Minerd.com Biography of Elza Loran and Della (Myers) Minard of Mansfield, OH

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Elza Loran 'Elzie' Minard
(1871-1955)

Elza Minard

Elza "Elzie" Loran Minard was born on May 20, 1871, in rural Brown Township, Knox County, OH, the son of Clenon C. and Mary Ann (Kunkle) Minard.

In 1892, at the age of about 21, Elzie married 21-year-old Della Myers (1871-1945) and Nellie Daup. Della was a native of Loudonville, Ashland County, OH, and was born on a farm which today is part of the 1,110-acre Mohican State Park.

Elzie and Della became the parents of four children -- Carrie Clever, Cecil Calvert Minard, Amos Clenon Minard and Doyle Denmar Minard.

The Minards resided in Mansfield, Richland County, OH, and near Jelloway, Knox County, OH. They also are known to have lived in Morrow County, OH at the time their son Cecil was born in 1896, and in Howard, Knox County when son Amos was born in July 1900.

Elzie worked as a roofing contractor and carpenter. He built his own house at 63 Lexington Avenue in Mansfield. He also helped his son Doyle construct a house on Mansfield's Plain View Avenue. They were members of the Main Street Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) Church.

Bustling Mansfield in the 1930s

Elzie with Frank and Arvilla

When Elzie's father died in 1912, Elzie was appointed executor. He was instructed by his father's will to sell property near Butler, OH to pay for funeral expenses.

Elzie is seen here, standing at far left, with his brother Frank and sister Arvilla, date unknown. He always said that the Minards were German and that the ancient ancestors came via the Netherlands to the Hudson Valley of New York and thence to Pennsylvania.

The Minards' home in 1939-1945 was at 63 Lexington Avenue, Mansfield.

Elzie and Della celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1942.

Sadly, Della passed away in their residence on Feb. 20, 1945 at age 73. Rev. W.J. Shawk, of the South Main Evangelical Church, led the funeral service. Burial was in Mansfield Memorial Park, and an obituary was published in the Mansfield News-Journal.

Obituary, 1945

Elzie later married Nellie (Mapes) Doup ( ? -1969), also spelled "Daup," a native of Loudonville, OH. She had been married previously to Thomas Doup ( ? - ? ) and brought four stepchildren into the union with Elzie -- Ida Jane Kunkle, Ralph R. Doup, Reynold Doup and Harold Doup.

Nellie belonged to the Mansfield United Methodist Churc.

Double heartbreak shook the family on July 9, 1955, when daughter Carrie Clever died in Mansfield -- and just six hours later, Elzie passed away, at Mansfield General Hospital.

The widowed Nellie outlived her husband by 14 years. The last six years of her life were spent as a resident of the Loudonville Nursing Home. She was gathered away by the angel of death at age 86 in Kettering Hospital. Her obituary was printed in the News-Journal. Rev. Coburn Vandersall officiated the funeral, with interment of the remains taking place in Greenlawn Cemetery.

~ Daughter Carrie (Minard) Clever ~

Daughter Carrie (Minard) Clever (1894-1955) was born in about 1894 in Knox County.

She was joined in wedlock with Fred H. Clever ( ? -1959).

They were the parents of Mrs. Owen Ruhl and foster parents of Jacquelyn (Clever) Carpenter.

The Clevers made their residence in the 1950s on a farm near Johnsville in Troy Township, Morrow County, OH. They belonged to the Johnville Evangelical United Brethren Church.

Carrie became seriously ill at the age of 61 in June 1955. After two weeks of suffering, she was gathered in by the angel of death on July 9, 1955. An obituary in the Mansfield News-Journal noted that burial was in Shauck Cemetery, with the funeral led by her pastor, Rev. John F. Osborn.

The widowed Fred only survived his wife by four years. He passed away at age 70 on Sept. 28, 1959 in Morrow County Hospital.

