Rea Stripe

Rea A. Stripe, 82, of Van Wert, died at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

She was born December 6, 1932, in Van Wert County, the daughter of Morgan and Emma (Jenkins) Williamson, who both preceded her in death. On August 20, 1950, she married Billy E. Stripe, who also preceded her in death.

Survivors include two children, Brent (Callie) Stripe of Van Wert County and Beth Young of Holland, Michigan; a brother, Leon (Sue) Williamson of Akron; three grandchildren, Emily Young, Dr. Zachary (Dr. Misty Good) Young and Stacia Stripe; and three great-grandchildren, Kaid, Evan and Luke Burgoon.

Two brothers, three sisters, and a great-granddaughter, Natalie Burgoon, also preceded her in death.

Mrs. Stripe was an American Red Cross swim instructor and an aide at the former Otis Hospital. She worked for 15 years at General Electric in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as a motor winder and was a Walmart associate for 10 years.

She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Van Wert and volunteered for the Crisis Care Hotline and at Van Wert County Hospital.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 5, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Rev. Dr. Seeyong Joseph Lee and Father Keith Stripe officiating. Burial will be in Scott Cemetery.

Calling hours are from 4-8 p.m. Friday, September 4, and an hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers and planters, memorials can be made to the Van Wert County Humane Society or Wesley United Methodist Church.