Earlene A. Dirr, 99, of Defiance, and formerly of rural Holgate, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at Twin Rivers Rehabilitation Center in Defiance. She was born on April 16, 1916 to Earl and Gladys (Hall) Treece in Putnam County. On June 9, 1947 she married Merl Dirr, who preceded her in death on August 11, 1998. Earlene was a member of Emmanuel Christian Church in New Bavaria, Ohio. She was a member of Henry County Retired Teachers Association. Earlene was a Continental High School graduate, and attended Bowling Green State University to obtain her teaching certificate. She taught in Continental Schools for 13 years. She enjoyed gardening, grandchildren, and was a helping hand on the farm with her husband. Earlene is survived by her daughters, Karen (James) Maassel of New Bavaria, Cheryl (Michael) Murphy of Norman, Oklahoma, son, David Dirr of Continental, 12 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Gladys Treece, husband, Merl Dirr, and brothers Howard, Harold, and Dale Treece. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. Funeral services will be held  at 11:00 am  at the funeral home on Monday, February 22, 2016, with Pastor Ed  Briggeman officiating. Entombment will follow at Riverview Memory Gardens in Defiance. Memorials are suggested to Emmanuel Christian Church, PO Box 253, New Bavaria, Ohio, 43548.