The Akron Beacon Journal from Akron, Ohio • Page B007

www.Ohio.com Akron Beacon Journal Sunday, January 27, 2013 Page B7 Jessica Maria Lee Thompson Jessica Maria Lee Thompson, 32, born August 1, 1980, passed away January 16, 2013. Elizabeth A. Otanicar BARBERTON Elizabeth A. Otanicar, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 25, 2013 at Summa Barberton Hospital. Beth was Funeral service will be held Monday, January 28, A p.m.

at the born in Rome, Ohio but lived most of her life in Bar-b There she met and married Charles Otanicar, From previous column Smith; his daughter, Vicki (Mel) Hershberger; step daughters, Lee Anne (Wayne) Wansor and Melissa Butler both of Florida; step sons, William and Robert (Elissa) Butler of Akron and Bradley (Brenda) Butler of Shippensburg, 15 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; brother, Robert (Elsie) Smith of West Sunbury, Art and William Smith of California; and sister, Ruth Smith of Elizabethton, Tenn. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at Northwest Ave. Church of Christ, 737 Northwest Tallmadge with Pastor Scott Baker officiating. Interment will be at the convenience of the family at a later date.

Visitation will be 4 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle). Memorial Home, 1101 Palmetto Florence Ellen Watkins WADSWORTH Florence Ellen Watkins, age 81, passed away January 24, 2013. She was born July 30, 1931 in Akron, Ohio and retired from FirstMerit Bank. Preceded in death by her husband, Merville, and parents, John and Emily Bunn.

Survived by children, John (Kimberly) Watkins of Canton, Mich, and Michelle (Jeff) Watkins-Malek of Wadsworth, Ohio; grandchildren, Amanda, Evan, Johnny, Stephen, and Abigail; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Elaine Malek; sister, Edna Myers; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 260 Broad Wads-worth. Procession will form at the church. Interment will follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Family will receive friends Tuesday, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cox Funeral Home, 1376 High Wads-worth (one mile of I-76 on Rt. 94). Edna R. Robinson Edna R.

Robinson (Hoffman), 92, passed away Jan. 25, 2013. Edna was a retired teacher from the Akron Public Schools (1976). She was a member of the Manchester Church of Christ, Akron Women's City Club, a 50 year member of Huse Rebekah Lodge 184 until disbanded in the 1980's, College Club of Akron, Akron and Summit County Federation of Women's Clubs. She was a life member of Ohio Education Association (OEA), Ohio Retired Teachers Association (ORTA), and Summit County Retired Teachers Association (SCRTA) which she served on the board in several positions.

She volunteered for many years at Stan Hywett Hall, and was a Citizen's Advocate for the Ombudsman Program with the Area Agency on Aging. She served in several capacities on the Board of Trustees of Children's Concert Society, College Club, and SCRTA. Edna was preceded in death by husband, Paul J. (1991). She is survived by sisters, Elinor Hoffman and Janet Sheets.

There will be no calling hours and burial has taken place at Greenlawn Memorial Park. with Pastor Earl Thomas officiating. Friends may call at the chapel on Monday from 12 noon until time of service. Interment at Mount Peace Cemetery. Procession will form and condolences may be sent to 1141 Johnland Akron 44305.

SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO RHODEN MEMORIAL HOME, 330-724-1201 Robert B. Thornburg Robert B. Thornburg, 65, of Uniontown, Ohio passed away January 25, 2013. He was faff A iH't'fftt I I I I I I i 1 1 LJ From previous column volunteer organizations. In January 1966, Marj and friend Helen Slusser spearheaded the formation of the Akron Civic Theater Women's Guild, the volunteer group so important in reviving the Civic.

Marj and Karl were avid golfers, members of Fairlawn Country Club since 1952, and she chaired the Thursday Ladies' Golf Association in 1966 and 1996. She remained an active golfer and bridge player until age 89 when major surgery curtailed her mobility. Marj was a doer and a teacher, always willing to share her knowledge, skills, and expertise, be it of music, bridge, or golf. She and Karl travelled, enjoyed a good life, and made life good for others, especially their children and grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Karl, Marj is survived by son, David Schmidt of Akron and Virginia; daughter, Susan Schmidt Horning of New York; brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Grace Hollinger of Texas; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruth and Dick Viviani of Arizona; sister-in-law, Judy Schmidt of Florida; grandsons, Daniel Schmidt, Nicholas Horning, and Sgt.

