Obituaries for Bissler & Sons' Funeral Home and Crematory

Mar 23, 2023

Judith C. Thomas, beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 23, 2023 at the age of 90.

She was a unique and beautiful blend of traits – the strong, stoic woman who never complained about the strains of raising three children as a single mother; the funny, outgoing social butterfly...

Mar 22, 2023

Jean E. Baird, age 74 of Kent, passed away March 22, 2023 at Briarwood Healthcare Center. She was born July 5, 1948 to Fred and Vera Sylvanus. Jean is survived by her husband, Darrel Baird; children, David (Debbie) Baird, Denise Baird, and Kelli Baird; six grandchildren, Heather (Angelo) Battaglia, Sarah Ault, Abby Baird, Jordyn Pflugh, Adam Baird, and Mitchell...

Mar 19, 2023

Ed Dolbow, 93, died peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on March 19, 2023.  He was born April 5, 1929, to the late Robert and Julia (Patrick) Dolbow.

Ed graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School in 1947. He earned a B.S. in Education from Kent State University, and later went on to study at Akron...

Mar 17, 2023

Russell G Vaughn, age 72, of Kent, OH, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, March 17, 2023 at his home.

Russell was born May 2, 1950 in Los Angeles, CA to the late Robert Bachtel and Dorothy (Elia) Tassone.

He is survived by sons, Russell “Little Rusty” (Lynda) Vaughn, Jim (Karen) Vaughn, Troy Vaughn,...

Mar 16, 2023

Shannon D. Anderson, age 54, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2023 at his home. He was born November 17, 1968 in Sandusky, Ohio.

Shannon was a Master Mason and wanted his skills to help others. He started a company called Redeemed to help ex-felons get a fresh start from prisons by giving them a trade to work...

Mar 14, 2023

Delores E. “Dodie” Piotter, 89, of Brimfield, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Kent Health Care.  She was born in Akron on April 4, 1933 to the late Gilbert and Dorothy Marvin.

Dodie had a green thumb, enjoyed working in her yard and always had beautiful flower gardens.  She was a wonderful quilter and also...

Mar 13, 2023

Donna L. Hansford, 75, of Kent, OH passed away peacefully on Monday, March 13, 2023.  She was born on June 18, 1947, to Donald and Betty Lemons of Kent, Ohio.

The oldest of four girls, she grew up in Kent and lived most of her life in her hometown.  Donna attended Kent State University and worked at...

Mar 11, 2023

Lois I. Davis, age 68, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2023 at UH Portage Medical Center. She was born May 19, 1954 in Ravenna, Ohio to the late George and Grace Davis.

Lois is survived by her brothers, Rick and James Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents;...

Mar 9, 2023

Richard A. Wilson, 76, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2023. He was born on October 29, 1946 in Akron, OH to the late Loring and Margaret Wilson. He was a graduate of Kent State University and University of Akron Law School.

Richard practiced his entire 41 year law career in Kent. He was appointed one of...

Mar 9, 2023

Jason Lee Jeffers Sr., age 43, of Kent, OH, passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at his home.

Jason was born November 28, 1979 in Ashtabula, OH to James Jeffers and Darlene Lister.

Jason enjoyed spending quality time with his family, especially his boys.  He met the love of his life when he...

Mar 8, 2023

Keith A. Ruttan, of Kent, Ohio, died peacefully at home on March 8, 2023. Born on October 3, 1937 in Palmerston, Ontario to George and Ethel (Speers) Ruttan. Survived by: loving wife, Donna Ruttan; children, Mary Beth Ruttan, Kathleen (Rock) White, Susan (Jay) Valetta, Keith Christopher (Jeannette) Ruttan; grandchildren, Allison Valetta, Christopher Valetta, Emma Valetta, Elizabeth Valetta, Andrew Valetta,...

Mar 5, 2023

James “Jim” Sawyer, lifelong resident of Kent, OH, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023. Jim was the fifth of nine children born to Ed and Beth Sawyer on August 15, 1931.

Jim was a graduate of the Kent City School System beginning at St. Patrick’s School and ultimately attaining a Master’s in Education from Kent State...

Mar 3, 2023

Ronald L. Stutzman Sr., age 82 of Kent, passed away March 3, 2023 at David Simpson Hospice House in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born August 22, 1940 to the late Lloyd and Margaret Stutzman in Kent, Ohio.

Ron enjoyed spending time with family and friends, meeting for his daily coffee at Mikes Place his second home or...

Mar 2, 2023

After living a full life enjoying many wonderful years with her family, Bernice Frances (Bowser) Embacher went to join her parents, George and Alberta Bowser and many of her siblings in heaven on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the age of 92.

She is survived by her husband of 70 loving years August (Gus) who took care...

Mar 1, 2023

Katherine M. Kasper, age 75 of Kent, passed away March 1, 2023 at UH Portage Medical Center. She was born October 10, 1947 to Harry and Catherine Maddox in Barberton, Ohio.

Education was a huge part of her life. She attended Akron University and Kent State University and held multiple Master’s degrees in English, French and Library...

Feb 27, 2023

Lois Jacqueline Buttlar, age 88, of Kent, OH went to be with her Lord, after an extended illness, on Monday, February 27, 2023 in the comfort of her home.  She was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 13, 1934 to the late Louis Edward Mercier and Florence Edna (Maas) Mercier.

She attended Gallistel Elementary School, Bowen High...

Feb 27, 2023

Heaven gained another beautiful angel, Christina (nee Barone) Fertig. Her children had to say goodbye to their mom on February 27, 2023. Sadly, she passed away at home with her family at the age of 95.

She will be remembered by many as being “the life of the party”. She had a great sense of humor and...

Feb 22, 2023

English Professor, Poet, and World War II Veteran

Stanford S. Apseloff of Kent, Ohio, died February 22, 2023, at the age of 99, five years to the day after his beloved wife, Marilyn. He spent most of his adult life teaching English at Kent State University, and his love of the written word was exceeded only by...

Feb 21, 2023

Mary Susan Bulger, 70, of Kent, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Hospice of Medina County Care Center.  She was born in East Liverpool, OH on March 2, 1952 to the late Paul L. and Mary L. Bulger.

Susan was employed as an accountant for several years, and later taught accounting and business at Fortis...

Feb 17, 2023

Dr. Richard (Dick) Julius Ruch, 90, of Kent, OH, died February 17, 2023.  He was born in Perryville, MO on June 9, 1932 to Julius and Zita (Boxdorfer) Ruch.  He received his B.S. from Southeast Missouri State University and his M.S. and PhD from Iowa State University.  He was on the faculty of the State University of South Dakota...