As we reflect on this year, we want to remember those we lost from the law school family in 2025. If you know of any other law alumni who died this year but are not on the list, please email Jordan Burgess at jburgess1@udayton.edu.
Mabel Becker '80
Mabel Becker, age 89, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, next to the railroad tracks where her father, a railroad man and great storyteller, inspired in her a life of adventures where she could follow her dreams.
Through hard work and determination, Mabel received her nursing degree from the Jewish Hospital School of Nursing. While training to be a nurse, she met the love of her life, Louis Becker, M.D. Mabel and Lou were married in 1957 in Cincinnati, Ohio. They were married 55 years. They had 4 children, Wendy, Marc, David and Julie, who gave Mabel seven amazing grandchildren, Miriam, Elyse, Cameron, Griffin, Reagan, Tucker, and Erica.
Immediately after their wedding, Mabel and her husband drove to California where they settled in Glendale, California. In Glendale, Mabel was the assistant head nurse in the nursery at Los Angeles County General Hospital. They moved back to Cincinnati for a year. From there they moved to Bosier City, Louisiana. and eventually settled in Dayton, Ohio. Mabel and Lou raised their children in Trotwood, Ohio. The couple retired in New Albany, Ohio where she was able to be a part of her grandchildren’s lives.
Throughout her life, Mabel loved traveling with her husband, and they were able to travel to most of the places on their bucket list, including Israel, Russia, Europe, Turkey, Peru, and Hawaii. Mabel had the honor of travelling with other women lawyers to China where she learned the meaning of the “Prince Charles Rule” and came back with great stories to share with friends and family.
Mabel began her volunteer career with B’nai Brith Women, in Dayton, Ohio, organizing many philanthropic activities and holding several leadership roles. She was also a Girl Scout leader. During the turbulent civil rights movement of the 1960’s, Mabel’s intelligence and drive to help others led her to become a civil rights advocate where she participated in neighborhood canvassing for voter registration and led grade school lessons to combat racism. When her volunteer activities spread to fighting redlining and advocating for fair housing, she founded THROB, Inc. She also founded the Jewish-Christian Dialog Group. During this time, she became interested in a law career.
She attended University of Dayton Law School from 1977-1980, when only a few women were practicing law in Dayton, and her class had less than 10% women. Based on the lack of female role models in the area, at the end of her first year of law school, Mabel organized a road trip to Atlanta to attend the First Annual Conference on Women in the Law with several classmates. She felt honored to meet one of the presenters, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, long before she became a Supreme Court Judge. Following RBG in Atlanta, Mabel attended the March for the ERA in Washington DC in July 1978, along with 100,000 other women. Mabel was determined to live long enough to see the passage of the ERA but was comforted by convincing her granddaughters to take up the cause.
After graduating from law school and passing the bar exam Mabel co-founded the first all-women’s law firm in the area, Henley, Vaughn, Becker & Wald, focusing on juvenile & family law. While working with families in turmoil, Mabel found her calling helping juveniles which led to a position as a Magistrate Judge in Montgomery County Juvenile Court, where she presided until she retired.
During her law career, in addition to founding the Miami Valley Association of Women Attorneys, she volunteered at numerous organizations including the Battered Women’s Shelter, the Montgomery County Citizens Review Board, the Dayton Women’s Network, the Child Advocacy of Ohio, and Day Break. She also developed and presented ‘Nursing and the Law’ seminars. Her lifetime of dedicated advocacy to make the world a better place for minorities, women and children was recognized when she was honored by the Dayton Daily News in 1986 as one of the Top Ten Women of the Year.
Obituary from Dignity Memorial
David Bentz '77
David (Dave) A. Bentz, 73, of East Liverpool, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, at Select Specialty Hospital in Powell, Tennessee. He resided in Knoxville, Tennessee until the time of his death.
Dave was born on Nov. 16, 1951, in East Liverpool, the son of Francis Bentz and the late Eleanor “Ann” Chory Bentz.