Tyler Schmidt; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many dear friends she made through a life of generosity and grace. Marj's memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions can be made to Bath Church United Church of Christ, 3980 W. Bath Akron, OH 44333; Summa's Palliative Care and Hospice Services, P.O. Box 2090, Akron, OH 44398; and Fairlawn Country Club Scholarship Fund, 200 N.

Wheaton Akron, OH 44313. STHdlmus www. bilowfunera homes, com 330-867-4141 FAIRLAWN Chapel Joseph P. Selmants Joseph P. Selmants, age 82, passed away Thursday, January 24, 2013.

He was 330-633-3350 her husband of 56 years. Together they raised three sons, Dennis, Phillip and Kevin. Besides her sons she is also survived by five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, all who loved her and will miss her. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1263 Shannon Norton.

Fr. Robert Jackson celebrant. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

www.sil-va-hostetler.com (SILVA-HOSTETLER, 330-825-8700) Gerrone Palmer Gerrone Palmer, 63, passed away January 26, 2013. Announcements later. RHODEN, 330-724-1201 Andrew Robert Straub Andrew Robert Straub, age 74, of Brunswick, passed away Pay January 24, on Thursday, 2013. (Wadsworth, 330-335-3311) born in Akron on March 3, 1947. He graduated from The University of Akron and retired from Bridgestone Firestone He was born on February 5, I 1938 in Wheeling, W.

Va. Andrew retired after 39 years from Ford Motor Com George Weitzel 8151930-1232013 After a short illness, George fell to sleep in death. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. TODAY, January 27, 2013 at the Schlup-Pucak Funeral Home, 788 Kenmore Akron, where funeral service will take place at 6 p.m. Cremation will follow and private burial will be held at a later date.

Evelyn Park Evelyn Park, 97, on January 25, 2013 completed her life God had so graciously given her as God called her into His Eternal Presence. Born in 11 hi rii -330-745-3131 Akron on May 21, 1915, she lived in the Portage Lakes area for 60 years. Evelyn was preced after 39 years. Bob was preceded in death by his father, John. He is survived by his wife, Carol, of 37 years; daughters, Tina (Shawn) Pace of Luxembourg and Traci of Los Angeles, grandchildren, Hannah and one on the way; mother, Pauline; brother, John; and best friends, Jim and Debi Merlo.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday, January 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Masonic Service at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 30 at 12 p.m. with Pastor Jerry Harpool officiating. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lung Cancer Alliance, Box 418372 Boston, MA 02241. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.Ne wcomerAkron.com NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 330-784-3334 I I I 1 1 1 I'M HI I k- I 1 1 1 ,1 I I Daniel M. Roth Daniel M. Roth, 72, of Akron, passed away on January 24, 2013. Arrangements will be provided in Monday's edition of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Please visit www.hummelcares.com to view full obituary, share memories and condolences. I' FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORIES 330-253-6126 Robert E. Schlemmer STOW Robert E. Schlemmer, 83, died January 20, 2013. Pastor Jim Case will conduct service Monday, 11 a.m.

at Redmon Funeral Home, where friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Ohio Veterans Home, Treasury, 3416 Columbus Sandusky, OH 44870-5598. (REDMON, STOW, the beloved I pany as a Supervisor.

He is survived by his loving children, Christine (Craig) Teetor, Cheryl (Cleatus) Varney, Craig Straub, Chad (Kelly) Straub and Curt (Julie) Straub; and nine grandchildren; and was preceded in death by his wife, Linda (nee Comer). Family will receive friends on Sunday, January 27, 2013 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Waite and Son Funeral Home (3300 Center Road, Brunswick 44212). Service will be held on Monday at 1 p.m.

at the funeral home with Deacon Clem officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Valley City. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association (1689 E. 115th Street, Cleveland 44106-3988) or to HMC (5075 Windfall Road, Medina 44256). Online condolences may be left at www.waitefuneralhome.

com. husband of Virginia (Bucklev): loving father if; mm of Steve (Lynn) Selmants, Elizabeth "Betsy" (Scot) Lu Bradley S. Williams Our loved one, Bradley S. Williams, 47, of Springfield passed away peacefully at home on January 24, 2013. Brad was born in West Virginia on August 27, 1965 to Bobby and Norma Williams.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bob and brother, Brent. Brad is survived by his mother, Norma; sons, Joshua (Rose Novak), Shane; granddaughters, Kourtney and Mackenzie; brothers, Brian and Bobby. His family will forever be grateful to all those who helped him during the tragic illness. May he forever walk over the hills and mountains with his dog (Willy) by his side. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.

