The Rev. Harold Thomas “Tom” Wilson - 5/23/2026

Born on June 18, 1935, in Portsmouth, Ohio, Tom was the son of Harold Thomas “Bus” Wilson, Sr., and Beatrice (Meade) Wilson. Growing up, Tom and his brother Robert were active in the Boy Scouts under their father's leadership as Scoutmaster; both achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

Tom graduated from Ohio University with a degree in philosophy and briefly taught the subject at Shawnee State University. Feeling called to the ministry; he earned a Master of Divinity from Duke University and later a Doctorate of Ministry from Boston University. A lifelong learner, he also became a licensed nursing home administrator to better serve those in need of pastoral care.

Throughout a distinguished 60-year career in the United Methodist Church, Tom served as pastor to congregations in Vinton, Ripley, Portsmouth, Columbus, Whitehall, and Van Wert. A highlight of his ministry was founding the Church of the Good Shepherd in the Sharon Woods area of Columbus. He led the fledgling congregation for a decade, famously holding services in a local school while the community raised funds to build their permanent sanctuary. In the late 1990s, while assigned to Dayton, Tom served as District Superintendent, overseeing 65 churches with wisdom and grace.

Following his retirement, Tom served interim appointments at Grace Church, in Dayton; Miami University, in Oxford; Stonybrook Church, in Gahanna and Grove City United Methodist Church.

Tom married his first wife, Billie (Cranford), in 1958, with whom he had three children. In 1976, he married Joan Maitland Dunlop Wilson, and together they raised a blended family of five children. Tom and Joan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 16, 2026.

An avid outdoorsman, Tom loved camping, sailing, and hiking. He was also a skilled woodworker and a voracious reader, particularly of World War II history. He and Joan were longtime supporters of the arts, frequenting the Columbus Symphony, Columbus Jazz Arts, and the Columbus Museum of Art. He will be remembered by friends and family for his sharp intellect, quick wit, and unwavering kindness.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; his brother, Robert Wilson; and his children, Julia Carpenter-Hubin (Don Hubin) of Columbus, Paula Wilson Render of Chicago, and Greg (Colleen) Wilson of New Jersey. He also leaves behind his stepsons, Rick (Amy) Dunlop of Lewis Center and Rob (Monica) Dunlop of Seattle; six grandchildren, Lindsay Carpenter, Leslie Carpenter, Lucy Dunlop Boggs, Ava Dunlop, Max Wilson, and Jack Dunlop; and his great-grandson, Khalid Carpenter.

A Memorial Service will be held at Friendship Village of Dublin on June 6th at 3:00 PM in the Muirfield Room. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

Betty Marie Makarius - 5/14/2026

Betty was born on July 10, 1932, in Cincinnati to the late Edward and Ethel (Archer) Phelan. She was a member of Village Chapel Church. Betty spent many years serving Ohio United Methodist Churches in numerous cities (7) with her husband, Reverend Don C. Makarius who preceded her in death. She was a school secretary at Vinton County Local Schools and later worked at GE in Circleville to help support her husband who was a fulltime pastor while he obtained his undergraduate degree at Ohio University and later obtained his Master of Divinity degree from Methodist Theological Seminary in Delaware Ohio.

In addition to her husband and parents, Betty is preceded in death by brothers, Don and Vincent Phelan and sister, Helen Moore.

She leaves behind sons, Don C. Jr. (Robin) of Indian Lake, David W. (Debbie) of Ashville and Charles E. (Deborah) of Circleville; daughter, Janet (Keith) Prater of Westchester; 12 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Betty married her Butler high school (Vandalia, Ohio) sweetheart (Don Makarius). They began their married life as farmers first in Clinton County and then moved to a farm in Fayette County. Mom and Dad both found the Lord while attending a small Methodist country church (Sugar Grove) in Fayette County. During that special time in their life Dad felt the call to become a fulltime minister. Mom, Dad and all 4 children transitioned from farming, to their first of 7 appointments, as a student pastor in Glouster Ohio. Starting at their second appointment which was in Hamden, Ohio, Mom began working as a school secretary to help with the bills while Dad was attending Ohio University and serving as a fulltime minister. Dad finished his undergraduate degree while serving at Hamden. The third appointment was at East Ringgold, Ohio. It was at East Ringgold that Dad began seminary and Mom took a job at the General Electric plant in Circleville, Ohio. Dad finished his seminary training while serving at East Ringgold.