Dave graduated as a salutatorian from Beaver Local High School, Lisbon, Ohio in June of 1970. He received a B.A. Cum Laude from Mount Union College, Alliance, Ohio in June 1974. His major was psychology and he graduated with honors. He was in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and was on a university intramural golf team. He was a recipient of the East Liverpool Ohio Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation and Mount Union College Scholarship. In May 1977, Dave graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Dayton Law School. During law school, Dave worked in a trial practice program, was a law library assistant, legal investigator and legal intern with the prosecutor’s office in Kettering, Ohio where he tried cases and did pre-trial work. He graduated in the top 20% of his class and received a university scholarship. While studying for the bar exam, he worked for Aronson and Fineman in East Liverpool.
David lived in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida starting in 1977. He became a legal representative for an advertising company. He was a sales rep for several south Florida companies throughout his time. In 1985, Michael and his wife moved to Ft. Lauderdale after marriage where the family enjoyed the beautiful beaches and the Miami Dolphins. He became an uncle in 1990 and again in 1992. He moved to Tennessee in 1994.
Kevin Colwell '97
Kevin Michael Colwell entered into eternal life on February 8th, 2025 after a tragic skiing accident. Kevin was born on March 31, 1971 in Hudson, New York to Michael and Barbara (Jones) Colwell. A longtime resident of Columbia County, Kevin attended Claverack Elementary School and he graduated from Hudson High School in 1989. Surrounded by a large extended family, Kevin could be found at summer clambakes at Grandpa Colwell’s.
Kevin obtained his BA degree from SUNY Geneseo in 1993. Kevin had a zeal for adventure and the outdoors. An expert skier, which began at his days instructing at Catamount. He loved traveling to new places like the Wapta Traverse in BC Canada, Argentina, Tuckerman’s Ravine and anywhere in the western U.S.- the cruel irony. Kevin loved to hike with his family and camp with his kids on their scouting outings. Kevin rediscovered his love of tennis in the past couple of years and could be found at Tri-City Fitness during his lunch breaks perfecting his skills. When he wasn’t on the tennis courts with family or friends, he was on the paddle tennis courts at Albany Country club. He was invigorated by the sport and enjoyed the fierce but friendly competition. Whether on the courts or on the golf course, Kevin fostered wonderful friendships at Albany Country Club where his family were members for the last decade. Kevin’s spirit was renewed every time he was outdoors and his joy and laughter was infectious.
After graduating from college, Kevin took a year off to travel across the country to work in Lake Tahoe as a lift operator at Heavenly Ski Resort. He cherished his time out west but decided that law school was his calling. He applied to University of Dayton School of Law, from where he graduated in 1997. A promising attorney with high intellect and calm demeanor, Kevin served the people of Columbia County as a public defender and attorney for the Department of Social Services. He learned the ropes of litigation from some of the best and always admired them as his mentors. After a brief stint working on his own, Kevin joined the law firm of Roland, Fogel, Koblenz and Petroccione until 2005. It was then that Kevin took a leap of faith and formed a new firm which is now known as the Colwell Law Group. In addition to his legal career, he was actively involved in local politics even running for Hudson City Court Judge in 2006. He served the City of Hudson as city attorney for many years.
Kevin met his wife Mary on the best blind date ever. The two were engaged after only 4 months and married a year later. Kevin introduced Mary to his love of the outdoors, taking her hiking and teaching her to ski at the age of 30. Mary introduced Kevin to her love of travel and Italian traditions. Kevin became the most Italian Irishman you will ever meet, mastering the art of making wine and limoncello. It was after an overnight camping trip to the Catskills that Kevin knew that Mary was the one he wanted to spend his life with. It was the road trip that led to a life full of adventures.
Kevin leaves behind three beloved sons, Liam (15), Luke (12), and George (8). They were his whole world and in their short time together, they learned so much from their father. Most importantly, they learned from him their love for family and God. He passed on to his boys his love of skiing, the outdoors and baseball. The boys attend St. Pius School and Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) where he was active in both communities. Kevin could be found at all of their school and sporting events from class trips, recitals and concerts to ski races, Tae Kwan Do classes and football games at CBA. A devoted father and husband, Kevin’s absence leaves a void that can never be filled.
