Ellamay (Ellie) Jerman

Ellamay (Ellie) Jerman, born July 9, 1928, 94 years old, and longtime resident of Brown Township and Hilliard, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her own bed and in her own home, as was her desire, during the late evening on Thursday, December 15, 2022. Ellie was born in Columbus, Ohio, was the daughter of Martha (Deardurff) Wright and David Wright of Columbian Avenue in Columbus. She was a 1946 graduate of West High School (in Columbus). Upon graduation, she attended The Ohio State University where she was an outstanding student while studying Political Science. She is survived by her son, David R. Jerman (Perrysburg, Ohio) and cousins Skip (Gloria) Apple, and Roseann, (Dale) and Christian Hicks. On September 24, 1949, Ellie married Harold W. Jerman of rural Brown Township, Hilliard, was married for over 65 years, and lived in their home for the next 73 years. In February of 1952, Ellie gave birth to David, Ellie and Harold’s only child. Ellie was preceded in death by Harold in 2014, her parents, Martha and David, many cherished relatives, her dear friends Gladis and Richard Russell of rural Bellefontaine, Ohio in 2011, many friends and neighbors, and hundreds of pets that she welcomed into her care over the years.

In addition to being the loving and devoted wife of Harold and the loving and devoted mother of David, Ellie welcomed all visitors into her home at any time of the day or night. If a meal was about to be served or was on the table, guests were always invited to join and eat. She was always keenly interested in what was going on in the neighborhood (especially Morris Road) and knew nearly everyone, by name and location, on the road as the population expanded from eight houses in the 1950s to over 70 houses in the 2020s. She found great delight in learning about and celebrating new arrivals (families and births), and tried to follow children throughout their high school years, college/work years, and their own family years. If you knew Ellie, it is very likely that you were considered and loved as a friend.

Ellie was a lifelong learner and avid reader and closely followed current events, community activities, and local, state, and national events/politics. She loved reading newspapers (The Dispatch, The Madison Press, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times), magazines (The Week, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report), several newsletters, and watched the evening local and national news whenever possible. Additionally, she read from her Bible every night right before going to bed. She continued these activities until a few weeks before her death.

Ellie devoted her life to loving and caring for her family. She unconditionally loved and faithfully supported and encouraged Harold as he farmed 1,000 acres of land in central Ohio and started a seed, fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide, lawn installation and maintenance, building, and equipment sales business that became J & W Chemlizer, Inc. in 1978 with the addition of Donald & June Williams (of Hilliard) as business partners along with Ellie and Harold. During the hay and straw baling season, she would often fix a hot supper for all of the workers involved with getting the baling work done. It was not unusual to see her operating the tractor running the baler while Harold worked on the wagon stacking the bales. In 1972, Ellie traveled with Harold to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where they purchased a section of land to farm and as an investment. For the next several years, Harold would travel to South Dakota for several weeks in the spring to plant crops and, then again, for several weeks in the fall to harvest the crops. While he was away, Ellie took care of things in Ohio. Ellie was also active as an officer in the Brown Elementary School PTO (Parent Teacher Organization), was a Census Worker in1960, volunteered with the Cancer Society, helped with David’s Cub Scout Den, was active in helping David in his 4-H Club, was a member of the Young Farmers group, was actively involved in the Hilliard High School Music Boosters, took care of her Mother, Harold’s Mother (Lola Jerman), and other relatives and friends as they declined in health. In November 1951, she joined Eastern Star and was active for many years.

Ellie was David’s encouragement and mentor for life. She unconditionally loved him, listened carefully, and always encouraged him to be honest, hardworking, sincere, and real. No challenge was too great as long as truth, work, sincerity, and reality were present. David’s friends were always welcomed, encouraged to visit, and loved as family.

During her entire life, Ellie had a passionate love of all animals. She cared for and loved hundreds of pets that were part her life as she was growing up and while she lived on Morris Road. Every cat, dog, raccoon, possum, skunk, squirrel, and/or bird that arrived on the farm were cared for and loved. Many small and weak piglets were brought into the house to be cared for until they were able to return to the litter as much stronger litter mates. Each spring and late summer would bring a new bunch of kittens to be cared for and loved. Ellie loved them all and grieved for them when they went missing. She actively supported and advocated for the efforts of international, national, state, and local animal humane protection efforts. She had particular concern for wolves, wild horses, elephants, large wild cats, and, of course, all domesticated animals. For those who are interested in making a donation in her memory, Ellie had explicitly asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to: “Citizens for Humane Action” and that the donations be sent to the Tidd Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich Street, Hilliard, Ohio 43026.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Don Williams, Glenn Elfrink, Torri Warner, Mona Kamara, Elvis Jomia, and the entire Morris Road and Brown Township neighborhood for their care, concern, and love for Ellie. The family would also like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Matthew Cook, Dr. Carly Robbins, Homewell Senior Care, and Summit Hospice for the excellent care they provided for Ellie.

A memorial visitation and service for Ellie will take place on Friday, January 6, 2023 at the TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich Street, Hilliard, Ohio 43026. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with the service starting at 7:00pm.

The service will be conducted by Martin E. Billmeier, Pastor, St. Lucas Lutheran Church, 745 Walbridge Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43609.

Please visit www.tiddfuneralservice.com to share your online condolences with the family.