Lynne Diane Lonier (Wolf/Wilkie), 75 years young, passed into eternal life on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, surrounded by her loving family at Kobacker House.   Once her courageous battle with cancer began in December 2012, her life forever changed.   What never wavered was her faith in God, her strong will to live, the love and prayers of family and friends, and her contagious smile and positive attitude.

Lynne was born on Friday, August 28, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Burton and Irene Wolf.   The oldest of three children, her brothers - Craig and Scott - live in Georgia and California respectively.   Married for 35 years, Lynne and Jack Lonier raised Lynne's four children -  Lisa, Susan, John and Heidi, in Wadsworth, Ohio.  

Even as a young girl, Lynne possessed a musical talent that allowed her to serve the Lord and make new friends.   She was always a woman of faith and at the core of her servant's heart was a love for handbell choirs and the piano.

Lynne and Jack attended Wadsworth High School, graduated one year apart from each other, and met for the first time nearly 20 years after graduating. They married on July 31, 1982 and made a home in Wadsworth, where Lynne was an active member of the Wadsworth United Methodist Church.   Generous church benefactors - the Ladrachs -- purchased three octaves of brass handbells to start a choir with the request that Lynne direct it.   That's where her passion as a ding-a-ling was formed.

Years later, she and Jack moved to Westerville, Ohio, for his career, a place that reminded them of Wadsworth.   They called Westerville home for more than 25 years.   She was a member of Church of the Messiah United Methodist Church where she actively played and directed handbell choirs. She started her professional career as a court reporter and then worked for many years as a legal secretary with Roetzel and Andress and most recently with Thompson Hine. 

Lynne was adored by her husband and children, as well as many other family members and friends.   Those who will miss her daily presence include: her husband, Jack (John Philip) Lonier; daughter, Lisa Wolfe and grandchildren, Alyssa and William; daughter, Susan Roberts and husband, Ben; son, John Wilkie and girlfriend , Lynda Lavanty; daughter, Heidi Wilkie and boyfriend, John Miller; step-daughter, Debbie Llamas and grandchildren, Melissa and Shayne; step-son, James Lonier and wife, Jennifer, grandsons, Philip and Alex; brother, Craig Wolf and wife, Betsy, niece, Raissa Holmes and nephew, Ryan Wolf; brother, Scott Wolf; special cousin, Karen Rambeaux; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Michael and Elaine Lonier; and many other family members and friends.

There will be visitation for friends and family on Friday, July 20, from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Hill Funeral Home, 220 S State St, Westerville, OH 43081.   In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations can be made to the Lynne Lonier Handbell Music Fund at Church of the Messiah.   The funeral will be presided over by Rev. Sharon Beattie at Church of the Messiah United Methodist Church, 51 N State St, Westerville, OH 43081 on Saturday, July 21, at 11 a.m. with interment on Monday, July 23, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, OH 44273.

A luncheon reception for all family and any friends will be held in the Church of the Messiah McVay fellowship hall immediately following the funeral service.

Published in Akron Beacon Journal on July 19, 2018