Audrey June (Jewel) Lantz, age 93, passed away peacefully November 26, 2021, surrounded by family love. She was born on June 30, 1928 to the late Nelson and Margaret (Schalon) Jewel. In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her daughter, Christy Lantz Uslin, and husband of 64 years, James (Pete) Lantz.
She is survived by son John and his wife Kimi, who grew to become a daughter to her, grandsons Michael, Nathan, and James, wife Mika, and their daughter Larkyn, who brought a special sparkle to her eyes. She is also survived by special nephews John and Bill Moore and their caring, giving families who meant so much to her, several great-granddaughters, and several cousins.
Audrey moved to Greenville (fortunately!) in high school, where she met James. They later married and started a family. She worked several years at Gerschuh’s Restaurant, helping to make their famous pies, a talent her family and friends appreciated at holiday time! After that, she worked as a secretary at the Greenville Junior High School. Even years after she had retired, former students would approach her and remember her kindness. She was literally the last of the “Old Guard” of a close-knit group of friends dating back to high school. Her life served to be an example of what true friends meant. A true matriarch, she always gave selflessly to her family. She loved being a wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma.
Gardening was also a passion, and many times she brought friends’ and family’s plants “back from the brink”. Her greatest joys were in the simple things, spending time with friends and family. She lived alone right up to the end, displaying independence and strong determination. She was a woman of faith, a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for many decades. She was a voracious reader, and because of this, in lieu of flowers, wanted any donations to be made to the Greenville Public Library, 520 Sycamore St., Greenville, Ohio 45331, where the staff loved and cared for her.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday December 11, 2021 in the Greenville Cemetery (Old Section) Greenville, Ohio with Pastor Alan Knoke officiating. Audrey entrusted Zechar Bailey Funeral Home to handle her final arrangements.
Online condolences and memories can be shared by visiting www.zecharbailey.com