L. Iris (Blevins) Detweiler
TALLMADGE - Iris Detweiler, 86, passed away February 8, 2024. Born in Akron, Ohio on June 22, 1937, she lived most of her life in Tallmadge, Ohio. She passed away peacefully at home in her bed from heart failure. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and retired in 2015 after more than 20 years of teaching at Akron Montessori School. In addition to teaching, Iris tutored reading for all ages and helped immigrants learn English as a second language. Iris had a deep love for spending time with her family, reading, volunteering as a Democratic political activist, and debating and discussing politics with family and friends. Everyone knew you could find Iris any time of the day out in her yard gardening. Iris had a love for all children and dedicated many hours to encouraging children’s creative minds through reading and play.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Orpha (Bryan) Detweiler; brothers, Bob Detweiler and Don Detweiler; sister, Nancy McCracken and great granddaughters, Leela Row and RaeLynn Row. Iris will be dearly missed by her 5 loving children, Doug (Melissa) Row, Chris (Todd) Myles, Judy Troyer, Cyndi (Mario) Pizzino, and Scott (Jill) Blevins; and her 15 loving grandchildren, Jed, Daniel, Emily, Mary Ellen, Isaac, Channing, Patrick, Janelle, Dustin, Eric, Dominik, Hannah, Maria, Calvin, and Aiden. Iris was also a proud grandmother to 16 great grandchildren. She was loved by her surviving siblings, Bruce (Catherine) Detweiler, Brian Detweiler, Vivian Stiffler and Joan Gravel; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, February 16, 2024, from 4 until 6 p.m. at Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. Tallmadge, OH. Memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. with Rev. Jim Case officiating. A celebration of life will immediately follow the service, and will be held at The Venue Banquet Center at 10 Tallmadge Circle, Tallmadge, Ohio 44278. Small plate food will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Reach Out and Read at www.reachoutandread.org