Elizabeth A. "Bettiann" Weeks, 74, of Sandusky, passed away unexpectedly early Monday evening, May 6, 2013, at her home. She was born on September 20, 1938, in Sandusky, the daughter of the late Bernard Eugene and Janice Augusta (Grahl) O'Reilly. Bettiann was a 1956 graduate of Sandusky High School and received her Bachelors Degree from Capital University and her Masters from Ashland University. Bettiann was a devoted wife to Colonel John Weeks for 51 years. She was a cherished friend, committed community volunteer, and champion of the Sandusky area. An avid reader, Bettiann was an enthusiastic patron of the arts, and a seasoned traveller. As a life long member of, and active participant in the Zion Lutheran Church, Bettiann holds the distinction of becoming the first female President of the Congregation. In addition, she served within the church as a member of the Alter Guild, the Saturday Worship Healing Team, and as a Bible Study Leader. With the approval of the Toledo Diocesan Bishop and the local parish priest she went through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults as well as all the courses required to become a Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. Through this interfaith effort she helped establish a closer relationship among the Sandusky Catholic and Protestant communities. A veteran teacher, Bettiann was employed most recently by Perkins Local Schools. Earlier in her career, she taught in Okinawa/Japan. Bettiann taught across America in widely divergent school settings which included suburban, rural, city, and inner city settings. In Ohio, Bettiann taught in Toledo, Brooklyn, Sandusky, and Perkins Township. She taught in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Onslow County, North Carolina, as well as Albany, Georgia, and Lee County, Georgia. She also taught in the inner city of Camden, New Jersey. Bettiann was a passionate child advocate whose career spanned nearly fifty years. Bettiann served on the Board of Cancer Services of Sandusky from 2008 to the present, committing herself to their mission by working on numerous committees and events. She was an active volunteer for the American Legion, American Veterans, Kiwanis, and Rotary. She worked tirelessly and selflessly for the interests of others. Honored as a Woman of Excellence by the Rotary Club of America, Bettiann served in a variety of Rotarian efforts and relief societies. She was a dedicated participant in the Foreign Exchange Student and Group Student Programs, welcoming students from around the world to our community. Bettiann has cherished and maintained close life long relationships with Caio Peres and Angela Bottin, both from Brazil, whom she originally hosted as part of the Rotary Foreign Exchange Program. Bettiann further promoted international goodwill by fostering foreign students working at Cedar Point.

Patty Slone, 58, of Willard, passed away on Friday, May 10, 2013 at her home.

Ruby Grace Cole, age 92, of New Haven, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at the Mercy Willard Hospital in Willard. She was born October 14, 1920 in Bowling Green, Ohio to the late Charles and Grace (Fuller) Heitchler and had been a New Haven area resident the majority of her life. Mrs. Cole was a loving and devoted homemaker, mother and grandmother giving of her time and skills to help the family. She was a member of the New Haven United Methodist Church where she had been involved in the church "Livewires." She enjoyed crocheting afghans for her family making sure she had enough for all her grandchildren and great grandchildren for graduation. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, weaving rugs, jigsaw puzzles and word search games.

James M. Brooks, age 65, resident of Shelby, died Thursday, May 9, 2013 in Crestwood Care Center following a brief illness. Born November 12, 1947 in Mansfield, Ohio to Earl and Josephine (Rock) Brooks he had been a Mansfield-Shelby area resident the majority of his life. A 1965 graduate of Mansfield Sr. High School, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era. Jim was employed 31 years with Copperweld retiring in 2003. An avid golfer, he was a baseball and basketball fan who enjoyed casinos and traveling to the Smokey Mountains.

Margaret M. Luevano, age 54, resident of Willard, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. She was born on February 26, 1959 in Mercedes, Texas to Gabino Sr. and Maria (Herrera) Prado. She was a graduate of Bettsville High School and enjoyed music, spanish dancing, going to flea markets and garage sales. She was also an animal lover and donated regularly to various charities.

Paul E. Lucas, 86, of Plymouth, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2013.

Elsie M. Laser, age 97, of Shelby died Monday, April 15, 2013 at Crestwood Care Center in Shelby. She was born March 12, 1916 in Jamestown, New York the daughter of the late Evald L. and Sigrid M. (Peterson) Nohlquist. Elsie was a retired employee of the Shelby Mutual Insurance Company and was a member of First Lutheran Church in Shelby.

Evadell Alfrey, age 86, resident of Shelby died Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in Ontario Commons following a short illness. Born November 27, 1926 in Shelby to Abraham and Eva (Pennock) Seib, she had been a lifelong Shelby resident. A 1944 graduate of Shelby High School, she worked for the Shelby Telephone Co., and was employed 20 years with Autocall Division retiring in 1989. Mrs. Alfrey was a member of the First United Church of Christ. Evadell was known to many as “Evie” and, in her younger years, “Boots”. Evie loved to keep a spotless home, was very organized and especially enjoyed time with her family. She loved animals, enjoyed reading, keeping a journal and working in her yard.

Don E. Amstutz, age 81 of Fairborn, passed away Sunday May 5, 2013. He was born July 31, 1931 in Tiro, Ohio, the son of the late Lester William and Margaret E. (Swartz) Amstutz. Don graduated from Tiro High School in 1950 and followed with honorable service in the US Navy during Korea from 1951 to 1955 aboard the destroyer, USS Johnston. He followed with employment in civil service at Wright-Patterson AFB at the International Logistics Center. During that time he was the West German country manager and was awarded the Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr,; the highest military award given by the West German government, requiring the approval of the Bundestag (West German congress). He was awarded this for his outstanding role in supporting the German Air Force’s F4F aircraft, maverick missiles, and radar systems of US origin. His memberships include: Abiding Christ Lutheran Church, life member and past commander of American Legion Post 526, VFW Post 6861, Amvets Post 88, Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 2641, past president of the Fairborn Jaycees and Jaycee International Senator #10939, and the 40&8 Voiture, Local 140.

Leonard A. Kirk, 74, of Galion, died Wednesday, May 8, 2013 unexpectedly after a sudden illness at home with his loving wife, Joyce at his side. Born Sept. 12, 1938 in Louisa, Ky., he was the son of the late Leonard M. and Geneva (Davis) Kirk who resides in Galion. Leonard married his high school sweetheart Joyce A. (McComas) Sept. 1, 1956, three months after their graduation from Buffalo High School in Kenova, W. Va. where during his senior year he threw six no hitters as a 16 year old pitcher on the baseball team. Known in the sports pages as "Fireball Kirk" he was drafted by the New York Giants. He started work with the New York Central Railroad and due to the unpredictable hours he realized something with regular hours would be better for his family. He accepted a job with the Galion Iron Works and worked 42 years, as a welder and later as an assembler, retiring in 1998. After retirement, Leonard worked part-time at the Galion Public Library, maintaining the facility and grounds. Always willing to help others, he volunteered transporting blood for the American Red Cross and driving church members to doctors’ appointments. Leonard managed Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball. He was active in the Masonic order as a member and past Master of Galion Lodge 414 Free and Accepted Masons. He also belonged to Naomi Chapter 47 Order of Eastern Star where he served as Patron; Galion Chapter 142 Royal Arch Masons. He was a 32nd degree member of Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus; a member Galion Elks Lodge 1191 and Christ United Methodist Church. Even though Leonard led a busy and active life, his number one priority was always his family, his faith and his friends. He lived life to the fullest.