Sally Ann Schwab Honse

This is the story of Sally Ann Schwab Honse. Sally was a true delight. She was kind to a fault and generous of spirit. Sally was a loving wife, mom, grandma, sister, cousin, aunt, friend, and book lover with devotion and love for Christ. She was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. Sally's story began April 15, 1941, when she was born to Ruth and John Schwab in Findlay. She spent her childhood with her two sisters, Linda (Don) Clark of California, and Barbara (Paul) Coppus of Fostoria. When Sally was only six years old, her mom passed away. She was raised by her father, who kept his daughters together. Sally faced many challenges and obstacles growing up. Despite her less than ideal childhood, she remained kind and giving and grew into an amazing wife, mother, and strong woman. Sally was renowned for her dedication to her family, delicious cooking, and strength of will and faith. She spent many years at home raising her children and caring for her family. She loved to make homemade jam and canned several jars that the family enjoyed throughout the year. Once her youngest child started school, she began work at Cory-Rawson High School as a cook's helper. She was eventually promoted to cook. She worked long hours, starting work at 5 a.m. at the school and returning home to farm chores, household chores, and child care. Her strong work ethic, faith, and devotion to her family are traits she passed on to her children. She had a heart for children, learning, and reading. She taught for Hancock County Preschool for several years after retiring from Cory-Rawson. She spent her free time reading and instilled the love of books into her children, who hold fond memories of weekly trips to the library, as well as many hours in her lap as she read stories. She enjoyed watching game shows on television and rarely missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune. She never hesitated to help others. Sally met her husband, Lester, while in high school at Kerouskis, where they worked together. They married Sept. 20, 1959. They spent 61 wonderful years together and were blessed with five children, John Lester, Cindy Lee, Mary Elizabeth (Rick) Hilliard, Nancy Kay Dublin, and Andrew Allen (Kelly) Bluffton. They loved traveling, fishing, camping, watching Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State Buckeyes, hosting large family meals and cookouts and playing with their seven grandchildren. Sally and Lester cared for one another as their health declined. They treasured and honored one another throughout their lives. They shared their later years with two schnauzers who brought them endless joy. While raising their children, Sally and her husband spent several years as youth ministry leaders at Mt. Cory United Methodist Church. In her later years, she was a member of Jenera United Methodist Church. She formed several close friendships that became family. Sally's faith in Christ guided her throughout her life and offered her great comfort during times of trouble. Sally's love for her family was reflected in the time she spent with them and the traditions she shared. She made every birthday special by preparing a favorite meal, to go with homemade cake served with the favorite flavor of Deitsch's ice cream. Candles and wishes were requirements followed by presents. Thanksgiving was one of her favorite holidays filled with food and surrounded by family. Christmas was a big celebration in the Honse household, as well. Some years they had two trees decorated with lights and ornaments, as well as lots of outdoor decorations. Christmas music played in the house, as well as in the car. Sally loved to read Christmas books and watch Christmas Hallmark movies. Sally left this world after an extended illness Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2021. Loved ones that greeted her in heaven include her husband, Lester; daughter, Cindy Honse; son, John Honse; granddaughter, Amelia Honse; son-in-law, Rick A. Vaughn; her parents; and beloved aunt, Mary. A celebration of life memorial is 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, at Community Building, 18800 OH-698, Jenera. Please bring memories to share, smiles to give, and your favorite book to be donated to the Bluffton Library in honor of Sally's memory.