Lucy Jane (Wheeler) Bates

Lucy Jane Wheeler Bates, age 87, of Sarahsville, OH passed away unexpectedly Monday, October 11, 2021 at Southeastern Med in Cambridge, OH. She was born February 24, 1934 in Noble County, OH a daughter of the late Wilbur and Grace Drake Wheeler.

She was a graduate of Sarahsville High School, Wittenberg University, and a member of their Delta Zeta Sorority. She spent her life educating the youth and assisting anyone she could in her community. She was a retired teacher having taught at the Shenandoah Schools for many years. Following retirement, she went on to serve as a substitute teacher at Caldwell Schools and was employed at GMN Tri-County, helping many to secure jobs. She served for many years on the Noble Local School Board and was currently a board member for the Mid-East Career and Technology Centers. She was honored as Person of the Year by the Daily Jeffersonian. She was a member of the Noble Local Retired Teachers, a Captain of the Shenandoah Athletic Boosters, and the Sarahsville Alumni Committee.

Lucy Jane will always be remembered for her devotion to her faith having been a lifetime member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Pleasant City and President of its Ladies Aid Society. She was a dedicated grandmother and could be found at her grandchildren’s activities including sports, school, and 4-H. In her later years, she enjoyed spending her free time working crossword puzzles, talking to her many friends on the telephone, and watching her birds.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a daughter Kathy Leigh (Marc) Thomas; grandson Keith Evan Presnell; great-granddaughter Samantha Ann Thomas; brothers Raymond Kyle (Maxine) Wheeler and Ladd (Marie) Wheeler; sister Olive Swetz.

Those left to cherish her memory are 2 daughters Kristy Presnell of Pleasant City, OH and Konny (Robert) Pickenpaugh of Caldwell; grandchildren Jerad (Robbie) Thomas, Kurt (Jessi) Thomas, Karly Thomas, Kirstyn Pickenpaugh, Josey Pickenpaugh, and Maggie Presnell; great-grandchildren Mack, Kayla, Emmy, Lindy, and Sophie. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, friends, and many students whose lives she impacted.

The family will receive friends for visitation Saturday, October 16, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Chandler Funeral Home, 609 West Street, Caldwell, OH 43724. A funeral service will be observed Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 1:00 PM in Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Old Infirmary Road, Pleasant City, OH, with Pastor Ken Hacker officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Zion Lutheran Cemetery. For the safety of all masks are requested for attendance to all services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Mt. Zion Ladies Aid Society c/o Debbie Kackley, 55300 Shriver Road, Pleasant City, OH 43772. Please join us in remembering Lucy Jane by visiting her memorial at www.ChandlerFuneralHome.net

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