Lillian Irene (Koontz) Crates, 89, of rural Arlington, died at 4:15 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, in Findlay, Ohio. She was born in Jenks, Okla., on March 19, 1924, to Jasper and Linda (Lugibill) Koontz Dray.

On July 20, 1941, she married Herbert G. Crates and they were married for 67 years until his death on Nov. 8, 2008. They had five children: Sandra (Bruce) Dacre , Delaware, Ohio; Larry (Rindy) Crates, Arlington; Charles Crates, Arlington;  Mary (Tom) Phillips, Climax, Mich.; Jack (Elaine) Crates, Findlay.

There are 10 grandchildren, Lance E (Sarah) Dacre of Dublin; Brent A. Dacre of Delaware; Amanda E. Crates of rural Dunkirk; Katrina Tesner of Columbus; Andrew (Lisa) Crates of rural Arlington; Ashley Anne Crates (deceased 1990); Matthew C. Crates of Dayton; Scott J. (Laura) Crates of Findlay; Kimberli N. (Matthew) Best of Findlay; Emily (Nate) Heintzelman of Findlay and 19 great grandchildren: Stella Dacre; Madeline and Benjamin Dacre; Kellen and Reis Steinmetz; Noah Tesner; Morgan, Mason and Garrett Crates; Ben, Jake, Max and Cole Best; Molly, Luke, Maggie, and Nick Crates; Thomas and Elisabeth Heintzelman.

She was predeceased by brothers: Rolland, Joe, Jack Koontz; Jim Dray and sisters: Clea Burris and Mary Binkley.

In her working career, she was employed by Triplett Corp,, RCA, and retired from The University of Findlay Bookstore. 

She enjoyed music, over the years she taught piano lessons in her home. She also sang soprano in the church choir for over 60 years and with various other community choruses including Handel's "Messiah" at Bluffton College. Additionally, she was the organist for the Coldren Crates Funeral Home as well as numerous churches in the community.

She was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, rural Jenera, and served on the Committee to Purchase the Pipe Organ which is still used today. She taught Sunday School, and over the years was involved in many community fundraising activities.

The family would like to express their thanks to Becky Peters for her special care and companionship over the past few years.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Crates Funeral Home, Arlington. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 6, at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jenera, where visitation will be held one hour prior to services.

Pastor Steven P. Edmiston will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery Endowment Fund, c/o Crates Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St., Arlington, Ohio 45814. Online condolences are being welcomed at www.coldrencrates.com.