Daughter Marciel LaDonna Clever (1918-2017) was born on Aug. 2, 1918 on the family farm located along Kochheiser Road in Richland County. Marciel was a 1937 graduate of Johnsville High School. On June 27, 1942, at the age of 23, she married Owen L. Ruhl ( ? -1966), son of Fred and Bertha J. Ruhl. Two sons of this couple were Warren "David" Ruhl, Philip Ruhl. Owen served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Later he earned a living for 25 years with Tappan Company of Mansfield. They were in Johnsville, OH in 1955 and avid followers of the Ohio State University Buckeyes football team and the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball. Owen was a member of the Ernest Rinehart post of the American Legion and the Chester lodge of the Masons, and belonged to the Waterford Methodist Church. Sadly, Owen became seriously ill in about 1962 and his health declined over the next four years. At the age of 51, he died in Mercy Hospital in Mt. Vernon on Feb. 27, 1966. His funeral was conducted in the family church, co-officiated by Rev. Kermit Hypes, Rev. Ray Miller and Rev. Murray Krabill. The widowed Marciel supported herself through employment as an assembler with Therm-O-Disc. She retired from this position in April 1984 after 11 years of service. She is known to have traveled in retirement to Honduras on a mission trip and also to Israel. She read her Bible every day and was active with the Crossroads Church and Pleasant Grove Community Church, Sunshiner's Women's Missionary Society, Kids Kadets advisor and Elizabeth Bible Club. Marciel passed away at the age of 99 on Dec. 30, 2017. She was pictured in her Mansfield News-Journal obituary. Her survivors included three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Burial was in Shauck Cemetery.

Grandson Warren "David" Ruhl (1953- ? ) was born in 1953 in Mansfield General Hospital. He was a graduate of Northmore High School and then went on to work for D&E Vending. On Sept. 4, 1976, he entered into wedlock with Vanessa Lynn Weikle ( ? - ? ). Their nuptials were celebrated at the Batemantown Methodist Church of Fredericktown, OH, conducted by Rev. Richard Hash. Vanessa was pictured in a pending wedding announcement in the Mansfield News-Journal. She was an alumna of Clear Fork High School and employed at Essex International Inc. as an executive secretary. Circa 2017, their home was in Bellville, OH.

Grandson Philip Ruhl ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He was a 1974 graduate of Northmore High School. In young manhood he was employed by D&E Vending as a route man. On Aug. 19, 1978, in a wedding held at Batemantown United Methodist Church, he married Rayma D. Swihart ( ? - ? ), daughter of Stewart L. Swihart of Fredericktown, OH. Rayma was a 1977 graduate of Fredericktown High School and, at the time of marriage, worked for First Knox National Bank as a secretary. The Ruhls have dwelled over the years in Fredericktown.

Foster daughter Jacquelyn "Jackie" Clever resided with Carrie and Fred in Troy Township. By 1959, she had wed Robert Carpenter ( ? - ? ) and put down roots in Galion, OH. Jacquelyn is known to have been in Lakeland, FL in 2017.

~ Son Cecil Calvert "C.C." Minard ~

Son Cecil Calvert "C.C." Minard (1896-1974) was born in 1896.

He was married twice. His first wife was Irene Louise Yarger (May 22, 1897-1931), a native of Butler, OH, and the daughter of Daniel Yarger. They tied the knot on Oct. 11, 1916.

They produced two children, Clayton Minard and Betty Grogg.

The Minards made their home in 1930-1931 on South Franklin Avenue in Mansfield. Cecil earned a living at that time as a locomotive engineer. Irene belonged to the Main Street Evangelical Church.

Mansfield's Park Avenue, from the public square

Unspeakable grief descended upon the family when Irene became seriously ill with infected teeth, anemia and jaundice in about early 1931. She became a patient in Mansfield General Hospital and, at the age of 34, died there on June 15, 1931. Her obituary was published in the Mansfield News-Journal. Rev. LeRoy Deininger led the funeral service, followed by burial in Mansfield Cemetery.

His second wife was Helen (Snouffer) Shoenfelt (Dec. 3, 1893-1977), a native of Altoona, PA who had migrated to Mansfield in 1917. Helen was the mothrr of three sons to a previous marriage -- Robert Shoenfelt, Beauford Shoenfelt and Orville Shoenfelt.

