Mary Frances Steyer, 57, of Defiance, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. She was born in Defiance, Ohio on August 11, 1956, the daughter of Wayne and Joann L. (Spangler) Jones. She was a 1975 graduate of Ayersville High School and a 1979 graduate of Defiance College, where she was named homecoming queen. Mary was fun loving, high energy, enthusiastic, spontaneous, faith-filled, and completely full of joy. She loved to entertain her family and friends, read, cook, play cards and hang out at Clear Lake. She lived her life in love and service to God and encouraged others to do the same. She will be dearly missed. Mary began teaching at Williams county MRDD as a physical development specialist and Special Olympics director, leading students each summer to compete in the Ohio Special Olympics. She later taught at Spencer Elementary in Defiance. After leaving the teaching profession to raise her three children, Mary continued to serve young people as a volunteer receptionist at Defiance Junior High School, CCD teacher at St. Mary Catholic church, and Youth Director for St. Mary and St. John Catholic Churches. She retired as Youth Director on June 1, 2013. Mary was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where she served on the liturgy committee, as co-director of Generations of Faith, lector, Eucharistic minister, director of Youth Elect Service (Y.E.S.) program, food pantry, as well as retreat, baptism and confirmation teams. On June 10, 1983, she married Gregory L. Steyer, who survives. Mary is also survived by her three sons, Ryan of Washington, D.C., Chad and Andrew, both of Defiance, her mother Joann of Defiance, Grandmother Mary E. Jones of Ottawa, sisters Cheryl A. Jones of Bowling Green, and Carol S. (Michael) Kurival of Bryan, and brother Roger L. (Melissa) Jones of Defiance. Mary was preceded in death by her father Wayne, grandfather Emerson Jones, grandparents Peter B. Spangler and Frances L. (Ensman) Spangler. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 30 and from 2-8 p.m. on Friday January 31 at Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home 1753 S. Clinton St. Defiance, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Friday. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2014 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Defiance, with Fr. Timothy Kummerer officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the St. Mary and St. John Elect Service (Y.E.S.) program or St. Mary food pantry. Condolences may be shared at www.lawsonroessner.com.

Visitation

JAN 30. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EST)

Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home 1753 S. Clinton St. Defiance, OH, 43512

Visitation

JAN 31. 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EST)

Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home 1753 S. Clinton St. Defiance, OH, 43512

Service

FEB 1. 10:00 AM (EST)

St. Mary's Catholic Church 707 Jefferson Ave. Defiance, OH