Westerville Obituaries August 17, 2025. Events Calendar For This Week.

Ruth Ann Emmons, 84, of Westerville, passed away on August 12, 2025. Born October 14, 1940, in Logan, Ohio, she was the daughter of William Jennings Beavers Sr. and Dorothy Agnes (Helber) Beavers.

She enjoyed bowling, ceramics, cake decorating, and arranging flowers for family and friends.

Ruth is survived by her husband, David; children, Scott (Lisa) Poling and Tracey (Phil) Spring; grandchildren, Erin (Andrew) Spalla, Zach (Brittany) Poling, and Kayty (Colten) Schooley; great-grandchildren, Hadley Spalla, Brady Schooley, and Baker Schooley; her brother, Ronald (Tina) Beavers; sisters, Mary Lou Travis, Bernice (Robert) Same, Katherine (Tim) Whiteman, and Evelyn (Dave) Pierce; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and five sisters.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

James T. “Tom” Miller 78, of Westerville, passed away at home on August 7, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. He retired from the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services in 2001 and spent his retirement traveling the country with his wife, Jan.

The couple enjoyed winters in Naples, Florida, and marked their 50th wedding anniversary with a memorable trip across the northern United States to the Pacific Ocean, visiting national parks including Theodore Roosevelt, Glacier, Yellowstone, Mt. Rainier, Badlands, and Wind Cave.

Stanley Bernard Swisher, 86, of Galena and longtime resident of Westerville, passed away August 6, 2025. Born December 17, 1938, in Spencerville, Ohio, to Bernard “Bud” and Guytanna “Guy” Swisher, Stan lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, and hard work. His favorite verse was Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord.”

Stan worked 45 years with Columbus & Southern Electric (now AEP), serving as a lineman, foreman, supervisor, and teacher of line school, as well as more than 30 years with Shamrock Towing. He also served in the Army National Guard from 1961–1966, repairing helicopters and completing training at Fort Knox and Fort Rucker.

In 1963, he married Patricia “Pat” Clark, beginning more than 62 years of love and adventure together. They shared passions for square dancing, motorcycles, travel, and community, raising three children—Selena, Stephen, and Christopher. He cherished time with his grandchildren, sharing ice cream trips, games, and family traditions such as the two-level Christmas train display that filled the living room.

Stan and Pat lived in Westerville for over 22 years, where they owned the car wash at State Street and County Line Road as well as the Shades of Past antique store. After moving to Galena in 1987, he continued his dedication to community service, serving more than 30 years on the Planning and Zoning Committee.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend who quietly helped others—whether plowing snow for widows, towing cars for those without means, or supporting his family’s Catholic education. Guided by faith and kindness, Stan believed God gave him “a perfect life,” and he lived each day in gratitude and service.

Martha C. Wohlert, 97, of Westerville, passed away August 14, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Diamond, Ohio. She retired from DCSC after 30 years of service and was an active member of the Blendon Senior Center, where she enjoyed trips and playing bridge.

Martha married her husband, Herbert, at age 18, and they shared a devoted marriage until his passing in 1989. She loved raising her children, sewing, playing piano, and was deeply involved in her church. She also enjoyed ballroom dancing and finding treasures at garage sales.

Thomas John Cunningham, 71, of Westerville, passed away at home on August 7, 2025, surrounded by his wife, Kathleen, and family. Born November 22, 1953, in Des Moines, Iowa, he was the eldest of five children of Patricia and Peter Cunningham.

A lifelong music lover, Tom played piano, guitar, baritone, and served as drum major at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines. He earned his degree from the University of Northern Iowa, where he met his first wife, Barb Jess. Together they had two children, Erin and Dan, before her passing. Tom later moved to Westerville, where he shared many happy years with Kathleen.

Tom earned a master’s degree in education and taught special needs students before working at McGraw Hill. He enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, reading, and cheering for his beloved Chicago Cubs. Above all, he treasured time with his family, especially his granddaughters, Elora and Edelyn.

He will be remembered for his loyalty, kindness, humor, and devotion to those he loved. Tom lived by his guiding words: “Every day be a blessing to someone and show an act of kindness.”

Dianne (Gillis) Hayman, 88, of Westerville, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, after a courageous battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She was born May 27, 1937, in Marion, Ohio, to Victor and Elizabeth Gillis.