Bran testimonial featuring Cecil's photo
Zanesville Times-Recorder, June 2, 1932

The Minards continued to reside in Mansfield, where he was a longtime engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad and was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen. Helen held memberships in the McVey post of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Grange Social Club and the Dolley Madison Club.

In the 1930s, Cecil allowed his photograph image and testimonial to be used in Ohio newspaper advertising to extol the virtues of including bran in one's diet. In his words, published in the ad, he said:

For years I had been a victim of deranged kidneys and bowels. My back was so stiff and sore all the time, and it was IMPOSSIBLE for me to get any sleep. Bowel constipation had gotten to be CHRONIC with me and I was always taking physics. I decided to get Vegobran and take it and it was just what I needed. It worked the kidney trouble right out of me, and now I don't have a single ache or pain in my back, and I can sleep all night long for the first time in TWO YEARS. My bowels are regulated perfectly and I am feeling sound and well. I never saw anything like the way Vegobran can act on a person.

Their address at one point was 255 Tower Drive.

Cecil died on Sept. 19, 1974, and was laid to rest at Mansfield Memorial Park.

Helen outlived him by three years, and died in Mansfield on March 19, 1977. Funeral services were conducted by the hand of Rev. Robert A. Baker.

Son Clayton D. Minard (1917- ? ) was born on June 20, 1917 in Mansfield. He is believed to have wed Alma Louise Eberhardt (1915-1997). If so, they bore a child together during their brief marriage. The couple separated by September 1936, and, failing to provide support, Clayton was arrested. Alma sued for divorce and asked that her maiden name be restored. Her petition was granted in Richland County Court in June 1939. Clayton's paper trail ends here, and needs to be explored more fully.

Daughter Betty Minard (1920-2006) was born on Oct. 12, 1920/1921 in Mansfield. On Sept. 11, 1937, she married Clarence E. "Shorty" Grogg (1917-1998), a native of Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV and the son of Belva Grogg. The wedding was held in Cumberland, MD, by the hand of Rev. A.K. Flora. The Groggs resided in Mansfield for many years, and together bore four children -- Judy Larimore, Gary Grogg, Michael Grogg and Donald Grogg. Clarence was self-employed as an auctioneer with C&B Auction, with Betty assisting in the business. He also earned a living as a truck driver for Dearman's. He also was a World War II veteran with the U.S. Army. They resided in 1963 at 3093 Ohio Route 13 South in Washington Township and remained for the balance of their lives togetheer. When the couple marked their 60th wedding anniversary in September 1997, they held an open house and were pictured in the Mansfield News-Journal. Clarence passed away on March 30, 1998, and is buried in Mansfield Memorial Park. Betty lived on for another eight years. At the age of 85, residing at Country Meadows Care Center, she surrendered to the angel of death on July 11, 2006. An obituary in the News-Journal reported that the headcount of her survivors was six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren.

Granddaughter Judy Grogg ( ? - ? ) wed James Larimore ( ? - ? ). The pair was in Mansfield in 2006.

Grandson Gary G. Grogg (1942-2020) was born on Jan. 15, 1942 in Mansfield. On Dec. 23, 1962, when he was 20 years of age, he married Carol Davis (Sept. 23, 1941-2022), daughter of Alex and Evelyn (Rosen) Davis Jr. Their union endured for 57 years. Two daughters born to this union were Debra Wiles and Barbara Gombosch. Carol was a 1959 graduate of Ontario High School. With their home in Mansfield, the couple shared a love for attending auctions and flea markets. Gary pursued that interest as an auctioneer and then launched his own auction in the 1980s. In time they established Gary's Discount Outlet and opened five retail stores in the Buckeye State. Said the Mansfield News-Journal, "Gary loved the challenge of trying to find big deals at a great price and passing the dealson to his customers. [He] especially enjoyed reminiscing about all the funny things that happened over the period of 34 years in the auction/retail business." Carol is said to have always worn a smile regardless of circumstances. She collected S&P shakers and teddy bears and loved to bake and to cook, especially her "famous spaghetti" and cakes. They belonged to the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, the Auctioneer's Association and the local lodge of the Moose. As Gary's health failed, he was admitted to Grant Medical Center in Columbus, OH, and died there at the age of 78 on Feb. 2, 2020. He was pictured in his News-Journal obituary. His survivors included six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and one step-great-great granddaughter. Pastor Donna Mills officiated the funeral, with interment following in Oak Grove Memorial Park. Carol only outlived her spouse by just over two years. She succumbed to the spectre of death at age 80 on Feb. 23, 2022. Her photograph also accompanied her obituary in the News-Journal.

