Mary Lautzenheiser

Mary Jean Lautzenheiser, 85, of Van Wert, died at 11:40 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2014, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.

She was born May 21, 1929, in Paulding County, the daughter of the late Edward R. and Connie (Rhodes) Cordray. On December 13, 1947, in Defiance, she married George Lautzenheiser, who preceded her in death.

Survivors include two children, Dr. Thomas E. (Nancy) Lautzenheiser and Tamara J. (Gary) Nihiser, both of Van Wert; five grandchildren, Michele L. Lautzenheiser of Fairbanks, Alaska, Jennifer (Jordan) Klutka of Sterling, Virginia, Kathryn L. Lautzenheiser of Pembroke Pines, Florida, Melissa N. Nihiser of Van Wert, and Heather N. Nihiser of Fishers, Indiana; and two great-grandchildren, Jayden Nihiser and Noah Klutka.

Her stepmother, Ethel (Brandt) Cordray, also preceded her in death.

Mrs. Lautzenheiser taught for a total of 44 years, including Blue Creek School and Lincolnview Local Schools, and retired from Crestview Local School District. She also worked at National Seal in Van Wert for 18 years.

She was a member of North Union United Methodist Church in Van Wert County, the Convoy Research Club, First United Methodist Church Food Pantry, and a former member of the Van Wert Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 4, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Rev. Greg Wack officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery in rural Van Wert County.

Calling hours are from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: The Van Wert Chapter of the American Red Cross or The Salvation Army