Fugate, Jill

FUGATE (TYRA), JILL

FUGATE, Jill, age 83, of Middletown, Ohio, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, December 29,2024 at Atrium Medical Center following a brief illness. She was born February 15, 1941, in Wolfe County, Kentucky and moved to Ohio in 1959. Jill, who deeply appreciated academics, earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a master's degree in children's literature from Miami University. She was an elementary teacher for Middletown and Franklin school districts in her younger years, and relished attending annual summer workshops in children's literature at Miami University. Taking children on field trips to Cincinnati Zoo was

particularly special to her. Jill was a member of the Towne Boulevard Church of God where she taught Bible study classes for many years. In her later years, she sparked an interest in politics due to her heartfelt pro-life stance, and she delighted in visiting Smith Park daily. Jill treasured her long marriage with her husband, whom she called "Len." Her loved ones will miss her soft, pleasant voice and infectious laugh. Preceding her in death were her parents, Dewey R. and Ada A. (Blankenship) Tyra; two brothers, Sewell and Glen Tyra; and five sisters, Nell Graham, Bessie Hollon, June Catron, Myra Pence and Euna Childers. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Leonard Fugate; two sisters, Vera Harris and Lora K. Alexander; several nieces,

nephews and many friends. Visitation will be Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown, followed by services at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Terry Ball officiating. Interment will be at Fairmound Cemetery, West Elkton, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ASPCA, Samaritan's Purse, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.herr-riggs.com

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