Leatrice J. Tremba

Leatrice J. "Lee" Tremba, age 86, peacefully slipped into Jesus’ glorious presence on January 13, 2024 after letting each of her family members know how deeply she loved them.  She lived at Park Village Assisted Living Center the past 4 years and let every employee know how much she loved and appreciated them as well.  She was ready to be with the Lord whenever He called her home, and the legacy she leaves behind will touch many people forever.

Born on March 18, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, Leatrice was the daughter of Harvey and Agnes Eiben. From an early age, she had a deep passion for education and was always eager to learn more academically to help others.  After graduating from James Ford Rhodes High School, Lee went to Ohio University and earned her Bachelor's degree in Education.  She continued her studies at Kent State University and earned her Master's degree of Education.  Her lifelong passion was to foster learning and help special needs students in particular be victorious in the classroom.  Her 30-year career as a dedicated and beloved schoolteacher spanned several decades.

She taught several years in Cleveland Public Schools before staying home to raise her 2 children.  While at home, Lee tutored dozens of challenged students one-on-one at her kitchen table.  Several parents updated her years later how well their children were flourishing academically.  After moving to Dover in 1982, she began substituting and tutoring in local school districts before teaching full time in the Tusky Valley School District for the rest of her career.  During the same time, she also taught Adult Basic Education and GED Programs in the evening at Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia for several years.  The curricula and teaching guides she wrote throughout her career helped countless students excel academically.  She retired from teaching in 2007, but her passion carried on as she always envisioned new ways to help those who struggled to learn.

Lee’s zest for life touched many outside the classroom as well. She was an active member of Dover Bible Church where she enjoyed serving and meeting people’s needs.  For years she sang in the church choir and taught Sunday School, VBS, and Awana.  She wanted everyone to know God’s love and one of her favorite mottos was KTLF—Keep the Lord first.  She sang in the Tuscarawas Philharmonic and loved being part of their special concerts.  She was an avid reader and writer and wrote a book that captured and chronicled the interesting past of New Cumberland, Ohio.  She delighted in culinary pursuits and created and sold a cookbook that benefited the New Cumberland Community Center, a place near and dear to her heart.  Lee loved to travel and transformed strangers into friends everywhere she went.  She freely gave her address and phone number to these new friends in hopes they would come visit and enjoy the Dover - Sugarcreek area.  She went on several overseas mission trips to share God’s love and needed supplies with others.  She was an exceptional gardener and shared her harvest every summer and fall.  She enjoyed having people over for home-cooked meals as often as possible.  

Lee’s greatest love, other than for the Lord, was for her family.  She was her children’s and grandchildren’s most enthusiastic cheerleader and admirer.  Time spent together with them, listening to and sharing in their lives, brought her immense joy.  She was a proud wife to her late husband, Michael H. Tremba, who passed away on February 21, 2005.  In addition to husband Mike and her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Eiben, and her sister, Beverly Robertson.  Her loss is felt deepest by her daughter, Marilynda/Mair (Michael) Milteer of Pennsylvania; her son, Michael (Michelle) Tremba of Florida; two grandsons, Joseph Milteer and Joshua (Amanda) Milteer; granddaughter, Piper Tremba; and cherished friends Mavis Campbell and Barb Scott.

Friends are invited to gather at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 3-7 pm.  A funeral service will take place Saturday at Dover Bible Church with Pastor Mark Britton officiating at 11 am.  Burial will follow next to husband Mike at Dover Burial Park.  A funeral reception will be held at the church.  To sign an online guestbook for Lee, visit the obituary link on the funeral home's website.  

Her wishes are that instead of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Dover Bible Church, 4173 Minard Rd, Dover, OH 44622.