Jessie Elizabeth Bourne Ankerman

Jessie Elizabeth Bourne Ankerman died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, August 3, 2009 at Appledorn Living Center in Holland, Michigan, at the age of 97. Howard, her husband of 42 years, preceded her in death in 1983. Born on March 30, 1912, in Union County, Indiana, Jessie was a resident of Wapakoneta, Ohio, for 67 years. She grew up on a farm as one of seven siblings and because her parents valued education, all seven young men and women became college graduates. Jessie graduated from McGuffey High School and received her bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. After coming to Wapakoneta as an Ohio State Home Demonstration Agent, she met Howard Ankerman and they married in March 1941. She and Howard were blessed with three sons- Fritz, Bob and John. Jessie was a teacher in the Wapakoneta school system for 20 years, retiring in 1977. She taught Junior High English and Home Economics. Her high concern for education was a main part of her life, and she was active in the community as well. She served on committees to get several school bond issues passed, including those to build Centennial Elementary, Wapakoneta Middle School (then the high school), and North Ridge Elementary. Jessie was also an active member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, serving on several pastoral search committees. After retiring as a teacher, she worked for 15 years in various non-profit organizations including the local Red Cross. She was also an active member and past president of the Washington Irving Club. Jessie loved to travel and took her sons on sight-seeing educational trips through many of the southern and western states. She also visited many exotic areas of the world including Asia (China and Taiwan,) middle and southern Africa, Australia and the Middle East (Israel and Egypt.) Jessie Ankerman fit into many of today's labels: "community activist," "forward thinker" and "a woman ahead of her time." Although it wasn't always common for a woman to take on a leadership role at that time, she always did what she felt was right. Survivors include her three sons, Fritz Ankerman of Washington DC; Dr. Robert Ankerman (Peggy) of Holland, Michigan; John Ankerman of Delray Beach, Florida; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2:00 PM at Bayliff and Eley Funeral Home, 1102 Lincoln Ave, Wapakoneta, OH 45895. Memorials may be given to Hospice of Holland or the American Red Cross.

Jessie Elizabeth Bourne Ankerman

March 30, 1912 - August 3, 2009