Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home

IN MEMORY OF Bill J. Leever Bill J. Leever, 81, Naples, Florida, formerly of Defiance, Ohio, died Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at Tampa General Hospital. Bill was born June 20, 1928, in Johnstown, Illinois, the son of the late Robert and Madge (Kirkpatrick) Leever. He was a 1946 graduate of Central High School in Fort Wayne, Ind. In July of 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Midway, and was discharged in May 1948. In June of 1948, he joined his father in business at Leever Glass Sales. He purchased the business in January 1964, and owned it until his retirement in October 1992. He was a member of Omega Lodge 564, serving as past master. He also served as past high priest of Ensawocsa Chapter 89, member of OC-CO-NOX-EE Council and Defiance commander, Scottish Rite and Zenobia Temple. He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, past president of Defiance Rotary Club and life member of Elks Lodge 147. On Feb. 12, 1949, he married Margaret Fraser, who survives. On May 6, 1978, he married Ruth Ann Goddard, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, William Joseph Leever and John Robert Leever, both of Defiance; two daughters, Jeanne (Tom) Zeller of Defiance and Jody (Kyle) Johnson of Hamilton, Ind.; two stepdaughters, Dawn (Graig) Pellman of Brice, Ohio, and Ann (Robert) Corrin of Elyria, Ohio; and 11 grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Jane Bishop; one granddaughter, Abby Leever; and one grandson, Michael Bishop. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2010, at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, officiated by Rev. Dr. Mark Shimer. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Sunday, March 14, 2010, at the funeral home where a Masonic Service will be held at 7 p.m. Burial will be in Riverview Memory Gardens, with military rites by VFW Post 3360. Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF Miriam I. Thrasher Miriam I. Thrasher, 75, Defiance, Ohio, died Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center, Defiance. She was born January 14, 1935, in Bradner, Ohio, the daughter of Jack and Lavaun (Donnell) Donnell. On October 19, 1957, she married Darrell Thrasher, who survives. She was the owner/operator of Hair Works Beauty Shop in Defiance. Also surviving are two brothers, Robert (Carol) Ladd of Cloverdale, Ohio, and William Ladd, Cloverdale; a daughter-in-law, Judy Thrasher, Defiance, Ohio; and three grandchildren, Alissa, Erica and David Thrasher. Preceding her in death were her parents; a son, Allen E. Thrasher; and a brother, Edward Ladd. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010, in Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with Rev. Carol Retcher officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance. Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society and/or the CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center, Defiance. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF G. Bernece Moore G. Bernece Moore, 90, Defiance, Ohio, and formerly of Rice, Ohio, died Tuesday, March 9, 2010, in Laurels of Defiance. She was born July 7, 1919, in Putnam County, Ohio, the daughter of Howard Scott and Jessie Mae (Schubert) Cassady. On November 28, 1939, she married Virgil W. Moore, who died on January 21, 2003. She was a 1937 graduate of Continental High School and a homemaker. She was a member of North Mount Zion Church. Surviving are two daughters, Carolyn (Ron) Morehead of Defiance and Charlene (Dan) Sprow, Defiance; and five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband, Virgil W. Moore; her parents; a son, Darrell Allen Moore; a daughter, Faye Alice Moore; two grandchildren, Rodney Morehead and Kimberly Sprow; a brother, Kenneth Paul Cassady; and a sister, Juanita Cassady. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 12, 2010, at North Mount Zion Church, Continental, Ohio, with Rev. Brent Gibson officiating. Burial will be in North Mount Zion Cemetery, Continental. Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Preferred memorials are to the church and/or the donor's choice. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF Mary Lucille Burkhart Mary Lucille Burkhart, 88, Defiance, Ohio, died Sunday, March 7, 2010, at Van Crest Health Care Center, Holgate, Ohio. She was born February 21, 1922, in Holgate, the daughter of Herman and Leeann (Cramer) Kline. In 1940, she married Richard H. Burkhart, who died in 2000. She was a homemaker and a member of St. John's Catholic Church. Surviving are three sons, Dan Burkhart of Defiance, Ron (Wilma) Burkhart of Jacksonville, Fla., and Michael (Vicki) Burkhart, Defiance; a daughter, Margaret (Gene) Batt, Defiance; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and a sister, Helen Brown, Holgate. Preceding her in death were her husband, Richard H. Burkhart; her parents; a brother, Ray Kline; and a sister, Margaret Fauver. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 11, 2010, in Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with Father Todd Dominique officiating. Entombment will be in Riverview Memory Gardens mausoleum, Defiance County. Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Hospice the Caring Way of Defiance. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF Carl Priddy II Carl Priddy II, 24, Defiance, died Friday, March 5, 2010, at the CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center. He was born in Defiance on June 3, 1985, the son of Carl Priddy and Sharon Ward. On March 30, 2009, he married Sheena Sauceda, who survives. Also surviving are his three sons, Curtis, Jaryd and Jonathan Priddy; a brother, Chris (Pam) Friedhoff; and two sisters, Cathy (Mike) Stutzman and Joann Priddy. He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Netcher Priddy. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, officiated by Rev. Tom Lutz. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of services Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF Patsy Jean Lambert Patsy Jean Lambert, 70, Defiance, Ohio, died Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center. She was born December 10, 1939, in Arkansas, the daughter of Cliff and Sylvia (Head) Malone. On April 30, 1965, she married Kenneth Lambert, who survives. She was a homemaker. Surviving are her husband, Kenneth Lambert, Defiance; three sons, Timothy Johnson of Ayersville, Ohio, Troy (Carla) Lambert of Cloverdale, Ohio, and Trevor (Becky Inbody) Lambert, Defiance; a daughter, Diane (Danny) Orr, Defiance; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Brenda (Joe) Garcia of Chicago, Ill., Ida Mae (Larry) Colwell of Cecil, Ohio, Loucille (Leo) Ward, Kansas City, Mo., and Frieda (Clarence) Mullens, Kentucky. Preceding her in death were her parents, three brothers and four sisters. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2010, at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with Rev. Dr. James W. Ernst officiating. Burial will be in Ayersville Cemetery, Defiance County. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until time of services Saturday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society and/or the CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF Richard Yant Loving son, husband, father and grandfather, Richard L. "Dick" and "Polo" (in Mexico) Yant, 66, Oakwood, Ohio, died Monday, February 22, 2010, in Mazatlan, Mexico. He was born December 6, 1943, in Defiance, Ohio, the son of O. Lavern and Alice M. (Robinson) Yant. On September 30, 1967, he married Christine M. Lauro, who survives. He worked at GM Powertrain, Defiance, and was a caddy and then an assistant golf pro at Kettenring Country Club, Defiance. He was a chauffeur for Loretta's Limousine and then for Premier Limousine. He was a U.S. Navy DT3 veteran, serving during the Vietnam War. He was a member of UAW Local 211 and a former member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Junction, and later, Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Paulding. He enjoyed retrieving golf balls from local golf courses and spending his winters in Mazatlan, Mexico. Surviving are his wife, Christine M. Yant; his mother, Alice M. Yant, Defiance; two sons, Aaron (Sara) Yant of Champaign, Ill., and Eric Yant, Holgate, Ohio; a daughter, Brenda (Drew) Munger, Paulding, Ohio; six grandchildren, Ashley and Jared Yant, Ian and Alyson Munger, Caleb and Megan Yant; three brothers, John Yant of Columbus, Ohio, Thomas L. Yant of Defiance and Robert (Roxan) Yant, Defiance; three sisters, Dorothy (Mehdi) Kajani of Philadelphia, Pa., Peggy (Robert) Thatcher of Evans, Ga., and Pamela (Michael) Seibenick, Defiance; a brother in spirit, David (Rita) Iliff and his children, David and Sarah Iliff; many nieces, nephews, cousins and his many close family friends. Preceding him in death was his father. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 8, 2010, in Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, Paulding, Ohio, with Father David Tscherne and Father Allan Fillman officiating. There will be a lunch following Mass and then the procession to the cemetery. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, with military graveside rites by VFW Post 3360. Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, and one hour prior to the Mass at Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, Paulding. There will be a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Preferred memorials are to American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, donor's choice or Vineyard Church, Mazatlan, Mexico. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF Mildred "Millie" M. Hopper Mildred "Millie" M. Hopper, 85, Defiance, Ohio, died Monday, March 1, 2010, at CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center, Defiance. She was born December 24, 1924, in Jewell, Ohio, the daughter of Frederick and Minnie (Weddelman) Wichman. On August 17, 1947, she married Robert D. Hopper, who died on January 24, 2006. She was a 1942 graduate of North Richland Adams High School and a homemaker. She worked at the Uhlmann's store in Defiance and was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and a volunteer at the church and the school. Surviving are a son, Mark (Renee) Hopper, Defiance; six grandchildren; two great-grandsons; and a sister, Laura Meyer, Jewell. Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert D. Hopper; her parents; two sons, Donald and Timothy Hopper; and a sister, Elda Bidlack. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2010, at St. John Lutheran Church, Defiance, with Rev. Donald L. Luhring officiating. Entombment will be in Riverview Memory Gardens mausoleum, Defiance County. Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Preferred memorials are to the church or the CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF Robert F. "Bud" Kroeckel Jr. Robert F. "Bud" Kroeckel Jr., 81, Myrtle Beach, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2010. He was born in Defiance, Ohio, on August 20, 1928, the son of the late Robert I. and Ruth (Parker) Kroeckel. In 1958, Bud was hired by Chief Supermarkets as a produce buyer and supervisor before becoming president and chief executive officer of Chief and Ray's supermarkets. He retired from Chief Supermarkets in 1995. After retirement, he remained on the board of directors for Chief Health and Welfare Fund until 2005. Bud and his wife, Sharon, moved to Myrtle Beach, S.C., in 1995. As an avid golfer, Bud had past memberships to Auglaize and Kettenring country clubs in Defiance, and Baytree, Arcadian Shores and Abderdeen country clubs in Myrtle Beach. Bud is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sharon Ordway Kroeckel; mother-in-law, Helen A. Ordway, Defiance; son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Judy Kroeckel, Defiance; daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Jim Berry, Mt. Dora, Fla.; stepson and partner, Dan Sheaks and Janet Davies, Cincinnati, Ohio; stepson and wife, Doug and Kelly Sheaks, Valdosta, Ga.; stepdaughter and husband, Christine and Peter DeSantis, Myrtle Beach; sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia and Lowell Mayer and Charlene and Gene Weaver of Defiance; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. The family will receive friends from noon until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 4, at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home with Deacon Jeff Mayer officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. The family will also be receiving friends from 10 a.m. until time of service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Agape Hospice House, 2320 Highway 378, Conway, S.C. 29526. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF Herbert R. Hall   Herbert R. Hall, 88, Defiance, Ohio, died Thursday, February 25, 2010, at CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center, Defiance. He was born March 9, 1921, in Defiance, the son of Carl and Chloris (Teritton) Hall. On January 15, 1948, he married Frances Mack, who survives. He was self-employed in construction and also worked 20 years in the maintenance department at Defiance College. He was a self-employed dry waller and a farmer. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1942-46 during World War II and in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, VFW Post 3360 and the Jewell American Legion Post. Surviving are his wife, Frances Hall, Defiance; a son, Jim (Lisa) Hall, Defiance; a daughter, Denise (Phillip) Hornish, Defiance; six grandchildren, Cory, Jay, Adam and Sarah Hornish and Dylan and McKenzie Hall; and a great-grandchild, Connor Hornish. Preceding him in death were his parents; two sons, Jerry and John Hall; and a brother, Bernard "Butch" Hall. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 1, 2010, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Defiance, with Father Dave Tscherne and Father Robert Kill officiating. Burial will be in Marysdale Catholic Cemetery, Defiance, with military graveside rites by VFW Post 3360. Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Preferred memorials are to the Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center and Defiance DARE program. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF Doris M. Cordray Doris M. Cordray, 55, Defiance, Ohio, died Thursday, February 25, 2010, at the University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Mich. She was born December 8, 1954, in Lima, Ohio, the daughter of Norbert and Rita (Siebeneck) Maag. On May 21, 2001, she married William L. Cordray, who survives. She was a clerk in retail sales and a member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles Aerie and St. Mary's Catholic Church. Doris was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, NASCAR and attending her grandchildren's baseball games. She was one of a kind and touched the lives of many people. She will be truly missed by all. Surviving are her husband, William L. Cordray, Defiance; a son, Jeremy (Rebecca) Hurley, Fort Wayne, Ind.; two daughters, Shelly Hurley of Albion, Ind., and Brenda Hurley, Defiance; two stepsons, Rodney and Bernie Cordray, Defiance; seven grandchildren; three brothers, Larry Maag of Los Cruces, N.M., Norbert Maag Jr. of Williams Center, Ohio, and Eugene Maag, Defiance; and a sister, Rosemary Ricicia, Defiance. Preceding her in death were her parents and two sisters, Nancy Steel and Ruth Steele. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Defiance, with Father Tim Kummerer officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance. Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Monday at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Preferred memorials are to a charity of the donor's choice. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF Willene "Willie" L. Kunesh Willene "Willie" L. Kunesh, 82, Bryan, Ohio, died Friday, February, 26, 2010, at Bryan Care & Rehabilitation Center, Bryan. She was born October 21, 1927, in Montpelier, Ohio, the daughter of Eli Linden and Wilma (Brannan) Shoup. In 1956, she married R.J. Kunesh, who died in 1995. She was a packer at Dinner Bell Foods for nine years and worked at JCPenney, Goldenetz Grocery Store and Kroger. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Bryan. Surviving are a brother, Bud (Betty) Shoup, Defiance, Ohio; six nieces and nephews, and many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband, R.J. Kunesh; her parents; a niece, Christine Shoup; and a nephew, Steven Shoup. Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2010, in Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with Rev. Mary Beth Smith-Webb officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance. Visitation is from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2010, at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Williams County Hospice. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF Evelyn J. Clemens Evelyn J. Clemens, 74, of Defiance, died at 6:41 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, 2010, at Defiance Regional Medical Center, Defiance. She was born Jan. 10, 1936, in Defiance County, to the late Fred and Edith (Williamson) Rau.  On June 22, 1963, she married Joseph Clemens, Jr., who survives.  She was a housewife.  She had previously worked as an operator for Defiance Telephone Co. for over 10 years and briefly for Dinner Bell Foods of Defiance.  She attended Poplar Ridge Church of the Brethren and was a member of the VFW, Eagles and Amvets auxiliary.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, and deeply missed, especially by her grandchildren – who were the love of her life. Also surviving are two sons, Todd (Judy) Clemens and Scott (Chris) Clemens, all of Defiance; a daughter, Sherri (Fred) Hammersmith of Defiance; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Danny Rau and Elbert Rau, Both of Defiance; and three sisters, Judy Escador of Hicksville, Marlene Roehrig of Defiance and Doris Kramer of Iron Mountain, Mich. Preceding her in death are a grandson, Scott Hammersmith; four brothers, Jim, Robert, Junior and Danny Joe Rau; and two sisters, Shirley Osborn and Brenda Rau. Services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Poplar Ridge Church of the Brethren, Defiance, with Rev. Patricia Meeks officiating.  Burial will be in Poplar Ridge Cemetery.  Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home and an hour before services on Wednesday.  There will be an Amvets Auxiliary Memorial service on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Christopher Blaize Holley Christopher Blaize Holley was stillborn February 10, 2010 at Defiance Regional Medical Center, Defiance.  Survivors include his parents, Rick & Jennifer (Gerken) Holley, Defiance, OH,  brothers:  Patrick & Michael Gerken, Defiance, OH, Timothy Beatty, Bryan, OH, Brandon Murphy, Fostoria, OH, Dustin Brooks & Sam Holley, Grover Hill, OH,  & Mark Bak-Holley, Defiance, OH;  grandparents: Dennis & Veronica Gerken, Defiance, OH, Uncle:  Matt & Melody Gerken, Defiance, OH, and cousin:  Harmony Gerken, Defiance, OH.  Preceding him in death were his grandparents: Fred & Bobbi Holley. Graveside services were held Monday, February 15, 2010 at Myers Cemetery, Defiance County, OH with Rev. Donald L. Luhring officiating. Memorial contributions were designated to the family. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF Alverda Marie Williams Alverda Marie Williams, 88, Continental, Ohio, died Tuesday, February 9, 2010, at Defiance Regional Medical Center, Defiance, Ohio, with her loving family beside her. She was born September 21, 1921, in North Creek, Ohio, the daughter of John and Anna (Hoffman) Collett. On January 13, 1943, she married Carl Wayne Williams Jr., who died on December 6, 1976. She was the owner/manager of a beauty shop in New Bavaria, Ohio, and a homemaker. She later trained as an EMT, serving on the Continental EMS. She was a former member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, North Creek. She will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother. Surviving are a son, Dennis (Sandra) Williams, Decatur, Ind.; four daughters, Sueann (Ed) Bidlack of Continental, Ellen Perry of Continental, Sandy (Greg) Spitnale of Continental and Kathy (Kevin) Williams Homier, Continental; 15 grandchildren, Krisi and Bradley Williams, Todd Bidlack, Carlie Knowles, Chad Shirey, Stacy Adams, Brant Perry, Angie Burgei, Katrina Imber, Lindsey, Andrea, Sarah and John Spitnale and Tess and Brock Homier; and 13 great-grandchildren, Gabe, Jacob and Lauren Williams, Nick and Nicole Bidlack, Reese and Parker Knowles, Clay and Bailey Shirey, Olivia and Gena Adams and Alyssa and Camren Burgei. Preceding her in death were her husband, Carl Wayne Williams Jr.; her parents; and two daughters, Sharon Williams and Mary Shirey. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, February 15, 2010, at Mast-Mock-Hoffman-Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with Deacon Kenneth Klear officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance. Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the Continental EMS and/or the donor's choice. Click here to leave a message for the family!