James Raymond “Jim” Besser Sr., 74, of Midvale, formerly of Dover and Newcomerstown, died Dec. 31, 2009, at the Coshocton Health & Rehabilitation Center.Jim was born Dec. 18, 1935, in Coshocton, to the late Raymond B. and Agnes E. Besser. Surviving are a son, James R. (Rebecca) Besser II of Coshocton; a grandson; half-sister, Bonnie A. Honabarger of Warsaw; mother-in-law, Melva Marquand of Springfield; sister-in-law, Edith Marquand of Springfield; brother-in-law, Bob Helton of Waynesville; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.He was preceded in death by his wife, Melva Luella Besser, whom he married in 1965.Services were held Jan. 5, 2010, at Ourant Funeral Home, with Pastor Lu Ann Youngman officiating. Burial was in Fairfield Cemetery, West Lafayette.Family requests memorials be made in his name to Winfield United Methodist Church, 5247 SR 516, Dover 44622.Margaret BowerMargaret J. “Midge” Bower, 65, of Bowerston, died Dec. 23, 2009, at her home.Born May 2, 1944, in San Bernardino, Calif., Midge was a daughter of the late Douglas Robert and Harriet Jane Green. Surviving are her husband, David A. Bower Sr., whom she married in 1965; sons, David A. (Lori) Bower Jr. of New Philadelphia, Chris (Kathy) Bower of Bowerston, Todd (Kelly) Bower of Powell, and Brian (Nichole) Bower of Akron; 11 grandchildren; siblings, Dr. Bill (Brenda) Green of Terre Haute, Ind., Barb Green (companion, Pam Hutte) of Palm Harbor, Fla., Bob (Jill) Green of Ogden Dunes, Ind., Dr. Ted (Mary Faith) Green of St. Louis, Mo., and Tim (Julie) Green of Fishers, Ind.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.In keeping with Midge’s wishes, she has been cremated. Memorial services were held Jan. 3, 2010, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Bowerston, with Rev. Dr. Steve Bailey officiating. Interment was in Bowerston’s Longview Cemetery.Those wishing to honor her memory by a charitable contribution may do so to the Conotton Valley Rocket Foundation Midge Bower Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1021, New Philadelphia 44663; or Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third St., Dover 44622.Edward BylerEdward T. Byler, 63, died Jan. 1, 2010.Surviving are children, Jonathan (Janet) Byler, Mark Byler, Michelle Stephens, and David Byler; seven granddaughters; sisters, Lydia (John) Schmid of Benton, Esther (Freeman) Mullet of Apple Creek, and Dorothy (Earl) Yoder of Dover; brothers, Dan (Betty) Byler of Canton and John Byler of Louisville; and numerous nieces and nephews.Services were held Jan. 5, 2010, at Fairlawn Mennonite Church, with Pastor Jeremy Miller officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.Alicia CooperAlicia Lynn Cooper, 17, of New Philadelphia, died Jan. 3, 2010, at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. She was recently diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia.Born Dec. 27, 1992, in Dover, Alicia was a daughter of James and Sandy Cooper. She was home-schooled and earned her diploma early in 2009, and was a member of Christian Harbor Church, East Sparta.Surviving are a sister, Breanna Cooper of the home; brothers, Mark (Kara) Cooper of Newcomerstown and Mike (Jamie) Cooper of Dover; a niece and nephews; paternal grandparents, Jimmie and Ruth Cooper of Hephzibah, Ga.; maternal grandparents, Robert and Betty Swiger of New Milton, W.Va., and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.A celebration of Alicia’s life was held Jan. 7, 2010, at the Linn-Hert-Geib chapel, with Pastors John Boggs and Dave Stamper officiating. Interment was in Sherrodsville Memory Gardens.Contributions may be made to the Alicia Cooper Benefit Fund, care of any Dover-Phila Federal Credit Union, or by mail at 119 Fillmore Ave., Dover 44622; or the American Red Cross, 1451 Fourth Street NW, New Philadelphia 44663.Felicia FloydFelicia A. Floyd, 69, of Dover, died Dec. 28, 2009, at her home.Born Nov. 24, 1940, in Dover, Felicia was a daughter of the late John and Loretta Capozella. Surviving are a daughter, Lori (Mike) Roth of Jewett; four grandchildren; and siblings, Kathy (William) Thomas of Dover, John (Susan) Capozella of New Philadelphia, Tom (Kate) Capozella of Dover, Joanne (Milton) Hamilton of New Philadelphia, Denny (Shawna) Capozella of Florida, and Angela (Steve) Rampy of Texas.Her brothers, Richard and Terry Capozella, preceded her in death.Funeral Mass was held Dec. 31, 2009, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dover, with Fr. Matt Hoover officiating. