Pauline R. Eichelberger

Pauline Ruth Eichelberger, 94, of Bucyrus, died Thursday, September 20, 2018 at her home.



She was born at home in Crawford County on September 14, 1924, daughter of the late George and Ruth (Scott) Striker. Pauline attended school in New Washington until she was 14 and graduated from Sulphur Springs in 1942. She kept busy out of high school by working at GE and will also be remembered for driving taxi for a short time.



In 1946, Pauline married Russell Sturtz, a longtime family acquaintance. They raised a family for 23 years until his death in 1969. In 1972, she married Robert Eichelberger, whom at one time was her high school sweetheart, and they shared 25 years of making memories until his passing in 1997.



Pauline loved being a mother and caring for her children. Throughout her life, she always maintained a rather large garden and with that has come thousands of canned vegetables. She tended to various other motherly duties and wasn’t shy about stockpiling supplies when she found a bargain. Over the years, Pauline often unwound by playing her piano.



Pauline was a member of St John’s UCC where she was active in the Women’s Guild. Through the Guild, she made quilts, helped with lunches, and visited residents at Fairhaven Community which certainly impacted the lives of many. She loved spending time with family and cleared her calendar for reunions. She will be remembered for her excellent vegetable soup and her great Thanksgiving feasts.



Her hobbies were helping others, doing so through the church and she and Bob delivered Meals of Wheels for several years.



Pauline is survived by children, Michael C. (Kelly) Sturtz, Barbara Sturtz Teynor, Susan Sturtz, Deborah (Cindy Lillie) Sturtz Heil, Kathleen (Alex) Eannottie, Mary (Rick) Lee, Larry (Anita) Eichelberger, Marcia (Dave) Baker, and Kathleen (John) Dishon; 19 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; siblings, Doyle (Peg) Striker, Don (Dixie) Striker, Pat (Jim Carpenter) Sherman, and Rich (Sonja) Striker; as well as lots of nieces, nephews, and extended family.



She was preceded in death by daughter, Diane Grady and siblings, Wilma Jane Raby, Esther Ferguson, Ernie Striker, Melda “Toad” Dietz, Wilbur “Jake” Striker, and Robert “Buddy” Striker.



Friends may call from 4-7 pm Monday, September 24 at Wise Funeral Service. Her funeral will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday at St. John’s UCC with Pastor Gary Schiefer officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Sulphur Springs.



Donations can be made payable to St. John’s UCC or a charity of the donor’s choice. These gifts will be accepted at the funeral home or church on morning of service. Memories are encouraged to be shared on her Tribute Wall.