Mabel (nee Dirksen) Brothers, 92, of Chester Township, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at her home.

Born in Magnolia, Minn., on March 1, 1924, she was a first generation German American daughter of the late Roolf “Ralph” and Katherine (nee Woebler) Dirksen.

Mabel was also preceded in death by her husband, John W. “Bill” Brothers, who she married May 31, 1947; a son, Paul T. Brothers; as well as her sisters and brothers-in laws Emma (Clyde) Cobb, Freda (Ralph) Knutson, Dora (Hurbert) Rhodes, Gesine (Sherwood) Reynolds and Vincent Mauch.

She graduated from Magnolia High School in 1941 and was the salutatorian of her class. She then attended the Northwest Institute of Medical Technology, graduating in 1943.

Mabel was a medical technologist (MT) and became certified by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) in 1945.

She began her career at Charleston General Hospital in Charleston, W. Va., and continued her career at Massillon Community Hospital in Massillon, Ohio; Timken Mercy Medical Center in Canton; the office of Dr. Joseph Pettko, MD, in Odessa, Texas; and retiring from Lou’s Clinical Laboratory in Odessa in 1994.

Mabel was an active member of the Lutheran Church of the Risen Lord in Odessa and an enthusiastic member of the Allemanders of Odessa Square Dancing Club.

She enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting, knitting, and sewing.

Mabel will be sadly missed by her daughter, Alice A. (Ernest) Fischer and granddaughters, Kathleen and Marianne, of Palmdale, Calif.; sisters, Helen Mauch, of Adrian, Minn., and Leona (Ervin) Julius, of Ellsworth, Minn.; sister-in-law Betty (Brothers) Hoover, of Huntington, W. Va.; daughter-in-law, Sheila (Brown) Brothers, of Brocton, Ill.; and step-grandson, Jeffrey Pangburn, of Carlsbad, N.M.; many nieces and nephews; and longtime friend and caregiver Lois Wenzel, of Chester.

We wish to thank the many caregivers at Comfort Keepers, especially Lauren, Shellie, Vonnie and Laura; University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center physicians (Dr.V, Dr. B and Wendy), nurses (Amanda, Kasandra, Bryan, Danielle and Jackie) and the UH Hospice and Palliative Care Team of Cheryl, Stacy, Jennifer and Patrick; and her wonderful neighbors, Scott, Chris, Joe, Wendy, Laszlo and Wendy.

Burial will be at Ridgelawn Memorial Cemetery in Huntington, W. Va.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, donating to Melanoma Cancer research.

William R. Wood, age 80, passed away at Hospice of the Western Reserve on Dec. 9, 2016.

Born on July 31, 1936, he was a schoolteacher for 30 year in addition to having his own landscaping and tree business.

Survived by his wife of 59 years, Charlotte Wood; son, Dave Wood; twin daughters, Eileen Green and Diana McCarthy, and daughter, Bonnie Bitterman; and 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

William was deeply loved.

Service was held at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home on Dec. 13. Memorial service was at Christ Presbyterian Church on Dec. 14. Lunch was from Guido’s Pizza Restaurant.

Memorial gifts to be given to Christ Presbyterian Church.

Everyone that knew him will miss William. He was special.

James B. Willis, age 66, born on Feb. 19, 1950, in Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Dec. 25, 2016.

He was the beloved husband for 35 years of Kathy (Hoffman) Willis (nee Calvert); loving father of Kelly Hoffman (fiancé Ken Barton) and Connie Brazauskas (fiancé Michael Oliver); devoted grandfather of Andrew Arabie, Jayson Brazauskas, Katherine Arabie, Robert Brazauskas, Manny DelPinal; great-grandfather of Delilah; and step-grandfather of six; cherished son of the late Raymond and Anne (nee Zdolshek); dearest brother of Allen (wife Ann, deceased) and the late Richard; and dear nephew, uncle, cousin and friend of many.

Jim was a resident of Chesterland for 36 years, formerly of Lyndhurst.

He was a member of Union Local #33 Sheet Metal Worker and a U.S. Army veteran, who was stationed in Germany.

Jim graduated from Brush High School, in 1969, and received an associate’s degree from the West Side Institute of Technology.

He was the owner/operator of Miller Heating & Air.

Jim loved his Harley and 1956 Oldsmobile. He enjoyed skeet shooting with trophies and was a season ticket holder for the Browns.

