Ida M. Handrich

Ida M. Handrich, 91, a longtime Dover resident died Tuesday morning, October 25, 2011 in the New Dawn Retirement Community following an extended illness.

Ida was a familiar face in the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections until her retirement in 1982 following fifteen years of service. She had previously worked for four years at Union Hospital where she met her husband, Ray in 1941.

Born April 18, 1920 in Dover, she was the daughter of the late John H. and Harriet (Frost) Dowell. In addition to her husband, Ray who died March 9, 2001, she was preceded by a daughter, Margaret Ellen Handrich and two grandchildren, Erich and Alicia Handrich.

Ida was active in her church and community. She was a member of Bisel United Methodist Church since 1956 and served as Treasurer of church council for many years. She was also a life member of the Dover Ladies of the Moose, Life member of the local VFW Auxiliary, Life member of the Tuscarawas County Democratic Women, active member of the Tuscarawas County Democratic party and member of its Executive Committee. She was also a longtime precinct committeewoman. She was a member of the Tuscarawas Valley AARP #3904 and the national AARP. Ida was a 1939 graduate of Dover High School. She enjoyed family genealogy, reading books and spending countless hours on the dance floor with her husband, Ray.

Ida will be sadly missed by two daughters, Vonnie (Allen) Wertz of Bolivar and Ida "Rockie" Sours of Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania; two sons Will (Marsha) Handrich of Dover and Fred (Jana) Handrich of Albuquerque, New Mexico; eight grandchildren, Yolanda Bohnert, Brian and Ben Wertz, Andrew Sours, Todd, Shawn, and Wil Handrich and Raymond Handrich II; 20 great grandchildren and her sister, Sara "Midge" VanSickle of New Philadelphia and her feline companion, Cuddles.

A funeral service celebrating Ida's life will be held Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 11am in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover with Pastor Roger Warnes officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband, Ray at the Dover Burial Park. A reception will follow in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends will be received on Friday from 4-7pm and Saturday from 10-11am at the funeral home. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Ida may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com
Ida's family would like to thank the New Dawn Retirement Community for the wonderful care given to her. Your kindness is deeply appreciated.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bisel United Methodist Church, c/o Vonnie Wertz, 9622 B, Wilkshire Blvd., Bolivar, Ohio 44612

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