Evelyn May Fox Weller

Evelyn May Fox Weller, age 93, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, March 31, 2013 in the Park Village Health Care Center at Dover.

Born in Niles, Ohio on May 25, 1919, Evelyn grew up in Dover and graduated from Dover High School in 1937. She was the only child of the late Charles P. Fox and the third daughter of Agnes Henney Swonger Fox.

Always proud to have been the daughter of a blacksmith, Evelyn (affectionately called "Jim" by her father) often traveled with him to work on farms throughout Tuscarawas and neighboring counties. She undoubtedly developed her love of travel and exploration when, after completing a day's work on a remote farm, her "papa" would challenge her to "get us back home, Jim" and she would be in charge of finding their way back to Dover---no matter how many wrong turns or how long it took.

During her high school years, Evelyn was active in the Business and Music Departments at Dover High School, and she often remembered with fondness and respect such icons in Dover education as Mr. L.H. Alexander, Miss Florence Keuerleber and Miss Shirley Hawk. Evelyn made education a priority for her children and she remained involved with Dover Schools when, as a mother she was active in the Dover Parent Teacher Association and Dollars for Scholars.

Following High School, Evelyn began her employment career with the Cummings Diesel Company. She formed life-long friendships working for Tom and Miriam Kane, Sr. and their Bluebird Mining Company and Walter and Margaret Pretorius and the Travelers Insurance Company. She completed her working career with 20 years of employment at the Reeves Banking and Trust Company where she served as a bank auditor and a trust officer.

On January 1, 1942 she and George H. Weller were married by Reverend Robert I. Giering in the Dover First Moravian Church. Following his service in the Army Air Corps., they made their home in Dover and raised two children. Prior to George's death in 1997, they celebrated 55 years of marriage.

A life-long member of the Dover First Moravian Church, Evelyn taught Sunday school, was active in the Francis Reed Circle of the Women's Fellowship, served as the church Treasurer and as a Sacristan. One of her greatest joys was singing in the church's choirs which she did for most of her life.

Evelyn was a voracious reader and a regular patron of the Dover Public Library. She was an active member of the Women's Literary Club, the Dover-New Philadelphia Business and Professional Women's Club and the Dover Lady Lions. Evelyn enjoyed keeping in touch with her high school classmates from the Dover High Class of '37 and worked on most of the reunions their class held over the years. Evelyn also spent many enjoyable hours playing bridge and jass. For over 50 years, she and George belonged to a couples' card club, and well into her 80's, Evelyn continued to play bridge with several of her friends. After her retirement, afternoon lunches and excursions became a favorite pastime for Evelyn.

Evelyn loved to travel and always kept a suitcase of "necessities" ready in case anyone asked her to join them on a trip somewhere. She visited many of the continental United States and Hawaii, and realized a dream-come-true in 1987 when she took an excursion throughout Europe.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband and her two half sister, Hazel Swonger Burson and Margaret Swonger Hickerson Erwin. Evelyn is survived by her son, Peter J. Weller of Redondo Beach, CA; daughter and son in law, Susan J. and Terry L. Corder of Dover; grandsons, Benjamin J. and his wife Deeanna M. Corder of Dover and Seth B. Corder of Coshocton and great grandson, Aiden J. Corder.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 6 at 1:00 pm in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover with Pastor John Wallace officiating. Interment will be in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Friends can call at the funeral home two hours prior to the service on Saturday. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Evelyn may do so by visiting the on line obituaries and flowers link on the funeral homes website.

Memorial contributions may be made in Evelyn's memory to the First Moravian Church at 319 N. Walnut St., Dover, Ohio 44622 or to Community Hospice at 716 Commercial Ave., SE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.