Eva Marie “Evie” Wellman, 85, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away on October 14, 2026.

Evie was born on November 5, 1940, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Clara (Beaulieu) and Raymond Miller. She graduated from Oakwood High School in 1958. On July 11, 1964, she married the love of her life, Dean P. Wellman, in Defiance. He preceded her in death on May 29, 2016.

Evie dedicated much of her life to service, both professionally and in her community. She worked as a cashier/bookkeeper at Defiance College, in data processing at Johns Manville, and spent 21 years as a secretary with Northeastern Local Schools. She also served as the Clerk of Tiffin Township, retiring in 2001. Beyond her career, Evie was an active community member, serving on the Board of the American Red Cross in Defiance County, where she received the Chapter Special Award for her support of military families. She was a member of the Defiance College Women’s Commission, Defiance Elks Lodge #147, and an auxiliary member of the Defiance Eagles.

Evie found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, traveling, spending summers at the family lake in Coldwater, Michigan, and, in her later years, enjoying winters in Madeira Beach, Florida. Above all, she cherished time with her family and the many friendships she held dear.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Stephanie Costa (David Bahner) of Columbus, Ohio, and Nikki (Darrin) Phenix of Greensboro, Georgia; her grandsons, Andrew (Sonya Sasmal) Costa of Portland, Oregon, Ethan Costa of Chicago, Illinois, Devin Phenix of Smyrna, Georgia, and Dylan Phenix of Athens, Georgia; her sister-in-law, Ann Miller of Oakwood, Ohio; brother-in-law, Jan (Faith) Wellman of Cottage Grove, Oregon; sister-in-law, Jean Messner of Denver, Colorado; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 14th at the funeral home, with Fr. John Stites officiating. Additional visitation will be from 10-11 am prior to the service. Eva will be laid to rest in Evansport Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be directed to Defiance Area Foundation for the Northeastern Local Schools Scholarship Fund in care of Defiance Area Foundation.