Catherine Ann Igrec

August 31, 1965 - October 31, 2021

Catherine Ann Igrec, 56, of Mentor, passed away Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.

Raised in Willowick, Ohio she was the daughter of Donna Igrec and the late Ladislav Igrec.
She is survived by her daughter, Alana Bencun and son, Mark Bencun. Siblings, Rose Jaeger (Dan), Frances Igrec, Dina DePerro (Chris), Tina Enberg (Jon), John Igrec (Jen). As well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday November 16th, at St. Mary Magdalene Church 32114 Vine St, Willowick, OH 44095 at 10:30 a.m. We welcome all those who loved Cathy to join us in celebrating her life.

William Whitehouse

William Whitehouse “Bill” age 75, of Mentor. Passed away on October 30, 2021. Devoted husband of 50 years to Charlene (nee Bahr). Loving father of Melissa (Larry), and Edward (Lauren). Cherished grandfather of Burke. Bill owned his own company “B & C Produce,” and retired in 2005. He proudly served our country as a Navy Veteran, and he was an avid Cleveland sports fan. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

Kenneth Warren “Kenny”

October 24, 1956 - October 19, 2021

Kenneth Walter Warren, 64 years old, passed away peacefully at his home in Bedford Heights, Ohio, on October 19, 2021. Beloved husband of Tina Warren (nee Fredericy); father of Robert, Brian, and Kevin; stepfather of Thomas Ward; dear son of Walter and Shirley (both deceased); brother of Steven, Barbara, David, Lisa, Linda (deceased), and Pamela (deceased); uncle, nephew and cousin of many.

No services will be held per his request.

Terry L. Pierce (Kinney)

Terry Pierce (Kinney) age 65. Passed away on October 18, 2021. Loving mother of Amy Nourse (Nathan), and Larry Pierce (Kristina).

Cherished grandmother of Tretten and Brendin Nourse, Nathan and Kayla Pierce. Dear sister of Julie Kinney (Bill), and Jim Kinney (Yvonne).

Loving Aunt of Amber ,Phillip Dominic Kinney, and Michael Hadzinski. Niece of Phyllis Gilar (Frank) Cousin of Della Shafer and Hector Casarez. Terry was preceded in death by her parents
Amelia and Phillip Marinucci. She enjoyed playing bingo, listening to country music and she loved a good party with friends and family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Garden Crypts at Lakeview Cemetery on November 6, 2021 beginning at 10:00 am This will be an outdoor service, if you could please meet at the Mayfield Gate at 9:45 A.M. where the procession will take place to the Garden Crypt in Lakeview. Flowers can be sent directly to Lakeview the day prior to the service.

Alan William Andrews

Alan William Andrews was the dearly beloved father of Matthew. Cherished brother of Patricia. Dear Uncle of Michael and Alisa. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Dolores Andrews. The family will hold a Memorial Service Thursday November 11, 2021 at 31325 Miller Avenue, Willoughby Hills, OH 44092 at 7:00P.M.

Scott J. Pruter

Scott J Pruter, 53 of Fairport Harbor, passed away on October 16, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents Ronald and Beverly Pruter, and his grandparents John and Emma Korondan.

Father of Nicholas Pruter. Cherished brother of  Terri Kowalski (Dave), Lori Shuleva (John), and nieces Ashley Billett (Anthony), Courtney Kowalski.

Scott leaves behind an uncle, cousins, friends and colleagues, he will be dearly missed.

He was born in Parma in 1968, Scott was a lifelong Cleveland area resident. Scott was a graduate of Tiffin University with a degree in Criminal Justice.  He was a former member of Local 860 Laborer Union in Cleveland,  a former Lake County Sheriff Deputy, and also served on the SWAT Team. In 1998, while a deputy, Scott earned the Distinguished Service Medal. He loved Notre Dame Football and Cleveland Indians Baseball.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Mary Ellen Benchina

Mary Ellen Benchina (nee Yates) of Mentor,Ohio. Age 84, passed away Friday, October 15, 2021 peacefully at home surrounded by her family.  Cherished daughter of the late Allan Yates and Mary G. (nee Molnar), and her husband John F. Benchina. Devoted mother of John (Athena) Benchina,  Diane (Ross) Dunn,  Bruce (Jeannette) Benchina,  Brad (Debbie) Benchina;

Loving grandmother of seven Grandchildren: Amy, John, Nirvana, Brian (Gena), Ellen, Melissa, Michael (Jennifer) ; three Great-grandmother of   Lucas, Christian, Aiden, Aunt of many nieces and nephews. Cherished sister of David A. Yates.

Ellen was a former Graduate of the 1954 Class of Notre Dame Academy, and The Class of 1957 at St. Johns Hospital School of Nursing. She was a Retired RN, CRNI, OCN: Formerly, for Euclid General, and Lake Hospital Systems.

