Buckeye Director
The
A publication of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association
Fall 2015
OFDA Mortuary Response Team
Golf Outing
PAGE 8
2015-2016 OFDA
Committees
PAGE 14
OFDA The Buckeye Director
1
2
OFDA The Buckeye Director
Buckeye Director
The
Volume 7 • Issue 3
The Ohio Funeral Directors Association
2501 North Star Road
P.O. Box 21760
Columbus, OH 43221-0760
614-486-5339
800-589-6332
Fax 614-486-5358
Fax 800-507-1465
www.ofdaonline.org
OFDA Staff
Executive Director
Melissa S. Sullivan
[email protected]
Assistant Executive Director
Colin Evans
[email protected]
Education and Events Coordinator
Diana Carpenter
[email protected]
Member Services &
Marketing Coordinator
Lindsay Titus
[email protected]
Association Assistant
Amy Zanetos
[email protected]
Administrative Assistant
Laura Dempsey
[email protected]
Contents
Features
OFDA Mortuary Response Team Golf Outing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Congratulations on the Purchase of Your Body Lift – Now Read the Instructions!. . . . . . . . . . 11
Finding My Place in the Funeral Profession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2015-2016 OFDA Committees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Road Rage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Same-Sex Marriage and the Right of Disposition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
’Tis the Season. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Extras
Striving to Serve and Represent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
OFDA PAC Fundraiser Sporting Clay Event. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
PIMS Announces Dean’s List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Departments
President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Executive Director’s Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
In Memoriam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Thank You to Our Advertisers
Affordable Supply Company........................11
McCord Caskets & Vaults..............................6
ASD.............................................................27
National Guardian Life
Insurance Company.......................................4
www.affordablesupplycompany.com
OFDA Mission Statement
To represent and support our
membership by promoting
professional standards and
excellence in funeral service.
www.myASD.com
Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science......21
www.ccms.edu
Columbian Financial Group........................27
www.cfglife.com
Crystal Remembrance....................................2
www.crystalremembrance.com
The Dodge Company...................................11
Like us on Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter.
www.dodgeco.com
Estate Fraud Services....................................27
www.estatefraudservices.com
Federated Insurance.....................................21
www.federatedinsurance.com
Published August 2015
The Buckeye Director is published by
Innovative Publishing, 10629 Henning Way,
Suite 8, Louisville, KY 40241 • 844.423.7272
Innovative Publishing specializes in creating
magazines for associations and businesses.
Please direct inquiries to Aran Jackson at
[email protected].
Lamcraft Inc................................................27
www.mccordcasketsandvaults.com
www.nglic.com
Newcomer Funeral Service Group................17
www.nfsgi.com
Nomis Publications......................................27
www.nomispublications.com
Physicians Mutual........................................28
www.physiciansmutual.com
Specialty Hearse...........................................12
www.specialtyhearse.com
State Auto Insurance Companies..................17
www.stateauto.com
Vantage Products Corporation.....................27
www.vantageproducts.com
www.lamcraft.com
LCBA...........................................................21
www.lcbalife.org
Did You Know?
OFDA accepts articles written by our membership for possible publication in The Buckeye Director.
www.innovativepublishing.com
The deadline for future issues is as follows:
• September 9 for the December issue
Please contact Lindsay Titus with content.
OFDA The Buckeye Director
3
4
OFDA The Buckeye Director
President’s Message
Living Our Values
I hope that you enjoyed your summer! As fall approaches, I am reminded
that, like the seasons, change is a constant in all of our lives. How we
respond to the changes is a reflection of our values.
We are, as funeral directors and association members,
challenged every day to live our values by making
the choice to display the important behaviors that
make those we serve feel welcomed and valued. Being
both a funeral director and an officer of OFDA is a
privilege and a responsibility. The privilege is having
the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the
people in our community — both those we know and
those we may not. The responsibility is making sure
that we are traveling the right path, since the choices we
make impact those around us, positively and negatively.
This is not an easy task. Often, there are rocks on
our path or maybe even deep ruts. Sometimes the
path is closed or is so muddy that we can’t seem to
move! And sometimes we look around and can’t
see anyone else on the path. It is those times of
challenge that we find it the hardest to live our
SEPTEMBER
7
9
9
15
15
16
Labor Day – OFDA Office Closed
Convention Committee, 10 a.m.
Finance & Audit Committee, 1 p.m.
Master Trust Committee Meeting
Executive Committee Meeting
District 9 Meeting with OFDA,
Presidential Banquet Center, Kettering
22
OSHA Training, a.m./p.m. Sessions,
Sheraton Suites, Cuyahoga Falls
22
District 14 Meeting with OFDA, Der
Dutchman, Plain City
24
Apprentice Seminar
30-Oct. 2
Celebrant Training
OCTOBER
6
7
7
8
Master’s Training Seminar, OFDA
District 11 Meeting with OFDA,
Heritage Hall, Goshen
OSHA Training, p.m. Session Only,
Presidential Banquet Center, Kettering
PAC Sporting Clay Event, Mad River
Sportsman’s Club, Bellefontaine
13
13
14
18-21
27
values. That is when we need to call upon our
emotional intelligence; our self-awareness about our
own beliefs; and our ability to perceive, identify,
manage and integrate our emotions in connecting
with our peers and those we serve. And we need to
call on each other for support and encouragement.
Terry L. Palmer,
CFSP
None of us will be 100 percent perfect in living our
values. Each of us will stumble at some point along the
path. The real wisdom is in how each of us personally
reacts. The outcome of our stumble is up to us and how
we respond to it. We can pick ourselves up and move
on to more solid ground. We can ask others to help us.
Or we can just sit there. Have the courage to move on.
Have the commitment to your peers to help them along,
even if they don’t ask. And if you find someone sitting
on the path, ask him or her to come along with you.
That is living our values.
Master Trust Committee Meeting
Executive Committee Meeting
Board of Directors Meeting
NFDA Convention, Indianapolis
OSHA Training a.m./p.m. Sessions, OFDA
NOVEMBER
3
Insurance Seminar, OFDA (two five-hour
courses, presenter Steve Whitaker)
4
OSHA Training, p.m. Session Only,
Theo’s Restaurant, Cambridge, 1-4 p.m.
4
Districts 12 & 13 Meeting with OFDA,
Theo’s Restaurant, Cambridge, 4:306:30 p.m. (tentative)
17
Master Trust Committee Meeting
17
Executive Committee Meeting
18
District 9 Meeting with OFDA,
Presidential Banquet Center, Kettering
26-27 OFDA Office Closed for Thanksgiving
DECEMBER
5
District 5 Meeting with OFDA
24-25 OFDA Office Closed for Holiday
Calendar of Events
2016
JANUARY
1
OFDA Office Closed – New
Year’s Day
FEBRUARY
3-8 (9) Annual Educational Conference,
St. Maarten
MAY
17-19 (Monday, May 16 – Pre-Convention
Education Day)
FUTURE CONVENTION DATES
May 15-18, 2017
(Monday, May 15 – Pre-Convention
Education Day; Tuesday, May
16-Thursday, May 18)
OFDA The Buckeye Director
5
6
OFDA The Buckeye Director
Executive Director’s Message
Building a Government
Affairs Program with Muscle
OFDA is not unique in its drive to continuously monitor and strategize
the most effective approach to maintain a robust program. All
associations are faced with the need to positively impact their profession
through legislation. Similar to assembling a puzzle, you need all the
pieces and they must connect seamlessly together.
approximately 30 being funded annually.
Strategic and prudent allocation of resources
is a key component of OFDA’s state
legislative lobbying efforts. Every donation,
regardless of amount, makes a difference.
Grassroots Initiatives
Respected Lobbyist
Well-Funded PAC
Involved Leadership and Committee Structure
Developing a relationship with legislators is key to the shared
understanding of funeral service priorities and issues impacting our
profession. Cultivating an open, personal dialogue at the local level
builds a strong foundation and enables us to call upon you and your
legislator when the need arises. Often, it is your influence that allows us
to succeed. You do make a difference.
A PAC is defined as a type of organization that pools campaign
contributions from members and donates those funds to campaigns
for or against candidates, ballot initiatives or legislation. OFDA
membership dues are prohibited by law from funding the OFDA
PAC, so our PAC can only be successful if you make personal or
noncorporate contributions. Legislators approach us regularly to
support their fundraising events. All are carefully evaluated, with
Melissa S. Sullivan
Lobbyists get things done. John McGough has represented OFDA
admirably for 30-plus years and is extremely knowledgeable in
small-business issues, as well as issues specific to funeral service. He
cultivates relationships and persuades members of government to
enact legislation that benefits your profession and is respected by
members of the Legislature.
