Westerville Obituaries - February 22, 2026
Lorraine H. (Fisher) Beers
October 16, 1944 – February 9, 2026
Lorraine H. Beers, 81, passed away Feb. 9, 2026. She was born in 1944 to George and Helen Thiede Fisher and graduated from Watertown High School in South Dakota in 1962.
After earning her degree from Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, she taught school in Gettysburg before marrying Roger Beers on Dec. 27, 1970, at St. Martins Lutheran Church in Watertown. The couple moved to Sioux Falls, where Lorraine taught at Franklin Elementary School until her retirement.
Following retirement, Lorraine and Roger relocated to Westerville, Ohio, where they remained. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger, who passed away Feb. 9, 2025, exactly one year before her.
Wilma Ruth (Miller) DiCenzo
July 8, 1941 – February 15, 2026
Wilma Ruth DiCenzo, 84, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully Feb. 15, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born in Columbus to Ruth and Charles Booher.
Wilma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She shared three children with Roger Miller and later many happy years with her husband, Anthony DiCenzo Sr. She built a long career in the hospitality industry and later worked as an insurance agent, known for her kindness and ability to make others feel welcome.
She enjoyed puzzles, gardening, time outdoors, and gatherings with family and friends. Lake trips, card games, and simple moments together were among her greatest joys.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Charles “Chuck” Booher; her husband, Anthony DiCenzo Sr.; her son, Brian Miller; and daughter-in-law Kelley Miller.
She is survived by her son Eric Miller; daughter Janet O’Brien and Daniel O’Brien; granddaughters Nichole Thompson and Mitch Thompson, Erica Kuhn and Nathan Kuhn, Christina Miller and Carlie Miller, Jessica McCarty and Abram McCarty, Fallon O’Brien and Matthew Bango, Margaret O’Brien, and Gaetan O’Brien; and great-granddaughters Addison Thompson, Ava Thompson, and Ainsley Thompson. She will be remembered for her warmth, gentle spirit, and steady love for her family.
Ruth Ann Salyers
March 7, 1941 – February 19, 2026
Ruth Ann Salyers, 84, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully Feb. 19, 2026, at her home. She was born in Columbus to Gerald David Chandler and Ruth Virginia Athey Chandler and graduated from Columbus Central High School in 1959.
She married Russell William Salyers on March 12, 1982. He preceded her in death. Ruth worked as an executive legal secretary and was known for her devoted caregiving to family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brothers James Norman Chandler and Michael David Chandler.
She is survived by her children Ellsworth Edgar Rees III and Jessica Rees, Jerry Rees and Jodie Rees, Rick Rees and Lisa Rees, and Brandy Bailey and Brad Bailey; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous friends.
Ruth was known for her steady presence, honesty, and deep care for others. In later years, her Christian faith became central in her life. Her family expressed gratitude to the staff of Capital City Hospice for their compassionate care. A celebration of her life will be held later this spring.
Leon Pete Walter Otteson
December 16, 1933 – February 6, 2026
Leon Pete Walter Otteson, 92, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away Feb. 6, 2026. He had recently been residing at The Inn at Walnut Trail in Sunbury. He was born in Alliance, Ohio, to Alfred Christopher Otteson and Winefred Olive Otteson.
Pete served in the United States Marine Corps and later built a successful career in the trucking industry. A longtime Westerville resident, he was a member and past post commander of the Westerville American Legion and a former member of Westerville City Council. He also served on the Parks Foundation and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.
He is survived by his daughters Jennifer Merryman and David Merryman of Galena, and Julie Otteson of Columbus; bonus grandchildren; brother-in-law Edward Mougey; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved pets. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; his son, David; sisters Ruth, Lillian, and Amy; and many extended family members.
Pete enjoyed the backyard oasis he and Carol created, tending to ducks, squirrels, and birds. He valued time spent with friends over meals, loved travel, and supported military, nature, and animal organizations throughout his life. A celebration of life will be held April 25 at 11 a.m. at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Westerville, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife.
Norman D. Malcosky
November 19, 1939 – February 15, 2026
Norman D. Malcosky, 86, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away Feb. 15, 2026. He was born in Paterson, New Jersey, to Joseph and Marie Duden Malcosky.
A 1957 graduate of Hudson High School, Norm met his wife, Janith K. Row Malcosky, there. They married Jan. 28, 1961, and shared 65 years together.
He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1964 with a degree in mechanical engineering and went on to serve 32 years as a senior scientist in research and development at Columbia Gas. During his tenure, he led offshore exploration efforts in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and helped develop the first natural gas powered transit bus. After leaving Columbia Gas in 1991, he worked for Battelle for 14 years and continued his work in alternative fuels.
Norm enjoyed time with family and friends at their Lake Erie home, where he liked working on boats, fishing, and relaxing by the water. He was also a faithful member of Church of the Messiah United Methodist Church.
Elmer Jedd “Jedd” Whalen Jr.
November 29, 1944 – February 13, 2026
Elmer Jedd “Jedd” Whalen Jr., of Westerville, passed away peacefully in his sleep Feb. 13, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born to Elmer Jedd Whalen and Geraldine Spence Whalen.
He is survived by his sister Margaret Dahl and Tom Dahl of Venice, Florida; sons Matthew Whalen of Pleasant Township and Ryan Whalen and Stephanie Whalen of Galena; daughters Stephanie Low and Mike Low of Young Harris, Georgia, and Sarah Hull and Shawn Hull of Ostrander; grandchildren Erika, Keara, Nate, Zach, Ethan, Elijah, Luke, Meredith, and Little Betsy; and great-grandchildren Jude, Adalee, and Henley. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Betsy Ellen Ross Whalen, and his brother James Whalen.
Jedd was known for his steady guidance and devotion to family. He enjoyed fishing, especially trips to northern Canada, and later took up golf in retirement. He and Betsy spent many years traveling together, including time in Venice, Florida, where he was active in the Waterford community.
Professionally, he worked at the accounting firm founded by his father, Whalen and Company, and later became a founding partner alongside his brother. He also served on the board of the Ronald McDonald House in its early years and was an active member of the Westerville Rotary Club.
Norman D. Malcosky
November 19, 1939 – February 15, 2026
Norman D. Malcosky, 86, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away Feb. 15, 2026. He was born in Paterson, New Jersey, to Joseph and Marie Duden Malcosky.
A 1957 graduate of Hudson High School, Norm met his wife, Janith K. Row Malcosky, there. They were married Jan. 28, 1961, and shared 65 years together. She survives him.
He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1964 with a degree in mechanical engineering and went on to serve 32 years as a senior scientist in research and development at Columbia Gas. During his tenure, he led offshore exploration in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and helped develop the first natural gas powered transit bus. After leaving Columbia Gas in 1991, he worked for Battelle for 14 years and continued in alternative fuels work for the remainder of his career.
Norm enjoyed time with family and friends at their Lake Erie home, where he relaxed by the water, worked on boats, and fished. He was a faithful member of Church of the Messiah United Methodist Church.
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