Gard Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC

01/06/2026

Stella G. Eby

Stella G. Eby, age 94, of Eaton, OH passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. She was born April 4, 1931 in Means, KY to the late Raleigh and Rosalee (Neal) Goodpaster.

Stella grew up a sharecropper’s daughter in Williamstown, KY. She was very artistic and could do just about anything she put her mind to. In addition to being a dedicated wife and mother, she was an excellent seamstress, upholsterer and designer. She was a member of the Eaton First Church of God for many years. She loved all different types of flowers and enjoyed going on cruises.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband of 16 years, James Boggs; second husband of 36 years, Levi Smith; third husband of 21 years, Dareld Eby; first born son James David “Jim” Boggs and second born son Roy Daniel “Danny” Boggs.

She is survived by her children: the Rev. Christopher J. (Glenda) Boggs of Troy, OH, Rachel G. (Roy) Bowman and Mary C. (Richard) Marker, both of West Alexandria, OH; daughter-in-law Vicki Boggs (Danny) of New Lebanon, OH; sister Mary M. Dixon of New Lebanon, OH; 15 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; numerous great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 10:00 am until time of funeral service at 11:30 am at the Eaton First Church of God, 601 E. Lexington Road, Eaton, OH with Pastors Aaron Holman and Derek Boggs officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church. Gard Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Eaton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.

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01/05/2026

Frank E. Davis III

Frank E. Davis III, age 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026. He was born October 21, 1948 in Middletown, OH.

Frank was a proud graduate of Trenton High School. After completing his education, he worked in maintenance at Armco Steel for 30 years until retirement. Throughout his life, he had a passion for farming and animals, especially his horses. Frank was a dedicated member of the village of Gratis, having served as both mayor and council member.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Frank E. Jr. and Violet G. (Ransom) Davis.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pamela G. Davis; son Frank E. Davis IV; daughter Tara L. Davis (Greg Barrett); grandchildren Scott M. Davis, Jeffrey T. Davis, Kyle A. Davis and Paige M. Davis; brother Charles T. Davis; aunt Jean Roberts; and numerous nieces and nephews.

As per Frank’s wishes, private services will be held. He will be laid to rest at Miltonville Cemetery in Miltonville, OH. Gard Funeral Home, Gratis, OH is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com

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01/04/2026

Robert E. Nisius

Robert E. Nisius, age 90, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026. Born and raised in West Alexandria, Ohio, Bob lived a full and meaningful life in the community he always called home.

Bob was a member of St. John Church and was known for his strong work ethic, generosity, and dedication to family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmo and Marie (Piatt) Nisius, and his brother, Karl Richard Nisius.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Joyce E. Nisius. Also surviving are his son, Donald (Nancy) Nisius, and grandson Ryan Nisius, all of West Alexandria; his daughter, Diane (Greg) Meyer of Bloomington, Illinois; grandchildren Stephanie (Paul) Tate and Alyson (Aaron) Berry, of Chicago IL; and five great-grandchildren, Nolan Tate, Elliott Tate, Julia Tate, Keaton Berry, and Collins Berry. Bob is further survived by his sister Sonja (Keith) Price, his brother Ronald Nisius, and many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and longtime clients.

Bob founded Luxe Builders more than 63 years ago and built custom homes throughout Lake Lakengren, Sugar Hill, Whisper Way, and Stone Ridge. His craftsmanship and integrity left a lasting mark on the community.

Bob loved his family, building homes, driving boats and backhoes, and working on projects around their property, although he may have grumbled a bit on the quantity of the projects. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 10:00 am until time of funeral service at 11:00 am at the Gard Funeral Home, 67 West Dayton Street, West Alexandria, OH. Burial will follow at Sugar Grove Cemetery in West Alexandria. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Church, 20 East South Street, West Alexandria, OH 45381. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.

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01/04/2026

Shirley J. Kastens

Shirley J. Kastens, age 91, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. She was born on January 2, 1935 in Preble County, OH.

She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, reading and crafting. She was the babysitter to many of her grandchildren for many years and as they grew older she enjoyed attending all of the sporting events.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Dorothy Gardner, her husband Billy Kastens, brother Thomas Gardner; and sons-in-law Randy Woodard and Russell Schenck.

