Mary K. Buecker

80, of Van Wert, died at 11:20 p.m. Saturday, December 8, 2007, at Van Wert Manor nursing home in Van Wert.

She was born July 2, 1927, in Van Wert County, the daughter of the late Otis and Mae (Sawyer) Leist. On June 14, 1950, in Lima, she married Harry Buecker, who died February 9, 1998.

Mrs. Buecker was a retired elementary school teacher in the Van Wert City Schools, teaching second and third grades at Franklin Elementary School. She also taught music and special education at Lincolnview and Crestview. She served over 38 years as the organist at First United Presbyterian Church in Delphos. She was a graduate of Lima Central High School (in 1945), Bowling Green State University and Ohio Northern University. She was an avid Bingo player and also served many years on the Reunion Committee for the Van Wert High School Class of 1945. She was also a member of Alpha Phi International Sorority and Kappa Delta Phi Philanthropic Sorority.

Survivors include a son, Barry (Jackie) Buecker of Van Wert; one granddaughter, Rebecca (Anthony) Houston of Chicago, Ill.; a grandson, Mark (fiancAC.e Kara) Buecker of Van Wert; and three great-grandchildren, Madison Buecker of Van Wert, Avery Houston of Chicago and Jacob Flennery of Fort Wayne, Ind.

A brother, Otis Leist Jr., also preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 12, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Harry Tolhorst officiating.

There will be no visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Presbyterian Church in Delphos.