< BATH HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI LINK >

An Internet email newsletter

connecting the alumni of Bath High School

Volume 3, Number 1 ------------------ February 2003

Larry L. Oatman, Editor

Hello Bath Wildcats and welcome to <BATH LINK>, a newsletter for and

about Bath alumni -- anyone who graduated or even attended Bath High

School. There's news about current events and stuff, along with information

of classmates, reunions, teachers, a pop quiz (but no homework), plus web

site links, and other items of alumni interest. The newsletter in covering all

45 graduating classes is somewhat long, so if you don't have time to read it

all right now, save it for when you do have the time.

Bath's Board of Education joined surrounding schools and adopted a policy

of student open enrollment in December. Supt. Bill Lodermeier said open

enrollment is needed to off set the 40-45 students who leave the school

district each year. This translates to about $225,000 lost in state funding.

The school is limiting the open enrollment to 24 students and the board will

vote on the policy annually.

Mon. Feb. 17 Presidents Day, no school

Fri. Apr. 17 Spring Break begins

Tues. Apr. 22 Spring Break ends, school begins

Mon. May 26 Memorial Day, no school

Wed. May 28 Last day for students

Thurs. May 29 Teacher work day

Sat. May 31 Graduation

Ryan Mitchell (BHS'00) currently stationed in Yokosuka, Japan with the

USS Kitty Hawk receives about 25 letters every couple of months written by

second graders at Bath Elementary School. Classes in the elementary

school began its adopt a Hero program last year, with some classes

continuing the program this year. The eight-year-old s send pictures and tell

about their pets and families. In return, Mitchell writes back to the

students,

telling them about what he does and answering their questions. When he

was on leave around Christmas, Mitchell stopped in to see the students.

Teachers noted that the program helps students improve their writing skills,

plus it's a good opportunity to talk about the military and patriotism.

To help area girls get their homecoming and prom dresses at a great price,

Prom Dress Exchange was held at Bath High School last month. The

dresses were tagged with a sales price and a $6 charge goes to pay for

post-prom activities. Shoes, gloves and jewelry were also sold. Also,

included at the event was a hair stylist, nail specialist and make up

consultant to discuss the latest styles and colors. Additionally, a seamstress

was available to discuss alterations. For the guys? Visit Tux-R-Us!

-- 45th Reunion, Class of '58, (nothing reported)

-- Annual Get-together, Class of '59, 5 p.m., Saturday, July 12

-- 43rd Reunion, Class of '60, (in planning stage)

-- 40th Reunion, Class of '63, (nothing reported)

-- 35th Reunion, Class of '68, (in planning stage)

-- 30th Reunion, Class of '73, (nothing reported)

-- 25th Reunion, Class of '78, (nothing reported)

-- 20th Reunion, Class of '83, (nothing reported)

-- 15th Reunion, Class of '88, (tentative date, Aug. 2)

-- 10th Reunion, Class of '93, (nothing reported)

-- 5th Reunion, Class of '98, (nothing reported)

Check individual <CLASS LINK> for more details.

RING-G-G-G-G-G-G! There's the school bell. Time to go to your class.

<1957 CLASS LINK>

R. Dean Smith (BHS'57) has lived in Bath Township since 1952, when he

was in the eighth grade. Dean married Joyce Marker of Wapakoneta the

year after he graduated. They bought a house on Saratoga Avenue (Joe

Albertson's parents home). He has four sons: Gregory (BHS'78), Tony

(BHS'80), Richard (BHS'82) and Ronald (BHS'82). Dean is a retired

plumber and after heart by-pass surgery is getting along great.

<1958 CLASS LINK>

Anyone having information about the 45th Reunion of the Class of '58,

please [ mailto:bathlink@wcoil.com ] any details for the next <BathLink>.

The Downtown Lima Association appointed Fred Barrington (BHS'58) as

its executive director last November. He is a retired co-owner of the

successful Bluffton-based Mid-Bus and former chief engineer at Mitchell, IN-

based Carpenter Body Works. Fred began his 33-year school bus business

at Superior Coach in Lima and served for 12 years as a member of the

Bath school board.

