Anna Jane Pelton

Anna Jane Pelton, 94, of Deshler, Ohio, died Saturday morning, November 28, 2015 at the Ohio State University Hospitals. She was born September 30, 1921, in Gallia County, Ohio, to the late John Luther and Ella (Sherritt) Thompson. On January 8, 1939 she married James F. Pelton, Sr., in Columbia City, Indiana, and he preceded her in death on November 25, 1997. Anna Jane was a graduate of Bloomdale High School. In later years, she and Jim attended Seminary and became pastors. Rev. Anna Jane served a 3-church charge at Wisterman, Keiferville and North Creek churches, at that time in the Defiance District of West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. She and her husband owned and operated the Pelton’s Jewelry Store in Deshler during the late 40s, 50s and early 60s. Anna Jane worked for many years for the local optometrist, Dr. J. Eric Vandermark. She was an active member of Deshler United Methodist Church/New Beginnings United Methodist and was involved with the United Methodist Women, Sunday School and other leadership positions within the church. Anna Jane served as District Deputy in 1980 and other district offices for the Eastern Stars and was Worthy Matron and Secretary for the local Chapter #68. She was a Den Mother with Cub Scouts for many years and was also a Girl Scout Leader. She was an excellent cook and baker and enjoyed experimenting with recipes and had an extensive collection of cookbooks. Her joy was sharing her family favorites of “buckeyes,” peanut brittle and other yummy treats. She enjoyed sewing, crafts and gift wrapping and often demonstrated her skills to local clubs. She was an avid bird watcher and reader of books on a variety of subjects from the Amish to the Patrick O’Brian series on sailing ships during the Napoleonic wars. She is survived by her children, James F. Pelton, Jr., Oxford, Michigan; Hartwell (Janet) Pelton, Flushing, Michigan; Burr (Jane Ann) Pelton, Findlay, Ohio; Mary (James) Pierce, Woodridge, Illinois; Robert (Linda) Pelton, Hicksville, Ohio; 7 grandchildren, Sue Jane Kline, Anna Marie (John) Flannigan, Jennifer (Stephen) Wright, Michael (Lisa) Pelton, Tymm (Amie) Pelton, Laura (Goran) Eftimovski, Jenny (Josh) Gargac; and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Thomas; two sisters, Clara Dorsey and Betty Lonz and brother, John Thompson; daughter-in-law Judy; and infant great-grandson Phineas. For the last eight months, Anna Jane lived at The Meadows of Leipsic, an assisted living facility in Leipsic. She enjoyed renewing friendships, the many activities and meeting new friends. The family would like to thank The Meadows of Leipsic staff for their dedication, care and compassion shown to our Mother. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 5th at New Beginnings United Methodist Church, Deshler with Rev. Ruth Carter-Crist officiating. A luncheon will follow and the graveside services will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Perry Center Cemetery, Fostoria, Ohio. Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. on Friday, December 4th with an Eastern Star Service at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to New Beginnings United Methodist Church. www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Anna Jane Pelton

September 30, 1921 - November 28, 2015