Rachael Elaine “Mrs. J” Jay, 60, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
 Rachael was born on April 22, 1965, in Lima, Ohio, the daughter of the late James and Phyllis (Myers)Verhoff.
 She was a member of St. Anthony’s Church, and the National Education Association. She was an animal lover, loved golf cart rides, was an artist specializing in drawings, an excellent calligrapher, and most of all, spending time with family. She loved teaching. She could not go anywhere without running into current and former students yelling “Mrs. Jay! Mrs. Jay!”
 Rachael is survived by her husband John; son, Matt Jay, daughter, Cassie (Ryan) Dawson; siblings, Vanessa (James) Karcher, James (Debra) Verhoff, Rebecca (Paul) Schimmoeller, Sarah (Douglas) Martin, Rob (Tonia) Verhoff, and Kathleen Yinger. She is also survived by her beloved puppy Bella, and grand puppies Baker, Wesson, and Ruger. She was also preceded in death by a brother-in-law Richard Yinger.
 Funeral services are at 11 am Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Hartman-Rousculp Funeral Home, 10879 St. Rt. 12, Columbus Grove, with visitation one hour prior (10 to 11 am). Pastor Geoff Eubanks officiating. Visitation is also on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Bless a Bulldog, Putnam County Homecare & Hospice, or Putnam County Cancer Assistance Program. For online condolences please visit www.hartmanfunerals.com