Virginia Marguerite Lenhart, 95, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 surrounded by her family. 
She was born in Defiance, Ohio, on April 7, 1921, to Gale and Mary (Bunke) Vaughn. A 1939 graduate of Defiance High School, Virginia attended Defiance College and was graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1943 as a member of the honorary education sorority, Kappa Delta Pi. A life-long educator, Virginia taught at the BGSU primary school and was the first-grade teacher in Oakwood, Ohio.  While raising a family of eight children Virginia volunteered at the Good Samaritan School and tutored students through school and church programs. In her 50’s, Virginia earned her real estate license working in that profession to age 90.
She was a member of University Women, Daughters of the American Revolution and Ohio Realtors Association.   A member of Trinity United Methodist Church for over ninety years, Virginia cherished her service on the Administrative Board and as delegate to the annual church conference.  She credited her church family with being a lifeline after her mother died when Virginia was just 13.  She believed the greatest gift she could give to others was her faith.  
Virginia never met a stranger.  She loved sharing her stories and making people laugh.  She delighted in time spent at the Methodist Chautauqua of Lakeside, Ohio; “God’s country” as she called it. Virginia will be remembered for her huge heart and natural way with people, her can-do attitude and remarkable green thumb.
 Virginia is survived by her children, Mary (David) Bernabucci of Alexandria, Virginia, Sarah (Dr.Edmund) Pezalla of Wethersfield, Connecticut, Philip (Sally) Lenhart of Rocky River, Ohio, Dr. Martha Lenhart (Dr. James Cox) of Silver Spring, Maryland, Rebecca Stork (Dan Schindler) of Ney, Ohio, Roberta (Michael) Burke of Arlington, Virginia, and Virginia (Mark) Bell of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, 17 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Richard Bruce Vaughn (Columbus), daughters Tamara Sue Lenhart and Amy Joan (Lenhart) Scharff and by Dr. Francis M. Lenhart.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Defiance, Ohio, with the Rev. C. Edwin Pellett officiating.   Private interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.  Family will receive friends Friday, March 31, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, Ohio and also at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or to Gideons International Bible distribution program. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schafferfh.com .