There will be no public visitation or funeral services. A Private burial will be in Mentor Cemetery, Mentor, Ohio with immediate family.

Robert C. Betz

July 28, 1928 - October 14, 2021

Robert C. Betz age 93 of Mentor, passed away on October 14, 2021. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 28, 1928. Bob served 20 yrs. in the Coast Guard and 20 yrs. for the U.S. Post Office in Painesville, Willowick, and in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Robert is survived by his loving wife, Beverly  “Sue” of 61 years; his children R. Michael (Cathy), Lyn  Bishop (Robert), Kelly Lachner, Lee Flegel (Chris), and James (Melissa); grandfather of Robert and Taylor Bishop, Timothy Lachner, Kasey Goulet (Sam), Christine Foster, Stephanie Jessup (Jon), and Katie and Emily Betz; great-grandfather of Jacob, Jenna, Julia, and Joanna Goulet, Finn Foster, and Haley Bishop; He is preceded in death by his parents Erwin and Rose Betz and brother James Edward Betz.

Private services will be held for family only.

Michael A. Santilla

Michael A. Santilla age 60, of Perry, passed away with both of his daughters by his side on October 9, 2021. Cherished son of Darlene, and (Michael Santilla deceased).

Loving father of Carissa Santilla (Devon Falkner) of Willowick, and ReAnn Santilla of Perry.

Devoted grandfather of Cameron Santilla-Shaffer, Tre'Von Falkner, De'Shawn Santilla, Zavian Santilla, DaMarion Falkner, and Zaria Falkner. 

Dear brother of Anthony (Jennifer) Santilla of Painesville Twp, Tina Middleton of Mentor, and Darlene Santilla of Madison. Michael enjoyed his roots growing up in a large Italian Family, and making homemade pasta sauce on Sunday. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, The Andy Griffith Show, and going on any vacations he could. He also loved to talk to his daughters daily and surprise his grandkids with pizza every month. Michael’s best moment of 2021 was watching ReAnn graduate High School, and start her first year at Kent State. He is at peace now, will be deeply missed by everyone, and will always live on in everyone’s heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time for family and friends. Please check back on Blessing’s website. Donations may be made directly to the family, if you call our direct line we will assist you in making a donation. Arrangements by Blessing Cremation Center. 440-352-8100

Linda M. Yax

Linda M. Yax age 65, of Mentor on the Lake. Passed away on October 9, 2021. Loving daughter of Palmer and Dorothy Austin. Mother of Anthony Austin and Brian Yax. Cherished sister of Debra Hawkins, Diana Austin, Laura Cala (Michael deceased), Robert Austin, Raymond Austin (Donna), and Sandy Barnard (Jeff). Linda enjoyed spending time with her family and children. She enjoyed gardening, nature, classical music, playing games, gazing at the stars, cake decorating. She took great pleasure in working on her Family Tree. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

SHIRLEY R. WOOD

Shirley R. Wood (née Coleman) 70, of Mentor Ohio, peacefully went to be with The Lord on October 7, 2021. Shirley was born November 30, 1950, in Mohawk, West Virginia. She lived in Willoughby most of her life. 

While raising three children, Mrs. Wood worked her way through night school at Lakeland Community College, and earned her CPA. She owned a successful accounting practice for many years and also worked at a downtown firm as a financial planner.  She enjoyed her work and continued to do so even through last tax season. She enjoyed crafting and needlework, reading, hiking, and writing her blog:  A Mountain Child.  She also wrote poetry and a column for a hometown newspaper. She loved her many pets, including several rabbits and her beloved cat Bella. 

She is survived by her daughters Shannon Anderson and Crystal Anderson; her brothers Larry (Tom) (Sharon) Coleman and John (Kim) Coleman; sisters Eva Higginbotham, Zelma (Charles) Mitchell and Kimberly (Robert) Jeremia; grandchildren Amanda (Erik) Shumney, Lauren Toth, Kaitlin Sahadi, and Matthew Anderson; and great grandchildren Hadley, Paxton, Oliver, Avalon, Ezra and Selah, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends and clients.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Dennis Wood, parents Pearl Katherine Gardner (née Mullins) and Farley Coleman, son Tate Anderson, infant son Travis, and great granddaughter Adalyn Lee.

The family will receive friends in a private memorial service at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve or The ALS Association

Mark R. McGowan

Mark R. McGowan, beloved Father, Grandfather, and Vietnam veteran, passed away October 3, 2021 at the age of 72 in his home.

He was a devoted Father and Grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family. Mark was very compassionate and had a big heart. He was always ready to help anyone in need.

