Grace Leona Dickerson

Published January 21, 2026 - 5:00 a.m.

Grace Leona Dickerson, age 90, of Coshocton, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. She was born on October 9, 1935, in Fresno, Ohio, to the late Roy Ensil Fry and Grace (Fraizer) Fry.

Leona graduated from Fresno High School in 1954 and on April 22, 1955, she married Donis Dickerson. They were married for 52 years before his passing on March 28, 2008. She worked for Edmonts, and was a wallpapering artist and a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.

Leona was very artistic, enjoying painting, interior designing, gardening, working in her flower beds and being outside.

She loved spending time with her family and woodworking with her husband. Leona was a life-member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time with her church family.

She is survived by her two children, Timothy (Nancy) Dickerson of Coshocton and Jodie (Bill) Clark of Sunbury; grandchildren, Amy (Ryan) Sunderman, Ben (Brittany) Clark, and Ashley (Barry) Kilbarger; great-grandchildren, Haley (Brandon), Hannah (Phil), Alex (Alexis), Abbey (Jeremiah), Aiden (Kyah), Sydney, Logan (Miya), Payton (Matt), Hollis, Braxon, Blakely, and Willow; great-great-grandchildren, Leona, Rosi, Ezra, Calvin, Jack, Isaiah, Bonnie, Mazikeen, Asta, Skylar, Grayson, Jaelynn and Oliver. Her sister, Bonnie (Charles “Rick”) Guilliams of Coshocton and many nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents and husband, Leona is preceded in death by her three grandsons, Michael, Christopher, and Daryl; one great-grandson, Zane; and seven siblings, Alberta, Kenny, David, Wade, Ivan, Pauline, and Creta.

A graveside service was held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Prairie Chapel Cemetery. Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home is serving the family.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Leona’s name to the Hospice of the donor’s choice. An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.

coshocton

Obituaries

Portrait of a smiling man in a suit under a U.S. flag graphic labeled veteran.

Richard Thomas Lauber

Richard Thomas "Tom" Lauber, age 91, passed away on June 1, 2026, after a period of declining health.

Elderly woman with white hair and black glasses indoors against a blue background.

Shirley Ann Vickers

Shirley Ann Vickers, age 90, of Conesville, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Smiling older woman wearing glasses in a close-up indoor portrait.

Betty Kobel

Betty Kobel, 81, of Coshocton, passed away on June 4, 2026, at Akron General.

Studio portrait of an elderly man in glasses and a suit, with his hand under his chin.

Glenn William King

Glenn William King, 101, of Conesville, Ohio, passed away on June 2, 2026, after a long and happy life.

Portrait of a young Navy veteran in a white uniform and cap with an American flag behind him.

Michael David Frye

Michael David Frye, age 70, of Coshocton, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Genesis Hospital from the tragic effects of bacterial meningitis.

Portrait of an older man in a suit below an American flag graphic and the word 'VETERAN.'

Edwin V. Ringer

Edwin V. Ringer, age 79, of Hartville passed away May 31, 2026. He was born in Canton on May 29, 1947, to the late Virgil and Cora (Ginther) Ringer and graduated from Marlington High School. Ed was proud of his service to the United States Army as he was drafted during Vietnam.

Portrait of an elderly man wearing a white cap, plaid shirt, and blue vest against a light background.

William Swihart

William "Bill" Swihart, 88, of Winfield, passed away at Hennis Care Centre in Dover on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, following a period of declining health.

Studio portrait of a smiling woman wearing gold jewelry against a dark background.

Wilma L. Buckingham

Wilma Lois Buckingham, age 91, loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at the Country Court Skilled Nursing Center in Mt. Vernon on June 1, 2026.

Smiling elderly man in a blue checkered shirt against a gray backdrop.

Albert N. Troyer

Albert N. Troyer, 83, of Berlin, Ohio went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, peacefully at his home.

Smiling elderly woman with glasses resting her hand on her cheek.

Helene Lamp

Helene Lamp, age 104, of Richmond, Texas, passed away on May 28, 2026.

Close-up portrait of an elderly man wearing a black hat, glasses, and a suit with a red tie.

