Verna Jean Oehlenschlager, age 102, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 5, 2026. She was born on July 12, 1923, to James and Sadie (Jackett) Beers, and grew up in Conneaut, Ohio, where she met the love of her life, Charles Russell “Russ” Oehlenschlager. They were married on April 19, 1947, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in family, faith, and a shared love of golf.

A graduate of Conneaut High School and Bliss Business College, during World War II,  Verna supported the national effort by distributing ration books and working as a bookkeeper for the Astatic in Conneaut. After the war, she embraced her role as a homemaker, creating a nurturing, faith-centered home where music, laughter, and love were ever present.

A gifted musician with a clear soprano voice, Verna was deeply involved in her church community. She spent more than 75 years singing in the Chancel Choir, directing various youth and children’s choirs, and was involved with several women’s groups at Wooster United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Wayne County Chorale Union and the MacDowell Club (now the Wooster Music Club).

Verna was active in community organizations as she belonged to the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War and was a 50-year member of Eastern Star. She served as Secretary of the Wooster Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, for 22 years, after previously serving as Worthy Matron in 1965 alongside Russ as Worthy Patron. She also shared her musical talents as organist for the West Salem and Ashland chapters.

Beyond music and service, Verna loved staying active. She bowled for over 30 years in numerous women’s leagues at Wayne Lanes and cherished time spent on the golf course in leagues at The College of Wooster and Hawk’s Nest. She was also a loyal and enthusiastic fan of the Cleveland (Indians) Guardians, The College of Wooster Fighting Scots, and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Verna was the devoted mother of Janet (Ralph) Mohr of Plain City, OH and Diane (Dr. Kevin) Gannon of Perrysburg, OH. She is survived by her grandchildren Karl (Vianey) Mohr, Dr. Katie (Michael) Heckel, Kelly Mohr, Doug (Linda) Gannon, and Dr. Jeff (Dr. Gretchen Stieg) Gannon; and by her great-grandchildren Brandon and Makenzie Heckel; Katya, Natasha, and Hermione Mohr; Theodore and Aria Gannon; and Connor and Caleb Gannon. She was preceded in death by her husband Russ, her parents, her sisters Louise Rositer Lilly and Audrey Beers, and her brothers Maurice and Jack Beers.

Verna will be remembered for her bright smile, her deep faith, her love of music, and her many contributions to Wooster’s musical community.

The family would like to offer special thanks to LifeCare Hospice of Wooster and the staff at Brookdale. They also want to express their deepest gratitude to all her wonderful neighbors on Windsor Avenue and her extended church family. Without their support, she would not have been able to continue to enjoy the home she created, nurture her flower gardens, and share laughs around a fire or conversations on the porch for the last 75 years!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Wooster United Methodist Church, 243 N. Market St., Wooster with Pastor David Rittgers and Pastor David Wilcox officiating.  The family will greet friends following the service.  Inurnment will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 10:45 AM at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Seville.

McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Wooster United Methodist Church online at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z429/campaign/C-125TS or the Downtown (Wooster) Beautification Fund, https://wccfoh.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1184.

Visit McIntire, Bradman & Sleek to view the full obituary and make online condolences https://www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com/.