Maryellen E. Hengstler, 83, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 7:35 a.m. December 28, 2016 at The Gardens at Wapakoneta. She had resided at The Gardens for several years, while battling Alzheimer's.

Maryellen was born on January 1, 1933, in Carey, Ohio, to Harold & Edna Kummerer Bowsher, who have preceded her in death.

Survivors include her husband, Orval A. "Bud" Hengstler, Jr.; four daughters, Cathy & Steve Oen, of Wapakoneta, Diana & Steve Penhorwood, of Celina, Cindy & Louie Erb, of Wapakoneta, and Vicki & Larry Winkler, of Wapakoneta; ten grandchildren, Stacy Oen King, Carey Oen, Pete Oen, Kelly Penhorwood Sciotto, Kris Penhorwood Howell, Desiree Erb Hole, Erica Erb Preston, Mindy Erb Webb, Rachel Winkler Vorhees, and Allen Winkler; and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her infant daughter, Cheryl, and one great-grandchild.

On February 17, 1951, at Chanute Air Force Base, in Illinois, Maryellen married Bud, and their 65 year marriage began. They moved to Wichita, Kansas, for three years while Bud was in the Air Force. The birth of two daughters and an honorable discharge later, they returned to Ohio and the family farm. For over 50 years, Maryellen was alongside her husband, helping with the day to day operations, while continuing to raise their growing family.

For 25 years, she worked as a bus driver for the Wapakoneta City Schools. Maryellen also kept busy serving as the treasurer for both the Grand Lake Tractor Pullers Association and the Buckeye Farm Antique Clubs for numerous years. She was a member of the Uniopolis United Methodist Church, where she was active as the secretary/treasurer.

Maryellen enjoyed shopping with her daughters, especially if she saw any antique tractor toys that needed added to her ever-growing collection. In later years, she and Bud loved to travel and go camping with friends and family.

But above all, her family was her treasure. She made sure to treat each grandchild to "one-on-one grandma time" while they were growing up. Making everyone feel loved and special was her greatest gift. Holidays and get-togethers were her favorite times, as Maryellen loved to be surrounded by her family.

The family would like to thank The Gardens at Wapakoneta, St. Rita's Hospice, and Maryellen's caregiver, Trish Copeland, for their wonderful care.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Wapakoneta. Rev. Gary Bragg will officiate. Private entombment of her cremated remains will be in St. Matthews Cemetery, Cridersville.

Friends may call from 2:00–7:00 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2017 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Uniopolis Volunteer Fire Department or the Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schlosserfuneralhome.com.