Lee Ellen Kreinbihl

Mrs. Lee Ellen Kreinbihl (79), daughter of Lillian Elizabeth Wilson Billings and Charles Edgar Billings, passed away in the ICU at Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio, on July 24, 2025. She was born in Toledo, Ohio, on June 10, 1946.

Lee graduated from Ohio State University High School and was a member of the Ohio Wesleyan University Class of 1968. On August 9, 1969, the headline in The Times Reporter read “Teachers Wed!”—beginning her 55 years of marriage to Dean. Many remember the beautiful young educator who began a distinguished 26-year career teaching higher-level math courses. She taught Geometry, Algebra II, Senior Math, and even developed the curriculum and wrote the textbook for Probability and Statistics.

Mrs. Kreinbihl was known not only for her mastery of mathematics but also for her extraordinary kindness and patience. She welcomed every student who asked for help, taking the time to listen, explain, and encourage. Her gentle guidance and caring spirit made her a truly beloved teacher and mentor in the community.

She reorganized the method of selecting cheering squads, introducing an objective process utilizing college cheerleaders as judges. She scored New Philadelphia track meets for 25 years, volunteered for the Agency on Aging as an Ombudsman, and served on the SEA board for four years during its restructuring.

After her marriage, Lee made Tuscarawas County her home, residing in New Philadelphia for all 55 years. She was a dedicated member of the Tuscarawas County Democratic Women, serving as Corresponding Secretary, Vice President, and President during her tenure. Never losing her passion for education, she served on selection committees for both the Lady Dems and the Eastern District Track Officials Scholarship Committees. When she was unable to continue teaching, she volunteered in the school office for an additional three years.

Throughout her life, Lee faced challenges with remarkable courage and determination. For the last 45 years, she lived with hereditary spastic paraplegia—a rare neurological condition. While she never wished to be defined by her illness, her resilience in the face of adversity was a powerful example to all who knew her. Lee never complained or allowed setbacks to limit her; instead, each obstacle inspired her to find new ways to move forward, always staying engaged and making a difference.

Her strong, positive spirit shone as an inspiration to the community long after her illness took her mobility. A wooden block engraved with the words “Don’t Quit” was visible in her classroom and later over her kitchen stove—a motto that became her guiding principle through every stage of life. Lee’s strength, love, and perseverance left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Dean; her two sons, Keith of Normal, Illinois, and Kristofer (Natasha) of New Philadelphia; and her five grandsons: Drew, Beckett, Konnor, Greyson, and Wyatt.

Lee earned her heavenly wings through her inner strength, never quitting in her battle with illness until the Lord came and took her home.

The family will greet guests on Friday, August 1, 2025 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A Memorial Service in Lee’s honor will begin at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please listen to Barbra Streisand as you travel with your family, or consider making a donation to The Quaker Foundation, 124 N. Broadway St., New Philadelphia, OH 44663 where a scholarship is being established in her memory.