Email: hardinfoundation@gmail.com

NEW

Kenton, OH

Helping others.

MEMORIALS TO FOUNDATION BIOGRAPHIES

PEG BALDWIN-MCVITTY MEMORIAL
Peggy Baldwin McVitty was born in Fairfield, Alabama. She married Mondo Baldwin on April 1, 1944 while he was serving in the US Air Force. Shortlythereafter they moved to Kenton where she lived until 1994. Peg was active in Scouting as she and Mondo had two sons, Wayne and Michael who were Eagle Scouts. She was the first woman in the area to receive Scouting’s Silver Fawn award for service to Scouting. She was active in Laureate Beta Mu Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi where she had held every office in the local chapter and in 1989 received the Reverned International Award of Distinction. She was a member of the Kenton Garden Club having held all offices and served as past director of Region Two of the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs. She was past president of the Hardin County Council on Aging Board of Trustees. She was the recipient of the Hardin County Senior Citizen Award in 1997. She was a member of the Keep Hardin County Beautiful Commission and had written articles for the Commission’s Tricycle. She was a member of the Hardin County Ambassadors. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kenton where she was active in the United Methodist Women and had served as the first women chairperson of the Administrative Council. She was a Sunday School teacher for 48 years and a charter member of the Chancel Bell Choir. Mondo died in 1992 and in 1994 she married James McVitty and moved to the Forest area. She became active in the Forest United Methodist Church and served on the Forest Jackon Library Building Committee. She died March 16, 2002.

 

ELINOR NASH BARRETT
AND OLIVER WAGNER BARRETT

Both families have lived in Hardin County since the late 1800's. Oliver (Ollie) Barrett (1925 - 2004) was born to Margaret Wagner Barrett and Ray Barrett, and graduated from Kenton Senior High in 1943, and immediately entered the army where he served until 1945, being awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star. For many years he was associated with Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, until he joined North American Rockwell, ending his career as Director of Personnel. Activities included sports of all kinds, the Masonic and Elks Lodges, and the First United Methodist Church. He died in 2004. Elinor Nash Barrett born 1927 to Irma Hamilton Nash and William Nelson Nash, also graduated from Kenton Senior High School in 1945 and attended Bowling Green State University. Activities included the choir of the First United Methodist Church, in which she sang for over 40 years, Eastern Star, and Minerva Club. The couple was married on February 23rd, 1947 and had two sons, Stephen and Scott, and three grandchildren.

 

PARL W. AND EUNICE I. BECK
DESIGNATED TO HARDIN HILLS HEALTH CENTER
Mr. and Mrs. Beck were long time residents of the City of Kenton and owned a farm in Pleasant township. Mr. Beck was primarily self employed and was the owner and operator of a garage and lawn mower repair shop in Kenton. Mrs. Beck worked many years at the Woolworth Store and at the Farmers Livestock Barn in Kenton. Both Mr. and Mrs. Beck were long time members of the Walnut Grove Church in Pleasant Township. Parl Beck died January 23, 1998 and Eunice Beck died January 30, 2006. Mrs. Beck, who spent her last few years at the Hardin Hills Health Center, was interested in benefiting the home and residents therein.

 

FRANK & RUTH BERLIEN
Frank Berlien was born to a pioneer family of Hardin County who believed in public service to their community and their country, as his grandfather, Peter, served his country in the Civil War and his father, George, was Hardin County Sheriff. Frank and Ruth Berlien were married in 1937 and were a couple very edicated to their community. During their 54 year marriage, the Berliens participated in many charitable activities with groups that included the First Methodist Church, the Masonic Brethren and the Gideon Ministry. Frank, the President of the Huntington First National Bank of Kenton, was also city councilman for a number of years. Upon retirement from Huntington, he became very active with the Gideon Ministry and with Masonic work. While serving a number of years as church treasurer, Frank was the author of several articles on the long, rich history of the church. Ruth, born near Alliance, Ohio, worked 12 years for the Ohio Department of Agriculture in Columbus. She served as church secretary in the 1940's and was a member of the United Methodist Women and Sarah Circle. During World War II, Ruth was the executive secretary for the Hardin County Red Cross.

 

