Obituaries

Local Ohio Obituaries

Terry A. "Bud" Graske

Terry A. "Bud" Graske

Jan 11, 2026

Terry “Bud” Graske died peacefully Jan. 11 at age 70, following a battle with brain cancer.

Bud was a large man, who lived life on a large scale, with a huge heart and a huge sense of humor. 

Bud loved being creative—from a decades long career writing, directing, and producing video in public relations and advertising to writing, directing and acting in...

Judith Frances Hodge

Judith Frances Hodge

Jan 9, 2026

Judith Frances Hodge nee Schwartz passed on January 9, 2026 at Maplewood Assisted Living, following a recent decline in health. She was born in Elizabeth City, Virginia, to Simon and Ida May Schwartz, the oldest of three sisters. Growing up in the south, primarily in Texas, she had a love of history and was an avid reader, as well as...

Richard (Rick) Lightel

Richard (Rick) Lightel

Jan 8, 2026

Richard (Rick) Lightel, of Akron, Ohio, passed away from cancer on January 8, 2026 at the age of 76.

Rick was born in Dover on January 19, 1949, to the late Betty (Sherrets) and Eugene Lightel. The family lived in New Philadelphia and Alliance before moving to Kent where Rick spent many years of his life. He graduated from Theodore Roosevelt...

Kenneth Dale Murray

Kenneth Dale Murray

Jan 7, 2026

Kenneth Dale Murray, affectionately known as Kenny, was born on September 19, 1970, in Akron, Ohio. He passed away on January 7, 2026, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. Kenny exemplified strength and resilience throughout his life, making an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him.

For 25 years, Kenny dedicated himself to his career as the...

Phillip L. Herbaugh

Phillip L. Herbaugh

Jan 7, 2026

Phillip L. Herbaugh, age 60, from Green, Ohio, formerly from Hagerstown, Maryland, passed away on January 7, 2026.

Born on February 27, 1965, Phillip pursued a distinguished education, graduating from Shepherd College and the University of Akron School of Law.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gregory Herbaugh; his brother, Christopher Herbaugh; and his maternal grandparents, John & Ruth Swisher,...

Dennis L. Hammond

Dennis L. Hammond

Jan 6, 2026

Dennis “Lamar” Hammond

June 7, 1995 – January 6, 2026

Dennis “Lamar” Hammond, a lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio, was born on June 7, 1995, and passed unexpectedly on January 6, 2026, after a long-term battle with diabetes. Though his life was far too short, the impact he made on those who knew and loved him will last forever.

Lamar was a proud...

Austin Richard Johnson

Austin Richard Johnson

Jan 6, 2026

Austin Richard Johnson, 38, passed away on January 6, 2026, in Akron, Ohio.

Born on October 26, 1987, in the same city he called home throughout his life, Austin brought light and laughter to those around him with his cheerful spirit and kind heart. Austin was a man who embraced life with energy and passion. He had a deep love for...

Garry L. Gray

Garry L. Gray

Jan 5, 2026

Garry Lee Gray, age 69, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on January 5, 2026, at his home in Akron.Garry was born on July 14, 1956, in Akron, Ohio, where he spent most of his life.

More than anything, Garry will be remembered for his personality, especially his humor. He was a fun-loving, creative soul with a natural gift for art. He...

Jeffrey Scott Carpenter

Jeffrey Scott Carpenter

Jan 5, 2026

Jeffrey Scott Carpenter, 62, passed away January 5, 2026.  Jeff was preceded in death by his longtime companion Michael Priory; his parents James and Nellie Carpenter; brothers Richard and Ray Keener; and sister Linda Walker.  He is survived by brothers James and Rodney Carpenter; and sister Barbara Zuponcic; along with many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.  Jeff loved travel, art,...

Dennis M Knapp

Dennis M Knapp

Jan 5, 2026

Dennis “Denny” Knapp, age 73, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on January 5, 2026. He was born on May 31, 1952, in Akron, Ohio.

