Rhea Carole Shupe

Rhea Carole Shupe (Schumaker) passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, at age 93. Rhea was born on August 28, 1931, to parents Harmon and Alvena (Martin) Schumacher in Genoa, Ohio.

RHEA CAROLE SHUPE

Rhea is survived by her daughters, Debbie Rohowetz (Edward) and Joni Landwehr (David), son-in-law Keith Wilson (Carole), six grandchildren: Lauren Fleck (Drew), Rebecca Landwehr, Sarah Bryant (Ben), Michael Landwehr, Bryan Wilson (Nancy) and Bradley Wilson (Kelli); brother, Robert Schumacher; sister, Ruth Nedelco; and six great-grandchildren: James, Caroline, Anna and Gemma Wilson (Bryan), Perry Wilson (Bradley) and Liam Fleck (Lauren).

Rhea was preceded in death by her parents, Harmon and Alvena Schumacher; her Aunt Minnie Base, and Uncle, Otto Base, who raised her after the death of her mother; husband, Richard (Dick) Shupe; daughter, Carole Wilson; sister, Joan Savage; and brother, Don Schumacher.

Rhea was a very strong person at an early age. Rhea spent a lot of time as a child babysitting and helping friends and family. She loved sports and had the opportunity to learn and play due to a gym teacher who believed women should be allowed to learn and participate in sports. Rhea was a cheerleader and her husband, Dick, of 63 years was a star athlete. At 16, Rhea was very active in 4-H and served as a camp counselor. After graduating from high school, Rhea began working as a glass inspector TV glass, at Genoa Glass Factory.

Rhea married Richard (Dick) Shupe on April 23, 1954. Rhea and Dick moved a few times within the state of Ohio, and ended up in Jackson, Ohio, in 1965. They lived in Jackson for 17 years until a job change took them “back home” to Northern Ohio. After Dick and Rhea’s retirements, they returned to Jackson to be close to Carole’s family.

Rhea loved working — she had worked in the insurance industry starting at the Newsom Insurance Agency in Jackson and eventually became an agent. Rhea always told her daughters that she never wanted to retire.

At age 55, Rhea learned to play golf and she found a new passion. For 20 years, Rhea kept scores and handicaps for the Ladies League at Franklin Valley Golf Course. Living on a golf course allowed Rhea to go out and practice any time. It was Rhea’s dream to go back to hitting that white ball, but after health issues began at age 89, Rhea never achieved that one goal in her life. Rhea’s daughters prayed that she would grow strong enough to be back on the golf course — even for one last time.

Rhea was well known in her hometowns of Genoa and Jackson for her devotion to her churches. Rhea served many roles in her hometown United Church of Christ in Genoa, Ohio, and the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Ohio. Rhea’s dedication to serving her community was very important to her. She loved visiting everyone in nursing homes and those at home — assisting with communion and friendly conversation. Rhea’s memory told her family that she probably visited people for at least 40 years.

Rhea was a member of the Jackson Lioness Club for many years. Rhea received the highest recognition from the Lions Club International Foundation: The Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services (2019-2020). After the Lioness Club was disbanded, Rhea and fellow Lioness members created the Jackson County Women’s Club, serving Oak Hill, Jackson, and Wellston communities. This new club allowed these women from the Lioness Club to continue to serve their communities. Rhea served as President of this club for many years and she played a very active role in the Candy Store — being recognized all around the area throughout her life as a community servant.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., followed by services at noon and burial at Fairmount Cemetery. All services will be held at the first Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Ohio. In lieu of cowers donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund (Jackson, Ohio).