Jeanice Ann Whitmeyer

Jeanice Ann Whitmeyer passed away on September 15, 2026, a few weeks shy of her 91st birthday, after living a full and joyful life. She was born to Oscar and Marguerite (Leimenstoll) Leuthold and raised with her brothers Frank, Ken, and Jonathan in Crawford County, where she spent most of her life.

Jeanice married Galen Whitmeyer on July 17, 1954. Together, they raised four children David, Larry (Antoinette), Bill (Heather), and Linda (Dan). Jeanice spent much of her time teaching, cheering, and lifting up her kids, helping them reach their dreams and becoming their best selves. Her love of family was always felt - no matter how much was on her plate, she always showed up for them. Every game, concert, competition, award, and even the stumbles, she was there. As a grandma, she really hit it out of the park, giving each grandchild love and support in all their endeavors. She loved being a grandma and was so proud of every one of her nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

As a lifelong member of Epworth United Methodist Church/Bucyrus Methodist Church, Jeanice volunteered her time singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, helping with the children’s choir, serving on several committees, and attending the annual United Methodist Conference in Lakeside, Ohio as a delegate. She also worked as a librarian for Wynford elementary schools, and enjoyed storytelling by dressing up as characters from books and encouraging students to read as much as possible.

Jeanice’s family and friends will miss hearing her sing songs, both familiar and obscure. Their tastebuds will long for the cookies, pies, jams and cinnamon rolls she lovingly made and shared. But the love Jeanice gave to those who knew her will live on, and the best way to remember her will be to spread that same love and joy, through smiles, hugs, song, and kindness. Although she surely was greeted in Heaven by angels and those she loved who preceded her (Galen, Larry, and infant bother Edward), she will be dearly remembered by her family and friends on Earth. She was a blessing.

A memorial service for Jeanice will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Bucyrus United Methodist Church, 227 S. Walnut St. with Pastor John Butchko officiating. Jeanice will be privately inurned in Oakwood Cemetery.

Her family specifically request that in lieu of flowers, please consider a gift payable to the Bucyrus United Methodist Church which will benefit the choir and music program. These gifts will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service or at the church on the morning of her service. Online memories and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on her guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.