Prentice Funeral Home

05/12/2026

05/06/2026

Randy M. Nicholson, 71 passed away on May 2, 2026. He was a quiet man who would do anything for anyone. He loved his truck, driving, Nascar, going to the beach, being in his pool and his doxies. He was a long-time member of Park United Methodist Church.
Randy is preceded by his mother Frances Nicholson and brother-in-law Paul Gregory. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 38 years Phyllis Nicholson, son Collin Nicholson, daughter Skylar Nicholson, grandson Jayce, father John Nicholson, sister Debby Gregory, sister-in-law & brother-in-law Cathy and Ken Shillingburg and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Park United Methodist Church, 2308 24th St. SW, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Dave Haydu. Friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Donations if desired may be made to Park United Methodist Church Memorial Fund and would be appreciated.

05/01/2026

Effie R. Tichon, 92 of Kenmore passed away on April 30, 2026. She was born in Alabama, grew up there, then her family moved to Norton where she graduated from Norton High School. She married John in 1953, and they were married for 69 years before he passed away in 2023. She was a receptionist for Millcraft Paper and a travel agent for Rolling Acres Travel, which enabled them to take many trips together. She loved to read, paint and garden. She loved her flowers.
Effie is preceded by her husband John Tichon, daughter Mary Ann Tichon, brother Jim and sisters Kathryn, Ruby and Linda. She is survived by her daughter Margaret Brown, son John (Denise) Tichon, 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-granddaughter, sister Elaine Edmonson and lots of nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd. Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Private entombment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park on Thursday.

04/27/2026

Christian Alexander Marong December 2, 2025-April 20,2026

Christian Alexander Marong was born December 2, 2025, to his loving mother, Kelli Marong, at Akron General Hospital in Akron, Ohio.

At four and a half months old, Christian was perfection, with the squishiest cheeks. He loved a good bottle of “milkies” and treasured being held close. In those early months, he made it clear that he belonged in someone’s arms. His favorite place was nestled on his mom’s chest, where he was most peaceful and content.

By his fourth month, Christian’s personality began to shine. He had the sweetest, melt-your-heart smile and a deep belly giggle that brought joy to everyone around him. He would chime into conversations with perfectly timed giggles and grunts, affectionately earning him the nicknames “Snort” and “Buttercup.” He loved being sung to — especially songs from The Lion King. Aladdin and newly introduced Tarzan—and found delight in books, small toys, and anything that made a gentle sound.

Christian especially drawn to faces. He was fascinated with his image in the mirror and would gaze and listen intently to those he loved. In his most recent weeks, he began to snuggle in closer— pressing his face into your neck when he was held, as if returning the gestures that were bestowed on him.

He was deeply loved by his mother, Kelli. In addition, many others were blessed to snuggle and care for him, including Lauren Fuller, Doug and Karen Fuller, and many friends who treasured him and dreamed of getting to love on him forever.

Those who knew Christian will remember not only his smiles, but the quiet, sacred moments in between—the tiny grip of his fingers, or the way he would hold onto your hand and draw it close to his chest even as he slept.

Though his life was brief, it was filled with tenderness, and deep love. His presence brought a joy and softness that will not be forgotten and is already so deeply missed.

Sweetest boy you will always be remembered for the love you gave and the love you received. We long for the day we hear you giggle again and can snuggle you in close. Until that day comes may you be held by Jesus and wrapped in a love you can feel. We love you buddy.

A private celebration of life service will be held on April 30th at 12:00 pm in Portage County.

“you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more”

