, the Kent Rotary Club, the KSU President's Club, Twin Lakes Country Club and the National Association of Accountants. He was a past president of the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce and also served as a member of the board of directors of The City Bank of Kent. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Born Sept. 13, 1923 in Akron, he was the son of Henry J. and Vera (MacKenzie) Pohl. Survivors include his wife, Jane M. (Switzer,) whom he married April 27, 1946; daughter, Judy (Richard) Kotick of Fairlawn; three grandsons, James (Rebecca) of Lakewood, David (Michele) of Parma and Thomas, a senior at Ohio University; great-granddaughter Marley; and step-sister, Jean Reese of Cape Coral, Fla. His parents; stepfather, Charles Forsythe;and stepmother, Hannah Forsythe; and sister, Catherine Hill, died previously. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick Church in Kent. Burial will be in Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent. Memorials may be made to the St. Patrick School Endowment Fund, 127 Portage St., Kent or the Hospice of Summit County, 3358 Ridgewood Drive, Akron, 44333.

Albert J. Herrick, 70
Ravenna native Albert J. Herrick was the "man behind the scenes" on many of the most popular programs on Channel 5 (WEWS-TV) in Cleveland. Mr. Herrick, 70, who died Thursday, Sept. 10, at his home in Louisville, Ky., was producer and director for Channel 5 for many years until he retired in 1990. During the 1960s, he directed many of the station's locally produced programs, including "The Gene Carroll Show" and "Polka Varieties," "Upbeat," a music program that later was nationally syndicated, and "Captain Penny," a children's show. He also was one of the directors of "The Morning Exchange." He also was involved in the production of "Academic Challenge," "The One O'Clock Club" featuring Dorothy Fuldheim and Bill Gordon, and "Live on Five." He helped to start the 6 and 11 p.m. news programs. He came to Channel 5, the oldest TV station in Ohio, in 1952, working as a cameraman. He remained with the station for 38 years, then moved to Louisville. Survivors include his brother, Jerome of Phoenix, Ariz., nieces and nephews. Services were held today at Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna. Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery in Ravenna. Arrangements were made by Wood-Kortright Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel.

Albert Herrick
Albert J. Herrick, 70, of Ravenna, died Thursday, Sept. 10, 1998 at his home in Kentucky. Born March 25, 1928 in Ravenna, he was the son of Gordon and Helen (Martin) Herrick. Mr. Herrick was employed by WEWS-TV (Channel 5) in Cleveland as a producer and director until he retired. Survivors include his brother, Jerome G. of Phoenix, Ariz.; nephew, Jim of Phoenix; niece, Susan Hall of Phoenix; great-nephews and great-nieces. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. today at Wood-Kortright Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Ravenna.

Robert Brennan, 55
STREETSBORO - Robert J. Brennan, 55, died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1998, at Hillcrest Meredia Hospital in Mayfield. Born Feb. 25, 1943 in Cleveland, he was the son of Peter and Julia (Jordan) Brennan. He had lived in Twinsburg until moving to Streetsboro seven years ago. Mr. Brennan was a security guard at the Ford Motor Co. in Walton Hills. Survivors include his brother, Leonard of Mentor; sister, Patricia Cunningham of Philadelphia, Pa.; and Doris Ruediger. His sister, Barbara Weiss, died previously. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Shorts Funeral Home, Streetsboro Chapel, where services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, with the Rev. Frederick Slaven officiating. Burial will be private.

Virginia C. Sandquist, 83
Virginia C. Sandquist, 83, of Kent, died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1998, at the Hospice Care Center in Fairlawn. Born June 20, 1915 in McKees Rocks, Pa., she was the daughter of Ernest and Estelle (Altmeyer) Reedy. She had lived in Mahoning Town, Pa., New Castle, Pa. and Youngstown before moving to Kent nine years ago. Mrs. Sandquist was assistant to the bursar at Youngstown State University and previously worked for Strouss-Hershberg in Youngstown. Survivors include her daughter, Karen Doseck of Kent; and one step-grandchild. Her husband, Robert, died in 1989. Her sisters, Frances Sellers, Sylvia Elliot and Ruth Main; and brothers, Robert, John and Harry Craven, died previously. There will be no calling hours. Cremation has taken place. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Shorts Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel. Burial will be in Cornersberg Cemetery in Youngstown. Memorials may be made to Summit County & Hospice Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Akron, Ohio, 44333.

Eleanor Evangelist, 62
Eleanor J. Evangelist, 62, of Kent, died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1998, at her sister's home in Painesville. Born March 4, 1936 in Grindstone Pa., she was the daughter of John and Mary (Nagy) Kerezsi. She had lived in Ravenna from 1936 until moving to Kent two years ago. Mrs. Evangelist worked in quality control at the General Electric Lamp Plant in Ravenna until she retired in 1997. She was a member of Ravenna Moose Lodge No. 1234. Survivors include her son, Peter (Sandy) of Brimfield; two grandchildren; brothers, John of Florida, Julius of Cleveland and Paul of Aurora, Colo.; and sisters, Margaret Frank of Mentor, Irene Stephens of Boardman, and Mary Adams of Painesville. Her husband, Peter, died in December 1984. Five brothers also died previously. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 tonight atShorts Funeral Home Ravenna Chapel. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the United Church of Christ in Suffield, with the Rev. Earl Roberts officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Park in Ravenna.

