Jill Harding

Jill A. Harding, age 72, of New Philadelphia, died Sunday, February 4, 2018 while in the care of Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia following a period of declining health. She will be remembered as a compassionate, humorous, and giving individual; her struggle to leave this world was because of her deep love for her family and friends.

Born in Union Hospital at Dover on January 28, 1946, Jill was a daughter of the late Jack and June (Welsch) Graham. She was a 1964 graduate of Dover High School and became an X-Ray Technician at Union Hospital.

At an early age, Jill had a passion for the game of tennis and won the area’s 1977 Singles Tennis Championship. In 1979, Jill was named Dover’s Young Woman of the Year. Following an injury, Jill traded in her racquet for a set of irons and drivers. She became passionate about the game of golf and enjoyed playing at Union Country Club and during annual trips with her girlfriends.

Jill and her husband, Dave, purchased the former Bassetti’s Restaurant in 1994 and opened The Pro’s Table Restaurant and Lounge at New Philadelphia. While the cuisine was Dave’s area of expertise, Jill operated the front of the house and made it her goal to ensure each guest was greeted with a warm hello and that their dining experience was excellent in all ways. The restaurant was her life and she cherished the many friendships made, not only with the patrons of the restaurant, but with the staff she served alongside.

Together, Jill and Dave enjoyed taking trips to Colorado Springs and Las Vegas, and enjoyed their home in Utah. Not only did Jill find compassion for humans, but had a very big heart for animals. She loved her pets deeply and cared for them as if they were her own children.

She leaves behind her siblings, Jackie (Eric) Day and Bob (Connie Rennicker) Graham; her nieces and nephew, Jill (Quinn) Conner, Traci (Troy) Wilkinson, Courtney (Matt) Judkins, John Graham, Lauren (Brian) Powell, Alyse (Gabe) Filippi and Katie Graham; her great-nieces and nephews, Cory and Kyle Abel, Alexis and Luke Wilkinson, Mattie and Jack Judkins, Carsen Graham, and Giuliana and Grayson Filippi; her step-children, Denise, David and Michael; step-grandchildren, Brandi, Blake, Natasha, Zaine, and Ethan; her friend, Jack Shores and many life-long friends.

In addition to her parents, Jill was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, David L. Harding.

A celebration of Jill’s life will be held during an open reception on Friday, February 9, 2018 from 4-7 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. McCombs, the staff of Union Hospital and the tremendous staff of Community Hospice for their care, compassion and love.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, 1432 Tall Timber Rd. NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.