IN MEMORY (Brenda) Howard, John (Lynn) Howard; two nieces, Lindsey (P.J.) O’Dell, Amalia Howard; nephew, Dylan (Tabi) Howard; great niece and nephew, Lauren and Cameron O’Dell. Dave Klontz ’68, age 78, of Heath, Ohio, passed away Jan. 20, 2025, in the Selma Markowitz Hospice Center. Born in 1946, Dave lived a full and impactful life, marked by his dedication to God, his family, his friends, his community, education and baseball. Dave was born in Springfield, Ohio and raised working on his Grandfather's farm. His family relocated to Heath, Ohio, in 1962, and he graduated from Heath High School in 1964, a varsity letter winner in football, basketball, and baseball. He continued his education at Bethel College (Mishawaka, Ind.), earning his degree in 1968 while also playing both baseball and basketball for the college. A four-year varsity letter winner in both sports, Klontz was honored as the MVP of the baseball team in 1967 and 1968 and the 1968 Bethel College Outstanding Athlete. In 1977, Klontz received his master's degree from Xavier University. In the fall of 1968, Dave began his teaching career in the Heath City Schools at Garfield Elementary, where he taught physical education. Throughout his tenure, he also taught at Fulton Middle School and finally landed at Heath High School teaching PE, Health and occasional Social Studies courses. His love for teaching was matched by his passion for coaching, and in 1972, he became the head coach of the Heath Bulldogs baseball team. Over 48 years of coaching, culminating in his retirement in 2016, he shaped countless young athletes and meticulously maintained the Heath Baseball field, which was later named in his honor. Though baseball was a lifelong passion, his true calling was to encourage others. Beyond education and coaching, Dave also served his church family at the Heath Church of Christ as a leader and teacher. Dave was preceded in death by his father, Woodrow Klontz, and his mother, Jane Shellabarger Klontz. He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Kackley Klontz; his children, Amanda (Brian) Derico of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Adam (Melody) Klontz of Heath, Ohio; his beloved grandchildren, Owen and Eli Derico of Cincinnati, and David, Isaiah, Ariana, and Giovani Klontz of Heath; and his siblings, Ted Klontz of Colorado and Cheryl Klontz (Bill) of New York. He is also survived by numerous cousins, extended family, and a host of friends and former students who were touched by his warmth, dedication, and mentorship. Glenn Herbert Marks ’50, age 99, of Lowell, Mich., went to be the Lord on Dec. 23, 2024. Glenn was born on July 27, 1925, in Jones, Mich., to R. Stanley and Wilma V. (Holdeman) Marks. He entered the U. S. Army in 1944 and served as a medic in WWII, receiving a bronze star for his efforts during combat at the Battle of the Bulge. After discharge in 1946, he attended Ft. Wayne Bible Institute in Ft. Wayne, Ind. There he met Norma Jean Byers. They both transferred to Bethel College and were married after graduation in 1950. Glenn was ordained as a pastor in the United Missionary Church, and together Glenn and Norma Jean faithfully served the Lord in ministry for 53 years. They planted and pastored five churches throughout Indiana and Michigan. Glenn also supervised 21 church building projects. After retirement, he was the Lowell VFW Post 8303 chaplain for 18 years. Glenn was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Norma Jean; infant daughter, Dorothy Mae; and grandson, Andrew Glenn Gerig. He is survived by a sister, Alta Miller; four children and spouses, Jeanette and David Oliphant, Marlene and Lars Sjoholm, Thomas and Rebecca (Allen) Marks, Cynthia and Stanley Gerig; 13 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. David E. Phipps ’76, age 70, was born June 16, 1954, to Willard and Alice Phipps in Pleasant Hill, Ohio. He passed away July 10, 2024. David began his educational career at Newton Local Schools. This is where his interest in sports began, with basketball and track being among his favorites. In addition, photography became an important activity for him. Bethel College welcomed David after his high school graduation and was a pivotal place in his life. While obtaining the needed education for his career, he was also investing time studying his Bible and getting to know Christ. David worked his way through school by working with kids and adults who needed help and support. Upon graduating David became a teacher, coach, mentor and counselor during his thirty-year career in education at Franklin Monroe Local School District and Northmont City School District. He officially retired from education and spent his time pursuing other passions. He was strategically involved in ministries serving others at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church. One of the ministries was a partnership with the village of Noka, in Ghana. He will be missed by his family – his sister, Wilda (Bob) Martindale, and brother Gary (June) Phipps as well as nieces and nephews, Christine (Dan) Null, Jennifer Phipps, Greg (Heidi) Phipps, Michael Martindale, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded to heaven by his parents, Willard and Alice Phipps, and niece, Beth Jackson. Rev. Dr. Clyde Ralph Root, age 79, went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 27, 2024, passing away peacefully in his sleep. Born Dec. 30, 1944, in Lebanon, Pa., he was the son of the late Arthur and Anna (Geist) Root. On May 23, 1971, he married Maryanne 22 BETHELUNIVERSITY.EDU/MAGAZINE
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