Kandis D. Eshelman

Kandis Darlene Eshelman passed away on January 14, 2024 at the age of 43.

Kandis is survived by her husband, Chad.  They share two amazing children, Holden and Kaelyn; she is preceded in Heaven by her son, Connor.  She is also survived by her parents John Fouts and Karen Dillon, siblings Kevin Fouts and Kasandra Demiryapar, and an extensive blended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of life-long friends.

Born in Georgia, she grew up between Kentucky and Ohio, and graduated from Tippecanoe High School.  Soon after, she served honorably in the U.S. Air Force where (of all things) she toted a machine gun and guarded nuclear missiles in the plains of Montana and the countryside of England.  She graduated from Pima Community College while living in Arizona and re-entered the workforce as a defense contractor at Wright-Patterson after settling back in Ohio, again doing her part keeping those she loves safe.  But she would tell you that her greatest service in life was the twelve years she spent at home raising her kids to become the intelligent and compassionate individuals they are today.

Kandis loved cooking and baking, reading and learning.  She lived on ‘80s music, the piano compositions of Ludovico Einaudi, and would quote oh so many comedy movies.  She was inspired by Van Gogh’s art, all things owls and sloths, the Wizard of Oz, Winnie the Pooh, and Wonder Woman.  She had a very special place in her heart for the beauty she was blessed to experience in England, Scotland, France, and Ireland.  She appreciated many warm snuggly sweaters, even in the desert summers.

Kandis touched many lives (often complete strangers), always showed empathy, always put others first, was a soft shoulder to cry on, and was the best at giving sound advice when someone was feeling down.  She was a loyal Big Sister and Best Friend.  She could make a new friend anywhere, anytime.  She always noticed ‘the little things’ in life.  She often said that her heart was too big for this world.  We absolutely believe that to be true, and that she’s now in a place where her heart can be used without limitation for the love, grace, and service she wasn’t able to accomplish during her short time here with us.  She is truly home.

Family, friends, coworkers, and the strangers she impacted are invited join us at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the Christian Life Center, 3489 Little York Rd, Vandalia, with a celebration of life service at 12 noon.  In her memory, please support Kandis’ prayers of compassion for anyone struggling with mental health or addiction by donating to Celebrate Recovery at www.celebraterecovery.com using the ‘Support CR’ tab.