Jim loved traveling, especially to France, England, Mexico, the Bahamas and St. Kitts.

He will be remembered most as an amazing man.

Jim was a family man, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was very dignified, private, honest and had a great sense of humor. Jim was hardworking and always encouraged his family and friends to do what would make them happy. He will be dearly missed.

Contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the Denise Calvert Scholarship Fund at Wittenberg University, Attn: Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 720, Springfield, OH 45501.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet for the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, Dec. 30 at St. Anselm Catholic Church, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, at 10 a.m. Burial following with Military Honors at Chesterland Cemetery.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Jim at The DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center of Chesterland, 12811 Chillicothe Road, on Dec. 29, from 2-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Online obituary, guestbook, and order flowers at www.DeJohnCares.com.

Patricia L. Moll (nee Wehn), age 89, a former resident of Cleveland Heights and Chester Township, died Dec. 22, 2016, at Independence Village in Avon Lake.

She was born Aug. 22, 1927, in Langhorne, Pa., and was raised in Johnstown, Pa., and Cleveland Heights.

Patty attended Wittenberg University, where she met the love of her life, Wally, to whom she was married 53 years before his death in 2001.

Patty is survived by children, Michael (Marilyn) Moll, of Plantation, Fla., Cindy (David) Schroeder, of Elyria, and John (Donna) Moll, of Greensboro, N.C.; grandchildren, Jen Karbler, Andy (Alyson) Schroeder and Brant, Josie and Tommy Moll; and great-grandchildren, Gracie and Maddie Karbler, and Lucy Schroeder.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cleveland Museum of Natural History Invertebrate/Paleontology (cmnh.org), where Patty and Wally were volunteers, or Geauga Park District Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure (geaugaparkdistrict.org).

Arrangements were in the care of Dicken Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elyria. For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com.

Mary Ann Ridgway (nee Dunn) passed away peacefully in Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 5, 2016. She was 78 years old and a resident of Chester Township for 52 years.

Her beloved husband, Richard William (Bill) Ridgway Sr., preceded her in death in 2000.

Mary Ann is survived by her three children, Susan Ann (Carlton) Welch, of Fern Park Fla., Richard William (Deborah) Ridgway Jr., of Twinsburg, and Daniel Ridgway, of Chester; “adopted” son, Kenneth Mulgrew, of Cleveland; and grandchildren, Shannon (Ryan) Petersen, Justin Marquand, Victoria Ridgway and Ellyse Ridgway.

She is also survived by one sister, Sylvia (Lin) Howard, of Chardon.

Mary Ann was born in 1938 in Morgantown, W. Va.

After marriage in 1955, Mary Ann and Bill moved to Chesterland in 1959 for a work opportunity and to raise their family.

Mary Ann enjoyed quilting, canning and keeping up with her friends.

In 2011, she retired to warmer weather in Orlando to be by her daughter.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

No services are planned at Mary Ann’s request.

To share a memory or light a candle, please visit http://www.degusipefuneralhome.com.

CHESTER TWP. – Stephen J. Klinko, age 88, of Chester Township, beloved husband of the late Mary H. (nee Toth); loving father of Stephen, Ken (Andrea), Cheryl (Richard) Staley, Jeanne, Joanne (Steve) Vanni and the late John; dearest grandfather of Shawn Klinko, Daniel and Matthew Klinko, Jacqueline (Stephen) Gross and Nick Vanni; dear great-grandfather of Anthony Roberts and Karlena Klinko; brother of Paul (late Connie) Klinko.

Stephen was a U.S. Army veteran who served in World War II, Army of Occupation, Japan.

He was a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus.

Friends received at the St. John Funeral Home, 16381 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge, on Friday, Jan. 6, from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Jan. 7 at St. Anselm Church, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, at 11 a.m.  (Please meet at church.)

Burial will be in All Souls Cemetery, Chardon Township.

CHESTER TWP. – Josephine Lena Inteso, age 90, of Chester Township. Beloved wife of the late Harry “Blair;” loving mother of Kathleen Abualsundos, Susan and Rebecca; devoted grandmother of Dawn , James (deceased) and Blair Fickel, and Elly Clow; devoted great-grandmother of Layla and Tyler Clow; and dear sister of Nick and Albert Grasso, and Marie Arrigo and Bessy D’Amico (all deceased).

The family received friends at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on Jan. 5, 2017, from 4-7 p.m.

A Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. Jan. 6 at Holy Rosary Church, 12021 Mayfield Road, Cleveland.

Interment was at Lake View Cemetery, Cleveland.

Online tributes and condolences at www.gattozziandson.com.

Services for Daniel Clark Stevenson, 69, of Chester Township, were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at Davis-Babcock Funeral Home, 4154 Clark Ave., Willoughby.

The Rev. Donald R. Perks of Willoughby United Methodist Church officiated at the service.

The family received friends from 9-11 a.m. Jan. 7 at the funeral home.

Mr. Stevenson passed away Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at Holly Hill Nursing Home in Newbury Township.

Born Oct. 17, 1947, in Cleveland, he was raised in Willoughby Hills and has lived in Chesterland for the past 41 years, in the home he built in 1975.

He was a graduate of Willoughby South High School, class of 1966, and attended Cleveland State University and Lakeland Community College.

He was actively involved with his children in scouting, baseball, soccer and worked with the West Geauga Marching Band for 11 years. He enjoyed traveling and camping with his family.

Mr. Stevenson was employed by the United States Postal Service for 35 years, as a carrier, clerk, supervisor and a postal security and facilities engineer in Cleveland.

Survivors are his wife of 46 years, Sandra (nee Nord) Stevenson; children, Jennifer, Brian (Deanna) and Robert (Katalin); granddaughters, Emily and Zyla; brother, Gary (Pamela); and sister Janis (Fred) Knauf.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clark Everett and Sarah Maxine (nee Battles) Stevenson; and sister Joy Elaine Stevenson.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to Geauga County Rescue Village, 15463 Chillicothe Road, Novelty, OH 44072.

CHESTER TWP. – Mary C. “Molly” (nee Eykyn) Huelsman, age 71, of Chester Township, passed away on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017, at home.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Jack Eykyn and Mary B. Eykyn.

She is survived by her daughter, Debby (Huelsman) Healey (Chris); three grandsons, Timothy “T.J.” Wheelsman, Cody Huelsman and William “Billy” Huelsman; twin brothers, Jack Eykyn (Sally) and Karl Eykyn (Marguerite); and nieces and nephews, Johnny, Wesley, Bobby, Angela and Michelle.

Molly was a 1963 graduate of West Geauga High School. She went on to follow her dream of becoming a nurse, which she did for about 50 years.

Molly was a caring and loving woman who was quick to smile, and enjoyed making others happy.

A memorial service will be held at Word of Grace Church in Chesterland on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m.

Alzheimer’s is a horrible disease. Be patient, loving and kind. Watch for the signs so your loved one doesn’t go down that confusing and carry road alone.

POWELL, TN –Mary Donovan Blair, age 84, of Powell, Tenn., formally of Chester Township, passed away Dec. 31, 2016.

Mary was of Methodist faith.

She enjoyed art painting and was a competitive roller skater.

Mary was preceded in death by her first husband, William Donovan.

She is survived by her husband, Jesse Blair; children, Laura (Chris) Vatty, Nancy (Joe) Zuccaro, Bill (Debbie) Donovan, Patty Sustar, Sue Iacona and stepdaughter Janet (Craig) Belitz; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was laid to rest on Jan. 3, 2017, at Highland Memorial Cemetery, Knoxville, Tenn.

CHESTER TWP. – Matthew Moore, age 25, of Chesterland. Beloved son of Jim and Ursula (nee Brolli) Moore; loving brother of Megan Moore; devoted grandson of Ray and Pat Moore, and Anna Caputo and the late Nicholas Caputo; dear nephew of Evelyn, Paul, Christopher, Julia, Christina, Raymond, Paul, Marnette, Brian, Judy, and Dawn; and cherished cousin of many.

Friends can call at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on Feb. 3, 4-8 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at the Church of Saint Anselm, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland.

Interment in All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Matthew’s name may be made to The Absolute House, 7835 Harvard Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105.

Online tribute video and condolences at www.gattozziandson.com.

Anne Tracy Thiel, 88, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, at Ephrata Manor in Ephrata, Pa.

Born in Mansfield, Ohio, she was the daughter of Frederick Lathrop and Harriett Swetland Tracy.

Her husband, G. Peter Thiel, a native of Tallinn, Estonia, died in 2000. They met while she was working with refugees under the auspices of the World’s YMCA in Lübeck, Germany, following World War II. They made their home in Chester Township for many years.

