Obituaries released for adults killed in charter bus crash
Shannon E. Wigfield 46, of Bolivar
Shannon died Tuesday, November 14, 2023, in Licking County. Born May 10, 1977, in Dennison, she was a daughter of Ronald L. and Susan Abbuhl of New Philadelphia. She was a 1995 graduate of Claymont High School, a 2000 graduate of Ohio University and was an English teacher the past 24 years at Buckeye Career Center In New Philadelphia. Shannon enjoyed shopping (especially at Target and Dollar General), crafting and most of all she enjoyed helping others.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband Richard Wigfield, whom she married on October 18, 2003, and her 3 children Riley, Evan, and Leah; In-laws Richard and Reccine Wigfield of New Philadelphia; grandmother Karleen Wilson of Tuscarawas; a brother Craig (Heidi) Abbuhl of New Philadelphia; a sister Lisa (Jim) Heuser of Galway, N.Y., a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Christopher (Richelle) Woytko of New Philadelphia, nieces and nephews Hunter Abbuhl, C.J. Abbuhl, Ashleigh Heuser, Lexi Heuser, Ryan Woytko, Kyle Woytko, Avery Woytko, and her extended family and friends.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, November 21, at 11 am at Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia with Pastor Carol McCartney officiating. Burial will follow in Ft. Laurens Cemetery in Bolivar. Friends and family may call Monday from 5 to 8 pm at Buckeye Career Center. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the donor’s favorite charity. The Lebold-Smith Funeral Home in Bolivar is handling the arrangements. To share a memory, visit the funeral home’s website.
David R. Kennat, 56, of Navarre
Dave was called Home to be with the Lord on November 14th, 2023. He was born on December 28th, 1966, to Robert M. and Ruth A. (Nee’ Westbrook) Kennat. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, kindness, and great love of the outdoors.
Dave graduated from Ohio University in 1989 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics Education. He continued his academic career at Ashland University in 1999, earning a Master’s Degree of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Computer Science.
As a teacher at Tuscarawas Valley High School for 31 years, the Navarre resident found ways to unify his dual passions for mathematics and nature.
While he enjoyed camping, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing and gardening, skiing was his true love. Thinking about it year-round, he said there is nothing like the freedom of standing 11,000 feet above a valley. He hoped to impart this feeling to his students through the ski club, which he advised at the high school for many decades. One of his favorite trips was to Switzerland with friends to ski the Swiss Alps.
Dave volunteered at Wanake Camp and Retreat Center in Beach City, Ohio, for 33 years. He started around age 18 as a junior counselor. From there, he became an assistant director, outpost director, photographer and videographer, gardener, and much more. He loved working with the campers and staff to explore the outdoors and his faith. For two years, Dave also worked as the director of Wakonda in Sherrodsville, Ohio.
Dave was preceded in death by his father, Robert M. Kennat. He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory, including his mother, Ruth Kennat; sisters, Linda (Eric) Schanz and Karen (Christopher) Draper; nieces and nephews, Jessica (Dylan) Didinger, Emily Draper, Michael Draper, Anna Schanz, and Audrey Schanz; beloved cousins; and many other extended family members and friends.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, November 18th, from 1 to 5 pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070. He will be laid to rest privately at Sunset Memorial Park, North Olmsted, Ohio. Memorial donations may be made to Wanake Camp and Retreat Center in Dave’s memory. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, visit the Sunset Funeral Home Sympathy Store.
* An additional service will take place Sunday, November 19, at 7:30 pm in the Wilkshire Event Center at 474 Jeanne Anne Lane in Bolivar.
Kristin Marie Gaynor, 39, of Zoar
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kristin (“Kristy”) Marie Gaynor on November 14, 2023. Born on March 6, 1984, in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Kristy was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She embodied the values of tradition, faith, and family, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Kristy’s unwavering faith in God was the cornerstone of her life. From a young age, Kristy’s faith in God marked her life. It was her comfort, strength, and joy. This faith overflowed into who Kristy was. She selflessly served at Bolivar Community Church, sharing her musical talents and nurturing the hearts and minds of children and youth.
Kristy loved her husband and children immensely and was very involved in their lives through church, school, and community activities. The family regularly participated in Civil War reenactments, and Kristy could often be found connecting with new and old friends while sharing her infectious laughter and joy.
Kristy’s genuine kindness and welcoming nature made her a beloved friend to many. She possessed a rare gift of making others feel seen, heard, and valued. Her infectious laughter and genuine interest in others’ lives created lasting bonds that will be cherished forever.
As a devoted caregiver, Kristy found joy in providing respite care for foster families in their times of need. Through organizations such as Fostering Love and Pathways, she extended her love and compassion to numerous children and their families.
Kristy graduated from CVCA in the class of 2003 and went on to attend Malone University, where she graduated with honors in 2007.
Kristy is survived by her loving husband, Mark Gaynor, and their children Abby, Daniel, and Emily. She is also survived by her mother, Brenda Boone, and her in-laws, Carey and Janet Gaynor. Kristy’s siblings include John (Jill) Boone, Katherine (Frank) Downs, and Laurie (Jared) DeLiberato. Additionally, she leaves behind nine nieces and nephews. Kristy was preceded in death by her father, Mark Boone.
Friends, family, and community are invited to attend calling hours, which will be held at Bolivar Community Church (241 Pine Street NW, Bolivar) on Saturday, November 18th, from 3 to 6 pm. A memorial service at the church will take place on Sunday, November 19th, at 5:30 pm, with calling hours preceding at 4:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family can be made in Kristy’s memory at www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-fund-for-kristy-gaynor.
Kristy’s life touched many hearts, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of faith, love, and devotion will live on in our hearts. The Lebold-Smith Funeral Home in Bolivar is handling the arrangements. To share a memory, please visit the funeral home’s website.