Harriet M. (Woodring) Loar

Harriet M. Loar, age 96, life-long resident of Metamora, Ohio, passed away Tuesday morning, June 27, 2023 at Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania.  She was born October 14, 1926 to Mary Churchill Woodring and Fay E. Woodring in Metamora, Ohio.  Harriet lived her entire youth in one residence on Maple Street in Metamora. She graduated from Metamora High School in 1944. On October 15, 1944, she married her beloved husband, Marion Loar. Harriet was a member of Metamora United Methodist Church and Order of Eastern Stars, Magnola Chapter, Lyons.  

After Harriet’s mother retired as bookkeeper from the Ideal Garage, Harriet took over her duties until 1970 when the Metamora Public Library needed a Clerk-Treasurer.  She was hired as Clerk-Treasurer, however, soon began working as a part-time library clerk along with the treasurer duties.  During that time, she also worked part time as an aide at the Metamora Middle School and the migrant program.

When librarian Sarah Semmler retired in 1976, Harriet was hired as head librarian and served in that capacity until her retirement in 1994.

Harriet initiated the beginning of the Metamora Centennial celebration by going to the village council to ask for proclamation for the event to be held in June 1993, the centennial date of the corporation of Metamora. She served as treasurer for that three day celebration. 

Harriet was a charter member of the Fulton County United Way, board member of Metamora Historical Society, and Trustee of Evergreen Community Library until October of 2006.

Left to cherish her memory are her children; Robert (Gloria) Loar, Gary (Sandy) Loar, Luanna (Alan) Jackson, Ronald (Donna) Loar, and Melinda (Robert) DeTroye; grandchildren, Robert, Damon, Heather, Jason, Shannon, Erin, Jennie, Sarah, Michelle, Amber, Christopher, Jonathan, and Stephen; as well as 18 great-grandchildren.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marion; brothers, Cleon Woodring and Claud Woodring; grandson, Michael Loar and daughter, Claudia Tracy.

Family and friends may visit Saturday, July 1st from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Metamora, where funeral services will begin at 12:00 (Noon), with Pastor Tyler Kleeberger officiating. Interment will follow at Amboy Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Evergreen Public Library c/o Harriet Loar Early Literacy Center or Metamora United Methodist Church c/o the Bird Sanctuary.