04/21/2026

Junior Loughrie


On April 11, 2026, Junior C. Loughrie, 73, of Kenmore lost a yearlong battle with Hepatocellular Liver Cancer. His wife Cynthia, son Timothy and his Annie by his side.
Born in Grafton, West Virginia to John and Karminettia Loughrie on September 7, 1952. He moved to Akron very early in his childhood, returning often to West Virginia to visit the "homeplace" and his extended family. Junior always dreamed of moving to West Virginia after his retirement. He was very close to fulfilling that dream when God decided to call him home.
Junior was a member of the Kenmore High School Class of 1971 until he left early to voluntarily enlist in the Army during the Vietnam War. (1971 - 1972) Junior originally enlisted to become a mechanic but after being shown a movie or two he decided he wanted to become a helicopter "Door Gunner". On November 7, 1971, he was awarded "The Air Medal With "V" Device" for heroism during a visual reconnaissance mission in the Quag Tri Provence, Republic of Vietnam. When an accompanying scout aircraft was downed by enemy fire, Junior was able to deliver accurate devastating fire until the downed crew was aboard his aircraft, and all were able to get to safety. After returning home he attended Akron Evening High School at North High School. Graduating in 1975. Like many other Vietnam Veterans, Junior did not know that eventually he would fight the biggest battle of his life called Agent Orange. Which not only left him with debilitating neuropathy, but also with liver cancer.
In 1981 Junior became employed at B&C Machine where he continued to work for 33 years. Retiring in 2014. Starting out as a machine operator and working up to leadman/set up. While at B&C Junior built long time friendships with Bill, Bob, Mikey and Ron. Enjoying many breakfasts and poker parties with the guys.
Junior was a jack of all trades. He could honestly fix just about anything. His motto ... He was never going to pay someone to do something he could do for himself. He was an outdoor type of fellow. Junior enjoyed vegetable gardening, yard work, fishing, hunting and he especially loved feeding his outdoor critters ... Birds, groundhogs, possums, raccoons, skunks, squirrels and sometimes a deer of two if he was in WV.
Junior was a very patriotic man who had much love for his God and Country. He was a born again Christian and a member of Park United Methodist Church.
Junior was preceded in death by his parents John and Karminettia and son Junior Allen. He is survived by his wife Cynthia of 46 years. Renewing their original vows from 1979 on their 45th Anniversary in 2024. Children Timothy, Wendy, Laura & Jennifer, 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Brothers in Law Floyd and Scott Baker. Many cousins and extended family and his loyal cat Mama who stayed by his side throughout his illness, some days never leaving his bedside.
Many thanks to Gentiva Home Hospice and Summa Barberton Hospital. To Pastor David Haydu, to the many Prayer Warriers at Park United Methodist Church and to our extended family and friends who have prayed and given Junior and I so much support during our time of need.
Junior's corneas have been donated to Lifebanc so that two people will be given the gift of sight.
Per Junior's wishes a private grave side service has taken place at Copley Cemetery, Copley, Ohio.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

02/19/2026

Margie Koegel, 78, of Akron passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at The Village of St. Edward.

Margie was born on November 10, 1947 in Akron, Ohio, the daughter of James and Geraldine (Petrasek) Truxell. She graduated from Garfield High School in 1965 and attended Riggs Lemar Beauty College. She worked as a beautician at Andre Duval until she opened her own beauty salon, A Cut in Time in Akron. Margie loved her work and making her customers feel beautiful. She retired as an independent contractor at Shear TLC in 2019.

Margie leaves a daughter, Michelle (Ryan) Porter, and son, Sean Koegel of Akron, three grandchildren, Alexis (Devan) Benjamin, Jane and Ian, great-grandson, Deacon, and nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Margie is preceded in death by her sister Joyce (Fred) Hollendoner of Canfield.

Family will receive friends on Monday, February 23, 2026 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with service to follow at 6:30 p.m. at Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd. Akron, Ohio 44314. Rose Kienzle, Traditions Health Chaplain will officiate.

02/12/2026

Nancy F. Collins, 78, passed away unexpectedly February 9, 2026. Nancy was born on April 12, 1947 in Akron, OH and spent over 30 years in service to students in the Akron Public Schools. She loved reading, traveling, and especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to those around her, consistently seeking to help and support others in every way possible.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Vito and Roberta DeAngelis, her brother Thomas, and sister Linda.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother as well as an incredible friend to many. She is survived by her loving husband of over 57 years, Bill; children Kathy and Jeff (Erin); grandchildren Jack (Sophie), Joseph, Caitlin, Reilly, and Kendall; great-grandchildren Oliver and Peter; and a large extended family.