Thomas J. Polk

Thomas J. Polk, lovingly known as Peewee, age 63, of Coshocton, Ohio, passed away peacefully May 31, 2026, at 2:36 a.m. at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Close-up of an elderly woman smiling indoors.

Mary Jo Hardman

Mary Jo Hardman, 92, of Minerva, passed away Monday, June 1, 2026, at St. Luke Lutheran Community in Minerva.

Close-up portrait of an older man wearing glasses and formal clothing.

Kenneth E. Garber

Kenneth E. Garber, 92, of Coshocton, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter on Friday, May 29, 2026.

A man in glasses and a red shirt sits outdoors near a bench.

Randy L. Medley

Randy L. Medley, age 65, of Coshocton, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Riverside Methodist Hospital.

Elderly woman with curly white hair seated on a couch and facing the camera.

Janice Marie Honaker

Janice Marie Honaker, 89 of Coshocton, passed away on May 27, 2026, at Riverside Apartments in Newcomerstown.

Close-up portrait of a woman looking at the camera indoors.

Francine Renee Bishop

Francine “Renee” Bishop, age 69, went home to the Lord and reunited in heaven with her husband Ron on May 22, 2026.

Man in a camouflage cap and dark jacket standing near a door, looking toward the camera.

Timothy J. Horner

Timothy James Horner, age 67, of Tippecanoe, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Close-up portrait of an older woman smiling and wearing glasses against a plain background.

Esther C. Troyer

Esther C. (Schlabach) Troyer, 93, of Walnut Creek, Ohio passed away at her home on Monday, June 1, 2026, after a period of declining health.

Close-up portrait of a smiling older man against a neutral background.

Paul R. Wolfe

Paul R. Wolfe, age 80, of Coshocton passed away on May 27, 2026, at Summa Health Systems.

Norris Edward Brooks

Norris Edward Brooks, born February 11, 1941, age 85, passed away May 16, 2026, in Penang, Malaysia due to an accident.

Elderly woman with glasses wearing a green sweater seated indoors.

Betty Salvage

Here on earth, we sadly say goodbye to Betty Whyde Salvage, aged 99, our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt to many generations, good neighbor and friend to many, and a true and devout Christian.

Woman with red hair and glasses standing outdoors near branches and flowers.

Kerri Lynell Bennett

Kerri Lynell Bennett, 49, formerly of Big Prairie, Ohio passed suddenly and unexpectedly Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Fisher, West Virginia.

Smiling older woman wearing glasses and a cross necklace in front of a floral arrangement.

Dana Sue Yoder

Dana Sue Yoder of Carrollton passed away May 26, 2026, at the Aultman Woodlawn Compassionate Care Center. She fought her disease with grace, dignity and determination. She won the battle and now rests in the arms of Jesus.

Close-up of a young man wearing a gray cap with “SKINS” on the front.

Alex McPeak

Alex Matthew McPeak, 28, of Coshocton, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026, at Summa Health in Akron, OH, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Elderly woman indoors near a window, with flowers and soft daylight behind her.

Janice Deolene (Grender) Heiser

Janice Deolene (Grender) Heiser passed away at home from cancer on Friday, May 22, 2026 two days before what would have been her 92nd birthday, with her family at her side.

Close-up portrait of a woman in a dark fur-trimmed coat, looking at the camera.

Katheryn G. Uhl Hoxworth

Katheryn G. Uhl Hoxworth, age 84, of Millersburg, Ohio passed away Thursday, May 21, 2026 with her loving family at her side following a sudden illness.

Smiling woman wearing glasses and a light-colored top, shown indoors in a screenshot.

Mariann Stutzman

Mariann Stutzman, 74, of Berlin, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at home, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Older man with glasses wearing a dark jacket against a gray background.

Harold Eldwin Campbell

Harold Eldwin Campbell, 80, of Dayton, Virginia and more recently of Fredericksburg, Ohio passed away peacefully at LifeCare Hospice in Wooster on May 24, 2026.

Police officer in uniform seated beside a computer monitor in an office.

Robert Euton

Robert “Bob” Euton, age 80, of Coshocton, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Roscoe Gardens.

Carl Baker

Carl Baker, age 65, of Coshocton passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Roscoe Gardens.

Close-up of a woman wearing glasses and a black-and-white patterned top.

