Lona J. Mays

Lona J. Mays, 73, of Massillon, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 11, 2023. Lona was born on October 31, 1949, in Zanesville, Ohio the daughter of the late Charles and Frances (Hall) Lanning.

She was a 1967 graduate of Tuslaw High School. Lona worked as a guidance counselor for the Dalton School System and retired following several years of service. She and her late husband, Tom, enjoyed boating at Salt Fork Lake. Lona was also an avid water skier in her younger years. Lona loved her dog, Scarlett. Scarlett is a trained therapy specialist and Lona would take her to local hospitals, especially, Mercy Medical Center.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, with whom she shared 43 years of marriage before his passing.

She is survived by her siblings, Colleen (Gary) VanPelt, Ricky (Jane) Lanning, Tami (Doug) Turner, and Charles (Kelly) Lanning; they shared four stepchildren; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; step-granddaughter, Tashia (Tim) Perry; and step-great-grandchildren, Blake and Raven.

According to Lona's wishes, cremation will take place.

There will be a Celebration of Lona's Life held on Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 1-3 pm at the North Lawrence Fire Department, 4052 Alabama Ave. NW, North Lawrence, Ohio 44666

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stark County Humane Society. Messages of comfort and support may be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com.