Schaffer Funeral Home, INC.

CECIL - Phillip Winkler, 77, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at his home in Cecil, Ohio. Services are scheduled on Saturday at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. www.Schafferfh.com.

DEFIANCE ? Judy Bower, 74, of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Monday evening, April 15, 2024, at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. She was born on December 15, 1949, to the late Ivan and Florence (Hammons) Bower. Judy, or "JB" as many knew her, was a remarkable individual with a deep passion for sports, particularly softball. Her dedication to coaching and mentoring her players, whom referred to her as "Her Kids," highlights her commitment not only to the sport but also to instilling important values on and off the field. In addition to softball, Judy was an avid bowler, having the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for the Women's Bowling Association. She also...

DEFIANCE - Victor L. Ledbetter, age 67 of Defiance, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at The Laurels of Defiance. He was born on December 20, 1956 to Clyde and Annabell (Relyea) Ledbetter in Defiance, Ohio. Victor was a 1975 graduate of Defiance High School. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy during the Iranian Crisis. On April 10, 1981 he married Carol L. Brown, who preceded him in death on October 24, 2015. Victor was a member of Defiance Eagles #372, AmVets #1991, DAV, and Moose Lodge #2094. He was a talented musician and played guitar and sang for area bands "Country Neighbors" and "Roadhouse". He was also a light technician for "Pete Schlegel and TruSouth Band"....

Eileen A. "Granny" Michael, 98, of Sherwood, passed away peacefully in her home on April 12, 2024, in Sherwood, OH. She was born on April 21, 1925, to Alva and Blanche (Fockler) Schaffer in Defiance, OH. In 1942 she married Philip Michael, who preceded her in death on August 5, 1980. Eileen was a housewife and homemaker and also a member of Bryan Eagles. She loved horses, music, bird watching, mushroom hunting and gardening. Eileen especially loved spending time with her family, and time with her grandchildren was especially important to her. Eileen is survived by her children, Ron Michael, Norma Williamson and Denny (Becky) Michael all of Sherwood, as well as a sister, Anna Mae...

SHERWOOD - Eileen A. "Granny" Michael, 98, of Sherwood, passed away peacefully in her home on April 12, 2024, in Sherwood, Ohio. She was born on April 21, 1925, to Alva and Blanche (Fockler) Schaffer in Defiance, OH. In 1942 she married Philip Michael, who preceded her in death on August 5, 1980. Eileen was a housewife and homemaker and also a member of Bryan Eagles. She loved horses, music, bird watching, mushroom hunting and gardening. Eileen especially loved spending time with her family, and time with her grandchildren was especially important to her. Eileen is survived by her children, Ron Michael, Norma Williamson and Denny (Becky) Michael all of Sherwood, as well as a sister, Anna...

DEFIANCE - Charles W. Hardy, age 88 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born on July 15, 1935 to the late Andrew and Mary (Cooley) Hardy in Defiance, Ohio. Charles attended Poplar Ridge Church of the Brethren. He was a lifelong farmer and lived on the homestead all his life. Charles had a true passion for working on his farm. He loved his collection of tractors, and spending time with his family and friends. Charles is survived by his brothers, Glen Hardy of Defiance, Orville (Linda) Hardy of Sherwood, OH, and Jim (Ann) Hardy of Montpelier, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Paul...

DEFIANCE - Charles W. Hardy, age 88 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born on July 15, 1935 to the late Andrew and Mary (Cooley) Hardy in Defiance, Ohio. Charles was a member of Poplar Ridge Church of the Brethren. He was a lifelong farmer and lived on the homestead all his life. Charles had a true passion for working on his farm. He loved his collection of tractors, and spending time with his family and friends. Charles is survived by his brothers, Glen Hardy of Defiance, Orville (Linda) Hardy of Sherwood, OH, and Jim Hardy of Montpelier, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Paul...

