Jeanette Eloise Cline

Jeanette Eloise Cline, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Born on November 14, 1936, in Akron, Ohio, to Evan (Sr.) and Mabel Lewis, Jeanette moved often throughout her childhood and, early on, found a sense of belonging in her church community. She graduated from Barberton High School in 1954, beginning a lifetime committed to caring for others and enriching the lives of those around her.

In her early adult years, Jeanette worked tirelessly as a single mother to support her family. She started her professional career at Barberton Citizens Hospital and later took a position as a medical secretary in a local physician’s office. During this time, her mother, Mabel Lewis, was a steady source of support and helped care for Jeanette’s oldest daughter, Tami. Weekends were dedicated to family-Saturday mornings meant visits to Krinkle House Donut Shop. Sundays were spent at the movies, walking around the lake, working on puzzles, and watching baseball on TV.

Nearly a decade after welcoming her first daughter, Jeanette met Cyril Eugene Cline. They married on October 1, 1972, and together welcomed their second daughter, Dena, further expanding the circle of love and support that defined Jeanette’s life. As her family grew, Jeanette was able to step back from her career, giving her more time with those she loved and the many pastimes that filled her days. She found happiness in making and selling candy and cakes, crafting, puzzles, and volunteering at Suffield Elementary School, where she helped children learn to read.

Jeanette was ahead of her time when it came to cake decorating. Exceptionally creative and always up for a challenge, she poured joy into making birthday cakes for her children and grandchildren each year, letting them choose the theme and then bringing it to life in a way that made each celebration feel uniquely theirs. From an R2D2 cake to doll cakes for slumber parties, and designs featuring construction sites, Thomas the Train, NASCAR, and Disney princesses, her cakes became a cherished tradition and a lasting expression of her love.

In her later years, Jeanette was a steady, hands-on grandmother to her two grandchildren, Amy and Bradley. Living nearby, she was a constant presence throughout their childhood and into their adult lives. She cherished their visits-whether taking Amy shopping, working on projects around the house, starting puzzles with Amy (that she later had to finish), going out for meals or ice cream, or keeping an eye on Bradley as he “dug to China” with his toy excavators in the driveway. Jeanette supported her grandchildren in every endeavor, attending their sporting events and graduations, celebrating their weddings-even when they were many miles away and out of state-and standing by them through moves away from Ohio and back home again. She never missed a beat, always ready for a phone call or a text, staying closely connected as they began their own careers and families.

Although Jeanette was unable to be as actively involved with her great-grandchildren, Emma and Colton, their presence continued to bring her immense happiness. She treasured their visits to her home, and even video calls would light up her face with a smile during the earlier stages of her illness.

Jeanette is preceded in death by her parents, Evan (Sr.) and Mabel Lewis; her brother, Evan (Jr.); and her niece, Michelle Stewart. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Cyril; daughters Tamara (David) Coen and Dena Cline; grandchildren Amy (Steven) Winstead and Bradley (Karla) Coen; and great-grandchildren Emma Winstead and Colton Coen.

Jeanette will be remembered for her feisty, strong-willed spirit-favoring late nights over early mornings, sweets over regular food, late-night TV, the pleasure she took in completing word-search puzzles, and naps on the couch before bed. With the loving care of her daughter, Dena, and her friend, G.G., she lived life to the fullest in her golden years, enjoying drives to see fall leaves, Christmas lights, and fireworks, and listening to the Akron Symphony and other bands at local parks during the summer.

A petite woman with a tremendous presence, Jeanette touched the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, strength, and kindness will continue to live on in her family.

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