Magdalena "Leni" Vanover's Obituary
VANOVER, Magdalena “Leni”, age 90, of Lebanon, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Traditions of Lebanon.
Leni took immense pride in caring for her home and her husband. She was also proud of her upbringing in Germany during World War II and often shared meaningful reflections from her childhood, speaking about both the hardships and the resilience of those years. She was reserved by nature, but once she began sharing stories, she could captivate those around her, especially with memories of her early life in Germany. After falling in love with her husband, a U.S. soldier serving his country in WWII, Leni followed Paul back to the United States. She worked at a bank and a shoe store in the early years, yet always spoke of days living in Germany, where she was employed at International Paper. Always keeping faith central in her heart, Leni was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Middletown. Leni enjoyed being a member of the Lebanon Garden Club. In addition, she had a deep love for cooking and baking and was known for preparing meals that brought joy to others. Her carrot cake was especially memorable. She supported her husband’s love of flower gardening and had a creative eye for arranging artificial flowers, often designing beautiful displays.
Reading was Leni’s greatest passion. It was often said she could read a book a night, a testament to how much she truly loved it. She enjoyed playing cards with friends and going on local fishing outings with her husband, not for the fishing itself, but for the quiet time they shared, where Leni could sit, relax, and read for hours on end. During their fishing exhibitions, they were always accompanied by their special companion, their beloved dog, Rocky. Leno also enjoyed traveling, especially on cruises.
Among many things, she will be remembered for her friendliness, care, and hospitality, and for a genuinely kind heart. Though she could be reserved, she had a special way of sharing meaningful glimpses of her early life that left a lasting impression on those around her. She cherished time spent with her husband and the many simple, meaningful moments they shared, along with the warmth and love she expressed through caring for others.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, in 2013; her parents, Adam and Apolonia (Mehler) Ochsenschlager; her brother, Hans Ochsenschlager; and her sisters, Elizabeth Volk and Luise Rauch; and is survived by her sister, Margarethe Mayer of Germany.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Grace Baptist Church, 3023 N. Union Road, Franklin, Ohio, with Dr. Roger Green officiating. Burial will follow at Grace Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the time of the service on Monday at the church. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences may be made at https://www.stubbsconner.com.grace
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