Lori Gossman

Lori R. Gossman, 64, of Crooksville, known for her loving and selfless nature, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2024, at Fairfield Medical Center, Lancaster, after an extended illness. Born on November 11, 1959, she was the beloved daughter of the late Lawrence E. and Lillian Pauline (Embrey) Hinkle and grew up surrounded by her siblings Peggy (John) Cassidy, Mona (Mike) Collins, Gina (Tracy) Van Meter, Amy (Rick) Leach, and Jeff Hinkle. She was preceded in death by her brother, Tom Hinkle, whose memory she held dear. The love story of Lori and her devoted husband, Robert “Rob” Gossman, was one for the ages. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Thomas Brent Emory and Natasha (James) Dumas. Lori’s joy multiplied with the arrival of her grandchildren, Elijah, Noah, and Jordan, who became the apples of her eye. Lori’s passion for life was evident in her career as a bus driver for the Crooksville Exempted Village School District. She had a special bond with the children on her route, treating them with the same care and attention as if they were her own. An avid gardener, Lori found comfort and happiness in the beauty of her flowers. She was a wizard in the kitchen, where she loved cooking and canning the fruits of her labor that were either home grown in her garden or a result of her love for picking berries. Her culinary skills were unrivaled, especially when it came to preparing their famous deer jerky and hot spicy pickles alongside her husband, Rob. These treats were often the highlight of their renowned garage parties attended by friends and family that came from far and wide for delicious eats. Lori’s adventurous spirit shined brightly when she rode her four-wheeler, living life on the edge with a smile that was contagious. She cherished her animals, treating them with the same love and kindness she showed to everyone else. Her trips to Amish Country with her sisters and family were coveted moments, filled with laughter and the creation of lasting memories, but what made her happiest was a fully-stocked refrigerator and her family crowded around her dining room table. Honoring her wishes, there will be no services held and a dignified cremation will take place under the direction of Ross-Frash Funeral Home, 207 Burley Street, Crooksville. A celebration of life will be planned and held in the months to come. If you would like to leave your favorite memory of Lori or sign the online register book, please visit www.ross-frashfuneralhomes.com.