Minnie Orpha Gerig Chaffee, 95, of Archbold, Ohio, went home to be with Jesus on May 6, 2019 at Fairlawn Haven in Archbold. Minnie was born on October 16, 1923, in Wayland, IA, a daughter of the late Martin C. and Emma R. (Nofziger) Gerig.
After graduating from Hesston Academy, Hesston, KS, in 1950, Minnie worked for various individuals providing household help as well as childcare. On October 24, 1953, she married Lloyd Lewis Chaffee of Castorland, NY, where they made their home until moving to the Wauseon area in 1969.
Minnie was an active member of West Clinton Mennonite Church. She enjoyed gardening, raising flowers, and taking care of farm animals. A favorite pastime was putting puzzles together. Minnie moved to West Unity in 2002 where she resided until June 2018 when health necessitated the move to the Fairlawn Hospice unit where she received excellent care.
Minnie is survived by daughters: Twila (David) Stoltzfus of Harrisonburg, VA, Elaine Rupp of Wauseon, and Betty (Larry) Suter, of Harrisonburg, VA. Grandchildren: Jonathan Stoltzfus, Erica Stoltzfus, Christy Rupp Householder, Amy Rupp Wagner, Katie Suter Caldwell, Daniel Suter, Matthew Kennedy and Samantha Kennedy and two great grandchildren. Minnie was preceded in death by Lloyd on December 24, 1993. She was also preceded in death by a daughter Adele Kennedy; son-in-law Vernon Rupp; and siblings: Elsie, Mabel Miller, Christian Emanuel, Frances Yutzy, Mary, Melvin, Allen, Eldon Laverne, Elmer, Willard, and Emery.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday at 1 PM at West Clinton Mennonite Church with Pastor Ryan Harker officiating. Interment will precede in the Pettisville Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 10-11:30 AM on Saturday.
Memorial contributions can be made to Elizabeth Miller/missionary with SALT to Honduras or CHP. Short Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
