Erma “Jackie” I. Labus

Erma I. “Jackie” Labus, age 81 of Hennis Care Center, Dover and formerly of New Philadelphia passed away Saturday, September 26, 2015 in Union Hospital at Dover following a period of declining health.

A daughter of the late John and Wilma (Edie) Burson, Jackie was born November 18, 1933 at Bolivar, Ohio.

Jackie was an individual with a heart of gold. Always putting others before herself, she gave much of her own time visiting and befriending nursing home residents throughout the area and rarely stopped for a visit without bringing their favorite treat. She led a simple and humble life and her selflessness and giving earned her the Red Cross American Hero Award.

She was a lover of the local parades and festivals throughout Tuscarawas County and enjoyed attending activities at Tuscora Park. She also found great joy in playing cards and held a special memory of a trip taken with her sisters to California to visit family.

Jackie will be deeply missed by her children, Patty McVay of La Mesa, CA and John (Mary) Wright II of New Philadelphia; granddaughter, Brooke (Matthew) Couch of Clarksville, IN; great-granddaughter, Lily Couch; sister, Sally (Jim) Stickley of El Cajon, CA; special niece, Cindy Fisher of Dover and numerous other nieces and nephews, who complete the family.

In addition to her parents, Jackie was preceded in death by her first husband, John H Wright, Sr.; second husband, Ralph E. Labus, Sr.; a four year old son, Chuckie W. Wright; and siblings, Kathleen Edie, Dixie Incarnato, and Robert P. Burson.

Cremation care has been arranged by Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory and inurnment will take place in the Dover Burial Park. A memorial service celebrating Jackie’s life will be held at a later date in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia.