Barbara Jean (Hains) Fitch

Published September 18, 2025 - 5:00 a.m.

COSHOCTON- Barbara Jean (Hains) Fitch, 87, died Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at the Genesis Hospice Morrison House in Zanesville.

She was born Aug. 6, 1938 in Coshocton Co. to the late Levi and Lela Rose (Thomas) Hains. She attended Victory Baptist Church in Coshocton, enjoyed crocheting, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.Barbara is survived by her husband, Edward L. Fitch of Coshocton, whom she married June 8, 1957; three children, children, Mitchell (Kris) Fitch of Garrettsville, Marcie (Randy) Gibson of Coshocton, and Jeff (Sandy) Fitch of Warsaw; grandchildren, Andrea (Matt) Unger, Rick (Kenzie) Fitch, Michael (Jenna) Gibson, Chelsie (Jason) Barclay, and Marc Fitch; great-grandchildren, Zach, Reid, & Brady Howell, Wyatt Unger, Gatlin Gibson, Kyler Fitch, and one expected; a step-great-grandchild, Jonathan Barclay; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Parker Gibson, and Heidi Fitch; sisters, Mary Hains, Marjorie (Bob) Ward, and Cozetta (Paul) Grim; and a brother, Dwight Hains.

A private graveside service will take place at Smith Hill Union Cemetery, with Bill Jones officiating. Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw is handling arrangements.

coshocton

Obituaries

Smiling man wearing a dark baseball cap and black shirt in front of a beige wall.

William Gary High

William Gary High, age 84, of Franklin, Tennessee died May 7, 2026. He was born in Millersburg, Ohio on December 24, 1941.

Smiling older man wearing glasses in front of a decorated background.

Leon Smith

Leon Smith, age 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 18, 2026 peacefully in the presence of those he loved the most.

Man in a baseball cap looking back from inside a vehicle.

Daniel G. Youngen

Danny Youngen Click to add byline Daniel “Danny” G. Youngen, 74, of West Lafayette left this earth to be with his Lord on Monday, May 18, 2026 after an extended battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Studio portrait of a uniformed officer facing the camera against a plain background.

Jim Alexander

James “Jim” Harvey Alexander, 71, beloved husband, father, and friend passed away unexpectedly on May 10, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

Smiling older woman wearing glasses and a blue jacket in a close-up screenshot.

Mary A. Peltz

Mary Ann Peltz, age 87, of Cadiz sadly passed away May 11, 2026 while residing at the Harrison County Home with her daughter by her side.

Elderly man in glasses and brown hat seated in front of an American flag graphic with 'VETERAN' text.

Gary Grant Bantum

Gary Grant Bantum, 87, died Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Lafayette Pointe Nursing & Rehabilitation in West Lafayette.

Older man wearing glasses and a red shirt in front of a U.S. flag background with “VETERAN” text.

Thomas Lee Patterson

Thomas Lee “Tom” Patterson, 85, of West Lafayette passed away at his home with his family by his side on Friday May 15, 2026.

Elderly man in glasses and a blue shirt under a U.S. flag graphic with the word veteran.

Donald L. Stire

Donald Lee Stire of Cadiz passed away peacefully on Sunday May 10, 2026, in the Gables Care Center.

Portrait of an older man in glasses wearing a suit and tie on a dark blue background.

Paul M. Schonauer

Paul M. Schonauer, 86, of Coshocton peacefully passed away on May 13, 2026, at Windsorwood Place in Coshocton.

Smiling older man indoors beneath an American flag graphic and the word VETERAN.

Don C. Cassetty

Don C. Cassetty, 81, passed away March 4, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of faith, family and community service.

Smiling man in a white shirt, tie, and light vest against a dark background.

Michael D’Ostroph

Michael D’Ostroph, 47, of Plainfield, passed away unexpectedly May 13, 2026, at Riverside Methodist Hospital.

Elderly woman smiling outdoors beside a grassy area.

Rita Kay Roach

Rita Kay Roach, 74, a resident of the Carroll Golden Age Retreat in Carrollton, died Thursday afternoon, May 14, 2026, at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Medical Center in Canton.

