Lona Marie Kemmerling

Lona Marie Powers Kemmerling, age 80, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2019, following a long battle with cancer. Lona was born on December 10, 1938, in Columbus, Ohio and was the daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Alex Powers. Lona graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1956. She and her husband, Bill, spent several years in Anchorage, Alaska, while he served in the military. Upon their return, they made their home in Grandview. Lona began her career with Nationwide Insurance Company as a Manager in Information Systems for 37 years until she retired in 1999. During her career; Lona was touched when past CEO of Nationwide presented her with the 100th SOAR (Service Over and Above Requirements) award. Lona was a dedicated successful AVON representative for 40 plus years.

Outside of work, Lona always found time to serve others and inspired everyone who knew her and served others in their time of need. She was a tireless volunteer and volunteered for decades for the American Red Cross, Home for the Holidays, Homeless Families Foundation, Mid-Ohio Food Bank, Operation Feed and TWIG (Together with Important Goals). She especially enjoyed being involved in the Muirfield Memorial Golf tournament for many years, was an active member of First Community Church, working with both The Trading Post and leading her Guild. Her hobbies included swimming, golfing, and Ohio State Football. Lona was blessed to have a close and loving family. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her long-time friends.

Lona was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Kemmerling, her mother-in-law Mrs. Alice Schumacher, her long-time love Jim Lafollette, and grandson Corey Kemmerling. She is survived by three beloved sons: Clifford Alex Kemmerling (Anna); Rodney Allen Kemmerling (Theresa); and William Scott Kemmerling (Cindy); grandson Jacob Kemmerling and granddaughter Sarah Pearson (Brad); great grandchildren: Autumn Kemmerling, Benjamin Pearson, and Hadley Pearson; sisters Linda Kay Ellis (Dennis) and Lizabeth Smith (Rick) all of Chapel Hill, NC; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life reception will take place at First Community Church (In Brownlee Hall) on Friday, September 27th from 4:30 - 6:30. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to a charity of your choice in Lona's name. A celebration of her life will also be on Saturday, October 19, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Wyman Woods shelter house, 1515 Goodale Blvd, Grandview Heights, OH 43212