A diverse and vocal 16-member Legislative Committee monitors and
recommends an Association position on various legislative initiatives.
Success is achieved when all aspects function in harmony. Your
involvement is critical … engage in grassroots relationships and
financially support your PAC.
Striving to Serve and Represent
by Ben Kyle, CFSP
For nearly a decade, I have dedicated myself to
OFDA and the members of our association, as a
district president and regional director. Along the
way, I have enhanced my skills as a funeral service
professional and had the opportunity to work with
so many wonderful men and women who feel the
same passion as I do toward our profession. The
value of a strong connection to your community is
paramount to our profession; the personal relationships we form carry
through generations. Over the past few years, I have dedicated myself
to my community in the form of a city councilman, and what a joy it
has been. The relationships I had built on a professional level within
my community have been trumped by the overwhelming number of
relationships I have built representing the people and their needs within
the city.
The combination of helping people both on a professional and a
legislative level has driven me to pursue the next phase of my career.
Being a legislator is one of the most important aspects of small
government all the way to national government. As professionals,
we are always striving to serve and represent the people. That is my
continued goal: representing the people. So in June, I announced
my candidacy for the Ohio House of Representatives, 63rd District,
election in 2016.
It is my goal to become a great legislator not only for my constituents
but for my profession as well. We all know how important it is to stay
involved during the lawmaking process; our lobbyist John McGough
does an outstanding job representing the interests of our profession.
Many legislators understand the issues we all face within our profession,
but to really achieve results, one must come from within the profession.
My goal is to remain a strong advocate for funeral service, mortuary
response and the needs of the families we serve.
Please feel free to contact me over the next few months as our
campaign kicks into high gear: [email protected], kylefor63.com,
or call me at 330-770-6022. We invite everyone to also like us on
Facebook, Ben Kyle for State Representative, to stay informed on all of
our activities. Thank you for all of your support over the years, and we
look forward to representing everyone in the future.
OFDA The Buckeye Director
7
OFDA Mortuary Response Team Golf Outing
On June 4, the OFDA Mortuary Response Team hosted its 19th annual golf outing at Oakhaven Golf Club in Delaware,
Ohio. It was a beautiful day (even though the Memorial Tournament was going on at the same time); it was sunny, and
there wasn’t a drop of rain. This outing has been a great success over the years thanks to generous sponsorships and a group
of golfers who have continued to support the outing year after year rain or shine! The proceeds from the outing are used to
provide training and equipment for the team. A big THANK-YOU to all who participated!
Winning Team
Chris White, Dan Shealy, Jerry Inebnit and Sean Hartwell
Thank You to
Our Sponsors
• Breakfast – Matthews Casket Division
• Lunch – Funeral Directors Life
Insurance Company
• Refreshments – Baxter Burial Vault
Service, Inc.; Bell Vault & Monument,
Inc.; Crummitt & Son Vault Corp.;
Fithian-Wilbert Burial Vault Co.; HuppStiverson Co.; Longstreth, Inc.; Ohio Vault
Works, Inc.; The Akron Vault Co.; TriState Wilbert Vault Co.; Turner Vault Co.;
Turner Vault Lima
• Dinner – State Auto Insurance Companies
• Winning Team – Aurora Casket Company
• Second-Place Team – Ben Kyle, StewartKyle Funeral Home and Kyle Monuments;
Tim Schmidt, OFDAMRT; Jan Kyle,
Western Reserve Leasing
• Carts – Witzler-Shank Funeral
Homes and Cincinnati Equitable Life
Insurance Company
8
OFDA The Buckeye Director
Thank You to
Our Hole Sponsors
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Second-Place Team
Wes Snyder, Curt Neeper, Trevis Faulkner and Mike Neeper
Affordable Supply Company
Astral Industries
Batesville Casket Company
Bayliff & Son Funeral Home
Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
Columbian Financial Group
Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home
Fat Ivan Door Chocks
Frigid Fluid Company
Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home
Grisier Funeral Home
Homesteaders Life Company
Krill Funeral Services
Morton-Whetstone Funeral Home
Murray Tools Rental
National Mortuary Shipping
Neidhard-Minges Funeral Home
Ohio Embalmers Association
OFDA District 5
Pekin Life Insurance
Penn Care
Rosenacker & Associates
Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home
Thomas Justin Funeral Home
Wappner Funeral Directors
Hole Contest
Winners/Sponsors
• Hole #1 Ladies’ Longest Drive: Sherry
Dirr – Sponsored by Brent Hartley,
OFDAMRT
• Hole #5 Straightest Drive Beyond 150
Yards: Kaleb Swinehart – Sponsored by
David Hicks, Pierce Chemical Co.
• Hole #6 Men’s Longest Drive: Wes
Snyder – Sponsored by American
Coach Sales
• Hole #8 Longest Putt: Jon Palmer –
Sponsored by Batesville Casket
• Hole #9 Closest to Pin: Jay Mazzarella –
Sponsored by Precious Memories
• Hole #10 Shortest Drive in Fairway
(men’s tee): Marty Patton – Sponsored by
Jim Dempsey, OFDAMRT
• Hole #11 Ladies’ Closest to Pin (on or
off green): Sarah Berner – Sponsored by
Dr. Charles Berner, OMORT
• Hole #12 Closest to Pin, Second Shot:
Wes Snyder – Sponsored by Duane
Hedrick and Shawn Gallagher,
Dodge Chemical
• Hole #18 Longest Putt: Trevis Faulkner –
Sponsored by American Coach
OFDA The Buckeye Director
9
OFDA PAC FUNDRAISER
SPORTING CLAY EVENT
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Mad River Sportsman’s Club
Bellefontaine, Ohio
Registration begins at
9 a.m., with shooting to
begin at 10 a.m.
Mad River Sportsman’s Club has secured a reputation as the finest
private outdoor sporting clays club in the Midwest. Open yearround, the club’s courses have been shot by more industry leaders
than any other in the country.
Not an avid hunter? No problem! All skill levels are welcome at
this important PAC fundraising event! Come have fun and support
OFDA’s legislative efforts!
Single registrants welcome! We’ll assign you to a squad.
What to Expect
Come enjoy camaraderie among your fellow OFDA members, or
bring a nonmember friend — everyone is welcome!
• Four-person squad
• 12-station course
• 100 targets
• Prizes for skill
• Prizes for “lack of skill”
• Hot barbecue lunch
•Refreshments
Registration Fees
• $125 for the first registrant
• $100 for each
additional registrant
Event Sponsors
Feeling generous? Choose one of the major sponsorships for
the day:
• Bulls Eye – $1,500 (includes registration for a squad of four)
Sponsor: Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Services
• Sharp Shooter – $1,000 (includes two registrations)
• Trapper – $500 (includes one registration)
• Station – Can’t join us for the day but would like to support PAC?
Then sign up to be a station sponsor for $150.
Sponsor: Wappner Funeral Directors
Gifts
Would you like to donate a gift for one of the prizes? A freebie for
everyone in attendance? If so, please contact Diana or Melissa at the
OFDA office: 800-589-6332.
Signage on the course, email alerts and acknowledgement in The
Buckeye Director will confirm your generosity as a sponsor.
PIMS Announces Dean’s List
Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS) is pleased to recognize the
following student who has been placed on the Dean’s List for the spring
trimester that ended May 15, 2015.
This academic honor goes to those full-time students who have achieved a
grade-point average of 3.5 or better in this trimester of studies.
From the associate in specialized business degree class: Emily Bordenkercher
of Coshocton, Ohio.
Congratulations to PIMS honor students on their academic achievement.
10
OFDA The Buckeye Director
Congratulations on the
Purchase of Your Body Lift –
Now Read the Instructions!
by Barb Garrison, M.S., CHMM, PCP
45
During my safety audit inspections over the past few years, I have
noticed that more and more of you are purchasing powered body
lifts for your funeral homes, which is a GREAT idea. Although
the manufacturers seem to emphasize the increased efficiency that
these units provide, I am much more impressed with the added
safety they offer your employees. If used properly and regularly,
they really can help prevent painful and costly back injuries.
When I walk into a prep room and see a
powered body lift, I usually ask the owner
or employee with me to describe their lift
training and maintenance program, to which
I usually receive a blank stare and a “What
training and maintenance program?” That’s
a problem.
