Veneta was born March 18, 1917 on her sister Lucille’s third birthday outside of Crooksville Ohio. She attended both Ohio University and Ohio State University. She began her teaching career during the 1930’s in a two room school in Saltillo, Ohio and later, Corning Ohio. She came to Lancaster in 1944 and spent most of her teaching years at North School. Many of her North School students have stayed in touch over the years and they were a source of great pride and joy for her – notably Jack Burnside and Pearleene Reffitt.
Mom loved to travel and to meet people, but she truly loved Ohio history and living in Lancaster. Whenever she met someone, the first thing she wanted to know was where you were from – just in case she had visited that part of the state or country. Her curiosity, like her creativity was limitless. She was also a longtime member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the First United Methodist Church and the OSU club.
Veneta was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Thropp, parents, George and Edith Wilson, sisters, Lucille Allen and Dorothy Willis and best friends Hannah Thrash, Barbara Reed, and Dorothy Ent.
She is survived by sons, Randall Thropp of Los Angeles CA , Gary Thropp of Houston Texas, sister Ruth VanWinkle of Arlington Texas, nephew Craig VanWinkle, of Arlington TX and extended family member, Julie Beery of Lancaster.
We would also like to acknowledge our longtime caregivers, Tammy Lama, Pam Chadwick, Ruth Garven, Jean Workman and Hazel Jude. The past few years were made easier by their love and devotion.
Finally, we want to thank the staff of the Pickering House and the level of care she received there. The experience and the staff were exceptional and greatly appreciated.
There are so many memories connected to this wonderful woman, it’s hard to pinpoint just one. She used to love to take a Sunday drive in the country and then suddenly turn down a road she had never traveled –“just to see where it led”. In essence, she is on another Sunday drive just waiting to see where the road leads.
Funeral services will be held on Monday May 14th, 2018 at 11AM at the HALTEMAN-FETT & DYER FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Cheryl Foulk officiating. Burial is to follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2:30PM-5:30PM at the funeral home.
She loved flowers, but she would deeply appreciate any donations to the Pickering House in her name to honor the incredible service they provide to the community.
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Pickering House282 Sells Rd., Lancaster, Ohio 43130
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