Wilma Jean Meckstroth

MECKSTROTH, Wilma Jean, (nee Andrew), beloved wife and mother, age 89, departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at Kettering Hospital. Wilma was born in Dayton to Edgar and Olive (Snyder) Andrew on July 5, 1928. She graduated from Fairmont High School in 1946 and Northwestern University School of Music in 1950. Wilma met Robert Charles Meckstroth when he served as chaperone for her high school band trip to Niagara Falls following his Navy service in WWII. They married October 7, 1950. After short stints in Ithaca, Chicago, and Columbus, Robert and Wilma came back to Kettering. Wilma was a lifelong accomplished pianist and organist. Her musicianship was shared as both soloist and accompanist for countless performances throughout the Dayton area. She taught generations of piano students from the 1960s - May, 2018. She founded and nurtured the Dayton Organ Academy for 32 years. This academy, under the umbrella of the Dayton chapter of the American Guild of Organists, provides lessons to develop future organists from talented pianists. As an active member of multiple music organizations, Wilma served as an elected president, dean, or chairman of most. These include the Dayton Piano Teachers Study Club, Mu Phi Epsilon Music Fraternity, Music Teachers National Association, and the American Guild of Organists. She received Ohio Music Teachers Association Western District Certified Teacher of the Year in 1999. A member of Dayton Music Club for over 70 years, Wilma received Honoree of the Year in 2007, and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. She was accompanist for Music Appreciation Chorus. A member of Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Wilma served as organist for 46 years. Favorite family activities included vacations, tennis, croquet, pool, miniature golf, card and board games. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert (2016) and son, John (2003). Wilma is survived by son, David of Kettering; daughter, Carol of Las Vegas; grandson, Nick of Texas; brother-in-law, Harry of Centerville; sister-in-law, Marge McWilliams of Spokane, as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E Stroop Road Kettering. Funeral service to be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 155 E. Thruston Blvd. in Oakwood with Reverend Robert Willauer officiating. Burial in Davids Cemetery, Kettering. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.routsong.com. Memorial Contributions may be made in Wilma's name to Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 155 E. Thurston Blvd., Dayton, OH 45419; American Guild of Organists, Annual Fund, 475 Riverside Drive, Ste. 1260, New York, NY10115; Dayton Music Club, daytonmusicclub.org

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429