Janet E. (Reece) Daum, age 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 7th, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Union County on February 24th, 1933 to the late O. Merle and Fern (Ullmer) Reece. She was also preceded in death by her step-mother Dorothy H. Reece.
She was a Harding cheerleader, Vice President of the Harding High School class of 1951 and helped organize most of their class reunions. She was elected as the Job’s Daughters Queen in 1950 and was also one of the first women to be named Mrs. Marion. Janet married her high school sweetheart, the late Merle Daum on May 16th, 1953.
She first worked for Ohio Bell as a draftsman, GTE and then took time off to raise her family. She and her lifelong friend, Carolyn Messenger, operated the former Now & Then Shop for many years, which was located behind the Marion Palace Theatre. Janet was also a retired hairdresser, working in both Marion and Florida throughout the years.
Janet was very creative, an excellent cook, an accomplished seamstress, was active with Marion County Board of Elections, and a former member of Artisans’ Guild who also taught chair caning classes and caned chairs for many in the Marion area. She also enjoyed a good game of euchre and loved watching Ohio State sports and the Cleveland Indians.
A lifelong member of Epworth United Methodist Church, Janet sang in the Chancel Choir for over 50 years and was active with the Marion Senior Center Seniors in Song.
Survived by Daniel Daum, Karen (Bryan) McCleary and Lora (Buddy) Reynolds and their children, Ryan (Sarah) Daum, Amber Daum (Jenn Shaw), Kevin (Jennifer) McCleary, Brandon Zeller (fiancée, Ashley Klaco), and Michelle McCleary. Great-Grandchildren Reece and Raleigh Daum, and Mason McCleary. Janet is also survived by her brother Robert Reece of New Jersey, numerous nieces and nephews and a son-in-law, Bruce Zeller.
The family is grateful to The Kingston Residence Memory Care Unit, Signature Healthcare Services, The Marion Senior Services Levy Daycare, Dr Davis, Dr. Gardner, Dr. Bains and to Acclaim Hospice employees for special loving support provided at the end of Janet’s journey.
Family will greet friends on Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 from 5PM to 7PM at Denzer, Farrison, Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home and a service will immediately follow at 7PM with Rev. David Lippert officiating. Burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in care of the funeral home to the Kingston Memory Care Unit, the Music/Choir fund of Epworth United Methodist Church or to Acclaim Hospice.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Janet’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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