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Jodene S Chitwood
Jodene Chitwood Obituary
Born in Bucyrus Ohio on September, 23 rd 1953 to the late Willard Kirgis and Alta (Ross) Kirgis. The only sister to three brothers, she was raised on the family farm on Orr Rd. Growing up Jodene and her family were very active in the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Chatfield, Ohio. She was also active in the Lykens 4-H club having went to the state fair with her projects. She enjoyed sewing, horseback riding and drawing. Throughout the years, Jodene was a collector of Longaberger baskets. Her most recent joy in retirement was watching her two grandchildren grow.
Graduating from Wynford High School in 1971, she went on to attend The Ohio State University, graduating in 1976 with a teaching degree in Physical Education. A Buckeye for life, she never missed watching an Ohio State football game or the Cleveland Indians play baseball.
Her career spanned working as a bank teller at The Farmers State Bank in New Washington and Chatfield, substitute teaching for Wynford Schools, sales with WQEL/WBCO radio in Bucyrus, and for WMFD-TV in Mansfield, and finally retiring from Mansfield City Schools as a physical education teacher.
Jodene is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Keith Kirgis. She is survived by her son, Kurt Fankhauser of Bucyrus, daughter Jenae (Josh) Craig of Ashland, two grandchildren, Evelyn Alta and Harrison Charles, two brothers, Douglas (Karen) Kirgis of Layton, Utah and Brad (Debbie) Kirgis of Bloomville along with her special grand dog "Cookie."
A celebration of life event will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jodene Chitwood
11 Entries
Kelli Patterson-Tussey
November 21, 2025
Prayers to the family for peace during this most difficult time. I have known the Family my entire life and they are wonderful people with beautiful hearts and smiles. Thank you, Jorden for taking me to my first OSU football game. You are a beautiful soul and you will be greatly missed! Give Keith a big hug!
Judy Moffett
November 21, 2025
I only came to know Jodene in the last few weeks of her life, but in that short time I knew she was a special lady. We shared love of the Buckeyes. May God be with all those who mourn.
Gloria (Lust)Studer
November 20, 2025
My prayers and sympathy goes out to Kurt, Jenae's family and the Kirgis families.
Jolene and I were 2nd cousins and best friends forever. Our families visited back and forth all the time. I have many precious memories of going to school together, riding ponies, swimming lessons, marching band, and printing the High School newspaper. The sleep overs and slumber parties were always great! We did everything together and had lots of great times!
It's been a long 3 year battle with cancer for Jodene and I was glad I could be there with her.
She is with the Lord now .
Jodene,I'll miss you always!!!
Love ya
Gloria
Lowell Cooper
November 20, 2025
I graduated with Jodene. She always was friendly and cheerful with a smile ready to share. Prayers of peace and comfort for the family
Debbie Miller
November 20, 2025
I grew up just down the road from her. She was always full of smiles. There´s a lady I looked up to.
My deepest sympathies
Ed Eppley
November 20, 2025
I can´t think of a time when being around Jodene or even thinking about her didn´t produce a smile. She loved life. What a gift she leaves us with these memories.
Dot Turner
November 19, 2025
So sorry to here about Jodean´s she was a great person.Praying for your family
Donald Diosi
November 19, 2025
Jodene and I have been friends since we worked together at the Bucyrus radio station. She was an honest hard working lady and she always made me laugh. I will surely miss her. R.I.P. my friend.
Lynn Elston
November 19, 2025
Jodene was a long time friend and we enjoyed horses and beautiful scenery. She enjoyed coming over and helping me with my new born miniature schnauzer puppies . I will miss her every day as we talked almost daily . I feel alone without her . May God Bless her family of all her special wonderful memories . I Love You All
PAUL ZIMMERMAN
November 19, 2025
To the family my sincere sympathy to you in the passing of Jodene. I knew her as a co worker and a friend. She was always pleasant and is now no longer having to battle with cancer. She is at peace.
Sue Wise
November 19, 2025
My condolences to Jodene´s family. We were friends growing up as members of Nazareth Lutheran Church and had good times together. She is free of pain and resting with Jesus. Hold on to the good memories. You will be with her again!
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