(CORRECTION: The last issue of <BATH LINK> was in error listing the

Baker twins with the class of '57, as a number of readers quickly noted. The

twin sisters should have been listed as NEW '58 SUBSCRIBERS: Carolyn

(Baker) Schmidt of Columbus Grove, OH, and Marilyn (Baker) Welch of

Beaverdam, OH. Sorry for the confusion, just glad they weren't triplets.

Thanks to the keen eye of Norita (Shepard) Moss (BHS'57), who emailed

that she had a great time at their reunion Sept. 7, 2002.)

<1959 CLASS LINK>

All of those who attended Bath School are welcome Saturday, July 14, for

an informal alumni rally hosed by the Class of 1959. The "Annual '59er Get-

together" is set for 5 p.m., Saturday, July 13, at the Teddy Bear Park on

North Dixie Highway. Even if you're not a '59er just stop by and

chat (who knows what other Wildcats you might meet).

It is with great sadness the following is reported:

Dennis M. Wita, 61, (BHS'59), died Nov. 14, at St. Rita's Medical Center.

He was the valedictorian of his 1959 graduating class and known

affectionately as "Tyke."

In his senior year, Dennis was Student Council vice president and Future

Teacher Association reporter. He was a member of the school's first football

team in 1957. As a freshman, he was the class president. Dennis served on

the Student Council for three years and on the Annual Staff for two. He was

a member of the Ethan Allen Honor Society as a junior and a senior. He

acted in both the Junior and Senior class plays. He sang in the Boys' Glee

Club and Mixed Chorus as a sophomore and was on the bowling team as a

senior.

Dennis was born June 6, 1941, in Lima to Dennis R. and Mary E.

(Woten) Wita, who preceded him in death. He had been married to the

mother of his children, Julia K. Bolen, who survives in Ninety-Six, NC. He

had also been married to Kathy Wita Farst, who survives in Lima.

He was an industrial engineer at Findlay Industries and had worked at

Superior Coach. He was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 691,

Wapakoneta. He enjoyed bowling, fishing and hunting. He will be missed by

all who loved him.

Survivors also include two sons, Mark D. (Shareen) Wita of Palm Harbor,

Fla., and Edward R. (Lisa) Wita of Urbana, Iowa; and four grandchildren,

Emilie, Lynzie, Devin and Eilish.

(Ed. Note: In school (from 1954-59), Dennis, Neal Walters, Lester

Offenbacher and I were buds and shared many good times together. Neal

died in 1995. In the Recal year book, Dennis listed his ambition was to

become a teacher. Instead he followed in his father's footsteps to work at

Superior Coach. While he never taught in the class room, he certainly

affected those whose lives he touched. The last time I talked with Tyke was

this past summer, inviting him to the annual '59 class get together. He

revealed that he was suffering from some health problems and didn't attend

the reunion. His kindness and humor will be missed by those who knew

him.)

<1960 CLASS LINK>

The Class of 1960 has NEVER had a reunion. Hey, it's about time so

let's do it this year. Please [ mailto:bathlink@wcoil.com ] if you are

interested in getting together this year for the 43rd Reunion, Class of '60,

now in planning stage.

Wayne Loescher (BHS'60) emailed that he returned to a regular faculty

research and teaching position in plant physiology and molecular biology in

Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) Horticulture Department. For

14 years he served as a department chair at Washington State University

(Pullman, WA) and Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) and more

recently as associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College

of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU. He and his wife, Judy, live in

Okemos, MI.

NEW '60 SUBSCRIBERS: Jerid Ray of Lima, OH

<1961 CLASS LINK>

Michael Engle (BHS'61) emailed that he graduated from The Ohio State

University in 1965 with a comprehensive science major and the University

of Cincinnati in 1973 with a Master's in education administration. He retired

in 1999 from full-time teaching chemistry at Shawnee High School for 33

years and currently teaches there on a part-time basis. He and Jane (Coe)

(BHS'61) have been married for 37 years, living over 30 years in

Wapakoneta, OH. They have three children and six grandchildren.