THE BERNARD FAMILY FUND
DESIGNATED TO EDUCATION & MUSIC PROGRAMS &
MARY LOU JOHNSON LIBRARY

This fund was established in 2002 by Leo J. "Barney" Bernard in memory of his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Fox Bernard and their son, Michael E. Bernard. It was created to enhance music programs in the Kenton City Schools which the Board of Education is otherwise unable to fund and to support the Mary Lou Johnson/Hardin County District Library in such amounts as the Foundation trustees determine. Bernard is a name long associated with business and civic activities in Hardin County. Leo Bernard owned and operated the Bernard Furniture Store in Kenton from 1956 to 1974. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the former Kenton National Bank, Wilco Corporation and San Antonio Hospital. He was a member of the American Legion and the Elks and held leadership positions with the Chamber of Commerce, American Heart Association and the Knights of Columbus. Born in 1914, Leo, known as "Barney", graduated from Kenton High School in 1932. He served in World War II, as did his brothers, Jerome and LeRoy. LeRoy was the first Kentonite killed in the War. Until his death in February of 2005, Barney's lifelong love of golf and the pursuit of family history continued to occupy him as well as attending services at Immaculate Conception Church. On June 2, 1941, Barney married Elizabeth "Betty" Fox, the daughter of Dr. D.C. and Katharine McArthur Fox. Kate Fox was a descendant of Donald McArthur who, with his son, Peter, was the first non-native American settler in Hardin County. Dr. Fox was a country doctor, farmer and businessman. Betty graduated from Kenton High School in 1932 and from the Ohio State University in 1936. She was active in church, charitable and cultural activities, including the San Antonio Hospital Guild, Catholic Ladies of Columbia, University Women's Club, Music Club, Fortnightly Literary Club, and was a lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Church. Betty passed away in June 2000. Mike was born in Kenton in 1946, graduating from Kenton High School in 1964. After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1968, he served in the U.S. Army. Mike graduated from the Ohio State University College of Law and practiced in Kenton and Columbus. He was twice elected Hardin County Prosecutor and served this community with pride. Mike passed away in 1995. Betty and Barney were the parents of five children, Daniel Fox Bernard, Michael Eugene Bernard, Mary Katharine Franzel, Marie Eleanor Sprang, and Anne Elizabeth Keller. Daniel F. Bernard graduated from Kenton High School in 1960, Iowa State University in 1964 and earned his law degree from Duke University. After serving in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps, he began the practice of law in Colorado where he made his home. Highly respected in the legal and civic communities of Longmont, CO, Dan died on August 3, 2011 and is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dale, their two children and six grandchildren.

 

FRANK & BETTY BONDI
DESIGNATED TO FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BUILDING FUND
Frank Bondi was born and raised near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the borough of Aspinwall. He served in the European Theater during World War II with the First Army from Normandy to Germany. In 1945, he returned to the States as a hospital patient and assigned to the "Greenbrier" Hospital where he met an Army nurse, 2nd Lt. Betty Smith from Kenton, Ohio who would become his wife. After their marriage, they spent several years in Pittsburgh, then moved to Kenton where Frank became involved in the financial life of Hardin County. During the next 47 years, Frank served his community in many areas. He was treasurer of the Hardin County Fair when many improvements were made, including the Grange Building, the Gazebo, and the Community Building. As a member of the Kenton Board of Education, the new Senior High School and the Oaklief Elementary School were completed. As moderator of the First Baptist Church, the new First Baptist Church east of Kenton in the Myers Addition was erected. While Frank was president of the Huntington First National Bank, the new bank building on the corner of Franklin and Main Streets was built in 1976, now known as the Liberty National Bank. Frank has been active in many fund raising activities. In 1971, the Kenton Area Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year. Betty accepted a position as a school nurse at Mt. Victory and Ridgeway and later was staff nurse for Hardin Memorial Hospital until she retired in 1987. She continued working part time with Hardin Hospice Care until 1996. Betty was and is very active in many civic activities. At present a volunteer for the Sullivan-Johnson Museum and a member of the American Cancer Society board. She is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Kenton, where she has held many ffices. She is currently church clerk and is active and has held offices in the Baptist Missionary Society as well as the Regional American Baptist Churches Association. Betty enjoys reading, sewing, travel, and her role as a grandmother.

 

A Memorial was established by the family of Dr. Louis and Roberta Black

 
VICTOR & VIRGINIA COLMEY
DESIGNATED TO CHILDREN & EDUCATION
Mr. and Mrs. Colmey were long time residents and farm owners in Blanchard Township. Mr. Colmey was a professional engineer having graduated from the University of Indiana in 1935 and traveled world wide primarily overseeing bridge construction, including one project in the Soviet Union. Mrs. Colmey was a nurse and also traveled extensively in her hobby of breeding, selling and showing of English Bulldogs. Although not having any children, the Colmeys always maintained an interest in young people and their education.

 

FRANK & RUTH COOK

Frank N. Cook was born September 27, 1910 in Kenton. He graduated from Kenton High School in 1928. He married Ruth E. Barrett who was born February 16, 1914 in Goshen Township. She graduated from Kenton High School in 1932. They were married October 16, 1932. He worked as a mechanic and for Ohio Power before serving in the Navy from 1943 through 1946. Upon discharge from the Navy he started Cook’s Garage and continued with that until 1964, when he became a Nationwide Insurance Agent. He served on the Kenton City Council for several years and was Mayor of Kenton from 1965 thru 1975. He also served as secretary of Grove Cemetery from 1960 through 1975. Ruth was a bookkeeper for Cook’s Garage and Nationwide business. Upon their retirement in 1975, they moved to Cessna Township where Frank enjoyed farming, his boxer dog and his horses. Ruth continued her enjoyment of raising beautiful roses and country life.

