Elaine's obituary
Elaine Horton was born on February 19, 1947, and passed away on July 28, 2023. A woman of strength, courage, and tenacity, Elaine was known for her upbeat energy, quick wit, and caring nature. Her favorite color was lavender, a reflection of her vibrant personality. Elaine enjoyed spending her time with family, shopping, reading, and maintaining a cherished tradition of monthly lunches with her former coworkers, a close-knit group that transformed from colleagues to family over a span of 30 years.
Elaine graduated from Salem University, West Main Street, Salem, WV in 1965. After moving to Palm Harbor, FL in 1987, Elaine embarked on her career in Children and Family Services in 1988. She later moved on to work at Bruce Strumpf Incorporated in 1994, where she remained until her retirement in 2013. Despite retiring from her professional life, Elaine never halted her pursuit of giving back. She was a firm supporter of the SPCA, manifesting her love for animals.
Even in her free time, Elaine's interests were as diverse and lively as she was. She was a big fan of the TV show Criminal Minds, loved to tune into any animal program, and was an avid supporter of the Washington Redskins. Her favorite song was the classic Bohemian Rhapsody. Her love for the culinary was evident in her favorite foods: Pasta, spareribs, and anything grilled. Her favorite way to relax was by walking and reading, and Las Vegas held a special place in her heart as her favorite vacation spot.
In 1994, Elaine married the love of her life, Ralph Horton. Together, they created a life filled with love and laughter. Elaine is survived by her spouse, Ralph; their children, Kristin Thorndike and step-children, Kimberly Bender and Kevin Horton; son-in-law, Robert Bender; and grandchildren, Justin, Rebecca, Natalie Thorndike, and Bradley, Brennan, Brielle Bender. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and will always remain in our hearts.
Elaine lived her life with humor, love, and a tremendous spirit of resilience. Over the past 10 years, she fought and survived multiple significant ailments. After enduring numerous successful surgeries, she eventually succumbed to post-operative complications. A Celebration of life for Elaine will be held on September 23, 2023, at 9:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church.
Elaine's legacy of caring, kindness, and strength will always inspire us. A true testament to her life was the close bonds she fostered over the years with her coworkers, proving that relationships built on empathy and understanding can transcend professional boundaries and turn into family. Elaine Horton, your life was a lesson in love and resilience. You are dearly missed.
Obituary for Daughter of Judy (Stellar) Marcis
Jane Ellen Pase of Midland, Texas, passed away at the age of 58, on July 14, 2022. She is survived by her parents, Judith & Walther Marcis, her husband Robert Pase, sons Jacob (Sheba) and RJ, her child-in-law Kinsey; her grandosn Mason; and her sisters Sharon Tieman (Larry), Susan Dill (Manfred) and Joy Szabo. She is also survived by her five nephews and three nieces.
Obituary Husband of Gordon
Irene G. Sooy, (nee-Cherba), 82, of Grafton passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday February 5, 2022. She was born September 17, 1939 in Lorain and was an Elyria/Grafton resident for most of her life. Irene worked as the office manager of NAPA Auto Parts store in Elyria, retiring in 2008. She was a member the Gathering Community Church in Elyria. She enjoyed playing the organ, piano and folk instruments as well as sewing, origami, reading and working crossword puzzles. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Gordon; sons, Brian (Lisa) Sooy, Mark (Elisabeth) Sooy and Eric (Julie) Sooy; grandchildren, Ian, Alyssa, Estelle, Ashlea, Gordon, Trevor, Meredith and Phoenix; brother, Richard Cherba. The family will receive friends on Saturday February 12, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of a Celebration of Life at 11:30 a.m. at the Gathering Community Church, 42515 Adelbert St., Elyria. Pastor Tom Schumate will Officiate. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions can be made to the Gathering Community Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Elyria. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Irene Grace Sooy, visit the Tribute Store.
Francisco (Frank) Williams, husband of Kay DeMarco
Frank passed away on July 13, 2021. He was loved and cherished by many people including his parents, Frank Williams and Carmen Williams (Calvo), his wife Kay, daughters Laura Lanham of Pensacola and Marissa Davenport of Jacksonville, and siblings Noris Rios of Lorain, Oh and Ricardo Williams of Panama. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 27th 2021 at 1 PM at the Boca Royale Golf and Country Club (1601 Englewood Rd., Englewood, Fl 34223), where he was the Director of Racquet Sports. Francisco attended St. Raphael Catholic Church in Englewood, Fla. He was a member of the USPTA and enjoyed playing tennis, golfing, fishing, bike riding, cross stitching and all water sports.
