Sheila Lanning

LANNING

Sheila Dawn Lanning, age 71 passed on Jan, 3, 2017 at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center after a long illness. She had lived in the Portsmouth, Ohio area since 2015, after returning from a few years spent in beautiful Charleston, SC.

Born December 4, 1946 in Zanesville, Ohio to Sophia Dallas Lanning Francis & Damon Lanning. Preceded in death by her parents & grandparents, John & Mary Dallas. Survived by sister Denise Francis Primel; brother-in-law Mike Primel and her beloved dog PeteE. Also survived by a sister who was adopted at birth, Susan Sherman Wentz & her children Joshua, Malachi & Kellin Sherman.

Sheila graduated from Zanesville High School in 1963 and was retired from the State of Ohio Department of Corrections after 22 years. Prior to that she worked for Columbia Cement as the first woman since World War II to work in the mines as a laborer & later operated a crane several stories high.  These were non-traditional jobs for women and she had a work ethic that all that have known her have commented on. Her many friends and co-workers appreciated her kindness, being a good listener, non-judgemental, soft heart, sense of humor and her smile.

Sheila loved animals & rescued many dogs in her lifetime that she loved like children. Always having a green thumb, she loved gardening and was a member of the Portsmouth area Slocum Garden Club. Sheila was only 21 when she got custody of her sister Denise & raised her. Her family and many friends brought great joy to her life.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday Jan. 16th with refreshments from 3:30-4:30 followed by a Memorial Service at 4:30 at SHAW DAVIS FUNERAL HOME 4341 N High St. Cols 43214.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the service or online to the Zanesville Animal Shelter in memory of Sheila Lanning. http://www.animalsheltersociety.org/index.html