Jean Pritchard

Pritchard Jean Spitznaugle Jean completed her earthly journey October 17, 2009 to rest safely in the everlasting arms of our Lord. Elma Jean was born in 1916 in Toledo, Ohio, to Ida Mae and David Arnold Spitznaugle. During the flu epidemic of 1916, she was sent to live with relatives in Ottoville, OH. In 1933 Jean graduated from DeVilbiss High School, and later from Ohio State University with a dual degree in education and nursing. Jean served as the school nurse in Geneseo, Illinois, where she met Harlow Bryan Pritchard, whom she married in Toledo in 1943. Jean traveled by train to join her husband at naval air stations from Texas to New York. After the war, Jean and Harlow settled in Toledo. Jean was an instructor in a practical nurse program, then taught health at Libby High School, where she strove to manifest faith, love, perseverance and patience in working with young people. She found deep meaning as a long-term member of Epworth United Methodist Church, and enjoyed Lakeside, the Chatauqua on Lake Erie. Jean was devoted to her family, took pleasure in playing the piano especially Methodist hymns, liked playing cards, created clothes for her kids, and knitted in her few spare moments. In retirement, Jean enjoyed travel, passing winters in Arizona, but always identified with Toledo as her home. A woman of character, Jean will be missed by family and friends. She leaves three sons, David of New York City, Martin of Toledo, James of Ames, Iowa, and daughter Jean of Arlington, Virginia; their spouses Elba, Monica, Diane, and Jorge; eight grandchildren; and her brother, David Richard Spitznaugle Shirley; and numerous nieces and nephews, especially Sharon Spitznaugle. The family expresses gratitude to the caring staff of Sunset House, Toledo Hospital, and Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Friends may visit the family on Monday from 2:00-9:00 PM at Walker Funeral Home 5155 Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Epworth United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation, 236 Walnut Avenue Lakeside, OH 43440. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com