Steve Garwolinski, brother of Andy
Steve, 76, of Grafton passed away Friday April 23, 2021 at UH Elyria Medical Center following a sudden illness. He was born March 3, 1945 in Baronwo, Poland, and was a Grafton resident for most of his life. Steve worked as an assembler at the Ford Motor Company Lorain Plant for 30 years, retiring in 1997. While at Ford he served as a Union Representative, was a former member of the Elyria United Polish Club and enjoyed playing golf, being outdoors and especially bird watching. Survivors includ his sister, Sophie Ferguson; brothers, Andy (Marta) Garwolinski and Mitchell Garwolinski and numverous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy in 1018 and his sister, Irene Pantek. The family will receive friends Friday, April 30, 2021, from 11:00 Am until the time of a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 708 Erie St., Grafton. The Rev. John Seabold, pastor, will be the Celebrant. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Elyria. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Friendship Animal Protective League, 8303 North Murray Ridge Rd., Elyria. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Elyria,. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com.
Marilyn Jean Cohagan (Stahl), wife of Gordon, 79, of Elyria, died Monday, March 29, 2021 at Mercy Hospital.
She was a member of St. Mary Church in Elyria and a graduate of Elyria Catholic High School. She was employed by Elyria Dairies. She enjoyed sending cards and letters to friends and family. She always included a scratch ticket, a two-dollar bill, or a high-lighted article from the Chronicle Telegram. Her two High School friends' clubs have been part of her life for over 60 years.
She is survived by husband, Gordon, son David of Cleveland, and two daughters, Nancy (David) Bastian and Sue (Theresa) Conroy of Rhode Island, three grandsons, Jacob, Noah and Sam Bastian, and a great-granddaughter, Addison Bastian.
She was preceded in death by a son, Larry Cohagan.
Friends will be received Thursday, April 1, 2021, from 11 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. at Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at St. Rt. 57), Elyria, 440-322-4626, with the Reverand Dan Reinke officiating. Masks are required.
Online condolences may be expressed at: www.laubenthalmercado.com
01/23/2015 HUSBAND OF AUDREY KLEIN (MORRIS)
U.S. Naval Reserve 43 years.
Dean is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Audrey Klein
Dean R. Morris, 77, of Avon, passed away peacefully Friday, January 23, 2015, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 13, 1937 in Old Washington, Ohio and was a member of the first graduating class of Midview High School in 1956.
Dean served in the U.S. Naval Reserve and for 43 years and owned his own business, River Oaks Barbershop. He was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Avon, and enjoyed boating, fishing, fixing things, and spending time at their summer cottage with his family and friends.
Dean is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Audrey (nee Klein); children, Gayle (Christine Kufel) Morris; Dale (Silvia nee Policheni) Morris and Sharon (Kevin) Fallon; sister, Edna Horton; brothers, Russell and Hubert; loving grandchildren, Deidre, Tyler, Alex, Jordan, Ryan, Lauren and Connor and one great grandchild, Aleeah.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Friend Richard and Mary Mae Morris; sisters; Josephine and Hilda and a brother, Charles.
Friends will be received Sunday, January 25, 2015, from 3 until 7 P.M., at Dicken Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 323 Middle Ave., Elyria. A funeral service will be Monday, January 26, at 11 A.M., at Faith Lutheran Church, 2265 Garden Drive, Avon, with Pastor Dave Woolsey officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township
09/29/2014 HUSBAND OF VIRGINIA GARRETT (KONZELMAN)
Bill Konzelman, husband, father, resident of Arcadia, and lifelong Californian, passed away on Monday afternoon, September 29, after a long fight with Parkinson's disease and other health problems. After attending Alhambra High School in the footsteps of his late sister Jeanne, and then as a graduate of Whittier College, Bill was the owner for more than fifty years of a furniture-making business he first started in his mother's garage, and which he built up with colleagues, clients and employees until retiring in 2000. From college basketball with the Whittier Poets, to golf, tennis, and cycling, along with swing dancing and square dancing and coaching his kids' soccer teams and hiking with his sons' scouting troops, as well as family ski trips and camping trips and trips of any kind, Bill reveled in physical activity and competition as long as his body allowed him. He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Virginia, to whom he first became engaged in Mexico City, who enjoyed with him their twice-annual weeks in Laguna Beach, and with whom he traveled to Europe, many times, Alaska, the Caribbean and China. He is also survived by his three children - Karen, James, and Christopher - as well as Karen's husband Brian, Jim's wife Martha, and three grandchildren, Sadie, Ethan, and Noah, along with nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was a fan of the Dodgers, and UCLA basketball, and most of the time, the Republican Party. He spoke often of the importance of positive thinking and encouraged the accomplishments of his wife, his children and his family. He loved Dixieland jazz and classic country-and-western and the infield at Santa Anita Park, he sometimes played the ukulele, he relished a good IPA or a German pilsner, and he loved - and was loved by - his family. Bill Konzelman died peacefully and comfortably with his family around him. We will miss him terribly.