Jay Amburgey - 937-423-1104
Dave Kolbe - 937-609-3746
When you purchase ANY kind of power tool
(electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.), you,
as the purchaser, are responsible for reading
and following all of the manufacturer’s
instructions and training your staff how to
properly operate the equipment. That means
you need to read the instruction manual,
labels, warnings, etc., that accompany the
device and do what they say. If you don’t and
an injury occurs as a result, it will likely be
your fault, not the manufacturer’s fault.
For example, here are a few of the instructions
that I found in the manual for the Ultimate
1000 Lift®. (This is not an endorsement,
merely an example.)
• Never use Glidetec™ (white) straps for
bodies over 400 pounds. (While the unit is
capable of lifting 1,000 pounds, there are
two different sets of straps: white for bodies
up to 400 pounds and black for bodies
over 400 pounds.)
• It is recommended that all lifting
straps (both white and black) be replaced
every year.
• Inspect all straps and hooks before
each use.
• Check ceiling attachments yearly and
tighten bolts as necessary.
• Check pivot bolt yearly. There should not
be a gap between the metal base plate of
the machine and the trolley. If there is a
gap, DISCONTINUE USE until the bolt
has been tightened.
• Internally inspect and service
machine yearly.
I suggest that, like your fire extinguishers,
you place a tag on your lift that includes
pre-operational inspection instructions and
an annual inspection checklist for your staff
to complete and that you train your staff to
conduct these inspections. This will serve
as evidence that you did, indeed, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions should anything
go wrong during the use of the equipment.
OFDA The Buckeye Director
11
12
OFDA The Buckeye Director
Finding My Place in the Funeral Profession
by Lauren A. Baughman
I
have looked up to my grandpa, Dwayne Spence, ever since I
can remember. He always told crazy embalming stories and
funeral stories at the dinner table, and you can’t drive anywhere
without him pointing out who used to live in what house and where
they are buried now. Grandpa knew everyone, and everyone knew
Grandpa … they still do, for that matter. I love that about him. He
is definitely the reason I decided to become a funeral director and
embalmer. He has such a tremendous passion for funeral service and
serving the people in our community, and I knew I wanted to carry
on that passion.
I love being a funeral director. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
I learned quickly, however, that being a funeral director was quite
a time commitment — working on weekends, evenings and even
the middle of the night. As much as I loved it, I knew that if I was
ever going to get married and have children, it was going to be a
struggle to try to find balance in my life. But since I had a plan for
everything, I always told myself that when the time came, I would
love the challenge of preneed.
because they are there on one of the worst days of their lives, and
the funeral home is the last place they want to be. At the same time,
at-need directors are sometimes exhausted, probably from being up
all night on a transfer. They have people in the back needing to be
embalmed and dressed, they have families coming in for a visitation
that night, and the last thing they have time to do is educate
families on why we do what we do.
I see my role as crucial to the future well-being of the families I serve.
I get to educate my community on the importance of the funeral
ceremony and help people prepare for what will be one of the worst
days in their family’s life. Mike Frock, a trainer with FDLIC, told me
early on to “Go at it with a servant’s heart. Just try to help as many
people as you can.” I took this to heart, and that’s exactly what I do
— I try to help as many people as I can, and I love it!
Preneed was my backup plan, but now it’s what I do full-time. I’m
not married, nor do I have children (yet), but I believe that I have
found my ideal place in the funeral profession. It all began one day
when Pam Ulery with Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company
(FDLIC) was visiting our funeral home in January 2013. It was then
that I learned about its “select producer” program, and she asked if
I would be interested. I was terrified because this wasn’t part of my
“plan,” but after talking with my family and my grandpa, I decided
that this was an opportunity I didn’t want to pass up.
Grow your business and
increase market share with
FDLIC’s unique solutions
for funeral professionals.
With the select producer program, I became an employee of FDLIC
and was placed in multiple funeral homes, including ours, to do all
the preplanning. When I was first making the transition from at-need
to preneed, I felt as though I was hanging up my funeral director’s
hat and putting on a salesperson’s hat. I struggled with the thought of
being a salesperson, but I quickly learned that this wasn’t the case.
Whether you want to start a preneed program
from the ground up, or are looking for creative
new ideas for generating revenue and improving
cash flow, FDLIC is at your service.
My background in embalming, at-need arrangements and funeral
directing has been a tremendous help in pre-arranging services for
funeral homes.
At first, it killed me to have to pick up the phone and call people.
But I now realize how important preplanning is, not only for the
families we serve but also for the funeral industry.
I can’t tell you how many people come in and say they want to
do what’s easiest for their family — “Just cremate me.” It’s people
like these who need us most. Although they think they may be
doing what’s easiest for their family, most likely, their family will
have complications with grief in the future and with moving on
without their loved one. When I sit down with these families in a
preneed situation, I am able to educate them on the value of having
a ceremony and how it can be beneficial to their family and friends.
In an at-need situation, it is more difficult to educate the family
Time and time again, our
preneed programs and
have helped funeral home
businesses and increase the
served every year.
proven, innovative
at-need solutions
clients grow their
number of families
Call TODAY to schedule a confidential program review!
For more information, contact Kevin Gaffney,
Regional Sales Vice President, at 513-225-7077,
Pam Ulery, Director of Sales Development,
at 513-374-3283, or Steve Jenkins, Director of
Sales Development, at 330-204-3817.
FDLIC’s mission is to be known as
the best, most-respected provider
of service to the funeral industry.
www.funeraldirectorslife.com
Endorsed Preneed Provider
for the Ohio Funeral
Directors Association
OFDA The Buckeye Director
13
2015-2016 OFDA Committees
Allied Memorial Council
Terry Palmer, CFSP, Chillicothe
Ben Easterling Jr., Canal Fulton
Melissa Sullivan, Columbus
Benefit Trust Committee
Terry Palmer, CFSP, Chillicothe, Chair (4)
Gary Heller, Huber Heights (15)
Sue Jones, Worthington (20)
Walt Lindsey, CFSP, Loudonville (16)
Terry Reardon, Youngstown (9)
Mark Schneider, Crestline (12)
Jerry Sowers, Piqua (1)
Convention Committee
Ben Easterling, Canal Fulton, Chair
Terry Andryc, CFSP, Toledo (11)
Alan Auble, Orrville
Tami Baird, CFSP, Troy (2)
Becky Bayliff, Cridersville (15)
Joan Billman, CFSP, Ashtabula (10)
Delbert Braund, New Madison (32)
Leichia Davis, West Portsmouth (21)
Matt Dixon, Canal Winchester (1)
Holly Dunmore, Columbus (1)
Tom Fleming, Jefferson
Ada Fraley, CFSP, Covington (19)
Mike Gedert, Cincinnati (13)
Jeff Hardwick, CFSP, Zanesville (1)
Brent Hartley, McComb (21)
JoAnn Hartley, McComb (12)
Steve Hartwig, New Bremen (15)
Gary Heller, Huber Heights (15)
Justin Kaszowski, CFSP, Warren (9)
Jon Kinn, Bluffton (12)
Kahlen Knapik, Cleveland (1)
Dave Kolbe, CFSP, Dayton (4)
Becky Krill, Edgerton (13)
Dave Morrow, Washington CH (10)
Tim O’Neill, Wilmington
Pam Parramore, CFSP, Middletown (18)
Don Pucak, CFSP, Akron
Jill Pugh, Columbus (2)
Steve Ripepi, Cleveland
Michael T. Smith, CFSP, Marion (1)
Craig Stires, Pickerington (1)
Pam Ulery, Loveland (2)
Kari Wydo, Columbus (1)
Education Committee
Michael T. Smith, CFSP, Marion, Chair (6)
Scott Baltzell, Mansfield (5)
Roger Bartley, Minerva (16)
Mark Garland, Columbus (1)