Surviving family members include her daughters Virginia "Ginny" Schenck and Cynthia "Cindy" (Ronald) Schmidt; grandchildren Jason (Lindsay) Woodard, Traci (Josh) Sagester, Anthony "Tony" (Rilea) Schmidt and Austin (Molly) Schmidt; great-grandchildren Alexa Woodard, Rylee Sagester, Trey Sagester, Ella Hawk, Shelby Sagester, Jake Woodard and Theo Schmidt; sister-in-law Nancy Gardner; and several nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery in West Alexandria. Memorial contributions may be sent to the charity of donor's choice. Gard Funeral Home & Cremation Services, West Alexandria is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences and other remembrances can be sent by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com

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12/30/2025

Sandra J. Spence

Sandra J. Spence, age 82, of Eaton, OH passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025 at the Soin Hospital in Beavercreek, OH. She was born December 5, 1943 in Dayton, OH to the late Kenneth and Jean (Boomershine) McIntosh.

Sandra was the first female Deputy Sheriff and paramedic in Preble County serving the citizens of the county for many years; and she was a member of the Eaton Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Raymond A. “Sonny” Spence; grandson Shane Spence; brother Bill Neiswonger; and stepfather Bob Neiswonger.

She is survived by her sons Rick (Tammy) Spence, Martin (Doris) Spence, William (Stacy) Spence, and James (Mandi) Spence; 20 grandchildren; 47 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Carol Neiswonger; nephew Garret (Katie) Neiswonger; niece Michelle (T.J.) Loughman; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 10:00 am until time of funeral service at 11:00 am at Gard Funeral Home, 226 West Main Street, Eaton, OH. Burial will follow at Mound Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.

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12/30/2025

Patricia Ann Rossman

Patricia Ann Rossman, age 91, of Eaton, OH passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025 at the Brookdale Senior Living in Greenville, OH. She was born February 16, 1934 in Toledo, OH to the late Harold A. and Veronica A. (Swartz) Hoffman.

Patricia graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1952. She worked for Sears Roebuck in Richmond, IN, and then Piqua, OH for 19 years, retiring in 1992. She was a member of Visitation Catholic Church in Eaton. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening, and playing games with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter Tara M. Miller; son-in-law Steve Pieratt; son and daughter-in-law Brian and Teri (Cottingim) Rossman; and son-in-law Tim A. Miller.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Kenneth E. Rossman; daughters Nancy A. Miller, Janice C. Pieratt and Lynne M. Rossman; son Christopher M. (Chandra) Rossman; sister Lois Hoffman; and brothers Terry Hoffman and Richard (MaryJo) Hoffman.

She is also survived by her grandchildren Kristl Miller, Phillip (Lydia) Miller, Brent (Jessie) Rossman, Clint (Ashley) Rossman, Melinda (Bob) Brower, Ryan (Danielle) Pieratt, Blake (Mercedes) Pieratt, Zachary (Justine) Rossman, Chase Rossman, Kelsey (Matt) Warling, Joshua (Joselyn) Line, and Nicholas (Hannah) Line; great grandchildren Carson Brower, Sydney Brower, Meredith Pieratt, Bryce Pieratt, Beckham Pieratt, Kyah Rossman, Norah Rossman, Everett Rossman, Callie-Ann Rossman, Jaxon Miller, Harry Line, Chloe Rossman, Cole Rossman and Lexi Rossman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026 from 11:00 am until time of funeral service at 1:00 pm at the Gard Funeral Home, 226 W. Main Street, Eaton, OH. Burial will follow at Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton. Memorial contributions may be sent to Suncrest Hospice, 9050 Centre Pointe Drive, Suite 100, West Chester Township, OH 45069. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.

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12/23/2025

Rebecca S. Smith

Rebecca S. (Brown) Smith passed away surrounded by her loved ones on December 22, 2025. Rebecca was born September 30, 1945, in New Castle, IN to the late Donald W. and Clementine Brown.

She was a 1963 graduate of Union School in Indiana. After that, she attended the TWA Airline School in Kansas City, MO., and worked for Kansas City Life Insurance Company. While living in Kansas City, she met her husband Ed. They quickly found they had a lot in common during the road trips they took between Kansas City and Indiana and were married July 23,1967. Ed and Rebecca have two daughters: Stephanie and Kimberly. After twelve years in Kansas City, they moved home to Preble County to be closer to family, eventually building their home on Ed's family farm where he was raised. She worked for EMC Insurance Company where she finished her career and retired in 2000.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Billy Jr. and Stephen G. Brown. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Edwin Smith, daughters Stephanie Hughes and Kimberly Woedl, grandchildren Kamron Hughes of Preble County and Jayden and Ashley Woedl of Kansas City, MO. and loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 12:00 noon until time of funeral service at 1:00 pm at the Gard Funeral Home, 226 West Main Street, Eaton, OH. Burial will follow at Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.

