Schaffer Funeral Home, INC.

DEFIANCE - Joseph Matthew Farmer, age 43, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at his home in Defiance. He was born on September 19, 1980 to William and Barbara (Mansfield) Farmer in Defiance, Ohio. Joseph was a 1999 graduate of Wayne Trace High School and was a self-employed contractor. He enjoyed 4-Wheelers and fishing, and was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and The Beatles. Joseph was a faithful donator to St. Jude Children's Hospital. He loved his pets and was a huge animal lover. He will be greatly missed by his family and many good friends. Joseph is survived by his mother, Barbara Mansfield of Defiance, and his sons, Ethan Farmer of Ft. Wayne, IN and Xavier Farmer of...

DEFIANCE - Patricia Kay Bok, age 86 of Defiance, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at The Laurels of Defiance. She was born on July 2, 1937 to Kathryn (Vail) Blosser and Lester Lee Byers in Bryan, Ohio. On June 7, 1959 she married Carl Bok Sr., who preceded her in death on September 1, 2009. Patricia was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance. She enjoyed working as a Nurse's Aid for several years. Her leisure time was spent reading, word search puzzles, and listening to music. Patricia always loved spending time with her family. Patricia is survived by her children; Linda (Andy) Bostic of Defiance, Mary Campbell of Baltimore, MD, Edgar Bok and Carl Bok Jr., both of...

DEFIANCE - Janet M. Boyers, age 71 of Defiance, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at Brookview Healthcare Center of Defiance. She was born on August 1, 1952 to the late Lester and Helen (Boff) Houck at Defiance. Jan was a 1970 graduate of Defiance High School. On January 31, 1975 she married her husband and best friend Tom Boyers. Jan was a faithful and devoted member of St. John's Catholic Church. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother and cherished her time spent with her family. Her favorite pastime was sitting on her porch with her neighborhood friends. The sign on her porch read, "Welcome to my porch, where wasting time is considered time well...

DEFIANCE - Albert Lloyd Tennyson, age 81, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at his home in Defiance. He was born on September 13, 1942 to Clifford and Mary (Minton) Tennyson in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Al found love and companionship with Cheryl Tuohy. They were devoted to each other for forty years and happily married for thirty years. Albert came to Ohio in 1963 to make a better life for his family. After high school graduation Al attended Defiance College. He was hired in at Zeller Corporation in April of 1963 as a drop forge hammer operator. Soon after, he became involved in the union being selected steward, committeeman and later shop...

DEFIANCE - Leon Bevins, age 77 of Defiance, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital with his family by his side. He was born on January 29, 1946 to Jonah Bevins and Blanch (McCoy) Roberts in Kentucky. On June 24, 1966 he married Laura B. Jude, who survives. Leon was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Ayersville and UAW Local #211. He worked for over 32 years at General Motors until his retirement in 2000. In his leisure time he raised bunnies, ducks, chickens, cocker spaniels and coon dogs. He enjoyed flea markets, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Leon was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will...

DEFIANCE - Shirley Resendez, 65, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at CHP Defiance Hospice Center. Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

ANTWERP - Kenneth E. "Gene" Rau Jr., age 77 of Antwerp, Ohio, peacefully passed away on Monday evening, November 13, 2023 at Antwerp Manor Assisted Living. He was born on March 22, 1946 to the late Clarabelle (Doan) and Kenneth Rau Sr. in Defiance, Ohio. After high school Gene proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked as an inspector at Defiance Stamping for several years until his retirement. Gene was a life member of VFW #3360. In his leisure time he enjoyed building and creating things, thrifting and garage sales, bird watching, and being outdoors to enjoy nature. Gene will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Gene is survived by his...

DEFIANCE - Margarita Elena Urdiales, 84, of Defiance, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. She was born on August 8, 1939 to Cleotilde Herrera and Concepcion Fernandez. She was married to Miguel Urdiales on February 7, 1959 in Angola, Indiana. Margaret was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and was employed at General Motors in Defiance for over 30 years. She always donated to hundreds of charities and tried to help others. Margaret is survived by her children, son Thomas Urdiales, daughter Connie Demland and her husband Todd Demland, son Matias Urdiales, and daughter Angela Cline and her partner Christopher Grant. She has 11 grandchildren, 20...

