John Babcock

Along with my condolences to my friend Dave and his family I am sorry to hear of Kathy's passing.                                

As many know I do not get on here much, just wanted to share a couple of memories of Kathy and Dave. My expressions in my wording are nothing to compare to Roger, Dave,and others. I'm sure you will understand.

Dave and I grew up as best friends at Jr. High at Central. Dave being the smarter and I just getting by. We continued our friendship through High School.

Dave lived on High Street which was the place the guys loved hanging out. Mercer, Mick, Eddy , others and I.

We would do our thing and Dave did his , ( Dave, hours on the phone talking with Kathy ). Dave's family phone was at the bottom of the stairs settled in a small cubbyhole. At the time Dave's phone was our communication, that or a note passed in the hallway at school.

Dave and I made many trips together on a Friday and Saturday night. I stopping at a beauiful girls house on Hall Ave. and Dave heading futher West to Morgan Manor. Dave and I would always meet up afterwards by car  or walking , ending up at his house. I remenber one winter heavy snowfall I hitched a ride by grabbing a rear bumber. Skied myseld from Hall Ave/ Granville Rd. to 21st Street.

What a fairy tale ending, with these two reuniting later in life. Not a surprise to me about these two High School Sweethearts.

Kathy , it was great seeing you at our last school reunion and much fun hanging with you Dave afterwards at Elements. RIP.  To all my classmates hope all is well and enjoy our winter. Remember worrying about the past is stress, worrying about tomorrow is anxiety, enjoy today.

Nancy Baughman (Fetter)

I am so saddened to hear of Kathy's death.  She was so much fun to be around.  We spent time together at each other's home from elementary to high school.  I remember one time we were celebrating New Year's Eve  and making noise by pounding the bottom of her mother's pans with spoons.  The next day I learn that we had put holes in the pans.  I'm sure her mother was furious but Kathy laughed it off.  I was a nervous wreck to ever see her mother again . Kathy was such a joy and I was so lucky to have known her.  Rest in peace, Kathy.  Our deepest sympathies to Dave and her family.

Dennis Dew

Sorry to hear of Kathy's passing...prayers to the family.

Margaret Patyrak (Jenkins)

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Kathy Schaller Johnson and will add her family to my prayers.  My memories of Kathy revolve around the teenage sleepovers and all the late night excitment we experienced.  Dave, the passing of your high school sweetheart is heart breaking; however, the memories are forever.  Continue to take care of yourself and your family. 

Margaret 

Karen Layman (Williams)

All the messages before mine say it all. Kathy was the sweetest most fun loving girl to be around in high school. I am just sorry to not have had her in my life as a friend the last 50 years. Prayers to Dave and her family.

Linda Schuler (Dishon)

Linda Schuler Dishon

I'm so sad to hear about the loss of Kathy. We had such a great conversation at the reunion and it's hard to believe she is gone. We had so many fun times in Junior high and High school.Living next door,we would climb out her bedroom window and head down to Frisch's for a Bawny Boy and chocolate shake.I can remember the slumber parties with the gang.We had such great times together.My daughter,Carolyn went on some dates with Kathys'son Nick,and she would come home after being at their house and tell me how kind and funny she was..

It was a blessing to know Kathy , and my prayers are with the family.

Virginia Steinbower (Crowe)

Although my heart hurts...it is wonderful to read the messages about and to Kathy. Such a tribute to her joyful approach to life and evidence of her big heart. As written, she was the one that made us laugh no matter the trouble or difficulties. And for me - Kathy was also one with whom I felt safe. I am so thankful she was a part of my life and hope she knew how much her support mattered to me during those rough times. Rest in Peace my friend. 

Larry Wilson

I have attached Kathy's obituary.  Thank you everyone for the kind thoughts and memories of Kathy.  May she rest in peace.  And may Dave and all the family find peace and consolation.

Kathleen S. Johnson, age 71, of Newark, passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the Selma Markowitz Care Center. She was born on April 11, 1950 to James and Betty (Evans) Schaller in Newark, OH.

A memorial service will be held at 5pm on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Brucker Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21^st Street, Newark, OH 43055. Family will greet friends at the funeral home for two hours prior to the service.

Kathleen spent over 40 years as a teacher, first at Newark City Schools and then at Kent Washington Schools. She was an active member of her bridge club for many years. Kathleen was fun to be around and was always laughing. More than anything, she loved her three sons and spending time with her family.

Kathleen is survived by her mother, Betty; husband of 18 years, G. David Johnson; sons, Wes (Lori) Frost, Nick (Erin) Frost, and Andy (Lindsey) Frost; grandchildren, Max, Myles, Stella, Remy, Campbell, Calvin, Arden, and Tilly Frost; brothers, Steve (Kim Fleming) Schaller and Mark (Teri) Schaller.

She is preceded in death by her father, James.

Kathy Applegate (Danner)

I am so sorry to learn of Kathy's passing.  Thoughts and prayers to Dave and all of her family in the days and weeks ahead.   Such a sad time but there have been some fun postings of teenage antics from days gone by.  I will always remember Kathy as being young and full of life!  There is sadness each time I learn of another classmate's passing.  The Class of '68 is special!

