Lima

DONNA JEAN ENGSTROM, 79, died at 12:31 a.m. Oct. 2, 2004, at Lima Memorial Hospital.

She was born in Lima to Ora Russell and Mildred Coil Detrick on Aug. 12, 1925, who preceded her in death.  She married Hugh E. Engstrom on Nov. 21, 1953, in the Elm Street Church of the Brethren. Hugh died Jan. 17, 1998.

Survivors include sister, Betty Kesler; brother, Russell Dale (Carolyn) Detrick; sister-in-law, Ruth Detrick, widow of Jean's brother Roger who died in 1998; nieces and nephews, Brad, Charlotte and Zachary Detrick, Jane (Shawn) Stevens, Terry Kesler, Becky, Lucas and Isaiah Wolfert; and a great-niece, Brianna Wolfert.

A graduate of Lima South High School in the Class of 1943, Jean first worked at the Lima Tank Depot, then for several doctors' offices.  She was a Realtor for 25 years and was treasurer of Central Savings Association.  She had been president of the Lima City Council of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority; past president of the Lima Visiting Nurses Association, Men's Garden Club of Lima and the Lima Garden Club.

She was actively involved in the Shawnee United Methodist Church, serving as president of the Women's Society and Pastor-Parish Committee.  She has been a member of the board of directors of the Allen County Museum, a museum docent, a Master Gardener, member of the advisory board of the Allen County Master Gardeners Children's Garden and on the advisory board of the Apollo Career Center's Horticulture/Design.  She was recipient of the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award in 1997 for volunteerism in the community.

She loved her family, good friends, Taffy the Pekinese Princess, her home, gardening, junky jewelry, writing, genealogy, Glenn Miller music and her antiques.

Most recently, Jean was a member of the Westside United Methodist Church, Friends of the Library, the Torch Club, Homestead Society, and the Wednesday night supper club.

At the time of her death she was on staff of the Allen County Historical Society as Program/Events Coordinator, Founder of the Victorian Guild volunteers at the MacDonell House, the Administrative Secretary of the Lima Area Concert Band and garden columnist for The Lima News where her goal was to "make hearts smile."

And now, mourn not, from a good, fulfilling life she's stepping through the garden gate into the next adventure.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Chiles & Sons-Laman Funeral Homes, Shawnee Chapel.  The Rev. Richard Steigleder will officiate. Burial will be in Shawnee Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hugh Engstrom Memorial Scholarship, 1036 Graham Place, Lima, OH 45805 or the Lima Area Concert Band Scholarship, P.O. Box 732, Lima, OH 45802.