Kevin’s legacy lives on in the law firm he built with his wife, Mary. Building fearlessly evolved families were his vision, helping thousands across the state each year with his bright intellect, quick wit and brilliant sense of humor. His infectious smile and brilliant blue eyes were admired by all who met him. He put his mark on those who worked with him and the legal community at large. He was an esteemed award-winning attorney, earning the highest recognition among the bench, bar and community.
Obituary from Cannon Funeral Home
George Ford III '77
George Cook Ford III, 79, passed away October 10, 2025, after a brief illness.
He was born September 18, 1946, in New London, to George Cook Ford II and Caroline Sawyer Ford. His father, an attorney, moved his practice to Norwalk in the late 1950s. George graduated from Norwalk High School in 1964.
After high school, he served in the United States Army, completing a tour in Vietnam. George occasionally told stories about his time in Vietnam, but, like many soldiers who fought in that war, he only related humorous tales about Army life and some of the interesting people he had met.
After receiving an honorable discharge, George attended Tri-State College (now Trine University) in Angola, Indiana, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Dayton School in 1977 and was admitted to practice law in Ohio that year.
After several years of law practice in the Dayton area, George returned to Norwalk and established a law practice in 1981. In addition to private practice, George served as an assistant Huron County prosecutor in the 1980s before becoming the Huron County Public Defender in 1993. He served in that position while maintaining his private office until his retirement at the end of 2011.
In private practice, George was known for being willing to help people from all walks of life, many of whom were unable to afford legal assistance otherwise. Even in retirement, his desk at home was covered with legal files of people who had lost a car to repossession, were losing a home to foreclosure, or faced minor traffic or legal problems. He always helped regardless of his client’s circumstances.
Professionally, George was instrumental in resolving Huron County’s longest-running case, a 40-year-old suit by the County Commissioners against the owners of the historic Whittlesey Academy building on the northwest side of Norwalk’s square. After being asked by the Common Pleas Court to step in to untangle the protracted suit, George crafted a novel condominium-type organization of the owners of the building’s individual spaces that generated funds to repair and preserve the building.
After several years during which the Norwalk required residents to provide copies of their federal income tax returns with their city income tax filings, George represented plaintiffs in an action against the City and successfully negotiated an end to the practice.
George was a long-standing member of the Young Man’s Library and Reading Room Association, a150-year-old organization originally formed to advocate for a public library in Norwalk.
Obituary from Evans Funeral Home
Amy Gomez '91
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Amy Ercilia Gomez, who left us too soon at the age of 63. Amy passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on May 9, 1962, Amy was a shining light in the lives of everyone who knew her.
Amy’s educational journey was one of dedication and achievement. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Loyola University in 1984 and went on to complete her Juris Doctorate at the University of Dayton in Ohio, graduating in 1991. Though Amy was poised to begin her legal career, fate had other plans. Shortly before starting her career, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. However, Amy's strength, resilience, and unwavering faith carried her through this challenge. Deeply devoted to the Catholic Church, Amy turned to her faith in God. She firmly believed in God’s healing power, trusting that through her unwavering faith, she had already been healed. When doctors said there was nothing more they could do and sent her home to live out her final days, she turned to prayer. It was through the Novena to St. Jude at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in New Orleans that she experienced complete healing through the Lord. She went on to live cancer-free for 27 years, a living testament to her remarkable spirit, and the divine grace she received.
Even though Amy never practiced law, her true passion lay in the world of art, where she had an incredible, natural talent. From painting to crafting, her creative spirit shone brightly in everything she did. She poured her heart into her art, and those who were fortunate enough to witness her talent were always in awe of her ability to create beauty in such unique and personal ways.
Amy had a deep love for traveling, and one of the most memorable chapters of her life was the year she spent teaching English in Tokyo, a position she earned after working as a VIP Hostess for the Japan Pavilion at the 1984 World’s Fair. During this time, she embraced the culture, made lifelong friendships, and lived out her passion for exploration. Her sense of adventure and curiosity about the world took her across the U.S., with friends in various states who she held dear. She especially treasured the postcards she received from those friends, each one a reminder of the connections she made and the joy she found in discovering new places and cultures. Her love of discovery reflected her vibrant personality and the deep sense of wonder she carried with her throughout her life.