DEFIANCE - Kevin J. Decker, age 75 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center, after an extended illness. He was born on September 9, 1948 to James and Mary (Hohenberger) Decker in Defiance, Ohio. On July 17, 1971 he married Diana Ordway, who survives. Kevin proudly served our country in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Defiance Elks #147, Eagles #372, Moose Lodge #2094, VFW #3360 and AmVets #1991. He worked for over 30 years at General Motors in Defiance until his retirement in 2001. A few years later he worked as a Security Guard at Menards. He loved spending time with his...

DEFIANCE ? John Anthony "Jack" Willitzer, Sr., 92, passed away early morning on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at his home in Defiance. He lived with his daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Tim Hutson. Born on September 1, 1931, to the late Joseph and Helen (Hart) Willitzer in Independence, Ohio. He and his family lived in the old homestead built by his grandparents on Standley Road before moving to Paulding at a young age. When he was 14 he was enrolled in the seminary in Carthagena with his good friend, John. After being there a few months they decided it wasn't the place for them and decided to run away. They were stopped close to the edge of the property (many acres!) and then were asked to...

DEFIANCE - Sherrell L. Meyer, 82, of Defiance, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Glenn Park surrounded by her family. She was born on April 8, 1942 to Muriel Fillman and Charles Volkert in Defiance. On June 22, 1963 she married Raymond J. Meyer who preceded her in death. She was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church (previously known as St. Stephen's the Bend). She worked at Sauder Woodworking for 14 years in quality and Ohio Art for 25 years. Sherrell was very proud of the fact that she made Etch-a-Sketches. She was also a Red Cross Volunteer for 8 years. Sherrell loved making weaved baskets and her dogs, Scooter and Leo. Sherrell is survived by her children, John R. (Joan)...

DEFIANCE - Patricia A. Cleaves, age 92 of Defiance, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Monday morning, April 8, 2024 at Kingsbury Place in Defiance, Ohio. She was born on March 17, 1932 to the late Ray and Florence (Harruff) Dazey in Leipsic, Ohio. Patricia was a 1950 graduate of Leipsic High School. On August 20, 1950 she married Ralph E. Cleaves, who preceded her in death on April 15, 2012. Patricia worked for 22 years as a Library Assistant at Ayersville Schools until her retirement. She enjoyed painting, sewing, crocheting, and traveling with friends. Patricia is survived by her daughters, Janette (Jim) Brown of Defiance, and Pamela (William) Barber of Bowling...

NAPOLEON - Keith D. Rose, 75, of Napoleon, peacefully passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center after an extended illness. He was born on June 8, 1948 to Paul and Freda (Hale) Rose in Richmond, Indiana. His family moved to Kentucky when Keith was just a baby. On April 16, 1969 he married Judith Long, who survives. Keith proudly served our country in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. Keith worked for over 49 years at Campbell Soup Company in Napoleon, OH until his retirement. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Keith will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Judy Rose of Napoleon, his mother Freda Rose of Richmond,...

DEFIANCE - Loving Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother Loretta M. Koppenhofer, peacefully passed away at Kingsbury Place in Defiance on Friday, April 5, 2024, in the early morning, at the age of 96. Loretta was born on the family farm in rural Napoleon to Carl Sr and Mary (Precht) Dietrich, on October 17, 1927, the third of five children. She was baptized as a baby at St. John Lutheran Church, Freedom Twp., Napoleon. Loretta graduated from Ridgeville Corners High School. On April 20th 1947, she married Arthur Koppenhofer Jr, who preceded her in death in 2015. After living in Holgate, OH, the family moved to Defiance in 1956. Loretta was a stay at home mother for the first part...

DEFIANCE - Gerald W. Froelich, 95, of Defiance, died Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at The Lakes of Sylvania, Sylvania, Ohio, where he was a resident. He was born on November 18, 1928, to Paul and Caroline (Puehl) Froelich in Defiance. On November 20, 1954, he married Marcella Wagner, who survives. He was a 1947 graduate of Defiance High School, where he was an offensive lineman on the football team and held the school shot put record in track & field at one time. He was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Defiance, where he was a lector, parish council member and school board member. On June 2, 1948, he joined the Knights of Columbus 1039 Council, Defiance. Prior...

