Myra Ann Kilgore Wetzel

Myra Ann Kilgore Wetzel, a very much-loved mother, sister, and friend, passed away after a lengthy battle with degenerative disc and Alzheimer’s disease at age 86, early Monday morning, January 12, 2026, in Nashville, TN.

Myra was born July 3, 1939, at the family home in Webster County, Mississippi. She was the middle child of the late Lois Edwards Treloar and Jesse Kilgore. Myra spent her childhood alternating between living with her grandparents and her parents, after their divorce. She also lived in Arkansas and California before going back to Mississippi to spend her high school years living with her late Aunt Neva and Uncle Leroy Edwards of Eupora. During her time living with the Edwards family, Myra was crowned Homecoming Queen of Eupora High in 1956.

After graduation, in May 1957, living with relatives in Westerville, Ohio, she attended Otterbein College (now Otterbein University). There, as a freshman working at William’s Grill in uptown Westerville, Myra met Tom. The late Thomas Edward Wetzel married her on September 6, 1958, in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Myra and Tom had three children and built a wonderful family life in Westerville. The family attended the Church of the Master across from the Otterbein campus for decades. When her children were young, Myra stayed home with them and served as a home sitter for other working Moms. She became an incredible crafter, avid gardener, excellent cook and enjoyed swimming, family camping, and leading a Girl Scout troop. She went all out for Christmas! The couple both enjoyed nights out with friends socializing, bowling and Myra loved dancing. She was always a lovely jewel on Tom’s arm at events.

In the 1970’s, she and Tom built their Char-Mar Drive dream home. She began working as an administrative secretary and in customer service roles. She was employed at various companies such as Blue Cross, Memorex, Zimpro, and Sisters International. During this time, their family welcomed to their home, her teenage niece Tina, and Papo, a foreign exchange student. Myra also went back to Otterbein part time with the goal of finishing her college degree. She loved psychology and creative writing classes. Myra also took religion classes, wanting to become a pastor, however, life intervened when Tom passed away unexpectedly in January of 1982.

Myra became a sole provider, single parent and later an empty nester during the 1980’s. She was briefly married to Buddy Lewis and was a member of the Eastern Star. She had the fortune to vacation in Hawaii, a place she fell in love with. She was blessed to become a grandmother for the first time in 1991, her dream come true. Myra continued to work various jobs as an executive secretary and administrative assistant. During this period, she was employed with Scioto Country Club, Victor Temporaries, Joe Wheeler Century 21 Real Estate, Coldwell Banker Grand Traditions, various law firms, and Nationwide Insurance Company.

Myra missed her hometown and relatives. She moved back to Mississippi in early 2002, first settling in Stewart and later relocating to Eupora. She worked at Farm Bureau in Winona until she retired at the age of seventy. Her hobbies over the years included cooking, decorating, collecting beautiful glassware, Church choir and her favorite pastime was landscape gardening. Myra was devoted to her faith, attending various Bible study classes and, most recently, First Baptist in Eupora. She enjoyed helping with the Eupora High Class of ’57 reunions after moving back to Mississippi and campaigning for local officials.

Myra Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Geneva Lois Edwards Treloar and Jesse McCain Kilgore, as well as her brothers, Billy Gwen Kilgore and Jesse Wayne Kilgore, and her sister, Karen Treloar. Mrs. Wetzel is survived by her children, Juliet Lamb (James) of Nashville, TN, Janette Volz (David) of Orlando, FL, and Douglas Wetzel (Tammy) of Oberlin, OH; sisters, Patsy Kilgore, Janiece Kilgore, and Vickie Collins (David); brothers, Clyde Kilgore (Elise), Steve Kilgore (Jennifer), Ben Kilgore (Jane) and Ricky Kilgore (Janice); grandchildren, Jordan Duncan (Dru), Jeorgia Lamb Marquez (Angel), Bryce and Hunter Volz, Amy Pechacek (Mark), Thomas, Catherine and Lydia Wetzel; and one-great grandchild, Graham Duncan. Myra was an aunt and great aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. She was affectionately known as “Aunt Kissy-Face & Auntie M”. Myra will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

There will be no services in Nashville.

Visitation for Mrs. Wetzel will take place at Moreland Funeral Home, located at 55 E. Schrock Rd, Westerville, Ohio 43081, Saturday, January 24th at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Afterwards, Myra Kilgore Wetzel will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Thomas Edward Wetzel, at the Blendon Central Cemetery, in Westerville, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association at 1801 West End Ave, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37203.

Local arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned and operated.