Jane E. Harper

Jane E. Harper, 88, of Chillicothe, passed peacefully from this life on Friday July 10, 2026 while surrounded by loved ones in her home. She was born on January 8, 1938 in Chillicothe, the daughter of William H. and Esther V. (Griffin) Schilder. On October 19, 1991 she married Ronald H. Harper, who preceded her in death on July 31, 2017.

Surviving are her children, Ellen (Thom) Placier, Mary Kate Doerres, Angela (Robert) Phillips, Celia (Scott) Smith, Steve (Laurie) Harper, and Angee Acquista, grandchildren, Lance Adkins, Kory Placier, Marisa Whitaker, Nicholas Whitaker, Amanda Jane Phillips, Max Phillips, Sam Smith, Sarah Smith, Eric (Madeline) Harper, Carol (Adam) Schwiebert, Andrea (Trevor) Carroll, and Adam (fiancé Kileigh Casey) Acquista, great-grandchildren, Nikolas Harper, Veronica Harper, Emma Schwiebert, Landon Schwiebert, Sophia Carroll and Wyatt Carroll, a dear brother, James (Bonnie) Schilder, numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored, and an incredible group of friends that meant so much to her for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Teresa Schilder Woodring, and a brother, William “Bill” Schilder.

Jane was a 1956 graduate of Catholic Central High School. She had attended the school of nursing at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton and went on to work for the Scioto-Paint Valley Mental Health Clinic. Jane was very active in her community, having served as president of AFS, she served on the board of the YMCA, was appointed to CHS BOE, and volunteered at Pioneer School. She was involved in Walnut Street United Methodist Church, where she served as a Stephen Minister, and also as a greeter and with VBS. Jane also enjoyed being a part of the Chillicothe Red Hats. As a Master Gardener with the Ross County Extension Service, she developed the comedic “Aunt Lil” character and performed across Ohio. She thrived being involved in the school activities of her daughters and grandchildren, especially helping in the reading program at St. Peter’s, Girl Scouts, and 4-H projects.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to NCR Hospice and her amazing group of caregivers. They provided excellent care with lots of laughs and smiles, and gave her a great sense of peace and comfort.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday July 18, 2026 in the Walnut Street United Methodist Church, with Pastor Serena Wolfe, officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the FAWCETT OLIVER GLASS AND PALMER FUNERAL HOME on Friday July 17, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Ross County Humane Society. An online memorial guestbook is available at www.fawcett-palmer.com.

The Fawcett Oliver Glass and Palmer Funeral Home are honored to serve the family.