Westerville Obituaries - August 24, 2015. Events Calendar For this Week.
John “Jack” Edward Brady, 80, passed away on August 9, 2025, at the OSU James Cancer Hospital, surrounded by his family. A devoted husband to his wife, Cynthia, for 58 years and married for 56, Jack was a loving father, grandfather, and brother.
Born and raised on a Paulding County farm, he went on to earn both his accounting and law degrees from Ohio State University. Jack spent 45 years as a real estate attorney and partner at Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur in Columbus. He will be remembered for his storytelling, quick wit, love of the outdoors, gardening, woodcarving, and passion for music, especially bluegrass and jazz.
Above all, Jack was the heart of a large and close-knit family, leaving a legacy of love, humor, and strength.
Robert “Dale” Smith, 73, of Westerville, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, at Villaspring Care Center in Erlanger.
Born September 1, 1951, in Columbus to Robert Smith and the late Donna VanAtta Smith, Dale built a long career in the auto industry. He was a devoted NASCAR fan and a loyal supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
He shared more than 40 years of marriage with his wife, Lynn M. Price Smith. Dale is survived by his stepmother, Maija Smith; stepdaughters Angela Pasquet and Michelle (Joseph) Gibbs; brother Randall Smith; sisters Jill Church and Lynette Smith; and several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters DeAnn Karkie and Sherri Alicie.
Dianne (Gillis) Hayman, 88, of Westerville, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, after a courageous battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Born May 27, 1937, in Marion, Ohio, to Victor and Elizabeth Gillis, Dianne graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1955 and married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Hayman, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage. She worked as a registered x-ray technician at Marion General Hospital and later in a Columbus dental office, always known for her compassion and warm smile.
A devoted Christian, Dianne was an active member of Central College Church, where she sang in the choir, and she also contributed her time to P.E.O. ED Chapter and other community organizations in Westerville and Charlotte, North Carolina.
She is survived by her sons Jeff (Sera) Hayman and Steve (Molly) Hayman; grandchildren John (Alyssa), Nick (Karley), and Lane (Alex); three step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her son, Mark Hayman.
Dianne will be remembered for her faith, kindness, generosity, and the joy she brought to her family and friends.
Carolyn “Sue” Skeen, 86, of Westerville, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, the day that would have been her late husband’s 86th birthday.
Born June 8, 1939, to Leslie and Pauline (Perkins) Mason, Sue was a 1958 graduate of Reynoldsburg High School, where she served as class president. She retired from Westerville City Schools in 2004 and was a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan who treasured time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, David Sr., and her sister Karen. Sue is survived by her brother David Mason; children David Jr. (Robin), Don, and Susan Skeen; grandchildren Sarah Skeen, Dan Skeen (Christina Conover), and Jessie (Russell) Cooper; great-grandsons Jason Skeen and Dylan Cooper; three cherished cats; and many extended family members and friends.
Sue will be remembered for her love of family, loyalty, and warm spirit.
Your Westerville Week: A Guide to Events from August 25-31
As we head into the final week of August, Westerville is busy. From a one-of-a-kind historical sports festival to our beloved farmers market and School Board and Planning Commission meetings, there's plenty to enjoy and engage with before the month ends. Here is your day-by-day guide to what's happening around town.
Monday, August 25
The week begins with fun for the whole family. The Westerville Public Library invites you to its Family Storytime from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by Tummy Time for Infants & Caregivers from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting — 6–7 p.m. at the Early Learning Center, 936 Eastwind Dr., Suite 200, Westerville.
The city's Pop Up in the Park program is canceled.
Tuesday, August 26
The Westerville Christian Church hosts its Sisterhood Night from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., offering a wonderful evening of community for women.
The city's Pop Up in the Park program is canceled.
Wednesday, August 27
Brighten up your lunch break with the JC Lunchbox Concert Series, featuring free live music from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the brick walk at Java Central Coffee Roasters.
Later, residents can stay informed about city development by attending the Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Westerville Justice Center.
Bubble Dance at Hanby Park -Join the fun at Hanby Park, 115 E. Park St., 9:30–10:00 a.m., where kids can dance in a swirl of bubbles and spend time with their favorite librarians. Siblings are welcome.
The city's Pop Up in the Park program is canceled.
Thursday, August 28 & Friday, August 29
Westerville BMX Bike Race — Try BMX racing for free at 535 Park Meadow Rd. Riders are grouped by age, gender, skill level, and wheel size, with beginners starting as Novice. Bring your own bike (remove pegs and kickstand), a helmet, long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes. Registration is 6–7 p.m. by the Hockey Scoreboard; cost is $12 for pedal bikes, $7 for balance bikes, and first-time riders race free.
The city's Pop Up in the Park program is canceled.
Saturday, August 30
Start your morning at the Westerville Saturday Farmers Market, running from 9 a.m. to noon in the lot behind COhatch and North High Brewing, where you can find fresh produce and local goods.
The main event for the weekend kicks off today with the Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival at the Westerville Sports Complex, running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Watch teams compete according to 1860s rules in this free, family-friendly event.
The city's Pop Up in the Park program has been canceled.
Sunday, August 31
The Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival continues for its final day at the Westerville Sports Complex from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Later, you can catch the OHIO World Cup 2025, a local soccer event, at Pathways Park at 2 p.m.
The week concludes with some friendly competition at the Co-Ed Outdoor Volleyball night at the Westerville Christian Church from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., where all skill levels are welcome.
Important Facility Closure Notice
Please be aware that the entire Westerville Community Center facility will be closed to the public for its annual maintenance week, from Monday, August 25, through Sunday, August 31. This closure includes the Senior Center (closed from Aug. 23 - Sept. 1) and the Indoor Pool Complex (closed from Aug. 11 - Sept. 1).
Have a wonderful last week of August, 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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