Lillian Alice Gummer

1917 - 2016

Gummer Lillian Alice Gummer. A Mass of Christian Burial for Lillian Alice Gummer, 98, of Newark, will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 4, 2016 with Rev. JCP Sullivan, Parish Priest as celebrant and Rev. Edward L. Keck and Rev. G. Michael Gribble as con-celebrants. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Lillian passed peacefully to her eternal home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 30, 2016. She was born in Newark, Ohio on October 18, 1917, the only child of the late George Emerson and Tecla Teresa (Ruff) Hibler. Lillian graduated from Crestline High School where she earned high honors from the Order of Gregg Artist competition for her secretarial and business skills. Following graduation, Lillian returned to Newark and began working for the W.A. Wallace Insurance Company. She was twice elected President of the Chi Chi Sorority. Lillian played an integral role in the family business that she and her husband Bud started together, the Newark News Agency, now known as Gummer Wholesale, Inc. They worked together for many years while raising their family. Lillian held great pride and love for her family, as they were everything to her. Lillian and her longtime friend Francis Keck, better known to the family as Aunt Francie, enjoyed being known as the #1 fans of all Newark Catholic sports and activities, and were frequently recognized by fellow NC supporters. She also enjoyed playing cards, a passion she inherited from her mother, which she then shared with her sons and grandchildren. For over 60 years, Lillian was active in several card clubs where she made many lasting friendships; one in particular was her devoted friend, Theresa Winters. Lillian, devoted to her Catholic faith, was a lifelong parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. She was also active in the P.I.M.E. Guild, Ladies Auxiliary of Elks Lodge #391, Women of St. Francis, and the St. Francis Widows and Widowers Group. She is survived by her four sons and their wives, George and Paula of Columbus, Ohio, Chuck and Cindy of Dallas, Texas, Rick and Kathleen of Hebron, Ohio, and Mike and Trudie of Newark; her ten grandchildren, Alan (Rachel), Todd (Kathy), Dr. Rich (Sonja) of Columbus, Ohio, Chris (Alisha), Jay (Cameron), Ryan (Michelle) of Dallas, Texas, Chad (Kinder), Megan Holton (Chris) of Newark, Ohio, Kate Gummer Fisher (Jake) of Belleaire, Florida, and Erinn Duffy (Colin) of Thousand Oaks, California; and 24 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Lillian was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Charles McCleery "Bud" Gummer in 1994. Calling hours to celebrate the life of Lillian will be held at the REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, April 3, 2016, with a prayer service held at 7 p.m., followed by shared comments and memories of her life. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Newark Catholic High School Foundation, 1 Green Wave Drive, Newark, OH 43055; the Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio, PO Box 430, Newark, OH 43058; or the Church of the Blessed Sacrament Restoration Fund, 327 E. Main Street, Newark, OH 43055. The family of Lillian wishes to thank the dedicated staff of Sharon Brooke for their care during her stay. To share your memory of Lillian or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.