Essie Schindler

Essie Schindler, age 81 of Defiance, passed away Monday evening, January 13, 2025 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.   
  
She was born in Manchester, Kentucky on October 14, 1943 to Thomas and Virginia (Duff) Powell. On May 25, 1968 she married John Schindler, who preceded her in death on January 6, 2012. 
  
Essie was a member of St Johns Catholic Church in Defiance and the VFW #3360 Auxiliary. She worked for several years at ITT Higbie until her retirement. She treasured her time spending the winter months in Florida with John. Essie loved playing cards and enjoyed her time spent with her card group at the VFW and going to the casino. She loved the hunt for collectables. Essie was a social bird and always enjoyed good company. She will be sadly missed by her family and many good friends.
  
Essie is survived by her children, Tom (Jean) Lewis of Defiance, Kelly (Leon) Schindler-Watts of Tampa, FL, and Karen (Ron) Tobias of Defiance. She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and her sisters, Helen (Chuck) Bevins of Avon, OH and Shirley Prieto of Arizona. Her children and grandchildren brought her great love and joy throughout the years. 
  
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John, and her daughter Laura Kestner.
  
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:30 pm at the funeral home, with Deacon Nick Varano officiating. Essie will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery.
  
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com, age 81 of Defiance, passed away Monday evening, January 13, 2025 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.   
  
She was born in Manchester, Kentucky on October 14, 1943 to Thomas and Virginia (Duff) Powell. On May 25, 1968 she married John Schindler, who preceded her in death on January 6, 2012. 
  
Essie was a member of St Johns Catholic Church in Defiance and the VFW #3360 Auxiliary. She worked for several years at ITT Higbie until her retirement. She treasured her time spending the winter months in Florida with John. Essie loved playing cards and enjoyed her time spent with her card group at the VFW and going to the casino. She loved the hunt for collectables. Essie was a social bird and always enjoyed good company. She will be sadly missed by her family and many good friends.
  
Essie is survived by her children, Tom (Jean) Lewis of Defiance, Kelly (Leon) Schindler-Watts of Tampa, FL, and Karen (Ron) Tobias of Defiance. She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and her sisters, Helen (Chuck) Bevins of Avon, OH and Shirley Prieto of Arizona. Her children and grandchildren brought her great love and joy throughout the years. 
  
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John, and her daughter Laura Kestner.
  
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:30 pm at the funeral home, with Deacon Nick Varano officiating. Essie will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery.
  
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com