Westerville Obituaries - March 1, 2026
Rosemary Downey Morrissey
January 29, 1942 – February 21, 2026
Rosemary Downey Morrissey passed away Feb. 21, 2026, at her home in Westerville, Ohio, surrounded by family. She was born in Columbus to William P. Downey and Kathleen Coyle Downey.
She grew up in Clintonville and attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School before graduating from St. Mary of the Springs Academy. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Ohio State University, where she was a member of Delta Zeta sorority.
Rosemary married Michael John Morrissey on Jan. 16, 1971. Together, they raised three children, Colleen, Krista, and Brian, in Worthington. A clinical psychologist by training, she devoted many years to being a stay-at-home mother and was known for her steady encouragement and deep love for her family.
William “Bill” Bertrum Mills
June 19, 1939 – February 21, 2026
William “Bill” Bertrum Mills, 86, of Delaware, Ohio, passed away Feb. 21, 2026, at Claremont Retirement Village in Columbus. He was born in Westerville to Leo Mills and Alice Pflueger Mills.
After graduating from Westerville High School, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1958 to 1962 during the Vietnam era. He married Linda Jean Steck on June 24, 1979. They shared 30 years of marriage before her passing in 2009.
Bill dedicated his life to public service. He worked as an officer with the Otterbein Police Department, served with the Westerville Fire Department as one of the first emergency squad attendants, and later became a Delaware County deputy. He also completed EMT training, combining police and emergency medical service work. In addition, he volunteered as a firefighter at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and served on a local military honor guard, providing honors for fellow veterans.
He enjoyed sharing stories, listening to police scanners, and spending time at AMVETS, where he held several offices, including post commander. A loyal sports fan, he followed the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns, and NASCAR.
Bill was proud of his country, his service, and especially his family. He will be remembered for his dedication, humor, and steady presence in the lives of those who knew him.
Cary “Nicky” Mciver
1938 – February 19, 2026
Cary “Nicky” Mciver, 87, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away at home Feb. 19, 2026.
He served in the United States Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis and later retired from a career as an accountant. Cary was a member of the Westerville Kingdom Hall, where he formed many lasting friendships.
He enjoyed fishing, sharing meals with friends, and spending time with his grandchildren. Above all, he treasured nearly 60 years of marriage with his wife, Marie “Rie.” Their life together was centered on family, faith, and the memories they created side by side.
Kathy DeLong Orndoff
November 3, 1970 – February 1, 2026
Kathy DeLong Orndoff, 55, passed away Feb. 1, 2026, after a seven-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Columbus to Shirley and Phillip DeLong. She was preceded in death by her father, Phillip F. DeLong, and her brother, Roger G. DeLong.
She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Preston J. Orndoff; daughter Kimberly D. Orndoff; son Derek P. Orndoff; and her mother, Shirley D. DeLong.
A graduate of Westerville South High School, Kathy was active in theater, band, dance, and color guard, served on the homecoming court, and served as senior class president. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the University of Kentucky, where she was a member of Delta Gamma and remained an engaged alumna. She worked for 18 years at FedEx in a variety of roles. In 2020, she and Preston moved to Oak Hill, Ohio, where family gatherings and celebrations filled their home.
Kathy loved music, literature, the arts, and time with friends and family. She was known for her generosity, humor, and ability to make others feel welcome and valued. Her greatest pride was her husband and children, and her legacy lives on through the love and values she shared with them.
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