Harriet Fenner

Harriet Amelia Hack Fenner, age 83, of Hillsboro,  passed away Tuesday morning, July 23, 2019.

She was born February 27, 1936 in Hillsboro, daughter of the late Harry Garry Denman Hack and Amelia Richards Hack.

Harriet was a Hillsboro High School Class of 1954 graduate and a member of the Hillsboro First United Methodist Church.

On April 22, 1953 she married Wayne W. Fenner, who passed away on August 10, 1971. They had two sons; Benjamin and Scott.

Harriet had worked for Ohio Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator and AT&T until her retirement, She had been a Highland County Commissioner being appointed after the death of her husband, Wayne. Harriet ran for election in 1972 and became the first elected woman county commissioner in the State of Ohio at that time.She was re-elected in 1976 and 1980, and had served for 14 years as the commissioner.  Harriet was also elected as the first woman President of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio in 1987. In 1981, she was chosen to represent Ohio in a meeting with President Ronald Reagan. Some of her and the other commissioners accomplishments were; purchasing the former Kroger building for the Highland County Senior Citizens, implementing county wide house numbering system, life squads, construction of the County Administration Building, and renovation of the Highland County Court House.

Surviving are her sons; Benjamin and Scott, granddaughter, Sarah (Josh) Pascal of Wheelersburg, great-granddaughters, Aubry and Avery Pascal, and her beloved dog, Charlie.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

The Rhoads-Edgington Funeral Home, Hillsboro is serving the family.

If desired, memorial contributions in Harriet's name may be made to the Highland County Humane Society Animal Shelter, 9931 St. Rte. 124 Hillsboro, OH 45133 or to the Highland County Historical Society, 151 E. Main St. Hillsboro, OH 45133.