Great-granddaughter Debra Grogg was joined in wedlock with Larry Wiles.

Great-granddaughter Barbara Grogg was united in matrimony with Mark Gombosch.
Grandson Michael "Mike" Grogg ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage with Joyce Fluke ( ? - ? ), daughter of Robert E. and Helen Fluke of Mansfield. They migrated to Florida by 1980 and settled in Lakeland, FL. Sadness enveloped the family when Joyce passed away sometime between 2006 and 2020.

Grandson Donald Leroy Grogg (1943-1963) was born on July 5, 1943 in Mansfield. He was a 1961 graduate of Lexington High School. He then earned a living with Marietta Paint and Wallpaper Company. Grief cascaded over the family when Donald became stricken at home t the age of 19 and died in Mansfield's General Hospital, on Jan. 5, 1963. An obituary in the Mansfield News-Journal said that he had "spent his entire life in this vicinity." Rev. Coburn C. Vandersall conducted the funeral. His remains sleep for all eternity in Mansfield Memorial Park.

Stepson Robert R. Schoenfelt ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). Circa 1977, when he was named executor of his late mother's estate, he made a home at 6244 Stow Road in Hudson, OH.

Stepson Beauford Schoenfelt ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). On May 16, 1965, he entered into marriage with Mary Kurtzman ( ? - ? ) of Galion, OH, the daughter of Marie Zimmerman. Their wedding was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Mansfield,, officiated by Elder C.H. Hamilton. Beauford served on the legislative committee of the Richland County Pomona Grange circa 1963. They dwelled in Mansfield, OH in 1977.

Stepson Orville W. Schoenfelt ( ? -1985) was born on (?). He was a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School and secured a position with Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. On Aug. 3, 1930, he was united in matrimony with Doris Mutchler ( ? - ? ), daughter of Fred Mutchler of Portage Lake near Akron, OH. The nuptials were held in the rectory of St. Paul's Church in Akron. The marriage was announced on the pages of the Mansfield News-Journal. Doris was an alumna of Akron's South High School and then was employed as an office worker prior to marriage. Orville joined the U.S. Army during World War II and in 1942 held the rank of sergeant with a posting at Camp Shelby, MS. The couple put down roots in Mansfield, OH. Orville later married Ruth E. ( ? - ? ). In all, he was the father of Fred Schoenfelt, Blake Schoenfelt, Harry Waldman, Paulette Mull and Barbara Byrd. Their address in 1985 was 363 Fairlawn Avenue. Sadly, Orville died at the age of 67 on Oct. 11, 1985. His obituary was carried in the News-Journal. Funeral services were conducted in the First English Lutheran Church, led by Rev. Bertil E. Anderson. His remains were lowered under the sod of Schauck Cemetery.

~ Son Amos Clenon Minard ~

Son Amos Clenon Minard (1900- ? ) was born on July 13, 1900 in Howard, Knox County. He was named in part for his grandfather, Clenon Minard

Amos married Ruth Homer (1900- ? ), the daughter of John and Rachel (Harris) Homer of Ripply Township, OH. The ceremony took place on Sept. 10, 1921, in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA, by the hand of alderman George J. Anderson.

At the time of marriage, Amos was a roofer and resided in Mansfield at 63 Lexington, and Ruth resided in Pittsburgh's Sixth Ward.

Together, the couple produced a daughter, Eileen Minard.

Amos was employed for many year by the Mansfield Tire and Rubber Company. He was a member of the company's 25-Year Club. He also held memberships in the Venus lodge of the Masons and the Retmen's Club.

Ruth passed away on March 23, 1969, at the age of 67. Amos outlived her by about a year.

