Melanie Jean Lotz

Melanie Jean Lotz, 63, of Jackson Center, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Lima Memorial Hospital. She was born in Sidney, Ohio on September 21, 1961, to the late Dennis and E. Eileen (McGowan) Lotz. 

She is survived by her siblings: Sharon (Henry) Zimpfer, Bruce (Sandy) Lotz, Brian (Jamie) Lotz; nieces and nephews: Alison (Matt) Barkman, Marshall (Allie) Lotz, Jasmine (Shane) Lotz, Skyler (Julia) Lotz, Ben Liggett, Stephany (John) Oakley; 13 great nieces and nephews; and her lifelong classmate and friend, Jackie Cornwell.

Melanie was a 1980 graduate of Jackson Center High School, then went on to obtain her Associate degree in Early Childhood Development from Edison State College, Piqua. She worked 30+ years at Holloway Sportswear before working as a preschool teacher at Indian Lake Community Church. Once the preschool closed, she started her dream job at the Jackson Center Library.

She was a member of Jackson Center Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and was a part of the choir and the women’s group. Melanie also participated in the Koinonia fellowship retreats. She was a member of the Jackson Center Junior American Club, Jackson Center American Club and the Jackson Center Library Book Club. She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crafts. 

Pastor Randy Bratka will officiate a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on January 14, 2025, at Jackson Center Methodist Church, 202 E. Pike Street, Jackson Center. Visitation will be one hour prior from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow in Mt. Tabor, Gutman. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or to Lotz of Blessings - www.lotzofblessings.org - a charity started by the Lotz family. 

EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME, JACKSON CENTER is honored to serve the Lotz family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.

 HJR