All Obituaries

Marilyn J. Olivo, age 74 of Defiance, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at ProMedica Defiance Hospital.       She was born in Lima, Ohio on July 9, 1951 to the late Robert and Susanna (Schroeder) Smith. Marilyn worked for over 40 years at Johns Manville until her retirement in 2017. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Moose Lodge #2094, and a social member of VFW #3360. Marilyn was an avid reader and she enjoyed her daily walks. She also ...

Burl E. Klingler, 79, of Defiance, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at The Laurels of Defiance.       He was born in Paulding, Ohio on April 7, 1946 to the late Alva and Anna Klingler. On June 2, 1972 he married Debra Helms, who preceded him in death.  Burl is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked for several years as a Security Guard with Coastal Security and Logan Security. It never bothered Burl to share his opinion. He ...

Elvira “Elle” Naomi Pryor (née Jimenez), 79, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026. Elle was born on July 1st, 1946 in Bryan, Ohio, to Antonio Jimenez and Mercedes Jimenez, who preceded her in death. She was a proud graduate of Bryan High School and later attended the University of Toledo. She spent much of her life in Defiance, Ohio, where she built a life centered around family, community, and adventure. In December of 1985, she married the love of ...

Ronald L. Clyburn, age 70 of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at The Gardens of Paulding.       He was born on August 27, 1955 to Bill and Velma (Lang) Clyburn in Defiance, Ohio. Ron is survived by his son, Eric Clyburn of Pennsylvania, and his sister, Lynn (Greg)  Wonderly of Sherwood, Ohio.   A private burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Defiance. The family kindly requests no memorials or flowers.  Schaffer Funeral Home was ...

Earl Douglas Rose, age 67 of Defiance, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.       He was born in Pikeville, Kentucky on June 20, 1958 to the late Earl and Virginia (Johnson) Rose. On May 23, 1979 he married Cathy Mansfield, who preceded him in death on March 18, 2021.     Earl worked as the Head Furnace Chief at Johns Manville for over 40 years until his retirement in December, 2023. He enjoyed hunting, watching football, and ...

Royal Justus Hofacker, 90, of Defiance, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2026 surrounded by loved ones at The Laurels of Defiance. He was born in Paulding, Ohio on September 25, 1935 to the late Charles and Iva (Taylor) Hofacker. On December 23, 1986 he married Janet Sherrick who survives. Royal is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the 3rd Armored Division in Germany from 1958-1960. Royal worked as a Millwright for General Motors for 48 years until his retirement. He ...

Joanne Murphy, age 87 of Defiance, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026 at her residence, with her family by her side. She was born in Cherry Creek, New York on September 22, 1938 to the late Loren and Rose (Saxton) Manning. After graduating from high school, Joanne earned her Associate's degree from Rochester Business Institute in Rochester New York. On October 19, 1957 she married James Murphy, who survives. Joanne was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the ...

Gail J. Olson, 83, of Defiance, passed away at 3:16 am on Friday, March 6, 2026 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Angola, Indiana on November 12, 1942 to the late George and Leola (Kiles) Cassel. On January 16, 1965 she married Webster Olson who survives. Gail was a faithful member of Grace Episcopal Church in Defiance. For years she enjoyed working with her husband with their successful electrical business, Olson Electric. Gail ...

Stephen Lee Juette, a beloved son, brother, and uncle, age 78 of Defiance, passed away on Friday evening, March 6, 2026 in Edgerton, Ohio.       Steve was born in Lima, Ohio on May 14, 1947 to the late Howard and Jeanne (Parrish) Juette. He was a long time resident of Defiance and a 1965 graduate of Defiance High School. Steve was a collector of many things, most especially Hot Wheel Cars. He was a dog lover and had several dogs over the years.    Steve is ...

Keith D. Steffan, 76, passed away unexpectedly in his home in Defiance, Ohio, on March 5, 2026.     He was born on July 18, 1949 to Clarence and Phyllis (Unverferth) Steffan in Lima, Ohio. Keith was known for his sense of humor, quiet nature, and took great pride in his children and grandchildren.  Keith graduated from Leipsic High School and earned an Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering in Fort Wayne, Indiana. A proud American, he served as an Army reservist. ...