Leota M. Buss

Leota M. Buss, 91, of Apple Creek, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2022 at home surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness.

Leota was born in Creston on May 17, 1931 to the late Arthur and Elsie (Hines) Christman and married Willard F. Buss on Sept. 2, 1949.  Willie preceded her in death on Nov. 3, 2019.  Leota had made her home on the family farm since the age of 3 and graduated from Apple Creek High School in 1949. She established the library at Apple Creek Elementary and served as the Librarian before becoming the School Secretary.  Her service totaled 26 years of which 13 years were as the Librarian and 13 years as the School Secretary.  Leota was a faithful member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ where she served on the Consistory, the Social Service Committee, sang in the Choir and read scripture during worship.  She was a founding member of the Apple Creek Historical Society and served as Treasurer for 21 years.  Leota enjoyed working the Election Polls, serving as a Census Taker and working the Red Cross Blood Drives.  She was a 50 year member of the East Union Grange and enjoyed playing cards with her Card Club.  Leota had a wonderful life and always had much to be thankful for.

Surviving are her children, Susie and the late Steve Steiner of Cincinnati, Linda  and Bob Hartsell of Apple Creek, Mike and Susan Buss of Apple Creek and Scott and Pam Buss of Springfield; her grandchildren that she loved, John (Vanessa) Steiner, Leigh (Ted) Jewell, David (Jessica) Steiner, Lindsey (Gary) Heib, Heather (Erich) Riebe, Holly (Beau) Mastrine, Heidi (Adam) Hostettler, Nick Buss, Tony Buss, Amber Gilcrist and Chelsea (Jeff) Roberts; 18 great-grandchildren with twin great-grandchildren that she was waiting to see and one great-great-grandchild also on the way; a half-brother, Earl and Peggy Christman of Wooster; a half-sister, Faye and Dave Spencer of Texas; her dear sisters-in-law Ann Buss and Gerry Buss of Apple Creek and nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, Aug. 8th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ with Rev. Dale Smith officiating.  Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of services.  A family burial will take place at Apple Creek Cemetery.  Tributes may be shared at www.Murray-Funeral-Home.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Apple Creek Historical Society, PO Box 6, Apple Creek, 44606, to St. Peter’s UCC, PO Box 205, Apple Creek, 44606 or to the Apple Creek Cemetery Assoc., c/o Melissa Orr, 9293 Lautenschlager Rd., Apple Creek, 44606. The family extends their deepest appreciation to the staff of LifeCare Hospice and the Progressive Care Unit first floor staff at Wooster Community Hospital for the wonderful care of their Mother and Grandmother.