LORENE MAE SEARFOSS

Lorene Mae Searfoss, 95, of Perrysburg, passed away Monday, November 1, 2021, at Otterbein Pemberville SeniorLife Community. Lorene was born August 22, 1926, in Twelve Mile, Indiana, to Harry and Ethel (Hoover) Mathias. Lorene married Merritt Lee Searfoss on December 12, 1948, and together they shared 71 years together until he passed on May 10, 2020.

Lorene earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bowling Green State University. She started out teaching kindergarten and then other elementary school grades in the Perrysburg Public Schools for more than 25 years, and influenced many young children’s lives.

Lorene was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Perrysburg and North Naples Church in Naples, Florida.

Music was integral in Lorene’s life, playing piano at an early age, the glockenspiel in her high school marching band and cello in high school orchestra. In college she learned to play the organ, which she played at church in her and Merritt’s winter home in Naples, Florida. She also learned hand bells and was instrumental in developing hand bell choirs in both her Perrysburg and Naples churches. Lorene and Merritt enjoyed adventure, traveling extensively throughout the 50 states and Europe.

She is survived by her children, Mark (Brenda), Geary (Kay) and Alan (Carla) Searfoss; grandchildren, Joann Searfoss, Laura (Derek) Lee, and Devon and Collin Searfoss; greatgrandchildren, Addison and Olivia Lee; sister, Phyllis Ward, and brother-in-law, Ken (Joice) Searfoss. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Friends and family will be received on November 10, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 East South Boundary Street, Perrysburg (419-874-3133) where funeral services will be held immediately following. A private family burial will follow in Fort Meigs Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First United Methodist Church in Perrysburg.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Julie (Searfoss) Keaton, niece, for her tireless efforts as advocate for Lorene’s medical and personal needs during her time at Otterbein.

Condolences may be made online to the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.