Clayton E. Brower
SOLON — Clayton E. “Ace” Brower, 84, 30-year resident of Mount Vernon, recently of Solon, died Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003, at Hudson Elms Nursing Home in Hudson.

He was born Sept. 29, 1919, in Petersboro, N.Y. HE was a resident of Mount Vernon for 30 years and a U.S. Army Air Force veteran of World War II serving in the Pacific. He retired from the Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service in December 1974. He was the owner of Vernon View Fruit Farm in Mount Vernon from 1975 to 1989, retiring in Jan. 29, 1989. He married Tempest Rands on March 10, 1946, and was a graduate of Cornell University in 1941. He also loved to garden and work in his workshop, especially turning things on his lathe. He enjoyed western-style square dancing for over 33 years and loved his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Tempest R. (Rands) Brower; two sons, Kefton (Beverly) Brower of Chandler, Ariz., and Lynn (Jean) Brower of Solon; and two grandsons, Daniel (Tami) Brower and Joshua Brower.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Asa and Ora G. (Black) Brower; a brother, Royce Brower; and two sisters, Melva Nielsen and Nona Bugg.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being made by Johnson-Romito Funeral Home of Twinsburg.

Memorials can be sent to Gay Street United Methodist Church, 18 N. Gay St., Mount Vernon 43050.

Sara L. Holland
TALLMADGE — Sara Louise (Walter) Holland, 86, passed away Jan. 3, 2004.

Born in Mount Pleasant, Pa., she lived most of her life in the Wooster and Akron areas. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Akron, Women’s Club of Wadsworht and secretary at Crile Veteran’s Hospital in Parma.

She is survived by two daughters, Helen (Jack) McKee of Tallmadge and Sara (Bruce) Rostetter of Wooster; a son, John (Karen) Holland III of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, Wendy Brown, Scott McKee, Tod McKee, Kelly Prior, Kirstin Alexander, Matt Rostetter, Amy Buttke, Jennifre Keller and Kurt Holland; great-grandchildren, Jacquelyn and Zachary Brown, Grace and Sam Rostetter, Ethen and Spencer McKee, Rachel Prior; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Helen Walter; her husband, John A. Holland Jr.; a granddaughter, Mindy Rostetter; two sisters, Janet and Helen; and brothers, John, Bill and Harry Walter.

Funeral will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Akron, 292 E. Market St., with the Revs. Jay Groat and William Rodefer officiating. Interment will be in Crown Hill Memorial Park. Calling hours will be today from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave., Tallmadge.

Clarabelle (Thomas) McLarnan
MOUNT VERNON — Clarabelle (Thomas) McLarnan, 89, died Jan. 3, 2004, after a period of illness.

Born Aug. 29, 1914, in Mount Vernon, she was a lifelong member of the Mount Vernon community, where she worked and raised her family. In 1936 she married James Conard “Doc” McLarnan, with whom she shared over 64 years of marriage.

Clara and “Doc” spent their life together making their home the center of activity for family and friends. Countless friends enjoyed lively Sunday dinners at their home.

Clara graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1932 and the Mount Vernon Business College in 1934. She enjoyed a first career as a doctor’s assistant. After the birth of her children, she worked as a proofreader for the Mount Vernon News for over 25 years. She had a keen eye for perfection, loved the arts and literature, gardening, travel, horse racing and cards.

Clara was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She also shared fellowship with her closest friends at her weekly bridge club, which continued through 50 years of her life.

Clarabelle is survived by her children, Marlene (James) McKay, Thomas (Deborah) and Douglas (Wendy) McLarnan; her grandchildren, Scott McKay and Michelle Oyer, Michael, Emilie, Andrew and Kelly McLarnan. She is also survived by her two great-grandchildren, Victor Kennedy and Michael Oyer.

The daughter of Harry and Louveda (Fluharty) Thomas, Clarabelle was preceded in death by her husband and her siblings, Howard, Irene, James Campbel and Merle.

She will be remembered for her unparalleled strength in spirit.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 110 E. Vine St., Mount Vernon. The North-Dilley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Knox County, 302 E. High St., Mount Vernon 43050.

Mary S. Owen
SUNBURY — Mary S. Owen, 99, of Sunbury, formerly of Centerburg, died Sunday morning, Jan. 4, 2003, at County View of Sunbury, arrangements will be announced by the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home in Sunbury. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Virginia Pierson
MOUNT VERNON — Virginia Pierson, 82, of Mount Vernon died Jan. 3, 2004, at The Inn at HillenVale in Mount Vernon.