Denise Dishon (Winegardner)

Jay & I would like to send our deepest most Heartfelt ❤️ Condolences to Dave & Family....So Glad You two found each other again 💕                    Kathy was a Great Girl !   Remembering the year at Wilson when they separated the girls from the boys and we had all girl classes.I got to sit behind her in ol Miss Linahans classes close to the teachers desk...       Kathy was so funny !  We girls took off were the boys left off..being Ornery ... She came up with the funniest remarks...She was so under her breath  Clever , Smart , & Fun to be with..Old Miss Linahan threw a chalk board eraser at Us... bad girls...so funny we both became teachers. Those Students she had were very lucky...She had a serious side to her too..but I'm sure camp was Great with her around..              She was Natural and Easy to be with..and had a Wisdom about her...and was very down to earth. You were a lucky man Dave Johnson and She Loved You !    Mother of 3 boys....and She loved her boys ...spoke lovingly of her Grandchildren...& her sweet Mother...Betty           Found inspiration in something I heard but not verbatim...                         Moments of impact: not all included.......I have a theory too - my theory is about these Moments,  Moments of impact, these Flashes of High Intensity that completely turn our lives Upside down actually end up defining who we are. The thing is, each one of us is the sum total of every moment that we've ever experienced, with all the people we've ever known. It is these moments that become our history, like our own Personal greatest hits of memories that we play and replay in our mind over and over again. A moment of total, physical, mental and every other kind of love....I'm sure you had many moments with Kathy and you both were Blessed!

Gale Cady (Williams)

Denise,
Yes, on all of your words, both on Kathy and her wit and wisdom, and on the epiphanies all of us have that unexpectedly turn our lives around. I miss seeing you in person. Wonderful post. <3

Julie Dillon

I only knew Kathy through conversations with my Mother, who resides at Kendal in Granville where her Mother, Betty also lives. And learned of her health issues in early 2020 from a Y classmate and a member of her bridge club, Patsy Kern (NHS 66). And now through the beautiful tributes on this site.   Without question those who had the opportunity to call her friend were given a gift.

I would like to share something with all of you that has helped me when confronted with a loss of a family member or friend.  It is from a tombstone in Ireland.

                       " Death Leaves a Heartache No One Can Heal,

                            Love Leaves a Memory, No One Can Steal."

My thoughts and prayers are with Dave, Betty, her entire family and her wonderful friends and acquaintances...

John Wise

I am so sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. She was always nice, friendly and smiling. I had not seen her much since graduation but I did see her a few times when I dropped my son off when he spent time with his friend Wes. I was very happy for her and another school friend Dave Johnson when I heard they were married. My thoughts and prayers are with Dave, Wes, and the rest of the family today. 

Douglas L. Gage

Not a frequent vistor to this forum. It's news like this that makes it hard to read. I have nothing to add to what has been said to this point except hopefully, in the hereafter, we can meet again. My thoughts are with Dave and his famiy.

Diana Holmes (Brown)

Carolyn M. (Hupp) Merica 

NEWARK - A funeral service celebrating the life of Carolyn M. Merica, 71, of Newark, will be held on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service. Burial will follow in Perryton Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held at the funeral home, 179 Granville, Newark, on Thursday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. 

Carolyn was born in Newark, Ohio on October 1, 1949 to the late Zella Frances (Stowers) Reber and John Otis Hupp. She passed away at Licking Memorial Hospital on June 13, 2021. 

Prior to retirement, Carolyn was a home health care worker with the Licking County Aging Program for over 30 years. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and spending time with her loving family and friends. 

Survivors include her daughter, Carol Ann (John) Merica-Golden; brothers and sisters, Herman Walker, Wilbur (Kim) Hupp, Paul Reber, Jr., Wanda Reber and Candy (James) Bates; grandson, Johnathon Merica; grandchildren, Jaeden, Kaleaha, Kayeanna and Johnathon Jr.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronnell Frank Merica; sister, Patricia Cline; and great grandson, Joshuwa. 

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Carolyn to the Licking County Aging Program or the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

Visit www.HoskinsonFuneral.com to share a special memory about Carolyn or to sign an online guest book. 

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Carolyn and her family.
 

Larry Wilson

Thank you, Diana, for posting Carolyn's obituary.  I posted her obituary on the In Memory section.  May Carolyn rest in peace.

Deborah Gail Smith (Hall)

Hello everyone, I hope everyone is doing well. 

I was told today that Susan (Susie) (Morgan) Ables passed on June 12, 2021.  I first met Susie at Wilson and I found her to be a very kind, fun person and we became friends while there.  If I recall correctly, she and her family moved to around Perryton, Ohio, so I imagine she would have graduated from Licking Valley, not certain.

I am sad to learn of this and wanted to share her loss with those who, too, knew Susie. I found her obit listed locally. 

Take care all.

Larry Wilson

Thank you, Debbie, for posting about Susan.  It's always good to remember former classmates who have passed on, even if they did not graduate with us.  God bless everyone of our class and keep us in good health.