Sadly, while bowling at the Park Lanes in Mansfield on March 30, 1970, Amos was stricken and suddenly died. A newspaper obituary said that Rev. Coburn C. Vandersall, of the family church, led the funeral service. Interment of the remains was in Mansfield Memorial Park.

Daughter Eileen Minard (1921-1967) was born on the Fourth of July 1921 in Mansfield. In October 1943, her engagement to Jay Albert Shors Sr. (Feb. 29, 1920-2007) was announced in a local newspaper. Jay was a native of Beemer, NE and at the time of marriage employed with Famwick Airflex Company in Cleveland. The pair became the parents of two -- Jennifer Shors and Jay Albert Shors Jr. The family resided in Muncie, IN for a dozen years and then in Detroit. In September 1967, they relocated to West Covina, CA, with an address of 2922 East Virginia Avenue. Sadly, Eileen only lived for about three months after the move to California. She died at the age of 46 on Dec. 2, 1967. Her remains were transported to Mansfield for funeral services led by her former pastor, Rev. Coburn C. Vandersall. Burial took place in Mansfield Memorial Park. The widowed Jay remained in West Covina as of 1970 and eventually moved to Torrance, CA. He is known to have quipped that "once you live within five miles of the Pacific Ocean, you will never leave it." He earned a living with Glass Containers Corporation as director of quality control. His business trips took him to Guatemala, Holland and Nigeria. Jay wed again to Loretta June ( ? - ? ) and the pair bore a daughter of their own, Janine Shors. Jay retired in 1985 and spent the ensuing years working in the out-of-doors, building furniture and working with wood. He also was an avid reader of history and political essays and enjoyed visits to the Henderson Public Library. He died at the age of 87 just two days after Christmas 2007. His remains were cremated and scattered at sea. In an obituary in the Daily Breeze, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the Henderson Public Library.

Granddaughter Jennifer Shors grew up in West Covina, CA

Grandson Jay Shors Jr. lived in childhood in West Covina, CA.

~ Son Doyle Denmar Minard ~

Son Doyle Denmar Minard (1906-1983) was born on Sept. 8, 1906 in Loudenville, OH.

When he was 20 years of age, in September 1926, Doyle went to Covington, KY to marry his first wife, Geraldine Wittel ( ? -1984), daughter of J.M. and Evelyn Wittel of Hammond Avenue, Mansfield. The wedding was announced in the Mansfield News-Journal. The pair made their first home at 63 Lexington Avenue.

The newlyweds were plunged into grief when, three months into their marriage, on Dec. 26, 1926, they lost an infant son at birth in General Hospital. Interment of the tender remains was made in Shelby, OH.

Then the following August, the Minards took a driving trip with J.H. Brubach and Chester Brubach on a fishing trip to Canada which included stops in Niagara Falls, Toronto and lakes. Geraldine is known to have been a member of the Pally Bridge Club.

Geraldine sued for divorce in September 1937, alleging "neglect." The matter was not decided until about 1938.

On Feb. 19, 1939, in Louisville, KY, Doyle entered into marriage with Anna Bikar (Sept. 8, 1914-1982), originally from Crestline, OH. Their ceremony was held at St. Paul's Evangelical Church and kept a secret until disclosed at a party for family and friends, with the news published in the News-Journal. At the time, Anna worked for Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company.

They became the parents of a duo of children -- Ronald Doyle Minard and Leanna Sohl.

The family resided in Mansfield for many years, Doyle worked for Hoffman Plumbing Company in the late 1930s. Later he became a roofer and general foreman of McKinley Roofing. Tragedy surrounded the Minards when Doyle confessed in 1940 to being the driver in a hit-and-run accident which killed a 74-year-old man.

The Minards divorced in 1958. Anna is known to have lived at 678 West Third Street, Mansfield, and Doyle at 973 Fairfax Avenue.

Circa 1970, Doyle dwelled in Sandusky, OH. He eventually went to reside in Edgewood Manor Nursing Home. He was pictured in a 1978 article in the News-Herald, when the Home received the gift of a bird feeder. Again in 1980, the 74-year-old Doyle was pictured in the News-Herald, making a belly slide at the Camp Sabroske swimming pool.