 

DR. J.C. & GRETCHEN CURTIS

Jesse C. Curtis, Jr. was born and raised in Hardin County. He graduated from Kenton High School and from Ohio State University in 1943 with a BS in Agricultural Economics. He served in World War II as a captain in Field Artillery. In 1950, he graduated from OSU with a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He returned to his home community and served as a veterinarian for 21 years with his animal hospital on East Columbus Street. Dr. Curtis then sold his practice, becoming President/CEO of Home Savings and Loan. He retired after another 21 years, having had two successful careers in his lifetime. He served as director emeritus for Home Savings. Being active in the community, he served as scoutmaster of Troop #150 of the First United Methodist Church. Dr. Curtis served as Ward 2 councilman for several terms, was past president and treasurer of the Kenton Rotary Club. He was a a longtime director of the Hardin County AAA serving as president and treasurer. Gretchen Ashba Curtis was born in Hardin County, but grew up in Toledo, Ohio. She graduated from Toledo Hospital School of Nursing in 1943. She was nurse manager of the Obstetrical Department at Ohio State University. Gretchen and J.C. Curtis were married January 23,1944. After their return to Kenton, Mrs. Curtis was active in the daily operation of the Curtis Animal Hospital. Later, she became nurse manager of the Medical Unit of Hardin Memorial Hospital where she served 7 years. Mrs. Curtis was also active in the community, serving the Red Cross in nurse recruitment for 10 years. She also worked with girl and boy scouts. She served the First United Methodist Church as president of the United Methodist Women, program chairman and circle leader.

 
A memorial was also established to honor the Curtis children
Children of Dr. J.C. Curtis, Jr. and Gretchen Ashba Curtis
Gretchen S. - OSU Graduate, BS in Nursing and MS in Pediatric Nursing. She also has an MS in Management from Regis University, Denver, Colorado.
Craig A. - OSU Graduate, BA in Education and MS in Public Relations and specializes in Marketing.
Lisa L. - OSU Graduate, BA in Theater and Design with an MS in Consumerism from Colorado State University.
Kent W. - Graduate of MIT with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from Pepperdine University.

 

THOMAS BRUCE EDDY
1947-2011

Bruce Eddy, was born in Kenton, Ohio to James D. Eddy and Betty (Moore) Eddy Schroeder. He graduated from Kenton Senior High School, and worked at various Kenton businesses throughout his lifetime, retiring from the Hardin County Engineer’s Department. A US Army veteran, he served in the Vietnam War. Bruce was a Veterans Service Commissioner, member of VFW Post 3333 where he was a past judge advocate, Sr. Vice, a Trustee, and a Commander Pro Temp twice. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, a life member of Amvets, American Legion, and the Kenton Moose Lodge. Bruce will always be remembered for his dry sense of humor, his love of history, and his devotion to military and community service. The foundation thanks Bruce’s family and the VFW Post for their donation to honor the memory of their loved one and comrade in arms.

 

CHARLES & ESTA MAE MOOTS FOGLE
TED C. & MARY J. FOGLE

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fogle were farmers. They owned and lived on a farm in Blanchard Township near Bridgeport. Mr. Ted Fogle was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fogle. He was a graduate of Oberlin College and he and his wife Mary J. owned and operated the A.E. Roby Office Supply and Printing Company in Kenton for many years.

 

RONALD OWEN HARE

Ronald Owen Hare, one of the five children of Frank and Alma Hare, lived in Kenton his entire life. Born in 1933, his early life on the farm developed his ethic for hard work. He carried this lesson to his adult life. Ron and one of his brothers acquired WIlliams Transfer, a company engaged in moving heavy equipment in and out of factories as well as moving complete buildings from one location to another. Ron sold his interest in Williams Transfer to his brother in 1976, but longed to be back in the driver’s seat. In 1980, he formed Industrial Movers, Inc., and operated it until he retired in the late 1990’s. His mechanical problem solving ability drew clients seeking his ability in northern Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. He oversaw moves of everything from the old equipment and file cabinets from the Courthouse when the records were computerized to huge metal forming presses at the Rockwell factory in Kenton. He designed and manufactured an attachment which allowed his towmotors to do the work of a crane in factories where a crane could not get inside. Most of all, Ron was a “people person”. After retiring to his farm outside of Kenton, many people will remember sharing a story and cold drink while enjoying the view of his pond. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kenton, where he made sure the snow was cleared from the drives for the other church members. Most people will remember him passing through town in his GM pickups, his half chewed cigar in his mouth. But his most enjoyable moments were enjoying a sunny afternoon cruising in his 1926 Dodge.