Memorial services for Bill will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 10:00 a.m., at St. Luke's Church in Temple City. Donations to Parkinson Research Foundation (
parkinsonhope.org) or Paralyzed Veterans of America (
www.SupportVeterans.org) are suggested in lieu of flowers
05/19/2007 HUSBAND OF HOLLY VANDERMARK (FAUVER)
In early 2007 Worth Fauver wrote the following biographical sketch for inclusion in this 50th Reunion Classbook:
“Unlike most of my classmates, I currently reside approximately 10 houses from the home in which my parents resided at the time of my birth. Many of my childhood friends reside nearby, and all of my children and grandchildren live within 45 minutes of my wife, Holly, and me.
“My return visits to Amherst have been limited to our 10th and 25th reunions and two brief stops while traveling through New England.
“My most pleasant memories of my college days relate to the student interactions, while other memories have been buried except for an occasional nightmare. One vivid memory involves a brief conference with Dean Gene on the subject of possible graduate school applications. He politely advised me that I might do Amherst College a favor by not applying to any graduate program.
“In retrospect, his suggestion was most likely correct. Three years later, I matriculated at Western Reserve University Law School, at last ready to pursue a professional career. A brief stint in the military after college had convinced me that there were other honorable professions. In law school I served as an editor of the law review and performed admirably academically. “Thank you, Dean Gene!”
“I was engaged in the private practice of law for 42 years, retiring September 2005. At that time, I had attained ‘frequent flier status’ at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center. At the present time, I am sporting a bovine aortic valve and various stents and bypasses. Daily walks of a couple of miles are helpful for mental and physical wellbeing.
“Holly and I are fortunate to be able to winter in southwest Florida and for the past few years have spent time with Walt and Carol Diggs, who live in the area. Walt and I share computer and electronics illiteracy, disdain for professional advertising and love for our families. Both couples were married June 30, 1962, and will celebrate 45 years of marriage on that date 2007.
“Holly and I have traveled and have both contributed to our community with service in various functions. It is very rewarding and helpful in a community that has been decimated by the loss of its industrial base. We have five grandchildren, ages 10 years to three months, who are a big part of our daily lives. Fishing, wildlife and amateur photography fill out my time not spent with Holly and grandchildren.
“I look forward to renewing friendships in 2008.”
Worth’s death soon after writing these words is especially poignant. As Walt Diggs has pointed out, Worth’s life was anchored by the values of family and community. Except for six years in boarding school and college, he spent his entire life in Elyria, Ohio. Glenn Dorr most remembers that Worth took great pride in the tradition of many generations of Fauvers (including his own children) remaining near Elyria. Worth was nicknamed “Brub” because his younger sister was unable to pronounce “brother,” which led Walt to say that this “Normal Rockwell picture” accurately portrays the man.
“His optimism, humor and courage,” wrote Walt, “enabled him to pursue a successful law career, contribute to his community, help Holly raise three children (Andrew, Melissa and Laura) and endear him to five grandchildren, all while battling cardiovascular disease for 25 years.” He was easy-going and fun-loving in college, where he was co-rushing chairman at Beta Theta Pi. Andy and Holly remember that he continued being “a bit of a party boy” throughout adult life. He was also fashionable, preppy and cool, possessing to the end all the qualities of a gentleman.
Worth Alfred Fauver Jr. died May 19, 2007, in Cleveland from complications following cardiovascular surgery.
Worth Fauver died on May 19, 2007, in Cleveland, OH, as a result of complications following cardiovascular surgery. He is survived by his wife, Holly; a son, Andrew; two daughters, Melissa and Laura; their respective spouses; five grandchildren; and a sister.
Worth (known to many as “Brub,” because his younger sister was unable to pronounce “brother”) was born April 30, 1935, in Elyria, OH, to Worth ’25 and Virginia Fauver. All but six years of his life were spent in Elyria, where he attended public school before preparing for Amherst at Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA.
At Amherst, Brub majored in economics, participated in lacrosse and soccer, and joined Beta Theta Pi, which he served ably as co-rush chairman. After graduation and a brief stint in the US Army and as a bank teller, he decided to follow both his father and grandfather into the practice of law. Notwithstanding a prior conference with Dean Wilson, in which (as Brub notes in his contribution to our 50th Class book), “He politely advised me that I might do Amherst a favor by not applying to any graduate program.” He applied to and was accepted at Western Reserve Univ. Law School, where he was an editor of the Law Review. Afterwards, he practiced law for forty-two years.
