Anthony W. "Tony" Franklin Sr.

Anthony W. "Tony" Franklin, age 65, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Riverside Methodist Hospital.

On March 19, 1960 Tony was born in Marion, Ohio. The son of the late Alvin E. and Marguerite (Knapp) Franklin. Tony attended Marion Harding High School. After school, Tony proudly served his country in the Ohio National Guard. After returning home, Tony worked as a Food Manager at the Marion County Correctional Institute.

Tony was a man whose joy for life shone brightly in the simple pleasures, what he cherished most was laughter, family, and a good game. With a playful spirit, Tony loved a game of any and every kind, especially board games. His competitive nature and fun-loving heart meant that whenever he played, his favorite color, Red, was always his team or game piece, a small but memorable reflection of his vibrant personality.

A devoted sports fan, Tony cheered with pride for the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Denver Broncos. Whether it was a Saturday afternoon filled with the excitement of college football, or a Sunday game day surrounded by family, his enthusiasm was contagious and brought everyone together.

Bowling was another of Tony's lifelong passions, not just as a pastime but as a family tradition.

League nights at Southland Lanes were more than just games they were gatherings where relatives, kids, and grandkids bowled together, creating memories that will last for generations.

Above all, Tony's greatest love was his family. He found his deepest joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren. Whether sharing a laugh over a board game, cheering on his favorite teams, or simply being present in their lives, Tony's legacy is one of devotion, fun, and unconditional love. Tony and his family always look forward to their weekly gatherings for dinner and games.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved sons: T.J. (Jennifer) Franklin, Chad (Mandy) Franklin, and Shane Franklin; nephew: Denim Franklin; grandchildren: Zoe Franklin, Fayth (Michael) Smiley, Hayleigh Franklin, Sierra Franklin, and Alexis Carnes-Childers; great-granddaughter, Amiree Smiley; sisters: Monna Jean Leonard and Patricia Franklin-Meade; former spouse, Mary Franklin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his siblings: Danny, Yvonne, Brenda, Alvin, Jim, and Stephanie.

Visitation will be from 11AM-1PM on Friday, September 5, 2025 at Snyder Funeral Homes, Denzer Chapel; 360 E. Center St., Marion, OH 43302. Funeral Ceremony will follow at 1PM with Pastor Brett Gleespen, officiating. Graveside Service will follow at Grand Prairie Cemetery. 

Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to serve Tony's family and online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com

 

 

 

Cynthia D. (Scott) Rackley,

Cynthia D. (Scott) Rackley, 73

Sunrise: September 4, 1951 Sunset: February 12, 2025

Cynthia dedicated her career to serving others, working at Westinghouse Corp. in Orville, Ohio, before transitioning to a role as a corrections officer at Marion Correctional Institution, where she later retired. After retiring, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to caring for her son, demonstrating unwavering love, dedication, and commitment every step of the way. Thereafter, she pursued her passion for creativity by starting her own wedding and decorating business.

She found great joy in volunteering and working with the Marion Harding Marching Band, a cause close to her heart.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her mother, Leavata (Scott) Tyler; her father, Lloyd H. Tyler; her brother, Phil Q. Scott; and her beloved son Jeremy S. Rackley.

She leaves behind, to celebrate her life, her sister, Theresa Tyler-Smith, Mountaintop, Pa., along with a host of cousins and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

Services:

• Interment: Held February 17, 2025, at Maple Hill Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

• Memorial Service: Saturday, March 8, 2025, at The Harding Center, 267 Center St., Marion, OH 43302, beginning at 12:00 noon

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marion Harding Marching Band in Cynthia’s honor.

She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her kindness, dedication, and love for her family and community.

James A. "Jim" Moody

 

James A. "Jim" Moody, 82 of Marion, died Tuesday August 26, 2025 at the Marion General Hospital. He was born November 26, 1942 in Marion. Jim graduated from Green Camp High School, class of 1961, he then graduated from Ashland College with an MBA. He also had obtained his teacher's certificate from Ferris State. He taught at the Marion Correctional Institute for over 21 yrs. 

 Jim was an avid reader; he loved reading presidential and civil war history. When he was younger, he was a very talented baseball pitcher. He pitched in a semi pro league in Canada until injuries derailed his career. 

Family was very important to Jim, he loved them all, but his grandkids held a special spot in his heart. Surviving is his wife, Beverly (Jenkins) Moody, they were married April 6, 1979 in Marion. Also surviving are his stepdaughter, Sheryl K. Munson of Columbus and grandchildren, Chloe and Reese Dodgion. He was preceded in death by his parents, William E. and Donna (Titus) Black. 

