Elevinia Sanchez, 93, of Defiance, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

She was born on September 29, 1924 to  Jose and Francisca (Valverde) Perez in San Antonio, Texas. On April 9, 1943 she married Miguel Sanchez Sr., who preceded her in death on April 17, 2000. Elevinia was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, the Latin America Club, and was a former member of  DAV. She enjoyed sewing and cooking, and was known affectionately as the "Tamale Lady". She was the heart and soul of her family, and she left her mark on the hearts of several generations. Her best times were spent with her family at dinners and celebrations.

Elevinia will be sadly missed by her sons, Miguel (Mary) Sanchez, Jr., Roberto (Barb) Sanchez, and Raul (Julie) Sanchez, all of Defiance, daughters, Delores (Bruce) Gamiere of Defiance, and Theresa (Mark) Ordaz of Eldridge, Iowa,  20 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, sisters, Rachel (Chema) Ruiz of Findlay, OH, and Irene Perez of Defiance, and a son-in-law, Hilario Castillo of Defiance.  She had a very special best friend, Mamie Perez.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Miguel Sanchez, Sr., daughter Cecilia Castillo, brothers, Jose, Rudy, Raul, Johnny, and Roy Perez, and sisters, Juanita Sanchez and Lupita Atiee.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, with a Vigil Service at 2:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate her life will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, November 6th at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Father Randy Giesige officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.