As Brub’s co-rush chairman and senior year roommate, I have fond memories of an easygoing, fun loving friend who loved Amherst. He and I drank an “occasional” beer and, fearful of dehydration, kept a quart conveniently refrigerated on our window during winter months.
In 1961, I asked Brub to be in my wedding. He declined because his marriage to Holly Vandemark, his wonderful wife of forty-four years, was to take place on the same day.
There are warm recollections by classmates and others:
Joe McDonald: “I have a vivid image of him looking out from a tuft of blonde hair with a trace of a grin on his lips.”
Michael Schaenen and Bill Krupman: “He was fashionable, preppy, and cool—with signature white bucks.”
Pete Kunz still pictures Brub “peering over his glasses with an impish grin.” John Carpenter recalls Brub’s helping him lug his footlocker up three flights of stairs in James in the fall of ’54. Marc Richman remembers a wonderful roommate freshman and sophomore years: “We had fun times together—part of the mystique of the Amherst we loved.” Ken Kermes ’57 says he remembers “A quiet guy with a quick smile and great sense of humor.” Glenn Dorr recalls, “I talked with Worth the day before he went in for a procedure. He seemed happy and strong. The biggest thing I remember was that he loved the tradition of three, maybe four, generations of Fauvers living in and around Elyria, OH, and the fact that all of his children lived there or nearby . . .”
This Norman Rockwell picture accurately portrays the man. Family and community were the most important things in his life, and it showed. His optimism, humor, and courage enabled him to pursue a successful law career, contribute to his community, help Holly raise three children, and endear him to five grandchildren, all while battling cardiovascular disease for twenty-five years. He passed on his love of nature and nature photography (which he embraced as a hobby when health curtailed tennis and golf) to his grandchildren. An exhibit of his photos was displayed at the visitation. His two oldest grandchildren asked that favorite seashells they had found with Granddad be buried with him. They were.
Brub’s son, Andy, mentions his father’s “penchant for parties.” Holly agrees he was a “bit of a party boy” but adds, “He never wished to be the center of attention.” A central theme preached at Brub’s funeral service was that he possessed all the qualities of a gentleman. My recollections precisely!
After losing contact for years, Carol and I reconnected with the Fauvers about three years ago and visited several times each winter in Florida. I especially cherish our last visit—an art show and lunch (with a few beers) this past March. We talked of our 50th, which he was enthusiastically planning to attend. Worth will be sorely missed.
—Walter Diggs ’58
Wife of Jim Slaughenhaupt
Dixie L.
Dixie L. Slaughenhaupt nee: Cole, 68, of Elyria Township, died Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at Aristocrat Berea. She was born January 8, 1942 in Galion, Ohio and was a 1960 graduate of Iberia High School. She received her degree as a registered nurse from M.B. Johnson School of Nursing in 1963. She was employed as a registered nurse on the pediatric floor at EMH Regional Medical Center until leaving to raise her family. During the time her children were attending school she was involved in P.T.A. at Crestwood and Westwood Schools and also was active with the Athletic Booster’s at Elyria West High School. While a resident at Amherst Manor Nursing Home she volunteered at Shupe Elementary School, tutoring first grade students for which she received the Amherst Schools Crystal Apple Award. Dixie was a 45 year Elyria Township resident and had been co-editor of the Elyria Township Messenger. She had also worked on the township fire levy committee and was an election poll worker.
She was a 46 year member of First United Methodist Church, Elyria and a member of M.B. Johnson Alumni Association, Lorain County Historical Society, Elyria Historical Society and an avid Cleveland Indians fan.
Dixie is survived by her husband of 45 years, James F.; sons, Dr. James F. Slaughenhaupt II of Waynesville, Ohio and John C. (Becky) Slaughenhaupt of Beavercreek, Ohio; grandchildren, Lindsey, Brett, Ryan, Makenna, Ella and Ava.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Mildred Cole and brothers Clyde in 1970 and Richard in 2000.
The family will receive friends Sunday 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Dicken Funeral Home, 323 Middle Avenue, Elyria. A funeral service will be Monday 11:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church, 312 Third Street, Elyria. Reverend Roger Talbott and Pastor Dianne Tobey Covault will officiate. Burial will be in Brookdale Cemetery, Elyria. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, Elyria or in Dixie’s memory, perform a random act of kindness for a child.
