Marie Alice Hale, 84, of Defiance, passed away on February 15, 2014 at the CHP Defiance InPatient Hospice Center, with her family by her side.

She was born on January 7, 1930 to Paul and Ellah (Miller) Heil in Defiance, OH. She attended school at Defiance High School and was part of the graduating class of 1948. On September 11, 1948 she married James "Jim" Hale in Defiance, OH, where they have lived since.

Marie was an avid swimmer and a member of the YMCA's 1000 Lap Club. She also enjoyed tennis, bowling, reading, playing bridge, and traveling. She was quite fond of her trips to Alaska. Marie was also a devoted Indiana Hoosiers fan.


Marie is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Jim R. Hale of Defiance, OH, daughters; Diane (Frederick) Bokop of Defiance, OH, Debra (John) Ridenour of Davenport, IA, Denise (George) Findling of Bend, OR, Julie (Gary) Kobel of Colorado Springs, CO, brother; Robert (Joann) Heil of Defiance, OH, 4 Grandchildren, and 9 Great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Gene Heil, & Francis Heil in infancy, and her beloved Goldren Retreivers.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2014 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc., Defiance, Ohio.

Funeral services will be held on at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at Schaffer Funeral  Home, with Deacon Jeff Mayer, officiating.

Memorials are suggested to the Defiance County Humane Society and/or CHP Defiance InPatient Hospice Center.. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.