Wilma Arlene Coyan's Obituary
COYAN, Wilma Arlene, age 97, of Lebanon and formerly of Waynesville, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Ohio Living Quaker Heights in Waynesville.
Wilma was born to Oral and Mildred Surface on September 13, 1927. She was afforded both farm and small-town living throughout her life and was proud of being the descendant of two of the first pioneer families of Warren County. She graduated from Waynesville High School, class of ’44, and earned an associate’s degree from Miami Jacobs Business School.
Over the years, she wore many different hats in the workforce. She assisted efforts during World War II working at NCR, provided bookkeeping and administrative support in various roles, and officially retired after 20 years of service as the executive secretary for the Warren County United Way. She has always remained active within her community, having held numerous roles, from founding member of the Warren County Cancer Society to trustee of the Lebanon Public Library, among other endeavors. Giving back was important to Wilma and she always tried to set a good example of this. Wilma had an unwavering faith in God and a deep devotion. She was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Lebanon for the majority of her life.
Loving, caring, and equally mischievous would be a good synopsis of her personality. Family was everything to Wilma. She looked forward to family gatherings, reunions, parties, or just an old-fashioned Sunday dinner. The big holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter) were her favorite because she knew the whole family would be together. She always enjoyed good food, friends, and conversation. Her friends became family, and she would reach out to them regularly. Among many things, Wilma will be remembered for the love and pride she had in her children.
The family wants to thank the incredibly caring staff at Ohio Living Quaker Heights, who treated Wilma like family. They would also like to thank Crossroads Hospice of Dayton for their compassion toward Wilma and her family.
Wilma was preceded in death by her loving husband, Eugene “Red” Coyan; daughter, Connie (Frank) Mackoway; daughter-in-law, Linda Coyan; granddaughter, Megan Mackoway; parents, Oral and Mildred Surface; brother, Donald Surface; and her beloved dog, Alfie. She is survived by her three sons, Richard Patrick Coyan, Michael Lee Coyan, and Robert Kelly Coyan (Lilly); five grandchildren, Sean (Trish) Coyan, Erin (Kaleb) Zerkle, Katie Mackoway, and Jack Coyan; six great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn, Audrey, Hadley, Samuel, Easton, and Kaden; numerous nephews and nieces; cousin, Norma Stratton; life-long friend, Ruth Lemay-Lokey; the Peoria princess, Bonnilyn Mackoway; and her fluffy happy-go-lucky puppy dog, Finnegan.
A celebration of life service will be at 12 PM on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A committal service will immediately follow the celebration of life service on Wednesday, April 9, at Miami Cemetery in Corwin. Life Celebrant and granddaughter Katie Mackoway will officiate. The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 12 PM on Wednesday, April 9. In honor of Wilma's love for flowers and trees, contributions may be made to the Harmon Museum in Lebanon to assist with the new landscaping design. Condolences are available at www.stubbsconner.com.
“His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” ~ Matthew 25:21
Well done, Wilma. You have fought a good fight, won the crown of righteousness, and gone home. As many have said, you will be missed by many, and we will see you on the other side.
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