 

OREN & MARY ALBERTA HOGAN
DESIGNATED SCHOLARSHIP
Oren J. Hogan was born in 1902 and served 16 years with the U.S. Marine Corp. At the age of 18 he served with the Mounted Marine Detachment in Peking, China. He also served 5 years as a guard Lieutenant for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. In 1928 he married Mary Alberta Hogan who was from Hardin County. From 1946 until 1972 Oren served as the Hardin County Veterans Service Officer. Oren also served his local community by being President of Kenton City Council from 1950 to 1951 and was one of the founders of Veterans Memorial Park. He was an active member of Post 198 of the American Legion Post 3333 Veterans of Foreign Wars and Lodge 157 of the Elks. Mary Alberta Hogan graduated from Kenton High School in 1924 and from The Ohio State University in 1929. Mary also attended Miami-Jacobs Business College. From 1933 until 1974 Mary was the owner/operator of M.A. Hogan Elevator in Grant. Mary was active in the community by being involved in the local PTA, the Northwest District of Ohio PTA as the Director and was a life member of the Ohio Congress of PTA. In her spare time Mary was also active by being local President of the Tuberculosis Association and serving in the auxiliary of both the American Legion and VFW Posts of which her husband was a member. Together the Hogans made Hardin County a better place to live and their generosity after their deaths help make the lives of current students brighter.

 

ALBERT & JUNE HORN

Albert H. Horn, Jr. was born October 3,1922 in Huron County, Norwalk Ohio, to Albert H. Horn, Sr. and Ruth (Limbird) Horn. He is a graduate of the Tiffin Columbian High School and Tiffin University. He served with the United States Navy in the South Pacific and China during World War II, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. Upon his return to the United States, Albert became an agent with the Internal Revenue Service with offices in Toledo and Lima and then moved to Kenton to establish the IRS office in that city in 1951. While residing in Kenton, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge #154, the Order of the Eastern Star Latham Chapter #364, the Kenton Elks #157, served as president of the Kenton Jaycees 1964-1965. He was also a member of the St. John's United Church of Christ serving as president of their Council in 1957. In 1957, he married June Castor, daughter of W. Murray and Dorothy (Patterson) Castor. June was born in Kenton, Ohio and was a graduate of Kenton High School and the Lima Memorial School of Nursing She was surgery supervisor at Lima Memorial Hospital before returning to Kenton where she was employed by the Kenton Physicians Group for several years. While in Kenton she was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Latham Chapter #364, Minerva Club, Kenton Music Club, and the Methodist Church chancel choir. In 1966, Albert was transferred and the couple moved to Bryan, Ohio in May of 1967. Albert was a member and Paul Harris Fellow of the Bryan Rotary Club serving as its president 1983-1984. He has served on the Board of the Community Hospitals of Williams County since 1972, was a member of Zenobia Temple of Toledo and Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Toledo. Albert has served on the search committee to acquire and organize a YWCA in the City of Bryan and was instrumental in establishing the Bryan Area Foundation in 1969 and served as a trustee and treasurer for that group for 19 years. June was a member of the Association for Recognizing Talented Students for the Bryan High School. She was also a member of the Bryan Fortnightly Study Club and was a life member of the Community Hospitals of Williams County Auxiliary. They were both members of the Wesley United Methodist Church of Bryan, where they were active in the life of the Church. In 1983, Albert Horn retired from the IRS and opened a private practice as a tax consultant with offices in Bryan, Ohio. Albert and June are the parents of one daughter, Jennifer, who resides in Dublin, Ohio.

 

THOMAS G. & HELEN (STEINER) JESTER
CONSERVATION MEMORIAL

Thomas and Helen Jester were born and raised in Hardin County. Thomas was first a farmer and then turned to the landscape business where he spent almost 50 years. Helen was a homemaker and very interested in flowers and was a long time member of the Kenton Garden Club. She was also active in D.A.R. and both were lifelong members of the First United Methodist Church.

 

JOHN & RUBY JESTER

John F. Jester was born and raised in Hardin County, graduating from Kenton High School. For over forty years, John was a designer, manufacturer and distributor of commercial Christmas decorations. He served on the Kenton City Board of Education and also served many years as a director of the Home Savings and Loan Company. He was a veteran of World War II. He held memberships in the Masonic Lodge, Kenton Elks Lodge #157, Chamber of Commerce and supported many civic projects including the beautification of downtown Kenton. He was a member of the advisory council of the Hardin County Juvenile Court. He received the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award in 1988. John served as President of the Foundation from 1991- 2007.
Ruby A. Jester was born in Kenton and graduated from Kenton High School. After graduation she was a secretary at Frigidaire Corporation in Dayton, Ohio. From 1949 to 1962, she was a secretary for "Alaskan Artist," Fred Machetanz and his wife, Sara, the author of children's books. In 1965, she was employed in the medical records department at Hardin Memorial Hospital and retired in 1978. She was an active member of PTO and an active member of Beta Child Conservation League. She was also a volunteer at the Hardin County Historical Museums. Being long time members of St. Johns United Church of Christ, they have been involved in various areas of Church life.

