Evelyn Marie Hosford Straits, age 77, died Thursday

May 14, 2015 in the care of the Brethren Care Village,

a loving and caring community where she lived for the

past six years at the conclusion of a long battle with

Alzheimer's disease.

She was the youngest of three daughters born to Edwin C. Hosford and

Beulah Juanita Schutt Hosford on October 13, 1937.  Norma Hosford Dove, sister,

preceded her in death in 2013 and Peggy Hosford Jenkins, sister, survives.

She was married to David Edward Straits on Oct. 29, 1955 and is survived by him and their

two children, Holly Straits Allan married to Dan Allan, and Gregg Straits married to Sandra

Hochstedler Straits.  She also is survived by five grandchildren, Sara Allan Gierhart, married

to Jeff Gierhart, Jonathan Allan, married to Danielle Goodman Allan, Stephen Straits,

Danielle Straits and Jennifer Straits, and one great granddaughter, Gia Grace Gierhart.

Evelyn graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1955 from Jeromesville High School.  She

went on to attain her undergraduate and Master's degree from Ashland University with high

honors.

She retired after 21 years as an educator at Ashland High School.  As a member and

chairperson of the English Department, she introduced the use of computers in English

composition coursework.

She directed Sonshine, a youth choir, and Sounds of Grace, a young women's choir, at

Ashland Grace Brethren Church.  She also directed a bell choir when she attended Trinity

Lutheran Church in the early 70's.

Calling hours will be Monday June 1, 2015 at Ashland Grace Brethren Church at 1144

W. Main Street  Ashland, OH 44805 beginning at 9:30 AM followed by a Celebration of Life

service at 11:00 AM led by Pastor Dan Allan.  Burial will follow at Ashland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Brethren Care Village 2000 Center Street

Ashland, OH 44805.

Fickes Funeral Home in Jeromesville assisted the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fickesfuneralhome.com.