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Leola Elnora Zachrich, 94, of Defiance County, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, November 2, 2016.

She was born on November 16, 1921 to Lewis and Pauline (Retcher) Engel in Henry County. On January 19, 1941 she married Robert L. Zachrich, Sr., who preceded her in death on July 31, 1958.

Along with her husband, she founded Zachrich Trucking Company. Widowed suddenly at 36, she devoted her life to raising her family and managing the family business and farm.

Leola was a long time member of Zion's Lutheran Church and the Ladies Circle, sharing her "special" baked beans at funeral luncheons. She dedicated over 30 years volunteering faithfully at the Defiance Hospital Thrift Store, and the St. John Lutheran Clothes Closet. She enjoyed collecting antiques, working on her Word Search books, making homemade Christmas candies for family celebrations, crafting, and spending time with the family.

Leola will be sadly missed by her loving family; daughters, Pat (Gene) Hammersmith, Chelan Washington, Jackie (John) Marcellus, Jean Zachrich Smith, and Debbie (Jerry) Walther, Sr., all of the Defiance area. Sons, Robert (Carole) Zachrich of Holgate and Bruce (Pat) Zachrich of Defiance, 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and a brother, Melvin (Marilyn) Engel of Holgate.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two great-granddaughters.

Leola leaves a legacy of hard work, faith, and determination for which her family is forever grateful.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, and for one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 7, 2016 at Zion's Lutheran Church in Defiance, with Pastor Timothy Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

We would like to thank Pastor Tim Reynolds, Zion's Lutheran Church, Dr. Rohrs, and the Hospice nurses for all your special care and attention.

Memorials are suggested to Zion's Lutheran Church, or CHP Defiance Area Home Health Hospice.