Robert D. Boster
May 20, 1941 – August 14, 2026
Robert D. Boster, 85, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away Aug. 14, 2026. He was born in Gallipolis, Ohio, to Owen and Leona Boster.
Robert retired from AT&T after 34 years of service. He grew up in the Gallipolis area before moving to Columbus in 1958. Following retirement, he built homes in the Reynoldsburg area.
For 25 years, Robert raised and showed Morgan horses. He also enjoyed boating on the Ohio River with family and friends and had a lifelong passion for Corvettes, traveling extensively along the East Coast in his cars.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marty; children Joey Zaborowski and Brian Zaborowski, Darin Boster, and Terry Durkin and Tom Durkin; grandchildren Aiden and Ava Zaborowski, Justin Boster and Shannon Boster, Becky Finck and Isreal Finck, Dustin Boster, and Deanna Boster; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Kerry; brothers Owen and Gene; sister Martha; sister-in-law Shirley Boster; and nephew Gordy Boster.
Kelli Lucille Naumann
December 5, 1979 – August 10, 2026
Kelli Lucille Naumann, 46, of Powell, Ohio, passed away suddenly and peacefully Aug. 10, 2026, at her home. She was born in Westerville to Bill and Phyllis Eltzroth.
Kelli was deeply devoted to her husband, Newell, and their son, Dax. She helped homeschool Dax, coordinated field trips for their homeschool cooperative, and worked to give him a broad range of experiences and opportunities.
Her Christian faith was central to her life and shaped the way she cared for family, friends, and others. She was known for her warmth, humor, encouragement, and willingness to stand up for people who needed support. Family and friends remembered her as someone who brought people together and made others feel valued and included.
Kelli is survived by her husband, Newell Naumann; their son, Dax; brothers Mike and Jeff Lentz and their families; extended family; lifelong friends Amanda Foster, Catrina Kelley, and Michele Gade; and her homeschool community.
She will be remembered for her strong faith, generous spirit, joyful personality, and love of bright colors, especially hot pink.
Joanne Lee (Banbury) Gaumer
September 5, 1936 – August 15, 2026
Joanne Lee Gaumer, 89, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away Aug. 15, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born in Mount Vernon to Albert and Doris Workman Banbury and was raised in Danville, where she graduated from Danville High School in 1954.
Joanne was primarily a homemaker and later worked in home healthcare, turning her natural gift for caretaking into a profession. She was known for her generosity, compassion, and willingness to give her time to others.
Music was one of Joanne’s greatest joys. A gifted pianist, she could often play a song after hearing it only once and rarely needed sheet music.
A devout Christian, Joanne attended and volunteered at church for many years. She will be remembered for her faith, kindness, musical talent, and care for others.
Neil William Handa
1943 – August 11, 2026
Neil William Handa, 82, of Logan and formerly of Westerville, Ohio, passed away Aug. 11, 2026, at The Carlin House assisted living facility in Logan.
Neil lived, traveled, and worked in many places throughout his life before returning to Ohio with his wife, Diana. He later founded National Menu & Sign Printing Company and operated the business as sole proprietor for 17 years before retiring during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Neil enjoyed working with his hands and taking on new projects. His interests included woodworking, remodeling, gardening, computer work, maintaining his Ford F-150, and training and spending time with his dogs.
He will be remembered for his willingness to tackle almost any job, his curiosity, and his love of staying busy.
James William “Jamie” Fichner
January 9, 1954 – August 13, 2026
James William Fichner, known as Jamie and Jamal, 72, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully Aug. 13, 2026, after a 13-year battle with cancer. He was born in Middletown to Helen and Lowell Fichner and grew up in Washington Court House.
Jamie graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1976, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. A gifted musician, he played trombone in high school and college marching bands and especially loved playing piano.
He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed countless rounds with friends at The Medallion Club. Golf took him on trips across the country and abroad, including Ireland and Oregon.
Jamie is survived by his children, Jeff Fichner and Alison Fichner, RJ Fichner and Lindsay Fichner, and Katelyn Tabb and Kelby Tabb; eight grandchildren, Ben, Jack, Olivia, Charlie, Abby, Crew, Elle, and Madi; sister Lynn Schmeling and John Schmeling; Karla Balzer; and nieces Kailey Aksel and Mark Aksel, Paige Kaplansky and Kevin Kaplansky, and Anna Frey and Noah Frey.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Marcia Oatney; and nephew Peter Balzer. He will be remembered for his humor, storytelling, music, friendships, love of golf, and devotion to family.
Joanne M. Macey
October 24, 1942 – August 19, 2026
Joanne M. Macey, 83, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away Aug. 19, 2026. She was born in Euclid, Ohio, to Joseph and Nora DeAngelis.
Joanne attended Dyke Business College and worked in a variety of administrative and support roles throughout her career. She later retired from the City of Willowick’s building department, where she was known for her reliability and willingness to help others.
A devout Catholic, Joanne drew strength from her faith throughout her life. She also enjoyed reading, baking, and trivia, and was remembered for her sharp mind, gentle humor, and warm nature.
She is survived by her husband, James Macey; children Joseph Macey and Sara Macey, Andrea Miller and Ralph Miller, and Christopher Macey and Dawn Macey; grandchildren Nicholas Miller and Alexa Miller, Julia Miller, Daniel Macey, and Jonathan “Jack” Macey; and great-granddaughter Hazel Miller.
Joanne will be remembered for her devotion to family, steady faith, curiosity, and kindness.
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.
Reader funding, including subscribers, protects editorial independence, so coverage is guided by journalists rather than owners or corporate profit goals. It also reduces pressure to chase clicks, letting the newsroom focus on stories worth readers’ time. And it helps keep the site accessible to everyone, including people who can’t pay or live in places where a free press is under threat.
Explore more hyper-local reporting by subscribing to The Hilliard Beacon, Civic Capacity, Marysville Matters, The Ohio Roundtable, Shelby News Reporter, This Week in Toledo, and Into the Morning by Krista Steele.