Janet Forsythe, 32
Janet J. Forsythe, 32, of Ravenna, died of apparent natural causes Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1998, at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna. Born Oct. 5, 1965 in Ravenna, she was the daughter of Carl and Karen (Mitchell) Forsythe. She had lived in Mantua and Kent before moving to Ravenna. She was employed by McDonald's in Ravenna and as a nurse's aide at Longmeadow Care Center and Altercare Nursing Home in Ravenna. She attended the Church of Christ in Ravenna. Survivors include her daughter, Courtney Nicole of Ravenna; parents, Carl and Karen Forsythe of Ravenna; brother, David of Ravenna; and sister, Sherry Musarra of Columbus. There will be no calling hours. Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being made by Shorts Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel. Burial will be in Boston Mills Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Courtney Nicole Forsythe, 511 Day St., Ravenna.

Ruth Ladd, 83
Ruth E. (Young) Ladd, 83, of Las Vegas, Nevada, a former Portage area resident, died Sunday, Sept. 13, 1998, in Las Vegas. She was born Jan. 29, 1915, in Orrville, Ohio. She had lived in Las Vegas for 51 years. Mrs. Ladd was a retired beautician. Survivors include her son, David of Las Vegas; and two grandchildren. Affordable Cremation & Burial Service handled arrangements. Memorials may be be made to the American Diabetes Foundation.

Lula Mae Almy, 84
Lula Mae Almy, 84, of Andover, died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1998, after a short illness. Born Feb. 17, 1914 in Sharon, Pa., she was the daughter of Elmer and Nellie (Salesgiver) Rosenberger. Mrs. Almy was a homemaker. She was a member of Pymatuning Community Church of Andover. Survivors include her son, William R. Hollabaugh of Mecca; daughters, Nancy (Albert) Campbell of Andover and Denise (Richard) Shipman of North Bloomfield; 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; brothers, Elmer Rosenberger of Johnston and Dennis Rosenberger of Mecca; and sisters, Betty Stocker of Warren and Viola Ball of Bristolville. Her husbands, George W. Hollabaugh and George W. Almy; six brothers; two sisters; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild died previously. There will be no calling hours. Services will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Pymatuning Community Church, 6459 S.R. 7 South, Andover, where the Rev. Steve Mickels will officiate. Arrangements were made by Wood-Kortright Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Pymatuning Community Church or North Bloomfield United Methodist Church.

Forest "Bud" Wilson
Services were held today for Forest "Bud" Wilson, 72, a former Portage County resident, who died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1998, at Shelby Med Central in Shelby, Ohio, after a short illness. Born Sept. 15, 1926 in Apple Farm, W.Va., he was the son of Howard and Ollie (Born) Wilson. Mr. Wilson retired in 1981 from A.C. Williams Co. in Ravenna, where he worked for 12 years. Survivors include his sons, Randall (Linda) of North Jackson and Ronald of Shiloh, Ohio; daughter, Ronda (Robert) Bruce of Rootstown; three grandchildren; brothers, Howard, Vance and Victor of Newark; and sister, Ruth Summers of West Virginia. Seven brothers and sisters died previously. Services were held at Wood-Kortright Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel, with the Rev. Ruth Chartier officiating. Burial was in West Cemetery in Palmyra.

Janet J. Forsythe
A memorial service will be held Saturday for Janet J. Forsythe, 32, of Ravenna, who died of apparent natural causes Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1998, at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna. Survivors include her daughter, Courtney Nicole of Ravenna; parents, Carl and Karen Forsythe of Ravenna; brother, David (Mary) of Ravenna; sister, Sherry Musarra of Columbus; and former husband, Mike of Ravenna. There will be no calling hours. Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Family of Jesus Fellowship Church in Ravenna with Pastor Sam Goebel officiating. Arrangements are being made by Shorts Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel. Memorials may be made to Courtney Nicole Forsythe, 511 Day St., Ravenna.

Joseph Ratini
Joseph Ratini, 72, of Hoffman- Norton Road, Bristolville, died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1998, at Forum Health Trumbull Memorial in Warren. Born Aug. 11, 1926, in Jenkins, Ky., he was the son of Feliziano and Elizabeth (Horvath) Ratini. Mr. Ratini was a truck driver. He served as a Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Survivors include sons, Jeff of Bristolville and Gregory of Washington; daughters, Cheri Lilie of California, Joy E. of Bakersfield, Calif.; and Brenda of Bristolville; brothers, Alfred of Newton Falls, Charles of Farmington, and Frank of Newton Falls; and sister,Helen Salem of Bristolville. His wife, Mary Jane (Wing), whom he married in 1950, and a son, Timothy, died previously. Calling hours will be 6 to 8 tonight at Borowski Funeral Home in Newton Falls. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Church in Newton Falls. Burial will be in St. JosephCemetery.

