Sandra McConnell

Sandra McConnell, age 74, of New Philadelphia, passed away late Thursday afternoon, January 10, 2013, in Union Hospital following an extended illness.

Born October 13, 1938, at Wainwright, she was a daughter of the late Henry “Babe” and Josephine Gervasi Kohler, and her late step-mother, Ella Mae Kohler.

A 1956 graduate of Tuscarawas-Warwick High School, Sandy, as she was known to her family and friends, went on to work in a variety of the former downtown New Philadelphia mainstays, including LaFountaine’s Variety Store, Webber’s IGA, Daniels Dress Shop, and Michaels Restaurant, among others.

Sandy will be remembered by her family as one who enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and playing games – from Bingo to the tables and slots at Mountaineer, she enjoyed having fun with her family and friends. Sandy took extra time and attention to make the holidays special, her Christmas morning breakfast spreads were legendary among her family.

Survivors include her son Bob (companion, Sally Vance) of Dover, and her daughter Mary Jo (husband, Steve) Ramsey of Tampa, Florida.

She’ll be sadly missed by six grandchildren; Alex (husband, Nate) Geers of New Philadelphia, Lindsay (husband, Nathan) Jackson of Uhrichsville, Molly McConnell-Harper of Dover, Stephanie (companion Brandon Coppin-Wilson) Meek, Seth Meek, and Caitlin Meek, all of Dennison. Six-great-grandchildren; Taylor, Hunter, Matthew, and Ryan Jackson, and Grace and Zachary Harper also survive. A niece and nephew complete the family. Sandy was anticipating the birth of her seventh great-grandchild, Lydia, this coming May.
In addition to her parents, Sandy is preceded in death by her husband, James R. McConnell, who passed away December 17, 2010, and her sister, Cindy Williams.

Friends are invited to call Sunday, January 13, from 1-4PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia.

The Rev. Hugh B. Berry will officiate Sandy’s funeral service Monday morning at 10:30 in the funeral home’s chapel. Cremation will follow, and her urn will be interred in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens at Dover at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Muskingum Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1451 4th Street NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or to the National Kidney Foundation of Ohio, 2800 Corporate Exchange Drive, Columbus OH 43231.