Laurie M. "Pete" Vacha, 59, of Orrville, went to a place where there is no sickness or pain on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011 at Brenn-Field Nursing Center in Orrville following a extended illness.

Laurie was born Oct. 21, 1951 in Fredericksburg the daughter of Laddie and Grace (Herron) Speelman.  She married James H. Vacha on Feb. 27, 1981 and he survives.  She was a 1970 graduate of Waynedale High School and attended Cincinnati Bible College.  Laurie worked in Solon at Ohio Nuclear, at Metafab in Fredericksburg and was a Nurse's Aide at Wooster Community Hospital, Altercare and the Wayne County Care Center.   She had competed in many roller skating competitions and in later years taught roller skating.  She was a member of Fredericksburg Church of Christ and was active with the Girl Scouts of American as a leader and the Waynedale Music Booster Club.  She was passionate about sewing and crafts and loved to use her talents to help with the Waynedale band, Musicals, Cheerleading and Show Choir.  She had a special love for the Christmas Season and for snowmen.

Surviving in addition to her husband is a daughter Jenna (Dustin) Flinner of Shreve; step-sons, Jim (Sonia) Vacha of Apple Creek, John (Jennene) Vacha of Brooksville, FL, Joe (Greta) Vacha of Kent and Jerry (Jean) Vacha of Stone Creek; grandchildren Brodric and Addyson; step-grandchildren, Mariah, Caleb, Aaron, Nicole, Paige, Jacoby and Jordan; her mother Grace Speelman of Fredericksburg; a sister Mary (Myron) Maurer of Fredericksburg; a brother Paul (Kathy) Speelman of Wooster and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her father Laddie Speelman and her father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Helen Vacha.

Friends may call Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.at Murray Funeral Home in Fredericksburg.  A private family services will be held Saturday with Rev. Julia Wertz officiating.  Burial will be in Fredericksburg West Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice in Laurie's memory.  A special thanks to the staff at Brenn-Field Nursing Center for providing Laurie with loving care and supporting her family throughout her illness and to Hospice of Wayne County for their additional care and support during this difficult time.