<1962 CLASS LINK>

Diane (Smith) O'Brien (BHS'62) of Lima operated her own business for 12

years. Then after receiving a dietary manager degree from Lima Tech, she

worked for 16 years in various area nursing homes. She now works at The

Pharm at Eastgate. She is married to Tom O'Brien, a retired Lima fire

inspector. Dianne has three children, all Bath grads: Nancy Swisher

(BHS'81) of Bluffton, Stacie (BHS'92) of Harrod and Shawn (BHS'02) of

Lima. She also has five grandchildren. Eight of her brothers and sisters also

graduated from Bath: Charlotte (Smith) Hughes (BHS'58) of Kenton, OH;

Elizabeth (Smith) Cox (BHS'60) of Leesburg, MO; Ray (BHS'64) of Lima;

Cameron (BHS'65) of Lewistown, PA; Bryon (BHS'66) of Aberdee, MD;

Marcia (Smith) VanHorn (BHS'68) of Lima; Teressa (Smith) Kitchen

(BHS'70) of Lima; Virginia (Smith) Finch (BHS'71) of Naples, FL.

<1963 CLASS LINK>

Anyone having information about the 40th Reunion of the Class of '63,

please [ mailto:bathlink@wcoil.com ] any details for the next <BathLink>.

Robert Combs (BHS'63) emailed that he married Kaye Snyder (BHS'65) in

1965 and they live in Kill Devil Hills, NC.

<1964 CLASS LINK>

Susan Darlene (Lauk) Renshaw (BHS'64) of Lima, emailed she graduated

from Art School in 1972 with a degree in advanced design, OSU/LTC with a

degree in industrial engineering in 1982 and is currently working on her

Master s degree in engineering management. She is employed as an

ergonomic engineer at Ford Motor Co., Lima Engine Plant. She is divorced

and has three sons, all of whom graduated from Bath, and six

grandchildren. In her spare time, she does volunteer work at Lima Memorial

Hospital and lots of hobbies.

<1965 CLASS LINK>

Lynne (Pilkenton) Dunlap (BHS'65) writes that she is a licensed dietitian,

and recently retired from the Mennonite Memorial Home in Bluffton. She

and her husband Wayne (Bath '63), have three children and are

grandparents of nine. They are active in church and in high school she was

a member of the band and chorus. They have recently become full-time

missionaries with Transport For Christ, a ministry to truck drivers. Also,

Lynne helps with the proofreading of this newsletter, which is greatly

appreciated.

<1966 CLASS LINK>

Donald Risser (BHS'66), the tall twin, emailed that after graduation he

became employed by TWA (now American Airlines). Then served three

years in the U.S. Army, including one year in Viet Nam. In 1970, he married

Cheryl Lee Heinrich (Elida HS '66). They have a married daughter and

three grandchildren. Two of their sons are deceased. Currently, Don is

working at St. Louis International Airport for American Airlines and resides

in St. Charles, MO.

<1967 CLASS LINK>

Roy Painter (BHS'67) lives in Bath Township. His picture is not in the year

book as his photo was taken elsewhere. His son Theodore Roy Painter

graduated from Bath in 1997.

<1968 CLASS LINK>

Shirley (Fetter) Moser (BHS'69) would like to contact some classmates

and plan the 35th reunion. Please mailto:bathlink@wcoil.com to be put in

touch.

<1969 CLASS LINK>

Michael J. Mattevi (BHS'69) of Lima is a professional PGA caddy. His golfer

is Darron Stiles, currently number eight in the top 15 money winners. He

has earned his PGA card and his dream has come true as he will be on the

2003 tour. His wife, Faye, works for the Golf Channel. During the winter

months he does music part-time.

<1970 CLASS LINK>

Ronald Eugene Long (BHS'70) is the director of Conference Planning and

Catering at the Westin Innisbrook Resort, Tarpon Springs, FL. (Let's party!)

<1971 CLASS LINK>

John O. Smith (BHS'71) of Hunt Valley, MD, emailed that he has the initials

behind his name (P.E., DEE) and is a senior principal environmental

engineer diplomate, American Academy of Environmental Engineers, with

KCI Technologies, Inc.

NEW '71 SUBSCRIBERS: Mary (Graham) Warrens of Lima, OH;

<1972 CLASS LINK>

Clara (Shepard) Subler (BHS'72) emailed that she is now living back in

Ohio after being away for many years. She is married and has three

children and one granddaughter. She is an LPN working in Lima and Van

Wert.

<1973 CLASS LINK>

Anyone having information about the 30th Reunion of the Class of '73,

please [ mailto:bathlink@wcoil.com ] any details for the next <BathLink>.