Amy’s legacy will endure in the strength she showed in every challenge through her unshakable faith, the warmth of her infectious smile, and the way she brought people together with ease and grace. Her love, kindness, and the beautiful memories she created will forever live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Obituary from Garden of Memories Funeral Home and Cemetery
Paul Henry '81
Judge Paul D. Henry, 76 of Eaton, Ohio died suddenly Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Kettering Health Preble, Eaton, Ohio. Born May 2, 1948, in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Lanier School and graduated from Twin-Valley South School in 1966. He graduated in 1970 from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science Degree; in 1972 Masters of Science and in 1981 Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from the University of Dayton Law School.
From 1970 to 1978 he taught at Kettering Schools. Member of the Masonic Fellowship Lodge in West Alexandria, Ohio, sons of American Legion Post in West Alexandria, OH. and the Preble County Republican Party.
In 2021 he retired as the Judge of the Eaton Municipal Court, serving the citizens of Preble County. Eaton Mayor Joe Renner presented a resolution by the Eaton City Council to Judge Henry that stated: “Whereas Judge Paul D. Henry has honored the City of Eaton, Preble County, Ohio with his 30 years of service on the bench of the Eaton Municipal Court, serving the citizens of Preble County as fair and caring jurist, and whereas his years of private practice of the law and his public service as an assistant Preble County Prosecutor forged a legal scholar who was appreciated by many people with whom he came into contact; and whereas throughout his professional career, Judge Henry always remained humble and respectful of others which in turn garnered the respect of all the people who knew and worked alongside him. His even temperament and friendly disposition secured for him the position of being the most approachable elected official in the memory of even the oldest Preble County residents.”
Obituary from Barnes Funeral Home
David Herier '98
David Douglas Herier, a beloved husband, father, grandfather – Poppie, brother, friend, and dedicated community servant, passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 53.
Born and raised in Springfield, Ohio, David spent most of his life contributing selflessly to his hometown, both professionally and personally. David was a bright scholar, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Magna Cum Laude from Wright State University in 1994. He later pursued his passion for justice at the University of Dayton, attending Law School. For over two decades, David practiced law in his self-established private practice since 1998, earning respect and admiration in the legal community.
A man of many talents and interests, David was deeply involved in his community. He served as a former Clark County Commissioner and held several influential positions, including Magistrate for the Municipal and Common Pleas Courts. He was also a former board member of the Housing Connection and actively participated in the Nehamiah Foundation Board as well as the Springfield Christian Youth Ministry. David was a member of Central Christian Church, Davids’s passion for humanity was to focus on the poor & most vulnerable.
David's love for life was evident in the joys he pursued. He had a zeal for music and was a regular at concerts. His passion for cars was evident in his attendance at numerous car shows, and he shared this enthusiasm with his family. David enjoyed walking and reading, and he found tranquility in working in his yard. As a sports enthusiast, he cherished basketball and loved attending his kids & grandkids sporting events, always their biggest supporter from the sidelines. Above all, David cared deeply for his family. David's legacy lives on through his family, who admired his dedication as a husband and father and cherished his unwavering love and support.
Obituary from Richards, Raff, and Dunbar Memorial Home
Jevon Jaconi '98
Jevon Jones Jaconi passed away unexpectedly on January 10, 2025. He was born on February 15, 1973, to John and Lorna (née Jones) Jaconi.
Jevon attended Luxemburg-Casco High School, Class of ’91, before graduating from NEW Lutheran High School. He earned his degrees from Concordia College in Mequon and the Dayton School of Law in Dayton, Ohio. His first role after law school was serving as District Attorney for Kewaunee County. He later worked in the family business in Casco for 14 years before transitioning to private law practice in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Obituary from McMahon Funeral Home
Kay Johnson '90
Kay F. Johnson, age 66, of Oakwood, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, at Kettering Health Main Campus surrounded by her beloved family. She was born in Cookeville, Tennessee, on January 28, 1959, the daughter of Howard and Jewel Walker.