Per her wishes, there will be no funeral or calling hours.
Nancy’s warmth, kindness, and devotion to family and friends will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

01/24/2026

Janis Henderson, 73 of Akron, passed away on January 18, 2026. She was the only daughter in a family of five children. She grew up in the Barberton area where her parents owned and operated Terrace Gardens ,a long-time staple in Barberton, serving fried chicken. After Terrace Gardens sold, she became a C & C machine operator and retired from Manchester tool machine company after 20 years of service. She raised her two boys by herself and was very proud of both of them. She was a huge dog lover, liked to shop, had lots of friends and was very close to her nieces and nephews.

Janis is preceded by her parents James and Eileen Johnson, her son Jason Roy Henderson and her four brothers James, Gary, Ron and Ken Johnson. She is survived by her son Daniel Isaah Henderson, grandchildren Kamaile Jason Henderson, Maya Henderson, Anna Henderson and Danielle Henderson, great-grandson Lucious Ulysses Henderson and many nieces and nephews.

Her family is planning a Celebration of Life at a later date.

01/07/2026

Prince Tyrone Lamont Henderson, 2 years old, of Barberton, passed away on January 1, 2026. He was born on July 7, 2023. Prince was smart and full of joy and loving. His smile was contagious. He loved his sister Royalle more than anything. He loved playing with cars and watching Boss Baby. He loved his dog and best friend Bel Air.

Prince is survived by his mom and dad Ronald Henderson and Grace Phillips, his sister Royalle' Henderson, and his grandparents LaShelle Howard, Terrance Phillips, Latasha and Dan Newman and Ronald and Sadie Henderson.

Funeral services will be held at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd. in Akron on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., officiated by Minister Jeanetta McCormick. Calling hours will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

12/22/2025

Lillian Alberta Bonner was born on 8/2/1935 in Belington, West Virginia to Alma and Floyd Bosley. She was the middle of three daughters Norma Jean and Nancy Ann, both deceased. She attended Belington High School and sat behind Charles Eugene Bonner. They would elope to Oakland, Maryland, on January 15th, 1953, while still in high school, and remained married for 72 years. When asked the secret of being married for so long, Alberta would say with a smile “ you have to get married very young and live to be very old.” Alberta and Gene, used their middle names their whole lives, moved to Barberton, Ohio in late 1953, where Gene had gotten a job at PPG.

Alberta and Gene raised three children, Debbie, deceased, Carlton and Donna. Alberta was a homemaker, but also a fabulous seamstress who took in sewing to earn extra money. She also did amazing handwork, knitting, crocheting, and quilting. For a while she did art shows with her daughter-in-law Marie. Alberta joined quilting bees with her friends from church. She was a lifelong follower of Christ and taught Sunday School for many years. Alberta and Gene loved to travel and visited all 48 Continental United States. They took their grandchildren, Amanda, Ian, Ray, and Hannah on many of their adventures. Alberta inherited the house she grew up in in West Virginia. This West Virginia property became a magical place for her grandchildren to visit.

Alberta was preceded in death by her first grandchild Miles. Alberta loved doing jigsaw puzzles and playing games. She was still playing her favorite game, Aggravation, with her longtime partner, her son-in-law, Donna’s husband Bill, towards the end of her life. To love and be loved is the essence of life, and so it was with this wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. The family would like to thank the staff of the memory care at Heritage Crossing and Ohio Living Hospice for their care in her final days.

Funeral services will be at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd. on Saturday, December 27th at 3:00pm, officiated by Pastor Dwight Strickland. Friends may call from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Private burial will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

12/10/2025

Shirley Kaforey, 79 of Norton, passed away on December 9, 2025. She was born in Brookville, PA and grew up in Clarion, PA. She moved to this area to attend Kent State University. She taught at Chapel Hill Christian School for several years before retiring and devoting her life to God and raising her three sons. She enjoyed her grandchildren, as well as art and calligraphy.

Shirley is preceded by her parents Myron and Emma Baughman Sr. She is survived by her husband of 50 years Ken, sons Jim (Georgette), Ron and Jeff, grandchildren Mercedes, Abigail, Jackson, Olivia, Alexander, Cooper, and Nathaniel, and brother Myron (Denise) Baughman Jr.

Funeral services will be at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd. on Monday at 12:00 pm, officiated by Pastor Mike Prebynski, followed by burial at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call on Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm.