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Eileen Evans Miksch passed away peacefully in Naples, Fla., on March 10, 2017, after a valiant battle with colon cancer.
She persisted against cancer with a support system of family and close friends who accompanied her to her many treatments in Columbus.
Eileen was happiest spending time with her family, working in her flower beds, taking one of her many walks, playing bridge with friends, and rooting for her beloved Buckeye football team.
Born in Crestline on Nov. 15, 1926, a daughter of the late Arthur T. Evans Sr. and Rose Weeter Evans, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Jeffery Miksch, her husband R. James “Jim” Miksch, and two brothers, Lowell Evans and Arthur “Tom” Evans Jr.
She worked as director/deputy director of the Logan County Board of Elections from 1960 to 1976, during which time voter registration and an automatic voting system were implemented. In 1976, she went to work as an election consultant in a multi-state region for Computer Election Systems. She also served on the Logan County Board of Elections for 12 years, and in 2000 was recognized by the Ohio Secretary of State for 40 years of service to the elections process. Eileen continued to work at the polls on election day until 2010.
Eileen was an active Republican. She attended five Republican National Conventions, serving as a delegate in two of them. She was also the Logan County Republican Chairwoman from 1974 to 1994.
She served on the International Friendship Center Board of Directors from 1986 to 1998 and as secretary on the United Way Board of Directors.
Eileen was a 70-plus year member of the First United Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder, clerk of session, member of a pulpit nominating committee and member of Sarah Circle. She was a charter member of the Rake & Hoe Garden Club, a member of Tourist Club for 42 years, and was a member of several bridge clubs.
She is survived by two sons, T. James “Jim” (Barbara) Miksch and Dr. John “Jack” (Suzanne) Miksch; four grandchildren, J. Matthew (Andrea) Miksch, Cameron Miksch, Connor Miksch and Michael (Maureen) Fannen; three great-grandchildren, Warner Miksch, Lena Fannen and Rose Fannen.
Family and friends in Naples celebrated Eileen’s life with a sunset party on the beach, which was one of her favorite activities during the many winters she and her husband, Jim spent in Naples.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church in Bellefontaine at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church and to the American Cancer Society.