DEFIANCE - Linda Jean Zachrich, age 76, passed away on April 1, 2024 with her family at her side. Linda was born in Defiance, Ohio on September 23, 1947 to Lavern and Irene (Steingass) Zachrich. She graduated from Ayersville High School in 1965. After high school, Linda worked at Home Savings and Loan in Defiance before moving to Colorado and working at the Lost Valley Ranch. Linda was a faithful member of Bethel Christian Church. She graduated from Defiance College where she majored in Education. Linda taught kindergarten at Continental Local Schools until retirement. After retirement, she enjoyed volunteering at Ayersville Local Schools tutoring elementary students. Linda was a dedicated...

DEFIANCE - Marilyn E. Limbaugh, 89, of Defiance, passed away Friday morning, March 29, 2024 at Mercy Health-Defiance Hospital. She was born in Defiance, Ohio, on September 7, 1934 to Leroy and Frances (Dils) Kunesh. Marilyn married Richard E. Limbaugh on July 27,1957 and he preceded her in death on March 7, 1995. She was a 1952 graduate of Ayersville High School and a 1956 graduate of Defiance College. Marilyn taught Business Education courses at Oakwood, Holgate, and Defiance High Schools. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance. Marilyn is survived by her son, Neil (Nancy) Limbaugh, and her daughter, Ann (Keith) Jolley, along with three grandchildren, Mark (Angela)...

DEFIANCE Marilyn E. Limbaugh, 89, of Defiance passed away peacefully at Mercy Health-Defiance Hospital on Friday, March 29, 2024. Services are pending. Schaffer Funeral Home will be assisting with the arrangements.

DEFIANCE - Keith E. Kinner, 73, of Defiance, passed away on March 28, 2024 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Sylvania, Ohio. He was born on July 2, 1950 to Ralph and Dorothy (Lesh) Kinner in Defiance, Ohio. Keith worked as a tow motor operator for General Motors for 35 years. He was a member of the UAW. Keith loved motorcycles especially his Harley. He loved watching the Cowboys play football and his cat Bobo. Keith is survived by his loving children Jamie (Mike) Mitchell of Edon, OH, and Dustin (Casey Johnson) Kinner of Montpelier, OH, his sister, Linda Rodriguez of Defiance, 5 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, 3 stepsisters and 1 stepbrother, as well as many nieces and nephews. He...

Defiance Colton Ryan Laker-Sierra, 10 Months, of Defiance, passed away on March 26, 2024 at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Toledo, OH. He was born on May 12, 2023 to Jeremy Sierra and LeAnn Laker in Toledo, OH. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church. Colton is survived by his loving parents, his twin brother Antonio Laker-Sierra, sisters Alexis (Travis Degler), Makayla, Isabella, and Camila Laker-Sierra all of Defiance. Also surviving to cherish his memory are his grandparents Janet Laker of Cecil, OH, Cindy (Sam) Williamson of Defiance, and Jesse (Christy) Sierra of Defiance, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, David...

DEFIANCE - Ana Marie Hernandez, age 76 of Defiance, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. She was born on March 2, 1948 to the late Jose and Ernestine (Ochoa) Alvarado in California. She was married to Jose Hernandez, who preceded her in death on March 11, 2013. Ana was a member of Family Christian Center and Eagles #372 in Defiance. She worked for several years at Johns Manville. She enjoyed playing pool, and was a huge football fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and Dallas Cowboys. Ana was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and treasured her time spent with her family. Ana is survived by her...

DEFIANCE - Justine L. "Teenie" Sprow, age 90 of Defiance, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. She was born on December 20, 1933 to the late Ernest and Amanda (Farris) Schackow in Paulding County, Ohio. Justine graduated in 1950, the youngest in her class having started school at the age of four. She went to a one room schoolhouse for her first four years of school, then moved to Defiance in 1942. She met the love of her life Jack at the Defiance Halloween parade, while they were both still in school, and were married on February 25, 1951. Jack preceded her in death on April 2, 2009. Justine was a...