Mark is survived by his daughter Diana Cleek, his son in law Anthony Cleek; Grandchildren Michael McGowan, Alea Cleek, Shiann Kinney, Karli McGowan, Samantha Cleek, Scott McGowan, Kyra McGowan, Lain Smith, and Ezra Smith; Great grandchildren Farrah Kinney, Aralynn McGowan, Paul Pigza, Jax McGowan, Brinley Pigza, Kali Tripodo, Theodore Andrews, and Anthony Pigza.

Mark is proceeded in death by his parents Francis and Marie McGowan, wife Sharon McGowan, daughter Christina McGowan, and son in law Justin Smith.

There will be private services held for immediate family at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date.

EARL J. CAMPBELL

Earl J. Campbell, 88, of Perry, OH. Passed away on September 28, 2021. Earl proudly served his country as a member of The United States Navy, and was a Retired Carpenter. Devoted son of the late Della E. Campbell. Loving Father of Ronald, Donald, and Deborah Campbell. Grandfather of Cherie, Irma, Larissa, Christopher, Erik, Nathan, and Daniel. Great-grandfather of 20, and great-great grandchildren of 9. Cherished brother to Dayton (Nippy) Campbell, and Connie Campbell. A Celebration of Earl's life will be held at a later date. Please check back on Blessing's website. Please share a memory of Earl below.

Gary Lynn Ault

February 18, 1952 - September 20, 2021

Gary Lynn Ault “ A Good Man “ age 69, passed away on September 20, 2021.

He leaves behind his beloved family, wife Jennifer (nee Dunn) of 44 years, children David (Helen), Ellen Scanlon (Blake), and Timothy (Marla), five grandchildren; Nina, David, William, Hayden, and Kasey, and one great-grandchild; Ritter; brother John (Kate) and nephews Alex (Abby) and Stuart; brother and sister-in-law Tim and Elizabeth Dunn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Del and Lib Ault of Marion, Ohio. 

Gary was born February 18, 1952, in Marion, Ohio. His life’s journey took him down many paths. His high school band, The Peace Union won the State Battle of the Bands in 1971. He graduated with a BS in Manufacturing Engineering from Ohio University, moved to Cleveland Ohio to start a journey that took him to New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and eventually back to Ohio.  His family knows him as the Dad who could tell a joke and fix anything. The phone calls for advice continued long after his children had started their own families. He loved music, cars, football, and woodworking. After retirement his travels led him to Canada every year and then Jamaica, Honduras, and French Polynesia. He left his heart in Africa. He was transformed by the panoramic scenery, the people and the elephants.  

We miss him very much. 

In lieu of services, we ask that you find a good moment to share a Gary story with someone. 

Condolences may be shared at Blessing Cremation Center (blessingcremation.com/remembrance) or a Facebook page in Gary’s name: Gary Ault has been created if you would like to share a Gary memory online.

Those wishing to honor his life may make a contribution to either The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary    www.retetielephants.org or the Sarara Foundation at sarara.co/

Ricky Alan Bailey

Ricky Alan Bailey passed away peacefully on September 16, 2021. Ricky is preceded in death by his parents Ray and Mary (Wilson) Bailey. He leaves behind four children Bobbi, Eric, Nicholas , and Brynn Bailey. He is survived by an older sister Patsy Carol Amadii (Don), brother Ronald Gray Bailey (Beverly), and the late Michael Ray Bailey (wife Cheryl). Loving uncle to several nieces and nephews: Michael Bailey Jr., Jason, Jordan and Katie Bailey. Ricky was known as a hard worker to anyone who knew him. He started working in the muck fields as a child where he grew up in the Canton area. He went on to become a manager at a local restaurant where he was known as Beetle Bailey. Ricky ended his work career as an owner of a business that delivered buns to restaurants where he earned a new nick name- the bun man. Private Family Services will be held at a later date.

Christopher R. Temple

Christopher R. Temple age 55. Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 15, 2021. He was born in Cleveland to the late Susan Jarger. He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry L. Jones and children Danielle Geer (Matt), Zackary Temple, Camryn Temple, and Matthew Temple. Grandchildren Jamison Temple, Rylan Stivanson, Brystol Stivanson, Wesley Geer, and Serenity Geer. He will be missed by many friends, and family. A Celebration of his life will be held on Sunday September 26th at the Kiwanis Lake Community Hall at 2:00 P.M.

