Wynona P. Schwartzwalder, 97, of Ashland, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at The Inn at Ashland Woods.
Wynona was born on Sept. 18, 1928, to Philip and Dora (Geary) Friend.
She was a resident of Ashland County her entire life. On June 23, 1946, she was married to Ward E. Schwartzwalder, following his return from World War II. They shared 60 years of marriage, and together raised four children. They always maintained an open door policy, welcoming friends and family into their home without invitation. Ward preceded her in death on June 29, 2006. Wynona had a lifelong love of music, and was an exceptionally gifted musician. Her music career began at the age of 14 when she was asked to be a part of a country western band, in which she played the accordion and steel guitar for nearly 20 years. Additionally, she taught accordion and guitar lessons for 10 years, and was employed at Faultless Rubber/Abbott Laboratories in Quality Assurance for 22 years. She was a member of Ashland Church of the Nazarene, where she served as church organist and pianist for over 40 years, playing well into her 90’s. “Nonie,” as she was affectionately known, never met a stranger, and made friends everywhere she went. She loved conversation and visits and made many cherished memories with family and friends. Even into her last days she expressed love and gratitude to her caregivers, which was mirrored in their tender care and affection for her.
Wynona is survived by her four children, Jane Miller of Ashland; Roger (Joy) Schwartzwalder of Ashland; Larry (Nilda) Schwartzwalder of Virginia Beach, VA; Dora (Dave) Bennett of Collegeville, PA; eight grandchildren, Michelle Estep, Matthew Schwartzwalder, Travis Cutlip, Beth Fryman, Dan Cutlip, Carrie Schwab, Brad Bennett, Garrett Bennett; eleven great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant sister, Dolly Jane Friend, and one grandson, Zachary Bennett.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Feb. 17th at 11AM at Ashland Church of the Nazarene, located at 1196 Township Rd. 1506, Ashland, OH, 44805, with Pastor Carrie Schwab officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Feb. 16th from 5-7pm at Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home. Burial will be at Ashland County Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Ashland Church of the Nazarene, 1196 Township Rd. 1506, Ashland, OH, 44805.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com