June Michele (Counts) Wayland, 67, of Frankfort, Ohio, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2026, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born October 10, 1959, to John Harold Counts and Frances Irene (Bower) Counts, June was born and raised in Frankfort, Ohio, a community she loved and called home throughout her life.
A proud 1977 graduate of Adena High School, June was a high school cheerleader, a member of the 1975 State Championship Track Team, and the Ohio State Fair Marching Band. She attended the University of Akron to further her love for music and was a longtime member of the Great Seal of Ohio Band.
June began her career with the Ohio Department of Transportation as a summer employee in 1977 and retired in 2009 after more than 30 years of service. Throughout those years, she made many lifelong friends who continued to hold a special place in her heart long after retirement.
Music was a huge part of June's life. A gifted pianist, she shared her God-given talent with countless people over the years. She taught piano lessons for many years and cherished every student who came through her door. She was also the pianist at Old Town Heritage Church, formerly the United Methodist Church, where she shared her faith, her music, and many special friendships.
Anyone who knew June knew her smile. She could light up a room just by walking into it. She genuinely loved people, and people loved her right back. She treasured her friendships, especially those with Cindy (Noble) Hauserman and Karen DeWitt, who each brought so much joy to her life.
Above all, June loved her family. Her daughter, Sarah, was her only child and very best friend. June was incredibly proud of her daughter and the family she had built. Her four grandchildren, Grace, Levi, Owen, and Mazie, were her pride and joy. She loved watching them grow, cheering them on, and being part of their lives. Her precious dog, Koast, also held a special place in her heart.
June shared a special bond with her sister, Jill, and brother, Mike. She couldn't have asked for a better brother or sister, and their love for one another meant so much to her. Her aunts, uncles, and cousins also held a special place in her heart, and she cherished the many memories and relationships they shared.
June is survived by her loving husband, Gregory Alan Wayland; daughter, Sarah (Wesley) Wood; grandchildren, Grace Elizabeth Townsend, Levi Gregory Wood, Owen Kent Wood, and Mazie Claire Wood; sister, Jill Marie Morgan (Shad Dailey); brother, John (Christina) Michael Counts; and nieces and nephews, Allison (Josey) Wells, Josh Morgan, Christopher (Mary) Counts, and Matthew (Laura) Counts, along with many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Harold Counts and Frances Irene (Bower) Counts.
June lived a life filled with music, family, friendships, and love. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her genuine heart, and the many lives she touched along the way. The music she shared and the love she gave will live on in all who knew her.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Ebright Funeral Home in Frankfort, Ohio, with funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m. A dinner will immediately follow the funeral service at the Masonic Hall in Frankfort, where family and friends are welcome to gather and share memories of June. A private family interment will take place in Greenlawn Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Old Town Heritage Church, PO Box 266, Frankfort OH 45628.
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Ebright Funeral Home.