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12/22/2025

Kenneth S. House

Kenneth S. House, age 90, of Eaton, OH passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Vancrest of Eaton Healthcare Center. He was born May 19, 1935 in to the late Everett and Marguerite (Bucher) House.

Ken was a U.S. Army Veteran during the Cold War and member of the American Legion Post #215, Eaton; he was a member of the Eaton Methodist Church; and was an active member of the Eaton Optimist Club where he served as District Officer. In his early years he worked as a civil engineer for Woolpert Engineering and D&M Construction. He served the citizens of Preble County as a former Preble County Sheriff Special Deputy and also as an Eaton Police Officer retiring in 2000.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Mary House in 2006.

He is survived by his wife Martha House; sons Mark (Tammy) House and Jeff (Suzanne) House; daughter Beth (Bob) Worley; grandchildren Mandy (Eric) Curtis, Brandon (Stacy) House, Jacob (Tiffany) House, Erika (Brent) Cole and Jason (Kim) Worley; great grandchildren Cadence (Steven) Pacheco, Hayden Shannon, Hailey Shannon, Cruz House, London House, Emery House, Addison House, Bree Witt, Maddie Witt, Braelyn Witt, Kyndall Cole, Mallory Cole, Blakely Cole, Brooklyn Worley and Calvin Worley; great great grandchildren Aria and Kash Pacheco; stepchildren Cynthia (Craig) Brown and Douglas (Anne) Albright; step grandchildren Chris (Emma) Brown, Corey (Shannon) Brown, Mark (Allison) Albright, Matt (Evanne) Albright and Dan Albright; and step great grandchildren Kylie Brown, Emerson Brown, Madison Brown, Charlotte Brown, Owen Albright and Claire Albright.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 from 10:00 am until time of funeral service at 12:00 noon at the Gard Funeral Home, 226 West Main Street, Eaton, OH with Pastor John Richards and Pastor Jeffrey Jewell officiating. Burial will follow at Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Eaton Methodist Church, 120 N. Maple Street, Eaton, OH 45320 or Ohio’s Hospice, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, OH 45420. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.

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12/18/2025

Jane Louise "Pickle" Benham

Jane Louise “Pickle” Benham, age 78, of Eaton, OH passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at the Vancrest of Eaton Healthcare Center. She was born March 30, 1947 in Greenville, OH to the late Earl Leroy and Doris Jeanette (Marshall) Bailey Sr.

Jane attended Jackson School where she served as secretary of the alumni association and was a 1965 graduate of Eaton High School and later attended Miami University for two years. She and her late husband Jay were co-owners of D&J Sales for over 30 years. She was a lover of animals especially cats and dogs; enjoyed technology and computers, enjoyed cooking and was an avid shopper. She also enjoyed going on cruises with her husband Jay.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Jay Benham; and brother Earl “Pete” Bailey Jr.

She is survived by her brother John Bailey of New Paris; nephew Steve Bailey of New Paris; nieces Laura Bailey of New Paris and Gina Bailey of Hawaii; great nieces and nephews Kacey (Stuart) Sullivan and their children, Korbin, Camilla and Larkin; and sister-in-law Ann (Arnold) Boyd of Cambridge City, IN and their children Lari Palocsik and Marci Saunders.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 10:00 am until time of celebration of life service at 11:00 am at Gard Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 226 West Main Street, Eaton, OH. A private Inurnment will be at Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Humane Society of Preble County, PO Box 72, Eaton, OH 45320. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.

12/18/2025

Gary J. Agler

Gary J. Agler, age 77, of Eldorado, OH passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Kettering Health Dayton. He was born April 5, 1948 in Richmond, IN to the late Jean Edmond and Anna Mae (Howell) Agler.

