Lydia Caldwell

DELAWARE — Lydia Caldwell, of Delaware left this world December 31, 2025.

It all began September 26, 1937, on 6th Street in Jacksonville, Ohio in the same house that her father was born in, a little girl was born to Maxine Jago (Cochenour) and John Johnston. The only record of her birth was her Grandma Johnston writing her name and birthdate in the Family Bible.

Born Lydia May Johnston, she was raised and loved by her Grandmother Della Johnston and had treasured memories of her childhood days spent in Jacksonville and Aimesville, Ohio. She was very proud of her Jago heritage and always looked forward to "Going Home" in September for the family reunions.

She was a 1953 Graduate of Central High School, which is now COSI. She worked at Ranco in the 70's during the day and waitressed at Angel's at night to support her family. After raising her children, she worked many years in the Deli at Kroger on Sandusky Street and after retiring from there, she went on to work in the Deli at Buehlers until retiring again.

She was a Golden Eagle Member of the F.O.E. 376. A Member since the early 1970's, she enjoyed going to the Steak Dinners, watching the "State Game" there, the Picnics, taking her children, grandchildren and then great-grandchildren to the Halloween, Christmas and Easter Parties. She developed many friendships there and enjoyed seeing all the great people she had known for so many years.

She had a love for animals, domesticated and wild, she enjoyed Old Church Hymns, Classic Country music, Old Movies, Cooking, Reading, College Football and Cookouts with her Family.

She was a curious cook that loved to experiment with her cooking, the stranger the recipe with the oddest ingredients, the better and she never measured anything.

She was a hard worker and devoted Mother that raised four Children on her own. Her life was hard, but she remained strong, ethical and loyal, giving credit to being and often saying "I'm half Jago."

She is survived by her son, Jeff Merle of Delaware, Daughters Lauri (Terry) Williams of Ashley and Patricia Curtis of Delaware. Grandchildren Katie and Jason Yarhouse, Michelle (Andrew) Mason, Kimberly Schultz and Owen Black, Great-grandchildren Kaydien, Everest, Karson and Jamison. Brother Jeff (Marty) Johnston, Sisters Vicky (Phil) Raper and Karen (Lisa) Taylor. Also survived by her loyal companion, Killer.

She is preceded in death by her Parents, her Step-Father Stanley Cochenour, Husband Ermal "Charles" Caldwell, Daughter Kathy Merle and sisters Patricia Johnston and Brenda Johnston.

A Special Thank you to Dr. Matthew Fuerst for providing the best care and support over the years.

Services will be held at Snyder Funeral Home, 101 Valleyside Dr., Delaware. Calling hours are noon to 2 p.m. with Service at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Ashley Union Cemetery, Ashley, Ohio.

Please consider making donations in Lydia's name to Homeless to Homes in Marion or the Delaware County Humane Society.

Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

The Snyder Funeral Center is assisting the family with arrangements.