Wayne Peter Becker
September 2, 2026
Wayne Peter Becker, 75, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away Sept. 2, 2026. He grew up on a farm near Napoleon, North Dakota.
Wayne created and edited Word Gems, a website devoted to personal discovery, spiritual exploration, and what he described as scientific evidence for an afterlife.
He is survived by Anita Becker; children Joseph “Joey” Becker and Sara Becker; and grandchildren Jack Becker, Faith Neely, and Abigail Neely.
Wayne will be remembered for his interest in spirituality, his writing, and his devotion to family.
Delores Hewitt
Born date unavailable – September 12, 2026
Delores Hewitt, 89, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away Sept. 12, 2026, at home. She retired from Westerville Cleaners and was a member of Genoa Baptist Church.
Delores enjoyed spending time with her family, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her son, Bruce Hewitt and his wife, Cindy, and daughter, Christel Hewitt, all of Westerville; grandchildren Michael Hewitt and his wife, Nina, of Wooster, and Melissa Hewitt of Gahanna; great-grandchildren Roman and Breccan; sisters Mavis Cole, Lavonne Piatt, Lydia Lamping, and Noraeen Spencer; brother Emerson Ball; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Weldon Hewitt; parents Ira and Elliott Ball; brothers Wendell, Palmer, and Justice Ball; and sisters Wanda Bailey and Freda Sewell.
Dennis Gene Crill
April 11, 1944 – September 7, 2026
Dennis Gene Crill, 82, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away Sept. 7, 2026, with his wife and three sons at his side. He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Clarence and Marcielle Crill.
Dennis graduated from Purdue University in 1966 and began his career with Indiana and Michigan Electric Company. He transferred to the company’s Columbus home office in 1983.
A gifted pianist and organist, Dennis served several churches in Fort Wayne before moving to Ohio, where he shared his musical talents with Karl Road Baptist Church and North Community Lutheran Church. He also accompanied the St. Charles Preparatory School choir under director Johnny Steiner.
Dennis retired from church music after 50 years of service. He also volunteered as a church treasurer, newsletter writer, and music committee member. His Christian faith remained central to his life.
He is survived by his wife, LouAnn Crill, and sons Matthew Crill and his wife, Lisa, Randy Crill, and Ben Crill and his wife, Erin.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Gary G. Reese
Born date unavailable – September 9, 2026
Gary G. Reese, 72, of Sunbury, Ohio, passed away Sept. 9, 2026, at home. He grew up in Westerville and also lived in Arkansas, Florida, and North Carolina.
Gary served in the U.S. Navy as an E-2 engineman. He later worked as an HVAC technician for Chase Bank and retired in 2016.
An avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan, Gary began working as a Redcoat in 2023, assisting at Ohio Stadium during football games and at the Schottenstein Center during basketball games, hockey games, and concerts.
He enjoyed camping, hiking, roller coasters, and spending time outdoors with family. Gary was also an active Boy Scout leader while his son, Jackson, participated in scouting, and they shared many outdoor adventures.
Known for his easygoing personality, humor, and willingness to help others, Gary especially cherished his son and granddaughter.
He will be remembered for his service, devotion to family, love of the outdoors, and enthusiasm for Ohio State sports.
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