ELIDA — Lela Colleen (Haddix) Harlow was born in Parsons WV, to Roland and Deloes (Shoemaker) Haddix on May 27, 1940 who preceded her in death.

After an unknown illness and battle Lela passed away on November 18th, in the comfort of her home with loved ones by her side.

Lela graduated from Parsons High School as Salutatorian in 1958. She attended business college in Pittsburg, PA. She spent the majority of her professional career working at Junior Achievement of Lima in many capacities.

On August 13, 1962 she married Raymond Harlow. Ray and Lela had two children, Matthew Todd Harlow and Leslie Beth (Harlow) Jenkins of Elida. Matthew married his high school sweetheart, Rhonda (Truesdale) Harlow they live in Niles, MI and have 3 children– Emily (Harlow) Eck and her husband Austin Eck who live in Chattooga, TN, Evan Harlow and his wife Caitlin (Shurte) Harlow who live in Dowagiac, MI, and Amanda Harlow of Fort Wayne, IN. Leslie has two children– Andrew Jenkins of Renton, WA and Alaina (Jenkins) Thatcher of Elida, her husband Nathan and their 4 year old son, Rhett, who was the apple of his GG and Papa’s eyes. Rhett, Ray and Lela’s first great grandchild (and Leslie’s first grandchild) is a dearly loved addition to the Harlow Clan. Lela was also very excited as they anticipate a sister for Rhett in March.

Additional surviving are Lela’s sister, Maycel (Haddix) Hovatter and her four children; Natalie (Bobbie) Lytton, David Jr (Joanie) Hovatter and their four children, Gregory (Tammy Heishman) Hovatter and their son, Teresa (Curtis) Kinder. Lela’s other sister, Patricia (Haddix) Foster (deceased) is survived by her widower, Benjamin Foster and their daughters Andria (Curt) Torpey, their daughters and Erica (Jeff) Kochenderfer and their daughter. Also survived by their niece Jamey Harris of Mansfield PA and Jamey’s father Richard Harris of Rayland OH. Several cousins and their children on both sides also survive.

In addition to Lelas sister, Patricia (Haddix) Foster she is preceded in death by a sister in law, Barbara (Harlow) Lewark and her deceased husband Robert Lewark. A brother in law, David Hovatter as well as her in-laws Harold and Louise Harlow.

Lela requested that there be no visitation or funeral services. The family is planning a Celebration of his life in the Spring. She donated her body to research at Ohio State University Medical School in Columbus, just as her husband had. A special thanks to the Lima Memorial staff, Dr. Kuhlman, Dr. Ellis, Carrie Greene, the staff of The Springs of Lima, All American Home Care and Interim Home Care and Hospice. Contributions may be directed to American Cancer Society, American Heart Assoc. The Kidney Foundation, or to your favorite charity. She was always a loving and helpful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was kind to family, relatives and friends and anyone in between. She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.