Thomas A. Yates

We bid farewell to an honored veteran, Thomas A. Yates, who passed away on September 15, 2021, after courageously enduring Huntington’s Disease for the past decade. He was born on June 9, 1948, to Henry and Audrey (Ott) Yates in Cleveland, Ohio. Tom will forever be loved by all who knew him, yet most fondly revered by his immediate family; his wife Betsy Parke, his sons David and Brian (Tasha) Yates and their mother Kathy McPeak, and his stepsons Steven, Luke (Natalie), and Harley (Marcella) Parke. He is cherished as “Poppy” by Chapin, Oliver, and Abigail Yates, and forever adored as “Papa Tom” by Sylvia, Sophia, Cecelia, Lucy, and Max Parke. Tom was a quiet, kind and generous man whose gifts and knowledge touched many lives. He brought much beauty to the world during his 40 year career at The Holden Arboretum. He shared his vast knowledge of the natural world with many appreciative people. Tom helped others as a volunteer for: Boy Scouts of America, Meals on Wheels, Mentor Special Skaters, Lake Metro Parks, leading The Mentor Senior Center Hiking Club and rugged all day hikes for various organizations and as a multi gallon blood donor for the American Red Cross. Huntington’s Disease may have taken his body but his spirit lives on in his sons and grandchildren as well as in his passion for the natural world. Take a walk in nature and you will feel his spirit there. Tom’s family will hold a private family service in celebration of his life. To honor Tom’s memory please consider a donation to: The HDSA Northeast Ohio Chapter (for research) PO Box 14668 Cleveland, OH 44114 The Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio 6892 Highland Dr. Solon, OH 44139 Please offer condolences and your memories of Tom below on Blessing’s website.

Robert Joseph Dellarose

It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family announce Robert Joseph Dellarose, 80, passed away Monday, September 13, 2021.

Bob retired from Lincoln Electric Company after working 35 years as a tool designer. He was forever fixing almost anything and everything around the house as an amateur handyman, dabbled in winemaking and Koi ponds, loved cookbooks with pictures particularly from Italy, and had grand aspirations to do wood carving. He loved when the neighborhood dogs visited and enjoyed sunny days watching the wildlife at their home in Bonita Springs often remarking it was "another day in paradise". Neil Diamond played all the time in the house- Forever in Blue Jeans, Sweet Caroline - but his favorite was dancing with his wife to In the Still of the Night.

He is predeceased by his parents Albert and Anne Dellarose. Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Bonita Marchando Dellarose; daughters, Renee (David) Kimball, Kristi (Jason) Cowan; son, Craig (Christina) Dellarose; grandchildren, Tyler (Kelly) Kimball, Bryce Kimball, Rachael Cowan, Ryan Cowan, Sarah Cowan, and Christian Gallagher. He will also be missed by his cherished sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews and lifelong and devoted friends. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the American Heart Association in Robert's name.

Amanda Lorene Hall

Amanda Lorene Hall passed away at age 45. She was born on September 5, 1976 in Cleveland, Ohio to Rosemary Hussing (Eller) and Ivan Hall, and entered into heaven on September 6, 2021. Amanda is survived by her beloved daughter Miranda Foster and grandson Aiden Huggins, as well as her siblings, Paula Chislow (Mark Chislow), Brenda Needs(Randy Needs), Carl Hussing. Loving Aunt of her nieces and nephew James Boglino Jr, Janice Rose Wagner, Rosemary Hussing and her beloved dog Zoe. A service will be held at a later date.

Joseph George Culek

Joseph George Culek  April 5, 1927-Sept. 2, 2021

 Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Maryanne (Muzika) Culek; children Joseph (Laureen), Ann (James Bliven), Sue Dietrich (Art), Kathy,  Chris (Denise) and grandchildren Nicole and Joe Culek, Judah and Kate Bliven, Jessica and John Dietrich and Grace and Charlie Culek,  Preceded in death by parents, Frank and Rose Culek; siblings, Catherine, Rose, Leonarda, Frank, Kenneth and Imelda. The funeral mass is Sept. 13 at 11:30 at St. Joan of Arc in Chagrin Falls.

Around sunset on September 2nd, Joseph George Culek set sail for the other Shore. In spite of the coming night there is no fear that after 94 years of living with a strong moral compass he knew exactly his destination. On that shore he met his parents and his six siblings who made the journey before. He was a child of the depression. At 17 he enlisted in the Navy and joined his 2 brothers and 1 of his sisters going overseas during World War II. After the war he waited patiently to meet Maryanne Muzika at an ice skating rink and our family lucked out at having such a union for our parents. Should St. Peter need some work on the Heavenly Gates, Dad would be the guy. He was the ultimate do it yourselfer. He had little formal schooling but he worked his way up serving as the Building Commissioner until his retirement. Dad never minded all the dogs in the house and even got used to cats. He made children feel loved and special and he had just the knack to tuck the young ones under his arm and lull them (and him) into a lovely nap in the rocking chair. He demonstrated his ability with his 5 children and 8 grandchildren. We thank Dad for being a light in our world through his daily living showing his faith, work ethic, kindness to others and his devotion to family. He would wish us all a life of fair winds and smooth sailing. Rest in peace.