Mary M. Straka, 77, of Defiance, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2015 at the Mercy Defiance Hospital, with her family by her side, following complications from heart valve repair surgery last September.
She was born on February 1, 1938 to Alphonse and Mary (Samuhel) Schindler in Defiance, OH. On November 11, 1955 she married Del Straka. Mary and Del lived in Bryan and since 1969, in Defiance, Ohio.
Mary loved bowling, and was an inaugural member of the Bryan Womens Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Mary was known for opening up her home to the YMCA for swim lessons (prior to the YMCA pool being built), and between the years of 1977-1996, Mary & Del opened up their home and hearts to over 50 foster children. Mary loved traveling with her family, especially with her grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her spouse of 59 years Delano Straka of Defiance, OH, her three children, Rick Straka of Defiance, OH, Holly Straka of Milford, MI, Randy (Alicia) Straka of Ft. Wayne, IN, and three sisters, Ann (Ken) Sweinhagen of Independence, OH, Joan (Dick) Rittenour of Defiance, OH, & Terri (Bob) Brenner of Defiance, OH and three grandchildren, Jakob, and Aidan Straka of Ft Wayne IN and Mia Straka-Reading of Milford MI.
She was preceded in death by her parents & brothers, John, Jim, & Paul Schindler.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 6, 2015, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home, 529 Jefferson Ave., Defiance, Ohio. A memorial service will be held following at 4:00 pm at the Schaffer Funeral Home, with Deacon Jeff Mayer officiating.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society (as a 19 year breast cancer survivor) or the Fort Defiance Humane Society. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com