Gwendolyn Verla Kellermann, passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Primrose Retirement Community at the age of 99, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Gwen was born in Barron, Wisconsin on September 17, 1917, one of three daughters of the late Hugh “Zude” and Ruby (Timblin) Jones.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, WI, with a degree in education, Gwen married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Kellermann, a WW II Navy Pilot, on March 23, 1943. They were happily married for sixty-four years and lovingly raised two daughters: Judith and Mary. Bob preceded her in death on May 6, 2007.
While Bob attended school, Gwen was a home economics teacher in Barron, Wisconsin, and later in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Then, as Bob rose in the Central Soya Company, Gwen cared for Bob and family as a loving homemaker. They moved to Belmond, IA, Villa Park, IL, Bellevue, OH, and lastly to Marion, Ohio, which became their permanent home in 1968.
A woman of faith, Gwen was a longstanding and active member of Epworth United Methodist Church. There she was a member of the Evelyn Kendall circle, chaired the worship committee and was active on the homebound committee. Gwendolyn was a founding member of the Marion Area Arthritis Foundation and served on the board of the Community Nursery School at the former Greenwood St. Methodist Church. She was a member of the University Women and the Home Economics Club in Marion, and the Order of the Eastern Star in Bellevue, OH.
A great cook, Gwen took pride in everything that came from her kitchen. She loved trying new recipes, rarely making the same meal twice for her family. She believed in the food pyramid before it was popular, making sure her family had well-balanced meals. Many of the ingredients often came from Bob’s garden.
Adventurers, Bob and Gwen traveled all throughout the United States, camping in National and State Parks. For their travels, they would pack their tent and a cooler in their car, “roughing it” by most standards. They also were members of a sailing club in Marion, piloting a homemade Mirror dinghy at regional regattas.
Having a lifelong love for music, Gwen was an excellent pianist, who accompanied music programs at college and at many of the churches she and Bob attended.
Gwen will be remembered for her warm smile and outgoing personality.
Left to cherish her memory are two daughters: Judith (David) McNeal of Seattle, WA, Mary (Curtis) Galloway of Cardington, and; five grandchildren: Jennifer (William) Corning, Jonathan (Heidi McDowell) McNeal, Kara (Arthur) Matthies, Erica (Dean) Gardner, and Benjamin (Bobbi) Galloway; seven great-grandchildren: Robert and Andrew Corning, Maya Austin, Noah and Ruby Gardner, and Samuel and Joseph Galloway; a younger sister, Verla (Richard) Radtke; and several nieces and nephews.
Gwen was preceded in death by her husband and parents, and youngest sister, Donna Mae Jones.
Her family will greet friends from 5 – 7 p.m. on Friday, November 18, at the Snyder Funeral Homes, DENZER Chapel, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring her life will be observed at a later date at the Epworth United Methodist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, 249 E. Center St., Marion, OH 43302, or Heartland Hospice, 685 Delaware Ave., Marion, OH 43302.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to have been chosen to serve Gwen’s family. Your favorite memories and condolences may be shared with them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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