Mom was the glue that held the family together. She was always able to transform every parsonage from a very imperfect house to a beautiful home. Her talent for home décor (country style) and her gift of organization and housekeeping, welcomed anyone who came into their home. Her gift of hospitality shined most of all. She could whip up a great meal in no time, and whoever sat at her table was made to feel special. From the set table, to the centerpiece, to the meal, to the conversation, she designed and managed it effortlessly. Betty was a loving mother. Her family was always at the forefront of her mind. Their spiritual well-being, and their physical-material needs were all important, and she sacrificed much for each one. By the time Mom and Dad reached midway in their fourth appointment at Baltimore, Ohio, they had become empty nesters. All 4 children were married and living in different locations in Ohio. Mom continued to support Dad as he ministered in 3 additional appointments (Burgess Ave. Columbus, Arcanum, and finally Zanesville).

It was in 2000 that Dad became too sick to continue his ministry. From 2000 to 2002 Mom and Dad and their 3 Son’s worked with contractors to build a new home south of Commercial Point, Ohio. Mom and Dad moved into their new home in May of 2002 and Dad died in August of 2002. Mom missed Dad greatly. Mom was a strong, self-disciplined, and self- motivated woman, who never put off tomorrow what she needed to do today. With God’s help she was able to continue her life in her new home. She was able to keep busy by caring for her home, creating crafts, attending Bible Studies, Floral arranging and also volunteering with Pickaway County hospice for a year or two. Mom never missed church on Sundays and attended various church activities during the week. Mom was able to continue living in her home for 15 years. It was in 2017 that Mom suffered a series of strokes that changed her life significantly. Her mobility was not affected but the stroke had diminished some of her cognitive ability. Because of that, Mom took up residence at the independent living section of Wyngate in Circleville. When she needed more help, she moved to Brookdale (Now Traditions) in Groveport, which was her last earthly residence.

We are grateful and thankful that Mom is now at rest with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and has been reunited with Don and her mother and father. We all have many wonderful memories of our life with Mom and we will cherish them in our hearts and minds forever. Mom’s favorite bible verse was Jeremiah 3:31- … I have loved you with and everlasting love; Therefore, I have drawn you with unfailing kindness…

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, Ashville followed by a funeral service at 2:00pm. Interment to follow at Beckett Cemetery, Commercial Point. Memorial contributions can be made to Village Chapel Church, 30 Viking Way, Ashville, OH 43103. Condolences can be made online at olivercheekfuneralhome.com

 Betty Marie Makarius Obituary May 14, 2026 - Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home

Mrs. Mary Creech - 5/4/2026

Mrs. Creech was the wife of Rev. Gregory Creech, a Retired Elder who served New Life Parish (Iowa) 1977; Bainbridge (P) 1980; Transferred to WOC 1980; Circleville Calvary (CS) 1985; St. Paul’s (F) 1991; and Jackson Calvary (SHV) 2015, retiring in 2014.

Mrs. Creech is survived by her daughters, Anna Creech, of Richmond, VA and Emily Creech, of Canal Winchester; a brother, Anthony Police, Jr., of Mansfield; a sister, Rose Zook, of Chambersburg; a brother-in-law, Dr. Bert Hodges, of Ipswich, MA; a sister-in-law, Debra Parks-Police, of Florida; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by a sister, Sarah Hodges, and a brother, John Police.

Mrs. Creech was a Registered Nurse working as a nutritionist at WIC for many years and then in retirement working as a volunteer counselor at Elizabeth’s Hope in Chillicothe, both roles offering ministry to young mothers. Since 1977, she was a faithful pastor’s wife, serving in many capacities that fit her giftedness of hospitality and helping people, including, among other things, leading the team that served a monthly Community Dinner for 200 people in need and offering thoughtful, beautiful after-work dinners for class members at her church’s Alpha courses.

Since 2014, she has been a member of Good Shepherd Anglican Church, Bourneville, Ohio, where she served on the Church’s Altar Guild and was a “founding member” of Women Drinking Coffee and the Women’s Bible Study. She also volunteered as a costumed docent at the historic Adena Mansion and Gardens.

