October 20 , 2022 The Beacon • 15
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the next generation of Skelleys in numerous ways too . Wendell must have been a great guy as well . I ’ m sure he would be proud of his family today ,” Dabbelt said .
Wendell Skelley passed away suddenly at the age of 40 , leaving Hilde to raise 10 children on her own . The family said Hilde persevered by putting others ’ needs before her own and by leading by example . They wanted to honor their parents by establishing the fund and working with the Coshocton Foundation to be sure the funds are used in their parents ’ memory and to benefit Coshocton County .
After seeing the small playground at Lake Park , Erich Skelley approached Isaac Bush from Kids America . Kids America leases the ball fields from
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Wendell and Hilde Skelley were considered examples of what being a good neighbor meant . She left cool drinks for the trash collectors in the summer , and sharing cinnamon buns was a favorite thing for her to do .
the park district , and after putting a lot of money into the fields , Bush was reluctant to ask for more funds for the playground . Erich decided to talk to his siblings about funding the playground .
“ We decided to go forward and fund the project at a cost of $ 32,576 . It took about a year to complete the playground . We were provided several ideas with quotes to look at . We had to work with the supplier of the playground to select the equipment , layout and color combination for the equipment . This was fun to do because we got some of the younger Skelleys ( great-grandchildren ) who live in Coshocton to help with the selection process ,” Erich Skelley said .
The playground has been named the Skelley Family Playspace .
Wendell and Hilde Skelley were considered examples of what being a good neighbor meant . She left cool drinks for the trash collectors in the summer , and sharing cinnamon buns was a favorite thing for her to do .
Wendell Skelley gave haircuts to all of the kids and their friends . Hilde loved to knit , and in her later years , she knitted booties for newborns and hats for cancer patients . All 25 grandchildren had
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RE-ELECT
CHRISTINE
SYCKS
COSHOCTON COUNTY AUDITOR
• Experience
34 years ’ service in the County Auditor ’ s Office
Personal knowledge of all Auditor ’ s duties
Auditor for 10 years & Chief Deputy for 6 years
Served under three elected auditors
newborn sweaters , hats , blankets and booties . All 33 great-grandchildren have the same , and she left enough sets in the care of her daughter , Julie , to be sure any great-grandchild born after she passed away would have a set too .
Daughter Monica Moore said , “ Why a playground ? Because we had 10 kids . Mom and Dad were hardworking , but we always played . We were a one-car family , so in the summer they would pack us up for an evening swim at Lake Park . Dad was a fabulous diver and often put on a show for everyone . Playgrounds are calming and soothing . Swinging , climbing , digging in sand and spinning all provide a way for children to let go and maybe return home a little more relaxed .”
Son Wendell Skelley said family vacations and his parents service to others were what he remembers most about them . “ I think about our family ’ s vacation times and heading out to visit relatives , Dad ’ s swimming , diving and standing on his hands skills , Mom ’ s service to the hospital as a Pink Lady and always giving . She was always there for all of us children , grandchildren and great-grandchildren .”
• Integrity
Implementing stronger internal controls
Assuring proper use of county funds
Fairly applying state laws to all taxpayers
Daughter Rene Adams said she remembers how hard their parents worked but also that they always had time for fun as a family , whether swimming , drives in the country or watching their dad walk on his hands .
“ We were city kids , so on some weekends , we would take a ride in the country . Dad would pull over , and we would walk in the woods and swing on vines . Once the younger children were settled in school , Mom did take a paying job at the county auditor ’ s office . After retiring , she worked as a Pink Lady volunteer at the hospital and provided food at the Hope Clinic ,” Adams said .
Erich Skelley said the family is always looking and listening for other opportunities to get involved with the community to honor their parents .
• Service
Friendly , knowledgeable service to public
Cooperation with other government leaders
Maintaining excellence on the job
Visit reelectsycks . com for more information Paid for by Christine Sycks , County Auditor , Nate McNeal , Treasurer
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