Lois Caroline (Allen) Lehman, 88, of Kidron, Ohio, died Aug. 21, 2026. Born March 18, 1938, in Fentress, Va., to Douglass and Caroline (Lehman) Allen, she grew up in Virginia and graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School in 1956 and Eastern Mennonite College in 1961, both in Harrisonburg, Va. Following college, she moved to Ohio to establish and teach in the home economics department at Central Christian High School in Kidron during its opening year, 1961-62, 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, which evolved into World Crafts in Kidron. She was involved for over 40 years as the manager and a board member.

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.

She is survived by her husband, M. David Lehman; children Jeffrey Lehman, Jenifer Thomas (Russ Thomas) and Jerold Lehman; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and her sister, Jeanne Heatwole.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglass and Caroline Allen; her brother, David Allen (Lucille Allen); brother-in-law Harold Heatwole and grandson Konley Thomas.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to World Crafts, PO Box 78, Kidron, OH 44636.