A graduate of Marion Harding High School, Class of 1955, Dianne married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Hayman, in 1957, and they shared 67 years together. She worked as a registered x-ray technician at Marion General Hospital and later in a Columbus dental office, where her caring spirit touched patients and colleagues alike.

Dianne was a devout Christian and longtime member of Central College Church, where she sang in the choir. She was active in her community through the P.E.O. ED Chapter and organizations in both Westerville and Charlotte, North Carolina.

She is survived by her sons Jeff (Sera) Hayman of Turlock, CA, and Steve (Molly) Hayman of Round Rock, TX; grandchildren John (Alyssa) Hayman, Nick (Karley) Hayman, and Lane (Alex) Estep; three step-grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Mark Hayman.

Dianne will be remembered for her strength, generosity, faith, and the kindness she shared with all who knew her.

Your Westerville Week: A Day-by-Day Guide to Events from August 18-24

Get ready for another fantastic week in Westerville! The calendar is packed with activities, and The Westerv ille News has organized them day-by-day so you won't miss a thing. From live music to kick off the week to important community meetings and the grand finale of the summer concert series, here is your guide to what's happening around town.

Monday, August 18

Start your week with some smooth tunes at Giammarco's Italian Restaurant. The musical duo Steve and Joe Warm will be performing from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing dinner. It's a great way to ease into the week with good food and great entertainment.

Wednesday, August 20

Brighten up your lunch break with the JC Lunchbox Concert Series. Head over to the charming brick walk at Java Central Coffee Roasters from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a free, live musical performance. It’s a wonderful midweek treat, and if the weather doesn't cooperate, the show simply moves indoors.

Thursday, August 21

This evening offers two key opportunities to engage with the future of our city's green spaces. The Westerville Parks and Recreation department invites all community members to a Community Meeting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the historic Everal Barn and Homestead. Administrators will be on hand to discuss exciting upcoming projects, including the new Millstone Creek playground, the Alkire Run Wetland, the shelter replacement at Highlands Park Aquatic Center, and the restoration plan for the Everal Barn itself.

Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Westerville Community Center. This is another excellent chance for residents to stay informed about the planning and development of our beloved local parks and recreational programs.

Friday, August 22

The week's main event arrives! The Mount Carmel St. Ann's Fourth Friday Festival transforms Uptown Westerville into a massive street party starting at 6 p.m. Prepare for an evening of fun with over 100 vendors, a fleet of food trucks, and late hours at all your favorite Uptown shops. The main stage will feature the '80s rock tribute band Rockhouse from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Be sure to explore "Science Street" for hands-on experiments and a mobile COSI exhibit. As a DORA event, you can also enjoy a beverage from participating establishments while you walk around.

Also taking flight this weekend is the Columbus Air Show at Rickenbacker International Airport, running from Friday through Sunday. It's a spectacular event for all ages, featuring a variety of incredible aircraft.

Saturday, August 23

Begin your morning with a visit to the Westerville Saturday Farmers Market. From 9 a.m. to noon in the lot behind COhatch and North High Brewing, you can shop for fresh, locally grown produce, delicious baked goods, and unique items from local artisans. It’s the perfect way to support local and gather ingredients for a wonderful weekend meal.

In the evening, you can get active for an important cause at the Night of Hope. Held at the Westerville North High School Cross Country Course and McCann Stadium, this event promotes mental health awareness and celebrates life. With a 5K, a 1-mile race, and a family fun run starting at 6:15 p.m., it’s a powerful community gathering where all proceeds support mental wellness initiatives in Westerville City Schools.

Sunday, August 24

End your week on a high note with the grand finale of the Sounds of Summer Concert Series. The Westerville Symphony will perform a selection of light classical music at the Alum Creek Park North Amphitheater. The free concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and offers a perfect soundtrack for a late summer evening. Pack a picnic, bring your lawn chairs or a blanket, and enjoy a magical performance at sunset.

Also starting today is the city's Pop Up in the Park program, which will bring spontaneous and fun activities to various parks throughout the city for the next week. And for the youngest athletes, i9 Sports hosts its youth t-ball and baseball league at Genoa Middle School, with practices and games conveniently held on the same day.

Have a wonderful week, Westerville.

The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.

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