Marion M. LaVriha

     Marion M. (nee Bulloch) Traxler Kniffin LaVriha, of Athens, Ohio formerly of Lorain died at the Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.

     Mrs. LaVriha was born on February 25, 1918 in Port Arthur, Canada which became a city in 1907 and ceased to exist in 1969.

     She lived on the East Side of Lorain most all of her life, and attended the Episcopal Church of The Redeemer, in Lorain.

     She worked for the Lorain Board of Education as School Secretary at Charleston Elementary for 14 years.  She also worked at Lorain Products, and was a devoted full-time housewife.  She was active in church, and sang in the Church Choir, and in the Lorain Community Choir

     Her fondest memories are of life raising three boys on the Traxler family farm in Sheffield Village and on Root Road with husband Vern "Kip" Traxler.  She seriously kept abreast of social problems and current events.  With her trademark smile, kindness, her wonderful sense of humor, and positive disposition, she made those around her feel at home and welcome.  She was always sincerely interested in the lives of others which was reflected in her easy ability to remember names, and in her gentle and thoughtful way, she often gave words of comfort, encouragement and support to those in need. She thought of herself as "Just Plain Marion," and in her girlhood days growing up on Danley Square she was known as "Lefty" to her teammates on the ball field.  She was well known for her beautiful ambidextrous hand writing.  And like most good cooks, she "loved to eat"---her pies were out of this world.

     Marion, who was 90, died of old age on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 6:16 PM ending her long struggle with respiratory illness.  She spent the last year of her life "living real" near her son Tim, daughter-in-law Cathy, and grandson Max in Athens Ohio who were glad and honored to help her, and provide her with all the care and attention she needed right up to her last breath---she was truly very happy.

     Marion had 4 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren, and is survived by her sons Vern "Skip"  (Pamela) Traxler of Cambridge, Lon Traxler of Loudonville, and Timothy (Catherine) Traxler of Millfield.

     She was preceded in death by husbands Vern "Kip" Traxler, Frank Kniffin, Jack LaVriha, her parents Marion and John Bulloch, her brother Jack, and sister Olive Friedman.

     Friends may call at the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain, on Monday, July 7, 2008 from 3-7 PM.

     Funeral services will be on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 647 Reid Ave., Lorain at 11:00 AM with Rev. Stephen Sedgwick, rector, officiating.

     Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst Township.

     The family suggest that memorial contributions be made to the Episcopal Church of The Redeemer, 647 Reid Ave, Lorain, Ohio, 44052 and/or The Nord Center, Mental Health Services, 6140 S Broadway, Lorain, Ohio, 44053.

CONDOLENCES

From:        Rita and Jerry Beingesser
Relation:    Friends

Marion Traxler was one of the loveliest ladies I've ever known.  Her smile and ready wit could melt the coldest of hearts.  There aren't enough adjectives to describe what her and her wonderful family meant to my life. 

To Skip, Tim and Lon: Rita and I are deeply saddened by your loss. There's a blank spot on Root Road that can never again be filled.


 

From:        Mary Anne Easley
Relation:    Niece

One of my fondest childhood memories is of my Aunt Marion. My sister and I spent many childhood summers at our grandparents’ house in Lorain, and on Saturday nights we’d have our hair washed for Sunday church, then towel-dried and we’d wait for Aunt Marion to come by after supper to put our hair in pin curls. Aunt Marion had only boys, so I thought it was a treat for her to fuss over hair styling two little girls and making sure we looked our best for Sunday service. She was also a superb cook – I especially remember her wonderful Christmas cookies sent to us every year – and the highlight of every summer in Lorain was a picnic at the farm that featured her delicious specialties and a ride in the hay wagon. Aunt Marion was a fairytale aunt.

From:        Robin Kopronica
Relation:    Friend

Your Mother was a super lady, and from all that has happened you have to be super kids. Thank you for allowing Jack to be part of her obituary.

God bless you all