FAIRFIELD ― Jill Kinder was a leading member of the city’s 50th-anniversary celebration committee in 2005, including publishing a book commemorating Fairfield’s golden anniversary.
Kinder, a former Fairfield City Council member and one-time mayoral candidate, died on Aug. 28. She was 67.
“Jill and several others worked really hard on the 50th anniversary (celebration),” said Mayor Steve Miller, who served as acting mayor in 2005. “They put a lot of time in. They did a lot of good things.”
One of the lasting contributions of the committee is the set of murals painted around the city, most notably the mural at the U.S. Post Office on Wessel Drive.
The celebration included the book “Fairfield, Ohio: From the Pioneers to Our Golden Years” and an event inviting all living mayors in 2005 to the city’s newly opened Community Arts Center.
“She was a key individual in that,” said Councilman Mark Scharringhausen, who served alongside Kinder during her one term on council.
Kinder was born on Aug. 19, 1953, was a certified real estate appraiser for 25 years and enjoyed traveling, especially vising castles throughout Europe. She was elected as an at-large councilmember in 2001 and served one term. She ran for Fairfield Mayor in 2005 against then-former councilmember Ron D’Epifanio and then-councilmember Howard Dirksen. D’Epifanio won the mayoral race following a recount. Kinder finished third.
Kinder was the top vote-getter in the race for the three open at-large seats in the 2001 election. Scharringhausen was second in that election, followed by Dirksen.
“She had her own ideas. Some of them meshed with the (then) current council members, some didn’t,” said Scharringhausen. “We forged what I’d call a decent working relationship.”
Kinder is survived by sister Jodi Baker, son Casey Childs (Shannon), daughter Christy Randolph (Jeremy); and grandchildren Sydney, Brooke, Bradley, Tyler, Jase and Paige.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being provided by Dalbert, Woodruff & Isengole Funeral Home on Boudinot Avenue in Cincinnati.