 

JERRY D. JESTER SCHOLARSHIP
1939 - 1966

Jerry was born and raised in Kenton. He graduated from Kenton Senior High School where he was a member of the track team. Jerry graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1961 with a B.A. Degree in Geology. After a year he enlisted in the Air Force and was assigned to the Operations Section as a Cartographic Officer with the Alaskan Air Command in Anchorage, Alaska. Cancer cut his career short in 1966.

 

 

 

 

 

 

KEITH & LAURA KINNEAR

Keith Kinnear was born in 1945 in Kenton, Ohio. He graduated from Kenton High School in 1963 and received a degree in business administration from Ohio University in 1967. He married Laura Tighe of Ada, Ohio. Laura earned a degree from Ohio University and served the schools of Hardin County as a speech-language pathologist throughout her career. They had two sons, Jason and Andrew. Keith was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, earning his “Wings of Gold” as a Naval Aviator in 1970. Flying, either for business or personal reasons, would prove to be a lifelong passion. As a business professional, Keith spent much of his career in the manufacturing industry. He enjoyed extended periods with several local businesses including Imperial Cup Corporation and InnoPlas Corporation. Building and growing businesses through the development of people was always a focus. He valued listening, asking the right questions and being available whenever needed. His dedication to Hardin County stemmed from a sense of community with its residents. Though several assignments caused him to move from the area, he always made his way back to Kenton...a place he loved to call “home”. Keith was committed to serving his community. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church and Elks Lodge #157. Throughout his lifetime, he served on a number of boards, among these were Liberty National Bank, the Hardin County YMCA, the Hardin County Airport Authority and the Hardin County Board of MRDD. Keith became a Community Foundation Board Trustee in 2007. At the time of his death in 2014, friends and family honored his service by providing this memorial fund to the organization.

 

KIRK & HELEN KIRKLAND
DESIGNATED MEMORIAL FOR RECREATION
Clyde W. "Kirk" Kirkland was born March 5, 1916, in Bellaire, Ohio, to Dr. C. Wallace Kirkland and Ona Jebb Kirkland. Raised in Bellaire, he was a 1940 graduate of North Carolina State University with a degree in electrical engineering. He was a lieutenant colonel in Army ordnance during World War II, serving in North Africa and Italy, and he received a Bronze Star. He worked for the Ohio Power Company for 38 years, and retired in 1978. He was a member of Elks Lodge 157, and of the Rotary Club, and he received the Paul Harris Award. Helen Johnson Kirkland was born February 1, 1916, in Fromberg, Montana, to Van Elbert Johnson and Helen May Linn Johnson. Raised in California, she graduated from the nursing program at French Hospital in San Francisco in 1937. She received her flight nurse training at Bowman Field, Kentucky, in 1944 and served with the 813th Air Vac U.S. Army Air Corps as a 1st Lt. flight nurse during World War II. Kirk and Helen met at Williams Field, Arizona, in 1942, and they were married in 1945. They enjoyed traveling, and made extensive trips together throughout the United States. Later, they visited their children from Central America to Nepal. Their favorite sport throughout life was golf, and they enjoyed playing on many courses around the United States, and were active in local golf associations.

 

HELEN KURT

Helen Eleanor Kurt was born September 1, 1912 to parents living on a farm in Pleasant Township. She attended Dunkirk schools until her parents built a home in Kenton. She then attended Kenton Grammar School and graduated in 1930 from Kenton High School where she was an honor student. After graduation, Helen enrolled at Findlay College where she completed the secretarial course of study in 1931. After college, Helen worked at Champion Equipment Co., later known as Phillips and Davis Co. She retired in 1939 due to health problems. She was a lifelong, faithful member of St. Johns United Church of Christ, being baptized there in 1914. Helen was known as the lady who drove a 1951 Packard automobile into the late 1900's. She remembered a number of charitable organizations in her will.

 

CATHERINE LENS
1888 - 1976
SCHOLARSHIP TRUST FUND

Catherine Lens taught in the Kenton City Schools for many years. She taught Latin and French and established the First French Club at Kenton High School in 1923. Catherine was a graduate of Miami University and studied special courses at The Ohio State University, the University of Wisconsin and the University of Chicago. Catherine’s scholarship trust was established to help students achieve the ideals that higher education was something to strive for in life. A principal that she held dear to her heart.

 

MAXINE AND JOHN F. LICHTY
DESIGNATED TO HARDIN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
John (Pete) Lichty was born in Bucyrus, Ohio on October 31, 1917 but spent most of his life in Kenton. He graduated from Kenton Senior High School and The Ohio State University. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and returned home to continue his father’s insurance work until 1986. Pete was very active in his community despite his paralysis due to polio in 1952. He was president of the little league baseball, a life member and past secretary of the Kenton Elks 157, a former secretary and life member of Ridgeway VFW, a member of the American Legion Post 198, and a 50 year member of Latham Lodge and the Scioto Chapter. He also served as a member of the Hardin Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees for 12 years, was a former secretary and member of the Kenton Chamber of Commerce, and a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ. Maxine Lichty was born in Goshen Township on July 16, 1921. She graduated from Kenton Senior High School and Bliss College. In 1942, she married Pete Lichty and raised three children, John Peter, Patricia, and Cynthia. Maxine was also very active in the community. She was a member and former president of the Hardin Memorial Hospital Guild. Maxine also volunteered at the hospital for many years. She was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Minerva Club, the Elks Ladies Bridge Club, and the Memorial County Bridge Club.

