Elmina M. "Ellie" Backhaus, 70, of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Twin Rivers Care and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on April 28, 1947 to Anton and Wilamina (Lineau) Wiemken in Defiance County. On February 28, 1966 she married Carl Backhaus, who preceded her in death in December, 2003.

Ellie was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church. She was a 1965 graduate of Ridgeville Schools, but attended Tinora up to her senior year. She worked at Sauder Woodworking in Archbold for over 35 years, retiring in 2012. She also had a motor route delivering the Crescent News, and she loved her customers. Ellie and her husband were huge supporters of Tinora and Fairview sports programs. The Backhaus Wrestling Duals at Tinora were named after Ellie and Carl.

Ellie is survived by her sons, Michael (Tamara) Backhaus of Sherwood, and Gary (Tracey) Backhaus of Defiance, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, brothers, Henry (Rose Marie) Wiemken of Napoleon, and Norm (Kathleen) Wiemken of Defiance, sisters, Dorothy (Henry) Gerken of Napoleon, and Louisa (Robert) Blue of Hamler, and mother-in-law, Ilene Backhaus of Defiance.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Backhaus, and brothers, Frederick and Edward Wiemken.

Visitation will be held from 3-8 pm on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 31st at St. Mark Lutheran Church, with Pastor Rich Rentner officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Mark Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Tinora or Fairview Wrestling Programs, or Ft. Defiance Humane Society. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.