Lana Vay Fowler
It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Lana Vay Fowler, 80, of Marion. She died peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Marion General Hospital. It was rare to ever see her without a smile, and her face lit up in the presence of children, especially spending time with her first great grandchild. She treated everyone she met as family. Lana was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed by many.
Lana was born December 10, 1941 in Radnor to the late Grant Wesley and Selma Vay (Jividen) Goddard. She was also preceded in death by siblings: Thurman Goddard, Guy Eugene Goddard, Ellen Epps and Maybelle Bredston.
Lana was a homemaker who kept her family together as a military wife, following the love of her life, Paul, across the world. She devoted her life to her three kids, becoming a little league coach, Girl & Cub Scout leader, school aide, and Sunday school teacher. She put the needs of her family and all others above her own. When her sister died, Lana raised her four children as if they were her own. When her mother and, later, her father-in-law got sick, she took care of them at home so they were always surrounded by loved ones.
Lana was a longtime devoted member of the Claibourne United Methodist Church, where she served the church in many capacities over the years. She loved to sew and embroider. Her daughters have wonderful memories of picking out dress patterns and fabrics so she could make their outfits. She loved to bake with her grandkids, teaching them how to make Mickey Mouse pancakes, German Chocolate cake and so many other amazing family recipes. She also loved to garden and make unique crafts.
Lana had worked at a daycare center, provided in-home daycare, worked at the former K-Mart in Marysville as a customer service manager and as a meat wrapper at Warner’s Locker. She loved the outdoors, and growing up as a farm-girl, she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. If she didn’t know how to do something, she taught herself, whether it was building dollhouses for her granddaughters, raising farm animals and ostriches, or rescuing countless stray animals.
Surviving is her husband: Paul Fowler, they were married December 26, 1965 at the Claibourne UMC. Also surviving are their children: David (Carrie) Fowler of Alexandria, VA., Kathy (Marc) Silverstein of Rockville, MD, and Vicky (Kevin) Fowler Endicott of Marion
Grandchildren: Logan Fowler, Spencer and Lexy Silverstein, Courtney (Josh) Edington and Taylor Endicott
Great grandson: Archer Edington
Siblings: Don (Darlene) Goddard of Richwood and Paulette (Doug) Halterman of Centerville
In-laws: Pam Goddard of Pandora, Claudette Goddard of Marysville and David Epps of Columbus
Four nieces and nephews that she helped raise: David (Helen) Epps Jr., Kim (Jimmy) Smith, Tammie (Bill) Levings and Shawn Epps
and their children: Ellen, Justyn, Summer, Hailey, Connor (Madison) and Caleb
Funeral services will be held Friday January 28, 2022 at 7:00 pm at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood, Pastor Joseph Rhea will officiate. Friends may call two hours prior to the service beginning at 5 pm at the funeral home in Richwood.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Claibourne United Methodist Church, c/o Linda Carrel 15957 Harmon Patrick Rd. Richwood, Ohio 43344 and the Alzheimer’s Association at 1379 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home