Laurie Omness

LAURIE OMNESS

LIMA — Laurie Omness, age 65, passed away peacefully at 3:00 A.M. on November 12, 2014 at St. Rita's Medical Center. Laurie was born May 23, 1949 in Lansing, Michigan, to H. Bruce and Frances M. (Fuller) Omness who survive her and who also reside in Lima.

Laurie graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Journalism from the University of Michigan in 1971. She was offered a grant to attend Harvard Law School but chose to answer her calling in journalism. She went on to contribute her skills to WLIO radio and television from 1971 to 2005 where she began as a reporter, became an anchor, news producer and news director. Laurie moved to WCMH, Columbus in 2006 and worked until 2014. She was assignment editor there.

She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church, was active in the League of Women Voters, belonged to two book clubs, was an amateur artist whose work was on display recently at Wassenberg Art Center in Van Wert, and she was a master gardener through the Allen County Extension agency. She loved to travel most especially to northwest Michigan, her family's ancestral home.

In addition to her parents, Laurie is survived by her sister Sue Omness of Searsport, Maine, brother, Paul Omness of Marion, Ohio and two nieces, Caitlin Omness of Sunbury, Ohio and Maria Omness of Delaware, Ohio. She had many, many friendships and professional relationships. Laurie lived a rich and fulfilling life. She will be remembered for her great strength, warm heart and brilliant mind.

Friends may call on Monday, November 17, 5 - 7 P.M. at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services Shawnee Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy of Michigan at: my.nature.org/gift-planning/index.htm?intc=nature.tnay.membershiplist.