Mildred Stauffer, 99, formerly of Fredericktown, OH passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024, at OrrVilla Maple Terrace where she lived for the last 6 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Kathryn Nussbaum, daughter Kathy Ashcraft, sisters Ida Schneck, Ada, and Lela Nussbaum, Pearl Zuercher and brother Melvin Nussbaum.

She is survived by her husband, Elmer Stauffer whom she married on June 11, 1949. They were privileged to celebrate 75 years of marriage this past summer. Surviving children and spouses include Kathy’s husband, (Wayne Ashcraft), Russ (Rose Hadley), Ken (Lois Reschly), Rosie (Bill Hochstetler), Marj (Jeff Weller), and Stan (Beth Dudley). Mildred had 15 grandchildren: Mike Ashcraft, Lisa (Chuck) Sterling, Jess Stauffer, Wes Stauffer, Ben (Amy) Stauffer, John (Ashley) Stauffer, Melissa Hillman, Justin Hochstetler (Gladis Herst), Jenny (Jon) Spicher, Joe Hochstetler (Erika Babikow), Holly (Andrew) Taynor, Ross (Emily) Weller, Leah (Chase) Barnett, Amber (Trenton) Starkey and Summer (Alexander) Hamilton, and 22 great grandchildren.

Mildred grew up on a farm near Kidron and attended a 2-room country school. Her mother died when she was 4 years old leaving her father to raise their 6 children. Mildred worked for various families, including Dr. Judd’s family in Wooster, assisting with childcare and housekeeping. She married Elmer in 1949, and they moved to Mt. Gilead and later Fredericktown where they raised their family on the farm. Mildred kept the home fires burning while Elmer was a truck driver and farmed for many years. They were charter members of Gilead Mennonite Church, Chesterville where she served as a Sunday school and Bible school teacher. In later years they worshipped at Salem Methodist Church, Fredericktown. In 2018 they moved to OrrVilla Maple Terrace, Orrville, Ohio.

Mildred was known for her willingness to help others in need and visiting shut ins. She appreciated a neat and tidy house and garden and spent many hours canning and freezing fruits and vegetables, often sharing them with others. She was a member of the Golden Times Club for many years, Wayne Grange in Lucerne, and taught a women’s Bible study in Fredericktown.

Private graveside services will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Mildred’s name may be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, Attn: Foundation Department, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, OH 43055 or at www.ohioshospice.org/give.

Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Mildred’s family. Special memories or condolences may be shared by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.