Glenna F. Koehler

KOEHLER, GLENNA F., 86, December 13, 2025.
Survived by daughters Kristina (Robert) Smith and Regina Koehler; sons James
(Marla), Matthew (Natalie), Jeffrey, and Paul (Elizabeth) Koehler; 20 grandchildren; 28
great-grandchildren; sisters Jeanette (James) Rhoades and Cora (Lonnie) McNabb;
brother, Michael Fay; numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law; and countless nieces and
nephews.
Glenna loved being a mom and grandmother, and was completely selfless in those
roles. Along with James, her husband of 55 years, she made her family her primary
focus throughout her adult life. She was kind-hearted, gentle, giving and wise in all
things. Nothing brought her greater joy than the sight of children laughing and playing.
She often said that all that children need in this world is to be with their parents and
each other, which perhaps best explains her focus on her family.
Born to a WWII soldier and a Rosie riveter, Glenna was the consummate patriot. The
United States of America and the U.S. Constitution were among her greatest loves.
Glenna had a keen intellect, boundless curiosity, an exceptional analytical mind and an
unparalleled wit. Her unconquerable creative spirit made her a skilled seamstress, a
chef and expert cake decorator, and a self-taught artist in acrylics and pastels.
Glenna was as strong physically as she was blessed creatively. She was a four-time
cancer survivor and amazed all - except those who knew her best - by living alone in
her home of 52 years until just recently. She excelled on the tennis court, surprising
many over-confident opponents who thought they could easily defeat an “old lady.”
Glenna was a kind and gentle soul, generous and caring to loved ones and strangers
alike. She was never too busy or tired to do a kindness for another. She had a sixth
sense for anticipating needs and would not rest until she saw those needs met.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband; son-in-law, Mark, and daughter-in-
law, Cindy; mother and stepfather, Gladys and “Barney” Barnhart; father and
stepmother, Walter and Millie Fay; and father- and mother-in-law, Robert and Helen
Koehler.
Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21, at Egan-Ryan Northwest Chapel,
4661 Kenny Road, Columbus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m.,
Monday, Dec. 22, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 1559 Roxbury Road,
Columbus. Private interment to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mercy Ships in Glenna’s memory.