LeeAnn (Homan) Edens (BHS'73) reports that she married D. Eugene

Edens in 1980 and they live in Union, SC.

<1974 CLASS LINK>

Michael Ray Shinabery (BHS'74) of Cloud Croft, NM, emailed that he is a

staff writer for the Alamogordo Daily News, covering the military (Holloman

Air Force Base, home of the F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter), law

enforcement. He also hosts a twice-weekly morning talk show, using the

experience he gained from working at Lima's WIMA in 1975-76.

<1975 CLASS LINK>

Randall Middaugh (BHS'75) joined the US Marine Crops after graduation.

Four years later he married Lori and they have a son, 20, and a daughter,

19. For the past 23 years he has been self-employed, operating an auto

salvage yard. He later added a CarQuest Auto Parts store and in 1995

purchased an auto repair shop, which Lori manages.

<1976 CLASS LINK>

Kathy (Penhorwood) McClintock (BHS'76) married Keith Doug McClintock

(BHS'77) and they live in Lima. They have two children: Beth, who attends

Grace College in Indiana; and Cale, a student at Temple Christian High

School in Lima. Kathy is a Title One Tutor at Bath Elementary School.

NEW '76 SUBSCRIBERS: Sue Lynett (Miller) Thiel of McComb, OH; Teri

(Roth) Brunsman of Hapersfield, OH

<1977 CLASS LINK>

Stan Danser (BHS'77) posted that he lives in Arkansas Pass, TX, returns to

Lima every couple of years and last time nearly froze his tail off. He and his

wife Toni have three sons and he still has more hair than both of his

younger brothers, Randy and Fred.

<1978 CLASS LINK>

Anyone having information about the 25th Reunion of the Class of '78,

please [ mailto:bathlink@wcoil.com ] any details for the next <BathLink>.

New subscriber Patricia Ann (Hefner) Rinker (BHS'78) is a Nurse

Manager of the Emergency Department at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne,

IN. She married in 2002 and still travels back to Lima frequently.

<1979 CLASS LINK>

Richard James Walters (BHS'79) married Cheryl (Slone) (BHS'80) and they

live in Lima. Their son Ricky (BHS'03) plays on the Boys Varsity Basketball

Team and looks nothing like his grandfather Richard Walters (BHS'59).

NEW '79 SUBSCRIBERS: Lisa M. (Streets) Holsten of Saint Charles, MO

<1980 CLASS LINK>

Jay C. Humphrey (BHS'80) moved to Mesa, AZ, in 1981. He married his

wife, Karie, the next year and they have four children: Amber, 20; Steven,

12; Joseph, 9, and Tyler, 5. He currently works as a project manager for a

large electrical construction company in nearby Phoenix. He attended his

20th class reunion last year and enjoyed seeing many of his old friends.

<1981 CLASS LINK>

New subscriber Valarie (Fisher) Morgan (BHS'81) left Lima in 1983 after

attending OSU Lima and graduated from OSU in 1986. She moved to

Indianapolis, IN, in 1990. After 10 years of being divorced, she recently

remarried. She has a 12-year-old son, Drake, and two step-children, Tyler,

7; and Mallory 6. She represents 46 brand-recognized food manufactures

for the state of Indiana.

<1982 CLASS LINK>

Todd Colwell (BHS'82) posted that he is married with two wonderful

children: Danielle, 7; and Austin, 3. He works for a division of Shell Oil Co.

and currently lives in Castle Rock, CO.

<1983 CLASS LINK>

Anyone having information about the 20th Reunion of the Class of '83,

please [ mailto:bathlink@wcoil.com ] any details for the next <BathLink>.

Cristie (Hooks) Tracy (BHS'83) posted that in 1988 she married Brian,

who is a pastor of a growing church in Wilbraham, MA. They have an 11-

year-old son, Colin. Besides being a pastor's wife, she is a consultant for

Jafra Cosmetics and the Southern New England District Coordinator for

elementary school children. She sings in the church's choir and an

ensemble group.

<1984 CLASS LINK>

Cindy (Shaffner) Dawson (BHS'84) moved to Arizona in 1993 with her

husband, David, also from Ohio. She is a general manager of a restaurant

and David is a superintendent of an electrical contracting company. They

have a daughter, Devin Alaina, who was born in 2001.