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Dover.Contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave., Dover 44622.Juanita Hanson-HeckJuanita M. Hanson-Heck, 87, of Newcomerstown, formerly of Gnadenhutten, died Dec. 29, 2009, at Aultman Hospital, Canton.Born Jan. 28, 1922, in Mountain, W.Va., Juanita was a daughter of the late Martin Luther and Myrtle Mae Jones.Surviving are children, David Hanson (companion, Linda Pinchek) of Dennison and Jayne (Robert) Shaw of Newcomerstown; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Howard L. (Eleanor) Jones of Baltimore, Md., and Lester (Norma) Jones of Duncannon, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her first husband, Alvin A. Hanson, whom she married in 1943; second husband, Dwight Raymond Heck, whom she married in 1984; stepchildren, Robert (Phyllis) Heck of Denver, Co., and Ray (Patti) Heck of Louisville, Ky.; three stepgrandchildren; several stepgreat-grandchildren; brothers, James, Paul, Lionel, Clarence, Wayne, and Chester; and sisters, Allean Spencer, Melissa, Arrahwanna, and Bessie.Services were held Dec. 31, 2009, at R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Dennison, with Rev. Russel Ham officiating. Interment was in Gnadenhutten-Clay Union Cemetery.Those wishing to honor her memory by a charitable contribution may do so to Christ United Methodist Church, 648 Oak St., Newcomerstown 43832.Mabel JewellMabel Jewell, 89, of New Philadelphia, died Jan. 2, 2010, at Amberwood Manor, following a period of declining health.Born Feb. 13, 1920, in Dover, Mabel was the daughter of the late Jesse and Hazel Seibert.Surviving are two nieces and a nephew; and sisters-in-law, Mary Ersek of New Philadelphia and Carolyn Googash of Dover.She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert John Jewell.Services were held Jan. 6, 2009, at the Linn-Hert-Geib chapel, with Msgr. George J. Schlegel officiating. Entombment was in East Avenue Cemetery.Donald McCombDonald D. “Chip” McComb, 73, of Midvale, died Dec. 31, 2009, at his home.Born Dec. 13, 1936, in Dennison, Chip was a son of the late James and Laura McComb. A 1954 graduate of Midvale High School, he worked for many years as a self-employed truck driver and owned and operated the Ohio Beverage Ice Co., Midvale. He was also employed by the Midvale Speedway.Surviving are his wife, Doris A. McComb, whom he married in 1955; daughter, Sandra (James) Donehue of New Philadelphia; sons, Ronald (Teresa) McComb and Jeffrey (Dena) McComb, both of Midvale; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Addie (Donald) Stull of Port Washington; and several nieces and nephews.Graveside services were held Jan. 5, 2010, in Union Cemetery, Port Washington, with Pastor Michael Travis officiating.Family suggests contributions in his memory be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas Co., 201 W. Third St., Dover 44622.Grace MileyGrace Evelyn Miley, 91, of Bolivar, formerly of Bowerston, died Dec. 29, 2009, at Hennis Care Center, Bolivar.Born April 22, 1918, in Corning, Grace was a daughter of the late Berton and Catherine Maxwell. She was a 1936 graduate of Corning High School and had been a member of the Bowerston Quilting Club for many years.Surviving are sons, John W. Miley of Sherrodsville and Ed (Vicki) Miley of Bolivar; five grandsons; and nine great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband, James Willick Miley, whom she married in 1944; and sister, Janet Lambert.Services were held Jan. 4, 2010, at R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Dennison, with Rev. John Johnson officiating. Interment was in Bowerston’s Longview Cemetery.Those wishing to honor her memory by a charitable contribution may do so to Hospice of Tuscarawas