Thelma Garcia

Thelma Garcia, 67, of Defiance, passed away on May 27, 2022 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
  
She was born on October 6, 1954 to Victor and Bessie (Valdez) Ruiz in Weslaco, Texas.  Thelma was a bus driver for Defiance and Ayersville Schools. 
  
She was a member of St. John Catholic Church, a founding member of Defiance Citizens In Action, board member of the Eagles and a member at the Moose Lodge. Thelma was active as a volunteer with the Democratic party helping with elections and campaigns. She loved to spend time with her family, traveling, volunteering and camping.
  
Thelma is survived by her three children, Erika (Maurice Lawson) Garcia of Augusta, Georgia; Diana Garcia of Defiance and Steven Garcia of Philadelphia, PA. She also leaves behind her three cherished grandchildren, Christopher Dlubac, Alexis Smith, and Marrissa Garcia-Lawson.  Thelma will be dearly missed by her significant other of over twenty years, Earl Cotton.  She is also survived by her siblings, Alice Templeton of Defiance; Butch Templeton and Jerry Templeton both of Texas; and Carlotta Jackson of California.  
  
She was preceded in death by parents, Victor Ruiz and Bessie Templeton; sister, Bessie Garcia and brother, Genaro Garcia.
  
Visitation will be held Friday, June 3, 2022, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (EST) with a Rosary Service beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc., Defiance, Ohio.  Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 10:30 am (EST) at the St. John Catholic Church, Defiance, Ohio, with Fr. David Cirata officiating.
  
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in the name of Thelma Garcia to the St John Catholic Church or Citizens In Action, P.O. Box #23 @ Pack & Post 925 S. Clinton St. Defiance, Ohio. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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