<1985 CLASS LINK>

Kim (Shepherd) Ford (BHS'85) posted that she married Steve Ford (Bath

Class of '82) and moved to Toledo after they both graduated from college.

She went to work for Ernst and Young for nine years. They moved to

Defiance two years ago. She is a controller for a division of Ingersoll-Rand

in Bryan. Steve is a teacher and Boy's Varsity Basketball coach at Tinora

High. They have two sons, ages four and one.

<1986 CLASS LINK>

Kent Blankenship (BHS'86) posted that other than the two car accidents in

his senior year, the band trip to Florida was the most memorable event

from high school. He enjoyed the honor society, foreign language, science

and band. Mr. Leidy was his favorite teacher. He attended Brigham Young

University in Utah for a year and then went on a volunteer mission for his

church from 1987-89 in Southern France and parts of Switzerland. He

returned to BYU to finish his degree in Computer Science, where he met

and married Valerie from Akron. After graduation, they moved to Chicago to

work for Arthur Andersen. He changed jobs a few times in Chicago before

he joined friends in a new company in Tokyo, where he plans to live for the

next three or four years. [ http://www.kentb.com ])

<1987 CLASS LINK>

Joel Briggs (BHS'87) married classmate Rachel Cottrell (BHS'87).

<1988 CLASS LINK>

Angie (Tschuor) Garver (BHS'88) reports that her class is in the planning

stages for their 15th Reunion with a tentative date of Saturday, Aug. 2.

<1989 CLASS LINK>

Jeff Grapner (BHS'89) of Lima, and his wife Jane are expecting their first

child in March of 2003. Jeff works at Lima's Oakwood Correctional Facility.

<1990 CLASS LINK>

Will Nonnamaker (BHS'90) of North Canton, OH, emailed that the Class of

1990 developed a web site: [ http://www.theracesite.com/bhs90 ] for their 10

year reunion. (Ed. Note: It is an excellent, functional and well-designed site

worth not only checking out, but for other classes to simulate.)

<1991 CLASS LINK>

(Nothing to report, please send your bio)

<1992 CLASS LINK>

Dr. David Lamont (BHS'92) has been chosen as chief resident in

emergency medicine at Cornell University's New York Methodist Hospital in

Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Lamont began his third and final year of residency

last July. He is a graduate of Houghton College, and the Ohio University

School of Osteopathic Medicine. He received the "Emergency Medicine

Resident of the Year" Award at New York Methodist Hospital in July of

2000. He has done medical missionary work in Venezuela and helped set

up a medical clinic at the base of the World Trade Center after Sept. 11

tragedy. He resides in Brooklyn.

<1993 CLASS LINK>

Anyone having information about the 10th Reunion of the Class of '93,

please [ mailto:bathlink@wcoil.com ] any details for the next <BathLink>.

Collen Rae Deal (BHS'93) reports that she has two sons and lives in St.

Marys, OH. She emailed her appreciation of including in the last newsletter

the sad death of her uncle Larry Dean Griffin (BHS'65).

NEW '93 SUBSCRIBERS: Timothy D. Holt of Fuquay Varina, NC

<1994 CLASS LINK>

(Nothing to report, please send your bio)

<1995 CLASS LINK>

(Nothing to report, please send your bio)

<1996 CLASS LINK>

Aaron Eberhart (BHS'96) recently posted that high school was admirable

preparation for life and college, but (now) realizes just how artificial all

of us were in school. He concluded with this bit of philosophy. "Liberate

your mind and body. Be an opportunistic pessimist -- plan for the worst but

make the best of everything. Be true to yourself and remember where you

came from."

<1997 CLASS LINK>

New subscriber Theodore Roy Painter (BHS'97) joined the US Marine Crop

and is stationed in South Carolina. His mother, Sue Lynett (Miller) Thiel

(BHS'76) lives in McComb, OH.

<1998 CLASS LINK>

Anyone having information about the 5th Reunion of the Class of '98,

please [ mailto:bathlink@wcoil.com ] any details for the next <BathLink>.

(Nothing to report, please send your bio)

<1999 CLASS LINK>

Teresa Kahle (BHS'99), a 6-foot senior forward, ranks third in scoring and

second in rebounding for the University of Toledo Rockets