Maria DeLeon

Maria L. DeLeon, 79, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully at her home on December 02, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 25, 1943, in Pasaje Durango, Mexico, to the late Encarnacion and Hilaria Carreon Alvarez.

Maria's family immigrated from Mexico in 1953. Migrant work was part of her younger life until they settled in Van Wert. Maria went to work at Federal Mogul in 1972 until she retired in 2006.

Maria married Arnulfo DeLeon on July 31, 1960 in Cape Charles, Virginia. They had four children: Aida DeLeon of Van Wert; Alicia Voors of Convoy; Alma Ladd of Van Wert; and a son, Ernie DeLeon, who preceded her in death in 2015.

Maria was a caring, loving grandmother and great grandmother. She was lovingly known to all of them as "Lita."

In addition to her three daughters, she is survived by her grandsons: Ryan (Jennifer) Kreishcher, Zachary Bradshaw, Eason (Michelle) Ladd, Austin Voors and Emilio Deleon; granddaughters: Marissa Kreischer and Ashleigh DeLeon; great grandchildren: Evelyn, Vera, Hila and Wayne Kreischer; Elena Ladd and one on the way. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Also surviving are her siblings: Irma (Rod) Hoffman, Servando (Marjorie) Alvarez, Oscar (Gavy) Alvarez, Emma (Richard) Huff, William (Mary) Alvarez, David Alvarez, Elsa (Ramon) Benavidez and Raul Alvarez.

Also preceding her in death was her husband, Arnulfo, son-in-law, Mark Ladd and her brothers, Roberto "Guillermo", Saul, Juan and Jose Alvarez.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, 722 S. Washington St. Van Wert, OH 45891 with Pastor Dave Ray, officiating. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery, 10968 Woodland Ave. Van Wert, OH 45891.

Family and friends will be received from 6 to 8 PM on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 and again from 12 to 2 PM on Thursday, December 08, 2022 at the funeral home.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions in Maria`s memory may be sent to Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, Troop 2114.

To share in Maria‘s online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S Washington Street, Van Wert, OH 45891.