Portrait of an older woman with white hair, glasses, and a red jacket against a neutral background.

Martha M. Green

Martha M. Green, age 84, of West Lafayette passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Genesis Hospital.

Smiling woman wearing glasses and a red-and-white checkered top in front of a blurred green background.

Lorena Miller

Lorena Mae Miller passed on May 9, 2026 at the age of 98; she was born on May 23, 1927, in Canton, Ohio, to the late David and Gladys (Fausnight) Kinsley.

Bearded man with glasses seated indoors in front of an Ohio State sign.

Jeffrey Craig

Jeff Craig Click to add byline Jeffrey Allen Craig of Millersburg, Ohio passed away on May 6, 2026, following a lengthy decline in health. He was born on April 22, 1958, in Wooster, Ohio.

Elderly man in a tan cap and glasses posed in front of a baseball stadium with an American flag graphic and the word Veteran.

David Brown

David Brown, 83, of Fresno, passed away early Tuesday Morning, May 12, 2026.

Close-up portrait of an older man with white hair, glasses, and a red tie.

Richard Niemiec

Richard “Dick” Niemiec, 86, of Wooster, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Apostolic Christian Home in Rittman after a long battle with inclusion body myositis (IBM).

Close-up of an elderly man wearing glasses and a bright neon yellow shirt.

Thomas Woodruff

Thomas Eugene Woodruff, 82, of Holmesville, Ohio, passed away on Monday May 11, 2026 at Sycamore Run Nursing Home.

Levi R. Mast

Levi R. Mast, 88, of Winesburg, Ohio, passed away at Pomerene Hospital on Monday, May 11, 2026, after a period of declining health.

Sandra Kaye Layman

Sandra Kaye (Cox) Layman, age 86, of Coshocton, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Close-up of a man indoors in front of a tan perforated wall.

Steven L. Brown

Steven “Steve” L. Brown, age 69, of Millersburg, Ohio, and formerly of Mexia, Texas, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Akron Summa Hospital.

Portrait of an older man in a red shirt and beaded necklace with a U.S. flag and the word Veteran above him.

James R. Cash Jr.

James R. “Jim” Cash, Jr., 73 of Hopedale, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at his home with his family. Jim was born June 5, 1952, in Steubenville, Ohio a son of the late James R. and Agnes Kirk Cash, Sr.

Portrait of a man standing before an American flag design and the word “VETERAN.”

Jonathan Atwood

Jonathan Carl Atwood, 44, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026, at his residence.

Young man wearing a black shirt and red tie standing outdoors near a house.

Colton James Dorsey

Colton James Dorsey, 18, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, at his residence.

Eli J. Stutzman

Sepia portrait of a sailor with an American flag and the word veteran across the top.

Mike Thurston

Mike Thurston, a U.S. Navy veteran, longtime car salesman and gospel preacher, died May 9, 2026.

Portrait of a smiling woman wearing a crown and a white lace dress.

Marvel Louise Lewis

Marvel Louise Lewis, 81, of Dresden, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at Altercare Newark North.

Ryan Smith

Ryan “Smitty” Smith, 53, of Minerva, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Aultman Hospital following a short illness.

Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with short blond hair and a light knit sweater.

Sally Ann Hudson Ross

Sally Ann Hudson Ross, 77, died peacefully on Sunday, May 3, in her home surrounded by friends.

Smiling older man in a scarf with an American flag graphic and the word “VETERAN” above him.

Jerry James Foster

Jerry James Foster, 86, died March 29, 2026. Jerry was born November 12, 1939, and grew up in Coshocton, Ohio, the son of the late town physician, Dr. Gerald Foster, and a community-minded mother, the late Lucille (Jemison) Foster.

Portrait of a man in military uniform under an American flag graphic labeled Veteran.

Harry Richard Bordenkircher

Harry Richard “Rich” Bordenkircher, age 93, of Coshocton, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Smiling elderly woman with white hair and glasses standing outdoors in a park.

Sue Banbury

Virginia “Sue” Banbury, age 88, died on May 2, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones following a courageous battle with cancer.

Portrait of a man in a Veteran cap under an American flag graphic with the word VETERAN above him.