Anne attended Mills College and was a graduate of Denison University and Case Western Reserve School of Library Science.

She was involved in a variety of community organizations, including the Geauga County Public Library Board of Trustees and the Community Church of Chesterland, where she was particularly involved in refugee resettlement and a hot meals program.

She is survived by her two daughters, Anne T. Thayer, wife of John Gilbert Thayer, of Lancaster, Pa.,  and Mary Martha Thiel, wife of Mary Redner Robinson, of Brookline, Mass.; and four granddaughters, Elizabeth Gilbert Thayer, Carolyn Tracy Thayer, Sarah La Mei Thiel Robinson and Rebecca Li Thiel Robinson.

Burial will take place in Mansfield, privately and at the convenience of the family.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Community Church of Chesterland, 1198 Caves Road, Chesterland, OH 44026 or to the Ephrata Manor Benevolent Fund, 99 Bethany Road, Ephrata, PA 17522.

Information and online condolences may be posted on our website: www.thegroffs.com

WAXHAW, NC – John Thomas Poole, of Waxhaw, N.C., formerly of Painesville, passed away on Jan. 26, 2017, at the age of 75, from an ongoing battle with cancer.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

He was a thoughtful, kind, honest and hard-working man who was known for his sense of humor and easy-going nature.

John was a 1959 graduate of Wintersville High School and a U.S. Army veteran, who served as a member of the Third Infantry Division stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga.

John spent 30 years as the owner of Sport Rack in Chester Township.

After his retirement in 2010, he enjoyed working and playing golf at Stonebridge Golf Club in Monroe, N.C.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cheryl Poole; son, John Thomas (Erin) Poole Jr.; daughter, Madison Poole; grandchildren, John, Samuel and Maxwell; and siblings Walter “Sonny” Poole, Ruth Ann Cummings, Margaret Ksiazek, George Poole, Twila Carpenter, Denzil Jones and Janet Battlochi.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter Harmon Poole and Margaret Poole (nee Wilson); stepmother, Lorrain Poole (nee Sutton); and brother James Poole.

Friends called at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, Feb. 12, 1-4 p.m., and concluded with a service of celebration at 4 p.m.

John will also be remembered at a service at 6 p.m. Feb. 18 at Stonebridge Golf Club in Monroe, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Pelotonia, an annual charity cycling event that donates 100 percent of its proceeds to the James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University. Donations in John’s honor can be made at www.pelotonia.org/TPoole.

Online tributes and condolences at www.gattozziandson.com.

Rose M. Thomas, 86, of South Carolina, and formerly of Glasgow, Ky., died Thursday, April 13, 2017, in South Carolina.

She was born in Chardon, the daughter of the late Julian and Marjorie Mills Pot.

Mrs. Thomas was a member of Glasgow Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Jewell Thomas; sister, Lillian; daughters, Julie Mastrangelo (Patrick, deceased), Brenda Peoples (Gary) and Lucinda Thomas (Griffith); son, R. Bruce Thomas (Karen); and 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to come and pay their respects Monday, April 17, from 5–7 p.m., at Crow Funeral Home, Glasgow.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 18, 2017, also at Crow Funeral Home, at 11 a.m.

Rose and Jewell owned and operated Thomas & Son Greenhouses & Nursery in Chesterland for many years. Rose loved flowers, especially yellow roses. She often gifted customers with  extra plants.

She loved to give gifts to others baked goods and carefully selected books, but especially a welcoming smile. She truly embodied the gift of hospitality.

She had a wonderful sense of humor.

Rose and Jewell enjoyed touring in their classic automobiles, and also taking trips in their motor home.

Rose will be most remembered for freely offering love and friendship to all. Her children adore her.

Virginia Lillian (nee Meredith) Hillier, 95, passed away March 24, 2017, in Florida.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Arthur Webster Hillier; and son James E.

She is survived by daughter, Karen K. Miller, (Ken, deceased), of Warren; sons, James A. (Darlene), of Sebastian, Fla., Robert E. (Barbara), of Naples, Fla., and Douglas K. (Susan), of Chesterland. She had 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Born June 10, 1921, she was the first of eight children of Ida Creola (nee Detwiler) Meredith and Earl Edward Meredith.

Surviving sisters are Lois Martin and Joyce Kucera. She was preceded in the death by her parent; brother, Edward; and sisters, Elane, Eva Mae Coker, Jean Tracy and Marilou Myers.

