Evelyn Mae Manahan, age 98, of Defiance, Ohio passed away peacefully at the CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Defiance on August 11, 1927 to Albert and Clara (Busch) Mayer. She graduated from Defiance High School in 1946 and worked as a secretary in the school office before attending the Ohio State University dental hygiene program. Evelyn graduated from Ohio State in 1950 and worked for Dr. Robert Burke, Sr. DDS for 22 years as a dental hygienist.

On April 14, 1951 she married her high school sweetheart, William "Larry" Manahan. Together they had four children; Michael (Beth) Manahan of Bowling Green, Susan (Louis) Sorbera of Tampa, FL; Tammy (Jack) Moss of Defiance and Barbara (Michael) Palumbo of Galena, Ohio. They were blessed with 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Larry of 51 years, daughter Barbara, son Michael, her parents and siblings; Norma Malaby, Elden Mayer, and Lowell "Pic" Mayer. She is survived by her daughters, Susan and Tammy.

Evelyn was a strong woman of faith and an active member and servant of St. Paul's United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She loved singing in the choir and especially enjoyed hymns and listening to the Gaither Vocal Band. Evelyn volunteered at the Community Pregnancy Center in Defiance, Meals on Wheels, and was an active member of The Gideons Women's Auxiliary. She faithfully placed Bibles in various businesses around town well into her 90's.

Evelyn had a bit of a competitive nature. She loved to play games and enjoyed watching and playing sports (kickball with the grandkids at 75 yrs and croquet until the age of 96), As a lifelong Buckeye fan, she was able to attend many of the football games with family and friends. When she no longer attended games, Evelyn could be found marching around the kitchen to the OSU band preparing snacks for the game on TV. She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and feeding & watching birds (the cardinal was her favorite), but her favorite pastime would be the many years she spent with family making memories at Rose Lake near Coldwater, MI.

Evelyn lived a rich and full life and will always be remembered as a faithful woman of God with a servant's heart.

All services will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at St Paul's United Methodist Church beginning with visitation at 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon. Burial will follow at Riverview Memory Gardens.

Memorials are suggested to The Gideons International or CHP Hospice of Defiance. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.