Ruth Verber
November 15, 1923 – May 14, 2026
Ruth Geraldine Verber, age 102, of North Kingstown, RI, passed away peacefully at Roberts Health Centre on May 14, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Rev. James L Verber, with whom she shared 54 wonderful years of marriage.
Born on November 15, 1923, Kelley’s Island, Ohio, Ruth was the daughter of Leslie Keeley Beatty and Henrietta Pearl (Dwelle) Beatty. Ruth was active in her community serving in the Navy Wives League, the Womens’ League and delivered for Meals on Wheels. Ruth is survived by sons David Blatt of Sandusky, OH, Barry Blatt of North Kingstown, RI and Eric Verber of Wausau, WI.
She is also survived by many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Clyde Keith Beatty, Donald Truman Beatty, and Karl Grafton Beatty, by daughter, Sharon (Verber) Whelan, son, Marc Verber and granddaughters Jennifer Whelan and Christian Verber.
Her Requiem Eucharist was held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:30 AM in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 55 Main Street, Wickford. Burial followed in the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory to Rhode Island Episcopal Charities, 275 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903 will be appreciated. https://episcopalri. org/episcopal-charities/
Donald Lewis Koshla
February 6, 2026
Donald Lewis Koshla, age 93, passed away February 6, 2026. Beloved husband of nearly 70 years to Bernadette (nee Burik); loving father of Karen (Chuck) Rossiter, Jill Koshla (Mark Schaeffer), Beth (Robert) Rafter, and the late infant son Donald Jude. Devoted grandfather of Michael (Brianna) Schaeffer, Zachery (Taylor) Rafter, Jeffrey Schaeffer, Anna Rafter, Kevin Schaeffer and Nathaniel Rafter. Great-grandfather to Henry and Theodore Schaeffer.
Donald proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy on the USS Everglades (AD 24) during the Korean War. Following his service Donald worked for General Electric in the Lamp Division for over 35 years. Donald also served on the Mayfield Heights Volunteer Fire Department for 28 years, retiring in 1989 as a captain.
Donald loved to do woodworking in his barn on Kelleys Island, the place he considered home for 40 years.
Cremation arrangements have been handled by Brown-Forward Funeral Home. A Memorial Service took place at St. Michael’s Church on Kelleys Island on May 9, 2026, Private interment at Kelleys Island Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Donald’s memory are suggested to:
VFW Post 9908, PO Box 444
Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Kristy Lee Kull
February 7, 1971 – November 29, 2025
Kristy Lee Kull entered the world during a blizzard on February 7, 1971, born to Steve and Mary Kull, and fittingly left it during another winter storm on November 29, 2025.
Surrounded by family and friends, she spent her final day watching the Ohio State Buckeyes defeat Michigan while Steve lovingly called out each play. Later that night, wrapped in love, Kristy passed peacefully.
Though her life feels far too short, it was full and beautifully lived. Kristy never met a stranger. She greeted everyone with a warm smile, open arms, and a heart that made people feel instantly welcome. Kindness, laughter, and connection followed her everywhere.
A gifted leader, scholar, and athlete, Kristy graduated from Westerville North High School in 1989 as class president, a 4.0 student, ten-letter varsity athlete, and Columbus Dispatch Scholar Athlete. She earned a scholarship to Denison University, where she played basketball for four years, ran cross-country for two, and graduated summa cum laude. She then continued her education at the University of Kansas, where she fell in love with the Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs—without ever losing her devotion to her Cleveland teams and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Kristy carried her leadership into her professional life as Vice President of Human Resources at Embassy Healthcare, where her compassion, integrity, and care for others left a lasting impact. She also shared her love of sports by coaching the Willowick Middle School eighth-grade girls basketball team for three years, including one undefeated championship season, inspiring her players with encouragement and heart.
Her adventurous spirit took her across the country and the world, including Portugal, Mexico, the Caribbean, Ireland, and finally London, where she proudly cheered on her Browns. She especially cherished time on Kelleys Island with family, friends, and fellow Eastsiders.
Kristy loved fiercely and lived generously. Her legacy of warmth, loyalty, and joy will live on in the many hearts she touched.