Fred A. Trussel

Fred A. Trussel, 65, of Millersburg, Ohio passed away Monday, April 27, 2026, at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare following a short illness.

John Willis Jr.

John Lloyd Willis, Jr., 59, of Holmes County, died March 26, 2026, at Altman Hospital in Canton from small-cell cancer.

Close-up portrait of a smiling woman against a textured wooden background.

Kathryn Marner

Kathryn Sue Marner, 67, of Berlin, Ohio, peacefully went into the arms of Jesus on Friday, May 1, 2026, after a brief battle with Leukemia.

Portrait of a smiling older man beneath a U.S. flag graphic and the word veteran.

Paul S. Morton

Paul S. Morton, MD, age 90, passed away at his home on April 30, 2026, after a two-year battle with acute myelogenous leukemia.

Older woman with white hair and glasses posed in front of a stone wall.

Barbara Joan Sheets

Barbara “Joan” Sheets was born July 1, 1940, in Coshocton, Ohio, and raised in Pleasant Valley.

Portrait of a man wearing glasses, a beige suit jacket, white shirt and dark tie on a blue background.

Michael J. Uhl

Michael J. “Mike” Uhl, 82, of Millersburg, Ohio, passed away Wednesday April 29, 2026, at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare in Wooster, following a period of declining health.

Close-up portrait of an elderly woman with white hair wearing a pink sweater.

Katie Grossniklaus

Katie A. Grossniklaus, 90, of Winesburg, was called home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 2, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her family.

Close-up portrait of a man with glasses and a beard wearing a blue shirt.

Timothy Edward Toussant

Timothy Edward Toussant, 69, passed away unexpectedly April 28, 2026.

Close-up of a person with glasses and a beard in a kitchen.

Michael Shawn Walters

Michael (Mike) Shawn Walters, age 57, of Coshocton passed away unexpectedly Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Man smiling outdoors in a Cleveland Indians shirt.

Paul Daniel Smith

Paul Daniel "Dan" Smith, age 68, of Millersburg, Ohio, passed away April 11, 2026, in Dauphin Island, Alabama, doing what he loved.

Man with sunglasses smiling at the beach during sunset.

William Stubbs dies at 79

William “Bill” Harold Stubbs, 79, of Coshocton, passed away on April 28, 2026, at his home.

Smiling woman with glasses in a casual indoor setting.

Connie J. Morris

Connie J. Morris, 69, of Minerva, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026, at Aultman Compassionate Care Center, surrounded by her family.

William Stubbs

William “Bill” Harold Stubbs, 79, of Coshocton, passed away on April 28, 2026, at his home.

Portrait of a veteran with a cap and military pins.

Kenneth Sigler

Kenneth Lee “Spike” Sigler, 87, of Shreve, passed away after an extended illness on Monday, April 27 at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare in Wooster surrounded by his family and friends.

Lester Leckrone

Lester L. Leckrone, age 86, of Loudonville, Ohio, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Altercare Majora Lane Nursing Home after a brief illness.

Martha E. Betts

Martha Ellen (Collier) Betts, 94, of Cadiz, passed away April 17, 2026, at the Harrison County Home. She was born August 5, 1931, in Cadiz, Ohio, to parents Frank and Martha (Ramsay) Collier.

Vintage portrait of a young veteran with an American flag background.

Samuel E. Kerwood

Samuel E. “Sam” Kerwood, age 76, of Scio, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026, in Aultman Hospital, Canton after a lengthy illness.

Older man with sunglasses and camouflage cap.

Regis J. Marker Sr.

Regis Joseph Marker Sr., a man whose ornery spirit was only matched by his loving heart, and perhaps the tenacity with which he assembled furniture, passed away on April 21, 2026, at UPMC Presby after a lengthy illness.

Smiling veteran in a home setting with an American flag background.

Sonya Adams

Sonya Marie Adams, 67, passed away peacefully at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida on April 15, 2026.

Smiling young man with braces in a casual setting.

Darian Atwood

Darian David Atwood, 16, affectionately known to some as “Double D” and “Tub Tub” passed away Monday, April 20, 2026.

