She was born on February 6, 1931 in Fairfield, IL, the daughter of Walter and Ellen (Robertson) Fritts. She was married to Dewey Defenbaugh, Sr. from 1947-1971. She was later married to Carlton Theissen from 1977-1983.
She worked for Owens Illinois Glass as a bottle inspector for 24-years. Josephine also worked for Stanhouse Restaurant, numerous house cleanings, babysitting of the young and old and volunteered many years at Spare & Share. She was a member of the VFW and Prairieview Church. Josephine enjoyed embroidering (mostly pillowcases for the entire family), word searches and watching the Game Show Network.
Josephine is survived by two daughters: Pat (Mick) Finck of Gridley, Mary (Felix) Franco of Streator; one son, Leonard (Charleen) Defenbaugh of Gridley; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two sisters: Rena Belle McCormick, Karla (Vince, Sr.) Venturi; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; one son, Dewey, Jr.; siblings: Edith Burash, Goldie Chalfant, David Fritts and Dean Fritts.
A visitation will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in El Paso. Funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Associate Pastor Grant Stauter will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Ancona Cemetery. A funeral luncheon will follow at Christ Community Church in Gridley.
Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions in honor of Josephine may be directed to a charity of the donor's choice.
Pantagraph (Bloomington, IL) - March 5, 2022
She was born on February 6, 1931 in Fairfield, IL, the daughter of Walter and Ellen (Robertson) Fritts. She was married to Dewey Defenbaugh, Sr. from 1947-1971. She was later married to Carlton Theissen from 1977-1983.
She worked for Owens Illinois Glass as a bottle inspector for 24-years. Josephine also worked for Stanhouse Restaurant, numerous house cleanings, babysitting of the young and old and volunteered many years at Spare & Share. She was a member of the VFW and Prairieview Church. Josephine enjoyed embroidering (mostly pillowcases for the entire family), word searches and watching the Game Show Network.
Josephine is survived by two daughters: Pat (Mick) Finck of Gridley, Mary (Felix) Franco of Streator; one son, Leonard (Charleen) Defenbaugh of Gridley; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two sisters: Rena Belle McCormick, Karla (Vince, Sr.) Venturi; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; one son, Dewey, Jr.; siblings: Edith Burash, Goldie Chalfant, David Fritts and Dean Fritts.
A visitation will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in El Paso. Funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Associate Pastor Grant Stauter will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Ancona Cemetery. A funeral luncheon will follow at Christ Community Church in Gridley.
Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions in honor of Josephine may be directed to a charity of the donor's choice.
Pantagraph (Bloomington, IL) - March 5, 2022
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See more Defenbaugh-Theissen or Fritts memorials in:
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- Livingston County Defenbaugh-Theissen or Fritts
- Illinois Defenbaugh-Theissen or Fritts
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- Find a Grave Defenbaugh-Theissen or Fritts
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