Pearl Heath's Obituary
(Marie) Pearl Heath, 82, of Kettering Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2023. She was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on July 2, 1940.
She was the younger sister of Walter Armes, and was raised by her parents, Ralph and Lola Armes. She attended grade school in Lima, Ohio, until the family moved to Cridersville, Ohio, where the family operated a restaurant on the old
Dixie Highway. Pearl attended Cridersville High School, where she played trumpet in the band, twirled baton, was a cheerleader and an honor student. An accomplished pianist, she accompanied the choir on piano in high school and throughout college. She was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church, and had a solid faith that was a foundation for her entire life. After graduation, Pearl attended Ohio Northern University, where she completed a 2 year teacher education program that enabled her to begin teaching while finishing her degree at Kent State University.
Pearl was a huge bundle of energy packaged in a diminutive frame, having been described on more than one occasion as having “grit”. Pearl used that grit to tackle even the smallest challenge with energy and determination. She told stories about her first years of teaching in Mentor, Ohio, where she met her husband, Phillip Heath. Phil was teaching 6 th grade, and as Pearl told the story many times over the years, “I met your dad on a blind date”. After dating for a very short time, Pearl and Phil were married on March 9, 1962. In the years to come, and over a series of several moves from Ohio to Iowa City, then Emporia, Kansas and finally Oklahoma City, they welcomed a daughter, Beth, and two sons, Scott and Stephen. While she stayed home to raise her children, Pearl completed her masters in education and continued to take many classes to continue her education during those years.
Pearl and Phil always worked together. No story of Pearl is really complete without Phil. Together they raised and preserved their own food, renovated the old houses they lived in, and supported each other’s career pathways while creating a life for their family. Pearl supported Phil as he completed his PhD at Oklahoma State University. Then, after Phil accepted a position at The Ohio State University at Lima, Phil supported Pearl as she completed her PhD in teacher education at Ohio State in 1984. Together they built a home and tackled the challenges of higher education. Pearl taught at Ohio Northern University, and ran the preschool learning lab for early childhood students. In 1982, they moved Pearl’s mother from Oklahoma to Lima, where they would help care for Lola as she aged. During this time, Pearl taught courses at OSU Lima and Indiana-Purdue University Ft. Wayne. She worked with community literacy programs in the greater Lima area, and created curricula for reading readiness and community history- based programs for Lima City Schools. There was never a dinner conversation that passed without discussion of research, policy, or how the regional campus could serve the Northwest Ohio area. Higher education was their life work, and education as a means to build the community their passion.
When Phil retired as Associate Dean at OSU Lima, Pearl and Phil built their dream home on ten acres in Marysville, Ohio, where they spent 15 years as active members of the United Methodist Church, raising and preserving their own food, and caring for Pearl’s mother. For many years in Marysville, Pearl volunteered with the prison ministry, and Angel Tree outreach. She supported Native Americans in Southwest United States through the Adopt an Elder program, and volunteered with Operation Christmas Child. Pearl and Phil dedicated their lives to education, community, and their family. Pearl loved The Ohio State University Marching Band, and was proud that her children were all part of that organization. She and Phil attended every home football game, concert and event. Every Saturday in the fall there was always
football on the television, and even in her last days, Saturdays were filled with football. Pearl instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of church, community, and the importance of education. She leaves a legacy of faith and family that will last for generations to come.
To help the family celebrate her life, you are invited to share during her visitation at Fairhaven Church (637 E Whipp Rd, Centerville, OH 45459) on Saturday, February 11th, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Life Celebration Services will begin at 2:00 pm. Then at 3:30, there will be a casual gathering of family and friends at Conner & Koch Life Celebration Home (92 W. Franklin St., Bellbrook, Ohio 45305).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the OSU Dr. Phillip A. Heath Education Scholarship Fund (online https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/603046?fund=603046 or send to Lesley Fry, 4240 Campus Drive PS 210, Lima , Ohio 45804). You are welcome to write a message of condolence, plant a tree, upload a photo, and share a story about Pearl at www.ConnerAndKoch.com.
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