 

DeWAYNE "BUD" RAMGE
& VIRGINIA "JANE" RAMGE
DeWayne Ramge was born and raised on a farm in Goshen Township, Hardin County, and remained on the family farm until he retired. He met his wife, Jane Buchenroth of Bellefontaine, and they worked together to be successful in farming while raising four sons, two who have followed in their father's footsteps. Bud and Jane were lifetime members of Goshen Grange and very active and supportive of the St. John's United Church of Christ as well as other community organizations. Bud was a member of the Hardin Central School Board and also served on the Kenton City School Board. He was a director of the Kenton Savings Bank and, later, a long-time Board member of the Home Savings and Loan Company of Kenton.

 

ROBERT G. REED, JR.

Bob was born in Kenton, Ohio on September 21st, 1936, and was reared on a farm in the Belle Center area. He graduated from Belle Center High School in 1954, where he was Valedictorian of his class. He attended The Ohio State University and received his bachelors degree in 1958. He then graduated from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1960. After graduating from law school, Bob entered the U.S. Army in 1961 where he served as a Captain and Legal Officer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corp. Upon completion of a three year active duty tour, Bob returned to his home in the Hardin County area in 1964 to engage in the practice of law, and spent the next fifty years actively engaged in that pursuit. During his time of practice, he practiced law from time to time with Mark Hanna, with whom he was associated with for many years. At various other times his legal career also associated with Attorneys Michael Bernard, James Ansley, and John Neville. Bob Reed was respected and held in high regard by his peers, and by the members of his community. Bob Reed was quiet in demeanor, and had the reputation of being an intelligent, dignified, honest, and courteous lawyer and citizen. Bob also served his community in a quiet and very generous manner. His good deeds to the community were always done without fan-fair or undue publicity. He was a faithful member of the Belle Center Presbyterian Church, and Lawrence Valley Grange. Bob was a long time member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mary Lou Johnson-Hardin District Library. Bob was especially generous in his financial support of the Hardin County Community Foundation, the Hardin County Genealogical Society, the Hardin County Humane Society, and the Mary Lou Johnson Library. Bob is survived by two brothers, John E. Reed and Joseph M. Reed, and a sister, Jane M. Lay. His family can be very proud of Bob for his long and respected legal career, and for the service that he gave to his country and to his community. Bob was truly a good person, and his family, the legal profession, and the community in which he resided were fortunate to have known his presence, and he will be greatly missed and remembered by all.

 

A Memorial was established by The Mt. Victory State Bank

 

A Memorial was established by Home Savings & Loan Co.

 

A Memorial was established by Eula Doster Hirsch

 

NED RICHARDS
1914 - 1996

Ned Richards was a life-long resident of Kenton. He graduated from Kenton High School in 1932 and worked at the F.W. Woolworth store. He then owned and operated the “Corn Crib” at the corner of Detroit and Franklin Streets for many years before joining R.E. Allen Wholesale as a manager for over 25 years.

 

E. STUART & WINIFRED ROGERS
DESIGNATED TO YMCA
E. Stuart Rogers was born in Wood County and moved to Kenton with his parents at an early age. Graduating from Kenton High School, he entered the insurance business with his father at Rogers Nationwide Insurance. He retired after 33 years. Stuart was quite involved with the Kenton community in many areas. He was a member of the Airport Authority to help acquire an airport for Kenton and was its first manager. He was a past president of the board that helped establish the Community Improvement Corporation, Hardin County Genealogical Society and Farm Bureau Council. He was county commissioner from 1980-1984, past president of the Kenton Chamber of Commerce, director of the Hardin County Auto Club, and former president of the Ohio Northern Parents Association. Stuart received the 1981 Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award. Winifred Rogers graduated from the Riverside School of Nursing of Toledo and was dedicated to helping in the development of health services for the Hardin County community. A former president of the Hardin Memorial Hospital and Riverside Methodist Hospital, and was instrumental in the leasing of the Sullivan-Johnson Museum to the county. She was a member of the Hardin Memorial Hospital Guild, Hardin Home Health board of directors, Kenton Music Club, St. John's United Church of Christ, Kenton Garden Club, Latham Chapter Order of Eastern Star, Hardin County Farm Bureau Council and a charter member of the Sullivan-Johnson Museum. She was the 1987 recipient of the community service award from the Kenton Chamber of Commerce.

 
CHARLES H. SCHANAFELT TRUST
Mr. Schanafelt was in Real Estate Development in Kenton for many years and created several additions to the City of Kenton. He was also interested in children as indicated by his gifts of clothing for needy children at the Christmas holiday times.

