Mary “Elaine” Schroeder, 95, passed away at 7:30 pm Monday, February 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 28, 1929, to the late Bernard “Ben” and Anna (Hovest) Vorst on their family farm in Jackson Township, Putnam County, Ohio. Named Mary Elaine at birth, her name was changed by the nuns at Kalida Elementary School because “there were too many Mary’s in the class.” On August 9, 1950, in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Kalida, Ohio she married the love of her life, David F. Schroeder. He preceded her in death on March 20, 1986. Elaine, who was the granddaughter, daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother of farmers, was a life-long farmer herself, having milked Holsteins for over 50 years. She cherished the farm life she and Dave created, never complaining about the oftentimes harsh demands of the lifestyle. In the latter years of their marriage, they traveled to the upper Midwest, Hawaii, and Europe. When she was a sophomore in high school, her parents asked her to quit school to help on the farm. With the encouragement of her husband in 1985, she started GED classes, earning her diploma in 1987. Elaine also worked off the farm as an enumerator for the Ohio Agricultural Statistics Service, at Denny’s Restaurant, Bluffton, Ohio and Henry’s Restaurant, Ottawa, Ohio. Elaine was a true homemaker, and she kept a beautiful garden, canning and freezing vegetables and fruits for her family. She was a wonderful cook known for her homemade noodles made from eggs gathered on her farm; her caramel popcorn; Christmas tree cookies, and tables heaped with homemade goodness at her holiday meals. Her little grandson once described them as “amazing.” Her hobbies included looming rugs and embroidering a quilt for each of her descendants. Elaine was also a diarist since the age of 14. She took delight recording daily feelings and events throughout her lifetime, noting such important events as her marriage, births, farm activities, and national happenings. Elaine’s true passion was her family. She put those she loved first, never wavering in her care and devotion to her loved ones. In her later years, she especially loved watching her grandchildren’s sporting events. It can truly be said of Elaine and her feelings for her family: “Only God could love you more.” Elaine’s Catholic faith was central to her life. She lived that faith through her devotion and generosity toward anyone in need. She was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Columbus Grove, Ohio since 1950. She faithfully attended Mass, leading the Holy Rosary before Saturday evening service for over 20 years. Also, she was a member of their Altar & Rosary Sodality for nearly 70 years. Elaine enjoyed being involved in her community. She was a member of and served as Legislative Committee Chair for many years in the Bowers Slusser American Legion Post 516 Auxiliary, Columbus Grove, Ohio: The Farmer’s Union, and the National Farmers’ Organization.
 She is survived by her sons, Omer Schroeder of Findlay, Ohio and David (Beth) Schroeder of Columbus Grove, Ohio; daughter, Rebecca (Jim) Shaw of Carmel, Ind.; daughters-in-law, Joan Schroeder and Shelly Schroeder both of Columbus Grove, Ohio; son-in-law, Keith Sparks of Columbus Grove, Ohio; grandchildren, Nathan (Brenda) Schroeder, Angela Elaine (Brett Zink) Schroeder, Joe (Ruby) Schroeder, Amy (Jason) Blosser, Chip Albright, Thomas Albright, Leslie (Marc) Powell, Sarah (Jason) Kryling, Adam (Liz) Schroeder, David (Courtney) Schroeder, Cassie (Mike) Lyles, Amanda (Paul) Crego, Derek (Monica) Schroeder, Blake (Juliette) Schroeder; and Victoria Shaw and Ethan (Kait) Shaw; great grandchildren, Elizabeth (Ellie), Grace, Evelyn (Edie), and Nathan (Cole) Schroeder, Daniella Schroeder, Isabella Elaine and Alexander Blosser, Stella and Summit Albright, Ben, Aiden, and Max Kahle, Brynn and Will Kryling, Jaxson Schroeder, Drew, Lee Jay, and Madalyn Schroeder, Baby Lyles on the way, Logan, Elliotte, Grayson, and Hannah Schroeder, Kaden and Baby Crego on the way, and Bennett and Sadie Schroeder; brother-in-law, Sam Schroeder; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her sons, Nick Schroeder and Max Schroeder; daughter, Nancy Sparks; great granddaughter, Kali Rae Crego; daughter-in-law, Diane Schroeder; son-in-law, Jack Albright; sister, Sarah Meyer; and brothers, Elmer, Harold, Carl, and Tom Vorst.
 Mass of Christian Burial is 2:30 pm Friday, February 21, 2025, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 512 W Sycamore St, Columbus Grove, Ohio with visitation one hour prior at Hartman-Rousculp Community Funeral Home, 10879 OH-12, Columbus Grove, Ohio. Father David Ritchie officiating. Visitation is also 4 to 8 pm Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the funeral home with a rosary service at 8 pm. Elaine will be buried beside her husband in the church cemetery following the Mass. Preferred memorials to Saint Anthony’s School. To share online condolences, please visit www.hartmanfunerals.com