Marlene Follas

Marlene Ann Follas, 79, of Van Wert, Ohio died Saturday morning February 10, 2018 at the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.  She was born May 20, 1938 in Elida, Ohio to the late Esther (Paul) and Duane L. Stemen, Sr.  On Novmeber 17, 1957 she married Robert P. Follas in Elida, Ohio.  Bob died April 10, 2010.

Marlene is survived by 4 daughters, Amy (Jay) Prichard of Van Wert, Lori Traxler of West Unity, Ohio, Lynn (Mike) Bouillon of Convoy, Ohio, and Jodi (Paul) Brummette of Van Wert; 11 grandchildren, Eric Prichard, Alissa McDonald, Nick Traxler, Josh Traxler, J.J. Traxler, Nate Traxler, Quintin Bouillon, Hatti Bouillon, Hannah Bouillon, Rachael Dettrow, and Christian Wallenhorst; 8 great grandchildren with one on the way; a brother, Duane L. (Janice) Stemen of Columbus, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.

She is a 1956 graduate of Elida High School.  She also graduated from the Ohio School of Banking at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio and received her Municipal Finance Administrator Certification from Kent State University.  She worked for Farmers Bank in Elida, Van Wert National Bank, the City of Van Wert, and Hoffman Plumbing and Heating.

Marlene was a member of First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, where she sang in the Senior Church Choir, T.W.I.G. III, Van Wert Optimist Club, and was a life member with Optimist International.  She previously served 12 years on the Van Wert City Schools Board of Education and for 10 years on the Vantage Career Center Board of Education.  Over the years, Marlene traveled most of the United States and also in Europe.  She drove many miles discovering covered bridges and loved to spend time at the Outer Banks in North Carolina with her kids and grandkids.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at First United Methodist Church in Van Wert with Rev. Gus Christo-Baker officiating.

Visitation will be 9:30 AM- 12:00 PM on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at First United Methodist Church in Van Wert.

Preferred memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church, Van Wert, Ohio.

Arrangements are being handled by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.