Leona Ehlers

Leona “Lee” Emma Ehlers, 90, of Defiance, Ohio died October 4, 2022, in her home. She was born in Henry County, Freedom Township, Ohio on September 23, 1932, to Herman and Helen (Gerken) Elling. Leona graduated from Ridgeville High School in 1951. She found the love of her life, Arnold Ehlers and was married on August 8, 1954, at St. John Lutheran Church, Freedom Township. Leona worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Moden in Napoleon and Shaw - Clemens Law Office in Defiance. She raised her three children while finishing the building of their home, adding the job titles of carpenter and seamstress to her resume. Leona enjoyed dancing and playing solitaire on her iPad. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold “Arnie” Ehlers on April 30, 2021. As the last living sibling, she was also preceded in death by her brothers, Lorenz (Irene) Elling, Freddie (Gladys and Florence) Elling, Martin (Esther) Elling, Eldor (Sally) Elling, and Richard (Judy) Elling; sister, Hildegarde (Gene) Sindel; nephews, Jim Elling, Tom Elling, Larry Elling, Garry Elling, and Sam Rice; nieces, Erma (Jim) Cannon, Arlene (Keith) Ziegler, and Iretha (Howard) Sleesman. Leona is survived by her children, Randy (Deb) Ehlers, Crystal (David) Wright, and Dan (Dodie) Ehlers; grandchildren, Sean (Alex) Wright, Adam (Adie) Wright, Joshua Ehlers, and Andrew Ehlers; step grandchildren, Christine (Kurt) Hattendorf, and Kevin (Sonja) Wright; great grandchildren, Braxton, Adaline and Elliana; Step grandchildren, Kortni (Kelsey) Gurganus-Wright, Skylar Wright, McKayla Wright, Justin Hattendorf, Sydney Hattendorf, and Aubrie Hattendorf; step great-great grandchildren, Jaxon Gurganus-Wright; and several nieces, nephews and awesome friends. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 8th at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 25950 Nagel Road. Defiance, Ohio. Interment will follow at Riverview Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held on Friday from 3-7 p.m. at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon and Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.rodenbergergray.com

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Leona Ehlers

September 23, 1932 - October 4, 2022