More than anything, Mary was a faithful Christian since childhood, a loving wife, and a devoted joyful mother of her daughters, enjoying every moment of phone calls and time together, walking with them, doing creative projects with them, cooking with them, and more. It is fitting and a blessing from God that her last day on earth was spent with them in the Smoky Mountains, walking a wildflower trail, playing games, puzzling, laughing, and loving together.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Canal Winchester Methodist Church, 15 West Columbus Street, Canal Winchester, with Rev. Tom Hoover officiating. A private graveside service will be held for her family in Grandview Cemetery with Fr. Cody Lang officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ware Funeral Home. Obituary Link

In lieu of flowers, Mary requested that trees be informally planted “in her memory” in lawns, churchyards, etc.  Condolences can be sent to: Rev. Gregory Creech, 976 Simon Ln, Chillicothe, OH 45601-2161

Mrs. Shirley Ann (Notestine) Erter - 4/30/2026

 Born on January 30, 1934, in Lewistown, Ohio, she lived a life dedicated to faith, family and service to others.

Shirley was the beloved wife of the late Reverend Gerald Erter, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. As a devoted preacher’s wife, and mother of six, Shirley’s grace and strength helped them build an incredible life filled with love, laughter and adventure.

She was a member of Concord Church of Ross County and enjoyed singing in the church choir, helping with missions, and teaching Sunday School.

Shirley was known for her kindness, amazing smile and generous spirit, always thinking of others first.  Her creative cooking and baking and having a party for every family celebration created lasting memories for everyone. She also enjoyed gardening, landscaping, ceramics, crafts, traveling, and spending time with family, one of the greatest blessings of her life.

She is survived by three sons Mark (Pam) Erter, Greg (Leah) Erter, Steve (Brenda) Erter, three daughters Hope (Don) Davidson, Cindy (Keith) Carlisle, and Joy (Sammy) Stamm, and her sister Beverly Shroyer.  Shirley also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Gerald, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Millard and Rosella Notestine, her son Michael, and her sister Roberta Knief.

 Shirley’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to her friends and church family for their prayers, visits and support during her later years.  She loved you all.  May the memories of Shirley bring peace to those who loved her.  She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her deep commitment to her faith and family.

The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to the staffs of Adena Hospice and NCR Hospice for the special care given to our mom and compassion shown to our family during her illness. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Concord Church 30769 US 50 Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.

Funeral services have previousely been held HOME with Pastor Aaron Hines officiating.  Friends may call at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the funeral service on Wednesday.  A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026 in Greenwood Union Cemetery, DeGraff, Ohio.

David Arthur Brisker - 4/20/2026

David Arthur Brisker, 62, leaves to morn with wife, Michele (Sweeney) Brisker, son, Derrick Brisker; and sister, Joyce (Randy) Jacoby.

He was preceded in death by his son, Dustin Brisker.David was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and had a deep love for history, especially military books. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, particularly taking his dog, Fredrick, on walks whenever he was able. He also found great joy in helping at the Huelskamp dairy farm, where he assisted with milking cows and general fieldwork.

Above all, David had a strong calling to ministry. He began his pastoral journey at Joy Church, then part of Sidney First Methodist Church. He went on to serve as pastor at Pasco Methodist Church, Fort Jefferson United Methodist Church. He was currently pastoring Lewisburg United Methodist Church, and whenever possible, he enjoyed assisting at Arcanum Faith United Methodist Church. His dedication to his faith and his congregations was a central and meaningful part of his life.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 7 P.M. at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Heckaman officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 3 P.M. until the time of service. For Obituaty and to leave condolences click here.

Billy Francis Montgomery - 4/13/2026

Billy Francis Montgomery, was born June 18, 1949 in Athens, Ohio the son of Francis R. and Freda E. (Harvey) Montgomery. 

In recent years, he enjoyed serving as a preacher at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Bremen. He loved gardening, genealogy, his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals, and especially loved his family and spending time with them.

Montgomery is survived by his wife of 45 years, Linda Lee (Matthews) Montgomery, whom he married June 7, 1980; daughters, Jennifer R. Storey of Columbus, Linda Kaye (Wes) Tatman of Sugar Grover and Rebecca J. (Tripp) Ruding of Ft. Myers, FL; sons, Phillip A. (Tammy Wegner) Montgomery and Michael T. (Heather) Montgomery, both of Lancaster; sister, Sela L. (Chris) Fannin of Jackson, OH; grandchildren, Alex, Ashton (Kim Woodfill), Zane (Jasmine Salazar) Hatten, Autumn (Dawson Collins), Landon, Hailey, Lincoln, Lilly, Michelle Montgomery and Julie Thomas; 4 great-grandkids, Avery Thomas, Ronin Thomas, Holland Fricker, and Myla Fricker.

