Elinor Ann Lee, age 87 of Defiance, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, September 16, 2024 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. She was born on August 9, 1937 to Donald and Elnora (Wade) VanVlerah in Defiance, Ohio. Elinor had a true passion for taking care of others and worked as an LPN for Defiance Hospital for over 28 years. She was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church. She enjoyed children, being surrounded by children, and traveling to Florida during the winter months. She was known by all as a very kind and generous person, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Elinor is survived by her brothers, Allan  (Valerie) VanVlerah  and  Dr. Donald (Donna) VanVlerah, all of Defiance, and her sister, Rosalie Zirkle of Bristol, IN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Elnora VanVlerah, brother-in-law, Keith Zirkle, and her nephew, Tyson VanVlerah Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 am at the church, with Pastor Kurt Mews officiating. Elinor will be laid to rest at Riverview Memory Gardens.

Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements. Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.