Private graveside services will be held at the Green Camp Cemetery. The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home is assisting the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Marion County Now on Aug. 28, 2025.

Alice Rose Cyrus-Cochenour

 

Alice Rose Cyrus-Cochenour, 82, of Columbus, Ohio (Lucasville, Ohio), passed away Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, with her children at her bedside in her home in Columbus, Ohio. She was born on October 21st, 1942, to Thomas William Cyrus, Sr, and Freda Crystal Cyrus in Lucasville, Ohio.

Alice retired from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections after working as a Substance Abuse Counselor and Case Manager. Despite this initial retirement, her energy and passion for giving-back continued. She worked for several years as a Crisis Intervention Specialist at Netcare Access. After leaving Netcare, she worked as a Program Coordinator with the Partial Hospitalization/Intensive Outpatient Program at Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry. She, then, went on to work as a Day Care teacher with the NW Church of Nazarene in Columbus, Ohio, taking care of the babies. It took a pandemic to convince her it was time to step-back and finally retire completely in 2020.

Alice attended Circleville Bible College and Portsmouth Interstate Business College in the 1970s, where she obtained Associate degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. She went on to Shawnee State University and obtained an Associate of Arts Degree with focus in Psychology. After moving to Marion, Ohio in 1982 she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University.

Alice was a trailblazer for women while working in corrections when she started to work at Marion Correctional Institution in the 1984. She became active in the Union while working at MCI and was a member of the SEIU 1199 Union. While in the Union, she served on the negotiating board and lobbied for employee’s rights within corrections. However, she continued to stay involved with SEIU 1199 after her retirement from Corrections. She was a fierce activist for many causes over her life: Women’s Rights; LGBTQ+ Rights; Domestic Violence Prevention; Animal Rights; Environmental Rights; and pretty much wherever she saw a need to stand for the rights of the most vulnerable and underrepresented in our society. She held the conviction that our society could never be truly civilized unless all its people had an even playing field.

Alice was a member of the NW Church of Nazarene for almost 30 years but had been involved with the Nazarene Church throughout her life. She made missionary trips over the years to different spots in Peru and Mexico. This missionary work was a great passion for Alice.

While Alice was a person of strong faith, she did not follow blindly. She stood by her convictions and walked her talk. For those that knew her, also knew she expected the same from others - for which she would call you out if she saw any inconsistency.

Alice had a true love for education, and believed a person never stopped learning in this life. She had many hobbies over the years: photography; reading; traveling; and a great love for writing. She never stayed idle, and all her life she volunteered for several causes and organizations: domestic violence shelters and crisis lines; half-way homes for individuals with addictions; and the Women’s Interfaith Mission were only a few.

Alice is survived by her daughter, Crystal Dawn Cyrus, from Columbus, Ohio; her son, Thomas Lewis Cochenour, and daughter-in-law, Hye Jen (Shorty) Cochenour, from Cedarville, Ohio. She took immense pride in both her children and their accomplishments. However, she also expected them to take responsibility for their actions, good or bad. No matter which, she always showed them love and unconditional acceptance.

Alice is also survived by her two younger sisters, Gearldine Emeline Cyrus, and Freda Ruth Morris. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Danny Thomas Cyrus; Timothy Glenn Cyrus (Debbie Cyrus); Jill Rochelle Donini; Randall Douglas Cyrus; Joel Kyle Cyrus; Charmin Rose Good (Bruce Good); David Lewis Cyrus, Jr (Terry Cyrus); Aaron Benjamin Cyrus (Kristi Cyrus); Nicole Marie Cyrus; John Roger Matthews (Susan Matthews); Lisa Dawn Matthews; and Dana Lynn Maxwell. She was also survived by many great and great-great nieces and nephews, whom she stayed in contact with and never missed wishing any of them a happy birthday, congratulations on notable events, or any other accomplishments in their lives.

Last, but not least, she was survived by her three grand-dogs, Penny Layne, Eleanor Rigby, and Molly Mae.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her three brothers, Thomas William Cyrus, Jr, Glenn Oliver Cyrus, and David Lewis Cyrus, Sr.

