William Stonehill

William R. Stonehill

On a brisk snowing afternoon at Mercy St. Rita’s Hospital, Bill succumbed to a horrific battle of cancer on November 26, 2018. Bill was 73.

He was born October 13, 1945 to the late Lewis L. (Jack) Stonehill and Mary Joan (Stout) Stonehill. His grandparents Ray and Audale (Reiff )Stonehill and Etta Lincoln.

In 1963 Bill began communications services under George Quatman at the Lima Telephone Co. Continuing through many name changes, Bill retired after 47 years of dedicated service and formed many lasting friendships with co-workers and management alike. In 1965 he honorably served his country when he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in Ramstein, Germany as a Communication Specialist. He was a member of the Lima Eagles #370 for many years. Before his illness, Bill volunteered to support the Scholarship Fund and various charities supported by the Eagles members.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 plus years, Mary H. (Pohlabel) Stonehill of Elida; two daughters: his eldest daughter Kimberly Ann (Pohlabel-Stonehill) Middleton and her son in Tacoma, Washington. His youngest daughter Donna Jo Ann Stonehill (Mike Hulatt) of Lima, Ohio; a grandson, Preston Joseph Stonehill (Emily Sockrider) of Elida and one of God’s most precious blessings, his great granddaughter, Sarah Marie Stonehill, the sunshine of his life. Also surviving are his brothers and sister-in-law,  Donald & Donna Marie Smith of Elida, and Oliver and Marilyn Kay Smith of Ada, Elaine Ann (Pohlabel) Mason of Lake Land, Florida. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles one very special, Harry and Moneen Stout of Needles, California.

He was preceded in death by his brother-in-laws, J.D. Mason and Robert Lance Pohlabel and sister-in-law Cecilia Marie Phenning-Pohlabel formerly of Wapakoneta; a special nephew, a very young, Gary Allen Smith, whom he had never forgotten, the son of Donald and Donna Marie Smith.

God sent his swift angles to take him home where there is no more pain and no more sorrow. 1,000 years on earth is but one day in Eternity. He’s gone ahead with God’s blessing, we will meet again.

I personally want to thank his care team at Mercy Health. God bless them all especially Dr. Martin, 6th floor nurse, Amanda, Dr. Akande, and Dr. Nickloson and Dr. V. Goyal, Blood and Cancer Specialist, also, Dr. Meyers, Heart Specialist.

Friends and family may visit on Thursday, November 29 from 2-6pm, and one hour prior to the services on Friday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held Friday, November 30, at 2 pm at Chamberlain-Huckeriede.  Father David Ross will officiate.

Military Graveside Honors will be conducted by VFW Post #1275.