Eldiva Pearl Hawkins

Eldiva Pearl “Bay” Hawkins, age 91, of Midvale, died Thursday, November 13, 2014 in her residence following a period of declining health.

A daughter of the late Thomas and Hazel (Albert) Herbert, Bay was born at Uhrichsville, Ohio on January 29, 1923.

She was a graduate of the former Midvale High School and soon after, entered the United States Navy, where she served stateside as a Communications Specialist. Following her honorable discharge, Bay was soon reunited with her high school sweetheart, Urban Hawkins, who during the war was stationed overseas as a member of the United States Navy. The couple married on August 1, 1945 and shared nearly 50 years of marriage prior to Urban’s passing on May 4, 1995.

For over five decades, Bay worked from her home as a licensed beautician. She was a member of the Midvale United Methodist Church and active with the ladies candy making group. Bay also enjoyed the fellowship of those in the Midvale Club, the Midvale VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and up until two years ago attended the Tuscarawas County YMCA daily as a member of the “Twinges Class.” When not socializing with friends and family, she could be found watching her favorite sports teams, The Cleveland Indians and The Ohio State Buckeyes.

She is survived by her four children, Bill Buehrer (Colleen Gillen)of Frederick, Maryland, Thomas (Sherry) Hawkins of New Philadelphia, Pamela (Thomas) Patton of Strasburg, and Jeff (fiancé, Tricia Jones) of Gnadenhutten; her daughter-in-law, Bonnie Buehrer of Toledo, and a sister-in-law, Gerry Freetage of Dover, Ohio. Completing the family are 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bay was preceded in death by an infant sister, a sister, Neidra Naber and two brothers, Alvin and Charles Herbert.

The family will greet guests on Sunday, November 16, 2014 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A service celebrating Bay’s life will be led by Pastor Lyle Warren on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 10:30 AM. Burial, with military honors given by the Tuscarawas VFW, will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park. Following services, all are invited to share in a meal and fellowship in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the New Philadelphia funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Bay’s name may be directed to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.