Jeanne Fetters Crislip

Jeanne Anthony Fetters Crislip, age 93, of Jefferson, passed away on May 5, 2023. Jeanne was
born at home on April 16, 1930 in Wickliffe, Ohio, the daughter of the late Ralph and Ruth
(Oliver) Anthony. The family lived in Willoughby for several years before moving to their farm
in Dorset in 1941. Jeanne graduated from Dorset High School in 1948, having been a cheerleader
and debuting her one-hit-wonder acting career performing in ‘A Bird in a Gilded Cage’. Jeanne
was wed to Roger D. Fetters from June 27, 1948 until August 31, 1979. Together they raised 6
children and ran the family dairy farm in New Lyme. She wed Gene D. Crislip on July 10, 1982.
Jeanne’s first job and the dearest to her was being a mother to all. She worked at Carlisle’s
Department Store in Ashtabula, Holiday Camplands in Andover, and managed River Pines
Recreation Village in Parkman. She also was an entrepreneur, having owned 2 businesses. First,
Ye Olde Sew & Sew in Andover and later Red Door Antiques in Rock Creek.
Jeanne worked tirelessly alongside her husband, Gene, to restore numerous dilapidated homes
throughout the county. Her eye for design and attention to detail combined with his
craftsmanship skills made them the perfect team. Their most prized restoration was their 3-story
brick Victorian atop the hill in Rock Creek which they spent 3 years tediously restoring and lived
in together for 20 years.
Never one to sit idle, Jeanne joined the dance group, Cha Cha’s Steppers, and learned to tap
dance in her 50’s alongside her grandson, Bill, performing throughout the county. She was an
avid reader, an expert seamstress and could be found on any weekday between the hours of 3 and 4
watching her favorite show - Judge Judy. She loved watching her family flourish and was
present at every birthday, wedding, sporting event, band concert, cattle show, and tractor pull.
Jeanne was also a lifelong member of the Cherry Valley United Methodist Church, and she served as a
4-H sewing advisor to many local young women.
Jeanne’s joy in life was her family, but her passion was antiques. She frequented auctions, garage
sales, flea markets and antique stores with her daughters; Gail, Julie and Jill, grandson; Cody,
and dear friends Clare Keep and Debbie Platt. She saw beauty in the old and purchased and
restored pieces giving them new life for her homes, her shop and her loved ones.
Jeanne is survived by her six children; Gary (Terri) Fetters of Anthem, AZ., Gail Graves of New Lyme, OH., Roger (Cindy) Fetters of New Lyme, OH., Julie (Bob) Wood of Jefferson, OH., Jill Orris of Rocky River, OH., and Bradley (Jodie) Fetters of Jefferson, OH.; 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.. She is also survived by 2 siblings; her brother Jim (Judy Eckert) Anthony of Gurley, AL. and sister Ruth Luscher of Mecca, OH. The 3 siblings were lucky enough to get together on reunion trips every fall for over 30 years that were full of laughter and memories.
She is proceeded in death by her husband, her parents, one brother; Ralph Anthony Jr., her son-in-law; Gary Graves and her brother-in-law; Ken Luscher.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 12:00 Noon at Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Service, 134 Prospect St.,Andover, OH.  Calling hours are Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time  of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ashtabula County Agriculture Scholarship, C/O Rita Woodard, treasurer, 4045 Russell Rd., Dorset, OH 44032.
Share a fond memory or condolence at www.baumgardnerfuneralhome.com  The family would like to thank Ashtabula Community Action and their driver, George, Bella Care Hospice, and the Jefferson Healthcare Center for their expert care.