Cathy Gerken, age 68 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Wednesday morning, June 1, 2022 at home surrounded by her family. She was born on April 7, 1954 to the late Frank and Doris (Robson) Wagner in Montpelier, Ohio. Cathy was a 1972 graduate of Montpelier High School. On July 21, 1984 she married Jerry Gerken, who survives.

Cathy was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Defiance. She enjoyed shopping at Goodwill, baking cookies for everyone, and spending time with her family. She was a devoted wife and mother, a huge animal lover, and was a friend to everyone. She enjoyed the country life, loved to read romance novels, and collect flow blue dishes and antiques. Cathy always had a stick of chapstick. She will be sadly missed by her family and many good friends. Cathy is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Jerry Gerken of Defiance, her children; Jonika (Christian) Kearney of Pierpont, OH, Jerod (Elaine) Gerken of Ft. Wayne, IN, Brandy Sapp of Montpelier, OH, and Bobby (Tom) Nye of Edgerton, OH, her grandchildren; Elise Kearney, Avery Gerken, Reizyn and Chanse Sapp, Grace, Brandyn and Gunnar Nye, and her sister, Terry Tillman of Montpelier, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Bob Robson and Bob Wagner, her grandson Dawson Sapp, Abby Dog and Chloe Dog. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 6, 2022 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at the funeral home, with Rev. Wayne Altstaetter officiating. Entombment will take place at Riverview Memory Gardens. Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Hospice, or American Cancer Society. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.