Poul Lemasters, Cincinnati (10)
Joe Miller, Cincinnati (5)
Jill Pugh, Columbus (6)
14
OFDA The Buckeye Director
Sean Sauer, CFSP, Van Wert (7)
Bill Smith, Columbus (2)
Jerry Sowers, CFSP, Piqua (8)
Craig Stires, Canal Winchester (2)
David Tackett, CFSP, Kettering (4)
Finance & Audit Committee:
Brad Chute, CFSP, Newark, Chair (1)
Brad Batton, Carey (14)
Gary Burr, CFSP, Bryan (3)
Larry Crates, Findlay (19)
Gene Farison, Marion (14)
Andrea Graumlich, Columbus (1)
Gary Heller, Huber Heights (1)
Al Hinkel, Hamilton (19)
Terry Reardon, Youngstown (10)
Devin Woodyard, Columbus (1)
Legislative Committee
Mike Schoedinger, CFSP, Columbus, Chair (8)
Larry Crates, Findlay (9)
Ben Easterling Jr., Canal Fulton (6)
Gene Farison, Marion (14)
Don Ferfolia Jr., CFSP, Maple Hts. (7)
Tom Fleming, Jefferson (13)
Andrea Graumlich, Columbus (1)
Jeff Hay, Cincinnati (1)
Bill Kindred, Englewood (2)
Michael Kumin, Cleveland (18)
Walt Lindsey, CFSP, Loudonville (7)
John McGough, Columbus, Consultant
Ed Nurre, Amelia (14)
Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, Columbus
(Ex-Officio)
Anthony Quahliero, CFSP, Struthers (9)
Thomas Routsong, CFSP, Kettering (11)
Michael T. Smith, CFSP, Marion (7)
Member Services Committee
Bradley Chute, CFSP, Newark, Chair (3)
Terry Andryc, CFSP, Toledo (2)
Mark Auble, Orrville (17)
Trevor Behm, Madison (12)
Kathy Berry, CFSP, Cleveland (3)
Bill Ebright, Frankfort (7)
Chris Homer, Gallipolis (8)
Brian James, CFSP, Wilmington (12)
Tim O’Neill, Wilmington (11)
Jake Penwell, Shelby (2)
Mike Ryan, Mason (1)
Kevin Schoedinger, Columbus (3)
Kathleen Shaffer, CFSP (3)
Brian Sowers, CFSP, Piqua (11)
Membership Committee
Lori Hicks, Mason, Chair (5)
Gary Burr, CFSP, Bryan (2)
Jeff Hardwick, Zanesville (2)
Ben Kyle, Hubbard (5)
Mike Ryan, Mason (1)
Nominating Committee
Joan Billman, CFSP, Ashtabula, Chair (1)
Tami Baird, CFSP, Troy (13)
Ken Cahall, CFSP, Georgetown (10)
Jon Deitloff, CFSP, Dayton (9)
Tom Fleming, Jefferson (6)
Walt Lindsey, CFSP, Loudonville (7)
Mark Merz, CFSP, Holland (4)
Ed Nurre, Amelia (11)
Don Pucak, CFSP, Akron (2)
Anthony Quahliero, CFSP, Struthers (2)
Terry Reardon, Youngstown (3)
Dan Tobias, CFSP, Dayton (2)
Keith Walker, CFSP, Toledo (1)
OSHA/EPA Committee
Nelson Kopp, Columbus, Chair (17)
Dan Branham, New Richmond (3)
Tom Fleming, Jefferson (15)
Walt Lindsey, CFSP, Loudonville (16)
Jim McKnight, Stow (8)
Jon Neeper, CFSP, Lima (9)
Jerry Sowers, CFSP, Piqua (17)
Scholastic Assistance Committee
Lori Hicks, Mason, Chair (2)
Scott Baltzell, Mansfield (14)
Brad Bryant, Middletown (1)
Brad Chute, CFSP, Newark (7)
Greg Godorhazy, Washington CH (15)
Chris Homer, Gallipolis (17)
Justin Kaszowski, CFSP, Warren (10)
Jane Ludlow, CFSP, Cincinnati (11)
Ashley Myers, Lebanon (2)
Tim O’Neill, Wilmington (17)
Terry Reardon, Youngstown (9)
Kevin Schoedinger, Columbus (3)
Kathleen Shaffer, CFSP, Ashtabula (3)
Bill Smith, Columbus (2)
Diane Smith, Cleveland (4)
Benjamin White, Columbus (17)
Young Funeral Directors Committee
Bradley Chute, CFSP, Newark, Chair
Lauren Baughman, Pickerington (2)
Matt Dixon, Canal Winchester (2)
Holly Dunmore, Columbus (2)
Eric Smith, Lancaster (2)
Michael T. Smith, CFSP, Marion (2)
Craig Stires, Pickerington (2)
Devin Woodyard, Columbus (2)
Kari Wydo, Columbus (2)
(X) indicates years on committee
HONORING OUR PAST
CREATING OUR FUTURE
With Help from Our Generous Sponsors
Ofda District #10
Tri-County FDA District 19
RBC Trust Company (Delaware) Limited
UBS Financial 770 Group
Gilligan Law Offices
Ofda District #5
Karpus Scott & Company
Ofda District #4
Ofda District #6
Ofda District #11
The 135th OFDA Annual Convention and Exhibition
OFDA The Buckeye Director
15
OFDA past presidents at the 2015 Convention. Front row (from left to right): Anthony Quahliero, CFSP; Terry Reardon; Tami Baird, CFSP; Joan Billman, CFSP;
Tom Rue, CFSP; Bob Shank Sr., CFSP; Bob Baird; Bob Van Horn, CFSP; Mark Merz, CFSP. Back row (from left to right): Tom Fleming; John Evans, CFSP; Walt
Lindsey, CFSP; Jack Moreland, CFSP; Dan Tobias, CFSP; Ken Cahall, CFSP; Scott Davis, CFSP; Jon Deitloff, CFSP; Henry Epstein.
16
OFDA The Buckeye Director
OFDA The Buckeye Director
17
Increasingly crowded highways and traffic backups cause many drivers to lose
control and become extremely aggressive. Aggressive driving is a real problem
that can lead to serious accidents on the road.
Road rage can also cause problems for
your claim process if you should happen
to be involved in an auto accident. Road
rage is listed as an exemption in many
auto insurance policies since any damage
stemming from aggressive behavior isn’t
truly an accident but rather caused by
risky behavior.
If you encounter aggressive drivers, do
not challenge them, and stay as far away
as possible. You may want to take down
the license plate number and report
their behavior to police so they won’t
hurt themselves or someone else. If you
happen to suffer from anger management
problems while driving yourself, here are
some tips to help you cool off.
Try not to run late.
When you’re in a hurry, your patience is short
and you are much more likely to become
aggravated. Try to give yourself a few extra
minutes to get where you need to go.
Other drivers are not evil.
Sometimes, people make mistakes, or
they might be driving more slowly for
a reason. Do not assume that they are
driving slowly just to annoy you.
Try not to look.
The most tempting thing when you’re
passing someone who is annoying you is
to shoot him or her a dirty look. Do not
do it! Doing so could trigger the other
driver into more aggressive action.
No gestures either.
Other than a wave to someone who lets
you into your lane, do not use your hands
18
OFDA The Buckeye Director
(or any specific combinations of fingers)
to communicate with other drivers.
does it in a traffic jam, it’s really annoying
and increases everyone’s stress level.
Tailgating is bad.
Just because someone is driving slow
does not mean you should hang out on
his or her back bumper. If they had to
stop short and you rear-ended them, the
accident would be your fault.
Do not be a hero.
If the other driver is being rude and starts to
follow you, do not engage with him or her.
Do not try to stop and confront the other
driver; just keep your doors locked, give
yourself room at intersections to drive away,
and head to the nearest police station.
Someone tailgating you is worse.
If someone is tailgating you, do not
aggravate yourself and the other driver by
playing cat and mouse with your speed.
Move out of the way and let them pass you.
Do not honk your horn insistently.
It might make you feel better, but it is
really kind of silly. And when everyone
Sources of information:
www.progressive.com/shop/teen-driving-road-rage.aspx
http://banktime.com/auto/road-rage-and-your-carinsurance/1272/
Courtesy of the State Auto Insurance Group (www.
StateAuto.com).
Same-Sex Marriage and the
Right of Disposition
On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court,
by a 5-4 decision, ruled that states may not ban
same-sex marriages. With that ruling, samesex marriage will now be legal in all 50 states,
including Ohio and the other 12 states that had
not yet recognized same-sex marriage at the time
of the Supreme Court’s decision.
Below, we address some right-of-disposition questions that may
arise for Ohio funeral homes in the coming days:
1. When does the Supreme Court decision take effect?
Immediately. As of June 26, 2015, same-sex marriage is legal in all
states. Therefore, if the funeral home is providing funeral service
for a deceased member of a same-sex marriage, the funeral home
should take directions from the surviving spouse. Until Ohio
begins to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples (which will
probably begin immediately), a same-sex marriage is only going to
come from a couple that was married in one of the 37 states that
recognized same-sex marriage prior to June 26, 2015.
2. Should the funeral home require the surviving spouse of a
same-sex marriage to produce a marriage certificate?
No. The funeral home should treat the surviving spouse of a
same-sex marriage in the same way that it treats the surviving
spouse of a heterosexual marriage. Of course, if family members
were to raise concerns regarding whether the same-sex couple
was actually married, the funeral home would be within its
rights in requesting the production of a marriage certificate.
