Josephine “Jo” Ann Shilling

Josephine “Jo” Ann Shilling, 76, of Dover, went home with Jesus, to her Father’s house on Thursday, January 29, 2015. Born March 19, 1938 in Dennison, Ohio, she was the daughter of and preceded in death by her father, “Eddie” Jones and her mother, Mary (Richards) of Dennison, Ohio. She was also preceded in death by her brother “JR” Jones (Betty) of New Philadelphia, Ohio.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Shilling of Dover, Ohio; their son, Tad Shilling (Kim) of Dublin, Ohio and granddaughters, Katherine and Elizabeth Shilling. Their daughter, Cindy Shilling (Frank Carpinelli) of Canton, Ohio and granddaughters, Lauren (Richard Kirtley) and Lacey Zerner. Son-in-Law, Dale Zerner. Brother, Dave (Kathleen) Jones of Dennison, Ohio and sister, Sarah “Peggy” (Donn) Foutz of Dover, Ohio as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A resident of Dover since 1961, Jo graduated from Dennison High School in 1956. She was Rose Queen and Homecoming Queen and enjoyed Prosperity Grange. Her banking career started at Dennison Bank, then on to First Federal and Bank One in Dover. She completed her professional career at Manpower as office manager.

Jo enjoyed years of decorating for Reeve’s Museum, Andreas Furniture, The Winery and for many private and professional occasions. She enjoyed making yellow and pink bows for the square in Dover to remember our troops and for cancer awareness.

Jo was a 52 years member of Dover First United Methodist Church. Her love for the Lord was exampled by teaching Sunday School, having craft sessions, being on the Altar Committee and handing out prayer patches and prayer shawls. One of her most diligent devotions was taking names of more than 350 family members and friends in to the Prayer Room daily. Those that knew her well titled her as a “Prayer Warrior”. Most recently her great joy came by handing out wooden hearts and stars with written personal messages. She said, “My legs don’t work, so I need to depend on the help of many others, and my arms aren’t strong, but I hug all of you that I love by sharing these treasures and keepsakes.

She was the first area woman Rotarian. Jo loved and enjoyed the company of all her professional friends. She and Larry initiated, Lolly-The-Trolly, as historical transportation in the Tuscarawas County area.

In keeping with Jo’s wishes, cremation will take place through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory at Dover. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 11 a.m. in the Dover First United Methodist Church, N. Wooster Ave, Dover, OH, with Rev. Dave Kowaleski officiating.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Jo by visiting the funeral home website, www.geibcares.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Jo to the Rainbow Connection, 119 Third Street NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.