DEFIANCE - William "Bill" S. Piwarski passed away on Saturday November 11, 2023 surrounded by loved ones at CHP Hospice Center in Defiance, Ohio. Bill was born August 4, 1956 to Samuel and Elizabeth (Strunk) Piwarski in Saginaw, Michigan. He married in 1983 and had 2 children before divorcing in 2001. After high school Bill started working at General Motors which took him from Saginaw, to Grand Rapids, MI and eventually brought him to Defiance, OH. Bill worked at GM until his retirement after working for over 40 years in 2018. Bill worked a lot but always found time to enjoy the outdoors. He loved spending time in his garden and was happy to share his expertise with anyone who was interested...

DEFIANCE - Barbara Jean Hughes, age 89 of Defiance, passed Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at her home in Defiance. She was born December 3, 1933, to Ernest and Oline Hutchinson in Charleston, West Virginia. Barbara gained her bachelor's degree in education specializing in home economics at Marshall University. She obtained her master's degree in education from West Virginia University. Barbara took continuing education throughout her career at Bowling Green State University. She was truly an entrepreneur, not only was she a career public school teacher, but she was also a founding partner of Hughes Insurance Company and started her own short term loan company called "Barbara's Check Cashing"...

DEFIANCE - Gloria A. "Toot" Neff, age 90 of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Brookview Healthcare Center in Defiance, Ohio. She was born on August 24, 1933 to Loretta (Wisda) and Howard Neff Sr. in Defiance. Gloria worked for several years at Campbell's Soup Company and General Motors. She loved her dogs, doing puzzles, watching game shows, taking a drive to Independence Dam State Park, and spending time with her family. Gloria is survived by her sister-in-law, Sharon Neff of Defiance, her nieces and nephews; Shellie (Chris) Dales, Lisa Cape, Bill (Amy) Neff, all of Defiance, and Patty (Matt) Lefeld of St. Henry, Ohio, and twelve great-nieces and great-nephews. In...

SHERWOOD - Gracie N. Taylor, age 76, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday morning, November 7, 2023 at her daughter's home in Sherwood, Ohio. She was born on November 24, 1946 to Alfred and Bonnie (Messer) Bray in Defuniak Springs, Florida. On March 29, 1964 she married James Leon Taylor, who preceded her in death on June 10, 2001. Gracie worked at Campbell's Soup Company in Napoleon, Ohio for 30 years until her retirement in 2000. She enjoyed crocheting and collecting dolls. Gracie was a loving and caring wife, mother and mamaw. She loved spending time with her family and friends. Gracie is survived by her children, James (Jon) Taylor-Zaborski of Arizona and...

DEFIANCE - Lee G. Mack, 78, of Defiance, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023 at Mercy Defiance Hospital. He was born on March 25, 1945 to Alexius and Viola (Bohrer) Mack in Bryan, Ohio. After high school Lee attended Defiance College and Tennessee Tech. On December 22, 1983 he married Nancy (Hetz) McDonald who resides in Defiance. Lee worked in Management at DMP in Defiance and also in International Sales at Aro Corp in Bryan, OH. He was a huge fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, and in his leisure time he enjoyed golfing. Lee took great pride in his work and loved spending time with his family and grandkids. No distance was too far for him to attend their sporting events to show his...

DEFIANCE - Ann E. Steffel, age 95, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Mercy Defiance Hospital. She was born on May 1, 1928 to the late Anthony and Elizabeth Gazarek in Jewell, Ohio. On July 2, 1951 she married Paul C. Steffel, who preceded her in death on March 1, 2009. Ann was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance and was a former member of the Altar Rosary Society. She treasured her time spent at home with her children in their younger years. In her leisure time she enjoyed flower gardening and baking. Ann is survived by four sons; Robert J. (Sally) Steffel and Edward C. (Joan) Steffel, all of Defiance, Ronald M. (Carol) Steffel and Kenneth W. Steffel,...

