Another of the greatest generation has passed. Delores Elizabeth Schlegel, 88, of Fresno died Thursday, June 26, 2014 at the Mennonite Memorial Home in Bluffton, OH. She was born at home near Fresno to Harry V. and Leora (Thomas) Hothem on March 31, 1926.
Along with her teacher father, she walked to Woods College School for the first two years. Upon graduating from Fresno High School, in 1943, Delores began working at Moore Enameling in West Lafayette. There she inspected shell casings for the war effort and also worked in the personnel office. Later she served as secretary of Fresno in the Ridgewood School Local District for more than 25 years, and worked alongside friend, Delores Lower
Delores was a member of Renner’s United Church of Christ, where she played the organ for 50 years. She was an active member of Progressive Valley Grange where she played the piano, helped with drill teams, plays, programs, and fair displays. Pauline Hothem McCormick, Margaret Hothem Uhl and Lewis Reiss were three special cousins throughout her life, in happiness and in sorrow.
Delores was almost always in a good mood and the grandkids loved to hear her play the Beer Barrel Polka. She always had time to play cards and games with them into the wee hours of the morning after the other adults had gone to sleep. She loved her dark chocolate.
In addition to her parents, grandson Lawrence, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Lawrence A. Schlegel to whom she married January 18, 1948.
She is survived by three children Linda Schlegel of Lancaster, Diane (Mark) Sharrock of Ada, and Alan (Bonnie) Schlegel of Newcomerstown. She greatly enjoyed her grandchildren Crystal (Brett) Badertscher, Dr. Alison (Charles) Mosler, Jennifer (Joe) Navarro, Zachary (Jillian) Williams, Chrispen (Tiffany) Schlegel, Amber (Jonathan) Slusher, Bethany Sharrock, Dr. Rachel (Andrew) Rothstein and Dr. Briar Schlegel. Eight delightful great-grandchildren completed her family: Wyatt and Ella Badertscher, Will and Nathan Mosler, Xavier and Elana Navarro, Emily Slusher and Madalyn Schlegel.
Friends may call at The Miller Funeral Home 639 Main Street, Coshocton on Sunday June 29, 2014 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and one hour prior to the funeral service where funeral services will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at Renner United Church of Christ with Pastor Jim Henniger and Pastor Charles Warren officiating. Interment will follow at Renner’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Renner’s United Church of Christ, 7620 Renner Road SW, Fresno, Ohio 43824.