He is preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Mark A. Montgomery; sister, Barbara G. Eisenhart of Obetz, OH; brother, John P. Montgomery of New Marshfield, OH; infant grandchildren, Robbie Storey and Nadine Storey; and niece, Melanie J Reeve of Albany, Ohio.

Services have previously been held. To read obituary, click here.

Contributions in Bill's memory may be made to any food pantry or program. 

Rev. Mervyn L Matteson - 4/12/2026

Rev. Mervyn Matteson is survived by his sister Morrita and brother-in-law Don Wolbert and children Mara, Miriam, Michael, and Matthew; grandchildren Paris, AJ, and Maya Matteson and Samuel and Cecilia Garcia; five great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Mervyn Louis Matteson was born in Marion, Ohio, to Mildred Scott Matteson and Morris Kimball Matteson on January 16, 1938. Mervyn grew up in Marion, starting school in first grade at Farming Street Elementary and graduating from Harding High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Otterbein College in Westerville, where he met and married his wife of over 55 years, Martha Deever Matteson. They began their married life together in Dayton as Mervyn earned his Master of Divinity degree at United Theological Seminary in Dayton while serving as youth pastor at Fairview Evangelical United Brethren Church.

An ordained United Methodist pastor in the West Ohio Conference, Mervyn served United Methodist churches in Moline, Woodville, Dayton, Perrysburg, Pataskala, and Loveland, retiring in 2000 and moving to Columbus in 2002. There he was a steadfast and vital member of Maynard UMC until it closed and later worshipped at Gethsemane Lutheran Church and Rose Run Presbyterian Church.

Merv’s lifelong passions included singing, playing his euphonium, bicycling, all of which he managed to work into his service of the Lord, through choirs, brass ensembles, and 25 years of leading high-school students on weeklong bicycle tours through the West Ohio Camping ministry. Gracious, kind, thoughtful, generous, and loving, Mervyn was a proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and an unfailing aid to those in need of help. In retirement, he played in the Clintonville Community band, cared for Martha throughout her 19-year battle with Parkinson’s, sang with the Parkinson’s Tremble Clefs, served as a poll worker, and took great pride in caring for his lawn.

A memorial service to celebrate Merv’s life will be held Saturday May 16th at Rose Run Presbyterian Church, 5220 Johnstown Rd., New Albany OH, 43054. Visitation will be from 10 am-11 am, with the service at 11 am followed by lunch.

Click here to read his obituary.

Rev. William T. Tolliver, Jr. - 4/8/2026

Rev. William T. Tolliver was born in Nashville, Wisconsin in a one room log cabin. Son of the late Correna “Corda” Blevins Poynter (Calvert Poynter) and William T. Tolliver, Sr. Predeceased by sisters Myrliah (Wendell) Ison, Beulah (John) Dreblow, Jenny (Clester) Cox, and Aleta Tolliver. Survived by wife of 70 years Emma Lee Tolliver, children Sharon (Mark) Groves, Kim Tolliver (Jeanette Belz), William (Diana) T. Tolliver, III. Grandchildren Julie Houston, Andrew Houston, Micheal Tolliver, Matt (Katie) Tolliver, Maria Fernanda Tolliver and great-grandson G.T. Tolliver.

Graduate of Frenchburg, Kentucky Presbyterian Mission School where he was awarded the Outstanding Boy of Kentucky Award, 3rd place in Kentucky for Serious Monologues, sang in the All-Kentucky State Chorus and selected to meet Mr. JC Penney through the Allied Youth Program promoting alcohol abstinence.

Attended Asbury College (1951-1955), majoring in speech and dramatics and minoring in French and English. He moved to Dayton, Ohio where he taught English and speech for two years while also preaching at a nearby church.

Rev. Tolliver graduated from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio in 1960 and was ordained into the Methodist Church. He served many churches through Ohio including Van Buren Street (Dayton) Methodist Church, South Point (1960-1963) and Heath (1963-1967).

From 1967-1969, Rev. Tolliver took a leave of absence and moved to Dayton so Emma Lee could complete her bachelor’s in education at Wright State University. During this time, he worked at a tool and die shop and pursued a master’s in counseling and guidance at Wright State University.