In her early years, Kay spent her summers on the family farm in Cookeville, Tennessee, with her cherished grandmother, often reflecting fondly on the time she spent there. She was raised in Lebanon, Ohio, before relocating to Dayton, Ohio, to live with her sister following the passing of her parents, where she was a graduate of Fairview High School.
Upon graduating summa cum laude in Criminal Justice from the University of Dayton, Kay graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy and served the community as a police officer for the City of Englewood. Seeking to further her career, she studied Law at the University of Dayton, graduating in the top of her class with her Juris Doctorate. While working towards her undergraduate degree, Kay worked loss prevention at Elder-Beerman, where she met the love of her life, Fred. She spent a remarkable career pursuing justice with multiple counties and agencies. Kay began her legal career in the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office - Appellate Division followed by the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office - Child Support Enforcement Division, spending the majority of her career with the Miami County Department of Job & Family Services - Child Support Enforcement Agency. Kay retired in 2019, having spent thirty years of government service dedicated to the betterment of society and countless lives. Kay took professional pride in having argued a successful case before the Ohio Supreme Court, where she received praise and high commendations from the Justices.
Outside of work, Kay was deeply dedicated to her family, ensuring her children had every opportunity to travel, learn, and broaden their horizons. She greatly enjoyed traveling the country to both well-loved and new destinations. Kay was most relaxed in Southern California, with a special place in her heart for the beaches and mountains of Malibu. Kay’s favorite way to travel was by automobile, enjoying the company of her loving family, frequently visiting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in a single year. Throughout her life, she had a love for all animals, especially enjoying the company of her faithful canine companions. In retirement, Kay found great joy in exploring her local area and observing interesting animals of all kinds. Though her health hindered her ability to serve others hands-on in the ways she aspired, she was passionate about serving and volunteering where she was able, always seeking to help others.
In her last decade, Kay exhibited her incredible strength and unwavering resilience throughout a multitude of health challenges. She was an inspiration and pillar of strength for her family and fellow cancer patients.
Obituary from Westbrock Funeral Home
Mark Kerns '80
Kerns, Mark E., 70, of Springfield, Ohio passed peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born January 7, 1955, in Urbana, Ohio, the son of Joseph and Peggy (North) Kerns. Mark graduated from Catholic Central High School followed by Bowling Green State University and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Dayton School of Law. In addition to practicing law in the State of Ohio for 45 years, Mark had a passion for real estate and took pride in restoring and revitalizing properties.
In Mark’s free time, you could find him gardening, attending auctions or antiquing. Mark cherished time spent with his beloved granddaughters, family and friends.
Obituary from Conroy Funeral Home
Michael Kramer '83
The Honorable Judge Michael J. Kramer, 70, of Ligonier, passed away suddenly on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Ascension Resurrection Hospital in Chicago.
He was born on February 10, 1955, in Madison, Indiana to the late Edgar and Ruth (Copper) Kramer.
On August 19, 2017, he married Angelia Slone.
Judge Kramer received his Bachelor's Degree from Ball State University and his Law Degree from the University of Dayton, summa cum laude, where he was a member of the law review. Prior to taking office Judge Kramer practiced law in Ligonier with the firm of Heckner & Kirsch.
Michael Kramer first took office on January 1, 1991, where he served as Judge for Noble County Superior Court 2 until 2016 when he took the bench for the Noble County Circuit Court and was the longest serving Judge in Noble County history.
On December 14, 1999, he was named Distinguished Hoosier by then Governor Frank O'Bannon. Michael had also been named Volunteer of the Year by Drug-Free Indiana. In 2009 he was named Indiana Addiction Recovery Advocate of the Year because of his work to prevent and treat substance abuse. In 2010, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America named Judge Kramer its Advocate of the Year.
Michael was currently serving as the chair of Drug-Free Noble County and on the board of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). He was a member of the Advisory Council for the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addictions. Judge Kramer was a member and former president of the Noble County Bar Association and was a Fellow of the Indiana Bar Foundation. Michael was also a member of the Albion Rotary Club.
