Germaine "Gigi" Radford Elliott

  Germaine Monica Radford Elliott, affectionately known as “Gigi,” passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, in Lancaster, Ohio, at the age of 81, following a long illness. A beloved wife, mother, sister, and Mimi, and cherished friend to many, Gigi’s legacy of kindness, creativity, and community spirit lives on in all whose lives she touched.

  Born on May 19, 1944, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Gigi was the daughter of Everett Germaine Radford and Elizabeth Herrick Radford. She grew up surrounded by family and music, laughter, and love, shaping the grace and warmth that would define her. A proud graduate of Walnut Hills High School, Gigi went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in social work from The Ohio State University, where she joined Pi Beta Phi sorority and met the love of her life, Neal F. Elliott. Their marriage of nearly sixty-one years was a true partnership, marked by devotion, adventure, and deep affection. 

  Throughout their union, Gigi and Neal relocated eight times, each move a new opportunity for Gigi to transform a house into a home and turn new acquaintances into lifelong friends. Their final move brought them back to Lancaster—a community that reflected Gigi’s heart for service, beauty, and fellowship. 

  Professionally, Gigi was a dedicated social worker, lending her compassion and expertise to New Horizons and Fairfield Medical Center. Later, she channeled her entrepreneurial spirit as owner of GRQ, Inc., while continuing to advocate for causes and organizations close to her heart. She volunteered for over twenty years with the Lancaster Festival, supported the Decorative Arts Center, and belonged to Cameo League and many service associations, including the Fairfield County Heritage Association, Twig 16, Froebel, and the Lancaster YMCA Board of Directors. An active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Gigi nurtured her faith, living each day guided by love, grace, and a kind heart. 

 Gigi found great joy in the arts, proudly supporting BalletMet, the Columbus Museum of Art, and countless theater and dance performances. A talented baker known for her peanut butter fudge and coffee cakes, she also brought her imagination to life in her home décor and annual Christmas tree designs for the Fairfield County Library “Deck the Halls” fundraiser. Her joy for travel took her across the globe, where she collected keepsakes and memories that filled her home and heart. 

  Above all, Gigi fiercely loved her family—her husband Neal, and their daughters, Lauren Elliott (Pete Hornbach) and Erin Elliott (Chris Huddle) and her beautiful granddaughter Erin Hornbach. She was devoted to her sister, Deborah Radford, and preceded in death by her sister Pamela Radford and her parents. Her humor, strong will, elegance, and occasional mischievous grin made her uniquely unforgettable. 

  A private family service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church to bless Gigi’s heavenly journey. A larger celebration of her life will be held in the Spring. Friends wishing to honor Gigi may donate in her name to the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio or The Lighthouse Domestic Violence Shelter of Fairfield County.  Caring Cremation has taken place through the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com

   “You go nowhere by accident. Wherever you go, God is sending you there... Believe this, and go in His grace, and love and power.” — Rev. Dr. Richard C. Halverson.