He returned to the ministry and served Amelia United Methodist Church (1969-1974), East North Broadway UMC (Columbus 1974-1980), Canal Winchester (1980-1983), Maynard Ave. (Columbus 1983-1990), Walnut Hill (Columbus 1990-1993), and Cedar Hill/Hoy UMC (1993-1995).

Rev. Tolliver retired from active ministry in 1995 and enjoyed hobbies including carpentry, hunting, fishing, gardening, and bee keeping.

As a member of the Columbus Central Ohio Beekeepers and with his friend John Schreiber (deceased) he built beehives, responded to bee swarms, sold honey through Weilands in Columbus, Ohio and at one point had 45 hives throughout central Ohio. He was awarded the Beekeeper of the Year in 2010 for outstanding service to Central Ohio Beekeeper’s Association. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of bees and helping promote the art of bee keeping.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 14th from 10-noon at the Maple Grove United Methodist Church, Columbus, Ohio with services immediately following at noon in the church sanctuary with Rev. Jeremy Moyers presiding. Burial will be in Perryville, Kentucky on April 16th.

To share memories and condolences, click here for the tribute wall.

Rev. Franklin Rowe - 3/31/2026

Rev. Frank Rowe was a Retired Elder in the United Methodist Church, serving Genoa (T) 1950; North Baltimore (T) 1959; St Mark's (L) 1962; Linden (CN) 1969; Zanesville Grace (N) 1974; Bryan Wesley (D) 1980; and as Superintendent of the Athens District, 1986 until he retired.

Frank was married to Beverly Hessey Rowe for 72 years until her death in 2020. Along with Beverly, he is predeceased by his parents, siblings, Myrtle Lutterbein and Mary Lois Costa, and his son, John and granddaughter, Allison. He is survived by daughter-in-law Teri (Rowe) Roubal who together with Frank’s son, John, had five children, Julie (Brad) Luczywo, Isaac (Silvia) Rowe, Samuel Rowe, Joanna Rowe, and Susanna (Jack) Yoder. He is also survived by Steve (Lauri) Rowe and their five children, Nathan (Amanda) Rowe, Andrew (Megan DeHaan) Rowe, Peter (Kate Martin) Rowe, Ginny (Sean) Nightingale, and Seth (Julie) Rowe.

After retirement, Frank and Beverly traveled in their camper and participated in many United Methodist ‘Volunteers in Mission’ projects. He enjoyed a broad spectrum of activities during his adult life – camping, golfing, gardening, woodworking, bowling, horseshoes, fishing, bridge and visiting grandchildren.

Frank and Bev lived happily at Willow Brook Christian Village for 10 years and then Frank continued his residence there until his death. Frank and Bev created a personal ministry there where Frank delivered zinnias (grown in his garden) and chocolates on residents’ birthdays. The family is thankful for the extraordinary care and support Frank received from staff and fellow residents at Willow Brook.

A celebration of life will be held for Frank and Bev in the Terrace Room at Willow Brook Christian Village, 100 Willow Brook Way S., Delaware, Ohio on April 25, 2026. The family will greet friends at 10:00 am and Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 am. In lieu of memorial gifts and in honor of Frank and Bev, take flowers or chocolates to someone who might not be expecting them on their next birthday.

Obituary Link

Ruth Eileen Waite - 3/12/2026

Ruth Eileen Waite, spouse of Rev. Jeffrey L. Waite.

Along with her husband, Waite is survived by her children, Matt (Elizabeth Scott) Waite, Sarah (Bryan) Smink, Mary Beth (Jonathon) McElwain; grandchildren Skylar McElwain, Hanna Smink, Serenity McElwain, Gretchen Smink, and Mason Waite; sister Zoe Sheehan; faithful companion Smokey; and many other family and friends.

Ruth’s life was filled with love and service to others. She demonstrated her faith and commitment to the Lord in her everyday actions. She worked for over 40 years as a math teacher, caring for the youth of the next generation. She obtained her master’s degree in education from The University of Findlay. When she wasn’t at work, Ruth loved to do needle crafts, garden, read, and host her family for gatherings.

Those closest to Ruth always knew what she was thinking by her expressions and facial gestures. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and encouragement to everyone who was fortunate to know her. Ruth’s spirit will live on through her family and friends, into whom she poured her love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of all that loved her.

Services have previously been held. Click here to read obituary.