Jean Reifenschneider

Jean Reifenschneider, 80, of Dover went home to be with Jesus Christ, the one she walked very closely with while on this earth, on Saturday afternoon, October 17, 2009. She passed in Aultman Hospital after a fierce battle with Wegeners Granulomatosis.

Jean was born July 21, 1929, the daughter of the late George and Blanche Myers Roth and was also preceded in death by her brothers, Paul and Neal Roth.

She attended Kent State University and graduated from Muskingum College with a bachelor's degree in Education. She taught most of her career in the Claymont City School system, retiring as Head Teacher at the Rush building after having taught 30 years.

Jean was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dover; she was active in the United Methodist Women's Group and was currently serving as president of the Ruth Circle. In 1986, Jean organized a group of friends named, "The Lunch Bunch", which still meets once a month and was also a long term member of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. Jean was a very loving person, genuinely caring for all the women in these groups. In her spare time, Jean was a dedicated flower gardener, loving all kinds of outdoor chores.

On August 6, 1949 she married Earl Reifenschneider, who survives, and together they enjoyed over 60 years of togetherness. Also surviving are a son, Mike (wife, Karen) Reifenschneider of New Philadelphia; daughter, Kay (husband, Tom) LaPorte of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren, Michael Reifenschneider of New Philadelphia, Elizabeth (husband, Ben) Thompson of Gaston, SC and Claire LaPorte of Columbus, OH; great grandson, Jack Thompson of Gaston, SC; brothers, Phil (wife, Nancy) Roth of Gnadenhutten, Ray Roth of Marblehead, OH and sister in law, Thyra Roth of New Philadelphia; along with many nieces and nephews. She will also be sadly missed by her special friend, aunt Nell Perry.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes and Crematory at Dover with Rev. Bruce McLaughlin officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park. Friends can call in the funeral home on Wednesday from 6-8 pm. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Jean may do so by visiting the on line obituaries link on the funeral homes website.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church at 1725 N. Wooster Ave. Dover, Ohio 44622 or to Hospice of Tuscarawas County at 201 W. 3rd St. Dover.

Toland-Herzig
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com