Larry Wilson

Jeff Danford gave me this video he shot at Maennerchor.  He said they call it a "Gym Jam", but they are all a bunch of old people (oh, that's right - that's us, isn't it?).  Anyhow, I was taken aback as I realized they were dancing to the "Hokey-Pokey".  Now as I remember, that was popular at the skating rink, wasn't it?

Gale Cady (Williams)

Oh, my. ☺️

Roger McDonald

If my idle curiosity about the origin and usage of "Gym Jams" (aka "jimjams") has led to Jeff's unearthing this video, please find it in your hearts to forgive me.

Oletta Bond (Wade)

I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the video because I have been trying to teach my 13-month-old great-granddaughter how to do the Hokey Pokey.  Used to do this at the skating rink and was a lot of fun back then.  Don't know why it popped in my head to show Izzy but thought it would be fun.  Now I have video to show her and she might understand it better.  Thanks for sharing.

Larry Wilson

I found Frank Noland's obituary in Sunday's Newark Advocate.  May Frank rest in peace, and may his family and friends be comforted.

Franklin Lee "Frank" Noland

NEWARK - A graveside funeral service, celebrating the life of Franklin Lee "Frank" Noland, Jr., 72, of Newark, will be held on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Newark Memorial Gardens, with Pastor Neal Skyles officiating. Military honors will be observed by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

Frank was born in Newark, Ohio on October 28, 1948 to the late Franklin Lee Noland Sr. and Madeline (Cecil) Noland Holeman. He passed away at Licking Memorial Hospital on July 16, 2021.

Frank graduated from Newark High School, Class of 1968. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a fire-fighter during the Vietnam War. Prior to retirement, he was employed by Continental Can Company and MPW. Frank "Dawg" was an avid softball player and dog lover, and he frequented TJ"s restaurant, where he enjoyed friends and coffee.

Survivors include his sons, Benjamin (Jessi) Noland and Daniel (Anthony) Noland; daughter, Annette Kanniard-Spohn; nine grandchildren; one great grandchild; special niece, Diana Ghiloni; and many other nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Kathy Lowery, Sue Ellis and Jane Galiher.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Frank to the Newark VFW.

Visit www.HoskinsonFuneral.com to share a special memory about Frank or to sign an online guest book.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Frank and his family.

Larry Wilson

Diana Brown sent me a note that Richard Schmitt has passed away.  May Rick rest in peace and may his family and friends be comforted.

A funeral service celebrating the life of Richard W. “Rick” Schmitt, 71 of Newark will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 20, 2021 in the Newark Chapel of Vensil & Chute Funeral Home with Jeff Smith officiating. Burial will be at Newark Memorial Gardens. The Licking County Veterans Alliance will provide Military Funeral Honors.

Mr. Schmitt passed away September 13, 2021 at Licking Memorial Hospital. He was born February 24, 1950 in Newark, OH to the late Otto J. and Ola P. (Holman) Schmitt. A graduate of Newark High School, Rick honorably served our country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He worked for Owens-Corning Fiberglas for 38 years. Rick was an avid softball enthusiast; for many years much of his free time revolved around softball. He also enjoyed bowling and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Survivors include his wife, Tamara (Springston) Schmitt; children, Heather (Bradley) Thomas, Jennifer (Dennis) Carnevale and Brandon (Michelle) Schmitt; grandchildren, Matthew, Nicholas, Olivia, Madison and Savannah; and a brother, Gene Schmitt.

Friends and family may call 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Vensil & Chute Funeral Home – Newark Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Licking County Humane Society, 825 Thornwood Drive, Heath, OH  43056 or the American Cancer Society (https://donate3.cancer.org).

Larry Wilson

I found Barb Compton Maier's obituary in today's Advocate.  Please pray for her family.  May Barb rest in peace.

Barbara Anne Maier

( June 30, 1950 - November 16, 2021 )

Barbara Anne Maier, age 71, of Newark, passed away on November 16, 2021.  Barbara was born on June 30, 1950, to the late Clayton and Dorthy (Anspach) Compton.  

She was a successful dental technician for 35 years in Newark and worked 10 years in a factory before retiring. Barbara was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  She enjoyed going to her children’s sports activities and John’s games when he coached.  

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, John Maier; children, Lesley (Chris Beale) Maier, Corey Maier; granddaughter, Harper Anne Maier; 11 nieces and nephews; brothers and sisters-in-law, Connie (Tom) Ellis, Rita (Bill) Revercomb, Joann (George) Henry, Jeff (Sue) Maier, Jimmy (Kristine) Maier and Dave Swan.  

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, David “Rod” Compton and Norman Gallatin; sister-in-law, Patsy Swan and a niece, Amy Ellis.  

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, from 11AM - 12PM, at the Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home. Where her funeral service will immediately follow with Pastor Barbara Saylers officiating. Burial in Lutheran Reformed Cemetery at 3:15 PM.  

In lieu of flowers you can donate in Barbara’s name to http://melanomaknowmore.com/  

To sign an online guest book, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com