NewcomerAkron.com. NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 330-784-3334 cas and Paul Selmants; dear grandfather of Joey and Brian Selmants and Lola Lucas; and loving brother of Mar Ihtmtnei TPedmon V- Funeral HO mi i i FUNERAL HOMES ed in death by her parents, Zella and Lehr Keister; and two wonderful husbands, Ira Weimer for 43 years and Paul Park for 17 years. She is survived by her daughter, Marsha (John) Cross; two beloved grandsons, Mark and David Cross; six greatgrandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She wanted to thank Fran and Don and all her caregivers for all the nice things they did for her. Her favorite Bible Verse was Psalm 118:24 and her favorite hymn was Victory in Jesus.

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun Of happy memories that I leave When life is done. Death is not the end.

Like the flowers she enjoyed so much, Heaven holds the seeds of a new beginning. It is by her request that she have no calling hours and a private family service. Burial will be at Wooster Cemetery. (Bacher, 330-644-0024) CALL TODAY! Mark J. Terranova Mark J.

Terranova, 46, "a true went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 after a courageous three year battle with cancer. garet Christenson. Services will be held 10 a.m., Friday, February 1, 2013 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 317 E. Liberty Medina.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Waite Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St, Medina. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of Medina County, 5075 Wind-fall Road, Medina, OH 44256. Merle L.

Smith Merle L. Smith, 84, of Suf-field, Ohio passed away suddenly January 22, 2013, in Altamonte, Florida. He was born in He was born in Akron and a lifelong area resident. George Ray Vernacotola George Ray Vernacotola, 82, passed away on January 25, 2013. He was Mark was a graduate of Barberton High School, ITT Technical In "Sly 5H the ninth child of Italian Immi-grants Nicola and Maria (DiSabato) Vernacotola and was born on February 5, West ry Pa.

to James and Florence Smith. One of ten boys and five girls, he left home at Cremation Memorial Specialist 100 OFFi Any in stock memorial, i Marjorie Grace Schmidt Marjorie Grace Schmidt, 92, died at home January 21, surrounded by family and listening to the music of Benny Goodman. Marjorie was born at home in Kenmore on July 15, 1920, to Paul Hollinger, Kenmore's last mayor before annexation by Akron, and Ethel Cox Hollinger. She attended Lawndale Elementary and Kenmore High School where she played alto sax and clarinet in the marching band and won first place in state instrumental contests in Oberlin before graduating in 1938. She played first saxophone with all-girl jazz bands the Rhythmetts (1936-37) and the Co-Eds (1937-39), and clarinet with the University of Akron band and orchestra, to which she was elected vice president, and general chairman of the second annual May Festival concert in April 1940.

Marj was Grand Worthy Associate Advisor of Rainbow Girls 1939-40, member of the Girl Scouts, University of Akron women's glee club, and Delta Gamma sorority. After graduating with a B.S. in education in 1943, she taught at Reimer Elementary before friend Nellie Glover asked her to fill in for the music teacher at Firestone Park School, where Marj organized a student dance band. In August 1945, Marj joined the American Red Cross, trained in Washington, D.C., and served as staff assistant to the armed forces in Wiesbaden, Germany, through 1946. An avid photographer, she taught G.l.s how to take and develop photographs, and oversaw musical programs, bridge tournaments, and movies for the occupation forces.

After returning to Ohio and teaching she met and married Karl H. Schmidt, November 29, 1947. Soon Marj devoted her unbounded energies to homemaking, raising her children, volunteer work, bridge, and golf. She was past president of WITAN, Akron General Women's Board, Delta Gamma, Jaycee Wives, treasurer of the First Grace United Church of Christ Ladies Altar Circle, and was active in numerous Continued next column 448 North Howard Akron 330-253-2179 1 1 iLiinim 1. 1 in j.

yww.NunnniiiiviarDieHnnuranire.cum Gerald (G.I.) Zaratsian On January 21, 2013, Gerald (G.I.) Zaratsian, age 83, passed on to his eternal rest surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 30, 1929. G.I. was preceded in death by his wife, Faye; parents, Gelena and Hachik Zaratsian; sisters, Shockey Zaratsian and Betty Burkey. He leaves behind, brother, Thomas Sr.

(Rosalie); sister, Mary Miller; and brother-in-law, George Burkey; nephews, Thomas, Jr. (Judy), Gerald (Joanne), Anthony (Dana); nieces, Kathy (Derek) Kriebel, Rosemary (Mike) Johnston, Sharon White and Shockey Podojil. He also leaves behind his Arizona family: sister-in-law, Teresa Frazi-er; nephews, Bruce (Jodi) and Andy Frazier; niece, Dawn Dellisandro; and many great-nieces and -nephews. In 1947, G.I. was stationed in Germany while serving in the U.S.

