Steve Dearth

Steve Dearth, age 74 of West Manchester, OH passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at his home with his family at his side. He was born October 29, 1950 in Dayton, OH to the late Russell and Mary Dearth. Steve grew up in nearby Pyrmont and was a 1969 graduate of Brookville High School. He attended Otterbein College, graduating with an economics and business administration degree in 1973. In 1974, he married longtime sweetheart Joy and following a brief stint in Columbus, they relocated to West Manchester where they would spend 51 years together raising children, and later, doting on grandchildren. Steve enjoyed the simple pleasures in life and could often be found outdoors — golfing, hunting for mushrooms or arrowheads, metal detecting, or simply walking local parks. Steve lived a life of service that reflected his passion for helping others. Professionally, he spent two-plus decades with the Ohio Auditor of State, before taking a role as school treasurer for the National Trail School District. He served in volunteer roles with a number of local organizations including Wares Chapel, West Manchester Ballpark, Preble County Historical Society, and Preble County Council on Aging. In later years, he shared his musings on Twitter/X (https://x.com/stevedearth3) with messages of “hope, goodness and kindness,” many featuring his favorite place to walk — Seven Mile Park in Eaton. In honor of this, the family is asking for any donations in Steve’s name be made to Eaton Parks, which will earmark such gifts for future improvements at Seven Mile Park for the community to enjoy. This can be done online via Venmo (https://www.venmo.com/u/cityofeaton, please denote “Steve Dearth Memorial Fund”), via donation envelopes available at the service, or by mail to City of Eaton-Seven Mile Park, PO Box 27, 328 North Maple Street, Eaton, OH 45320. 

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his brother Robert Dearth; and brothers-in-law Larry Thompson and Doug Thompson. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joy Dearth; son Andy (Amanda) Dearth of Grove City, OH; daughter Stephanie (William) Lee of Greenfield, IN; grandchildren Auggie Dearth and Aurie Dearth of Grove City, OH and Nixon Lee and Cora Lee of Greenfield, IN; sisters Rosemary Dallman and Nancy Oliver both of Brookville, OH; sisters-in-law Linda Thompson of Homosassa Springs, FL and Candy Thompson of West Manchester, OH; brother-in-law Dean (Georgie) Thompson of Richmond, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Wares Chapel United Methodist Church, 1060 Foos Road, West Manchester, OH with Pastor Kenneth Stewart and Pastor Lance Moyer officiating with a reception to follow in the church fellowship hall. Gard Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Eaton is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences and other remembrances may sent by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com