Gary was a graduate of Monroe High School class of 1966; graduate of Ohio State class of 1970 with a degree in Agriculture. He was a longtime farmer and loved farming up until the time he passed. He was in charge of the water treatment plant in Eldorado for about 10 years. Gary loved camping, fishing, hunting and traveling. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Richmond.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Mae Agler; stepson Luther (Tabitha) Gentry of Beatyville, KY; grandchildren Treasure (Ray) Mayes of Booneville, KY, Harley Gentry of Beattyville, KY, Haylee, Kaylee and David Gentry all of Pikeville, KY and Derrick Gentry and Gracie Gentry both of Beattyville, KY; great grandchildren Taylor and Salem Mayes; sister Carol Agler of Cincinnati, OH; special friends Donna and Thomas Caves of Richmond, IN and Junior and LeeAnn Shaffer of Eldorado, OH; a host of other friends; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Gard Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 226 W. Main Street, Eaton, OH. Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 22 at 1:00 pm, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Monroe Cemetery in Eldorado. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4540 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.

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12/15/2025

Larry Hollenbaugh

Larry Hollenbaugh, age 84, of West Alexandria, OH passed away on Saturday December 13, 2025. Larry was born March 12, 1941 in Gratis OH to the late Herman and Ethel Hollenbaugh. He was a graduate of Gratis High school class of 1959; was a U.S. Army Veteran and was Fire Chief of the Gratis Fire Department and Gratis EMS. He was a retiree of General Motors, and was a retired Bus Driver from Preble Shawnee School System, he also worked at Aeronca, Armco and worked at The Mound Lab. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in West Alexandria OH. He was preceded in death by his mother and father Herman and Ethel Hollenbaugh of Gratis OH, mother and father-in-law George and Rometta Miller of West Alexandria, OH; and brothers Gary Stubbs and Daryl (Ethel) Hollenbaugh both of Gratis, Ohio. He is survived by wife Linda J. Hollenbaugh of West Alexandria, OH; children Fred and Ingrid Hollenbaugh of Waldmeistering Germany, Todd and Julie Hollenbaugh of Walker, LA, Mark and Crystal Hollenbaugh of Germantown, OH, Brad and Laura Anslinger of Richmond IN, Adam Anslinger of Port Charlotte FL and Jeri Lynn Anslinger of Eaton, OH; grandchildren Johnny Anslinger, Emma Hollenbaugh, Lydia Hollenbaugh, Samantha Hollenbaugh, Greyson Anslinger, Rolly Anslinger, Bailey Anslinger, Sunny Anslinger; sisters Barbara Doench of Eaton, OH Judy and Jerry Thomas of Camden, OH and Neysa and Bob Shannon of Gratis, OH; sister-in-law Donna Stubbs of Eaton, Ohio, brother-in-law Dennis Lohrey of Gratis OH, sister-in-law Lisa Clark of West Alexandria OH; along with the love of many nieces and nephews and a lot of love from many friends of the family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 12:00 noon until time of funeral services at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of West Alexandria, 6062 Ivy Ln, West Alexandria, OH 45381 with Pastor Jerry Carter and Pastor Micha Thorpe officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Gratis, OH. Gard Funeral Home, West Alexandria, OH is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.

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12/13/2025

Gloria Dawn Cole

Gloria Dawn Cole, age 93, of Eaton, OH passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025 at the Vancrest of Eaton Healthcare Center. She was born September 9, 1932 in Los Angeles, CA to the late Edward and Lea Harbaugh.

Gloria loved the beach, dancing, and old music. She was an avid gardener and animal lover. Growing up, her father Edward was a friend of Walt Disney and Gloria was a big fan of the animations he would draw. In California, she met her husband Frank Cole, whom she spent over 40 years with. She left California with her husband in the 1970s to move to Lewisburg, OH.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Frank Preston Cole; her son Dana K. Anderson; and grandson Nathan James Anderson.

She is survived by her son James (Mary) Anderson of Mountain Home, AR; daughter Christine Anderson of Santa Rosa, CA; grandchildren Matthew (Dominique) Anderson of Lagoona Niguel, CA, Jason Branom of TX, Eric Branom of TX, Randy (Brittany) Anderson of Eaton, OH, Kristin Parris of Lewisburg, OH; great grandchildren Lyon Anderson of Lagoona Niguel, CA, Ronan Anderson of Connecticut, Lyla Allen of Oakwood, OH, Sydney Anderson and Declan Anderson, both of Eaton, and Llewyn Parris of Lewisburg; and daughter-in-law Jennifer Linder of New Paris, OH.

Keeping with Gloria’s wishes, no services will be held. Gard Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Eaton is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.

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