Robert R. Cross
FREDERICKTOWN — Robert R. “Bob” Cross, 85, of Fredericktown, formerly of Sunbury, died Thursday afternoon, June 28, 2007, at his residence. Arrangements will be announced by the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, Sunbury. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Sara L. Durbin
OAK HARBOR — Sara Louise (Aylsworth) Durbin, 77, of Oak Harbor died Thursday, June 28, 2007, at her residence.

She was born April 27, 1930, in Shreve to Ernest R. and Mabel (Young) Aylsworth. She graduated from Shreve High School in Shreve in 1948 where she was a cheerleader, band member and her class Valedictorian. The first couple years of her schooling she attended in a one-room schoolhouse. Sara graduated from Bowling Green State University with a B.S. in Home Economics in 1952 and took advanced studies for her Junior High certification. On June 20, 1953, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wooster, she married Thomas L. Durbin, and he survives. Sara worked as a teacher in the Benton-Carroll-Salem Schools in Oak Harbor and for the LaCarne School for over 40 years, retiring in 1986, but she continued subbing until 1998. She also worked as a family nutritionist in the OSU Extension Office in Oak Harbor for 10 years.

Sara was a very devoted member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Oak Harbor, where she served on the Rosary Altar Society, was a Eucharistic minister, Lector-Commentator, Parish Council, Chairman of the St. Boniface Festival Chicken Barbeque, CCD teacher, member of the KCettes, and participated in various family activities for the Knights of Columbus local and statewide. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers of Ottawa County, Home Economists in Homemaking, presiding judge and poll worker for the Ottawa County Election Board, American Legion Post 114 Auxiliary of Oak Harbor, Concerned Citizens of Oak Harbor, Senior Citizens of Sandusky and Ottawa County, National Education Association of Ohio, Golden Threads, VIP Club, 4-H Advisor, was over an 8-gallon blood donor for the American Red Cross, and she held various offices for all of the organizations in which she was involved.

Sara was awarded the Knights of Columbus Diocesan Lady of the Year and the International K of C Family of the Month. She loved traveling with groups, spending time with family, following the Cleveland Indians, 4-H judging for various county and state fair judging, following her children’s and grandchildren’s various activities, and keeping score at baseball games. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing and catering various events including weddings, banquets, and Knights of Columbus breakfasts and dinners. Sara was always willing to provide a helping hand when needed.

Sara is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Thomas L. Durbin; her children, Thomas E. Durbin of Oak Harbor, Diane (Herman) Dehring of Oak Harbor, Barb (Ed) Murzynski of Mentor, Edward (Kim) Durbin, MD, PhD of Granger, Ind., Michael (Kim) Durbin of Spring Hill, Tenn., Steven (Francine) Durbin of Medina and Jeffrey (Michelle) Durbin of Lewis Center; 13 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; brothers, John (Kate) Aylsworth, William (Lil) Aylsworth, Marvin (Joyce) Aylsworth and James Aylsworth; sister, Sharon (Dave) Emler; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Aylsworth and Eileen (Jim) Schleter; and brother-in-law, John (Donna) Durbin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Earl Aylsworth; sisters-in-law, Janice Aylsworth and Jean Aylsworth.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, June 30, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Boniface Catholic Church, Oak Harbor, with prayers offered at the funeral home beginning at 10 a.m. Visitation will be today, June 29, from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home, Oak Harbor, with a Parish Wake Service conducted at 8:30 p.m. today. Internment will be in Limestone Cemetery, Limestone. Memorial contributions may be given to the Birthright of Ottawa County; CKO Vocation Fund; or the Renovation and Beautification Fund at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Oak Harbor. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.

William L. Payne
MOUNT VERNON — William L. Payne, 63, of Mount Vernon, formerly of Coshocton, passed away at Riverside Methodist Hospital on Wednesday, June 27, 2007.

William was born to William D. Payne Jr. and Olive M. (Funk) Payne in Coshocton on Nov. 16, 1943. He graduated from Three Rivers High School, worked at Edmont and enjoyed working with homing pigeons.

He is survived by his daughter, Tamara L. (Frank) Geraci of Noblesville, Ind.; son, Troy W. (Cindy) Payne of Columbus; two granddaughters, Alyssa and Holly Geraci; and former wife, Nancy L. (Paul) Beckwith of Gahanna.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce A. Payne.

A memorial service will be Sunday, July 1, at 3 p.m. at Given-Dawson Funeral Home, with Pastor Donald Dolick officiating. Interment will follow in South Lawn Cemetery on Monday at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. An online memorial is located at www.given-dawsonfuneralhome.com.