County.Derlin MillerDerlin A. Miller, 93, of Dover, died Dec. 28, 2009, at New Dawn Retirement Community.Derlin was born March 3, 1916, in Rittman, to the late Robert E. and Vella Miller. He graduated from Dover High School in 1934 and the Canton Business School, and was employed by the former Garver Bros. Store. He was later elected as the first full-time auditor for the city of Dover and served for many years as secretary-treasurer of the former Surety Savings & Loan Company until his retirement in 1982. He was a member of First Moravian Church, Dover, and Tuscarawas Masonic Lodge 59, Dover.Surviving are daughters, Beverly (Jeff) Kirkbride of Dover, and Sandy (Gary) Page and Debbie (Mark) Stack, both of Gahanna; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Miller; brother, Robert; and sisters, Janice Hanenkrat and Thelma Smith.A celebration of Derlin’s life was held Dec. 30, 2009, at Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover, with Rev. John Wallace officiating. Interment was in Dover Burial Park.Contributions may be made to First Moravian Church, 319 N. Walnut St., Dover 44622.Donald MurphyDonald F. “Murph” Murphy, 76, of Beach City, died Dec. 29, 2009, at Hennis Care Centre, Dover.Born Nov. 3, 1933, in Dover, Murph was a son of the late Fred E. and Esther Murphy. Surviving are his wife, Lydia Mae Murphy, whom he married in 1953; son, Tom (Gay) Murphy of Strasburg; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Kenneth (Janet) Murphy of Dover; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Murphy.Services were held Jan. 2, 2010, at Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover, with Pastor Steve Woyen officiating. Burial was in Grandview Union Cemetery, Strasburg.Ruth O’HailRuth M. O’Hail, 92, of Wooster, died Dec. 29, 2009, at her home.Ruth was born April 10, 1917, in Funk, to the late John Curtis and Jennie Barden. Surviving are daughters, Pat (Tom) Henshaw of Smithville and Vickie L. Wittkop of Dover; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter O’Hail; and siblings, Clayton Barden, Catherine Hostettler, Flo Lutz, Dorothy Eagle, Grace Swartzwalder, twins, Howard and Harold Barden, and Jennie Schrock.Services were held Jan. 2, 2010, at Smithville United Methodist Church, with Rev. Keith Peachy officiating. Entombment was in Sherwood Memorial Gardens, Wooster.Contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County, 2525 Back Orrville Rd., Wooster 44691; or Smithville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 375, Smithville 44677.Mose RaberMose E. Raber, 71, of Baltic, died Jan. 1, 2010, at his residence, following an extended illness.Mose was born March 12, 1938, in Holmes County, to the late Eli M. and Sarah Raber. Surviving are his wife, Amanda Raber, whom he married in 1958; sons, Dan (Mary) Raber of Baltic, John (Miriam) Raber of Millersburg, and Abe (Ruth) Raber of Baltic; daughters, Mary (David) Shetler of Sugarcreek, Katie (Daniel) Raber, Anna (Harvey) Miller, and Barbara (Daniel) Raber, all of Millersburg, and Betty (Robert) Raber of Sugarcreek; 42 grandchildren; two great-grandsons; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Troyer of Fresno; brothers, Andy (Anna) Raber of Millersburg, Eli (Mary) Raber of Sugarcreek, and Henry (Lynn) Raber of Dundee; and sisters, Mary (Levi) Yoder and Anna (Eli N.) Miller, both of Millersburg.Services were held Jan. 4, 2010, at the Raber residence, with Bishop Noah N.L. Yoder officiating. Burial was in Erb Cemetery, Clark Township, Holmes County.Wilma ReichWilma J. Reich, 76, of Dover, formerly of Akron, died Dec. 22, 2009, at Union Hospital.Wilma was born July 10, 1933, in Palmyra, Wis., to the late Ethan and Agnes Emery. Surviving are her husband, Allen D. Reich, whom she married in 1953; children, Gail (Dan) Legg of Dover, Marc (Martha) Reich of Atlanta, Ga., Rebecca (Ken) Metheney of Streamwood, Ill., and Dave (Caren) Reich of Pine River, Wis.; daughter-in-law, Lori Reich of Arlington Heights, Ill.; nine grandchildren; sister, Pat Wallace of Wisconsin; and brothers, Ethan (Vicky) Emery, Loren (Anita) Emery, and Bernie (Pat) Emery, all of