Sally Jo Gerken, age 73 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at The Laurels of Defiance. She was born on June 18, 1952 to the late Dean and Joanna (Hostettler) Strahm in Defiance, Ohio. Sally was a graduate of Defiance High School and proudly earned her Bachelor's Degree from Defiance College. She worked as a Social Worker at the Area Office of Aging in Napoleon, Ohio. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and colleagues.

Sally is survived by her children, Joshua (Pamela) Foss of Nappanee, IN and Amanda Wagner of Defiance, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, her brother, Philip (Diane) Strahm of Knoxville, TN, and sister, Georgia McMahon of Knoxville, TN. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Strahm, her sister, Sue Hinshaw, and son-in-law, James Wagner.

There will be no services. Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements. Memorials are suggested to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, or ELARA Hospice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.