There will be a Celebration of Life gathering held at The Park of Roses at 3901 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio on October 4th, 2025, at 1pm. We will be holding a “ceremony” to honor Alice’s life, immediately followed by a day of fun, laughing, singing, and just being in the moment with one another. Alice loved her family fiercely. She considered so many she encountered over the years her family, whether related by blood or not. Having all who were touched by her life gather for this celebration of life would be something she would cherish. We will be at the open shelter next to the soccer field and the closed shelter building. We will have plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks, but if you would like to contribute, please feel free to bring a favorite dish and drink.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to your favorite charity or helping organization. Some of Alice’s favorites did work for Women’s Rights, LGBTQ+ Rights, Animal Rights, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Ohio), St. Jude’s, Nazarene Ministries, Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Interfaith Association of Ohio, and of course your local Union organization.

Alice was an astounding woman and a beautiful soul. She never met a stranger. She was a tiny warrior on many fronts. She influenced and was an inspiration to so many people over the years. She stood for those who could not always stand for themselves. She was a ripple in this universe that will continue to be felt by all those she touched. We are the better for her being a part of this world and our lives. We love and miss you, “Norma Rae.”

James Michael Brown

 

James Michael Brown, 78, of Marion, went to be with His Heavenly Father on July 20, 2025, peacefully at His residence with His loving wife of 50 years, Loreda Brown by his side.

Born on September 2, 1946, in Fostoria, Ohio to Eula Hatchathorn and James Michael Brown Sr, both preceding Him in death. James served in the US Navy after graduating from Marion Harding High School. James worked for many years as a Corrections Officer in Marion, and Orient, Ohio. James was a 50 year member of the Labors’ International Union of North America.

No service will be held.

Joseph Patrick Forster

 

Joseph Patrick Forster, age 67, of Marion, passed away at Riverside Methodist
Hospital, on July 25, 2025. Joe was born to the late Lawrence and Jaclee (Sutton)
Forster on October 18, 1957, in Rochelle, Illinois.
 

Joe worked as a farmer in his earlier years, but retired from the Marion Correctional
institute, as a shop supervisor. Joe loved farming and even when he was no longer
working as a farmer found joy in collecting farming related items. Joe loved to travel and
visit the different toy shows and always kept a keen eye out for toy farm equipment and
garden tractors.
 

Joe is survived by brothers, Bill (Marge) Forster, sisters, Mary (Bob) Schoenthaler and
Connie Long, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
 

The Boyd Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family of Joseph Patrick Forster
in their time of mourning.

John Joseph Connors lll

John Joseph Connors III, age 62, of Marengo, Ohio died Thursday, July 10, 2025. He was born in Columbus, Ohio on August 12, 1962, to the late John Joseph Connors II and Carol F. (Myers) Connors.

John attended Bishop Watterson High School and was a graduate of Whetstone High School. He was a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT for Big Walnut Joint Fire Department. John worked for over 30 years for the Ohio Department of Youth Services and from there worked for RKE Trucking as a driver.

He was a troop leader for Boy Scouts of America and a youth sports coach for Highland Community baseball, football, and basketball. John was also a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and had over 35 years of sobriety.

John enjoyed hunting, fishing, Ohio State football, mushroom hunting, riding motorcycles, reading and classic rock. He enjoyed live music, especially catching the Hoodoo Soul Band perform on Sundays at Rumba Café.

John was willing to help anyone with anything, from fellow AA members to strangers stuck on the side of the road. He could not go anywhere without running into an old friend or making a new one. John was the type of guy who cared about everyone else more than himself. He loved volunteering and contributing to his community. There was one achievement that meant more than all the others in his life, and that was his four children. No matter where his life took him, his children were always in his thoughts, and he only wanted the best for them. John was a unique and special person. He will always be loved and forever missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Left to cherish his memory are his girlfriend, Carol Price; children, David Connors, Eleni (Logan) Davis, Anna Connors, and Ian Connors; siblings, Chris (Pam) O’Connor and their daughter, Fiona O’Connor, and Jane (Charles) Baker and their children, Michael, Marie, and Erin Rush & Amanda Carson; his beloved dog, Finn; many friends and extended family members.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John J. Connors II and Carol F. Connors.

A special thank you to Bill Teders and family for loving John as one of your own.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ohio Department of Natural Resources Natural Area and Preserve Fund at https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/support-odnr/donate-to-odnr/donate-natural-areas-preserves

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. at the American Legion Post 710, 1549 County Road 26, Marengo, Ohio 43334.

 

Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel, Sunbury, Ohio is honored to serve the Connors family. Please visit www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com to leave an online condolence.