I. Helen (Wade) Straman

I. Helen Straman, 93, of Defiance, went home to Heaven on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.    
  
She was born on April 23, 1925 to Sherman and Mary (Rohlf) Wade in Putnam County. On April 27, 1947 she married John B. Straman, Jr. They built their house together, where they raised their family, and where she lived for over 70 years. John preceded her in death on June 18, 1975. 

Helen was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church and Defiance Hospital Retirees Group. She earned her nursing degree in 1945 from Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. She loved her career as a nurse and caring for others. She was the original Director of Nursing at the old Defiance Hospital on Biede Avenue. Helen continued working at the Defiance Hospital, and later at local nursing homes. She worked over a total of 50 years as a nurse. In her leisure time she enjoyed crocheting, mowing her yard, bird watching, and sitting on her porch. She was a true Ohio sports fan, watching Ohio State football, and the Cleveland Indians, Browns, and Cavaliers. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family and many good friends.
  
Helen is survived by her daughters, Pat (Dave) Hire and Sally (Randy) Gerken, all of Defiance, four grandchildren;  Holly Hire, Matthew (Kaylynn) Hire, Britt (Megan) Gerken, and Megan (Alex) Fritz, two great-granddaughters; Amelia and Evelyn Fritz, and her brother, Dr. Donald J. Wade of Defiance. 
  
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John B. Straman Jr., son, John B. "Jack" Straman, III, and sisters, Esther Andrews, Elnora VanVlerah, Hilda Ruck, and Bonnie Bishop.
  
Visitation will be held from 3-8 pm on Friday, January 25, 2019 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 26th at St. John Lutheran Church, with Rev. Donald L. Luhring and Rev. Lee Genter officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery.
  
Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
  
  

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