Ola B. McKinniss, age 90, went home to be with the Lord, early July 4, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. Ola passed away at Holzer Hospital in Gallipolis due to unexpected complications from surgery. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Ola was the daughter of Simon “Ross” Waldron and Myrtle Sweeney Waldron. She was born October 15, 1921 in Vinton County, Ohio and was raised in Jackson County, Ohio. Ola married Gerald D. “Fuzzy” McKinniss in August 1939, who preceded her in death in 1989.
Ola and Fuzzy had two daughters, Carolyn S. McKinniss Oliver who survives, and Judy G. McKinniss Meldick, who passed away in 1985. Ola was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, one sister and son-in-law, Evan “Sonny” Oliver who passed away December 15, 2011.
Survivors include her daughter, Carolyn Oliver, seven grandchildren, Richard Oliver, Kelli Mullins, Randy Oliver, Sandie Lewis, Karen Ferrell, Dusty Meldick and Shane Meldick, 11 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren, two nieces and one nephew, all of Ohio.
Ola was a longtime member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Jackson, Ohio. In her earlier years, she worked at Fairmont’s Ice Cream Store where she was among the first to develop and make the now famous “Jackson County Veals.” She retired as a cashier from Kroger’s and in her later years she was a “Volunteer Grandma” at the Child Developmental Center (daycare) where she loved rocking the babies.
One accomplishment that made her very proud, was her success in obtaining her GED later in her life. Ola loved to read, she enjoyed attending the painting class at the Jackson County Senior Citizens Center, and she was an avid seamtress. She loved to make handmade gifts for her family and friends. One of her favorite projects was to make walker aprons with pockets and donate them to local nursing homes.
Everyone who knew Ola enjoyed her lively personality as well as the stories and laughs they shared. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis-Gillum Funeral Home on Harding Ave. in Jackson, Ohio. Calling hours will be Sunday July 8, 2012 from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be held Monday July 9, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Dobie Wyant and the Rev. Michael Jadrnicek. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery in Jackson, Ohio.
Online condolences to www.e-k-lewisfuneral.com