Friday, May 1st, 2015
Lillian Holtzapple
Lillian Martha Holtzapple, 93, of St. Marys, OH died 8:55 p.m. Wednesday April 29, 2015 at Otterbein Retirement Community in St. Marys, OH.
She was born November 7, 1921 in New Knoxville, OH to Ed and Anna (Katterheinrich) Nuesmeyer. On November 16, 1941 at the Reformed Church in New Knoxville, OH she married John H. Holtzapple, who died July 1, 2005.
Survivors include: daughter Mary (David) Dunlap of New Bremen, OH, son John T. (Mary) Holtzapple of St. Marys, OH, daughter Jane (Tom) Klosterman of Tipp City, OH, 8 grandchildren: Rachelle (John) Kirby, Lexa (Tony) Holdren, John E. (Jennifer) Holtzapple, Jeff (Shelly) Holtzapple, James (Janelle) Holtzapple, Jeremy (Brenda) Holtzapple, Andrea Klosterman, Jessica Klosterman, 13 great-grandchildren, loving niece Annely Skapura of New Knoxville, OH, nephew Bob Ed (Marsha) Wierwille of New Knoxville, OH.
Preceded in death by: parents Ed and Anna Nuesmeyer, husband John H. Holtzapple, sister Mary (Rueben) Wierwille.
She was a 1938 graduate of New Knoxville High School, where she played on the girls' basketball team.
Lillian was a homemaker and farm wife. In earlier years, she worked at G.C. Murphy Co. in downtown St. Marys, while her husband was overseas during World War II. During that same time period, she volunteered to serve food to the troop trains that traveled through Wapakoneta, OH. Later, she managed the Bi-Rite Store in St. Marys and worked as a nurses' aide at JTDM Hospital.
Following retirement, she and her husband started a company called "J & L Crafts" which featured handmade quilts and oak wood items at craft shows throughout the region.
A member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ and its Women's Guild, she also taught Sunday School for many years. She was also a member and past worthy matron of Hawthorne Chapter # 119 Order of Eastern Stars.
Lillian and John spent countless hours in Bible studies, even completing the Bethel Series Bible over a period of three years. They also enjoyed traveling. Together, they traveled extensively throughout America, spending a week in each state and enjoying the sights.
In her lifetime, she made numerous hand-stitched quilts, which have become treasured heirlooms.
Faith, family and hard work were the cornerstones of Lillian's life. Those who loved her are left with many fond memories of time spent together.
Rites are scheduled to begin 10:30 a.m. Tuesday May 5, 2015 at Miller Funeral Home 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 703 West Chapel) in St. Marys, with the Rev. Dr. Ed Bray, officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, near St. Marys.
Visitation 4 – 7 p.m. Monday and 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home on Ohio 703 West.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Parkinson's Foundation.
Online condolences may be expressed via: www. millerfuneralhomes.net.