Presumably, the funeral home would make the same request
if family members claimed that a heterosexual couple was not
married. However, in the absence of claims by the family, the
funeral home would be within its rights in accepting at face
value the claim of marriage.
3. Until Ohio issues marriage licenses to same-sex couples, is
a funeral home required to recognize same-sex marriage from
other states?
Yes. That was part of the Supreme Court’s ruling. Ohio must
now recognize the validity of a same-sex marriage that occurred
in other states.
4. How should the funeral home fill out the death certificate?
The funeral home will fill out the death certificate just like it
by T. Scott Gilligan,
OFDA General Counsel
does with a heterosexual married couple. The surviving spouse
would be listed as the spouse on the death certificate.
5. Will there be any way for family members of the decedent
to override the direction of a same-sex spouse under Ohio’s
right of disposition law?
Under Ohio’s right of disposition law, the decedent may appoint
a representative during his or her lifetime to control his or her
funeral and disposition arrangements. That representative has
priority over the surviving spouse. Therefore, if an individual
in a same-sex marriage appoints a representative during his or
her lifetime, that representative would supersede the surviving
spouse of the same-sex marriage. But unless a representative has
been appointed, the surviving spouse of the same-sex marriage
will have the right of disposition.
Of course, just like a surviving spouse of a heterosexual
marriage, the surviving spouse of a same-sex marriage will forfeit
his or her right of disposition if he or she fails to make funeral
arrangements within two days of being notified of the death, if
he or she cannot be located after a reasonable effort, if he or she
is found to be in an estranged relationship by a probate court,
or if one of the spouses filed for divorce prior to the death.
6. Are surviving spouses of same-sex marriages responsible
for the funeral bill?
Yes. In Ohio, a surviving spouse is legally responsible for
the payment of the funeral bill for the deceased spouse. This
responsibility would now extend to spouses of same-sex marriages
just like it does with spouses of heterosexual marriages.
Any OFDA members with questions regarding this issue may contact Scott Gilligan
at 513-871-6332. See more at: http://ofdaonline.org/aws/OFDA/pt/sd/news_
article/108212/_PARENT/layout_details/false#sthash.nV2fP5jZ.dpuf.
OFDA The Buckeye Director
19
by T. Scott Gilligan,
OFDA General Counsel
’Tis the Season
The last quarter of the federal government’s fiscal year is upon us. The fiscal year will end on September
30, 2015, and for funeral homes, that usually means an increase in undercover shopping by the Federal
Trade Commission (FTC). In the past, we have seen a marked increase in undercover shopping activity by
the FTC and state attorney general offices in the final fiscal quarter of July to September. So while funeral
homes should always be cognizant of the Funeral Rule requirements, it may be prudent to remind funeral
home staff members of the importance of handing out price information to shoppers in a timely manner.
Ohio has frequently been a target for FTC undercover shopping.
Unfortunately, our compliance rate has not been as high as it
should be. To assist OFDA members, we have set forth below five
compliance tips to review with your staff.
1. Combine Price Lists.
One of the easiest ways to avoid being cited by FTC undercover
shoppers for failing to hand out a Casket Price List and/or Outer
Burial Container Price List is to combine the Casket Price List
and Outer Burial Container Price List with the General Price List
(GPL). If a funeral home lists all of the caskets and alternative
containers that it routinely offers for sale on its General Price
List, it does not need a separate Casket Price List. In addition, by
listing its outer burial containers that it routinely offers for sale
together with the mandatory disclosure that must appear on the
Outer Burial Container Price List on the General Price List, the
funeral home may do away with a separate Outer Burial Container
Price List. Instead of having to worry about when to hand out
three separate price lists, the funeral home now only needs to hand
out the General Price List in a timely manner.
2. Use Care with Package Price Lists
While funeral homes that offer packages may list the packages
on a separate Package Price List, there is a danger in doing so.
The danger is that the funeral home will hand out the Package
Price List before handing out the General Price List. The General
Price List must always be given out before the Package Price List
is shown to a consumer. For this reason, it is generally advisable
that packages appear on the General Price List and not on a
separate Package Price List. While that is not required, it protects
funeral homes from inadvertently distributing the Package Price
List before handing out the General Price List.
3. Be Careful Where Funeral Arrangements Are Made
FTC Funeral Rule Coordinator Craig Tregillus reported during a
20
OFDA The Buckeye Director
recent teleconference that several funeral homes had been cited for
Funeral Rule violations because they made arrangements in rooms
with casket and/or outer burial container displays. Undercover
shoppers were seated in the room before a funeral director came
in to discuss arrangements. Since the shoppers were being shown
caskets and outer burial containers before being given a Casket Price
List or an Outer Burial Container Price List, the FTC believes that a
Funeral Rule violation took place. Therefore, if funeral arrangements
are going to be made in rooms containing casket or outer burial
container displays, make sure that the family members are given a
General Price List, Casket Price List and Outer Burial Container
Price List before or as soon as they enter the room.
4. Hand Out the GPL Sooner Rather Than Later
While the requirement to hand out the General Price List is
triggered by the beginning of a discussion of funeral goods,
services, arrangements or prices, there is no reason not to hand
it out as soon as you meet the shopper. Make it part of every
funeral director’s routine. Greet the shopper, hand them the
GPL, and explain that you will be reviewing it later but that you
wanted to be sure he or she had it upfront.
5. Content
In testing Funeral Rule compliance during undercover shops, the
FTC traditionally focused on whether the shopper received the
price list in a timely manner. However, recently, we have seen the
FTC closely examines price lists it receives from funeral homes
it has shopped. If those price lists have three or more substantive
mistakes (missing disclosures or improper itemization), the funeral
home will be cited by the FTC. Make sure your price lists are in
full compliance with the Funeral Rule.
If any OFDA members have questions regarding Funeral Rule compliance issues, they
may contact General Counsel Scott Gilligan at 513-871-6332.
CLASSIFIEDS
Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society
The Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society (OCMS)
in Columbus is looking for the right person with the
perspective and vision to respond to and meet the
demands and changing desires of today’s families. We
want an exceptional individual who shares our heart and
passion for serving families in their time of need and
wants to join/help lead our OCMS team. We are looking
for a multitalented person with management skills,
excellent communication skills, organizational skills,
marketing experience and the ability to think outside the
“traditional funeral home” box.
Applicants must be licensed funeral directors with at
least five years of experience and be able to meet families
amidst creating change to grow our business.
OCMS offers work and life balance. Our compensation
package starts at $50K-plus based on experience, with
growth incentives. To schedule a meeting, reach out to
me at: [email protected].
OFDA The Buckeye Director
21
In Memoriam
Clarence E. Bowman Jr., age 61, passed
peacefully April 9, 2015. Born September 9,
1953, in Dayton, Ohio, to Clarence E. and
Olivia Dunson Bowman Sr., he graduated
from Fairview High School where he played
football and basketball. Upon graduation
from Fairview, he went on to earn degrees
from the University of Cincinnati,
Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and
a master’s degree in hospital administration
from The Ohio State University. He
was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist
Church and served on many boards and
organizations including the NAACP,
Sinclair Community College, Dayton
Urban League, Fifth Third Bank, past
president of Buckeye State Funeral Directors
and Embalmers Association, Sigma Pi Phi
emeritus, Central State University and
the Boy Scouts of America. He extended
the Bowman family legacy through the
African American Wellness Organization
by establishing scholarships in the names of
his father, mother and himself through the
Dayton Foundation. Preceded in death by
his parents; his aunts, Nathanielle Bowman
Martin and Martha Oates; and his uncles,
J.C., Lawrence, Ernest and Lee Bowman.
22
OFDA The Buckeye Director
Clarence is survived by his only sister,
Deborah Bowman, of New York, New York,
and many other relatives and friends.
Marcene Werner Busch “Marcy,” age
80, went to meet her Lord and Savior on
April 16, 2015. Beloved wife of 58 years to
John Marx Busch; loving mother of Julie
Ann Busch Jones (Joseph), J. Mark Busch
(Jennifer, née Vance), Catherine Busch
Harvey (Kent) and James H. Busch (Becky,
née Burmeister); dear grandmother of
Hannah, Sarah, Jacob, Jordan and Marissa
Busch, and Allyson and Shannon Harvey;
sister of the late Robert J. Werner; sister-inlaw of Shirley Kirsh Werner, of Fairlawn;
sister-in-law of the late Mary Ann Synk (née
Busch); and loving aunt and great-aunt.
