Elizabeth “Libby” Reynolds

Elizabeth S. Wilson Reynolds, age 70, of New Philadelphia who was known throughout her life as Libby, passed away Friday, August 18, 2017 while in Community Hospice’s Truman House after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Libby was born July 1, 1947, in Union Hospital at Dover a daughter of the late Fred Wilson and Kate Kaiser Wilson.

She was a 1965 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. On June 26, 1967 at Manteo, North Carolina, she married the love of her life, John D. Reynolds. They settled in Uhrichsville, Ohio, and raised their two sons, Nic and Tim Reynolds. Libby was a longtime secretary of the Uhrichsville Little League and was a proud supporter of her sons’ many activities throughout the Twin Cities.

In her late thirties, Libby returned to college and became a Registered Nurse. It was her calling. She especially loved being a Psychiatric Nurse at Timken-Mercy Hospital and at Cornerstone Support Services. While working full time, she also cared for her husband who suffered through Multiple Sclerosis, struggled with her first bout of cancer, and put their sons through college; a feat of strength, resilience, and determination that those who knew her are still in awe of today.

She enjoyed spending her well-deserved retirement years between The Villages in Florida and Ohio. She and her sister, Katie, became known as the Widows Wilson and spent time traveling around the US, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, and especially enjoyed hosting friends and family in Florida. Wherever the Widows Wilson were gathered, there was sure to be laughter and fun abounding.

She was especially proud of her first son, John Erich, with whom she was reunited during her later years; an incredible moment in the lives of her family. She developed a strong relationship with John, his husband Sanford Fox; John’s adoptive mother, Fran and enjoyed visits with all of them in Oregon.

Libby was beloved by her family and friends. She had a feisty personality and was never afraid to speak her mind. She was fiercely loyal, courageous, and lived life to the fullest. Not one second was ever wasted as she was always game for the next adventure. Her smiling face and contagious laughter will echo in the hearts of her family forever.

She is survived by three sons, John (Sandy) Erich of Portland, Oregon, Nic (Martha) Reynolds of Dennison,  and Tim (Casey) Reynolds of Prospect, Kentucky; two sisters, Katie France of Dover and Helen (John) Schaar of New Philadelphia; three brothers, Rick (Kathy) Wilson of Barnesville, Ohio, George (Judy) Wilson, and Carl (Jackie) Draher all of New Philadelphia.

Completing her family are her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy, Garrett, Alyssa, and Savannah Reynolds Bryant, John and Jillian Reynolds, and Jessica, Keith, Shawn and Zach Carter, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Reynolds, who died on November 21, 2005.

The family will greet guests on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 from 4-7 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where Pastor Brian Flood will lead a memorial service at 7 PM.

Instead of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Libby’s memory to be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.