Elaine Joanne Wannemacher

Elaine Joanne Wannemacher, Godly wife and mother, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, after graciously battling cancer these past five months. Elaine died in her home in Payne.

Elaine was born in Van Wert County on February 24, 1940, and was 71 years old. She was known for her sweet and gentle spirit.

Elaine accomplished many things during her life on this earth, but her greatest joy was in glorifying her Lord, Jesus Christ, loving the love of her life, Maurie, as well as cherishing and creating memories with her three girls, much loved sons-in-law ad her precious six grandchildren. Elaine and Maurice celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on December 6, 2010.

Among her accomplishments, Elaine was a full-time realtor for 25 years, working alongside her husband, Maurice, in his auction business, and was a member of the Northwestern Board of Realtors, as well as various other business organizations. She was a member of Woodburn (Ind.) Missionary Church. Over the years she has served her community as a notary public for Ohio and invested six years as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. However, her biggest accomplishment was her personal investment in those she met, in caring for their needs in her role as friend, mentor and encourager. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Maurice Wannemacher of Payne; her three daughters, JoEllen (Brad) Sisson of Payne, Lori Ann (Thomas) Clounie of Huntington, Ind., and Karen Elaine (Daniel) Hahn of Antwerp. She has six grandchildren: Nicole E. Sisson, Wade E. Sisson, Lauren A. Clounie, Thomas H. Clounie, Taylor K. Hahn and Morgan D. Hahn. Elaine has two surviving sisters, Shirley Hudson of Hamilton Lake, Ind., and Betty Lord of Gas City, Ind.

Her mother, Dorothy Mollet, preceded Elaine in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Woodburn Missionary Church. Elaine will be buried in Lehman Cemetery in Payne.

Calling hours are from noon and 8 p.m. Friday, March 11, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, and an hour prior to services Saturday at the church.

Preferred memorials: Youth for Christ.