Wisconsin.Services were held Dec. 28, 2009, at Smith-Varns Funeral Home, Sugarcreek, with Rev. Daniel Legg officiating. Burial was in Union Hill Cemetery.Memorials may be made to The Church of New Hope, 3374 Schneiders Crossing Rd. NW, Dover 44622.Norma ShullNorma L. Shull, 79, of Dover, formerly of Dundee, died Dec. 26, 2009, at Amberwood Manor, New Philadelphia.Norma was born May 25, 1930, in Stark County, to the late George and Inez Werstler.Surviving are sons, Ronald D. Shull of Louisiana and Larry (Cindy) Shull of New Philadelphia; daughters, Sandra (Bob) Klein and Nancy (Randy) Alleshouse, both of New Philadelphia, Marjorie (Stephen) Cronk of Midvale, and Brenda (James) Weaver of Dundee; brother, Donald “Buddy” Werstler of Louisiana; sister, Marla Jean Fankhauser of Dundee; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Shull; daughter, Barbara Gnagy; sister, Donna; and brothers, Victor and Jay Werstler.Services were held Dec. 31, 2009, at Smith-Varns Funeral Home, Sugarcreek, with Rev. Carl Kandel officiating. Burial was in Dundee Cemetery.Memorials may be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third St., Dover 44622.John SpringerJohn T. Springer, 62, of Dover, died Jan. 2, 2010.John was born March 30, 1947, in Dover, to Wilma and the late Elden Springer. Surviving are his wife, Diane Springer, whom he married in 1968; children, Nick (Marsha) Springer of Newcomerstown, Scott (Tracy) Springer of Dover, and Amy (Chris) Aureden of North Carolina; four grandchildren; sisters, Linda (John) Gilgen of South Carolina and Penny (Dale) Gerber of Massillon; brothers, Joe (Debbie) Springer of New Philadelphia and Mike Springer (companion, Cheryl) of Sarasota, Fla.; mother- and father-in-law, Sandy and Eleanor Leonetti of Strasburg; and many nieces and nephews.John will be cremated and interred at Dover Burial Park. A celebration of his life will be held Jan. 8, 2010, at 11 a.m., at Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover, with Pastor Sue Koenig officiating.Those who wish to honor his memory may make a contribution to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third St., Dover 44622.Doris ThompsonDoris Lucille Thompson, 74, of Berlin, died Dec. 28, 2009.Doris was born Sept. 23, 1935, in Dundee, to the late Thelma and Kermit Miller. Surviving are a son, Rick (Gloria) Thompson of St. Charles, Mo.; daughter, Jean (Greg) Tenney of Millersburg; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Don (Helen) Miller of North Canton; and sisters-in-law, Sally (Bob) Zeltman of Strasburg and Dot Miller of Wooster.She was preceded in death by her husband, Oren Thompson, whom she married in 1954. Services were held Dec. 31, 2009, at Berlin First Baptist Church, with Rev. Robert Nye officiating. Burial was in Berlin Cemetery.Robert WigtonRobert P. “Dozzy” Wigton, 80, of Loudonville, died Dec. 29, 2009, at his home, following an extended illness.Bob was born August 12, 1929, in Loudonville, to the late Doyle D. and Grace L. Wigton. Surviving are his wife, Mary Ann Wigton, whom he married in 1983; sons, Doug (Kathy) Wigton of New Philadelphia, Steve (Beth) Wigton of Lancaster, and Scott Wigton of Loudonville; daughters, Kelly Zody and Heather Randles, both of Columbus; six grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and a cousin.Services were held Jan. 2, 2010, at Loudonville United Methodist Church, with Rev. Robert Mitchell officiating. Burial was in Loudonville Cemetery.Roman YoderRoman A. Yoder, 88, of Sugarcreek, died Jan. 1, 2010, at his residence, following a brief illness.Born July 17, 1921, Roman was a son of the late Andrew and Amanda Yoder. Surviving are his wife, Malinda Fern Yoder, whom he married in 1946; sons, Ervin (Kenney) Yoder of Richmond, Ky., and Sanford (Frieda) Yoder of Sugarcreek; daughters, Rachel (Roy) Kline and Ruth Ann (Timothy) Schlabach, both of Sugarcreek; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Amanda Mullet of Pennsylvania; and brother, Noah Yoder of Alabama.Services were held Jan. 3, 2009, at the Yoder residence, with Bishop Robert N. Troyer officiating. Burial was in Yoder Cemetery, Sugarcreek Township.