Doyle spent his final years in Port Clinton, OH. He died on Feb. 4, 1983 at the age of 74 in the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. No funeral service was held, and burial was in Mansfield Memorial Park. His obituary was printed in the News-Herald, which said he was survived by six grandchildren.

Former wife Geraldine appears not to have remarried. She worked for the Tappan Company. Circa 1983, she dwelled in Bellville, OH. She died at the age of 75, on Dec. 10, 1984, with her funeral led by Rev. Michael Sommerville of the Bellville United Methodist Church. Her obituary appeared in the Mansfield newspaper.

Former wife Anna also did not remarry. At the end she lived in the Mansfield Memorial Homes. Death enveloped her at the age of 66 on Oct. 5, 1980.

Son Ronald Doyle Minard ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He was an alumnus of Mansfield Senior High School and then studied at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. On June 25, 1966, he entered into marriage with Dolly Yalanda Sorrentino ( ? - ? ), daughter of Nicholas Sorrentino. Their wedding was held at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Mansfield, officiated by Rev. Fr. James F. Hebbeler, and was announced in the Mansfield News-Journal. At the time of marriage, Ann, a graduate of St. Peter's High School, was employed in the Mansfield Public Library as a clerical assistant. The pair bore three children -- Andrew Minard, Alex Minard and Angie Minard. Ronald was a school teacher for 14 years. He then was a principal for a dozen years and superintendent for three years at Eastern Local School District in Reedsville, Meigs County, OH. His home in 1983 was in West Jefferson, OH. The couple eventually divorced. Ronald married Teresa Jean Jones ( ? - ? ) in 1997.

Grandson Andrew Minard ( ? - ? )

Grandson Alex Minard ( ? - ? )

Granddaughter Angie Minard ( ? - ? )

Daughter Leanna Kay "Leann" Minard ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was a 1958 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School. On June 22, 1958, she wed Carleton Jacob "Carl" Sohl ( ? - ? ), son of Jacob Sohl. Leann was pictured in a pending wedding announcement in the Mansfield News-Journal. Carleton also was a Mansfield Senior High alumnus and attended Ohio University. At the time of their marriage, he worked for Ohio Edison Company as a distribution assistant. Their address in 1966 was 79 Redwood Road. Their trio of daughters were Laurie L. Tusken and twins Jan Rucker and Jenney Klatt. They dwelled in Mansfield in 1977-1987, at which time they sold their home and possessions and moved into a mobile home. In 1998, they lived in Okeechobee, FL. Heartache cascaded over the family in 1998 at the untimely death of their married daughter Laurie in Kansas.

Granddaughter Laurie L. Minard (1963-1998) was born on May 8, 1963 in Mansfield. She received a bachelor's degree in hotel administration from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. She then obtained her master's degree in business administration from the University of Kansas. She was united in matrimony with Matthew A. Tusken ( ? - ? ). Three offspring born into this marriage were Jennifier M. Tusken, Cameron C. Tusken and Taylor A. Tusken. Sadly, they lost daughter Jennifer in 1991. Their final home together was in Stanley, KS, where for five years she was employed as a compensation manager with Intertec Publishing Company. Professionally, she held memberships in the Kansas City Compensation and Benefits Association and the Human Resources Management Association. Sadness gripped the family when Laurie died at age 34 on March 11, 1998, believed to be from heart problems. Her obituary was printed in her hometown newspaper, the Mansfield News-Journal. Interment was in Longview Memorial Gardens in Kansas City.

Granddaughter Jan Minard (1966- ? ) was born in 1966, a twin with her sister Jenney. She wed (?) Rucker ( ? - ? ). Their home in 1998 was in Baltimore, OH.

Granddaughter Jenney Minard (1966- ? ) was born in 1966, a twin with her sister Jan. She entered into marriage with (?) Klatt. Circa 1998, she resided in Columbus, OH.

~ More ~

We are grateful to cousin and longtime genealogist, the late Mary Jane (Armstrong) Henney (granddaughter of Samantha "Jennie" [Minard] Armstrong), for providing the framework of information for this biography.