Eva Jae Moran

Eva Jae Moran, age 19, recently celebrated her 19th birthday on May 27, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to her loving parents, Derrek and Alena (Wannemacher) Moran. On May 29, 2026, Eva closed her eyes and was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus.

Eva was a 2025 graduate of River Valley High School and was currently enrolled at the University of Toledo, where she pole vaulted on the track team. Eva had a special passion for working with young children and was dedicated to making a difference in their lives through early childhood education. Her nurturing spirit, patience, and genuine love for children made her a natural educator and role model. Those who knew her and worked alongside her saw firsthand the joy and encouragement she brought to every person she encountered.

A standout student-athlete, she ranked sixth in the University of Toledo's Top 10 all-time pole vault performances. She had recently started working at Emanuel Early Learning Center as a preschool teacher's assistant. Having already earned her associate degree, she was actively pursuing her bachelor's degree in early childhood education at the University of Toledo. Her dream was to inspire and nurture young children, and she was already making a lasting impact on the families and children she served.

Eva was an exceptionally talented young woman who excelled in sports and possessed a special gift for playing the violin. She treasured every moment spent with her family and friends, creating lasting memories on trips to Disney World, Texas, and Cedar Point, as well as on various camping adventures with her family. She especially enjoyed gardening and making sourdough alongside her mother. Music and dancing were integral parts of Eva's life. She loved listening to Disney, Motown, gospel, and country music, and she enjoyed creating dances and learning new line dances. No matter what the occasion, she always wore a beautiful smile. She was also proud to show animals at the Marion County Fair, an activity that reflected her dedication, hard work, and deep love for animals.

Eva was a respectful, kind-hearted, and compassionate young lady who touched the lives of everyone she met. Her faith in Jesus guided her life and was reflected in the kindness, grace, and servant-hearted love she extended to others. Whether encouraging a teammate, helping a friend, supporting her siblings, or caring for children, Eva consistently put others before herself and sought to bring light into every situation. She loved wholeheartedly, laughed often, and embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. Her beautiful spirit, warm smile, and caring nature will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. Eva truly lived life to the fullest, leaving behind countless cherished memories and a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to know her. Even in her short life, Eva's kindness, faith, and servant's heart left an imprint on countless children, families, teammates, cousins, and friends.

Eva is survived by her loving parents, Derrek and Alena of Caledonia; her siblings, to whom she was the best big sister, Maddox, Kya, and Jaxton Moran; her maternal grandparents, Patty Menke and Rick and Sharon Wannemacher; her paternal grandparents, Gaines and Dina Moran; and her great-grandmother, Leona Brown.

She is also dearly loved and survived by her aunts, uncles, and cousins: Jeremy Wannemacher (Jeremy Jr.); Nathan (Emee) Wannemacher (Patrick, Aedrichk, and Einrichk); Rachael (Scott) Gano (AJ, Lacie, Tony, and Isabella); Mariah (Jerry) Barnes (Cora and Cali); Shela (Reza) Mobarak (Farah and Farid); Alvera (Bill) Stevens (Grant and Paige); Julie (Rick) Brown (Ciearra, Trinitey, Riley, and Ryder); and Dwayne (Jennifer) Moran (Caylin, Jayden, Jewel, and Jalei), and her cherished dogs Bella and Katy as well as numerous extended family, friends, coaches, teachers, and teammates who loved her very much.

Although her time on earth was far too short, Eva's legacy of faith, love, determination, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior, whom she loved and trusted.

Friends may call on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Dayspring Wesleyan Church, 2431 Marion-Mt. Gilead Road, Marion, Ohio. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Chuck Osborne officiating. A private family burial will take place. The family has asked guests to honor Eva's bright and joyful spirit by wearing vibrant colors such as pink, orange, and yellow.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider Gompf Funeral Service to assist the family with expenses. In keeping with Eva's colorful personality, the family kindly requests that any floral arrangements also feature bright, cheerful colors.

Gompf Funeral Service of Cardington is honored to assist Eva's family.

Eva's favorite bible verse was "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while" -1Peter 1:6-7

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23