Denny was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He shared 35 loving years of marriage with his wife, Karen, and treasured the time he spent with his family above all else. He was a steady presence,...

Harry W. James

Harry W. James

Jan 3, 2026

Harry W. James, youngest of the two children, born to Beatrice (Harry) James and William S. James in Plymouth, PA.

Harry loved the Lord and became a devout member of Cleveland Church of Christ Citadel of Hope Ministries, where he served as a deacon and wore many hats. He was strong will with a heart of gold. He was selfless, compassionate...

Daniel Stephen Adams II

Daniel Stephen Adams II

Jan 3, 2026

Daniel “Dan” Stephen Adams II, 46, has passed away after an extended illness. He was born in Akron, Ohio on 04/13/1979 and attended Garfield High School. His entire career was based around his favorite hobby, restoring classic vehicles. He was well-known with local car enthusiasts, especially when it came to VWs and Fords.

He is survived by his four children; Alex...

V. Denver McAnalley Jr.

V. Denver McAnalley Jr.

Jan 1, 2026

V. Denver McAnalley Jr., 69, of Akron, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at the Veterans Home in Sandusky, Ohio.Born on March 15, 1956, he was a son of the late Vermoun Denver and Delilah Etheridge McAnalley.

He loved his family and friends and drove a semi-truck for 30 years. He loved a good meal and a cold beer.

Denver is...

Marie A. Rauscher

Marie A. Rauscher

Dec 31, 2025

Marie A. Rauscher, 94, passed away December 31, 2025.  The family will receive friends 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tuesday January 6,2026 at Adams Mason Funeral Home (791 East Market Street in Akron).  Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 AM Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Mary Queen of the Apostles Church (6455 Engle Road in Brookpark, Ohio).  Interment Holy...

Helen Stamich

Helen Stamich

Dec 30, 2025

Helen Stamich, 71, of Kenmore, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

A daughter of the late Dushan and Lisa (Winkelmann) Stamich, she was born on March 29, 1954, in Akron, Ohio.

She enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in the banking world and was very proud of her work. Known as a dedicated and hardworking individual, she valued time spent outdoors...

Douglas D. Spence

Douglas D. Spence

Dec 29, 2025

Doug Spence, 78, passed away December 29, 2025 after a brief illness.  He was born March 4, 1947 in Akron, the son of the late William and Lorna Spence.  Doug will always be remembered as a loyal guy.  "If he was your friend he was your friend for life."  Doug was well known, as he worked as a graphic artist....

Karren Larraine Long

Karren Larraine Long

Dec 29, 2025

Karren Larraine Long, passed away December 29, 2025, at Falls Village Nursing facility in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Karren was born in Montgomery, West Virginia to the late Ralph D. Bowling and Dymple Jeanne Bowling (Woodrum).

She is survived and will be missed greatly by her children Tera Long and Trent Long; grandchildren Samantha Long and Jerry Weaverling; as well as great...

Teressa Lynn Staines

Teressa Lynn Staines

Dec 28, 2025

Teressa Lynn Staines, born on September 24, 1958, passed away on December 28, 2025, surrounded by love.

Teressa was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She cherished time spent with her family and especially loved watching her grandchildren grow. Her life was defined by love, compassion, and a deep commitment to those closest to her.

She was a proud mother to...

Betty A. Lowers

Betty A. Lowers

Dec 26, 2025

Betty Ann Lowers (Collins), 77, of Akron, Ohio passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Akron City Hospital. She was born on November 19, 1948 in Sutton, West Virginia, grew up in Brush Valley, Pennsylvania, graduated from United High School and moved to Ohio at the age of 18. She retired from Hygienic Corporation...

Janet Magill Bowling Moutz

Janet Magill Bowling Moutz

Dec 25, 2025

Janet Magill Bowling Moutz, 74, of Akron, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025.

A loving daughter of the late Dick and Bette (Magill) Bowling, Janet was born on January 24, 1951, in Lisbon, Ohio. She graduated from David Anderson High School in Lisbon and went on to attend Kent State University, where she was a proud member of the Chi...