Stanley Wojcieszak
Stanley Wojcieszak, 82, of Ravenna, died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1998. Born Jan. 20, 1916 in Buffalo, N.Y., he was the son of Albert and Anastasia Wojcieszak. Mr. Wojcieszak retired from W.A. Anderson Co. of Buffalo, N.Y., after 20 years of service. He attended Resurrection Catholic Church in Cheektowaga, N.Y. He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Survivors include his daughter, Charlene (Jack) Pittman of Ravenna; one grandchild; one great-grandchild; and sister, Constance Bogdan of Buffalo. His wife, Celia, and two sisters died previously. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Daniel Smolarek Funeral Home, 2510 Union Road, Cheektowaga, N.Y. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Resurrection Catholic Church in Cheektowaga. Local arrangements were made by Wood-Kortright Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel.

Kenneth L. Swigart
Former Windham resident Kenneth Louis Swigart, 90, of Worthington, Ohio, died Thursday, Sept. 17, 1998, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. Born March 18, 1908 in Bath, he was the son of Clarence and Claire (Kittenger) Swigart. Mr. Swigart was a tool & die machinist at Packard Electric in Warren until he retired. Survivors include his daughter, Jeanne (Russell) Line of Worthington. His wife, Julia Francis (Prindle), died Jan. 22, 1997. Calling hours will be held from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home in Garrettsville. The Rev. Dwaine Stanley will officiate. Burial will be in Windam Township Cemetery in Windam.

Kenneth Louis Swigart
Calling hours for former Windham resident Kenneth Louis Swigart, 90, of Worthington, who died Wednesday Sept. 16, 1998, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, will be held from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. today at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home in Garrettsville. Burial will be in Windham Township Cemetery. Born March 18, 1908 in Bath, he was the son of Clarence and Claire (Kittenger) Swigart. Mr. Swigart was a tool and die machinist at Packard Electric in Warren. Survivors include his daughter, Jeanne (Russell) Line of Worthington. His wife, Julia Francis (Prindle), died Jan. 22, 1997.

Edsel I. Kehl
Edsel Ira Kehl, 72, of Kent, died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1998. Born March 9, 1926 in Noble County, Ohio, he was the son of Beulah (Day) and Darwin Kehl. Mr. Kehl worked for Chrsyler Corporation in Detroit and Harrisburg for 33 years. After retirement, he adopted golf as a hobby and spent many hours at Oak Knolls Gold Course in Kent, where he worked as a starter. He was a member of Rockton Masonic Lodge No. 316 and played in the Masonic golf league. A World War II veteran, he saw action in the Pacific Theater on board the USS Drew. He enjoyed keeping in touch with old friends at USS Drew reunions and Chrysler retirees' luncheons. He enjoyed following the Cleveland Indians through good years and bad and was enjoyed attending division and American League playoffs and the World Series last year with his daughter. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn, to whom he was married for 39 years; daughter, Joyce of New York; and sisters, Geneva Landefeld of Woodsfield and Darlene (LaVerne) Winland of Lower Salem. His brother, Earl, and sisters, Garnet, Norma Jean and Delores, died previously. Calling hours will be held from 7 to 9 tonight at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent, where Masonic services will be held at 6:45 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Zion Cemetery near Harriettsville, Ohio. Memorials may be made to charity.

Herman Miller
ROOTSTOWN - Herman M. Miller, 75, of Wilkes Road, died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1998. Born March 20, 1923 in Randolph, he was the son of Herman M. and Margaret (Adamle) Miller. He was a graduate of Randolph High School, where he played football and was All-Portage County. Mr. Miller was co-owner with his father of H.H. Miller Construction. He also built and was co-owner of Windmill Lakes Golf Course. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater ribbon with three bronze stars, the Philippine Liberation ribbon with one bronze star, the Meritorious Unit Award and the Victory Award. He attended St. Peter of the Fields Catholic Church in Rootstown and was a member of the Ravenna Rod and Gun Club, the Ohio Contractor's Association and a life member of the Local 18 - Operators Union. Survivors include sons Larry (Joyce) of Ravenna, David (Kathy) of Randolph, Danny of Rootstown and Herman "Junior" (Pamela) of Ravenna; daughters, Deborah of Rootstown, Mary (Clarence) Hurd of Diamond, and Christine (Wade) Pol of Diamond; and 11 grandchildren. His sister, Dorothy M. Heitger, died previously. Calling hours will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Peter of the Fields Catholic Church in Rootstown. Burial will be in St. Peter of the Fields Cemetery in Rootstown. Memorials may be made to the Center of Hope, 1024 W. Main St., Ravenna.