As if the loss of Kathy Jesser’s step-grandson, Kai, wasn’t enough, her mother, Alberta Edgerly, passed away last Friday. Below is her obituary. If you would like to send a personal card, Kathy’s address is 2943 Pepper Hill Circle, Akron, Ohio 44312.

ALBERTA RAE EDGERLY

March 15, 1928 — June 13, 2025

Alberta “Bert” Edgerly (Kernen), our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother has been embraced and taken up with the Lord Jesus Christ, June 13, 2025. In March 2025, we gathered and celebrated Alberta’s 97th Birthday with family returning from across the country.

Alberta graduated from North High School, Class of 1947 and married Clark Edgerly. They celebrated 63 years of marriage before Clark’s passing in 2011. They attended the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Akron which merged with the Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church for 40 years. They were both active in the Church and had many friends.

In addition to being a wife and mother to 3 children, she worked to make ends meet. The highlight of her working career was her position with the University of Akron as an assistant coordinator of Veteran Educational Services for the returning Vietnam Veterans of which she enjoyed immensely the work and the returning Vets. As Grandparents, Clark and Alberta both greatly enjoyed their grandchildren and watched them grow into adults. As a Great-Grandmother, she greatly appreciated and loved her great-grandchildren.

Alberta leaves her children, Roger (Barbara) Edgerly, Kathryn Jesser (Edgerly), and Jeff Edgerly; grandchildren, Kyle (Portia) Edgerly, Ryan (Kelly) Edgerly, Christine Jesser, Andrew (Gina) Jesser, Rachel (Nate) Fisher, Michael (Becky) Edgerly; 8 great-grandchildren; her dear companion and cousin, Karen Gonder; sole surviving in-law and friend, Ruth Darling (Edgerly); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Alberta was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clark (3/2011); greatly loved grandson, Timothy Jesser (2002); parents, Thomas and Rachael (Gonder) Kernen; and her brothers, Bill, Keith, and Bud Kernen.

Alberta has resided at Copeland Oaks for the past 19 years where she has dominated the Euchre tables and has had many friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 10 am – 12 noon, followed by a 12 noon funeral service at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, Ohio 44305, 330-784-3334. Interment at Northlawn Memorial Gardens.

As with Dad, in lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Copeland Oaks Life Care Fund, 715 S. Johnson Rd, Sebring, Ohio 44672.

Kathy Jesser (trombone) received painful news earlier this week. Kai Grant was the step-son of Kathy’s son. Unfortunately, he unexpectantly passed away this week. Below is his obituary. He sounds like he was a fine young man. If you would like to send Kathy a card, her address is: 2943 Pepper Hill Circle, Akron, OH. 44312.

Kai James Grant

June 29, 2005 — June 8, 2025

Kai James Grant

June 29, 2005 – June 8, 2025

With deep love and heartbreaking sorrow, we announce the passing of Kai James Grant, 19, of Green, Ohio. Kai left this world far too soon on June 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of fierce loyalty, bold conviction, and unforgettable presence.

Born on June 29, 2005, Kai was a 2023 graduate of Green High School and was pursuing a degree in Political Science at The Ohio State University. A bright mind with a passionate heart, Kai was known for being an outspoken advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He had a gift for challenging the status quo with courage, humor, and conviction.

Kai was a protective and loving brother, always watching out for his siblings with a mix of wisdom and mischief. His competitive streak was legendary—whether in video games, anime debates, or late-night mystery movie marathons, Kai brought intensity and a playful swagger to everything he did. He was sharp, funny, occasionally cocky, and always 100% himself.

Kai is deeply missed by his parents, Regina Jesser, Andy Jesser, William Barnett, and Deszmon Grant; his beloved sisters Kamyl Grant and Brooke Barnett; and his brothers Hayden Barnett and Daven Barnett.

