Obituary for Gene Henthorn

Gene Lois (Gibbs) Henthorn, age 95, died on November 18th at Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Community - Lebanon. She was born on September 6, 1925, in Luanda, Angola, Africa to missionary parents, the Rev. Austin Josiah and Rev. Clara Viola (Ault) Gibbs. She attended and graduated from Taylor University in 1947, and married Robert Eugene Henthorn on June 5, 1948.

Gene supported Bob’s ministry as he served local parishes in East Ohio, including Brilliant, Wellsville, and Mingo Junction, before spending 13 years in ministry with the Mill Men’s Hostel, precursor to Steubenville’s Urban Mission. Retiring from parish ministry at Boardman U.M.C., Bob and Gene relocated to Westerville, Ohio. After 20 years in Westerville, Bob and Gene ‘fully’ retired to Otterbein - Lebanon.

Gene was an active member of each church’s women’s group wherever Bob served, serving in her own quiet and gentle way. She also enjoyed serving as a docent for Westerville’s Hanby House, as a member and officer of Westerville’s New Century Club, and the Otterbein-Lebanon chapter of the AAUW.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 69 years, Gene is survived by; son Stephen (Nika), and daughters Catherine (Greg Shaw), and Susan (Steve Ford); granddaughter Nikaya (Jason Smith) and grandsons Todd Shaw (Holli), Jared Shaw (Sara), and Gavin Henthorn (Jamie); great grandchildren Austin, Arwen, Allie, Sawyer, Dorian, and Tyler; nieces Barbara (Charlie Racer) and Marsha (Tom Kemp), and nephew Jeff Henthorn; very close friend John (Barb and Andy) Hinton. Gene was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gene’s name to the Urban Mission of Steubenville (301 North Fifth Street, Steubenville, OH 43952) or any local Hospice Fund of one’s choosing.

A private family service led by Pastor Jay Anderson and Rev. Kathi Herington will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 23rd. To view live

stream click here.