All Obituaries

Linda G. Bryant, 70, of Grafton, passed away at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, November 30, 2023. Linda was born on January 6, 1953 to parents, Con and Billie (Workman) McCloud. Those who knew her would describe her as a hardworking woman who was all about her family. Survivors include her husband, Eugene; daughters, Karen (Randy) Henderson and Eugenia “Van”; son, Gregory; sister, Jacqueline Varney; brothers, Tommy (Pam) Workman and Clyde Workman ; 9 grandchildren and...

Joan M. DePolo (nee: Polenz) 86, of Elyria (formerly of Fairview Park) passed away Wednesday November 22, 2023 at Hospice of Western Reserve in Medina following a long illness. She was born September 15, 1937 in Cleveland. Joan had worked in the healthcare field for thirty five years; twenty five of those years were at the old St. John Hospital in Cleveland. She remained active after retirement until her health declined.  She treasured spending time with her family, volunteered for...

Gloria R. Thomas, nee-Grey, passed away peacefully in her sleep during the early morning of November 21, 2023 at the age of 78. Gloria was much more than even a great wife, mother, grandmother, educator, community volunteer and world traveler. She lived life to its fullest. Born on Flushing Long Island, New York, Gloria was raised in Akron and remained forever a proud graduate of Buchtel High School. After beginning her studies at the University of Akron, she met the love of her life: Bob...

Edwin “Gene” Henderson, 84, of Avon and formerly a longtime resident of Elyria, died unexpectedly November 19, 2023, at Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital. He was born on February 15, 1939 to Eva and Arthur Henderson in Sims, Illinois. He retired from The Ridge Tool Company in Elyria. Edwin was a 1957 Graduate of Elyria Catholic High School and a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Elyria. He was a longtime coach for Elyria Little League South where he was recently honored...

Joyce Virginia McCleery, 69, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. She was born in Lakewood, Ohio, November 6, 1954, to William “Bill” and Virginia “Ginny” Tinney. After graduating from Rocky River High School in the Class of 1973, Joyce attended Baldwin Wallace College where she received a degree in early childhood education. She started as a teacher in the North Ridgeville school system teaching grades 4-6 throughout her career, eventually retiring from Wilcox...

June Marie Essenmacher, 91, of Elyria passed away peacefully at her home on Friday November 17, 2023 surrounded by her family. June was born in Harbor Beach, Michigan on February 14, 1932 to Harriet and Paul Pionk. She was the oldest of five children. She graduated from Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic High School. June married Cliff Essenmacher on February 23, 1952 and they shared 71 wonderful years together. June was a loving wife and mother of five children. She shared the joy as her...

James Herbert Haight 80, of Grafton passed away Friday November 17, 2023 at The Cleveland Clinic in Avon following a long illness. He was born April 27, 1943 in Flint, MI.  James had worked as a Packaging Engineer for Parma General Motors and retired in 2001. He had skated in the Ice Capades, was a life guard, and was an avid fisherman.  James served in many capacities with Belden Hot Stove as President and baseball coach.  He was also a member of The Midview Touchdown...

Richard G. Walker 82, of Elyria passed away Friday November 17, 2023 at Mercy New Life Hospice  Center in Lorain.  He was born June 2, 1941 in Litten, TN. Richard had worked as a machine operator at Ridge Tool in Elyria.  He enjoyed spending time with family, camping and assorted crafts.  Survivors include a daughter; June Lusher of Elyria, a son; Rick Walker (Tracy) of Vermilion.  Additional survivors include five grandchildren; Emily Alcorn (Dylan), Tony Lusher...

Simpson A. “Andy” Steele III, died peacefully on Friday, November 17, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family after a long hard fought battle with cancer. He was born on January 14, 1963 at Elyria Memorial Hospital. He lived and worked in Elyria all his life and raised a family. He obtained his GED and would have been a graduate of the EHS Class of 1981. He met his wife Susie while working at Worthington Ball in Elyria. He went on to work at York International, Cleveland...

Lawrence J. “Larry” Sutfin, 71, of Elyria, passed away on November 14, 2023 at Life Care Center of Elyria. He was born on February 7, 1952 in Lorain, Ohio. He worked at Elyria Maintenance Company as a supervisor for over 30 years and in his early years he worked as a meat cutter at Convenient Food Mart. Survivors include his wife, Susan (nee: Barendt); daughters, Jamie (Don) Galvin, Becky (Matt) Kirsch, and Casey (David) Cozart; and many grandchildren. He is preceded in death by...