Janet A Priest

Janet A. Priest

  Grover Hill - Janet A. Priest, 76, of Grover Hill passed away from cancer Saturday, July 28, 2018 at Mercy Health St. Rita's, Lima with her family nearby.  She was born October 12, 1941 in Toledo to the late Peter E. and Anna C. (Bowers) Renn.  On August 5, 1972, she married Donald E. Priest who survives in Grover Hill.

   Janet is also survived by her children: Jason "Jake" (Kay Jones ) Priest, Steven D. (Alicia Sterling) Gilbert, Jr., Jonathon D. (Angel Kline) Gilbert and Marie Reyes;  eleven grandchildren: Austin, Aydan, Abigail, Aaron, Isabel, Wyatt, Madison, Ryley, Ryan, Aubrea and Alexis; a brother: Peter M. Renn of Lima and a sister: Jodi (Michael) Marshall of Smyrna, Delaware; close family friends: Nancy Sheath and Mary Lucas.  She is preceded in death by her grandparents, parents,  two brothers: Timothy J. Renn and Wayne E. Renn and a sister-in-law: Roberta (Wireman) Renn.

   Janet graduated from Lima Sr. High School in 1959. She received certificates and awards from several colleges. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor's degree in Science and Master's degree in education. She taught school for 47 years beginning with Leipsic St. Mary's Catholic School, Lima City Schools, Miller City-New Cleveland, Toledo St. Clement, and retiring from Wayne Trace Local Schools. She was especially proud of her Martha Holden Jennings award, Grover Hill teacher of the year award, America's Who's Who of American Teachers award, and being inducted into the Wayne Trace Staff Hall of Fame in 2017. Once a Raider, Always a Raider! She also took pride in serving her community. She was a member of the Grover Hill Park Board, Grover Hill Fire Dept (EMT), Paulding County Mental Health Board, Paulding County Foster Parents Program, and was a Girl Scout leader. She was also active in many children's programs with her churches. She enjoyed reading, ceramics, and playing cards, especially with her Tuesday Gals.

   Requiem services will be held Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Paulding, with Fr. John Stites officiating. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday at HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, in Oakwood where a rosary service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Burial will follow in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill.

    Memorial donations may be made to the Grover Hill Fire Department or Grover Hill Elementary School Library.