Army. Upon returning to the Akron area he made lifelong friendships bartending at Nino's and the Red Carpet; G.I. moved to California in the 1960s and retired from UCLA; after retirement he and Faye enjoyed many years in Sun City, Ariz. G.I. loved most of all spending time with his family and playing golf with friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Pleasant View Health Care Center and Barberton Hospice for their loving care. A special thanks to Father Anthony J. Suso for his compassion and prayers. Please visit www.hummelcares where memories and condolences may be shared. 1931 in Vandergrift, Pa.

George proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan, later making his home in Akron where he worked for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. In retirement he found joy in gardening, traveling, and time with family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents; infant son, James; and brothers and sisters. He is survived by wife, Mary Ann; son, Joseph; sister, Emily Firek; sister-in-law, Arlene Vernacotola; in-laws, Carmela and Don Olivo and Leonard and Betty Santacroce; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He will truly be missed by all he left behind. Mass of Christian Burial at Visitation of Mary (Annunciation) Parish on Tuesday, January 29 at 10 a.m. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday at Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange.

Internment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron. Please visit www.h ummelcares.com to view full obituary or to share memories and condolences. stitute and also a member of the IBEW Local 306. Mark's brief life was filled with passion and love for his family and friends. His many talents and interests in cars, motorcycles and computers, led to his development of his website, www.zl-oa.com, a worldwide community of Kawasaki Eliminator enthusiasts.

Preceded in death by his father, Carl Terranova, Mark is survived by his children, Sa-mantha, Mark and Curtis; devoted friend, Aleta Hood; and motherstepfather, Mary and Arnett Day; siblings, Carla (Lee) Cash, Stephanie (Duane) Sibila, John (Anna) Terranova and Tracy (Mick) Smith; many nieces, nephews and close relatives. He is also survived by many long-time close friends with whom he held a very special bond. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Western Reserve Summa Hospital Hospice, the doctors, nurses, staff and especially Jen H. for the care, guidance and support Mark and his family received. Funeral service will be held Monday, 11 a.m.

at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, 566 W. Park Barberton 44203, with Mark Canfora officiating. Burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Calling hours Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mark J. Terranova Memorial Fund at any First-Merit Bank. CampfieCd-'Kicman-CoCder 330-745-3161 age 1 6 to work in the coal mining fields of Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Following two years in the U.S. Army driving Staff Car at Fort Bragg, N.C., where he transported Gen.

Dwight Eisenhower and Gen. James Gavin, commander of the 82nd Airborne he returned to Pennsylvania and married his childhood sweetheart, Miriam McKinney, and moving to Akron in 1951. They had two children, a daughter, Vicki Lynn, and son, Barry Alan. A 62 year member of the Ohio Operating Engineers, Local 18, he was a heavy equipment operator for seven years, moving to supervision for another 55 years. He was employed by the Shullo Construction H.B.

Lockhart; W.G. Lockhart, and the Great Lakes Construction Co. of Cleveland, Ohio, for whom he worked until his retirement in 1990. Some of the projects he worked on were: construction of the Federal Bldg. in downtown Akron; the Ohio Edison the St.

Thomas Hospital parking deck; the Interstate Highway System; and the renovation of the Terminal Tower Bldg. in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by ten of his siblings, his wife, Miriam, and his beloved son, Barry. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Hannah Butler Continued next column Edna Richardson Edna Richardson, 92, of Cuyahoga Falls passed away peacefully January 23, 2013.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Magdalein and Edwin Krempin and the love of her life, her husband, Eddie. Edna was kind hearted and always willing to help those in need. She loved her family, was a genuine friend and an avid Cleveland Indians fan. She is survived by her niece, Sandra Larkins; many nieces, nephews and relatives. She will be deeply missed by her family, long time friend Patty and everyone else whose life she touched.

Edna was especially thankful for the care provided by (her great niece and husband) Jackie and Webb Wilson. Plans for cremation are taking place. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Saint Judes Childrens Hospital. I' FUNERAL I FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORIES 330-253-6126 Dorothy L.

Wagner Dorothy L. Wagner, 89, passed away January 26, 2013. Funeral announcements later. (Billow, 330-867-4141) I' FUNERAL I FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORIES 330-253-6126.