Westerville Obituaries - December 7, 2025
Thomas “Tom” Hill
07-03-1948 – 11-26-2025
Thomas “Tom” Hill, 77, of Westerville, died November 26, 2025, at OSU Medical Center. Born July 3, 1948, in Columbus to Esther Kling Hill and Wilford Hill, he graduated from Ohio University and served in the U.S. Army. He built a long career in small business banking, starting at Central Trust Bank in Newark, followed by more than 20 years at Chase Bank and 10 years at Huntington Bank. He enjoyed a good laugh, time outdoors, evenings on the porch, and OSU sports. Despite his poor health in recent years, he kept a positive outlook and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Paula; stepson Matthew Bender and his wife Erin; stepdaughter Hannah Yao and her husband Xiao; and grandsons Miles, Ellington, Jack, and Isaac. He was one of four children, all of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents.
George Yanok, of Westerville, died November 28, 2025, with his wife, Emma, by his side. Born in Canton, he was the youngest of three children. He attended Case Western Reserve University, where he studied philosophy and joined Phi Gamma Delta. He built his career as a sales manager in the industrial wire and cable industry. He enjoyed time with his family, a round of golf, cheering for the Buckeyes, reading, and classical music. He traveled widely, taking in history and landmarks. At home, he was an exceptional cook who prepared traditional holiday meals that reflected his Central European roots.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Emma; his children, Andi Linley and her husband, Mike, and Emily Oruclar and her husband, Adrian; and his grandchildren, Eli, Evie, Colette, and Calum.
He will be remembered for his stubbornness, protective nature, and quiet expressions of love. His calming presence and steady strength will be deeply missed.
John R. “Ron” Reidenbaugh, 80, died November 29, 2025, at home with his loving wife by his side. He graduated from Mifflin High School, where he played football, basketball, and baseball, and went on to play football at Kent State University. He served 13 months in Vietnam, earned a Bronze Star during the Tet Offensive with the Big Red One, and later flew Dustoff. He once delivered a baby in flight and saved many lives while under fire. After returning home, he graduated from The Ohio State University in physical therapy. He worked 31 years at Columbus Area Community Mental Health as a social worker, then 10 years at the Veteran Service Commission.
Beverly Ann Thatcher
10-30-1953 – 12-03-2025
Beverly Ann Thatcher, 72, of Westerville, died December 3, 2025, at home. Born in Columbus, she graduated from Westerville High School. A devoted homemaker, she centered her life on family, faith, and community. She loved time at Myrtle Beach, cooking for gatherings, and welcoming conversation. Her church was important to her, and she was known for a steady kindness and practical care.
She is survived by her husband, Daniel Thatcher; her daughter, Danielle Forsythe, and son-in-law; and her grandson, Wyatt Forsythe.
Shirley Lou Rider
2-26-1929 – 12-02-2025
Shirley Lou Rider, 95, of Westerville, died December 2, 2025. She was born on December 26, 1929, in Columbus. At 15 she married Carl Eugene Rider. She was an avid reader and skilled with a needle, sewing baby blankets for her grandchildren for many years. When her boys were young, she worked as a cook in the cafeteria at Hanby Elementary School in Westerville. Later she and Carl owned and operated the Circle L Motel on State Route 23 in Delaware, which became a center of family life.
Sharon Marie Brady
11-27-1948 – 12-03-2025
Sharon Marie Brady, 77, of Columbus, died December 3, 2025, at the Kobacker House. Born in Steubenville, she graduated from Steubenville High School in 1966. She worked at Phil-Mor, a men’s department store, and JCPenney until retiring in 2005. In 2004, she moved to Columbus to be near family and became a devoted caregiver to her grandchildren. She was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Steubenville and St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Westerville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Coulter, her husband, James, and her sister, Mary Elizabeth Coulter. She is survived by her son, Michael Brady, and his wife, Colleen, of Westerville. Also surviving are grandchildren Jake and Hannah Brady, her brother Robert Coulter and his wife, Shirley, her sister Barbara Salomone and her husband, Robert, as well as nieces, nephews, dear friends, and the family dogs, Zoey and Rocco.
Visitation will be held at Hill Funeral Home, Westerville, on December 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Catholic Mass will be at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Westerville, on December 9 at 10:30 a.m., with burial at Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center.
Keith Burk, aged 74, of Westerville, passed away on December 3, 2025.
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