Zoann Aker

Zoann Aker, age 86, passed away Thursday June 21, 2012 at Greenbriar Nursing Home where she had resided for the past 3 ½ years. Zoann was born to Stanley and Harriet (Albright) Swarztrauber at their home in Eaton, OH on January 28, 1926. She lived most of her life in Eaton. Her husband, James Wendell Aker, her high school sweetheart, whom she married in 1947, preceded her in death in 1996. Also preceding her in death was a granddaughter, Jennifer Nanette Silvers, son-in-law, Barney Wise, and a sister and brother-in-law, Joanne (Aker) and Don Stone.

She is survived by 5 children: Wendy Aker of Eaton, Susie (Richard) VanBuskirk of Elkton, MD, Greg (Marta) Aker of Columbiana, OH, Nanette (Mark) Silvers of Eaton, and Lisa Wise of Eaton; 8 Grandchildren: Todd Kiracofe, Emily (Harry) Hastings, Shawn Aker, Leslie (Colby) Garrity, Angie (Mike) Solomon, Beth (Josh) Thompson, Tim Silvers, and DJ Wise; and 3 Great-Grandchildren; Justin Kiracofe, Logan Fluharty, and Cameron Hastings.

Zoann was also blessed with many childhood friends who she kept in touch with regularly over her lifetime – Ellis Frank, Mae Fern Moysey, Dick Nisbet, and many who are now deceased. Zoann loved life, people, her friends and her family. She never met a stranger evident by being able to strike-up a conversation with anyone around her. All that spent time with and knew her were touched by her sense of humor. Most of her life was dedicated to keeping a household of 7 going. However, when her children had grown and moved out, she began to work outside the home. Her first job was with Sears for 10 years in the catalog and then credit department. She was also co-manager, with her husband, at the Eaton Country Club, and then video manager at Marsh Super Market. For 4 years she was a "not so silent partner" in her daughters' fruit business in Centerville, OH. She was a proud member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Eaton. The family thanks the Greenbriar staff for their care and compassion over the years and all those who visited her. Zoann's zeal for life will be greatly missed by her family and all that knew her. Her life can be summed in her own words, "This life of mine has been a great ride and if I had it to do all over again, I'd probably do it the same way…"

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 27, 2012 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, Eaton, with a Celebration of Life immediately following at 5:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Wayne D. Morrison.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made in the form of a donation to the First Presbyterian Church or charity of choice. One can sign the register and send condolences to Barnes Funeral Home, Eaton at www.barnesfuneralhome.com.