Emily Pelton

1985 - 2021

LAS VEGAS — Emily Lauren Pelton, 36, formerly of Van Wert, passed away unexpectedly on September 18, 2021 at Sunrise Hospital Medical Center. She was born on May 14, 1985, in Van Wert, to Michael J. and Mary B. (Manken) Pelton.

A 2003 Graduate of Distinction from Van Wert High School, Emily went on to become a 2007 Graduate with Honors from the University of Toledo earning a BS in education. She continued her formal education at UNLV, earning her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2013, and completed additional coursework at Touro University Nevada in 2017.

Emily had been employed with the Clark County School District in Nevada since 2008 where she was a kindergarten teacher, most recently at Doris French Elementary School.

While in High School, "Peltz," as she was affectionately nicknamed, was very active in various clubs. Her greatest love was being a percussionist in the band. She received multiple superior ratings at the solo band contest. She was co-editor of the high school yearbook her senior year and was the 2002 homecoming queen.

Emily loved teaching and her students, and she made learning fun and exciting for them. Whether she had 15 or 27 kindergartners as she currently had, she worked hard to provide them the best possible education. Last year she taught online from her home for 7 months. It wasn't the greatest scenario and had its challenges, but she worked harder than ever to get her kids ready for first grade. Emily was a firm but fair teacher and treated each student with respect. She loved her kids and they loved her.

One of her greatest gifts was her ability to make you laugh. She was known for her beautiful smile, quick wit, creativity and infectious laugh. She could brighten any room with her presence. In her free time she enjoyed trivia nights with friends, Karaoke and movies.

Emily will be missed by her dear friends, coworkers, students, her furbabies, and especially her family.

Those left to cherish her memory are her parents, Michael and Mary Beth Pelton of Van Wert; maternal grandfather, Gerald Manken of Van Wert; brother, Jordan (Ana) Pelton of New Haven, IN; as well as her two precious pups, Oliver and Lexi.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Marilyn Manken; paternal grandparents, Richard and Elizabeth Pelton; and uncle, Michael Manken.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider making a donation to the Van Wert County Humane Society. Emily's two dogs were rescues and this would mean a lot to her.

Private family services will be observed and Emily will be interred privately in Woodland Cemetery.

To share in Emily's online memorial, please visit alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S Washington Street, Van Wert, OH 45891.