Marcy was a 1956 graduate of Heidelberg
University. She was actively involved in
her church, Parma South Presbyterian
Church, where she served as a deaconess,
a Stephen Ministry leader and was a
chairperson several times for her Deborah
Circle. In 1977, she was the recipient of
the Honorary Life Member Award from
the church. Marcy may be best known
for her love of writing personal notes and
sending cards. She sent hundreds of cards
anonymously to church members as part
of her ministry. Her absolute joys were her
family and serving the Lord. Marcy was a
friend to all and never met a stranger. Some
activities and accomplishments include: The
Cleveland Press nominated her as Volunteer
of the Week. She was past president of
the Arlington Schools PTA, Parma, and
a Junior and Senior Girl Scout Leader.
Marcy has been a member of Chapter EC,
Parma, and Chapter DB, Cleveland, of the
Philanthropic Educational Organization
(P.E.O). She was also founder and served
as president on three separate occasions
for her P.E.O. group in the Florida Keys.
She has been on the Middleburg Heights
YWCA Board, president of the Junior
Board of Deaconess Hospital, and a
25-year member of American Association
of University Women (AAUW), where she
was honored with the Volunteer Award.
Marcy is noted for her apron program that
has been presented to area nursing homes
and organizations. This program represents
aprons dating from 1890 to the present. A
breast cancer survivor since 1982, Marcy
worked with the American Cancer Society
Reach for Recovery program for 25 years.
Marcy has been in the same bridge club
since 1959, the sewing club for 25 years,
many bible studies and book clubs in Avon
Lake and the Florida Keys. Memorial
contributions can be made to the Cleveland
Chapter of AAUW in memory of Marcene
Busch or online at www.aauw.org.
Fred M. Beshara, 69, passed away
suddenly on Friday, May 1, 2015. There
was a Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial
on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at 11 a.m. at
St. Maron Church in Youngstown, with
Chorbishop Michael Kail officiating.
Fred was born June 23, 1945, in
Youngstown, a son of Fred A. and Mildred
Hapsic Beshara.
He was a 1964 graduate of Ursuline High
School. Fred and his family operated B&B
Construction for many years, and later in
life he operated FMB & Associates. Fred
was a member of St. Maron Parish and
Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine. He was a
member of the St. Tobias Society and The
Sons of Bejji.
A lifelong supporter of St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital, Fred was one of the first
youth marchers to raise funds for St Jude.
This youth group went on to become the
Teenage March Against Leukemia, and in
1971, Fred and his brother Jim put on a
music festival to benefit St. Jude at Lake
Milton. Fred was constantly looking out
for others and lending a helping hand
where he could.
He was an avid fisherman, spending winters
in Islamorada, Florida, where he enjoyed
deep sea fishing for decades. Fred created
lifelong friendships in Florida, and everyone
enjoyed the invitation to join him on a
fishing trip.
Most of all, Fred was a family man —
beloved and looked up to by all in his
family. Fred is survived by his wife of 28
years, the former Kathleen Salvator. He
leaves five children, Michelle (Dr. Frank)
Yanek, of North Lima, Fred A. (Faith)
Beshara, of Struthers, Dawn A. Moliterno,
of Destin, Florida, Jason N. (Katie) Beshara,
of Atlanta, Sable Beshara-Kyle (Ben), of
Hubbard; and six grandchildren, Greyson
Kyle, Madison, Darian and Caragyn Yanek,
Zachary Shine, and Mia Moliterno. He also
leaves his brothers, James M. and Edward
C. Beshara, of Liberty Township. Fred also
leaves numerous relatives and extremely
close friends. Freddy will be missed by all.
John A. “Jack” Dunn, 95, passed away
on Friday, May 1. Born in Akron, Jack
graduated from St. Martha’s Grade School
and St. Vincent’s High School. During
World War II, he served with the Army
Air Corps, stationed at McDill Field in
Tampa, Florida. It was there that he took
his first interest in flying. During this time,
his sweetheart, Veronica “Vera” Cahill,
graduated from nurses training in Akron
and joined him in Tampa. They were
married in the Base Chapel in April 1942.
After the war, he moved back to Akron and
started the Dunn-Quigley Funeral Homes.
While pursuing his career and building
a very successful business, he never lost
his enthusiasm for flying and logged over
1,000 hours as a commercial pilot in a
single-engine air hearse/ambulance service.
When he gave up flying, he took to the road
on his motorcycle with his fellow adventurer
and loyal wife clinging on the back.
Together they made several cross-country
trips to Florida and out west. Road trips
eventually gave way to his interest in sailing,
which took the two on excursions to the
Bahamas and around the coast of Florida.
Jack’s faith was very important to him, and
he was actively involved in parish affairs
both at St. Mary’s in Akron and St. Joseph’s
near his winter home in Stuart, Florida. He
was a member of the Knights of Columbus
and the Knights of St. John and served as an
usher, lector and Eucharistic minister.
From 1983 to 1988, he was appointed to
the Ohio Board of Funeral Directors and
Embalmers. He was an inductee into the
CYO Hall of Fame for his volunteer work
there. He was also past president of the
Summit County F.O.P.A. and the Flying
Funeral Directors Association.
In May 2003, his wife Vera passed away.
Already in his 80s, Jack continued to
seek new challenges. He learned Morse
code and obtained his HAM radio license
(KF4FJN), and although no longer
sailing, he kept a pontoon boat for fishing
and organized regular fish fries at the
mobile home park in Florida. In 2004, he
rekindled a childhood acquaintance with
Grace Brady Schreiner. The two widows
were married not long after.
Jack is survived by his wife, Grace; his sons
and daughters-in-law, Daniel and Sharon
Dunn, Dennis and Karen Dunn, and Kenny
and Donna Civitts; his grandchildren,
Robert, Troy, David, Paul and Kim; 11
great-grandchildren; three great-greatgrandchildren; his sisters, Mary Caston and
Jean (Roger) Cassaday; his brothers, Patrick
(Ann) and Tom (Irene); and many nieces
and nephews. He also leaves the Schreiner
family, who so graciously accepted him into
their clan.
Donald W. Gaffney, beloved husband of
Sharon L. Gaffney (née Kordenbrock),
devoted father of Chris (Vicki), Shaun
(Kelly), Chad (Lori) and Kevin (Linda)
Gaffney, Donna (Mark) Breitenstein, David
(Jennie), Kim (Sharon), Holly and Joe
(George) Ward, and Dana (Mike) Barrow;
cherished grandfather of David (Tanya),
Meghan (Bill), Christopher, Dylan, Jeremy,
Ashley, Jack, Kayleigh, Mary Kate, Michael,
Ryan, Riley, Sarah, Lisa, Tommy and
Caitlyn; and great-grandfather of 10. May
9, 2015. Age 93 years. Residence: Anderson
Township. After retirement from Adams
Gaffney and Associates, Don enjoyed his
great passion for singing with his barbershop
quartet, the Fourtunenuts. Don also served
his country during World War II in the
Army Air Corps in the U.S. Army.
Patricia J. “Pat” Turnbull, 85 years, of
Hicksville, passed away Wednesday, May 6,
2015, at Community Memorial Hospital,
Hicksville, with her family by her side. Pat
was born September 1, 1929, in Garrett,
Indiana, the daughter of the late Harry
and Florence (Sampson) Van Lear. She
attended Garrett High School, where she
was a cheerleader for the Railroaders. She
graduated in 1947. Pat married Lloyd V.
Turnbull on April 18, 1948, in Garrett,
and he preceded her in death on February
28, 2004. She was a 31-year employee of
Community Memorial Hospital, where
she worked in the billing office. After
her retirement from the hospital, Pat was
OFDA The Buckeye Director
23
hired as the site manager for Hicksville
Senior Center, where she served for 17
years, retiring again in 2013. A devoted
wife and mother, Pat was an important
helpmate for Lloyd in his ministry at West
Milford Church of Christ, typing the
weekly bulletin, teaching Sunday School,
helping with Vacation Bible School and
participating in the Ladies Aide Group.
After Lloyd retired from the ministry, Pat
became a member of the Hicksville First
Church of Christ. She was a member of the
All Together Club, Community Memorial
Hospital Auxiliary. Pat never missed an
athletic, musical or drama performance
that her children were involved in. Pat,
along with her husband, was named as
honorary chairman of the Hicksville
Schools Building Campaign. Her greatest
joys in life were spending time with her
children, grandchildren and friends. In her
later years, she enjoyed sitting on her porch,
watching birds and traffic that would pass
by her home.
Institute in Worcester. She was a licensed
hairdresser and had worked for the John
Dellaria Studios and provided hairdressing
services to several funeral homes in the
Worcester area.
