Westerville Obituaries - February 1, 2026
Wallace “Wally” Lloyd Schott
February 8, 1938 – January 19, 2026
Wallace “Wally” Lloyd Schott, 87, of Stallings, North Carolina, died at home on Monday, January 19, 2026. He was born in Westerville, Ohio, on February 8, 1938, son of Otho “Coke” Edmond Schott and Ruth Gantz Schott. Wally and his wife, Jean, served with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea from 1973 to 1981, working in Port Moresby, the Sepik region, and Ukarumpa. They then served in Dana Bura, Indonesia, from 1981 to 1985 before settling at the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, North Carolina. After six years in Waxhaw, they returned to Ukarumpa in 1991 and came back to Waxhaw in 1994, continuing at JAARS until retiring in 2004. A mechanic and welder by trade, he also repaired small engines, handled electrical work when needed, and enjoyed woodworking. He was known for teaching others and for steady, practical help.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Belva “Jean” Schott, daughter Kim Salisbury and husband Paul, son Mike Schott and wife CC, grandchildren Alexia, David, Betsy, Wally, and Grace, and sister Sarah “Sally” Davis and husband Bill. He was preceded in death by his sister, Norma Paul, and his parents.
George Robert Gerdeman
January 27, 2026
George Robert Gerdeman, 74, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2026, after a long illness. Raised in Delphos, Ohio, he was one of nine children of the late Walter and Esther (Mueller) Gerdeman. He worked for many years as a civil engineer, later serving as an information technology manager before retiring. He was a man of steady Catholic faith and a devoted family man.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia, and their children, Julia (Steven), Katharine (Scott), Matthew, Aaron (Tricia), and Maria. He is also survived by grandchildren Corinne, Grace, Norah, Luke, Simon, Anna, Grant, Jonathan, and John. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may call on Friday, February 6, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Egan-Ryan Central Chapel, 403 E. Broad St., where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 7, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew the Apostle Church, with burial at Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 N. High St.
Alfred “Al” Milton Carley
April 21, 1932
Alfred “Al” Milton Carley was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, on April 21, 1932, to Alva Carley and Cora (Swanson) Carley. He grew up in lean times, learned to work with his hands, and chose a new path by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, where his mechanical skill led to aviation maintenance training and duty at Goose Bay, Labrador. After service, he joined North American Aviation, later Rockwell, in Columbus, Ohio. He married Leila Shivley in 1955, and together they raised three sons. Al taught as an FAA-licensed A&P/IA at Columbus Technical Institute, now Columbus State Community College. He rebuilt aircraft, homes, and vintage cars, and served his community in Westerville through Little League, the Jaycee Pool, the Westerville Historic Society, the Arts Council of Westerville, and the Church of the Messiah. In retirement, he and Leila spent 22 years in Crossville, Tennessee, active at First United Methodist Church.
He is survived by sons Milton (Sandra), Mark, and Mitch (Amy), grandsons Max and Travis (Samantha) Carley, sister-in-law Karen (Shivley) Kuethers, brother-in-law Jerry Shivley (Norma), and many nieces and nephews.
Per his wishes, there will be no formal services. The family will gather privately. Leila and Alfred will be memorialized together at Blendon Central Cemetery in Westerville, Ohio.
Patricia (Patty) Sue Lash
January 3, 1937 – January 15, 2026
Patricia (Patty) Sue Lash, 89, of Westerville, Ohio, died on January 15, 2026. A longtime resident of the Columbus Deaf Colony in Westerville, she spent the past 16 years active in that community. She was the daughter of the late William Herbert Lash and Velva Beatrice (Wyskiver) Lash.
She is survived by her children, Janet Michel of Columbus, Ohio, Faith (Michel) Bodi of Las Vegas, Nevada, and David Michel of Tampa, Florida. She is also survived by grandchildren Michelle Nielsen, Alex Gere, Jan-Michel Gere, James Michel, Andrea Bodi, David Michel Jr., Cierra Michel, and Brandy Albright. She was preceded in death by her son James Herbert Albright and her sisters Beatrice Brandon and Louise Van Fossen, as well as her parents.
Inurnment will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Logan, Ohio, on Friday, February 6, 2026.
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