Jemma Dean Wise's Obituary
Jemma Dean Wise, age 73, of Upper Arlington Ohio, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2022. Jemma was born on Dec. 19, 1948 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Dean and Betty Julia (Keeler) Wise. She graduated with a BA in social work and her lifelong passion and career was spelunking. As a national park ranger at Mammoth Cave, she specialized in youth education and tours and was recognized for her expertise by the caving community. She lived with her husband, Ralph Goff, in Cave City, Kentucky for many years until she moved back to Upper Arlington for the remainder of her life. Jemma was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, and stepson Ben, and is survived by stepson Ryan. She will be greatly missed by her brothers Mark Wise and Doug (Cindy Clinton) Wise; nieces Gretchen Grzonka and Lisa (William Spoon) Bakale-Wise; grand-nephews Henry and Everett Spoon; cousins Susan (Paul) Lovelace and family; JD (Shanna) Keeler and family; many lifelong friends from scouting and caving. There will be a celebratory placing of Jemma and Ralph's ashes at the Wise family burial site at Union Cemetery in Columbus this summer or next. We will notify family and friends via email or phone when a date is set.
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