He is also mourned by his grandparents John Simms, Jen Monachino, Eileen Barnett, Bill Barnett, Joel and Delores Sumlin, and Mary Grant; and by his aunts and uncles John, Bri, Matthew and Kimberly Simms, Austin Hall, Crystal, Chris Fiorelli, Pete and James Giles, and Kalesha Grant, as well as countless cousins, extended family members, friends, and peers.

A memorial service to honor Kai’s life will be held Saturday, June 14 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N Canton Rd, Akron, OH 44305. Calling hours are from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, with a service beginning at 6:00 PM.

Kai died by suicide after a battle that many could not see. Mental health struggles can be quiet and hidden, even in those who seem strong and vibrant. If you are struggling, please know you are not alone. You are deeply needed. You are deeply loved.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out.

Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—available 24/7, free, and confidential.

“A good heart has stopped beating, but a heart that has touched so many lives can’t help but live on in those it loved.”

In Kai’s memory, may we love more openly, speak more honestly, and hold each other with tenderness. His voice and spirit will live on in all of us.

Joyce Evans played the alto sax in the New Horizons Band for years. Her husband, Richard, would come with her and help her set up. He would then patiently wait out by the drinking fountain until band was done. Talking to Rick I was surprised by how far they traveled to come to practice. I admired their devotion to each other. I have to admit I did notice their absence. Unfortunately Joyce passed away this month. Below is her obituary.

Joyce Elaine Evans (Mocher) Obituary

Joyce Elaine Evans (Mocher) has gone home to be with her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ following an extended illness. She now gets to spend eternity worshiping that great God who was so important in her earthly life. Joyce was a 1965 graduate of Canton Lincoln HS and a 1968 graduate of Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as an R.N. For over 40 years at Canton Mercy, Mercy Medical Center and, for a brief time, at the US Naval Hospital Camp LeJeune NC. She enjoyed running and won many age group awards in her younger years. She loved gardening and playing her Alto Sax. She sang for years in church choirs and the Only By Grace Quartet with dear friends Jane and Mike Petcavage. Her greatest joy in life was her family. Survived by her husband of 56 years Richard, daughters Mary (Robert) Patrick, Janet (Brandon) Mackall, special “daughter” Andrea and granddaughter Sage, seven wonderful grand kids: Alexis, Emma, Robert, Sophia, Kate, Sam, and Sylvia, grand-dog Buxton, brother Steve (Mary) Mocher, and many friends in the Joy Class at Dueber Church “Where Hope Is Found”. Also survived by several siblings scattered across the United States. Special blessings to the dear, dear Christian friends on Fallingbrook Circle that made her final time rich and rewarding. You know who you are.

Her request was for no calling hours or public services. Cremation has taken place and her cremains will be scattered in the place she loved, the Outer Banks of NC. Her family will be gathering at a future date to celebrate her life. The family’s favorite charities include Malone University, Dueber Church, the Louisville YMCA and the many Moody Bible Institute outreach programs.

Kathryn Weaver (violin) recently lost her brother, Tom Schrader. Unfortunately the last couple of years had been very difficult for him, experiencing multiple health problems that eventually led to his passing. Although Kathryn and her family are relieved that Tom no longer is suffering, they definitely are feeling the loss. Please pray for the family.

Below is a copy of his obituary:

Thomas A. Schrader, age 73 of Charlestown, passed away Friday, November 8, 2024.

He was born March 14, 1951, in Ravenna, Ohio, to parents Donald H. and Myrna M. (Weideman) Schrader. Tom graduated from Rootstown High School in 1969. He enlisted in the US Air Force and served for over 10 years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War.

Tom was a long distance truck driver for many years. When he was home, he enjoyed sitting on the back porch with family and his dog, Buddy. Tom was a classic car enthusiast. He also liked to travel, watch old movies, and read. He was a former member of the Rootstown Lions Club.

Tom is survived by his siblings: Kathryn (Robert) Weaver, James (Phyllis) Schrader, and Julie Schomer, along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents.

His wishes for cremation are being honored. Tom will be laid to rest with full military honors on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 10:45 AM at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.