Sharon L. Taylor

Sharon L. Taylor, 70, of West Lafayette, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at her residence.

Donald Lee Brown

Donald (Donny) Lee Brown, 73, of Newcomerstown passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Portrait of an elderly woman wearing glasses and a red jacket against a dark background.

Reva Jane Olinger

Reva Jane (Mckee) Olinger, age 92, peacefully passed, moving on to her new heavenly home on Sunday, May 17, 2026, surrounded by her three children.

Smiling young man in a suit jacket, white shirt, and dark tie posed against a plain background.

Harold H. Donaker

Harold H. Donaker, age 89, of Frazeysburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on May 19, 2026.

Portrait of a man in glasses wearing a patterned jacket and tie.

Mark W. Rogers

Mark William Rogers, 70, of Freeport, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio, after a long period of declining health.

Portrait of a man under a U.S. flag graphic with the word Veteran at the top.

Donald E. Evans

Donald Eugene Evans, aged 92, went to be with his Saviour at 11:22 AM on April 19, 2026, at Dayton, Ohio, in the presence of his family.

Close-up portrait of an older woman with short light hair in front of a wood-paneled wall.

Sharon L. Kyle

Sharon Louise Kyle, formerly Sharon Louise Neal, died May 20, 2026, in Westerville, OH. She was 79 years old.

Smiling older man wearing glasses and a plaid shirt in front of green trees.

Wayne O. Lepley

Wayne O. Lepley, age 83, of Atwater, passed away on May 22, 2026.

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.

Children in orange shirts gather around a table covered with books, papers, and small orange containers in a classroom.

Camp Invention draws 90 to Coshocton

Students at Coshocton Elementary explored STEM activities with teen volunteers during the week of June 1

Coshocton KOA opens Jolly Bee trailer

The new poolside food trailer at 24688 County Road 10 began serving campers, swimmers and the public June 4

Gabe Rainwater earns 20th Mohican 100 finish

The local ultrarunner became the youngest runner to reach 20 finishes at the Loudonville race and received the event’s 2,000-Mile Buckle

Cardinal Chorale to perform in Coshocton

The 36-voice ensemble will present a free June 12 concert at Roscoe United Methodist Church as part of its seven-stop Ohio tour

View Community Calendar

Find us on Facebook

The Coshocton County Beacon

THE LATEST

Local

Beauty @ The Wright Place opens

Jen Wright’s new salon at 402 Main St. in downtown Coshocton held a ribbon cutting May 28 and aims to support young beauty professionals

Columbia Gas warns against DIY gas work

During National Safety Month, the utility urged Ohio customers to hire qualified professionals for natural gas appliance and line work

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

Coshocton optometrist joins Erwin Family Eye Care

Dr. Griffin Mason, a Coshocton High graduate, begins seeing patients July 6 and plans free June eye care for children age 5-12 facing financial barriers

River View levy wins voter approval

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

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

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

Coshocton, River View earn MVL softball honors

The Muskingum Valley League named Coshocton and River View players to its 2026 all-league varsity softball teams

Harrison Central tops Ridgewood for district title

A five-run sixth inning sent the Huskies past Ridgewood 5-2 in the East District final, ending the Generals' season at 20-10

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 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 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

Community Spotlight

Partially built house with exterior sheathing and ladders on the outside.

Coshocton home marks 102 years in family

The house at 663 John St., bought by William Hiser in 1924, has passed through three generations and reflects a century of local family history

Local moms share heartfelt Mother's Day reflections

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

Dominic Greco Band to play Newcomerstown

Free June 20 concert at Newcomerstown Middle School will follow a historical society lunch as part of ARTSNCT's Arts for All program

Roscoe Village to host Ohio history talk

Author Dan Rager will present 250 years of Ohio transportation history June 13 at the Roscoe Village Visitors Center in Coshocton

Coshocton Rotary awards 4 scholarships

Students from Coshocton, River View, Ridgewood and the career center each received $1,500 for college studies

Dean’s Jewelry launches Hope Sparkles event

The June 16-20 fundraiser in Coshocton and Mount Vernon will support local United Way agencies through jewelry services, raffles and matched donations

Columns and Opinion

Life and Learning