Venedocia, Ohio - The family of Mary Ellen (Ritchie) Lloyd is honoring the life of this extraordinary woman who left us on Nov. 9, 2022, at the age of 87. Surrounded by her loving family, Mary Ellen passed peacefully in her home hand in hand with her devoted husband, John Calvin Lloyd, Jr.

Mary Ellen was born on Dec. 24, 1934 in Van Wert County, Ohio, and was married to John C. Lloyd for 66 years. She is survived by her husband, John of Venedocia, Ohio and children, Jill Lloyd-Crucini (Mario) of West Lafayette, Indiana, Jeff Lloyd (Kelly) of Venedocia, Ohio and Tim Lloyd (Laura) of Milan, Ohio. She was a sweet grandma to six: Jason (Danielle and future great-grandchild) and Chelsey Lloyd, Christopher and Gabriel Crucini, and Haley and Logan Lloyd.

Mary Ellen was a sedulous secretary for the vice president at Central Insurance before her cherished role as a homemaker, raising her family. A caregiver at heart, Mary Ellen treasured her time with her loved ones and serving others through her cooking and baking, farming, bookkeeping and faith-filled work at Salem Presbyterian Church of Venedocia. Within the church, she contributed as a Sunday school teacher, leader of the Women's Circle and choir, in addition to being a member of the Modern Mothers. Mary Ellen was a humble and accomplished woman; named valedictorian of Ridge High School and junior attendant of Van Wert County's Peony Festival, then an honorary member in 2005.

A selfless wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Mary Ellen had a nurturing soul - touching the lives of everyone she met with her warmth. Through the years, Mary Ellen was a source of wisdom and knowledge, reading being her favorite hobby, alongside passing down her love for baking pies and homemade cookies and sewing.

She is survived by her brother, Rex Ritchie (Helen), and was proceeded in death by her parents Paul and Elizabeth (Williams) Ritchie and eldest brother, Roger Ritchie (Carol).

Services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 at Salem Presbyterian Church of Venedocia. Pastor Tom Emery will officiate. Burial will follow at Venedocia Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11 at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert and one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Presbyterian Church of Venedocia or CHP Home Care & Hospice of Delphos, Ohio.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Venedocia community, along with Beverly Coil Grimes, friend and caregiver, and Kelly Rostofer, the housekeeper for their compassionate care.