DEFIANCE - Ruth Marie Flory, age 104 of Defiance, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Brookview Healthcare Center. She was born on May 17, 1919 to Clifford and Rose Ellen (Clementz) Baker. She graduated from Jewell High School in 1938 where she met her husband, Lester Flory, who preceded her in death in 2005. They were happily married for 64 years. Ruth was a faithful member of Independence United Methodist Church and a member of their Ladies Aide. She worked at Zeller Corporation during the war years and later at G.C. Murphy Company. Ruth enjoyed vacationing with her family in Indian River, Michigan and Myrtle Beach, SC. She loved all animals including her little...

DEFIANCE - Denny Alan Dearth, age 53 of Defiance, passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at his home in Defiance. He was born on October 31, 1970 to Dennis and Faye (Darr) Dearth in Defiance, Ohio. Denny was a graduate of Ayersville High School and proudly served our country in the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a electrician for over 25 years at General Motors. In his leisure time he enjoyed darts, bowling, fishing and playing golf. You could always find him watching The Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturdays and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sundays. Denny will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Denny is survived by his father, Dennis Dearth, his son, Bryce Dearth, his brother...

NAPOLEON - Marilyn J. Houck, age 91, passed away on Wednesday morning, November 1, 2023 in her home in Napoleon, Ohio. She was born on February 26, 1932 and was the chosen daughter of George and Caroline (Groll) Rohrs. Marilyn attended Florida School. On June 4, 1953 she married the love of her life, Lawrence "Sid" Houck, who preceded her in death on January 5, 2021. Marilyn was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance. She worked at Clevite and retired in 1993 after 40 years of dedicated service. In her leisure time she enjoyed working in the garden and raising animals on the farm with Sid. She also loved arts and crafts projects, cooking, ceramics and traveling. She will be...

TOLEDO - Rodolfo "Rudy" Sierra, age 70, formerly of Defiance, passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023 at his residence in Toledo, Ohio. He was born on July 15, 1953 to the late Alfredo Palma and Oralia (Munoz) Sierra in Napoleon, Ohio. Rudy proudly earned his Bachelor's Degree from Defiance College and his Master's Degree from San Antonio College. He was First Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Rudy was a former member of St. John Catholic Church in Defiance. He loved spending time with his family. His leisure time was spent watching the Chicago Bears, playing music, walleye fishing on Lake Erie, and watching old movies on DVDs. He will be deeply missed by his family and many good...

DEFIANCE - Margaret Catherine Gick, age 88 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Monday morning, October 30, 2023 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. She was born on August 19, 1935 to the late Perry and Marjorie (Minsel) Lehman in Jewell, Ohio. On June 18, 1955 she married Wilbur Gick, her surviving spouse. Margaret was a faithful member of Zion's Lutheran Church and was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed her involvement in the Ministry of Clowning. Margaret was known as "Krickets" the clown and loved bringing great joy to others. Margaret will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 68 years Wilbur Gick of Defiance, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition...

DEFIANCE - Betty M. Fulmer, age 84, passed away on Friday morning, October 27, 2023 at her residence in Defiance, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 22, 1939 to the late Marie Slattman and Ralph Wilser. Betty was a 1957 graduate of Continental High School. She worked most of her life at Zeller Corporation and retired from Sauder's. She was very proud of her children and cherished her time with them. Betty is survived by her son, Jeffrey Centers of Continental, and her daughters, Brenda (Darryl) Mathewson and Cheryl Weisgerber of Defiance, Pam (Greg) Hoffman of Bowling Green, KY, and Cindi Mason of Lexington, SC. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Matthew (Desirae)...

DEFIANCE - Robert H. "Bud" Cereghin Jr., age 84, peacefully passed away on Wednesday afternoon, October 25, 2023 at his home in Defiance, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 22, 1939 to Salome (Gustwiller) and Robert H. Cereghin Sr. in Defiance, Ohio. Bud was a 1957 graduate of Defiance High School. On October 17, 1959 he married Joan Mansfield, who preceded him in death on January 11, 2015. Bud was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance. He worked for the City of Defiance as a Building Inspector for 13 years, retiring in 2001. He was a talented carpenter and took great pride in his work. He was very proud of his children and their accomplishments. Bud was a...