Prentice Funeral Home

Christian Alexander Marong December 2, 2025-April 20,2026

Christian Alexander Marong was born December 2, 2025, to his loving mother, Kelli Marong, at Akron General Hospital in Akron, Ohio.

At four and a half months old, Christian was perfection, with the squishiest cheeks. He loved a good bottle of “milkies” and treasured being held close. In those early months, he made it clear that he belonged in someone’s arms. His favorite place was nestled on his mom’s chest, where he was most peaceful and content.

By his fourth month, Christian’s personality began to shine. He had the sweetest, melt-your-heart smile and a deep belly giggle that brought joy to everyone around him. He would chime into conversations with perfectly timed giggles and grunts, affectionately earning him the nicknames “Snort” and “Buttercup.” He loved being sung to — especially songs from The Lion King. Aladdin and newly introduced Tarzan—and found delight in books, small toys, and anything that made a gentle sound.

Christian especially drawn to faces. He was fascinated with his image in the mirror and would gaze and listen intently to those he loved. In his most recent weeks, he began to snuggle in closer— pressing his face into your neck when he was held, as if returning the gestures that were bestowed on him.

He was deeply loved by his mother, Kelli. In addition, many others were blessed to snuggle and care for him, including Lauren Fuller, Doug and Karen Fuller, and many friends who treasured him and dreamed of getting to love on him forever.

Those who knew Christian will remember not only his smiles, but the quiet, sacred moments in between—the tiny grip of his fingers, or the way he would hold onto your hand and draw it close to his chest even as he slept.

Though his life was brief, it was filled with tenderness, and deep love. His presence brought a joy and softness that will not be forgotten and is already so deeply missed.

Sweetest boy you will always be remembered for the love you gave and the love you received. We long for the day we hear you giggle again and can snuggle you in close. Until that day comes may you be held by Jesus and wrapped in a love you can feel. We love you buddy.

A private celebration of life service will be held on April 30th at 12:00 pm in Portage County.

“you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more”

Junior Loughrie


On April 11, 2026, Junior C. Loughrie, 73, of Kenmore lost a yearlong battle with Hepatocellular Liver Cancer. His wife Cynthia, son Timothy and his Annie by his side.
Born in Grafton, West Virginia to John and Karminettia Loughrie on September 7, 1952. He moved to Akron very early in his childhood, returning often to West Virginia to visit the "homeplace" and his extended family. Junior always dreamed of moving to West Virginia after his retirement. He was very close to fulfilling that dream when God decided to call him home.
Junior was a member of the Kenmore High School Class of 1971 until he left early to voluntarily enlist in the Army during the Vietnam War. (1971 - 1972) Junior originally enlisted to become a mechanic but after being shown a movie or two he decided he wanted to become a helicopter "Door Gunner". On November 7, 1971, he was awarded "The Air Medal With "V" Device" for heroism during a visual reconnaissance mission in the Quag Tri Provence, Republic of Vietnam. When an accompanying scout aircraft was downed by enemy fire, Junior was able to deliver accurate devastating fire until the downed crew was aboard his aircraft, and all were able to get to safety. After returning home he attended Akron Evening High School at North High School. Graduating in 1975. Like many other Vietnam Veterans, Junior did not know that eventually he would fight the biggest battle of his life called Agent Orange. Which not only left him with debilitating neuropathy, but also with liver cancer.
In 1981 Junior became employed at B&C Machine where he continued to work for 33 years. Retiring in 2014. Starting out as a machine operator and working up to leadman/set up. While at B&C Junior built long time friendships with Bill, Bob, Mikey and Ron. Enjoying many breakfasts and poker parties with the guys.
Junior was a jack of all trades. He could honestly fix just about anything. His motto ... He was never going to pay someone to do something he could do for himself. He was an outdoor type of fellow. Junior enjoyed vegetable gardening, yard work, fishing, hunting and he especially loved feeding his outdoor critters ... Birds, groundhogs, possums, raccoons, skunks, squirrels and sometimes a deer of two if he was in WV.
Junior was a very patriotic man who had much love for his God and Country. He was a born again Christian and a member of Park United Methodist Church.
Junior was preceded in death by his parents John and Karminettia and son Junior Allen. He is survived by his wife Cynthia of 46 years. Renewing their original vows from 1979 on their 45th Anniversary in 2024. Children Timothy, Wendy, Laura & Jennifer, 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Brothers in Law Floyd and Scott Baker. Many cousins and extended family and his loyal cat Mama who stayed by his side throughout his illness, some days never leaving his bedside.
Many thanks to Gentiva Home Hospice and Summa Barberton Hospital. To Pastor David Haydu, to the many Prayer Warriers at Park United Methodist Church and to our extended family and friends who have prayed and given Junior and I so much support during our time of need.
Junior's corneas have been donated to Lifebanc so that two people will be given the gift of sight.
Per Junior's wishes a private grave side service has taken place at Copley Cemetery, Copley, Ohio.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Janis Henderson, 73 of Akron, passed away on January 18, 2026. She was the only daughter in a family of five children. She grew up in the Barberton area where her parents owned and operated Terrace Gardens ,a long-time staple in Barberton, serving fried chicken. After Terrace Gardens sold, she became a C & C machine operator and retired from Manchester tool machine company after 20 years of service. She raised her two boys by herself and was very proud of both of them. She was a huge dog lover, liked to shop, had lots of friends and was very close to her nieces and nephews.

Janis is preceded by her parents James and Eileen Johnson, her son Jason Roy Henderson and her four brothers James, Gary, Ron and Ken Johnson. She is survived by her son Daniel Isaah Henderson, grandchildren Kamaile Jason Henderson, Maya Henderson, Anna Henderson and Danielle Henderson, great-grandson Lucious Ulysses Henderson and many nieces and nephews.

Her family is planning a Celebration of Life at a later date.