Lillian V. Crawford

Lillian V. Crawford, 100, of Wesley Glen retirement community Columbus, OH died October 20, 2017 at home after a period of failing health. Lillian was born in Sterling, Ill. August 29, 1917, daughter of Reverend William John Voeltz and Frieda Amelia Schade Voeltz. She married Forrest Chester Crawford on May 16, 1937 at Second Avenue Lutheran Church in Sterling. Forrest retired from Northwestern Steel and Wire and pre-deceased her in April, 2009. Lillian was a homemaker and she and Forrest raised two children, Marlanna and Marlin (Jack). They lived in Sterling for many years and had many close friends. They hand built a homestead outside the town when their children were older and raised chickens, sheep and vegetables. Tomatoes were a specialty. After retirement they left the familiar town and friends and sought new adventures moving to Ohio and living in various retirement communities. During these early years of retirement they traveled with friends to Europe and Alaska and wintered in Florida. These trips were a highlight and they shared many travelogues with friends and family. In 1999 they moved to Wesley Glen Continuing Care retirement community in Columbus. Lillian and Forrest were participants in the local Worthington Lutheran church and Wesley Glen activities making many close friends. Lillian was a gifted organist and bell ringer. Music appreciation brought her much pleasure throughout her life. She and Forrest were often in the midst of a spirited table of friends in the Wood dining room. Lillian remained independent and active up until the last few years when she required much more assistance. She accepted the loss of husband, friends and physical independence with grace. She overcame several serious setbacks and worked hard in rehabilitation to return to her assisted living studio apartment on the 6th floor. Wesley Glen staff often stopped by to chat and spend time. She loved bingo and hand chimes. When family visited, she was a competitive Quiddler player, a card game, and more often than not, emerged victorious. She enrolled in hospice care Spring 2016 and blossomed under the care of her team. Elaine, her aide became a much loved helper. The entire team supported her in ways the family, living so far away, could not. She was able to stay connected to family by phone conversations right up until her death. She eagerly awaited a call from her son, Jack and loved hearing his voice and asking for his advice and counsel. In August 2017 her daughter Marlanna, granddaughters Kelly and Kathy, joined her son Jack and wife Nancy to host a 100 year birthday celebration in the 6th floor dining room. Many residents attended for cake, ice-cream and well wishes. Family who could not attend sent video messages and cards which she enjoyed very much. Over the years Facetime and Skype were used to keep Lillian connected to family members unable to travel there in person. She was amazed at this technology. She especially enjoyed watching the videos and short films made by her great grandson, Jacob Crawford. Lillian is survived by daughter Marlanna Bathel and her husband Dale of Brentwood, CA, son Jack Crawford and his wife Nancy of Spofford, NH plus 5 granddaughters, Laura, Kelly and Kathy of CA, Ilene and Jennifer of CT and NH, 7 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Contributions in her honor, in lieu of flowers, may be made to: Hospice Services of Methodist ElderCare 124B Dorchester Sq S, Suite 200 Westerville, OH 43081 Wesley Glen Retirement Community 5155 North High St Columbus, OH 43214

Lillian V. Crawford

August 29, 1917 - October 20, 2017