Close-up of a man in a suit with a serious expression.

John Dusenberry

John Dusenberry, age 98, of Warsaw, passed away on April 23, 2026 at Coshocton Regional Medical Center.

Close-up portrait of an older man with glasses.

William Owens

William “Bill” Michael Owens of West Lafayette, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at the OSU Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, following a brief illness.

Levi V. Raber

Levi V. Raber, 88, of Charm, Ohio, passed away at Majora Lane surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 26, 2026 after a short illness.

Sally A. Zarbaugh

Sally Ann Zarbaugh, age 65, of Scio, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026 at Weirton Medical Center.

Elderly man smiling in a cap with a red background.

Albert Yoder

Albert Yoder, age 79, of Uniontown went home to be with the Lord on April 22, 2026.

Smiling man with gray hair and beard outdoors.

Peter Scalambrino

Peter Frank Scalambrino, 74, of New Philadelphia, OH went to be with The Lord Jesus Christ unexpectedly on Saturday, March 21st, 2026 at his home in Winter Haven, FL.

Close-up portrait of an elderly man with glasses.

Dale D. Matics

Dale D. Matics, formerly of Amsterdam, passed away peacefully at Centreville Village in Carrollton on Monday evening, April 13, 2026. Dale was born Nov. 29, 1935, the eldest son of Jarrett and Tillie (Peterson) Matics. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Evelyn, Nancy and Larry.

Elderly woman with curly hair smiling outdoors.

Bea McPherson

Bea Shaheen McPherson, affectionately known to many as “Aunt Bea”, of Hartville, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of April 17, 2026. She was 104 years old.

Sara L. Wright

Sara L. Wright, 89, of Coshocton, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Ronald L. Fittro

Ronald Lee Fittro, 74, of Jewett, Ohio, passed away on April 13, 2026, at Valley Hospice Care Center North in Steubenville, Ohio.

Thomas E. Phillips

Thomas Ewing “Tom” Phillips, 74, of Cadiz, formerly of Chillicothe, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at The Meadows of Cadiz.

Harold L. Howell

Harold L. Howell, 89, passed away April 17, 2026.

Cathy Kobel

Catherine “Cathy” Kobel, a cherished soul known for her boundless generosity and vibrant spirit, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at Oak Pointe Nursing Home, in Baltic.

Henry D. Miller

Henry D. "Sausage" Miller, age 77, of Millersburg, Ohio passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Sycamore Run Nursing Home in Millersburg.

Paul L. Mills

Paul L. Mills, 98, of Carrollton, passed away Thursday evening, April 16, 2026, at Centreville Village in Carrollton.

Brian Koch

Brian Richard Koch passed away suddenly Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Carole Bantum

Carole Jean (Snyder) Bantum, 88, passed away Monday, April 13, 2026, at Lafayette Pointe Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in West Lafayette.

Rodney Merce

Rodney L. Merce, 73, of Kimbolton, passed away on April 16, 2026.

Jean E. Burchfield

Jean E. Burchfield, 98, of Coshocton, passed away at Altercare of Coshocton on Wednesday April 15, 2026.

Mary Alice Reed

Mary Alice Reed, 95, passed away at home March 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, just as she wished.

Betty Lou Masters

Betty Lou Masters, age 89, of Millersburg, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday evening, April 16, 2026, at Majora Lane Care Center, Millersburg, Ohio, following a period of declining health.

Georgia Mae Wackerly

Georgia Mae Wackerly, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus on April 11, 2026. She was born on July 29, 1930 to the late Wayne and Mary Austin.

Dolores Rose Lindenbaum

Dolores Rose (Dobransky) Lindenbaum, 92, of Canton, passed away peacefully at home April 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Donna Mae Tuckosh

Donna Mae Tuckosh, 80, of Amsterdam, passed away April 12, 2026, at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Medical Center in Canton.

Ethel May Tinlin

Ethel “Tucky” May Tinlin, 89, a former Carrollton resident, died Tuesday evening, March 31, 2026, in West Chester.

