Mavis B. VanSickle

Mavis B. VanSickle, age 88, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday, July 15, 2008, in New Dawn Health Care Center at Dover following a brief illness.The daughter of the late William and Emelia (Thone) Tufford, Mavis was born on October 2, 1919, in Erie, PA. She was a 1937 graduate of Newcomerstown High School and soon married her high school sweetheart, Robert VanSickle.Together, Mavis and Robert reared four daughters and in 1947 the family relocated to New Philadelphia.Aside from her daily duties around the house, Mavis spent a number of years as a teletypist for the former Daily Times and then retired from The Times Reporter in 1985.Since 1956, Mavis has owned and operated Bobbie’s Ceramics and throughout the years has enjoyed numerous other crafts that include knitting, counted cross-stitch and crocheting.Mavis also spent a number of years as an active member of many area bowling teams and was inducted into the Dover-New Philadelphia Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Additionally, she loved to shop and especially enjoyed her outing when it ended with a good meal.At home, she was known for her excellent baked goods such as pies and cookies and was always willing to share with anyone who stopped by for a visit.The one time a visit may not have been so welcomed was during a televised Cleveland Indians game. Mavis adored the Indians, and up until her last days she followed them faithfully.Mavis will be sadly missed by her family that include four daughters, Serena Thurin of New Philadelphia, Merrie (Paul) Wardell of Strasburg, Linda (William) Kemmett and Bobbie (Michael) Kemmett both of Lakewood; four grandchildren, Michael (Vickie) Wardell, Bryan (Kristin) Kemmett, Hollie (Darrell) Looney, and Robert Kemmett.Seven great-grandchildren, Tyler, Nicole, Kiersten, Hannah, Kashley, Georgia Grace, and Greer as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.Also surviving are two beloved cats, Domino and Dexter.In addition to her parents, Mavis is preceded in death by her husband, Robert who passed in 1997; two brothers, William and Harold Tufford; a grandson, Stephen Wardell; and a son-in-law, Joe Thurin.The family will receive friends on Friday, July 18, 2008, from 2 â?? 4 and 6 â?? 8 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service will be led by Pastor Stephen L. Patrick in the funeral home’s Chapel on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 10:30 AM with burial will follow in the Ridgecrest Memory Gardens at Dover.Those unable to attend are invited to share personal condolences with the family by signing the online guest registry located on the funeral home’s website.Memorial contributions in memory of Mavis may be sent to the charity of the donor’s choice.