Louise C. Showalter, 96, of Ohio City passed away Wednesday evening, June 10, 2026, at Hearth & Home in Van Wert.

She was born at home on November 21, 1929, in rural Pleasant Township, the daughter of the late George Hofmann and Edna (Dietrich) Hofmann. On November 4, 1950, she married Byron Wayne Showalter, who preceded her in death on January 28, 2020. They were married for 69 years.

Louise is survived by her three children, Anita (Larry) Gentry, Bruce (Beth) Showalter, and Christina (Michael) Heldwein; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Showalter, Ashley (Chris) Day, Bea Smith, Ben (Ashley) Showalter, Laura Gentry, Joshua (Amber) Heldwein and Grace Heldwein; six great-grandchildren, Kaileigh Gentry, Mackenzie Morgan, Will (Kasey) Sharpe, Mason (Ariana) Doster, Alex Showalter and Fallan Schisler; and a great great grandchild, William Eddie Sharpe.

In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by her sisters; Elsie Selking, Ella Jackson and Delores Whitcraft; and a brother, Oscar Hofmann.

Louise was a 1947 graduate of Van Wert High School. She was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church serving in various roles through the years in Lutheran Women's Missionary League, Sunday school, weekday school, Ladies Aid, the choir and quilting. Having previously worked at Central Insurance and Marsh Foundation, she then worked for many years at Freund's Nursery where she lived out her love for gardening. Louise was also a proud member of the Wren Garden Club. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, traveling, baking, and playing cards with friends.

The family is very appreciative to a special caregiver, Cherie, who faithfully continued to visit Louise even after she moved to Hearth and Home.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at St. Thomas Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Roger Peters officiating. Internment will follow at Evangelical Protestant Cemetery. There will be visitation at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Sunday, June 14th, 2026, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., and 10:00 a.m. until time of service on Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Worship Anew and Ohio City Fire & EMS.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.