Thursday, October 15th, 2020
Lelia Sunday
Lelia Mouser Sunday died peacefully on September 19, 2020.
Mrs. Sunday was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Rex E. Sunday.
She is survived by her daughters Sara Poling and Nanette Smith, grandchildren Nathan and Leah Smith and Gabe and Chelsea Poling, and great-grandchildren Russell and Ryan Poling and Fiona Smith.
Mrs. Sunday was the daughter of Dr. Ray Mouser and Lelia Morgan Mouser. She grew up in Paulding, Ohio, where her father was a practicing physician while her mother actively supported the Paulding community and raised three daughters in a household filled with music.
Mrs. Sunday earned a BA in Political Science from Case Western Reserve and began her teaching career in 1960 at Grover Hill HS and moved to Van Wert HS in 1962 where she taught English and Literature.
She left the classroom in 1972 to become the librarian at Lincolnview HS and during the summers, earned an MS in Library Science from the University of Michigan. Upon graduation she was hired as the librarian/media coordinator at Celina Senior HS where she remained until retiring in 1991.
In retirement Mrs. Sunday remained active in the National, State, and Celina Education Associations, as well as the Ohio Educational Library/Media Association.
As a devoted Christian, Mrs. Sunday was an active member of the Van Wert First Presbyterian Church. Over the years she faithfully served as a member and leader of the Women's Circle, taught Sunday school, and served in many roles including deacon, elder, and trustee. Mrs. Sunday was a member and president of United Presbyterian Women and served the Maumee Valley Presbytery as member and coordinator of the peace and justice committee.
Mrs. Sunday actively supported reforms to improve the quality of education and protect the environment. She was a National Defense of Education Act Fellow and a College of the Environment Fellow. She was a life member of the Paulding County Historical Society, a member of the Friends of the Library, American Association of University Women, Order of Eastern Star, Delta Kappa Gamma, and a lifelong Democrat.
Mrs. Sunday is missed by her family and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate her life is postponed due to COVID-19 until May 22, 2021 in Van Wert, Ohio.
Donations may be made in her name to the Van Wert First Presbyterian Church, 110 West Crawford Street, Van Wert, Ohio 45891.
