OAKWOOD – Alana Ruth Essex left this earth on Thursday, April 17, 2025, after several years of living with incurable cancer. She resided at home south of Oakwood until her final few days. She was 70, born in Defiance, Ohio on February 9, 1955 as the only child of C.Garwood and D.Lois (Kinner) Morris.
Alana’s mother was ill for several years and died when Alana was 16, so she spent significant teen moments at the home of Jim and Louise Grimes. She bonded forever with their twin daughters, Denise and Diane and others in their extended family. Also invaluable in Alana’s life was her ‘Grammy’, Ruth Kinner who lived across the driveway. In addition to sage advice, Grammy’s was an alternate source for lunch or dinner when Alana wasn’t fond of the offering at home – which seemed to occur frequently.
Alana married Airman First Class Joseph L. Essex in 1974 and traveled with him extensively, setting up housekeeping in each place they called home. Son Benjamin was born in Italy; daughter Hannah was born in England. Travel did not end with their 20-year Air Force life, adding several more homes and locations to the list before coming back to the local area. In addition to Italy and England, they also lived in Turkey, The Netherlands, several US states, and numerous towns in Ohio. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2024. Upon returning from their overseas adventures, Alana became an essential part of the extended Essex family. She always was willing to assist with events as varied as caring for an ailing family member or assisting with the family’s annual hog roast. Alana was very fond of singing and did so in school organizations and any church choir she could find, reaching for and hitting sustained high notes that complemented those around her. Alana especially enjoyed quilting, knitting, and crocheting for herself and others. One of her final achievements was knitting sweaters for the two young sons of one of her nurses, an effort completed mostly while she was at the hospital receiving treatments.
Surviving her passing are her husband, son Benjamin (Jodi), daughter Hannah (Justin) McLaurine, grandchildren Logan, Morgan, and Garrison Essex; and Alivia, Finley and Jack McLaurine, and Great-grandson Carter. Preceding her in death was infant daughter Bethany Lynn.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Oakwood and again on Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Oakwood Community Church, Oakwood. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at the church with Pastors Charles Schmunk and Monica Kleman officiating. Graveside services will be arranged at Oak Grove Cemetery, south of Oakwood at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ripe for Harvest World Outreach (https://ripeforharvest.org) for support of Staff Members #20431, Jim and Dawn Anderson. Alternatively, to the Air Force Aid Society (https://afas.org), or Rails to Trails Conservancy (https://www.railstotrails.org).
Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com