Donna L. Point

Donna L. Point, born Sept. 20, 1936, near Elida, Ohio, to the late John and Ethel (Layman) Powell, died Apr. 13, 2026, in her home near Kenton, Ohio, aged 89 years, 6 months and 24 days.

Betty L. Cap

Betty L. Cap, 82, of Baltic, Ohio, passed away at her daughter's home in Dover on April 14, 2026.

Red-brick historic house with a covered porch, arched supports, and a sign in the front yard.

Coshocton Art Guild to host neurographic art class

The June 30 session at the Tollhouse in Roscoe will teach a meditative drawing practice for $20, with supplies included

Coshocton boxer Mobius Williams fights at local event

The nationally ranked 16-year-old will compete at the Crowtown Throwdown June 13 at Kids America in Coshocton

Coshocton Farmers Market continues at temporary site

The market is open Saturdays at the Roscoe Village Visitor Center parking lot until renovations at Skip’s Landing are finished, likely in July

Coshocton lands $1 million tree grant

The USDA-funded project will plant, remove and inventory trees in low- to moderate-income areas over the next three years

View Community Calendar

Find us on Facebook

The Coshocton County Beacon

THE LATEST

Local

Coshocton County EMS marks 50 years

The anniversary coincides with National EMS Week as the county seeks former volunteers and employees for an open house later this year

River View levy wins voter approval

The 4.8-mill operating levy is continuous, reducing future ballot costs and supporting district expenses

Voting booths with American flags and the word VOTE lined up beside a brick wall.

Chuck Ellis wins Coshocton commissioner primary

Ellis led the Republican race with 2,593 votes, defeating Dean Hettinger and Chuck Selders in the May 5 election

Row of voting booths with VOTE signs beneath red, white and blue bunting.

Coshocton event aims to boost voter turnout

Common Good Coalition PAC and local Democrats will host a free June 4 gathering at artPARK as organizing expands across East Central Ohio

Close-up of the American flag with stars and stripes.

Ohio bill aims to secure fire, EMS funds

Proposed legislation would protect levies from tax abatements, ensuring stable funding for public safety services

Genesis earns five-star CMS hospital rating

The health system ranks among the top 8% of U.S. hospitals in the 2026 Medicare quality ratings

Stethoscope and pen in a doctor's coat pocket

Coshocton health district highlights Dr. Audrey Onuzo

The Genesis Physician Services family practice doctor shares advice on exercise, diet and regular checkups for Coshocton residents

Sports

CHS girls end historic softball season

Brennen Reichman threw a no-hitter and hit two home runs as the Trojans beat Coshocton in five innings May 21 at Gnadenhutten

Coshocton tops Barnesville in district semifinal

The No 10 Lady Redskins scored six first-inning runs Monday and advanced to face top-seeded Tusky Valley in the Division V district championship

Anyssa Cutlip signs with Shawnee State

The Ridgewood right side hitter signed her letter of intent May 17 at Kids America after years of high school and club volleyball

Ridgewood duo signs college baseball letters

Connor Croy will play at Thiel College and Jace McQueen at Walsh University after standout careers for the Generals

River View junior funds swim wedges for project

JT Allison raised about $2,000 through donations and raffles to buy eight backstroke starting wedges for teams using the Coshocton High School pool

Community Spotlight

Local moms share heartfelt Mother's Day reflections

Women express the joys and challenges of motherhood ahead of Mother's Day May 10

Coshocton native reflects on community ties and road to LCC

Donnie Allen shares his journey from local schools to mining and leadership roles in Coshocton County

Choir singing in a concert hall with floral decorations.

Coshocton Youth Chorale sets final concert

The free May 26 performance at Coshocton Presbyterian Church will honor seniors and feature singers from four area schools

Coshocton Community Band returns June 5

The free concert series opens at 7 p.m. on Court Square as the band marks 60 years of summer performances in Coshocton

Ridgewood alumni banquet set for June 6

The West Lafayette event will honor reunion classes

Three children stand on a balcony, leaning over the railing and holding cardboard props.

Sacred Heart students test egg drop designs

End-of-year challenge at Sacred Heart Elementary had many students protect their eggs with homemade contraptions

Columns and Opinion

Life and Learning