Judge Kramer was very proud of his involvement with the creation of the Drug Court, Family Preservation Court, Veterans Court, and Mental Health Court in Noble County.
Just last year Michael was recognized by the American Law Institute for becoming a lifetime member with more than 25 years of membership.
Together with his wife, they were members of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne where he was very involved with the choir. Michael was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Obituary from Divine Mercy Funeral Home
Tracy Lusk '87
Tracy Blaine Lusk, 64, of Princeton passed away Saturday, July 5th, 2025 at Jackie Withrow Hospital in Beckley, WV. Born December 5th, 1961 in Princeton Memorial Hospital, WV., he was the son of the late Tracy Norman Lusk and Delores Ann Yarborough. Tracy was a graduate of Princeton High School (1980), Concord College (1984), and University of Dayton School of Law (1986). He had several vocations throughout his life- from a plumber for West Virginia Pump & Implement, an attorney in both private and public practice, an adjunct for a time at Bluefield State, and a trucker driver for firms that brought him in his travels to most of the continental United States. He was a member of Princeton Presbyterian Church, Princeton Masonic Lodge #134, Order of the Eastern Star, and Scottish Rite. Tracy’s passions included football, cooking, traveling, and his family.
Obituary from Seaver Funeral Home
Colette Moorman '91
Colette Elaine Moorman, age 59, passed away on April 20, 2025, after a long battle with breast cancer. Colette was born in Union City, Indiana. Her parents Connie & Gene Moorman predeceased her.
Colette is an alumni of the University of Dayton and U.D. Law School. She was a City of Dayton Prosecutor and Dayton Municipal Court Magistrate for over 30 years. She was a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Northridge and other organizations.
Colette leaves behind many caring friends that are too numerous to list. She also wished to thank her doctor and staff at the Stefanie Spielman Breast Center at OSU for the years of care and compassion in her treatment. The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Hospice 360 for the care they provided.
Gary Nasal '88
Gary A. Nasal, age 67, of Troy, Ohio passed away on October 17, 2025. He was born and raised in Miami County to the late Bernard Joseph and Sidney Joanne (Casey) Nasal.
Gary began his career in public service at the age of eighteen when he went to work full-time in the County Treasurer’s Office as a Deputy Treasurer while going to college full-time at night pursuing his undergraduate degree. Within a couple years, he had risen to the position of Chief Deputy Treasurer before moving to the County Auditor’s Office. He was then appointed Bailiff for Judge Alan Braun, a job that fixed his determination to become a lawyer.
Upon finishing his undergraduate degree, he began attending the University of Dayton Law School. He interned in the firm of Shipman, Utrecht and Dixon Co., LPA, and joined the firm upon his graduation from law school. During that time, Gary also served as the Miami County Municipal Court Prosecutor, Assistant Miami County Municipal Court Prosecutor, Assistant City of Troy Law Director, and Law Director for the Village of Covington while maintaining an active and varied private practice. He was appointed Miami County Prosecutor for over 18 years until he was appointed judge.
Since his eighteenth birthday and starting work in Miami County, Gary had become active in the Miami County Republican Party. He was elected to a seat on the Miami County Republican Central Committee and worked tirelessly for many local candidates for office. He retained a seat on that committee for over 30 years before being forced to step down when elected as Judge. In 2013, he was appointed to the bench in the Municipal Court by the Governor.
In addition to his government and political activities, Gary has always believed in civic service. He is a past board member of the Miami County Unit of the American Cancer Society, having served two terms as its president. He is former president of the Troy Dollars for Scholars program, has served on several Troy Strawberry Festival committees and has volunteered repeatedly for several Troy Chamber of Commerce projects.
Obituary from Baird Funeral Home
Virginia Platt-Gehres '78
Virginia M. Platt, beloved by her family and friends, embarked on her new journey on March 1, 2025, surrounded by her husband, her four children, and her twin sister.
Virginia was born on February 3, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late William and Rita Platt. In 1956, the family moved to Wroe Avenue in Dayton, Ohio where she happily lived the majority of her boisterous life.
