All Obituaries

Fred H. Gruber, age 83, son of Janet and Fred W. Gruber, born February 16, 1941 in Waynesburg, Ohio died April 22nd, 2024 peacefully at CHP hospice after a long battle with multiple myeloma. Fred was a proud graduate of Ohio University.  It was there that he and Nancy Ann Gruber (Russell) met in the band and later married.  Fred had a lifelong career in education, starting with teaching at Lorain Admiral King High School and then later moving with his family to Defiance.  He...

Lela G. Runyan, age 92 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024 at The Laurels of Defiance.       She was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana on August 19, 1931 to the late John and Martha Scott. Lela was a graduate of Defiance High School. On March 20, 1955 she married Audus R. Runyan, who preceded her in death on April 9, 2013.     Lela was a faithful member of First Church of God in Defiance, where she taught Sunday School and was the...

David S. "Dave" Kellermyer, age 82 of Defiance, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Glenn Park of Defiance.       He was born on December 8, 1941, to the late Lake and Gertrude (Grether) Kellermyer in Defiance, Ohio. Dave was a 1960 graduate of Defiance High School, and received his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio University in 1964. On September 20, 1964, he married Connie Dirr, who survives.     Dave was a...

Lewis E. Allen, 71, of Defiance, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.      He was born on January 1, 1953 to Harold and Eleanor (Leser) Allen at Bay City , Michigan. Lewis worked for GM Powertrain for 35 years until his retirement in 2014.  He was a member of the Defiance AmVets #1991 and Eagles #372. Lewis enjoyed hunting, fishing, any outdoor activities including shooting guns and crossbows, and spending time with his dogs Gizmo,...

Phillip K. Winkler, age 77 of Cecil, Ohio, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on  Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at his home.       He was born on March 14, 1947 to Phillip and Mary (Dennison) Winkler in Springfield, Ohio. Phillip attended South High School in Springfield, Ohio and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967. On February 26, 1968 he married Brenda Manning, who survives. Phillip worked for over 25 years at General Motors in Defiance until...

Judy Bower, age 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...

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,...

Michael F. "Mike" Foy, Jr., age 49 of Celina, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at St. Rita's Mercy Medical Center in Lima, Ohio.       He was born on October 19, 1974 to Michael and Lillian (Emanuel) Foy in Newark, New Jersey. Mike was a 1993 graduate of Pinelands High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1994 to 1995. He worked at Progressive Stamping in Ottoville for twenty years, and at Crown in Celina for the last five years. Mike...

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...

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...