The Ohio Department of Aging inducted eight Ohioans into the 2026 Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame during a Sept. 23 ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse. This year’s honorees are Nancy Bucci of Columbus; Padma Chebrolu of Lebanon; William T. McKarns of Hanoverton, honored posthumously; Ralph H. Smith of Niles; Nancy Stranahan of Hillsboro; former Gov. Bob Taft and former first lady Hope Taft of Spring Valley; and Merris A. Welge of Ontario.
Established in 1977, the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame recognizes Ohioans age 60 and older for significant contributions to their communities, professions and vocations. The 2026 class brings the total number of inductees to 532. Additional information about the honorees, including biographies and ceremony videos, is available through the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.
Read the original announcement from the Ohio Department of Aging.