She was born July 10, 1921, in Hardin County to Eddie and Veva (Carnes) Carr. Mrs. Pierson was a member of the Mulberry Street United Methodist Church. She had served as a Red Cross volunteer for 15 years and had also volunteered at Knox County Interchurch Social Services. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Society.

Surviving are her daughters, Patsy (Bill) Jenkins and Pam (Jim) Parker, both of Mount Vernon; her sons, Mike (Cherylee) Pierson of Casper, Wy., and Ron (Jackie) Pierson of Vineland, N.J.; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Barbara (Charles) Newman of Belle Center.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, T.E. “Whitey” Pierson, in 1985; and a sister, Maxine Smith.

Friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, where funeral will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. The Rev. Rod Buchanan will officiate. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Knox County, 302 E. High St., Mount Vernon 43050; or Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 205 N. Mulberry St., Mount Vernon 43050. This obituary and guest registry are online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Kenneth A. Rhoades
MOUNT VERNON — Kenneth A. Rhoades, 84, of Mount Vernon died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004, at the Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon.

Ken was born Feb. 27, 1919, in Bradford, Pa., to Cyrus Guy and Rhea Lyall (Brown) Rhoades and moved to Mount Vernon from Gloucester, Mass., in 1958. Ken was a 1937 graduate of Bradford High School and Saint Bonaventure University in 1942 with a BS in business administration. He worked for two years at the W.R. Case and Son Cutlery Co. in Bradford; and then for the next 37 years worked for Cooper-Bessemer Corp. in Gloucester, Mass., Mount Vernon and Los Angeles until his retirement as head of marketing for the Parts Department. Following his retirement he worked at Colonial Men’s Wear in Mount Vernon and as a courtesy driver for Kenyon College in Gambier. Ken was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon, where he had served as a church elder and deacon. He was a member of the Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club, Acacia Masonic Lodge in Gloucester, Mass., and had been active with the Boy Scouts of America.

Surviving are his son, Lee (Marge) Rhoades of Mount Vernon; his daughter, Robin L. (Allan) Helser of Mount Vernon; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike) Merrilees, Stephen (Amy) Rhoades, Paul (Moreen) Helser, Christy (Todd) Burson and Andy Rhoades; six great-grandchildren, Katie Merrilees, Zach Merrilees, Levi Rhoades, Carson Rhoades, Jonah Burson and Macy Helser; and his brother, Lowell R. Rhoades of Columbiana.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (McEwen) Rhoades, in 2001.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon. The Rev. Drs. Richard Riedel, David Baker and John Capper will officiate. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service. Private graveside service will be in Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. The Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Vernon is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 102 N. Gay St., Mount Vernon; or Hospice of Knox County, 302 E. High St., Mount Vernon 43050. This obituary and guest registry are online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Irene Sigman
MOUNT VERNON — Irene Sigman, 92, of Mount Vernon died Jan. 4, 2004, at The Laurels of Mount Vernon. The North-Dilley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Jan Sweet
DANVILLE — Jan Sweet, 52, of 14630 Millersburg Road, Danville, died Jan. 4, 2004, at her residence. The Fischer Funeral Home in Danville is handling the arrangements.

William ‘Bill’ Webber
SUNBURY — William L. “Bill” Webber, 66, a Sunbury resident for 26 years, passed away Jan. 2, 2004, at the home he designed and built himself.

He was born Nov. 6, 1937, in Columbus to Joseph and Mildred (Fouse) Webber. Bill was a 1956 graduate of Columbus North High School. He retired from the Maintenance Department of Anheuser-Busch. Bill also officiated high school football for 15 years. He was known for his strong work ethics, positive attitude and wonderful sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Alison (Meinhold); two daughters, Debra (Tom) Tykodi of New Albany and Susan (Eddie) Milby of Grove City; a son, William “Chip” Webber Jr. of Westerville; five grandchildren; a nephew, Paul (Karen) Hocter of Clarklake, Mich., whom he assisted in raising; three nieces; two brothers, Joseph (Audrey) Webber Jr. and Daniel (Gloria) Webber of Columbus.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Hocter.

Family and friends may pay their respects today from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, Ohio 3 at 61, Sunbury, where funeral will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Sunbury Memorial Park. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.