Virginia and Arthur built their home and raised their family in Russell Township. They enjoyed gardening together. She truly had a green thumb.

She also enjoyed collecting salt and pepper shakers, country music, watching old TV westerns, nature watching and was an avid reader.

She graduated from Mayfield High School, Mayfield Heights, in 1940.

Burial was at Whitehaven Memorial Park, Mayfield Village, on April 21, 2017.

Carl Joseph Brezina, 97 years strong, entered into eternal peace April 24, 2017.

He was born in Cleveland on March 23, 1920, and was a Chesterland resident for more than 60 years.

He met and married the love of his life, Greta (Gizella) Nyiri, before enlisting in the Army in 1942. Mom and dad celebrated 67 years of marriage in 2009.

In the Army Corps of Engineers, he was stationed in Canada, Alaska the Philippines and Australia.

Dad was employed as a machinist for more than 50 years at Apex Manufacturing in Cleveland, and Skidmore Gear Co. in Cleveland and Highland Heights.

Always ready to fix broken things, sometimes successfully, sometimes not so, he always gave it his best shot and his whole heart.

He was a lifelong fan of the Indians and Browns, through thick and thin.

Dad loved western movies and television series, and any good story that was well told.

He is survived by his sons, Carl (Mary), Bruce and Ron; grandson Christopher; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death his loving wife, Greta (Nyiri) Brezina in 2009; father, John Brezina; mother, Ethel (Valo), and step-father, Alex Horvath; brother, Andor; sisters, Rose Toth, Ethel Schmieg and Helen Wilk; grandson Michael Brezina; and granddaughter, Debra Lynn Brezina-Rowley.

Dad and Mom were members of the Greatest Generation. We applaud them, thank them and love them forever.

Private services were held. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

James Watt Forrest, age 83, died in Blairsville, Ga., on June 20, 2017. He was born to David Forrest and Janet Chapman on Dec. 25, 1933.

James attended Russell School before graduating from West Geauga High School, Class of 1952.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany.

James was a milkman in the Chesterland area for many years and was an avid Boston Red Box baseball fan.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen, in 2007.

James is survived by Debbie Thomas (Rick), Stewart, Cameron; and many grandchildren.

CHESTER TWP. – Lana Lee Beucler, age 75, of Chester Township. Beloved wife of William P.; loving mother of Suzanne Marie (Tom) Fortuna, Michael W. (Kristy) and Mark L. (Sara); devoted grandmother of Alyssa, Anthony and Aaron Fortuna, Kylie and Rylan Beucler, Adam, Brenna and Ben Beucler; dear daughter of Charles (deceased) and Thelma Lehman; cherished sister of Mary Lynne (John) Miller, Josie Ann (Jeff) Lodermeier and the late Charles Lehman Jr.; and dear aunt and great aunt of many.

Family and friends called at DiCicco and Sons Funeral Home, 5975 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights (at Lander Road) on July 6, from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.

Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on July 7 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 5200 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst. Interment at Chester Township Cemetery, Chesterland.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Messiah Lutheran Church.

Online tributes and condolences at www.gattozziandson.com.

CHESTER TWP. – Leslie Mast, age 61, of Chester Township, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2017.

He was born on March 24, 1956, in Cleveland. Albert J. and Mary Ellen (nee Sheffel) Mast were his parents; they both passed away in 2012.

Leslie enjoyed music and being with his friends at Metzenbaum Center.

He is survived by his half sister, Christine (Ron) Lubinski of Medina.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, at the Metzenbaum Center Gym, 8200 Cedar Road, Chester Township, OH 44026.

A private burial was held in Montville Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Metzenbaum Center, or to Cleveland Clinic Hospice, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, PO Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193-1655.

Russell-Sly Family Funeral Home assisted family with Jim’s arrangements. Share memories and condolences at www.russellslyfh.com.

RUSSELL TWP. – Richard Alan Adams, age 69, of Russell Township, died on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at Hillcrest Hospital.

He was born in Cleveland, on Nov. 18, 1947, to Jack and Anna (nee Kempf) Adams.

Survivors include his four cousins, Eleanor Werman, of Hambden Township, Judy Stofan, of Mayfield Heights, Marlene Askeland, of Redding, Calif., and James Kempf, of Fulton, Md.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 27, 2017, from 10-11 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. at the Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.