Lois Caroline (Allen) Lehman, 88, of Kidron, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Born on March 18, 1938, in Fentress, Virginia, to Douglass and Caroline (Lehman) Allen, Lois grew up in Virginia and graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School in 1956 and Eastern Mennonite College in 1961, both in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Following college, she moved to Ohio to establish and teach the home economics department at Central Christian High School in Kidron during its opening year, 1961–1962, becoming the school’s first home economics teacher.
She was a devoted wife to M. David Lehman, of Lehman Hardware, for 63 years.A longtime member of Kidron Mennonite Church, she served as secretary and on many church committees.
Lois founded a fair trade store in Orrville Thrift & Gift that evolved into World Crafts in Kidron. She was involved for over 40 years as the manager and a board member.
Lois is survived by her husband, M. David Lehman; children Jeffrey Lehman, Jenifer Thomas married to Russ Thomas, and Jerold Lehman; grandchildren Kassade Wondra married to Arron Wondra, Keyton Thomas married to Shawna Thomas, London Thomas, and Kennedy Thomas; great-grandchildren Parker Wondra, Koehn Wondra, Griffin Thomas, Kinley Thomas, and Easton Wondra; and her sister, Jeanne Heatwole.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglass and Caroline Allen; her brother, David Allen, his wife Lucille Allen; brother-in-law Harold Heatwole and her grandson, Konley Thomas.
Those who knew Lois will remember not only what she accomplished, but the way she made people feel. She possessed a quiet kindness that touched more people than she likely ever realized. She was a thoughtful listener who genuinely cared about what others had to say. Her compassion showed itself through attention, generosity, fairness, and a lifelong willingness to serve.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to World Crafts, PO Box 78, Kidron, OH 44636.
A memorial service will be held on September 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Kidron Mennonite Church in Kidron, Ohio.
