Longtime teacher gave gift of reading

10/25/2005

NORTH BALTIMORE, Ohio - Evelyn Gossard Mong, 75, a longtime first-grade teacher in North Baltimore, died yesterday in the Blakely Care Center here from complications of cancer.

Mrs. Mong taught first grade at Powell Elementary School for 38 years of her 41-year teaching career.

"There are generations of a few families here that were taught by her," said Roberta Lange, her daughter.

Born Evelyn Gossard near Alger, Ohio, Mrs. Mong was the youngest of five children. When her father was killed during World War II, her mother moved the family to Ada, Ohio. She graduated from Ada High School and Ohio Northern University.

In 1958, Mrs. Mong began her teaching career at Powell Elementary, where she taught in the same classroom most of her career.

"Teaching was her gift," her daughter said. "She loved teaching children and especially enjoyed to teach reading because she thought it was the most important stage of education."

Because her classroom had a stage, she often held reading parties, which included reading and acting. Students were encouraged to act scenes from their favorite plays and stories, said her husband, Robert.

Mrs. Mong, who retired in 1991, continued teaching as a substitute for a number of years.

A longtime member of St. James United Methodist Church, she taught a Sunday school class for many years.

Surviving are her husband of 47 years, Robert, and daughter, Roberta Lange.

There will be no visitation, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Smith-Crates Funeral Home, North Baltimore.

The family suggests tributes to the Powell Elementary School library.