 
RUSSEL SCHWEMER &
WILLIS SCHWEMER
Willis Schwemer, born May 6, 1906 and Russell Schwemer, born October 26, 1907, were sons of Charles Schwemer and Elizabeth (Kroft) Schwemer, who were Cessna Township, Hardin County, Ohio farmers for many years. One brother, Clement, predeceased Willis and Russell. Willis Schwemer continued to farm in Cessna Township until his death on April 6, 1986. Russell Schwemer worked at Swift-Ohio for over 40 years.

 

HELEN A. SLACK

Helen Ann Hanawalt Slack was born 1920 in Kenton to Goerge and Ceclia Hanawalt. After graduating high school in Kenton she moved to Columbus to join her sisters and worked for many years at the U.S. Dept of Defense Constructiom Supply Center. After Helen's first husband passed away she moved to Florida. When Helen was again widowed she returnrd to Kenton in 1989. Helen enjoyed playing bridge and golf with her friends and was an avid Notre Dame football fan. She was also an active and supportive memeber of Immaculate Concweption Church. She read widely and followed current events closely and enjoyed talking politics. Helen spent much of her time in later years looking after her elder sisters who also returned to Kenton upon their retirement. Helen passed away at the age of 94 in August 2014and is buried in Kenton.

 

BERNARD & OPAL SPONSLER

Bernard Sponsler was born May 28, 1916 in Taylor Creek Township. He graduated from Belle Center High School in 1934. He married Opal Kurt, who was born May 27, 1916 in Blanchard Township. She graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1934. They were married May 9, 1942 and lived in Taylor Creek Township. Bernard and Opal were both very active in their Church teaching Sunday school classes and holding many offices. They were active in the Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star. She was a Past Matron and he was a Past Patron and Past Master and a 32 degree Mason. He was a Charter and active member of the Kenton Kiwanis Club serving as Lt. Governor of Division II in 1975. Bernard served on the Ridgeway and Ridgemont Boards of Education for 12 years.
He served as Hardin County Commissioner from 1976-1984. During his tenure the Simon Kenton School and Harco Industries became a reality, the County Museum was opened, the fairgrounds expanded, and the Hardin County Council on Aging was formed and the center built. Together they farmed, raised sheep and horses, and collected antique Minneapolis Moline tractors. It was in this shared life they believed that by their tending of the soil, their work in the Church and Community they would hopefully leave the world a better place for those who follow.

 

DON W. AND BARBARA J. SPATH
DESIGNATED TO GRADUATES OF UPPER SCIOTO VALLEY

Don was born in Alger Hardin County in 1937. All younger years were spent in and around Foraker, McGuffey and Kenton. He graduated from McGuffey High School in 1955. In 1956 he married Barbara J. Glett of Jackson Center and moved to the Indian Lake area. In 1962, Don took control of Fire Safety Services, Inc. In 2002, he retired to spend time on the family farms in Logan and Shelby counties. Barbara was born in 1937 in Logan County and spent her younger years in and around Jackson Center. She graduated in 1955. Don and Barbara raised two sons, Steve and Scott. They also have three grandchildren.

 
THE STAMBAUGH FAMILY MEMORIAL
DESIGNATED TO YMCA
JOHN B. STAMBAUGH 1856 - 1942
John B. Stambaugh arrived in Hardin County in 1888 and after many difficult years won the struggle to establish a successful farm on the Scioto Marsh. He later became a Hardin County Commissioner, then State Representative for the area as well as the chairman of the building committee to erect the County Courthouse.
 
JENNINGS M. STAMBAUGH 1896 - 1982
Jennings, after serving in WWI, returned to Hardin County to manage the Stambaugh Farms. Unlike his father, Jennings shunned the political spotlight. His family and the farm were his loves, while he quietly supported many local projects and people. Both his sons elected to return to Hardin County after serving several years overseas in WWII.
 
JOHN J. STAMBAUGH 1919 - 1988
John, a graduate of Ohio University, managed the Stambaugh Farms from then until his death. He was a "man of the land" and it was with great pride and joy that he was able to enlarge and modernize. A loving family man, he demanded anonymity for the many charities he supported.
 
RICHARD E. (DICK) STAMBAUGH 1920 -
Dick, a graduate of Pratte Institute in Interior Design, also came home to Hardin County. He established a furniture factory in an unneeded onion storage in McGuffey where he first made custom solid wood tables, then furniture systems tables specified by architects. His tables can be found in many public buildings throughout the United States. He is now retired.

 

RAY AND MARY HARRIS THOMPSON

Ray Thompson(4-22-1919 to 1-30-2004) and Mary Harris Thompson (3-9-1920 to 11-13- 2002).   Ray married Mary Harris in 1941. Both were   born and lived their lives in Kenton, OH where they raised their family.


Ray graduated from KHS;  attended  Ohio State on a football scholarship; served in the US Army in WWII and fought in the European Theater.  After VE day, his unit was sent to the Pacific as part of the force scheduled to invade Japan.

 

Ray served the Kenton City government over five different decades.  His public service started in 1954 when he was appointed as First Ward Councilman and then won 2 subsequent elections leaving office in 1959.   He returned as Council President for 3 -two year terms beginning in 1964.  In 1975, he was appointed as At-Large Councilman and was elected for 2 more terms.  He was elected as Mayor for 2 terms from 1984 – 1991.  During the 1960’s, his tenure included building a new water treatment plant and in the 1980’s a new fire station and municipal building.  In 1975, Ray was instrumental in starting the Kenton Rescue Squad (now known as BKP) and was one of the first to take the 400 hour medical training course to provide help on emergency runs.

  
Ray worked as a jeweler and watch repairman at Kraus Jewelers and retired at Rockwell International in Kenton.

  
Ray was very active in Kenton and Hardin County  politics plus  many civic and charitable organizations including Masonic Temple, Elks, and VFW.

    
Mary, as a housewife, loved to sew, crochet/handcrafts, and bake. She prepared and delivered meals to elderly in their neighborhood and supported Ray in his various community duties and civic activities. She was employed and retired from the Kenton Times.

    
They were members of the Epworth Methodist Church.  Their work in the Church  and the community was important to both of them as they always tried to improve life in Kenton.

  
Ray and Mary had 3 children, Sharae T. Bell (born in 1943), Connie T. Fruehan(born in 1947), and Ray Jr (Sept 1956 to Oct 1979).

  
Ray is a direct lineal descendent of James A. Thompson, a Patriot of the American Revolution. From 1700, each of his male ancestors served in the US military.  Ray and Mary’s daughters,  Sharae T. Bell and Connie T. Fruehan are members of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

   
In 2018, the Alan and Connie (Thompson) Fruehan Endowment was established in memory of her parents to support  Kenton and Hardin County civic organizations most meaningful to Ray and Mary in such amounts as the  Foundation Trustees determine.

   

 
OKEY AND ETHEL VANDYNE
DESIGNATED TO COURTHOUSE GROUNDS
Okey VanDyne was born in Jamestown, Ohio, on April 12, 1904. Following graduation from Jamestown High School he attended Cedarville College for two years. He then moved to Ada for the purpose of attending the Warren G. Harding College of Law at Ohio Northern University. He was a barber by trade and financed his own way through law school by working at his trade in the local barber shops in Ada. While attending law school, he met and later married Ethel Preston who was born November 12, 1907, on a farm in Marion Township in Hardin County. Following graduation and  dmission to the Bar in 1931, Okey practiced law in Hardin County until his death in 1959. His son, Charles, joined him in the practice of law in 1956. Ethel VanDyne graduated from McGuffey High School and served as a legal secretary for both her husband and her son for a period of time in excess of fifty years. In addition to her secreterial skills, Ethel was well known for the excellent food dishes which she enjoyed preparing and sharing with friends. Ethel died on October 9, 2001.

 

WILLIAM & MARY WENTZ

William was born in Hardin County to William Monroe Wentz and Edna Lark Brooks Wentz. His great grandfather Daniel Wentz came to Ohio from Germany in 1851. Great grandmother Christena in the 1850's also. Great, great grandparents Johann Ulrich Wagner & Anna Barbara Born and family came from Switzerland in 1850's also. The Broooks family tree goes back to mid 1700's in Virginia. William served about 4 years in the U.S. Army in World War II. He is a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Ex P.O.W.'s and member of American Legion. After returning home he worked in construction. He & Mary were self-employed in construction contracting until retirement. They have 2 sons William Alan Wentz and James Ray Wentz. Mary was born in Hardin County to William Wells & Evaline Josephine Johnson Wells. She graduated from Kenton High School in 1941 and during the World War II years, worked at Wright Field, Dayton and Camp Atterbury Hospital, Indiana. William & Mary were married in Indianpolis in May, 1944. After the War she worked as a Homemaker and Bookkeeper for their business, was active in Cub Scouts, Disabled American Veterans Aux. and PTA and Hospital Guild.

 
DR. RICHARD AND SUSAN ASHBA YOUNGPETERS
Richard (Dick) Youngpeters (1942-2012) attended Kenton Public Schools for 12 years where he was a member of the Wildcats football team, and graduated from Kenton High School in 1960. He received a BS from Otterbein University in 1964 and an MD from the University of Cincinnati. After completing his internship and residency in pediatrics with the US Navy, Dick established a pediatric practice in Cincinnati. He devoted his professional career to serving the health and medical needs of children, including those from impoverished neighborhoods. Susan Ashba Youngpeters was born in 1943 and also attended Kenton Public Schools for 12 years, and married Dick in 1964. She supported Dick’s pursuit of his career and served as an assistant in his Cincinnati office for many years. Dick and Susan had three children, Cheryl, Roger, and Christine. This memorial was established by Gretchen Ashba Curtis and her family.

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