Janet H. Harding

Janet M. Harris Harding, age 95, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2008 at New Dawn Retirement Community in Dover where she resided the past five years.

Born June 1, 1912 in Madison Heights, Virginia, Janet was the fifth of eight children born to the late George Thornhill Harris, M.D. and Genevieve B. Willis Harris.

She graduated from Farmville (Virginia) State Teachers College (now called Longwood College) in 1933 where she majored in Latin and mathematics. She taught for several years in three Virginia communities, including one-room and two-room schoolhouses where she was teacher, principal, janitor, and cook.

Janet and Lowry Waring Harding were married June 16, 1938. They moved to Columbus, OH in 1940 where Larry was on The Ohio State University faculty for 35 years.

Jan was active with the OSU Women's Club and was University newcomers advisor for several years. As a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, she served in a number of work areas and enjoyed the fellowship of Women's Circles, Sunday School and other activities.

In her 50-year membership in PEO, she served six terms as president and helped foster education for women. She was a life volunteer at Riverside Methodist Hospital and a regular volunteer at Columbus State Hospital.

Jan and Larry traveled extensively to all 50 states and six continents. They were active in three ballroom dance groups and two square dance groups. Jan was an avid bridge player. She delighted in beach vacations and board and card games with her family.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lowry Waring Harding, Ph.D., two sisters Mary Gordon Harris, Genevieve Harris Hoskins and four brothers, George T. Harris, Jr., H. Herbert Harris, Malcolm H. Harris, and Garnett G. Harris.

She is survived by a son, William W. (Monica) Harding of New Philadelphia, OH and a daughter, Ann H. (Peter) Grant of Glenview, Illinois. Also surviving is a brother Edgar T. Harris of Lynchburg, Va.

She will be sadly missed by her four grandchildren Elizabeth (Edward) Kiser, Emily Harding, Robert Grant, John Grant, and great grandson, William Kiser. She was the beloved aunt to 15 nieces and nephews.

Jan had a most wonderful attitude about life; always positive, thoughtful, and interested in others. She was a Southern lady who touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

At her request, her body has been gifted to The Ohio State University College of Medicine for educating future physicians.

A memorial service celebrating Janet's life will be held Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 10:30am in the Trinity United Methodist Church, 1581 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43212

Those who may wish to express a fond memory of Janet may sign the online register book by visiting the "obituaries" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to PEO Chapter N c/o Sue Norris, 2140 Wingate Drive, Delaware, Ohio 43015

Toland-Herzig
330 343-6132