Jean E. Herron

Jean Ella Herron, age 66, of New Philadelphia died peacefully Friday, February 22, 2008 in Union Hospital at Dover. Fourteen months ago, Jean was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and until Friday, battled the disease in a way that inspired her family, friends, and medical caregivers. Born at Martins Ferry, Ohio, November 25, 1941, Jean was a daughter of the late L. Ellis and Beatrice Nacci Drake. Active in our community, Jean is widely known for her exceptional organizational skills. She began her career at the former Ackerman-Hatcher Realty in the late 1980’s and has been a realtor for the past twenty years, including twelve years as general sales manager for McInturf Realty. Jean was active in the Tuscarawas County Board of Realtors, and is a past president of the organization. In 1997, Jean was honored as the Tuscarawas County Realtor of the Year. Jean was also active in civic affairs, and was twice elected to the New Philadelphia Board of Education, where she served as President in 1983. Jean was also appointed the representative from New Philadelphia to serve on the board of education of what is now the Buckeye Career Center, and served as that board’s vice-president. Mrs. Herron also found time to serve on the board of directors of the Tuscarawas County Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Tuscarawas County. In 2007 Jean was awarded the Spirit Award from the New Philadelphia Quaker Foundation. Despite her busy schedule, Jean remained a loving mother and grandmother. She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren, whether on trips to Tuscora Park, Wood’s Tall-Timber Lake, or in the magnificent gardens she tended to that surrounded her home. She leaves behind a family that includes her longtime companion, Paul “Bud” Schoelles, of New Philadelphia; four sons, Kelly (Mickey) Herron, Jan (Crystal) Herron of New Philadelphia, Charles (Rachel) Herron of Dover, and Jamie (Melissa) Herron of New Philadelphia; grandchildren Jeri, Ciara, Samantha, Taylor, Miranda, Mitchell, Madison, Anthony, Ally, Miley, and an anticipated grandchild due in May.Completing her family are six brothers and sisters; Bob Nacci (Diana DeVore) of Dover, Gloria Kaufman of California, Joyce (John) Vaughan of Florida, Jane Ely of Lorain, Ohio, Danny (Jackie) Drake of Oberlin, Ohio and Pegi (Doug) Hughes of Georgia.In addition to her parents, Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald “Jerry” Herron who passed on November 19, 1984. Friends are invited to call Monday, February 25, 2008 from 1-4 & 6-9PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A Christian Wake will be held at 8:30PM on Monday evening. Father Ed Keck will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 10:30AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia. Burial, alongside her husband, will follow in New Philadelphia’s historic Fair Street Cemetery. Following the committal service, family and friends will gather for a reception in the Lodge located at Wood’s Tall-Timber Lake.Jean was a devoted supporter of New Philadelphia, especially its young people. Accordingly, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio, 224 Fair Avenue NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, The Quaker Foundation, PO BOX 627, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622, in gratitude for their exemplary care.