Merna L. Balthaser

Merna L. Balthaser, who taught in the Toledo Public Schools from 1976 until 1992, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at St. Lukes Hospital. She resided at Swan Creek Retirement Village where she lived with her husband of 63 years, Donald Balthaser. Merna was born in Niagara Falls, New York. She was the daughter of James and Beatrice Wilson. Mrs. Balthaser received a B.A. degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and a M.S. degree in Education from the State Teachers University of New York at Buffalo. She taught at Reynolds Elementary School where she started a math improvement laboratory. Along with her para-professional, they were able to improve the Reynolds achievement record by using the computer. At that time, there were few computers in the classroom. Merna loved her family, friends, teaching, children, traveling abroad and visiting Arizona and Florida during the winter months. Her life could be defined as trust in God, courage, love, hope, happiness and peace. Mrs. Balthaser is survived by her husband, Donald, three children, six grandchildren and a brother and sister. Son Bruce and his wife Melissa and daughters Alison and Kate reside in Avon Lake, Ohio. Daughter Barbara Maniak and her husband (Dr.) Steven and their children Rebecca, Jacob, Joshua, and Elizabeth live in Toledo. Son James Phillip also resides in Toledo, and is in Childrens Ministry at Cornerstone Church. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 22, from 9:30 am until the time of service at 11:00 am at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., (west of Corey Rd.) with Rev. Robert Ball officiating. Private interment will be held at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Delaware, Ohio. Memorial recognition tributes on behalf of Mrs. Balthaser may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1745 Indian Wood Circle #130, Maumee, OH 43537 or Epworth United Methodist Church, 3077 Valleyview Drive, Toledo, OH 43615.