Jeanne Tolford Obituary

Jeanne S. Tolford

Jeanne S. Tolford, 86, died at Willow Brook Christian Home Monday, February 9, 2026. She was born August 20, 1939, in Columbus, one of three children to the late Harriet and Robert Simpson. Jeanne graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Education in 1961, where she was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority and President's Club. She was a long-time teacher in Connecticut, Los Angeles, Upper Arlington, Columbus, and Tiffin City Schools. Former board member of the Rho Company of Alpha Phi, and The Ritz Theatre for the Performing Arts; Discovery Series Chair of the Columbus Junior Theater of the Arts, member of T.W.I.G. 113 at Children's Hospital, and she was a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children.

She is preceded in death by husband, George; siblings, Roberta Simpson Will and Mary Simpson Haldeman and her husband, Harry.

Survivors include daughters, Tracey (Douglas) Alexandra Kagy, and their children, Elijah and Kyrie; Ann (Jay) Kyrie Martin, and their children, George, Ethan, Charlie, Lauren and Lindsay; son, Daryll (Barbara) Rardon, and their children, Cole (Brandi), Allison and Jack; great-grandchild, Bailey Rardon; brother-in-law, Dave Will; nephews, Jeffrey Haldeman and Rob (Aileen) Will; niece, Jennifer (John) Popp.

Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N. High St., Columbus. Celebration of life gathering to follow from 3-5 p.m. A private graveside service for Jeanne will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Tiffin, at a later date.

Contributions may be made to Columbus Humane Society in her memory.

Condolences may be sent to family at www.Schoedinger.com.