Thelma E. (Ballreich) Bowser, 85, of Defiance, passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio.

She was born on January 4, 1931 to Ray O. and Beulah (Musselman) Smith in Cecil, Ohio. Thelma was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Defiance, the Eastern Star Lodge, and the Ohio Education Association.  In 1948 she married Richard Ballreich, who passed away in 1995. In 1999 she married Edward Bowser, who resides in Defiance. Thelma was an Elementary School Teacher for 30 years at Ayersville School.

Thelma will be greatly missed by her loving family, and so many that knew her through the years. She is survived by her loving spouse of  17 years, husband Edward Bowser of Defiance, daughters Karen (Chuck) Moore of Bardstown, Kentucky, Becky (Jim) Maag of Defiance, and Lori (Keith) Ashbacher of Defiance, stepdaughter Charity Wilson and stepson Edward Bowser III, both of California, grandchildren, Doug Maag, Andrea (Rich) Bruns, Kristen Burgess, Alan (Jenny) Maag, Jacob Von Deylen, and  Amy Von Deylen, 8 great-grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 6 step great-grandchildren, and brother Richard O. Smith of Defiance.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Beulah and Ray O. Smith, first husband, Richard Ballreich, brothers, Robert Smith and Kenneth Smith, stepdaughters, Nancy Bowser and  Amy Bowser.

Visitation will be held  from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, June 3, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. Funeral services will be held  at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church in Defiance, with Rev. Lynnette Bova officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice, or First Presbyterian Church.