Chad Michael Trabitz
October 6, 1977 - January 1, 2026.
Chad Michael Trabitz, 48, of Westerville, died on January 1, 2026. Born in Dayton, Ohio, he graduated from Ohio University and spent nearly 20 years working as an investor reporting analyst at JP Morgan Chase. He was known for his loyalty to family and friends, his love of sports, and his encyclopedic knowledge of movies. He is survived by his parents, Allan and Mary Lou Trabitz, his brother, Adam, and his family, and his dog, Betty. Services were held privately, with burial in Florida.
Mardelle Leslie Baker
June 30, 1927 - December 28, 2025.
Mardelle Leslie Baker, 98, died peacefully at home on December 28, 2025. A longtime Westerville resident, she dedicated 25 years to teaching in the Westerville City School District. She was deeply involved in her church and community and was remembered for her faith, generosity, and steady presence in the lives of her students and family. Funeral services are scheduled for January 30, 2026, at Church of the Master in Westerville.
Anna Mae “Ann” Frum (Welch)
August 21, 1943 - December 30, 2025.
Anna Mae “Ann” Frum, 82, died on December 30, 2025, at Westerwood Assisted Living in Westerville. A registered nurse, she graduated from The Ohio State University College of Nursing and worked at OSU Hospital as well as in private practice. She was devoted to her family and grandchildren and followed Ohio State athletics closely. Visitation and funeral services were held in early January at Moreland Funeral Home.
Beulah N. Wingett
April 14, 1933 - December 28, 2025.
Beulah N. Wingett, 92, of Westerville died on December 28, 2025, at The Landings of Westerville. Her obituary reflects a long life centered on family and community. Services were arranged through Snyder Funeral Homes, with additional details provided by the family.
William Jeffrey “Jeff” Belcher
October 22, 1958 - December 30, 2025.
William Jeffrey “Jeff” Belcher, 67, of Westerville died on December 30, 2025. Arrangements were handled by Snyder Funeral Homes. His obituary records his passing and family connections, with services conducted privately.
Dr. Larry DeVese
December 7, 1964 - September 3, 2025.
Dr. Larry DeVese, 60, of Westerville, died on September 3, 2025, after a courageous health battle. Born in Meridian, Mississippi, he was a beloved dentist and community member who built his career at A Smile by Dr. DeVese. He graduated from Bowling Green State University and earned his DDS from The Ohio State University. Larry was active in ministry and community boards, and he loved golf, travel, music, family gatherings, and friendships.
James T. Follas
May 19, 1941 - December 25, 2025.
James T. Follas, 84, passed away peacefully at home on December 25, 2025. Born in Toledo, Ohio, he was the son of James and Marion (Mynderse) Follas and a 1959 graduate of Whitmer High School. He served in the Army National Guard and worked for 25 years with the Toledo Fire Division. Jim was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westerville, as well as the Police and Fire Retirees of Ohio, the Veterans Association, and Moose International. He enjoyed time with his grandchildren, trips to Hilton Head, summers at Round Lake, watching sports, and attending car shows. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Mardelle Leslie Baker
June 30, 1927 - December 28, 2025.
Mardelle Leslie Baker, 98, died peacefully at home on December 28, 2025. A longtime Westerville resident, she dedicated 25 years to teaching in the Westerville City School District. She was deeply involved in her church and community and remembered for her faith, generosity, and steady presence in the lives of her students and family. Funeral services are scheduled for January 30, 2026, at Church of the Master in Westerville.
William Joseph Leandres
December 29, 1957 - December 29, 2025.
William Joseph Leandres, 68, of Westerville died peacefully at home on December 29, 2025. Born in Columbus at St. Ann’s Hospital on Broad Street, he was a graduate of Bishop Hartley High School, Class of 1975, and earned an associate degree in computer sciences from Columbus State. Bill worked for Pepsi for 19 years and later spent 21 years in information technology at United Commercial Travelers. He married his wife, Holly Swick, on October 13, 2018, at their home in Westerville. Bill openly shared his Alcoholics Anonymous coin, marking 35 years of continuous sobriety, and devoted his life to helping others find recovery. He rode more than 60,000 miles on his Harley with Holly throughout Ohio and neighboring states, played trumpet with the band Crowd Pleasers, which opened for Bob Seger at the Sugar Shack, and donated more than 66 pints of blood through the Red Cross. He enjoyed running 5Ks and half marathons and working out with his wife. Bill was a member of St. John Neumann Church in Sunbury.
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.
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.
