Antoinette ”Toni“ Olff
With great sadness we announce the passing of Antoinette “Toni” Olff age 93 of Marietta Ohio. She went to the lord on May 1 surrounded by her loving family. She left this role in life to perform on another stage in heaven.
She was born into the family of William Harvey Vance and Carrie (Elmendorf) Vance and sister Alpha on Sept 30 1926. She grew up in up in Chatham, New Jersey and was a 1944 graduate of Chatham High School.
In 1948 she married Olaf Olff and they lived in Massapequa, New York before moving to Beckley, WV in 1958. Toni’s passion was always the theater. She auditioned along with her two daughters for a part in Beckley’s first outdoor production of Honey in the Rock. It was an instant success.
In 1964 she moved to Marietta, Ohio and continued her involvement in the local theater. Her first role was in A Room Full of Roses at Masonic Park. She had roles in Oklahoma, Hello Dolly, On Golden Pond, Titanic, The Shadow Box etc. . . . . She had a career that soared more than 50 years in the MOVP. She was one of the community’s most famous actresses. In 2008 she was awarded a plaque for her many years of service and on and off the stage.
In 1993 she retired from Public Debt but remained in contact with many of her coworkers. She was also past President of the Women’s Club, a member of the Beta Sigma Phi, and an active member of the Methodist church in Williamstown, West Va. Another one of Toni’s Passion was cooking. Every year she made her famous fruit cakes, Christmas cookies and on many occasion made her interesting mystery meals. One of the things our mother loved most was having her family together for family dinners.
Our mother played in over 25 roles in the MOVP but her most rewarding role was being a mother for 69 years .She is survived by her four loving children, Harvey Olff of Cincinnati Ohio, Edward and Judy Olff of Marietta Ohio, Ginny Olff of Columbus Ohio and Wilda and John Prichard of Painesville Ohio, 6 grandchildren Matt, Amanda, Rachel, Olivia, Jamie, and Mandy and 6 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her sister, parents and many furry animals.
Funeral services and a celebration of life will be held at a future time. McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home is assisting the family. Messages of sympathy may be at www.Lankfordfh.com.
Even though the curtain closed on her life I’m sure our mother is performing and singing someplace else at this time.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Mid-Ohio Valley Players or the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley.