John Kasich's Family Suffered Terrible Loss On Eve of Lt. Gov. Annoucement: Campaign Kept News Quiet

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- John Kasich's mother-in-law died on Jan. 13, 2010 of congestive heart failure at a hospital in Naples, Fla. It was the day before Kasich announced Ohio Auditor Mary Taylor would be his running mate on the Republican ticket for governor of Ohio. The campaign did not make a public announcement of the death. A friend of the Daily Bellwether has passed along a copy of the obituary from the Naples Daily News, a paper owned by the E.W. Scripps Co., a publishing and broadcast company that is based in Cincinnati:

"Leslie Moore Waldbillig, 78, of Naples passed away peacefully Wednesday January 13, 2010 at Naples Community Hospital, after a brave battle with congestive heart failure, with her family at her side. She was born February 28, 1931 to Gladys B. Moore and Harry Leslie Moore.
Leslie was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Craig Waldbillig; and infant brother, Harry L. Moore, Jr.
"Grandy" is survived by her loving daughters, Karen Waldbillig (John) Kasich and Kristen Moore (Mike) Ferraro; grandchildren, Emma and Reese Kasich, and Anna, Julia and Nicholas Ferraro, and Kristina Ferraro of London, England. She is also survived by brother, William B. (Nancy) Moore of Orleans, MA; nieces, Diane (Brad) Dodge of Roswell, GA, Susan (John) Mix of Greenbrae, CA, Carol (Dr. David) Penfield of Orleans, MA; nephews, Steve (Patricia) Day of Columbus, OH, and Ken (Mary K) Day of Montgomary City, MO; and many greatnieces and nephews, who gave her much pleasure.
Leslie was a graduate of Newton High School of Newton, MA and ColbySawyer College of New London, NH, where she studied secretarial science.
Before marrying Craig in 1963 and moving to Columbus, OH to raise her family, she traveled the world and enjoyed a successful career, most notably as secretary to the president of Altitalia Airlines, North America operations. Leslie loved God and America. She adored her grandchildren and delighted in knitting and needlepointing special gifts for them and her friends. She was active in Girl Scouts of America, the COSI Womens Association, Columbus Coralina Club, bridge and investment clubs. More recently, she enjoyed her various knitting circles, including the Knotty Ladies, knitting for charity and sports- especially The Ohio State Buckeyes. She was also a member of Naples Sailing and Yacht Club. Leslie once said she wanted "to be remembered as a good mother." Mom, you succeeded.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in her memory to Colby-Sawyer College, Office of Development, 542 Main Street, New London, NH 03257, or the American Heart Association , 5455 North High Street, Columbus OH 43214. The family is planning a Celebration of Life service and private burial on a later date. Arrangements by The Naples Funeral Home, 3107 Davis Blvd, Naples, FL 34104."