M. Elizabeth "Libby" Derr

M. Elizabeth “Libby” Derr, age 90, passed away Thursday, October 27, 2016 in Springfield Regional Medical Center. She was born Mary Elizabeth Picklesimer on May 8, 1926, in Johnson County, KY, the daughter of John Harvey and Gracie Mae (Trimble) Picklesimer. Her family moved to Ohio six months later, living the rest of her days in Champaign County. Her elementary years were at Mingo School, in Mingo, Ohio, later graduating high school from North Lewisburg High, class of 1944, and attending The Ohio State University.
She managed the then new (1945) Chakeres Lyric Theater, Urbana, and was the assistant manager of the Chakeres Gloria Theater. She started work at Grimes Mfg. Co. in 1951, retiring as an Administrative Assistant in Quality Assurance in 1990, when it was F. L Aerospace, Grimes Division.
Libby married William “Bill” Derr (deceased April 2001) in December 1949 and had two sons; William Keith Derr (deceased August 2002) and Kevin (Julie) Derr. Grandchildren are Chad (Carrie) Derr, Columbus; Michele (Geron) Stokes, Urbana; and Katelynn Derr, Columbus. Great-grandchildren are Andrew and Morgan Derr, and Samantha Stokes.
Libby is also survived by a brother, Paul (Kay) Picklesimer of Chillicothe; a niece, Barbara Owen of Columbus; sister-in-law, Nancy (Robert) Boyd of Urbana; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Along with her parents, husband and son, Libby was preceded in death by sisters, Gladys Picklesimer, Virginia (Ralph) Smith; and three brothers, Orville “Pete” Picklesimer, Granville “Bennie” Picklesimer and Raymond Picklesimer.
Visitation will be held in the WALTER & STOWE FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, on Sunday, October 30, 2016 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with remembrance services to be held on Monday, October 31, 2016 at 10 a.m. also at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Kingscreek Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Libby’s honor to benefit the Shriner’s Hospital for Children (Made out to Al Johnson Treasurer, 4373 Bump Road, Cable 43009). Condolences may be made online by visiting www.walterfunerals.com.