Ohio’s Hospice volunteers throughout the state were recently recognized for their unwavering dedication to supporting our mission. 

In separate events in our three care regions, more than 300 were honored for their years and years of service in helping us provide superior care and superior services to each patient and family.

South Care Region

The South Care Region kicked off the celebration April 12 at the Presidential Banquet Center in Kettering, just a few miles from the Dayton inpatient unit. 

More than 200 attended including all volunteer staff/coordinators and some region leadership as well. But the special guests were our wonderful volunteers. 

“We have the privilege of serving alongside amazing volunteers who give of their hearts and time all year and are dedicated to the mission of Ohio’s Hospice,” according to Maureen Swarts, manager of volunteer services in the South Care Region. “We are blessed to have them as part of our team.” 

During the celebration, Cheryl Batchelor, Jeanne Carlson, Dr. Gary LeRoy, Verna Reese, and Kathy Schriver were recognized for 25 years with hospice. Susan Day and Toni Sprinkel were honored for 20 years of volunteering. 

Central Care Region

The Central Care Region honored its volunteers April 23 at the American Legion Post 254 in Johnstown, themed “Volunteers Make a World of Difference” 

Thirteen volunteers were honored for reaching service milestones. Celebrating 20 years were Carol Stoffel and Ann Marie Robinson. Recognized for 15 years were Kathy Beatty and Darlene White. Dee Greene was celebrated for 10 years of service, while Amina Bashir, Whitney Crane, Pamela Cusick, Eugene Nicol, Umayma Omar, Rowland Rausch, Cynthia Simons and Annette Wilson were honored for five years of service. 

North Care Region

The North Care Region split its events into two locations, Wooster and New Philadelphia. The Church of the Nazarene in Wooster hosted the April 23 recognition, where more than 150 volunteers attended. 

More than 75 of those volunteers were recognized for logging more than 100 hours in 2025. Each year the region bestows special honors to the volunteer who contributed an exceptionally large number of hours of service in an exceptionally excellent manner.  

For logging nearly 350 hours (349.92 to be exact), Carol Polter received the Kearney Award, which is regarded as an award for volunteer of the year.  

Dr. Walter Kearney, for whom the award is named, presented the award.  Dr. Kearney was a part of the original team of local individuals whose work transformed end-of-life care in our community through the founding of our hospice.  Dr. Kearney gave countless hours to the mission of this hospice as a founder, a member and president of the board of directors, and as a medical director, beginning in 1978 before this hospice had served its first patient and continuing beyond his retirement.  

In addition, Myra Leeper was honored for 30 years of being a volunteer. Judy Holvey and Brenda Zielger received 20-year recognition, Jackie Smith received 15-year recognition and Melissa Butler, Ken and Rita Schuesselin and MaryLee Wirick received 10-year honors. Joanne Downs, Alan Kiefer, Pat Petit and Lynn Young were recognized for hitting the five-year milestone. 

The Truman House in New Philadelphia hosted the final event on April 29, which was attended by 20 volunteers. 

During the lunch, 13 volunteers who contributed more than 100 hours in the past year were honored:  Jill Aul, Norma Boughman, Pat Cargnel, Diane Cleveland, Chuck Demuth, Allen Hill, Lana Jerles, Paula Jones, Sue Kloc, Betty Lanzer, Sharon Miller, Valeria Rice and Bonnie Stich.  

Five were honored for 10 years of service: Sherri Garber, Linda Hobart, Judy Johnson, Sue Kloc and Pat Kossman. Two celebrated five-year milestones: Jamie Cook and Barb Rataiczak. 

There are over 60 on the team and every single one of them is needed. 

Thank you to all our volunteers supporting our mission across the state!