Portage County obituaries for Dec. 22-Jan. 4, 2026
- Staff Report
Richard D. Hatcher
Richard D. Hatcher, 79, formerly of Edinburg, passed away on December 26, 2025.
Richard was born in Zanesville, Ohio on March 14, 1946, to parents William Bentley and Clara Mary (Smith) Hatcher. He was a life-long resident and farmer in Edinburg as the Production Manager at McConnnell’s Orchard on St.Rt. 14. He also worked as a surveyor in the late 60’s, and after retiring, he enjoyed working as a framer building houses.
Richard had been a member of Edinburg United Church and proud of his 50 years of membership. He was also a member of the NRA, Portage County Farm Bureau, and a past member of the Edinburg Fire Department. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching sports on tv, raising horses for harness racing and loved a good card game. He loved dogs and always had a biscuit in his pocket for any dog that passed by.
Richard is survived by his wife of two years, Joann Hatcher and his children Derek (Margie) Hatcher, Drew (Kim) Hatcher, Curtis (Sarah) Wadsworth, Dawn (Shannan) Booher, Jud (Susie) Wadsworth and Shawn (Charlotte) Wadsworth. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren Ellie, Mary, Ben, Robbie and Preston Hatcher, Emily & Kyle Booher, Taylor Wadsworth, Brandon (Danielle) Kline, Sebastian (Becky) Kline and Mitch Kline. He also leaves two great-grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings Bill (BJ) Hatcher, Jim (Cherie) Hatcher, Dot (Ron) Butler, Joyce (Randy) Bates and many loving nieces and nephews that have cherished memories. He will also be sadly missed by his beloved furry friend “Wimpy”.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Marty McConnell Hatcher.
Friends will be received at the Edinburg United Church, 4081 Rockspring Rd., Edinburg, on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 10:30am until the funeral service, officiated by Pastor Glen Shedlock, beginning at 11:30am. Interment at Edinburg Cemetery will immediately follow.
In lieu of Flowers Memorials could be made to the Edinburg United Church or C.H.A.R.M, 6560 North Chestnut Street, Ravenna, OH 44266
Condolences and memories can be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.
Daniel R. Wolford
Daniel R. Wolford, age 65 of Ravenna, passed away December 24, 2025, at his home.
Rita Mae Kline
Rita Mae Kline, 93, formerly of Rootstown, passed away on December 24, 2025. Rita was born in Massillon, Ohio on May 20, 1932, to parents Edward and Cecilia (Grosswiller) Romer.
Mary Jean Weiss
Mary Jean Weiss, age 96, of Kent, OH entered into Eternal Rest on January 2nd, 2026.
Jack E. Kline
Jack E. Kline, age 89, born on February 18, 1936, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
David V. Kunka
David Kunka, age 83 from Brimfield, Ohio passed away December 26, 2025 at Altercare Post Acute Rehabilitation Center in Brimfield after a long battle with prostate cancer. Dave was born in Ravenna, Ohio December 7, 1942 to the late Victor and Margaret (Hurst) Kunka.
Kathleen Homula
Kathleen Homula, 79, of Kent, Ohio, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
Donna Marie Watko
Donna Marie Watko, 88, of Tallmadge, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, leaving behind a family forever shaped by her love, laughter, and sparkle.
Joseph A. Casamento II
Joseph A. Casamento, II, age 91, of Kent, OH, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at UH Cleveland.
Clayton Patrick Jacobs
Clayton Patrick Jacobs, 21, passed away unexpectedly, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. He was born in Akron on January 31, 2004.
Ira E. "Orie" Clark, Sr.
Ira E. "Orie" Clark, Sr., 75 of Rootstown formerly of Shalersville, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at his residence in Rootstown.
Felicite D. Shelton
Felicite D. Shelton, 35, passed away Friday December 26, 2025 at University Hospitals Cleveland. She was born March 12, 1990 in Ravenna, Ohio to Dean Nutter and Brenda Shelton.
Evelyn J. Oblisk
Evelyn J. Oblisk, age 84, of Randolph Township, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Akron City Hospital.
Daniel P. Douglas
Daniel P. Douglas 74 of Brimfield passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Heather Knoll Nurisng Home in Tallmadge.
Marvin Litz
Marvin Litz age 79 passed away Thursday January 1st, 2026 after a long illness. Born January, 22nd 1946 in Clearfield, PA to Rudolph and Norma Litz. Marvin lived the majority of his life as a resident of Mantua and Portage County, OH.
Staff Report