LAMB, Jean McDonald 91, died peacefully at her Centerville home March 1, 2016, survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Bob; along with all five of her children, six of her seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mrs. Lamb, who often said she was happiest when surrounded by family, would drop anything and go anywhere to help them all. Long after dementia stole most of her memory, she still rattled off the names of her children. When she oil painted portraits of her first two children, she signed them HLM for "His Loving Mother." A lifelong poet and artist, Mrs. Lamb wrote and illustrated dozens of poems, usually to encourage her children or celebrate their special occasions. Her family will soon publish a collection of those works, titled "A Kiss on the Magic Spot."... She blended family with artistry into a small business she started in her late 50s, inspired by the plush, stuffed lamb she made when her youngest child became homesick at college. The lamb had a pocket to hold a note of encouragement, cheer or inspiration. It became the model for Mrs. Lamb's "Precious Pockets" line of lambs, enabling others to fill the "empty pockets" of downhearted or unappreciated loved ones. She later illustrated and wrote verses for greeting cards and bookmarks and magnets. Mrs. Lamb was born Feb. 27, 1925, in Ames, Iowa, the second of Murl and Mabel McDonald's two children. She met Bob at Iowa State College (now University) in Ames, from which both graduated. They married Sept. 1, 1948. Bob's job at 3M took them to St. Paul, Minn., and Seabrook, Md., before they settled in Kettering for 41 years and Centerville for 13. Mrs. Lamb, a 70-year PEO member, was president of two chapters and founder of a third. She was active at Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church, chairing children's education for several years. Besides husband Bob, she is survived by children Kevin (Carol), Larry (Carole), Chris (Lesly) and Becky Lamb, and Jenni Allard (Dale); by grandchildren Courtney, Tony, Andy, Ali and David Lamb, and Kaitlin Allard; and by great-grandchildren Payton, Griffin and Zooey. She was predeceased by grandson Ryan Lamb, father of her great-grandkids and husband of Robin; as well as her parents, sister Muriel, and infant brother John. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, followed by 11 a.m. services at Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church in Kettering, where condolences can be sent to 4417 Bigger Road, Dayton 45440. Donations may be made to either the Alzheimer Assn., Miami Valley Chapter, 31 W. Whipp Road, Dayton 45459; or Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton 45424.

Published in Dayton Daily News on Mar. 6, 2016.