Edna Alspaugh

LIMA -- Edna Eileen Alspaugh, age 94, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at St. Rita's Hospital, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.

Born on July 12, 1931, to Ira and Velore Holtzapple of Elida, Ohio, Edna grew up with a strong sense of community and family that would shape her entire life.

A proud graduate of Elida High School, Edna played basketball for the Class of 1949. She later made her home in Lima, Ohio, where she devoted many years to raising her six children. As a homemaker, she created a warm and welcoming home, one where the door was always open, laughter was abundant, and everyone felt like family. Later in life, she worked as a receptionist at the Lima Mall, greeting visitors with the same humor, kindness, and easy charm that defined her.

Edna was known for her quick wit, her love of crocheting, and her remarkable ability to make anyone feel welcome. She was active in her church community, and her strong belief in God guided her throughout her life, giving her deep peace and comfort to the very end. She often said her greatest accomplishment in life was her children and grandchildren, and her pride in them was unmistakable.

In her later years, Edna made Lochhaven her home, where she embraced new friendships and experiences. Her open-door policy remained unchanged; her room was always open for friends and family, just as her home had always been. One of her most joyful moments was being crowned prom queen alongside her good friend Bob Miller, who was crowned king. She wore the title with delight and a twinkle in her eye.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, who passed away in 1986. She leaves behind a large and loving family: her six children-Rodney (June) Clark, Debra (Mark) Oesterreich, Cheryl (Ronnie) Moser, Tina (Tim) Haniford, Trisa Patterson, and Lisa (Paul) Wagensomer-along with 34 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Her legacy is one of love, humor, faith, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family. Edna's presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Lochhaven for the compassionate care she received while living there, especially from Mary, Deb, Sarah, and Marie. A special thank you is also given to St. Rita's Hospital and the dedicated staff, nurses, and doctors on floor 5K for their kindness and support.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 4:30 - 8:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2025, at Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, 1170 Shawnee Rd., Lima, OH 45805. There will be a Celebration of Life held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 3, 2025, at Elida Immanuel Church, 699 Sunnydale St., Elida.

A time of visiting will be held on Saturday from 10:00-11:00 AM at the church prior to the service.

Burial will follow the service at Greenlawn Cemetery in Elida.