June M. Hempfield, 89, of Mansfield, Ohio passed away peacefully on Friday, March 10, 2023, reuniting with her beloved husband and son whom she had missed dearly since their passing. She was born in Sturgeon, Pennsylvania on November 10, 1933 to the late James S. Steele Jr. and Rose A. (Smith) Steele.
June was a 1951 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School. She graduated in 1955 from Ohio University majoring with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. She worked as a substitute teacher for 13 years at Mansfield City Schools and later worked for Reed’s Department Store in the children’s department as well. A woman of faith, she was a member of Southside Christian Church and Christian Women’s Fellowship. She served as an elder of the church, taught Sunday school and wrote the church newsletter for 14 years. She enjoyed singing in the church choir for over 51 years, especially singing with her husband in the quartet that travelled to various churches and nursing homes. June was also a member of the AAUW, American Association of University Women.
June was a kind-hearted, generous and loving person. She was always willing to give her time and be there for those in need. She cherished the many moments of laughter and time spent with family and friends, especially playing board games with her children and grandchildren. June loved to read and travel, especially to Northern Michigan, New York, Canada and Wisconsin. Her sweet spirit, kind words and radiant smile will be missed by those who loved her.
She is survived by her three daughters, Lori S. Hempfield, Karen L. (Celia Fritz) Klamert and Kathy A. (Mark) Reynolds; seven grandchildren, Tonya Frost, Tiffany (Kyle) Allison, Jamie Hempfield, Jen (Josh) McConnell, Seth (Chelsea) Miller, Nick Reynolds and Brook Reynolds; nine great-grandchildren, Rylee Frost, Ryder Frost, Emily Allison, Weston Hempfield, Bennett McConnell, Bodhi McConnell, Gabriel Rowsell, Audrey Gaines and Valora Miller; brother, James (Maggie) Steele; brother and sister-in-law, Dennis (Miriam) Hempfield and Richard Hempfield; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Robert “Bob” Hempfield, whom she married on September 10, 1955; son, David Hempfield; sister, Dorothy (Milton) Jones; in-laws, Thomas (Mildred) Hempfield; and sister-in-law, Karyle Hempfield.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 Lexington-Springmill Rd. S., Ontario, Ohio 44906. A service will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023 beginning at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Paul Lintern officiating. She will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park.
