Portage County obituaries for Oct. 27-28
- Staff Report
Alice A. Hurd
Alice A. (Hausch) Hurd, 87—but already 88 in our hearts—passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 18, 2025.
Born October 24, 1937, in Akron to Harry and Josephine (Goodall) Hausch, Alice grew up in Goodyear Heights with her brother, attending Seiberling Elementary and graduating from East High School in 1955. She went on to Kent State University, where she joined Alpha Xi Delta and earned a BA in Education in 1959. She met Jack Hurd, who had recently returned from military service, at the Big House in Brady Lake. They became engaged in college and married in 1959. Alice later earned a Master’s in School Counseling from the University of Akron in 1984.
Alice began her teaching career at Coventry High School (1959–1964), where she taught English and coached the Debate Team. After taking time off to raise her three children, she taught preschool at the United Methodist Church of Kent, then joined Crestwood Middle School in 1973. She taught English and Communicative Arts, advised Power of the Pen and the Panda Club, and later became a guidance counselor—a role she cherished until her retirement in 1999. She remained close with many colleagues and former students.
A proud liberal Democrat, Alice was deeply committed to community service. She volunteered for Townhall II, delivered Mobile Meals, offered respite care through Hospice, and regularly served meals at Kent Social Services—often with her grandchildren by her side. She served as Board President of both Kent Social Services and Family & Community Services.
Active in many local organizations, Alice was a member of the Chestnut Society, Delta Kappa Gamma, Coterie, and the League of Women Voters of Kent. She enjoyed bridge club, book club, and gatherings with fellow retired Crestwood teachers. A longtime member of the United Methodist Church of Kent, she served on several church committees.
Alice enjoyed attending auctions with Jack and had a passion for collecting Roseville pottery, Cranberry glass, and Don Drumm art.
Above all, Alice was loving, sharp, funny, and endlessly generous. She cherished time near the water—Portage Lakes, Pine Lake, Twin Lakes, and annual family trips to Topsail Island, NC. She and Jack also spent winters in Marathon, FL after retirement. She never missed her grandchildren’s concerts, plays, or games and hosted weekly Sunday dinners and many Thanksgiving feasts.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, John W. “Jack” Hurd, who died in 2018. She is survived by her children: Sally (Bob) Dean and Julie (Eric) Schmidt, both of Kent, and John W. Hurd Jr. of Stow; grandchildren: Jocelyn (Justin Schaefer) Schmidt, Luke (Tess Ottinger) Schmidt, Abby Dean, Ryan Dean, Kyle Schmidt, and Dylan Schmidt; brother Jack Hausch of Akron; nephew Michael (Kathy) Hausch and niece Cheryl Hopkins.
She is also survived by her Hurd in-laws: Herbert (Lorna) Hurd, Nancy (Chuck) Doremus, Linda (Larry) Harvey, Pat Hurd, and Chari Hurd, as well as many nieces and nephews—many of whom considered her their favorite aunt. Alice also had a wide circle of dear friends from all stages of her life.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 4:00–7:00 PM at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240. A funeral service will take place Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church of Kent, 1435 E. Main St. Kent, OH 44240 with Rev. Nathan Howe and Rev. Bob Machovec officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kent Social Services, 1066 S. Water Street, Kent, OH 44240, or online at fcsserves.org.
Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.
John A. Wise
John A. Wise, 75, of Kent, passed into the presence of God on Saturday, October 25, 2025. He was born in Cuyahoga Falls on January 4, 1950 to the late William and Margaret Wise and had a strong Christian faith and generous nature.
Glenda F. Enders
Glenda F. Enders, 90, of Ravenna, passed away Monday October 27, 2025 at the UH Portage Medical Center in Ravenna, Ohio. On September 27, 1935, Glenda was born in Byrdstown, Tennessee to the late Stanley and Elva (Dillon) Hassler.
Staff Report