Eleanor Axiotes

Eleanor Axiotes, 92, of Chautauqua—a small community near Carlisle, OH—passed away on March 26, 2024. She was born on October 14, 1931, and grew up in Franklin, Ohio, a hometown she’d continue to talk about fondly well into her tenth decade.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Owen and Virginia Phillips; Steve, her devoted husband of 61 years; and her sister Susan.

Eleanor is survived by her loving daughter Cynthia Axiotes Toscano, her son-in-law Vinny, her grandson Pasquale, her sister and brother-in-law Pam and Wade Goins, her beloved nieces and nephews—Marti Lynn (Mike) Haney, Bob Moyes, Greg Cox (Meaghan), Ginny Papst (Levi), Amy Hawkins (Chris)—and six great-nieces and -nephews, as well as her stalwart neighbors Sherri and Herb Swiger.

Eleanor was a loyal Reds fan and longtime season ticketholder who brought the family together over many a ballgame. There were always plenty of hot dogs to eat as long as you didn’t talk during the World Series.

She was also a dedicated public schoolteacher for thirty-two years, shaping the lives of nearly 1,000 students, many of whom went on to become educators themselves. Affectionately known as An and Gammy, she loved playing cards with friends and family, reading and talking about literature with members of her two book clubs, listening to the Kettering Banjo Society—of which her husband was a member—and hosting festive holiday picnics.

A viewing will be held on Friday, April 5, from 10-12, followed by a service, both at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Springboro. For those unable to attend, a livestream option will be available. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Franklin Public Library in Eleanor’s honor.