Winifred Irene "Winnie" (Eby) Strause

Winifred Irene "Winnie" Strause, 97, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 23, 2018, surrounded by her loving family at Norwalk Memorial Home.

She was born October 7, 1920 in Bellevue, the oldest child of William and Mary (Collins) Eby.

Although small in stature, this lifelong resident of Bellevue was strong willed and quick witted. She was a familiar face, if she was visible behind the counter, at the former Ben Franklin Store in Bellevue, where she worked for over forty years.

Winnie was full of life and her labor of love was baking dozens of cookies. She took great pride in sharing her delicious treats with her family every Christmas.

She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Bellevue and a proud member of the Easter Star in Monroeville. She loved music and enjoyed dancing as well as playing solitaire. She was a avid FOX News  audience.

Winnie is survived by her daughter, Mary Ellen Stang of Monroeville; grandchildren, David (Kimberly) Stang of Monroeville, Rebecca Fries of Norwalk and Suzanne (Scott) Porterfield of Huron. She was loved dearly by her eight great grandchildren, Jennifer; Matthew; Amanda; John; Madelyn; Nathaniel; Anthony and Joel, who is deceased. She was also blessed to be a great-great grandmother to Amelia, Miranda, Rowan and a great-great grandson who will be born in August.

Winnie was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur "Red" Strause, whom she married May 18, 1946 and he passed on February 14, 1992. He son-in-law, Frederick Stang and great grandson, Joel E. Fries II, sisters, Adelia Munshower, Ada Benfer and brother, William John Eby  proceeded her as well.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 26, 2018 from Noon until the service at 2:00 pm at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Kilbourne St., Bellevue, Ohio. Rev. Dr. Diane Carter will officiate.Burial will follow in York Chapel Cemetery. A dinner will be at the church after the committal service.

The family of Winnie would especially like to thank, Dr. James Gottfried and the Norwalk Memorial Home for their exceptional care.

Auxter Funeral Home, 1105 Castalia St., Bellevue is assisting the family with the funeral.

Memorials may be made to the St. Paul United Church of Christ Renovation Fund.

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