Surviving are her five children, James
(Brenda) Turnbull, of Hicksville, Roxanne
(Michael) Headley, of Hicksville, Dan
Turnbull, of Hicksville, Tom (Lisa)
Turnbull, of Bryan, and Tim (Lauri)
Turnbull of Hicksville; 12 grandchildren,
Jim (Tami) Turnbull, Jay (Gini) Turnbull,
Mike (Shawn) Headley, Jared Headley,
Danielle (Anthony) Smith, Brianna
(Brad) Oury, Hailey Turnbull, Christen
Turnbull, Josh (Alexis) Turnbull, Caleb
(Emily) Turnbull, Tyler (Melissa) Turnbull
and Stuart (Laura) Turnbull; nine greatgrandchildren, Michaela, Nate, Landon,
Garrett, Lucas, Sasha, Gwyn, Jack and
Braxton; special friend, Emma Conley;
and loving caretaker, Joan Rager. She was
preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd;
her brother, Robert Van Lear; and her sister,
Marcella Zerns Clabaugh.
After a mastectomy and chemotherapy
treatments that drained her physically, she
decided to begin a healing journey through
the practice of yoga. She took lessons at
Open Doors Power Yoga Studios and made
the decision to be trained as an instructor.
Under the direction of Richard Lanza and
Shawn Cornelison, owners of the studios,
she began a rigorous training regimen for
nearly a year to become a teacher.
Christine J. (Stiles) Biggins, 57, of
Hanson, entered into eternal rest at her
home on May 12, 2015, surrounded by her
family and cared for by the Hospice of the
South Shore. She was born in Worcester,
daughter of the late Walter J. and Corinne
D. (Meola) Stiles Sr.
Chris was a graduate of Doherty Memorial
High School in Worcester with the class
of 1975 and later attended Leo’s Beauty
24
OFDA The Buckeye Director
In 1986, she moved to Hanson, where she
raised her family and was integral in the
acquisition of the Magoun Funeral Home in
Rockland with her husband. She has served
as vice president of the firm since 1998. She
travelled extensively serving as “first lady” of
the National Funeral Directors Association,
where her warmth and spirit endeared all
those that she came in contact with.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in
2004, she met the neurological challenges
of that disease with fervor and resolve.
On Good Friday of 2007, after a routine
mammogram, she was diagnosed with stage
2 breast cancer. This life-changing news
began a journey for her to fight every day to
move toward healing.
She continued her training, studying with
Rolf Gates for over 1,000 hours while under
treatment for a reoccurrence of her cancer.
Chris began blogging on her website, www.
christinebiggins.com, to share her courage
and inspiration while she dealt with myriad
emotions and setbacks.
In May 2014, after the third occurrence
of her cancer, which now had progressed
to stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, she was
surprised and honored to be recognized
through the Rockland Friends in a breast
cancer awareness campaign, which provided
pink bracelets with #chrisbigginsstrong
imprinted on them. Nearly 5,000 bracelets
have been circulated and photographed
by her supporters at locations all over the
world. These photos, posted to Facebook,
had lifted her spirits and inspired her to
remain strong.
Chris is survived by her husband of 37
years, Robert J. Biggins. She was the loving
mother of Daniel J. Biggins and his wife,
Danielle, of Rockland; Erin K. Russo
and her husband, Michael, of Loganville,
Georgia; Andrew J. Biggins, of Hanson; and
her late infant son, Robert J. Biggins Jr. She
was quite proud of her title of “Nana” to her
five grandsons, Gavan D. Biggins, Logan W.
Russo, Ronan D. Biggins, Landon R. Russo
and Shea D. Biggins.
One of 10 children, she is survived by her
sisters, Cheryl Bleau, of New Hampshire,
Maryann LaFrance, of North Adams,
Doreen Lebel, of Webster, Debra Maguire,
of Webster, and Jacqueline French of
Vermont; her brothers, Walter J. Stiles Jr.,
of Georgia, Kevin Stiles, of Holden, Philip
Stiles, of Leicester, and Dennis Stiles, of
Georgia. Also surviving are many nieces
and nephews.
Melody Anderson (née Schaal), beloved
wife for 50 years to Bruce Anderson; loving
mother of Laurie (Chris) Owens, David
Anderson and Michael (Kelly) Anderson;
dear Grandma Mimi to Evan, Adam and Ian
Owens, Abby and David Anderson Jr., and
Jake, Lainie, Xavier and Noah Anderson;
loving daughter of the late Dr. James and Sue
Schaal; sister of the late Jim and John Schaal;
and sister-in-law of Judy (Gary) Kaiser and
Charles (Ramona) Anderson, passed away
suddenly, Wednesday, May 27, 2015.
Lenore L. Faulhaber (née Scheuerman),
age 93, passed away May 29, 2015. Beloved
wife of Donald A. Sr. (deceased). Loving
mother of Donald Jr. (Luby — deceased),
William (deceased), (Linda) and Judith.
Cherished grandmother of Donald III, Tracy,
Robin, Brian, Lenore, Randall, Sara, Karl
and Kara. Great-grandmother of 21. Greatgreat-grandmother of five. Sister of William
(deceased) and Robert. Family suggests
contributions to the Donald Faulhaber Sr.
Memorial Scholarship, 6638 Mill Road,
Brecksville, OH, or to Holy Family Hospice,
6707 State Road, Parma, 44134.
Maynard M. Storer, 80 of Jamestown,
formerly from Wilmington, Ohio, passed
away in the early morning May 30, 2015, at
the Liberty Nursing Center in Jamestown,
Ohio, with his family by his side.
Maynard was born May 12, 1935 in
Wilmington, Ohio, to Clyde E. Storer
and Grace E. (Barney) Storer. Mr. Storer
was a 1953 graduate of Wilmington High
School. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine
Corps and retired in 1972 as a staff sergeant
and drill instructor, serving in Korea and
Vietnam. Maynard was a proud Marine
who lived his life as such. He also worked
as a security officer at Edison International
of Southern California, located in Long
Beach, California, and at R+L Carriers in
Wilmington, Ohio. He enjoyed his CB
radio friends and was known by his handle,
“The Grey Ghost.”
Maynard is survived by three sons, Michael
(Gretchen Kell) Storer, of Jamestown, Ohio,
Mark (Lisa Dean) Storer, of Cathedral City,
California, and Don Storer of Washington
CH, Ohio; and two daughters, Catherine
(Carl) Horkey, of Dundee, Michigan, and
Theresa “Teri” Anglin of Toledo, Ohio.
He is survived by a brother, Richard E.
Storer, of Sabina, Ohio; and a sister, Betty
Hamilton, of Wilmington, Ohio. He also
is survived by eight grandchildren and 11
great-grandchildren; three special friends,
Roberta Pratt of Wilmington, Ohio, and
Rodney and Roberta (Shupert) Banta of
Xenia, Ohio; a host of nephews and nieces;
and many, many friends.
Mr. Storer is preceded in death, along with
his parents, by two brothers, Robert E.
Storer and Marvin D. Storer; and a sister,
Mildred L Francis.
Tara Knauf (TT) was born April 25, 2002,
and at 8 weeks of age, she went to Canine
Partners for Life, a service-dog organization,
to be trained as a service dog for persons
with mobility impairments. Unfortunately,
it didn’t work out because of Tara’s one
weakness that distracted her from serving
others: BALLS! When she saw anything
that resembled a ball in shape, she would
go to great lengths to get it. So because she
was a beautiful lab, not only in structure
but health, she was placed in my care as a
breeder dog for the program. We became
partners, and under my care, Tara had two
litters totaling 22 puppies, all of which
became service dogs. As I did my volunteer
work at the prisons for the puppy-raising
program, she was my demo dog and also
my protector, as many people can be
slightly afraid of a big black dog. After I
experienced a serious illness, she became
my service dog and was with me 24/7. We
traveled as ambassadors for Canine Partners
for Life, and along with her sister lab,
Nika, we opened the Hillcrest Pet Funeral
Home, and she became the grief dog. As
the opportunity to come to Columbus
presented itself, we jumped at the chance.
Tara loved exploring Columbus with me:
our favorite restaurants, parks, and especially
the Deaf School Park next to our apartment.
She loved being the center of attention at
Schoedinger and loved her work. No matter
how tired she was, she got up and greeted
everyone who walked into the office. She
had a way of knowing just who needed
her and she would lean up against them
to give comfort. There was a day when a
labradoodle named Willow came to be
evaluated; Tara knew instantly that Willow
was the one to be her successor, and Tara
took her under her paw and trained her
well. Tara’s spirit will live inside Willow, as
well as each and every grief therapy dog at
Schoedinger.
