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Belva (JoHantgen) Starr, 102, died peacefully in her sleep at Ebeid Hospice on Friday, September 4th. She was born in Van Wert, Ohio in 1913 to Francis and Clara JoHantgen. Belva credited her work on the family farm for her strength and fortitude. After graduating from high school in West Unity, Ohio she was headed to nursing school, but her plans changed when she met and married Paul B. Starr in 1940. They made their home in Montpelier, Ohio where Belva operated a beauty salon in their home while she raised her children. Upon their retirement they spent their winters in Taveres, Florida for over 25 years.
Belva moved to Toledo in 2000, and lived independently at Swan Creek Retirement home until November 2014, when she went into their assisted living. She enjoyed her time there and was kept busy knitting baby blankets and hats for newborns at area hospitals. She loved playing cards and many games. Belva was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Montpelier and the Lillian Chapter #41 O.E.S. in Montpelier.
She was preceded in death by her husband Paul in 2000, and her three siblings. She leaves to cherish her memory her son son Roger (Nancy) Starr, daughter Nancy (Ken) Gage, four grandchildren, Julie (Chuck) Monroe, Joni (Bill) Bock, Traci Gage and Katie Gage and three great grandchildren, Chandler Monroe, Marley Flower and Hudson Bock.
Visitation for Belva will be on Tuesday, September 8th from 11-12pm at the Thompson-Geesey Funeral Home on Empire Street in Montpelier. A Memorial Service will follow at 12pm at the funeral home with Reverend Becky Ploughe to officiate. Donations may be directed to Ebeid Hospice or to a charity of donor’s choice.