Jean L. Gaskill, age 81 of Defiance, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2023 at Glenn Park of Defiance. She was born on March 30, 1942 to the late Robert and Marie (Rosebrock) Agler in Defiance, Ohio. Jean graduated from Defiance High School and Defiance College. She taught Third Grade and Fifth Grade for Defiance City Schools until her retirement in 1996.

Jean was a faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and devoted many years providing leadership with the Rotary group at the church. She loved serving her community and was a member of the Historical Society. She also spent many hours watering the plants in downtown Defiance helping to keep the downtown area beautiful. You would most often find Jean working in her yard. She kept her flowers and yard absolutely eye catching. Jean will be tenderly remembered by her family and many good friends. Jean is survived by her loving nephews, Steve (Liberty) Schultz, Dave Schultz and Tracy (April) Schultz, eight great-nephews, three great-nieces, nine great-great-nephews, two great-great-nieces, and brother-in-law Howard Schultz Jr. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Brenda Schultz, and niece Holly Schultz. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 4, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with Rev. David Brobston officiating. One hour of additional visitation will be held before the service at the church. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.