Obituaries

Recent Obituaries

Lisa La'Saundra Ortiz

Lisa La'Saundra Ortiz

Jun 12, 2026

Mama Lisa, a name that rings in the hearts of many, Lisa La'Saundra Ortiz, the imperial force who loved and protected all, the mama bear and oldest who protected all with lethal force, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. The impenetrable force that, at age 52, almost did it all.

She's embraced by her father,...

David E. Keathley

David E. Keathley

Jun 11, 2026

David E. Keathley, age 67, and a lifelong resident of Lorain, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026, in his home.

David was born May 10, 1959, to the late Herbet and Josephine Keathley. 

He proudly enlisted in March of 1982 and served in the United States Marine Corps, earning the rank of Lance Corporal before being honorably discharged in January of 1985. 

He...

James Eugene Burgess

James Eugene Burgess

Jun 11, 2026

James Eugene Burgess, age 71 and a resident of Amherst, passed away at Amherst Manor on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

He was born in Amherst to the late James Lee Burgess and Augusta Francis (nee Simpson) Burgess. He was a motorcycle mechanic by trade.

Andras Crematory & Funeral Home, Lorain entrusted with arrangements. 

Rebecca Endrai

Rebecca Endrai

Jun 3, 2026

Rebecca Endrai was born on February 28, 1947, and passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, in Lorain, Ohio, at the age of 79.Rebecca was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. She graduated from Vermilion High School and carried throughout her life a love of learning, especially...

Brenda Zirkle

Brenda Zirkle

Jun 2, 2026

Brenda Lee Zirkle (née Chandler), of Lorain, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 63, surrounded by her loving family.Born on November 26, 1962, in Amherst, Ohio, Brenda was the beloved daughter of Robert Chandler Sr. and Jeanette Chandler (née Kidd). She graduated from Vermilion High School and later attended Lorain County Community College.Brenda was...

Rebecca J. Keenan

Rebecca J. Keenan

Jun 1, 2026

Rebecca "Becky" J. Keenan, age 63, and a resident of Lorain, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026. Becky spent much of her life in Lorain County and graduated from Vermilion High School before raising her family in Lorain. Becky was unapologetically herself — loud, funny, feisty, and never afraid to say exactly what was on her mind. She built lasting...

Howard "Howie" Simons Jr.

Howard "Howie" Simons Jr.

May 27, 2026

Howard “Howie” A. Simons Jr., 57, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, unexpectedly, surrounded by the love of his family and those who knew him best. Born and raised in Rocky River, Howie carried with him the strong values of family and loyalty throughout his life.

Howie will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 22 years, Deborah Simons...

Johnny Dean Miller

Johnny Dean Miller

May 23, 2026

Johnny Dean Miller, age 56, of LaGrange, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 23, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on April 3, 1970, in Parma, he was the son of Charles Miller and Woneda Blauvelt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Cheri Spitzer.

Johnny is survived by his fiancée...

Marsha Ann Diaz

Marsha Ann Diaz

May 23, 2026

Marsha Ann Diaz (nee Gilbert) was born May 27, 1953, and passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family, on May 23, 2026, at the age of 72.

She was a strong, spirited woman whose toughness was matched only by the love she had for her family. As a grandmother to many grandchildren, she created a home filled with...

Helen Louise Woods

Helen Louise Woods

May 20, 2026

Beloved mother and grandmother, Helen Louise Woods of Lorain, OH, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at the age of 77. She was born on November 23, 1948, to Frenchie Ware and Willa Nichols in Pennsboro, WV.

She is survived by her children, Monica Grabiak (William) and Chad Woods; her grandchildren, Julie Grabiak (James) and Robert Grabiak (Samantha); her brothers,...

Sara Beth Velazquez

Sara Beth Velazquez

May 18, 2026

Sara Beth Frasher Velazquez, age 40, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026. She was born on January 11, 1986, and will be forever remembered for her loving heart, beautiful spirit, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her.