A voracious learner, Virginia attended Corpus Christi Elementary School then graduated from Julienne High School in 1970. She continued to Thomas Moore College where she served as Student Body President and graduated in 1974. She ultimately received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1978.
An avid reader, she devoured everything Jane Austen wrote and was always reading a book or three. She belonged to two book clubs and delighted in sharing her thoughts on the book, author, or unrelated current events of the day.
A Daytonian to her core, Virginia’s first jobs as a youth included washing dishes at Miami Valley Hospital and waitressing at the downtown Frisch’s. After college, she taught at St. Rita’s School for the Deaf in Cincinnati and during her Law School years she taught as an in-home tutor for Dayton Public Schools. Her legal career included work at several private law firms and as a staff attorney at the Dayton Legal Aid Office and at the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. From 1993, until her retirement in 2017, she served as an Assistant Montgomery County Prosecuting Attorney. Her compassion for those in truly devastating circumstances buoyed her through the most challenging cases.
Virginia was deeply dedicated to her family and community. She spent years as a Girl Scout troop leader and Corpus Christi elementary school board member. Her joyful smile, laughter, and open heart drew friends to her throughout her life, especially at the 2nd Street Market where she spent most weekends having a raucously grand time. As an enthusiastic athlete/fan, she spent many years playing, coaching, and watching sports. She loved playing Rec League volleyball at Corpus Christi and coaching Five Oaks tee-ball and CYO boy’s volleyball. She energetically supported and cheered on all her children as they competed in innumerable baseball, football, soccer, softball and volleyball games as well as fencing bouts and rowing regattas. Her father, a Notre Dame alum, instilled in her a love of Fighting Irish football as well as heckling opposing batters and umpires at Reds and Dragons games - wherein she demonstrated exceptional skill. Curious about athletes slightly better than her children, she was a fan at the 1990 World Series, the 1990 U.S. Olympic Festival, the 1994 Men’s World Cup, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and years of Dayton Flyers games. She especially enjoyed the fall racing season at Keeneland Park in Lexington, Kentucky. In her retirement, you could find her swimming at Miami Valley Country Club and Dayton’s Dabney Pool.
Virginia had boundless creativity and drive. In just one night, she turned old curtains and lace into an exquisite Elizabethian gown. She crafted scores of Halloween costumes, decorations, and sweaters and baked delicious cakes for her children and grandchildren for cheerful celebrations over the years. She loved to garden, often growing bumper crops in the backyard and turning her porch and yard into flowered oases. Her vivaciousness made her a natural fit at any party and she was an amazing hostess for family and friends throwing everything from bridal shower teas to all night bashes at Club Gehres during the annual Wroe Avenue Block Party. While she was rarely the first to arrive, she was always the last to leave a great party with a smile on her face.
Though she loved Dayton, she never turned down an opportunity to travel. She had adventures in England, Italy, the Czech Republic, Sardinia, Croatia, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica and countless cities in the US. Recently, in 2022, her interest in her Irish roots took her to Ireland where she met with distant relatives. As a true believer in Women’s Power, and despite her illness, last year she organized and led a group of 12 women to Broadway in New York City to watch an afternoon performance of the musical Suffs about the American Women’s Suffrage Movement followed by dinner at Sardis. Through her passion and dedication, Virginia prepared the next generation and their daughters well to continue pressing forward.
A lifelong Democrat devoted to doing the hard work to make things better anywhere she could, she was active on many local election campaigns, never shied away from a protest or good argument, and most recently served as an attorney focused on Voter Protection. Knowing we deserve better, in January of 2017, she rallied a group of women to drive to Washington D.C. for the Women’s March. And in recognition of her commitment and unyielding perseverance, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Montgomery County Democratic Party in 2024.
The four dogs in her life Brownie, Nupper, Daisy, and Rio, are wagging their tails as Virginia nears the Rainbow Bridge.
Virginia met her husband Daniel Gehres while both were attending law school. She agreed to marry Dan because he made her laugh and on May 30, 1981, at the University of Dayton Chapel they began their 43 years of marital bliss.