I know we all say we have the perfect dog,
but Tara was the perfect dog. The last three
years of her life here at Schoedinger Funeral
Home and Cremation Service have shown
us all what a therapy dog is all about. I do
not know of one person, inside or outside of
Schoedinger, who did not say that she was a
perfect dog with the perfect job. As her life
here on Earth ended Tuesday, May 27, 2015,
her spirit and legacy will live on forever, not
only in our hearts but in the hearts of all she
touched. She will be greatly missed.
Tara is survived by her loving mother,
Roberta Knauf; her successor, mentee
and partner-in-play, Willow; her entire
work family at Schoedinger Funeral and
Cremation Service; and many other fourlegged friends.
Samuel Richard Hankins, age 89, of
Twinsburg, Ohio, passed away May 16,
2015. Beloved husband of Nathalia “Kitty”
Hankins; former husband of the late
Johanne Hankins (née Wilker); father of
Scott R. Hankins (Melinda), of Euclid,
and Nancy A. Hankins, of Moreland
Hills, Ohio; also survived by dear friends,
including the Hibler family.
David Bradley Tobias, age 54, of
Beavercreek, passed away unexpectedly on
Tuesday, June 16, 2015. He was preceded
in death by his mother, Sharon Ann (née
Mish) Tobias. He is survived by his father,
David B. Tobias, of Dayton; his three
children, Whitney, Aric and Kelsey Tobias;
and one grandaughter. He is also survived
by a sister, Kristi Cave, and her husband,
Mark, of Cincinnati; and several nieces,
nephews and other family members. He
is also survived by his lifelong friend and
“significant other,” Judy Calcutta, and his
best friend, Chris Anshutz. Bradley was a
1980 graduate of Beavercreek High School.
He was employed at Tobias Funeral Home
for 26 years from 1979 until 2005.
Irving Robert Emmerich, 96 years of age,
and a resident of Avon Lake, passed away
Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at Independence
Village of Avon Lake following a full and
active life. Irving was born May 11, 1919,
in Clarksfield Township, Ohio. He was
raised in Henrietta Township, Ohio, as a
boy and was a graduate of Henrietta High
School. Irving received his higher education
at Fenn College and was a 1943 graduate
of Cleveland College of Mortuary Science.
Irving went on to receive licensing by the
State Board of Embalmers and the State
Board of Ohio Funeral Directors as an
embalmer, funeral director and funeral
home owner. Irving was the founder and
former owner of Emmerich Funeral Home
in Amherst, Ohio, which is now the
Hempel Funeral Home. He was previously
the owner and CEO of Daniels Emmerich
Funeral Home in Lakewood, Ohio. He was
a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors
Association, the Cleveland Embalmers Club,
the Cuyahoga Funeral Directors and the
Greater Lorain Funeral Directors. Irving
was also a licensed real estate agent with the
State Board of Real Estate Brokers. Irving
was a member of Christ Lutheran Church
in Avon Lake. He was also a member and
past officer of the following: Stone City
Chapter of the Eastern Stars, Lakewood
White Shrine and Lorain High Twelve
Luncheon Club. Irving’s favorite pastime
was golfing, and in 1978, Irving received a
Hole in One Award from Spalding. Beyond
his work and community service, he was
first and foremost a dedicated husband,
father and grandfather. Survivors include
his beloved wife of 73 years, Jeannette E.
OFDA The Buckeye Director
25
Emmerich (née Berg); his daughter, Kay A.
Dangelo of Bay Village; his son, Irving R.
“Robert” Emmerich Jr.; his grandchildren,
Kris Boncek (Joe), Amy Dangelo, Jennifer
Emmerich, Kevin Emmerich (Kate), Rob
Emmerich (Beth) and Marybeth Jones
(David); and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brothers,
Warren and Charles Emmerich; his sister,
Esther Emmerich; and his parents, Adam
and Ethel Emmerich (née Bristol).
Donald Ray Spicer, 75, of Toronto,
Ohio, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2015,
peacefully in his home surrounded by
his family.
Don was born August 1, 1939, in
Steubenville, Ohio, son of the late James G.
and Annie Vera Garrison Spicer.
Travis A. Elliott, age 49, of Laurelville,
passed away unexpectedly Sunday, July 12,
2015, at home.
He was a member of the Toronto Church
of the Nazarene. Don was self-employed
since 1962 as owner and operator of Don’s
Appliance Sales and Service in Toronto. He
was retired from Ohio Edison – Sammis
Plant in Stratton, Ohio, where he worked in
the maintenance department, and prior to
that, he worked at Toronto Paper Board.
Born on May 8, 1966, in Washington CH,
he was the youngest child born to Dale
V. and Mary Jane (Denning) Elliott, of
Circleville. His younger years were spent in
Claremont, Minnesota, a place that forever
remained special.
Don also was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
In addition to his parents, Don was
preceded in death by his grandson, Joshua;
and two brothers, James and Sanford Spicer.
He leaves behind his wife, Emma Louise
(Paxton) Spicer, whom he married
September 27, 1959; his three sons,
Ron (Joyce) Spicer, of Ravenna, Ohio,
Tim (Tammy) Spicer, of Toronto, and
Ken (Kristin) Spicer, of Stow, Ohio; his
sister, Joyce Dye, of Toronto; and his six
grandchildren, Kayleigh, Kelsey, Kara,
Alyssa, Jaden and Tyler.
Norma Jo “Carmony” Homer, age 80,
of Dayton, went to be with the Lord
on Monday, July 6, 2015, at Hospice of
Dayton. She was born December 9, 1934,
in Middlesboro, Kentucky, to the late Joe
Carmony and Victoria S. Mills Carmony.
She is also preceded in death by a son, Jeff
McDonald; a son-in-law, Woody Barlett;
and a stepson, Doug Homer. She retired
26
from Miami Valley Hospital as a patient
account representative after 32 years.
She was a member of Bethel (Christian)
Temple Assembly of God and a strong
and dedicated Christian lady. She enjoyed
cooking, oil painting, crocheting, reading
and writing journals. She is survived by a
daughter, Donna G. Barlett, of Dayton,
Ohio; sons Christopher A. Homer, of
Gallipolis, Ohio, and Steve McDonald,
of Lima, Ohio; a stepdaughter, Debbie
Chapman, of Glendale, Arizona; a sister,
Marilyn Gay (OP) Harrison, of Mobile,
Alabama; stepgrandchildren Jamie and
Nathan of Glendale, Arizona; and several
cousins and good friends.
OFDA The Buckeye Director
By a chance meeting, he met Cynthia
Osborn, and after a five-year courtship,
they were married in 2011. Gratefully,
they were able to pack much in their short
years together and shared a life full of
adventure. With no regrets, he considered
his wife the “girl of his dreams.” Although
a country boy at heart, he always
remained a true gentleman.
For 24 years, he worked with Conagra Foods/
Ralston Foods Inc., of Lancaster, and was
currently working with Darfus Realty and the
Southeastern Ohio Food Bank in Logan, as
well as a self-employed auctioneer. Never shy,
Travis possessed an adventurous spirit and
enjoyed hiking and kayaking with his wife. He
also had a passion for antiquing and attending
flea markets looking for treasures.
The consummate jokester, he enjoyed
karaoke and was gifted with song and
playing the harmonica. Travis was kindhearted, talkative in nature and a true
people person. Never a stranger known, he
always had a story to share.
He was a member of the Hocking Hills
Inspire Shelter and a lover of canines and
animals. He kept journals of his life and the
adventures with his dogs, attesting to his
gentle spirit.
He leaves a legacy as he lived his life, a true
friend to the end.
Those left to cherish his memory include his
parents; his wife, Cindy; his sisters, Bridget
Elliott, of Chicago, Illinois, and Melissa
VanCamp, of Charleston, South Carolina;
his nieces and nephews, Evan Darst (Angii
Ngyuen), Adrian Darst, and Amelia and
Marceil VanCamp; his great-niece, Mirah
Ngyuen-Darst; the extended Osborn family;
and loyal canines Laurel, Libby and Rudy.
He was preceded in death by his brothers,
Vernon and Bart Elliott.
ofdaonline.org
ESTATE FRAUD
SERVICES
Stops identity theft
of the deceased.
Families have suffered
money loss, time loss
and legal problems.
SEE
estatefraudservices.com
OFDA The Buckeye Director
27
Ohio Funeral Directors Association
2501 North Star Road
P.O. Box 21760
Columbus, OH 43221-0760