Sara was a devoted and loving mother to her two beautiful daughters, Isabella Beth and Madilynn Rosa, who were the...

Peggy M. Hunker

Peggy M. Hunker

May 15, 2026

Peggy M. Hunker, age 84 and a resident of Oberlin, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026, after a short illness.

She was born in Big Sandy, West Virginia, and resided in Oberlin for the past 55 years. Peggy was retired and previously was employed at the Village Market of Wellington as a meat wrapper.

Peggy is survived by her daughters, Ruth Johnson...

Diane Hartley

Diane Hartley

May 14, 2026

Caroline D. Hartley, lovingly known as Diane, Granny, and Aunt Dee, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. She was the cherished daughter of Cleo William and Lora Mae (née Raines) Phillips.

Diane is survived by her lifelong companion of 40 years, Phil Cruz; her daughters, Angel (Jose) Leos and Sunny Hartley; her stepsons, Shawn (Latika) Cruz and Brandon...

Christie J. Biggs

Christie J. Biggs

May 11, 2026

Christie J. Biggs, age 68, of Lorain, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, May 11, 2026.She leaves behind her loving husband, Ronald Biggs, and her cherished daughters, Turquoise and Jacara Biggs. Christie was a devoted grandmother to Nylah, Isabel, Greyson, Symple, Elias, and Elijah. She is also survived by her brothers, Kenny and O'Bryant O'Neal, and her sisters,...

Anthony "Tony" Gargasz

Anthony "Tony" Gargasz

May 8, 2026

Anthony “Tony” Gargasz, age 70, and a resident of Lorain, Ohio, passed away on May 8, 2026, surrounded by his family. 

Tony spent his career as an engineer developing industrial software systems for Ohio’s steel industry, driven by a genuine passion for computers and electronics that never left him. He held professional Microsoft and HAM radio certifications that spoke to his...

James "Jim" A. Taddeo

James "Jim" A. Taddeo

May 6, 2026

James "Jim" A. Taddeo, age 64, and a resident of Lorain, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Jim was born in Lorain to the late Julius and Rosemary Taddeo (nee Spaetzel). He attended Avon Lake High School. Jim worked for Bonne Bell, Westlake, and PolyOne in Avon Lake.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister...

Jill Wickline

Jill Wickline

May 2, 2026

Jill Wickline (nee Naelitz), 62, of Lorain, went peacefully home to the Lord on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

She was born on July 16, 1963, in Lorain.

Jill was a 1981 graduate of Admiral King High School and was employed by First Federal Bank and Lorain Products. She was a lifelong Cleveland sports fan who loved cheering on the Cavaliers, Browns, and...

Stella A Burke

Stella A Burke

May 2, 2026

Stella Ann Burke (nee Zebraski), 74, beloved wife of Michael, dear mother of Jennifer Lee Graskey and the deceased Anthony Chester Graskey (2025), and sister of Chester Zebraski and Janis Jonhenry, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Stella was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Jeffrey Graskey (1986). She was a 1969 graduate of Midpark High...

David Wayne "DJ" McPherson Jr.

David Wayne "DJ" McPherson Jr.

Apr 28, 2026

David Wayne “DJ” McPherson Jr., 33, passed away on April 28, 2026, after a long battle with mental illness.Born on October 14, 1992, DJ was raised in Vermilion and later lived in Lorain and Sandusky. He was known for his humor, kind heart, and ability to make everyone around him laugh. DJ loved being an uncle to his nieces and...

Charlene "Kay" Neer

Charlene "Kay" Neer

Apr 25, 2026

Charlene "Kay" Neer, age 77 and a life resident of Lorain, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Autumn Aegis.

Charlene was born August 6, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Charles and Yvonne (nee Valade) Neer. Kay attended Murray Ridge Center and worked through their school in Oberlin for several years. When not working, she enjoyed word search puzzles...

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