Obituary from Westbrock Funeral Home
Kristin Rasmussen '99
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter Kristin. Kristin grew up in Fond du Lac, WI where she graduated from LP Goodrich, and went on to attend UW Platteville, where she graduated with a political Science degree. Following her graduation, she went on to get her post graduate degree from the University of Dayton's Law program graduating with a Juris Doctorate. After graduating Law School, she ended up finding her home in Colorado Springs, CO and her 25-year career working at LexisNexis Corporation, where she formed many valued friendships.
Obituary from Altogether Funeral
Marybeth Rutledge '82
Marybeth Wagner Rutledge passed away on August 20, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio at the age of 79.
Marybeth was born the youngest of six children to Elizabeth (Betty) and Victor (Ray) Wagner on December 14, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois. Marybeth attended St. Patrick’s Academy in Chicago. She was a 1967 graduate of Mundelein College (now Loyola University). In 1982 she graduated cum laude from the University of Dayton School of Law.
Marybeth’s early career focused on journalism and public relations, with positions at the Champaign-Urbana Courier, the Campfire Girls, and the Tony Hall for Congress campaign; however, she is best remembered for her lengthy career as an attorney in the Dayton, Ohio area. Marybeth’s legal career included positions with the Legal Aid Society of Dayton, the firm of Louis & Froelich, and Winwood Rutledge Co., LLC. Marybeth worked for a number of years as a faculty member providing paralegal training in the Legal Studies Program at Sinclair Community College. Marybeth was a longtime member of the Ohio Bar Association and the Dayton Bar Association; she was proud to serve for many years on the Dayton Bar Association Ethics Committee.
Marybeth was civic minded. She served for a number of years with the Wills for Heroes program, providing free wills and estate planning documents to first responders and their spouses or domestic partners. Marybeth also worked as a volunteer at the Kettering Hospital and the Kettering Police Foundation. Marybeth was saddened, and increasingly so over the past several years, by the loss of many dear friends and colleagues. Marybeth was a lifelong avid fan of the Chicago Cubs.
Obituary from Westbrock Funeral Home
Eugene Stockton '78
Eugene Leslie Stockton, 72, of Prophetstown, IL, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025, at Gardens of Kewanee Memory Care after a long courageous battle with frontotemporal dementia.
Gene was born on January 15, 1953, and spent his early years on the family farm in Hooppole. The oldest of three, he graduated from Annawan High School in 1971 and obtained a BA degree from Augustana College in 1975. He then completed his Juris Doctor degree from University of Dayton in 1978 and returned to Illinois to start his law career.
Gene served as the Lee County State Attorney in Dixon, IL, from 1980-1988. Subsequently he joined the law firm of Don McRae and Associates in Kewanee, which he later took over after Don’s death. He served for many years as the Henry County Public Defender before he retired in 2010.
Gene possessed a keen mind and a wonderful sense of humor. His laughter was contagious, and his smile lit up the room. Gene devoted time to playing soft pitch baseball when younger, woodworking, reading and hunting, with perhaps a little more time spent hunting. He went antiquing with Pam and enjoyed time with the family dogs. Gene was a member of Calvary EC Church in Hooppole, Kewanee Lions Club, Whiteside County Pheasants Forever, Manlius Sportsman Club, and a lifetime member of the NRA.
Obituary from Vandemore Funeral Homes and Cremation Services
Faculty
Cooley Howarth
Cooley R. Howarth, Jr., JD, age 76, of Covington, OH, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025. Cooley was born November 7, 1949 in Bethlehem, PA, son of the late Cooley and Marilyn (Watson) Howarth. He retired after a proud 37-year career with the University of Dayton School of Law. He had the opportunity to teach in China and Kiev, Ukraine while enjoying his many travels. After retirement, Cooley loved spending his time bass fishing on the local rivers with the Stillwater Bass Club. He enjoyed watching old western movies and television shows, was an avid reader and cook, and was known to be very generous with his friends.
You can read more about Professor Howarth's many contributions to the School of Law in this blog post.