Elsie Ann Schatz, 88, Church Member and Minister

She was born December 4, 1916 in Berlin Township where she was raised. She moved to Amherst in 1943 where she lived until retiring to Florida in 1977. Florida was her home for nine years before moving back to Ohio in 1986. Belle Vista has been her home since 2001.

While in Belle Vista, she enjoyed playing skip-bo at the Village house and crocheting. She was a member of Heritage Baptist Church in Belle Vista. Elsie and her husband were very active in starting new churches and ministering in the Children's Ministry teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. While living in Florida, they taught in the sixth and seventh grade Awana program. While living in Amherst, Elsie was a charter member of Faith Baptist Church, which was started in Elsie and her husband's home on North Ridge Rd., Amherst.

Survivors include her sons and daughter-in-laws, Darryl J. and Alic Schatz, Roger D. and Gaynelle Schatz, all of Amherst, and Rev. Dale E. and Gwen Schatz of Belle Vista; her daughters and son-in-laws, Ryllis J. and Bob Bores of Norwalk, and Rhoda G. and Matt Entwisle of Berlin Heights; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; her half-brother George Knittel; her half-sister June; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-nine years, Lawrence John Schatz on December 31, 2003; by her parents George Henry and Flossie Mae Knittel (nee Abell); and by two half-sisters.

Friends may call Tuesday, November 1, 2005 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave.,
Amherst. Funeral sevices will be held Wednesday, November 2, 2005 at 10 a.m. from Faith Baptist Church; 440 North Lake St., Amherst. The Rev. Michael Plog, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in River Side Cemetary, Berlin Heights.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Faith Baptist Church; 440 North Lake St., Amherst, OH 44001.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst, OH 44001.